Disclaimer: I do not own some characters, dialogues, or scenes. They belong to Shonda Rhimes, Grey's Anatomy, and ABC.
I'm not a writer, but decided to give it a try.
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Moments like this made Arizona thankful for her and her brother, Timothy's military brat upbringing. They learned to speak a few different languages while living abroad. For both, Spanish is the one that came in handy the most. Specifically in the moment she was in right now.
A few weeks ago, their mother, Barbara noticed how her 5 year old granddaughter loved to dance. Her body would start to move in rhythm every time a song came on the radio. It looked so natural. As if she was born to dance. After all, it was in her blood. Her mother's love for dancing shining through. Thinking back on memories of Catalina's mother dancing made Barbara's eyes fill with tears. It seemed like it was just yesterday, but really it was over 5 years ago. Barbara called for a family meeting, where she revealed her discovery and suggested that they enroll their 'tiny dancer' in some classes.
That's how Arizona found herself standing outside the Ven y Baila dance studio, located inside the grand Torres Hotel. She was holding on tight to the little girl standing next to her. All they could hear was a reverberating beat coming from within. Her brain working fast to translate the words of the song playing.
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Arizona took a deep breath. She bent to whisper to Catalina "Okay, here we go. Are you ready?" She received a shrug in response.
After opening the door, she ushered Catalina inside. The little girl appeared to be shy, but give her a minute or two to adapt to her surroundings and she would instantly become a little social butterfly.
The studio looked to be full of children of ages 5 through 16. They were all dancing along in rhythm.
In front of the pack was a very striking woman. She was tall, tan, had shoulder length hair, and a jovial glow in her brown eyes. The woman turned her head upon hearing the door open, she motioned for the guests at the door to walk in. "Let's keep the rhythm going," she instructed the students.
After walking over to where Arizona and Catalina stood, she introduced herself, "Welcome, I'm Aria Torres, one of the dance instructors here."
Both women shook hands. Arizona introduced herself and then motioned for the little girl to introduce herself. After their introductions, Aria pointed them to the office where they could find someone to discuss what dance classes were available.
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Opening the door to the office, Arizona had to do a double take. If she thought the woman from before was striking, she didn't even know how to describe the one dancing away, a few feet in front of her.
'Sexy, sexy as hell'
There were no words.
Catalina let out a chuckle which drew the woman's attention.
Arizona noticed her blush and decided to say something, "Merengue, right?"
"Haha... Yeah, yes! Are you familiar?" asked the woman, kind of surprised with the question.
Arizona shook her head up and down, then side to side. "I am familiar with the music, but not with the dance. From the looks of it, you sure are."
The brunette woman smiled big. "Me? Oh, I grew up on this music. It's in my blood. I would be disowned if I weren't."
"Well, that's kind of what brings me here. This little gal here loves to shake her hips. It's also in her blood. I'm pretty sure her family would disown her too, if she didn't familiarize herself with the dance and music."
Catalina nodded her head and smiled wide, not really understanding what was being said, just knowing that it was about her.
"So... um… wow, I just realized I didn't introduce myself" claimed the woman who was caught dancing earlier. Just now realizing she didn't know how to address the two blondes in front of her. "I'm Callie Torres, and this is my family's dance studio. My mother and sister are the main instructors. I occasionally come and help out."
'What a beautiful name' thought Arizona.
"How rude of me, I'm Arizona Robbins." She then motioned for the little girl to introduce herself, again. "Me llamo, Catalina Isabella Robbins y vine a apprender a bailar como mi mami." (I'm Catalina Isabella Robbins and I am here to learn to dance just like my mommy).
Callie just stood motionless for a few seconds. She had a huge smile on her face. This little girl in front of her was sassy. Callie was full of curiosity. She heard Arizona mention that dancing was in the little girl's blood. The girl who she now knew as 'Catalina Isabella Robbins,' as she had just let her know in that very spirited way, and in Spanish no less.
After looking closer, the dirty blonde haired, hazel eyed, one-dimpled girl looked to be multiracial. She guessed that the other mother, the one who Catalina wanted to dance like, must be of Latin descent. Perhaps they used a Latin sperm donor? Then she thought that it could be the other way around. Maybe they used a Caucasian donor. But then she thought that Catalina highly resembled Arizona. She was interested in the story there, but didn't want to seem intrusive. Callie also didn't want to assume anything. She was already supposing that Arizona was a lesbian because Catalina referred to a 'mami' that knew how to dance. Arizona had just mentioned that she was familiar with the music, but not the dance. Arizona's facial expressions while saying so, made it seem like she thought she couldn't dance at all.
Catalina broke Callie out of her thoughts when she turned to look out the window of the office. She could see that the current class was finishing up.
Catalina tugged Arizona's hand, "Is that going to be my dance class?"
"I'm not sure sweetie. We need to figure out the classes offered, but don't you worry, that's what we are here for," replied Arizona.
"Right, right. Sorry! So, you young lady are interested in dance classes," questioned Callie.
The little girl confirmed with an exaggerated head nod.
"Well let's see. First off, how old are you?"
Right as Catalina opened her mouth to respond, the door opened. The woman from earlier walked in. "Callie, papi te esta llamando. (Dad is calling you). He is trying to reach you because he needs your input on something. Apparently it is urgent. Go on, head to the office upstairs and see if you can get a hold of him."
Callie, realizing that her time at the studio was over, turned her attention to the two guests. "I'm sorry to have to run out of here little miss. My sister, Aria will get you set up with your classes. Again, so sorry, but I have got to run. It was nice meeting you both. I hope to see you dancing around here when I pop up at random classes. Can't wait to see your Merengue!"
As she was walking out of the door, Callie turned around and winked at Catalina.
After Callie's exit, the remaining sat and discussed the different classes offered, the schedule, and the payment. Catalina was signed up for ballroom classes with Callie and Aria's mother, Lucia Torres as well as Urban classes with Aria.
Arizona and Catalina couldn't wait to get back to the family and tell them all about their day. Catalina was excited to announce that she would become a dancer very soon.
They did not end up going home right away to make their announcement. Arizona decided that she wanted to spoil the little girl with a new wardrobe for her dance classes. They spent a few hours going from store to store, buying a plethora of dresses, leggings, and shiny new shoes. Arizona felt that dancing was going to be a very big part of Catalina's life. This was just the beginning.
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The weekend passed, Monday came around and Catalina found herself starting her first week of dance classes. She was accompanied by her Grandma, as it would be for the first couple of weeks. Her care was often shuffled between people in her family and a part-time nanny.
As time went by Catalina's dance skills improved. Aria mostly instructed the Urban and Hip-Hop classes, but that was not the area where Catalina really stood out. It was in the Merengue, Salsa, and Ballroom dances where she really shined. Lucia was really impressed. It was a mixture of natural talent and a child who was attentive and well behaved.
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Catalina was full of jitters on the night of her first dance show.
"Little soldier, are you nervous?" asked her Grandpa, Colonel Robbins, while he made sure that the video camera was charged and working correctly. It was very important that every second of this performance was recorded.
"No sir, I am just super excited," replied Catalina.
Arizona reached for Catalina, "Come here Kitty Cat. Let me fix your hair. Are you ready for this? Do you think you are well prepared?"
"Arizona, what kind of question is that? Of course she is prepared. First off, she is a Robbins. We are always prepared. Second, she no longer walks in the house; she is always dancing" stated Barbara.
Catalina smirked, showing off her one dimple.
They all wished Catalina well on her performance. Barbara walked her to where everyone else was gathering. Arizona grabbed seats near the front, while the Colonel made sure that the camera was set up at the right spot to get the perfect recording.
Moments later, Lucia Torres came out on stage "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen! We have a wonderful presentation tonight. Our children have been working very hard over the past weeks and months. Let's be respectful by silencing our phones, keeping the noise down, and giving our undivided attention."
The curtains went up.
Aria stood in front of the dancers, signaled for the music to begin and then counted them in. The dancers did a great job showcasing their Urban & Hip Hop dances. The Robbins were in awe of their little dancer.
Then Lucia came back out and the Ballroom dances were performed without a hitch. Catalina was pure perfection.
Barbara was in tears, while Arizona and the Colonel stood beaming with pride. This was just the beginning of a very long road.
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A few weeks later, Arizona took Catalina to her dance class. "I'm going to drop you off and then go grab a coffee next door. OK?" asked Arizona.
Catalina responded with her usual head nod.
After getting her settled in class, Arizona walked out of the hotel and over to the nearest coffee shop.
Walking in, the first thing Arizona noticed was how delicious it smelled. The other thing she noticed was a woman who had made a lasting first impression on her a few months ago.
"Excuse me! Ms. Torres, fancy seeing you here and not in there dancing this time" Arizona questioned after tapping the woman's shoulder and pointing in the direction of the hotel.
Callie turned around and was confused at who was addressing her. It took her a minute, but then she turned red, remembering that embarrassing moment a few months ago. Wait a minute, Callie Torres does not do embarrassed, she does confident, thought Callie.
Callie chuckled at Arizona's words, "Damn, you're not going to forget that are you?"
Arizona smirked and then let out a loud laugh. "Ha, I don't think I can."
"Next!" yelled the Barista.
The girls didn't realize that they were holding up the line with their banter.
"Oh, that would be me" said Callie. She walked up and placed her order. She motioned for Arizona to come and place hers as well.
"No, it's okay. I will order next"
Callie shook her head, "Nonsense, come on. Get over here and place your order."
After their orders were placed, both women moved over to the waiting area. Arizona took this moment to secretly check Callie out.
She thought that Callie was sexy before, but now she was realizing just how beautiful she really was. Arizona could tell that Callie spent a lot of time on her appearance, however a lot of it was just natural beauty. She had her long shiny raven hair cascading down her back. Her makeup accented her perfectly manicured eyebrows, sparkling milk chocolate eyes, and full red lips. She was elegantly dressed in black trousers and a tailored navy blazer. Callie was just classically beautiful.
Not wanting to get caught, Arizona broke the small silence, "Thank you for the coffee."
"Oh, it's really not a problem" responded Callie.
After receiving their coffees, Callie asked "Are you heading over to the dance studio or staying here?"
"I'm just going to head over to the studio and wait there" answered Arizona.
Callie turned and started walking towards the door, "Come on, I will walk with you."
Arizona smiled and followed Callie.
"So I heard the dance show was a big success. For an entire week, every time I spoke to my mom on the phone, she would not stop gushing about the show."
"It was a beautiful production. We are very proud of Catalina and super thankful to your family for making her feel so good about her dancing" praised Arizona.
"Oh that's not us, that's all Catalina. I've seen her a few times and she is a natural. I mean look at her right now. The way she just did that turn and immediately went into the next step. That is natural talent."
Now at the studio, the women stood there watching the students dance, particularly Catalina.
Arizona felt emotional. Not wanting to think about certain things in her head, she turned to Callie to say something. "They make it look so easy. I have rhythm, but I don't think I could ever keep up like they can."
"You know for some of them it comes naturally, but for others it takes years and years of practice" said Callie, while checking the time on her Cartier watch. "I'm sorry but I really need to run upstairs and change. I'm actually going to be helping with the next class."
Arizona thanked Callie again for the coffee.
Before Callie walked away an idea came to mind. "You know, I'm going to be teaching some classes for the next two weeks while my sister is away. One of them is an adult class on Friday evenings. You are more than welcomed to join us. You might learn a thing or two" Callie teased and smirked.
Arizona's heart rate spiked and she started to feel a little hot. How in the world was she going to respond to Callie's invitation. It was just dance classes, nothing else, she thought. She took a minute to respond, deciding to joke about it, "Umm, I'm not sure you are ready to see my moves."
Callie laughed out loud causing a few heads to turn their way.
"It would only improve the moves I'm sure you already have. Trust me, we've seen all kinds of dancers here. I've really got to head upstairs. Just think about it. Show up if you'd like, if not, no worries."
Callie walked away and Arizona stood lost in her thoughts. If she decided to show up, she was worried about the embarrassment she might feel about showing this beautiful woman her moves. On the other hand, she got to learn from said woman and even see Callie's own dancing. It was an idea that she would we have to sleep on.
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About half an hour later, just as Catalina's dance class was ending, Callie reappeared. There she was in all her glory, standing on the other side of the room. Her hair was pulled up in a loose ponytail and she was now dressed in tight black leggings and a Def Leppard shirt. That's something I would definitely like to pour some sugar on, thought Arizona.
Callie walked over to Lucia.
They caught everyone's attention before they started to leave. "Don't forget that next week will be a little different. Callie will be instructing your classes while Aria is away. Have a wonderful weekend. See you soon!"
Catalina ran over to Arizona.
As they approached the exit to head out, Callie was there to open the door for them.
She had her hand held up for a high-five with Catalina.
"Goodnight Ms. Callie, see you next week."
"Goodnight sweetie. Have a wonderful weekend" replied Callie.
As Arizona walked out, Callie held her hand up for a high-five from her too.
"You know, if you decide to take the dance class offer, don't forget that tomorrow is Friday. Have a goodnight"
With that parting moment, Arizona walked out of the hotel and into the streets of New York City with a few things on her mind. A jolt ran through her when Callie's smooth hand high-fived hers. The moment lasted less than half a second, but it was still enough to keep her mind going crazy. She also had to figure out whether she was going to join tomorrow's class. She would definitely like to learn a thing or two from Callie.
Walking home with Catalina, Arizona couldn't help but feel a certain way about how her evening turned out. She felt good about herself and the positive energy surrounding her. Something made her think that things were about to change for her. It put an extra pep in her step.
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