Serving Chicago

Chapter 2: Flashback

FLASHBACK

A young Emilia Frances ran through Firehouse 51 trying to get away from the older boy. He had been chasing her around the firehouse for nearly an hour when the trucks and ambulance returned from a call at a warehouse fire.

Turning the corner Mia hadn't realised the older boy hiding ready to jump out when she hadn't expect it "I got you, Mia"

"Kelly stop!" Mia tried swatting the older boy's hand away from her before he could tickle her anymore "Uncle Ben" Emilia shouted gaining the attention of her 'uncle' as he jumped from the squad.

"Kelly, leave Emilia alone" Benny Severide said sternly. Benny Severide was Robert Frances' best friend and fellow smoke eater and had been a big part of Emilia's life as well as his son Kelly and wife Catherine who would offer to take care of Mia when her mother was doing a double shift at the precinct.

"But pop" Kelly whined slightly.

"No Kelly" The young girl started to giggle at the scolding the older boy had received. Hearing the younger child giggle Kelly had decided to pursue chasing her around the firehouse bumping into the firefighters as she scrambled her way through. Emilia came to an abrupt halt as she bumped into a solid figure. Her eyes widened excitedly as she looked up to the owner of the solid frame.

"Piccola" Lieutenant Robert Frances chuckled slightly picking up his daughter and walking through to the common room.

"Papi" 7 year old Mia squeaked wriggling in her father's hold. Emilia 'Mia' Frances had become a permanent fixture in the firehouse especially when her mother had been stuck undercover on a case.

"Uncle Herman" Emilia noticed her godfather walking into the common room and leapt from her father's arms. Chris Hermann had been like a second father to Emilia and she valued his presence in her life. He would take her to Black Hawks games and teach her how to play the sport. He'd go and watch her athletics days in school and would help her when she fundraised.

The alarm sounded prompting the firefighters into action. "Stay with Kelly piccola" The Lieutenant knelt to his daughters height placing a soft kiss on his daughter's head.

Watching as the firefighters stopped what they were doing abandoning their places in the common room and headed to their truck Emilia called after the men "Be safe"

The chorus of "always" was heard from each of the firefighters.

Mia watched in awe as the lights and sirens were sounded and the trucks rolled out of the firehouse. Of course Emilia had grown up with firefighters they were her heroes. Emilia Frances wanted to be a firefighter.