"...How far in advance did you provide your eggs?"
"Just after you agreed."
Kristina stares at the contract on Dr. Navarro's desk, Molly standing by her. Dr. Navarro sits across from both women, a flat smile on her face.
"Wow," Kristina's eyes scan the fine print, "This is…a lot. All this just to have a baby?"
"It's necessary," Molly remarks, "You've had screenings and tests done, and this is the final step before the procedure."
"Which is…?"
"IVF," Dr. Navarro explains, "The fertilized egg is transferred into your body."
"Does that hurt or…?"
"The procedure itself is relatively painless, no need for medication or anesthesia."
"And then what?"
"We can worry about that once the procedure ends."
"This contract," Kristina's voice is soft, "there's so much-"
"Krissy, are you going to keep stuttering or are you going to sign it?"
"Let me finish reading it, okay?" she huffs as she flips through the papers. Her eyes glaze over the more she absorbs the small black text.
"There's guarantees for you, protections for us," Molly notes, "and as long as the baby is biologically related to one or both of us, there's no issue."
"Uh huh," Kristina scribbles on the dotted line. She repeats the pattern on each page until there's nothing left to sign.
"You're the best," Molly leans down and squeezes her tight, "I owe you one. I really do. You won't regret this."
"I hope I don't," Kristina mutters to herself as she gets to her feet. Dr. Navarro comes around from behind her desk.
"I think it's time we get you prepped for your procedure," she lays a gentle hand on Kristina's shoulder as all three exit the office. The small crowd of people outside the door put a bit of a spark in her step.
"Mom, Dad," she nods their way, "Sam, TJ."
"I had everyone come down to support you," Molly wraps an arm around her sister's shoulders, "I know all of this is a big deal, and what better way to ease into it than with your loved ones?"
"Thanks, Moll," Kristina smiles, "I appreciate it."
"How do you feel?" Alexis asks, her hands clasped together.
"Nervous, but…" Kristina looks around the group, "it's getting better with you all here."
"We love you, Krissy," Sam cuts in, "and we love Molly too. It'd be terrible of us to not be here for you guys."
"Thanks," Kristina focuses on TJ, "Are you on-call for this or just observing?"
"Believe it or not, I'm here as family," TJ chuckles, "You're in good hands with Dr. Navarro. She'll make sure the procedure goes smoothly."
"Glad to hear it."
"C'mere," Sonny gestures for his daughter to approach him, the last person for her to speak to. She happily obliges, hugging him tight. His whisper tickles her ear, "If any of this feels overwhelming, don't be afraid to tap out."
"I'll keep that in mind…" Kristina grits her teeth just as the elevator doors open. Her face lights up as Dex meets her gaze. She pulls away from her father to greet him.
"Back from parking the car?" she jokes.
"On my day off?" Dex laughs, "Sure, let's go with that."
"You came," her voice is gentle.
"Of course I did," he matches her volume as he opens his arms. Her smile is bright as she wraps herself around him.
"Thanks for coming."
"I told you I would. I wouldn't be anywhere else."
"I'm glad," Kristina pulls away, rejoining Molly and Dr. Navarro. She looks out at the crowd of five, "Well, we should get this thing going, huh?"
"That we should," Dr. Navarro responds, looking from her patient to everyone else, "Kristina's in good hands. We'll be right back."
Waves are exchanged as the doctor and patient walk off. Molly watches them with bliss as TJ stands by her.
"I hope this works," she tells him, not breaking her gaze.
"If all goes well, it should," he answers.
"We owe Krissy big time for this."
"Absolutely."
"So," Sam stands behind them, Alexis by her side, "this is finally happening. How do you two feel?"
"...Good," Molly nods after a brief pause, "good. Things are going to be fine."
"And you?" Alexis stares at TJ.
"I trust Dr. Navarro. The likelihood of a complication is low," he pulls Molly against him, "and we have faith in Kristina. Things are going to work out."
"How many times will you say that until you believe it?"
"Well, I believe it."
"And I…" Molly stops herself, "I want to."
"But?"
"It's been one thing after another for me recently: losing our baby, finding out that I can't carry. I just don't want this, what Kristina is doing for us, to be added to the list. And I don't want this to hurt her too."
Sam frowns at her youngest sister, opening her arms. Molly takes them almost immediately. Alexis rubs her back with an outstretched arm while TJ watches the scene before him, biting his bottom lip. Sonny and Dex stand at a distance, taking it all in.
"Kristina's doing a noble thing," the kingpin remarks, turning to face his employee, "carrying her niece or nephew for her sister. That kind of selflessness is something I love about her."
"I feel the same," Dex nods.
"I appreciate you being here for her; it seems like you two have a good relationship."
"She's my friend. I'm glad to be here."
Sonny grins at him, and Dex mirrors the expression. They stay still as time ticks by, allowing a moment of silence to grow between them.
"Hey," Sonny clears his throat, "I…I know you're off-duty today, but…I'd like it if you did me a favor."
"What's the favor?"
"Keep an eye on Kristina. I'm…concerned that my enemies could smell blood in the water with this, and the very last thing I want is anything happening to my daughter. And I get that doing this might be…me jumping the gun a bit, overreacting and all that, but I love my kid and-"
"I understand, boss," Dex nods, "I'm happy to watch over her."
"Good. I'm glad, and I know she'll appreciate it as well."
The lights burn Kristina's irises as she stares into it. She lies flat on her back, the fabric of the hospital gown rubbing against her skin. Her legs rest above her, secured by two small plastic platforms. A cloth or two cover the lower half of her body, Dr. Navarro and a pair of nurses standing right by it. A part of her feels like she should have a lot on her mind, but she remains still, devoid of distractions.
"How are you feeling, Kristina?" Dr. Navarro asks, her voice slightly muffled by her mask.
"Fine," the young woman's answer is flat. Nerves begin to creep up on her; she does her best to fight it off.
"That's good," Dr. Navarro looks to the nurse to her right, "Get the cannula."
The nurse to her left walks over to Kristina, standing by her head. Kristina makes eye contact with her, her face expressionless.
"Here," the nurse offers a hand, "you might need it."
Kristina looks at the appendage for a moment before grabbing it, squeezing it tight. She quietly gulps as she hears a faint clanging noise echo from the corner of the room.
"It's ready," the nurse nods at Dr. Navarro. Kristina holds the other nurse's hand tighter.
"Alright, Kristina," Dr. Navarro clears her throat, "It's time. You're going to feel a bit of pressure, okay?"
"...Okay."
The sensation of pressure against her lower body sends a jolt through her nerves. The nurse by her runs a gentle hand through her hair as she tenses. She gulps and closes her eyes, trying to relax. Minutes feel like hours before the pressure disappears.
"Okay," Dr. Navarro announces, "we're done!"
Kristina lets go of the nurse's hand, taking a deep breath. She feels her legs being lifted in the air, pairs of hands gently dropping to be level with the rest of her body. After a moment, Kristina tries to prop herself up on her elbows.
"Done?" she asks, "That's all it was?"
"Yes ma'am."
"...So now what?"
"I'm going to prescribe you some progesterone to give you the best chance for the embryo to implant. After about two weeks or so, you'll come back here and we can issue a formal pregnancy test to determine if the implantation was successful."
"That's it?"
"That's half of it," Dr. Navarro helps Kristina sit up, "You should also get some rest and indulge in some self-care; take a few days off of work if you can. Also, it's good if you take on a healthier diet: mainly fruits and vegetables, but some proteins as well. And make sure you start taking some prenatal vitamins."
"That's a lot of stuff…"
"It certainly sounds like a lot, but in reality, all you have to do is relax and take care of yourself."
"...Right," Kristina nods slowly. The nurse on Dr. Navarro's side returns with her clothes, everything neatly folded and stacked on top of one another.
"We'll give you some space to get dressed," Dr. Navarro says, "and then we'll walk you out to your family."
"Actually," Kristina takes her clothes, looking at the black and purple floral pattern of her jumpsuit before staring back at the doctor, "is there a chance I can be wheeled out?"
Molly paces the floor nervously, her head ducked down. TJ watches her with a sympathetic frown, Sam to his left and Alexis to his right with similar faces. Dex and Sonny stand on either side of the bench the three sit on, seeing the same movements.
"Molly," Alexis says, "come on. You've been like this for a while now."
"I'm worried, Mom," the young woman stops for a moment, "Something could easily go wrong?"
"Kristina is going to be fine," TJ responds, "You saw the test results, you were there when she got formal approval."
"I know, but-"
"Molls," Sam gets up and gently grabs her sister's arms, "it'll be fine. Kristina is strong and healthy; things will work out. Have some faith."
"I…" Molly takes a deep breath as she turns away, catching sight of Dr. Navarro and Kristina coming around the corner. A small white bag rested in her lap. She runs up to them, "Krissy?"
"I'm fine," the middle sister replies.
"The procedure went well," Dr. Navarro follows up, "So long as she takes care of herself and takes her medication, things will work out."
"That's great," Molly beams, "so great."
"How do you feel?" Sonny asks as he approaches.
"I feel fine."
"I'm glad everything went well," Alexis bends down on one knee, "and that you feel okay."
"What did you prescribe her?" TJ questions, looking at Dr. Navarro.
"Progesterone," she replies, "She'll also need to take prenatal vitamins."
"Got it."
"I'm glad you're okay," Molly hugs her sister tight, "and I'll do everything I can to support you and make this pregnancy the least stressful year of your life."
"Thanks, but I'm not pregnant yet."
"The procedure went well, but it'll take a few days for the embryo to implant itself in the womb," Dr. Navarro explains, "Kristina will take a pregnancy test during her check-up in two weeks."
"I'm sorry, Molls," Kristina says, frowning, "I know you don't want to wait longer-"
"Oh please, I can wait two weeks," Molly holds her hands, "so long as you're okay and this works out, it'll be a blip."
"So it's all just one big…waiting game?" Sonny asks.
"That's right," TJ nods before turning to Kristina, "and we'll do everything we can to help."
"I appreciate it," she gives him a toothless grin, her eyes darting around the group. She locks onto Dex when he enters the semi-circle of people.
"Hey," he says softly.
"Hi," she beams, "Take me home?"
"Gladly."
After a carousel of hugs and goodbyes from her family, Dr. Navarro wheels Kristina to the parking garage, following Dex down. His SUV sits by the elevator they exit from. Dex opens the passenger door, extending a hand out. Kristina flashes him a toothy smile as she takes it, his hands on her back as he helps her into the vehicle.
"See you in two weeks," Dr. Navarro says.
"See you then," Kristina replies before closing the door. Dex watches the doctor leave with the empty wheelchair, settling into the driver's seat afterward.
"Okay," he turns on the car and proceeds to back out of his spot, taking a left towards the garage exit, "where am I going?"
"Somewhere with food."
"I'm not taking you home?"
"I'm hungry," she shrugs. Dex's laugh comes out as a scoff before he turns left onto the street. They sit in silence as he cruises down the road.
"Thanks for coming," Kristina says, looking at the road through the front windshield.
"You already thanked me at the hospital-"
"It deserves repeating," she shrugs before looking at him, "Seriously, though, it means a lot that you showed up."
"You're welcome," Dex glances at her, a small smile on his face, "I wouldn't be anywhere else."
Warmth fills Kristina's cheeks as her smile grows wider. Her eyes linger on him for a little while longer, studying his blue-green eyes and the dirty blonde stubble that dots the side of his face. She stays in a daze until he turns the corner, turning to look out of the passenger window.
"How was the procedure?" Dex asks.
"Fine."
"That's it? Fine? No nerves or discomfort or anything?"
Silence fills the space between them as they look at one another. Dex swiftly turns back to the road while Kristina continues to stare.
"It was just…a little thing," Kristina pinches her fingers together, "a little bit of pressure. Nothing horrible."
"That's good."
"And yeah," she looks away, staring out of the front windshield, "I was nervous, but who wouldn't be in something like that? I was surrounded by doctors in a pretty…personal medical procedure. It would be weird if I wasn't nervous."
"Very true."
They sit in a comforting quiet until Haven Bistro appears before them. Dex pulls into the parking lot, sitting a foot or two away from the front doors.
"Does this work for you?" he asks.
"Sure," she releases the seatbelt and gets out of the car.
"Wait-"
"Stay here. I'll be back."
"But-"
"I'm fine, Dex, really. And even then, I owe you for showing up."
"Kristina-" she closes the door as he speaks, and he settles into the seat, biting his bottom lip ever-so-gently. Kristina walks into the building, taking in the eco-industrial decor as she gets in line. After some pondering, and some waiting, she walks out of the eatery with two plastic cups of water and a bag hanging off each elbow. Dex jolts up when he sees her and gets out to help.
"What did you get?" he asks as they get back in the SUV.
"Well," Kristina clears her throat, "I got me a fruit bowl and you a nice little chicken club."
"Chicken club?"
"It's my favorite thing on the menu; I think you'll like it too."
They eat in silence as Dex drives Kristina home. She alternates between the passenger window and the front, sipping the water through a straw and consuming grapes and pieces of watermelon with a fork. Dex uses one hand to drive, sinking his teeth into the sandwich at a somewhat rapid pace. Credit where it's due: it's his favorite meal now too.
"Right there," Kristina points to a dark brown building, "That's my place."
"Alright," Dex cruises forward before pulling into an open, uncovered parking spot.
"Thanks."
"Anytime."
Kristina gets out of the car with the remnants of her meal, closing the door. The passenger window rolls down just as she begins to walk away.
"Yes?" she asks, raising an eyebrow.
"I just…" Dex tries to choose his words carefully, "wanted to let you know I'll be around more often."
"And I bet my dad told you to, huh?" he sucks in his lips, staying quiet. Kristina rolls her eyes and shakes her head, "Of course."
"He's just-"
"Being protective, I know. Though, if he had to assign anyone to be my bodyguard, I'm glad he assigned you."
The pair shared warm smiles with one another, gazing into each other's eyes for a few prolonged minutes. Kristina breaks the stare first.
"You should…head home."
"...Yeah," Dex snaps out of his, "yeah. Um, I'll…see you soon."
"Yeah…" Kristina slightly nods, a tiny smirk on her face. She watches as Dex rolls the window up and backs out, staying still as he drives off. She bites the inside of her bottom lip, a million thoughts racing in her head before she finally makes her way into her apartment to close the day out.