I can't quite believe that next week is going to the winter finale... Where has the beginning of the season gone? Christmas is also fast approaching - not to mention we have only got 2 weeks of school left, we had orientation the last two days and I'm exhausted.

Rebecca - thank you so much for the editing and reading. And I'm sorry... You'll understand soon.

~ Week Twenty One ~

~ Candidate is as long as a carrot ~

Adriana juggled a big box as she tried to ring the doorbell. Grumbling under her breath in Spanish, she gave the door two swift kicks in lieu of ringing the bell. A few moments later, she tapped on the door again.

Hearing a similar grumble also in her mother tongue, the door was flung open to reveal her daughter. She was a bit taken back when she noticed that Gabby was only dressed in a pair of yoga pants and what looked like an old CFD shirt, one that was faded and well worn, one she presumed was Matt's. She didn't think she had ever really seen Gabby quite so dressed down, or even seen her in Matt's clothes ever - especially not answering the door like that.

"Gabriela Casey, what are you wearing?" Adriana asked incredulously as she entered their house.

"What?" Gabby questioned looking down at what she was wearing. She knew that she hadn't tamed her wild curls, Matt especially loved that look. Gabby knew it drove him wild, so she had left it down at every opportunity she had. "I'm comfortable," she defended herself. "Why are you here Mama? Not that I'm not happy to see you," she added quickly.

"Mama," Matt greeted her coming out of the kitchen to place a kiss on her cheek. "What do you have there?" he questioned motioning to items that she held in her hands.

"I brought Asopao de Pollo for Matthew."

"Chicken and rice pottage, it's a stew," whispered Gabby to a confused looking Matt. She gave a slight chuckle, "Honestly Matt just nod your head and eat. It's much easier."

"Thank you Mama, that's so nice of you to think of us." He took the larger parcel from her.

"Mama," Gabby admonished a little louder so her mother could hear. "I can cook and look after my own husband," she grumbled as she took the container from her mother to place into the fridge.

"I overcooked last night and Antonio did not come to dinner. So I dropped some off at the police district for him and brought the rest here."

"What about Papá?"

"Oh," Adriana brushed her off. "He doesn't need any more more food."

Matt watched on with a grin on his face, the Dawson ladies could go back and forth with the best of them. "So Mama," he interrupted. "What's this?" he pointed to the light parcel he had placed on the kitchen countertop.

"Oh…" Adriana came to stand next to him at the bench. "A friend of mine was telling me about this item that a friend of her daughter had received. Open it Gabriela. I thought it would be perfect for your nursery."

Gabby gave her a weird look, eyebrows raised before ripping open the parcel. "Mama…" she gasped turning to seize her mother in a long hug. Adriana had given them an ultrasound canvas - it was a black canvas with six photos mounted on, three from their first ultrasound and three from their twenty weeks one, however, it was only half filled.

"There's enough room for another six photos from your next appointments," she advised.

"It's perfect, thank you Mama. It will have pride of place in Smudge's room," Gabby thanked her mother, running a finger of each of the images.

"I was thinking we could have coffee and cake - you know like we used to do before you grew up and left the house," Adriana laughed slightly.

"Mama," Gabby whined rubbing her lower belly, "I can't drink coffee."

"Ok, hot chocolate and cake then…" she insisted

Gabby squinted at her mother and then gave her husband a long glance, there was something about the body language of both the people in front of her that screamed conspiring. "Have you two being talking?" she questioned, narrowing her eyes at them.

Whilst she had heard horrible stories about not getting on with in-laws, she was lucky that she had never that issue. At one point she had wondered if Matt was ever going to fit into the Dawson family - she didn't need to be told how close the family of four were. Breaking into that could be hard. She hadn't been an adult when Laura had joined the family so the memories were somewhat hazy and she was sure that she had shielded from some of the first interactions with the two 'couples' – she couldn't quite remember how her parents had first taken to a new addition to their family. They couldn't help it, they were a close family. Anytime they are all been able to go to her Aunt's big family Christmas function, the four of them would end up huddled in a corner, backs to the rest of the guests, shutting them out and enjoying themselves. It was hard to let anyone into that. But much like he had charmed his way into her heart, he had done the same thing to her mother. She would never admit it, but Adriana Dawson had not taken Antonio's divorce well, she had loved Laura like another daughter and it had crushed her when she had decided to leave Antonio and take the children. Matt had been aware of this and he knew that the way into the Dawson family was to ensure that Gabby's mother liked him. Once he had passed that test, her father would come on board to accepting Gabby's partner. Plus it did help that Antonio knew him and liked him. Both Gabby and Matt knew that he had been supporting their cause from the start too.

But times like this, one where she was sure they had been chatting about her behind her back, she just wasn't too sure. "Mama, I'm your daughter. You're supposed to love me more, not Matt."

The pair laughed as Matt moved to put his arm around her shoulder and drew her into his side. "Nonsense Gabriela. I love you and your brother and Matthew all the same." Gabby scoffed at the sentiment.

"Okay… Let's get this over with…" she sighed.

Matt gave her a wink and a smile, "That's more like it Babe." Smiling he gently shoved her towards the stairs and sent her on her way with a small pat on the behind.

Gabby sighed for the umpteenth time since she and her mother had arrived at Water Town Place. Tugging at her shirt she exhaled once more. Matt's clothes had definitely become more comfortable in the last week. The only other items that were comfortable were her work clothes, not that she could wear those out shopping though. Although she had worn a pair of stretch pants, a tank top layered with one of Matt's button downs to Molly's last night.

"Mama, where did you want to have coffee?" Gabby questioned looking around at the shops that were seemingly quiet. This was one of her favourite parts of her job, those two days off she had meant that she didn't need to go shopping with the larger crowds on the weekends.

"I was thinking we should find you some new clothes," commented Adriana. Gabby groaned, she should have known. Of course, they were going clothes shopping. Gabby knew she needed clothes, but she was in denial. Matt's clothes were comfy enough for the moment, she didn't need more clothes for at least another few weeks. "Come now Gabriela, no point ignoring it. You need clothes."

They started their journey in Macy's, where Gabby was able to purchase a stack of basic items that would make up her 'maternity capsule'. Gabby used to like clothes shopping - but knowing that they would have many expenses coming up over the next few months, no scratch that, over the coming years, it made it really hard to be spending money on clothes that she would only be wearing for a relatively short time. All of that in mind she had simply bought shirts in larger sizes.

"Gabby, we passed A Pea in the Pod when we came in earlier. Why don't we look in there? I'm sure they'll have some nice pieces in there."

"Mama," Gabby started slowly, cogs turning in her mind. "Mama, it's expensive in there. How long am I going to be even wearing these clothes for anyway?"

"Pish," Adriana shushed her as they started to walk towards the store. "There's a sale on and you deserve some nice items," she corralled her daughter, tugging at her arms, effectively pulling her in.

It was overwhelming to Gabby to see the range that was available to her. Everywhere she looked there was something different to look at, clothes, sleepwear, dresses, jeans and then there was a section for baby gifts with bags galore. This was like starting her wardrobe from the beginning again.

"Well clothing has certainly come a long way since I was expecting you," Adriana mentioned as she walked towards a display of dresses. Gabby had to agree, she still had this idea in her mind that so many dresses, or even clothes in general, were just large tents, but there were certainly been nothing like that in this store.

Gabby's wide eyes drew the attention of a sale assistant who would have only been a few years older than herself who took pity on her. "Can I help you?" she kindly asked.

"She needs some clothes that will fit her," Adriana filled in for her daughter. "First time pregnancy and we're just not sure where to start."

The sale assistant nodded along, "Okay, let's start simple," she started leading them towards the shirts. "Here is my suggestion after two children, when are you due if I can ask?"

"Mid April… I'm not looking at buying too much though… No matter what my mother says," she added as an afterthought.

The lady laughed slightly, "So I would start by thinking that you'll be most pregnant during winter, which isn't a terrible thing. At least you won't be sweltering through summer with an extra heater. I suggest a few basic needs and then a few must haves. But stick to things that you would normally wear. If you don't normally wear pink, don't start now… I'm assuming that you've been raiding your partner's wardrobe?"

"That's why she's here…" teased Adriana. "Gabby has always enjoyed clothes shopping. But I am sure that my son-in-law would like his clothes back."

"Mama," Gabby hissed trying to hide her face in embarrassment.

"Oh, no need. I actually think it's a good thing. For the first few months, I don't believe in spending a heap of money when you can just borrow stuff. You honestly don't need a bundle of stuff," she advised. "So for today can I suggest certain silhouettes are especially becoming on your changing form: A-line shifts, empire-waist dresses and tops, and pencil skirts paired with swingy shirts. For a sporty, hip look that showcases your "bump," pair low-rise pants with a fitted tee. Stretchy gauchos create a trim, neat silhouette, topped by a loose peasant-style top. And just about any style made out of slinky, stretchy fabrics can go the distance right up to delivery day… Not to mention for a while afterwards if needed."

Gabby nodded along taking in the store a few items catching her eye. She nodded towards a long stretchy dress that was on a mannequin in the corner. Adriana noticed and walked over to check it out.

"I'll let you have a look around at your own place. Last bit of advice - Invest in a few items that will grow with you. Look for pieces that have details like ruching, tie-backs, buttons or gathering at the sides, and wraps, which will all let you adjust your clothing as your body grows and changes. A wrap dress is always a good idea too," she finished. Gabby nodded in thanks as she started towards her mother. By that time Adriana had an armful of clothes.

"Gabriela, I've been reading on my phone." Gabby groaned inwardly. She had told Antonio that their mother with a smartphone was never going to ever end well. She was always looking at something, what did they say, 'a little information was dangerous?' That was Adriana Dawson. "I've been reading," she started again ignoring the look that her daughter was giving her. "Apparently at least 75% of your clothes should be the foundation of your daily wear. These items should include basic maternity tank tops, camisoles and t-shirts, maternity jeans, at least one maternity dress, a pair of black, dressy slacks and maternity leggings," she read off of her phone.

"Does it say anything about parents with phones?" Gabby muttered under her breath. Adriana looked over at her, a questioning look on her face. "Nothing Mama…" Without another word, she took the clothes her mother handed her and trudged into the changing room. "Just find me some nice shirts please Mama… I don't need much more," she called back. As uncomfortable as she felt at the moment, she did genuinely enjoy shopping with her mother, she always had. Adriana had good taste, so since they were maternity shopping it meant that Gabby was able to just sit in the fitting rooms and only try on clothes. Saved a lot of mileage on her feet for which she was grateful for.

By the time she and her mother had finished, Gabby had ended up with new jeans, a couple of pairs of leggings, a few sweaters that would grow with her and a stack of ruched t-shirts. Not forgetting the belly band which the sales assistant had insisted that would be a lifesaver.

"Gabriela," Adriana started as they took a step in Starbucks. The smell of coffee hit Gabby in the face and she deeply breathed in the scent. Gabby had never been a big tea drinker, honestly when she fell pregnant and had to give up coffee it had been a big struggle. But at the moment Smudge seemed to like tea and it was the only thing she was craving.

"Mama," she interrupted. "Can you get a Chestnut Praline Latte or the Caramel Brulee? Please?" she begged. "I just want to inhale the scent." Adriana laughed and nodded her head, remembering both the inability to drink coffee and her daughter's love for the beverage. "And can I get a London Fog Tea please? And something with chocolate? I just need to sit down…"

Adriana smiled knowingly and allowed Gabby to take the numerous bags from her.

"Gabriela," she expressed when she finally sat down. "I found a caramel brulee steamer for you, it's just steamed milk, no caffeine. Something seasonal for you and I asked for tea in a takeaway cup…" she advised as she placed the numerous items on the table. Sitting down, she kept speaking, "I also bought something else for you too." She fished out another bag from her handbag.

"Mama?"

"Something for you to wear if you and Matthew decided to go out…" Gabby gave her mother a confused look as she withdrew two black dresses from the bag.

"Mama, this is too much. This would have cost a fortune," she told her mother whilst wiping a tear from her eye. Adriana had bought her a crossover wrap dress that Gabby knew she would be able to wear all the way to the end. But it was the second dress that made Gabby gasp - it was a slightly more formal dress that Gabby knew she would be able to wear to any political event that she may need to attend with Matt or just even if they decided to go out for dinner. It was a short sleeve dress that she knew would look good with a black jacket, it had a delicate lace overlay with beading at the neckline. "Mama, it's perfect," she declared as she leant over to hug her mother and place a kiss on her cheek.

"Not done yet… Keep looking." Gabby dug further into the bag, wondering what else her mother had spent her money on. What she found was a small sized hare and tortoise footie.

"Mama," she breathed. It was the first baby article they had received. "It's so little," she commented. She couldn't believe that Smudge would ever fit into this.

"You were that small once," Adriana reminded her. Gabby shook her head as she dug into her chocolate brownie. Chewing thoughtfully she carefully spooned some of the cream that was on top of her steamer and placed in on her brownie. Scooping more into her mouth, Gabby was unable to hold back a small moan, she definitely needed the sugar hit.

"I have been craving so much sugar these past few weeks," she confessed as she opened her eyes to find her mother silently laughing at her.

"You know there's an old wives tale that says if you are craving sugar you are expecting a girl. For a boy, it's a craving of sour and salty foods."

"Mama - you know that's an old wives tale, you just said so yourself. They are almost always never right."

"Maybe, maybe not. When I was expecting Antonio I only wanted spicy food and your abuela was convinced he was going to be a boy. She was right."

"What about with me?" Gabby hadn't heard many stories about either of Adriana's pregnancies. In all of the books that she had been reading had contained so many warnings that mothers tended to become overprotective and over opinionated about everything when their daughters became pregnant, but so far Adriana hadn't been too involved. Gabby knew she was excited but had never mentioned anything. Adriana looked over and observed the wheels spinning in Gabby's mind.

"Gabriela?" she encouraged.

"Mama… We've always been close. Why haven't you offered any of your opinions about Smudge?" Gabby vocalised.

Adriana sighed. Both her mother and Miguel's mother had been over involved when she had been expecting Antonio and Gabby. She herself had felt that she had never been able to have her own choices without being criticised or questioned. And she had vowed to herself that when it was her daughter she would wait to be asked or invited in. "Gabby, sweetheart. Child rearing has changed in recent decades, and I don't know how it is different now. Both of your abuelas were appalled with my decisions when I was pregnant with you, my own mother disapproved of how long I breastfed for. And your father's mother constantly told me that I was spoiling the baby because I picked you up every time you cried. They never remembered what I had gone through between the time I had Antonio and then you, I knew you were going to be my last baby and I wanted to enjoy all of those moments with you. You turned out okay."

"Mama I'm looking forward to being a momma, it's almost that Matt and I have waited and longed for this for many years. But I appreciate your years of experience. I still want to be able to come to you for advice," Gabby began.

"Of course you can hija. You know that your father and I are here for you and Matthew anytime you need. Bebé will be very much loved. We will drop anything for you and Antonio," she assured Gabby.

"Did Laura have it all together?" Gabby suddenly enquired. At Adriana's raised eyebrow, Gabby started to explain herself. "I look around and I see people who seem to have it all under control. As we've been shopping I've been watching young mothers with their children… And I don't know, it's just…" she confessed.

"Often the mothers would look they have it together are the ones in need of the most help," observed Adriana. "Laura and Antonio made mistakes and they learnt from them. You and Matthew don't need to have everything perfect or know everything before your child arrives. You will go on a journey learning together. And hija, you are going to be okay. I know you will," assured her mother grasping onto her hand giving it a tight reassuring squeeze.

It had been a quiet shift. Squad were playing poker and Truck were around the TV watching whatever game was being shown, it generally meant that people had been able to have some downtime. So it had surprised Gabby when Brett announced, "I could do with a nap when we get back," as they left the house. Even they hadn't been out too many times that shift. Gabby had spent most of the shift resting on her bunk.

"Or I could show you those photos of the new clothes that I got," enticed Dawson, knowing that it was important to keep Brett awake - if Brett fell asleep there was every chance that she would too. Whilst she had definitely felt more energy recently, watching someone else sleep tended to elicit the same reaction from her.

"How is that going to help me?" Brett questioned rubbing her eyes tiredly.

"Well I went shopping with Mama yesterday, you know 'cause nothing fits me anymore," Dawson told her with disgust in her voice. This did perk Brett up for a moment, she had overheard Casey mentioning to Severide and Herrmann that it was his fault that Dawson had to go buy new clothes and that she had ripped him a new one when he had even mentioned it. Herrmann had still been teasing him about it two or three hours into the shift. So it did surprise her that Dawson was bringing up the fact that she had even gone shopping for new clothes, it had been a sensitive subject for the past few weeks.

"Oh?" she questioned.

Dawson gave a her a sideways look, "Okay, I know that I've been touchy about it. Has Casey been shooting his mouth off again?"

"Well...Umm…" Brett started, not sure what she was supposed to say here.

"It's okay," laughed Dawson, "I know that I haven't been the easiest person to be around. And I'm sure that he called Mama to even take me out. I know I needed new clothes, I didn't want new clothes…"

"You didn't want new clothes?" Brett question disbelievingly.

"Well, these new clothes. But we managed to find some really nice pieces that should grow with me…"

Brett had to stifle a giggle as she took in the surroundings. "Wow, nice neighbourhood," commented Brett. "In all of my years here in Chicago, I've never been out here."

"Yeah," Dawson replied looking around over the houses in a quiet residential part only just inside their coverage area. It was an area of town with smaller, yet well-kept homes where people tend to live in their houses for a long time. "People in these types of areas tend to use a private ambo service, not usually the CFD."

Brett hummed in reply as she pulled up to a single-story home. Dawson climbed out of the rig, taking in her surroundings as she grabbed her jump bag. That's when she noticed it; the house they had been dispatched to was smaller than some of the others around it and didn't seem to be kept up as nice as the other homes. The lawn looked as if it had been mowed recently, but the bushes hadn't been trimmed, the sidewalk hadn't been edged, and everything just looked to be overgrown. Overall the house seemed to be suffering from deferred maintenance all around and everything was showing its weather-worn age. Dawson was actually a bit surprised that the surrounding neighbours hadn't stepped in and done something about this worn down old house. She knew that some of these more to-do places took yard maintenance seriously, too seriously truth be told.

Dawson reached out a gloved hand to stop Brett who was mid walk up the driveway. "Look," she pointed at the windows which were all covered up with blankets on the inside. As they approach the house, they both found that those blankets were preventing either of them getting a look into the house, this didn't stop Brett however from at least trying to get some sort of look in. She peered in for a moment, trying every possible angle to see something, anything.

"Hello!" Dawson called out, "Someone ring for an ambulance?" her voice slightly raised. Knocking at the door and windows, she came back towards the door and tried giving it a slight shove. But the door stood fast. "I don't like the look of this Brett," she warned, giving the door another kick.

"Let's try the back, maybe there will be a back entrance," advised Brett as she began to haul the trolley back with her. As they reached the backyard both women noticed that it was in even further disrepair than the front yard. Broken and decaying wooden furniture lay scattered across the yard, a rusty fridge near the back door and overgrown weeds lined the pathway. This was definitely not normal for this type of neighbourhood. Brett called out again, both girls straining their ears to hear for something.

A weak voice yelled back, "Use the back door." Dawson went racing up the stairs and attempted to open the back door, but it just wasn't moving. Turning back around to face Brett, she contemplated what it was she needed to do. Normally she wouldn't think anything of kicking the door in, much like she would have when she was still on Truck, but she didn't think that was such a good idea now. Still on instinct she turned and pulled her foot back.

"Dawson!" Brett warned, "Don't you dare!" she finished as she walked up next to Dawson and gave the door a good shove. With a second shove and a kick, Brett managed to open the door a fraction. She wedged a boot in the door and used it as leverage to push it open further. Dawson took a step into the kitchen that was just off of the back door. She surveyed the inside of the house and suddenly understood why their patient had called for them to come in the back door and why there had been no way they would have made it in the front door. The house was practically barricaded from the inside and there was no way it could have ever been opened.

"Woah," whispered Brett as she joined Dawson in the kitchen. "This place can't have been cleaned for years. Might even be a candidate for that TV show, what was it called? Umm… Hoarders."

"If not that, then it would have to be in the running to win the most cobwebs in a house award. Especially in that corner," whispered back Dawson all the while glancing around at the many corners of the house that could do with a spring clean. Raising her voice she called out, "Hello… Paramedics!"

Moving forward Brett nudged Dawson as they reached the living room. The home's lone person was a young male, one who Dawson would have placed in his mid twenties. He sat on the couch in the middle of the living room, wearing a dirty fraying t-shirt and threadbare slacks, all with the television playing in the background. He appeared emaciated, dirty and from where Dawson stood in the entryway to the room it seemed to her as he was on some sort of high. Being the person she was she placed herself in front of Brett, knowing that it was her job as PIC to take the lead.

"Sir?" she questioned getting slightly closer. She felt Brett's hand on her back in an attempt to stop her. Dawson turned briefly to look at her partner, making a minute gesture with her hands, it was all okay. She wasn't putting herself in harm's way, rather she was getting on with and doing her job. "Sir," she tried again, "My name is Gabby Ca..Dawson," she faltered for a moment. "I'm a paramedic with the Chicago Fire Department…"

"I'm Paul," replied the weak voice.

"Ok, hi Paul. This is my partner Sylvie Brett, did you ring the emergency line?"

Their patient nodded, still not looking either of them in the face. Rather he was more interested in a spot on the ceiling, his eyes darting back and forth.

"Have the chair lift ready, I think we'll need to take him into Med," Dawson murmured.

"WHAT? No hospitals," ordered Paul snapping to and glaring at the girls.

"Ok, ok," Dawson held her hands up as she advanced forward. "So why did you call for an ambulance?"

"I'm sick."

"Ok," Brett rounded the other side of Paul and started to check their patient out.

"I'm just going to check your pulse, is that okay Paul?" questioned Dawson as she reached for his hand. Upon contact Dawson noticed that his skin was clammy. "Would you grab a temp for me Brett?" she questioned. She had a theory, he needed to get to a hospital, combining a high with a racing heart.

"What?" Paul questioned. Dawson held up a finger, shushing him as she concentrated on his pulse. His racing heart worried her, all the more because he was sitting calmly on the couch, when it was racing, would have to be going at least 120 beats. He should be struggling… But nothing.

"Tachycardic," she announced to Brett a concerned look flashing over his face. "Temp?"

"Over 100," confirmed Brett.

"Okay, Paul we need to get you to Chicago Med," Dawson told the young man in front of them. His eyes went wide at the thought, there was no way he was going out of this house.

"No… NO!"

"Paul," started Brett. Paul turned to face her, his teeth showing causing her to take a step back.

"No. I know I'm sick, but I don't want to go to any hospital."

Dawson nodded and tugged on Brett's arm. Stepping away Brett looked at her eyes wide. "We need to get him to the hospital," her voice low. "He's tachycardic, has a fever, and has skin tenting which is suggesting dehydration to me." Brett nodded along in agreement.

"What are you whispering about?" Paul demanded.

"Paul - look I'm going to be straight with you here. You've got a fever, which I could give you something for. But I'm more concerned by your tachycardia."

"What's that?" he snapped.

"Your heart is racing, it's going well over 100 beats a minute. But Paul there is nothing I can do about that here in your home. You need to go to the hospital."

"I don't want to go to hospital - I won't!"

"Look!" Dawson snapped, she wasn't taking any nonsense from this patient. She didn't care if he was high and suspicious. "Tachycardia can seriously disrupt normal heart function, increase the risk of stroke, or cause sudden cardiac arrest or death. There is nothing that we can do for you here. We are going to Chicago Med."

The guy lay as still as he could, cracking an eye open every few moments. He couldn't believe that he was in the back of an Ambo on his way to a hospital. He had never wanted to leave the house, yet here he was. He lay watching, waiting for Dawson to turn her back. He wondered was this a woman who was going to hinder him getting out, would she be someone that he needed to fight. From what he remembered from the house, it was her who had insisted that he be taken away from his home. He didn't want to be taken away. But that Latina woman had insisted that he wasn't well and he needed to see someone. It was causing his blood to boil, he didn't need to see no doctor. He just wanted his high and his own home back. How dare they take him from his ?

Letting his head lull to the side, he fully opened his eyes to take the paramedic in. Would he be able to get past her without any problems? His stress levels rose as he heard the blonde girl's voice ring out.

"Dawson, we're coming up on Med," called out Brett. Dawson replied in affirmation as she did one final check of the monitors as she felt the rig start to slow down, signalling to her that they must be pulling up to Chicago Med.

"Okay - if you haven't already, can you radio in about the lack of IV ? I just couldn't find vein stable enough with the needles we have," urged Dawson. "Med can hang one."

Paul's stress levels climbed even higher, what was this chick going to stick in him? What was going to be going into his body? The flight-fight response started to bubble within him, he needed to get out of here. There would be nothing stopping him, not even that annoying paramedic. Opening his eyes wider still and coming off a high he noticed that Dawson was pregnant. Oh that stupid woman wouldn't be able to stop him now. All he had to do was scoot past her and he would be home free.

As the Ambo came to a complete stop, Dawson slid over to move the gurney out of the Ambo when he swung his legs off the bed and under hers. Dawson wasn't able to react as she fell to the floor, a loud gasp coming from her. She attempted to stagger to her feet and reach out for her patient's pant leg. Grasping on, he turned on her at his full height and shoved her backwards. There was no stopping him. Gabby was stuck, she wasn't able to retreat backwards or do anything to protect herself. Free falling in the back of the rig, Dawson slid on the cold floor, managing only to fling an arm around her belly in an attempt to protect Smudge as her belly caught a sharp edge of something in the back. Her head came into contact with the floor with a sickening thud.

"Dawson?" Brett's voice floated into the back having heard the commotion. Paul gave a sick smile as the unconscious form lying on the floor before turning and kicking open the door, nearly taking out Brett in the process. "Hey?" Brett jumped back, narrowly avoiding having a metal door hit her in her the face. "Hey!" she thought about taking off running after him before thinking to look back into the Ambo.

She nearly screamed as she saw Dawson sprawled on the floor, blood on the floor. She climbed in, "GABBY!" Another scream caught in her throat as she reached Dawson, discovering that there was a deep red wet patch soaking through her shirt, right above her pelvic bone on the left side.

"Brett?" Doctor. Choi's voice broke through her trance. Obviously, her body was covering most of the scene and Choi had yet to have noticed Dawson.

"Doctor. Choi, get me Doctor. Manning, Dawson's been injured and she's bleeding," Brett spoke in a rush as she found gauze to place over Dawson's wound. "Come on Gabby, you can't do this… Matt will never forgive me… Come on Gabs, you need to open your eyes up… please!" she pleaded, tearing pouring down her face.

~ His skin now responds to touch. If you put pressure on your belly, he'll move away or push back ~

Hope you enjoyed the latest week ~Em