Ghosts

A few days later

Maya's mom was going home that day so Maya was packing her bag with Carina's help when Andy walked in. " Andy what are you doing here?"

Andy crossed her arms. " I'm going with you to your parents place. Just to make sure Lane's rembembers what happens to him of he lays a finger on you. "

Maya shook her head. " I don't need a bodyguard. "

Andy raised an eyebrow. “I’m not your bodyguard, Maya. I’m your best friend. And I’m not letting you go into that house alone.”

Maya sighed, shoving another shirt into her bag with a little more force than necessary. “ Do I have a choice?"

Andy shook her head. " Well I can preventvely kick Lane's ass. "

Maya turned to Andy. " You are impossible. "

Carina chuckled softly, zipping up Maya’s bag. “She’s stubborn, amore. You know this.”

Maya rolled her eyes. “Yeah, well, I was hoping she’d grow out of it.”

Andy smirked. “Never happening.”

Carina placed a reassuring hand on Maya’s back. “It’s not the worst thing, having people who love you want to protect you.”

Maya sighed, rubbing her forehead. “I just… I don’t Andy to miss her own weeding because she is in jail."

Andy let out a laugh. " Like Lane would ever report being beaten by a woman. Bisides you could use another paramedic. "

Maya looked back at Andy. " Okay but try to not commit any falonies. "

A while later

Maya walked into her childhood home with Andy in her tow. Lane smirked at them. " Maya you really brought your guard dog. "

Maya ignored his comment. " I'm here to take care of Mom not to hear you offended people I care about. We need to figure out what we will do while I'm on shift."

Lane learned against the fridge. " The guy who ran into your mom can pay for nurses three days a week. I will be staying in a hotel while they are there so don't worry about them giving up the job. This place is a mess I want the floor shining. "

Andy stepped in. " Maya is not cleaning your shit. You can do it yourself or you can leave dirt. If you insist I will clean using your face as the rug. "

Lane let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Still got that mouth on you, huh?" He stepped forward, towering over Andy slightly. "I remember when you were just some scrappy little brat that Maya would fallow around like a lost puppy. Guess some things never change."

Andy didn’t flinch. She held her ground, arms crossed, her stance steady. "And I remember when you were just a miserable excuse for a father. Guess some things never change there either."

Maya tensed beside her, jaw clenching. "Lane, just stop. I’m not here to fight with you. I’m here for Mom."

Lane crossed his arms. " I don't like Latino dog's I'm my home you should have figured that out by now. I only let her hung out around here when you were in school because you were stupid and need her help to keep your greats. "

Maya took a deep breath. " Don't talk like that. You have no right to talk like that!"

Lane moved to grabbed Maya's arm but Andy was quicker. She grabbed his arm and put behind his back pinning him against the fridge. " It would be so easy for me to beat you up. Wouldn't even take an effort. "

Lane struggled against Andy’s grip, his face twisting with frustration, but Andy didn’t let up. She leaned in slightly, her voice low and steady.

"You touch her again, and I won’t just pin you—I’ll make sure you regret it for the rest of your miserable life," she hissed.

Maya placed a hand on Andy’s shoulder. "Andy, let him go."

Andy didn’t move right away. Her grip stayed firm, her body rigid with anger. Lane had hurt Maya too many times for her to just let this slide. But Maya’s voice was calm, steady, a silent plea.

"Andy," Maya repeated, softer this time.

With a sharp exhale, Andy released him, stepping back just enough to let Lane turn around. He rolled his shoulder, glaring at her. "You think you’re tough?" he spat. "You’re nothing but a little girl playing hero."

Andy smirked. "Yeah? And you’re just a pathetic old man who think he is tough for abusing his family . You don’t scare me, Lane. You never did. The only reason I didn't kick your ass back than was because Maya couldn't leave. Your wife won't need her assistance forever so don't test me "

Lane scowled but didn’t say anything. He just rubbed his arm, knowing better than to push his luck.

Maya turned to Andy. "We should check on my mom."

Andy nodded, throwing one last glare in Lane’s direction before following Maya down the hall.

As Maya and Andy walked up staring memories were hitting Maya like bricks. Andy put her hand on her best friend's arm.  " Hi it's okay. You are safe. I'm here with you. He can't hurt you anymore. "

Maya just nodded and kept walking. As she got to her parents room she opened up the door. " Hi Mom. I brought Andy with me. "

Katherine looked up at them. " Hi sweetie. I'm glad you are here. Hi Andy it's good to see you. "

Andy bit her lip. " I came to make sure your husband knows how to behave around Maya. But I don't mind helping changing you bandages. "

Maya gave Andy a grateful look before stepping closer to her mother’s bedside. Katherine looked weaker than Maya remembered, the bruises from the accident still visible on her pale skin. But despite her frailty, there was a warmth in her eyes as she reached for Maya’s hand.

“I knew you’d come,” Katherine said softly, squeezing Maya’s fingers.

Maya swallowed, nodding. “Of course, Mom. I’m here to help.”

Katherine’s gaze flickered to Andy. “And you, Andy. Still watching out for my girl, huh?”

Andy smirked slightly. “Always.”

Katherine exhaled, leaning back against her pillows. “I don’t know what I did to deserve a daughter like you, Maya. But I’m so proud of you.”

Maya’s throat tightened. It wasn’t often that she got to hear words like that from her mother, and even though she was used to brushing things off, this time, it hit differently.

She cleared her throat. “Let’s get you cleaned up, okay?”

Andy stepped forward. “I’ll grab the bandages.”

As Andy moved to the dresser, Maya carefully unwrapped the gauze on her mother’s arm, her hands steady despite the flood of emotions coursing through her. Andy returned with fresh bandages and gloves, setting everything on the nightstand before slipping on a pair.

As they worked in silence, Katherine’s eyes flickered between them. “You know,” she murmured, “you two always reminded me of sisters.”

Maya glanced at Andy, and Andy gave her a small, knowing smile. “Yeah,” Maya said quietly. “Something like that.”

Katherine winced slightly as Andy smoothed ointment over a healing wound. “Lane’s still being Lane, I assume?”

Andy snorted. “That’s putting it mildly.”

Maya tensed. “He’s already tried to start something.”

Katherine sighed. “He never changes.”

Andy’s jaw clenched. “If he so much as looks at her wrong again, I won’t be so nice next time.”

Katherine gave her a tired smile. “I believe you.”

The room fell into a comfortable silence as Maya and Andy finished bandaging her up. When they were done, Katherine squeezed Maya’s hand again. “Thank you, sweetheart.”

Maya nodded, swallowing down the lump in her throat. “I’ll be here as much as I can.”

Andy, standing at her side, crossed her arms. “And I’ll be here with her. "

Katherine’s expression softened. “I’m glad you have each other.”

Maya looked at Andy again, and for the first time in a long while, she let herself feel the comfort of knowing she wasn’t alone.

Later that day Andy ordered some food for herself and Maya. Just some rice, veggies and chicken Porto Rican dish they were eating when Lane walked into the kitchen. " Maya you are eating this crap! No wonder why you are so fat."

Andy put down her fork. " Lane you better stop testing me. You keep this up you will be having soup from a straw. "

Lane didn't say anything he just walked out. " Maya I'm sorry but I really wanted to strangle your father. "

Maya took a sip of her orange juice. " I get it now I want to strangle Elena with my hose. Well I list now I have some to have because of you. "

Andy let out laugh. " Well at least you understand me better now. Maya you can't be alone in this house. No you can't be with me in this house a I have a fiance and three very adorable kids that are calling me Mami right now -"

Maya cut her off. " They are calling you Mami? So I'm officially an Aunt! That is awesome Andy! I mean they are actually adorable. "

Andy grinned, her eyes lighting up at the mention of the kids. "Yeah, they're pretty great. . I want to cry of joy everytime they call me Mami. "

Maya's smile softened, the tension from earlier in the day slowly lifting. "I'm just happy for you . And, yeah, I’m officially an Aunt I never expected that . This is wild."

Andy chuckled, shaking her head. "I can't believe it either. You’re going to be the best Tia. But serious you are nothing coming here without me. And I can't move here so we need to figure something out if we get her on a catheter we only have to come two times a day. "

Maya shook her head. " I can't leave her alone with him when she can't even go to the bathroom on her own. "

Andy took a deep breath. " Maya you don't own her anything. You were a kid and she didn't do anything to protect you. Bisides she wouldn't be in this position if she had left him. It's not fair you have to pay the price for her choice. "

Maya’s eyes were filled with a mixture of emotions—guilt, frustration, and a deep sorrow she hadn’t fully acknowledged until now. She ran a hand through her hair, struggling with the weight of the decision before her. " You wouldn't say that to any domestic violence victim. You can't blame my mom for not being able to break the circle of violence ."

Andy’s expression softened, but there was still a quiet firmness in her voice. “You’re right, Maya. I wouldn’t say that to anyone else. But this is not just anyone. She is not your responsibility. Let's get a nurse to put a catheter and you come here twice a day. You keep in contact with her if she goes silent for to long we sent Ryan for a welfare check. "

Maya nodded. " Okay that could work. Lane will behave if there is a cop watching. And don't worry I will call him so Meredith doesn't put you in her dog house. "

That night 

At Maya's apartment 

Carina and Maya were cuddling on bed. " I'm glad you figured something out. I wouldn't be able to sleep with you on that house. "

Maya leaned into her girlfriend. " Was hard for me but I couldn't put my self in danger again. When we were kids Andy wanted to tell her dad about the abuse but I didn't let her because of my mom and because of Mason. I knew she wouldn't leave him and he-"

Carina tighned her grip on her girlfriend. " I understand bambina. But now you don't have to do that anymore. "

Maya took a deep breath. " He wouldn't hit me all the time. Only when I lost or I didn't beat my time. If I got injuried and couldn't traine he would look me in the basement with no food for days. "

Carina's eyes softened with pain as she listened to Maya's confession. She gently cupped Maya’s face, her thumb brushing over her cheek. "Maya, I can’t imagine how hard that must have been for you. But you're not that little girl anymore. You don't have to carry that weight alone."

Maya closed her eyes, a tear slipping down her cheek as the memories flooded her. "I thought if I was strong enough, if I kept pushing, I won enough medals I could change things. But it never worked. I couldn’t change him. No matter how hard I worked was never enough for him And I couldn’t change her either. I kept waiting for her to protect me, but she never did."

Carina's heart ached for her, and she pulled Maya closer, holding her tightly. "You don’t need to change anything, Maya. You’re allowed to be hurt, to be scared, and to heal. And I’ll be here with you through all of it."

Maya nodded, the warmth of Carina's embrace giving her the comfort she hadn’t realized she needed. "I don’t even know where to start, Carina. I’ve spent so many years trying to bury all of this, pretending it never happened. And now I had to go back to that house. "

"You may be back at that house but you are not the same person. You are not in the same situation. He can't hurt anymore bambina kit like he could back then. "

Maya closed her eyes. " After Andy beat him he never tried to contact me again until now. I tough I was free from him. "

Carina kissed Maya's cheek. " In few months your Mama will be better and you won't have to go back there ever again. "

Back to Andy's and Meredith's home 

They were in bed after putting the kids to sleep. " I'm glad you guys figured something out. I don't think you could be to much time around that men without commiting a crime. "

Andy snuggled against Meredith. " Probably not. "

Meredith ran her fingers through Andy's hair. " One of the many things that made me fall for you is how protective you are of the people you love. But sometimes that can get you in trouble. "

Andy let out a smile. " I know you speak for experience. Amelia and Lexie told me a few stories. "

Meredith ran her fingers through Andy's back. " Well those two always had a magnet for trouble. I had to step in. But really Andy I rather have you here in my arms than at that house with that horrible man you hate ."

Andy relaxed into Meredith's touch. " Well I'm my second favorite place in the whole world. "

Meredith eyes winded " What do you mean by secund?"

Andy kissed her fiancée on the cheek. " My favorite is when we were with the kids. "

Meredith’s heart melted at Andy’s words, and she couldn’t help but smile. "I guess I can’t argue with that. They really are our greatest joy."

Andy sighed contentedly, her eyes fluttering closed. "Yeah. I never thought I’d feel this way about having a family. But I swear, every time they call me 'Mami,' it feels like my heart is about to burst with happiness."

Meredith smiled, tracing her fingers along Andy’s arm. "You’re amazing with them, Andy. And they know it. We are so lucky to have you in ours lives."

Andy turned to face Meredith, a soft grin tugging at her lips. "I’m the lucky one, Mer. I didn’t know what I was missing until you and the kids came into my life."

Meredith smiled at Andy. " I love you hear you taking about them. Before you I tough romantic love was just not meant for me. But you showed me what that could really be. "

Andy smiled back at her. " Babe before you I was always breaking other people's heart's. But with you - You changed everything. "

Meredith ran her fingers through Andy's cheek. " You changed everything for me too. "

At the next day 

Meredith was in her office when Derek walked in the doctor looked up from her tablet. " Derek have you ever heard of knocking?"

Derek smirked at her. " I just came to tell I'm back in town. I'm the new Chief the E.D. I want to figure something out about custody. I want to be more present on the kids life's. I meet Andy on the wildfire and I have to say you have great taste on woman. "Diaz get the sparklings ruining. "

The blaze raged inside the factory, thick smoke curling toward the sky as Station 19 worked in sync to get control of the scene. Andy moved quickly through the building with Vasquez, Miller, and Montgomery, scanning for victims. The heat was intense, and the air was heavy with the scent of burning chemicals.

"Over here!" Vasquez shouted, spotting a worker trapped under a collapsed shelf.

Andy rushed over, kneeling next to the man. "Hey, we got you," she said, checking his vitals. "Can you move?"

The man groaned, barely conscious. Miller and Montgomery braced themselves as Andy wedged her hands under the debris.

"On three," she ordered. "One… two… three!"

With a collective grunt, they lifted the heavy metal just enough for Vasquez to pull the man free.

Suddenly, a loud creak echoed through the space.

"Andy, move!" Montgomery shouted.

Before she could react, a smaller section of the shelving collapsed, knocking her backward. She hit the ground hard, her helmet bouncing against the concrete. A sharp pain flared in her arm as she landed, but she gritted her teeth and pushed herself up.

"You good?" Miller asked, kneeling beside her.

Andy flexed her wrist, wincing. "Yeah. Just a cut. Let’s go!"

With the injured worker secured, they hurried out of the burning building, where paramedics took over.

Sullivan approached, eyeing Andy’s wrist. "This probably needs stichees.  Aid Car 88 take her to Grey-Sloan. "

"I'm fine, Captain," Andy insisted, shaking off the discomfort.

"Get it checked at Grey Sloan anyway," he said. "I don’t need my best lieutenant bleeding out on a flesh injuire. "

Andy sighed but nodded, knowing it was pointless to argue.

Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital – The ER

Andy was rolled into the ER and taken to a trauma bay. 

"Lieutenant Herrera?"

Andy turned, expecting a doctor. Instead, she found herself face-to-face with Derek Shepherd.

She froze, blinking in confusion. Her brain took a second to catch up.

Derek. Derek. Meredith’s Derek.