Independent Together

16

A few weeks after her son was born, Callie and Arizona had stopped by to visit her and the baby.

The baby cooed softly, content in the cozy living room. Arizona sat next to Callie, gently playing with the baby's tiny fingers.

"He's so adorable, Miranda," Callie cooed, rocking the baby gently. "How's everything going?"

Miranda sighed, leaning back on the couch. "I mainly am struggling with not being in an OR."

Arizona laughed. "The tiny humans at the hospital will do without you. This one here, needs you though."

"I'll settle for a surgery on an adult if it lets me do surgery. Doesn't have to peds." Miranda replied

"You're a junkie. You are supposed to be enjoying your son." Arizona shook her head

"I am enjoying him. But who says I can't enjoy him and do surgery." She shrugged "After I recover of course. I did push out a bowling bowl after all."

"A cute bowling ball" Callie cooed "Has Ben seen him yet?"

Miranda sighed, her eyes drifting to the bouquet of flowers on the kitchen counter. "He sent those," she said, nodding towards the flowers. "But he hasn't called, texted, or come by."

Arizona frowned, exchanging a look with Callie. "That's not like him," she remarked. "Despite everything. He still could've reached out more than just sending flowers."

Miranda shrugged, trying to mask her hurt. "I guess he's giving me space, still. But... it's harder than I thought it would be."

Callie handed the baby to Arizona and scooted closer to Miranda, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You know, Ben cares about you a lot. Maybe he's just waiting for a sign that you want him back in your life."

Miranda shook her head. "I don't know, Callie. I need to focus on my son."

"You deserve to be happy, Miranda," Callie said gently. "Whatever that looks like for you and that little fella."

Miranda nodded, "I know. I just need to figure out what that means."

One evening, Miranda was sitting on the couch reading a medical journal while the baby slept peacefully in her arms. She sighed looking down at his calm face. She loved him immensely but there was still in ache in her. She wasn't sure if it was solely from not being at the Hospital or if something greater was at play.

She found herself talking to her son or rather just thinking out loud. "You know, little Tuck, things have been a bit crazy lately. Your dad and I are trying to figure things out. And Ben... well, I'm not sure what's going to happen there. But I promise you, no matter what, you will always be loved."

As she spoke, her mother walked into the room. Miranda looked up.

"Missing work I see." Elena smiled

"You know me so well." Miranda chuckled

"My grandson is going to hear all about surgeries rather than hearing nursery rhymes and bedtime stories." She sat down next to her

"Might be good for him." Miranda laughed

"Well, I know it's good for you. I've seen how you nearly lost your mind not being at that hospital."

"That obvious, huh?"

"It was either that or you're missing a certain chocolate doctor. I'm going to assume it is both but I will only talk about the hospital since I don't think you're ready to talk about the other situation."

Miranda simply sighed

"Figured as much." Elena nodded " It will work out in due time, Mandy. But you have to make sure in due time isn't overdue time."