My name is Lola Tristian Reyes however I go by Tristian as I find Lola old-fashioned. Plus Tristian sounds better in combination with my last name. Right now I am about to do something that I have put off for too long. I am returning to my family. Well, my Brother. A part of me wants to reconnect with my parents but I feel like they still see me as some kind of a freak. The only thing that might set me apart is the fact that I am bisexual. The thing that drove me away was the fact that my parents believed that it was one or the other, not both. I find myself having second thoughts as I walk up to the door of my brother's house. I know he supports me but I am worried that Mum and Dad are going to find me. I can't face them yet. I take a deep breath as I rap my fist on the door. To my surprise, it is not my brother that answers.

"Hey, can I help you?" The man asks. He has a distinct New York accent. I wonder what brought him to Texas. It is not my business so I am not going to ask.

"Yes. I am looking for Carlos Reyes. Is he here?" I responded. Before I can do anything I hear a familiar voice.

"Tristian is that you?" My brother seems shocked. I can't tell if it is genuine or fake. Either way, he is happy to see me which is a good thing as I am going to need his help.

"Yes, I'm back, Hermano," I say as I push past who I assume is my brother's boyfriend.

"Anyway I should probably introduce you two," Carlos remarks as I set my backpack down.

"Tristian this is my boyfriend TK. TK this is my sister Tristian." Carlos makes the required introduction as I flop on the couch. Travelling here has worn me down.

"Please forgive me but I need to rest. I had the last shift from hell then I had to catch a plane here," I explained the situation. Both TK and Carlos give me an understanding nod.

"So are you in Texas for long?" TK asks as Carlos heads to the kitchen.

"Hopefully it is permanent but I have some things to work through before I decide," I am vague as it takes time for me to open up about my little problem. Still, TK sounds like a nice guy.

"Hermano, do you mind if I crash on the couch till I can find my own place? I'm sorry if this is sudden," I called out. I feel like I am encroaching on something that I shouldn't be but I felt like I should ask Carlos before I asked anyone else. He was the one that I confided in first as he knew what it was like for me.

"So long as TK is ok with it my Hermanita can stay as long as she needs," Carlos remarks as he shoots a glance towards TK who responds with an understanding nod.

"She can have the guest room," TK responds. Well, that is the first step. Now for the next step. Work. That will have to wait for a couple of days as I am just waiting for Captain Vega to give me the go-ahead to start. We had talked about a couple of days before I left as she saw my credentials from the Toronto Paramedic Services but she wasn't sure when I would be arriving in Austin.

It has been a couple of days since then and I am finally starting work. To my surprise, TK is a part of the paramedic team that I will be joining. As per usual I suspect that Carlos told him to keep an eye on me. I can tell by the way TK offered to give me a lift even though I was happy getting an Uber. The silence is almost deafening. It sounds weird but I feel like I shouldn't be here. I shrug the thought as there is nothing I can do aside from getting a house and a car. The new car will be my first priority. Luckily for me, it doesn't take long for us to make it to the firehouse.

"Hey TK when I'm done do you mind introducing me to Captain Owen Strand and Captain Tommy Vega?" I ask. I don't have to check in with Captain Strand however I feel like it would be a good idea since he was the guy who rebuilt the 126.

"Sure," TK responds as we part ways. After a couple of minutes, I finally have my uniform on. I find myself glancing at the Austin EMS badge on my uniform. It seems a little out of place considering the fact that I have been a part of the Toronto Paramedic Services for nine years. Anyway, I am here to do my job. With that out of the way, I rejoined TK. After a few minutes of looking, we find both Captain Strand and Captain Vega.

"You must be Tristian. I'm Owen Strand. Feel free to call me Owen, Cap or Captain," He introduces himself. I'm guessing that he is only called Captain Strand when he is in trouble or by the higher-ups.

"And I am your actual Captain. Tommy Vega," The woman next to him announces. After a quick conversation, Owen and Tommy show me to the rec area where the others are. I noticed a surprised look on one of the crew's faces. I am not surprised as I assumed they would be expecting a guy. Not that it matters. The name I go by is traditionally a male name.

"Hey you must be the new girl. My name is Marjan," A woman in a hijab introduces herself as she approaches.

"Tristian," I reply. Before anyone else has the chance to introduce themselves the signal bell goes. With that, we head to our respective vehicles. After what feels like an eternity we have made it to the scene. They are throwing me in the deep end. We are tending to a warehouse fire. Most of the internal space is in flames. It is tense as we hit the ground running. With the go-ahead from Tommy, I get to work on triaging the victims. The reason why Tommy and TK aren't treating anyone yet is due to the fact that we need backup. Luckily for us, backup is quick to arrive. With that, we all get to work. After what feels like an eternity everything is finally under control and we are back at the firehouse. I am about to get to work on making sure we have everything restocked but there is something or rather someone stopping me.

"I'm sorry if I am interrupting but we were rudely interrupted before we had the chance to introduce ourselves," A thick Texas accent pulls me out of my thoughts. The owner of the accent has two people trailing him.

"My name is Judd. This is Mateo and the man next to Mateo is Paul," The Texan introduces himself and the guy standing beside him.

"Tristian," I respond as I offer my hand for a shake. Mateo is the first to take me up on my offer. His handshake is weak. He must be nervous. I guess I do come across as aloof. On the other hand, Judd's handshake is firm but gentle. Paul's is somewhere in the middle. Well, I feel like I could fit in here. I just hope that it holds given my past. I guess I'll just have to open up and find out.