#3 Sunshine And Roses

Chapter Twenty One

"Baby what's going on?" Gabby asked as she held Paul close, watching as Matt raided the pantry, pulling out all the food he could find. Matt looked at her and walked over, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Where do you have Paul's things?" "In the bunking area why? Matt what's going on?" Matt stared at Gabby before kissing the top of her head, running his hand lightly over Paul's little head. "I'm opening up 51 as a safe haven for those who don't have a place to stay so because of that... I want you to move Paul's things into my office" "You know how dangerous this is?" "Yes Gabby, but 51 is known as the neighborhood house. You out of all people should know we do all we can to take care of our people" "I know Matt, but don't you remember what happened last time? You almost got yourself killed!" "Gabby..." Matt mumbled as he struggled to keep his voice low so he didn't wake up his sleeping son. "Just do as I say," he told her, Gabby rolling her eyes. "What about our daughter?" she asked, Matt squeezing his eyes shut. "I'll go pick up the kids. Let Kelly know that Peyton and Alexa are fine," Matt said as he placed his fire helmet on his head, walking out the front doors.

"Alright students. Chicago Elementary is under a blizzard warning. Most of your parents won't be able to make it to the school so we will ride out the storm here," Mrs. Farrah announced as she shuffled around the classroom, pulling out all the blankets she could find. "Mrs. Farrah?" Peyton asked as he raised his hand, Mrs. Farrah looking over at him, placing a stack of blankets on her desk. "What is it Peyton?" she asked, Peyton sighing. "What if our parents come for us?" "Peyton I can assure you... Your parents aren't coming. If they were smart enough, they'd wait out the storm," she told him as she started handing blankets out, Peyton rolling his eyes as Olivia walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. "Does she not realize that our parents would risk anything just to save others?" Peyton asked silently as they were handed a blanket, Olivia shrugging. "Like I've told you a million times... I don't care what she says. I know right this minute our parents are coming for us, whether she likes it or not," Olivia replied as Peyton gave her a weak smile, nodding his head. "I wonder if Alexa's teacher is this mean..." Peyton mumbled as he sat on the floor and huddled under the blanket, Olivia sliding in next to him, placing her head on his shoulder. Peyton looked down at the top of her head and couldn't help but smile, Olivia suddenly placing her hand over his. Peyton felt his cheeks get warm, Olivia's blushing. "I feel safe when I'm with you," she whispered, Peyton smiling. "Good, because get used to it. I'm not going anywhere," he whispered back, Olivia squeezing his hand.
Alexa looked around the hall before stepping out of the bathroom, looking down at her phone. 'Meet me in the locker room' the text read, Alexa smiling as she made her way to the locker room, her palms sweaty. "Marcus?" she asked as she stepped into the room, Marcus walking out from around the corner, a mischievous grin on his face. "Why did you need to see me?" Alexa asked as she crossed her arms, Marcus shrugging. "A guy needs to see his girl once in awhile don't you think?" "Marcus, when did I ever become your girl? All you ever do is get me in trouble and-" Alexa was interrupted when Marcus pressed his lips against hers, Alexa pulling away. "Why're you doing this?" she asked as Marcus placed his forehead on hers, Marcus gulping. "Alexa..." he whispered, Alexa nodding her head. "I'm sorry if I hurt you," he told her, Alexa sighing. "It's okay, but don't do it again," she replied as she pressed her lips against his, Marcus pushing her up against a locker as he kissed her, Alexa suddenly feeling her phone vibrate. She pulled back breathless, smiling at Marcus before pulling out her phone and reading the text. "Oh I gotta go..." she mumbled as she stared at her phone screen, Marcus looking over shoulder. "Looks like you're getting out of this hell hole after all," he said as Alexa giggled, Marcus snuggling his face into her shoulder. "You know... I don't think Matt would mind if you tagged along" "No but your dad would," Marcus replied as he stepped back and crossed his arms, Alexa rolling her eyes. "Who cares what he thinks. I love you, and he needs to accept that," Alexa said as she grabbed his hand and led him out of the locker room, meeting Peyton and Olivia in the hallway. "Whoa why were you both in the locker room?" Peyton asked as they reached him, Alexa rolling her eyes. "That's none of your business Peepee," she taunted just as Matt barged through the doors of the school, fixing his fire helmet. "Dad!" Olivia exclaimed as she ran over and gave him a hug, quickly pulling back. "What're you doing here? You're freezing!" Matt nodded his head and rubbed his hands together, lightly blowing into them. "What am I doing here? Liv did you really think I'd leave you kids here at this place to ride out a blizzard?!" Matt asked, Peyton smirking. "I told you guys someone would come to get us... Where's my mom and dad?" Peyton asked as he looked past Matt, waiting for Kelly to walk in the door. "He's out in the squad truck picking up people who don't have a place to ride out the storm. Cmon!" he exclaimed as he started to walk away with Peyton and Olivia, Alexa staying put. "Matt, can Marcus come too? He already asked his mom and she's cool with it..." Alexa asked, Matt turning around and staring at them. "Fine, but if he tries anything stupid, I'll be throwing him out in the snow," Matt told her as he walked away, Marcus breaking into a sweat. "Why does everybody hate me?" he asked as they walked towards the doors of the school, Alexa shrugging. "Everybody doesn't hate you... They strongly dislike you," Alexa joked as Marcus rolled his eyes, both of them walking out into the freezing cold.

"Alright everyone. Welcome to Firehouse 51," Kelly said as squad pulled up to the firehouse, a few people grinning. "Hey," an old man croaked as he leaned forward, Kelly turning around and smiling. "What's up?" "Thank you for everything you do. It's nice to see that some young people still have hearts of gold," the old man told them making Kelly smile wider. "Well that just made my day," he replied as he placed a strong hand on the man's shoulder, the old man nodding his head. "What's your name?" Kelly asked him as the others around them started to pile out of the truck, Tony taking the keys out of the ignition. "The name is Teddy Feddler. I was actually a firefighter way back in 1932," Teddy replied, Kelly's eyes widening. "Wow! It's nice to meet a fellow man in arms," Kelly told him as he got out of the truck and reopened the side door, helping Teddy out. Sylvie watched from afar, her heart fluttering as Kelly started to walk towards her with Teddy, Sylvie smiling. "Hi sir-" "Teddy. He's a fellow man in arms," Kelly cut in, Sylvie looking at him and smiling. "Well Teddy, how about we get you inside so you can enjoy a hot bowl of chicken soup and a blanket?" "Ah no darling I'm quite alright. Save those supplies for the children... They're going to need it a lot more than I do," Teddy replied as he patted Sylvie and Kelly's shoulder before walking into the firehouse, both of them watching him go. "Is it crazy that I just met that amazing old man and think he's an angel?" Sylvie asked Kelly as Kelly slid his hand into Sylvie's, shaking his head. "Nope, it's not crazy. I experienced the same thing the moment I laid eyes on you," Kelly told her as he snuggled her close, kissing her neck. "You know... I'm starting to feel a bit cold. Why don't we head into the bunker room and huddle together to keep warm?" Sylvie suggested, Kelly smirking. "I think that's been the best idea you've had all week."
"Matt where are you? The firehouse is packed with people!" Gabby exclaimed over the phone, Matt sighing. "Gabby relax. The kids and I are pulling in now," Matt replied as the car came to a stop, the kids piling out of the car. "Peyton! Why did you make Marcus pull your finger?" Alexa asked as she un pinched her nose, gasping for air. Peyton shoved his hands in his pockets and smirked, Marcus laughing. "How does a smell like that come from a little body like yours?!" Marcus exclaimed, Olivia rolling her eyes as she walked past them and into the firehouse, her eyes widening. "Whoa," she mumbled as she looked around, many people laying down with pillows and blankets, trying to keep warm. "Herrmann, what's going on?" Olivia asked as Herrmann walked over and handed her a cup of hot cocoa, Herrmann taking a sip from his coffee. "These are the people who couldn't find a place to stay during the blizzard. Firehouse 51 is their safe haven," he told her as Cruz walked over, rubbing his hands together. "I can't take the cold any longer. Why does it have to be so brutal?" Cruz complained, Olivia laughing. "I love the cold weather! It's better than being in the hot sun" "Speak for yourself. I'd rather be in Florida getting a nice tan instead of being here and turning into a human popsicle," Cruz replied as he walked away, Herrmann rolling his eyes. "Chicken," he said while chuckling, Olivia laughing. "Do you know where my mom is?" Herrmann looked down at Olivia and nodded his head, pointing towards the offices. "She's in your dads office with the baby." Olivia thanked him before running off to the office, gently knocking on the door before opening it, seeing her mom cuddling Paul. "Hey Liv how was your day at school?" Gabby asked, Olivia smiling. "It was great! How's Paulie doing?" Gabby looked at Olivia and couldn't help but smile. She was growing into a strong young lady right before her eyes. Every time she would blink, it'd seem like a year or two had passed. She wanted to learn how to stop blinking so she could enjoy living in the moment, not having to worry about the future. "Mom, is everything okay?" Olivia asked as she waved her hand in front of Gabby's face, Gabby quickly looking up at her and nodding. "Sorry I got a little side tracked there. What'd you ask again?" "How's Paulie doing?" Olivia chuckled just as Matt walked into the room, gently closing the door and hanging up his fire helmet. He quietly walked over and stood next to Olivia, staring down at Paul's face and smiling. "I think daddy wants to hold you little guy," Gabby said as she stood up and passed Paul over to Matt, Matt looking down at his sons face and smiling. "I'm the luckiest man alive," Matt whispered as Paul wrapped his little fingers around Matt's finger, Olivia rubbing her hand over Paul's little foot. "I have a beautiful wife, two amazing children, and a job I wouldn't trade for the world," Matt said, Gabby leaning up and pecking his lips, Matt savoring every peck. "I can't wait until I'm older," Olivia then said, her parents looking at her confused. "What, why?" Gabby asked, Olivia shrugging. "Ill be able to fight fires with my best friends on my side!" Olivia exclaimed, Matt chuckling. "Olivia, out of every career, why does it have to be that one?" "I'll be doing what I love. Besides, I'm just a girl wanting to do her daddy's job."