Next day. morning. At Gabby and Matt's.
I walked into the living room and sat down on the couch.
Then i wrapped myself into the fluffy blanket.
Gabby walked into the living room "hey, sad cake, you okay?"
I shook my head "no, i am not "
Casey walked in "Gabby, let her be"
Gabby looked at him confused and then looked at me "what happened?"
I sat up, shaking my head "i just stopped crying. and i will start again once i talk about it "
Gabby looked at me confused "did anything happen? did Kelly hurt you?"
I grimaced "you could so say so"
Casey sighed and sat down on the couch table "Listen, Florence, it never my intention to make you feel that way. I wanted you to hear it from him but when i realized that he was not gonna say the truth....i just had to. "
I put a hand on his hand, nodding "i know, Matty, that's what i love you"
He nodded.
Gabby asked confused "what is going on?"
Me "Kelly screwed Stella"
Gabby's jaw dropped "you're kidding me"
I looked at her.
Gabby froze "you're not kidding"
I shook my head.
Gabby "what the hell?"
I shrugged and drove a hand through my face.
Gabby "what are you gonna do?"
I shook my head "i don't know. i don't even know if i can look at him without crying. "
Gabby "you gonna talk to him about it? you have to"
I shook my head "i don't have to do anything. What i need is to hear what happened form him and that without me asking for it first"
Casey " you know he won't do it"
I nodded "I still have hope"
Casey "that hope is gonna break you even more"
Me "that's not possible, Matty"
Casey sighed "wanna take half the shift off ?"
I nodded "yeah."
Casey nodded "okay, i'll let Kelly know"
I nodded "could you two do me a favor and not tell anyone about it? i wanna know how long the two are gonna hide it from me. How long they can keep it up lying in my face"
Gabby nodded "anything for you"
I nodded "okay, thank you"
At the Firehouse. In the kitchen.
I was sitting at the kitchen counter, watching Casey preparing the meat.
Hermann "Captain Casey's got that look in his eye."
Otis "Casey's cooking. What's the occasion?"
Casey "Well, Little Florence over there is not feeling well lately so i thought i'd try and bring a smile to her face"
I asked kinda amused "with food poisoning?"
Casey shot me a look.
Connie walked over to me "Florence, envelope for you."
I grabbed the envelope and she walked away.
Then i opened it and read it annoyed "this day just keeps getting better and better "
Casey asked worried "what's wrong?"
Me " I just got transferred to the Office of Public Relations."
In the bunk room.
Me "i am a smoke eater and not a desk jockey . What do I know about public relations? nothing. "
Kelly "Yeah, I can attest to that."
I shook my head annoyed " Not in the mood."
Casey "Mouch, what can we do from a union pointofview?"
Mouch "Unfortunately, there's not much the union can do. Flo will have to fill
out a grievance form, then wait for a committee review, and hope they rule in her favor, but... that could take months or years."
Kelly "Well, you're a Captain now. Don't you have a say in personnel decisions?"
Casey "I mean, you would think so. Can I put in a special request?"
Mouch "Above my pay grade."
Chief walked to us "Not above mine. Look, I was caught flatfooted here too.I put in a call to the Office of Public Relations and not only is the transfer happening...
It's happening next shift. So I put in a call to Chief Huffhines who oversees the department. He hasn't gotten back to me yet, but I want to talk it over with him.
And I want to assure him that I think the services of Florence Michaels are best served with Halligan in her hand."
I nodded "Thank you, Wally."
Chief "In the meantime, let's not let this be a distraction, but when that bell goes off... all business all day."
Kelly nodded "Of course, Chief."
Casey nodded "Absolutely, Chief."
Kelly went to talk to me but i just walked away.
Night.
I walked into the group room and sat down next to Mouch.
Mouch "Can't sleep?"
I nodded.
Mouch "Don't be angry for what I'm about to say, but... this transfer could very well be a blessing in disguise."
I looked at him confused.
Mouch "Well... Working in PR means you're the public face of the CFD. So you could... speak up for issues that are important to you. You know, women's issues, city employee issues, things the general public never knew about us.
"
Me "I never thought about that."
Mouch "Just looking at it from a... different angle. "
Me "I'm a firefighter, Mouch. Every time i am out there, and i see someone crying for help, all i think about it saving that person. You could put 1,000 pounds on my back, you could turned the fire up a million degrees and I still would made that save."
Mouch "What made you want to pick up a Halligan? I mean, i know you did it for your father but why?"
Me "you knew my father, Mouch, you know how he was. When i was little i used to run through this Firehouse. I learned to walk while supporting myself on the Squad 3- i know it wasn't the safest way to learn it but nothing happened to me. I've always felt save here. And every time that bell rang, every time i saw father getting ready to go out there and safe lives.......the emotions of happiness and success that were reflected in his face when he came back from a call....that was something i wanted to feel. Something i wanted to have. "
Mouch looked at me, smiling "your father was proud of you, Florence, and he would be proud now too"
I smiled and leaned my head against his shoulder.
Night. At Molly's.
I was drinking a beer after a beer at the bar.
I was feeling a bit dizzy, which is not good. Because me being drunk and pissed off turns me into a mean bitch and no...
Mouch walked up behind me and asked Hermann "Is she not working tonight?"
Me "i am not getting paid, which means i work whenever i wanna work"
Mouch eyed me before asking Hermann "How many has she had?"
Hermann " three."
Otis "You talking about the three that I poured her, or the three that you poured her?"
Cruz "or the three Gabby poured her?"
I nodded, giggling "and not forget the three that snake over there poured me"
Otis looked at Stella who looked at me confused.
Stella "you're dunk"
Me "i am being honest"
I saw Kidd making a cut off sign to someone.
Suddenly Kelly appeared next to me "Hey, that's enough. Come on, that's it."
I shook my head "i am not leaving with you"
Kelly look at me confused before grabbing my hand "Florence-"
I stepped back "get the hell away from me, Severide. "
Kelly shook his head, confused "what is wrong with you?"
I shook my head "i am not leaving you"
Kelly "let's get you home, Flo, you've had enough"
I nodded, hurt "Yes, i've had enough. And i thought you knew i had enough but you just don't care. "
Jay walked up behind me "you okay, Florence?"
I smiled at him "Jay! oh my god, i am so happy to see you"
Kelly scoffed "Florence"
I shook my head "i am not going home with you"
Kelly looked at me for a second before reached out for me "come on-"
I leaned back "don't touch me"
Jay "Let me bring her home, Severide"
Kelly looked at me before looking at him.
I chuckled amused "for what are you asking him? hm? it's not like he cares"
Kelly looked at me annoyed "you're drunk"
I looked at Jay "bring me home. But you're gonna have to carry me since i am pretty sure i'm gonna hit the ground the second i make a step"
Kelly nodded annoyed "take her home"
Jay grabbed me and walked out with me.
He put me in his car and got in himself.
In front of my place.
Jay pulled over "We're here"
I looked at the house and shook my head "i don't wanna go in there"
Jay looked at me confused "why?"
I looked at him in tears "Because Severide slept Stella"
Jay's eyes widened.
I shook my head, sobbing "and he's still not telling me it actually happened. And she's living here and i lying to my face"
Jay nodded "okay, you'll sleep at my place "
I nodded "thank you"
Next day. morning
i groaned annoyed and rolled around.
I was in a bed but the mattress didn't feel like my bed.
O oh.
i opened my eyes and closed them again "Jay?"
Jay walked in "yes"
I looked at him "don't you dare laughing"
Jay chuckled "sorry, but you're just so priceless"
I rolled my eyes and Jay sat down on the bed.
Me "did we?"
Jay shook his head "no, i slept on the couch"
I nodded "okay. What the was that last night?"
Jay "you mean you decided to leave the bar with your ex boyfriend instead of your boyfriend? i have no idea"
I groaned annoyed "Can you shoot me?"
Jay "why?"
Me "so i don't have to explain to the people what the hell that was last night"
Jay "sorry, can't do that"
I asked hopeful "could you at least shoot me in the foot? so i get a free days off of work?"
Jay shook his head "can't do that either"
I groaned annoyed.
Jay "do you remember what you said to me last night?"
I nodded "yes"
Jay "was it the truth or were you just drunk?"
Me "you can't imagine how much i wished that what i said last night was just drunk talking..but it wasn't"
Jay "i am sorry, Flo"
I shook my head " don't be "
At the CFD.
I walked into my department.
A guy walked to me "Are you Florence Michaels?"
I nodded "yes, that's me"
He nodded "Topher. Let me show you where you'll be hanging your hat. Main thing to know is they monitor Internet use. I found that out the hard way."
We walked into an office.
Topher "Let's see, we have morningmeetings Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to touch base on talking points, key messages, that type of thing. "
He walked to a desk "This is you."
I nodded "Okay."
Topher "And I should warn you, today's there's a..."
Huffhines walked to me "Florence?"
I nodded "yes"
Huffhines "good to see you again. Come with me."
We walked down the corridor.
Huffhines "Yeah, you're here to talk about how good the CFD is with minorities, women, that sort of thing."
I nodded "Yeah, about that... "
Huffhines "Now, don't lay it on too thick,but sell it, you know what I mean? I like that your hair is down"
Me "i always have it down. "
He nodded "Down is good"
I nodded "okay"
We walked into a conference room. Interviewers were already waiting for me.
Huffhines "Gentlemen, ladies... Thanks for allowing us the opportunity to set the record straight with regards to personnel here at the CFD. This is Florence Michaels, a distinguished firefighter with many years of service under her belt.
She is eager to talk to you today about the achievements we've made with regards to minorities and gender under Fire Commissioner Jankowski."
They were already taking pictures.
Next day. Morning. At the Firehouse.
I walked u the driveway and cheered "i am back, bitches!!"
Hermann walked over to me and hugged me "welcome back, Flora"
I hugged him back "it's good to be back"
everyone but Kelly hugged me.
Guess he was still pissed.
Kidd went to hug me but i let her. I didn't hug her back though.
I whispered "you better get your shit out of my place or i torch it"
She froze.
I smiled and hugged Cruz.
Me "You guys were jostling each other for my locker already. Admit it."
Otis "Cruz was. I said that was tacky."
Cruz "It has the best hinges."
I nodded "yeah, which is why it is mine, Cruz"
Capp and Tony double hugged me and i laughed.
Hermann put an arm around my shoulders "hey, Florence about the other night-"
I sighed , nodding "i know. And i apologize to you guys for having to witness my relationship issues. I am sorry"
Cruz "nah, nothing to apologize for"
Otis nodded "he's right, we've seen you in worse states so, it's okay"
Hermann "yeah, but you apologize to your Lieutenant"
I shook my head "oh, i will not apologize to him, like not at all. I will talk to him but i will not apologize"
Cruz nodded confused "okay"
Me "so that Hope chick faked Mullins signature to transfer me out of the house?"
They nodded.
Me "all that just to hook up with Severide? wow. nice try."
They nodded.
In the meeting room.
Chief walked in "Okay, before I begin... Just want to say a big welcome back to Florence from her short stint of smiling at the camera."
Everyone cheered.
Chief "It's good to have you firefighting again. It's where you belong."
I smiled "Thank you, Chief."
Chief "Okay, today's assignments."
Brett " Chief."
Chief "Yes, Sylvie?"
Brett "I'd like to say a word if that's okay."
Chief nodded "Of course."
Brett stood up and turned to us "I just want to say that for my part in bringing my friend, my former friend... to Firehouse 51... I am truly sorry. This place is special to me, and I would never knowingly or willingly do anything
to jeopardize what it is that we have here. I love all of you, and I feel terrible about what happened. "
In the garage.
I was sitting on the truck bumper when Kelly walked to me.
Kelly "hey, didn't Otis tell you that I wanted to talk to you?"
I nodded "he did"
Kelly asked confused "then why didn't you come to me?"
Me "Because I got held up"
Kelly asked confused "what's going on?"
I shook my head "well, I am perfect, what about you? any news you wanna tell me?"
Kelly asked confused "why are you like this?"
Me "like what?"
Kelly shot me a look.
I asked irritated "well,, what the hell do you want from me, Severide?"
Kelly "I want you to tell me what's bothering you"
Me "you are bothering me"
He looked at me confused "i am bothering you? what the hell was that last night at Molly's? "
Me "you said you wanted to work on this relationship."
Kelly nodded "I do"
I nodded "But do you really think screwing Kidd is gonna fix our relationship?"
Kelly froze before sighing.
I scoffed, hurt " Are you fucking kidding me, Severide?"
He didn't say anything.
Me "you know, I didn't have to tell you anything at all. I could've continued my life without losing a word about the pregnancy but I didn't. I told you the truth because I love you. But I was told you're screwing her. I was told from someone that wasn't you!"
He sighed "Florence-"
Me "when did it happen?"
Kelly "Matt told you, didn't he?"
Me "when did you sleep with each other?"
Kelly "The night of Casey's ceremony"
I nodded "so that's why you weren't answering my calls"
He nodded.
Me "where you going to tell me?"
Kelly "it was an accident"
I shook my head "that is not an answer, Kelly."
He nodded "I know"
Me "if you decide to cheat then at least do it with someone your partner doesn't even know exists! But not with their former best buddy!"
Kelly asked pissed off "you speak from experience, right?"
I nodded "yeah. I have experience with those kind of accidents, Severide. And I am everything but proud of them. "
Kelly "I made a mistake. I slipped. But can you seriously blame me? What would you've done if you were me?"
I tensed my jaw and nodded "first of all, I wouldn't have cheated. Second of all, even If, I would've been honest with you about it. I also would've made sure that if you were to find out the truth that I was the one who told you and not a third person "
Kelly "I was going to tell you"
I shook my head "no, you weren't. Because not even 4 minutes ago you had asked me why I was pissed off without even considering that it could have had something to do with you"
Kelly "I am sorry"
Me "only because you got caught"
He raised an eyebrow "you wanna lecture me about honesty? You? are you serious? you don't have any room to lecture me about honesty, Flo"
I scoffed, shaking my head "I know that I fucked up, Kelly, I do. But I did not cheat on you"
Kelly "no, you were worse. You had an abortion and never lost a word about it"
My jaw dropped "wow. Wow, wow, Kelly. you really wanna compare the decision I made for my life – for my body – for my future with your decision on fucking cheating on me with Stella? Something I did because I wasn't ready to become a single mother – because I was too young compared to your decision to sleep with Kidd just because you were what- bored? Very mature, Severide"
Kelly shook his head "that is not what I meant"
Me "but that is what you said. You think me making a decision that concerns my life more than yours and not telling you about it is just as bad as cheating on someone you love. You said everything was fine between us"
He nodded "'And I told you the truth, Florence."
Me "you lied. Because you don't screw someone else when you wanna work on a relationship with the person you claim you love. And don't tell me screwing Stella is a way to show me how hard you work on our relationship"
Kelly "it was one mistake, Flo, I slipped, I am sorry"
I said hurt "I slipped too ! and I was sorry too ! and look how that turned out for me"
He scoffed shaking his head.
Me "is it because of me ? are you not in love with me anymore?"
Kelly "that's bullshit, Flo, you know that I love you"
Me "then what else is it? What did I do ?"
Kelly shook his head "Florence, you didn't do anything-"
Me "you tell me now, "it's not you, it's me" I'll lose it"
Kelly sighed, nodding.
Me "do you still love me?"
Kelly nodded "yes"
Me "are you still in love with me?"
He nodded "of course"
Me "do you still want to be with me?"
Kelly hesitated and I nodded hurt, knowing my answer.
He sighed "I don't know"
I nodded, voice breaking "okay"
Kelly "Flora-"
I shook my head "no, I get it. It's my fault. I fucked up and now I have to live with the consequences. I understand that"
He shook his head "that's not true-"
I nodded "you wanna sleep around? Go ahead. You wanna be with Kidd? Be with her. You're free to do whatever you want. I don't care anymore"
Then I walked away.