New York, Chicago

Chapter 29: Can I have a Dog?

After pulling myself out of my episode, which is something I thought I would never have the strength to do, I talked to Doctor Charles for an hour.

After that, my grandpa and Erin came back into the room. It's been silent since then. Grandpa fell asleep, and I don't feel like talking right now. Erin is watching some comedy show with me, waiting for me to find the courage to talk to her.

But, I can't. I don't know what's going on with me. Since coming to Chicago, I've been listening more. I never listened to anything my mom or uncles would say back in New York.

It could have something to do with the fact that I'm around my grandpa most of the time, and I'm scared of him, even though I know he won't hurt me.

But, I'm more open to talking about my past, with Doctor Charles only. I've found people who care for me and want to see me succeed. I've got Eva and Diego. I've got 51, med, and 21 here for me if anything was to happen.

I've got Kevin and Adam to joke with, Jay and Erin to hold onto, Antonio to help me defend myself, Uncle Al and Aunt Trudy to be my ride or dies, Burgess and Roman to let me on patrol with them, and I got my grandpa, who loves me unconditionally.

I've 51 to assist arson cases with, and I've got Will here at Med. Will and I have become really close since I first met him under terrible circumstances. But now, Will often calls me the 'Third Halstead'

I've been very emotional lately and feeling as if I'm four years old. But, Doctor Charles has assured me that this is because I never let these feelings out and because I would automatically shut down. Now, my body is having to adjust to new things, which is causing my outburst and attacks.

The fact that I'm calm around Jay, docs told me that's because he's my safe haven.

——

"Papa?" Lightly calling her grandfather, Elizabeth looks to Hank Voight, lightly smiling, "yes princess?" Hank Voight isn't sure what his only granddaughter is going to ask, but he knows he's more than likely to tell her yes.

"Can I have a dog?" Erin is now into the conversation. Growing up in the Voight household, dogs or any other pets were not allowed. This was because Hank knew more than likely that Erin and Justin were not going to pick up after their animals.

Thinking about it, Hank looks to his youngest, "I'll ask Doctor Charles about getting you a service dog, if it's good with him, it's good with me"

With Erin's mouth hanging low, and Elizabeth wearing the biggest smile Hank has seen yet, Elizabeth tells her grandfather thank you, before returning her attention to the television.

——

"What about this one Le-Le?" Shaking my head to Adam, we continue to look around for the perfect service dog.

Grandpa has left the duty of finding the best service dog for me up to Kevin, Adam, and Kim. Of course, I'm along to make sure I love the dog as well.

I'm not the best with animals, and half the time I'm terrified of dogs, but, I've read a lot about how service dogs are really good for soldiers, people with anxiety, depression, or with special needs.

I fall into almost all of those categories.

Coming face to face with a Golden Retriever, I slowly make my way over to him. "This is the only one she's pet, he might be the one"

Blocking out Adam's last comment, I pat the dog's head. "This is BlueJay, he's a service dog due to the fact that he's categorized under emotional support dog, therapy dog, and service dog. He's trained to do anything you need him to. Of course, we will have him trained some more to be aware of your personal needs Miss. Voight, your grandfather, father, and Doctor have sent over everything your gonna need available from Blue-Jay. I think it's cute that you and Blue-Jay clicked, it's kind of ironic seeing as if your father's name is Jay as well."

Finally walking off, with a huge smile on his face, I look at Adam and Kevin, "What's he talking about?" Telling me they're not sure, we continue to pick out things for Blue-Jay.

After a long day at the pet store, Adam and Kevin signed all the legal paperwork and we left the store. "Adam I'm hungry. Can we go to the Fresh-Mex place before the district?" Placing everything for my dog in the back of the car, "of course we can Liza, you never have to ask. I'm the cool one, remember?"

——

Finally making it to the district, the three get out of Adam's truck. Elizabeth was a little nervous as to what her aunt would say about a dog in her district, but it was a service dog, so she couldn't get mad.

As Trudy looks up to see four troublemakers coming up the stairs, She quickly noticed the dog next to her surrogate niece. "Service dog for Elizabeth?" Getting a nod back from Adam, Trudy sends her niece a small before dismissing them up the stairs.

Blue-Jay was right in front of Elizabeth, picking up on her nervous breaths. As the unit hears the four coming up, along with a set of paws, they turn their attention to the main entrance to the unit.

Adam is the first to speak up, "Can we talk about how this dog's name is Blue-Jay, and how they automatically connected. No, okay,"

By this time, Antonio and Hank were cooing over the dog. Erin was smiling at how calm Elizabeth looked. Jay was looking over the paperwork, while Al, Kevin Kim, and Adam were discussing Elizabeth's surprise birthday party.

"He's so cute! And he seems like he's already growing on the unit." Agreeing with Antonio, Hank looks to Erin, "I should she let you and your brother get dogs years ago"

"It's fine, I'm glad to see the first one is a service dog, he'll fit right in with the family"

Adam slowly walks over to Jay. Sitting right next to him, "imagine our surprise when the employee helping us informed us that Elizabeth's Doctor, grandfather, and father made sure they knew what to train the dog for,"

Looking at each other, Jay doesn't know what to say. Adam wasn't mad, but he was very surprised to hear Jay call up as if he was Elizabeth's father. "Look man, I know you and her have a strong connection, and I know she sees you as her dad; but tell us next time, so we can make sure none of Kelly's friends are around."

Doing their handshake, Adam whispers to Jay before  walking back over to the group, "don't worry, I won't tell Voight." Playfully pushing Adam, Jay lets out a laugh and continues to look over the paperwork for Blue-Jay, while also glancing at Elizabeth every so often.