From Intern to Family | 9-1-1 Fanfic

Chapter 33

"Mum?" The whisper left my lips a second time, as if I had to convince myself she was really there.

By her side was my father who had a young boy sat on his hip. I couldn't help but stare at the trio, then switching to look at the team for help. They all looked angry, but Buck and Eddie were slightly different. Were they worried? Why would they be worried?

"Cooper!" My mother gasped, making a beeline for my seat.

I stumbled out of my chair, desperately trying to avoid her touch. Athena was quicker to react as she stood in front of me in a protective stance. If I wasn't so anxious I'd be shocked at her actions.

My mother seemed confused at our actions and backed up a step. "Is that anyway to greet your mother?" She asked with a hurt expression. A pang of guilt struck my heart, but Athena shut it down quickly.

"Don't even try it." She stated with a firm tone. The woman opposite gasped in outrage, looking to her husband for support.

My father, ever the pleaser, stepped forward. "Why don't we speak downstairs, Cooper? For some privacy." He urged. I heard chairs screech from behind me, but I settled my gaze on to the man.

"We can speak downstairs, but any of these guys are welcome to join us." I offered, knowing that I wanted at least one person to be there for me.

My parents seemed to accept that offer, sending a snobby look to the team before trekking downstairs again. I sucked in a heavy breath and gently rubbed the spot above my heart in an attempt to relieve the pressure.

"You don't have to do anything, Coop." Eddie promised, moving to stand beside me.

I gave him a small, thankful smile and nodded. "I know. But I have to know why they're here." I mumbled. The firefighter nodded, his hand coming up to gently rub my shoulder.

Out of habit, I turned to the others and apologised for interrupting the dinner. None of them seemed to mind, insisting that they were more concerned for me. I felt touched at the outpour of care.

With a nervous shake of my wrists, I slowly made my way down to the firetrucks where my parents were waiting. My eyes drifted behind me momentarily to see who had followed.

To my shock and relief, the whole team and Athena had followed. I noticed Chris had hung out at the top of the stairs, making me send a reassuring smile his way. If he wanted to be kept in the loop, then I truly didn't mind.

My parents didn't seemed enthused at the group of people following me. Luckily, they chose not to comment outwardly on it.

"How have you been Cooper? You've grown up so much." My mother gushed, a giddy smile on her face.

My jaw clenched instinctively and I looked down at the floor, "That's what happens when you leave for five years." I muttered bitterly.

She made a noise, as if brushing off the comment and continued on. "We came back for you, isn't that what matters? Besides, we thought it was only right that Ryan should meet his big brother." I choked on air.

My eyes darted to the boy that my father placed on the floor. He smiled brightly and waved over at me, making a flush of heat rage through my body.

"How old is he?" I couldn't help but ask.

"Four."

A few exclamations and scoffs echoed from behind me and I felt my eyes water. I blinked away the traitorous tears, shaking my head.

"Why would you leave me, only to have another son a year later?" I snapped, feeling betrayal sting me.

My father stepped forward, seeming unfazed by my hurt. "Look, we weren't in a position to take care of you. We were struggling financially and you weren't making it easy on us-"