The plane ride had been long and while Sofia had fallen asleep nearly instantly, Arizona's mind had been racing far too much to let her get any rest. She and Callie had been talking and texting a lot more in the last few months and it seemed like maybe they were building some kind of relationship again. She just wasn't sure what type. She was concerned about getting hurt again or hurting Callie, but she also couldn't deny that her heart fluttered every time she received a call or text and saw that gorgeous smile on the screen. Callie seemed happy, and a happy Calliope made her happy as well. There was just so much she wasn't certain of and the anxiety of moving across the country again wasn't helping. Sure, she had done it before but now she was doing it with her daughter in tow.
Sighing softly she ran her fingers through Sofia's silky dark tresses where she lay across her lap. Living near both her moms would be best for her, right? As long as they kept building a good relationship where they could co-parent her and put her first. She needed to stay focused on that goal no matter what and try to be as open and honest with Callie as possible along the way. They could be friends, even good friends. It may be difficult at first but she was certain she could keep any other feelings contained. Ok, not certain, but she would do her best. Looking out the window, she released a deep sigh and was relieved to see the lights of the city as they circled closer. She was still leery of flying and on top of that it had been a really long day and her leg was aching.
The landing was smooth and she smiled down at Sofia. She had woken her as they prepared for the final approach and her excitement was evident as she bounced in her seat next to her. "Momma will be at the airport?" she questioned for the 20th time.
"Yes, sweetie. Momma said she would be waiting inside for us. I know she can't wait to see you"
Turning her phone back on she saw she had a message from Callie.
"I'm nervous. Are you nervous? Why am I nervous?" She laughed lightly as she read it. Arizona could hear Callie's voice in her head as she read the text. Thank God she wasn't the only one that was feeling anxious.
"Don't be nervous. It's just us, and Sofia is so excited to see you!"
"...and her mommy?" Arizona bit her lip as she pondered how to answer. Swallowing her reservations down, she kept repeating the words 'open and honest' in her mind as her fingers fumbled with her response.
"Her mommy is also excited….and a little bit nervous as well ;)"
"So, not just me :) Don't be! - I can't wait to see you. It's been a long time. I've missed you" Arizona couldn't hide the smile that spread across her face. She couldn't help it. When Callie said things like that, it made her happy.
As the flight attendant stood up to thank them for traveling with them, Arizona sent one more text before gathering up their bags.
"Me too, Calliope. More than you know"
The airport was crowded and Arizona struggled to hold on to both of their carry on bags as well as keep Sofia's hand in hers as she tugged her impatiently through the terminal searching for her momma "Mommy, where is she?"
"Hold on, Little Miss, we will find her" She smiled down at the tiny brunette. Her daughter was beautiful and feisty, just like her momma, and Arizona loved it even when it drove her crazy.
Looking around, familiar sparkling brown eyes met and caught hers causing her heart to skip a beat just before her daughter squealed loudly and took off running, throwing herself into Callie's arms as she bent to catch her. Arizona smiled, surprised at the tears that pricked her eyes as she stopped to watch the pair together. Her heart swelled at the sight of them wrapped so tightly around each other and she knew immediately that this had been the right choice. This is what her daughter needed, both of her mommies in the same city for good. Arizona's heart fluttered and raced when Callie looked up and smiled widely at her, taking Sofia's hand and walking to where the blonde stood. "Hey there" her voice was quieter but no less excited as her eyes drank in the sight of the pediatric surgeon. "You look really great"
"Calliope" she said without thinking, the name slipping out on a soft sigh as she took in that glorious grin and twinkling eyes. Callie's smile grew wider and she wrapped an arm around her slender waist, drawing Arizona into a tight hug. "Oh!" she gasped out in surprise before returning the hug, an arm finding its way around the Latina that was even more gorgeous than she had remembered. She couldn't resist turning her face to snuggle in to the crease of her neck, inhaling as deep as she dared. Arizona had always found the Latina's scent intoxicating and so uniquely her. Being wrapped in her arms and enveloped in that smell felt like coming home and tears again pricked at her eyes.
"It's really good to see you, Arizona" she whispered into her ear before pulling back to look into the beautiful blue eyes that even after all this time still found their way into her dreams.
Before the blonde could respond, a sweet voice questioned "Hey, what about me momma? Is it good to see me too?" Sofia threw her arms around both of her mommies as she turned her little face upward, grinning widely.
Laughing, she stroked her daughter's cheek. "I missed you so much, Mija. Are you ready to get out of here? Are you hungry? I have a pizza we can heat up or I can make you your favorite omelet. Your choice" As Sofia started debating the two options out loud, Callie turned back to Arizona.
"You ok?" she questioned, reaching up to wipe away a solitary tear from the blonde's face before realizing what she was doing and blushing lightly.
Leaning in to embrace her again, Arizona whispered in her ear "I am now".
Callie's smile lit up the airport as she took their bags and, each holding one of Sofia's hands, they walked out together.
Placing the bags in the trunk of her car, Callie slid into the driver's seat. "You ok if we eat in tonight? It's pretty late and I'm not sure there's any place still open" she threw a quick wink in her direction as she buckled her seatbelt and made her way out of the parking lot.
"Did you want some time alone with Sofia? I had planned on staying at a hotel but hadn't had time to find one yet. Is there one near your place? If you don't mind dropping me off, maybe we could meet for breakfast?"
Frowning slightly, she shook her head "Arizona. It's late and you are tired. Why not just stay with me tonight and we can talk about the rest after Sofia goes to bed, or even better, tomorrow?"
"Callie, are you sure? I don't mind staying at a hotel"
"No, I insist! Besides, I have a jacuzzi tub and a new bottle of bubble bath that I am sure you will really appreciate after today." she smiled teasingly at her, remembering Arizona's love of large tubs filled with lots of bubbles.
"Ohhh" Arizona grinned back swallowing down her anxiety while also thinking about how wonderful the jets of the tub would feel on her sore leg. "Ok, you've convinced me"
"Sofia, is that ok with you? If Mommy stays with us tonight?" Callie cut her eyes over to Arizona as their daughter bounced with excitement.
"Yes! Mommy and Momma! This is sooo awesome!" The two women shared a laugh as Callie merged into the heavy traffic.
Looking out the window as the city sped by, Arizona let hope consume her. This just might be the new start they all needed.
Keep going? Let me know what you think :)
