Gabby's POV
When we came back from the call, Naia hadn't moved from her position on the couch. Slouched over, arms crossed over her chest, a frown still etched on her face.
"Are you sure you're okay?" I asked Naia who just nodded numbly.
"Just tired." She mumbled quietly.
Brett looked over at me and I shrugged to show that I had no idea what to do. "Why don't you get some sleep in the bunk room? It's a lot quieter in there." Brett suggested.
Naia shrugged again and got up before dragging herself towards the bunk room. When she was gone, I sat down on the couch, Brett taking a seat next to me.
"You think she had a rough day?" I asked Brett who nodded. "Could you go and talk to her? I'm not sure if I'm the person she wants to see right now."
Brett looked at me, confused. "What do you mean? You're her world!"
"I guess, it's just, do you remember how she wouldn't tell me she got beat up at school but she told you and Shay?" I asked and Brett nodded. "It's like that."
Brett nodded again, "I think I get what you mean. Yeah, I can do that."
"Thanks," I said and Brett gave me a little smile before leaving.
When she left, Matt came over and took Brett's previous seat.
"Is everything okay?" He asked.
I shrugged, "I don't know what's up with Naia. Brett's going to talk to her."
"Is she going to report back to you?"
"I mean, it's really about Naia. I want her to know that there are always people here for her." I explained and Matt nodded in agreement.
He smiled, "51 is family." I agreed, Firehouse 51 was family and we always would be.
I leaned against Matt and he wrapped an arm around me. "Do you think she knows that?" I asked.
"I don't know, but I think she trusts us," Matt replied and I nodded but didn't say anything.
Ambo 23, child down from unknown causes at 57 Maple Road
We perked up when the alarms sounded but when neither of us was called, we settled back down.
None of us spoke, resting against each other in silence. Finally, I broke it, speaking what was on my mind.
"I can't imagine how hard it would be after going through what's she's been through," I said, shaking my head. "And yet, she's still so sweet."
Matt nodded, "She's an inspiration for all of us."
"Do you think something's happening at school?" I asked. "I mean, she doesn't say much, just that the boys don't beat her up anymore because of Nate."
From beside me, I heard Matt hum a little bit, thinking of what to say.
"That could be possible."
I sighed, "I don't know. Anyways, on a different note, have you made any phone calls or anything on adopting Naia?"
"I called Mandy," Matt said and I nodded for him to go on. "She said she was thrilled that we wanted to adopt Naia and emailed me a bunch of documents we have to fill out tonight."
I pretended to groan, "Great, paperwork."
"It'll be worth it in the end." Matt laughed. "I promise."
"Oh, I believe it," I said. "The adoption process is so long though."
"Have you thought of any ideas to tell her?" Matt asked. "Or are we just straight up telling her."
I chuckled, thinking back to what Brett had said. "Well, Brett suggested Google, but only if we didn't want to be original."
"That's okay, we'll figure something out in the end," Matt said, kissing me on the top of my head.
I leaned against his shoulder and smiled.
"Yes, we'll figure something out in the end."