Playing with Fire

Chapter Eleven - Eric Whaley.

*Edited*

Everly

1 month later

I couldn't help but smile as I walked up the driveway to the firehouse hand in hand with Kelly.

"It's so good to be back."

I looked up at him and smiled. Kelly had found this doctor that did this experimental surgery and the recovery time was only one month. At first I was very skeptical about it but, eventually I came around to it. He got cleared for duty yesterday and we both couldn't be happier.

"It's good to have you back lieutenant."

Kelly leaned down and kissed me and I couldn't help but smile.

"Before we go in, I've got something to tell you."

"You're worrying me."

"Eric Whaley has been subbing for you in your absence."

Kelly shook his head and sighed. Eric Whaley was the brother of Renee Whaley. Kelly's ex-fiancée. Everything between them happened a few months after I started at 51, Kelly leaned on Shay and I a lot when it happened. He was heartbroken. 

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, I just didn't want to burden you with it."

He nodded and kissed my forehead.

"It's not your fault, you've got nothing to say sorry for."

I nodded as he pulled open the door. Everybody was yelling out and clapping as Kelly and I made our way inside.

"I've never been so happy to see so many ugly faces."

I laughed and moved to the side as I let everybody hug Kelly.

"And the neck's 100%, right?"

Kelly looked at Hadley and chuckled.

"Yeah, you wanna spar a few rounds after shift and find out?"

Hadley laughed.

"Nah, I'm good."

"Otis is transferring."

Kelly looked over at me and I put my head down. I thought he should hear it from Otis and not me.

"What? Come on."

"It's not like I'm being rocketed into space. I'm going over to Morningside."

Kelly shook his head as Chief walked up. 

"Kelly your relief lieutenant Eric Whaley."

Kelly's smile dropped as he walked up to him.

"It's been a while."

He extended his hand and Kelly shook it.

"Yeah."

"You two know each other?"

"Yeah, I was engaged to Eric's sister."

"Well, now that you're back, Whaley will move over to engine and relieve Jeff Turner for the next few shifts."

Kelly nodded and so did Eric. We all dispersed and did our own thing after that. We only got a few calls during shift, but nothing too serious. I sat at the Squad table most of the day reading a book because I had a headache and nobody was yelling out here. 

"Excuse me."

I looked up from my book and sighed as I saw my mother standing in front of me.

"Everly."