PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 106: Come Here Bambina

Maya leaned heavily on her sister, grateful for the support. She took deep, controlled breaths as they walked toward the entrance of Grey Sloan, trying to keep the nausea from overwhelming her.
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A/N: Still day 2 of FSH

As they reached the entrance, Maya felt a wave of fresh air hit her face, providing brief respite from the nausea. But it was only a temporary relief, and she knew it wouldn't be long before she needed to throw up again.

The intern, Molly Bauer, stopped them, bombarded Maya and Megan with questions. Before Maya could react, Carina appeared, her voice firm and authoritative.

"Dr. Bauer, Dr. Shepherd needs you in trauma 1," Carina said. The intern looked up, recognizing her superior's voice and immediately snapped to attention.

Molly nodded and immediately headed towards the emergency room without another word.

Carina watched her disappear before turning her attention back to Maya and Megan. Her eyes widened with concern as she took in Maya's pale complexion and the look of nauseousness etched on her face.

Carina reached out and touched Maya's arm, her voice filled with worry. "Bambina, are you okay? You look like you're about to throw up."

Maya leaned into Carina's touch, her breaths coming in shallow gasps as she tried to fight the nausea. "No, I feel terrible. My stomach is churning and I can't seem to get control of it."

Carina's eyes softened, her protective instincts kicking in. She wrapped her arm around Maya's waist, supporting her weight. "Come on, let's get you to my office. You need to rest and let your body adjust to the hormones."

Maya nodded weakly, grateful for Carina's support. She leaned on her fiancé as they navigated their way through the busy hospital corridors towards Carina's office.

Carina led Maya into her office and helped her settle onto the couch, propping a pillow under her head. "Just lie back and relax, Bambina. You're going to be okay. I'll be out here working, but I'll check on you every now and then, okay?"

Maya looked at Carina "Can I please have a kiss and heating pad for my stomach I am bloated."

Carina smiled tenderly at Maya's request. She leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Of course, Bambina. I'll get you a heating pad right away."

Carina then turned and headed towards the small storage closet across the room, rummaging through supplies until she found a heating pad. She plugged it in and wrapped it in a towel before returning to Maya's side.

Carina placed the heating pad on Maya's stomach, adjusting it so it was sitting comfortably. She then took a seat on the edge of the couch, reaching out to stroke Maya's hair. "Is that helping?"

Maya closed her eyes, the warmth from the heating pad bringing some small relief to her aching stomach. "Yeah, it helps. Thank you."

She opened her eyes and looked at Carina, a hint of vulnerability in her gaze. "Carina, how much longer is this sickness going to last? I can't keep feeling like this. It's hard to focus or do anything."

Carina's expression softened, her hand continuing to gently stroke Maya's hair. "I know it's tough, Bambina. But the nausea and fatigue are common side effects of IVF drugs. They should subside within a few days, but I know it's hard to wait. Just take it one day at a time, and try to get as much rest as you can."

As Maya lay on the couch, the heat from the heating pad and the exhaustion from the nausea slowly started to relax her. Her eyelids felt heavy, and her breaths became slower and more even.