No one can pinpoint the moment their life changes, whether for better or worse. The truth is, change doesn't just occur all at once, it happens through a collection of minute moments that we don't pay any attention to. Sometimes we make significant life changing things happen without even realizing. In something as simple as connecting with a new person, who turns out to be your soul-mate.
In retrospect, meeting her changed my life in ways I wouldn't have been able to comprehend, thinking about it always reminds me of that John Lennon song, you know the one where he says, ""Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." I wouldn't be the person I am today if she hadn't influenced me in the ways she has, supported me so whole-heartedly that thinking about it makes my heart thump out of it's pre-determined rhythm whilst I write this.
It was a Friday, the night I met her I mean. I should tell you the 'her' I keep referring to is the woman I am lucky enough to call my wife. Of course if you want specifics I also happen to be a woman. Think of it what you will it doesn't really matter to me. If you ask me who I am, I never answer 'lesbian'. I am ambitious, driven, protective, independent and focused, but I refuse to be defined by my sexuality. Labels are stupid. Anyways, Calliope - that's her name, meaning "beautiful voiced" (very accurate)- is who I have the privilege to call mine. The journey we have ventured on, from late adolescence to present day, shaped me and every day she makes me a better person. If I had to describe to you what a soul-mate is, I guess that about sums it up.
She's beautiful. No, she's breathtaking. Breathtakingly stunning. Calliope Torres is the epitome of womanhood. She oozes confidence and breathes sexiness. Her personality matches her appearance, and she can enrapture a room in her casual conversations. Her ability to take the most mundane subject matter, and add her unique charm, intrigues even the most unsociable of people to talk with her. Her voice is sultry and inviting, her skin glows and her eyes reveal the depths of her flawless soul. Calliope Torres is one of a kind. And she's mine. Not in that controlling, over-bearing way. Just that her heart belongs to me as mine belongs to her.
Haven't you ever met someone you know deserves the best? To be treated like a queen or a goddess every day of their perfect existence? That when they hurt, you hurt? When they smile, you smile?
No?
I have. She's my best friend. No, scratch that, she's my better half. Seriously I was made to love her, the big love, the one that resembles the star-crossed lovers belonging to the depths of renowned literature. I remember the day I first saw her, the day she called me her friend, the day I realized I was in love with her. I remember that feeling where I would have traded in every prayer and wish-upon-a star to feel what it was like to be loved by her. Now that I have... Holy hell. I ain't ever going back.
This isn't just admiration for a beautiful woman, I love her. I 'm in love with her. Who wouldn't be? If you spent even a fleeting moment in her company you would know how I felt. She asked me once if I were her for one day what would I do in her body? The first and only thought that entered my Calliope-centric brain was 'Kiss me'. Of course I answered more appropriately, something along the lines of 'Read Gray's Anatomy from start to finish, just to give her a headache.' I remember her laughing at that - don't even get me started on her laugh. Infectious, adorable, pure, simplistic joy... No, stop. I'll never know why she chose me, loved me and agreed to spend the rest of her life with me. All I know is that I will never take her for granted.
I love women, I love all different types of women. Whether they are blonde, brunette, or red heads. Curvy or slim. Tall or small. I love women. I love the way they pay attention to detail or remember exact conversations held years previous. The curve of their back, the different faces each individual woman make in the throws of an orgasm. I love it all, but only one woman holds my heart. Only Calliope matters. Over the years We have shared 'I love you's, laughs, tears of sadness and of happiness, comforted each other in times of grief or distress, whispered resolute secrets in the dark whilst sharing the same pillow, held hands whilst getting matching tattoos, and spoken sober thoughts whilst drunk out of our minds in college. Yet never in the 15 years of knowing this angelic woman, have I doubted that I was in love with her. Even when we were 'just friends' did I not think she was the most amazing, perfect, flawless creature that had ever graced my life with her presence. I pride myself in knowing I have always treated her like a lady, like she deserves. Even if it meant going 10 minutes out of my way to send flowers to her office every Monday because I know she hates her morning meeting and orchids make her smile.
We have always and will always be 100% truthful about everything... and anything, from the moment we met in or unconventional way. That's our 'thing', no matter how awkward or uncomfortable the situation we talk about it. The second I met her I felt like it was the metaphorical 'crossroads' in life many people refer to. Destiny. Fate. It was her eyes. Deep chocolate brown, framed by beautifully thick black eyelashes. The windows to her soul. It always has been simple with Calliope. One nostalgic look back on the our life together and I know we were made for each other, through the good and the bad. High school drama that comes with being a lesbian couple, and med-school revision classes to present day when hectic work schedules can get in the way. Then there's the stolen glances, the snuggling, ritual Friday 'date nights' and the 'blow your mind', unbelievably, out of this world, hot, crazy passionate sex.
If I have a tough day, whether it's a silly encounter with a patient or I want to kill an intern because they lack common sense. I think about my wife and my day gets better. I'm not an idiot, I know it's soppy and cheesy but I'm in love, I'm happily married to the love of my life. I reserve the right to be a cheese-ball. I look back at our first kiss, our first time, the first 'I love you', first argument, our wedding...our wedding night or even some remotely boring day spent cuddled up watching crap day-time TV with Calliope. I feel better.
So if you want that story, maybe I should start at the beginning...
Being a 17 year old was bad enough, ask any teenage girl, it's not just me. However, when your a 17 year old, outed lesbian and the new kid - well, I wasn't the most popular kid at any of the high schools I attended. That's right, attending Lake Washington for Junior and Senior Year will be the last of the 11 different high schools I have been transferred in and out of during my educational journey. What can I say, we move alot.
Anyways, my first day was typical - find my locker, get my timetable, find all my classrooms and know where a) the toilets are and b) where the cafeteria is. Girls gotta eat! By the time I had had my tour of the impressively large school it was time for my first class, even though I was half way through my first day. AP Biology was at the back of the school, upon entering the room every head turned to gawk as I made my way to the back and sat in the only available seat. The teacher, Dr. Hunt, hadn't arrived and once everyone had taken in that there was a new girl, they returned to their conversations. This was the first time I had been left alone to my thoughts and I took stock of what was going on around me. Although AP Biology is usually a 'nerdy' subject, there were a few 'jock looking' students in my class, of course they were segregated in cliques - Jocks with Jocks, Geeks with Geeks and me on my own at the back. When Dr. Hunt arrived, the class fell silent and everyone found their respective seats, books out, and the lesson began.
When the bell rang to signal lunch, everyone raced out to get first place in the cafeteria line, I held back so as to take my time and not be caught in the throng of people all rushing like scavengers for food and conversation with their already established friend groups. I sighed at the prospect of having to meet new people and worm my way into another friend group. As if reading my mind, God or whoever sent an angel in the form of Theodora Altman. Looking up, a slim blonde girl with emerald green eyes was staring back, her head tilted to one side and scrutinizing my every move.
"Ehm hi." I said quietly.
"Hey. Your the new kid right?"
"Arizona. Yeah."
"Teddy. Teddy Altman." She greeted me, sticking out her hand which I shook slightly. After that there was an awkward silence as I packed the rest of my books into my bag. In all the schools I have been to, no one has ever approached me on the first day and introduced themselves so confidently. It made me feel at ease, that I didn't have to try overly hard to gain the attention of this girl. We walked out together in silence, until she started asking me generic questions about my relatively boring ass life.
"So, where did you move from?"
"California."
"I went there once with my Mom. It's beautiful."
"Yeah. It's nice. You always lived in Seattle?"
"Nah, moved a few years ago from New York. Long Island baby!" At this she threw her hands above her head. I laughed, Teddy was cool, well, at least she talked to me.
Entering the cafeteria, the place was reminiscent of a jungle except inhabited by teenagers, they were everywhere it felt a little overwhelming, but I always felt like that until I got my bearings. I'm sort of grateful I get to stay here until I finish high school, moving schools can get old but the first day is always daunting - especially lunch, sitting alone never bodes well for reputation and by proxy, making friends.
I felt Teddy grab my hand as she pulled me through a few groups of congregated people until we reached a smaller more secluded group. Sitting in what looked like a very heated debate was a girl with luscious red hair that fell around her shoulders and a tall, broad guy with a very attractive bone structure and dark, but very manicured hair. They merely glanced up at me before returning to their conversation, forgoing acknowledging that I was there for the time being.
An Asian girl with wispy black hair spoke up first, addressing Teddy, "Yo Teds, what's with the stray?" pointing directly at me.
I, unfamiliar with Christina Yang's social etiquette at that stage, was feeling awkward as hell, just standing there in among this, obviously close knit, friend group. I didn't get a chance to defend myself before the red headed girl did it for me.
"Christina! Leave her alone, if we hadn't taken you in when you came here you'd still be eating with April Kepner." At this the group started laughing quite hard - of course I stood there, still awkward, as I had no idea who April Kepner was or why it was bad to be eating lunch in her company. Christina mumbled something unintelligible and slouched back to continue reading 'The Alchemist'. I recognized the book and made a mental note to bring it up if I ever got stuck with Christina Yang and had nothing to say.
Teddy began introducing everyone by their first names, the handsome boy was Mark Sloan, captain of the soccer team and total player. He winked, said I was hot enough to stay and stated that, although my name was unique he was from then on going to refer to me as 'Blondie'. I objected quite forcefully but this only succeeded in making him more prone to use it. The red headed girl was called Addison Forbes-Montgomery (I could tell by her name she was a little more than well off), but she insisted on being called Addie. I had already pegged her for a cheerleader, I was right, she informed me that she and Mark were a 'thing'. When I asked about her names she confirmed that her family were quite wealthy, but she joked that she preferred to 'slum it'. I liked her.
Christina Yang was a relatively new recruit, as well, having transferred from Beverly Hills in Sophomore Year and although she had initially been hostile and snarky she had proved to be a good friend to Meredith Grey - a girl I had yet to meet. Christina was a total nerd, a straight A student with a twisted sense of humor. Teddy warned me later that Christina, Meredith, tequila and dancing were never a good combination.
Of course, I knew a little about Teddy, this girl Meredith sounded similar to Christina, Teddy mentioned a Callie something and a Jackson someone. I really couldn't take in everyone all at once so I stuck to remembering the four new people I had met today, anyone else would have to wait.
Next period was Social Studies, as usual I gazed out the window intent on not listening, a girl with a repulsive body odour, acne, unconditioned hair and quite disgusting teeth sat beside me and the remainder of the lesson I spent trying to breath through my mouth. It was horrible! I had to remember to change seats next time I was in that class.
As soon as the bell rang I hopped on the bus, it only took me 15 minutes to get back to 71st street where I would be residing for the next few years. The suburb situated in Kirkland, Seattle, was beautiful especially when the sun was out, a rarity in the showery state of Washington. The quaint wooden paneled house, I now called home, was surrounded by colorful shrubbery, glistening in the sun after an obvious rainfall, the pathway was lined with aging oaks, of which the branches nestled into the side of the house. In all the places I had traveled, Seattle was probably the most beautiful.
Entering the house, the walls lined with photographs of my family, and, as always, seeing them succeeded in making me smile. I made my way to the kitchen where the smell of freshly baked cookies wafted to meet me. Regardless of what state we were situated, home for me was the combination of Mom's cookies straight from the oven and the orchids she always had neatly arranged on the kitchen counter. Greeting me with a kiss to the cheek and a warm cookie placed in my hand, she asked me to recount my day and after I did, she sent me to finish up my homework before dinner. Obliging I made my way up the deep mahogany staircase towards my bedroom, I had decorated to my taste, placing my Cindy Crawford poster above my double bed and I had placed my desk overlooking the peaceful Seattle suburb below.
Shrugging into my favourite Miami Heat sweatshirt I pulled out my homework and made a start, around an hour later my Mom called me down for dinner. Relaying my quite uneventful day back to her, she listened intently.
"Teddy is cool, I guess. I mean, she talked to me which is always nice."
"Does she know?"
"Know what? Oh, that I like girls." My Mom nodded. "No."
"Will you tell her? I only ask in case your interest-"
"Mom! If she asks I won't lie and she can make of it what she will. But just because I like girls, it doesn't mean I'm attracted to everything with boobs! Teddy is a friend." I exclaimed, I knew I had to cut her off before she could go any further, which was rude and I could tell by her stern expression that she wasn't pleased, but it had to be said.
"I'm only looking out for you baby. I'll take your word for it, I just don't want to see you make friends and then lose them because they don't understand this is who you are." Her soft expression made me feel guilty, of course she was only looking out for me and I had snapped at her. In terms of accepting my sexuality, my very military family were as cool as parents come. They were protective and supportive and everything a lesbian could ask for, I knew there were others who weren't as lucky, but sometime my Mom could be pushy.
"I know Mom. Thanks."
The next few days passed in the same fashion and when Friday came around I was quite thankful it was the weekend. I got on the bus to find Teddy Altman listening to her Ipod and reading what I assumed to be homework she hadn't finished last night. I took a seat beside her and she smiled, taking out her earphones and greeting me rather sleepily.
"Hey Arizona."
"Hey. I didn't know you got this bus." I said curiously.
"Oh yeah, I live over on 126th Avenue, I didn't realize you lived this close to me!" she exclaimed. I was taken aback by how excited she was, as she rambled about how we could catch the bus into the city or go see a movie or go to Marina Park, but I went with it. Who was I to pick and choose friends?
School was meek, the only highlight was a free period before lunch when I went to check out the gym, it was fairly modern with school banners littering the walls but it was empty for some reason. I thought there may have been a gym class at this time of the day but I reveled in the quiet gym, there is nothing like the comfortable silence and the echo of your footsteps knowing your completely alone with your thoughts - especially on a basketball court. I made a mental note to ask Teddy when the basketball team try-outs would be held. If you can't tell, I'm a big basketball fan, but more on that later.
At lunch I scanned the cafeteria looking for the group I had sat with yesterday, spotting them again secluded against the wall. I graced them with my presence, again none of them acknowledged I existed. It was similar to yesterday, Christina and a petite girl with mousy brown hair and shocking pink highlights, I assumed was Meredith Grey, were engulfed in books. Addison was in a tight lip-locked embrace with Mark and had no intention of stopping because I was now sitting at the table. A tanned boy with a muscular frame was there eating the cafeteria's special of spaghetti bolognese, when I sat down he slid down the bench until he was sitting next to me.
"You must be Arizona. Jackson Avery. Pleasure." He had a deep voice, very sexy to the female admirer, however I am a lady lover, that I know, despite his intimately attractive piercing blue eyes contrasting with his darker complexion. Seriously, what is with guys and their beautiful jaw bones around here! He was a very obviously good looking guy and I spotted a few girls giggling and twirling their hair staring straight at us.
"Yeah. Nice to meet you too." I paused. "Do they do that often?" I asked, pointing at the couple opposite who were mauling each others faces. It was a little off-putting to say the least.
He sighed and nodded, continuing to shovel his lunch into his mouth at lightning speed. When he had all but inhaled it, he stood up, squeezed my shoulder, told me he would 'Catch me later' and left. A little stunned at his departure I ate my lunch in silence, the two friends ignoring anyone and Addison and Mark all but dry humping each other, I wondered where Teddy was. I realized that sitting with this group, although deemed 'socially popular' because of their cliques, they were a commodity in the school. Mark was a jock, naturally kissing a cheerleader - that hadn't changed - but why weren't they sitting with the other jocks, instead they sat with two odd girls reading highly intellectual philosophical books, and the new kid. It was strange. I wondered if I should get up and leave, but I thought that would make me look even weirder and more of an outsider, so I stayed put and waited for Teddy.
Teddy finally showed up with the excuse that she had lost her notepad, only to have realized she hadn't taken it out of her locker this morning. Teddy was beginning to strike me as a little clumsy and forgetful, but I would soon realize that Teddy was a highly engaged and perceptive person, she just didn't show it very often. I enjoyed being around her.
"Has anyone seen Cal?" she asked the group still ignoring anyone else in the school existed.
Christina grunted and Meredith, without looking up from the sentence she was currently reading, stated that Callie was with Erica.
"Ugh, fine. She's always with her these days. I miss her a little, don't you Addie." Of course Addison didn't answer for obvious reasons. "Addie! Addison! ADDISON!" Teddy all but screamed at the red head, finally drawing her attention away from her boyfriend.
"What?!" Addison's facial expression was far from friendly.
"All I wanted to know was if you missed your best friend?" Teddy said exasperatingly.
"Of course, but I refuse to be around that bitch Erica, if Callie wants to hang out with her that's fine but I won't be there. My parents are gone again this weekend so I'm having a party tonight, and Cal will be there." She turned to me then, "Arizona your welcome to come, the whole gang will be there and you'll be able to meet Callie, without her ball and chain hanging off her." Her tone was frank and I deftly picked up on the fact that Erica - whoever she was - was not welcome in this awkward little group.
After lunch Teddy and I walked to English, I was curious as to who Erica was or what she had done to Addie to piss her off so much but I thought it better not to meddle. I didn't exactly want to lose the closest people I had to friends on my second day of school, just because I was interested in gossip that was definitely none of my business. Instead I listened to Teddy while she bounced ideas off of me for what she would wear tonight to Addison's party.
English was a little more interesting than I had anticipated, the teacher choosing to study The Great Gatsby, I had already read the book but I thoroughly enjoy Mr. Gatsby and his...uniqueness for lack of a better word. The line "Old Sport" never fails to make me smile. I asked Teddy on the way out of class how she felt about Gatsby, she replied that she felt indifferent, that Jay Gatsby was a character, a figment of F. Scott Fitzgerald's imagination and therefore she had no right to an opinion on his creativity. If Fitzgerald deemed his character a literary classic for himself, then that's what Mr. Gatsby was. I was in awe of Teddy's outburst of intelligence, I never considered her merely 'clumsy' again.
Walking out together towards our bus she asked for my number and informed me that she would pick me up at around 8.30 outside my house and we could got to Addison's together. Before I got off at my stop she told me that I should pack a sleep over bag and bring a bikini. I was surprised and excited that this party may get crazy, but nodded anyways, leaving her to stare idly out the window, no doubt still contemplating what to wear. Or maybe she was having deep internal thoughts about not having an opinion on famous literary work. Honestly, with Teddy I wasn't entirely sure.
Deciding to dress fairly casual I put on my skinny dark wash jeans, a slim fitting grey shirt, and a dark jacket. Throwing on my new Air Jordan Spiz'ikes and styling my wavy blonde hair so that it sat in a waterfall plait down my back, I looked decent enough to be seen in public. I decided not to re-do the light make-up I wore to school so I was ready to leave when Teddy pulled up outside my house. Kissing my Mom good-bye I bolted out the door, sleep-over bag in tow. Teddy blasted Jennifer Hudson the whole way to Addison's, who lived out at Yarrow Point. I wasn't sure how I felt about her musical taste but I decided to keep it to myself.
Now, I've been all over this country, in fact I've even been to exotic places outside the States, but never have a seen I place as mesmeric and divine as the view of Lake Washington from Yarrow Point. The elegant houses represented their affluent owners, the Forbes-Montgomery mansion proving to be one of the more grandiose bulidings in the already lavish area. I was astounded at the sheer beauty that exuded from the house, the building itself was beige in colour, contrasting perfectly with marble pillars which held up an extensive balcony overlooking Lake Washington and all it's natural magnificence. Teddy pulled up beside 3 obviously expensive cars, I'm no car fanatic but these cars even looked costly. Like more than my house, costly. Whilst I was taking in my exquisite surroundings, Teddy led me through the huge double doors to a foyer that was reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel, the marble floors, chandelier and a stair case that looked like it had been sculpted by God himself with gold railings and intricate details framing the wall it wrapped itself around.
The rest of the house was just as grand but I didn't get a chance to examine it, there was too many people in every room I seemed to enter. It felt like nearly every person from L.W.H was there. The bass from a massive sound system was pounding throughout the entire house and everyone was either drinking alcohol of some description or kissing. I followed Teddy into the kitchen where Addison, Mark, Jackson, Meredith and Christina were sitting around the kitchen table. We joined them, before Teddy asked where Callie was. Upon being told she was probably dancing, Teddy asked if I was okay to stay, then left to find her friend.
"So Blondie, up for a game of I never?" Mark asked, a sly smirk spreading across his smug face.
"Bring it Playboy". I replied just as smug.
Red cups were filled with booze and the game began, Addison starting the game off.
"OK, Never have I had a threesome." Mark and Meredith drank. Addison rolled her eyes at Mark but the group didn't seem surprised at Meredith taking a drink. The best thing about this game, I got a sense of who each individual was without having to ask them any personal questions. I was, after all, still the new girl.
Jackson was next, "Never have I had a crush on a close friend." Addison looked at Mark, and Mark at Addison and drank. I drank too.
"Damn Blondie, he was a lucky guy." Mark joked. I didn't bother correcting him, I didn't feel like talking about the catastrophe in Chicago. "My turn, alright girls time to get drunk, never have I slept with a guy."
Groaning, Addison, Meredith and Cristina drank. Noticing that I didn't take a drink, Mark tried to make a spectacle, "Wait, Blondie are you a virgin?"
He was about to start laughing when I replied simply, "No. I'm not." The look on each of their faces as they turned to face me, eyes bugging it out of their sockets. I didn't confirm anything just took my turn, "Uhm, ok, I guess I can say this. Never have I seen a penis up close." I smiled, then burst out laughing when they all had to take a drink, still staring at me.
"Are you, like an actual...you know?" Jackson inquired.
Trying to contain my giggles I replied, "A lesbian? Yes Jackson, I am. In fact I've probably pulled more than you my friend." Slapping his shoulder I gave him a dimpled grin.
The whole group burst out in laughter, real whole-hearted laughter. Mark was the first to speak, "I like you Blondie, maybe we can trade tips sometimes." He held out his fist and I bumped it with my own.
The group all agreed that they had no qualms with my sexuality, only Addison said that she was surprised because I didn't look like a lesbian. To this I cocked my head to one side and asked, "What's a lesbian look like?"
Cristina laughed at this, watching Addison's face go from creamy pale to bright red in less than 20 seconds, "Your alright Arizona."
After a few more questions, the group dissipated, Cristina and Meredith in search for innocent boys they could liquor up and get steamy with. Addison and Mark downed their drinks then went to find a free room, I think you can guess what for. I was left with Jackson whose eyes were roaming the room for a way to escape the awkwardness.
Deciding to give it to him I said, "I'm going to find Teddy, this was fun. See ya around Jackson." He nodded and scurried, head bowed into the living room. I laughed, shaking my head at his frenzied departure. Scouring rooms looking for her, I resided that this house was far too big. I found myself outside on the expansive balcony trying to grab some fresh air away from the crowds inside.
As I took in the sublime view I happened to glance up at the stars glimmering above me and smiled. My brother once told me that the beautiful thing about stars was that no matter where he was, the stars we both looked at at night would always be the same. Big cornball, but he was right and it was a comforting thought, seeing as he was in Afghanistan, fighting in the war. That morbid thought made me a little upset but I focused on the stars instead of the constant fear for my brother's safety.
I turned to head back inside and that was when I saw her, Calliope Torres, in all her refined and unparalleled beauty. Of course I didn't actually know it was her then, not that I cared, regardless of who she was I'd never had a greater urge to kiss another human being so bad in my whole 17 years of life. Her long, raven black hair sat in loose waves around her shapely caramel toned face, her cheeks were flushed from dancing and her brown eyes sparkled in the light of the stars that shone above us. The slight breeze I had resented when first coming to this city, ruffled her hair and she sighed at the feeling of the wind on her warm skin. I couldn't blink, in fear of missing one millisecond of the goddess that stood before me. When she noticed that I was standing in front of her, her lips - perfect, kissable lips - curled delicately into a breath-taking smile. Her teeth were so white against her olive complexion, the perfect contrast made me feel dizzy. My conscience reminded me that I was staring but I couldn't physically tear my eyes away, I tried to focus on breathing and acting like I wasn't going to pass out in front of her.
I realized she was asking me something, brown depths turning inquisitive when I didn't answer immediately. Shaking my head a little, gazing down at my feet then back up at her my brain finally kicked into function, "I'm sorry what did you say?" I plastered a dimpled grin onto my, now blushing face.
"Are you OK? You look a little flushed." she questioned with genuine conviction, like she really cared about me. I was a stranger, encounters with strangers were usually awkward and uncomfortable but with her, it felt different. It felt safe. Her voice was a new definition of sexy too, echoing off my reverbial eardrums it made me sigh in appreciation for this natural masterpiece of humanity.
"I'm OK, just a little warm in there." She smiled again and I smiled back at her. God, her smile was infectious.
"Yeah I know what you mean, it can get a little crowded. Plus it's not a bad view out here." she replied, pointing to the landscape behind me that I had been admiring only moments ago. To be truthful when she sidled up next to me to take in the view, the two beauties side by side were picturesque. I was so tempted to brush the loose curl that had escaped from behind her ear back and kiss her with all the passion that had developed within me in the past few moments.
"I'm Callie, by the way. Callie Torres." She said, flashing that mesmerizing smile at me again, I had to clutch the railing in an attempt to keep my hands to myself.
"I'm Arizona. Robbins. It's nice to finally meet you."
"Oh, your the new girl the gang have been bragging about so much these last couple of days. I'm sorry I haven't been around much lately." Sighing, she glanced out towards the lake again, looking somewhat conflicted.
"Well, maybe we can hang out a bit more now that I know what you look like". She laughed, a noise I wanted to play on repeat until it was branded inside my brain. Everything about her was enrapturing and she was so oblivious to it.
"Yeah. Hopefully. The way Teddy talks about you, you seem cool".
"I'm sure Teddy is exaggerating, we haven't known each other very long, but I'll remember to thank her anyways".
"She vouched for you. That means your part of the gang, and everyone seems to think your nice too." There was a pause, she looked at me expectantly but I didn't say anything, instead I reverted back to staring - drinking in her features like a alcoholic deprived of their preference of poison - while she gazed intently at the gorgeous scenery.
After a few minutes of silence she turned to me, capturing my blue orbs with her soulful brown ones, and asked if I was planning on staying on the balcony for much longer and if I was ready to go back inside she would join me after she made a quick phone call. Grinning stupidly at her I stepped inside of the double glass doors to wait for her. The one-sided conversation she was having and that I happened to overhear sounded hostile and the pleading in the Latina's voice made me feel angry at whoever was quite obviously taking her for granted. We'd met for less than 10 minutes and I already felt something I'd never felt for another person before. It was scary to say the least and I had to shrug the thoughts off as soon as possible. This girl was Teddy's friend, there could be no more disastrous sexual encounters with straight friends in my lifetime. The drama they brought was too much to handle.
"Hey, it's me. I'm just checking in."
"No I know, you know I wish I was with you, but you and Addie do-"
"Please don't snap I'm just -"
"Yeah, I mean I was going to stay but I guess-"
"OK. No. I'll see you tomorrow then."
"Yeah. You too. By-"
Callie looked at her phone, and I watched as she shook her head, cleared her throat, wiped away a stray tear, straightened her shoulders then turned to me with a guarded but soft appearance. "Ready to go back in?" she asked, trying to hide the emotion evident in her voice.
"I am. Are you? I don't mind waiting for another minute. The party isn't going anywhere." I replied knowingly, if all I could give this beautiful soul was the solace of comfort in this moment, that's what she would get. It was strange even then, I knew I would do anything for her, and I had only known her name for 15 minutes.
Her dark eyes swam with uncertainty, searching mine for a hidden agenda for my concern or any threat that I may hurt her but all she would find was a curious longing to know her more than on a first name basis.
She looked everywhere but my face, not knowing whether to trust me, after all back then I was a complete stranger to her. Finally coming to the conclusion she felt I could be confided in, she asked, "Have you ever fallen for someone you know is bad for you in every way, and you just want someone to rescue you from the damage they could cause you?" Her request was soft, her eyes glancing down to where her foot was scuffing the floor.
"Yeah I have".
"Have you ever found that someone? Like..." she sighed looking up towards the stars, in an attempt to bat away the tears "Someone who treated you right? Who loved you properly?" Her expression was breaking my heart, whoever was making her ask a relative stranger these questions was definitely not worthy to call Callie Torres theirs.
"I don't think I have, yet." I took a tentative step towards her, pulling out a tissue, catching the tear threatening to spill out of the corner of her eye which would certainly ruin the stunning eye-make that made her eyes stand out definitively. "But, whoever makes a pretty girl like you cry, definitely isn't worth your time. I just met you and I already know your awesome". I replied with a dimpled smile.
Cringe Cringe. Cringe. What is wrong with me, this is the most beautiful creature I've ever laid eyes on and I say some cringy shit only my brother would come out with.
What happened next nearly knocked me off my feet...literally. Callie flung herself at me, wrapping me in a bone-crushing hug and nestling her face into my neck in search of physical comfort. We were practically strangers, this wasn't normal, but why then did it feel like the most natural position in the world. The closeness made my body temperature rise, along with my libido, her curvaceous frame pressing against mine in all the right ways. Breathing in the smell engulfing my senses, she smelt like coconut shampoo and jasmine. It was overwhelming but we just stood there hugging until she shyly pulled away.
"I- I'm sorry. I don't..."
"You have nothing to be sorry for. Besides, seeing as Teddy is so intent on bragging about me, I'm going to be around. Anytime you wanna talk, or hug... Come find me. It's cool. You can relax".
With that she beamed her genuine, unique smile saying, "Teddy's right. You are cool. Come on." Pulling me back into the midst of the party we found Teddy chatting to a guy who introduced himself as Henry Burton. I can't remember what he looked like, I assume he was stereo-typically handsome, of course I wasn't exactly focusing on anyone else with Calliope sitting right next to me.
The four of us sat talking whilst the crowds around us slowly disappeared, moving on for the night, it wasn't until Henry got up to leave that we realized it was only Callie, Teddy and I left in Addison's larger than average mansion.
Yawning, Teddy stood up saying that she was going to bed, Callie and I smirked knowingly at each other as Teddy hastily rushed out, undoubtedly going to snag a goodnight kiss from Henry.
"So.." I started to say.
"Are you tired? I could show you to a room if you want?" she asked politely, still smiling that utterly amazing smile.
"I'm not really that tired. If you are go on ahead to bed, I'll probably go and look at that view again. It really is beautiful". I felt a little awkward, I didn't exactly want to shout out that I wanted to spend as much time with her because she was absolutely stunning, that would be uncomfortable, seeing as we only met each other less than four hours previous. Or that I wanted to do seriously dirty, inappropriate things to her.
"Did you bring a bikini?" she cut my internal rambling off unexpectedly, a smile gracing her features again.
"Yeah. Why?"
"Fancy a swim?"
"Uhm yeah, sure". I knew the second I agreed to the swim, it was a bad idea. How dumb am I agreeing to get semi-naked and wet in the same area as Callie Torres. If I wasn't already attracted to the gorgeous Latina, the sight of her in a skimpy red bikini clarified it. Her tanned curves jutting out in perfectly, her cleavage peeking out from the revealing crimson bikini top she had on. Spectacular ass too. This was not helping me separate that this girl was probably straight, had some hottie boyfriend and most definitely was not attracted to me in any sort of romantic dimension.
We spent an insignificant amount of time chatting about general stuff - home, school, friends, family, hobbies and interests. I briefly mentioned my interest in basketball and she informed me she played. This made me more attracted to her, which I hadn't considered was possible. We bonded over our mutual interest of the Miami Heat and she informed me try-outs were on Tuesday after school. Of course I didn't mention anything too personal, as gorgeous as she was and as comfortable I felt around her, we were technically still strangers. She mentioned she lived close by, it made me wonder if she too lived in a house as lavish as this.
It wasn't until she was sitting on the steps of the pool staring into the dark abyss above her, deep in thought I had the courage to ask her about the phone call I had overheard earlier in the evening, "Hey." I said softly, drawing darkened irises from the starlit sky to mine. She smiled slightly, silently encouraging me to continue, "I was serious about what I said earlier, whoever upsets someone like you...they really aren't worth your time".
Her face turned solemn and I thought she was going to cry, instead she turned her eyes back to the sky above us and sighed. She took a deep breath before answering, "It's complicated".
"When is it not?" I answered.
At this she chuckled, the water rippling around her frame. After a distinguished silence we both decided it was getting late and a little cold so we headed inside. She showed me to one of the many guest rooms and said goodnight. We both lingered a little longer than was normal for new acquaintances after her goodnight before I backed slowly into the room until she was out of sight. That night I slept soundlessly, my dreams clouded with the presence of a certain sexy Latina I now had the privilege to know.