Trauma changes people. trauma changes everyone.
All rights for the 9-1-1 cast and all rights to most of the plot goes to ABC. New plots and new characters belong to me 🫶
Book continues in Apparition! 🫶
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The air was crisp as I stepped out of my car, the familiar scent of autumn swirling around me. It felt surreal to be out, finally meeting up with everyone after the past four months of isolation. I walked into the Café and the familiar ding of the bell filled my ear.
"Lydia!" Isabelle's voice rang out, bright and cheerful. She sat at a table with our other friends, a wide smile on her face. Nate and Julian both waved at me, smiles on their faces. Miles pulled out a chair beside him and I sat down.
"Hey." I said, a small smile on my face. The moment I sat down at the table, warmth enveloped me, and for a fleeting second, the weight of my worries lifted.
"Finally! We thought you were going to bail on us," Nate teased, a grin on his face.
"Not a chance, I needed out of the house." I said. The café was buzzing with life, a bittersweet reminder of the times we had all taken for granted before the world changed.
Miles sat next to me, his laughter filling the area as they told jokes. He leaned closer to me, telling me jokes that made me laugh slightly.
When our food arrived, my heart sank a little. I had ordered a sandwich, but now the thought of eating felt daunting. As the others started eating, the sounds of clinking silverware and soft chatter filled the area, but I just stared at my plate, my appetite slipping away.
"Lyds?" Miles's voice broke through. He grabbed my hand, rubbing small circles on my palm with his thumb, a gesture that would usually comfort me and help me calm down but the anxiety bubbled beneath my skin and my leg began to bounce involuntarily under the table.
"You alright?" He asked, concern etched on his face as he glanced between me and the untouched plate in front of me.
"I.. I don't know." I said, my voice barely above a whisper. The weight of everyone's laughter and chatter felt overwhelming, and I wished then that I could just disappear.
Isabelle noticed my distress, her eyes flicking over to me with an understanding look. "Hey, we can get a takeout box for you. You don't have to eat right now," she offered gently, her tone soothing and gentle.
I looked up at her, relief flooding my veins as I nodded, a small smile on my lips.
As everyone continued their banter, the joyful and normal atmosphere filled the space once more. I squeezed Miles's hand, appreciating his presence, even as I wrestled my thoughts.
When the waitress returned, Isabelle quickly asked for a take out box, and soon my untouched sandwich was put away. The friendly chatter returned as everyone paid for the food, everyone enjoying the time together.
Eventually, it was time to leave. We gathered outside the café, the sun beginning to dip low in the sky, casting a soft glow over our group.
"See you soon!" Nate said, giving me a playful nudge.
"Don't be a stranger, Lyds." Julian said, a small grin on his face.
"I won't be." I promised, a small smile on my lips as well.
Miles leaned closer to me, his expression warm. "Drive safe, alright?" He said, placing a small kiss on my head.
"I will." I said, smiling at him as I walked over to my car and got inside.
I settled into the drivers seat, placing the takeout box in the seat next to me, a small reminder of the day. The laughter of everyone echoed in my mind as I pulled out of the parking lot.
