chapter five
standing like strangers
Layla pulled up at Firehouse 51 that morning. She stared out to the building in her distant view after shutting the car engine off. Becoming familiarize in her hometown that she hasn't stepped foot in for years merely felt odd. More to the fact, she's arrived at the workplace of her ex-fiancé of all places.
The sole reason of what would appear to be a spontaneous visit is gifting the firehouse for the rescue from the charity gala. Nathan offered to bring the gift baskets as an excuse to catch up with his old friend and for the sake of his stepdaughter from having to run into Kelly. However, Layla refused the man to be her shield of old wounds. If it had been a year after leaving her at the altar, she would shatter. Except it's been eight years where she has built thick skin to feel equipped to see him.
They are now two different people living separate lives.
Inside the common room, it was quiet more than usual being half of the members of Truck 81 only present. Squad 3 and ambulance 61 were called upon a dispatch call before the first bite of their cooked breakfast prepared on the table. It can be a constant occurrence for first responders to be seated and not able to either start or finish a proper meal between saving the civilians of Chicago.
Mouch, sitting in his designated spot on the couch according to the customized pillow was bickering with Otis over the remote when Layla waltz in the room. Both men were astounded by the tall, beautiful woman (mostly Otis whose mouth could catch flies). Meanwhile, Herrmann basking in his fresh mug of coffee and the sports section of the newspaper scowled at the latter before making the effort to greet the woman.
"Hi, Christopher Herrmann, what can we do for you, Miss?" He crossed over to Layla sporting his hearty grin.
Her breath sucked in, realizing that he appeared to have no memory of her. "First starters, accept these gifts and help me put them down." She politely said as giggles slipped from her lips. Somehow, she managed not to drop anything on the walk.
Herrmann came to her aid in a haste to relieve one of the large gift baskets from her grasp. However, Otis appeared by her side in a second surpassing Mouch to steal the other gift basket. When they settled down everything on the table, Layla was met with a beaming Otis.
"Brian but everyone calls me Otis." He extended his hand as a genuine gesture.
She sent him a warm smile, accepting his hand. "Nice to meet you, I'm Layla." She noticed the one young firefighter that she hadn't recognized in comparison to the other two.
As soon as she moved onto Mouch, his brows furrowed for a slight moment. His intense stare started to creep everyone out in the room.
"I've seen you before!" He exclaimed, Herrmann and Otis shared a puzzling expression.
Otis interjected, slinging an arm around the man, and patting his other hand against his chest. "Forgive him, he's heading to retirement soon." He joked to ease Layla's uneasy look, earning a slap to the back of his head.
"I swear I've seen her." Mouch proclaimed once again. He darted back at Layla. "Can you tell me your last name? Your face looks familiar."
"Morales, Layla Morales." She uttered nervously, wondering if his memory ignited and soon her history with Kelly would be revisited.
He snapped his fingers, suddenly startling himself. "You're the Layla Morales, the principal ballet dancer! My Trudy loves you, likely because you're born and raised in this very fine city." He rambled on as Layla's shoulders relaxed while his colleagues stared in amusement. "It is a true honor to meet you."
"Oh yeah!" Herrmann quipped like fire ignited in his head. "My wife Cindy is a big fan of yours. She watched that televised performance. Her book club wouldn't stop yapping about it."
Layla pressed her lips together, "That's so sweet."
Otis directed to the woman. "So, do you go around giving gifts to firehouses on your visits?" He elicited a cheeky grin.
She laughed, shaking her head at his remark. "Uh no, I actually don't visit here that often due to work back in New York or traveling. These gifts are from me and my family for saving us from that charity gala fire." She explained. "The one time I was available for this gala."
"Honestly, I don't think I would be here without your Lieutenant finding me."
The corner of Herrmann's mouth tugged slightly, shrugging. "Well, it's our duty to serve the people in this city. We always work our best to save everyone."
"Our Lieutenant is in his office." Otis mentioned to Layla. "I can grab him to meet you."
On cue, Casey's voice boomed into the room. "Grab me to meet who?" He entered with Dawson through the connecting door of the briefing room. His eyes gathered the three firefighters until setting upon the raven-haired woman. The last he seen her was carrying her through the fire at the charity gala and sending her off to Chicago med after the paramedics found a pulse.
Since notifying Kelly about her reappearance, and seeing him off to visit her at Chicago med. He hadn't heard much from his best friend nor wanted to press on him. Although, he wondered what would've happened if Kelly were to walk through the doors right now.
"Layla," He breathed out as his face softened to which caught everyone's attention. Dawson switched her gaze between the two with a questionable look. She thought to remain quiet and interrogate her boyfriend later, sensing this odd exchange. "It's good to see you out of the hospital." He cleared his throat, nodding firmly before strolling up towards her.
"All thanks to you, I do hope you take the Rumpelstiltskin 20 whiskey as a gesture of gratitude." She motioned to the gift basket filled with several bottles of alcohol.
He hummed in delight, arching a brow. "Exquisite taste."
The group dived into the remarkable pastries and conversed with Layla. She was introduced to the brunette female firefighter, Gabriela Dawson. It was visible to her that Dawson and Casey are together other than the fact being mentioned. Otis attempted to get to know Layla until Mouch bombarded questions and asked in desperation for an autograph for his fiancé. One thing that Layla couldn't deny about Firehouse 51 is how much of a family they are. Something she's missed when visiting Kelly back then.
"Do I smell the delicious donuts from Donut Vault?" Incoming footsteps approached the entrance of the common room belonging to the dark curly haired female firefighter. Her smile stretched wide spotting the treats on the table then casting over to the group. Within that second, her face bemused a bewildering expression and lips parting.
Layla hummed in response, waving her hand mildly. "Um, yes. I dropped by to gift some goodies to your firehouse for the charity gala fire rescue. You must be one of the firefighters, I'm Layla Morales." She took strides to the firefighter, forcing out a smile and hand.
"Stella Kidd."
After spending some time with the firefighters of Truck 81, Layla checked the time for her departure. She promised her mother that she'll teach a couple of classes at the studio for the rest of the visit until returning to New York. While bidding goodbyes to the group, Stella opted to walk her out of the firehouse.
"Hey! You should swing by Molly's before you fly back to the Big Apple. One of the best dang bars in Chicago!" Herrmann shamelessly promoted his bar with the hopes of a celebrity appearance would gain attraction.
Layla couldn't help but laugh at his Lieutenant's disapproving look while Mouch and Otis capitalizing the invitation. "I'll make a mental note for my schedule. Lovely to meet you all." She waved off once more then joining Stella exiting the doors.
An awkward silence wavered between them with stolen glances on the journey out of the firehouse. The second they were out of the building, arms swung around Layla into a tight embrace. "God, I missed you so much Layla!" Stella had been waiting anxiously for this real reunion than the odd exchange inside.
"I've missed you too, Stella." She whispered, hugging back, and feeling relaxed to see another good friend.
Like Gabby, Layla and Stella have known each other for a longtime. They've met through Kelly when doing a training course at the Fire Academy. Stella and Kelly hit it off from the first day due to their competitive nature, and so, the foundation of their friendship. Kelly introduced them when Layla landed back in Chicago after working for months in New York. Both women became quick friends unlike Kelly and Grant who were estranged. The two remained in contact when she permanently moved to New York.
They continued walking down the driveway when Stella nudged her. "So...were you anticipating seeing someone back there?" She trailed off, peering at Layla who pressed her lips together and shook her head.
"Cutting to chase, aren't we?" She squinted at the firefighter, who surrendered her hands. She sighed out, "Um, I don't know. Thanks for playing along though."
"From the look in your eyes, I suspected your history with Kelly was to be forbid from mentioning. Plus, he asked if I mentioned you to anyone in the firehouse when I started working here." Stella entailed after her first shift at the firehouse to Molly's where Kelly spoke to her quietly.
There was no surprise that Kelly maintained to keep certain aspects of his life such as their past relationship under wraps. Layla couldn't blame him since these last several years she's done the same as her career blossomed into the public eye. She's handled to obtain a lot about her personal life. Let alone refusing to come back to her hometown until now.
"How's 51 treating you?"
"Extremely better than firehouse 27. I got really lucky." Stella truthfully told. "How long are you going to be in town?"
"A couple of days. My life is back in New York." Layla reminded to the firefighter's dismay by sending an eye roll.
Stella brought her arm around her shoulders, "Of course, my famous ballerina. We should definitely have a couple of drinks at Molly's to catch up especially the rare sight of you here." She earned a laugh from Layla who leaned into her body as they proceeded to her car.
Catherine's head perked at the incoming presence of her daughter in her office. She was shuffling through paperwork while Layla finished teaching one of the few classes into the day. It's been one of her wishes to have her daughter to do a workshop at the studio. With Layla appearing to show her face back home after all these years, Catherine didn't waste an opportunity to persuade in leading classes. To see her roaming around the studio made her feel nostalgic. She hopes that Layla will have a daughter in the studio wandering around in the future.
"Hello, hello." Layla walked along the walls of the office, surveying the art and photos pinned on the walls.
"Hey, how was class?"
Layla snapped her eyes back at her mother before taking a seat on the chair. "It went well. Your students were wonderful." She gushed.
Catherine smiled lightly, "I was hoping they'll be on their best behavior especially for one of the principal dancers in their presence." She teased with a wink as her daughter rolled her eyes playfully. "I'm so proud of you, Layla."
"Thanks, mom." She elicited a warm smile. "But I wouldn't be in this position without you."
"But you did the hard work."
Hours later, Layla dismissed another class she taught. And of course, there were dancers that lingered behind with a number of questions for her. She knew they were curious as young minds always are. It was like yesterday when she pondered if she could make a career out of this. Somehow, she strived through the blood, sweat, and tears in exchange of success.
Layla took the time to answer every question each dancer was eager to ask. Seeing a satisfying smile appear on their faces warmed her heart, being like them with a gleam of hope in their eyes. Eventually, the room started to feel larger as the dancers left one by one.
As soon as the last dancer left, Layla turned around to clean up and gather her belongings. However, her head lifted at the sound of a pair of footsteps from behind. Believing that it must be a dancer with another question, she spun around.
Instead, she was met with a figure farthest from a ballet dancer.
"Kelly."
For some reason, it felt more surreal than that visit. Probably seeing him on his feet rather than unconscious and unaware of her presence. Chills ran through the entire course of her body merely trapped to make any movement. Her heart ached like the tiniest crack had surfaced at the mere sight of him from his ocean blue eyes to the hesitant half grin forming on his face. She was struggling to grasp for straws to comprehend. To think she built enough strength over the years to prepare for this very moment.
"Hey, Layla."
Her name rolled off his tongue with ease even after all these years. It used to have Layla melt on her knees back in high school. He blinked once more before clearing his throat. "I heard you swung by the firehouse."
She tucked in her arms into her body, "Just to drop off gifts in exchange for saving me and my family's lives. How did you know I would be here?"
Conflicted, Kelly went ahead to take a few steps forward with his eyes fixated on Layla. "Stella."
"Of course." Layla mumbled, averting from his gaze briefly.
The room became quiet with tension clouding the former lovers. So much to say yet difficulty to bring it out in coherent words or more. They stood there in the spacious studio like two strangers.
Yet, they were.
"Layla, I—"
"Don't." She stopped him. Her demeanor exchanged into a hardening look, assuming the direction of this conversation. "Do not do this, Kelly. I've forgiven the past to move on, but I am not ready to reopen it with you."
Kelly saw the pain in her eyes, and to have the awareness of being the cause—he disregarded he words he wished to say after all these years. He nodded slowly, "Okay." He whispered out.
Layla inhaled sharply; her face softened in regret of her harsh tone. "It just feels a lot, right now."
"I understand." He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his Squad 3 jacket. "I'm glad to see you well after hearing from Casey."
"Me too. I was really lucky if he hadn't found me." She pursed her lips together. "51 seems to still be a great firehouse."
Kelly agreed with a short nod, "Well, it's a close knit house regardless of changes."
"Hey Herrmann! Look who I found wandering outside the bar!"
Stella burst into Molly's with her arm slung around Layla's shoulders. Layla scanned the room as it seemed Herrmann didn't lie how popular the place is. Her friend did talk highly about the bar on the way when she picked her up. The firefighters of Truck 81 that she met had cheered when the approached. Herrmann was ecstatic seeing the principal ballet dancer had made an appearance. No doubt he exaggerated to the firehouse about the woman.
He threw the dish cloth over his shoulder, "You've made it!" He exclaimed.
"Well, you were very convincing that I couldn't pass up this opportunity." Layla teased with a smug smile.
He grinned back, "First drink is on the house, now what would you like?"
Before she could respond, Stella raised a hand. "Does her plus one gets one as well? I did sprinkle a little persuasion when I walked her out." They watched the man scowl at her in defeat.
"Fine, half off for you." He negotiated. "Don't even know why since you work here."
After the duo ordered, Herrmann had gone to produce their drinks. Layla was greeted by the firefighters she met previously at the firehouse to being introduced to one of their paramedics Sylvie Brett, who couldn't obtain her excitement. And then a member of Squad 3, Joe Cruz remotely stunned by her presence and that his friends weren't joking. Mouch intervened to introduce Layla to his fiancé Trudy Platt. The fiercest Sergeant of District 21 was practically starstruck meeting her. She remarked that it is an honor to which baffled the members of Firehouse 51 observing on the sidelines.
Layla resided at a table with Stella, Sylvie, and Joe for the rest of the night. She learned how Molly's has become a bar for most first responders that they come across in the city. Both Sylvie and Joe had questions about Layla's life and career in which she left out some significant parts. She talked about the highs and lows of the industry, specifically the experience of being a woman of color there. And the opportunities to travel around the world that she cherished and the fond memories.
Before embarking the trio's memories at Firehouse 51, Layla offered to buy them a round of drinks. The trio protested but she insisted. What garnered their attention is that she can likely sweet talk Herrmann for a discount or something. The group immediately pushed her to the bar causing a laugh out of her lips.
Without a doubt, Herrmann began working on the order of drinks as he is willing shed the prices in Layla's favor. Little did he know that she would drop a heavy tip at the end of the night. She stood at the counter waiting for the drinks when Sylvie got caught in a conversation with Otis. Layla paid little no attention instead browsed the bar filled with several indistinct chattering. Suddenly, her eyes paused at one table when a set of eyes were already intact on her.
Those eyes belonged to none other than Kelly Severide. He was seated with Matt and Gabby who she greeted not too long ago. Their conversation at the dance studio was brief when Kelly decided to take his awkward cue to return to shift. It only left more uncertainty, but it won't matter when Layla goes back to New York.
"Let'em keep staring. It'll make him realize that he missed out on what he could've had."
Herrmann's voice startled Layla, she whipped her head utterly dumbfounded by the charming man.
Her lips parted and brows knitted in confusion, "How—"
"I might be considered old like Mouch but my mind is a bit sharper. No offense to him. I didn't lie that my wife is a fan of yours though." He winked, erupting a slight chuckle. "It's good to see you again after all these years, Layla."
-Yes, I finally managed to write and post a new chapter. And yes, we got the anticipating reunion of the old lovers! Hope you like it! Tell me what you think! Don't forget to comment and vote! Stay tuned!-
WRITTEN: 10/19/22
PUBLISHED: 10/19/22
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