Baby bishops

Chapter 3

It was a normal day at the station—quiet, routine. With most of the crew out on a call, Maya and Ben were holding down the fort. As she swept up leaves near the entrance, the station phone rang. Maya picked up.

"Station 19, Maya speaking."

"Hi, am I speaking to Maya Bishop?" the voice asked. Maya immediately recognized it.

"Miss Gardner?"

The teacher's tone was calm but concerned. Rustle had injured his arm on the playground—possibly broken or badly sprained. Maya's heart dropped.

"I'll be there right away," she said, ending the call.

"Warren!" she called out. Ben emerged, and she quickly explained. "Rustle might've broken his arm."

"Take him to Grey Sloan," Ben advised. "Ask for Dr. Carina DeLuca—she's great with kids."

Maya didn't mention she already knew Carina. There was no time. She rushed to the nursery, where Rustle greeted her with a teary, "Mommy," holding his swollen arm gently.

Cradling her son, Maya hurried to the hospital. At reception, she asked for Dr. DeLuca.

"You mean Carina DeLuca?" the nurse asked, puzzled.

Maya nodded. "Yes—my son's hurt his arm."

She took a seat, whispering comfort to Rustle as they waited. When Carina appeared, Maya nearly broke—her emotions held together only by Carina's gentle presence.

"Maya" Carina eyed the blonde as she sat cradling her son. She saw how swollen Rustle's arm looked and immediately gestured for Maya to follow behind her.

Rustle allowed himself to be held by Carina and lay down on the exam table. Maya sat beside him, holding his hand tightly as Carina gently examined his arm.

He whimpered and buried his face in Maya's shirt, tears soaking through. Maya soothed him, whispering reassurances.

"All done," Carina said eventually, then offered Rustle a sticker and a lollipop from a treat box. "Take a few more—just don't tell my boss," she teased, making the little boy smile through sniffles.

Maya stepped aside as Carina explained the next steps. "I'm pretty sure it's broken, but we'll need an X-ray to confirm. He'll need to stay a little while."

Maya panicked—she was supposed to pick Max up from nursery.

"Relax," Carina said gently, placing a calming hand on her shoulder. The touch sparked something for both women.

"Call your friend. I'll prep for the X-ray."

Maya nodded, taking a breath before dialing Andy.

"Hey, I need a favor. Something's happened..."