Fighter

Chapter 38

The next two faces, she didn't expect to see, that was for certain. When Will, accompanied by Natalie stood in front of the door, she swore it was about to be an awkward visit, even as far as unpleasant to say the least. "Hey Erin, sorry we're so overdue for a visit! I've been checking in with Mia though just to make sure you're doing okay, but the ER has been a mad house lately." Natalie said. "Thanks for coming by anyway, I really appreciate it." Erin returned the warm smile that Natalie had given her. Will looked to the ground, and Erin could've sworn that this was the most quiet she had ever seen the younger Halstead. "Erin. I owe you a huge apology. I was pretty cold toward your coming back to Chicago and I had no right to be. I haven't seen Jay so engaged in life in a long time, but you seem to bring out the best in him.  So, I want to thank you for being the best thing for Jay." "I-." She was stunned. "Thanks Will. I'm just glad he's happy again." "And I heard that congrats are in order, since he finally had the gall to ask you to marry him. So congrats, and welcome to the family." "I'm so happy to be apart of it." She glanced down at the antique diamond on her finger. "She'd really like you, and she'd be so happy to have you as a daughter-in-law. Just so you know." Will said, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his scrubs. Their mother was a tough subject, even Jay didn't talk much about her, so Erin could almost feel the sadness radiating off of him. "I know you've heard this a lot, but we all need you to get better. I know Dr. Hanley is going to do all she can to help make that happen." Natalie said, placing her hand on Will's arm. "Alright well we won't hog all of your visit time, but we'll see you soon...sis." Will said with a grin. "Thanks again guys." Erin said, waving them off. "Looks like you have quite the family." Mia said. "Yeah, I do." Erin said, overcome with emotion again. This day was already a lot for her, and knowing that she was finally back on good terms with the only family Jay had left, had her tearing up more than usual.

There were a few more visitors left on her list, including some of the Firehouse 51 guys,  Kevin and Al dropped by as well. The last two people she didn't expect, completely threw her for a loop. When she saw both Amanda and Olivia standing there in her doorway, a smile grew. "How are you holding up in there?" Amanda's southern drawl was comforting to Erin, always had been. She swore, that even if she was mad, it could never sound harsh. "I figured you could use some New York love." Olivia said, as she leaned against the door frame. "Not that I'm not happy to see you both, but don't you have cases? And kids?" "I guess that's the perk of being the boss. Lucy has it covered in the childcare department. It was pretty important to come out to Chicago right now." Erin knew why. Her complete breakdown over the phone was the exact indication as to why the two New Yorkers stood in front of her. "Thank you, but you really didn't have to. I'm okay." Reality being, that she didn't know who she was trying to convince more with that sentence, and judging by the look on the Lieutenant's face, she would have to guess that Olivia saw right through the 'I'm fine' line.
"Well, even still. We're here now, and we'll be here until after the surgery." She said firmly, and Erin knew not to push on it. She had to let people in, and this experience was teaching her to do so. "Thank you, both. For being here." She muttered. "A little birdy told us some news. Congratulations on finally snagging that partner of yours." Amanda said, smirking. "We all called it from the first time we saw you two together, so this was no surprise." "So I've been told." Erin laughed. Just then, Dr. Hanley's surgery prep attending interrupted the reunion. "Sorry, Ms. Lindsay. We have to get you prepped and taken down to the surgery bay." Erin nodded. This was it. "Hey, Olivia? Could you give Jay my ring when you see him? I don't want it to get lost." She handed the ring to the nurse and she handed it out behind the plastic to the lieutenant. "I will. We'll see you soon." With that, Erin waved them off, and Maggie entered the room again, dressed fully in a new set of protective gear. They prepped her, and rolled her out of the room, down to the elevator. It wasn't much of a shock that Erin hated the hospital, but the closer they reached the surgery bay, the more anxiety she could feel rise in her chest. Maggie reached for her hand, and Erin held tight. "Smooth sailing from here." The attending said, giving Erin a reassuring grin. Smooth sailing, she could only hope for. The next few hours were unpredictable, and the influx of 'positive vibes' was all she had to lean on.