July 18 2019
The hospital halls were quieter than usual for a weekday morning.
AJ walked beside Dave, Mateo nestled in his car seat carrier, swaddled in a soft cream blanket with tiny blue stars. Her badge was clipped to her diaper bag instead of her coat — a strange feeling, being here not as Dr. Sanchez ... but as Mom.
AJ (softly to Dave)- It feels weird being here like this.
Dave- You mean, not running the whole floor?
AJ (smirking)- Exactly. I'm used to yelling at interns, not filling out forms.
Dave chuckled and kissed the side of her temple.
They stepped into the pediatric check-up wing and were immediately greeted by a familiar voice:
Camilla (grinning)- Look who decided to show up with the cutest patient in the city!
AJ- I thought you were off today.
Camilla (grabbing a tablet)- I was. But when I saw Mateo on the schedule, I told them to cancel whoever came after. Priorities.
Dave (grinning)- That's favoritism.
Camilla-He's my nephew by best-friend law, so yes. I have no shame.
She leaned over and peeked at Mateo, who blinked up calmly with his wide, curious eyes.
Camilla (softly)-Look at those cheeks. I'm stealing him.
AJ-Good luck. He only tolerates three people.
Camilla-He'll tolerate me. I bring snacks.
---
Inside the Exam Room
Camilla carefully unwrapped Mateo and weighed him, humming gently. Mateo stayed perfectly calm, blinking and stretching as if he knew exactly where he was.
Camilla-He's already gained weight. Strong eater?
AJ (proudly)-Very. He grunts like a little bear when he's hungry.
Dave-Got it from his mama.
AJ-Excuse me?
Camilla-I plead the fifth.
They laughed as Camilla checked Mateo's heartbeat, reflexes, and posture.
Camilla-Everything looks perfect. And he's... too calm. Are y'all sure he's yours?
AJ- Trust me, he gives side-eyes just like me.
Dave-He's already judging us. Especially me when I mess up the diaper bag.
Camilla (laughing)-Well, doctor's orders — keep doing what you're doing. You two are killing it.
---
After the Check-Up
They stood just outside the exam room while Camilla wrote in Mateo's chart.
Camilla-Same time next month. And I want new pictures. Don't get stingy.
AJ-You act like he's your godchild.
Camilla (smirking)- I'm just waiting for you to ask officially.
Dave- You keep showing up like this and you're already family.
Camilla smiled warmly, then looked at both of them.
Camilla- Honestly? You two are doing amazing. It's good to see you smiling, AJ. And you too, Dave. Parenthood looks *right* on y'all.
AJ (a little misty-eyed)-Thank you, Cam. For everything.
Camilla- You always got me. Now go home and take a nap. Both of you.
