PLAYING WITH FIRE

Chapter 120: Egg Retrieval

Carina reached out to give Maya's hand a gentle squeeze. "You're doing great, Bambina. We'll get through this together, and then you can rest afterward. Let's head inside and get checked-in."
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Maya nodded, determined to put on a brave face despite her discomfort. "Okay. Let's go." She unbuckled her seatbelt and opened the car door, stepping out gingerly, the cold air hitting her face.

Carina stepped out as well, grabbing her purse and then linking arms with Maya, supporting her as they made their way toward the entrance of the hospital.

Maya leaned into Carina, grateful for her unwavering support. They walked slowly, the cold air making Maya shiver slightly.

Carina noticed Maya's shiver, and instinctively put her arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to warm her up. "You cold, Bambina?"

Maya nodded, huddling closer to Carina. "Yeah, a bit. The cold air isn't helping my nausea, either."

Carina wrapped her arm tighter around Maya, trying to warm her up as best she could. "We'll get you warmed up inside soon. Just hang in there a bit longer, okay?"

Maya nodded again, her teeth chattering slightly from the cold. The mere exertion of walking into the hospital was making her feel even more nauseous, and she had to fight back the urge to throw up.

They finally made it inside the hospital, and the warm air was a welcomed relief. Carina looked around the waiting area, spotting the check-in desk. "Almost there, Bambina. Just a few more steps."

Maya nodded weakly, her face pale and her steps faltering. The combination of the nausea and exhaustion was taking its toll on her. She leaned heavily on Carina as they approached the check-in desk.

A friendly nurse behind the desk greeted them, noticing Maya's weary appearance. "Good morning. How can I help you today?"

Carina took the lead, speaking in a soft but firm voice. "Good morning. We have an appointment for an egg retrieval with Dr. Addison Montgomery. The patient's name is Maya Bishop."

The nurse checked her computer for a moment, then nodded. "Ah, yes. Ms. Bishop's procedure is scheduled for 10:30 this morning. Please take a seat in the waiting area, and someone will call you shortly for pre-procedure preparations."

Carina thanked the nurse and led Maya over to a row of chairs, helping her sit down gently. She took the seat beside her, keeping a firm and supportive hand on her thigh.

Carina looked up as she heard someone approach. She spotted Jo Wilson, a smile spreading across her face. "Jo, hey."

Jo spotted Carina and smiled in return, walking over to them. "Hey, Carina. I thought that was you. What are you doing here I thought you had an off day?"

Carina glanced at Maya, who was sitting silently, looking rather unwell. "I do have the day off, but we have an egg retrieval procedure scheduled this morning. We're just waiting to be taken back for pre-procedure preparations."

Jo nodded, her attention shifting to Maya. Her expression softened as she took in Maya's pale and weary appearance. "Oh, I see. How's Maya feeling? She look... not good."

Carina sighed, rubbing a gentle hand on Maya's thigh. "Yeah, she's not feeling too well. She's been pretty nauseous all morning, and the stress of the procedure isn't helping."

Jo's concern deepened, her medical instincts kicking in. "Is the nausea from the hormones or nerves? Do you think she might throw up soon?"

Carina nodded, her worry evident in her voice. "A combination of both, I think. And... yeah, I'm worried she might throw up soon. She's been very pale and shivering since we got here."