Empty Spaces

Drive

After speaking with Kelly and informing him of the plans Matt had met Sylvie and Bella at his truck. He secured the booster seat in the back for Bella and before long they were safely on their way. They hadn't discussed where they were going yet, whether it was to Sylvie's apartment for her to pack some things or straight to his place so they could settle in.

He knew they needed to go shopping as he knew a six-year-old couldn't live off beer and take out, plus he knew Sylvie most certainly wouldn't. He began making a list in his head of all the things she would need, knowing that new clothes were in order.

While tossing up between the two possibilities he ended up crossing out both of them. He did a U-turn and headed back into town towards Chicago Med. He figured with everything Bella had been through it might be comforting to see a familiar face. He looked over at Sylvie and noted the slightly confused expression on her face.

"I know we haven't discussed where we're going, but where are we going?" Sylvie questioned, turning her head to look at Matt even whilst his remained securely on the road ahead.

"I thought we could take Bella to see her friend, If that's okay with you?" Matt asked back, glancing at her briefly and then back at Bella in the mirror before his eyes returned to the road. He was a pretty cautious driver when he had children in the car, he had been told it by his sister many times when he drove her and his niece around.

His kind gesture caused Sylvie's heart to swell. She had never seen this side of Casey before, barely having seen him around kids. "Yes, of course. That sounds great. Then maybe some new clothes?"

Matt nodded in response, the conversation over for now as they pulled into the hospital parking lot. Even though Bella was still wearing the Chicago fire top and jumper she looked adorable. Stella had put her brown hair in pig tails while Sylvie had slept, and the look really complimented the young girls face.

They all got out of the car and began walking inside. Bella, who was between the two, held the hand of each adult. She knew they were at a hospital and what they were for, but she hadn't really been listening in the car, so she was a little nervous about being here. She felt Sylvie release her hand and she pouted in confusion as she watched Sylvie walk up to the nurses station.

Matt felt a small tug on his shirt which caused him to look down, then kneel at the sight of a nervous Bella. "Hey kiddo, you okay?" He asked, concerned. He had always loved kids, had always wanted some of his own but he felt like the world was dealing against him, especially about kids. Three different times the world has shut down his plans of fatherhood, first with Hallie not wanting kids, then Gabby's miscarriage and later Louie's adoption being cancelled he genuinely felt like he was never going to be a dad. Spending the last day with Bella helped open his mind to some new possibilities but also some old heart break.

"I'm scared... I don't want to leave you or Sylvie..." Bella whispered as she leaned into his chest, surprising him but seeking the comfort she had missed most of her life. She was worried that this would be the moment they send her back, that the men coming after her might be the last straw.

That was until Matt pulled her close and hugged her, his strong arms wrapping protectively around her small frame. She had never had a positive male role model in her life, and she was beginning to realise that she missed it.

"Bella, baby. You're not going anywhere, I promise." Matt pulled her back so he could look into her eyes, let her know he was telling the truth. "We're just here so you can see Ava."
Unaware that Sylvie had come back over Bella jumped when she felt a hand run over and through her ponytail. She had heard everything Matt had said, and she couldn't agree more. "Come on Bell. Let's go see Ava."
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When they finally arrived at Ava's room Bella hesitated to go inside. Sylvie and Matt had told Bella more of what had happened at the accident site as well as the men coming to the hospital. There were now uniformed police at the door to her room and it surprisingly calmed Bella. She knew now that they were the good guys, having had Sylvie explain to her about how they were their friends after her minor freak out over being told she would need to speak to Detective Hailey Upton once she was ready.

Once entering the room Bella slowly walked over to the hospital bed where Ava laid, she looked peaceful even hooked up to the monitors and drip. Ava's eyes began to fluttering at the noise of the chair being pulled next to the bed, giving Bella the height to climb up and onto the bed.

"Avie? Avie, wake up." Bella whispered, her voice breaking as her emotions came to the surface. She leaned forward and tugged at the older girls arm gently, receiving a light groan in return.

"Careful Cubby, I'm a bit sore." Ava said softly, her arms opening for Bella who this time didn't hesitate to lay next to Ava, her head on her chest.

This kind of affection was the norm for Bella, this was something she had missed. Although she loved the affection she got from both Matt and Sylvie the way Ava hugged her was the different in a sense. It was like the first time they ever hugged, the hug that reminded her she was a person.

"I missed you Ava. I didn't have anyone to protect me, but then Matt came in. He found me in the empty spaces of the wall. He gave me to Sylvie; you should have seen her when the men came Ava. She's a lot like you." Bella rambled, her head still against Ava's chest. Not daring to move yet in case something went wrong. She didn't move until she felt something splash against her hair, then again on her forehead. She looked up only to realise Ava was crying.

"I'm sorry Isabella. I promised to protect you from them, but I lead them straight to you." Ava cried, wrapping her arms around Bella and holding her tight. She hated feeling like she let her down, even though she had helped by getting help.

"No Ava its okay." Bella said, sitting up to look at Ava, her back now to Matt and Sylvie as she stated matter of fact. "Sylvie protected me."

Sylvie's face broke out into a big grin, she looked up at Matt who was smiling too. He wrapped his arm around the back of her shoulders and pulled her to him, hugging her as he whispered into her ear jokingly. "Mama Sylvie to the rescue."

It caused her to burst out laughing, surprisingly herself and him, as well as the two girls on the bed. "Sorry." She mumbled, a blush creeping up on her cheeks. Matt chuckled at her response.