Carina went up to her office, setting down her bag and starting to get everything in order. It was 11:15, meaning Maya should be there soon. Carina debated if she wanted to put her scrubs on before or after her meeting. She decided to do it before, not knowing how long this meeting was going to take.
She didn't have any patients to see until 12:30 which was good because she wasn't confident in her ability to go to this meeting and be composed enough to have a patient by noon.
She changed into her scrubs before she started pacing around her office, feeling completely wound up and anxious.
She looked at her clock, seeing it was 11:25 and Maya still wasn't there yet. She hoped her wife hadn't forgotten about their plan, not sure if she would be able to tell her boss on her own.
As the clock turned to 11:30, she desperately tried to calm her breathing and get herself ready to do this meeting on her own. However, just as she was about to go to Bailey's office, the door to her office flew open.
"Sorry I'm late," Maya said, running into Carina's office at 11:31, "I really tried to be on time. I'm sorry."
"It's ok," Carina said quietly, feeling some of the stress leave her body when she saw her wife "I'm glad you're here."
"Of course," Maya said, "I promised you I would. I tried to get out of the station on time, but I…I told Vic, Andy, and Travis and it took a little longer than I anticipated."
"It's ok," Carina said, seeing the slight puffiness in her wife's face, "How did it go?"
"We can talk about it later," Maya said, going over to her wife, "Come on. We need to go talk to Bailey."
"I don't want to," Carina sighed, pulling Maya into a hug.
"I know," Maya said, rubbing her back, "But she has to know."
Carina nodded, just savoring her wife's hug for one more second before they pulled away from each other.
"Ready?" Maya asked, slipping her hand into her wife's.
"Si," Carina nodded as they headed out of her office, heading up to Bailey's office.
As they got in the elevator, suddenly, Teddy walked in.
"Bishop Delucas," Teddy said, "Hey."
"Hey," Maya said, smiling as best as she could, Carina also offering a small wave.
"Is everything ok?" Teddy asked, sensing something was off.
"How long are you working today?" Carina asked.
"I get off at 2, why?" Teddy asked, feeling very confused.
"Can you drop by my office before you leave?" Carina asked.
"Sure," Teddy said, "Is everything ok?"
"Just come by before you leave," Carina said as the elevator dinged for their floor, "And if you see Amelia, tell her I need to talk to her too."
Teddy was very confused as Maya and Carina left the elevator, but her pager suddenly went off with an emergency page so she mostly forgot about it as she got mentally prepared for an incoming cardiac arrest. Maya and Carina made their way down the hall, stopping in front of Bailey's office.
"I'm right here," Maya said, squeezing Carina's hand, "And I can tell her if you want. You just jump in when you feel like it ok?"
"Grazie Bambina," Carina nodded as she lifted her hand, knocking on the door.
"Come in," Bailey called as they opened the door, "Oh, Dr. Bishop-Deluca and Chief Bishop-Deluca. I didn't realize you were both coming. What's going on?"
"This is more of a Maya and Carina meeting than a Dr. and Captain Bishop-Deluca meeting.
Can we sit?" Maya asked, gesturing to the couch, feeling Carina holding her hand a little tighter.
"Of course," Dr. Bailey said, coming out from behind her desk and sitting in a chair, "Is everything alright?"
"Not exactly, no," Maya said as they sat down, "We got some news the other day that we need to talk to you about."
"Ok," Bailey said, nodding.
"So, Carina had some routine tests done as part of her yearly exam a few weeks ago," Maya started, looking at her wife, seeing Carina was chewing on her lip, "And the results came back with some abnormal results so after some tests we found out she has stage 1 cervical cancer."
"Oh Carina, Maya," Bailey said, jaw dropping, "I'm so sorry."
"Thanks," Maya said, wiping at the tears that were running down her face, looking over and seeing her wife was also crying.
"Whatever you guys need, just let me know," Bailey said, "Do you have a treatment plan?"
"I am having a hysterectomy on the 15th," Carina said, surprising Maya a little, "And then radiation after. We have an appointment with my oncologist tomorrow to go over the exact plan, but I know I am going to need two weeks of for surgery and recovery."
"Only two weeks?" Bailey said, "Are you sure?"
"Well, that's what I would tell my patients," Carina shrugged, "I do this surgery a lot. I think I will need two weeks off and then four to six weeks on modified work. I will make sure it all gets covered though."
As the department head, it was Carina's job to make sure her department was staffed and covered at all times.
"I can also help you with that," Bailey said, nodding, "And if your oncologist wants something else done, I want you to take the time they want you to take, ok?"
Carina nodded as Maya looked at her.
"Whatever either of you need, just let me know how to help, ok?" Bailey said, "This entire hospital is behind you."
"Thank you," Carina said, feeling tears filling her eyes again.
"And Maya, that goes for you too," Bailey said, looking at the blonde woman, "Whatever you need, ok."
"Thank you," Maya nodded, biting her lip, trying to not keep crying.
Bailey got up, going over to the couch where the two other women were sitting, giving them both a hug.
"Carina, I want you to take the 14th off too," Bailey said, looking at the Italian, "And don't even argue that you need to save your days off. I will give you one of mine if it comes down to it, but you should have that day off to spend with your wife and daughters."
"Grazie Chief," Carina said, nodding.
"Have you told anyone else?" Bailey asked, sitting back down in her seat.
"Our brothers know," Carina said.
"And I told Andy, Vic, and Travis this morning," Maya said, "I told them they could tell the rest of the station if they wanted, but if not, I will tell everyone when I go back this afternoon. I just didn't have time to talk to everyone this morning and we are going to tell some people here this afternoon."
"Ok," Bailey nodded, "And I guess I just assumed, but maybe that was wrong, are you getting your treatments here? You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."
"I am," Carina nodded, "I trust everyone here with my life, and I know this is the best place for care. Also, I am hoping that I will be able to fit my radiation treatments in during lunch so I won't have to take so much time off."
"Woah, what?" Maya said, having not heard this before, "Is that a good idea?"
"It's not dangerous," Carina said, "And I will take time off if I need to."
"I'm gonna ask Dr. Cho about it tomorrow," Maya said, not totally believing her wife.
"Just let me know what kind of time off you need," Bailey said, "I'll make sure it happens."
"Thank you so much Bailey," Carina said, offering a watery smile.
The three of them sat there for a minute, Maya tracing shapes on her wife's hand while the Italian rested her head on Maya's shoulder. Bailey was about to say something else when her pager went off.
"Damn interns," Bailey said, looking at it, "Sorry. I have to go put out some fires. But if you guys need anything, please, call or text or email or just show up here."
"Grazie," Carina said as she and Maya stood up.
"Yeah, thank you so much Bailey," Maya said, grabbing two tissues off the table, handing one to her wife before dabbing at her eyes, "Let's go back to your office Babe."
Carina nodded, putting her hand back in her wife's as they walked back to the elevators. They were quiet as they waited for the elevator to go up, walking back to Carina's office before either of them spoke.
"How are you feeling?" Maya asked, wrapping her arms around her wife.
"It was…slightly easier than telling Andrea," Carina said, "But I still don't like it and it still made me feel sick, but it was slightly more bearable. It just sucks so much. I hate having to see the look on people's faces when we tell them."
"I know," Maya said, holding Carina tightly, rubbing her back, "I can tell Amelia and Teddy for you if you want. And whoever else you want. You don't even have to be there if you don't want to. I can't do much in terms of doing this for you, but I can do this if you want. You can go work and I will intercept your friends as they come by."
"Thank you," Carina said, tears welling up in her eyes as she looked at her wife, "I…Thank you. I want to tell them with you, but thank you for offering to do it for me."
"Of course," Maya said, hugging her tightly, "You know I would do anything for you."
Carina just enjoyed the feeling of being in her wife's arms for the next few minutes before pulling away.
"I have a patient in ten minutes," Carina said, looking at the clock, "I don't have any c-sections scheduled today, but I am on call to help with deliveries. I will be in and out, but I will try to be here at 2 when Teddy comes by."
"Ok," Maya said, going over to the sink in the corner, grabbing out a washcloth she knew Carina kept in one of the drawers, wetting it with cool water before walking over to her wife, dabbing her puffy eyes, "What do you want me to tell your friends if they come by to talk and you aren't here?"
"Just ask them to wait?" Carina said, "Or, if they can't, you can tell them I guess."
"I don't have to," Maya said, "I can tell them to wait. They will understand."
"Ok," Carina nodded, "Thank you. When do you have to go back to work?"
"I don't have to at all if you need me here," Maya said, "I have everything to work from here if that's ok."
"Of course," Carina nodded, "Always."
"Alright," Maya said, finishing dabbing Carina's face, "I love you. I am right here if you need me. Go be awesome."
Carina gave her a quick kiss before straightening her scrubs, walking out of the office. Over the next two hours, Maya worked on her files, Carina slipping in and out of the office between patients.
She had a lull with no scheduled patients form 1:30-3 though she had an emergency walk in come at 1:30 and there were several moms in labor she was helping to manage.
However, at 2:15, she walked into her office, having checked on all the moms in labor, finding none were further than 5 cm and would probably not be delivering soon though she wasn't going to be far in case that changed. She found her wife on the couch looking tired as she worked on her files.
"Is everyone ok?" Maya asked, looking up at Carina.
"Si," Carina nodded, "I have two mammas in labor, but no one is currently very far along or progressing very fast. Has Teddy come by?"
"No," Maya said, shaking her head just as there was a knock at the door, "Or maybe yes."
Carina walked over to the door, opening it and seeing both Teddy and Amelia standing there.
"Hey," Carina said, opening the door and letting them in.
"What's going on?" Teddy asked, seeing Maya putting away her laptop, the blonde still in her class A's because she hadn't had time to change.
"Come sit," Carina said, gesturing to some of the chairs as she sat down next to her wife, noticing there was a box of tissues on the table, knowing Maya must have put them there.
"You're kinda scaring me Carina," Amelia said, sitting down, "Is everything ok?"
"Not exactly, no," Maya said, looking to Carina for confirmation that she wanted her to continue, the Italian giving a nod as she grabbed Maya's hand, "Carina got some results back from some routine tests and they were concerning so she had some more tests done and we found out…Carina has stage 1 cervical cancer."
As Maya said it, she felt heard Carina let out a sob. The blonde pulled her close, rubbing her back as both of their friends just sat there in shock for a second before Amelia got up, immediately going to Carina's other side, hugging her from behind as Teddy sat down on the table, putting one hand on Carina's knee and one hand on Maya's.
This small gesture set the tears rushing down Maya's cheeks, prompting Teddy to move to Maya's side, wrapping her arms around the battalion chief.
"I'm so sorry," Amelia said quietly as she just hugged her best friend.
The four of them just sat there for a few minutes before they broke apart, Maya grabbing a tissue and handing it to Carina before taking one of herself. Amelia and Teddy also both reached for them.
"How are you guys doing with this?" Teddy asked, looking at the two women.
"It's hard," Carina said, wiping at her eyes, "I have to have a hysterectomy on the 15th and then radiation after I heal from that which is terrifying, but hopefully that will be all. I just…I never thought this would happen to me. It almost feels like a cruel joke."
"Hey, it's becoming a theme with us," Amelia said, earning her a look from her friend, "I am a neurosurgeon who had a brain tumor, you are a gynecologist with cervical cancer."
Carina looked at her for a second and Amelia was about to apologize for her stupid dark humor, but instead, Carina started laughing, startling all of them. Amelia joined her quickly and before long, all four of them were laughing, Maya not even totally sure she found it funny, but watching her wife laugh for the first time since this all started made her want to laugh too.
Suddenly, through the laughter, Carina said, "It really is ironic, you with a brain tumor and me with cervical cancer."
However, as those words left her mouth, the realization hit her all over again.
"I…I have cervical cancer," Carina said, laughter quickly turning into sobs, "Oh my god, I have cancer."
It was the first time Carina had said those words out loud and saying them made it all just feel so real. It felt like a brick was dropped on her chest and it suddenly felt like she couldn't breathe. It felt like the world was silent as the panic and fear overtook her entire brain. It felt like forever, but she eventually heard Maya's voice through the loud silence.
"Carina, hey, just focus on my breathing, ok?" she heard the blonde say, feeling her hand being placed on her wife's chest, "And look at me. There you are. Good. Just breathe, ok?"
It took a little while, but Carina managed to calm herself down with Maya's help, looking and seeing her friends still sitting there with them.
"Sorry," she said quietly, leaning into Maya's side.
"Don't apologize," Amelia said, shaking her head, "I'm sorry I brought it up. It was insensitive."
"No," Carina said, shaking her head, "No. You didn't do anything wrong. I just…I couldn't say it…"
"It's ok," Maya said, pressing a kiss into Carina's hair, "We can take this at whatever pace you need to."
"Thank you," Carina said, snuggling into Maya's side as she reached a hand to Amelia who was still sitting next to her and putting the other one on top of Teddy's which was sitting on her knee.
"We are here for you," the cardio surgeon said, "Whatever and whenever you need us, we are here."
"Yeah," Amelia said, squeezing Carina's hand, "If you need us to make you laugh or cry with you or just sit together in silence staring at nothing, we will be right here."
"We are your best friends, Carina," Teddy said, "Your family. We will be by your side however you need us to be through all of this and beyond."
"Grazie," Carina said as Maya brushed a tear off her cheek.
"And Maya, that goes for you too," Amelia said, looking at the blonde, "If you need help with the twins or with meals, we've got you. And if you need someone to go running with you, Teddy volunteers to do it."
"Shut up Amelia," Teddy said, shaking her head, "But if that's what you need Maya, I would try to keep up."
"Thanks," Maya said, letting out a watery laugh, "I think I can run alone though."
Even though she knew the two doctors were joking, it warmed Maya's heart to think that Carina's friends were there for them like this. Logically, she knew they would be, but hearing them say it out loud reminded her that they were also their family, much like her friends at the station. The four of them just sat there for a few more minutes before Carina shifted, looking at the time.
"I have to see a patient in ten minutes," she said, getting up and grabbing the cloth Maya had given her earlier, going and rewetting it in the sink.
"Babe, if you need a few extra minutes, your patients will understand," Maya said, getting up and going over to her wife's side, putting a hand on her back.
"I'm ok," Carina said, dabbing her cheeks and eyes with the cloth, "I can do this."
"We will let you get back to work," Amelia said as she and Teddy came over to the two wives, "But we will be checking on you, both of you, ok? And whatever you need, let us know."
"Yes," Teddy said as she gave Carina a hug, "Whatever you need, we are here."
"Does anyone else know?" Amelia asked as she gave Carina a hug, "Or are you not telling people?"
"Bailey knows," Maya said, "And our brothers and Vic, Andy, and Travis. I'm probably going to tell the rest of my team later today. We are slowly telling people."
"You guys can tell Owen and Link. And Amelia, I don't mind if you tell Meredith and Maggie," Carina said, looking in the mirror to make sure she didn't look too crazy, "I really have to go. Thank you both for coming and for all of your support."
"Of course," both doctors said as Carina grabbed her tablet before heading out the door of her office.
"I don't know if Carina has any more people she wants to tell personally," Maya said, sighing, "But I would say it is probably fine for everyone to find out. She is going to be having surgery here next week so everyone will know then. Neither of us have the energy to tell every single person she knows in this hospital."
"Ok," Teddy nodded, "We can help tell people and field any questions so the two of you don't get bombarded with the same questions a million times a day."
"Thank you," Maya nodded, "That would be incredibly helpful. As you saw, it's not easy for her to talk about it so not having every damn person in this hospital bothering her would be great."
"Whatever we can do for you guys, like we said, just let us know," Amelia said, "I'm pretty sure I am off on the 15th so if you need me to take the girls, I will."
"Thank you," Maya said, smiling at her, "I will let you know."
"Alright," Teddy said as she and Amelia both gave Maya a hug, "Well, we are going to head out. I'll text you later?"
Maya nodded as they both left.
She then went and sat back down on the couch, not totally sure what the plan was for the rest of the day. She didn't know if Carina wanted to tell anyone else or if she wanted her there for support, but Maya decided to sit back down and try to work on her report again. She had been struggling to get through it all day, her mind in a million places and also absolutely exhausted from multiple restless nights. She got through about a page and a half in the hour and a half Carina was gone. When her wife came back, the Italian was a little surprised.
"What are you still doing here?" Carina asked, going over to her wife.
"I wasn't sure if you still needed me to be here," Maya said, "I wanted to make sure you were ok before I left."
"Oh, Bambina, I should have let you know you could go," Carina said, "I am ok."
"Alright," Maya said, giving her wife a hug, "I think I am going to go pick up the twins and take them to the station with me for a little bit. I don't have the energy to make dinner tonight, and I think it would be good for them to be there for a little bit."
"Ok," Carina nodded, "I won't be home until after midnight."
"I know," Maya nodded, "And then you have tomorrow off, but I am taking the twins to daycare in the morning so you can sleep before your appointment."
"They can stay home with me," Carina said, "I'll take them to daycare before my appointment."
"But you need to sleep," Maya said, "And I have to be at 42 at 8:30."
"That's fine," Carina said, "We are both off tomorrow afternoon and evening so I can go to bed early tomorrow."
"Ok," Maya nodded, standing up, "Well, I am going to go get the bambine and head to the station. I love you."
"Oh, I almost forgot," Carina said, grabbing her phone, "When you see the twins, do not be alarmed if their hair looks very greasy. They did this this morning."
"Oh my god," Maya said, "Is that my lotion?"
"Si," Carina nodded, "They got into it when I was making their lunches."
"I must have left it on the side of the tub this morning when I was getting ready," Maya sighed, shaking her head.
"Si," Carina nodded, "So, they also do not really need a bath tonight because they got one this morning."
"Sorry I left that where they could reach it," Maya said, looking back at the pictures on the phone.
"It's ok," Carina said, "Though Nora was eating it so if her tummy is not quite right tonight, that is probably why."
"Thanks for the heads up," Maya said, shaking her head, "I do not understand our children sometimes."
"Me neither," Carina said, shaking her head, "Also, that new tantrums after the bath thing that Rowan is doing is not my favorite."
"Uh, I know," Maya said, "I swear that kid would live in the water if we let her, which, don't get me wrong, I like that she isn't afraid of water because Andy had that issue with Luca, but the tantrums are getting old. But I know she will grow out of it."
"Si," Carina nodded, giving Maya a kiss just as her pager started going off, "And I have a mamma ready to push. I have to go. I love you."
"I love you too," Maya said, "Be careful."
"You too," Carina said before running out the door.
Maya quickly got her bag packed up before heading down to the daycare.
"Hello Maya," Nicole said, smiling as she walked up to the daycare entrance, "Here for Rowan and Nora?"
"Yep," Maya nodded, going to grab the stroller while Nicole went to get the girls.
"Mommy," Nora said, running to her.
"Hello Nora Mae," Maya said, giving her a hug, "Did you have fun at daycare?"
"Si," Nora nodded, "Pway Papa."
"You played with Harper?" Maya said, putting her down in the stroller, "Was it fun?"
Nora nodded, smiling as she started chatting in words Maya could only half make out. "Mommy," Rowan said, suddenly appearing.
"Sorry," Nicole said, walking behind her, "Rowan was coloring a picture."
"For Mamma," Rowan said, "Mamma try. I mate tolor."
"Oh," Maya said, feeling her eyes water a little when she heard this, "Was Mamma sad this morning?"
"Si," Rowan nodded seriously, "No want Mamma try."
"I know Patatina," Maya said, giving Rowan a hug, "Me neither. But Mamma will be ok."
"She was very concerned that Carina was crying today," Nicole said, "Is everything ok?"
"Yeah," Maya sighed, putting Rowan down in the stroller, "Or, actually, no. Carina got diagnosed with stage one cervical cancer a few days ago and it has been a lot. She should be ok, but it has hit us pretty hard. I am almost positive that's why she was crying earlier."
"I'm so sorry," Nicole said, "Please, let us know if there is anything we can do to help."
"Thanks," Maya said, taking twins' bag from Nicole, "I think these two are going to be here a lot more in the next few weeks. Carina has to have surgery next week and she won't be able to lift them for 6-8 weeks after."
"Well, we love having them here," Nicole said, "Just let us know if you ever need anything else ok?"
"Thanks," Maya said, nodding, "I will. Girls, say bye to Nicole."
"Bye," both twins called as Maya started pushing them away.
"Bye Rowan, Bye Nora," Nicole called, "See you tomorrow."
Maya pushed the stroller out to the car, loading the girls up.
"Do you two want to go to the station tonight to see your aunts and uncles?" Maya asked as she buckled Rowan into her car seat.
"Si," Rowan and Nora cheered, both of them loving spending time at their mom's work.
"Alright," Maya smiled, hoping that there were at least some people at the station this evening, "Let's go."
The twins were happy as they headed to the station, the drive all of five minutes. Maya debated pulling out the stroller, but she knew the twins were getting older and could hold her hands for the short walk into the station. She got them out, grabbing both their diaper bag and her bag before heading inside.
"Oh my goodness, the Bishop-Deluca girls are gracing us with their presence tonight?" Vic said as Maya walked into the station with the twins.
"Bic," Rowan and Nora called, running to her.
"I was too tired to bring them home and cook," Maya said, "Also, I wanted to talk to all of A shift if possible to let them know what's going on with Carina."
"Well, everyone is here," Vic said as she sat at the desk with both little girls in her lap, "Trav is cooking so the food will be good for all three of you."
"Great," Maya said, smiling, "I am going to go run my files upstairs and change out of my class A's. Rowan, Nora, do you want to stay with Vic or come with me?"
"Auntie Bic," Rowan said, smiling at the firefighter.
"Mommy," Nora said, getting down from her auntie's lap.
"What, you don't want to stay with Auntie Vic?" Vic said, acting offended, "Am I not cool enough for you?"
"Mommy," Nora said, grabbing Maya's hand.
"That's ok," Vic said, smiling at her, "I'll see you later, ok?"
Nora nodded, holding Maya's hands as they walked up the steps very slowly so the toddler could carefully climb the stairs.
"We need to go to my office," Maya said, guiding Nora down the hall.
"Unca Tee?" Nora asked as they walked into the office.
"Travis is around her somewhere," Maya said, "I need to change my clothes and then we can go find him, ok?"
Nora nodded, looking around Maya's office as the battalion chief quickly pulled the files out of her bag, replacing them with the ones she would need the following day for the inspection at 42.
"Do you want to come in my bunk while I change?" Maya asked, looking at Nora.
The toddler nodded, following Maya into her bunk. Maya was glad she had agreed to come in because after seeing the mess the twins had made with the lotion that morning, she didn't trust Nora to be out of her sight.
"Mommy, yook" Nora said as the blonde undid the buttons on her formal uniform, glad she had two of the button ups because there was no way she was going to have time to wash this one before her inspection tomorrow.
She made a mental note to bring casual clothes to change into after the inspection so she didn't have to wear her class A's to Carina's meeting.
"Yes Nora," Maya said, looking at her daughter who had Maya's formal cap on her head, "Oh my goodness, look at you. You look just like me. Can I take a picture to send to Mamma?"
Nora nodded, smiling under the way-too-big cap. Maya pulled out her phone, taking a few pictures of Nora before she finished getting dressed.
Maya sometimes thought about if she would ever want her daughters to become firefighters. Part of her hoped they would follow in her footsteps, but a bigger part of her genuinely hoped they both took after Carina or chose a completely different career because she saw the turmoil Carina went through when she was on the job and saw how it impacted other people who loved firefighters like Bailey and Andy and Sullivan and she never wanted to feel that with her girls.
She would obviously support them if they decided to be firefighters and would be there for them every step of the way, but she hoped they would do any other job besides the one she did. She finished getting dressed, sending Carina the pictures of Nora before making sure she had her entire dress uniform ready to take home with her that night to avoid an unnecessary trip to 19 in the morning.
"Alright Nora, should we go find Uncle Travis?" Maya said, looking over at the toddler who was now sitting on Maya's couch.
"Si," Nora said, nodding as she climbed off the couch quickly.
Nora and Travis had had a special bond since Nora was a few months old, and he was by far her favorite person besides her moms and sister.
"Alright," Maya said, taking her hand as they walked through the station, "I think he's cooking."
"Unca Tee," Nora called as they walked into the beanery.
"Nora," Travis said, putting down the spoon he was stirring with, "Hi Bean."
Bean was a nickname Travis had given her when she was a baby that only he called her. Nora ran into his arms, the firefighter scooping her up into a big hug as Maya smiled.
"Hey Chief," Travis said, smiling at her, "How are you doing?"
"It's been a long day," Maya said honestly, "But I hear you are taking care of dinner for me tonight?"
"The more the merrier," Travis said, smiling at her, "I'm making a chicken stew with veggies and rice."
"Yum," Maya said, walking over to the stove, "Nora, why don't you come here so Uncle Travis can finish cooking."
"No," Nora said, shaking her head as she held tightly to Travis.
"She's fine," Travis said, shaking his head, "I know they cook at home with Carina so she's not gonna throw her hand in the pot or anything. I've got her if you have other stuff to do."
"Thank you," Maya said, nodding, "I am just going to go to my office. I need to try to get the inspection report from today done because I have back-to-back inspections tomorrow and the next day."
"Go for it," Travis said, "We will come find you when we need you."
"Thank you," Maya said, "Seriously."
Maya walked out of the beanery, hearing Nora laughing at something Travis was doing. Maya went back into her office, sitting down at her desk, pulling out her laptop and files, attempting to concentrate on the paperwork.
As she was working, she heard the alarm go off, calling out the aid car. Even though it had been over two years since she had been going on regular calls, hearing the alarm of off always made her tense up and get ready to run. She wondered if that would ever wear off as she kept working.
She made it through about half of what she wanted to before she heard a knock at her door, Andy coming in.
"Hey," the captain said, "How are you doing?"
"At this very moment, I am doing alright," Maya said, "I am trying to power through this inspection report because despite the fact that I spent most of the day working on it, I only made it through about two pages the entire day."
"Maya, it's ok," Andy said, walking over to her, "I understand if it takes a little longer to get the report in. And I also think the chief will too."
"I know," Maya said, typing out another line, "But I have 42 tomorrow and 88 the next day and by the time both of those are done, it will be like 2 days until Carina's surgery and I need to give her my full attention after that so these all have to be done before that."
"Ok," Andy said, "Well, dinner is ready. Do you want to come join us or do you want me to bring you something so you can keep working?"
"I'll come eat with everyone," Maya said, finishing up the section of the report she was working on, "I want to talk to everyone about what's going on with Carina. Unless you already did."
"No," Andy said, shaking her head, "I was going to at dinner."
"Ok," Maya said, nodding, "I'm coming. Then after dinner, I am going to take the twins home and after they are in bed, I'll finish this report. Carina's not home until midnight or later so I'll have time."
"Ok," Andy said, "Well, your babies are already in the beanery so let's go."
Maya got up, following Andy down the hall to the beanery, noticing that Felicity Henderson, who had been at the station about two years, and Jason Adams, their newest probie, were both missing, meaning they must have be on aid car.
"Mommy," Rowan said from Vic's lap where she was sitting with a bowl of stew, "Eat."
"Did Uncle Travis do a good job with dinner?" Maya asked the little blonde as she went to grab a bowl for herself before sitting down between Travis and Dean.
"Si," Rowan nodded, taking a big bite.
"Me hep Unca Tee," Nora said, looking at Maya as she sat on Travis's lap.
"She did," Travis said, "Nora is the queen of stirring, aren't you Bean?"
Nora nodded, smiling at Travis.
"Thank you guys for keeping an eye on them," Maya said, "They can come sit on my lap so you guys can eat.
"It's ok," Vic said, looking at Rowan as the toddler took another bite of her food, "I've got her."
"Same," Travis said, "I like hanging out with my Bestie Bean."
"Hey," Vic said, "I thought I was your bestie." "No, me," Nora said, giving Vic a look.
"Hughie, I think you have been replaced," Dean said, laughing.
"Where's your wife tonight Chief?" Ben asked from his place, "Is she working?"
"She is," Maya nodded, "She's on until midnight. Speaking of my wife, there is something I need to tell all of you."
Maya took a deep breath, feeling Travis, who was sitting next to her, reach under the table, grabbing her hand.
"Is everything ok Chief?" Dean asked, concern on his face.
"Not exactly, no," Maya said, telling herself she was going to make it through this without crying, "She got diagnosed with stage one cervical cancer a few days ago and is going to be having surgery and then radiation to treat, and hopefully, cure it. Surgery is in a few days and then radiation at some point after. Her odds of beating this are really good, though, like almost 98%, but it has been a lot for her…both of us, to deal with. Yeah… I guess I just wanted you all to know."
The room was pretty much silent for a good thirty seconds as everyone absorbed what Maya had said, even the twins were quiet which was shocking.
"I'm so sorry Maya," Ben said, getting up and walking over to her, giving the blonde a hug, "If there is anything we can do, please let me know."
"Thank Ben," Maya said, nodding as she pulled away, feeling the tears starting to form as she desperately tried to blink them away.
"Chief, I'm so sorry," Dean said, also giving her a hug after she sat back down, "But if anyone is going to make it through this, it's Carina. And like Ben said, whatever you need."
"We're all here for you Chief," Sullivan said, nodding at her.
"Thanks guys," Maya said, grabbing a napkin and wiping her tears, "It really means a lot to me, really to all of us, that you are all so supportive."
"We are a family," Ben said, nodding at her.
"Mommy try?" Nora said, looking at Maya.
"I'm ok," Maya assured her daughter, "I promise."
"Mamma try," Rowan said very seriously.
"Carina was a little bit upset this morning and Rowan has been very concerned about it all day," Maya said, looking at her daughter, "But we talked about it, right? Mamma is ok."
Rowan nodded, taking another bite of her dinner. The rest of the meal went well, Dean and Sullivan getting up to clean when it was over.
"Alright," Maya said, getting up, "Can you guys keep an eye on the twins for just a minute? I need to go get my bags together and then I am going to take these two home and get them into bed."
"You got it Chief," Travis said, nodding.
Maya went back to her office, getting her bag packed, double checking everything before grabbing her class A's and her bag, along with the diaper bag, before going into the beanery.
"I'm gonna run all of this to the car and then I'm going to come back for these two," she said, smiling as she saw the twins playing hide and seek with Vic and Travis.
"We can bring them down for you," Travis said, scooping Nora into his arms as he tickled her. "That would be great," Maya nodded, "Bye guys. I'm not here tomorrow so I won't see you for a few days, but have a good rest of shift, and I am very proud of all of you for that inspection this morning."
"Bye Chief," was heard from various people as Vic and Travis followed her with the twins, Andy also walking out of the beanery.
"I know you said Carina has an appointment tomorrow afternoon," Andy said as they walked down the stairs, "How about I drop dinner off tomorrow evening so you don't have to worry about that?"
"That would honestly be amazing Andy," Maya said, smiling at her friend, "Thank you."
"Will you guys be home by 5?" Andy asked, stopping at her office, Maya carefully unlocking her car so Vic and Travis could take the twins out and get them loaded up.
"I think so," Maya said, "Just text me before you come over?"
"For sure," Andy nodded, "I'll see you tomorrow. And get some sleep tonight Mai, you look wiped."
"I know," Maya sighed, "I'm trying. Bye Andy. Thanks for everything."
"Of course," Andy said, "We got you Maya, you and your family."
Maya nodded as she walked out of the station, finding Vic and Travis just finishing buckling the twins into their seats.
"Thanks guys," Maya said, putting the bags into the car, "For taking care of them and for everything else today."
"Of course," Vic said, giving Maya a hug.
"We love playing with our nieces," Travis said, making one more face at Nora before closing the car door, "Seriously, any time you need, I will happily take them. Even if it's just so you can get some sleep."
"Thank you," Maya said, nodding, "I'll let you know. I'll see you both later."
Maya climbed in the car and started driving home. As she was driving, Nora started fussing.
"Nora, what's wrong?" Maya asked.
"Icky," Nora fussed, "Dipo icky."
"I can't change you now," Maya said, "I'll change you when we get home, ok?"
Nora just kept fussing, Maya trying not to get frustrated during ten-minute ride.
Once they got home, Maya got out, immediately going to get Nora out. However, as she picked up the toddler, she realized this was a slightly bigger issue than just needing a diaper change. It was then that she remembered Carina's warning about a possibly upset stomach for the little girl from eating lotion. Nora had a massive, exploded diaper that went all the way up her back and into her car seat. Maya groaned, getting her out and setting her down.
"Nora, stay right there," Maya said, "I need to get Rowan out." "Icky," Nora said, tears rolling down her cheeks "I know it's icky," Maya said, undoing the straps on Rowan's seat, "We will go have a bath and get you cleaned up."
"Baf?" Rowan said as Maya got her out.
"Yeah," Maya sighed, "I guess you both can have a bath. Come on."
Maya took the twins upstairs for an impromptu bath, scrubbing their hair again because it was still greasy from the lotion before getting them out, Rowan only throwing a small tantrum this time, before getting them ready for bed.
Once she had their teeth brushed, books read, and songs sung, texting Carina to see if she was free to say goodnight, but getting no response, she gave the twins kisses before leaving their room. She sighed, going down to the garage, pulling the liner out of Nora's car seat, getting it into the washing machine before getting her own stuff out of the car. She really had no desire to wash a car seat tonight, but that was what had to happen when you had toddlers.
Once that was done, she sat down on the couch with her laptop and her files. She tried to power her way through it, but she was getting really tired.
Eventually, she took her work up to bed, deciding if she waited any longer, she wasn't going to ever make it to bed. She worked for a while longer before she started seeing double, tucking her files and computer away, knowing she only had one more section of the inspection for to fill out for 19.
She turned on the TV, not totally sure if she would be able to sleep without Carina next to her, but she was really tired so she just laid down under the blankets, drifting in and out of sleep for the next two hours until she woke up to the sound of someone crying.
At first she thought it was the twins, but she realized it was coming from their bathroom. She got up quickly, finding her wife sitting on the edge of the bathtub absolutely sobbing.
"What's wrong?" Maya asked, sitting down next to her, "Hey, Car, I'm right here. I've got you, ok?"
Carina just clung onto her wife, sobs shaking her frame. It took a good half an hour, and the two of them shifting to the floor because the side of the tub just wasn't cutting it, but eventually, Carina's sobs slowed.
"What happened Babe?" Maya asked, rubbing Carina's back.
"I…I started my period," Carina said, tears filling her eyes again.
"Oh," Maya said, a little bit confused because she knew Carina's periods didn't usually bother her to the point of tears.
"I started my period and then, while I was getting ready for bed, I realized this is the last period I will ever get and it all just hit me really hard," Carina said, choking back the tears, "Sorry I'm keeping you up. I know you're tired and I am being ridiculous. You should go to bed."
"Hey," Maya said, stopping her, "No, none of that. I would sit up with you every night for the rest of our lives if that's what you need. And you are not being ridiculous. This is a really big thing that is happening in your life right now and however you feel is completely valid and ok and you can feel it as big or as small as you need to. I do have one request though."
"What?" Carina said, wiping at her eyes.
"Can we move this to our bed?" Maya asked, "My ass fell asleep about fifteen minutes ago."
"Si," Carina said, laughing a little as they both stood up. "Come here," Maya said, pulling Carina into her arms, pressing a kiss to her lips, "I love you so much."
"I love you too," Carina said, just enjoying being in Maya arms.
"Are you ready for bed?" Maya asked, pulling back after a minute.
Carina nodded as they both headed toward the bed. After they climbed into bed, Maya spooned up to Carina, putting her hand on Carina's belly, gently massaging it in a way she knew helped alleviate the mild cramps Carina often got when she was on her period.
"Wanna here how amazing our kids are?" Maya said quietly in Carina's ear. The Italian nodded, snuggling back into her wife.
"Rowan was very concerned about you because you were sad this morning," Maya said, "And she drew you a picture because she didn't want you to cry."
"Are you serious?" Carina said, rolling to look at Maya.
"I am," the blonde nodded, "It's sitting on the table. You can see it in the morning. Everyone is in your corner Carina. Everyone, even our toddlers, are here for you however you need them to be. We are going to make it through this, ok?"
"Ok," Carina nodded, wiping at her tears again, "I know. It just feels so hard right now."
"And that's ok," Maya said, "We are all here to help you through the hard. I love you, Car."
"I love you too Bambina," Carina said, snuggling closer to her wife, suddenly feeling very tired.
"Ready to sleep?" Maya asked, rubbing her back.
"Ready to try," Carina nodded, "I'm hoping I can. You need to sleep too."
"How about I put on some music and we see what happens," Maya said, giving Carina a small kiss.
The Italian nodded, Maya reaching for her phone. She winced when she saw it was 1 am, knowing she was going to wake up in less than 4 hours at this point, but she quickly put on one of their favorite playlists, the two of them just holding each other as they drifted off to sleep.