The Weight of Tomorrow (A Marina Story)

Chapter Twelve

It had been six weeks since Andrea Lucia DeLuca-Bishop made her entrance into the world, and the reality of motherhood was beginning to set in for Maya and Carina. The initial whirlwind of excitement and joy had settled into a comforting routine, albeit one often punctuated by sleepless nights and continuous diaper changes.

Carina stood in the kitchen, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air. She glanced at the clock, noting that it was still early. She had gotten up early due to Andrea's 5 AM wake-up, ensuring that Maya could enjoy a few extra moments of sleep.

Today, Maya was heading back to work for the first time since Andrea was born, and she still experienced regular moments of fatigue since her treatment ended. This meant she needed all the sleep she could get before returning to work.

Carina didn't mind doing most of the nightly wake-ups, especially since she wouldn't be going back to work for another four months. However, Maya had expressed a desire to be involved in everything, so she always took one of the night wake-ups and would bottle-feed Andrea.

The house was currently very quiet, save for the soft coos and occasional sighs coming from Andrea, who was nestled in her bassinet nearby, asleep again after her early morning feed. Carina had moved the bassinet into the living room so she could keep an eye on her while preparing breakfast. She also prepared Maya's last dose of post-treatment medication; it felt surreal that this was the final dose of medication related to Maya's cancer—the last trace of the illness that had taken over their lives just a few months ago.

As she poured herself a second cup of coffee, Maya emerged from the bedroom; it was now almost 8 AM. "Buongiorno, bambina! Coffee?"

"Please," Maya replied as she walked over and gave Carina a kiss. "And good morning to the most beautiful mommy in the world."

Carina laughed. "I think you got mixed up, because you, amore mio, are the most beautiful momma in the world."

Maya picked up her coffee and took her first sip, savoring the warmth and letting out a heavenly little moan.

"Bambina, don't make those sounds, or I'm going to spin you right around and take you back to the bedroom," Carina said in a teasing tone.

Maya instantly blushed. "Is that a threat?" she asked, playfully moaning again. Carina set her own cup of coffee down and moved closer to Maya, pressing her mouth hungrily against her wife's. Maya began to run her hand under Carina's top, but before things could get too intense, she stopped and pulled away. "Babe, you haven't been cleared yet?" Maya questioned, realizing that the teasing had escalated her eagerness to be intimate with her wife.

"Jo cleared me yesterday," Carina said, biting her lip and looking Maya up and down. Maya let out a groan, and a few seconds later, she lifted Carina up and placed her on the bench, rubbing her hands up and down her legs while kissing her passionately.

As if on cue, a small cry sounded from the bassinet in the living room, causing Maya and Carina to stop what they were doing. "Maybe she'll go back to sleep?" Carina said hopefully, her head pressed against Maya's as they both breathed heavily. Just as she said that, another soft wail erupted from the bassinet, echoing through the kitchen.

"I'll get her," Maya said, already moving toward the bassinet, disappointed that their moment had been disrupted, but at least it was for the perfect little reason.

Carina watched as Maya lifted Andrea gently, cradling her in her arms. "Good morning, Reya," Maya softly whispered to her daughter, Reya was a nickname that Maya had naturally started to call her. Maya had taken to motherhood with grace and ease and the sight of them together made Carina incredibly happy and proud. "You two are so beautiful," Carina said softly, her voice filled with warmth.