Friends With Benefits

4

The end of Ben's intern year came swiftly, marking the transition to his second year of residency. As he arrived at the hospital, he was eager to start the new chapter. He showed up bright and early and made a thoughtful gesture, handing Miranda a coffee.

She looked at the coffee with a hint of surprise. "Are you on my service today?"

"Nope. See you around." He continued on his way.

Arizona walked over to her having seen the interaction. " He brought you coffee? Why?"

Her mind wandered back to the growing friendship she had developed with him over the past year, a relationship she had kept carefully guarded from the rest of the hospital. She had come to value their conversations and the unspoken understanding they shared.

With a slight smirk, Miranda glanced at Arizona and said, "He's probably just sucking up."

"Well, if it helps him get ahead, who am I to judge?"

Ben headed to the pit to get to work immediately. As soon as he was handed a chart he made his way over to his assigned patient. He recognized them as faces he had seen before. The woman—Miranda's dead husband's baby mama. The sight of her in the ER brought a wave of discomfort, but he approached her with professional composure.

"Ma'am, what seems to be the problem?" Ben asked, keeping his tone neutral.

"My son, TJ" she replied. "He's having trouble breathing."

He knelt down to examine the boy, pulling out his stethoscope. As he listened to the boy's lungs, the muffled lung sounds confirmed that something was wrong.

"Okay, I'm going to page pediatrics, and we'll get someone down here right away," He said, standing up to prepare to call for assistance.

The woman shook her head. "I want Miranda—Dr. Bailey," she insisted.

Ben hesitated, his mind racing. He knew Miranda's feelings about this woman and the complicated history they shared. Bringing her into this situation could stir up emotions that Miranda had carefully buried.

"I understand, but Dr. Bailey might be busy with other patients," He said, trying to keep his voice steady. "I'll page the pediatrics department, and they'll send whoever is available."

"No," she said, her tone firm. "I need Miranda. She knows my son's history, and she's the best. Please, I need her."

"I'll see what I can do," he said, nodding. Ben's frustration was palpable as he paged pediatrics, silently hoping that anyone but Miranda would respond. He was relieved when Arizona walked in, ready to take over the situation.

"Dr. Robbins," Ben approached her "This is the child I mentioned. The mother specifically requested Dr. Bailey."

Arizona's smile was professional but tinged with concern. She turned to the woman, trying to ease her worry. "I'm Dr. Robbins. I can help your son, and I'll make sure we get him the best care possible."

The woman's insistence, however, didn't waver. "I need Miranda. She's the one who knows my son's history. She's the best for this situation."

Arizona nodded, her voice steady and reassuring. "I understand. I'm here to take care of your son, and I will. But I'll page Dr. Bailey if you're adamant about her being the one to examine him."

With a determined nod, the woman reiterated her insistence. Arizona respected her wishes, recognizing the emotional weight behind the request. She sent a message to Miranda, ensuring to include the necessary details, specifically a heads-up before she approached the patient's bed.