A\N: A huge, huge thank you to everybody who has been reading, reviewing alerting or favouriting me or the story, it keeps me motivated to write. I hope everyone likes this chapter and please remember to review.

Disclaimer: I no not own, Chicago Fire, NBC, Global or Skype.

Spoilers: None

Warnings: None

Christmas Blues

It was a mouth before Christmas and Chicago Cook County was covered in fifteen centimeters of pure white snow. A storm had brewed in overnight from the North and when Gabriela awoke it looked like a Hallmark Christmas Card outside.

Putting on a dress coat and slippers she padded quietly downstairs and turned on the local news.

Due to icy conditions on the road and more snow and freezing rain to come schools were closed and people were being urged to stay inside.

She kept the news on and walked towards the kitchen to make herself a quick breakfast before the twins woke up. Putting some water on to boil her cell phone vibrated and she saw Antonio's name flash across the screen.

"Hey," She put the phone on speaker as she continued to make herself something to eat, "You at work or at the station?"

"Actually," She was surprised to hear Matt's voice and then her own voice.

"We're right behind you," Antonio grinned and Gabriela hung up the phone and turned around.

"If you're mad it was his idea, if you're not it was mine," Antonio smirked as Gabriela approached them.

"Uh-huh," Gabriela flicked his shoulder before kissing Matt on the lips.

Antonio made false choking noises.

"Antonio!" Gabriela hit him, "Grow up!" She, however couldn't help but smile at her brother's comedic sense of humor.

"Okay, okay," Antonio held his hands up in defense, "I come in peace, now where are the little trouble makers?" He asked referring to Serena and Michael, who as of late had become quite the pair.

"Sleeping thank goodness," Gabriela grabbed three mugs as the water boiled, "You two want some coffee?"

"Why not?" Antonio shrugged his shoulders up and down.

When their coffee, or in Gabriela's case tea, they settled in the family room to watch the news. Matt and Gabriela on the couch and Antonio in the adjunct chair.

"So Antonio, why'd you come hear?" Gabriela took a sip of her tea?"

"What, a guy needs to have a reason to visit his little sister?" He asked mocked offense.

"No, no," Gabriela shook her head, "I just know you."

Matt took that as his cue to leave. He kissed Gabriela's cheek and went to check on the twins.

Gabriela put her tea down and clasped her hands in her lap. Whatever Antonio needed to talk to her about must be important if Matt had left.

"Okay Antonio we're alone," She spoke her words slowly.

"It's about Mom," He began, "I'm worried she's depressed, she was over at out house for dinner the other night- she said she was just tired from work but I don't think that's it."

Gabriela scratched her nose, "She's probably just upset about Dad. He died two years ago last week."

"I know," Antonio suddenly snapped, "That's why we had her over for dinner. I didn't want her to be alone."

"Maybe she wants to be alone."

'That's just it Gab's," Antonio continued making his point, "She used to hate being alone. Especially with Dad gone? Shouldn't she want to be around people more?"

Gabriela's head swirled and she had to keep from collapsing on the couch and going to sleep for a year. She was worried about Carla, worried about Matt and the twins and now Antonio got her worried more then usual about her mother. She was sure all this stress wasn't going to do her any good.

Then as if he knew Matt walked into the family room a twin in each arm.

"Maa!" Serena squealed with delight at the sight of her mother.

Gabriela smiled as Matt handed Serena to her and preceded to carry Michael over to the chair he was sitting in.

Michael was still half asleep and he was curled into Matt's chest his blue eyes slowly closing.

"He still has a little cold," Matt explained to Antonio, "He'll probably go back to sleep but I wanted to get him up and change him and give him the chance to eat if he wanted to.

Antonio sympathized, "Poor little guy,"

"Serena on the other hand, she was only sick for three days. He's been sick about a week."

"Down," Serena looked up at her mother, "Mama down."

Gabriela opened her eyes wide, "I didn't imagine that right?"

"No," Matt had a huge grin on his face, "She just said her first words."

"Mommy's so proud of you!"

The infant who clearly had no idea what was going on looked at all three adults who were all grinning at her.

"Down," She squeaked again and Gabriela placed her on the floor where she toddled over to her favourite toy and plopped down to play.

"Antonio," Gabriela was still unsure on their course of action. "What if she doesn't want to talk to us?"

Antonio pulled his gaze away from his IPhone, "Were her children she'll see us."

"I know but what if there's a reason she's not, what if…." Gabriela didn't get to finish her sentence as a male doctor approached them.

"Are you Antonio and Gabriela Dawson?" He inquired.

"Yeah, we're here to see our mother-"

"I know, I know...just…come with me." The man led them out of the waiting room and down a child friendly decorated hallway. "I'm not sure if it's my place to tell you or not… I knew your mother well and she adored both of you….

As the doctor continued to talk Gabriela's mind raced. Why was he talking about her mother in the past tense? If she had died and why did he look uncomfortable talking to them and most importantly why was he rambling and not telling them.

"She did what?" Antonio's shocked expression brought Gabby back to the present conversation and away from her own imaginings.

"Five days ago."

"Sorry, I didn't catch that," Gabriela sheepishly apologizing, her cheeks flushed red.

The older doctor smiled, "It's okay, your mother did the same thing and I know you're probably tired of hearing this but you look exactly like her."

"Sorry I didn't catch your name?"

"Oh I'm sorry," Now it was the doctor' turn to be embarrassed, "I'm Dr. Howard Woodcroft I've known your mother for many, many years."

"Mom reigned three days ago," Antonio filled Gabriela up to speed.

Gabriela looked bewildered, "Why? Did she say?"

"No, it was a surprise to all of us, But after everything that has happened with your father…." Dr. Woodcroft trailed off.

"Thank you," Antonio quickly shook the man's hand and walked down the hallway quickly calling his mother as he did.

"I was going to tell you…I just I wasn't sure what to say."

Gabriela and Antonio were in their mother's half packed condo. Both in a mixture of anger and astonishment.

"When? When you got off the plane in Barcelona?" Antonio scratched his head, "This isn't something you just decide!"

"Antonio Dawson, soy tu madre y tú no me hables así. No me importa la edad que tengas!"

Knowing her brother needed time to cool off Gabriela took over. "Is there anything we can do to change your mind Mom? Can we talk about this."

"Gabriela sweetheart," Esmeralda sighed, "I know this is hard for both of you to understand."

"Yeah, a little bit," Antonio responded.

Disregarding her son's comment Esmerelda continued on, "After your father died and I came back from Barcelona I tried to go own as normally as I could, for you two I tried. But I was, I am unhappy here, at my job living in this condo. I'm happy in Barcelona that's where my family is and look on the bright side me moving there gives you two an excuse to come and visit every once and awhile."

Gabriela collapsed into her mother's arms and sobbed, "Promise me I won't loose you too."

"Oh cariño you could never loose me," Esmerelda kissed her forehead, "I'll call you and email you and I want to see those grandchildren of mine on Skype a few times a month."

"I'll miss you."

"I don't leave until January 10th. We have plenty of time."

"Geez Mom," Antonio finally regained his temper, "You're really leaving us in the dark here."

"I didn't think my children would go snooping around. But I should have know better, especially you," She reached out to touch her son's hand, "You've always been so good to your sister. I want you two to take care of each other. Make sure the other one doesn't do anything stupid."

"Mom," Gabriela gave an overdramatic huff, "Keeping Antonio out of trouble is a full time job."

"You're not perfect either," Antonio smirked in response.

And for the rest of the afternoon Antonio, Gabby and their mother sat and talked.

TBC

A\N: So what did you think? Please tell me in your review.