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Today's the day, I, Sofia Cruz will surprise my older brother. Boy, will he be shocked to see me again after 5 years. God I miss his bear hugs. I decided to come back to Chicago because it's home and honestly I really missed it, My transfer got approved by former Battalion Chief Robert Sullivan and now nothing stands in my way anymore. Waking up bright and early, I put a black t-shirt and a pair of jeans on. I slipped my favorite sneakers on and made my way out of the apartment. 51 you aren't ready for another Cruz. I gotta say I'm a tiny bit nervous. What will Joe say?
The apartment I had rented wasn't far from the Firehouse so I could easily walk there. Thank God they weren't on a call so I needn't to wait. Some of them were outside doing some hose training, I spotted a blonde haired guy, who by the looks of it looked like the captain. I walked up to him, holding out my hand.
'Hi I'm the new recruit transfer from Station 19 from Seattle; Sofia, I'm looking for Joe Cruz. Is he around?'
'Welcome to 51 Sofia. I'm Captain Matt Casey. He frowned as I mentioned Joe but shook my hand nonetheless. Otis get Cruz please.' He said to a curly haired person.
Otis turned around and yelled for Joe to come out. I couldn't hold in a grin, Otis and my brother have to be friends. 2 minutes later there he was, the one and only, Joe Cruz. Holy hell those muscles!
'Hi big bro, missed me?' He ran forward and pulled me into a bone-crushing hug, knocking me down. I had really missed him.
'Wait did you say big brother? Joe I thought Leon was your only sibling?' Otis asked confused. The whole firehouse had shown up hearing the commotion. A blonde paramedic looked even more confused than Otis did. Great they never heard of me.
'Joseph Ignacio Cruz! You never mentioned me?!
He sighed and knew he screwed up. 'I never mentioned Sofia because I kinda messed up. She had her life in Seattle. When I left for the academy, Leon began hanging out the gang and you guys know the whole story. Our father became abusive, he drank way too much and after a while Sofia left Chicago. I thought she'd never come back.'
I looked at Joe, hurt but I could understand him. 'It's okay Joe-bear I understand and forgive you. After I left, I went to the academy in Seattle; I wanted to step into your footsteps. I trained under Pruitt Herrera, may he rest in peace. I became friends with his daughter Andrea called Andy. Then I began working for Station 19 but something felt wrong. I wasn't home. So I asked for a transfer. I was nervous to come back and to see this muscle man here again. But here I am, ready to kick ass. I'm telling you, you aren't ready for both of us.'
I was home again. Everyone introduced themselves, I immediately warmed up to their hospitality. I noticed the couples among this small group and smiled, just like in Seattle. Herrmann invited me to Molly's, said drinks were on the house even if I'm not drinking any alcohol. I moved in with my brother.
The months passed and Severide nicknamed me "Mini-Cruz" or "Shortstack". I'd been assigned to Truck 81, so there was a Cruz on each Truck they said. Truth is they wanted to keep us apart because we always cracked jokes or spoke in Spanish so only Gabby understood.
One day Truck 81 had been called to a building fire. Casey sent me in with Otis close behind. 'Hey Bri' I'll search the upper floor; you can do the lower ones.' As soon as I said that, I climbed the stairs, fighting through the flames. 'Fire Department call out!' soon after 'Help me please, I'm stuck' I took my thermic scanner out to see where the person was and got there swiftly. A young woman was stuck under a pile of wood. Problem was the top floor was threatening to come down and fall down on us. Well shit. I decided to radio Casey. 'Lieutenant we need Ambo 61, Engine 51 and Squad 3 asap. I'm trying to free a woman. If the fire gets too big don't hesitate to water the building, I'll be okay. Don't let Joe do something stupid. Shortstack out.'
Casey radioed Central who sent Ambo 61, Squad 3 and Engine 51 over. Joe was restless in the truck. Severide knew my brother wouldn't listen to his orders so Joe got to take command over Squad 3. Few minutes after, Otis came out holding a little boy in his arms. 'Has mini Cruz come out yet?' He got negatives replies and sighed.
Meanwhile, I was trying to lift the pile of debris and succeeded but then the floor came down, well crap. Life's a bitch. I shielded the young woman to avoid her getting hurt more. I lost consciousness 5 minutes after.
Chief Boden had arrived on site to supervise everything. Joe being the overprotective brother he is launched the rescue plan with Casey, Severide and Herrmann on his toes. I began to regain consciousness when I heard footsteps. 'Blueberry is that you?' I had nicknamed Casey this way and he always laughed about it. As soon as I saw them enter, I was so glad to call them family because they came back for me. I know Joe would always come for me. They all sighed, glad they found me alive.
Joe crouched down next to me, worry written on his face. 'Hermana, ¿estás bien?' (= Sister are you okay?) 'Don't worry so much hermano, I'm tough. I'll swing by Med, see Will, okay? First, get me out of here please.
Kelly and Herrmann took care of the woman while Casey lifted what was left of the floor of me so Joe could take me out. He didn't let me walk, so imagine the scene, me being carried in his arms. Otis couldn't keep his laugh in. 'Hey thank god Joe has those muscles, right?' Joe carried me over to Gabby and Sylvie, even insisting on riding with us. 'Joe you've got to stop worrying so much. I know it's a big brother thing since Antonio is always worrying double time. It's not because we're girls we can't defend ourselves. Heck we are goddamn firefighters. Ease up a bit.' My brother seemed to relax a bit after that. I'm glad Gabby told him that.
After a 5-minute ride, we arrived at Chicago Med. I casually hopped out of the Ambo, I was fine, no headache nothing but I wanted to reassure Joe who had been a nerve wreck not being used having his sister around let alone getting hurt. I entered the hospital and greeted Maggie whom I really like.
'Hey do you know where Will is? A floor kinda fell on me while I shielded a victim who came in a bit earlier. Mr. Muscles over here thinks I need to get checked out.' I grinned while looking at Joe.
Will came 10 minutes later and lead me to a treatment room, fortunately alone. Over the months I've been back, I got to know Jay and Will Halstead better. After all everyone meets at Molly's one way or another. After a quick exam, Will decided nothing was wrong with me. I thanked him. 'See Joe, I told you there's nothing wrong with me. But thanks for being the big brother I missed over the years. You gotta worry less though; it's not good for you.' I side hugged him as we exited Med and headed home.
Later this evening Joe wanted us to have a family talk therefore, he had called Leon earlier on. He said he wanted to talk about the time when he left for the academy, then when I left and everything spiraled down. Emotional conversations weren't my favorites but were things I had to say to Leon. When the later entered through the front door, I couldn't believe my eyes, he grew up so much.
'My god, kid have you grown! I didn't expect you to have such a growth spurt while I was gone.' I ran across the room to hug Leon nearly knocking us both to the floor. We had ordered pizza, which was already waiting to be eaten. After dinner, Joe began the famous Cruz talk. Yay I'm not looking forward to it.
'So let's have this talk. I know we have much to say to each other, I'll begin being the oldest. I never wanted to abandon you guys, I couldn't have guessed that dad would become abusive. I do know he never approved my dream of becoming a firefighter. Anyway, being a firefighter is who I am. I'm proud of both of you even if you got into gang trouble little brother, we figured it out.' Joe looked at both of and smiled.
I sighed, guess it's my turn now.
'I'm sorry I left after you went to the academy but I needed you the most. You had no idea back then how difficult it was for a girl to live in a shady neighborhood. You've always had this protectiveness and this is something I deeply love about you Joe. Little me needed it the most, you were my big brother and watching you leave broke my heart, I felt betrayed so when I was old enough I took my bearings and left town. I never intended to come back but after Pruitt died I realized, life's too short. Heck we're in the middle of worldwide pandemic and no one knows when or if it's gonna end one day. As soon as I could travel, I took a plane back to Chicago.' I turned to face Leon. 'I never meant to leave you little brother and for you to end up in this mess. I'm so glad this is all over.
Leon didn't have a thing to say, he forgave me for leaving. We hugged it out and watched TV.
It's been a year since I'm back in Chicago and befriended everyone from 51, Med and the 21st District. The Halstead brothers and I became close friends. My brother and I organize siblings' games on the weekends with Antonio, Gabby, Jay and Will. Recently Andy and Travis came to visit and told me Dean had died in action. I may not work for 19 anymore but they are still family to me and I liked Dean a lot. My thoughts were with 19 and mainly little Pru. Andy said Ben and Miranda took her in that reassured me, I knew Miranda always wanted a little girl since her miscarriage. I facetimed Vic a lot to help her grief but it wasn't easy, he had been her best friend and had had feelings for her. Joe has been my rock since I got this sad news; we spend a lot of time watching movies or hockey games together. We grew a lot stronger together as brother and sister.
After a wonderful girls night out weekend with Emily, Gabby, Brett, I had absolutely no motivation to get up and go to work. I love my job but my bed is so warm. I nearly fall asleep again when my door springs open and in comes Joe.
'Goooood morning mini-me, it's time to get up. C'mon 51 ain't nothing without the both of us, they need us and our goofiness. Even Otis comes to check on me, as I'm normally the first one up. I sigh and get up. Joe and Otis finally leave to let me shower and dress for shift. 15 minutes later, I join them in our kitchen, making myself coffee, taking the pancake Joe is handing me.
'Quick! We're gonna be late and Casey will be angry again.' Soon after, we left for the Firehouse. As soon as we arrived Gallo asked me if I could cook lunch. 'Really? You're trusting a Cruz to cook?' Mouch laughed
Before I could reply something, we got called into a structure fire. By the sound of it, I think we're in for a long shift. Great I enjoy long shifts. After a 15-minute ride, we arrived at a tower, which was burning. Holy hell this will be fun. Chief Boden was already instructing Squad 3 to rescue any person trapped. Upon arriving on scene, Casey told Gallo, Ritter, Otis and me to climb further into the tower. Before that, I quickly got to my brother, we did our special handshake before a call. 'Stay safe Sofia. I want you out safe.' I smiled and gave him a tap on the shoulder before rejoining my truck trio.
As we climbed to the 12th floor, the smoke was getting thicker. Gallo and Ritter helped two victims. My oxygen level is running low but I keep pushing forward, stubborn firefighter. I had managed to come out of a burning building with little oxygen left in Seattle years ago and my stubborn self didn't want me to give up. Soon after climbing to the 13th floor, I felt my body giving in. I even lost Otis who was behind me the whole time. Damn me for being so reckless.
'Captain, bro, Brian if anyone hears me my I'm going to run out of air soon. I'm on floor 13.'
Meanwhile Gallo and Ritter exited the building each with a victim, sighing. 'God that's one hell of a fire! Wait where's Sofia?!' Gallo exclaimed turning around not seeing the female firefighter. As soon as he heard Sofia's words, he hoped not to cross Joe's path. He exchanged a glance with Ritter and gulped seeing an angry Cruz marching up to them.
'HOW THE HELL COULD YOU LOSE HER AND EVEN OTIS?' He bellowed. Everyone looked at him. 'How the hell could you lose her? She was supposed to be behind you guys. I swear to god, if she's hurt…' He didn't finish his sentence when he heard the beep over the radio. 'Firefighter down! I repeat Firefighter down! It's Sofia, her oxygen ran out. Severide send someone up please, I need help to get her down.' Otis shouted trying to stay composed. After hearing this, Joe began pacing around. Capp told him not to worry but it was like he's talking to a wall. 'Cruz stop pacing, you're making me dizzy!' Mouch said after a while.
Kelly and Matt decided to go in and help Otis. They quickly reached floor number 13. They saw Sofia lying motionless and hurriedly carried her down. Gabby had a stretcher ready, Brett took her mask off. Joe climbed into the ambo and rode with them to Med.
Upon arriving, Sofia was immediately taken care of by Connor and roughly and hour later she was good to go. Joe was still mad at her for being reckless. As they exited the emergency room, she saw the whole Firehouse waiting for them, she had found her family.