Chicago Fire FanFic (English)

Chapter 31

When the others got home from school in the afternoon, all the kids went downstairs and played in the playroom in the basement. They decided on football and Andrew got the soft football out of the ball box. They divided into 2 teams. Caleb, Layla, Kayla, Matty and Benjamin played against Andrew, Julian, Levi and Hayden. Lydia sat in her playpen and watched curiously. As Caleb was tackled and everyone rushed him, Lydia suddenly started screaming and crying. The kids jumped up and the younger ones covered their ears. "What's the matter with you guys?" Stella asked, who came down to the basement with Kelly. "I swear we didn't do anything. We were just playing football and all of a sudden she started crying." Andrew explained. Kelly took his youngest daughter out of the playpen. "Let me ask you a question. What happened before Lydi started screaming?" Kelly asked, anticipating the answer. "We tackled Caleb." Julian said. "Yes, little tip. Don't do that when Lydi's around." Caleb said, scrambling to his feet. "We'll take her upstairs, then you can continue playing in peace." Stella said and went upstairs with Lydia. "Is Lydia like your bodyguard?" Andrew asked, tossing the ball to Caleb. "Sort of." Caleb said. "It's kind of cute. The little sister protects the big brother." Julian smiled. "Yes, yes. But it's also annoying sometimes because we can never really play in peace when she's around." Caleb said. "Hey, can we finally play?" Layla asked impatiently. Andrew, Julian and Caleb laughed and lined up for the next play.

They invited their friends from 51 to dinner because today they found out the gender of Matt and Sylvie's baby. Stella and Kelly keep the gender of their twins a secret until birth, just like they did with Benny and Lydia. Caleb was still in soccer practice when the first guests arrived. Kelly, Matt, Boden and Cruz were at the grill while Stella, Sylvie, Donna and Chloe were in the kitchen preparing the side dishes. Lydia and 'Baby' Otis were playing together in the kitchen and the other kids were in the playroom in the basement. "You've made yourselves really comfortable here." Donna said. "Yeah, the boys spent every free minute setting up the house." Stella said. "How is Caleb anyway? Wallace said you guys had some troubles?" Donna asked. "We're still a bit cautious about that. It's gotten a lot better, but it could change again at any time." Stella said. "How did the four boys settle in?" Chloe asked. "Very good. It's like they've always been part of the family." Sylvie smiled. "Mommy, can we jump on the trampoline?" Benjamin asked. "Of course." Stella smiled. The kids ran outside. "Daddy, Mommy said we can jump on the trampoline." Benjamin said. "If Mommy said so." Kelly laughed. Gradually the others arrived as well. The little ones played in the garden and the adults talked. "Where's Caleb by the way?" Violet asked. "He should be here soon. He still had soccer practice." Kelly said. At that moment Lydia became very excited. "He's here." Stella laughed. Lydia crawled to the door and 'Baby' Otis followed her. "They're cute together." Cindy said. "Okay, I found two babies. I know Lydia, but I've never seen this little guy before." Caleb said and grinned. "Yes, the little one belongs to us." Chloe laughed and took Otis into her arms. "How was your training?" Violet asked. "I don't know what they told you, but I basically don't train anymore." Caleb said, putting Lydia on the floor. "How so?" Cruz asked. "We got a new coach a few months ago and since that day, my two forward partners and I have been on the bench." Caleb explained. "That suck." Violet said. Caleb just shrugged. After dinner, everyone gave their final guess as to what gender the baby is. "It's pretty balanced." Caleb said after counting the slips of paper. "What's your tip?" Donna asked. "Honestly. I think I'm the only boy hoping for a girl." Caleb said as he set up the soccer goal. "How exactly does that work now?" Chloe asked. "Once I hit the target, powder will come out of this cannon that will be either pink or blue." Caleb explained. Caleb got the ball ready, took aim and shot at the target. He hit and blue powder erupted from the cannon above the gate perimeter. "It's going to be a boy." Caleb said. Everyone got really excited and congratulated the expectant parents.

After everyone left and the little ones were in bed, the adults joined Caleb who was lying on the couch in the living room reading his book. "I don't know of any 14-year-old who is in the living room and reads a book instead of watching TV." Kelly laughed and sat down next to his son. "Well, you have to blame yourself somehow. Every time I said I was bored you guys told me to read a book and now I have 5 full bookshelves in my room." Caleb said. "But something's bothering you." Stella said. "I wouldn't necessarily say I'm worried about something, but I'm just not sure how to tell you guys." Caleb said, putting down his book. "Just try it." Kelly said. "I'd rather show you guys." Caleb said, getting up and getting his soccer bag. "We had a talent scout visit in training today. I was offered a soccer scholarship." Caleb said, handing the letter to his dad. "That's great. Congratulations." Stella said happily. "You don't look very enthusiastic." Sylvie said. "And I can tell you why. The Soccer Academy is in Dubai, after all." Kelly said as he read the letter. "The Academy has campuses around the world, with only the main campus being in Dubai." Caleb explained. "Yes, I just read that too. Have you actually read the letter?" Kelly asked. "I stopped reading at Dubai." Caleb said. "Okay, then read the part below...Here. You would come to Springfield. It's a 3-hour drive from here and you can come home every weekend." Kelly explained. "Isn't that what you've always dreamed of?" Stella asked. "Actually, I'm just not so sure anymore." Caleb said. "You don't have to make a decision right away. The registration deadline is November 15th, that's a good 2 months away." Kelly said. "Don't your sister and niece live in Springfield?" Sylvie asked. "Yes. I can give her a call." Matt suggested. "I can't shake the feeling that you guys are trying to get rid of me." Caleb said, shaking his head. "You know that's not true and you also know that we would like to lock you up here in the house with nowhere to go." Stella said and Caleb nodded.