PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 8: Sick

They drive back to Maya's apartment in silence, Maya feeling too tired and sick to talk. Carina keeps throwing worried glances at her, clearly worried about her health.

Once they arrive at the apartment, Carina helps Maya inside and leads her to the bedroom. "Here, lie down. I'm going to get you some medicine and a glass of water."

Carina quietly walked past the sleeping figures on the couch and went into the kitchen. She rummaged through the cupboards, looking for pain killers and any other medicine that could help Maya.

Carina heard a cough and turned around to see Andy sitting up on the couch, rubbing her eyes groggily. "Hey, sorry, did I wake you?"

Andy shook her head, still looking half-asleep. "No, no, you're fine. Just having trouble sleeping, that's all."

Carina said "Still feeling sick."

Andy groaned, nodding. "Yeah. I thought it was just a cold, but it keeps getting worse. My throat feels like sandpaper."

Carina frowned, sympathetic to Andy's condition. "That's rough. Have you tried taking any medication?"

Andy nodded, wiping her nose with a tissue. "Yeah, I've been taking some over-the-counter stuff, but it doesn't seem to be helping much. I think I need something stronger."

Carina thought for a moment, then her eyes widened. "Wait a minute. You don't by any chance have a fever, do you?"

Andy thought about it, then nodded. "Yeah. I've been feeling feverish on and off. Why?"

Carina's expression darkened. "Damn it. I was hoping it wasn't that, but I think you might have the flu."

Andy groaned, burying her head in her hands. "Great. Just what I need. The flu while on rotation."

Carina nodded sympathetically. "Yeah, I hear you. The flu is no joke. Have you been feeling chills or body aches?"

Andy nodded again, rubbing her arms. "Chills, body aches, sore throat, headache. The whole nine yards."

Carina sighed, feeling a pang of sympathy for the younger woman. "Well, it definitely sounds like the flu to me. I recommend you get some rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take some stronger medication to help with the symptoms."

Andy nodded, looking miserable. "Thanks, Carina. I hope you don't end up getting it too."

Carina chuckled sarcastically. "Oh, I wouldn't worry about me. I'm Italian. We have a natural immunity to all diseases."

Andy laughed weakly. "Well, knock on wood. I don't want anyone else getting this hell."

Carina patted her leg sympathetically. "I'll knock on wood for both of us. Now go back to sleep, okay? You need to rest."

Andy nodded, laying back down on the couch. "Thanks, Carina. Good night."

Carina bid Andy good night and grabbed the medicine and water from the kitchen before heading back to Maya's room.

When she entered the room, Maya was lying in bed, looking pale and tired. She was shivering slightly, despite the blankets piled on top of her.

Carina's heart ached at the sight of Maya looking so ill. "Bambina, I'm back. I have some medication for you."

Maya opened her eyes, looking up at Carina weakly. "Thanks, my love. My head is killing me."

Carina walked over to the bed and sat down on the edge, placing the medication and water on the bedside table. "I know, I know. I brought you some pain killers. They should help with the headache."