2.
"So you got promoted?" Arizona asks her friend, while looking for some files.
April leans against the counter of the nurses' station. "Well yeah, for the time being I guess. It's an interim job, now that Meredith is suspended," she explains modestly.
"Did we hear from Meredith yet? We really need her with all this Minnick hassle going on," Jackson, showing up out of nowhere, involves himself. Clearly nothing had changed over the last couple of days. "Speaking of the devil..." he adds underneath his breath.
Arizona looks up from her paperwork, just when Eliza joins the little group, focusing her attention on April straight away. "Dr. Kepner, do you have a moment? I'd like to discuss this afternoon's cholecystectomy," she says.
Arizona feels relieved when Eliza doesn't mention the day before, though clearly a little too soon: just before taking off with April, she turns toward her. "I had fun yesterday, we should do that again!" she grins. Not waiting for a reply, she turns around again, leaving Arizona somewhat bewildered, wishing herself anywhere but here.
"What was that about?" Jackson asks, giving her a questionable look.
Arizona tries to keep her cool, only partly succeeding. "N- Nothing. We ran into each other, had a chat, that's all. Nothing to worry about," she rambles.
He doesn't seem reassured. "First she gets April and now she gets you, too? What is it with you people?"
"Oh come on, she didn't get April. They're talking about a gallbladder removal, for God's sake. Interns already do them all the time!" she snaps. She can't help sounding a bit defensive. "And she didn't get me either. I know how to stand my ground. You know, being a good ma-"
"Yeah, yeah," he cuts her off, mumbling, and with his eyes on his beeping pager, "I bet you are!"
Arizona isn't convinced though, especially when he makes this 'I keep my eye on you'-gesture as he walks away. A deep sigh escapes her. Seriously, when did this hospital change into high school?!
... ...
She has a busy day, with three surgeries in a row. The sun has set already when she's performing a fetal surgery. She's been up on her feet pretty much all day, which she's been trained for, but which isn't that easy anymore since the crash. Mentally she is still very much awake though, getting loads of energy from her job.
She also appreciates the distraction that comes along with it. Her wandering mind finally seems to get a break today. So of course that can't last too long.
When the door opens Arizona doesn't even have to look up. "Dr. Minnick! I assume you want to assign one of these newborns to cut in this yet-to-be-born infant with a 10-blade?" she suggests sarcastically.
"I wouldn't even want to take over myself," Eliza replies calmly. "Yes, my method is based on practice, on interns and residents improving their skills by actually performing solo surgeries. That doesn't mean they can simply take over every type of surgery. There are still levels. There are still limits. I know the limits."
Arizona glances at her, briefly, as her focus needs to be on the patient. Like everyone in the room, Eliza's face is mostly covered, drawing even more attention to those bright, mesmerizing eyes. Arizona makes a mental note: seeing this woman in an OR is not helping with standing her ground.
With her eyes back on the very tiny baby she murmurs: "Are you sure about that?"
Eliza ignores the insinuating question. "The only thing I'm focused on right now is getting the picture. To get a clear image of teaching moments within a surgery that's too complicated to delegate. Just pretend I'm not here," she explains her presence.
If only things are that easy.
... ...
The surgery goes well. Two hours later Arizona informs the Ped's surgeon on duty about the Post-op, making sure he'll call her whenever needed. DeLuca, who has been assisting in the OR, will also stay for the night. He's just finishing some papers which Arizona needs to sign before taking off, smiling from ear to ear.
"You're in a good mood," she notices, wondering if he has won the lottery, or better, if there could be a new girl in his life. "Wanna tell me about it?"
DeLuca looks up at her, slightly uncomfortable. "I can't. It's not something you wanna hear about."
Just as Arizona is about to accept that and leave him to it, he continues, "I like Dr. Minnick. I think she's great. And I know that's not fair to say to you, that there are things going on between the attendings and her, but it's true. I like what she's trying to do for us."
Arizona nods. She realizes she's out of words. This loyalty conflict she got herself sucked into is getting way too complicated.
... ...
Just when she's about to cross the catwalk on the way to the attendings' lounge Arizona notices Richard standing there, clearly not enjoying the view. For a split second she thinks about taking a detour; she feels like she really can't take any more of this mess today, especially because she starts to realize that she's sliding a bit towards the middle - and hating herself for that. However, just the thought of hiding from her friend makes her feel guilty on the spot. Besides, years ago she has decided never to bail again and she is determined to stick to that intention.
So she does walk up to Richard and asks him how he's doing, secretly hoping he's perfectly fine, though already knowing that he isn't.
Richard looks at her, briefly, then stares into nothing again. "Have you ever felt replaced, Robbins?" he asks her.
Out of nowhere, and not able to stop it, an image of Sofia appears, holding the hands of two women, none of them being her. She tries to erase the picture as quickly a possible, since this is a totally different situation, in no way comparable. "No, I haven't," she answers.
"Well, it stinks! It feels like... like I'm useless. Like all of a sudden everything I did for the last twenty years was totally worthless. And you know who came up with that? The woman I trained! The woman who called me her mentor! The irony... I've never felt this humiliated and downgraded in my life."
Arizona swallows, then draws her lower lip between her teeth. Seeing him like this breaks her heart. How can they simply put him aside like this? "I'm so, so sorry this is happening to you, Richard," she sighs, gently resting her hand on his shoulder. "You know we've got your back, right?"
Richard faces her again and answers her with a small but thankful smile. He knows.
... ...
Strengthened by Richard's misery, Arizona feels like she finally has her priorities straight again. So running into Eliza, which seems unavoidable these days, is actually helpful for a change. Now she can show once and for all where she's standing: the charming days are over!
As expected, Eliza catches up on her.
"Dr. Robbins, wait up!" she calls, "We still need to evaluate your surgery. I was thinking, maybe over drinks? Or how about dinne-"
"How about no!?"
Caught off guard by Arizona's resolute tone Eliza slows down for a second, while Arizona moves on. She heads to the glass entrance doors with regained self-confidence, resists the urge to look over her shoulder and steps outside, instantly enjoying the fresh air.
"Goodnight, Dr. Minnick!" she waves without looking back, right before the doors close behind her, separating the two of them. If she'd been wearing her heelies she would be spinning around right now. Having the last word never felt this good!
... ...