When Worlds Collide

Cleared For Desk Duty

The week had gone by so quickly.  Walking into Grey-Sloan, Maya felt a nervous excitement at having her follow up with Doctor Altman.  Andy was already in the lobby as she and Carina walked through the sliding doors.  Andy waved at them but her attention was focused on Liam in the stroller.
"Hey little man!  Why are you growing sooo fast!!"
Andy bent down and unbuckled Liam from the harness as he smiled and kicked his legs. The trio headed toward the elevators and Andy looked at Maya as they got in.
"So how's it going with the home life?"
Maya smiled and looked at Carina.
"It's been great, but I think Carina is ready for me to get the hell out of the house. She hates having to watch me to make sure I don't overextend myself doing projects."
"Listen, I love having you home with us Bambina, but I know you are going crazy wanting to be back at work. I just hope Andy can be as good at watching you as I have been."
"Doctor Deluca, I promise you on this perfect little son of yours that I will not be letting your wife anywhere near the trucks anytime soon."
Maya rolled her eyes and blew an exasperated breath as the chime dinged and the elevator doors opened.
They walked down to Teddy's office just as she was walking toward them.
"Well hello gang, what brings you here?"
Teddy smiled as she motioned for them to enter before she closed the door behind them. She sat down behind her desk and reached for a folder.
"So the scans that were done yesterday and Maya's physical have all come back positive. I'm comfortable signing off to clear her to go back to work in three days, but I would prefer if she sticks strictly to the desk until her next follow up in a couple of weeks."
"Oh don't worry, Lieutenant Bishop and the front desk are about to be best friends."
"Seriously? I mean, I know I can't be on engine or ladder, but strictly desk? For two weeks?"
Andy and Teddy looked at each other before they both looked at Carina who had been sitting quietly holding Liam.
"Cosa vuoi che dica? Maya and I have had so many discussions but I can't tell my wife what to do any more than she can tell me. I have to trust that she will listen to her doctor and her captain. All I do know is that she needs to come home to her family at the end of every shift. Va bene? Grazie."
Carina's free hand had been flailing as she was speaking until Maya reached for it and held it in her own.
"Ok, listen, I am going to play by the rules because even though this sucks, it will be worth it to stay safe during the-"
Maya hesitated and looked at Carina before continuing. Carina smiled and nodded, allowing Maya to finish her sentence.
"During the first round of IVF Carina is going to go through. Using my eggs."
Teddy burst into a grin as Andy felt her mouth drop open before she jumped up and hugged Maya.
"When did this happen? Why didn't you tell me? Oh my GOD this is awesome!"
"Apparently it was the peak time to harvest when I was unconscious. So Doctor Altman and Doctor Bailey encouraged my wife to let the procedure be done."
"Maya, I-I'm, I don't know what to say. Wait, I do actually, I'm so proud of you girl, you're growing up!"
Maya smiled and squeezed Carina's hand. Carina leaned over and kissed Maya just as her phone rang. She handed Liam to her wife and excused herself to take the call.
"Ok Maya, let's be serious for a minute. Your crush injury would have been manageable if you hadn't waited so long OR used the compression sleeve. However, the fact you were wearing it actually helped to diffuse some of the impact from that gut punch. I've got some concerns with the readings on your muscles on the right side but if you can go easy on your workouts and not push too hard, I'm pretty sure that I can clear you for light duty when you come back for the follow up."
"So like Aid car?"
"Yes, as long as Andy feels comfortable with that, I'll sign off on it."
Andy nodded as Teddy checked off and signed the paperwork before handing it over to Andy.
"We will keep an eye on Maya, I'll keep you updated via the daily check in."
Maya's eyebrows scrunched as she looked at her friend.
"You're seriously doing daily check in's? On me? What is this, something Carina wanted?"
"Actually no, it's something that Chief Ross implemented after the farmers market shooting, but due to the fact that you got attacked in your driveway, you get to be our inaugural candidate. So I guess congrats are in order Maya, you took first place yet again!"
Teddy chuckled and Andy couldn't help but laugh as Maya slumped back in the chair while Liam raspberried her.

Carina was hanging up as Miranda spotted her.
"Doctor Deluca, do you have a minute?"
Carina looked up and nodded as she made her way over to Doctor Bailey and a young woman who was very pregnant.
"Doctor Deluca this is Ana. She is new to the Seattle area and in need of an OB and I told her you were the best."
Hello Ana, nice to meet you. How are you feeling?"
The young woman smiled slightly and nervously looked from Miranda to Carina before looking down to rub her belly.
"I-um, I guess ok. I'm tired like a lot and I always have to pee, but I think I'm good."
"Well, both of those things are completely normal so that's definitely a good thing. I'm not actually working today though but you can have the department receptionist put you on my schedule."
Miranda put her arm around Ana and guided her to a chair.
"Why don't you have a seat here for a minute and then I'll get you over to the desk, ok? I just want to have a quick word with Doctor Deluca."
Miranda motioned for Carina to walk with her as they stepped out of earshot.
"I'm sorry to blindside you and I know you have been on maternity leave. But you told me the other day that you wanted to get back to work and this woman is here because she's hiding from an abusive relationship. You are the most practical and compassionate doctor I have in this hospital and luckily you're also the exact person she needs due to her condition. I'll explain to her that she can trust you to explain when you meet with her so she feels more at ease."
"Sure, ok. I have to get back to Maya though, she's in with Doctor Altman and Captain Herrera about releasing her for work. Can I call you later?"
"Yes of course. And Carina? Thanks for taking this one on, I owe you one."
Carina smiled and walked back toward Teddy's office as Miranda motioned for Ana to come follow her.