What happens in Vegans Definitely didn't stay there

Chapter 12: Aftermath

Sylvie reconnects with someone, gets a new partner, and meets a new firefighter

They lay there, waiting to see what would happen. The footsteps entered the room, Sylvie listening to him fiddle with a vending machine, barely breathing. The gunfire had quietened down but they stayed silent, lying there curled up together. Adrenaline filled her body as she heard the footsteps leave the room, their hiding spot secure. It was silent in the hallway, until they heard another pop of gunfire, and they froze in terror. The shooter didn't seem to come back to them, but Sylvie held her breath until she was sure he was gone. Smoke began to fill the room, and she cringed at the thought of choosing between fire and shooting.

There was a weak moan from the hallway, and she and Chili locked eyes when they heard the sound.

"Do you hear that?" Chili spoke barely above a breath, their hands still held tight through the latex gloves.

"She's alive. We have to help her." Sylvie spoke in a whisper, staring in her partner's eyes.

Chili swallowed, the decision they were making clear. "You ready?" With a nod they started to stand.

Moving silently in their boots they made it to the hallway The hallway was clear, and they ran to the woman lying in a pool of blood. They got to work, covering her wounds and applying pressure pads until a shadow fell over them and they could hear loud heavy metal music coming from the shooter's headphones.

The man's eyes were dead inside, the barrel of his semi automatic rifle pointed straight at her head. She raised her hands slightly, looking at him. If he wanted to kill her he'd have to watch her face. Two shots rang out, and she cringed at the noise before realising she wasn't shot, she was fine. "Suspect is down down, paramedics are safe!" was yelled. She looked back at where the shooter had been and Antonio was standing there, pistol in hand.

"We need help getting her out," she called over, and Antonio holstered his weapon and came across, helping the two of them carry the injured woman out and onto an awaiting gurney. As soon as they'd deposited her into ambo 24 she was engulfed, Antonio holding her close.

"They told me it was 61 and an active shooter, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I just couldn't wait and watch. Gabby was safe but you weren't and I couldn't let you be hurt," he rambled into her hair, but Sylvie held onto him, her adrenaline wearing off. She'd nearly died but he'd saved her life. He'd saved her.

They were aware of where they were located, and separated after too short a time, Antonio holding onto her fingers for an extra moment. As they separated, Kelly came running around the corner and pulled her close. She soaked in the comfort from her best friend, holding on tightly.

"I sent you in there, I let you be involved, I'm so damn sorry Syl. I shouldn't have done that." His voice was tight like he was holding back tears, but Sylvie just grabbed him close.

"You did your job, same as me. And we're alive, and we'll be fine. Let's go back to the house, all I want is some pizza. We'll order in for everyone." They separated and started walking back to the rigs, but Antonio stopped her.

"We need to talk. Breakfast before I go to work tomorrow? I'll pay for those chocolate chip waffles you like." His eyes were clear, and Sylvie could never resist him when he was being honest and open.

"Ok. Pick me up after shift, even with everything that's gone on I still have to finish it out." She squeezed his hand goodbye, before driving back to the house. As she got in, her cell started ringing with a call from her Mom. Sylvie ran to the locker room to answer it.

"Hey Mom," she said, her voice soft.

"I just saw the news, sweetie. Were you involved? Did you know anyone who was?" Her mother perpetually worried about her being in Chicago, and Sylvie wouldn't give her any more to worry about.