Forbidden (Kelly Severide)

Chapter 39

The day started off warm and peaceful. Ivy and Kelly had been looking forward to a quiet family outing with Matt and the Darden boys. They took Elianna, now just a few months old, to the park, where the boys could run around, and they could catch up with Matt. It was a beautiful, sunny day—the kind that made everything feel a little lighter. Ivy could almost forget the weight she had been carrying for months.

Kelly, carrying their daughter in his arms, shared a knowing look with Ivy. They hadn't had much downtime together since she returned to light duty, so these moments meant the world to them. Ivy's smile was genuine as she held Kelly's hand while watching the Darden boys laugh and chase each other. Matt walked alongside them, his expression soft but distant. He had always been close to his sister, but in moments like these, it was clear he was still grappling with his own grief, especially after Gabby left Chicago.

"I'm glad we're all here," Matt said, breaking the comfortable silence. His voice had a hint of melancholy. Ivy squeezed his arm gently, understanding the depth behind his words.

As they found a picnic table to sit down, Heather Darden appeared. She had arrived to pick up the boys, and Ivy could feel the shift in the atmosphere immediately. Heather was civil—at first—but there was a tension in her that Ivy couldn't quite shake.

"Ivy," Heather began, her voice tight. "I see you're back at work. Impressive, with a newborn and everything."

Ivy smiled politely, unsure of where this was going. "Yeah, I'm taking it slow, but it feels good to be back."

Heather's expression shifted, hardening. "Must be nice to just... bounce back, huh?"

Ivy blinked, taken aback. "I... I guess. It's been hard, but I'm trying."

Heather's eyes darkened. "You know, I still think about Andy every day. About how he's not here to see his boys grow up. And it's because he saved you. He chose to save you."

The words hit Ivy like a slap. Her breath caught in her throat. Heather wasn't just sad—she was blaming Ivy.

"I—I didn't ask for that," Ivy stammered, her eyes wide, filling with unshed tears. "I never wanted—"

"No, you didn't," Heather cut in, her tone bitter. "But it's the truth. He sacrificed himself so you could live. I just wonder if... if it was worth it."

Those words, cruel and sharp, cut through Ivy's heart like a knife. Kelly, who had been a few steps away, overheard the conversation and immediately moved closer, but Ivy was already reeling. She could barely see him through the tears blurring her vision.

"Ivy," he started, reaching for her, but she shook her head, stepping back from him, Matt, and even the Darden boys, who were oblivious to the tension.

"I need a minute," she whispered, her voice cracking as she walked away, her shoulders trembling.

Kelly stood frozen for a moment, torn between comforting her and giving her space. Matt approached Heather with a sharp look, his jaw clenched.

"What the hell, Heather?" Matt said, his voice barely above a whisper but full of anger.

"I'm just saying what everyone's thinking, Matt. I lost Andy because of her."

"You lost Andy because he made a choice to save someone he cared about. And Ivy didn't ask for that. Don't blame her for it."

Heather's expression didn't soften. "Just... think about it, Matt. She's walking around with her perfect family, and I'm alone."

Meanwhile, Ivy had found a quiet bench near the edge of the park. The tears wouldn't stop. Heather's words kept replaying in her mind, each one cutting deeper than the last.

Was she worth it? Did she really deserve the life she was living? Why had Andy chosen to save her?

The guilt, something that had always lingered in the back of her mind, surged forward, overwhelming her. She buried her face in her hands, shaking as silent sobs wracked her body.

"Ivy."

Kelly's voice was soft, careful, as he approached. He sat down beside her, his arm wrapping around her shoulders protectively.

"I'm sorry," she said through her tears, her voice barely audible. "I'm so sorry, Kelly."

"Hey, hey, none of this is your fault," Kelly whispered, pulling her closer. "You didn't ask for any of this. Andy made his choice because he loved you, just like I do."

"I don't know why I'm here, Kelly. Why I'm still here when he's gone."

Kelly's grip on her tightened. "Because you deserve to be. You're strong, and you're a fighter. Andy knew that. I know that."

She buried her face in his chest, letting the warmth of his embrace wash over her. But the pain, the doubt—none of it disappeared.

"What Heather said," Ivy began, but Kelly shook his head.

"Forget what she said. She's angry and hurt, and she's lashing out. None of this is your fault, Ivy."

"But maybe she's right," Ivy whispered, pulling back to look at him, her eyes full of uncertainty. "Maybe I shouldn't have—"

"Ivy, don't. Don't go there." Kelly's voice was firm, his eyes intense as he held her gaze. "You're here because you're meant to be. And I can't imagine my life without you. Elianna can't imagine her life without you. You're her mom, Ivy. You're our family."

His words broke through some of the fog clouding her mind. She took a shaky breath, nodding as she rested her head against his chest again.

"I love you, Ivy," Kelly whispered into her hair, his voice breaking slightly.

"I love you too," she whispered back, holding onto him as if he were the only thing keeping her grounded.

They sat there for a while, in silence, as the world moved on around them. Eventually, Matt came over, his expression soft but concerned.

"You okay, Ivy?" he asked gently.

She nodded, wiping her tears away. "Yeah. I'll be okay."

Matt knelt down beside her, hugging her tight. "You're my sister, Ivy. Don't ever forget that. And Andy made his choice because he loved you, just like we all do."

"I know," she whispered, hugging him back. "Thank you."

As they stood up to leave the park, Kelly kept a protective arm around her, holding Elianna in the other. The pain of the day was still there, but she wasn't alone. She had Kelly, Matt, and their family, and that was enough to keep going—even if the scars never fully healed.