i can handle it
6:00 am, May 1st.
Shay and Gabby’s alarm went off signaling it was time to get up. Immediately when Shay sat up, her head spun so violently she nearly fell right on to the ground.
“Ugh.” She groaned. “Shay?” Gabby asked hearing the groan.
“I’m fine I swear.”
“Are you sure? You’re a little pale babe.”
“Yeah a couple ibuprofen and I’ll be good as new.”
Gabby didn’t believe a word Shay was saying but she figured it was best not to argue. “Alright.” She leaned down and kissed Shays forehead ignoring the slight warmth that radiated from it.
She went and took a quick shower and then debated on texting the chief. However she decided against it, as she didn’t want to upset Shay.
Meanwhile, Shay was in the shower trying to muster up the strength to stand up without coughing up a lung. Eventually she figured it out, and tried to pass as fine.
“Shay please, you’re clearly sick.”
“I can handle it Gabby. I’m not sick, I’m only slightly ill. As in the sniffles. Let’s go before we’re late.” She snapped. It hurt to swallow and she was freezing. She didn’t mean to snap at Gabby but she wanted to prove that she was okay.
“Okay.” Gabby responded before getting her keys and heading out the door. Usually they’d take one car but Gabby figured it was best to give Shay space. Everyone noticed the tension between the two when they got to work but didn’t comment. They also saw Shay looking like death.
“Shay you alright?” Mouch asked. Right as Shay was going to respond, the alarm went off saving her. Unfortunately, the partners had to share an ambo which meant Shay needed to apologize.
“I’m sorry for snapping at you.”
“I’m sorry too.”
“For what?” Shay asked confused. “For making you feel incapable. You know your body. I was just worried.”
“I know.” She held her hand out to Gabby who gladly took it. “Be honest. On a scale of 1-10, how are you feeling. No judgment.”
“3. I took some ibuprofen, I’ll be okay.”
Needless to say that didn’t happen. She managed to get through the call but as soon as they got out of the ER after dropping the patient off, Shay collapsed.
“Shay!” Gabby screamed as she shook Shay to get her to wake up. “Help! Someone help!”
Hearing her anguished cries, a doctor came out and rushed to them. “What happened?”
“She just collapsed!”
“Okay Ma’am, She’s in good hands, do you have a next of kin for her?”
“Me. Im her girlfriend. Her name is Leslie Shay, She’s 32 years old, blood type O negative. She woke up sick this morning, told me she was feeling like a three about an hour ago.”
“Okay. Please go to the waiting room and we’ll have someone give you an update as soon as possible.” Gabby nodded knowing the drill and went to the chairs. She figured she should tell Kelly and Boden at least. So she pulled out her phone and dialed the firehouse.
“Hello?” Bodens deep voice answered. “Hey…It’s Dawson.” She said trying not to cry. “Dawson, what’s up? Everyone else is back what happened?”
“Shay collapsed. She hasn’t been feeling well all day. Just…I know she would want Kelly to know, so can you tell him? The doctors here I have to go.”
“Family of Leslie Shay?”
“That’s me. I’m her girlfriend. Is she okay?”
“She’s going to be just fine. She’s got a bad spout of pneumonia. We already started her on antibiotics and the coughing should go down soon. If you’d like to see her, she’s in room 809.”
Gabby sighed in relief and headed towards the elevator to Shays room. Even if she was mad at her for downplaying her illness earlier, she couldn’t find it in her heart to be upset now. She just wanted to kiss her and hold her.
“Gabby...” Shay whispered.
“Hi...” She replied softly while making her way to the bed. “How are you feeling baby?”
“Tired, but better. You?”
“Worried. But I’ll live. Heard they got you on drugs now.”
“Gabby, I’m sorry for telling you I was fine. I honestly thought it was just a cold.”
“You collapsed! I didn’t know what was wrong!”
“Gabby..”
“‘No I’m not finished! You treated it like it didn’t matter, and I know I shouldn’t be mad but I love you!”
“You love me?”
“Yeah I love you!” Gabby admitted. Finally, she stopped yelling and breathed. “I’m really glad you’re okay.” Her lip began to tremble and she tried to blink away the tears.
“Gab..come here sweetie.” Shay encouraged holding her arms out. “I don’t want to hurt you.” Gabby countered.
“You won’t. I’m not injured. Come here please?” She practically begged. Finally Gabby relented and came over to the bed and laid in Shays lap with her head on her legs.
“I love you too Gabby Dawson. More than you know.” Shay replied combing her fingers through Gabbys hair.
“You really scared me girl. Don’t do it again. I need you, you’re my partner. Both in the ambo and in life. I cant imagine living without you, so next time you’re sick, stay home please?”
“Deal. As long as you stay home with me and entertain me.”
“Oh yeah? And how will I do that?”
“I’m sure you’ll think of something.” Shay grinned.