ONE SHOTS MARINA (ENGLISH)

13. Classes

P.O.V. CARINA DELUCA-BISHOP

It was a sunny morning, the kind of day you'd normally take a walk, but instead I was in the bathroom, getting ready. Soft light streamed through the window, illuminating the mirror as I stared at the stitches still visible on my ankle. Just four small but significant physical reminders of a day I'd rather forget.

The cut had been a minor accident, a consequence of bumping into something in the smoke and chaos of that horrible day at Grey Sloan. Now they were almost ready to be removed, but the emotional pain... That was still very much there.

Sette mesi, Carina.

*Seven months, Carina.

I could feel the weight of my body shift slightly as I leaned forward. My belly was big, and with it came the pain, the worries, and the preparations for labor. Today, Maya and I were preparing for a special class on pain relief options during labor, one of those things that seemed small but became monumental when you were expecting your first biological child.

I walked out of the bathroom slowly, adjusting my shirt over my belly as I felt a slight stirring inside me. Maya was in the living room, busying herself packing her bag with everything we would need for the day. Liam was beside her, babbling happily as he tried to reach for one of the toys she had placed on the table.

- Are you ready, amore mio? - I asked, stepping into the living room and leaning down to kiss my son on the head, who squealed excitedly at the sight of me.

She looked up, smiling softly, but there was a tiredness in her eyes that worried me. Even a week after the fire, I could see the weight of it all still hanging over her.

- Almost - she replied, zipping her bag tightly shut - I just need to get my car keys. Is Jack home yet?"

- Yeah, he said he was.

I glanced at my watch. Gibson was due to be here any minute, and I wanted to make sure everything was ready for when he came to pick up the little one.

- Thank you - my wife said, more to herself than to me, as she took one last look around, making sure everything was in order.

I walked over to her, resting a hand gently on Maya's shoulder.

- No need to thank me - I whispered, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek - We're in this together, bambina. Everything's going to be okay.

She smiled, but there was still a tension she couldn't hide. And I couldn't blame her for that.

The sound of the doorbell cut through the moment, and I walked to the door, opening it to find Jack, who was standing there with a warm smile on his face.

- Good morning, DeLuca-Bishop's! - he teased, reaching out to pick up Liam - What's up, big guy? Ready to spend the day with Uncle Gibson?

He mumbled something only he could understand, but it made our friend laugh as he picked him up. The sight brought a smile to my lips, the normalcy of the interaction helping to ease some of the tension I felt.

- Thanks for that, Jack - I said, sincerely grateful that he was willing to take care of him while Maya and I walked to class.

-  No problem - he smiled and looked at the blonde behind me - You two just worry about the class and this little one here — he pointed to my belly — Leave the rest to me.

- Take good care of him - my wife said, half joking, half serious.

- I promise, Lieutenant! - Gibson replied with a small bow, making Maya smile a little wider.