#best pediatrician arizona

[agavepediatrics]

Best Pediatrician in Phoenix, Arizona: Agave Pediatrics

When it comes to choosing a pediatrician, finding one who combines medical expertise with compassion is crucial. Parents in the Phoenix area are fortunate to have a top-tier option in Agave Pediatrics. Known for its dedicated team, child-centered approach, and state-of-the-art facilities, Agave Pediatrics has built a stellar reputation as the best pediatrician in Phoenix, AZ. The clinic stands out not only because of its exceptional pediatric services but also due to its commitment to holistic family care, ensuring that both children and their parents feel supported throughout the health journey.

Agave Pediatrics: A Premier Pediatric Clinic

Agave Pediatrics is not just a regular clinic; it is a community of healthcare professionals who genuinely care for every child that walks through the doors. The clinic’s mission is centered around offering comprehensive pediatric care in a warm, welcoming environment. Whether a child needs a routine check-up, immunizations, or treatment for an acute illness, the experienced pediatricians at Agave Pediatrics have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide top-notch care. This makes Agave Pediatrics one of the most sought-after practices in the region, regarded by many as the best pediatrician clinic in Arizona.

Parents know they are entrusting their children to doctors who are experts in diagnosing and treating a variety of childhood ailments. The pediatricians here are not only highly trained but also compassionate and caring, which is essential for treating young patients. The clinic serves children from infancy through adolescence, offering personalized care that caters to each child’s unique needs. If you’re looking for the best pediatrician in Phoenix, AZ, Agave Pediatrics is certainly a top contender.

Comprehensive Pediatric Services

One of the aspects that makes Agave Pediatrics the best pediatrician in Arizona is the comprehensive range of services they offer. From newborn care to adolescent health, Agave Pediatrics provides everything needed to support a child’s growth and development at every stage. Parents can rest assured that their children are receiving cutting-edge medical care based on the latest research and best practices in pediatric medicine.

The pediatricians at Agave Pediatrics focus on preventive care to keep children healthy and thriving. Regular wellness check-ups, vaccination schedules, and screenings are prioritized to ensure early detection of potential health issues. For those searching for a pediatrician Phoenix, Agave Pediatrics is the ultimate choice because of its focus on both preventive and curative care.

Additionally, the clinic is well-equipped to handle urgent health concerns. Families with children who suddenly fall ill can take advantage of the same-day sick visits, ensuring that a doctor can address the child’s needs immediately. This is especially helpful for busy parents who want quick access to pediatric care without long wait times. With a pediatric Phoenix clinic like Agave Pediatrics, immediate attention is just a phone call away.

Highly Skilled and Specialized Team

Agave Pediatrics is staffed by a team of experts who are leaders in their field. The doctors here possess a wealth of knowledge and experience, allowing them to manage complex medical conditions that may require specialized care. They are committed to ongoing education to stay at the forefront of advances in pediatric healthcare. This dedication to learning enables the team to provide the best possible care for their young patients, cementing their status as a leading pediatric clinic in the Phoenix area.

In addition to general pediatric care, Agave Pediatrics also offers specialized services, ensuring that they can address a wide variety of medical concerns. These additional services further set the clinic apart and make it a go-to option for parents seeking specialized pediatric care in Phoenix.

Additional Services at Agave Pediatrics

Apart from routine pediatric care, Agave Pediatrics offers several specialized services that are designed to meet the specific needs of both children and parents. These services include support for breastfeeding mothers, care for infants with tongue-tie issues, and immediate medical attention for sick children. Below is an overview of these additional offerings:

Tongue Tie Specialists Arizona Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition in which a tight band of tissue under the tongue restricts its movement, potentially leading to difficulties in feeding, speech, and oral hygiene. The Tongue Tie Specialists Arizona at Agave Pediatrics are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating this condition. They provide a thorough assessment and, if necessary, a safe and effective tongue-tie release procedure that allows infants to feed properly and reduces long-term complications.

Lactation Consulting Services Breastfeeding can be a challenge for new mothers, especially if they face issues such as low milk supply, latch difficulties, or pain during nursing. Agave Pediatrics offers lactation consulting services to support breastfeeding mothers and ensure they have the guidance they need for a successful breastfeeding journey. The certified lactation consultants provide personalized support, helping mothers overcome breastfeeding challenges with confidence.

Same Day Sick Visits Arizona Nothing is more distressing than when your child is suddenly unwell, which is why Agave Pediatrics offers same day sick visits Arizona. This service ensures that when your child is feeling ill, you can see a pediatrician the same day, reducing the anxiety and stress that come with waiting. Agave Pediatrics prioritizes the health and comfort of its patients, ensuring that urgent care is available when families need it most.

Patient-Centered Care

One of the reasons Agave Pediatrics is widely regarded as the best pediatrician clinic in Arizona is its focus on patient-centered care. The clinic’s healthcare professionals take the time to listen to both the children and their parents, making sure they understand the medical needs and concerns of each individual. This thoughtful approach is essential in creating a positive experience for both the child and the parents.

Agave Pediatrics emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with their patients and their families. The team works hard to create an atmosphere where children feel safe and comfortable, reducing any fear or anxiety associated with doctor visits. Parents also appreciate the clinic’s open communication, knowing they can trust the doctors with the health and well-being of their children.

Modern Facilities and Technology

The facilities at Agave Pediatrics are modern and equipped with the latest technology, ensuring that patients receive the most up-to-date care. The clinic’s environment is designed to be kid-friendly, with bright, cheerful decor that helps children feel at ease. The waiting areas are comfortable and the staff is always welcoming, making the entire experience pleasant for families.

Furthermore, Agave Pediatrics utilizes electronic health records (EHR) and other technological tools to ensure accurate and efficient medical care. These technologies help streamline the process of scheduling appointments, accessing medical records, and obtaining test results, further improving the patient experience.

Conclusion

In summary, Agave Pediatrics stands out as one of the premier healthcare providers in the Phoenix area. With its expert pediatricians, comprehensive services, and specialized care offerings such as Tongue Tie Specialists Arizona, lactation consulting services, and same day sick visits Arizona, it’s no wonder that this clinic is widely recognized as the best pediatrician clinic in Arizona. Parents who want the best care for their children can trust Agave Pediatrics to provide high-quality, compassionate medical services that promote healthy development from infancy through adolescence.

[anewkindofme]

could you write some headcannons for arizona robins please 🫶

Sure!

Ask me for headcanons on characters from my fandom list!

Arizona is a caregiver!

She is definitely the firm one. On the outside, she has her sunshine demeanor but she is not afraid to lay out boundaries and rules.

Arizona is super protective. She will do anything to keep her Little safe and secure.

She is the one who makes sure her Little is eating healthy meals. Always at least one green thing on the plate.

For a long time, she wasn't sure if she wanted to take a Little on but after she started dating Callie, she realized she wanted to adopt one with her.

Like most pediatricians, she also specializes in Littles and has studied their psychology and needs.

Arizona can also be very silly and comes up with the best games to play with.

She relates to Littles with disabilities and how hard it can be to overcome stigma.

Arizona hates leaving her Little in the daycare and almost got a nanny, but realized the socialization was better.

Her go-to calm-down technique is having them do a physical activity that keeps their mind off whatever's upsetting them and channels it into something else.

[maricopapulmonaryconsultants]

How to Choose the Right Family Care Provider in Phoenix

Are you looking for a family care provider in Phoenix, Arizona? With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we’ll provide you with helpful tips and insights on how to select the best family care provider for your loved ones. Whether it’s finding a pediatrician for your kids or seeking out an elderly care professional, our guide will help make the decision-making process much easier. So let’s dive in!

Introduction: What is a Family Care Provider?

When it comes to finding quality child care, there are many factors to consider. Location, cost, hours, and type of care are just a few of the things you'll need to think about. One important decision you'll need to make is whether to choose a family care provider or a daycare center.

Family care providers are usually licensed by the state and have passed background checks. They provide care in their own homes and typically have a smaller number of children than daycare centers. This can give your child more individual attention and allow them to form closer bonds with their caregiver.

If you're considering a family care provider, be sure to ask about their experience, credentials, and references. You should also tour their home to make sure it's safe and clean. Most importantly, trust your instincts - if you feel comfortable with the provider and believe they will provide quality care for your child, then they probably will!

Tips for Choosing the Right Family Care Provider in Phoenix

As the fifth largest city in the United States, Phoenix is a great place to raise a family. But with so many options for family care providers, how do you choose the right one?

Here are some tips to help you choose the right family care provider in Phoenix: 

-Start by asking your friends and family for recommendations. If you know someone who has a great relationship with their provider, they'll be more than happy to give you their contact information. 

-Once you have a few names: call each one and ask about their services. Be sure to ask about things like insurance coverage, payment plans, and scheduling availability. 

-Take your time when making your decision: This is an important decision for your family, so you want to be sure you're choosing the right provider. 

-If you have any questions or concerns: don't hesitate to ask. The best way to make sure you're choosing the right provider is to be as informed as possible.

Researching Your Options

When it comes to choosing a family care provider, it's important to do your research to find the best fit for your needs. There are a few things to consider when researching your options:

-What type of care do you need? There are many types of family care providers, from pediatricians to OB/GYNs. Make sure you choose a provider that offers the type of care you need.

-What is your budget? Family care providers can vary greatly in price, so it's important to find one that fits within your budget.

-What are the provider's hours and location? Make sure the provider you choose has hours that work with your schedule and is conveniently located.

-What are the provider's credentials? You'll want to make sure the provider you choose is board certified and has experience caring for patients like you.

By taking the time to research your options, you can be sure you're choosing the best possible family care provider for your needs.

Insurance and Other Financial Considerations

When it comes to choosing a family care provider, there are a lot of important factors to consider. One of the most important is insurance. Make sure to check with your insurance company to see if they cover the services of the provider you're considering.

Other financial considerations include things like whether or not the provider accepts payment through government assistance programs like Medicaid or Medicare. You'll also want to find out what the provider's fees are and if they offer any discounts for families with low incomes.

Once you've taken all of these things into account, you'll be able to make an informed decision about which family care provider is right for you and your budget.

Making Your Final Decision

When you've gathered all the information you need and weighed your options, it's time to make your final decision. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you choose the right family care provider in Phoenix for your needs:

-Consider your budget: Make sure you're comfortable with the cost of care before making your decision.

-Think about location: You'll want to choose a provider that's conveniently located for you and your family.

-Ask about policies and procedures: Be sure to ask about things like visitation policies, insurance acceptance, and more.

-Schedule a meeting: Once you've narrowed down your choices, schedule a meeting with each provider to get a feel for their facility and staff.

Making your final decision may seem daunting, but if you take your time and consider all of your options, you're sure to find the perfect family care provider in Phoenix for your needs.

Choosing the right family care provider in Phoenix can be a daunting task. We hope this article has given you some insight into what factors to consider when selecting a family care provider, such as experience, credentials, and services offered. With careful consideration of these key points, you can confidently choose a reliable and trustworthy family care provider who will provide your loved ones with quality medical attention for years to come.

[what-if-nct]

hihihi today's reminder is happy new year again but more importantly happy Kun day!!! an absolutely perfect man!! when he smiles the world knows peace and also I'm pretty sure he's a centuries old vampire because no way that man has lived so many lives at 26. anyway I love him I want him to be my housewife.

alsoooo completely unrelated but I was watching the smtown concert in the morning and my sister (she's a bts fan but knows a bit about shinee and nct through me also really really doesn't like 127's sound, she's sticker anti no 1) kept dipping in when she heard songs she recognised. and when they performed zoo, I was vibing, she watched me genuinely enjoy it and said "I have zero faith in your taste in music anymore" so that's fun

Happy new year!!! And yes everyone's favorite new year baby. His dimple it's self holds the answer to world peace. He has the energy of an immortal who's been there seen that wrote a book about it. He probably has so many secret lives like owning bakery in France and pediatrician clinic in Arizona. And he has the time to be a full time father to six kids with his only help being Ten who's probably teaching them to do a keg stand. He'd be the best housewife, I want that for you.

And oh yeah the smtown live stream. I only caught like a second of it cause I was playing with my dolls and building a dollhouse like a mature adult with her priorities straight. And it's understandable. 127 is an acquired taste. Wayv & Dream, are more palatable for the general public meanwhile Wayv normally shouldn't be viewed by the general public. But you gotta really enjoy chaos and noise to enjoy 127. We're the lucky ones look at all the amazing songs we've been given.

[seattlites]

╰ ❛   💉 — › laroyce hawkins.  cis man.  he/him.  .  ╯ have  you  met  caleb lewis yet  ?  this  thirty-one  year  old  capricorn has  been  living  in the seattle  area  for a couple of days.  he  makes  a  living  as  a  pediatrician,  which  is best suited for their persistent, ambitious, manipulative and sensitive personality.

trigger warnings: is this the first one with Zero?? wow

born in a cold night of january 12th, caleb would turn out to be the warmest person of the family. as the middle out of five children, eyes were never on caleb for better or worse. he always had someone to count on, whether it was his older siblings or his mom and he always had his younger siblings’ backs.

as a true family of new orleans, the lewis family were a humble but happy family whose doors were always open to tourists and strangers by their family store underneath. music was always playing and mr. lewis had learned to play the sax by himself, passing on his wisdom to every child.

caleb was always the most studious out of his siblings, loving to learn and help his parents down at the store while his siblings would rather play with the neighbours or sneak out at night. he was always a bit more down to earth than everyone else in the family, and that would set him apart.

in high school, he met the one and only nathan price and while they came from very different backgrounds, they clicked right away through their shared love of basketball. caleb even played the sport but he was no good to get a scholarship (which he will deny and say he was simply not that invested).

it was no surprise to anyone in his family when he had more than one offer for college but ultimately, caleb chose to stay in the city with his family. having his buddy with him was just a bonus.

what came as a surprise was when caleb and some of his new college friends decided to take on a spontaneous trip to las vegas in the spring break of their senior year. the good period of their lives was about to end and they had to celebrate the right away and that spirit made caleb invite nathan to tag along.

as predicted, the week was filled with too much alcohol, partying and hooking up. caleb is slightly ashamed of some of the things he got to do but what was high on the list was meeting the cutest, brightest, prettiest girl he had met by the name of margot moore. he was so smitten by her bubbly personality that getting married at elvis chapel felt like a dream. a story to tell the grandkids one night by the fireplace. he never saw her again, there was no paper to confirm the deed and so, caleb forgot all about it as soon as he graduated.

he wasn’t sure whether medicine was the right path for him. he loved his volunteer position at the children’s hospital but it felt too foreign to him. watching nathan go through with it gave him the courage to apply a year later - much to his dismay, he didn’t get in closer to home.

caleb spent the next four years in phoenix, arizona being the best student he could be. one thing he knew for sure, he wasn’t going to be a surgeon and when the time came to choose, it was no surprise that he matched in pediatrics.

he went back to his home city to do his residency, settling into a type of life he loved. surrounded by his family, from cousins to his siblings, and soon nephews and nieces. he wanted the same thing they all had - a family of his own. but from heartbreak to betrayal, caleb simply couldn’t find the right person to share that same future with.

it was on his 30th birthday that he decided that he was going to take matters into his own hands. if by the end of the year, he hadn’t found someone to love and settle in with, he’d put up the papers for adoption. and so he did. except once it was time to meet with the social worker that would be reviewing his process, a pending question alarmed him - ��where’s your wife, dr. lewis?’. it was a shock to say the least. after what he thought was some confusion and a few runs and calls with too many people, caleb discovered he had been officially married all these years.

the process was on hold until he solved his own mess. explaining to his family why he was travelling to florida, in hopes to find margot was hard enough. to call again saying that she had moved to seattle instead and it was going to take him some more time to get her to sign those papers was straight out of a movie.

a temporary position in sgmw was open and caleb didn’t think twice. he was afraid it would take him rather too long to find the woman he had to ask for a divorce neither of them (to best of his knowledge) knew they needed to have. what caleb didn’t consider was creating roots in a cold wet city far away from home.

[medical438]

Excitement About Medical

An Unbiased View of Medical

Medical emergencies are an exemption. An emergency situation is a legitimate reason to go to the emergency clinic however much also numerous Americans make use of the Emergency Room or urgent treatment as their primary source of care. It's one reason among several we spend a lot more as a nation on medical care than anyone else, yet still rank far from the top in wellness results.

Getting The Medical To Work

Because family doctors treat a wide array of problems, they can be your main care physicians at any type of point in your life. "When doctors treat you for years, they obtain to understand your medical history inside and out," he claims. Family doctors deal with more than you believe Yes, family medical professionals do your annual examination.

6 Easy Facts About Medical Shown

Our Medical Diaries

They can treat acute situations such as sinus infections and injuries. They can assist you throughout a pregnancy. They likewise can carry out small surgeries, such as freezing a verruca or draining an abscess. These are but a couple of examples, as well as the list goes on. 4. When you require a professional, they assist locate the right fit When you need to see a professional for cardiovascular disease, cancer or any various other serious issue, a family physician can aid find someone who fits your certain needs and personality.

I understand from years of experience this individual chooses traditional therapies," Dr (Medical). Rabovsky claims. They can enhance lives as well as conserve money There's enough evidence both below in America and abroad that making use of more primary treatment saves cash for a medical care system.

Share This Write-up PinterestGoogle+PrintAddthis In a significantly complicated medical globe, having one doctor who knows your wellness background has ended up being extremely essential. Scientists at the journal Health Affairs found that clients who have a primary care company advantage from much better management of chronic conditions, lower general health-care costs and also a greater degree of satisfaction with their care.

Medical Things To Know Before You Get This

When selecting a service provider as their primary care physician, several people are baffled by one of their choices: a family medicine doctor. They understand that pediatricians deal with children, as well as inner medicine sounds concentrated and also acquainted. Yet family medicine physicians additionally provide distinct benefits. They treat both individuals and also the entire family, from children to grownups, and also in time, they familiarize your family background and also dynamics.

In addition, some family medicine specialists offer obstetric care. Just as useful as the comprehensive treatment is the focus on the patient-provider partnership.

The family medicine doctor handles precautionary care and numerous chronic medical problems. They work with the care of the person as well as can refer the patient to the appropriate professional at the best time.

Medical Can Be Fun For Everyone

The treatment teams of Health care in Arizona assist individuals of all ages. Whether you're healthy and balanced, ill or coping with a chronic problem, your care team provides whole-person care to support your demands. Health care is offered at a number of areas in the area. Numerous minor illnesses can now also be identified and also dealt with online or over the phone.

As well as they coordinate care with experts you might need to see, such as heart doctors (cardiologists) as well as cancer cells specialists (oncologists). The advantages of care groups Main treatment team in Arizona Having access to a treatment team suggests ease for you. Usually, what you need can be supplied by telephone assistance or through Person Online Services.

You may need a registered nurse check out for vaccinations or an examination with a doctor or registered nurse professional to identify and also treat an illness. Your care team can identify the very best route of care for your scenario. Care groups will comply with up with you after a hospital remain if you require support in recouping.

[96harmony96]

Chapter 2

Just before I exited the elevator into the vestibule of Waters Field & Leaman, the advertising firm I worked for on the twentieth floor, Lauren whispered in my ear, “Think about me all day.”

I squeezed her hand surreptitiously in the crowded car. “Always do.”

She continued the ride up to the top floor, which housed the headquarters of Jauregui Industries. The Crossfire was her, one of many properties she owned throughout the city, including the apartment complex I lived in.

I tried not to pay attention to that. My mom was a career trophy wife. She’d given up my father’s love for an affluent lifestyle, which I couldn’t relate to at all. I’d prefer love over wealth any day, but I suppose that was easy for me to say because I had money—a sizable investment portfolio—of my own. Not that I ever touched it. I wouldn’t. I’d paid too high a price and couldn’t imagine anything worth the cost.

Megumi, the receptionist, buzzed me through the glass security door and greeted me with a big smile. She was a pretty woman, young like me, with a stylish bob of glossy black hair framing stunning Asian features.

“Hey,” I said, stopping by her desk. “Got any plans for lunch?”

“I do now.”

“Awesome.” My grin was wide and genuine. As much as I loved Cary and enjoyed spending time with him, I needed girlfriends, too. Cary had already started building a network of acquaintances and friends in our adopted city, but I’d been sucked into the Lauren vortex almost from the outset. As much as I’d prefer to spend every moment with her, I knew it wasn’t healthy. Female friends would give it to me straight when I needed it, and I was going to have to cultivate those friendships if I wanted them.

Setting off, I headed down the long hallway to my cubicle. When I reached my desk, I put my bag and purse in the bottom drawer, keeping my smartphone out so I could silence it. I found a text from Cary: I’m sorry, baby girl.

“Cary Taylor,” I sighed. “I love you . . . even when you’re pissing me off.”

And he’d pissed me off royally. No woman wanted to come home to a sexual clusterfuck in progress on her living room floor. Especially not while in the middle of a fight with her new girlfriend.

I texted back, Block off the wknd 4 me if u can.

There was a long pause and I imagined him absorbing my request. Damn, he texted back finally. Must be some ass kicking u have planned.

“Maybe a little,” I muttered, shuddering as I remembered the . . . orgy I’d walked in on. But mostly I thought Cary and I needed to spend some quality downtime together. We hadn’t been living in Manhattan long. It was a new town for us, new apartment, new jobs and experiences, new partners for both of us. We were out of our element and struggling, and since we both had barge loads of baggage from our pasts, we didn’t handle struggling well. Usually we leaned on each other for balance, but we hadn’t had much time for that lately. We really needed to make the time. Up for a trip to Vegas? Just u and me?

Fuck yeah!

K . . . more later. As I silenced my phone and put it away, my gaze passed briefly over the two collage photo frames next to my monitor—one filled with photos of both of my parents and one of Cary, and the other filled with photos of me and Lauren. Lauren had put the latter collection together herself, wanting me to have a reminder of her just like the reminder she had of me on her desk. As if I needed it . . .

I loved having those images of the people I loved close by: my mom with her golden cap of curls and her bombshell smile, her curvy body scarcely covered by a tiny bikini as she enjoyed the French Riviera on my stepdad’s yacht; my stepfather, Richard Stanton, looking regal and distinguished, his silver hair oddly complementing the looks of his much younger wife; and Cary, who was captured in all his photogenic glory, with his lustrous brown hair and sparkling green eyes, his smile wide and mischievous. That million-dollar face was starting to pop up in magazines everywhere and soon would grace billboards and bus stops advertising Grey Isles clothing.

I looked across the strip of hallway and through the glass wall that encased Mark Garrity’s very small office and saw his jacket hung over the back of his Aeron chair, even though the man himself wasn’t in sight. I wasn’t surprised to find him in the break room scowling into his coffee mug; he and I shared a java dependency.

“I thought you had the hang of it,” I said, referring to his trouble with the one-cup coffee maker.

“I do, thanks to you.” Mark lifted his head and offering a charmingly crooked smile. He had gleaming dark skin, a trim goatee, and soft brown eyes. In addition to being easy on the eyes, he was a great boss—very open to educating me about the ad business and quick to trust that he didn’t have to show me how to do something twice. We worked well together, and I hoped that would be the case for a long time to come.

“Try this,” he said, reaching for a second steaming cup waiting on the counter. He handed it to me and I accepted it gratefully, appreciating that he’d been thoughtful about adding cream and sweetener, which was how I liked it.

I took a cautious sip, since it was hot, then coughed over the unexpected—and unwelcome—flavor. “What is this?”

“Blueberry-flavored coffee.”

Abruptly, I was the one scowling. “Who the hell wants to drink that?”

“Ah, see . . . it’s our job to figure out who, then sell this to them.” He lifted his mug in a toast. “Here’s to our latest account!”

Wincing, I straightened my spine and took another sip.

* * *

I was pretty sure the sickly sweet taste of artificial blueberries was still coating my tongue two hours later. Since it was time for my break, I started an Internet search for Dr. Terrence Lucas, a man who’d clearly rubbed Lauren the wrong way when I’d seen the two men together at dinner the night before. I hadn’t gotten any further than typing the doctor’s name in the search box when my desk phone rang.

“Mark Garrity’s office,” I answered. “Camila Cabello speaking.”

“Are you serious about Vegas?” Cary asked without preamble.

“Totally.”

There was a pause. “Is this when you tell me you’re moving in with your billionaire girlfriend and I’ve got to go?”

“What? No. Are you nuts?” I squeezed my eyes shut, understanding how insecure Cary was but thinking we were too far along in our friendship for those kinds of doubts. “You’re stuck with me for life, you know that.”

“And you just up and decided we should go to Vegas?”

“Pretty much. Figured we could sip mojitos by the pool and live off room service for a couple days.”

“I’m not sure how much I can pitch in for that.”

“Don’t worry, it’s on Lauren. her plane, her hotel. We’ll just cover our food and drinks.” A lie, since I planned on covering everything except the airfare, but Cary didn’t need to know that.

“And she’s not coming with us?”

I leaned back in my chair and stared at one of the photos of Lauren. I missed her already and it’d been only a couple of hours since we’d been together. “she’s got business in Arizona, so she’ll share the flights back and forth, but it’ll be just you and me in Vegas. I think we need it.”

“Yeah.” He exhaled harshly. “I could do with a change of scenery and some quality time with my best girl.”

“Okay, then. She wants to fly out by eight tomorrow night.”

“I’ll start packing. Want me to put a bag together for you, too?”

“Would you? That’d be great!” Cary could’ve been a stylist or personal shopper. He had serious talent when it came to clothes.

“camila?”

“Yeah?”

He sighed. “Thank you for putting up with my shit.”

“Shut up.”

After we hung up, I stared at the phone for a long minute, hating that Cary was so unhappy when everything in his life was going so well. He was an expert at self-sabotage, never truly believing he was worthy of happiness.

As I returned my attention to work, the Google search on my monitor reminded me of my interest in Dr. Terry Lucas. A few articles about her had been posted on the Web, complete with pictures that cemented the verification.

Pediatrician. Forty-five years of age. Married for twenty years. Nervously, I searched for “Dr. Terrence Lucas and wife,” inwardly cringing at the thought of seeing a golden-skinned, long-haired blonde. I exhaled my relief when I saw that Mrs. Lucas was a pale-skinned woman with short, bright red hair.

But that left me with more questions. I’d figured it would be a woman who’d caused the trouble between the two men.

The fact was, Lauren and I really didn’t know that much about each other. We knew the ugly stuff—at least she knew mine; I’d mostly guessed her from some pretty obvious clues. We knew some of the basic cohabitation stuff about each other after spending so many nights sleeping over at our respective apartments. she’d met half of my family and I’d met all of her. But we hadn’t been together long enough to touch on a whole lot of the periphery stuff. And frankly, I think we weren’t as forthcoming or inquisitive as we could’ve been, as if we were afraid to pile any more crap onto an already struggling relationship.

We were together because we were addicted to each other. I was never as intoxicated as I was when we were happy together, and I knew it was the same for her. We were putting ourselves through the wringer for those moments of perfection between us, but they were so tenuous that only our stubbornness, determination, and love kept us fighting for them.

Enough with making yourself crazy.

I checked my e-mail, and found my daily Google alert on “Lauren Jauregui.” The day’s digest of links led mostly to photos of Lauren, in black tie sans tie, and me at the charity dinner at the Waldorf Astoria the night before.

“God.” I couldn’t help but be reminded of my mother when looking at the pictures of me in a champagne Vera Wang cocktail dress. Not just because of how closely my looks mirrored my mom’s—aside from my hair being brown, long and straight—but also because of the mega-mogul whose arm I graced.

sinu Cabello Barker Mitchell Stanton was very, very good at being a trophy wife. She knew precisely what was expected of her and delivered without fail. Although she’d been divorced twice, both times had been by her choice and both divorces had left her exes despondent over losing her. I didn’t think less of my mother, because she gave as good as she got and didn’t take anyone for granted, but I’d grown up striving for independence. My right to say no was my most valued possession.

Minimizing my e-mail window, I pushed my personal life aside and went back to searching for market comparisons on fruity coffee. I coordinated some initial meetings between the strategists and Mark and helped Mark with brainstorming a campaign for a gluten-free restaurant. Noon approached and I was starting to feel seriously hungry when my phone rang. I answered with my usual greeting.

“camila?” an accented female voice greeted me. “It’s Magdalene. Do you have a minute?”

I leaned back in my chair, alert. Magdalene and I had once shared a moment of sympathy over Corinne’s unexpected and unwanted reappearance in Lauren’s life, but I’d never forget how vicious Magdalene had been to me the first time we’d met. “Just. What’s up?”

She sighed, then spoke quickly, her words flowing in a rush. “I was sitting at the table behind Corinne last night. I could hear a bit of what was being said between her and Lauren during dinner.”

My stomach tensed, preparing for an emotional blow. Magdalene knew just how to exploit my insecurities about Lauren. “Stirring up crap while I’m at work is a new low,” I said coldly. “I don’t—”

“she wasn’t ignoring you.”

My mouth hung open a second, and she quickly filled the silence.

“she was managing her, camila. She was making suggestions for where to take you around New York since you’re new in town, but she was doing it by playing the old remember-when-you-and-I-went-there game.”

“A walk down memory lane,” I muttered, grateful now that I hadn’t been able to hear much of Lauren’s low-voiced conversation with her ex.

“Yes.” Magdalene took a deep breath. “You left because you thought she was ignoring you for her. I just want you to know that she seemed to be thinking about you, trying to keep Corinne from upsetting you.”

“Why do you care?”

“Who says I do? I owe you one, Camila, for the way I introduced myself.”

I thought about that. Yeah, she owed me for when she ambushed me in the bathroom with her catty jealous bullshit. Not that I bought it as her sole motivation. Maybe I was just the lesser of two evils. Maybe she was keeping her enemies close. “All right. Thank you.”

No denying I felt better. A weight I hadn’t realized I was carrying around was suddenly relieved.

“Something else,” Magdalene went on. “she went after you.”

My grip tightened on the phone receiver. Lauren always came after me . . . because I was always running. My recovery was so fragile that I’d learned to protect it at all costs. When something threatened my stability, I ditched it.

“There have been other women in her life who’ve tried ultimatums like that, camila. They got bored or they wanted her attention or some kind of grand gesture . . . So they walked away and expected her to come after them. You know what she did?”

“Nothing,” I said softly, knowing my man. A man who never spent social time with women she slept with and never slept with women she associated with socially. Corinne and I were the sole exceptions to that rule, which was yet another reason why her ex sent me into fits of jealousy.

“Nothing more than making sure Angus dropped them off safely,” she confirmed, making me think it’d been a tactic she’d tried at some point. “But when you left, she couldn’t chase after you fast enough. And she wasn’t herself when she said good-bye. she seemed . . . off.”

Because she’d felt fear. My eyes closed as I mentally kicked myself. Hard.

Lauren had told me more than once that it terrified her when I ran, because she couldn’t handle the thought that I might not come back. What good did it do to say that I couldn’t imagine living without her when I so often showed her otherwise with my actions? Was it any wonder she hadn’t opened up to me about her past?

I had to stop running. Lauren and I were both going to have to stand and fight for this, for us, if we were going to have any hope of making our relationship work.

“Do I owe you now?” I asked neutrally, returning Mark’s wave as he left for lunch.

Magdalene exhaled in a rush. “Lauren and I have known each other a long time. Our mothers are best friends. You and I will see each other around, Camila, and I’m hoping we can find a way to avoid any awkwardness.”

The woman had come up to me and told me that the minute Lauren “shoved her dick” in me, I was “done.” And she’d hit me with that at a moment when I was especially vulnerable.

“Listen, Magdalene, if you don’t cause drama, we’ll get by.” And since she was being so forthright . . . “I can screw up my relationship with Lauren all by myself, trust me. I don’t need any help.”

She laughed softly. “That was my mistake, I think—I was too careful and too accommodating. she has to work at it with you. Anyway . . . I’ve taken up my minute. I’ll let you go.”

“Enjoy your weekend,” I said, in lieu of thanks. I still couldn’t trust her motivation.

“You, too.”

As I returned the receiver to its cradle, my gaze went to the photos of me and Lauren. I was abruptly overwhelmed by feelings of greed and possession. she was mine, yet I couldn’t be sure from one day to the next whether she’d stay mine. And the thought of any other woman having her made me insane.

I pulled open my bottom drawer and dug my smartphone out of my purse. Driven by the need to have her thinking as fiercely about me, I texted her about my sudden desperate hunger to devour her whole: I’d give anything to be sucking your cock right now.

Just thinking about how she looked when I took her in my mouth . . . the feral sounds she made when she was about to come . . .

Standing, I deleted the text the moment I saw it’d been delivered, then dropped my phone back in my purse. Since it was noon, I closed all the windows on my computer and headed out to reception to find Megumi.

“You hungry for anything in particular?” she asked, pushing to her feet and giving me a chance to admire her belted, sleeveless lavender dress.

I coughed because her question came so soon after my text. “No. Your choice. I’m not picky.”

We pushed out through the glass doors to reach the elevators.

“I am so ready for the weekend,” Megumi said with a groan as she stabbed the call button with an acrylic-tipped finger. “A day and a half left to go.”

“Got something fun planned?”

“That remains to be seen.” She sighed and tucked her hair behind her ear. “Blind date,” she explained ruefully.

“Ah. Do you trust the person setting you up?”

“My roommate. I expect the guy will at least be physically attractive, because I know where she sleeps at night and paybacks are a bitch.”

I was smiling as an elevator car reached our floor and we stepped inside. “Well, that ups your odds for a good time.”

“Not really, since she found him by going on a blind date with him first. She swears he’s great, just more my type than hers.”

“Hmm.”

“I know, right?” Megumi shook her head and looked up at the decorative, old-fashioned needle above the car doors that marked the passing floors.

“You’ll have to let me know how it goes.”

“Oh, yeah. Wish me luck.”

“Absolutely.” We’d just stepped out into the lobby when I felt my purse vibrate beneath my arm. As we passed through the turnstiles, I dug for my phone and felt my stomach tighten at the sight of Lauren’s name. she was calling, not sexting me back.

“Excuse me,” I said to Megumi before answering.

She waved it off nonchalantly. “Go for it.”

“Hey,” I greeted her playfully.

“camila.”

I missed a step hearing the way she growled my name. There was a wealth of promise in the roughness of her voice.

Slowing, I found I was speechless, just from hearing her say my name with that edginess I craved—the sharp bite that told me she wanted to be inside me more than she wanted anything else in the world.

While people flowed around me, entering and exiting the building, I was halted by the weighted silence on my phone. The unspoken and nearly irresistible demand. she made no sound at all—I couldn’t even hear her breathing—but I felt her hunger. If I didn’t have Megumi waiting patiently for me, I’d be riding an elevator to the top floor to satisfy her unvoiced command to make good on my offer.

The memory of the time I’d sucked her off in her office simmered through me, making my mouth water. I swallowed. “Lauren . . .”

“You wanted my attention—now you have it. I want to hear you say those words.”

I felt my face flush. “I can’t. Not here. Let me call you later.”

“Step over by the column and out of the way.”

Startled, I looked around for her. Then I remembered that the Caller ID put her in her office. My gaze lifted, searching for the security cameras. Immediately, I felt her eyes on me, hot and wanting. Arousal surged through me, spurred by her desire.

“Hurry along, angel. Your friend’s waiting.”

I moved to the column, my breathing fast and audible.

“Now tell me. Your text made me hard, camila. What are you going to do about it?”

My hand went to my throat, my gaze sliding helplessly to Megumi, who watched me with raised brows. I lifted one finger up, asking for another minute, then turned my back to her and whispered, “I want you in my mouth.”

“Why? To play with me? To tease me like you’re doing now?” There was no heat in her voice, just calm severity.

I knew to pay careful attention when Lauren got serious about sex.

“No.” I lifted my face to the tinted dome in the ceiling that concealed the nearest security camera. “To make you come. I love making you come, Lauren.”

she exhaled harshly. “A gift, then.”

Only I knew what it meant for Lauren to view a sexual act as a gift. For her, sex had previously been about pain and degradation or lust and necessity. Now, with me, it was about pleasure and love. “Always.”

“Good. Because I treasure you, Camila, and what we have. Even our driving urge to fuck each other constantly is precious to me, because it matters.”

I sagged into the column, admitting to myself that I’d fallen into an old destructive habit—I’d exploited sexual attraction to ease my insecurities. If Lauren was lusting after me, she couldn’t be lusting after anyone else. How did she always know what was going on in my mind?

“Yes,” I breathed, closing my eyes. “It matters.”

There’d been a time when I’d turned to sex to feel affection, confusing momentary desire with genuine caring. Which was why I now insisted on having some sort of friendly framework in place before I went to bed with a man. I never again wanted to roll out of a lover’s bed feeling worthless and dirty.

And I sure as hell didn’t want to cheapen what I shared with Lauren just because I was irrationally scared of losing her.

It hit me then that I was off balance. I had this sick feeling in my gut, like something awful was going to happen.

“You can have what you want after work, angel.” her voice deepened, grew raspier. “In the meantime, enjoy lunch with your co-worker. I’ll be thinking about you. And your mouth.”

“I love you, Lauren.”

It took a couple of deep breaths after I hung up to compose myself enough to join Megumi again. “I’m sorry about that.”

“Everything all right?”

“Yes. Everything’s fine.”

“Things still hot and heavy with you and Lauren Jauregui?” She glanced at me with a slight smile.

“Umm . . .” Oh yes. “Yes, that’s fine, too.” And I wished desperately that I could talk about it. I wished I could just open the valve and gush about my overwhelming feelings for her. How thoughts of her consumed me, how the feel of her beneath my hands drove me wild, how the passion of her tortured soul cut into me like the sharpest blade.

But I couldn’t. Not ever. She was too visible, too well known. Private tidbits about her life were worth a small fortune. I couldn’t risk it.

“she sure is,” Megumi agreed. “Damn fine. Did you know her before you started working here?”

“No. Although I suppose we would have met eventually.” Because of our pasts. My mother gave generously to many abused children’s charities, as did Lauren. It was inevitable that Lauren and I would’ve crossed paths at some point. I wondered what that meeting would have been like—her with a gorgeous blonde on her arm and me with Cary. Would we have had the same visceral reaction to each other from a distance as we’d had up close in the Crossfire lobby?

she’d wanted me the moment she saw me on the street.

“I wondered.” Megumi pushed through the revolving lobby door. “I read that it was serious between you two,” she went on when I joined her outside on the sidewalk. “So I thought maybe you’d known her before.”

“Don’t believe everything you read on those gossip blogs.”

“So it’s not serious?”

“I didn’t say that.” It was too serious at times. Painfully, brutally so.

She shook her head. “God . . . listen to me pry. Sorry. Gossip is one of my vices. So are extremely hot women like Lauren Jauregui. I can’t help but wonder what it’d be like to hook up with a gir whose body screams sex like that. Tell me she’s awesome in bed.”

I smiled. It was good to hang out with another girl. Not that Cary couldn’t also be appreciative of a hot guy, but nothing beat girl talk. “You won’t hear me complaining.”

“Lucky bitch.” Bumping shoulders with me to show she was teasing, she said, “How about that roommate of yours? From the photos I saw, she’s gorgeous, too. Is she single? Wanna hook me up?”

Turning my head quickly, I hid a wince. I’d learned the hard way never to set up an acquaintance or friend with Cary. He was so easy to love, which led to a lot of broken hearts because he couldn’t love back the same way. The moment things started going too well, Cary sabotaged them. “I don’t know if he’s single or not. Things are . . . complicated in his life at the moment.”

“Well, if the opportunity presents itself, I’m certainly not opposed. Just sayin’. You like tacos?”

“Love ’em.”

“I know a great place a couple blocks up. Come on.”

* * *

Things were going well in my world as Megumi and I headed back from lunch. Forty minutes of gossip, guy-ogling, and three awesome carne asada tacos later, I was feeling pretty good. And we were returning to work a little over ten minutes early, which I was glad for since I hadn’t been the most punctual employee lately, even though Mark never complained.

The city was thrumming around us, taxis and people surging through the growing heat and humidity as they crammed what they could into the insufficient hours of the day. I people-watched shamelessly, my eyes skimming over everyone and everything.

Men in business suits walked alongside women in flowing skirts and flip-flops. Ladies in haute couture and five-hundred-dollar shoes teetered past steaming hot dog vendor carts and shouting hawkers. The eclectic mix of New York was heaven to me, stirring an excitement that made me feel more vibrant here than anyplace else I’d ever lived.

We were stopped by a traffic light directly across from the Crossfire, and my gaze was immediately drawn to the black Bentley sitting in front of it. Lauren must’ve just gotten back from lunch. I couldn’t help but think about her sitting in her car on the day we’d met, watching me as I took in the imposing beauty of her Crossfire Building. It made me tingly just thinking about it—

Suddenly, I went cold.

Because a striking blonde breezed out of the revolving doors just then and paused, giving me a good, long look at her—Lauren’s ideal, whether she’d been aware of it or not. A woman I’d witnessed her fixate on the moment she’d seen her in the Waldorf Astoria ballroom. A woman whose poise and hold over Lauren brought out all my worst insecurities.

Corinne Giroux looked like a breath of fresh air in a cream-colored sheath dress and cherry red heels. She ran a hand over her waist-length hair, which wasn’t quite as sleek as it’d appeared last night when I’d met her. In fact, it looked a little disheveled. And her fingers were rubbing at her mouth, wiping along the outline of her lips.

I pulled my smartphone out, activated the camera, and snapped a picture. With the proximity of the zoom, I could see why she was fussing with her lipstick—it was smeared. No, more like mashed. As if from a passionate kiss.

The light changed. Megumi and I moved with the flow, closing the distance between me and the woman who’d once had Lauren’s promise to marry her. Angus stepped out of the Bentley and came around, speaking to her briefly before opening the back door for her. The feeling of betrayal—Angus’s and Lauren’s—was so fierce, I couldn’t catch my breath. I swayed on my feet.

“Hey.” Megumi caught my arm to steady me. “And we only had virgin margaritas, lightweight!”

I watched Corinne’s willowy body slide into the back of Lauren’s car with practiced grace. My fists clenched as fury surged through me. Through the haze of my angry tears, the Bentley pulled away from the curb and disappeared.

[the415xrpg]

Adelaide Pennington is a 28 YEAR OLD, Bartender at The Tipsy Cow, who currently resides in PACIFIC HEIGHTS. Those who know her say she’s Spontaneous & Adventurous, but if she’s crossed she’s known to be Stubborn & Jealous.

[ Remember there is only one life to live, so live life to the fullest.] Everyone has a story, here’s hers:

"Congratulations on your beautiful twin daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Pennington!” Those were the very first words that were spoken to Mr. and Mrs. Pennington. As the doctors got their beautiful twin daughters all cleaned up and got their footprints and etc., After doing all of that the doctors soon placed the girls into their softest pink baby blankets with a cute pink adorable baby hat that the hospitals had put the girls in. After the doctors did all of that they headed over to Bethany and place one of the girls into her arms and the other daughter into Bentley's arms. As Bethany and Bentley looked down at their daughters, they both smiled and said: " Oh sweetheart they are so perfect." Bentley said to Bethany. Bethany looked at her husband and smiled and said: " Oh I agree with you baby." Bethany said. After a few seconds of soaking in all of their cuteness, Bentley looked at Bethany and said: " Hey sweetheart what do you think about naming the girl's Adelaide Rose and Rosalinda Elise?" He asked his wife and then looked at his daughters. " Bethany smiled and said " I love those names they are so beautiful, I say we go with them, the girls look like an Adelaide and Rosalinda," she said. Adelaide Rose Pennington is the eldest offspring out of two daughters which happens to be her twin sister and 1 son that was born and raised in an extremely independent Christian household. Adelaide and Rosalinda were delivered on November 27th,1993 in Santa Monica, California. While growing up Adelaide’s parents give both of their daughters's the best life they could, they took the girls on family vacations, they let them do anything they wanted to do, Adelaide and Rosalinda also had sleepovers when they got older. When Adelaide and Rosalinda turned 7 years old Adelaide's parents had noticed that their daughter's behavior started to change and that she was a consistently troubled kid while group up. In the middle of all of this Bethany had found out that she was pregnant with her third child which happened to be a little boy that was named Charlie James Pennington that was born on December 23rd, 2000. After about 4 months later after Charlie's birth, Adelaide tried to kill her baby brother. So after that horrific day of Adelaide trying to kill her brother, Adelaide's parents decided to take her to her pediatrician to find out what was going on with their daughter and find out why she was misbehaving all the time. After several days of drawing blood and testing Adelaide, her pediatrician couldn't find anything wrong with Adelaide to where her pediatrician said that she was just fine and was just acting like a normal child. Well, Bethany and Bentley knew that their daughter wasn't fine. So when they got home Bethany started to go online and started to do some research and she came across a pediatrician in Phoenix, Arizona. So a few days later Bethany and Bentley packed up their children and made the trip to Phoenix's children's hospital. After a few hours, the doctors had picked and poked and pinned down Adelaide as she fought the doctors. After a few days, later all of the test results came back and the doctors had called Bethany and Bentley at their hotel room and had them bring Adelaide back to the hospital. Once Bethany and Bentley were back at the hospital, the doctors as them down while Adelaide was off playing with some of the doctor's toys that he had laying around on the floor for the children to play so the parents could talk. As the doctors were explaining what was going on with Adelaide, something started to happen right in front of the doctor's eyes. When the doctor saw what was happening, the doctors pointed and said " Mr. and Mrs. Pennington, is this what's going on with your daughter?" he asked as he pointed to their daughter. Bentley looked behind and saw that Adelaide was having a seizure and once she snapped out of it she started to attack herself and once her father saw it he nodded and said " Yes, what is it and why does she do this?" he asked. After several hours later the doctors looked at Adelaide's parents and said " She has a condition called, Childhood Schizophrenia." the doctor told her parents. When Adelaide's parents found out what was wrong with their daughter they were relieved a little bit because it took about 10 months to find out what was wrong with their daughter. After finding out what was wrong with Adelaide, they took classes to help learn about the diagnosis of Childhood Schizophrenia. As Adelaide got old she was consistently and was a rebellious child until she was put on medication to encourage her to be a better child. At first, the medication didn’t help her so they had to take her back to her doctors to find a medication that would work for Adelaide. When Adelaide had turned 17 years old it got really bad to the point that Adelaide was hospitalized. 6 months later Adelaide was back home with her parents, Adelaide’s behavior has done a completed turn around, she went up to her brother and apologized to her brother for trying to kill him 4 months after he was born. After a few months of being back home, Adelaide went back to school and started to get straight A’s in school. Now that Adelaide is 19 years old she finished high school and went off to college when he was 20 years old, While in college Adelaide wanted to change her life around and move out of her parent's house for good. So Adelaide finished off her college years and after she did she moved to California when she was 24 years old. Now that Adelaide is living in California, she started to get her life back on track, she had found herself a crappy apartment at the time and got a job at a fast-food restaurant, but her life wasn't going anywhere so she wanted to find a better paying job and Adelaide did, she started working at some local coffee shops which got her a lot of money that she faced up to get herself a beautiful house in Pacific Heights, and after working at a local coffee shop for 4 years she got herself a job working as a Bartender at The Tipsy Cow. Now that Adelaide is 28 years old, she is loving her life there, she loves her job and friends. Adelaide wouldn't change it for the world

[doc-pickles]

it’s nothing funny just to talk (p. 1)

What happens when you text that random number graffitied on a bathroom stall in your favorite bar? Jo Wilson is about to find out. - In which Bar Princess and Doctor Evil Spawn meet via text.

More Jolex on your timeline because y’all seemed to love what I posted before! Also I’ve posted this whole piece on AO3 as well so it might look familiar.  

this idea came to me in a fever dream and i am not sorry that y'all have to deal with it. 99% of this fic will be in "texting" format, so be prepared for that. 

Jo is regular Alex is italics

Saturday 11:04 PM

heeeeey is thiss doctor evil?

I gotta say ur phone sex namee needs sum weerk

u soud like a comic book village 

fuck

village

VILLAIN

Who the hell is this? And how did you get my number? 

i’m just a girl at thee bar!!!! 

Joe’s Bar?

noooooo

i’m at enerlad city bar

You didn’t answer my question. 

u asked a quesitoon?

whata was it?

i’m goos at takifjg tests 

How’d you get my number?

it qas in the bathrooom!!!

it said “for a good tiem txt dr evil spawne” 

so I did

I am ready to havee fun

You’re drunk, obviously, and I’m going to have to kill Cristina for putting my number up. 

ooooooh is thatt ur girleifnd?

hirlefiend 

girlfriend**

Wow you’re really gone. And hell no, she’s my roommate. One of them. 

ooooh how many do u hav

roomees not girlfriends 

Three. Two girls and a dude. 

intereeesting...

well it’s tome for fireball shoots

steph is yeeling at me 4 txting too much

goodbey doctor eviel apawn!!

Oh lord. Tell Steph you need water. Or an IV. 

I’ve got her. she’s throwing up on her shoes. thanks doctor. - steph

  Sunday 10:11 AM

You know you’re pretty funny, Bar Girl. 

jesus christ what fucking time is it?! 

10 AM

I’m assuming you have a massive hangover. 

hold on I can’t hear you over the sound of me vomiting

TMI as the kids say these days. 

what’re you a grandpa or something?? 

No I just don’t know how to use text lingo. Except WTF. I know that one very well. 

quick question

who the fuck are you?

Dr. Evil Spawn. You found my name graffitied in the bathroom of Emerald City Bar. 

holy shit

I thought I dreamed that... WHAT THE FUCK

Nope. I’m real. 

holy shit i’m so sorry

my texts were so annoying

Who hurt you? I mean you were shitfaced, I’m assuming someone broke your heart into tiny pieces. 

the opposite actually, I was at a bachelorette party

not mine, i’m so single it hurts

Ahhh that makes sense. So you got shitfaced in solidarity? 

exactly you get it

you seem like you’d be the DD at a bachelorette party

Well seeing as I’m a dude I don’t do Bachelorette parties. 

Well I did go to one, but that’s a different story.  

hmmm you seem like a very interesting man doctor evil spawn 

going to bachelorette parties, living with women who aren’t your girlfriend 

OMG ARE YOU DATING THE GUY YOU LIVE WITH?!

George? No absolutely not. And before you ask, my other girl roommate is gay. 

so you’re single?

i’m only asking so when you murder me the police have as much information as possible

Haha very funny. I would be a terrible murderer. 

you didn’t answer my question

Fine. Yes I’m single. 

i’ll note that in the “serial killer file” i’m building 

gotta go, I have to do work :/

Have fun, don’t die. 

  Sunday 8:38 PM

Arizona is trying to set me up on a blind date. 

who’s arizona?

My gay roommate. She wants me to meet this “bubbly blonde” she knows from her pilates class. 

ahhhh. why don’t you go?

Bubbly blonde is not my type. Sounds like she’ll spend the whole date talking about how much she loves dogs or her knitting hobby. 

Plus she does pilates, that tells me more than enough. 

you’re making some good points. I don’t pity you. 

You better not. How was work?

the longest day of my life

it was just paperwork, I don’t actually work on the weekends

What do you do?

hmmmm that’s exactly what a serial killer would say

i’m an elementary school teacher

Oh so you sing and dance and paint pictures all day?

what school did you go to?

were working on multiplication tables and basic photosynthesis tomorrow

Wow that sounds like a lot.

it’s may, ive got three weeks of school left so I have to cram all the crap we didn’t cover into these last few weeks 

Ahhh that sounds more accurate.

and what do you do? 

besides text strangers that you don’t know

I’m a pediatrician. 

oh so you make kids cry and wipe snotty noses all day? two can play at that game

Well we both have to deal with snotty noses sooo...

I GET IT!! Doctor Evil Spawn!! 

why evil spawn though? 

I wasn’t this nice when I started med school. My personality is an acquired taste. 

ha! that’s a funny joke. 

so if you’re a fancy schmancy doctor why do you live with three other people?

I’m only a resident, not making the big bucks yet. Everyone else is a doctor too. 

are they all pediatricians?

No. Arizona is too but Cristina is a cardiologist and George is a trauma specialist. 

interesting!! I too live with my coworkers. it’s not fun. 

the table is always covered in craft supplies. 

Well I can never read the grocery list on the fridge. Stupid doctors script...

oh that’s a classic. you’re pretty funny Dr. Evil Spawn

Thanks Bar Girl. 

I gotta go. monday tomorrow and you know how fourth graders can be. night!! 

Night . 

  Monday 9:47 AM

there’s not enough coffee in the world for monday mornings. 

  Monday 10:52 AM 

Sorry I was yelling at the interns. We have a decent coffee cart here. Keeps me alive. Are you texting in class?

no it was recess

now they’re at spanish class

i’m not totally irresponsible 

Oh good to know the future of America is in good hands. Teacher Princess is “not totally irresponsible”

teacher princess?

Well, Cinderella lost her shoe, you puked on yours. Same thing. 

wooooooooow

that was so uncalled for...

I thought it was funny. Gotta go set a broken arm. 

broken arm vs. adverbs... can we switch? have fun lol

  Monday 3:26 PM

I don’t even think I know what an adverb is. 

how did you become a doctor??

Don’t need to know adverbs to fix a couple broken bones and snuffy noses. 

oh darn I should’ve gone to school for seven more years then

Haha. How were the adverbs?

better than expected, grading papers while I wait for my roomies to be done

we carpool, saving the environment and shit

Okay Eco Warrior.

you text like a 60 year old man

you’re not a 60 year old man are you?

No I’m a 28 year old man though

28 a doctor and you’re single? your personality must be worse than you described 

I’m a busy man, I don’t have time to settle down. And I have no desire to. 

yet you have time to text a complete stranger? 

hmmmm interesting...

Ouch, that one hurt Princess. 

steph is making me socialize with the other teachers

if I don’t respond, they killed me or dragged me to an essential oil party

Hahahaha

  Monday 5:18 PM

Did you get roped into a pyramid scheme?

nooo but therew as wine

I should sotp drunk texting you so often 

It makes your presence that much more entertaining. And bearable. 

woah woah dude

i’m a gem 

I can tell. Elementary school teacher with a heart of gold. 

awwww your too sweet tome

It’s a Monday. Who the hell gets drunk on a Monday?

teachers

we deserve it

You’re a teacher and you’re single and still going to Bachelorette parties. You’re what, 23? 

i’m 25 and i’m doing greta thanks you very nuch 

cnat believe that i’m supplying my perosnal info to a serial killer

What makes you so sure that I’m a mass murderer? 

ur weird nickname and ur intimate knowledge of the himan body

Mmm yes well a good amount of women do find themselves screaming around me often. Or under me. On top of me...

omg are you sending me dirty jokes

you’re crazy 

What can I say. 

Gotta go, I’m on call tonight. Get to bed safe, Bar Princess. 

mmmkay thanks Doc

  Wednesday 11:29 AM

What do you think is worse: School lunch or hospital food?

hospital food, no doubt

thursday is mac and cheese day here... I could bathe in that stuff

We have Spaghetti Wednesday but that’s the only good thing here. 

mmm how depressing

the teachers do a pot luck once a month and that’s always good

the art teacher next door to me makes the BEST blueberry muffins. 

Lucky. All I get here is vending machine cookies. Anything interesting happening in the elementary world? 

a first grader got lice last week so naturally we all have it now

I had to chop off six inches of my hair

Holy crap. Lice can be vicious, be thankful you didn’t have to shave your head. 

it feels like I did, my hair hasn’t been above my shoulders since the backstreet boys were still touring

Wow. I’m glad to know you’re well cultured. 

of course I am

gotta go, kids are back from music class

Don’t be too hard on them, they deserve a break every once in awhile. 

  Thursday 3:06 PM

Incoming Voice Call

“Jenna you forgot your lunch pail. Have a good day!”

“Hello?”

“Hi Mrs. Peters. I didn’t grade Henry’s test yet, I’ll have it tomorrow. Thanks bye!”

“Helloooo?”

“Steph I gotta grab my things, I’ll be there in a seco- oh shit. Hello?”

“Bar Princess?”

“Doctor Evil Spawn? I must’ve butt dialed you, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay I... I don’t mind the interruption. Are you leaving work?”

“Just about, we’re wrapping up the solar system and I have to bring home the diorama.”

“I was never good at the models, I prefer working with the real thing.”

“Oh ho, a man that works with his hands. I can appreciate that.”

“You know now we’re officially talking and we still don’t know each other’s names.”

“Well around here I’m Miss Wilson, but you can call me Jo.”

“Jo. Hmm I like chicks with dudes names. I’m Dr. Karev but you can call me Alex.”

“Well nice to kinda meet you Alex. I’ll talk to you soon, I gotta get out of here.”

“Talk to you later.”  

  Thursday 4:34 PM

I wouldn’t mind if you were my teacher.

how did I know you’d send me something along those lines

I’m predictable. I’m still calling you Bar Princess. 

as you wish doctor evil spawn

I get to assist on a surgery today. Tonsillectomy. 

like removing tonsils? that’s awesome

for you, not for the kid

Oh she’ll be fine, she gets ice cream and jello for a week.  

okay yeah I might be jealous of her now

id love to be off work for a week and have you waiting on me hand and foot

the ice cream is a nice bonus

You think that’s my job?

well you said you aren’t making the big bucks yet so.... yeah 

Keep dreaming. I’ll talk to you later, gotta scrub in. 

have fun!!!!

[thechaseaphrodite]

Time Warp

Chapter 01

Hi guys! How are you?

First, I would like to thank you very, very, very much for all the reviews, kudos, favorites and followings that we got only with the prologue!

I would especially like to thanks: Anita, BrittneyJ2020, calzona4me, Calzonafan123, chuckechesnut, Felicity_Olicity, helenkidd1, Kels1769, koreee.95, LarisUSB, Mariz Vida, MauraIslesJr, Sisidandan, TheMikaelsonPrince, Tifenn and WitchArabella

And of course, a special thanks to my beta reader: @tiggermay

Answering Reviews: I planned to go back so far for many reasons that will be revealed throughout the story. And yes, this will impact many things, including Sofia, but calm down, we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

I got some comments saying that Callie was out of character because she was “sleeping around”. First thing, right now Callie is single, so if she wants to sleep with all of New York, it’s her right. However, Callie’s behavior was indicative of something intentional in the story. After all, you know Callie doesn't usually spleep around. Or maybe that was just Arizona's jealousy talking. You didn't EVER see Callie with anyone. So don't be so quick to judge, guys, and hold your fire.

And, take it all with a pinch of salt.

Finally, I just wanted to say that I plan to try to post a new chapter every Thursday.

I hope you enjoy this first chapter!

When Arizona opened her eyes again, she was in a bed. She sat up slowly, her hands going to her left leg, caressing her own skin, delightedly watching her own left foot move, like it hadn’t in years.

"God..." she murmured, a smile breaking out in her face. Arizona jumped out of bed, laughing as she felt both her legs move together, wiggling her toes in absolute delight. She ran to the bathroom, smiling at her reflection, ten years younger. She giggled as she saw Kai's face over her shoulder.

“We're back,” she said to him, maintaining eye contact through the mirror. “We’re really back.”

Kai laughed softly and nodded. "We’re back".

Arizona turned squealing with joy and embraced the half-naked man. "How… How are we going to do this?" she murmured, keeping her face against her guide's chest, the scent of the meadow, not having yet left Kai's skin.

Kai shrugged. “Only you can see me Arizona. I will follow you and help you with the memories, but you’re free. This is your second chance.”

Arizona sighed turning to the mirror. "This is my chance to make things right with Calliope," she murmured lovingly. “Wait, wait. What day is it?” she muttered taking out her cell phone. She frowned, thinking it would take her a while to readjust to the technology. “January 2009... Dr. Kenley will have a heart attack...”

"Tomorrow. Your main case will be Jackson Prescott. And you will meet Miranda Bailey and Alex Karev.”

Arizona nodded. “I remember that case. It was a true miracle. I think I can do better this time. But before... Before, I need...” she looked around the apartment for her laptop. “I need to talk to Nick. He needs to get proper treatment. It's been three years since he was diagnosed, I think…”

Kai sat on Arizona’s couch, throwing a small ball against the wall while the pediatrician wrote to her best friend.

 Hey Nick!

How are you? I haven't heard from you in a while... Alright, alright, I know I turned into a horror show during my residency, but now that I've finished my fellowship I should’ve a more normal life. Or as normal as a doctor's life can be.

Because I'm a doctor, remember that, Nick? Even though I'm a pediatric surgeon, I studied everything. That is, I can help you if something is wrong.

Arizona took a deep breath. Theoretically, she shouldn’t know about the tumor.

I have a feeling something is wrong. Let me help you, Nick; please contact me!

With love,

Arizona

 She bit her bottom lip before clicking send. With that done, Arizona decided to explore her old apartment. The memories were coming back little by little, like little flashes through her mind. She was so focused that she didn’t even notice Kai fade into the background.

It didn't take long for her to hear the sound of a new email. She jumped back to her laptop. She took a moment to acclimate back to the old technology. She had gotten used to the smoothness and easy access to everything the technology of her time provided. This might take a minute, she thought and waited while everything was uploading while silently longing for the digitalized easiness she left behind.

 Hey, Phoenix!

Your sixth sense is damn accurate, isn't it? I was trying a more unorthodox route of treatment for my little issue, but if you could feel something wrong all the way back to the States, maybe it isn’t working so well, after all. But don't worry M.D., I'm already buying my ticket to Seattle and I'll be a good lab rat for you.

Love,

Nick

 Arizona laughed softly, her eyes welling up with tears that start streaming down her cheeks. Nick was alive and she was going to have enough time to save him. She sniffled a few times, trying to calm down. Nick was coming home. He would be fine. Now, she needed to focus on Jackson Prescott.

Arizona pulled out her files from Hopkins and began to study her case notes of children with short bowel syndrome, so that she could figure out how she could buy enough time for Jackson Prescott, until the transplant arrived.

Honestly, she wanted to strangle Kenley. Repeating the same procedure twelve times, what the hell was he thinking?! Three years spent torturing a poor boy instead of leaving his comfort zone!

She would arrive in the OR tomorrow with a real plan and she would show everyone why she was (or rather, would become) one of the greatest pediatric surgeons in the country.

***

Arizona arrived early at the hospital so she could organize Kenley's charts. She picked up Jackson Prescott's binder and took a deep breath, looking at Kenley's notes. She'd like to just put the boy on the transplant list, right away. But Bailey would fight her every step of the way, and this was an unnecessary fight. She could save as much bowel as possible, as well as remove the most damaged part of his liver, which would give her more reasons for the transplant request. She nodded to herself, thinking that it was a solid plan. Before leaving her new office, she smiled at Kai. Her angel was barefoot and wearing only black sweatpants, his huge white wings folded and dragging on the floor as he walked a few steps behind her.

They had talked and settled on Kai always being around (even if sometimes he disappeared from her sight completely) to guide her through the past.

Arizona skated to the General Surgery Nurse Station. She couldn't contain the huge smile on her face when she saw the young - still a resident - Miranda Bailey.

"Doctor Bailey!" she called, moving toward her and extending her hand. “Arizona Robbins” she introduced herself. The future chief of surgery looked at her hand for a moment before shaking it, with obvious hesitation on her face. "I'm taking over Doctor Kenley's patients."

“You are the peds surgeon.”

"Yeah," she confirmed nodding her head, the permanent smile on her face. "I see you’re assisting with Jackson Prescott." Arizona paused a moment to breathe. “With all due respect to Dr. Kenley, he was a wonderful physician, but I'm surprised he has insisted on this course of treatment for so long. When it wasn't - you know - working.” Arizona studied Bailey's face, watching her friend take a deep breath, clearly annoyed with her. Dammit, she had offended Bailey. Again! "Oh, no I'm not criticizing you!" She quickly amended. "You didn’t make the call."

"Yeah, but I supported the call," Bailey recited, pushing the chair away from the desk. Bailey took a deep breath and began trying to explain. “We hadn't turned the corner yet, but Kenley was sure that if we kept on doing what we were doing-”

"Jackson's case is quite severe," Arizona interrupted. They had no time for these debates.

The boy is dying Bailey. Every minute counts. I need you to trust me. Arizona thought worriedly. Bailey looked at her incredulously.

"If you're suggesting we were torturing him with useless procedures..."

Arizona smiled. Bailey was still Bailey. "A lot of senior peds surgeons believe stritoroplasty works, and sometimes they're right." That was enough for Bailey to nod in agreement with her. Arizona took a deep breath. She knew she couldn't go straight for the transplant, but that didn't mean she wasn't frustrated "So, we'll go with this, today, but with his liver disease, we need to start exploring other options." She paused a moment just to smile at Bailey. "I’ve got to run." She said pulling away. “Dr. Kenley had a big case load. I will see you at the OR!” She said before taking off and skating away.

A giggle she barely managed to hold back almost escaped her mouth. If she could, she would be skating all day. Arizona had cried a little, while putting on her heelies that morning. She was skating again. Arizona stopped before entering the locker room to prepare for Jackson's surgery… Unfortunately, she doubts the nurses would let her skate into the OR.

***

Arizona smiled as she saw Karev preparing to enter the OR. She quickly began cutting, with a precision far superior to someone who had just finished their fellowship. She took a deep breath, knowing the mess that would be inside the boy.

"Karev, can you pull the retractor more?" She asked.

Her future resident obeyed the order without hesitation, knowing exactly how much more pressure to apply. "Like this?"

She agreed. "Yeah, great."

Arizona shook her head. "Look at this. It is a mess. He'll have maybe ten centimeters of bowel when we're done here.”

“Wow, wow, wow… Can't we try Bianchi's procedure to try to save some more, then?” Bailey interrupted anxiety clear in her voice.

Arizona didn't even deign to look at the resident in front of her. “The bowels are dead, and the liver is cirrhotic. There is no way to save anything.”

"Yeah, but-"

“Dr. Bailey, this kid should have been on the transplant list a year ago. It is a miracle that he’s still alive.” Arizona took a deep breath. (“Teach them Arizona. They are your ducklings.” Norman McHale's voice, her former mentor echoing in her mind.) “This is what happens when you insist on the same procedure twelve times…. All right, what we’re going to do is try to keep as much of his bowel as possible. He’ll need to go on liver dialysis as soon as this is over. I know we have some machines here for a clinical study but keeping this child alive is a priority. And we'll need a transplant… Laura.” she called the intern who was watching the surgery. “This boy goes on the transplant list today. Go get the paperwork ready. Intestine and liver.”

“I think we should ask for another opinion.” Bailey interrupted her again.

Arizona looked at Bailey. "Laura, as an order from your attendant, go get the paperwork ready."

As soon as the OR door closed again, she moved her focus to the child in front of her. “Dr. Bailey, as soon as we get out of here, I'll give you the cell phone number of Norman McHale, the head of Pediatric Surgery at Hopkins. You'll say Arizona send you, and he'll say Jackson needs a transplant two minutes into the call.”

“There is no need to snap at me-”

"Actually, there is," Arizona replied. “You're good, Bailey. You could be a great pediatric surgeon, and you have what it takes to be chief of surgery one day. But you are still a resident. Which means you are still in training and still learning. And what you need to learn today is that repeating the same procedure twelve times won't bring different results, and Dr Kenley put this boy at risk. And in medicine, and especially in peds, your focus cannot be on you, or the attendant you're working with, but on the patient. You don't know me yet, I’m the stranger in a ponytail and you liked and trusted Kenley, but that doesn't change the facts.”

Karev looked at Bailey's astonished face. The rest of the surgery was done in silence.

***

Arizona collapsed on her couch that night, grunting. "God, I had forgotten how frustrating Bailey could be."

Kai laughed hoarsely. "I think you're the first doctor who acknowledged that she's still a resident."

Arizona sighed turning her cell phone in her hand. She missed the social networks and games on her old phone (well, future phone). And the tablets, which had greatly improved the efficiency in the hospital. She didn't like working with so much paper anymore. "Do you think she'll hate me? We’ve never really butt heads like that before…"

Kai shook his head, his black curls bobbing almost childishly. "I think she'll respect you. You're fighting for this child. She sure appreciates that."

Arizona nodded absently. It had been almost a week since Jackson's surgery had taken place. No compatible donors yet. And no excuses to talk to Calliope. Or Mark. God, she'd missed Mark. And Lexie was still there. She sighed. Kai had advised her to let things progress naturally. So, she would try to focus on Jackson for now. And soon, soon she could get closer to her friends. She fell asleep, still lying on her couch, being woken up a few hours later by the sound of her pager.

"Shit, 911."

Arizona jumped off the couch, still smiling at her left leg as she put on her sneakers and bolted out the door.

***

She spotted Bailey outside Jackson's room as she straightened her white coat.

"I'm up, I'm here." she announced trying to ward off her tiredness. "What happened?"

The resident walked fast to her, preventing her from entering the room. "Jackson's BP has gone down a little since yesterday. No big deal, but if we make a few calls and be a little pushy, we might be able to pass him a little further on the transplant list."

Arizona looked at her resident, shocked. "Dr. Bailey, you paged me 911 at 2:30 in the morning. To chat?"

Bailey looks embarrassed for a second. "You like to chat. You're chatty."

Arizona closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. "Not at 2:30 in the morning!" She looked at Bailey, worried for a moment. "Look, he's young, he's almost at the top of the list. UNOS will find a donor for him as soon as it’s possible" (or Webber will do it, just like last time) "And God knows that staying up all night chatting about it won’t help. I'll try to get some sleep, and I suggest you do the same. "

"He’s running out of time," Bailey complained in a chocked-up voice.

Arizona smiled sadly. She had almost forgotten about this insecure Bailey. "They always are. Welcome to peds" she repeated her words.

***

Arizona was preparing a coffee for herself. She had forgotten that there were twenty other children who needed her care besides Jackson. And she had just sent one of them home along with her parents, because there was simply no treatment. And she was frustrated. Because there was treatment. That hadn’t yet been finalized. Anyway, she had recommended the girl for clinical research, but her parents didn't want her to be a guinea pig. She had only been taking a few minutes to compose herself when Bailey found her.

"Okay, I made a list of the best pediatrics GAs in the country. I think between the two of us, we can get one of those guys to come here and do a TIPS procedure on him."

Arizona took a deep breath. She knew how to do a TIPS procedure. She was excellent at TIPs procedures. To hell with the technicality of… You know, not actually having learnt them yet here. She didn't need another surgeon intruding into her OR and trying to tell her what to do, ordering her and bossing her around and most importantly distracting her from her job. A job at which she excels, thank you very much. "Firstly, I am perfectly capable of performing a TIPS procedure," she began. "And secondly, doing a TIPS procedure on a boy who needs a new liver is putting a band aid in a bullet hole."

Bailey looked exasperated. "Well, do you have a better idea?"

Arizona smiled, rolling her eyes. "I have. Wait for UNOS. Trust the process. Why can't you?"

That was enough to piss Bailey off. "Because I'm tired of waiting while this child gets worse! Jackson is tired! His mother is tired! The only one who is content to sit on her ass and wiggle your fingers waiting is you!"

This ignited Arizona’s temper. "Look, I've been patient with you, I've been nice, but I am really over you constantly telling me how to do my job!”

"Well, clearly someone has to!”

"I have twenty other children-"

"And I am concerned over this one child!"

"SHUT UP"

Arizona stopped arguing with Bailey staring at the door where Karev was standing. She hadn't even noticed him there.

"Respectfully," he corrected himself, "respectfully shut up. Because we have organs," he announced with a crooked smile and a raised eyebrow.

Arizona swallowed hard. She was the attending physician. She would have to go, on a small plane, with Karev to fetch these organs.

She nodded quickly. "Dr. Bailey, you know the procedure. Go get Jackson ready. Doctor Karev we'll go get those organs."

***

Arizona was sweating cold as they boarded the plane. She sighed as she sat in the front row. Lexie had sat in the back, and she was dead, so Arizona couldn't get past the third row of any kind of aircraft.

But Lexie isn’t dead she thought, trying to breathe. Lexie is just fine. Lexie is going to be fine, if I have anything to do with it.

Since it was just the two of them, she expected Karev to choose a seat away from her, only to be surprised when he sat right beside her.

Arizona couldn't speak, fear (your leg is still here. you're safe) forming a lump in her throat.

Kai sat behind her, one hand on her shoulder. "It's fine, Arizona. You are safe." Her angel reassured her.

As the plane began to accelerate for take-off, she closed her eyes, only to be surprised when Karev gripped one of her hands, squeezing it gently. She squeezed back until the plane was high when she finally managed to breathe again. "I... Thank you."

Alex just shrugged. "Fear of flying?"

She nodded. "I ..." (I was in a plane crash. But she hasn’t. Not yet. Hopefully, not ever) "I always feel closer to death on planes than in the OR."

Karev nodded and went back to ignoring her.

"I saw Izzie the other day" (she doesn't deserve you Alex, she'll break your heart. Jo will arrive soon and she's perfect for you).

Alex nodded. "Yeah"

Arizona smiled. "It's nice. You're a beautiful couple" (you and Jo will be even better).

She let Karev spend the rest of the trip pretending to be asleep. But he took her hand again as soon as the commander warned that they would begin the descent. Arizona smiled. The golden heart was there.

***

The next time Karev spoke to her was when he saw the patient from whom they would take the organs.

"It's just a kid."

Arizona nodded, knowing what it was like to deal with the shock for the first time. "Yes. Let's get the organs."

***

Alex didn't look up during the entire procedure. Not even when she explained aloud what she was doing and the differences in anatomy between adults and children for him.

When they got back to the plane, he didn't sit next to her either.

She took a deep breath. "Spit it out Karev. Don't brood."

He glared at her. "We just got a little boy's intestine and liver out. A dead little boy! And you don't mind! You didn't even blink during the whole procedure, and now you stand there, shaking in fear of a plane, but you didn't care about that kid!"

Arizona stared at her hands in her lap shaking. "I know they unplugged that little boy. Do you think I don't get that? Do you think I don't know about the tiny coffin they're going to stick him in? I know all about the tiny coffins. I see them all the time. In my sleep.” She took a deep breath “But we move on Karev. You turn your back on the tiny coffins and move on. To the next child."

Karev turned forward still angry. But as the plane was about to descend, he reached out to her hand through the aisle.

Arizona gripped his hand tightly. Fear consumed her, but a part of her was proud. Here was her pediatric surgeon.

***

The transplant surgery was quiet and calm. Arizona took a deep breath. They had been faster this time. Jackson's treatment was more advanced.

Kai was watching over her shoulder. "Everything looks fine on my end."

Arizona smiled and nodded. "Finishing the vena cava."

Karev smiled at her. "Anastomosis looks good."

Bailey smiled. "Now all that’s left is to release the clamps."

Arizona smiled at Bailey. God, she loved how she used a stool to get taller, so she had a better view of the patient. "Do the honors, Miranda. He’s your patient."

Bailey smiled at her. "Thank you, Dr. Robbins"

She watched carefully as Bailey removed the clamps, paying attention to the dark marks, but she didn’t need to.

"Call on me!" intern Sadie Harris interrupted. "There is a spot on the duodenum."

Arizona looked at that angrily. Damn it, not again! She shook her head.

"What the hell is that ?!" Bailey snapped.

Arizona took over immediately. "Necrosis… Dammit! Get the organs out now! We'll need a new transplant, looks like we're going to do a TIPS procedure, Bailey."

"This can't be happening..." Bailey started tearfully. "Not to this little boy."

Arizona was already putting new clamps. "Dr. Harris help Dr. Bailey step away, Dr. Karev you're taking over."

Sadie immediately moved behind Bailey. "No, I can go on!" Bailey protested her eyes full of tears.

Arizona did not raise her eyes as she removed the increasingly dark organs. "That's an order, Miranda. Karev!"

Karev forcibly removed Bailey, quickly picking up the instruments. "How long to find new organs?"

"Twenty-four hours. Maybe more, since he was already on liver dialysis." Arizona warned. "Harris, Bailey, find all interns and residents. Someone in Seattle must be compatible with this boy and I want all hands-on deck, working on finding new organs. Now!”

Arizona didn't even have time to look up to see the mighty Dr. Bailey, running out of an OR to follow an order.

***

Arizona collapsed when she got home. "I did everything right!" she said tearfully to Kai. "Everything! And yet, Jackson is dying and its days earlier, which means the original donor for Jackson isn’t there!"

Kai sighed and sat beside her. "Arizona. Take a deep breath. Whatever is meant to happen will happen.”

Arizona shook her head. "He's already on the liver dialysis machine. That gives us an advantage. Still..."

And in that moment, it was as if a light bulb appeared above Arizona's head. She ran back out her door, and rushed back to the hospital, just in time to see Bailey, crying outside.

“Dr. Bailey?” she called softly.

“I want off this case.” She whispered. “Oh God, I want off this case. I want off... This little boy is going to die, and I just don’t want to be here to see it. I just don’t want… I just want off. I want off this case. I want off!”

Arizona shook her head. "Jackson is already on liver dialysis, but we can put him on peritoneal dialysis. This will delay any swelling in the brain and not require further surgery."

Bailey looked at her in surprise. "It doesn't solve the problem of..."

Arizona nodded. "No. But it will buy us time. I'll do the procedure, and don't let anyone rest until we get those organs."

***

When Arizona had set up everything to begin the dialysis procedure, Alex Karev and Izzie Stevens hurried through the door. She smiled at the two, watching as they quickly took over their positions.

"Arizona, don't let this woman work with needles. Something's not right with her." Kai murmured in her ear.

She nodded. "Doctor Stevens, switch places with Doctor Karev. He's been working with this boy for a while."

Izzie nodded in confusion, going to hold the ultrasound while Alex took over the catheter.

Arizona refocused on the boy, but she noticed Izzie looking anguished while staring at something behind her.

She began to instruct Karev in detail, on what they were doing and for what purpose.

"Shut up," she heard Izzie mutter.

"What was that?" she asked to the blonde doctor incredulously. This resident had not just told her to shut up during such a delicate procedure. She wouldn’t dare... Karev looked equally concerned.

"Nothing. Sorry Doctor Robbins" Izzie said louder this time.

Melinda Prescott entered the room. "Has UNOS said anything?"

Arizona looked at the doctor holding the ultrasound. "Dr. Stevens will call them again. And contact Dr. Bailey and see if any of our doctors were lucky." she said to the woman, who was clearly and understandably worried. Izzie was looking around anxiously and didn’t move to carry out the order. "Doctor Stevens, are you paying attention?!"

Kai shook his head. "Arizona, no. There’s something wrong with her, this doctor isn’t all here."

"Dr. Stevens, ask at the nurses' station to make the calls. And then go get some rest."

Izzie nodded, almost in a daze, propping the ultrasound on the patient's bed and leaving the room. Arizona and Karev finished the procedure in silence.

"Dr. Robbins, Izzie... She was tired. We’ve all been up all night trying to find the organs and-"

Arizona silenced Karev with a gesture. "It's okay. Just talk to her. This is a serious case, Karev."

Arizona took a deep breath, appreciating her work. "Good job here Alex." she complimented. "I'll make the rounds, try to talk to Izzie, okay?"

***

Arizona was returning from her rounds to check Jackson's PIC when George O'Malley came running toward her, Richard Webber right behind him.

"I got it Dr. Robbins!" George announced "We have the organs! OR number 3!"

Arizona looked into the room, Jackson's PIC still below the limit. She nodded. "Great job O'Malley" she said with a smile on her face.

***

The surgery went well, and Jackson's heart didn't stop. Not even once. After they sent the boy to Recovery, Arizona leaned against the wall taking a deep breath.

Miranda Bailey stopped next to Arizona. "I... I didn't think you could handle this case. After today I think you were the only person who could have ever handled it." she said softly. "I almost crossed a line today. Before O'Malley arrived... I was going to ask Derek Shepherd to let a man die so I could save this boy. But I didn't break my oath. Thanks to you."

Arizona laughed softly and took Bailey's hand. "You are an excellent doctor, Miranda. I know you, and when it comes down to it, you will always do the right thing… And thank you. For trusting me."

Arizona gave Bailey one last soft smile and turned back to staring at the walls quietly, cherishing these few moments of peace and letting the immense feelings of gratefulness flow through her, still in awe of this new chance at life she was given. She sighed softly and let her head fall back against the wall, content in the feelings of achievement and camaraderie shared between her and the woman who would one day be one of her closest friends.

[agavepediatrics]

Top 10 Best Pediatricians and Children's Doctors in Arizona 2024

1. Dr. Rajeev Agarwal - Best Pediatrician in Arizona

Dr. Rajeev Agarwal stands out as the Best Pediatrician in Arizona. With years of experience and a compassionate approach, Dr. Agarwal has earned the trust of countless families. He is renowned for his expertise in handling complex pediatric cases and providing personalized care tailored to each child's needs. As a leading Pediatrician in Phoenix, Dr. Agarwal's clinic, Agave Pediatrics, offers state-of-the-art facilities and a warm, welcoming environment. His dedication to child health and development has made him a top choice for parents seeking the best care for their children.

2. Dr. Jane Smith

Dr. Jane Smith is another prominent name among children's doctors in Arizona. With a focus on preventive care and early intervention, Dr. Smith has helped many children lead healthy lives. She practices at a well-known Pediatrician clinic in Arizona, providing a range of services from routine check-ups to specialized treatments.

3. Dr. John Doe

Known for his exceptional skills and gentle bedside manner, Dr. John Doe is a trusted Pediatrician in Phoenix, AZ. He specializes in treating chronic conditions and developmental disorders, ensuring that each child receives comprehensive and compassionate care.

4. Dr. Emily Johnson

Dr. Emily Johnson is highly respected for her work in pediatric infectious diseases. Her clinic, located in Scottsdale, is a hub for cutting-edge treatments and research. Dr. Johnson is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care, making her one of the Best Pediatricians in Arizona.

5. Dr. Michael Lee

As a seasoned pediatrician with over two decades of experience, Dr. Michael Lee has been a pillar in the community. His focus on holistic child care and his ability to connect with both children and parents have earned him a loyal following.

6. Dr. Sarah Patel

Dr. Sarah Patel is a leading expert in pediatric gastroenterology. Her clinic is renowned for offering specialized care for digestive disorders in children. Dr. Patel's compassionate approach and dedication to patient education make her a top choice for families.

7. Dr. David Williams

Dr. David Williams is celebrated for his expertise in pediatric cardiology. He is known for his thorough assessments and his commitment to staying at the forefront of medical advancements. Dr. Williams' practice is a go-to destination for parents seeking specialized cardiac care for their children.

8. Dr. Linda Nguyen

With a focus on neonatology, Dr. Linda Nguyen provides expert care for newborns and premature infants. Her compassionate care and deep knowledge of neonatal conditions have made her a trusted name among parents and medical professionals alike.

9. Dr. Robert Garcia

Dr. Robert Garcia is known for his work in pediatric pulmonology. He specializes in treating respiratory disorders in children and is dedicated to providing personalized care plans. Dr. Garcia's clinic is equipped with the latest technology, ensuring accurate diagnoses and effective treatments.

10. Dr. Susan Brown

Dr. Susan Brown is a respected pediatric endocrinologist. Her clinic offers comprehensive care for children with hormonal disorders, including diabetes and thyroid issues. Dr. Brown's patient-centered approach and dedication to staying updated with the latest medical research have made her a trusted provider in the field.

Experience the Best Pediatric Care in Arizona at Agave Pediatrics!

Looking for a Pediatrician near me? Agave Pediatrics, led by Dr. Rajeev Agarwal, is your top choice for exceptional pediatric care. Our team of specialists, including Tongue Tie Specialists in Arizona and a dedicated lactation consultant in Phoenix, AZ, ensures comprehensive care for your child's health and well-being. At Agave Pediatrics, we prioritize your child's growth and development, providing personalized and compassionate care every step of the way. Visit us today to experience the best in pediatric healthcare!

[wlw-with-reader]

Her Past Does Not Dictate Her Present

Ship: April Kepner and Jackson’s Sister!Reader

For: @firedav2k18

[R is a pediatrician with an upbeat personality and is the younger sister of Jackson Avery. R and April hide their love from Jackson because he’s always been protective of his baby sister, and Jackson and April did date.]

“Avery!”

You turn around hearing Arizona’s voice. She loved yelling out your name especially when your brother was nearby. “Which one?” would be heard from the both of you. Jackson was there longer than you were, but as one of the new members of the Pediatrics ward, you were grateful to be working alongside Arizona Robbins. You two were more like sisters with the way your personalities matched. 

“Yes, Dr. Robbins?”

“Oh, hush, Y/N. I told you from day one that you could call me Arizona.”

“I know. So what is it, Arizona?”

“Guess who gets to go home today!”

“The triplets!? Are you sure? I thought they wouldn’t be ready until next week.”

“They passed the crate test! All three of them!”

“Oh my god! Yes! Let’s go see them!”

“Why do you think I got you? Good think April isn’t around.”

Arizona jokingly said to you.

“Arizona! You know you’re the only one who knows.”

“I know. I love teasing you both.”

“We need to find you a woman, so you’re more focused on her than on us.”

“Nice try. Even if there was a woman in my life, I’d still be focused on my best friend and my sidekick.”

“Well, you were bound to find out. You and April tell each other everything.”

“Exactly.”

You were glad your brother didn’t know just yet. You and your girlfriend were just enjoying your little bubble. Plus, you weren’t sure how Jackson would react on you dating his ex. 

________

When Jackson saw you and April together, he was upset. But not for the reasons anyone would automatically think of. He didn’t care that you were dating his ex. April and him were never going to last forever, and he had made his peace with that. What he couldn’t make his peace with was the possibility of another ex of his, hurting his baby sister. So he decided to confront April.

“Hey, Jackson.”

“I know you’re seeing Y/N and before you even try to deny it, I want you to know that I saw you two at Joe’s.”

“So you saw us...”

“Yeah, I did. I wasn’t surprised my sister was with a woman. She’s always liked women. I was surprised she was with you and kissing you. How long, April?”

“Eight months.”

“Eight months!? How the hell did the two of you avoid the rumor mill?”

“Easy. Everyone thinks I’m seeing or at least, sleeping with Arizona, they never think I could actually be with Y/N. Arizona knows, so she’s more than happy to help us.”

“So is this just a thing? Is it serious?”

“Why are you asking all of these questions, Jackson?”

“Because I want you to stop seeing my sister.”

“Yeah, and I want you to leave me alone.”

“I mean it, April. End it with my sister. Besides, what will people think? That you couldn’t have me, so you just decided to get with the other Avery working in this hospital? Or maybe you’re going to be like my other exes who went out with Y/N and break her heart!”

“Fuck you, Jackson! Just fuck you! I don’t see Y/N like that. She is more than just your sister. She’s her own person, and she’s the one who agreed to date me.”

April leaves and slams the door. 

Jackson had never seen April this angry before. Jackson was wondering why April would be with you. You were exactly like Arizona with your upbeat and perky personality. You were the opposite of him. Yet, he and April were together for over a year before calling it quits after way too many fights. It was just suffocating. But seeing April readily defend you, Jackson got to thinking that maybe, she did love you. More than she ever loved him. And he had to admit that fact stung. Not that he wanted to be with April again. No, whenever they would get back together, it would be hot at first and then cold. He didn’t want that cycle to continue, and he was happy with the woman he was currently with. Now, he felt he should explain himself to you because he couldn’t bear the thought of you being upset with him. 

________

You were waiting for April to finish her last surgery for the night when your brother came up to you.

“Jackson? I thought you already went home.”

“I did. I just needed to clear my head for a bit before coming back here to speak with you.”

“Jackson, why are you sounding so formal with me? I’m your sister.”

“I know. I just wanted to apologize to you and your girlfriend.”

“How’d you find out?”

“I’m your big brother. It was only a matter of time until I found out. And I understand why you didn’t tell me.”

“Wait. Why do you need to apologize to the both of us? Jackson, what did you do?”

“He yelled at me, Y/N.”

“April, that’s not that simple. But yes, I did yell at you.”

“About what, Jackson? Let me guess. You went into overprotective mode.”

“I will always worry about you, Y/N. You’re my baby sister! And I just thought that maybe April was with you because she couldn’t be with me or that she wanted to hurt me.”

“April isn’t like that. I’m sorry you two didn’t have a good relationship. Some people either work together or not at all. But you can’t just accuse someone based off your own assumptions.”

“I know, Y/N. Which is why I want to apologize to you both. April, I know we haven’t been together in over a year, but I guess a part of me will always think of the what ifs. I’m not jealous of my sister being with you. I’m more upset at the possibility of you hurting her. So I’m sorry. Sorry for earlier. And Y/N, I’m sorry for upsetting you both. I just lost it seeing her and...that’s not an excuse. I’m sorry. I don’t know what else to say.”

“We’re good, Jackson. Because at the end of the day, you’re my girlfriend’s brother. And my ex. We should be more civil towards one another.”

“If April’s good with you, then we’re good too, Jackson.”

When you and April got to the apartment, you could see she had a lot on her mind.

“Pizza for your thoughts?”

“No penny, Y/N?”

“Hey, your thoughts will always be worth more than a penny to me.”

“You know I would never be with you for the sake of hurting your brother, right?”

“It never even crossed by mind, April. I know you two were together for a while. My mom told me how many times you two got together and broke up.”

“Your mom was understanding. Surprisingly. But I will say this, Y/N. Never doubt that I love you more than I have ever loved anyone else.”

“I didn’t, but now I never will. Anyone else?”

“Anyone, including your brother.”

“I love you, April.”

You two kiss and relax watching a movie and eating pizza. A great way to end the day after what happened with your brother. 

[adhddudesblog]

Tips To Find The Best ADHD Specialist For Your Child

If you are looking for an ADHD specialist, you'll want to find one who understands and can treat ADHD successfully. However, finding the perfect ADHD specialist in Arizona or knowing where to look can be difficult. In this blog post, we will be providing you with tips on how to find the best ADHD specialist for you.

Tips for finding the best ADHD specialist for you

There are a lot of people out there who are struggling with ADHD. It can be a complex condition to deal with, and finding a specialist to help you can be challenging. Here are some tips for finding the best ADHD specialist for you. - Research and ask around. - Know your symptoms and the things that you need help with. - Try to find a specialist who has experience with ADHD and has a good amount of experience with children. - Make sure the state licenses your specialist. - Make sure your specialist is a member of a reputable medical association. - Make sure your specialist has a website with information on who they are and what they specialize in. 

Where to Find an ADHD Specialist

When looking for an ADHD specialist in Arizona, it's important to find one that's a good fit for you. You need to know what you're looking for in order to find someone who will work with you. For example, if you're looking for a specialist who will prescribe medication, you'll need to find one with experience with ADHD treatment and the medication you're taking. If you're looking for a specialist who can help with the emotional aspects of your ADHD, you'll need to find someone with experience in that field. You'll also need to find a specialist who works with kids with ADHD.

When to see an ADHD specialist

If you think your child might have ADHD, it's important to find a specialist. There are specialists for kids, teens, adults, and families. Many specialists offer sliding-scale fees, so they'll only charge you for the amount of time you need them. However, if you have a more severe problem, you may have to pay a higher fee. So how do you find the right ADHD specialist in Arizona for your child? Ask your friends, family, and co-workers for recommendations, or search online for the best specialists near you.

What to ask your ADHD specialist

If you are looking for an ADHD specialist in Arizona, you should ask your pediatrician for a referral. If you can't find one, you should consider looking at some of the top ADHD experts in your area. You should also ask your pediatrician to recommend some specialists in your area. You should also ask your pediatrician if they know of any reputable ADHD specialists that are not located in your area. You should also ask your pediatrician if they know of any respected ADHD specialists that may be able to work with you over the phone. These are some of the questions you should ask your pediatrician to help you find the best ADHD specialist for you.

What to do when You Find the Right ADHD Specialist

When you find the right ADHD specialist in Arizona, it is essential to make sure that you follow their advice. They can tell you what type of ADHD treatment will work best for your child. This will ensure that you are getting the most out of the treatment. It is also essential to ensure a good relationship with the ADHD specialist. This will ensure that you have a good time with the treatment.

Conclusion

ADHD can be a complex condition to overcome whether you are an adult or a child. It can be hard to find the right ADHD specialist to help you. You will have to research to find the best ADHD specialist in Arizona. The first thing you should do is find a specialist in your area who specializes in ADHD. You should also find a specialist who is trained in ADHD. You should also consider the cost of the specialist. You should also look for a specialist who uses evidence-based practices. You should also consider the location of the specialist. You should also consider the waiting time for appointments. You should also consider the hours of the specialist. You should also consider the insurance.

[southboundhqarchive]

MEET MARGARITA,

FULL NAME › Margarita Celestina Dominguez Espinosa AGE › twenty two GENDER › Cis female (She/Her/Hers) FROM › Tucson, Arizona RESIDENCE › Villas Adobes community (Downtown) OCCUPATION › Waitress at the Turquoise Star Diner NOW PLAYING › Don’t You Forget About Me by Simple Minds

BIOGRAPHY,

trigger warnings: cheating, mental illness, depression, psychosis, ableist mentions/language

Was there ever a happier baby than Margarita Dominguez Espinosa? To hear her parents tell it, she was born smiling, and if you were ever to insist it was impossible or just a reflex, her parents would actively shush you—you weren’t there, you didn’t see it. Margarita grew up believing she was the luckiest little girl ever born, and she was right to think it. Her parents, so deeply in love. Her mother, so doting and caring. Her father, so wise and loving. Her brother, teasing and attentive. The Dominguez Espinosa household was practically built with bricks made of love; a nice, happy family that smiled at strangers and waved at neighbors. So positive, so sunny that the very idea of muffled yelling behind their closed doors was preposterous, unlike other families on the street that nearly had nightly shows of their not-so-behind closed door dramatics.

Of course, things are never as perfect as they seem. People aren’t as happy as they seem, but the Dominguez Espinoas were, for a time. None more than Margarita. Rarely did she have a bad mood, a temper tantrum. Her family showered her with love so much that she assumed every family was the same, every person as happy and carefree as herself, and nothing made her happier than making others happy. She would bend over backwards to do good things, her little hand was the first to be thrown in the air when a teacher needed a volunteer to pass out tests, she would bring in her neighbor’s groceries and feed their dog when they went on trips to visit family elsewhere. Margarita, or Margie as she became to her classmates, was voted Most Helpful three years in a row, because helping others made her feel happy inside. She felt good when others were telling her how good she was. (Maybe her need was driven more by selfishness, that need for validation.)

From a young age, Margarita was watched by every adult around her, because Margarita would say yes to anyone. Her need to be liked was nearly pathological and while it made her popular, it could also get her into trouble; if someone asked her nicely, she’d steal a pen off of a desk or a tube of lipstick off of the makeup counter. It also worked in her favor, when she was caught doing something naughty, her teachers or parents or the parents of her friends knew that someone must have put her up to it, as she was too sweet to come up with something so devious on her own. Margarita Dominguez must have been the most blissful, serene child they had ever seen.

Margarita was eleven years old when her family joined those on the street that had parents fighting behind closed doors and children pretending not to listen. Though those doors were closed, it couldn’t muffle much, and Alejandro and Margarita knew instantly what their father had done. Carlos, a pediatrician, slept with one of his patient’s mothers. No, he didn’t just sleep with her, it was an affair. The months following the revelation were hard and it only made Margarita smile harder. Dorothea, disgusted by her husband’s betrayal, kicked him out. Shortly, like it always seemed to work out in the movies, Carlos moved in with Kathleen. Kathleen, with a fifteen year old son from her teenage years and a five year old daughter from a failed engagement just a little while ago. A divide came between Carlos and Dorothea, mother and father on two different sides of a war with Ale and Margie in the middle.

Alejandro, disgusted by his father just like his mother. Margarita, while upset and hurt by her father’s betrayal, was so much softer in that upset. When Carlos begged his children to stop ignoring him and to pick up his calls, Margie broke first. When Carlos wanted to introduce his children to Kathleen and her children, Margie met them first. Margarita was the only one of their family to attend their wedding. While she hated that her father hurt them, and resented Kathleen and her innocent children, she did much better when in the same room as them. Alejandro warmed up over time, but only thawed enough to exchange pleasantries with a smile that couldn’t convince anyone of anything other than a son’s still bitter feelings and the fact that he’ll never accept his father’s new family.

Her family broken apart and (albeit unwanted) new family gained, all within two years. Whirlwind and quick, so different from the calm, content childhood just a few years in the past, it didn’t stop when soon after their wedding, her father heard the siren call of Boot Hill. A pediatrician, job offers weren’t scarce, and often Carlos would scoff at the idea of leaving Tanque Verde, but the offer that came from Boot Hill burrowed itself into his brain until it was all he could think about. A once tranquil home, it once again grew explosive when Carlos announced to Dorothea that he was taking Margie with him. (Alejandro, however, would be left in his mother’s care.) Technically he couldn’t just rip her from her mother’s grip, but he damn near tried, and when they finally turned their eyes onto the thirteen year old Margie, she could only sputter for a near minute before she meekly whispered yes.

She didn’t really want to move, but she didn’t want her family to break apart, either. She never wanted her father to leave her and she never wanted to leave her mother, but the look in her father’s eye that silently pleaded with her to accept, pleaded with her to say yes, made it clear that making her father happy was more important than making her mother angry. Since she said yes, there was no reasoning that Dorothea could use against Carlos to make her daughter stay (and really, it was only a few hours away, it was still in Arizona—if only Dorothea had known she’d never see her daughter again), and so she was off. Off to Boot Hill. Within days, the car was packed up and they were following the directions printed off an email by her father’s employer.

While Tucson was a middling city, Margarita believed it had a small town feel, but she realized that she had no idea what small town meant when they finally rolled into Boot Hill after what felt like days. Her step-brother, Garrett, muttered something under his breath, Kathleen looked vaguely like she was going to cry, and her father was smiling, so she smiled too. It would be a new adventure, her father had promised, and she didn’t realize before that adventures weren’t always fun or even interesting, sometimes adventures were downright bad. Or just… overwhelmingly normal. From the outside, Boot Hill looked like every little town they showed on teen dramas that her parents used to call ridiculous.

Everyone at her old middle school already knew her, they knew she acted as if her blood consisted of pure sunlight, they knew Margie Dominguez would do anything you asked of her. At this new school, this new town, Margarita Dominguez Espinosa was a blank slate. She could walk into its halls and be a brand new person, no one here knew that Margie cut Josie Weaver’s hair because Desiree Hernandez told her to or that Margie once pulled the fire alarm during an assembly because some boy two grades above her said it would be so cool if she did, but immediately, Margarita fell back into old habits. Margarita, above all, was herself, and who she was was a people-pleaser. Her heart would soar when she was told she did a good job. Her mind would nearly black out if someone called her their friend.

Almost immediately, Margarita gained the reputation of sweetest girl in class, and eventually the school. She became protected by her girls, anyone caught teasing her would get shit for trying to tear down a girl that only ever wanted to help people. She was so pleasant, so smiley and sweet, others would swear it was pathological: Tinkerbell on crack. The sweeter she was at school, the moodier she became inside. Not so much a facade, but a defense mechanism. A wall, or maybe a fence, something to block anyone from seeing just how little control she had.

She was sixteen when Margarita realized bad things can happen to anyone, even nice girls who just want to do good things. Everything seemed to crash then (for the third time). Her father, a respected and liked pediatrician back in Tucson, was sued by a patient for malpractice. Her step-brother became more incorrigible, blooming into something more than just the regular allotted teenage mood swings. Her step-mother seemed to be growing more wild in the eyes, growing more caged by boredom in a town that she never seemed to be able to get away from, even if she tried. Things seemed to be getting worse by the minute, but no one around her seemed to notice. No one ever seemed to notice anything in Boot Hill.

Margaritia, despite the slow decay of her family—her father spent more time at work than at home, Kathleen spent more time sitting on the couch staring into nothingness, Garrett more sullen and sometimes explosive with each passing day—she maintained her status as the nice one out of the popular kids. Sleepovers at her best friend’s house turned into parties at a cute boy’s house, drinking after (and during) a football game became the norm, Sunday mornings were spent having breakfast at May’s after staying up all night instead of sleeping in or going to church. She spent so much time hanging out with friends, she rarely had time to be at home and watch the decay, sometimes even unaware of how bad it got, sometimes deliberately staying at a friend’s all weekend just so she wouldn’t have to watch her step-mother regret moving to Boot Hill.

She loved her family. (Despite disliking her step-family for many years, they slowly became family without her really realizing it.) She loves her family, truly, but being around them was starting to hurt her cheeks from all the smiling, all the salving over the tension and the depression and acting like nothing is wrong. Somehow, high school relationships were easier to navigate, and Margie never feared she peaked in high school, she already knew she did. With her family becoming more and more fractured, separated by walls and closed doors, she had to wonder why she was the only one pretending nothing was wrong, the only one trying to make their house into a home again. She never asked, only because she was afraid of the answer.

High school eventually ends and as her graduation quickly approached, Margarita realized the extent of what was kept behind closed doors, namely Garrett’s. Her step-mother in bed, her father gone at work, Margarita was reading at her desk when she heard something rustling in the room next door, Garrett’s room. He called for his mother, but Margie was the one to answer, opening her door slightly ajar to see him frantically searching around his room. Bugs, he said. He kept seeing bugs in his room and implored her to enter, confirm his suspicions, and there was no smile on her face when she told him she couldn’t see anything. Quickly she jostled Kathleen awake and stood on the sidelines, watching as Kathleen tried to calm Garrett down, only for him to be more convinced, only for him to escalate, to beg them to see what only he saw, doubted that they didn’t. By the time he claimed the bugs were inside his skin, Margie had already dialed 911.

A few days without Garrett mumbling something behind a closed door, Margarita was still deeply shaken when he came back from the hospital, seemingly fine. He was okay now, her step-mother told her, but Margarita had a fear in her stomach that she never had before. There was an anxiety now, the way her heart dropped every time she heard her step-brother moving about hurriedly in his room, afraid she’d have to relive the scariest night of her life, only for the noise to quiet down and the night to continue smoothly. Now, Margarita rarely came home if she could avoid it, overstaying her welcome at friend’s houses and passing out at parties only so she wouldn’t have to go home to sleep it off. She got a job, waiting tables at the Turquoise Star, picking up any shift available and covering for anyone who needed it, even at her inconvenience.

Everything ends, even high school. Margarita tried to be ecstatic that she graduated, and while she was happy, that night (and the few subsequent bad nights that occurred every few months, with her there or not) had brought a heaviness to Margarita that most noticed, others ignored. She still smiled, she still did whatever was asked of her, but there was less passion with which she did these things. Her people-pleasing manifested in bumming smokes off of older men for her and her not-yet-eighteen-years-old friends instead of helping old ladies cross the street or donating to the annual food drive at the local church. While a younger Margie had dreamt of going to college, doing whatever society expected of her, the gulf between high school and college seemed to grow longer until she was longer thinking about it.

The gulf had to be substituted, filled to help her stop thinking about it. Practically living at the Turquoise Star with how often she is there, even when she isn’t scheduled for a shift, nothing matters more than earning her paycheck, filling her days. Picking up hobbies, like puzzles and knitting. Riding bikes in the winter when it isn’t too cold and swimming at the pool in the summer before the water gets too hot. Spending time with friends and trying to get back that fuzzy feeling in her stomach when helping others at the local church. Nothing can replace that well of anxiety at each raised voice in her step-brother’s room, nor the pit of sadness at her step-mother’s refusal to rise out of bed, nor the lake of anger in her chest at her father’s avoidance of home (despite doing the same herself). The only thing that keeps her coming home is her step-sister, Emma, thirteen years old—the same age as Margie when she moved to Boot Hill—and entirely innocent, she doesn’t deserve to be abandoned by the only constant in the Russell-Dominguez home. She still tries to keep the family together, but it’s becoming clear they’re only going to decay, like the Dominguez Espinosas. They are decaying.

Twenty two now, Margie tells herself all her paychecks are to get an apartment, move out on her own, maybe bring Emma out with her to the Silver Spurs, but she knows she’ll never escape that house. She’ll never escape Boot Hill. Has anyone?

❝ girl as a honeycomb—sickly sweet, riddled with empty spaces. ❞

CENSUS,

FACECLAIM › Georgie Flores AUTHOR › Admin Rachel

[markalina748]

Primary Care Physicians in Phoenix AZ

Primary care physicians in Phoenix AZ

The term "primary care physician" is used to describe a medical professional who provides comprehensive health care to patients. This doctor is the first point of contact for health concerns that are undiagnosed and provides ongoing care for a wide range of medical conditions. These Phoenix physicians are not limited in their scope of practice by diagnosis, organ system, or cause. These doctors in Phoenix AZ are the most commonly used types of medical professionals in the United States. Here are some benefits of visiting a primary care physician.

An annual checkup with Arizona primary care physicians are a great way to ensure that you receive the appropriate vaccinations and screenings for health conditions. These exams may include a bone density test, screening for heart disease, or other chronic and acute illnesses. These checkups are also an opportunity to get critical immunizations, such as booster shots for childhood immunizations. Ultimately, this doctor is responsible for keeping you healthy and happy.

The duties of primary care physicians are diverse. They may be able to diagnose common illnesses and suggest screening tests, including mammograms for breast cancer. Other services offered by a primary care physician include physical examinations and counseling, prevention of chronic diseases, and long-term health management. The physician may refer you to a specialist for more advanced care. But the primary care physician does not have the knowledge or training to treat the most complex health issues.

While the title " primary care physicians in Phoenix AZ" may seem broad, primary care doctors perform a crucial role in the healthcare system. They are the primary care physician for a select population. For example, pediatricians are generally considered primary care physicians in the United States. Gynecologists are specialized in women's health and provide care to children. Both types of doctors must be hard workers and have the skills to communicate with people in a manner that will keep their patients comfortable and healthy.

As the first point of contact for undiagnosed health issues primary care physicians in Phoenix AZ are essential to the health care system. They can diagnose chronic conditions and provide preventive care for a wide variety of illnesses. They can also help diagnose and treat acute conditions. The primary care physician's role is multifaceted, ranging from diagnosing common illnesses to providing treatment. They help patients live longer and healthier lives. So, if you have a general health condition, a primary care physician is the best option for you. For more information, visit this page.

[2whatcom-blog]

Benadryl, Cipro and Retin-A How Warmth Waves Can Wreak Havoc on Your Me

As the times get longer and the climate heats up, summer season is sort of right here -- that means it is time for trip, out of doors adventures, and sometimes a dip within the pool. However the the explanation why individuals benefit from the summer season, the solar and the warmth, are the precise the explanation why some medicines can have disastrous well being issues. The unintended effects of many prescription medicines and even over-the-counter (OTC) medicines might obscure the enjoyable within the solar. "Many types of medications may increase risk of harm from heat, including diuretics, beta blockers, certain antipsychotics, and antihistamines," says Dr. Aaron Bernstein, co-director of the Heart for Well being and the International Setting at Harvard College and pediatrician for Boston Kids's Hospital. Here is a have a look at how some widespread medicines will be impacted by scorching climate.

Antidepressants

The favored antidepressant, amitriptyline (Elavil), and the overactive bladder treatment, oxybutynin (Ditropan), can inhibit the physique's capability to manage elevating physique temperatures. Usually the physique can open pores to launch warmth from the physique in an effort to chill it. When taking these medicines the physique has much less capability to sweat and funky down rising core temperatures, resulting in elevated inner physique warmth. Even the generally used Parkinson's treatment benztropine (Cogentin) inhibits the nerve impulses that enables the physique to sweat. This inhibition raises physique temperature and will be disastrous in excessive warmth.

Diuretics

Some of the widespread results of the summer season months is dehydration. And though that is simply regulated with elevated water consumption, a number of medicines could make dehydration worse simply by the best way the treatment works. For instance, diuretics equivalent to furosemide (Lasix) may cause you to urinate extra and even have much less thirst. Consequently, one's danger of dehydration will increase. The physique depends by itself regulatory mechanisms to regulate physique temperature. Nonetheless, there are some medicines that may have an effect on this regulatory system.

Antipsychotic medicines

Drugs that management habits and psychological well being are additionally affected by rising inner physique temperatures. Antipsychotic medicines equivalent to haloperidol (Haldol) and risperidone (Risperdal) block the alerts to the mind letting it know that the physique temperature is rising. When this happens, the physique has problem sweating and releasing extreme warmth.

Antibiotics

Individuals who use antibiotics may also grow to be sufferer to the consequences of taking medicines and warmth publicity. Antibiotics like doxycycline, which is used to deal with bacterial infections together with Lyme illness, can enhance one's pores and skin sensitivity resulting in sunburns which might be each itchy and painful. Cipro and different fluoroquinolone antibiotics may also trigger related photosensitivity rashes.

Zits medicines

In the summertime, pimples is on the rise as sweat glands start to open extra in heat months. Consequently, medicines to deal with pimples must be taken with warning. Retin-A or merchandise which have salicylic acid may also trigger an itchy and painful rash, which might dampen summer season enjoyable. "One should be especially careful in the sun if taking doxycycline, Cipro, and Retin-A," says Dr. Michele Inexperienced, a dermatologist in New York Metropolis. "These medications can potentially be photosensitive and cause burns of blisters or hyperpigmentation from the sun."

OTC meds

Not all medicines with warmth sensitivity are prescription primarily based. Over-the-counter antihistamines whose energetic ingredient is diphenhydramine (Benadryl) additionally decreases sweating, leading to unintended elevated physique temperatures with dangerous warmth results. In case you're going through dehydration and you're taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, you are at an elevated danger of renal failure and sooner onset of warmth stroke due to their damaging results on the kidneys.

Keep cool and secure this summer season

Warmth-related diseases and demise are mostly seen in newborns and the aged, however everyone seems to be vulnerable. In keeping with the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, between 1999 and 2010, greater than 8,000 heat-related deaths have been reported in the USA. Most of these deaths have been related through the Might by way of September months with the best reported circumstances in Arizona, Texas, and California. The Korey Stringer Institute at The College of Connecticut says prevention is essential. They suggest avoiding being outside through the hottest elements of the day, many occasions within the early to mid-afternoon. The institute additionally recommends ingesting a number of water as hydration is crucial side of warmth stroke prevention. By carrying light-colored loose-fitting clothes and taking frequent breaks, individuals might help stop the disastrous results of warmth. You will need to test the aspect impact profile of medicines of your family members as a result of warmth exhaustion and warmth stroke can result in confusion and so they could not have the ability to care for themselves if considered one of these issues have been to come up. "Special care to avoid the sun and use sunblock while taking medications during the summer is vital," says Inexperienced. Whereas most individuals know to drink extra water and to remain in air-con as typically as they will through the summer season months, it is easy to neglect that medicines may also dangerously have an effect on the physique. Speaking to your doctor about potential dangers related to your individual treatment routine is necessary to making sure your security as temperatures start to rise. Rajiv Bahl, MD, MBA, MS, is an emergency drugs doctor and well being author. Be taught extra about him at his web site. Read the full article