#3 Young and Reckless in Chicago

Chapter 41: Saying Goodbye

Nick came hustling through the hospital doors, Luna in his arms. He had a panicked look and puffy eyes. As he turned he saw everyone sitting there, depressed looks on their faces. He walked over to them, a diaper bag swung over his shoulder.

"Skylar would you mine holding her? She seems to really like you," asked Nick, his voice cracking.

"Yeah, of course," replied Skylar, taking Luna in her arms.

Nick set the diaper bag at his feet and sat next to Antonio and Diego, who were both silent. Gabby, Matt, Sylvie, Corin, Kelly, Skylar, and the guys from the district were the only ones in the waiting room besides the three of them. Connor walked into the room, scanning through the people till he found Al and Meredith.

"Lexi is gonna be okay. She has a concussion, some minor burns, and a broken leg, but she'll be fine. You can go see her if you'd like," explained Connor.

Al and Meredith hugged before following Connor to Lexi's room. Antonio looked at the ground, waiting. It had only been 20 minutes if waiting, but it felt like an eternity. Finally, Will walked into the room. Nick stood up along with Diego and Antonio, meeting Will half way.

"I'm so sorry for your loss. We..." continued Will as Nick dropped to his knees, sobbing.

Diego had tears streaming down his cheeks as he listened to what Will was saying. Antonio just stood there, shocked. He had consoled victims everyday, he never thought he'd have to be consoled himself. Sylvie came over, wrapping Antonio in a hug. That's when he finally let go. He cried into her shoulder, unable to hold back the tears. Nick was banging his fists on the ground as sobs wracked his body.

Gabby looked down at the ground, tears rolling down her cheeks. It was hard, even though she knew it was coming. Matt wrapped his arm around Gabby, pulling her into his side. Corin stood up and walked over to Nick, attempting to comfort him. Kelly slid one chair over so he was sitting right next to Skylar, who had a sleeping Luna cradled against her chest.

"Skye, you okay?" asked Kelly, seeing a few tears drip down his daughter's face.

"Uh yeah. It's just sad. I looked up to Eva, she was so... strong and fearless. At least she died doing what she loved," paused Skylar as she held back tears, "I just feel bad for little Luna. She's gonna grow up without her mother."

"That's true. But she's got a family at the district that loves her and a family at the firehouse that loves her. Plus she seems to really like you," smiled Kelly, which caused Skylar to slightly grin.

Matt had walked over to help Corin with Nick. Together the two of them got him sitting in a chair. Will was still standing there, waiting to say the next thing.

"If you'd like to say your goodbyes now is them time," stated Will, waiting for a response.

Nick stood back up and walked over to Will. Deigo looked at Nick and then at Will. Antonio still had his head burried in Sylvie's shoulder.

"Nick, go ahead. You can go first," offered Diego in a steady voice.

Nick nodded as a thank you before following Will down to a trauma room. When he stepped in the door way he saw Eva's lifeless body. Every inch of her was burned. Will handed Nick Eva's wedding ring and engagement ring before walking away. Nick walked in, sitting down next to her bed.

"Hey beautiful it's me. You haven't even been gone for an hour, but I miss you so much. I can't believe your gone. I can't believe I'm never gonna wake up to you smiling at me or that I'll never hear your laugh again. The son of a bitch who did this is rotting on hell right now, that I do know. He took you away from me, away from your family, and away from Luna. Baby, I love you so much and I'll never love anyone else. I'll see you soon pretty girl."

Nick clutched the rings in his hand, taking one last look at his wife before standing up. He walked out of the room, tears running down his face. There was a blank look in his eyes and Corin noticed when he got back into the waiting room.

"Nick. Nicholas!" called Corin, finally getting his attention, "Please, crash at our place tonight. You're in no condition to drive and you're still in shock."

"Uh okay yeah. Thank you," ditzily replied Nick.

Corin carried the diaper bag while walking with Nick to the car. Kelly grabbed the carseat and Skylar walked, cradling the baby in her arms. Nick climbed into the passnger seat of his car while Corin got in the driver's seat. Kelly got in his car that Skylar drove over while Skylar buckled Luna into her car seat. Once she was all buckled in, Skylar jumped in then passenger seat. In 15 minutes they were home and everyone was exhausted. They all walked inside to find the house quiet. Alex was sitting in the couch, waiting for them to get home.

"Belle and Kristen are asleep. Cass is spending the night at one of her cheerleader friends house. Oh and I cleaned out the guest room," informed Alex as Corin and Kelly walked in the door.

"Thank you again Alex for doing all of this," weakly smiled Corin as she headed upstairs with Nick, "Here's the guest room for you. I'll set Luna up in Skylar's room so you can get some rest."

"Thank you," was all Nick managed to say before falling into bed.

Corin left, shutting the door behind her. Skylar had gone into her bedroom with Luna while Kelly unpacked Kristen's old crib. Corin walked into Skylar's room, looking emotionally drained.

"She's dead," whispered Corin, the events of the day finally setting in.

"It's gonna be okay mom. It has to be, otherwise Eva died for nothing. That would be a loss in itself."