Chapter 2
As Arizona enters the daycare, she sees Sofia and Zola playing with dolls and she waits a moment, then Sofia spots her and calls Mama, so Arizona walks over and sits down and talks with the girls. Sofia drops the dolls and climbs up in her lap and starts playing with Arizona's hair and necklace.
Just then Arizona sees Dr Webber walk by with Dr Bernard so she kind of turns quickly away, but not before they see her and enter the day care.
They walk right up to her and Arizona stays seated with Sofia on her lap, she knows that standing up will be all kinds of awkward. Webber starts talking, "just giving Dr Bernard a tour of the hospital on our way out to dinner. Arizona smiles at them both and Rebecca is looking at her curiously, because now Zola is awkwardly trying to climb up to sit with Sofia.
"Are these your girls?" Dr. Bernard asks as she smiles brightly at Arizona.
Dr Webber picks up Zola and says, "not this one." Zola grabs onto his face and smiles, happy to be picked up, she smiles shyly at Dr. Bernard.
"Just this one is mine, well ours. Well mine and Dr Torres'...um, she's two." Why can't she just stop talking she wonders and then sees Callie and Meredith walk in and she turns to the door so Rebecca will follow her look.
"Hello sweet girl", Callie walks in and picks up Sofia and smoothly helps Arizona stand up.
Thank you, Arizona mouths to her and looks relieved.
Callie nods to Dr Bernard as they met earlier, Callie was part of the interview panel.
Meredith has Zola now and Richard is introducing everyone to Dr Bernard. Arizona is trying to remain calm and is helped by the fact that Rebecca is distracted by everyone. Not to mention Zola can't take her eyes off Dr Bernard and is actually hiding her face in Meredith's shoulder but sneaking peaks at the petite brunette every chance she gets.
"Well, we were just headed out to dinner and since Dr Avery just went into surgery, I don't suppose one of you would join us?" He looks right at Arizona, the obvious choice since Meredith and Callie are obviously picking up the girls for the night.
Meredith has handed Zola back to Arizona and walked over to get Bailey, so Callie looks at Arizona and mouths "You should go".
Feeling pressured, Arizona smiles at Dr Webber and says "I'll be happy to join you". She puts Zola down so she can take her mother's hand, then she turns to Callie and kisses Sofia goodbye and then just sort of looks lost for a moment before she half hugs them both, picks up her bag and heads off with Richard and Rebecca.
The dinner is going much better than Arizona thought it would, they've mainly discussed the hospital and Dr Hunt's situation. Dr Webber has somehow managed to steer clear of much of the drama of the last few years, especially the plane crash.
"So Arizona, Dr Webber tells me that you have begun a Fetal Surgery Fellowship? That is quite impressive, there are only a few and I knew one of them Dr. Nicole Herman." Dr Bernard then asks, "Who are you working under?"
Surprised by the question and tone, Arizona replies, "I am training with Dr Herman. Dr Herman is here in Seattle."
"Really?" Dr Bernard responds a bit taken aback. "I guess I misunderstood where she was goingthe last time I spoke with her. She is brilliant, I'm sure that you are learning from one of the best," she adds smiling and looking from Richard to Arizona.
"Yes, it is amazing and such a privilege and honor to be at the forefront of this new specialty." Arizona states. "So you've worked with Dr Herman in LA?" she asks.
"Well yes, Dr Herman almost picked our hospital for this fellowship program, but then she changed her mind. I thought she was in Boston actually, which is why I am surprised that she is here," explained Rebecca.
Arizona quickly looks as Richard for an explanation as this is the first that she's heard of this, but just then his phone goes off and he excuses himself from the table.
"Is there something wrong Dr. Robbins?" Dr Bernard reaches over and touches Arizona's hand to get her attention as she is staring intently after Webber.
"No, not at all. I just didn't know. I was under the impression that Grey Sloan Memorial was first choice for this program. As head of the Peds department I was quite proud that she came to us and then when she asked me to take on the fellowship, I guess...never mind, not important." Arizona shakes her head as if to clear her mind.
Dr. Bernard takes a moment to look fully at Arizona and assess this information, then she leans in to say, "Peds? It is not lost on me that the intern who never wanted to do a Peds rotation, is not only a Peds Surgeon and department head, but now a Fetal Surgery Fellow? And a mother?" at this she picks up Arizona's left hand and notes there is no ring on her hand. "And what happened with Africa?"
Arizona looks down, realizing what Rebecca has just asked and looks away trying to buy herself some time to think. Apparently Rebecca remembers quite a bit about her.
She smiles at her uncomfortably and says, "I told myself that you'd wouldn't even remember me, but…wait, how did you know about Africa?"
Shaking her head and smiling, Dr Bernard responds, "You won the Carter Madison Grant Arizona, did you think that wasn't public knowledge?"
"Oh right, its just that so much has happened since ... it feels like a lifetime ago." She says quietly and it is difficult to look into Rebecca's admiring eyes. The blonde feels a little overwhelmed to be sitting across from this beautiful woman that she admired so much in med school.
The continue to talk, Arizona tells her a little bit about Africa, skipping over the whole break up at the airport with Callie portion of the story. Just saying that she got the program up and running, found someone to lead it and came back to Seattle to be with Callie. Struggling to maintain a light conversation and unable to ignore and afraid to acknowledge the simmering intensity between them, Arizona looks around for Webber. Seeing that he is headed back to the table, she excuses herself and escapes to the restroom.
Freshening up her lipstick, Arizona looks up to see Rebecca enter the room. Nervously, Arizona leans on the counter and Rebecca walks right up and their bodies are practically touching. Arizona can feel Rebecca's heat as she leans in and reaches up to caress her blonde locks. They look intently at each other for a moment and suddenly Arizona can't take it and she leans right in and kisses her softly at first, then Rebecca deepens it and Arizona wraps her hands in the brunette's hair and then just as suddenly she pulls back and turns slightly away.
"I...can't do this Rebecca. I want...I mean you're brilliant and as beautiful as ever but the timing is wrong." She slumps against the counter and adds, "I am a Board member and …"
"Yes, yes I know." She says as she looks right through her, Arizona I hadn't thought of you in years and then here you are and …" she smiles and takes another long look at the blonde. "It is not good timing for me either, but don't you feel this?" She says as she turns away slowly.
Heading back to the hospital, Richard suddenly stops at the Archfield and they all get out of the car.
Richard says good bye to her and then to Arizona, Rebecca looks confused. Walking into the hotel together, she asks the blonde "You're staying here? In the hotel?"
Arizona takes a deep breath and says, "we definitely have some catching up to do."
"I'm sure its nothing that a weekend and a few bottles of wine can't fix," Rebecca says with dark twinkling eyes. The elevator opens and they both step in. Rebecca pushes a button and looks at Arizona. She smiles hesitantly and reaches over and presses the button for her floor.
"How long have you two been separated?" Rebecca asks as elevator doors close.
"A few months," Arizona replies.
The stand there silently and as the doors open again, Rebecca says good night with an awkward hug and slight kiss on the lips, but without the heat of the earlier kiss.
Arizona walks into her room and falls back on her bed. A huge smile spreads across her face as she flashes back to that night in Boston when a young and reckless Arizona ambushed the Chief Resident at her going away party. Surprised at how interesting it feels to see yourself through the eyes of someone who knew you so long ago. Its almost like getting to visit your younger self she thinks.
Sitting up and looking down, she comes back to reality. Grabbing her phone out of her purse she checks her messages and walks into the bathroom, as she sits the phone down on the counter a message comes in from Callie.
Callie: Dinner over? Can you talk?
Arizona looks at herself in the mirror, she knows if she texts back they may text all night because what Callie really wants to know is if she is alone. So she puts down the wash cloth, turns off the water and picks up the phone and calls her.
"Oh hey, you didn't have to call me." Callie says as she answers the phone, but she is very relieved, Arizona can hear it in her voice.
Rolling her eyes, but speaking light and breezy, "Well, I thought I'd check on Sofia. And we haven't talked much lately."
"Well Sofia is asleep for the third time. She's a bit wound up about wanting a baby brother like Bailey," Callie says tentatively, not wanting to start anything, but wanting to know if Arizona has had the same conversation with her.
Arizona puts her hand on her face and replies, "yeah, I know. She talks about Bailey so much."
Then eager to change the subject, Arizona asks "so how did it go with Dr. Bernard? Did she say why she wants to leave LA?"
"You mean you don't know?" Callie asks surprised.
"No, it seemed impolite to ask at dinner and we didn't really exchange personal information, well except about the kids. Does she have kids? Is that why she wanted to see the daycare?" Arizona asks, secretly wondering why none of these questions occurred to her before now.
Callie pauses a moment, relieved that Arizona is asking her these questions, because it means that she really is alone tonight and not planning to see Dr. Bernard anytime soon. "She has a 3 year old son and her ex has just relocated to Seattle."
Chapter 3
Closing the door to the house, Dr Bernard looks up and sees the cloudy grey sky, "would it kill you to just have a little sunshine here?" she asks out loud, sighing she gets in her rental car and drives off. Usually, she would rent a convertible, but when she asked for one, they laughed at her.
No one drives convertibles in Seattle, they explained at the rental place. Now she gets it. She's been here 48 hours and although it hasn't rained, its been cold and dreary. How do people get used to this she wonders?
"Excellent work Dr Robbins," exclaims Dr Herman as they walk out of the OR.
The rare smile and un-barbed positive feedback from her mentor is hopefully a sign that things are improving between them. Arizona spent the first several weeks terrified that she had made a horrible decision, even confessing as much to Karev.
Feeling confident, Arizona decides to ask about LA. "Dr Herman, may I ask you a question?"
Looking up from the chart, she nods OK. "Was Grey Sloan your first choice for this fellowship program?"
"What is the point of asking a question, when you already know the answer, Dr Robbins?" She says as she snaps the chart closed and walks off down the hall.
Walking after her Arizona asks, "OK, then what made you pick us over Good Samaritan?"
Turning around and walking back to Arizona, Dr Herman looks her in the eye and then pulls her into the on call room. "What is the point of these questions Dr Robbins? Are you feeling insecure about being chosen for this fellowship?"
"No, I am just curious, I met with Dr Bernard and she speaks highly of you, but she indicated that she thought you were at Johns Hopkins, so why aren't you...?" Arizona asks.
"Dr Robbins, is this really how you want to spend our time together? Analyzing my decisions to offer you the fellowship?" Dr Herman asks this as she turns slowly to face Arizona. She looks angry but there is something else going on. Arizona sees it but can't identify it, so she takes a step back in her approach.
"I assure you that I fully intend to spend our year together learning everything that you can teach me…" Arizona starts and then Herman cuts her off.
"This won't last a year Dr Robbins."
"Great." Arizona throws her hands up and spins to leave, defeated.
"I have an inoperable brain tumor and I'll be dead in 6 months. Dr Robbins, Fetal surgery is a new field and there are no textbooks on this, even the journal articles are incomplete works in progress. There are only a few of us practicing and we're practically inventing it as we go along. The things that I know, the things that I've scribbled down in the margins… they are all that we have. Dr Robbins, I am trying to teach you a year's worth of medicine in 6 months."
Arizona stands in stunned silence, as she opens her mouth to speak, Dr. Herman cuts her off again, so she slumps against the wall.
"Now, you can go to Dr Hunt or your fellow board members and tell them about this and I can go on medical leave and die quietly somewhere or you can buckle down and learn everything that I on medical leave and die quietly somewhere or you can buckle down and learn everything that I can possibly teach you in the next few months. It is your choice." As she finishes, she stands with her hands on her hips waiting for Arizona's response.
"I don't know..I just don't know…" standing up straighter with her hands in her coat pockets, Arizona feels the weight of it on her.
"Figure it out and let me know." Herman says as she brushes past her and leaves the room.
Closing the door, Arizona crosses over to sit on the bed. What the hell can she do, this is an impossible situation, she thinks. She grabs her phone to call Callie, no wait, she's on the board, I can't involve her. Then she realizes that Rebecca knows and that is why she was surprised that Dr Herman was here and not at John's Hopkins.
Walking into her house in LA, Dr Bernard drops her bags and goes to the fridge for a bottle of water, takes a drink and turns around to survey the place. It won't take long to pack she thinks as she walks out to the back yard and looks at the pool.
Chapter 4
After waiting in nurses station 15 min for Dr Herman, Arizona decides to introduce herself to the waiting couple.
"Hello Mr and Mrs Matthews, I am Dr Robbins…"
"Where's Dr Herman? We are waiting for Dr Herman?"
Arizona ignores their rudeness as she sees how scared they are and she too doesn't understand Dr Herman's absence. "Dr. Herman has been delayed, but I am going to go ahead and walk you through the procedure and answer your questions." Arizona says confidently to help calm them down.
After reviewing the procedure with them, Arizona does an ultrasound and realizes that the women may have placenta previa which is causing the baby's intrauterine growth restriction. She calls Dr Herman but it goes straight to voice mail, so she has her paged. 30 minutes go by with no response. Arizona goes in to the NICU to go over the case with Karev.
He reviews everything and agrees that taking the baby now is the only way to save it and there's a 50/50 chance that the mother won't survive. The procedure that Dr Herman had outlined will not work if the woman has placenta previa, because she will bleed out on the table.
Arizona sits back down with the couple and reviews her findings and they still want to wait for Dr Herman's opinion. Arizona advises them that the mother needs to be on complete bed rest and she strongly recommends that they proceed with surgery by 2 pm with or without Dr Herman's opinion. To help make her case, she schedules another ultrasound so that she can see where the placenta is exactly.
The second ultrasound shows the placenta is only partially blocking the cervix, which puts the mother's chances at 75% as long as the placenta doesn't rupture. Arizona hasn't eaten all morning, so she decides to go to the cafeteria and runs into April, she outlines what's going on and April offers to scrub in.
Alex and Arizona review the surgery and map out how he will take the baby and move to the OR next door and Arizona and April will deliver the placenta.
Its 1:00 pm so Arizona calls Dr Herman one last time. "Dr Herman, this is Dr Robbins. I am quite concerned that you have not contacted me in the past 4 hours after that bombshell you dropped on me last night. Here's the thing, the procedure that you outlined for Mrs Matthews is no longer an option as it looks like she has partial placenta previa. I have advised them that an emergency C-section is needed and it is scheduled today for 2 pm, which is one hour from now. They have requested your opinion and I have done everything in my power to get it for them, but you have not responded. In light of your actions today, it would seem that my decision to discuss this situation with the board is a very easy decision to make. I'm sorry Dr. Herman, I truly hope that you are OK." putting her phone down, Arizona goes in to check with the couple one last time and reassure them that she is doing everything that can possibly be done.
In the OR, the c-section goes as planned and as expected the baby is very small. Karev takes him into the next OR, Arizona checks with April to ensure that she is OK to deliver the placenta and then Arizona steps in to check on the baby. Karev is having trouble getting him to breathe. After 10 minutes helping Karev stabilize him, a nurse from the other OR steps in to tell her that she is needed immediately.
Stepping back into the mother's OR, she sees April covered in blood, the placenta ruptured, the worst possible outcome. She retraces April's steps trying to find a way to fix it, but they both know that it is extremely difficult to repair. Suddenly, Arizona gets an idea and she tells April to remove the umbilical clamp and re-position it. This slows down the bleeding, now they can see the field better and they are able to make the repair to the cervical wall. Then she calls for an ablation kit, if they can use the ablation kit to cauterize the uterine wall, they maybe able to stop the bleeding.
April and Arizona exchange looks of relief as the patient stabilizes.
Then once again, a nurse steps in to the OR, "Dr Robbins? Dr Karev is asking for you."
Tearing off her gloves and gown, Arizona bursts in to the OR and it is empty. Confused, she all but runs up to the NICU. She stops when she spots Karev at the nurses station, his head is down and he looks stressed, she panics, "Where's the Matthew's baby? Oh my God, tell me... the baby…"
"The baby is stable, he's over there. Calm down, I've got this," he says calmly, putting both hands on her shoulders. "How's the mother? The husband wants an update."
"Stable, Karev. She's stable for now" slumping against the nurses station, she takes a moment to compose herself, "Oh for a minute there I thought...OK, any way, let's go talk with Mr Matthews… good news, we have good news, " her relief shines through her face and as they turn the corner, they see Dr Herman talking with Mr Matthews. Impossible she thinks, why on earth would she, she wasn't even in the surgery.
As Arizona enters the room, Dr Herman nods at her but continues talking, "Mr Matthews, your wife is stable now and so is your son. Dr. Robbins was in contact with me today and I followed your wife's case remotely…" Arizona can't believe her ears. Dr Herman gestures to Dr Robbins and continues, "Dr Robbins accurately assessed your wife's condition and not only saved her life, but that of your child. I have no doubt that the outcome would not be this positive if the procedure had not been done this afternoon. The placenta was moving towards the cervix and by this time tomorrow we may not have been able to save either your wife or your child. This is exactly why I have Dr Robbins on my service, although she is new to the fetal surgery program, she is a brilliant and talented surgeon in her own right."
Turning to Dr Robbins, slightly embarrassed by his earlier statements, Mr Matthews says, "Thank you Dr Robbins, thank you. Can I see my wife now?".
"Of course, Dr. Karev will show take you to see your son and then your wife should be in recovery and you will be able to see her. It will be a while before she wakes up, as we don't want her moving around right now." As she says this she, Karev steps up and Mr Matthews follows him out of the room.
Arizona turns to face Dr Herman and angrily begins to speak, "What the hell happened with you today? How could you…?" but Herman has darted into the bathroom and Arizona can hear her vomit. "Dr Herman, are you OK? Can I get you anything?"
She picks up the phone, "Can you bring me 10 cc Compazine to the NICU Lounge please?"
Turning back around, she sees that Dr Herman is coming out of the bathroom and plops down in a chair. "Continue Dr Robbins, you were saying…?"
Arizona hands her a tissue, "Dr Herman, what is going on?" she sits on the coffee table in front of her.
"Although it is none of your business, I will tell you that my treatment plan has changed and I started an aggressive round of chemo today to try to keep the tumor in check. It was my first dose and it took much longer than I anticipated." Herman closes her eyes for a moment, as another wave of nausea hits her, then she continues.
"Dr Robbins you should know that everything I said to Mr Matthews was true, I followed the case today on the remote link and you did everything correctly. The procedure that we outlined to correct the IGR possibly would have killed one or both of them. Your instincts are outstanding. Delivering the baby before the placenta migrated any further saved both lives. The only way we could have got the baby to term would have been if we had spotted the placenta before it dropped that low, there's a method that I have developed that has been successful in stopping the placenta previa…"
Interrupting her, "Wait, did you say that you have developed a procedure to stabilize placenta previa." Shocked Arizona continues, "You have to show me that procedure."
Dr Herman leans forward, "let's go over it tomorrow, provided I have a job tomorrow. You mentioned discussing my situation with the board today…"
"Uh, no. What time tomorrow?" Arizona stands up as the nurse walks in and hands her the Compazine.
"What is that Dr Robbins?" Herman asks.
"Stand up Dr Herman, this is Compazine, it will help with the nausea" motioning for her to stand up and turn around, "as soon as I saw you I knew that you had chemo today. Now turn around this will help."
Chapter 5
"Yes, 7 am is fine. OK, see you there." Rebecca tosses the phone on to the desk and smiles. Turning around she surveys her new condo and walks over to the floor to ceiling windows to admire the view of the harbor. This will definitely do just fine, I may have given up the beach in LA, but at least I still have an ocean view she thinks to herself.
It's been six weeks since that dinner and while the heat of their kiss has dissipated, Arizona is a bit apprehensive about the breakfast meeting with the entire board and seeing Rebecca again. They have spoken a few times in the last month, mostly professional conversations and relocation questions but with a few long awkward pauses, as neither wanted to be the first to ask any personal questions.
Walking in to the hospital daycare with Sofia, Arizona is surprised to see Rebecca there but then realizes that she is dropping off her son.
"Hello Dr Bernard," Arizona says as she beams at the little boy.
Standing up with Gabriel's jacket, she can't help but smile at the gorgeous blonde, "Hello Dr Robbins, this is Gabriel." Then looking at the little girl in Arizona's arms she adds, "And isn't Miss Sofia looking beautiful today?".
Loving the attention, Sofia reaches out to grab Dr Bernard's hair, "Ah, Sofia!", then to Rebecca, "she is real interested in hair right now, sorry" Arizona follows Sofia's hand to get her to let go of Rebecca's hair and she pauses a moment as she almost touches her face. At that moment, Sofia decides that she wants down and starts wiggling her coat off, which causes her to almost slide out of Arizona's arms, but Rebecca leans forward and helps catch her. Laughing they both lower her to the ground and Arizona looks down, focused on getting Sofia's coat off but can't resist admiring Rebecca's profile as she kneels to say goodbye to her son.
"I figured this would be a short day and Gabriel could meet the other kids in daycare. Catherine was not very happy with me for asking, but she did agree that it was a good idea for him to attend this daycare, since her office doesn't offer it and I am here all day." Rebecca explained as they walked down the hall. "Her office isn't that far, so its actually convenient for both of us." she adds.
Then looking at her watch, she asks, "We are a little early, do you want to grab a cup of coffee or do you have somewhere…" Rebecca asks as they approach the elevator.
"Oh, I need to go to the NICU and check on a patient before the meeting, maybe…" Arizona trails off as she sees Meredith and Callie coming down the hall from the parking garage. Just then the elevator opens and they all just sort of stare awkwardly for a moment until Meredith finally breaks the silence. "Good morning Dr. Bernard, Dr Robbins."
Arizona nods good morning and steps into the elevator, she says lightly. "I'm going up to NICU before the meeting…"
"I'll join you, I mean I need to check on a patient on ICU." Meredith says as she steps into the elevator leaving Callie and Rebecca standing together as the doors close.
They look at each other and before it can get awkward, Rebecca asks, "Dr Torres would you like to grab some coffee before the meeting?"
Callie nods and gestures for her to go first and then she follows a step behind checking out Dr Bernard's shoes. Are those Jimmy Choos?" she asks.
As they walk into the cafeteria, Callie says, "God I miss wearing real shoes!"
Staring wistfully at her feet, the brunette explains, "I am only here for meetings this morning, I wouldn't dare wear these on rounds all day."
Laughing as they enter the conference room, they realize they are the last to arrive and the only seats left are on either side of Arizona. Callie moves to take her usual seat beside Avery, then realizes that maybe Rebecca should sit there near the head, so she moves to the other chair.
Everyone sort of looks at her for a moment. Rebecca had paused at the door so she moves to the open chair and smiles at everyone before taking the last seat.
"Well, let's get started!" says Avery rubbing his hands together. "Everyone has the agenda in front of them…"
Arizona gives Callie a little side eye glance, not really sure what to think. Callie has been hot and cold over Dr Bernard coming in as Chief, one minute she all for it, the next she's blowing up Arizona's phone asking her if they dated in Med School until Arizona got so sick of it, she told her it wasn't any of her damn business. She hasn't spoken to anyone about it except briefly with Alex. The truth is she doesn't know what she wants anymore. She wanted a house and a baby and Callie, but now she only wants a home with Sofia. She will always love Callie, but she knows that she will never put herself back in that position. She won't let herself be vulnerable with Callie again, she can't be trusted with that part of Arizona.
But part of Arizona wonders if she will ever trust anyone with that part of herself again.
"OK, so if everyone agrees, then we will start this tomorrow." Derek looks around the table and everyone nods agreement, except Arizona. He looks at Callie, she looks at Arizona and nudges her. Arizona looks up and across to Bailey who mouths 'yes'. "Um, yes." Arizona blurts out and looks down and away for a moment. Then smiles big and looks around the table. They all stand up and shake hands with Dr Bernard, Bailey comes around and pulls Arizona aside and out into the hallway, "What was that about? Where were you?"
"New case, sorry I was thinking about a new case and I'm late for rounds. Thanks Bailey." She quickly explains and rushes off.
Sitting at the conference table with Dr Herman going over the journal article Arizona reviews the case. "Erythroblastosis fetalis is a condition manifested by anemia which develops in the fetus when maternal antibodies, in this case caused by Rh incompatibility between the mother's blood type and that of the fetus, attack the red blood cells of the fetus. The intrauterine transfusion removes a proportion of the plasma from fresh whole blood. The component should be leucocyte depleted to less than 1 x 106 leucocytes per unit. The component must be irradiated and transfused within 24 hours of irradiation."
Dr Herman is nodding as she speaks.
Satisfied with the younger doctor's review of the process, she stands up and says. "Let's go into the lab and begin the irradiation, Dr Robbins."
Standing up to follow Dr Herman to the lab, Arizona allows herself a satisfied smile and victory punch in the air.
Touring the Pediatric wing with Dr Avery, Rebecca can't help but comment on Arizona's display.
"Well, that looks very promising," states Dr Bernard with a smile at the blonde, then a look of concern as her eyes follow Dr Herman. Jackson notices the smile at Arizona, and the concerned look directed at Herman. "Didn't you say that you had worked with Dr Herman in LA?" he inquires.
"Yes, yes I did. She almost picked our hospital for her fellowship but Dr Madden was no competition for the youngest Carter Madison Grant recipient. I understand that he followed her here, but I didn't see him on the roster…"
"No, he is no longer in her program. She let him go about a week ago." Jackson explained.
"Just as well, he was a total brown-noser, I was surprised Dr Herman allowed him to follow her, but then I thought… Oh never mind. You were saying about the NICU, " Dr Bernard catches herself and switches gears to get Dr Avery to finish the tour of the Peds floor. She is ready to be done with all the touring and just wants to start working. The last two weeks have been spent moving and unpacking and she's ready to get a routine in place and get back to practicing medicine.
Back in her office, unpacking a few things so that tomorrow morning she can hit the ground running. IT just left so her computer is set up. Placing books and photos on her bookshelf, she sees someone in the doorway. Smiling she turns to see Arizona.
"Getting settled Dr Bernard?" Arizona leans against the door frame and can't help but smile brightly. She has to admit, it is nice to have someone here who knows her. The her she used to be. Lately she just feels like Callie's cheating ex.
She seems really happy Rebecca thinks as she replies, "Yes, I am Dr Robbins. And how are you doing ... with your fellowship?" she adds, not wanting to pry or seem too intimate. It would be really nice to just have a friend here. Catherine has already started seeing someone new and Rebecca is terrible at making friends, but then Arizona isn't a really a new friend, but are they old friends? They weren't really friends in Med school, and they had limited interactions, except for that one night... Realizing that Arizona is talking and practically standing in front of her now, Rebecca shakes out of her reverie and Arizona stops talking.
"I'm sorry, that's probably more than you wanted to hear." she looks down embarrassed.
"No, no Arizona, I'm sorry. I was just distracted for a moment. Intrauterine transfusion is astounding as is the whole nature of Fetal Surgery. I find it fascinating. When is the procedure?"
"It will be tomorrow afternoon, we won't know exactly until tomorrow morning when we check on the irradiated components. Would you like to observe the procedure?" Arizona asks excitedly.
"Yes, please keep me posted. I will look forward to seeing you, ah, that procedure tomorrow," smiling to herself as Arizona turns to leave, she looks up and Arizona has stopped.
Before Rebecca can say anything, Arizona shakes her head a bit and keeps walking. Curious, Rebecca walks across the room to watch her walk away.
Chapter 6
Sitting in the gallery with Rebecca was Dr Avery and his wife, Dr Kepner, Callie and Jo Wilson and few interns. Prior to the procedure beginning, Dr Kepner was telling Rebecca about the placenta previa case from last week.
"Very impressive. Dr Herman is …" Rebecca began.
"No, it wasn't Dr Herman," April interrupted, Dr Herman wasn't in the surgery, that's why Arizona asked me to scrub in. "Using the ablation kit to cauterize the cervical wall was Dr Robbins' idea. The patient was bleeding out on my table, the placenta ruptured almost immediately upon delivery. I had clamped the umbilical cord and did everything to reduce the bleeding.
Impressed by the ingenuity, Dr Bernard keeps her face neutral and seeing the surgeons enter the OR below, she nods to the others. They all quiet down and wait for the surgeons to begin. Its easy to understand why April and Jackson are in the gallery, after the scare last week but Rebecca can't imagine being pregnant and watching this surgery.
The procedure goes well, but Arizona knows that there is still a 30% chance that she will go into labor early and a 5% chance that the procedure could result in infection or worse.
Dr Herman was quite subdued and obviously not feeling well. At one point Arizona caught her with her eyes closed and she looked like she was in quite a bit of pain. Turning the corner to the the Doctors Lounge, she sees her and decides to check on her.
"How are you Dr. Herman? Do you need anything?" Arizona asks as she enters the lounge.
She looks up, about to make a sharp retort when she winces instead.
"Thank you for your concern Dr Robbins, but I think I just need to go home". She attempts to stand up and realizes that she is not strong enough. "Maybe I'll just sit here a while longer."
Sitting down beside her, Arizona takes her pulse and asks quietly, "Have you kept anything down today?"
Pulling her arm away from her, Dr Herman states sharply, "You are not my doctor."
"No, but I am a doctor, your colleague, whatever and you obviously cannot leave so I am going to help you. Or would you rather I go get a wheelchair and roll you over to Neurology?"
Exhausted and knowing that Arizona is trying to help, Dr Herman decides to stop fighting her. "I have only kept down a little juice and crackers." She confesses.
Arizona stands up and walks over to the refrigerator and grabs a bottle of Pedia-lyte and hands it to her. "Drink this, you are dehydrated. Let me run down to the cafeteria and get us some lunch.
Will you stay here until I get back?" She asks Dr Herman.
"What choice do I have?" She whispers.
In the cafeteria, Arizona loads up her tray and turns around to see Callie and Rebecca having lunch together. Hoping to dodge both of their prying eyes, she ducks behind two nurses and slips out. When she gets back to the lounge, Dr Herman looks a little better. She hands her some jello, then sets a cup of broth and a cup of steamed rice in front of her.
"What is your chemo schedule?" Arizona asks directly. Herman shoots her a death stare. "Don't look at me like that!" Arizona lowers her voice, "If this is going to work, I need to know when your bad days are, so I can schedule around them."
"Fine." resigned she realizes that she will need Arizona's help to get through this next stage and wondering if the chemo is really going to buy her time or reduce her time. Either way, Arizona has proven to be a fast learner and very intuitive.
Surprised that she would acquiesce so easily, Arizona realizes how poorly Dr Herman must feel. Crap, Arizona worries that she should go to the board and not hide this any longer.
Studying Arizona's face, Dr Herman speaks up. "Just give me til the end of the week, if I don't get my strength back, then we will tell the board together."
After lunch, Rebecca seeks out Derek Shepherd.
"Excuse me Dr Shepherd?" she knocks lightly on the open door to get his attention.
Turning he sees her and smiles brightly, "Why hello Dr. Bernard, how do you like Seattle?"
"Rebecca. Please tell me that there is sunshine here? Right?" She asks lightly, smiling and adding, "You have a great hospital here, Doctor. Now as a former Chief yourself, I am wondering if you have some words of advice for me."
"Please call me Derek" he says standing up and pushing in his chair, he says, "That's an excellent question, let's walk."
As they walk down the hall, Rebecca realizes that they are headed to her office. They enter the office and he says, "this is the most important thing you need to have in this job"...he reaches behind the bookcase and comes out with a small bottle of scotch.
"Scotch, in particular?" she asks with a smile.
"Actually, a hiding place. This office is all windows!" He smiles and gestures with his arms out.
Good point she thinks standing in the center of the office after Derek leaves. Glancing out she notices April and Avery walk by. It won't be long now until April will be on maternity leave and Rebecca will run the ER in her absence. In fact, she has insisted on working the ER beginning next week. Dr Kepner has a great triage system and Rebecca can't wait to learn it.
Later that evening, Rebecca reflects on her day. Odd, how much she's been thinking of pregnancy today, but understandable since she spent time with April who is pregnant and then lunch with Callie, who just assumed that Gabe was her natural child. She had carefully explained the brief details of her child's parentage to Callie. But now she can't stop thinking about everything.
The fact, that Gabe looked like her and not Catherine was always a point of contention and eventually why they broke up. And it was Catherine who suggested that they use Rebecca's cousin Samuel's sperm. Somehow, the subject never came up in their pre-pregnancy counseling, but as soon as he was born, she saw it all over Catherine's face. She didn't consider that the baby wouldn't look like her. As happy as they were that he was healthy, Rebecca always felt like there was something wrong. Rebecca remembers the first time that someone commented that Rebecca didn't look like she had just had a baby. She lovingly put her arm around Catherine to correct them, but felt her stiffen angrily. Later when they had a chance to talk, she brought it up and it was one of the worst fights they'd ever had. Weeks of couples therapy could not break through the anger, Catherine felt tricked and betrayed by Rebecca and it soon became obvious that they would not get past it. Once Rebecca moved out, their relationship improved, but they have never reconciled. They have simply existed as separate parents and it worked well until Catherine decided to move home to Seattle.
Draining the last of her scotch, Rebecca sits down the empty glass and picks up her phone, looks at it and tosses it on the coffee table. Just then it beeps indicating a text message.
AZ: busy?
RB: that depends are we texting or talking?
Just then her phone rings, its Arizona. "Hello Dr Robbins. Is there anything wrong?" she can't help but ask, because aside from a few random text messages about Seattle, they really haven't spoken on the phone much.
"Not exactly. I just have a few questions… can you meet for coffee in the morning? Outside of the hospital?" the blonde asks carefully, holding her breath that Rebecca won't take it the wrong way.
"Outside of the hospital? Uh, sure do you want to come down here to the waterfront?" Rebecca asked.
"Sure, is 7 am OK?" Arizona asks.
"Yes, that is fine. Can I at least have an idea as to what we'll be talking about?"
"Nicole Herman." Arizona said as she hung up.
"Perfect." Rebecca says as she drops the phone, picks up her glass and walks over to the kitchen bar and pours more scotch into the glass.
Chapter 7
"Since you are Chief and you haven't said or done anything regarding Dr. Herman, I can only assume that you are bound by patient confidentiality. So as a concerned colleague, I am asking you how much time do you think she has left to train me?" Arizona asks, then buries her head in her hands. "Ugh, I know you can't answer that, its just that there is still so much in her brain that I need to know. She should be writing journal articles, do you think she is writing journal articles? I am writing like crazy, every procedure. I am documenting everything because I can't afford to miss anything, because there's a chance that she won't be there to ask."
During this monologue, Rebecca stares at Arizona with no reaction.
As Arizona winds down, she touches the other woman's arm, wanting to provoke some kind of reaction.
Covering Arizona's hand with her own, Rebecca smiles tightly. "As you have guessed, there is not much that I can say to you in this regard, I am no longer her doctor, but what I know is confidential. In fact, I almost called you to cancel, but I realized that you had figured it out or you wouldn't have come to me, here, away from the hospital. Arizona, please know that I understand what you are doing, but I can't discuss it. I will talk with her, that I promise you."
Walking up to the Nurse's desk, Arizona spies Dr Herman in the lounge on the phone. Deciding to play it cool, she picks up a chart and turns to see Karev.
"I have a consult for you, that I think you'll want to …" he starts to say and then he smiles as two women walk up to Arizona tentatively, "Dr Robbins?" they say in unison.
Turning around, Arizona breaks into a huge smile, "Oh my, what are you doing here? Ally is…?
What is wrong with Ally?" Arizona looks at Karev frantically.
"Dr Robbins, Ally is fine. She is home with my Mom. We came to see you because, well Jamie is pregnant, 20 weeks. Listen its probably nothing, but our OB was worried, so we decided to get your opinion. After everything you did for Ally…"
Arizona steps back to look from Jamie to Madeline. "Of course, of course. I will help," she offers reassuringly. Looking over to the lounge, she sees Dr Herman looking at her so she motions to her that she is heading her way.
"Dr Karev will give me your file and I will review everything and we'll see you in… give me a half hour, OK?" at this she touches both of them on the arm, then takes the files from Alex and heads over to Dr Herman.
"What's going on? Who is that?" Dr Herman nods to the ladies still standing there with Karev.
"Our next case. Let's see what we've got here." Arizona says confidently as she sits down and starts going through the files. After a while they decide on a plan of action and go in to the exam room to meet with the patient and her wife.
Leaving the exam room, Dr Herman motions for Arizona to follow her into the lounge. Arizona closes the door, "What do you think?"
"No, Dr Robbins, you're my fellow. What do you think?" counters Dr Herman as she sits down.
"There is definitely something affecting lung development. I ruled out CCAM because I don't think this is a blockage, I think it is BPS. All the signs are there."
Impressed, Dr Herman pulls out the ultrasound reports and tells her to explain her position in detail.
Later, Arizona is in the cafeteria and spots Rebecca reading a journal while eating lunch alone.
She walks over to her and sits on the edge of the chair across from her. "Thank you again. I know I put you in an awkward position, but I really needed to know that I wasn't alone in this." Arizona can't help but feel connected to her, having gone to med school together, Rebecca knows her in ways no one else does, which makes Arizona smile brightly.
Looking up at the blonde, Rebecca says quietly, "Arizona, you are not alone. She is a brilliantsurgeon and so are you. Not to mention that you have so many people in your corner. I hope that you know that."
As if talking to herself, she answers with "I do? I do. Yes, I do. thank you again Dr Bernard."
With that the blonde stands up and leaves.
Knowing that people noticed the exchange, Rebecca looks down at her salad and takes another bite and then goes back to reading the journal open in front of her. Those dimples must have their own power source she thinks to herself.
A few days later and another successful procedure and Arizona's confidence and cockiness have returned. Running into Callie is no longer a big deal, it's just part of her day. It feels so good to feel so good. Walking out the front door, she pauses on the street in front of the hospital and looks at the hotel across the street. Not feeling like going up to her room, she turns around and walks back in the front door. On the skyway above her she sees Rebecca talking with someone at the same time Rebecca sees her. Pulling out her phone she sends a text.
AZ: "Meet me in the bar at the hotel for a drink tonight?"
RB: Give me 30 min?
Looking up at Rebecca looking down, Arizona points to her watch to indicate that she's timing her.
Sitting in the bar with a glass of wine, Arizona is writing notes on her tablet when she sees Rebecca walk in. She stops at the bar and motions at Arizona's table, the bartender nods and pours another glass of wine. Rebecca takes the glass and walks over to Arizona.
"I am starting to like Pinot Noir, I think Seattle is rubbing off on me", she says with a smile as she sits down.
"Aw, we'll make a Seattleite out of you yet! Thank you for joining me. I had such a good day, I just couldn't… well, I just wanted to share it with someone." Arizona says confidently.
"Thank you for asking me. So tell me about this good day." Rebecca can't help but smile back at the younger woman. Those dimples are like sunshine, she can't resist basking in their glow.
As Arizona tells her about Jamie and Madeline's case. "Seeing their confidence and trust in me, I just felt ten feet tall", Arizona tries to explain the feeling. "Everything has changed, Dr Herman doesn't hold all the cards any more and I can't tell you how amazing that feels. This year has been so challenging, but right now, all I feel is good," as she finishes, she leans back in her chair and takes another sip of her wine.
"How are you settling in Rebecca?" she asks putting down her glass and leans forward a bit.
"I am adjusting, you have a great hospital. And well, it is great to see you like... this is how I remember you, you know. You were such a cocky intern radiating confidence and everyone loved you and hated you," she says laughing.
"What? No one hated me? Who hated me?"
"All of the fourth years hated you, but they should have thanked you, because you pushed them to work harder. I can't tell you how many complaints that I got about you that year."
"Complaints?"
"Actually, you made my life easier." the brunette says smiling at the memory. "Once everyone started competing with you, it elevated the program. Do you know that you are the only Chief Resident selected unanimously?"
"Well, I was the first. There was another one, recently who was selected unanimously. He just wrote a book..."
Laughing, she leans forward and softly says "Arizona, no he wasn't. Yes, that is in his book, but its not true. Hopkins admin, just doesn't want to embarrass him by correcting him."
"Really?" Arizona laughs and flashes those dimples again.
Leaning forward, Arizona can't help but say it, "Thank you Rebecca. Seeing myself reflected in your eyes, I feel myself again. God, remember that feeling as an intern, anything and everything was possible. " she adds.
"Arizona, I can only imagine..." Rebecca leans forward, as she talks she reaches out to touch the blonde's hand, pausing for a moment. Obviously conflicted about whether to say what is on her mind… Arizona holds her gaze, encouraged Rebecca continues, "I'm not...Look I'm not a stalker, but I was curious about you when I found out you were here. And I know, I know things you probably don't want to talk about yet but..." Arizona pulls her hand away, confused for a moment, Rebecca looks down, but then Arizona is kissing her.
Pulling back, Arizona smiles, "you're right. I don't want to talk about that, yet." Then the blonde looks around the hotel bar and suggests, "but we should get together soon and catch up."
Chapter 8
"More wine?" Rebecca asks Arizona as they move from the table to the lounge chairs on the patio. Arizona sits in the chair and looks out over the harbor thinking how odd it is that she has lived here almost five years and couldn't tell you how many times she sat and looked at the ocean and she loves the ocean.
"Yes," gesturing at her wine glass, "this is really one of my favorites, how did you discover it so quickly? Have you already done a wine tour?" Arizona asks, really curious to know if she is seeing someone already.
"Actually, it was an housewarming gift from Catherine and Vick, I haven't really explored the area yet. Have you gone wine touring?"
"Actually this winery is the only one that we went to, we sort of got lost and found a bed and breakfast and spent the evening drinking this. It was one of our good road trips." Arizona explains, now realizing that their last road trip ended in a truck hitting them and Callie almost dying.
Changing the topic she asks, "How is everything going with Catherine?"
Rebecca looks at her wine and takes a sip and thinks for a moment, "You, know its really fine. Catherine is happy, Vick adores Gabe, which makes Gabe happy and that makes me happy," she explains, before taking another drink of wine and sitting the glass down. "Ironically, the last time that we both were happy, was when she was pregnant."
Continuing the thought, "Catherine and I spent three years talking about and planning to have a baby. We went through donor books, we got advice from friends who had gone through it, we tried to look at it from every angle. Then out of the blue, my cousin Samuel is in LA and he comes over for dinner. We end up spending the whole weekend with him and next thing I know Catherine asks him if he'd ever consider donating his sperm so we could have a baby. Long story short, he thinks about it and he's gay too. A few months go by and he agrees to do it. In my mind, I am thrilled because now there's a chance the baby will look a little like me. Jamal's mother and mine are sisters, so we have similar skin tone and same color eyes."
Arizona smiles at first, then realizes that there is problem. She crinkles her eyes waiting for it.
Rebecca sees her expression and nods, "yes, the thing is. Catherine didn't really consider what having my cousin's sperm would mean. She won't admit it, but I saw it as soon as she looked our son. She was shocked that he looked more like me than her. It was almost as if she felt like I had tricked her, even though it was her idea from the start to ask Samuel and she didn't even consult me before she asked. Arizona, it never even occurred to me to ask her if she had thought that through. It was her idea, I just assumed that she had…"
"I'm confused, this is why you broke up? Because Gabe doesn't look like her?" Arizona shakes her head, trying to understand. Sofia doesn't look anything like Arizona, but she's never not felt like her mother.
"Not exactly, but I know it played a part. Every time we'd go out, people would assume that I was the birth mother and then she would get upset. It got to be so uncomfortable that we wouldn't go out together with Gabe and then we wouldn't go out together. We just grew into the separate lives, by his first birthday we realized that we were basically roommates. We went to therapy, but neither of us wanted to get into this so after another 6 months, we just separated and by the time he was two, we were in different houses. Thanks to Prop 8, our marriage was revoked, so we didn't have to get divorced. " Rebecca finishes and looks over at the wine bottle that is empty. She stands up and asks "Are you warm enough, or should we go inside now?"
Arizona goes to stand up and Rebecca puts out her hands to help her up from the lounge chair. Holding hands they pause for a moment and look at each other intently, Arizona speaks softly,"Um, inside sounds good, I don't think I can sit out here much longer," she smiles.
Rebecca can't help but touch those dimples and caress her face. Touching her finger to Arizona's lips, she leans in gently and kisses her. Arizona closes her eyes and lets herself feel the gentle heat of the brunette's hands in hers, and the slight contact of their bodies. As the kiss ends, Rebecca gently turns the blonde and they head back into the house.
Sitting the wine glasses on the table, Rebecca goes into the kitchen and grabs a bottle of water and two glasses. Arizona sits down on the end of the couch, waiting for her to join her.
Rebecca sits right next to her on the couch and looks at the blonde, reaches up to tuck a wild curl behind her ear and gently caresses her face. Arizona takes her hand and kisses her fingers, feeling the heat between them starting to build. She panics a little and thinks that she should leave.
Breaking the spell, Arizona says "Dinner was fabulous, I didn't realize that you could cook like that."
Looking down, Rebecca says. "Why don't you stay in the guest room and we can have breakfast together. We have only gotten partially caught up," she looks up with a slight smile and adds, "It would be nice to not wake up to an empty house for a change."
Sighing, Arizona considers the offer. Lately waking up in the hotel room has been depressing on the weekends, because during the week she is too busy and tired to notice, but once she has a few days off, it is more noticeable that she's not home. But she wants to say no, then surprises herself by saying yes. But then panics again, because she's not done this before since she lost her leg and she has a routine and no crutches here to get around. Ah, she thinks it's too complicated. I can't do this.
Rebecca sees Arizona's struggle with what to do. She reaches over and puts her hand on the blonde's hands, "Arizona, I can only imagine what you are thinking but please don't freak out. I can't really explain what it is that draws me to you, maybe its our interrupted past, but I really want to get to know you and would love for you to stay over tonight. I even asked one of my friends who is an Ortho about you visiting and she told me what you would need. So I actually have a pair of crutches in the guest room, if you need them. And the bathroom is stocked with everything else you may need, as my sister keeps threatening to visit and I wanted to be prepared since she never calls first."
"Wow. You did that? You have crutches here, for me?' Arizona is stunned by the gesture.
"I want to get to know you, I hate that you're staying in that hotel and I'd like you to be comfortable here." She tries to explain. "Look I understand that neither us is ready to jump into anything right away, but I know that you feel this? "I am still drawn to you. Just like I was at school, but I don't want to ignore it again." As Rebecca says this she pulls Arizona's hands up to her lips and kisses her fingers lightly.
"You were such a hard ass back then. Most of the third years were worried to get on your bad side. You never cracked a smile in our direction, not once." Arizona exclaims as she pushes her away playfully.
"And yet, it was the third years who threw me a going away party." Rebecca points out, leaning back over towards the blonde.
"Well, by then I had figured you out and I needed proof! So blackmailed them into having the party for you. You did notice it was across the hall from my apartment," the blonde adds, very smugly. Leaning in even closer the brunette calls her out, "Yes, I did notice that, the next morning.
"What can I say, I was a hot mess back then," Arizona looks down a little embarrassed. Still laughing at the memories,
Rebecca adds "What was it the fourth years called you? Oh, wait, I remember, Dr Kryptonite. Because no one could resist you!"
"Well actually, it was straight girl kryptonite after the incident with the Dean's daughter Nadia and her broken engagement. But that wasn't my fault! I did not know who she was and she did not act like a straight girl." the blonde adds defensively.
"Oh trust me, she wasn't and isn't straight." Rebecca says mischievously.
"Really? Dr Bernard do you have a story to tell?" Arizona says excitedly and shifts over to lean towards the other woman.
Rebecca looks at her watch and deflects, "Oh wow, look how late is," she stands up and exaggerates a yawn.
Arizona laughs and smiles to herself. Staring at her hands for a moment, Arizona sighs again and her eyes well up. Rebecca notices and steps in to embrace her. "Thank you she whispers. Thank you for this. I don't think that I've sat still and talked with anyone for months and it would be really great to not wake up in the hotel room alone."
They stand up and they walk together to the guest room. Rebecca hugs her lightly, puts her hands on either side of the blonde's face, then kisses her forehead, and wipes her tears with her thumbs.
"Sweet dreams, ok? And please let me know if you need anything."
Nodding, Arizona turns to sit on the bed, then lays back and stares at the ceiling a moment.
After a few minutes, she checks her phone for any messages. There's one from Karev checking on her. She replies back so he won't worry. She smiles and thinks of her brother Tim. If she can't have Tim, at least she has Alex.
Reflecting on the evening, she can't believe how comfortable she is with Rebecca, which ordinarily would be reason enough to be laying in bed with her right now. But this is different, everything about this is different. It's like we have time to figure this out, so we don't have to rush to get to the good part. Arizona reflects on the past couple of months.
In the master bedroom, Rebecca lays awake thinking about the woman in her guest room. It is ironic that she spent so much time avoiding her in med school so she could stay focused, only to fall into bed with her at my going away party, she thinks. Then years later my ex makes me relocate and I end up at the same hospital with the woman who I can no longer avoid and no longer want to avoid. This is the type of things that make you wonder about fate and destiny, she thinks. There has to be some connection here. Its obvious that we are both feeling it, even though neither of us wants to just fall into bed casually. But at the same time, it would be amazing to be laying here holding her.
Chapter 9
The next morning was not as awkward as Arizona thought it would be. When she came out of herroom, Rebecca was having coffee and reading a journal article. Looking up and flashing a bright smile that lit up her soft brown eyes, she asks "Sleep OK?".
"Yes, actually, I did." Arizona sits on the chair near her, smiling brightly herself and thinking, how long has it been since I woke feeling this refreshed?
Reaching over to touch Rebecca's hand, Arizona waits for her to look up and then says, "Thank you for this. I didn't realize until now that how much I needed it. And not only are you insanely beautiful at 8 am on a Saturday, you're incredibly smart."
Unable to stop smiling, the brunette takes Arizona's hands and says, "Arizona, I was a mess when my relationship fell apart and I get it. I moved in with my sister and I just kept trying to pretend that nothing had changed, when everything had changed. One day I just realized that I was exhausted by the whole thing and about that time Samuell was in LA and we holed up in a hotel room and just spent the whole weekend drinking and talking it out."
As she spoke she got up to get more coffee and motioning to the cup, "Would you like some coffee?"
"Yes!" she exclaims and then her phone rings. Pulling it out of the pocket of the robe she answers, "Dr. Robbins. Yes, yes. Can you tell her that I will be there in 30 min?".
Concerned Rebecca walks over to her. "Hospital?"
"Yes, apparently Dr Herman has forwarded her calls to me. I'm sorry, but I need to go." Arizona says hesitantly, not wanting to leave like this.
"Here's an idea. Let me drop you off, it will save you time and I need to go in for a bit today anyway. With any luck we'll finish at the same time."
Finishing up the post op notes from the minor procedure, Arizona is getting ready to leave when she sees Callie in the lab and she doesn't look very happy. "Callie?" she says softly.
She looks up and sees Arizona. "Perfect." she sighs. "Look Arizona this is not a good time..."
"Wait," Arizona says shaking her head gently, "I just saw that you...can we just pretend for a moment that we don't, that we are at least friends? Can we just do that? Look, is everything OK?" the blonde asks sitting down across from her ex.
"Yes. I mean no... I just. I'm just having a tough time with the Wounded Warrior Project. The guys are…" she stops, looks over at the blonde. "Everything I'm doing is the exact wrong thing to do. I am beyond frustrated, and I just need... I really need to figure this out."
"You will Callie. I know you will." Arizona says confidently and stands up. Do you want me to take Sofia tonight so you can have more time here?"
"No. I don't need you to…" the brunette says defensively.
"Callie, I'm not criticizing you. We can swap time later this week if it bothers you. I just want to help," pausing to stay calm and trying again, "Calliope, I may not agree with you or understand your decisions sometimes, but I don't hate you." Arizona says softly smiling slightly.
While Arizona was speaking Callie dropped her head, when she looks up she has tears running down her face. "Thank you. Yes, please and I'll pick her up tomorrow." Callie says hoarsely, wiping the tears off her face.
Knocking gently on the open door, Arizona waits for the brunette to look up, then asks, "How is it going?"
Standing up and coming around the desk, Rebecca responds, "Actually, I just got caught up in this journal article, I can go anytime."
"Um, here's the thing. I just ran into Callie and I offered to take Sofia tonight so she can stay and work through an issue on her project. If its not too much trouble, I'll come and get my car later."
A little disappointed look crosses Rebecca's face quickly, but Arizona is sure she saw it.
Reaching out Arizona takes her hand and says, "Rain check? Let's go out to dinner this week?"
Smiling Rebecca agrees and adds, "Only if you promise me that you will call if you need anything. Oh and may I join you to see Miss Sofia? Gabriel talks about her all the time, you know."
"He does?" Arizona says laughing as the walk down the hall to the elevator.
There were quite a few kids in the daycare and Ms Brown told Arizona that Sofia didn't get much of a nap. Once they got to the hotel room, Arizona fed her and they laid down on the bed to read a book. Sofia was asleep in no time, so Arizona took advantage and grabbed her tablet to look up the new condos that she saw downtown near Rebecca's. She never thought of living down there, but now that everything has changed, why not change everything she thinks.
The next morning she checks her phone and has a message from Callie, "Thx. Got a lot done. Can u bring Sofia to the house later?"
Panicking a moment, she calls Karev. "Hey what are you doing today?"
"Why? Dude, I am not taking you shopping…" he immediately responds.
"Relax. You know that I hate shopping. Would you like to have lunch with Sofia and me?" She asks sweetly.
"Oh. Yeah, I can do that. Where do you want to meet?" Alex is still certain something is up. And as he's driving over to meet them he realizes that 'Sofia's favorite restaurant' is within walking distance of the hotel he figures out that Arizona probably just isn't wanting to drive today. Oh crap, he thinks. I wonder where she's going to make take her?"
He gets to the restaurant and Sofia is so happy to see him, that he melts a little and instead of being grumpy, he can't help but greet her sweetly. And looking at Arizona, he can tell something is different. Not only is she smiling but her eyes are sparkly. They haven't really sparkled since she started the Fellowship.
"Dude, you had s-e-x? What is going on?" he asks quietly as he sits down. "And I thought the Red Tricycle was her favorite restaurant", he adds.
She just can't stop smiling today and it feels really good. "Oh it is, but my car is downtown. No, I just feel like myself today. And I want you to go with me to an open house downtown. I think I may be ready to get out of the hotel."
"Why is your car downtown? And you don't have to stay in the hotel. I told you to move into Christina's room. Its a big house and we have plenty of room for you and Sofia". He says the last part to Sofia, so she smiles at him and gives him a kiss.
"I'm sure Jo would love that. Isn't Meredith practically living with you right now since she and Derek are still fighting over moving to DC?" she asks carefully.
"Don't worry about Jo, she knows the deal. The house is open to anyone who needs a place to stay. Even pain in the ass Peds attendings," he adds playfully.
"Watch your mouth in front of Sofia, Uncle Alex!" she corrects him.
As they finish lunch, she asks innocently, "oh by the way do you still have a toddler seat in your car for Sofia?"
"No, I don't have a toddler. Arizona, why would I drive around with a toddler seat?" he replies in his usual grumpy tone.
"Well, I need to drop Sofia off at Callie's and my car is downtown," she explains.
"Why is your car downtown? You did have a date? I knew it." He exclaims. Then laughing he adds, "Oh, and I grabbed the toddler seat before I left. So let's go."
Driving away, Arizona sends a text on her phone.
AZ: I'm going to be downtown later, dinner tonight?
"So are you going to tell me who you're seeing? Oh I heard Colleen was back in town. Oh tell me you didn't...she was so clingy." He asks looking over at her phone.
"No, Karev. I'm not seeing anyone. If you must know I just had dinner with a friend and since we hadn't seen each other in a long time, it got late and I stayed over," she replies.
"Totally innocent dinner with a friend. That's what you're going with? I've seen that friend and there's not a lot of innocent in the way she looks at you."
"Shut it Karev!" Looking back at Sofia, "Maybe Uncle Alex could sing Sofia that special song about the monkeys," she adds mischievously.
"Monkeys! Ooh Ooh Ooh!" Sofia giggles and now Alex has no choice but to sing the song with her.
RB: That might work. Its a training day, nothing heavy.
AZ: Wait are you still doing Triathlon, training?
RB: Yes. Still more catching up needed! I'll call you when I'm back from the bike ride.
AZ: :-)
Callie comes out as soon as she sees Alex drive up. She looks confused and is about to ask, when Arizona starts talking, "Uncle Alex had lunch with us today," Arizona says while he gets Sofia out of the car.
"Well, OK. I guess. Um, Arizona are you OK. Wait are you not driving again? Did something happen?" Callie asks suddenly concerned and flustered.
"Nothing like that. I'm fine. I'm going to an open house today and I asked Alex to go with me, because I didn't want to do it alone." Arizona explains.
Alex shrugs. "Its no big deal. And I keep telling her to just move into Mer's house with me and Jo," he adds.
"Everybody does," Callie and Alex say in unison.
Pulling away from the house. Arizona hits Alex on the arm. "I'm not one of the lost flock Father Alex, I am fine. And its obvious that Callie and I are not getting back together. So I need to get a place of my own. It's been a while since I've lived alone, I'm kind of looking forward to it. This is awesome. I'm doing this. Hey," she hits him again. "Let's go find a condo!"
"OK, OK. I am driving here, stop with the hitting."
The condos are nice and Arizona asks a lot of questions, she sees a couple that have open floor plans and there is one in particular that she really likes. Alex doesn't like them and he thinks she needs to look at the building down the street, Rebecca's building. Arizona smiles and says "Good idea, maybe next weekend," which makes him groan.
As they walk out of the last condo building, Arizona sees Rebecca ride by. Perfect timing she thinks.
"Hey, let's get a drink. I want to celebrate". She says enthusiastically.
"Celebrate what? You didn't buy anything," he asks.
"Celebrate that I want to buy something. Celebrate that I'm me again!"
"So does this mean you're going to stay in Seattle after you finish the Fellowship?"
"Why wouldn't I stay in Seattle?" she asks.
"I know that John Hopkins has made you offers in the past to head up their Neonatal department and once you complete this, there's no way they aren't going to make you another offer," he states.
"Well I have no plans to leave Seattle", she states. Then thinks to herself, as hard as it is to stay here, I can't imagine moving away from Sofia. At this point her phone rings.
"Hello! Yes, actually I am just down the street with Alex having a drink. No, problem. Anything is fine with me. OK, 30 min. I'll be there." she clicks off and looks at Alex.
"Zero plans to leave Seattle." she adds defiantly. "Now drink up mister, I have dinner plans." she adds with a wink.
He drops her off across the street and she waits for him to drive off before she crosses the street and heads into the building. To her surprise the doorman greets her and escorts her to the elevator.
Riding up she thinks, maybe Alex is right, I should look at units in this building?
Rebecca opens the door and is practically glowing from her workout. "Hi." she says and quickly leans to hug the blonde hello.
"Hi, yourself." Arizona responds and takes both of Rebecca's hands and swings them out before asking, "How much exercise did you get today. You look amazing, by the way!" she adds.
Well, I went ahead and did an extra workout today, so I could take a night off and have dinner with you this week. The Tri is coming up, so I don't want to skip any training days if I don't have to. The weather was perfect today. The nice thing about the gloomy weather here is that I am not distracted by any sunshine!" she adds laughing. Then adding, "you didn't have to have Alex bring you down here…"
Cutting her off with a gentle shake of her head. "Its no problem. He drove me over the Callie's to drop off Sofia and I made him go Condo shopping with me."
"Condo shopping? When did you decide to buy a condo?" she asks, then adds smiling "Oh and this catching up thing is going to take forever if I'm already behind after just one day