When Worlds Collide

Nobody's Home

Andy looked up from her desk as she heard the main doors open.  She smiled and waved at Maya, motioning for her to come into the captain's office.
"Well, well, well if it isn't our long lost Lieutenant Bishop.  Welcome to Station 19...would you like a tour to remember where everything is?"
"Ha ha, very funny.  I'm here because I need to meet with Diane.  Oh and Carina needs a copy of my upcoming schedule so we can coordinate Liam's daycare and the IUI shots."
"Sure, she had said she was going to stop by yesterday so I've got it right here."
"Thanks.  Is Diane here yet?"
"No, she texted she was held up about a half an hour over at 83.  She should be here shortly though."
Maya took the paper Andy held out and stared at it for a long, silent minute before plopping herself into the chair facing her friend.  Andy narrowed her eyes and looked at Maya.
"What's going on Maya?"
"I think Mason is stalking my house and my wife."
"What?"
"I was reviewing video footage and he was on the city bus staring at my yard as it drove by.  And that was after my neighbor said some stranger was coming out of his driveway.  Carina came home late last night and there was a car parked across the street that took off right after she came inside."
"Holy fuck.  What are you going to do?"
"I honestly don't know.  He's my brother and I love and miss him.  But Andy, Carina and Liam are my world."
"Well, I can tell you that it's definitely not the first time he's been around your house."
"What do you mean?"
"Vic saw him show up right after you were taken to Grey-Sloan getting into a car with some other guy.  Then I confronted him with Vic before we came to the hospital.  He was there alone, so I'm guessing he had taken the bus back after he left earlier."
"Jesus fucking Christ Andy, why am I only just now hearing about this?!"
"Slow your roll, I haven't really had a chance to talk to you since you've been out.  But between your security system and my uncle having neighborhood watch, we have been looking out for you guys."
Maya stood up and started pacing, her mind spinning.  Andy was about to say something when the klaxon went off.
"Listen Maya, I didn't intentionally keep anything from you.  Let's talk about this when I get back, ok?"
And with that, Andy jogged off toward the barn.  Maya walked out of her office and watched through the reception window as the team scrambled into turnouts and jumped into the trucks.  Folding the paper, Maya shoved it in her back pocket before sitting down to the computer and pulling up the city search directory.  She typed in 'Bishop, Mason' and hit ENTER.  The screen paused for a second before displaying an address.  Maya took her phone out and snapped a picture before clearing it.  Grabbing the note pad, Maya scribbled out an apology to Diane and placed it on the counter next to the sign in book.  She jogged up the stairs and to her locker where she grabbed her SFD jacket before heading back down and out of the firehouse.

There was no answer when Maya rang the bell and knocked on the door.  Stepping back, she looked to the left and right but no one was around.  Walking back toward the sidewalk, Maya took in the area.  Rows of apartments dotted the street as Maya made her way back to her SUV.  An elderly woman was pushing a grocery cart and Maya stopped.
"Excuse me, do you live around here?"
"Yes dear, for the past fifty years."
"Do you know  the man who lives here?"
"Well actually it's a group of young men.  About six or so.  Most of them are polite, but they scare me and Gertie."
Maya looked at her confused. She waggled her finger to have Maya lean down closer to her.
"Gertie is my wife.  We have been together since we were teenagers.  Until they approved marriage we told people we were roommates, you know like that tv show Laverne and Shirley.  We got married quietly at the town hall years ago but we don't make that known to most of the neighbors.  The boys that live there, they are all very against our community."
Maya smiled and rested her hand on the older woman's arm.
"I'm flattered that you felt comfortable enough to share that with me."
"Well of course dear, we all have to stick together don't you know."
She winked and smiled at Maya who stared at her open mouthed.  The older woman chuckled.
"You are a very pretty young lady, but I can spot a sister a mile away.  I see a ring, how long have you been married?"
"We've been together for six years and married for just about three.  Oh my gosh! My anniversary is coming up!  I can't believe I almost forgot!"
"It's a good thing you remembered beforehand and not after.  I got in so much trouble the one year I didn't remember!  Do you mind dear, can I see a picture of your wife?  I don't mean to be forward, but I don't get to see the younger generation too much in this neighborhood."
Maya smiled and nodded as she pulled her phone from her pocket and tapped it.  Her screen saver came up and before she could unlock it, the woman pressed her hand against Maya's wrist.
"Oh my, is this your wedding photo? My goodness your wife is beautiful!  She looks familiar somehow to me."
"Well, she's a doctor over at Grey-Sloan.  Her name is Carina Deluca."
"Deluca?  Is she related to Doctor Andrew Deluca?"
Maya blinked.
"Y-yes, he was her brother."
"Was?"
"He was murdered a few years back trying to stop a child trafficking ring."
"Oh my!  He was such a handsome and kind man.  I had taken a fall several years back and he was the doctor on call in the ER when I was brought in. Ohhh my, I had a bit of a crush on him for sure!"
Maya smiled as she felt the tears in the back of her eyes.  She wished Carina was there to hear that, but at the same time she was grateful she wasn't as it would've surely made her cry.  Maya grabbed the handle of the grocery cart and put her arm out.
"Please let me walk you home.  And I'm sorry, but I didn't catch your name."
"Eloise.  Eloise Van Buren.  And who are you dear?"
"I'm Maya.  Maya Bishop."
Eloise stopped abruptly and stared at Maya.
"One of those boys is Bishop.  Is he related to you?"
"Yes, he's my brother.  I haven't seen him in years until the Pride parade when I spotted him with a group of protesters.  I wanted to talk to him."
"Do yourself a favor dear, steer clear.  He isn't as bad as some of the others, but he is definitely not a supporter of our community.  I had a brother too once, but he didn't like my life choices and we had a terrible falling out.  It was awful to lose him, but I had to choose my happiness over his narrow minded attitude.  I don't want to see you have to suffer like I did."
Maya nodded silently as they both walked slowly toward Eloise's complex.  Helping the older woman up to the door, Maya lifted the cart inside and pulled a business card from her pocket and handed it to Eloise.
"If you or Gertie ever need anything, please call me or Station 19 at this direct number.  It was such a pleasure meeting you.  Would you mind if I brought my wife by one day?  I know she would love to meet you both, especially since you knew Andrew."
"Oh that would be wonderful!  We are home most days, except Tuesday afternoon.  We go play bingo at the senior center."
Maya smiled and waved as she turned to leave.  Walking back toward her SUV, Maya cast a gaze at the complex Mason lived in.  Could he really be as hateful as Eloise had said or was he just trapped in a gang that he didn't know how to get out of?  Her phone pinged and Maya pulled it from her back pocket.  She winced as she saw the text from Diane asking when she'd be back to the station.
"Shit."
Maya texted that she was on her way as she got in, started the engine and zipped off.  She didn't see Willy peeking out from behind the curtain watching her leave.