Phoenix

by rainaris

Alisa Diaz and her family have moved to Los Angeles, California from El Paso, Texas. They wanted to start fresh after all the pressure they were experiencing from her husband's family and most importantly, a fresh start for the most wonderful child in the world. Eddie joins the 118 as a dual-certified firefighter while Alisa worked from home to watch over Christopher. AU-ish.

2. Prologue

Prologue:

2013 El Paso, Texas

"Oh, hey there, little guy!" An auburn-haired beauty smiled at the toddler who approached her clumsily in the store.

"Hehe!" he giggled at her, "Hi!"

Placing back the item on the shelf, she kneeled down to his level. Her analytical mind assessed him for any injuries even if he was smiling. She could tell that he had cerebral palsy but other than that, she didn't see anything else wrong with him. "Where's your parents? Are you lost?" she asked gently while looking around for a frantic-looking adult.

"Daddy!" he cheered.

"Okay, so you're with your dad." He nodded and she opened her arms, "Do you mind if I hug or touch you so we could find your dad?" he nodded vigorously while squealing in joy, "You're so adorable!"

She carried him in her arms and started looking for the customer service counter so they could help her locate the father of the lost child. She was also looking around if there was someone looking for a child along the way. "Excuse me, did you see a toddler by any chance? He has CP and he has curly hair and…" she heard a man at the counter as the employee asked for information.

"Excuse me," she approached him and he turned towards her, "I believe you're looking for this little angel."

A huge sigh of relief washed on the man's face, "Christopher!"

"Daddy!" the boy, now known as Christopher, wiggled in her arms and reached for him.

"Mijo, dios mio! I was so scared I lost you!" she handed Christopher over to his father, "Thank you so much for finding him!" she could hear the relief in his voice.

"You're welcome!" she smiled, "He bumped into me actually and mentioned he was with his dad."

"Oh, Christopher… Please don't do that again. Daddy won't know what he would do if he lost you." he kissed the boy's forehead.

"Well, since Christopher and you are reunited, I should go." she waved and turned to leave.

"Wait, can I buy you coffee or something as thanks?" the man asked.

"Oh, there's no need. Don't worry about it." she shook her head.

"No, I insist." he said.

"Daddy, name!" Christopher patted his shoulder.

"Oh, how rude of me…" he blushed while the woman admired the scene, "I'm Edmundo Diaz but you can call me Eddie. This little guy's name is Christopher." Eddie adjusted his hold on the toddler.

"I'm Alisa Kayleigh Strand but please call me Alisa." Alisa blushed as he gazed intensely at her, "It's nice to meet the both of you."

"Hi~" Christopher waved giddily, causing the adults to laugh.