PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 11: Recovery

Teddy and Owen nodded. "Yes, follow us. She's in one of the recovery rooms now."

The doctors led the way through the hospital halls, the 19 crew following closely behind, their hearts pounding with anticipation.

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As they arrived at the recovery room, Teddy gave them a reassuring smile. "She's awake, but she's exhausted, so keep it short."

The door to Maya's room was slightly open, the light from inside softly illuminating the hallway.

Andy was the first to step forward, her heart pounding with love and worry. She pushed open the door and stepped into the room, the others close behind her.

Maya was laying in the bed, looking paler and more fragile than usual. Her eyes were half-lidded as she looked up and spotted the familiar faces entering the room.

"Hey," she croaked, her voice weak but filled with a hint of her usual strength. "You all look like a bunch of worried puppies."

Andy rushed to her bedside, her eyes welling up with tears. "Maya, you stupid idiot. You scared the hell out of us."

The recovery room suddenly filled with chatter and laughter as the entire 19 crew crowded around Maya's bedside.

Ben stood in the back, watching with a mix of concern and relief. "You had us all worried sick, Bishop."

Dean chimed in, grinning. "You're making a habit of scaring the life out of us, you know that?"

Maya said "Andy, did you call Carina?"

Andy glanced over at Maya, a hint of surprise in her eyes. "Yeah, I did. She's on her way."

Jack, who had been quietly standing by the door, suddenly spoke up, his voice laced with bitterness. "Why did you call her?"

Maya rolled her eyes at Jack's comment. "Because she's my girlfriend, Jack. She has every right to be here."

Travis shot a pointed look at Jack, silently telling him to keep his mouth shut.

Ben, noticing the tension, interjected. "Can we not bring the drama into the hospital room, please?"

Jack clenched his jaw but said nothing, clearly still resentful towards Maya.

Emmett, always the peacemaker, tried to lighten the mood. "Well, at least she's awake and giving us attitude. That's a good sign, right?"

Vic nodded, chuckling. "Yeah, that's our girl. Nothing keeps her down for long."

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Carina poked her head into the room.

The room fell silent as Carina walked in, her eyes immediately scanning over Maya's figure on the bed. "Maya!"

Maya smiled weakly, reaching out a hand towards Carina. "Hey, my love."

Carina rushed to Maya's side, taking her hand in hers. "God, you scared me. You look horrible."

Maya chuckled, a faint smile on her lips. "Thanks for the ego boost, babe."

Carina frowned, giving Maya's hand a gentle squeeze. "Don't joke about this. I was worried sick about you."

Maya's eyes softened, her usual sarcasm replaced by vulnerability. "I know, I'm sorry. But I'm okay, I promise. Just feel like I got hit by a truck."

Carina's worry turned to a mix of fondness and frustration. "And you still have your stupid attitude. You'll be the death of me, Bambina."