Chapter 1 - The Phone Call

Arizona's POV

Standing in front of Seattle Grace Memorial (SGM) after two years of being away is surreal. I never thought I will be here again. When I won the Carter Madison grant, I was over the moon! Who knew that, me, Arizona Robbins, can win something of that caliber? It was a dream come true.

I'm so grateful it happened because it meant that I get to develop paediatric surgery. However, winning also meant that I needed to move across the Atlantic Ocean and leave SGM, my second home.

I missed being here everyday when I was in Africa and this is what pushed me to make the call…

…One month ago…

While doing some paperwork in my office, I heard a knock on my office door. "Come in".

"Dr. Robbins, do you have a minute?", said Stacy, who is one of the medical volunteers stationed in Africa.

I looked up and saw a frown at her face and said, "Hi Stacy. Whats wrong? Please, have a seat."

She sat down and I noticed that she was fidgeting with her hands. After taking a deep breath Stacy said, "I overheard Sam and Monica talking about how they are going to miss you when you leave in two weeks. Is it true? Are you really leaving?"

I put my pen down, sighing softly I answered, "Yes, it is true. I'm heading back to the US. My two-year contract has come to an end."

Stacy was nervously shifting in her seat and said, "I don't know if anyone already told you this, but, uh.. please don't go. We…We love having you here."

"Oh Stacy, thats so sweet for you to say. I had an amazing time here and I could not be more grateful to have the opportunity to work with you guys. I am confident that all of you are more than capable of doing things on your own. I don't think I'm needed here as much as back when I started."

"No chance for you to change your mind and stay?" Stacy asked hopeful.

"I'm afraid not. Although I enjoy being here, I can't stay. I think it is time for me to close this chapter and start a new one. But, I will come back in six month's time to see how you guys are doing. This is never goodbye. We will still see each other soon. Besides, we can still keep in touch"

Tears are starting to well in Stacy's eyes. She tried to be strong and said, "Okay… For what its worth, I'm really going to miss you Dr. Robbins. You have taught me so much and for that, thank you".

"You are very welcome. I will miss you too. Come here." I stood up from my chair and rounded my desk. I stood in front of Stacy and gave her a friendly hug.

After Stacy left my office, I slumped back to my chair and suddenly my mind was in overdrive. I looked back at the time I had spent there and I felt a huge sense of pride and fulfilment on what I was able to achieve. I got to go help and save a lot of children, trained a lot of medical staff on paediatric surgery, and I was able meet new people over the course of my stay.

Although I was able to be friends with some of the people I work with, it was not the same as what I had in SGM. Suddenly… something clicked! There was only one thing left to do. Hurriedly, I picked up my phone and dialled a familiar number. After three rings…

"This is Dr. Bailey", Miranda said.

"Hi Chief, it's been a while."

"Arizona? Is that you?" Miranda asked.

"The one and only. How have you been?"

"I've been well. How about you? Surely, there is a reason you are calling?"

Chuckling, Typical Miranda I thought. Always down to business. Oh how I have missed her. "Yes, there is. I'm just going to go straight at it. As you may know, my time here in Africa has almost come to an end. I loved working in SGM so much that I was wondering if there is a place for me there when I return to the US"

There was a short pause. Then Bailey excitedly said, "Your timing is perfect!"

Puzzled, I ask, "What? Sorry, I don't quite understand what you're trying to say."

"Listen, Arizona. You are always welcome here. A surgeon with your top-notch resume, will do wonders for SGM! We were sad that you left but we understood. However, thats not the point I'm trying to make. What I'm trying to say is, I have recently found out that Stark is retiring. If you're up for it, I would like to offer you the Head of Paediatric Surgery."

Wide eyed, my jaw fell to the floor. I can't believe I'm hearing this. Having left as an attending, I would be happy to go back to my old position. But this. Wow. This is all I have ever wanted. I am left speechless!

I can hear Bailey still talking on the phone, but not a word comes out from my mouth, "I know this is a big decision Arizona, think about if first and I hope I can get an answer by end of week. We can hash out the details once you arrive here."

I'm still in SHOCK! I haven't said a word yet. Please mouth. Say something. Anything.

"Arizona?" …

"Are you still there?" …

"Robbins?…

Snapping back to reality, I excitedly said, "YES!"

"Yes?" Miranda asked.

"Yes, Bailey. I mean, YES, I will be honoured to be the Head of Paediatric Surgery in SGM!"

"That is great to hear! I'll see you in a Monday in a month's time. I know you're coming back here after two weeks. But take an extra two weeks to get settled in. I'll have the paper work ready. Let's meet around 9am to make it official."

"Monday, 9am. Got it. I'll be there. Thank you so much, Miranda. You don't know how much this means to me!"

…Current day…

This is it. I take three deep breaths and entered SGM.

The place looks exactly like how I remembered it. A feeling of nostalgia suddenly washed over me. It was overwhelming. But I knew this is exactly where I should be.

This is home.