Chapter Text
Trinity Santos has always felt lonely her entire life. Her mother is a narcissistic bitch and her father is emotionally absent and to top it all off, she is an only child. When Trinity was twelve, she thought that her loneliness had been cured when Marcie Blake walked into Trinity’s life. Trinity silently thanked a god that she didn’t believe in when Marcie sat down at the lunch table and struck up a conversation.
However, when they were nineteen Marcie passed away and that loneliness was back but now it was all consuming.
For a second time in her life, Trinity thanked that god she didn’t believe in once again when she took Dennis home with her and made him her roommate.
Now, after the hell that was the Fourth of July Trinity was willing herself not to fall asleep while she tried desperately to get her charting finished so that she could get out of the hospital. Her eyes kept wandering over to the pedes room that was only a few steps away.
Earlier, Trinity sang to baby Jane Doe to soothe her which had somehow worked, now that baby was the only thing on Trinity’s mind.
“Fuck it.” Trinity whispered to herself, getting up out of her chair and stalking back into the pedes room. She walked over to the crib where the baby was lying wide awake, her little limbs kicking and squirming.
“Hey, baby girl.” Trinity whispered down to the baby, stroking her finger against Jane Doe's soft cheek.
“You know,” A voice said from behind Trinity making her jump and turn around, relaxing when she sees that the person was Dana. “The hospital is looking for someone to take the baby. Kinship Adoption.”
The infliction in Dana’s tone made it seem like she was joking, and usually Trinity would scoff and refuse, but something about this baby was different.
When Trinity remained silent, Dana’s smirk dropped from her face and she inched closer to Trinity trying to read her. Dana tried to catch Trinity’s eye but she refused.
“Santos… are you considering this?” Dana asked softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Trinity had given a lot of thought about having children of her own, but always ended up erasing the thought from her brain because she thought it was “silly”. She didn’t want her children to have half of her fucked up DNA, so kids was never on the table for her.
But, looking down at the unnamed baby in the crib Trinity was having second thoughts. Trinity had felt abandoned her entire life which was the same fate that this baby was going through, in that moment Trinity felt a fierce protectiveness for this little girl, never wanting her to lead a life that she did.
“I mean, maybe?” Trinity said, her words coming out shakily. “I don’t understand why anyone would abandon their child.”
“There’s a lot of things in the world that we will never understand and this is one of them. But, If you’re considering this, then go for it.” Dana smiled small.
“What should I do?” Trinity asked, desperately seeking out advice. “Only this type of decision can be made by you. Trust your instinct and follow your gut, that’s the best advice I can give you.” Dana said honestly.
“Thank you, Dana.” Trinity whispered. Trinity smoothed her palm over the soft tuft of hair on the baby’s head.
“Would Whitaker be okay with this?” Dana questioned. Fuck, Trinity hadn’t thought about that. She was so sure about this already that she hadn’t realised that she was rushing into things.
“I’ll talk to him,” Trinity nodded. “But, I still need to think more on this.”
“I think she’ll be good for you, Kid.” Dana said honestly. Dana didn’t know Trinity on a personal level like Dennis did, but she always sensed a dark hole in Trinity that needed to be filled by something, and this baby was it.
“You think?” Trinity smiled. “I do.” Dana nodded.
Trinity went quiet, looking down at the baby and already imagining this new version of her life.
“Just think about it and if you and Whitaker come to a decision, I’ll help you with everything and contact Kiara.” Dana said. “Thanks, I appreciate it…. a lot.” Trinity nodded.
Both of the women were silent as their own individual thoughts raced through their heads.
“Can I… hold her?” Trinity asked hesitantly. Trinity had held hundreds of babies before, it was part of her job but this unnamed baby felt more fragile. She was afraid that the baby would shatter into a million pieces if Trinity even touched her.
“Of course, you don’t have to ask me.” Dana said softly, somehow being able to read the cruel thoughts in Trinity's head.
Trinity slid an arm under the baby’s head and the other under her small torso, lifting her up so that she could nestle the baby into the crook of her arm.
Trinity walked over to the rocking chair in the corner of the room, sitting down and admiring the beauty in her arms.
“I’ll cover for you.” Dana said and slipped out of the room.
The baby gazed up at Trinity with her big blue eyes, her little hand reaching up as if she already knew that she was Trinity’s.
“You’ve already stolen my heart, sweetheart. Let’s just hope you’ve won over Dennis’.” Trinity said as she lightly rocked back and forth, the baby’s eyes slowly shutting.
________________
Trinity didn’t tell Mel about how she was considering adopting baby Jane Doe, wanting to keep that information to herself for the time being until she was completely sure.
Trinity crawled into bed that night, picturing the many sleepless nights with a baby, but somehow she was willing to take that all on.
She woke the next morning early, herself and Dennis didn’t need to be at work today but something buzzed within Trinity that kept her from sleeping in.
Trinity wiped the sleep from her eyes and padded into the kitchen to make breakfast and coffee. She considered making Dennis some, but he still wasn’t home from Amy’s just yet.
She moved into the living room and turned on the TV, flicking over the channels and landing on one, watching the TV but not fully taking anything in.
Trinity buzzed with anticipation as she waited for Dennis to come home, she would never tell Dennis that she was waiting on him.
Just then, the door clicked and in walked Dennis, his curls were ruffled and his eyes were tired.
“Did Amy have you hard at work on the farm?” Trinity said sarcastically noting his appearance. Dennis startled a little, not expecting to see Trinity up so early.
“Shut up.” He grumbled, placing his bag down and flinging himself down onto the couch beside Trinity and letting out a big sigh.
“I didn’t expect you to be up so early on our day off.” Dennis questioned.
“I couldn’t get back to sleep.” Trinity lied tucking her legs underneath herself, in reality she woke up eagerly awaiting Dennis' arrival.
“Are you alright?” Dennis asked, his brows knitting together in concern. Trinity rubbed at her upper arms without thinking, a nervous habit.
“Yeah… Why? Do I not seem alright?” Trinity asked, jumping on the defensive.
“You just seem a bit… nervous. And you’re never nervous.” Dennis clarified.
“Alright, fine,” Trinity sighed, Dennis edged closer waiting to hear the words that were about to spill from Trinity’s mouth. “I was thinking of adopting baby Jane Doe from the hospital.”
Dennis stayed silent, his eyes widening ever so slightly as that was the last thing he expected to hear from Trinity.
“Obviously, you live here too so we both have to be on board with it.” Trinity jumped in.
Dennis looked away from Trinity, processing the news.
“Dennis, please say something.” Trinity pleaded, she never normally called him Dennis only when she was desperate.
“Are you sure?” Was the first thing that came out of Dennis’ mouth.
“I’ve never really had to give this decision a second thought to be honest, the minute I saw her I just knew…” Trinity trailed off, swallowing nervously. “You have to be okay with this too.”
“She was really cute to be fair.” Dennis chuckled as he thought back to the unnamed baby.
“Adorable.” Trinity clarified, a smile creeping up onto her lips.
“Is this what you want?” Dennis asked. “Yes.” Trinity said without hesitation.
“Let’s do it.” Dennis nodded. “You’re okay with it?” Trinity asked, shocked.
“I love kids. And, Amy’s baby was making me a little broody ....” Dennis confessed his face heating up in embarrassment, Trinity threw her head back in laughter,
“Am I being irrational? Everyone’s going to think that we— I — can’t do this.” Trinity panicked, doubt creeping in.
“Trinity,” Dennis started, scooting closer to Trinity to look her in the eyes. “Since when have you ever given a fuck what anyone else thinks? We’re going to be great platonic bestfriend parents!” Dennis said, as he tried to think of the appropriate word for their situation.
“True.” Trinity said, thinking. “And everything that we do isn’t rational, but we always make it work. This will work out.” Dennis reassured.
Trinity nodded and willed herself to keep her breathing steady and clear the negative thoughts and doubt from her mind.
“We’re going to parents… what the fuck?” Trinity laughed in shock. “We are.” Dennis laughed too.