What happens in Vegans Definitely didn't stay there

Chapter 17: Permanency

Sylvie's work life becomes more stable, she and Kelly make a joint decision, and Sylvie meddles in a friend's love life.

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"Brett, my office." Boden turned around as quickly as he came in, and Sylvie stood, following him to the small room.

"Everything ok, Chief?" She asked, closing the door behind her and watching the older man sit in his chair.

"I wanted to let you know that it's about to become official, Emily Foster will be your permanent partner." Sylvie stared at her Chief, her jaw dropping open. Gabby's tenure had been extended in the Virgin Islands, and they were now well into September and she still hadn't returned.

"Does the rest of the house know yet?" She asked, but fixed Boden with a stare telling him there was exactly one person she meant by that.

"I don't know. I'm going to tell Foster that she's permanent, but to keep it quiet until Casey hears anything. How's he been doing, Brett?" Sylvie sat in the chair in front of Boden, running her hand through her hair.

"He's ok. They used to talk every day, now I couldn't tell you the last time they did. She hasn't texted me in nearly a month. I just don't know what to do or say anymore."

"I get it. I'll tell Foster next shift, she knows she has till the end of next week to stay here for the moment, we can delay the news a little." Boden was clearly carrying the weight of what all of this would mean for his Lieutenant, and Sylvie didn't want to be nearby when Matt found out about Gabby. She didn't even want to think about what this would mean for him.

"Thanks, Chief. I'm going to head out to the rig." She left, but was nearly run over by Matt going to the office she'd just left. She looked at his face and realised he'd probably just heard the news. Instead of saying anything, she went out to the ambo, avoiding everyone in the common room.

Their shift was as normal as it could be, the cooling temperatures meaning that grill fires were slowing down, but fires from jerry rigged heaters in apartments were going to rise. It was still warm enough for outdoor activities, and Sylvie and Emily found themselves at four separate bike incidents through the day. Each time they arrived back to the house the mood from everyone on Truck was frostier, Matt's obviously bad mood taking control in the house. They tried perking everyone up, but it didn't make much of a difference to the established group.

They were all in the locker room, getting ready to pack up and leave when Boden came in.

"I've one final announcement to make. Emily Foster will be the permanent second shift paramedic on 61, effective from next shift. She's had outstanding reviews from the PIC, the Lieutenants on the shift, and anyone she's dealt with outside the house. We're glad to keep you, Foster."

There was a muted cheer as the realisation of what Foster's permanence would mean for the house, but Kelly gave an ear splitting whistle, knocking everyone into a full cheer. It was agreed they'd all meet at Molly's that evening, and Sylvie headed out. She'd finally cracked and bought her own car, a mid size sedan, and was driving herself to and from work. She stopped at a grocery store before heading home to grab a box of Coco Pops. When she arrived, Matt was on their couch and Kelly was consoling him. It took one look from her roommate and Sylvie immediately went to her bedroom to give the men privacy.

There was a knock on the bedroom door a few hours later, the Indian summer September sun flowing through the windows to full effect. Sylvie opened it, seeing Matt standing there with a coffee mug as a peace offering. She accepted it and took a sip, smiling at the taste of her vanilla creamer.

"You ok, Matt?" She asked, looking at him.

"Nope. Not even close." They sat down, and she drank her coffee while waiting for Matt to speak.