Callie always loved the smell of the ocean. It's something she grew accustomed to growing up in Miami. There was something about the way it penetrated her sinuses that was oddly comforting. And she needed all the comfort in the world at this point; After Erica left, it seemed as though a part of Callie had gone with her. The hospital she loved so much seemed, empty. So, when Addison invited her to visit LA, she jumped at the opportunity. She thought a change of scenery could do her some good.
"Geez, Cal, you moving out there or what?" Mark said puzzled, as Callie stuffed what seemed like every scrap of clothing into her final luggage bag. "I like options" Callie laughed, as she tugged the zipper closed. "Well let's get going, you don't want to miss your flight".
The ride to the airport was oddly without conversation. The sounds of the radio drowned out the awkward silence. Finally, Mark sighed, "How long are you gonna be there Cal? You can't leave me stranded without my best friend for too long, ya know". As Callie stared at the rain, "way to be selfish Mark" Callie said sarcastically, looking back at Mark with a chuckle. "I just need this" she said, a bit more serious now." I need to clear my head, away from this cesspool of drama, they call a hospital". She paused. Debating the question he'd asked 'how long am I leaving for?' she thought. After Addison extended her invitation, she never really thought about how long she'd stay. Just that she needed to get away for more than a few days. The leave of absence she requested from the Chief was sort of, loose. Callie had been so off lately that Richard knew she needed the time. "take all the time you need, Torres" he'd said. "just bring the old Callie when you come back". Callie was lost in this thought when Marks voice snapped her out of it, "Cal, you with me?" Callie shook the thoughts. "Yeah, um, sorry. I don't really know how long Mark, I was told to take as much time as I needed. I don't really have a timeline here. I'll be back when my mind is cleared up". Mark huffed "well, that's vague. Fine Torres. You just make sure you do come back, we need you in Seattle. Remember that" he said sternly. "Yeah, I know Mark. Don't worry. You know I can't live without your pretty face anyway" she laughed.
The rain had slowed to a light mist when they pulled up to the airport; Mark pulled the car to the curb, and put it in park. Mark sighed, "Alright, let's do this" he said opening the car door. "I'm gonna miss you Cal" Mark said pulling the last suitcase out of the trunk. "I know, I'll miss you too Mark" Callie replied with a softness in her voice. Mark pushed the trunk lid closed and turned to her with outstretched arms. "C'mon, bring it in" he said jokingly as they hugged tightly. Pulling away Callie grabbed the tops of Marks shoulders, "behave Mark. Don't break too many hearts while I'm gone." Mark laughed. "You know me Torres" he said with a smile. After another quick hug and goodbye Callie turned and started toward the doors. "Be safe in LA Cal" Mark yelled after her, "and don't like it too much. I'll drag you back here myself". "I won't Mark, I promise" she shouted back with a light laugh as the doors closed behind her.
Callie breathed a sigh of relief as she entered the aisle of the plane Seattle would be behind her soon, at least for a while. She found her seat loaded her carry-on into the overhead and sat down. As she pulled out her IPod, she let out a small excited grin, 'this is it' she thought. "Someone's in a good mood" a cheery blonde said as she sat down in the seat next to her. Callie's smile grew a little wider at the sight of her beautiful new seat mate, "yeah, I definitely am. This is my 'getaway'" Callie said fingering quote signs in the air. "Getaways are always good" the blonde said with a smile. "Yes they are" Callie replied with a grin. "Are you on your getaway as well?" Callie asked the blonde. "Oh, no unfortunately heading back home. I got a job offer, so I flew out here to meet my potential new boss". Callie raised her eyebrows, "Oh? How did it go?" she asked. "Good! Really good. I think I might take it actually. I mean, LA is great, but I really like Seattle." The blonde replied smiling. "I guess from an outside perspective, it is" Callie laughed to herself. "Oh, I'm Callie by the way" she said with an outstretched hand and a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you Callie, I'm Arizona"