Maya was pretty restless for a lot of the night, but at 6 am, Carina woke up to her wife throwing up again into the trashcan next to the bed. She quickly moved to grab the blonde's hair, sighing when she realized she was too late to save all of it.
"It's ok Bambina," Carina said, rubbing her back, "You're going to be ok."
Maya leaned back after a minute, groaning a little bit.
"Are you ok?" Carina asked, grabbing a tissue and wiping of her wife's lips.
"I don't feel good," Maya said, "And I thought I would wake up feeling better, but I don't and now there's puke in my hair and my stomach hurts and I just want it to stop."
"Ok," Carina said, pulling Maya into a hug, rubbing her back, "We are going to go to the hospital and get you medicine and get you feeling better, ok? I am going to call Andrea and see if he can come be here with the twins while I take you in ok?"
"No," Maya said, sniffling, "No, I'm ok. I can wait until we take them to daycare."
"Are you sure Bambina?" Carina asked, looking at Maya's pale, tear-stained face, "I hate seeing you so miserable."
"I'm sure," Maya nodded, taking a deep breath, trying to calm down a little more, "But can we take a shower? I feel gross, but I don't feel well enough to do it on my own."
"Of course," Carina said, "You just sit here for a minute while I go start the shower ok?"
Maya nodded as Carina got up, grabbing the trashcan from next to Maya's bed before going into the bathroom.
Once the shower was warm, Carina went back into their bedroom, sighing when she saw Maya sitting up, leaning against the pillows, eyes shut. She didn't want to wake her if she was asleep, but she knew that Maya needed a shower so she went over to her, gently rubbing one of her shoulders.
"Come on Bambina," Carina said, "You need a shower."
"I'm tired," Maya said, haphazardly hitting at her.
"I know," Carina said, "But your hair is gross and if you fall asleep like this, it will just get worse. Come on. All you have to do is walk to the shower and then lean on me while I get you cleaned up, ok?"
Maya nodded, opening her eyes a little bit, reaching for Carina. The Italian helped her up, getting her into the bathroom before stripping both of them and helping her wife into the shower.
"You can just lean on me if you need to, ok?" Carina said as she guided Maya under the spray, "I've got you."
"I'm sorry," Maya said.
"Why are you sorry?" Carina asked, confused as she reached for the shampoo, picking up her bottle instead of her wife's, hoping maybe the scent would help Maya relax a little bit.
"Because I woke you up early and I didn't keep my hair out of my face and I'm a mess," Maya said, voice hitching slightly.
"Bambina, I'm not mad about any of that," Carina said, stopping what she was doing so she could see her wife's face, "I am sad that you don't feel well, but I am not mad. I would stay up all night for you and our Trottolino and I would clean you up a million times just to help you feel better, ok? I am not mad about any of this, and I don't want you apologizing because your body is having a hard time right now, ok?"
Maya nodded, rubbing her eyes with her hands.
"I love you," Carina said, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
"I love you too," Maya said, sniffling a little.
"Now, let's finish getting you clean and then get you back to bed, ok?" Carina said, getting back to the task at hand.
"How are we going to keep people at the hospital from finding out about the baby?" Maya asked as Carina rinsed her hair, "I mean, if I go to the ER, everyone will know I'm there within like 5 minutes and then they will see an OB consult and it's not hard to figure out."
"Well, we have a few options," Carina said, thinking, "We could go to the ER and just tell everyone today. Or we could go up to my office and I can convince Danielle to come and treat you there. That way, no one has to know except her, but Bambina, I am thinking you are probably going to have to be admitted, at least overnight, for treatment and observation."
"Wait, keep me for observation?" Maya said, fighting off a wave of intense nausea, Carina stopping what she was doing to pull Maya's hair away from her face and rub her back as the blonde gagged a little bit before regaining control of her stomach.
"Va bene?" Carina asked as Maya opened her eyes again.
"Si," Maya responded instinctually, "I'm ok for now. How long would they keep me in the hospital?"
"Si," Carina said, going back to washing Maya's hair, "They are going to need to get you rehydrated, and I imagine your labs will be a bit off, though the IVs I gave yesterday probably helped some with that, but you are really sick right now so the hospital is where you need to be.."
"No," Maya said, "I don't want to be stuck there."
"I know," Carina said, "But Bambina, you have barely kept anything down in 24 hours which is dangerous in general, but even more so when you are pregnant, and yes, I gave you two IVs yesterday which probably helped a lot, but they are going to want you keeping something down before they let you come home."
Maya closed her eyes again and Carina could tell she was trying desperately not to cry.
"It will be ok Bambina," Carina said, pulling her into a hug, "But we need to get both of you healthy, ok?"
Maya nodded against Carina's chest, just standing there for a minute before pulling away.
"I don't know why I am so emotional," Maya said, "I mean, I hate the hospital, but it just feels like everything has been turned up to 10."
"It is the hormones," Carina said, rinsing Maya's hair one last time, "And probably the fact that you are feeling bad."
"I don't like it," Maya said as they went to get out of the shower.
"I know," Carina said, "But that is pregnancy. Now, let's get you dried and back into bed."
However, just as they were about to go get their pajamas, Maya slammed her hand over her mouth and bolted for the bathroom, Carina sighing as she went to help her wife. Once Maya's stomach had settled somewhat, she pulled on some sweatpants and a t-shirt before crawling back into bed.
"What are you doing?" Maya asked as Carina did not join her in bed.
"It's almost 7," Carina said, "The girls will be up soon, and I didn't make lunches last night. You just rest and I will get you when it's time to leave, ok?"
"Ok," Maya nodded, rubbing her eyes.
"Do you need anything?" Carina asked as she walked over to Maya, setting the cleaned trash can down next to the bed, "Can I get you some more rehydration solution to try?"
"Ok," Maya nodded, "I'll try. But not the one you gave me last night."
"Is there a specific flavor you want to try?" Carina asked, "I think I bought every one the store had."
"Maybe a strawberry or raspberry?" Maya said, "Or mango. I don't know."
"I'll bring it up in a minute," Carina said, stroking Maya's hair which she had braided while her wife was getting sick earlier in hopes that they could avoid any more mishaps, "Just rest, ok?"
Maya nodded, letting her eyes slip closed.
Carina went downstairs, finding two different brands of electrolyte replenishers that were strawberry flavored, mixing both of them up and taking them up to her wife who was sound asleep. She decided to just let her rest, knowing it was exactly what she needed right now.
Once that was done, Carina went downstairs, starting on lunch for the twins. She had just finished that when she heard noises coming from upstairs. She went up to find Rowan in bed with Maya, the older blonde clearly not feeling well, but sitting and listen to Rowan talk to her about her dream.
"Patatina, come here," Carina said, "Mommy isn't feeling good today."
"Mommy, is your tummy still sick?" Rowan asked, looking at Maya.
"Yeah," the pregnant woman said tiredly, "It is. But I am going to be ok. Mamma is going to take me to the doctor to feel better."
"No," Rowan said, tears filling her eyes, "No. You tan't do to the toctor."
"What?" Carina said, confused, "Patatina, Mommy is sick and the doctor will make her feel better."
"No," Rowan said, sobbing, "I want Mommy to have a baby and if she does to the toctor, she can't, just like you Mamma."
"Oh Rowan," Carina said, hugging the little blonde, "Just because you go to the doctor when you are sick, it doesn't mean you can't have a baby. The kind of sickness I had was different than what is wrong with Mommy. Mommy will still be able to have a baby even if she goes to the doctor."
Carina looked over at Maya, seeing tears in her eyes.
"Should we tell her?" Maya mouthed, hating how upset the toddler was.
"It's up to you," Carina said, Rowan still crying on her shoulder.
Maya thought about it for a second before her stomach clenched again.
"Carina, can you get her out of here?" Maya asked as she stood up, stumbling to the bathroom. Carina wanted to be there for her sick wife, but she knew the girls needed her now too so she took Rowan out of the room, going and getting Nora up and taking them both downstairs.
Rowan was pretty clingy this morning, which was hard, but Carina managed to get breakfast made and on the table, opting to just give them almond butter toast with strawberries and blueberries.
"Can you two eat while I go check on Mommy?" Carina asked, looking at the twins.
They both nodded as Carina left the room. She found Maya back in bed, noticing some of the electrolyte drink was gone which was a good sign.
"You doing ok Bambina?" Carina asked, sitting down next to her, rubbing her back.
"Is Ro ok?" Maya asked without answering the question, "Why was she so upset?"
"When she asked me why I couldn't have a baby the other day, I told her that when I was sick and at the doctor and in the hospital a lot, they had to take out my uterus," Carina sighed, "And that that way why I couldn't have a baby, and I guess in her three year old brain, she equated that to going to the doctor when you are sick means you can't have a baby."
"Do you think we should tell them today?" Maya asked as Carina gently rubbed her back, "Or is it too early?"
"I don't know," Carina sighed, "It is still early, but we could tell them. I would honestly be surprised if they don't keep you overnight tonight which might be hard for the twins. If we do though, everyone else will know quickly because they are three and they tell everyone everything so do you want everyone to know?"
Maya sighed, rubbing her temples where a headache had been forming since the day before.
"I don't know," the blonde said honestly, "I…this is not how I imagined we would tell anyone, but I also didn't imagine I would be this sick. You really think I am going to be there overnight?"
"I really do," Carina nodded, "You are holding nothing down, though you did drink some of your drink. Have you been sick again since?"
"No," Maya said, "But I feel like I might soon. The nausea is crazy."
Just then, Maya gagged, Carina getting the trashcan for her as the blonde lost the small amount of fluid she had had.
"You are going to be in at least overnight tonight," Carina sighed as Maya finished, "Ok. I am going to go get the girls moving, get a bag packed for you, and then we are going to the hospital. You cannot keep getting sick like this."
"I want to tell the girls," Maya said, still trying to regulate her breathing after the last bout of vomiting, "If I am not going to be home tonight, I want them to know and I want them to know why. I…those days you were sick and in the hospital…"
Tears were rolling down Maya's cheeks against her will as she thought about those scary days where she was worried about losing her wife and her daughters were also scared.
"I know," Carina said, pulling Maya into a hug, "I'm so sorry."
Carina knew that a lot of these were hormonal, overtired tears, but she also knew that Maya had been traumatized by finding her in bed, unconscious and extremely sick. Eventually, Maya's tears calmed down some, the blonde pulling away.
"I am going to go get the bambine to get dressed," Carina said, stroking Maya's pale cheek, "And then I will bring them in here to tell them, ok?"
Maya nodded, taking a few shaky breaths.
"Can you try to drink this other drink?" Carina asked, "It's also strawberry, but a different brand. Maybe it will stay down better?"
"I'll try," Maya sighed, reaching for the cup.
"Bene," Carina said, "I am going to get the twins."
Maya nodded, taking a few small sips of the drink. Carina went and got the twins, bringing them upstairs to get dressed which they both could do completely independently now that Rowan was out of her cast. While they were getting dressed, Carina went into her bedroom, grabbing out a small overnight bag for Maya.
"Anything in particular you want?" Carina asked as she opened the dresser.
"Your clothes," Maya said, rubbing her tired eyes, "And a sweatshirt."
"Alright," Carina nodded, "How about your fuzzy blanket too?"
Maya nodded, knowing exactly which one Carina was talking about. Carina went into the bathroom to grab some hygiene items, and hearing retching coming from the bedroom just as she finished, running back to her wife's side only to find Rowan sitting in bed next to Maya, rubbing her back.
"It's otay Mommy," Rowan said, "I'm sorry you growed up."
"Bambina, are you ok?" Carina asked as her wife finished.
"Yeah," Maya said, "That drink didn't stay down either."
"Ok," Carina nodded, trying to shove her fears down for another few minutes, knowing how important it was to tell the twins what was going on.
"Mommy, are you sick?" Nora asked as she walked in the room.
"She is," Rowan said, "She growed up."
"That's yuck," Nora said, wrinkling her nose.
"It is pretty yucky," Maya nodded in agreement, "But Mamma and I have something we want to tell you. Come here Piccola."
Nora climbed up into bed, Carina sitting down next to her.
"So, do you remember what you keep asking for?" Maya asked, looking at Rowan.
"A baby," Rowan said quickly, "But Mamma tan't have a baby, but Mommy tan tetause you need a utus to have a baby and when Mamma dot sick, now she doesn't have one anymore."
"That's right," Carina nodded. "Tan I have a baby?" Nora asked, looking at Carina.
"Some day, yes, you can," Carina nodded, "But not until you are older and your body is bigger and more ready to have a baby."
"Me too?" Rowan asked.
"You too," Carina nodded, "But right now, someone else is going to have a baby."
"Who?" both the twins asked at the same time.
"Me," Maya said as both girls turned to look at her, "I am going to have a baby. That is why I am so sick right now is because the baby is inside of me and making me feel not very good."
"Your donna have a baby?" Rowan said, eyes wide, "Wight now?"
"No, not for a while," Maya said, "The baby has to grow and get bigger before it can come out, but right now, the baby is growing inside me."
"In you utus?" Nora said, looking at Maya.
"Yes," Maya laughed a little, "In my uterus."
"Tan we see it?" Rowan asked.
"Not yet," Carina said, "The baby is very tiny right now."
"But you can touch my stomach if you want and talk to the baby," Maya said, "Or give them a kiss. But only if you want."
"I want to," Rowan said as Maya lifted her shirt, trying not to cry as Rowan and Nora both pressed a kiss to Maya's stomach.
"Hi baby," Rowan said, putting her hand on Maya's stomach.
"Hi," Nora said.
The twins looked at each other, smiling. Maya bit her lip hard, trying not to let out a sob at seeing not only Rowan, but also Nora acting like this about the baby.
"Mommy, is the baby a brother or a sister?" Nora asked.
"We don't know yet," Carina answered, seeing her wife was in tears.
"I want it to be a sister," Rowan said.
"Me too," Nora agreed, "I want a sister too."
"We won't know for a while," Carina said, realizing she hadn't even thought about if this baby was going to be a boy or girl or if they were even going to find out before they were born.
"But you two are the only ones who know about the baby so don't tell everyone else ok?" Maya said, managing to stop the tears, "But Mamma and I wanted to tell you today because I have to go to the hospital to get some medicine to help my stomach feel better, and I am probably going to have to stay there overnight, but I am going to be ok."
Nora looked at Maya with fear on her face immediately moving up to Maya's arms, wrapping herself around her.
"No Mommy," Nora said, "I want you to be here, not at the toctor."
"I know Piccola," Maya sighed, holding her tightly, "But I have to get some special medicine."
"I will bring you to see Mommy tonight before we come home, ok?" Carina said, "But it is very important for Mommy and the baby for her to go to the doctor, ok?"
"Otay," Nora said, still holding onto Maya tightly.
"Bambine, we need to go finish getting you both ready," Carina said, "Come on. Bambina, do you want me to help you with anything?"
"No," Maya said, shaking her head, "I'm ok."
Within twenty minutes, the Bishop-Deluca's were in the car and heading toward Grey Sloan, Maya with an emesis basin in her lap just in case.
When they got there, Carina took the twins in first before going to get Maya, having already called Dr. Danielle Johnson and asking her to meet them in an ER exam room after explaining what had been going on with Maya.
"Hey," Dr. Johnson said, walking in the room, "I hear congratulations are in order? How are along are you Maya?"
"Six weeks two days," Maya said.
"Alright," Dr. Johnson said, "And you have been having some vomiting?"
"Some?" Maya said, "No, a lot."
"She hasn't held down anything at all besides maybe two sips of an ORS in 26 hours," Carina said, "I gave her two liters of IV fluids at home yesterday, but she isn't even holding down any fluids today."
"Alright," Dr. Johnson said, "Well, that is probably not fun. I am going to grab a quick set of vitals, draw some labs drawn on you, get an IV running. Have you had an ultrasound yet?"
"No," Maya said, "I'm not scheduled at the clinic for another two weeks."
"I want to do one today," Dr. Johnson said, pulling out a blood pressure cuff, "Just to make sure everything is looking ok and see if there is any reason there that might explain why you are so sick."
"Reason like what?" Maya asked, feeling worried as Dr. Johnson turned the cuff on.
"Well, multiples tend to put you at a higher risk," Dr. Johnson said.
"We only implanted one embryo," Maya said, shaking her head.
"It could have split," Carina explained, having been wondering about that a little herself.
"Twins?" Maya said, feeling nausea roll through her, "No. I can't have twins. No way."
Just then, the blonde gagged, Carina getting a emesis bag under her just in time.
"Just breathe Bambina," Carina said, rubbing her back, "It might not even be twins."
"Exactly," Dr. Johnson said, "I didn't mean to scare you. I am going to send a nurse in to draw labs and start the IV while I go grab an ultrasound. If you could also slip your pants and underwear off, here is a sheet. Also, your BP is low, 82/55. It is probably from dehydration, but I want to keep an eye on that while you are here."
"Thanks," Carina said as Dr. Johnson left the room.
The nurse coming in with a few different things including a scale, Carina wincing a little bit when she saw Maya had lost about 3 lbs. just since her appointment at the fertility clinic the week before. The nurse then drew Maya's blood for labs before getting an IV in her after two sticks because Maya was so dehydrated. Eventually, though, the IV was in and fluids were running.
"Alright," the nurse said, "Dr. Johnson also asked me to give you some ondansetron to try to manage your nausea."
"Sounds great," Maya nodded sleepily, her body exhausted from how sick she had been.
"Alright," the nurse said after she finished pushing the medication, "That should start to work soon. Do you need anything else?"
"Can I have a blanket?" Maya asked, feeling cold.
"Of course," the nurse nodded, "I'll be right back."
"Hopefully that medicine will start helping you feel better soon," Carina said, rubbing circles on Maya's hand.
"I hope so too," Maya said, looking at her wife.
The nurse brought Maya a blanket as they waited for Dr. Johnson to come back. Carina then helped Maya pull her pants and underwear off before covering her with the blanket and laying her back on the bed.
"Could it really be twins?" Maya asked.
"It could," Carina nodded, "Or it could just be one. One of the risk factors for this kind of sickness is it being your first pregnancy."
Maya nodded, holding Carina's hand. nurse came in, drawing some labs before getting an IV in Maya's arm.
"Does everyone see my name on the ER board?" Maya asked, looking at her wife.
"No," Carina said, "You are currently booked in as Jane Doe. But if you have to stay for the night, they are going to put you on the floor and people are going to know."
"We probably need to tell people," Maya said, rubbing her forehead.
"I'm sorry we aren't getting to do this how we wanted to," Carina said, cupping Maya's cheek, rubbing her thumb back and forth.
"It's ok," Maya sighed, "I feel like Trottolino is already trying to tell me they are going to be the boss of this family."
"They might be," Carina chuckled, "They will probably be the baby and they are already convincing the most stubborn person I know to bend to their will."
"Making me throw up fifty times in 24 hours is a pretty good way to make that happen," Maya said, "Though I think those meds are working. I feel a little less sick than I have."
"Good," Carina said, "Hopefully we can get you on a good regiment of those and you will start feeling better."
"Morning sickness is only supposed to last a few weeks right?" Maya asked, "I mean, even with the girls, you were only sick for a little bit."
"Normally, it does, si," Carina nodded, not wanting to scare her wife with the fact that about 20% of people with hyperemesis gravidarum are sick their entire pregnancy.
Maya hadn't even been officially diagnosed yet, though Carina knew the diagnosis was likely going to come soon because there was no other reason her wife would be this sick. Just then, Dr. Johnson came back in with the ultrasound.
"Good, you've got fluids going," she said, "And you got your anti-nausea meds?"
"I did," Maya said, "I think they are maybe starting to work. I feel better than I have been."
"Good," Dr. Johnson said, "I am going to get this ultrasound. Are you ready?"
"I think so," Maya nodded, realizing this was going to be the first time they were going to see their little Trottolino.
Maya looked up at her wife, getting a small reassuring smile from her.
"Ok," Dr. Johnson said, "Just relax."
She slowly inserted the ultrasound probe, Maya and Carina holding tightly to each other's hands as they waited. Suddenly a whooshing sound filled the room.
"There is baby," Dr. Johnson said, turning the screen from the ultrasound.
"That tiny little dot?" Maya asked, looking at the screen.
"Si," Carina nodded, wiping a tear off her cheek, "And that sound is their heartbeat."
"They are really in there?" Maya asked, "And they are ok?"
"They look great," Dr. Johnson said, moving the probe around, "And it also looks like there is only one."
"Thank god," Maya said, breathing a sigh of relief, "Because I love the girls, but I cannot imagine having two more."
"I am also glad it's only one," Carina said, nodding.
"Everything looks great Maya," Dr. Johnson said, "They are the perfect size for 6 weeks 2 days. The heartbeat is a nice 105 which is exactly what we want to see. I am not seeing anything that is concerning here. Would you guys like copies of these pictures?"
"Yes please," Maya and Carina said at the same time, smiling at each other, tears still running down both of their cheeks.
"Alright," Dr. Johnson said, smiling at them, "I can also send these over to Dr. Howard's office if you would like."
"Yeah, that would probably be a good idea," Carina nodded.
"Alright," Dr. Johnson said, "I will do that and I can also let her know what is going on with you if you would like?"
"That sounds good," Maya nodded, "I mean, I am supposed to keep seeing her until I am 12 weeks right?"
"Si," Carina nodded, "Though we could probably just transfer care now."
"It's completely up to you," Dr. Johnson said, handing Maya and Carina each a copy of the ultrasound, "And you do not have to decide today. I will keep her looped in for now, ok?"
"Ok," Maya nodded, "Thank you."
"I am going to leave you to rest for now," Dr. Johnson said, "I will be back once I get your lab tests so we can decide what to do. I am going to have the nurse bring you something to drink in about ten minutes to see how that goes. Do either of you need anything?"
"No thanks," Maya said, shaking her head as she leaned back against the pillows on the bed.
"Let's get these back on," Carina said, grabbing Maya's pants, "And then you can just sleep."
"I want to try to stay awake until I have to drink something," Maya said, looking at the ultrasound picture in her hands once her pants were back on, "How are we going to tell people? I know we told all of our friends at a party for the girls, but I don't think we have that kind of time with this one. They seem very determined to make sure everyone knows about them."
"Plus, now that the bambine know, it's only a matter of time," Carina said, "I'm sure everyone at daycare already know."
"Maybe we just take a picture of this ultrasound and send it to all our friends?" Maya said, "It's kinda boring, but I don't think I have the energy for anything else."
"That seems fair," Carina said, "But, do you think maybe, if Andrea is working today, that I could go find him and tell him in person? I just…I want to tell him face to face I think."
"Of course," Maya nodded, "I was thinking the same about Mason. Maybe we can facetime him and Laila tonight or something. I was really hoping the twins could help us somehow."
"I have an idea," Carina said, "I can run down to daycare, get their picture with them and the ultrasound, and we can send that."
"I like that," Maya said, nodding, "Go do it now."
"Are you sure?" Carina asked, not wanting to leave Maya, "I can wait until you are asleep."
"No," Maya said, "I want to tell people before they find out another way. I'm ok."
"Fine," Carina said, pressing a kiss to Maya's forehead, "I'll be right back."
Carina held the ultrasound picture in her hand, trying not to stare at it as she walked toward the daycare.
"Carina," she heard from behind her, turning and seeing her brother walking toward her, "I thought you were off today."
"I am," Carina nodded, continuing to walk as he walked with her toward the elevator.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, "And what's in your hands?"
"This," Carina said as they got in the elevator, "Is your new nipote."
"What?" Andrew said, looking at the picture and then looking at his sister, "How…what?"
"Maya is pregnant," Carina said, smiling at her brother, "She is only 6 weeks, but she is currently upstairs with what I suspect is HG and she is probably going to be admitted so I am going downstairs to take a picture of this with the bambine to send to our friends before they all find out she is in the hospital."
"Woah," Andrew said, "First of all, congratulations. Second, is Maya ok?"
"She has been really sick," Carina sighed, "Like not keeping down fluids since I don't know when yesterday, sick. But she is on an IV and an antiemetic so hopefully, she will start feeling better soon."
"HG, that's rough," Andrew said as the two of them stepped out of the elevator.
"Si," Carina nodded, "She is pretty miserable."
"How are you doing?" Andrew asked.
"I just wish she wasn't so sick," Carina sighed, "It's hard to see her hurting."
"I'm sure," Andrew said, "Well, if there is anything I can do, just let me know. I am getting paged, but congratulations Carina. I am so happy for the two of you. Tell Maya I said congratulations and that I hope she feels better."
"Grazie Andrea," Carina said as he gave her a hug and handed her back the picture.
She then walked over to daycare, Nicole walking over to her.
"Hi Carina," she said, smiling, "Here for the girls already?"
"No," Carina said, "I mean, yes, but not to take them home…we are expecting again, and we want to tell our friends today, but we just got our first ultrasound today and Maya is in the hospital and we know people are going to find out and we just want to tell people before that happens."
"Is Maya ok?" Nicole asked.
"She has had really severe pregnancy sickness," Carina said, "So we are getting her hydrated and on medications, but she is probably going to be here overnight."
"Ahhh," Nicole said, "Now I understand. Rowan told me this morning that Mommy was at the doctor because she wasn't feeling well and the baby was making her sick. I didn't know what she was talking about, and I figured it was from a book or something because the kids are always doing that and Rowan is talking about babies all the time. And it makes sense why Nora has been more clingy today."
"Oh no," Carina sighed, "Is she ok?"
"She's fine," Nicole assured her, "But she has been right by Tonya's side all day, helping her with everything."
"Ok," Carina nodded, "Well, if she needs us, we are upstairs today so I can come get her."
"Ok," Nicole said, "Would you like me to bring the girls out here? It's quieter and you can get a picture."
"Sure," Carina said, "Thank you."
Nicole went into the daycare, coming out a minute later with Rowan and Nora.
"Mamma," Nora said, running to her.
"Hi Piccola," Carina said, bending down to hug her and Rowan too, "Hi Patatina. Have you been having fun at daycare?"
"Si," Rowan nodded, "Is Mommy and my baby ok?"
"They are," Carina said with a smile, "Would you like to see a picture of the baby?"
"Si," both girls said excitedly. Carina held out the ultrasound, trying not to laugh at the confusion on their faces.
"Dat's not a baby," Rowan said, looking at Carina, "What is dat?"
"That, right there, is the baby," Carina said, pointing to the dot that was the tiny fetus, "They are very tiny right now which is why they have to stay in Mommy's uterus to grow for a while."
"How many days?" Rowan asked.
"Oh, many many days," Carina said, "How about I figure it out, and tonight, when we go home, we can build a paper chain together to count down to when the baby will come, ok?"
"What's a paper chain?" Nora asked.
"It is a bunch of stirps of paper made into circles and stuck together," Carina said, pulling out her phone and showing them a picture of a paper chain.
"Oh," Nora nodded, "Otay. Are we going home now?"
"No Piccola," Carina said, "You are going to play at daycare until after nap, just like normal. But, Mommy and I wanted you to help us tell all your Zie e Zii about Trottolino."
"What is totoino?" Rowan asked.
"That is what we are going to call the baby, at least until they are born," Carina said, "Just like when you two were inside of me, we called you Patatina and Piccola. Can you two stand together and hold the picture of the baby for me?"
Carina smiled as the twins held the picture, smiling at her for some of them before they got distracted by the picture again and looked at it at the same time. As soon as she saw that one, she knew it was the one they were going to use.
"Grazie Bambine," Carina said once she was done, "Now, can I have one more hug before you go back to daycare."
"I want to be wif you Mamma," Nora said, burying her head into Carina's shoulder.
"Piccola, I am just sitting and working while Mommy is sleeping," Carina said, rubbing Nora's back, "That will not be fun. Mommy is ok and I will take you to see her after daycare, ok? But right now, she isn't feeling good and she needs to sleep. But by the time you are done at daycare, her medicine will be working much better and she will be feeling better."
Carina really hoped that was the case at least, but she knew Maya was at least going to be less dehydrated by this afternoon which would make her feel at least somewhat better.
"Tome on Noa," Rowan said, taking her sister's hand, "Yet's go pway."
"Otay," Nora said, Carina giving her a reassuring smile as she and Rowan walked back into daycare.
Carina stood, heading back up to Maya's room. She walked in, finding her wife in pretty much the same position she was in when she left.
"Hi Bambina," Carina said, walking over to her, "How are you feeling?"
"Well, I thought I was feeling better," Maya said, "But I feel pretty nauseous again."
"I'm sorry," Carina frowned, sitting down in a chair next to her wife's bed, stroking her hair.
"Distract me," Maya said, "Did you get pictures of the girls?"
"I did," Carina said, "I also told Andrea about our little Trottolino because I ran into him in the hall. He said congratulations and that he hopes you feel better."
Maya nodded, hand on her stomach both as an instinct to protect the baby and because she didn't feel well at all.
"Here they are," Carina said, showing Maya the pictures, "I think they are all cute, but these are my favorites."
Suddenly, Carina heard a sob coming from her wife, looking over at her.
"What's wrong Bambina?" Carina asked, setting down her phone.
"Those are the first pictures of all three of our kids together," Maya sobbed, "I…I don't even know why I'm crying."
"It's ok," Carina said, comforting her, "It's special to see."
"I hate that I keep crying," Maya said, tears still running down her cheeks.
"I keep telling you, it is the hormones," Carina said, shaking her head as she grabbed some tissues for her wife, "That is the same reason you are so sick. Hormones."
"Well, I don't like being this hormonal," Maya said, wiping off her eyes, "I don't even feel like myself."
"I'm sorry Bambina," Carina frowned, "I'm sorry this is already so hard."
"It's ok," Maya said, taking a deep breath, "I'm ok I think."
Just then, there was a knock at the door and a nurse came in with a cup.
"I have some water for you to try," the nurse said, bringing the cup over to Maya, "Are you ready to try?"
"I guess," Maya said, "I am feeling pretty sick right now though."
"We can wait," the nurse said, "I can talk to Dr. Johnson and see if we can get you some more medicine."
"I'll try the water," Maya sighed, sitting up more, bringing the straw to her lips, taking a few swallows before pulling it away as she felt her stomach already rejecting it.
"It's not going to stay down," Maya said as she reached for the emesis bag she had next to her in bed, coughing up the water along with some stomach acid.
"It's ok," Carina said, rubbing her back, "You're ok Bambina."
Once she was done, the nurse took the bag, giving her a new one.
"I will let Dr. Johnson know this didn't go well," the nurse said, "But you are probably not going to be trying oral fluids again for a little while."
"Sorry," Maya mumbled, rubbing her bloodshot eyes.
"You don't have to apologize," the nurse said, "It happens a lot. Just rest. Do you need anything?" Maya shook her head, leaning against the bed.
"I'm sorry that didn't go well," Carina sighed.
"I am almost expecting it at this point," Maya sighed, "What happens if this medication doesn't work?"
"Well, they have other medications they can try," Carina said, "And if that doesn't work, they will probably send you home with a PICC line and because you are lucky enough to be married to a doctor, I will give you fluids at home. We will keep trying different things as your pregnancy progresses to see if maybe things will work later that didn't work earlier. Or, if it is really bad…"
Carina stopped, biting her lip and not looking at her wife.
"What?" Maya said, "What will happen?"
"We will talk about termination," Carina said quietly, still not looking at her wife.
"Wha…What?" Maya said, "No. No. I do not want to do that. Absolutely not. No. It's just a few weeks. I can do a few weeks."
"Bambina, it might not just be a few weeks," Carina said, deciding this needed to all be out there, "Some people have this for their entire pregnancy. This, what you have with all the vomiting and the weight loss and not being able to keep even water down, that is not normal. I haven't seen your labs, but I am almost positive you have what is called hyperemesis gravidarum which is extreme morning sickness and it goes away for a lot of people by about 16-20 weeks, but for some people, it lasts the whole time."
"Like, the entire pregnancy?" Maya asked, tears in her eyes again, "I…Wha…"
"It doesn't last for everyone that long," Carina said, "It does go away for a lot of people. And hopefully, we will find a combination of medications that help and some foods and drinks you can tolerate, ok?"
Maya nodded, reaching for her wife who quickly wrapped her in a big hug.
"I don't want to terminate, ever," Maya said, shaking her head against Carina's neck.
"I know," Carina said, holding her tighter, "I know. And hopefully, we never have to seriously think about that. I'm sorry. I shouldn't have talked to you about this right now."
"No," Maya said, shaking her head, "I'm glad to know. I…you know how I feel about having all the information. I'm not mad. A bit overwhelmed, but I will be ok."
"I wish this wasn't happening to you," Carina said, brushing a piece of hair off Maya's face, tucking it behind her ear.
"I mean, so do I," Maya said, laughing a little, "But I will be ok."
"I know you will," Carina said, smiling at her, trying not to think about all the scary things she knows could happen to her wife as she sat back down in her chair.
They sat there for a few minutes, not saying anything, Carina just tracing circles on Maya's hand. Just as the Italian was about to say something, there was a knock at the door and Dr. Johnson walked in.
"Alright," she said, coming in, "So I hear the meds didn't work as we hoped."
"Nope," Maya said, "I could barely get the water in my stomach before it came back out."
"I see," Dr. Johnson said, "So, here is my thoughts. I am going to get you admitted to a room up on the floor for tonight. I want you getting IV fluids and medications for the next few hours without doing anything by mouth and then, tonight, if you are feeling better, we can try some ORS or water or a light broth or something like that. But I want you here for the next 24 hours at least, just to see how things go. Your electrolytes are pretty low and your kidney numbers are on the high side of normal which I don't love, though I think those will go back to normal as soon as you have some fluids on board. For now, though, just rest. I will get you moved up to a room as soon as I can, ok?"
"Ok," Maya nodded, "Thank you."
"Just let me know if you have any questions, ok?" Dr. Johnson said as she left.
"So I really am stuck her tonight," Maya sighed, looking at Carina.
"Si," Carina nodded, "I mean, I would have been very surprised if they didn't keep you. Hopefully, they will be able to get a handle on things and get you feeling better."
"Yeah," Maya said, yawning a little.
"Go to sleep," Carina said.
"Not yet," Maya said, "Can you come lay with me and can we send the pregnancy announcement? If I am getting admitted, I know Amelia at least is going to figure it out because that witchy woman knows everything."
"That's true," Carina chuckled as she got up and got into the bed with Maya.
There wasn't really enough room, but the blonde all but draped herself over her wife so they made it work.
"Ok," Carina said, rubbing Maya's back with one hand while she held her phone with the other one, "Should I send it to the A-shift group chat and the hospital one?"
"Yeah," Maya nodded, "That should cover everyone right? At least everyone who should know now."
"I think so," Carina nodded as she went into the hospital group text on her phone, "Which picture?"
"The one where they are both looking at the ultrasound," Maya said, "It's really cute."
"Alright," Carina said, "What do you think about this? Hey guys, the twins just wanted to let all of you know that they are getting promoted to big sisters soon! Baby Bishop-Deluca #3 coming in October."
"I think that's perfect," Maya nodded, "I like it."
"Alright," Carina said, pressing send before copying the same message and putting it in the A-shift group chat, sending it to everyone there as well.
Almost as soon as the message was sent, the text messages of congratulations started coming in, Vic texting and saying her congratulations and that she hoped mom and baby were doing well.
"Do you want me to tell them you are here?" Carina asked, looking at her wife.
"I am going to be missing at least part of shift tomorrow," Maya sighed, "Yeah, we probably should. But I don't want visitors."
"We don't have to tell them you are in the hospital," Carina said, tracing circles on Maya's back, "We can just say you are sick."
"It's fine," Maya said, "You can tell them."
Carina quickly texted back thank yous to everyone and telling them that Maya was pretty sick right now and in the hospital for some treatment which then ended up with a bunch more messages asking if Maya was ok. Carina looked down, happy to see her wife was finally sleeping, texting back, letting everyone know Maya had some pretty bad pregnancy sickness but that she was getting treated and should be fine. She also made sure to add her wife's request of no visitors for now.
She got a separate text from Travis asking if there was anything they needed, offering to take the twins for the night or bring dinner over. Carina texted him back, deciding to take him up on his offer for dinner because she knew the twins were going to want to be with Maya after daycare for a while and she had no desire to deal with dinner.
She then flipped over to the messages from their hospital friends, texting them back and letting them know the same things she had told everyone at the station, that the baby was doing well, her wife, not so much and that she was in the hospital, but that she was getting treated and should be ok.
Suddenly, her phone started ringing, Amelia calling. Carina carefully answered, trying not to disrupt her sleeping wife.
"Hi Amelia," she said quietly, rubbing Maya's back as she blonde shifted a little before settled, one hand clutching Carina's shirt.
"Is everything ok?" Amelia asked, "Maya's in the hospital?"
"Si," Carina said, "She has been having pregnancy related nausea and vomiting for the past week, but she hasn't been able to hold anything, even water, down since yesterday. They are keeping her overnight to get her hydrated and try to find some meds to give her some relief."
"Carina, I'm so sorry," Amelia said, "That's rough."
Carina hummed in agreement.
"Is there anything you need?" Amelia asked, "Do you want me to take the twins or bring you lunch or dinner or anything?"
"I am going to go home with the twins tonight," Carina said, "After my cancer, they are really scared when one of us is even just gone for the night, but when they know we are sick, it's worse so I am going to go home with them. And Travis is bringing dinner, but thank you."
"How about I bring lunch?" Amelia said, "I get off around 1 so I can go grab you something?"
"That would be great," Carina said, "Nothing with a strong smell though. Maya is very sensitive to that right now."
"Of course," Amelia nodded, "I'll text you when I figure out where I am going to go."
"Grazie Amelia," Carina said.
"I guess I forgot to say this at the beginning, but congratulations Carina," Amelia said, "And tell Maya the same and that I hope she feels better."
"Grazie Amelia," Carina said, "We are both pretty excited. We didn't want to tell everyone this early, but because she is in the hospital, we decided we needed to."
"Makes sense," Amelia said, "Oh, I am getting paged to the pit. I'll see you this afternoon."
"Grazie," Carina said, hanging up and looking down at Maya who was sound asleep still, lips parted as small snores escaped her lips every so often which was new during pregnancy and something Carina found adorable.
They just laid there for about half an hour before there was a knock on the door, Maya waking up a little as the nurse came in.
"Hey," she said, pushing a wheelchair into the room, "I am here to transfer you up to the maternity floor."
"Ok," Maya said as Carina helped her sit up, "I don't need the wheelchair."
"Bambina, yes," Carina said, "You are tired, dehydrated, your blood pressure is low. Just sit."
"I can walk," Maya said, going to stand only to find herself insanely dizzy, sitting back down on the bed as Carina scrambled to stabilize her.
"Va bene?" Carina asked, holding her and rubbing her back.
"I just got up too fast," Maya mumbled, rubbing her eyes, "I'm ok."
"You need a wheelchair," Carina said firmly, "There is nothing wrong with it."
"Fine," Maya said, standing up slower this time, Carina supporting her to the wheelchair.
Once Maya was seated Carina grabbed their bags as the nurse got the IV pole and started pushing Maya out of the room. Carina walked right beside her as they made their way upstairs.
"Carina," they both heard as Teddy walked over to them, "Maya. Hey. Congratulations."
"Thanks," Carina said, smiling at her.
"Sorry you aren't feeling well Maya," Teddy said.
"It's ok," Maya said, shrugging a little.
"I'll let you guys go," Teddy said, seeing how tired Maya looked, "Text me if there's anything I can do."
"Grazie Teddy," Carina said as they continued to the elevator.
They got Maya up to her new room, getting her settled, her new nurse coming in to take vitals and do some assessments before leaving the two of them alone.
"Go back to sleep Bambina," Carina said, pulling a chair up next to the bed, "You need it and there is no reason you shouldn't sleep right now."
"What did everyone say about Trottolino?" Maya asked, trying to get comfortable in bed.
"Want me to read you everyone's messages?" Carina asked.
"Yes please," Maya said, "But first, I need to go to the bathroom."
Carina helped her up and into the bathroom, slightly worried she was going to pass out. Luckily, that didn't happen and soon enough, Maya was tucked back into bed.
"Can I have my blanket and will you lay with me?" Maya asked as she settled back into the bed.
"Of course," Carina said, going over to their bag, pulling out a blue fuzzy blanket Maya loved, draping it over her wife before climbing into bed next to her.
"Sorry I'm so needy today," Maya said as she settled against her wife.
"Bambina, you are allowed to be needy right now," Carina said, "You have very little control over this situation which I know is scary for you and needing a little extra comfort is more than ok. And you know I love taking care of you. Last year, you were taking care of me like this. Now it's my turn."
Maya nodded, snuggling a little closer as Carina wrapped her arm around her. "Ready to hear how excited our friends are about our Trottolino?" Carina asked, grabbing her phone as she started tracing circles on Maya's back. The blonde nodded as she tried to keep her heavy eyes open.
"So, Travis responded first with a classic 'OMG, congratulations to all of you. So excited for you. Can't wait to have another niece or nephew to spoil'," Carina said, "Followed quickly by Probie's 'Congratulations Chief', Ben's 'Congratulations Bishop-Delucas. Let me know if you guys need anything' and then Dean's 'Congratulations. I'm so happy for you. Pru will be so excited to have a new baby cousin.'"
"Oh, Pru loves babies almost as much as Rowan," Maya said, "And she loves being the biggest cousin."
"Si," Carina nodded, "And she is good at it. It is always so cute to see her playing with the twins. Robert said 'congratulations' and Andy said 'congratulations. I am so excited for you guys. This little baby is so lucky to be a Bishop-Deluca,' and Victoria said 'congratulations to all four of you. That is so exciting. I hope mommy and baby are doing well,' and then I told them you were sick and in the hospital but that you would be ok and everyone sent well wishes. Travis also texted and offered to take the bambine, but I told him I was going to go home with them tonight, if that's ok with you?"
"Oh, yeah, for sure," Maya said, "You cannot stay. They need you."
"That's what I thought," Carina said, "But he is going to bring dinner over for us tonight which I am grateful for."
"Our friends are kinda the best," Maya said sleepily.
"Si," Carina nodded, "And Teddy said, 'Congratulations to all of you. So exciting!' and Bailey 'Congratulations. So excited for all of you. This little baby is already so loved.' And then, of course, there is Amelia 'Congrats to all of you. I'm so happy for you. Now I will have another baby to shove in Link's arms when he asks if we can have another one. Hope mom and baby are doing well' and Maggie said 'Congratulations. Now Maverick will have a friend closer to his age! So excited for you guys.' And everyone is worried about you and said they hope you feel better. Amelia has offered to bring lunch today and Dr. Bailey said if I need time off, I can have it."
"Everyone is so nice," Maya said, wiping tears off her face, "We have the best family."
"We do," Carina said, hugging Maya a little tighter, "They all love Trottolino so much already."
"I do too," Maya said, "Even if they are making me feel miserable, I already love them so much."
"Me too," Carina said, resting a hand on Maya's stomach, "Close your eyes Bambina. Let yourself rest."
Maya nodded, letting her eyes slip shut and Carina thought she was asleep when suddenly, Maya bolted upright, putting a hand on her forehead as she swayed a little, Carina grabbing her and laying her back down.
"What's wrong?" Carina asked, worried something was seriously wrong.
"I didn't tell Chief Rodriguez," Maya said, "I need to tell him I'm pregnant and that I am sick and that I am going to need tomorrow off."
"Ok," Carina said, relieved it wasn't something more serious, "That is something we can handle. Why don't you just send him an email and tell him you are sick and need tomorrow off? He already knows you weren't feeling well yesterday. Then, you can find time to meet with him once you are feeling better, ok? It's all gonna be ok."
Maya nodded as Carina handed her her phone.
Once the email was sent, Maya relaxed again, Carina holding her close as she fell asleep again. The rest of the day was much of the same. Maya slept for a lot of it as nurses came in and out, switching out her IV bag, giving her medication, and making sure she was doing ok.
Carina eventually got out of the bed and did some charting while Maya slept before doing some research on a new study she was considering starting. At this point, it would probably be a year before she started the study because she wanted to make sure he family was taken care of before she jumped into new research, but gathering ideas sometimes took a while anyways.
Amelia brough her some lunch at some point, Carina chatting with her for a few minutes, the neurosurgeon offering to help in any way she could which Carina appreciated. The Italian then went back to her research as her wife continued sleeping.
After a little while, though, she found herself on a baby clothes website. She knew it was way too early to be looking at these things, but the tiny clothes were adorable and she couldn't resist. She told herself not to buy anything right now, but she saved about ten websites to go back to later.
A big part of her was still worried about if Maya was going to be able to stay pregnant. It didn't happen often, and Carina had only seen it once in her practice where a mom ended up deciding to end the pregnancy because of HG, but their lives seemed to be full of unexpected and one in a millions sometimes. She tried to take some deep breaths and just calm down.
She moved closer to her wife's bed, carefully lifting her shirt and putting a hand on Maya's still very bruised stomach.
"Hi Trottolino," Carina said gently, "I think you might be stuck with that name because of how sick you have made your mommy. I know you can't hear me yet, but I need you to give Mommy a break, ok? She is very strong, but you cannot keep making her this sick. We need her home with us, and I think you will like it better there too so please just give her a little break, ok?"
Carina knew it was silly. The baby had no control over any of this. They were barely the size of a pea and were just trying to grow, but something about it calmed her down. She knew Maya had talked to the twins a lot while she was pregnant with them and she would often wake up from an accidental couch nap to Maya rattling off fire codes or safety precautions to her bump. She had kind of understood it at the time, but now, she fully appreciated why Maya enjoyed it so much. It was calming.
She looked up at her wife, seeing Maya starting to stir.
"Hi Bambina," Carina said as blue eyes opened, "How are you feeling?"
"Better," Maya said, rubbing her eyes, "Less sick. Maybe even thirsty."
"I'm sure the nurse will bring you something soon," Carina said, "Unless you want me to go get you something now."
"No," Maya said, shaking her head, "I'm ok for now."
"Ok," Carina said, "They have been pumping you full of fluids and meds while you were sleeping so hopefully that has worked. I am going to have to go soon to get the bambine. I promised them I would let them come up and see you before I take them home if that's ok." "
Yeah," Maya said, "I want to see them too. I hate spending nights away from them."
"I know," Carina said, "I do too." Just then, the nurse came in.
"Oh, you're awake," she said, "Perfect. I was just coming to see if you were ready for something to drink."
"I think I am," Maya said, nodding.
"Alright," the nurse said, "I have an orange flavor, a grape, a fruit punch, or an unflavored."
"Um, can I have orange?" Maya asked.
"Of course," the nurse nodded, "I'll go get it and bring it back in just a minute."
"Orange?" Carina said, "I'm surprised you didn't pick unflavored."
"Orange sounds good," Maya shrugged, "I don't know. I'm like hungry but not hungry at the same time, but something flavored sounds good."
"It's not a problem," Carina said, "I am just happy you are feeling ready for this."
"If I drink this and keep it down, will they let me go home?" Maya asked, "I mean, not tonight, but tomorrow maybe?"
"They are probably going to want you holding down some food," Carina said, "And whatever medications they have been giving you IV, although I could probably give you those as an IM injection if we need to."
"I need my progesterone," Maya said, just realizing she didn't have that here.
"I told the nurses," Carina said, "They will make sure you get it."
"Ok," Maya nodded.
Just then, the nurse brought her the orange drink, the blonde taking a deep breath before taking a few sips.
"How is it?" Carina asked, making sure she had an emesis bag nearby just in case.
"It tastes weirdly good," Maya said, setting the cup down, "And I feel ok so far."
"Good," Carina said, smiling, "That's so good."
"We should call Mason now," Maya said, "I want to do it together and I think it will be too crazy with the twins running around."
"Ok," Carina said, handing Maya her phone.
"Come sit with me," Maya said, patting the bed next to her.
Carina grabbed one of their ultrasound pictures before sitting down next to her wife. She facetimed Mason, Maya leaning her head on Carina's shoulder as it rang.
"Hey," Mason said, picking up after a few rings.
"Hi Mason," Maya said, Carina waving at him.
"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Mason said, sitting down on his couch.
"We have something we wanted to tell you," Maya said, "Well, actually, you and Layla if she's around."
"She's right here," Mason said, "It's Maya and Carina."
"Hey," Layla said, coming into view of the camera, her five month pregnant belly becoming more obvious every day, "What's going on? Are you guys in the hospital?"
"What?" Mason said, looking back at his sister, "What's going on? Is everything ok?"
"Everything will be fine," Carina said, looking at her wife.
"We have some news," Maya said as Carina held up the ultrasound, "I am pregnant."
"What?" Mason said, jaw dropping as Layla squealed a little bit.
"Congratulations guys," Layla said as Josie walked over to them, "Jo, Auntie Maya and Zia Carina are going to have a baby."
"Baby?" Josie said, "Mommy baby buda."
"That's right, Mommy is having your baby brother too," Layla said, "Oh my gosh. Maya, when are you due?"
"October 15th," Maya said.
"Our kids are going to be so close in age," Layla said.
"Mason, is everything ok?" Maya asked, noticing her brother looked a little shocked.
"I…you're pregnant?" Mason said, looking at his sister.
"I'm pregnant," Maya said again, the words still feeling a little weird in her own mouth.
"Wow," Mason said, "I just…I never thought you would be pregnant. Congratulations."
"Wait, why are you in the hospital?" Layla asked, "Is everything ok?"
"Maya has been pretty sick," Carina said, "So we are here trying to get a handle on it."
"That sucks," Layla frowned as Josie crawled across her lap and onto Mason.
"It hasn't been great," Maya nodded, "But I am feeling better now."
"Good," Mason said, "Is there anything you guys need?"
"I think we are ok for now," Carina said as Maya nodded.
"Just let us know if there's anything we can do," Layla said, "We will let you guys go so you can rest. Congratulations again."
"Thanks," Maya said as she hung up.
"Should we also call your mama?" Carina asked.
"I guess we should," Maya said, nodding.
She found her mom's number, dialing it for a FaceTime as well.
"Hi sweetheart," Katherine said as she answered the phone, "Hi Carina."
"Hi Katherine," Carina said, Maya just smiling at her mom.
"Do you have those perfect grandbabies of mine with you?" Katherine asked, always loving to see the twins.
"That's actually why we called," Maya said, "To tell you that you are having another grandbaby."
"Sweetheart, I know Layla is pregnant," Katherine said, confused.
"No, Mom, not Layla," Maya said, "We are giving you another grandbaby. I'm pregnant, Mom."
"What?" Katherine said, eyes wide, "Wait, you're pregnant too?"
Maya nodded as her mom's smile somehow got bigger.
"Congratulations," Katherine said, "Oh, I am so happy for you. When are you due?"
"October 15th," Carina said.
"How are you feeling?" Katherine asked, "You look a little pale."
"She's been pretty sick," Carina said as Maya laid her head down on her shoulder, "But we are working on getting her feeling better."
"Oh, I was so sick when I was pregnant with you," Katherine said, shaking her head, "I could barely hold down a sip of water some days. Lane never believed anything was wrong and said I should be able to suck it up, that it was just pregnancy, but when he would go to work, one of my friends who was a nurse would come over and give me IV fluids and medication which I had to hide from him because he said no child of his would be exposed to toxins in the womb."
"Antinausea medications are perfectly safe during pregnancy," Carina said, shaking her head.
"Oh, I knew that," Katherine said, "But he…well, it doesn't matter. I'm sorry you are so sick Maya."
"It's ok," Maya said, "Carina is taking care of me. I never knew you were sick when you were pregnant with me. Did it happen with Mason and I just don't remember?"
"No," Katherine said, "I mean, there were days I didn't feel well, but it was nothing like with you."
"I'm sorry you had to go through this alone," Maya said, tears pricking her eyes, "It's hard enough with support."
"It was a long time ago Maya," Katherine said, feeling bad her daughter was upset, "I'm ok."
Maya turned her head into Carina's shoulder as tears flowed that she couldn't control.
"She has also been very emotional," Carina said, rubbing Maya's back.
"I understand," Katherine said, "I'll let you two go. Congratulations again. I am so excited for you."
"Thanks," Carina said before she hung up, pulling Maya into a hug.
"I can't believe he didn't believe her," Maya sobbed, "I mean, I can, but…"
"It wasn't ok what he did," Carina nodded, rubbing Maya's back.
Carina just held Maya for a little while before the blonde finally stopped crying, pulling away as she wiped her eyes.
"Va bene?" Carina asked, handing her a tissue.
"Yeah," Maya said, "Thanks. Every time I think I couldn't possibly hate him more, I learn some other terrible thing he did. Thank you for taking care of me."
"I will always take care of you," Carina said, catching a glimpse at the clock on the wall, "Though right now, I need to go get the bambine if you are ok?"
"I'm good," Maya said, nodding.
"Are you still feeling ok?" Carina asked as she stood up.
"I am," Maya said, "There's some mild nausea, but I don't think I am going to be sick or anything, though I do need to pee."
"I'll help you to the bathroom and then I will go," Carina said, guiding Maya out of bed, her blood pressure having come back up to a much more typical level, though still on the low side, making everyone cautious.
Once Maya was in the bathroom, Cairn headed downstairs to get the girls. A few minutes later, Carina walked back in with the twins, both girls running over to Maya's bed.
"Hi Mommy," Nora said as Carina lifted them both up onto the bed, "How are you?"
"I am ok," Maya said, wrapping the little brunette in a hug, "How are you?"
"I'm dood," Nora said, "I helped Tanya at daytare today."
"You did?" Maya said, "That's good."
"Someone was a little c-l-i-n-g-y today," Carina said, looking at her wife.
"Ahh," Maya said, nodding, "Piccola, I love you so much."
"I love you too Mommy," Nora said, snuggling closer to Maya.
"Mommy, tan I talk to my baby?" Rowan asked, looking at Maya.
"Ok," Maya said, lifting her shirt a little bit, Rowan laying her head down on it as she started talking about her day at daycare, Carina pulling out her phone and recording some of it, looking up to see Maya's eyes filled with tears.
"Don't try Mommy," Nora said, brushing a tear off her cheek.
"Why are you sad Mommy?" Rowan asked.
"I'm not sad Patatina," Maya said, "I'm just so happy, I'm crying."
"Why?" Rowan asked, "When you are happy you are aposed to smile."
"You both remember how the baby growing in Mommy's body is making her feel sick right now?" Carina asked, "Well, it's not the baby itself, but it is these things called hormones that are like little messengers in the body that tell different parts how to work, but one big thing they control is how you feel. And right now, Mommy has a lot of hormones in her body that are helping the baby grow, but they also can make her feel really big feelings a lot. And Mommy is ok, but she might cry or be angry or be really sad for a while, ok? Does that makes sense?"
"Do I have hormomes?" Nora asked, looking at Carina.
"Si," Carina said, "Everyone does. But when someone is growing a baby, the baby needs extra hormones so the person growing them has extra hormones and has extra big feelings. So if Mommy is crying or upset, you can give her a hug and tell her you love her, but just know that she is ok."
"I love you Mommy," Nora said, hugging her as Rowan moved to do the same.
"Thank you," Maya mothed to her wife as she held her toddlers close, inhaling their scent.
The four of them just spent some time together as a family for a while before the twins started getting antsy.
"Alright Bambine, it's time to go home," Carina said, "Give Mommy one more hug and kiss."
"Why tan't Mommy tome home wif us?" Nora asked, frowning.
"Because I have to stay here to the doctors can give me medicine to help me feel better," Maya said, rubbing Nora's back as the toddler cling to her.
"But I will miss you," Nora said.
"Me too," Rowan said, "I will miss you. And my baby too."
"I will miss all of you," Maya said, "But for tonight, I have to sleep here. Maybe Mamma can bring you here in the morning before daycare, ok? I love you both so much."
"Fine. I love you Mommy" Rowan sighed, giving Maya a hug and a kiss before moving down to her stomach, pressing a kiss there too, "And I love you totoino."
Maya blinked fast to not start crying again as Nora also gave her a hug and kiss.
"Ti amo Bambina," Carina said, leaning down and pressing a kiss to Maya's lips, "I hope you keep feeling ok tonight. I will call you once the Bambine are down?"
"Sounds good," Maya nodded, "I love you too."
Carina smiled, pressing her own kiss to Maya's stomach, squeezing her wife's hand one last time before grabbing the girls' bags.
"Bye guys," Maya called, waving as her family left.
As soon as they were out the door, she felt tears pricking her eyes again, wanting nothing more than to be home with them. She pulled out her phone to distract herself, having not really checked it all day.
She first checked her email, seeing that the chief had emailed her back, telling her he hoped she felt better and that he would get someone to cover for her the following day and to let him know if she needed anything else. Maya thanked him, deciding not to set up a meeting with him yet because she had no idea how she would be feeling in an hour, let alone in a few days.
She then scrolled though her text messages, seeing she had individual texts form Andy, Vic, Travis, Amelia, and Bailey. She texted all of them back, thanking them for their congratulations and letting them know how she was feeling. Just as she was finishing that, Dr. Johnson walked in.
"Oh, did Carina leave?" Dr. Johnson asked.
"Yeah," Maya said, "She took the twins home for the night."
"Got it," Dr. Johnson said, "I just wanted to pop in and see how you were feeling?"
"I feel better than I have in a while," Maya said, "I kept down some of that electrolyte drink. I'm still a little bit nauseous, but it's so much better than earlier."
"Good," Dr. Johnson said, "I want to keep you on only liquids tonight and then in the morning, you can try some food."
"Ok," Maya nodded, "That sounds good. Do you think I can leave tomorrow?"
"That is the goal," Dr. Johnson said, "But it really depends on if you are able to keep things down."
"Ok," Maya sighed.
"I'm sure this is frustrating," Dr. Johnson said, "I am really hoping we can get your meds right so you can go home and be with your family."
"I know," Maya said, rubbing her eyes, "Thank you."
"It's my job," Dr. Johnson said, shrugging, "I am on all night tonight so if you need anything, just let me know. Is there anything you need right now?"
"No," Maya said, "Thank you."
"Keep drinking those fluids ok?" Dr. Johnson said, "And try not to lay down right after. Actually, let's get your bed up a little more so you can relax but we can keep everything moving in the right direction."
"Ok," Maya said as Dr. Johnson helped her with the bed, Maya picking up her cup and taking a few sips, completely surprised at how well this orange flavor was agreeing with her right now.
"That's what I like to see," Dr. Johnson said, "If you need more, just let the nurse know. I'll come back and check on you before I leave in the morning, but if you need me at all tonight, feel free to ask."
"Thank you," Maya said, waving as her doctor left.
The blonde had to get up to use the bathroom again before settling back into bed, not quite knowing what to do.
Maya decided to turn the TV on just to see if anything interesting was on. She wasn't big on watching TV, but she also wasn't big on resting so she decided to give it a try. She decided to ask Carina to bring her laptop for her tomorrow so she could get some work done, but she hadn't even thought about it at all this morning because she had been so out of it. She put on some crime procedural show, taking another few sips of her drink before just relaxing, hand resting on her stomach as it did so often now.
She must have fallen asleep because the next thing she knew, the nurse was coming in to give her her progesterone injection and another dose of antinausea medicine.
"Do you want another cup of your drink?" the nurse asked.
"Yes please," Maya nodded, "Thank you."
"Of course," the nurse said, "Good job getting the first one down. Do you need anything else?"
"No," Maya said, "Thank you."
The nurse stepped out, coming back a minute later with another cup for Maya.
"Thanks," Maya said.
"If you need anything else, just hit the call light," the nurse said, making sure it was within reach.
Maya got up again, realizing that now that she was not dehydrated, apparently her incessant need to use the bathroom had come back.
When she crawled back into bed, she noticed a text from her wife, asking if she was awake and wanted to talk. Maya picked up her phone, facetiming with Carina immediately.
"Hi Bambina," Carina said as she answered, "How are you doing?"
"Good," Maya said, "I finished my first cup of orange drink and now I am on my second one. Did the twins go down ok?"
"They both took a while to settle," Carina said, "But eventually, they went down."
"I hate that they have such a hard time when we are gone," Maya sighed, "And I know it's worse because I'm not just at work, but I'm in the hospital."
"They will be ok," Carina said, "We had another talk tonight about how you were getting medicine to help you and the baby feel better and be safe and that they could come see you tomorrow. I'm sure one or both of them will end up in bed with me tonight, but it's ok."
"I hate being here," Maya sighed, "Tonight, I had to get my shot, and there were no kisses before or after."
"I'm sorry," Carina frowned, "Hopefully by tomorrow night, you will be back home with us. I can also call tomorrow and see if we can go to a suppository. I totally forgot because of all the craziness of the past few days."
"It's ok," Maya said, "I mean, no more needles would be great, but I'm ok."
They chatted for a long time before they both started getting tired.
"Go to sleep Bambina," Carina said, "You need your rest."
"You too," Maya said, "I know you are tired. I miss you."
"I miss you too," Carina said, smiling at her, "Ti amo."
"I love you too," Maya said, blowing Carina a kiss before they both hung up.
Maya got up one more time to go to the bathroom and brush her teeth before settling into the uncomfortable hospital bed for the night, hoping this would be her only night she would have to spend here.
What did you think? I know there is a lot of drama and health complications in this story, and if that is not your thing, that is ok. I understand that it's a lot, but I also believe in writing what I want to read, and this is a story I not only love writing, but I also love reading so I am going to continue writing it this way. I also think telling stories that are grounded in reality is important and that is what I strive to do. Anyway, just wanted to say that. Thank you all so much for reading, commenting, and leaving kudos. Your lovely comments make me smile so much every time I see them.
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