Chapter Six: The Second Week Begins
Erin stifled a yawn as she made her way towards the bathroom. It had been a week since she had been residing in Al's garage, and things were going relatively well apart from a few lingering nightmares that troubled her during sleep.
Discarding her nightgown in the laundry pile, Erin prepared the shower and stepped in, allowing the warm water to gradually rouse her.
Her thoughts drifted back to the first week, which seemed to have passed swiftly, as she marveled at the fact that she was embarking on her second week free from her previous life.
Reflecting on the accomplishments of the initial week, Erin couldn't help but grin, especially considering she had managed to earn favor with Meredith.
The older woman had even allowed Erin to assist with Emily, as Meredith struggled to put the two-year-old to bed one night, prompting Erin to offer her help.
In addition to getting close to Meredith, Erin also formed a strong bond with Voight, leading to an increase in their closeness as they spent more time together. They started hanging out every day after school, and Voight continued to search for Erin's brother Teddy, despite her lack of optimism about the outcome.
Even though she doubted he would find Teddy, she couldn't help but hold onto a glimmer of hope. Erin also reflected on her developing relationship with Al, realizing that he had become a protective figure in her life.
After experiencing a nightmare on her first night staying with them, Al had reassured her and made sure she felt safe every night, assuming a fatherly role she hadn't realized she needed.
Meredith entered the garage with Emily in her arms and called out to Erin, who responded from the shower and informed her of her presence. After finishing in the shower and wrapping a towel around herself, Erin greeted Meredith and Emily with a smile as she joined them outside the bathroom.
Meredith couldn't help but grin at Erin" Someone has the hots for Hank.' She teased making the teen to turn red" I do not, I only know him for almost two weeks and a few days.' Erin protested handing Emily back to her mother.
" Plus he's like 20 something and plus I don't think he'll like a used up teen." Erin said grabbing her bag from the chair " Uh huh and why are you blushing?" Meredith asked with a smirk" And besides Hank isn't much older then you he's only 23 almost 24.'
Erin looked at her" Yes like four years older then me, but he is cute, it's not like he sees me like that.' She said as she looked through her bag to make sure she didn't leave anything behind" I'm sure he does but just get to know him and go from there, I mean you two are always together after you get off of school.' Meredith said.
Erin playfully remarked to Meredith, 'Someone seems to have developed an interest in Hank,' causing the teenager to blush and respond, 'I don't believe so; I've only known him for a couple of weeks.'
Then Erin, handing Emily back to her mother, continued, 'Furthermore, he's in his twenties, and I doubt he would be interested in a younger individual like myself.' Gathering her bag from the chair.
Erin added, 'Besides, why are you blushing?' Meredith promptly questioned with a grin, saying, 'Moreover, Hank is not much older than you; he's nearly 24.'
Erin, glancing at Meredith, acknowledged, 'Indeed, he's only a few years my senior, but I find him attractive; however, I don't think he perceives me in that manner,' she said while checking her bag for any forgotten items.
'I'm certain he does,' Meredith addressed with a smirk, 'Just take the time to get to know him better; you both frequently spend time together after school.'
Erin noted that his assistance was primarily due to aiding her in locating Teddy as she departed from the garage. Meredith expressed skepticism by responding, 'If you say so,' as she trailed behind Erin. Erin concluded the conversation by stating, 'I'll see you tonight,' before proceeding down the sidewalk.
· At The District With Voight *
Voight had just arrived at the bullpen where a new detective was joining the team to take over as Sergeant. He wondered about the identity of the new member and hoped they would not be someone difficult to work with. As he settled at his desk and took a sip of coffee, Voight reflected on their progress in assisting Erin during their second week.
He felt satisfied that they were making headway in helping the teen and reassured her that everything would be fine. It was evident that Erin, the small brunette, was forming strong bonds with everyone at the station.
Despite his closeness with Erin, Voight couldn't escape the playful teasing from Platt and Al about his feelings. 'You like her,' Platt teased, a sentiment Al readily agreed with, leading Voight to dismiss their playful accusations.
"Erin and I are merely friends, and we have only known each other for approximately two weeks," Voight would inform them, but Platt and Al, of course, laughed at him. "That does not matter; it is common for some to find their soul mates even upon just meeting." Al mentioned.
Voight sighed, running his hand across his face. It felt as though he was in a movie, being preoccupied with trying to help find Erin's brother while she assisted when available after school.
As he picked up his phone to send her a text saying 'Morning', he sat back in his seat just as the new Sergeant entered the bullpen — he narrowed his eyes as she made her way towards the office.
Upon Erin replying with 'Morning', Voight couldn't help but smile, responding, 'Are you still planning on coming down to the district?' He sent the text, placing his phone down just as the woman emerged from the office.
Al approached Voight and commented quietly, 'That is the new sergeant; I've heard that she is quite competent and strict with everyone.'
Voight inquired, 'Do we know her name?' as he checked his phone to read Erin's message stating, 'I'll think about it. I'll let you know if I change my mind.' Voight sighed after texting back 'Okay' and then noticed the woman approaching them.
Voight and Al introduced themselves, with Al saying, 'Hi, I'm Alvin Olinsky, and this is my partner Hank Voight,' but the blonde woman did not seem impressed as she replied, 'Yeah, whatever. My name is Diana Stewart,' while glaring at the two.
Voight was unsure if he liked this woman, especially when she came across as harsh. Diana firmly stated, 'We have a case, and the two of you will listen to me, do you understand?' Voight and Al both responded, 'Yes,' as Al complied.
Voight observed Diana's comment about assisting a teenager with drug issues, wondering about her knowledge of Erin. Despite his concerns, he chose not to inquire and simply nodded in response. Al confirmed their commitment to the task, to which Diana instructed them to keep Erin away from the district and avoid any distractions.
Voight observed Diana's departure, pondering who had assigned her to the case. Displeased with Diana's remarks about Erin, he intended to caution the teenager against visiting the station. Voight remained steadfast in his promise to assist Erin, disregarding Diana's opinion. He sighed as they delved into the details of the case, sipping his coffee as Diana began her explanation.