Carina woke to a harsh light shining right in her face, she turned over and silently cursed herself for not having the mind to shut the curtains the night before. She heard Maya was awake and could tell the blonde was in the kitchen making coffee and, she took a deep breath, pancakes maybe.
That was all the motivation the brunette needed to get out of the bed. She sat at the edge and stretched her long limbs, Frankie's twin bed was surprisingly comfortable. She had no doubt that Maya had spent hours, maybe days researching the right bed for their daughter. Maya was such an attentive person. Carina smiled to herself. She felt good today.
She tiptoed out of the room, careful to not step on any of the toys that littered the floor. She almost chuckled when she saw Maya was trying to do at least four things at once. The blonde was running back and forth between the fridge to grab fruit, then back to the stove to flip a pancake, over to the island to plate, and then to the dining table to wrap presents. Wait? Presents. Shit, it was Frankie's birthday, wasn't it? She felt tears threatening to spill, she remembered Maya had mentioned it in the hospital, but it had been pushed to the back of her mind. It didn't seem important at the time. Now, nothing seemed more important. How could she forget? How come Maya hadn't reminded her? Why was the blonde doing all of this by herself instead of asking Carina to help. She wanted to help.
"Ah, good you're awake." The blonde beamed and made her way over to Carina with a cup of espresso, offering it with sparkling eyes.
"I'm pregnant." Carina said more harshly than she had intended. The smile on the blonde's face only faltered for a millisecond, but Carina saw it.
"You can have one cup a day, but if you don't want to, that's fine." Maya said softly and offered it again with a quirked eyebrow. Carina smiled sheepishly as she accepted the tiny cup. She took a sip and moaned at the taste, it was perfect.
"I used to be the absolute worst at making you coffee." Maya laughed as she walked back to the stove.
"Really? This is perfect." Carina smiled as she sat down on the stool by the island.
"Yeah, actually Gabriella taught me how to make it."
"My Gabriella?" Carina asked, genuinely shocked.
"Yes. She didn't think it was right that I didn't know how to make it, or speak Italian, or that I am American." Maya joked, but it was obvious to Carina that there was some insecurity lingering.
"Don't listen to her, she's just eccentric." Carina scoffed.
"Yeah I know, we didn't get along at first. I don't think we'll ever be best friends, but we have learned to exist in the same space. We both only want you to be happy, so at least we agree on that." Carina laughed but when Maya went back to the presents it died quickly. The fact that she had forgotten her daughter's birthday washed over her, drenching her entire body in shame.
"I can help." She pointed to the presents.
"No, that's okay, it's all ready." Maya said as she was inspecting her work with pride.
"You're not going to let me do anything for my daughter's birthday?" Carina huffed and turned her back to the blonde. She didn't need to see Maya's face to know that the blonde gave herself a little pep talk and then turned back to smiley, positive Maya.
"I didn't mean it like that. You didn't mention anything so I just figured I'd take care of it this year. You were in a car crash Carina, you get a pass."
"I didn't mention it, because I forgot, Maya. Not because I didn't want to help." The brunette snapped.
"Okay, well, I didn't know that. I should have reminded you. I am sorry. If you want I'll unwrap the presents and you could wrap them again." The blonde had made her way to stand right in front of her. She was obviously teasing, but Carina didn't think it was funny.
"Don't be stupid." She muttered and Maya looked at her quizzically.
"Sorry, sorry." Maya said, seriously. "What can I do?"
"You already did everything, Maya!" Carina yelled and watched Maya physically sink together. That hurt more than Carina thought it would. Logically she knew that Maya was just trying to help, but she was just so angry.
"Please don't yell, tell me what's wrong, Carina. Maybe we can fix it."
Carina had a whole speech in her head, about how Maya knew what was wrong, and to not speak to her like she was a child, and she could yell if she wanted to, but the look on Maya's face made her hesitate.
"I am sorry, I am just frustrated because I forgot." She said calmly. The blonde nodded in understanding and it made Carina want to throw up. She didn't deserve understanding, she was going crazy. She didn't even understand herself.
"Well, the day hasn't even really started yet. So we still have time to make plans together. We already got her the presents. She's getting a doctor's playset and a children's book set about women in science." Maya said warmly and Carina nodded.
"That's cute." Carina smiled, choking back tears.
"She wants to be a doctor just like her mamma."
"Did we have a party planned?" Carina asked.
"No, we were just going to go to the station for cake, but I think that a day with just the three of us sounds way better." Maya admitted, and Carina could tell she was being sincere.
"I can make a cake." Carina smiled shyly.
"Yes, perfect." Maya beamed. "Now let's go wake her up with pancakes and presents." Carina plastered on a smile and took a deep breath.
"Okay, let's go."
YOU ARE READING
Find me again
FanfictionMaya was aware that she was causing a scene in the middle of the hospital, but she had been freaking out ever since Bailey had called her and said to come right away. Something had happened to Carina, Maya desperately needed to know what.
