The Fake Christmas Date (English vers.)

conversations, regrets and choices

It was night and half of Carina's long shift. Even though it was tiring to spend hours in the hospital, especially when a complicated birth was happening, it was good to be busy and not be thinking too much about what happened, or rather, not thinking about a certain person.

Carina knew pretty well that she and Maya had never had anything for real, it was always a silly plan and she was to wrong confusing things too much. Focusing on that cute smile, the eyes so blue they sparkled, the intriguing personality and that damned - incredibly addictive - kiss, was just a mistake. And the last thing she should do was think about her love life while seeing a patient. 

"So, Martha, the breakes between your contractions are getting shorter and they're lasting less time, it looks like you'll soon have your baby in your arms". Carina smiled touching the pregnant woman's shoulder, Martha was looking tired but distinctly grateful. "As you chose not to use pain medications, you already know my advice if it gets complicated, yes?" She gave a wink, then said goodbye and left the room, giving privacy for her patient and the husband to proceed with the next hours of delivery.

Carina paused for a second in the hallway, leaning against the wall and unconsciously checking her cell phone. Nothing there pleased her. The message from the only person who mattered at the time never arrived. 

It was frustrating, Carina hardly read people wrong. She knew it had taken her a while to ask Maya out because of her silly insecurity crise, but inside she was certain that Maya would accept. It was not possible that every time the firefighter looked at her with those smiles and those eyes full of desire it was pure fruit of Carina's imagination.

"Maledetta immaginazione fertile!"

"Carina?" As soon as she heard her name, she turned towards the person, smiling and waving as soon as she saw Teddy. "I didn't know you would stay here late today".

"A mother went into labor earlier than expected, she had some complications during her pregnancy, so I'm following the birth as she opted for natural, not a c section as would be more indicated in this case".

"Oh, I hope everything works out". Teddy smiled sweetly, joining Carina, leaning her body against the wall. "And you? Are you ok? Carina, you seem to be frustrated, much like how you were before Christmas".

"Well, it's no big deal..."

"Look, it doesn't seem like a no big deal, but if you don't feel comfortable talking, you don't have to. But just for you to know, I am here to listen". 

"Right". She sighed softly, deciding to talk about it with Teddy. In the end, she shouldn't keep this kind of frustration to herself. "Well, after all that fake date thing that Amelia set me up, I really felt attracted to her, actually I really liked her... Maya. Everything on that Christmas Eve felt so magical. I thought it was reciprocal, but actually it was all just my imagination. She didn't even bother to reply to the message I sent, asking her on a date". 

Teddy just got closer to her friend, putting her arm around Carina's shoulder, squeezing a little as a form of comfort. 

"In my opinion, at least from what I've heard Amelia talking about, she was also pretty sure that the firefighter was completely into you. But if that wasn't the case, she was the one who lost, because look at you! Anyone's dream woman. And honestly, she could have done the least bit to answer you. Maybe she doesn't deserve your sadness".

The two had to say goodbye as soon as Teddy had to leave to see a patient, but surely Carina's night had got a little bit better after that conversation. Maybe she should forget about Maya and the whole story, as incredible as it was, however short.