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"Dr. Carina Deluca-Bishop and Captain Maya Deluca-Bishop, i understand you agreed to take Kathy in only for 6 months, the duration of the Fox foundation Programm?" The Judge asked the two women.
"Yes." Maya and Carina answered. "And she then entrusted you with the information of the abuse in her household?" "Yes. She was in a lot of pain and as you can see in the medical statement of Dr. Wilson, in need of iminent help, due to her injurys inflicted by her stepfather."Carina added. "Thats a total lie. Absolut bullshit. You can't believe her." "Silence." The Judge stopped Kathys Stepfather, Josh McConnor, from speaking. "Mr. McConnor, it will be your turn later on." "But you can not believe these people look at them, also i am a family court judge. I know very well whats right. We gave her up? Why are we even her?" "Mr. McConnor. You are sited today to this court of law under the alegation of Child abuse and rape, Mr McConnor, which you would have known, had you read the citation." "But its all a complete lie. This is bullshit. You can't keep me here." "We can and we will and if you do not sit down right now and stop talking i'll have my officers make you." Josh sat down.
The day had been extremely stressfull. Carina had woken up to Maya puking her guts out. She wanted to help her and be by her side, but they were already late, because Kathy hadn't slept all night and when she finally fell asleep in Maya and Carinas bed, an hour before the alarmclock, Carina let her sleep a little longer, only to fall asleep herself again and thats why they were now late. It also didn't help, that she was still really sore from the bike accident a week ago and had a hard time getting up the stairs and down, and with her being the only one remotly in charge of their own body, she made sure to get everything and have everyone ready.
The hearing had now already taken two hours and it was tourture.
"I would now like to speak to Katharina Fieldberg herself, please. If you could come up to the stand, that would be great." The judge asked. She was a black middleaged woman and she was fair, but Kathys body locked. She couldn't move. All the noises seemed to have amplifyied by a thousand and became dull at the same time. The air was thick and it got harder to breathe by the second. She couldn't move, she had to move, but she was frozen in place. The edges of her vision blackend, spots danced around in her field of vision, but she couldn't do anything.
Carina saw Kathy had clung to the chair like she was a pig about to be slaughtered. She understood Kathys fear, they were going to ask her about the worst things that had happend to her and Carina understood that that terrified her. She asked their lawyer to ask for a small break, which she did and then tended to her daughter. Maya also had started to help Kathy out of the panic. She rubbed over her back. "Kathy can you feel moms hand on your back? Focus on that." As no reaction came Carina asked." Squeeze my hand if you can hear me?" Kathy didn't react. "Carina she is completely out of it." "I know. Its okay. We can do this." Carina squezzed Kathys hands. "Can you hear me Kathy. Its me, Mamma. I'm here. Okay. Its just you and me and mommy. Okay. Come on Bambina, squezze my hands." Kathy heard her mothers voice, but no mater how hard she tryed she couldn't do anything. "Its okay. Its okay. We are here. Feel mommys hand on your back." Kathys eyes twitched. "Yes. Yes. Right look at me. Feel mommys hand. You feel it right?" Kathy stared directly at Carina. "Yes. Good good now squezze my hands." Kathy did. "Good good. Bambina. Oh so good. Breathe with me. In... Out... Slowly. Good.
After a lot of coaxing and rubbing of backs and squezzing of hands Kathy calmed down and managed to her in controll of her body again.
"Okay. Katharina?" "Can you call me Kathy, please?" Kathy said almost wispering. "Yes. Kathy." The Judge said. "I understand you live with Maya and Carina." "Yes." "And you like living with them?" "Yes." "And before that you lived with your mother and Mr. Josh McConnor." "Yes." "And your statment with your lawyer says you were abused by him." "Yes." "What kind of abuse does this entail." Kathy swallowed hard. "Your honor is this question necessary, you can read the statement." Their lawyer said. "I would like the hear it from Kathy a simple statment please." "Physical, verbal and emotional." Kathy said. "And sexual." She added in a mere wisper. "Okay. Thank you for your statement."
"I here for charge Josh McConnor with a live sentence for repediatly raping and abusing a minor under his care. I also just so you don't have to come in again, now declare Maya and Carina Deluca-Bishop as Katharina Fieldbergs parents. The adoption is there for finalized. Have a nice rest of your day."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting hues of orange and pink across the sky, Maya and Carina stood side by side, their hearts bursting with joy. They were surrounded by their closest friends and colleagues from Station 19, Amelia with Scout and Leyla with Raya, gathered in their backyard to celebrate a momentous occasion.
The air was filled with laughter and chatter as everyone mingled, savoring the warmth of the evening and the happiness that radiated from Maya and Carina. A long table adorned with a vibrant array of decorations stood in the center of the yard, topped with a cake adorned with colorful frosting and candles flickering in the gentle breeze.
"Can you believe it's finally happening?" Maya whispered to Carina, her eyes shining with emotion. "We have one kid and one on the way?" "Yes." "Its amazing isn't it?" "Absolutly." "Have you seen Leyla and Amelia. Are they just getting along great or is there something?" Maya smirked and Carina laughed. "Right? They are so touchy feely. Should we offer to take Scout and Raya for an evening so they can have time to themselves?" "Yeah. Lets play matchmakers."
As the evening progressed, the guests took turns sharing stories and memories. There were tales of laughter and tears, of challenges overcome and milestones achieved. Each word spoken was a testament to the love and dedication Maya and Carina had poured into their role as foster parents.
When it came time to cut the cake, Maya and Carina stood together at the table, their arms wrapped around each other. With a collective cheer from their friends, they plunged the knife into the soft layers, slicing through the sweet confection.
As the evening wore on, the pile of presents grew larger, each one a token of love and support from their friends at Station 19. There were drawing supplies, books, Lego sets and heartfelt cards expressing well wishes for the future.
But perhaps the greatest gift of all was the sense of community and belonging that surrounded Maya and Carina. In their friends, they had found a family—a network of support and encouragement that would be there for them through every twist and turn of their journey as parents.
As the night came to a close and the last of the guests bid their farewells, Maya and Carina cuddled close and were just so happy.
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"i'm so sorry, Bambina, but i have to get Kathy to school. Sorry. I will call you later, okay. I love you." "Its okay..." Maya emptied the contents of her stomach into the toilet. "Sorry. Bambina. Hang tight. Here is some water and some crackers and gatorade are on your nightstand." "Good thing i don't work today." Maya said defeated. "Yeah. I might be able to take of for an hour at lunch, i'll come and check on you." "Don't worry. I will be fine. Its just morning sickness." "Yeah. Ti amo, bambina. Bye." "Bye." Carina quickly pressed a kiss on Mayas sweaty forehead and then left.
"Is she still puking?" Kathy asked. "Yeah." "Oh. That sucks." "It does, but you don't worry about it. We wanted that baby and we knew what it ment." "Puking?" "Si" "And crying." "Si." Maya had started to cry at anything. The flower in the garden, the toast tasted good or her electric toothbrush was out of battery.
"Have a good day, Bella." Carina said as Kathy jumped out of the car. "You, too Mamma." She yelled and ran into Caras arms. Carina smiled.
The day was long, but also not extremely stressfull, Carina just wanted to be at home and take care of Maya.
At lunch she went to a small italian restaurant and ordered some minestrone, when her phone rang. "Dotorressa Carina Deluca-Bishop." "Hello, this is Mrs Fouler from Kathys school. Kathy has skinned her knee at school, and we need to ask you if can give her a band aid?" "Yes. But i filled out the form, i told you you get to give her a bandaid." "Yes. But we still need to ask you." "Si. Yes. You can give her one." "She also ruined her tights is there a chance you can come by and bring her new ones?" "Not really. Is she hurt bad? Do i need to pick her up." "No. Its not bad, just a skinned knee, but the tights and this is a uniform school." "I know. I'm working. I can't just come and bring new tights." "Wait a second she is telling me something." The secretary said something Carina couldn't understand. She rolled her eyes. The elderly woman on the other side of the bar smiled at her lovingly. "Scusa." Carina said. "Non importa. Posso aspretare." Then the secretary spoke again. "So she is saying she has tights in her locker." "Okay. Good. Than i don't need to bring her some?" "No. Good bye" "bye..." But the secretary had already hung up.
"Ehhm.Ho dimenticato quanto costava? (Sorry i forgott. How much was it?)" "Sulla casa. Minestrone? Il tuo partner è malato? (On the house. Minestrone. Is your partner ill?) " "Si. E no. lei è in cinta. (Yes, eh no. She is pregnant.)" "Oh una bambina. che carino." (Oh a baby how cute.) "Si. Ma lei è malata.(Yes, but she is sick.)" "Oh." Dio." "Scusa. è bello parlare italiano ogni tanto. (Sorry. It feels good to speak italian once in a while.)" "Ah sì. non mi importa. Puoi venire più spesso per parlare italiano. (You can come more often to speak italian)" The woman said and smiled. "Here. questo è il mio numero di telefono. (This is my telefon number) ah comunque mi chiamo Maria. (Ah by the way my name is Maria.)" "Carina." "Che bella. (How beautifull)" "Chiamami se hai bisogno di qualcosa o vuoi semplicemente parlare italiano. (Just call me if you need something or just want to speak italian) " "Si. Grazie." "Prego, cara." Then Carina left the shop.
At home she told Maya about Maria. "She seemed happy to talk to me, just as happy as i was to talk to her." "Thats nice, my Love." "Yeah. There was a picture on the desk of a man with a black ribbon. It looked quite new. Maybe her husbands died not that long ago." "Maybe. The soup is really good. Is it the same one you make sometimes when one of us is sick?" "Si. Minestrone. Comfort food." "It tastes really good, but i will wait to eat the rest. I don't trust my stomach. Yet." "Thats okay, Bambina. Come cuddle me. I missed you today at work." "I missed you, too."
But their cuddles were soon interupted by Carinas phone going. "You have to go?" "Si. Sorry." "Its okay. I feel better. Thank you for coming." "I will always come for a hug and a kiss." "Yeah." Carina nodded and kissed Mayas forehead. Tears rolled down Mayas cheaks. "Oh. Bambina." "Its okay, happens its the hormones." "Si. Bye. Love you." "Love you too. Go save some lives. "
Carina went to Marias shop more often in the next few days and the two women became good friends. Maria provided her with the needed nutrition after an 8 hour surgery eventhough it was ten past 2 am. Once Carina even invited her to come and cook together. They talked about Marias late husband Giorgio and Carinas mother Lucia. And came to the conclusion, that the both of them probably wanted them to meet, to be there for eachother. Even Kathy loved Maria and Maria loved Kathy. The three of them made tons of food and froze it for when the baby came and they wouldn't have time to cook fresh.
Since Kathy now stopped a few classes to go to Showchoir, she came home earlier on Wednesdays and since Carina and Maya were working most of the time, Kathy went to Marias shop and did her homework there. After just a few weeks the family had adopted Maria as a grandmother.
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"And here we have your uterus." Jo said and placed the ultrasound on Mayas belly. "Here is the baby." She pointed at the display and smiled. Maya wiped a tear. "It's real." She sobbed, laughing really, totally stunned. Carina held her hand and stroked her hair back." Yes, bambina. Our baby." "Our baby."
The both of them went to Mayas work after to tell the team. " 19 line up." A few "Yes Captain."s and chair scraping were heard when the team made their way down to the barn.
Maya stood infront of her team. Carina had hid behind one of the trucks.
"There will be some changes in this team, some of you will take on new responsibilitys some will take a step back." The team looked around in confusion. "Our team will get a new recruit arriving aproxymatly around December 14th." "Captain. It is June?" "Before said recruit comes, i will have to take a step back and Lieutenant Herrera will take over as interim Captain?" The team was super confused. Carina was still waiting, but from where she stood she could see the firefighters across from her, Vic and Travis looked, like Maya was speaking spanish and their faces were to die for. Carina had to bite down on her hand to stop herself from laughing.
"Lieutenant Herrera are you ready for this role?" "Yes, Captain. But can you explain..." "I have a new role for each of you on this paper, please dont open them before i handed it to each of you." Maya said. "This paper will entail a role you have already proven to be good at, but now have to train to be pros at until December." Maya couldn't help but smirk, but she manages to hide it by clearing her voice. Once she stepped back to her place, she motioned them to open the paper.
Inside was a copy of the ultrasound and in big bold letters. "You will be an aunt/uncle again. Probie Deluca-Bishop ready for duty around 14th of December."
Maya smiled and Carina came out from her hiding. Andy yelled out. "Oh my good. Seriously?" "What?" Came from Travis. "You are pregnant?" Vic yelled. "Yes. You heard right. I am pregnant. This picture is from our first ultrasound today. I am oficially 12 weeks now. So yeah. I'll give you 10 Minutes to be all sappy and then get back to work." They hurled around the two of them and huged them and smiled. As Maya started to cry, Vic frowned. "Did we say something wrong?" "No. You are so cute. And the hormons make me cry all the time." "Oh yeah. I noticed." Andy said. "Why didn't you say anything?" "You said it was allergys." "Andy come on. Allergys that is the most unbelievable lie." Travis said and they laughed.
A week later Maya was at work and waited for the Chief.
"Captain Bishop." Chief Ross said as she made her way in. "I was pleased to read your email." "Yes?" "Yes. I am happy for you. I understand you want to talk about maternaty leave and similar." "Yes. Well i have stopped going into active calls and i started letting my Lieutenant be in charge of the scenes so everything is prepeared for my leave. Lieutenant Herrera has proven herself time and time again. She will be a good interim Captain for 19." "That sounds good to me. I hope you know that the department is changing. I know in history being was usually the end for a firefighters career, but not so now. I want you in your position as soon as you come back from maternity leave." "I expected that." Maya said, but greatfull for the heads up. "And my maternity leave will be 15 weeks?" "Yes. 15 weeks is the standartdised Mat leave for all new parents. I wish you well, Captain Bishop. Congrats to your wife aswell." "Thank you, Chief." Maya said and held the door for her to leave.
When she sat down on her chair she felt like a truck hit her. She was exhausted and relieved that the Meeting had gone so well. But she had a massive amount of work and she had to get it done soon. So she quickly drank a glass of water and started her work. Only to get up to pee ten minutes later. That was also something she found extremely annoying. She had to pee so often it really drove her crazy.
When she sat back down on her desk, she sighed. She was exhausted, like she had just worked a 24 hour shift and not slept at all exhausted.
Someone knocked. It was Andy and Vic. "Hey. And how was the meeting with the.... Oh Maya, was it that bad?" Andy said as she saw Maya, rubbing her eyes. "What?" Maya said. "No. I'm just exhausted. Being pregnant is no joke and i am not even big yet. It was great she was great." "Yeah. She is a good chief." Andy said. "Yes, absolutely." Maya said resting her head in her hands. "You look like shit, Mai. You should rest." "No. I still need to go over all of the budget reports of last month." The claxon rang and Vic and Andy left. "Go home, Mai. Please. If you aren't home by the time we come back. I'll hurl your ass home with sirens." "Yeah. Okay. Go!" Maya said, but she knew Andy was right.
Maya had driven in with Carina this morning and going home by foot would take about an hour. An hour she usually didn't mind, but she was so tired going to the toilet and back was an effort. So she called Carina. "Hey Bella. Whats up? Can you make it fast? I am in a hurry." "Yeah no. I'm just not feeling too well. Its okay. I can walk home." "Oh, Bambina. I'm sorry, but i am needed here. I am already thinking of how i could be a two places at once. Jo is sick and the department is understaffed. Honestly i am so looking forward to owning my own practice." "Yeah. Okay. Go save lives." "Why don't you call Maria?" "Maria?" "Yeah. She has Kathy later today so maybe she can come pick you up and drive you home?" "No. I don't want to bother her." "You wouldn't be a bother. She wants to feel needed. She loves you and the bambino." "Okay. I will call her. Love you." "Bye. Bambina. Go rest." "I will. Bye." Carina hung up.
Maya sighed. She liked Maria alot, but asking her to drive over to the firestation and then to their familys home was something and Maya hated to ask things from people. But she now not only felt tired but also cold and slightly dizzy and she wanted nothing more than to go home. So she called Maria. "Buongiorno Maya, Cara." "Hey. Maria. Am i disturbing you at something." The older womans voice had sounded strained. "No. Bella. I'm fine." She sniffled. "What can i do for you? I am right, that Kathy comes to the shop today?" "Yes. But i need to ask a favor of you." "Sure. What is it?" Maya stopped. Asking was harder than she thought. "Could you maybe pick me up and drive me home? I am not feeling good and Carina is working and i don't have a car here." Maya mumbled way to quickly "I'm sorry, Bella. I didn't understand you. Can you say that again?" "Could you maybe pick me up from work. I am not feeling well." Maya said, her voice almost breaking. "Oh. Bella. Of course. I am right there." "Its okay. But thank you." "Of course, Bella. I am so happy you called." "You're welcome?" Maya said questioningly. "Okay. Let me just hang up and i'll be right there."
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Andy opened the door to Mayas office. "I kid you not, i am this close to forcing Juan to pull Sofia out of this school." "What?" Maya turned around. She had spent 10 minutes to get her pants to close. "I'm sorry. Its not working. Are there anymore uniform pants. I can not fit in these anymore." Maya had started wearing longsleeves instead of the button up because they were tight, but now the pants only didn't fit anymore. "I'm sorry i don't think we have any." Andy said. "but we can look if mine fit you." "No. I'll just wear my regular pants and then order some uniform ones. But thanks." "You are really starting to show now." Andy said looking at the mirror. "Yeah. This shirt makes the belly pop. But yeah. They are growing and growing. We will find out the sex at our next appointment. I'll be 15 weeks tomorrow." "Oh yeah. What are you hoping for?" Andy said as Maya put on her pants and they sat down at the sofa. "I don't know. I'm cool with anything, so is Carina but she told me, when she imagined her baby it was a little boy. Maybe because of her brother." "I could see you as a boy mom. I mean you are an amazing girlmom already, but i can see you standing at the side of his little league socker games and chearing him on." "Sounds good to me. But a girl could play soccer, too. You know Kathy plays outside a lot now. She climbs trees and stuff. She has bandaids everywhere from falling or slipping, but she just gets up and goes on. At school they have stopped calling us, whenever she needs a bandaid, because it happens so often. She has not really had a real childhood and now she gets to have that. She forexample loves playing soccor in the park with some kids from the neighbourhood." "Really?" "Yes. So even if she doesn't play in a team yet. I watch her sometimes so i might aswell be a soccer mom already." Andy chuckled. "Its awesome that she can live out her childhood now." "Yeah she likes to come sleep in bed with us, but sometimes she also asks if its weird, because she is fourteen, but Carina always says making up for lost time." "I like that." Andy said and Maya nodded. "Now tell me, what is it about Sophias school, that you are so pissed about." Andy took a deep breath. And then went on about how Sophia came home, in tears because she didn't understand the math assignment and the teachers instead of explaining had told her to "just do it." Insted of explaining it again and laughed at her infront of the entire class, when she got the answers wrong. Then the claxon rang and Andy left.
Maya sat down at her desk. It was really hot today. And she quickly discarded her longsleve for a t-shirt and folded her pants up. About an hour after Andy left, some phone began to ring. It wasn't Mayas so Maya went to look, whos it was. And there lay Andys phone on the sofa, where she had forgott it. Maya picked it up and when she saw it was Sophias school she answered the call. She would want Andy to answer if Kathys school ever called. "Hello. Captain Deluca-Bishop speaking from Andrea Herreras Phone." "Hello. This number is listed to call for Sophia Vernandez." "Yes. That is Andrea Herreras Phone. She is out on a call. I'm her collegue can i pass a message." "Yes. She needs to bring Sophia a cover up." "What?" "Sophia has been dresscoded and someone needs to bring her a cover up." "I'm sorry. Can you explain that again?" "Sophias shorts are to short, please bring her some longer pants and her sleeves are too short, if you could bring her a cardigan or something that would be great." "Okay. I will be right there." Maya said in a overly friendly voice." She knew they had some clothes here she could bring Sophia, but she also knew she would much rather treat Sophia to a day off. If she was right this six year old had just gone through so much humiliation.
Arriving at the school Maya stepped out of her car. Scaning the students, who were currently outside. She spottet two boys with tank tops and one boy with shorts. It was increadibly hot so the kids of course wore those clothes, but all girls she saw were wearing long dresses with sleeves or pants below the knees and shirts with sleeves to the ellbows. She sighed so she was right.
She stepped into the school and scanned every student she saw. Most of them the same as she had seen outside. She saw a few girls with cardigans but none of the boys. She knocked at the secretarys door and went in. There sat Sophia, tearstreaks obviously on her cheaks. Maya wanted to smother her with hugs. "Okay. So who called me?" "And who are you?" "Maya Bishop. I am Andrea Herreras Collegue. I was called because Sophia needed clothes, what is wrong with the ones she is wearing?" "They are violating the dresscode?" "Which is?" "Girls need to cover their shoulders collorbones and knees. Her shorts are to short and her shirt has her shoulders showing." The secretary said. "Okay. And what about the boys. I believe a saw about 15 with tank tops and all of the boys wore shorts above the knee." "Please, Mrs Bishop. This is a learing enviroment, how are the students suposed to learn and the teachers supposed to teach?" "What? If a six year old shows her knees?" "This is not the place to discuss this?" "So you are worried about the teachers when a six year old shows her knees and shoulders, but not about the six year old?" "Just give her something to cover up." "It is really hot, wearing something to cover up would put her at risk of a heatstroke." "She can not go back to class like this." The secretary said. "Oh believe me she is not going back to class. Nope. If your teachers are distracted by six year olds, they should not be around children at all. I am taking her home for the day. Her guardian has been informed and agrees." "Do what you will." The secretary said. "Come, Sophia. Would you like ice cream? My treat." "Sure. Thank you, Maya. For comming." "Lets get a treat and then we'll wait for Andy to come. She really needs to pull you out of that school." "Okay."
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"And what makes you so sure?" "I am really good at guessing babys gender." Carina smiled so brigt. "Okay and you think its a boy?" "100% not just because i think it as my professional opinion, but also because when i imagine the little bambino. I imagine a little boy. Maybe because Andrea was a boy. But gender is a construct and i am so happy with either." "I litteraly have no prefrence." Maya said. "If they are healthy its all good for me." Kathy look at her mothers. "Actually mom, you shouldn't say that, because that sounds like they couldn't have a good life if they have a disability or something." "Oh i didnt know that. Thank you for telling me." "You can say you are fine with anything aslong as they are happy." "Okay. I like that." Carina smiled at Maya. She was such a good mother.
"Okay, so are we finding out the gender today?" Jo asked. "Yes." Maya said. The were all beaming with excitment. "Okay." Jo moved the wand around until Carina yelled. "Ha i knew it." "Its a boy?" Maya asked. "Yes." Jo said. "I will have a baby brother." "Si. A frattelino." Carina kissed Mayas forgead and squezzed Kathys hand.
"The victim is coding." Travis' voice hollered through the radio. Maya wanted nothing more than to jump through the radio. But she couldn't do anything. She had to sit and listen to the radio, because now she was way to deep in it and switching the radio of after she had wittnessed two kids dying, four victims declaired DOA and multible in critical condition, even if it was just on the radio, was impossible.
When the rig drove back into the station and everyone rather fell of the rigs then jumped out, Mayas heart broke and she had to act. Andy just shook her head when Maya looked at her. The call had been more than deverstating. Travis had thrown up on site when it became clear they couldn't do anything.
Maya went to her office and quickly called Diane Lewis. She herself had only seen her the week before, but her team needed it. When Diane said she'd be there shortly she made her way up, calling everyone to the beanery.
"Okay, Listen i wasn't on the call with you, but i know it was a bad one and i need you to know, that its not your fault not anyones fault okay? Dr. Lewis is comming soon she'll be in my office, and this shift still has four hours to go so talk to her if you need to. We are very lucky to have a sub and a probie and that means whoever is talking to Dr. Lewis doesn't have to go out on a call, should there be one while you talk." Maya sighed. "Okay, Last year again more firefighters died by suicide than in active duty, please please talk to someone, if it isn't Dr. Lewis anyone else. Come to me if you want. I just don't want any of you to be part of this years numbers. Please. And if anyone doesn't want to be alone today. My wife and i want to start on the babyroom today. We are still pretty early, but you know i like to be prepared. Also i know you are all very interessted in my pregnancy and because we need some good news. We are having a baby boy." Maya said and that pulled everyone out of theire trances. "A boy." "You are a having a boy." "Yes. But gender is a construct and we picked a pretty yellow colour for his room. But yeah. If you don't want to be alone today just comeover. Painting, building furniture. We do need some help anyway, Carina and i are both not supposed to lift too heavy so, yeah just come over. " "that is very nice of you Maya." Andy said. "Can i hug you?" Maya nodded. "Congratiolations."
Maya had taken all her work up to the kitchen, to give anyone who wants to talk to Diane space. The rest of the shift was quite calm. A few aid-car calls here and there, but other than that nothing. Half an hour after shift ended Maya made her way down to Diane. She had been listening if someone was still going in, but after years in the fireservice her hearing wasn't the best and she had to go downstairs to see.
Diane smiled, when Maya opened the door. "Hello Maya, come in." "Hi. How is everyone doing?" "You know i can't tell you specifics, but i think its okay. I mean calls like this are heavy and it hurts, but it will get better with time. It was good that you called me though." "Thanks." "So how are you doing?" Diane looked at Maya, who had propped her hands in her back, her belly was growing and growing. "I wasn't at the call. And we have had a session last week." "Yes. But i am here and so i just wanted to ask, how are you doing?" "Oh okay. Well i am doing okay i think. I feel uncomfortable now that my uniform doesn't fit. Its weird and when ever i catch a glimps of myself in the mirror i get scared for like a second, because i am not in uniform. You were in the fireservice when you had your first son, how did you do it?" "Oh well, I was just a firefighter, no rank, so they sent me on matleave as soon as i told them." "Oh okay. I feel like i'm doing something wrong. Its weird." "Did you father ever criticize what you wore?" Maya frowned. Diane was doing her thing. "Yes. I would mostly wear the uniform of whatever trackteam i ran at the time. I was scared he would make me change, but the uniform he had to approve, and we had longsleeved shirts and leggins, which covered the bruises." "See. Your uniform gave you a sence of savety. Have you ever worked anywhere without a uniform?" "No." Diane nodded. "Maya. You like struckture and order and a uniform is exactly that. Structure and order, but you are okay. There are no maternity uniform clothes and that is okay." "Yeah. I know." "But your subconcious doesn't know." Maya nodded.
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At home Carina was already sorting through the last drawer in the spare room, that was going to become the babysroom. Maya used Carinas shoulder to lower herself to the floor next to her wife. "Today was really bad. I offered the team to come over, if they don't want to be alone. The can help us with the room." "That was nice of you, bambina." "Yeah you know last year again more firefighters died from suicide than on a call. I am just really scared that it will be one of my team one day." "I know, Bella. But you are doing your part to help them. Yeah?" "Yeah. I called Diane to come and i think that helped them." "See. That was proactive and productive. You are an amazing Captain." "Thank you." Maya sighed. "What is it?" "I can't seem to shake the feeling that i might have been one of them... if you know. You hadn't come into my life." "Oh, Bambina." "I know. And i am really better now. But i was not well." "I know. Bella. But i think you'd probably would have run yourself to the ground. When i met you you were all eyes forward." "Yeah. Lane drilled that in deeply." "But i don't want to think about that now, Bella. Look. We are married, we have a beautiful daughter and you are carriing our beautiful son." "You are right." "Yeah. Lets see the positive side in all of that."
Jack, Vic and Travis came over and they spent the rest of the day, taping up all of the places they didn't want paint on and painting the places they wanted paint on. In the afternoon Carina went to pick up Kathy and left the rest of them to continue their work. When they were done, Travis, Vic and Jack started on building the furniture and Carina went to prepare dinner. Everything was alot upstairs so Maya made her way downstairs. "Carina." "Maya?" Carina turned and saw Maya fidgeting with her hands, beaming with tension. "Hey. Whats up?" "I'm a little overwhelmed. They are so chaotic. I just.... It frustrates me that i can not build the furniture myself." "Oh Bella. I think you are overstimulated. Why don't you sit on the sofa and rest for a little bid. You can have your headphones on and listen to some music." Maya nodded. "Okay. Here you go." Carina got Mayas weighted blanket and draped it over her legs and then gave her her headphones. "Just relax, Bella."
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A week later it was Kathy schools concert. One of their former students had built a Hospital in Tansania and is a doctor there and thats why the school decided to make a Benefiz concert for the hospital.
The auditorium buzzed with excitement as families and friends gathered to support the students. Maya and Carina sat near the front, their hands clasped together in anticipation. Maya, with a noticeable bump, rested a gentle hand on her growing belly, feeling the rhythmic kicks of bambino.
As the school orchestra took the stage, filling the air with the rich melodies of classical music, Maya and Carina exchanged proud smiles. They were grateful for moments like these—moments of normalcy and joy amidst the chaos of their busy lives as firefighters, doctors and parents.
When it was time for the show choir to perform, Maya's heart swelled with anticipation. Their daughter, Kathy, stood tall among her peers, her eyes shining with excitement. She had been rehearsing tirelessly for the last few weeks, as she had just joined the choir.
As the music began, Kathy's voice soared, filling the auditorium with its pure, sweet sound. Maya felt a lump form in her throat as she watched her daughter perform with such confidence and grace. Carina squeezed her hand, offering silent words of encouragement.
"Here feel." Maya took Carinas hand and rested it on her belly. "He likes hearing his sister sing."
Kathy moved effortlessly across the stage, her movements synchronized with those of her fellow choir members. The harmonies were seamless, the choreography executed with precision. Maya and Carina couldn't help but beam with pride as they watched their daughter shine in the spotlight.
As the final notes of the song faded away, the audience erupted into applause, the sound echoing throughout the auditorium. Maya and Carina rose to their feet, joining in the ovation with tears of pride shimmering in their eyes.
Throughout the evening, they were treated to a variety of performances, each one showcasing the incredible talent of the student. From the smooth jazz tunes of the school's jazz band to the soulful melodies of the teachers' choir, the concert was a testament to the power of music to bring people together. And Carina and Maya were so glad, Kathy could go to this amazing school.
But for Maya and Carina, the highlight of the evening was undoubtedly watching their daughter take center stage and shine. As Kathy joined her fellow choir members for a final bow, Maya felt a surge of emotion wash over her. In that moment, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would always have each other—and the music that bound them together.
As the concert drew to a close and the audience began to disperse, Maya and Carina made their way backstage to congratulate Kathy on a job well done. They enveloped her in a tight embrace, their hearts overflowing with love and pride. Together, they stood in the warmth of their family's embrace, grateful for the moments of joy that filled their lives.
In the evening Maya and Carina cuddled in their bed. "I'm so proud of Kathy. She did so well." "Yeah. I am really proud of the teen she has become." "Maybe we could do something the three of us once a month. You knew, so she doesn't feel left out?" "Yes. Absolutly." Carina caressed Mayas cheek. "You know i thought about your names ideas again." "Yes?" "We can do Andrea." "Yeah?" "Yes. It means a lot to you and i love that." "Okay. Andrea and do you want Mason as a second name?" "No. I mean i love him and stuff but he had the opportunity to stay and i would have helped him, but he didn't and yeah you know. But .... You know i think i told it to Diane, but not to you." "What?" "The last person i felt save with before you. Was my grandmother and she moved from Germany to Amercia and she had an Accent. I really loved her." "Do you want to do like a male version of her name?" "I don't know. Her name was Elisa. Maby we could do Elias." "Andrea Elias. I like it." "And we can call him Drew or something because here Andrea is this a female coded name." "I like Drew but i will call him Andrea." "I know you will." Maya smiled and grinned.
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Maya stirred in bed, her body feeling heavy and sluggish. She groaned softly as she shifted, trying to find a comfortable position, but every movement seemed to exacerbate the dull ache in her lower back. She had had backpain for quite some time, but not as bad as now, but she was also now nearing 23 weeks. Rolling onto her side, she winced as a wave of nausea washed over her, leaving her feeling queasy and unsettled.
She remembered the last day.—the group of preschoolers who had visited the firehouse, their laughter and energy filling the station with infectious joy. Maya had been thrilled to see the children's excitement as they explored the fire trucks and tried on firefighter gear. But now, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had caught something from one of the kids.
As Maya lay in bed, feeling utterly miserable, she heard a soft knock on the door followed by the gentle creak of the hinges. Maria opened the door quietly. "Hey. I heard some sounds that didn't sound so well. Are you okay? Carina asked me to bring her a specific Medical book, and as i was alread bringing some leftovers, thats no problem for me, but you don't looks so well." Maria said, crossing the room to sit on the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling, bella?"
Maya managed a weak smile. "Not great, Maria. My back is killing me, and I am nauseous. I haven't been since week 12, but maybe its just a regular bug."
Maria's expression softened with concern as she reached out to gently brush a strand of hair away from Maya's forehead. "Let me take care of you, tesoro. Carina may be at work, but you're not alone."
With Maria's help, Maya made her way to the bathroom. Then Maya eased herself into a sitting position, Maria proping up pillows in her back. The italian bustled about the room, fetching a cool washcloth for Maya's forehead and brewing a soothing cup of ginger tea to settle her stomach.
As Maya sipped the tea, she felt a sense of warmth spread through her body, easing the tension in her muscles and soothing her nerves. While Maya rested Maria went to bring Carina the book and came straight back home.
"I'm sorry you're feeling unwell, Maya," Maria said, her voice gentle and reassuring. After helping the blonde downstairs to the couch. "But remember, your body is working hard to grow a beautiful little life inside of you. It's okay to take things slow and listen to what your body needs."
Maya nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for Maria. In moments like these, she realized just how fortunate she was to have such a strong support system surrounding her—a family forged not by blood, but by love. She did miss her mom, but she couldn't imagine Kathrine here tuttering around her. But Maria made her day a lot better and she was beyond greatfull for that.
As the afternoon sun filtered through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room, Maya felt herself drifting off to sleep. When she woke up, Maria had brought her a bowl of Minestrone, "its very light on the stomach. Try a little bid." Maria smiled and handed Maya the bowl. "Hey Maria?" "Hm, tesoro?" "Carina and i were wondering if you wanted to be our babys Nonna. Like officially for him to call you Nonna." "Really?" "Yes. Only if you want it. i know you don't have kids so maybe you don't want that. Sorry if we assumed." Mayas brain was zooming away, but Maria stopped her. "I would love to be a Nonna for the bambino." "Yes?" "My husband and i didn't have kids because i couldn't have any and science wasn't as good back in the day." "Carina can't have any either." "Well its a good thing she has you and i am glad i have you, too." "I am glad to have you, too." "Okay. Tesoro now try some soup. When do i need to pick up the bambina?" "School ends at 2 but i can do it." "No. You are busy resting, Remeber you are growing my nipote." "Grandson?" "Si." Maria said and smiled.
In the evening Carina finally got to go home. Maria had told her Maya was feeling unwell so she had longed to be with her wife since then, but her job was chaotic and so she hadn't been able to go home earlier.
However, as she stepped through the front door, her excitement faded into concern at the sight before her. Maya sat on the couch, her face pale and drawn, her hand clutching her stomach. Carina's worry deepened as she noticed the sheen of sweat on Maya's brow and the strained look in her eyes.
"Hey Bambina, still not feeling better?" Carina rushed to her side, kneeling down to take Maya's hand in her own.
Maya winced, a wave of nausea washing over her. "I don't know, Carina. I've been feeling terrible all day—nauseous, with this awful back pain. But Maria is such a sweetheart she has been helping me all day. She took Kathy to get grocerys and go to the liberary." "Maria is awesome." "My back hurts really bad. And i have been sick twice since Maria left and now my head hurts."
Carina's brow furrowed with concern as she gently rubbed Maya's back, offering words of comfort. "I'm so sorry, Bella. Maybe it's just a bug you picked up. Let's get you to bed, get you some meds and something to drink. Hopefully you can keep it down."
With Carina's help, Maya slowly made her way to their bedroom. Carina tucked her into bed, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead, noting the slight temperature. "You're warm. Do you want a cold rag. Might help the headache?" Maya nodded. Carina got her the rag and a bucket to be sick in just in case.
As Maya drifted off to sleep, Carina couldn't shake the nagging worry that lingered in the back of her mind. She vowed to keep a close eye on Maya. She was a doctor so she would for sure notice if Mayas condition worsend. For now, all she could do was hugs and kissed and hope that it will be better in a few days.
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Carina had a relaxed evening with Kathy and went to bed early to be with her wife. As Maya lay in bed, her thoughts swirled with a mix of excitement and apprehension about birth of their bambino. She shifted uncomfortably, she was already feeling bad, but because she had slept almost the entire day, she wasn't that tired and now her thoughts ran loose. "Carina," Maya whispered, breaking the silence that hung heavy in the dimly lit room. Carina, who had been dozing beside her, stirred awake, concern etched on her features. "What's wrong, bambina?" Carina asked, her voice filled with sleepiness and concern. "I can't stop thinking about the birth," Maya admitted, her voice trembling slightly. "What if something goes wrong?I know it hurts a lot. What if i can't do it? What if i do something wrong and the bambino gets hurt?" Carina reached out to gently caress Maya's cheek, her touch gentle and reassuring. "Maya, you are the strongest person I know. You've faced challenges head-on your entire life, and this will be no different. We'll face it together, every step of the way." Maya nodded, feeling a sense of comfort wash over her at Carina's words. "I know, but what if i am failing? What if I mess everything up?" Carina's expression softened with understanding as she pulled Maya into her arms, holding her close. "Maya, you are going to be an incredible mother. I've seen the love and care you pour into everything you do, for Kathy and our bambino will be so lucky to have you as their mother." Tears pricked at the corners of Maya's eyes as she buried her face in Carina's shoulder, feeling a mixture of fear and gratitude wash over her. In Carina's arms, she found solace and strength, a reminder that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together as a team. As they lay entwined in each other's embrace, Maya felt a glimmer of hope begin to flicker within her heart. With Carina by her side, she knew that together, they could overcome any obstacle, no matter how daunting it may seem.
Maya felt better the next day and went back to work a few days after. Carina however started to become more anxious, whenever Maya wasn't around her. She would text her at every free minute when she was on shift and use her breaks to pop in at home or at the station, to check over Maya. "Hey Honey?" "Hey." Carina come back into the station, after she had just left. "Did you forget something?" Maya asked. Carina looked down. "Sorry. I just... ahh. I feel crazy." Maya took Carinas hands and guided her to the sofa. "Here feel." Carina put her hands on Mayas belly. "He is really active today." "Yeah." "Yes. Honey. He is okay. And i feel great." "Sorry. I'm just. Ah.." "Whats going on?" "I see all those complications every day. It makes me scared." Maya warpped and arm around her wife. "Did you talk to your therapist about it?" Carina nodded. "I have an appointment again tomorrow. It just... I don't know. I'm sorry." "No. Honey. Don't be. Its okay." "Thank you." "Do you want me to text you ever hour?" Carina shook her head. "I'd get freaked out if you forgott." "Okay. How can i help you?" "Promise, to text me whenever you feel off?" "Okay." "I just i want to make sure i don't miss anything." "You wouldn't. You are the worlds best OB, but Carina, you aren't my OB. Okay? She is really good, and i know that because you trained her and i go to see her and so far everything is fine. My levels are good and i am healthy. I eat healthy, thanks to you and i have minimal emotional stress, because you are there for me." "I wasn't last time you felt bad." Carinas voice was a mere wisper. "No, but Maria was and it was just a small bug. Okay. I was fine. I slept it of and now i feel great again." "Yeah. I just feel bad that i didn't notice." Maya squezzed Carina closer. "It's okay to feel that way, but i wasn't alone and i knew you were only a phonecall away. Okay. " Carina nodded. Maya smiled at her and kissed her. Carina wiped her watery eyes. "We will be okay. We made it half way through." "Right. You'll be 24 weeks tomorrow." Maya nodded. "16 more to go." "Probably more, because its your first." "Okay. Well thats fine." Maya said looking not totally conviced and Carina laughed. "Thank you for doing this for me." "I'm doing it for us. Okay?" Carina nodded.
In the evening Maya felt great. She was having fun, playing Mario Cart with her daughter. She was okay.
Maya woke up sweating perfusely. She was shaking and something wasn't right. She wanted to sit up but her vision swam. "Carina." She gasped. But her voice was hoarse. She shook her wife. Carina turned and looked at her. The pure horror in Mayas face was enough to ring all the alarmbells in Carinas mind. "Bambina, whats going on?" "I don't know. I feel really bad." "I can see that." "Can you help me to the bathroom, i feel so sick." "Do you think you caught something again?" Carina said, while helping Maya into a sitting position. Maya wince as painfull cramps rolled though her. "I don't know. It hurst." She was completely out of breath. Carinas mind was racing as to what this could be. "What are your symptoms, Bambina?" Maya swayed as Carina helped her up. Her feet felt so weak that she didn't know if they would carry her. "hm." She said, not entirely grasping, what Carina had said due to the ringing in her ears. "What are your symptoms? Sweating, Fever, Pain, where does it hurt?" "Cramps. It hurts bad." Carina nodded. She helped Maya into a standing position. "Oh. I peed." Maya said as she felt something warm run down her leg. "Its okay. Bella. Lets get you to the bathroom." She more or less carried Maya to the bathroom. While she knew she shouldn't, she didn't know what to do else. Maya groaned and the two of them almost fell, when Maya doubled over in pain. "I'm here, Bambina. I'm here." Carina switched the bathroomlight on and gasped. What was running down Mayas leg, wasn't pee. It was blood.
An: The story is going to take a dark turn, i don't want to spoil anything to you, but if you are afraid it might trigger you i will put the triggerwarning for the next couple of chapters in the comments. Please be mindfull of your own mental health.
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An: As i already said. It will turn dark now. So if you are afraid, it might trigger you. Please check out the triggerwarnings in the coments in Chapter 8. Please take care of your mental health.
"Maya. Come on Bambina Stay with me." Carina had managed to get Maya onto the bathroom floor and leaned her onto the wall next to it. She quickly went to get her phone. Maya needed to go to the hospital. She grabbed the blood pressure cuff and the thermometer out of the cabinet and came back to the bathroom. "Bambina. Talk to me." "It hurts, Carina. My stomach." "Okay. Can i feel?" Maya nodded. Carina quickly took of Mayas pants and panties. "I need to see how much you are bleeding, my love." Carina was carefull, but even when she just pressed lightly Maya groaned in pain. Carina put the cuff on her arm and diled 911.
"Hello. My name is Carina Deluca. My wife is pregnant. 24 weeks she is bleeding vaginaly and her temp is 103.4. Her BP is 80 to 54. She is tachycardic and in a lot of pain." She gave the operator her adress and told them to hurry. While she was calling Maya was slipping in and out of conciousness. She was so tired and it was hard to focus on Carinas voice. Carina layed her down and put her legs up. "Stay with me, Bambina. The aid car will be here soon. Please. Please." Carina put her hands on Mayas belly to feel for the bambino. He wasn't moving. "Please be sleeping." Carina wispered.
The ride to the hospital was a blur. Maya was in and out of consiousness and Carina got more and more worried about all the blood Maya was loosing. Carina had called Vic, because she was the one who lived closest. Vic had told her she couldn't come, but she would find someone for Kathy and not to worry. When they were almost at the hospital, Mayas arms started twitching. "Muscles spasms. Sweating, Fever. She only has one kidney. Shes in kidney failure." Carinas heart was racing. The paramedic hung another bag of fluids and told his collegue to drive faster.
"What do we have?" Teddy asked. "Carina?" "Yes. Its Maya. Page OB. I think it might be a placental abruption and kidney failure. Maya only has one kindey left." "Okay. Carina. I got her. Teddy said putting a hand on the Italians shoulder. "Page OB, Nephrologhy and get me an OR and a Sonogram stat." "Please Teddy. Save them. He wasn't moving. Teddy. Please i can't loose Baby Andrea after i lost my brother." Teddys heart broke when she heard the name. She nodded and motioned for a nurse to take care of Carina. "Dr. Deluca. Come with me. Lets wash those hands." Nurse Julie said and guided Carina away form the trauma room.
Ben heard Vics phone call. "Hey. Ben. Can you by chance go over to the Deluca-Bishops house? I'm in Portland." "Okay. What happend? Its the middle of the night." "I don't know a lot, but Carina said, Maya was bleeding a lot and she took her to the hospital. Kathy is home alone and she is going to be scared shitless if she wakes up and nobody is there." "Right. I'm gonna ask Miranda, because i still have the flu and i don't want Kathy to get it." "Shit sorry. I forgott you were sick. I already called Travis and Andy, but they both aren't answering their phones. "Its okay." Ben said and nugged his sleeping wife next to him. "Miranda?" "Hm?" "Mayas at the hospital and Kathy is home alone. Vic is in Portland and i am still sick, do you think you could?" "Yes. Let me just get dressed." "Miranda is going. Bye Vic." Ben said into his phone. "Thank you. Oh my god. I'll be back in the morning. Its a four hour drive if i start now. I'll be home by 8 or 9." "Don't speed. Please we can't have another one of us in the hospital." "Yeah. I was going to start driving at 8, but i don't think i could sleep." "See you in the morning." Ben said and hung up. "Okay. I am not working today, but it is summer break, so i'm gonna bring her into the hospital tomorrow." "They can't seem to catch a break, can they?" Bailey shook her head. "I'm gonna text you in the morning." She said and kissed her husband on the forhead. "Sleep well." "Thanks for doing this." "No problem. Thats what family does." Ben nodded.
Carina could sit still. She was pacing up and down the waiting room. There were two other people waiting, but both of them seemed to be sleeping. Carina was tired, too, but she could't imagine, how she would even come close to sleeping right now. Jo, Teddy and two interns were working on Maya at the moment. It had been two hours. One intern had come and had told her that Maya was infact in Kindey failure and she had been put on Dialysis. But it was probably form the bloodloss and that it might bounce back. Carina had also been right with the palcental abruption and that there was a lot of bleeing, which they were currently trying to fix. Nothing about the bambino, nothing about wheater Maya would make it.
Carina had sat down after the intern had talked to her. She saw Vic had texted her, that she was driving back up and that Miranda was with Kathy. Carina quickly texted Miranda a thank you and a update on Mayas condition and also texted Kathy were they were and what had happend. Sudenly she couldn't breath. What if Maya didn't wake up? What if Andrea didn't make it. 24 weeks was way too early. Would they be able to keep him inside? Had Maya lost to much blood? Were they looking at brain damage or similar? What if her kidney didn't bouce back. Maya had no blood family, so getting a donor kidney was highly unlikely. Her breathing got more and more erratic and irregular. She was seeing stars. Thats when she felt two strong hands on hers. "Carina? Carina?" Carina couldn't grasp who was talking to her. "Come on. Breathe. Hey. Breathe. Here." She felt something cold in her hands. "I'm going to put this in your neck, okay?" Carina didn't react. Then the cold spread down her back and she shivered. But her breathing calmed down. She noticed Dr. Webber infront of her. "Good. Good. Take deep breaths." His thumb rubed over the back of her hand. "Its okay. I heard about your wife." "How?" Carina and Dr. Webber weren't exactly close. The just worked in the same hospital. "My surgery go pushed back." "Oh. Okay." "Its okay. I was going to get something to drink, when i saw you." Carina looked her her hands ashamed. "Sorry. It just got to much." "I get it. My wife lives with cancer." "Oh. I didn't know." "Yeah. But she is so strong. She fights it every day. Just like Maya will." Carina smiled. "Thank you." "You're welcome. Lets get a drink. Okay?" Carina nodded. She was exhaused. The panik attack had swallowed every bid of energy she had left, but Dr. Webber helped her up and put a hand on her lower back to support her. "Thank you." Carina said again. "You're welcome."
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Maya didn't remember much. She remembered waking up. The pain, Being cold. Carinas voice, but all of it was more like a videoclip on a very old camera. The picture is grainy and the voices distorded and muffled. Maya noticed the pain in her stomach. She was sore in her entire body, but her lower abdomen felt extremly tender. She remembers the pain rippling through her, the overwhelming urge to just let go and let herself fall. The fear. Being terifyed beyond believe. Her baby, something was wrong with her baby. Her eyes felt to heavy to open up and so Maya tried to feel her son in her belly. Feel him move. But nothing. Maybe he was sleeping. Please Please let him be sleeping. She noticed the rythmic beeping of machiens. ICU. She had been in the ICU three times before, well 4. But the first was the PICU. When she was two and a half and she had her first reaction to sesame. She doesn't really remember it, but she knows, her mother was heavily pregnant with Mason at the time. When she was 15 her father had made her run through excurciating pain, what ended up being a burst appendix. Maya doesn't remember, how she ended up at the hospital and what had happend. The third time was when she had her kidney taken out during the academy. That was probably the most scary, because Maya can remember it so well. For a short amount of time the doctors, weren't sure if her remaining kidney was going to make it and she had to be put on dialysis. She had pushed Andy away, because she couldn't bare her taking care of her. She was lazy and stupid and she didn't earn Andys love, but Andy stayed. And then again after the plane incident. What a ride. Maya listend more closely and she could hear the swishing of the dialysis. A sound that haunted her bad dreams and something she would always remember. Was it her kidney, that had flunked? Was her pregnancy to much for the organ? Was she now on dialysis again? Permanently? The worry was to much for her beat up body. She fell into unconciousness again.
Carina had waited with Dr. Webber until the older doctor had to get to work again. He had however convinced her to call someone and so now Maria was waiting with the italian. Around 8 thirty Vic had texted her that she was back home. She was going to shower and then get to the Deluca-Bishops house to see if Miranda and Kathy needed something. Just when Carina texted a quick thank you, Dr. Feiler, the NICU doctor came into the waiting area. "Dr. Deluca?" Carina nodded. "We had to deliver your son." Carina swallowed hard. The stats for babys born at 24 weeks rattered in her brain. 7 out of 10 babys do not suvive until their first birthday, if the mother has not been given steroids. "Can i see him?" "Yes. But i want to be honest with you. His chances are slim and he is deteriorating fast. He is on a ventilator now, but his body is very week." "Okay." "If you and your wife want to get him baptized before." Carina chocked out a sob and sank onto the chair. Maria rubbed her back. "I'm very sorry, Dr Deluca." Carina swallowed hard. "Do you know anything on my wife?" "No. When we left she was stable, but bleeding a lot. I don't know anymore." Carina nodded. "Take me to see my son." She got up and Maria followed them. "Do you want to get him baptized? I can call my priest. He'll be here in no time." "No. But thank you. We always wanted our kids to decide for themselves if they want to get baptized once their old enough." Sobs shook Carinas body as she realized Andrea might never be old enough. "Okay. Here we go." Carina sat down on a chair next to the incubator. "We want him to stay in the incubator for at least an hour, if his condition worsens, you can hold him, okay. And cuddle him to sleep." Carina nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. "But you can wash your hands and reach in, okay? Talk to him." "What about skin to skin, isn't that supposed to help?" Maria asked. "Yes, but right now he is so fragile, we need to keep him monitored." Carina nodded and sat back down, hands freshly scrubed. She reached in and strocked is soft hand. It was so tiny. His hand was the size of the tip of her finger. "Ciao Amore mio. Ho bisogno che tu sia davvero forte e combatti. Io e la mommy ti amiamo così tanto. Ti prego, piccolo, combatti per vivere." Then she began to sing, her voice was chocked of and Maria helped her. Their voices just above a wisper.
"Dr. Deluca?" Carina almost jumped out of her body, when she was tapped on the shoulder. "Hey. Your wife is out of surgery, they are taking her to the ICU now. She pushed through." "Shes okay?" "She had some problems with the bloodloss, but she is stable for now. Her kindey gave up though, but Nephrology is positive that that was due to the bloodloss and she will recover fully." "Thank you. Oh my good." Carina fell into Jos arms and hugged her collegue tightly. "Can i go see her." Jo nodded. "I can take you." "Ah." Carina sighed. "I don't want to leave him. But i need to see her." "I'll stay." Maria said. Smiling at her. "Some Nonna, Nipote time." "Granzie, Maria." "Go see your bambina." Maria said and Carina followed Jo out the NICU.
Seeing Maya in the hospital bed was so scary. There was a drain going out from her abdomen and she was conected to a dialysis machine. Carina washed her hands again and sat down next to her wife. "Hey. Bambina. I'm here. You did so well. I saw our bambino, he is so cute. You are going to love him. He is a fighter just like you. Okay. You will both be okay." Carina was crying again. "Please, Bambina. Wake up for me." "Its going to take a few more hours, because of the bloodloss." Jo said. No. Maya had to get up. She had to see her son. Andrea might not have the time to wait a few hours. "Ti amo, bambina. Take your time. Just come back to me."
Srattan on Chapter 1 Mon 25 Aug 2025 09:47AM UTC
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