All I Want for Christmas - Marina

Chapter 8: Carina

"Yeah, and she was like at least it'll all be over soon," I tell Amelia and Teddy imitating Maya. I called them over later in the evening once Maya left needing to explain my predicament.

"Okay so you don't want this arrangement of yours to end?" Amelia asks while eating a spoon of ice cream. I think about her question and decide to be honest.

"No, I think I might like her." I smile at my revelation. "When I first met her, I thought she was so rude and didn't treat others well based on what my patient told me. In hindsight, maybe I shouldn't have judged her based off of what a woman in labor is screaming." Amelia shook her head at my stupidity.

"Oh I heard about the little argument you two had from some of the nurses that day. That's why I didn't believe it when Andrew said you two were dating," Teddy added. "So now what? Do you think she likes you?"

"That's the problem. I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?" Amelia asks. "She brought you soup and spent time with you on her day off. I don't know why she would do that if she didn't like you."

"She called me her friend."

"Friends don't kiss the way you two did last night," Teddy said smirking making Amelia laugh.

"Exactly!" I yell. "I understand a quick kiss to fake it for Andrea, but she pulled me in and you know..."

"No we don't know. Do share," Amelia smiled.

"You get the picture," I laugh. "If I had even a hint that she felt the same way, I wouldn't mind telling her how I feel." I think back to the day we met. "She told me that first night at the bar that she didn't want to worry about someone falling for her. I thought that wouldn't happen in a million years, and here we are now."

"I have the best idea!" Amelia exclaimed making me nervous. Her ideas usually ended in something going wrong. "She's coming to that event on Thursday night, right?" I nod. "Okay well I'll be there with Kai, and Teddy will be there too. We can all observe how Maya is with you, and whether she likes you or not."

"Yes! Love it!" Teddy exclaims holding up her bucket of ice cream.

"I don't know guys. What if she notices you all are keeping a close eye on her?"

"Do you even know us?" Teddy asks.

"I do and that's the whole reason I'm worried."

"You have nothing to worry about other than spending time with that firefighter of yours. Leave the rest to us." Amelia and Teddy give each other a high five.

I get up the next day to go to the hospital feeling much better. I try to not think about Maya, but our double date and that kiss keeps my mind occupied. I convince myself that I won't be upset if Maya doesn't feel the same way, and will never speak to her again once Christmas is over.

During my walk into the hospital, I see Leah and get irked by her for the first time. I once again try not to think too far into it. As I get my white coat from my office, my phone vibrates.

Maya: Does this look okay? I got it last night.

That growing feeling in my chest is hard to ignore when I look at the picture she sent. She's wearing an all black, off the shoulder satin gown, and I am at a loss for words. I take a deep breath and try to downplay my feelings.

Carina: Yes.

Carina: Perfect.

Carina: See you tomorrow!