It's in Our Blood

Chapter 3

Carina's POV.

Now that Giovanna was back in school, it was easier for me to have a more consistent schedule. We both found that going into work early in the morning before she went to school worked best for us. That way most nights I would be home for dinner and to spend our down time together. Especially now with soccer matches, I would be able to attend. Obviously, there were days that I had to work late but, there weren't as many. I was grateful for Chief Bailey, and her ability to accommodate me in making sure I would be able to be the best mother and doctor I could be. 

It had been a long day, that was for sure. I could not wait to go home, relax, and spend time with my daughter. I had been called into work at 3am for an emergency and still worked my normal shift. It was around 5pm when I was finally sat in my office finalizing patient charts, when I heard a knock at the door. "Come in."

Both Teddy and Amelia popped their faces through the door before opening it fully and entering the room. "There she is our favorite OB-GYN." They both plastered a smile on their faces pointing at me.

I looked at Teddy and then Amelia with a smirk and her eyebrows slightly raised. "This can't be good. What do you two want?"

Amelia looked over to Teddy. "Why does she always think the worst, when we give her a compliment?" she said.

"Probably because most times your compliments are paired with you needing something." Teddy joked back at Amelia.

I laughed. "It's true. Go on, what can your favorite OB-GYN do for you two?"

"Fine, I am not even going to try to argue. Picture it, girls night Saturday at Joes!" Amelia started.

"And you can't say no!" Teddy chimed in.

"I don't know guys..." I started with a sigh. "It sounds like a fun time it does, but it has just been a lot between Andrea and Giovanna. I don't want to be out if one of them needs me."

Amelia rolled her eyes and looked at Teddy. "Fun sucker."

I gasped. "I am not! I am a lot of fun!"

Teddy looked at me. "Carina, you need time to yourself, come out, have a few drinks, maybe meet someone new." She wiggled her eyebrows, and I laughed. "You have to take care of yourself too. You are no good to those around you if you neglect yourself."

"And WE ALL need Carina to be good." Amelia threw in there. "Not that this should be too big of game changer, because me being there is enough." Amelia added and grinned playfully. "I believe Jo, Meredith and even Bailey are planning on joining us. Plus, it's a Saturday night... I saw Andrea on the schedule and that daughter of yours better have plans herself." She pointed out.

I buried my face in my hands. "Ugh I don't know you guys." They knew as of recently I was more concerned about Giovanna. Ever since I found her in the office, with multiple failed art attempts I started finding differences in her. Everyone has made it a point that Gia just started high school; and that was a big enough adjustment as it is. That being said, I still have been worried about her and just hope once she is adjusted to school and soccer, she won't be as stressed.

They were right, I knew they were. I often found myself spending all of my free time with my daughter or brother. Not that, that was a bad thing, to be honest, I preferred it most days. They were both my favorite people. But just as I encouraged them to be the best version of themselves, I could not neglect myself and my own needs. I often got caught up in making sure everyone around me was taken care of and would ignore the needs of my own. However, I had to maintain a social life and have a balance between work, family, and friends. "Okay, okay. I'll talk to Gia and see if I can manage to get out." I said with a smile.