Wild Ride | ✔

Great Things

"Rebecca, meet Maya and Joey." Jay walked in with the social worker a few minutes later. Joey gave her a little wave while Maya avoided looking her way at all. Will disposed of his gloves when the social worker took a closer look at his injuries.

"It's nice to meet you. From what Detective Halstead tells me, you've both had quite the week." Joey gave a little nod her way as he looked up at Will who encouraged him that she was safe. "So I wanted to talk to you a little about what's going to happen next. There's a nice couple named the Johnston's who have agreed to take you in for the night while we figure out a more permanent home for you to go to."

"No." Maya raised her objection while hopping off the bed. She looked to be heading over to Hailey before changing her mind, backing into the corner and sliding to the floor. "I'm not going with you!"

"Maya, we have to," Joey called over to her from where he was still sitting on the bed. "We don't have anywhere else to go."

"We could live with Abby."

"Abby is old. She couldn't take care of us."

"Who is Abby?" Hailey questioned from her seat, her body turned towards Maya who was resting her head against her knees.

"A neighbor. She was nice enough, I guess." Joey shrugged his shoulders back and forth as everyone else in the room looked over at him. "Dad said she was going blind."

"We could make our own food."

"We don't know how to. Besides, we can't live with her. We're too far away now."

"I know," Maya sighed sadly, burying her head back into her legs. Her next question was barely audible through her position on the floor. "What if we can't stay together?"

"I'm not going to lie, it's not easy keeping siblings together," Rebecca interjected into their conversation. "What I can tell you is I'll do everything I can to keep you two together. If we are all patient, we might be able to find you both somewhere permanent to live."

"She's right." Hailey pushed the cart back so she could crouch a few feet from Maya. At that moment, Will excused himself to answer a page, while Natalie and Jay stood by Joey to give them room to talk. "What I do know is you're one of the strongest kids I have ever met. You can still do great things, no matter where you go." Maya finally popped her head up, her worry decreasing by the second when she realized what Hailey was telling her was true. "I think Dr. Manning mentioned something about getting a treat from the cafeteria."

"I did." Natalie nodded reassuringly as she typed a message on her phone, then stuffed it into the pocket of her scrubs. "Did you have something in mind?"

"Mm." Maya unfolded her legs, thinking about her decision as she stood up from the floor. Her hands brushed at something sticking to the bottom of her shirt as she looked up at Natalie. "Something chocolate."

"Joey?"

"I'm not sure yet." Joey rubbed just above his knee where Will had wrapped it. He was still sitting on the bed and hadn't moved much since Will had examined him. "How am I supposed to walk down there? My leg kind of hurts."

"I think we can find a wheelchair for you to ride in." Jay mentioned as he looked over at Natalie who agreed with him and walked to the door to flag down a nurse who was walking by.

"I'll see what I can find." Natalie disappeared, leaving them alone with the social worker. Maya was now sitting in one of the chairs next to where Hailey was standing, her face partially hiding behind her leg as she laid her head down on the arm rest.

"I think someone is getting tired." Jay pointed out when Maya's eyes began to close, not opening even when Hailey took the chair beside her.

"I don't blame her. It's been a long day. A long week for both of them." Hailey mentioned when they all looked at Joey who was also zoning off. He was clearly off in his own thoughts as they talked quietly among themselves.

"I'm just glad we found them when we did."

"Okay, I was finally able to track down a wheelchair." Natalie pushed a dark blue wheelchair into the room a few minutes later. Maya stirred awake at the sound of her voice, rubbed at her eyes and gave a big yawn. Joey hopped down on one leg and sat down carefully in the wheelchair.

"I don't think I've ever ridden in a wheelchair." He remarked, maneuvering into his seat until he was comfortable. It was a little big for him since it was meant for an adult, but he seemed to be enjoying the attention.

"Then this will be a first for you." Have you ever broken a bone before or had surgery?" Jay asked, stopping to hold the door open. Natalie wheeled Joey out next, with Rebecca following close behind them.

"No. I usually just scratch myself up while exploring."

"Lucky. I think I broke my leg when I was your age. Where do you usually like to explore?"

"Anywhere, really. I like to collect rocks. My dad didn't really like it when I brought them home. Have you ever had surgery?"

"Many times."

"For what?"

"Many things." Jay was giving out almost vague details of when he was shot or injured on the job, rather focusing on specific body parts. "Broke my arm, my wrist, and my leg."

"All at the same time?"

"No, Some when I was younger and some when I was older."

"Oh."

"Ready?" Hailey held out her hand towards Maya who was still sitting down in the chair. The young girl seemed to visibilly relax when the social worker stepped out of the room. She gladly took Hailey's hand, even offering a small smile her way when they strolled past the nurse's desk and they all made their way to the cafeteria.