Chapter One

I remember the day I first saw Calliope like it was yesterday. Back then, I thought it was the only good thing that happened that day. That day changed my life. For a long time I thought that it changed my life for the worse. I didn't know who I was after that day; I was lost, hurt, broken. It's funny though...in retrospect, what could easily be deemed the worst day of my life, actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I can now see the silver lining that came from that fateful day. And who knows what would be if that day didn't go the way it did, but I honestly couldn't picture my life now any different than it is. And for as much pain and sorrow came from that day, I believe that just as much, if not more, happiness resulted as well. After all, everything happens for a reason.

I am literally having the day from Hell. On my way to a very early morning shift I had spilt coffee on my scrubs and had to change into my extra pair that was way too big for me. I glance in the mirror and took note of how silly I looked in the baggy clothes...but they would have to do. I sigh as I gather my stuff, put on my white coat and head out to do my morning rounds.

There were twins in Idaho that needed a complicated surgery done, requiring multiple surgeons with different specialties, and since they were babies, that included me. A few surgeons were supposed to go to get them and bring them back here to Seattle Grace Mercy West. I had requested that my resident go in my place because I really do not like flying. All was fine and good until I got called this morning. Something came up and the resident was unable to make the trip to Idaho, and since someone from the Paeds department had to go, that meant I had to. So I got out of bed and made my way to the hospital so I can check up on my patients before the plane took off.

I start making my way to Chrissie's room, a seven-year old patient of mine. She just had her appendix removed and was recovering from the surgery. She has a special spot in my heart, even though I know I should keep my distance. I can't help it though; she really reminds me of me. Spunky and very happy.

"Hello Dr. Robbins!" she greets me as I roll in.

"What's up Chrissie?" I ask her. "How are you feeling on this fine morning?" I inquire as I glance at her chart; all looks good.

"I feel soo much better. Mom just left to get me some pudding. Do you like pudding? I love pudding. Especially chocolate. Chocolate is the best. I think if my mom would let me, I would eat chocolate all the time...because it's just that good. Sometimes I really want vanilla, but once I get it, I usually wish I had gotten chocolate instead. Do you ever do that?" I laugh as she talks a mile a minute. I have no idea where she gets the energy, but I like it. It's not often my patients are so talkative after a procedure.

"I know what you mean. Chocolate is the best thing ever!" I answer enthusiastically. "I would eat it all the time too, but then I'm afraid there'd be none left for everyone else!"

She giggles, "Arizona, that's just silly. You can never run out of chocolate. There's more at the store!"

I laugh at her logic; after all, she makes a very good point. I continue to check her vitals. Her mom soon walks in and gives Chrissie the chocolate pudding. I talk to her for a few minutes and catch her up on how her daughter is doing, before I have to leave and talk to the next kid. "I'll see you later Chrissie! I've got to get on a plane to see another patient soon, so I won't be the one checking on you for evening rounds." I smile at her. "But don't worry, the doctor that's coming instead of me has already been informed that to gain entrance, he must bring you some pudding."

"Chocolate?" she challenges.

"Chocolate." I confirm with a nod. She grins at me. "See you later kiddo!" and with that, I leave her room. It doesn't take me very long to finish my rounds and I make my way to the nurses' area to get some paperwork to do while on the plane. I think that it might help distract me from my nerves once I get on the plane. Distractions are always useful.

As I approach the desk, I hear the nurses mumbling. I had never been in a hospital that gossiped as much as this one and I've been in a lot of hospitals. I know that gossip isn't the most reliable source of information, but I can't help but feel that I know a lot about the doctors who already work here; working out what's true, however, is an entirely different story. I shudder at the thought of what's being said about me. I know they have minimal details about me, but I can't help but wonder. Once I reach them, I start to go about my business collecting some charts, and a few journals. Now I can hear them clear as day. I make sure to pretend not to be listening. I know it's below me, but eavesdropping is just too easy. Again, their gossip seems to be centered on a Dr. Torres. Dr. Torres intrigued me. All the gossip about her I've heard so far was said with sympathy, like they truly felt sorry for her and cared for her a great deal. And from what I gathered, Erica (whoever that was), seemed to be the cause of Dr. Torres' grief. Once I heard that, I couldn't help but get my hopes up. Perhaps Dr. Torres was a lesbian like me; maybe we could be friends... or more. Though I had also heard mentions of a George and Izzy...I had hoped that George was just a friend or something. Whatever the case may be, Dr. Torres piqued my interest; I want to meet her. I try to listen to what the nurses are saying this time, hoping to get a hint of who she is and where I can find her. I frown when I get nothing but the same stuff I've already heard. She must really be something to have the support of the gossipy nurses behind her.

I look up and see someone I recognize, and was hoping I wouldn't see again anytime soon. Colleen or something...she's a scrub nurse…I think. I don't really remember. Oops… I look around quickly, seeing if there is any way I could avoid an encounter with the woman. However, it looks like fate is not on my side. Damn it. She makes eye contact with me and starts walking in my direction. I put on my best smile, getting ready to put her down gently.

"Arizona! Hi!" she exclaims once she catches up with me. "How are you doing?" I glance down to my arm where she placed her hand while talking with me. Well this isn't going to be fun.

"Colleen! Hey. I'm doing alright; and you?" I ask; her hand dropping from my arm as I turn my back to her to put the chart I was looking at away. Not the most subtle thing, but hopefully it will get the point across...

"I'm doing really well!" she leans in closer to me and whispers "And I uh...I really enjoyed the other night."

Crap. I look at her with an easy smile on my face. "That's good...I'm glad." I cringe at how awkward I sound.

"Yeah...So, I was wondering...would you like to do it again sometime soon? Maybe even do dinner before hand?" she asks me. I look at her and feel just a brief moment of quilt for what I'm about to do...but it quickly goes away. I just don't date, at least not right now.

"Um, well. I don't think so. Don't get me wrong, we had a great night and I'm super flattered you'd like to go out with me, like super, but...umm, I don't date." I see her face fall. Drat. "I mean it though, you and I had a great night, but that's all it was. A night. And you're an amazing person, and I know you'll find someone to make you very happy, but it just won't be me." I glance at her, her face showing some hurt and even some anger. My pager goes off. I have never been more relieved to hear that annoying beep. "I'm sorry," I tell her as I turn and walk away. I let out a breath. The page wasn't an emergency...but she didn't know that. It was actually a page for the doctors to start making their way to the entrance so we can get ready to leave for Idaho. Yippee.

I still have fifteen minutes, so I decide to head down to the pit. Maybe someone will have a kid that's hurt so bad that I'll be forced to stay here and not get on a plane. God, what the Hell is wrong with me? I shouldn't wish that upon a tiny human...I'm going to Hell for sure. I reach the pit and just take it in. This hospital is really good. It reaffirms that my decision to accept the job here was a great one. As I'm looking around, standing in front of the desk, I take notice of a beautiful Latina. She is absolutely breath-taking. She seems to be doing well with the patient; her smile is magical. It looks like the patient has a dislocated shoulder or something. I watch as her hands pop it back into place with ease. My god, those hands must be strong...I wonder what else they'd be good at…my mind starts to wander to her and me on my bed, her spread out underneath me in all her naked glory, moaning my na…

"Like what you see?" I must have stared longer than I should because I'm disturbed from my daydream by a tall, dirty-blond, man. He has a smug smirk on his face. I'd really like to slap it off his face.

"I don't know what you're talking about..." I say, avoiding eye contact with him. I can't believe I was caught drooling...that's embarrassing.

Both our pagers go off, and I'm actually quite happy, thinking I can finally get away from the guy who caught me. However, as I leave, he starts to leave too, right behind me. Great. I keep glancing at him and he keeps following me. I just shrug it off. Maybe his page was in the same general direction. At least I won't be here much longer. That was the final page; it's time for us all to meet out front. He's still behind me as we arrive at the entrance of the hospital, and it dawns on me. I cringe as he starts talking to me, confirming my new understanding.

"You coming to Idaho too, Blondie?" the man asks, with a huge grin on his face. He knows I'm humiliated about being caught and isn't going to let me forget any time soon. And just my luck...he's coming on this damn trip. "I'm Mark Sloan. Head of Plastics," he sticks his hand out and I shake it. Go figure...he looks like he'd be in plastics; touching and readjusting boobs and butts all day...come to think about it, why didn't I go into plastics again…?

"Arizona Robbins. New head of pediatrics," I say, trying to be polite. Maybe he isn't so bad. At least I'll kind of know someone getting on this plane with me. He smiles. Yeah…I'm just bitter because he called me on drooling over the hot Latina. I decide to give him a chance. No harm in that, right?

"So, I already know not to try anything with you...unless you swing both ways?" he inquires, and I can detect an ounce of hope in his voice. I laugh at him, is he serious? I stare at him, trying to figure out how he meant those words. I see nothing but good humor in his grey-blue eyes. In fact, he kind of reminds me of me. Forward when it comes to women and gets straight to the point. I guess I can respect that.

"Nope, not a chance. I don't do penis; never have, never will" I declare, though I smile to let him know I don't mind his brazenness. He nods at me, grinning.

"Well, if you ever change your mind…" he lets it trail off. I can tell he's just teasing me and I chuckle and shake my head at him.

We both turn our attention to the Chief who's talking about what's going on and what's going to happen. After his talk, everyone gets their bags and we start to head to the airport. The ride is quick and I mostly just stare out the window. Once we get there, Mark and I board together. I not sure if I should sit next to him or not, but he answers my question by patting the seat next to him. I take a seat, putting my carry on at my feet. I buckle my seat belt and adjust it tightly. I start to look around the plane, taking in all the emergency exits and the other safety features.

"Nervous flyer?" he questions, taking in my bouncing leg and nervous twitch.

I let out an uneasy laugh, "You could say that."

"Why so worried? People fly in planes all the time."

"We are in a very, very, heavy metal box that is about to go thousands of feet in the air. This is just a glorified coffin in my opinion. I do not like flying, and if that resident of mine wasn't a turd face…Karev or something, I wouldn't be flying in this metal coffin." I say as I grip the arms of my chair when I feel the plane start to move.

"I see," he says. I look at Mark and he gives me an understanding smile. He offers his hand to me. "You can hold my hand while we take off if you'd like…"

I give him a genuine smile, dimples popping and everything. I take his offered hand and close my eyes. I lean my head back and squeeze his hand hard as the plane picks up speed and starts to rise into the air. I hate this part. The turbulence is awful and I'm lucky to keep the contents of my stomach down. Good thing I only had some coffee this morning.

When the plane evens out, and we're safely in the air, I give Marks hand a small squeeze in thanks before letting go.

"So. You like my friend Callie, huh?" Mark smirks at me.

"Callie…?" I ask, tilting my head, trying to remember if I know a Callie. God, I hope I didn't sleep with his friend or something…because I'll probably end up turning her down if she offers again.

"Yeah. You know. The tall, curvy, sexy, Latina you were drooling over… Her name is Calliope Torres." His face falls. "Callie, I meant Callie. Don't you dare tell her I told you her name is Calliope!"He exclaims in a slight panic. However, soon he's laughing when he notices the change my face must make when it dawns on my Dr. Torres is the sexy Latina. I love my life. "You know, you're about as bad as me. Do better with descriptions than names."

I blush a tad bit…it is true. I don't really do committed relationships. Though, I must say, now that I have a face with the name of one Dr. Torres, I'm starting to question that decision. She seems like someone I wouldn't mind getting to know. "Yeah…she's pretty beautiful." I convey. I wonder if she's gay…

"You know, if you want to take a stab at it, she goes both ways," he winks at me.

I smile broadly. That's some information I could certainly use. I face forward, digesting this new information. I bet I could get her to go on a date with me. Get to know her…maybe she'd be worth getting to know. She certainly seems like she would be. Hell, I wanted to get to know her before I even knew she was a Latin bombshell. And her name. Calliope. Calliope Torres. It is an absolutely gorgeous name and suites her very well. Yeah, when we get back to Seattle Grace Mercy West I'm going to track her down and get her to go out with me and then maybe she can show me exactly how strong her hands are…

"But, Callie's special, so don't you dare try something with her if you're going to bed her and forget her. I'm telling you this, because you seem to be a lot like me. I also know that for the right woman, I would put all that behind me. In fact, I've actually plans to propose to my girlfriend Lexi when we get back," I smile at that. Good for him! He looks me in the eyes and continues "Callie was the one that said I was good for more than just sex. She has an amazing heart, so don't take advantage of that." The look on his face is very serious. All I think is Callie must be incredible if she has so many people looking out for her.

I beam back at Mark. I think it's great that he's looking out for her. He actually reminds me a lot of my brother in some ways. I nod at him, "Thank you for the information, and you're a really great person, a great friend, to be looking out for her best interest," I remark with sincerity.

He smiles at me. We get into an easy conversation about SGMW and he catches me up on the real or not gossip. I can't help but think this is the most at ease I've ever been while on a plane. I smile at that thought; maybe planes aren't that bad…