The night was not nearly as restful as anyone hoped. Nora woke up crying at about 2 am, Carina going to check on her, trying to put her back to sleep in her own bed, but the toddler wasn't having it, crying anytime Carina tried to put her down. The Italian gave up, carrying her into the master bedroom.
However, when she walked back into the room, she noticed her wife was no longer in bed, wincing as she heard retching coming from the bathroom.
"Nora, can you lay in Mommy and Mamma's bed so I can go check on Mommy?" Carina asked, hoping the little girl would let her.
"Mamma," Nora said, clinging to her.
Carina sighed, rubbing Nora's back as she tried to get her to fall asleep. It took ten minutes for Nora to finally fall asleep and stay that way when Carina tried to lay her down.
Once Nora was down, Carina went into the bathroom, sighing when she saw Maya with one arm on the toilet seat, head resting on her arm.
"Bambina," Carina said, grabbing a washcloth, wetting it and placing it on the back of Maya's neck, knowing this had been helping some with her nausea, "What can I do?"
"I don't know," Maya mumbled, "Go back to bed. I'm ok."
"That is not going to happen," Carina said, playing with Maya's braid she had put in before they went to bed last night just in case something like this happened, "Not unless you are ready to go back to bed."
Maya's response to this was to lean over the toilet again, Carina just rubbing her back. It took a little while, but eventually, Maya's stomach calmed down, Carina helping her brush her teeth.
"Just so you know, Nora is in our bed," Carina said as she put Maya's toothbrush away, "But I can try to move her back to her bed if you want."
"No, it's ok," Maya said, feeling herself sway a little, Carina wrapping an arm around her to steady her.
"Let's get you into bed," Carina said, carefully helping her wife out of the bathroom.
Carina tucked Maya into bed, making sure the bucket that had taken up residence on her wife's side of the bed was within reach before going over to her own side of the bed, moving Nora a little bit so she had room. The rest of the night was much calmer, everyone managing to sleep through the rest of it until Rowan came in a little after 6, way too early for anyone's liking.
"It's morning," Rowan announced loudly, successfully waking up everyone in the room.
"Hi Rowan," Carina groaned as the toddler pulled herself up into bed, crawling over to Maya who was barely awake, pulling her shirt up.
"Hi My Baby Totoino," Rowan said, pressing a kiss to Maya's stomach, "I love you."
Maya smiled, rubbing the little girl's back as she watched her rest her head on the tiny bump. She was feeling pretty nauseous, but she was also confident she wasn't actually going to be sick at the moment. Nora was also now awake, the toddler cuddling up next to Maya, fingers in her mouth as Maya played with her hair. The four of them just stayed in bed for a while, enjoying a relaxing morning together.
"Do you work today?" Maya asked her wife, genuinely having lost all track of time after being in the hospital.
"No," Carina said, "I am off for the next two days so all of us can just spend the day together, relaxing."
"That sounds perfect," Maya said, smiling at her wife.
"How are you feeling this morning?" Carina asked, knowing she needed to keep track of her wife's intake.
"I don't feel great," Maya said, "But not like last night. I am due for another dose of my meds I think."
"Si," Carina nodded, "I will go get you something to drink and your pills. Do you want anything else?"
"Do we have any grapes?" Maya asked, "I think I might be able to get those down this morning."
"Of course," Carina said, "I'll be back in a few minutes."
"Mommy, how big is my baby?" Rowan asked, looking up at Maya.
"They are still pretty tiny," Maya said, grabbing her phone and opening an app she had put on her phone while she was in the hospital at Dr. Johnson's request so Maya could keep track of her sickness and see if there was a pattern to it or triggers maybe they were missing.
It hadn't given them a ton of insight, but Maya liked having a place to keep track of everything for Trottolino. It also told her how big the baby was, and something about seeing that helped calm some of her anxiety that something was going to go wrong.
"Trottolino is the size of a Lego person," Maya said, looking at Rowan.
"What's dat?" Rowan asked looking confused.
"It looks like this," Maya said, showing Rowan and Nora, who was also listening, "It's a kind of toy."
"Tan I have one?" Rowan asked.
"Maybe," Maya said.
They hadn't given the twins real Legos yet because of the small pieces, but the twins were over three and they didn't really put toys in their mouth anymore so maybe they could try.
"What are you looking at?" Carina asked as she walked into the room with Maya's pills.
"Yegos," Rowan said, "Because my baby is that big now."
"Oh," Carina nodded, knowing about Maya's app, "I see."
"I want a yego," Rowan said.
"Me too," Nora added, "I want one too."
"Oh, you do, do you?" Carina asked as Maya sat up a little, taking the pill along with some of the lemonade Carina had brought her.
"I yike yegos," Rowan said.
"How do you know?" Carina laughed as Maya took the bowl of grapes, the twins both immediately reaching for some as well, "Hey, those are for Mommy."
"It's ok," Maya said, "I'm sure I won't eat all of these and hopefully the ones they eat will actually stay down."
"Hopefully the ones you eat will stay down too," Carina sighed.
"I mean, I hope I will too," Maya said, popping a grape into her mouth, "But I never know."
"Mamma, tan we go to the store and det yegos?" Rowan asked again.
"Maybe after breakfast Patatina," Carina said.
She was thinking about it, and actually thought Lego sets might be something Maya would be able to do with the twins easily that wouldn't wear her out so it might not be a bad idea. She decided that after breakfast, she would take the twins to the store to pick out some Legos that they could work on later in the day or tomorrow. It would give Maya a chance to get a nap and would get the twins out of the house for something besides the hospital. She wasn't sure Nora would be completely sold on the idea, but she hoped she would go because she could tell Maya was exhausted.
"Ok Bambine, what do you want for breakfast?" Carina asked.
"Tan we have drapes yike Mommy?" Nora asked as she took another grape from Maya's bowl.
"Si," Carina said, "But you have to eat something else too."
"Is Mommy going to eat somefing else?" Rowan asked.
"I might later," Maya said, "But right now, I am just going to have grapes."
"Me too," Nora said.
"Yeah, me too," Rowan agreed.
"No, you guys need to eat something else so you don't get hungry later," Carina said, "Mommy is only eating grapes because she is sick, but you two are not sick so you need to eat more food."
"What if Mamma made you grapes and berries and yogurt and granola?" Maya said, "You like that."
"Otay," Nora said as Rowan nodded.
"Tan we eat them in bed wif Mommy?" Rowan asked.
"No, I don't think that is a good idea," Carina said.
"How about I come downstairs and sit at the table with you?" Maya said.
"Are you sure Bambina?" Carina asked.
"I mean, unless you are planning on making eggs or something, I should be fine," Maya said, "Yogurt and fruit don't bother me."
"Ok," Carina said, "Are you feeling ok?"
"I'm fine," Maya said, nodding as the twins moved to get off bed while Maya carefully hung her legs over the side of the bed, letting the dizziness settle before standing up.
"Va bene?" Carina asked, helping steady her a little more.
"Yeah," Maya said, wrapping her arms around her wife, in desperate need of a hug, "I love you."
"I love you too," Carina said, rubbing her hand up and down Maya's back before the blonde tipped her head back and gave her a kiss.
"Mommy, Mamma, no more tissing," Rowan said, running over to them, "Tome on."
"But I like kissing Mamma," Maya said, capturing Carina's lips again.
"No," Rowan said, getting between them, "No tissing."
"Why not?" Carina asked, looking down at the toddler.
"Tetause I don't want you to," Rowan said, "Tissing is yucky. It's germs."
"Kissing is not yucky," Carina laughed, picking up the little girl, "Kissing is a good thing, if you and the person you are kissing both want to kiss. And I always want to kiss Mommy."
"And I always want to kiss Mamma," Maya said, the Italian leaning over and giving her one more chaste kiss, "Mamma gives the best kisses."
"I don't want to kiss," Rowan said, shaking her head.
"That is ok," Carina said, tucking a piece of Rowan's blonde hair behind her ear, "You don't have to do it if you don't want to. And if anyone ever tries to make you, you yell very loudly and tell them no and run away, ok? You are allowed to say no to kissing always. And hugs or touching of any kind."
"Ok," Rowan nodded, "But tan I have a hug now?"
"Yes," Carina said, giving her a big hug, Maya joining in on the gesture as well before feeling someone grab her legs.
"Me too," Nora said, reaching for Maya to pick her up.
"Ok," Maya said, carefully picking up the little girl, noticing almost immediately that the toddler felt heavier than she had a week ago, and Maya knew she had not actually gotten any bigger.
It was the first time since coming home she had picked up either of the girls, and holding Nora truly showed her how weak she had gotten in the hospital.
"You ok Bambina?" Carina asked, noticing the look that crossed Maya's face as she picked up Nora.
"Yeah," Maya said, "Just realizing that I really have lost a lot of my strength this past week."
"Ah," Carina nodded, "Si. But you will get your strength back. It's gonna take time, but you will get there."
Maya nodded as Carina pulled her and Nora close, all four of them ending up in a hug for a minute before they head someone's stomach growl.
"Rowan, was that your tummy?" Carina asked, looking at the little blonde.
"I'm hundry," Rowan shrugged, squirming to get down, "Yet's go have brefast."
"Ok," Carina chuckled as Maya put Nora down as well, "We will go have breakfast."
"She gets that from you," Maya said as the four of them headed downstairs.
"What?" Carina said as she watched Rowan running down the stairs, "The running? Because I don't know how to tell you this Bambina, but that is all you."
"No, the growling stomach," Maya said, laughing, "I know she gets the running from me."
"Oh," Carina said, chuckling, "Si. That is true."
It was always so surprising to both of them how much of Carina they could see in the twins. Sure, they had picked a donor who's baby photo looked the most like Carina's, but there were other things too like Rowan's noisy stomach when she was hungry, that were tiny but so Carina. Maya wondered what Trottolino would have that reminded her of Carina, and also what would remind her of the twins and herself as well. She rested her hand on her tiny bump as she headed into the kitchen with her family.
"I can help make breakfast," Maya offered, knowing that this was one of only a few things she could confidently make for the twins and not feel horribly sick from the smell.
"No, you go sit," Carina said, "You need to rest. You can help in the kitchen when you have been home from the hospital for a few days."
"Fine," Maya mumbled, going and sitting down at the table, Nora almost immediately wanting to be in her lap.
"Are you ok Piccola?" Maya asked, pressing a kiss to the top of Nora's head as the toddler sucked on her fingers.
"I missed you," Nora said, cuddling more into Maya's chest.
"I missed you too," Maya said hugging her close, "I always miss you when I'm not home with you."
"Then don't yeave anymore," Nora said.
"We can't always be home though Piccola," Maya said, "You like going to daycare and I have to go to work sometimes, and we talked about it yesterday, I might have to go back to the hospital sometimes, but I am home right now, and if I have to go away, we can talk on the phone and you can come see me. But right now, I am home and I am ok and I will be home for at least a few days because the doctor said I am not allowed to go to work for a little bit."
"And I tan be home too?" Nora asked, looking at Maya with watery eyes.
"You can be home if I am home," Carina said, having been listening to this little conversation, "But when I have to work, you and Rowan will have to go to daycare because Mommy needs to get lots of sleep right now."
"But I tan sweep yots too wif Mommy," Nora said.
"You will have much more fun at daycare when Mamma isn't home," Maya said.
"No," Nora said, clinging to Maya.
"Piccola, it is going to be ok," Maya said, rubbing her back, "Right now, today and tomorrow, all of us are going to be home together, ok? Let's just think about that right now?"
"I have breakfast ready," Carina said, walking over to the table, Rowan, who had been helping Carina in the kitchen, following closely behind.
"Can you go sit in your chair and eat your breakfast?" Maya asked.
"But you stay there," Nora said, looking at Maya.
"I will stay here," Maya agreed as Nora got down and went over to her chair, "Good job Piccola. You should be so proud of yourself for sitting in your own chair. I know I am proud of you."
"I am too," Carina said, putting a bowl of yogurt, cereal, berries, and peanut butter down in front of Nora.
"Me too?" Rowan asked.
"Yes," Carina smiled, "You should be proud of yourself too. You did a good job helping me with breakfast."
"It looks very good Rowan," Maya nodded as the toddler smiled.
"Did you want some Bambina?" Carina asked, resting a hand on her wife's shoulder.
"Can I just have some strawberries?" Maya asked, "I don't feel up to anything more, but strawberries sound good."
"Ok," Carina nodded, going and grabbing some of the berries she had sliced along with her own bowl of breakfast.
Everyone ate together at the table for the first time in a month and a half, everyone very happy about it. Carina could tell during breakfast that Maya was exhausted.
"Bambine, after breakfast, I think the three of us should go to the grocery store. We need to get some things and I think Mommy could use a nap."
"I want to stay with Mommy," Nora said, shaking her head.
"Piccola, Mommy needs to sleep," Carina sighed, "And we will just go for a little bit. And I was thinking, maybe, if we get all the shopping done, we could get a special surprise."
"Yike what?" Rowan asked, immediately interested.
"Like a surprise," Carina laughed, "Please Nora?"
"No," Nora said, lip sticking out a little bit.
"Piccola, I promise I will be here when you get home," Maya said, "But Mamma is right. My stomach was sick last night and I didn't get to sleep very well so I need to nap. Maybe you could even take something with you like one of my shirts or something so it will be like I'm there with you?"
"That is a great idea," Carina said, having forgotten they had done that for Nora when she was in the hospital during radiation.
"You can even pick which shirt you want," Maya said, "Do you think that would be ok?"
Nora thought for a minute, a single tear rolling down her cheek before she nodded.
"Bene," Carina said, smiling, "I'm glad you are going to come because I think we will have a lot of fun."
"But just for a yittle bit?" Nora asked as she wiped the tear off her cheek.
"Just a little bit," Carina nodded, "We just need to get groceries."
"And I will be here when you get back," Maya said, "I might be taking a nap, but I will be here and we can cuddle and spend time together, ok?"
"Otay," Nora nodded, sniffling a little as she picked up her spoon again to continue breakfast.
Eventually, everyone finished breakfast, Carina sending the twins upstairs to get dressed, Rowan taking Nora's hand when the little brunette looked a little nervous.
"Tome on Noa," Rowan said, "Yet's go."
"Otay," Nora said, holding her sister's hand as the two of them walked out of the room together.
"What are we going to do with her?" Maya asked, biting her lip as she looked at her wife.
"We are going to love on her and keep reassuring her and helping her," Carina said, placing her hand over her wife's, "And if that doesn't help, we will take more steps, but I am hoping that some time home with the two of us will help."
"I'm just hoping I can stay out of the hospital for the rest of this pregnancy," Maya sighed, "I don't want to make this harder for her."
"Bambina, if you have to go back, we will help her through that too," Carina said, "But for now, let's not think about the what ifs too much. How are you feeling?"
"I actually feel ok," Maya said, "But you are right about me needing a nap. I am exhausted."
"Well, it doesn't help that we had one toddler in our bed half the night and the other one who wakes up way too early," Carina said, shaking her head, "I'll try to keep the girls out for a couple of hours so you can get some sleep unless you need us home earlier."
"Ok," Maya nodded as Carina got up, starting to clear the table.
"I can help you with that," Maya said, also going to stand only to get a major head rush and being forced to sit back down.
"You ok?" Carina asked, rushing over to Maya's side.
"Just a little dizzy," Maya said, standing back up after a second, leaning on her wife a little for stability.
"You need to be drinking more," Carina sighed, rubbing her back, "Do you want me to give you another bag of fluids?"
"No," Maya said, "I am ok. I will keep trying to drink. I just need to be more careful when I stand up."
"That is also true," Carina nodded, "Your blood pressure has been very low. Maybe I shouldn't go to the store. I don't want you to fall when I'm gone."
"I will be careful," Maya said, "I honestly will probably just sleep most of the time unless I have to pee or something and then I will be very careful when I stand up."
"Fine," Carina said, tucking a piece of hair that had escaped Maya's braid behind her ear, "Are you ready to go upstairs? The bambine probably need some help."
"Yeah," Maya nodded, "Let's go."
The two of them went upstairs, finding the twins in their room, both of them mostly dressed in matching Carhartt denim overalls, Rowan with a purple rainbow t-shirt under hers while Nora had a blue dinosaur t-shirt under hers. They had actually done a good job getting dressed expect that their overall straps were twisted and Nora only had one done.
"Can we help you fix your straps?" Carina asked, laughing a little as she crouched down next to the twins.
"We are matching," Rowan said.
"I can see that," Maya said as she undid Nora's overall strap, carefully untangling it before putting both of them on correctly, "You look very nice."
Carina let Maya finish helping the twins get ready while she went to go get herself dressed and ready to go as well. Once the twins' teeth were brushed and their hair was done, Maya took them into the master bedroom, Carina in the bathroom finishing getting ready.
"Come here," Maya said, the twins walking over to her dresser as she opened her drawer where she kept her t-shirts, "Which shirt do you want to take with you to the store?"
Nora thought for a minute before grabbing one of Maya's old Station 19 shirts, holding it close.
"Rowan, did you want one too?" Rowan nodded, coming and picking out an old Olympics t-shirt that Maya wasn't sure she had worn in years, though Carina wore it often, but the Italian insisted it stay in Maya's drawer so it was around her to her other clothes and smelled like her. Maya thought it was silly, but she didn't argue with her wife about it.
"Ok," Carina said, coming out of the bathroom, hair pulled up in a ponytail, minimal makeup on her face, and casual clothes on her body, "Bambine, are you ready to go?"
"Si," Rowan said as Nora slowly nodded, giving Maya a tight hug.
"You are just going out with Mamma for a little bit," Maya said, kissing Nora's cheek, "And I will be here when you get back. You will have fun with Mamma. And I need you to do something very important for me. Do you think you can help me?"
"Si," Nora nodded, looking at Maya.
"Can you help Mamma remember to get more of my lemonade?" Maya asked, having no idea if they actually needed more but knowing that giving Nora something to think about while she was out would help her not have such a hard time, "It's very important so I can have it to drink and help me feel better so can you help her remember?"
"Si," Nora nodded, "I'll tell Mamma to det you yemonade."
"Thank you Piccola," Maya said, giving her a hug, "I love you."
"I love you too," Nora said, giving her a hug as Rowan came running over to them, also in need of a hug.
"Have fun with Mamma," Maya said, giving her a tight squeeze, "I love you."
"Ti boglio benny," Rowan said, kissing Maya's cheek before touching her stomach, "And I love you too Totoino. Make sure Mommy isn't feeling sick, otay?"
"Trottolino said they will try," Maya smiled.
"Ok Bambine, go find some shoes please," Carina said, "I will be down in just a minute."
"Otay," the twins said, going downstairs together as Carina walked over to her wife.
"Ok Bambina, what do you need before I go?" Carina asked.
"I don't think I need anything," Maya said, leaning into her hug, "I am going to use the bathroom and then go to sleep. Also, I told Nora to help you remember to get me more lemonade so she had something to think about besides not being home so if she is obnoxious about it, I am very sorry."
"It's ok," Carina said, smiling, "That was actually a good idea, giving her something to help me with at the store."
"I think I read it in a book at some point," Maya said, yawning as Carina rubbed her back.
"Ok, bathroom and then bed," the Italian said, "And keep your phone next to you and if you get sick again or need us to come home for any reason, please call me or text me, ok?"
"I will," Maya nodded, "But I also really think I will just sleep. Have fun at the store."
"Do you need me to pick anything up?" Carina asked.
"I don't think so," Maya sighed, "I don't know what we even have anymore, but my diet hasn't changed since I went to the hospital so crackers, rice, toast, salty nuts, fruit, yogurt, and cottage cheese is about it."
"I'll make sure we have all of that before I go," Carina said, "I love you."
"I love you too," Maya said, giving her a kiss, "Now, I really actually do have to pee. I'm not sure what this is going to be like when Trottolino is bigger and pushing on my bladder."
"It will be worse," Carina laughed as her wife walked into the bathroom, "Except you will have less bladder control so you will pee your pants."
"Can't wait," Maya called from the bathroom, "Love you."
"Ciao Bambina," Carina called back, "Love you too."
The Italian headed downstairs, finding the twins had successfully put their own shoes on. She checked the fridge and pantry, writing down a few things they needed before the three of them headed to the store.
The trip went pretty well, Nora incessantly reminding her about the lemonade on the way to the store so it was the first thing Carina went and got when they got to Target. The little brunette then had to hold the container as they continued shopping which was fine with Carina. The twins helped her with the groceries and once they had everything they needed, they headed over to the toy section, Carina quickly finding the Lego aisle.
"Ok," Carina said, "These are Legos like you were looking at with Mommy this morning. I was thinking we could get each of you some so you can play with them with Mommy."
"Yay," both toddlers cheered, Carina getting them out of the cart so they could look. Each of them ended up picking out two sets with some guidance from Carina, Rowan ending up with a firetruck set and a shark and crab set while Nora picked out a Jurassic Park set because she liked the dinosaur and the girl with pink hair along with another set that was just a green dinosaur. Once they had picked out their Legos, they headed to the check out, walking past the baby clothes on their way.
"Mamma, yook," Rowan said, "Does are for My Baby."
"Those are baby clothes," Carina nodded, slowing down, "Look how little they are."
"Tan we pick some for My Baby Totoino?" Rowan asked.
Carina bit her lip, trying to decide what to do.
"Pwease," Rowan asked, "Yook. Dat one has dinos Noa."
"Yeah," Nora said, nodding, "I yike it for Totoino."
"Fine," Carina agreed, not knowing how Maya would feel about this, but both girls seemed excited and after Nora informing her she didn't want the baby anymore yesterday, she thought that any sign of excitement, she should encourage.
They ended up with a dinosaur one piece pajama set that Nora picked out and a fire engine once piece pajama set picked out by Rowan. They then headed to check out before heading home.
By the time they got home, they had been gone for almost two hours and Carina hoped Maya had gotten a good nap. She hadn't heard from her wife the entire time she was out so she was hoping that meant she had been asleep the whole time.
Carina got the girls into the house, helping them wash their hands before going to finish unloading the groceries. She quickly put away everything that went in the fridge and freezer before going to find the twins who had disappeared when Carina went to get the last load from the car.
"Bambine," Carina called quietly, not finding them anywhere downstairs.
She sighed, heading upstairs, hearing voices coming from the master bedroom. She really didn't want the twins to wake Maya up, but it seemed that was exactly what had happened.
"Bambine, why did you wake up Mommy?" Carina asked coming into the room.
"I was awake," Maya said, looking at her wife, "I heard the garage door open."
"I'm sorry," Carina sighed, walking over to her wife.
"It's ok," Maya said, "I got a two-hour nap and I feel better now. Plus, I can sleep again when these two take their nap this afternoon."
"Ok," Carina said as she sat down.
"The twins were showing me their Legos," Maya said, pointing to the boxes on the bed, "You spoiled them today."
"They deserved it," Carina shrugged, "Plus, I figured you could help them with these and it would be a good calm activity for the three of you."
"Thank you," Maya said, smiling at her wife before turning to look at Rowan who was showing Maya her fire engine, "Wow, that is so cool."
"Yike at the station," Rowan explained, setting her set down suddenly, going over to Nora and whispering in her ear, the other little girl nodding.
"We have to go get somefing else," Rowan said as she slid off the bed.
"What?" Carina asked, confused.
"It's a prize," Nora said, following her sister.
"Should you go with them?" Maya asked, looking at her wife.
"I'll give them a minute and see if they come back," Carina said, looking at the bottle of lemonade on her wife's nightstand, "What is that?"
"Nora brought that up for me," Maya said, shaking her head, "Was she ok at the store?"
"She was," Carina nodded, "She reminded me the whole way there that we needed this and so we went and got it as soon as we got there, and she was pretty quiet and sucked on her fingers more than she normally does and rubbed your shirt on her face, but she didn't cry and she only asked to come home maybe five times which isn't terrible for two hours."
"I'm glad she was ok," Maya sighed, "I'm worried about her."
"I would be lying if I said I wasn't too," Carina said, "But hopefully it will get better with you and I home for a few days and keeping them in their normal routine. How are you feeling?"
"Nauseous," Maya shrugged, "But not enough to be sick. Just enough to feel gross and not want to move too much."
"You can stay right here all day if you want to," Carina said, smoothing Maya's hair a little, more pieces having come out of her braid during her nap.
"I might," Maya said, "Or I might come down to the couch later. We'll see."
Just then, they heard footsteps and Rowan and Nora appeared, each of them carrying the baby outfit they picked out and Nora carrying her other Lego set she had left downstairs so she could carry Maya's lemonade earlier.
"What are these?" Maya asked, looking at the twins and then at her wife.
"We picked dem out for My Baby Totoino," Rowan said, laying the fire engine sleeper over Maya's belly.
"Yeah," Nora nodded, showing Maya the one she had picked out, "Yook. It has dinos so Totoino can be like me."
"Carina, what?" Maya said, looking at her wife.
"We thought they were cute," Carina shrugged, "And the twins really wanted to get them. I know it's still early and that we have baby clothes that will work if the baby is a boy or a girl, but they need their own clothes too."
"Do you yike them Mommy?" Nora asked.
"Of course I do Piccola," Maya nodded, "They are so cute."
"Do you think Totoino will yike dem too?" Rowan asked.
"I think they will love them," Maya nodded, "They will be so warm when they are born."
"Warm and tozy," Nora said, nodding.
"Yes," Maya said, "And it will be getting cold by the time Trottolino is born. That feels unreal that it is that far away."
"October will be here before you know it," Carina said, "And this tiny little bump will be a full-grown baby."
"I only hope the next few months are better than the last few," Maya said as she watched Nora and Rowan both kiss her bump.
"I hope so too. Bambine, it is almost lunch time," Carina said, looking at her watch, "What would you like to eat?"
"P butter and delly," Nora said.
"Me too," Rowan nodded, looking up from where she had been carefully smoothing the fire engine sleeper on Maya's belly, "And appo and tarrots and chippies."
"Alright," Carina nodded, "Bambina, do you want lunch yet?"
"Um, I think I need my next pill first," Maya said.
"Oh, let me go get it," Carina said, having forgotten about this new addition of a mid-day pill now that Maya was on a new regimen.
They kept most of Maya's supplies downstairs in a high cabinet so the twins couldn't get them, though they were keeping her pills in their bathroom on a shelf in the medicine cabinet because she almost always needed it up here.
Carina grabbed the pill, Maya taking it quickly before settling back against the bed.
"Are you ok if they stay up here while I go make lunch?" Carina asked.
"Yeah," Maya nodded, "I missed my time with them."
"Ok," Carina said, grabbing the bottle of lemonade off Maya's nightstand, heading downstairs, "I'll be back up in a few minutes to get them."
"Mommy, tan we pway wif our Yegos?" Rowan asked, picking up her box again.
"Well, Mamma just went to make lunch," Maya said, "And then after lunch you two have to have your nap, but after nap time, we can, ok?"
"That's too yong," Rowan sighed, looking at her fire engine.
"I know," Maya said, "But you both have to eat food so you can get strong muscles and you have to nap because you, Patatina, were up too early today and woke everyone else up."
"I don't yike sweeping," Rowan sighed, "It's not fun."
"I know," Maya said, "But sleeping is important. I sometimes don't like sleeping either, but when I don't sleep, I feel tired and grumpy and that is not fun."
"I'm not drumpy," Rowan said, shaking her head.
"Not right now, no," Maya said, chuckling, "But you will be if you don't take a nap."
Maya knew the days of naps were coming to an end. Rowan was already not wanting to take them and there were days when she wouldn't actually sleep, but both she and Carina needed them to keep napping for now, needing those two hours in the afternoon to get things done or rest themselves. Nora still loved her naps and needed them, but Rowan was probably close to being done. Even at daycare where they had to lay down and at least have a rest for a little while, Rowan wouldn't sleep at least half the time.
However, today, Maya knew Rowan would need to sleep because she had been up early.
"Mommy, yook at my dino," Nora said, bringing her box over to Maya, "It's dreen and it had big teef."
"Wow," Maya said, "That's so cool."
"I yike dinos," Nora said.
"I know," Maya nodded, "They are pretty cool, huh? Rowan, can I see your fire engine?"
"Here Mommy," Rowan said, handing her the box.
Maya carefully opened the box, looking inside for a minute before finding what she was looking for, pulling out the bag with the Lego firefighters in, setting the rest of the box aside.
"Look," Maya said, opening the package carefully, dumping out the contents carefully next to her on the bed, "See, you take one of the heads, and one of the arms and one legs and put them together like this and then you can put on a helmet too."
"Yike you Mommy," Rowan said, picking up the white helmet.
"It is like mine," Maya nodded, "And these are Legos people. And this is how big Trottolino is right now."
"This is yittle," Nora said, picking up pieces, concentrating as she put them together to make a person.
"It is," Maya nodded, "But Trottolino is little right now. They are going to get bigger before they are born, but right now, they are this big."
Rowan got her person put together, cradling it carefully in her hand.
"This is like My Baby Totoino?" Rowan said, looking up at Maya.
"Right now, yes," Maya nodded.
"It's so cutie," Rowan said, giving the Lego figurine a kiss before going over to Maya's stomach, which the blonde was starting to be convinced would be permanently out when they were at home because between Rowan and Carina, someone was always kissing or touching or talking to Trottolino, carefully laying the Lego on Maya's bump.
"Now you tan have a friend My Baby Totoino," Rowan said, smiling.
This, of course, brought tears to Maya's eyes, the blonde blinking quickly as she turned her head to pick up the rest of the little Lego pieces that were probably accessories for the Lego people that they would deal with later when they built the actual set.
"Mommy, are the hormomes making you try?" Nora asked, looking at Maya.
"Yeah," Maya nodded as Nora gave her a hug, "Thank you Piccola."
"I love you Mommy," Nora said, giving her a kiss on the cheek.
"I love you too," Maya said, squeezing her.
"I love you too," Rowan said, not wanting to miss out on this hug.
"I love you Patatina," Maya said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
"Ok Bambine," Carina said, walking into the bedroom, stopping when she saw the three of them, "Oh, what's going on here?"
"Mommy's hormomes are making her try," Nora said, looking at Carina.
"Ah," Carina smiled, "I see. Is Mommy ok now?"
"I am," Maya nodded as the twins moved, "These two are very good at giving hugs."
"They are," Carina nodded as she sat down on the edge of the bed, "Bambine, are you ready for lunch?"
"Mommy, are you going to come?" Nora asked, looking at Maya.
"You made peanut butter and jelly?" Maya asked, looking at Carina.
"Si," Carina nodded, "And apples and raw carrots and veggie straws."
"Ok," Maya said, "Then I think I will come downstairs. None of that will make me feel worse."
"Are you still feeling bad?" Carina asked.
"It's gotten a little bit better," Maya said, "Not great, but I think I will be ok to come downstairs and maybe eat some almonds or something."
"Ok," Carina said, "We also got some pineapple and mango if you want that."
"Maybe," Maya said, "Bambine, come on. Let's go downstairs."
"Tan I bring my Yego?" Rowan asked.
"Of course," Maya nodded.
"Me too?" Nora asked.
"Yes, everyone can bring their Legos," Maya said carefully sitting up, letting her body adjust to being fully upright, "You all can go downstairs. I need a few minutes to get up."
"I'll be back once I get them settled," Carina said.
"I've got it," Maya said, swinging her legs over the edge of the bed, "I'm ok."
Carina just rolled her eyes, helping the twins downstairs. Maya managed to get herself up, grabbing her tumbler of lemonade and heading downstairs, running into her wife at the bottom of the steps.
"They love those Legos," Carina said, "I thought you were going to wait for them to open them."
"I was," Maya shrugged, resting her hands on her bump, "But I just let them have the people so they could see how big this little one is. I know those Legos are small, but the fact that not that long ago, they were just a handful of cells and now they are that big feels weird."
"It is a big deal," Carina said, resting her hands on her wife's stomach as well, "It is a huge accomplishment to have Trottolino get that big."
"I'm glad they are that big," Maya said, "And that they are still growing. I…I was worried we weren't ever going to get here."
"I know," Carina said, "Me too, but we are and they are still growing."
Maya nodded, leaning her head on her wife's shoulder.
"We should probably go check on the twins," Maya said, not moving.
"We should," Carina nodded, rubbing her wife's back, "You can go relax on the couch if you want."
"No, I'm ok," Maya said, "I'll try the table. I doubt I will be able to at dinner and I miss having meals as a family."
"Ok," Carina said, "Come on."
They four of them sat at the lunch table together, the twins chatting about their Legos and about a million other things as Maya and Carina tried to keep up. Maya managed to eat some almonds and pineapple, her medications having fully kicked in.
Once lunch was done, they went into the playroom for about half an hour before both girls were clearly getting tired. Maya and Carina tag teamed nap and soon enough, both girls were asleep.
"What are you going to do while they sleep?" Maya asked, looking at her wife.
"I was honestly going to go try to get a short nap," Carina said, "I'm tired. Unless you need me to do something."
"No, a rest sounds good," Maya said, "I'm not sure I am going to sleep at the moment, though I might, but I would love some time to cuddle with you."
"Ok," Carina said as they headed into the bedroom.
"So, how did they actually talk you into getting baby clothes?" Maya asked as she picked up the sleepers from where they had been discarded on the bed.
"Well, we were walking through the store and we walked past the baby clothes and Rowan got excited and pointed out the dinosaur ones to Nora and Nora got excited about getting them for the baby and I couldn't say no," Carina sighed, "Especially because Nora was excited."
"What?" Maya said, confused.
"Well, yesterday, Nora told me she didn't want the baby anymore," Carina said, wincing a little at the look on her wife's face, "She was just frustrated that you are sick and that it is because of you being pregnant, but we talked about it and I explained to her that I understood how hard this was for her and that I didn't like you being sick either but if the baby wasn't here, it would be very sad and that all of us would be very very sad about it and that Trottolino was part of our family, and we talked about how you won't be sick forever, but if Trottolino went away, it would be forever. I don't think she actually doesn't want the baby. She just don't want you to be sick, which I think we all feel. But it also made me a little bit worried so seeing her excited about buying something for the baby made me feel like she is ok and so we had to buy them."
"She…she said she didn't want the baby?" Maya said, tears running down her cheeks.
"Si," Carina said, "But she really just doesn't want you to be sick. I think she is still excited about Trottolino, just not how sick her mommy is right now."
"I hope so," Maya said, "I…I don't want her to hate the baby before they are even here. I hate my body might be the reason she doesn't like her little brother or sister."
"It is not your fault Bambina," Carina said, pulling her wife into her arms, "It just isn't. It happens sometimes and you did nothing to cause it. And she will love Trottolino once they are here and you are healthy again. She loves Trottolino now. She was so excited to pick out that sleeper. But she is also only three and this is a lot for her to understand. We are doing everything we can to help both of them navigate this. And if we keep reiterating it is your hormones that are making you feel sick, I think that will help too, not blaming the baby, because she can be mad at hormones all she wants. She probably will be for the rest of her life anyway so having her start that a few years younger than most girls isn't the end of the world. Maya chuckled a little bit through her tears as Carina held her close. "We will all get through this," Carina said, "And the twins will love Trottolino, whether it is right now or after they are born, they will. And everyone gets mad at their siblings sometimes. I know I was mad at Andrea when we were kids, and I am sure you and Mason had plenty of fights too."
"Yeah, all the time," Maya said, wiping her eyes.
"So this is just the first time Nora is mad at Trottolino," Carina said, "It will not be the last, I can guarantee that. We will keep an eye on it, just like her anxiety, but like her anxiety, I think we will be able to handle it."
"This parenting thing is so hard," Maya said, shaking her head, "Like, I have known it is hard and it has been hard for the last few years, but this, adding another human to this parenting thing, is adding a new level of hard."
"I think there will always be parts that are extra challenging," Carina said, rubbing Maya's back, "And that is what makes parenting hard. But it is also what makes it an adventure."
Just then, Carina's phone dinged, the Italian picking it up and groaning.
"What?" Maya asked, wiping her tears.
"There was a prenatal yoga class happening in a park and an idiot who was drink decided to drive through the park and hit the class. They need extra hands. I have to go in. I will go wake the twins up and take them to daycare."
"No," Maya said, "I can take care of them. It's fine. If you take them to daycare, you know Nora is going to have a meltdown."
"Bambina, you are not strong enough to take care of them right now," Carina said, getting up from the bed to get ready to leave, "What if you start feeling sick again or you pass out or something happens? You have barely been home from the hospital for 24 hours."
"I…A shift is off today. I'll text Vic and Trav and see if they can come over," Maya said, "Or Andrew."
"Andrea is at a conference in San Diego," Carina said, coming out of the bathroom with her toothbrush in her hand.
"Vic and Travis?" Maya asked.
"Fine," Carina said, "But call because if they can't, I have to know soon. I need to get to the hospital."
"Ok," Maya said, grabbing her phone, dialing Vic's number.
"Hey Chief," Vic said answering, "Or is this a Maya call?"
"Hey Vic," the blonde said, "It's a Maya call. Are you busy this afternoon/evening?"
"Um, not really," Vic said, "Travis and I were talking about going to a movie or something tonight, but we don't have big plans. Why?"
"Carina got called in for an emergency at the hospital and I can't take care of the twins on my own right now," Maya sighed, "And I was just wondering if…"
"We will be there," Vic said, "I am at the gym right now, but I can be there in like half an hour?"
"Take your time," Maya said, "The twins just went down for a nap."
"Ok," Vic said, "I am almost done with my workout. I'll text Trav and let him know. He might get there before me if he's not doing anything right now. Oh, wait, I think is car is in the shop. I'll have to go get him. It's fine. We will be there."
"Thank you Vic," Maya said, "See you soon."
"So they are coming?" Carina asked, walking over to her wife's side of the bed.
"Yeah," Maya said, "Vic is at the gym, but they will be here soon. Go save babies."
"Ok," Carina said, pressing a kiss to her wife's lips, "Do you need anything before I go?"
"Can I actually have some more to drink?" Maya asked, "I think this is gone."
"It is," Carina nodded, "Good job. I'll bring you some."
Carina brought her wife a refill on her drink as well as a package of crackers and some blueberries before giving her another quick kiss.
"Are you sure you will be ok before Travis and Vic get here?" Carina asked, biting her lip.
"I am fine," Maya assured her, "Even if the twins wake up, they can come hang out in here, but they aren't going to wake up. They are both exhausted. We will be fine. Go."
"Fine," Carina said, "But text me when they get here. I will make sure I am the first one out tonight. If I'm not done before you go to bed, make sure Vic and Travis hook you up to fluids and if you get sick again, same thing. I love you."
"I love you too," Maya said, giving her wife one more kiss, "Now, go be awesome."
Carina nodded, heading out of the room, glancing at her wife one last time before heading out of the house. Maya allowed herself to relax, not quite falling asleep just in case the twins needed her, but she was also not quite awake.
About forty minutes after her wife left, Maya heard a key in the lock of their front door, forcing her eyes to open a little bit more. She debated getting out of bed, but before she had time to get her body to adjust to being upright, she heard footsteps coming upstairs and Vic and Travis appeared in the doorway.
"Hey guys," Maya said, smiling at them as she gestured for them to come in, "Thanks for coming over. Sorry for the short notice. I would have come downstairs, but "
"Hey, we are happy to help out," Vic said, walking over to her, "It's good to see you. You look significantly better than last time."
It had been over a week since Maya had seen anyone besides Carina, having wanted to see no one while she was inpatient, too emotional and also too sick to deal with anyone besides her wife.
"Yeah, sorry," Maya said, "I was really not up for visitors. It was a long week."
"We understand," Travis said, "I don't know how you are dealing with all of this. I can't even imagine."
"It's all for Trottolino," Maya said, resting her hand on her stomach.
"Trottolino?" Vic said, "Is that the baby's name?"
"It's their nickname," Maya said, "Carina picked it out. It means little spinning top in Italian and it only seemed fitting considering how this pregnancy is making me feel."
"It's cute," Travis said. Just then, they heard a door open and a minute later, Rowan appeared. "Unca T," Rowan said, jumping into his arms as soon as she saw him, "Auntie Bic. Why are you here?"
"Your mamma had to go to work so we are going to play with you and your sister," Travis said, "Is that ok?"
"Yeah," Rowan nodded, squirming out of his arms, climbing onto the bed, "Mommy, Unca T and Auntie Bic are here."
"I know," Maya laughed, never understanding how the toddler was this awake as soon as she was awake.
Sure, Maya was usually up and out of bed pretty quickly after she got up, but Rowan was insanely social from the minute her big blue eyes popped open. Before she knew what was going on, Rowan had moved the blankets and lifted Maya's shirt.
"Hi My Baby Totoino," Rowan said, "Unca T and Auntie Bic are here."
"Oh my god, that is the cutest thing I have ever seen," Vic said as Rowan leaned down and pressed a kiss to Maya's stomach before laying her head down, Maya reaching to play with the toddler's messy nap hair.
"She loves the baby," Maya said, "She does this multiple times a day."
"How are you feeling?" Travis asked.
"It comes and goes," Maya said, "I mean, I am at a baseline of nausea pretty much always, but we have gotten it so I am not actively sick anytime I am awake. I am on a Zofran pump and oral metoclopramide and I also have a PICC line that I get fluids in at night and as needed during the day if I'm really sick."
"Wow," Vic said, shaking her head as Rowan went and jumped off the bed into her arms, "That is a lot. But you and the baby are ok?"
"We are," Maya nodded, "Trottolino is the perfect size for gestational age as of our ultrasound yesterday morning."
"Is that a little bump I see?" Vic asked, knowing that normally, she would never ask, but in this case, it seemed like a big accomplishment for her friend.
"It is," Maya nodded, realizing her shirt was still up from where Rowan had been talking to the baby, "It's tiny, but when I am laying down you can see it best. Somehow, this little one is still growing despite my sickness."
"Unca T, Auntie Bic, can we do downstairs and pway wif toys?" Rowan asked.
"Of course," Travis said.
"Yet's go," Rowan said, getting out of Vic's arms, grabbing Travis's hand and all but dragging him out of the room.
"Do you need anything?" Vic asked, looking at Maya.
"I'm good," Maya said, "I'll probably come downstairs soon. I'm just trying to find the energy to get up."
"You don't have to come downstairs," Vic said, "You can just sleep. That's why we are here."
"I still probably will come down at some point," Maya said, "At least for a little while once Nora is awake. She is having some pretty bad separation anxiety right now after me being in the hospital for so long, though because Travis is here, she might be willing to go to him."
"Whatever you want to do," Vic said, "But don't feel like you have to be downstairs with us."
Maya nodded as Vic walked out of the room, heading downstairs. Maya laid in bed for a little longer before deciding to get up, knowing that she would have to go back upstairs at dinner time. Before she went downstairs, she poked her head into the twins' room, finding Nora lying in bed, just cuddling her blankie and sucking on her fingers, eyes open.
"Piccola, do you want to come downstairs with me?" Maya asked quietly.
Nora nodded, getting up and walking over to Maya.
"Uppie," she said around her fingers, lifting her arm.
"I can't carry you down the stairs," Maya said, knowing that was not safe with the mild dizziness she was still having, "But we can hold hands and I will hold you on the couch downstairs."
Nora nodded, reaching for Maya's hand as they made their way downstairs.
"There is a surprise waiting for you downstairs," Maya said as they carefully walked down the stairs, Maya glad the twins weren't amazing at stairs yet because the pace they did them at was about the only pace she could manage right now.
"What is it?" Nora asked, looking at Maya.
"Bean," Travis said, appearing at the bottom of the stairs.
"Unca T," Nora said, eyes lighting up as she saw him.
Maya smiled as Travis picked Nora up, the toddler hugging him tightly. Maya was happy that Nora went to Travis, feeling some reassurance that she was going to be ok. The pregnant woman finished the stairs, popping her head into the playroom where Rowan was playing baby with Vic.
"Mommy, Auntie Bic is helping me wif my baby," Rowan said, smiling at Maya.
"That's so nice of her," Maya smiled, "I think I am going to go lay down on the couch."
"Otay," Rowan said, getting back to playing.
Walking down the stairs had made Maya's stomach start feeling worse again and she was desperate to no longer be vertical in hopes that that would help settle things. She got to the couch, grabbing a blanket, and pulling it over her body before laying down, curling up somewhat in an attempt to feel better.
"Mommy," she heard about a minute after she laid down, opening her eyes and seeing Nora crawling toward her on the couch.
"Hi Piccola," Maya said, uncurling herself somewhat as Nora came to cuddle up next to her, "Don't you want to play with Uncle T?"
"Yes, but I want you too," Nora said, looking at Maya.
"I can't come play right now, Piccola," Maya said, "My tummy is feeling sick right now."
"Tan I yay wif you?" Nora asked.
"Sure," Maya said, breathing though a rather intense wave of nausea. She didn't think she was going to be sick, but she felt pretty miserable.
"Where's Mamma?" Nora asked.
"At work," Maya said, closing her eyes.
"No, she's apposed to be home," Nora fussed.
"I know," Maya said, "But she had to go to work for a little bit. She will be home later."
"Hey," Travis said, walking over to them, immediately noticing Maya was not feeling well, "Can I get you anything Mai?"
"Can you put a bucket by the couch?" Maya mumbled, "There's one in the laundry room." "Of course," Travis said, running to grab it.
"Thanks," Maya said as he put the object down, "I don't think I need it, but I am not 100% sure at the moment."
"Nora, let's let Mommy rest," Travis said, going to pick her up.
"No," Nora cried, "No. I want Mommy."
"She's fine," Maya said, "She's just laying here."
"Ok," Travis said, "Do you need anything else?"
Maya shook her head, just letting her eyes close again.
Somehow, miraculously, she managed to not get sick and must have dozed off for a little while, because about half an hour later, she woke up, cautiously sitting up and sighing when she didn't feel like she might be sick at any minute. Nora was no longer lying next to her and the house was weirdly quiet.
"Hello?" she called, still not hearing anything.
She put her legs over the side of the couch, letting her head settle before she stood up. She looked out the back door, seeing it was pouring rain. She was even more confused as to where everyone could be, but then she heard a faint noise coming from what sounded like the garage. She went to the bathroom quickly before going over to the garage, opening the door and seeing the twins riding around on their strider bikes in the garage, Travis in the corner putting together the mini trampoline her and Vic had gotten the twins for Christmas that had yet to be put up because they had been so busy.
"Mommy," Nora called, stopping her bike and running up the two steps to hug her, "Are you feeling better?"
"I am," Maya nodded, hugging her back, "Are you having fun?"
"Unca T is making the jump jump," Rowan said, still riding her bike in circles, Maya noticing her car was absent from the garage.
"We wanted to let you sleep," Vic explained as she walked over to Maya, "Your car is just outside the garage. We wanted them to have space to play, but as soon as we came outside, it started raining."
"And then they saw this and we decided to put it together so you didn't have to," Travis said, "I hope that's ok."
"Yeah, yeah, for sure," Maya nodded, "I have been meaning to, but, you know, haven't been feeling super great recently."
"Here," Vic said, grabbing a chair, "Sit."
"Thanks," Maya said, "I am going to go grab something to drink first and then…"
"Sit," Vic said, "I will get you a drink. What do you want?"
"There is a bottle of that orange drink in the fridge," Maya said as. She saw down, Nora climbing into her lap, "Can you put it in a glass with ice please?"
"Of course," Vic nodded, "I'll be right back."
"Thank you so much Vic," Maya said, smiling at her.
"Mommy, yook," Rowan said, lifting her feet as she balanced on her bike.
"Wow," Maya said, "You are getting so good at that."
"Tan you take a pitcta and sent it to Mamma?" Rowan asked.
Maya nodded, grabbing her phone and taking a short video of Rowan, quickly sending it to Carina before looking at Nora.
"What are you doing Nora Mae?" Maya asked rubbing her back.
"I missed you when you were sweeping," Nora said, cuddling into Maya's chest.
"Nora," Travis called, "Can you come help me with this?"
"It's ok," Maya reassured her, "I am gonna be right here, ok?"
Nora thought for a minute before getting down, running over to Travis. Vic came back just then, handing Maya her orange drink and also some crackers.
"You don't have to eat them, but I figured just in case," Vic said as Maya took the drink and snack.
"Thanks," Maya said, "I actually probably could eat a few."
"Good," Vic said.
"How has the station been?" Maya asked, "I mean, I got the texts you guys were sending, but have you had any big calls or anything?"
"Nothing too big," Vic said, shaking her head, "A decent accident on the freeway the other day, a few run of the mill house fires. Oh, Genevieve's had a kitchen fire so they cannot give people food poisoning for the next month at least which is a big plus."
"I don't know how the health department hasn't shut them down yet," Maya said, "I almost shut them down for fire hazards, but they just barely passed."
The five of them stayed in the garage for a while, Travis getting the trampoline together, the twins absolutely in love with their new toy, jumping on it for a long time.
"Hopefully this means they will go down easy tonight," Maya said as she, Vic, and Travis watched the twins jump, "And stay that way."
"Was last night rough?" Travis asked.
"A little bit," Maya nodded, "They were hard to get down, and then Nora woke up in the middle of the night and ended up in our bed. I am worried about her. She is having such a hard time with all of this. Though she is doing well this afternoon, or better than she was yesterday and early today."
"She just needs her mommy," Vic said, smiling at Maya.
"Yeah," Maya said, looking at the twins who were holding hands and jumping in circles, "I hope that's all it is."
They spent a little longer outside before the twins were getting hungry and they headed inside.
"I am going to go upstairs," Maya said, "My stomach and cooking do not mix at the moment, as you know."
"Ok," Travis said as Vic got out the pierogi they had picked up from her parent's restaurant on their way over, "Do you want me to bring you something for dinner?"
"Um, not yet" Maya said, "I have to take another pill before I eat and it takes a little bit to kick in."
"Ok," Travis said, "I'll come check on you in a little bit."
"Mommy, no stay," Nora said, grabbing Maya's leg.
"I am just going to go upstairs and rest," Maya said, "I am not leaving. I am just going to my bed."
"Me too," Nora said.
"Don't you want to come play with me and Rowan and Auntie Vic while dinner is cooking?"
Travis said. Nora looked at Travis and then at Maya and then back at Travis and burst into tears.
"Oh Piccola," Maya said, picking up the little girl, trying to keep herself steady as she held her, "It's ok. I am right here. It is ok."
Nora clung to Maya's neck, sobbing.
"Sorry," Travis said, not totally sure what just happened.
"It's not you," Maya said, shaking her head as she swayed with Nora in her arms. "Noa, why you trying?" Rowan asked, walking over to them.
"She's ok," Maya said, "She's just feeling a little sad right now."
"Does Noa have hormomes too?" Rowan asked, causing Vic, who had just taken a sip of water, to start choking.
"Um, yes, she has hormones, but that is not what is making her sad," Maya said, "She is just feeling sad, and that is ok."
Rowan frowned but nodded.
"Whoa," Maya said, suddenly getting the faintest whiff of what was in the oven, her stomach clenching, "Trav, take her. Now please."
"Mommy," Nora cried as she tried to cling to Maya as Travis pulled her off, Maya bolting for the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.
Maya leaned over the toilet, still hearing Nora sobbing as she got sick. It took way too long for her stomach to calm down and when it did, she just leaned back against the wall, shaky and miserable as she felt tears running down her cheeks. Tears because she didn't feel well, tears because Nora was struggling, tears because this was not at all how she thought this was going to go and she was tired. She cried until she heard a knock on the door.
"Mai, can I come in?" Vic asked gently.
"Yeah," Maya croaked out.
Vic walked into the bathroom, handing Maya a wet washcloth.
"Sorry about that," Vic said, "I didn't even think." "It's ok," Maya said, wiping her face, "It happens."
"What can I do?" Vic asked. "I need to go upstairs," Maya said, "If I close the bedroom door, it's usually fine."
"Ok," Vic said, reaching her hands to her friend, "Come on."
Vic helped Maya up and helped steady her. Maya took the washcloth, putting it over her mouth and nose, hoping that it would help block out the smell she knew would make her sick as soon as she left the bathroom. Vic helped her upstairs, Maya brushing her teeth and downing her pill before climbing into bed.
"Is Nora ok?" Maya asked, looking at Vic.
"She's still upset," Vic said, "But she has calmed down."
"Can you or Trav bring her up?" Maya asked, "I want her to know I am ok."
"Sure," Vic nodded, "I'm guessing you don't want dinner any time soon?"
"I will be ok in like half an hour," Maya said, "Maybe some yogurt and some toast with jam?"
"Ok," Vic nodded, "I'll go get Trav to bring Nora up."
Maya was exhausted and really just wanted to sleep, but she knew she needed to eat and she needed to make sure Nora was ok so she forced her eyes to stay open.
"Mommy," Nora said as soon as Travis walked in the door with her.
"Hi Piccola," Maya said as Travis set Nora down on the bed, the toddler crawling over to Maya, "I'm ok. I just wasn't feeling well for a little bit, but I am still right here."
"I want you Mommy," Nora said, cuddling close to her.
"I know," Maya said, "And you can stay here for a little bit, but you have to eat dinner downstairs with Auntie Vic and Uncle T and Rowan."
"And you," Nora said.
"No, Piccola, that will make me feel sick," Maya explained, "I want to eat dinner with you, but my stomach is too sick right now."
"What about Mamma?" Nora asked. "Mamma is at work," Maya sighed, "She will be home later."
Nora's lip came out, tears filling her eyes.
"It's going to be ok Piccola," Maya said as Nora sat in her lap.
"Do you want me to go?" Travis asked.
"It's ok," Maya said, "She is going to have to go with you for dinner. Piccola, what if you take my shirt with you again? Would that help?"
Nora nodded, rubbing her eyes.
"Ok," Maya said, "I think you left the one you had earlier over there on the floor."
Travis looked, spotting one of Maya's old station shirts on the ground, picking it up and holding it up.
"Is this it?" he asked, Nora looking at him.
"Si," Nora nodded.
"Ok," Maya said, "You go get it and go downstairs with Uncle T, ok? I am going to stay up here and rest, but I am going to be right here, ok? Not at the hospital, just right here taking a nap."
"Otay," Nora nodded, giving Maya one more hug before going over to Travis.
"Good job Piccola," Maya said, "I love you."
"I love you too Mommy," Nora said, allowing Travis to pick her up.
"We can come see Mommy after dinner ok?" Travis said, "Mai, did you need anything?"
"No," Maya said, "Thank you so much."
Travis left, shutting the door on his way out. The rest of the evening was much less chaotic, Nora actually managing to play downstairs for a long time. Travis and Vic did bath time, the twins coming to see Maya once they were in their pajamas while Vic and Travis cleaned up the bedtime mess they had made.
"Mommy, we fordot," Rowan said with a gasp, picking up her Lego set, "Our yegos."
"Patatina, we don't have time to do that tonight," Maya said, shaking her head. "But you said after nap," Rowan said.
"I know," Maya said, "But then Uncle T and Auntie Vic came over and we did other things this afternoon. We can do them tomorrow if I am not feeling too sick."
"But I want to do them now," Rowan pouted.
"We can't do them now," Maya said again, "It is bedtime."
"No," Rowan whined, "I want to do yegos."
"Rowan, why are we whining?" a voice said, startling both Maya and Rowan as Carina walked into the bedroom.
"Mamma," Rowan and Nora both squealed, running over to her.
"Hello Bambine," Carina said, giving them both hugs.
Maya could see from the look on her wife's face that it had been a long, hard shift, but she knew better than to ask about it now.
"Hey Carina," Vic and Travis said, walking into the room as well.
"Thank you both so much for coming," Carina said, "I was not supposed to work today, but there was a big emergency."
"It's fine," Travis said, smiling at her, "We had fun. They are all ready for bed except books. We are probably going to get going. "
"Grazie," Carina said, "Rowan, Nora, can you say goodbye?"
The twins gave Vic and Travis hugs, everyone saying their goodbyes before the pair left, leaving the family alone again. They did stories in the master bedroom, everyone needed the family snuggles. The twins went down fairly easily, Carina coming back a few minutes after she took them to bed.
"I am going to take a quick shower," Carina said, "Did you need one?"
"I don't have the energy for one tonight," Maya said, "I am exhausted. I spent some time downstairs today and it was fine, but I caught a whiff of dinner and that was less than ideal. But I kept dinner down so don't worry."
"I will always worry," Carina said, brushing a piece of hair off Maya's forehead, "I will be quick." Carina was true to her word, hooking Maya up to her nightly fluids before getting into bed.
"Now, do you want to talk about it?" Maya asked, knowing something was bothering her wife.
"I lost a patient," Carina said, "I mean, not because of an OB complication, but because of the accident. There was nothing I could have done, but she was only 20 weeks pregnant so we also lost the baby. It was just hard. I will be fine. It was just a hard night. I think we lost 5 mamas and 8 bambine between all of us tonight, all from one stupid person's mistake. It was just hard."
"I'm sorry," Maya said, pulling her close.
"They were all just trying to do the best thing for their baby," Carina said, tears slipping out of her eyes, "And this happened. It…it's not fair."
"I know," Maya said, rubbing her back, "It's not. It never is."
"I just kept thinking about you," Carina said, looking at her wife, "About what I would do if it was you."
"But it's not me Babe," Maya said, "I am right here and Trottolino and I are safe. We are ok."
Carina just allowed herself to be held, hands resting on her wife's baby bump, soaking in the comfort of that moment.
Eventually, Carina noticed Maya's movements got slower and suddenly, she head small snores, looking and seeing that her wife had fallen asleep essentially sitting up. Carina shook her head, carefully helping Maya into a much better sleeping position, wrapping her arms around her stomach, allowing the warmth of her wife and the comfort of feeling the place their baby was growing under her hands lull her to sleep, allowing the pain of her afternoon to be replaced with the love of her family.
What did you think? I just really wanted to write something nice and relatively happy after the sad we got from the episode and the subsequent sad (yet absolutley amazing) stories that have come out of it. I am not going to be able to watch this week's episode live becuase I have class from 5-8 pm every other Thursday and Station is on at 7 pm my time. Oh well. I also probably won't be doing a ton of writing this weekend becuase the kids I nannied for (two of who are who I write Nora and Rowan based off of) are going to be in town and I do not get to see them as often as I would like so they will be getting a lot of my attention. But hopefully I will find some time to write. I have so much written for this story that I am excited to share (like the birth, the baby's name), I just have to get the parts written before we get there. Thank you all so much for reading, commenting, and following and favoriting. It means so much to know you guys are enjoying this story.
Follow me on Twitter for whatever it is I do over there: musicgirl1120