AN : / Hey guys!
I really, really enjoy writting this story and all the positive feedback is really motivating!
So, yeah, I will definitely going further and keep this story on.
As I am about to end to of my other stories, I may be able to update this one more often than I thought.
You have this chapter so soon because Shyalien had worked so fast that it's alreaday available! A huge thank you girl!
Reviews help me knowing if the story is interesting you or not, so take a few second to share your sentiment!
I wish you a pleasant reading!
Flashback are in italic.
...
Arizona was sitting in the fancy black BMW, dressed in a light blue scrub top and her old ripped pair of jeans.
Since she had signed the agreement papers the day before, Callie Torres hadn't stopped asking her if she was okay. She had asked her a billion times if she had everything she needed and in reality, Arizona needed just a few thing she had left in the car she was living in. So she had asked Callie for a ride to the parking lot and the brunette had been more than happy to offer it to her. She also gave Arizona a provisory prosthetic that did not fit her as it wasn't adjusted for her.
She didn't really agree at the beginning but after Arizona's persistent requests, she had yielded.
It had been a really unexpectedly sweet moment, Arizona acting childishly and Callie laughing at her pouting facial expressions.
There was definitely something upsetting Callie in that woman but she didn't know what was making her feel that way. She barely knew her and she had to remain professional with her. And that was the difficult part. Arizona was not a shy individual and she was pretty much the master of turning situations to her advantage.
So when she had made Callie that simple request, she naturally agreed. It's not that the blonde had to go back there, but she needed to pick some of her items that were still in her car.
« It would greatly do the job! » Arizona said when her new doctor looked hat her in doubt, twisting her mouth as she was adjusting the prosthetic.
« You should have taken the wheelchair! » Callie said as she stopped her car at the location Arizona had pointed at.
« It's okay. I don't like being in those things. » The blonde argued. « I won't be long! » She said. She stretched her body for a moment and looked back to offer Callie a perfect dimpled smile.
Her bruises were still visible but some of them were already fading.
As soon as her feet touched the ground, Arizona winced in pain and lost her balance for a moment but managed to stand up, using the car and taking some little steps, grabbing it with one hand.
She had just put the prosthetic on before leaving the hospital and wasn't used to it. It was a temporary solution but she didn't want to remain in a chair or worst a bed.
« See! You're in pain! » Callie said, undoing her seat belt and following her. She was the doctor here, Arizona was her last minute miracle tester and she needed her healthy. She wouldn't risk her to injure herself because of her stubbornness.
« It's nothing! Just a little pain in my ribs... » Arizona said. « It will go away. »
Callie rolled her eyes. It was the first day that Arizona was officially her tester and she was already doing things her own way.
Callie had already noticed a few things about her patient. She didn't like to talk about herself, she didn't like to be helped or sugarcoated. And she was beautiful.
But that had nothing to do with the kind of relationship Callie was supposed to share with her. But somewhere in her mind, she couldn't help but find her stunning.
She had a playful temper but she was also independent and seemed to have been through a lot.
There was like a mysterious aura around her and Callie was sure that the interest she seemed to develop toward Arizona was all about that. What else could it be?
« I brought a cane if you want it... » Callie said as Arizona was walking with difficulty.
« Seriously? » Arizona rolled her eyes but in fact, she wasn't against the idea to lean on that stupid cane to ease her walk.
« I'm an orthopedic surgeon and I'm good at my job... » Callie teased, suddenly regretting the tone of her voice. Since she had met Arizona, the blonde had always been sarcastic or Grumpy, so humor wasn't a good idea.
Interacting with people wasn't Callie's strong suit. She often spoke without filter and said out loud what she had in mind clumsily. She didn't make friend easily, especially women friend.
She had friends Of course, mostly from work and she was mostly surrounded by men when it came to friendships.
But Meredith, Christina and Jo had learned to know her and were now her real friends.
Walking back to the car, Arizona suddenly approached Callie very closely, her face a few inches away from the brunette, starring at her intensely. It made Callie gulp uncomfortably and the other woman smirked as she took the cane from her hands and smiled. « Thanks Doctor... » She replied, politely before walking away.
Callie hesitated a moment but finally followed her from far. Arizona hadn't forbidden her to come with her but she hadn't asked it either. After all, she had to be sure her patient was safe...
As she made her way through the brownfield in which Arizona seemed to know every corner, she was felt uncomfortable.
For someone like her who grew up in a really wealthy family, this kind of place was something she had never seen. Everything was disgusting and creepy and the few people they crossed seemed to be crazy or drunk, or drugged. Or the three at the same time.
As she joined Arizona, Callie looked closely all around. It was a gloomy abandoned covered parking lot, full of junk and mold. She winced in disgust, behind Arizona who was standing silently, a hand covering her mouth.
« Is everything ok? » Callie asked, walking closer to her and making her jump.
« Oh, so you followed me » she said, smiling at the view of that sophisticated lady walking with her fancy heeled shoes in that junkyard. « You must really need me if you're ready to come to the hell gate of Seattle ».
Callie rolled her eyes and looked with annoyance at the blonde who was smirking. But she also noticed her worried eyes going back to where she was staring before she interrupted her.
She was contemplating a carbonized car carcass.
There was nothing left but a few ashes that the wind was blowing away and dark sheet metal pieces.
« Oh my god... » Callie said, realizing what must have happened. « Was that your car? »
Arizona didn't reply and walked closer to the burned place she used to sleep in. The smell of fire was still present in the air.
She walked closer, remaining silent and somewhat stunned.
She nervously scratched her neck with ferocity, bending her head. It was not the first time Callie had observed that nervous tic, but here, it was stronger, and more impressive than in the hospital.
« Shit! Shit! Shit! » she yelled, her voice echoed between the walls of the empty slummed place.
Callie was observing from far and she became concerned when Arizona kept on scratching her neck violently. It was one more terrifying event for the woman who had just been assaulted a few days earlier.
Guessing that fire had something to do with Arizona's assault, Callie approached and saw the broken skin bleeding under the blonde's nails. Watching closely she knew that it was not the first time she must have done it. The stress, the pain mixed with the anger and the exhaustion were surely making her react so rashly.
Arizona was now really realizing what happened and she was nervously walking in circles, completely lost in her thoughts, hands clasped in front of her mouth and mumbling words. She was coming and going, trying to keep her self-control, But Callie could see she was struggling.
She suddenly stopped and got in what was left of her car binnacle. She bend her body which caused her broken ribs to hurt.
She did not complain out loud, just clenching her teeth and closing her eyes for a few moments. She felt Callie coming closer and turned her head to her.
« I'm okay... I'm okay... »
She looked in and nothing was left. All her belongings were burnt and mixed with the usual dust.
Getting out, her foot made a metallic sound as she stepped back, she removed the ashes with her foot and a smile appeared on her stressed face.
She quickly grabbed the items on the floor and washed it on her scrub top.
« Thanks God! » She whispered, bringing the object to her cheek tenderly.
« Need some help? » Callie asked, walking closer as she noticed the little object were two army dog tags.
« No... Thanks...We can go now... »
Callie didn't ask any more questions and let Arizona walk with her to the car. The blonde was laming, wincing when the pain was hitting her, but she had a beautiful smile on her face.
For someone who had apparently lost everything, she was strangely happy, as those tag were the only thing she needed to get back.
When the two of them were in the sight of the car, a man in a keeper dark suit accompanied by a dog he was taking on a leash was standing next to it.
« Hey Pit! » Arizona called him as they approached.
« Hey Doc! » He replied, making Callie stop.
The man was tall with dark curly hair and seemed to know Arizona.
« So you're back? » he asked. « I'm sorry for your car. It did not happen during my shift, I swear. »
« I know that. Don't worry Pit. » Arizona replied as the man looked at Callie. « Oh, this is Dr. Torres. »
« Hi! » The man waved his hand to Callie who did the same.
« Dr. Torres, this is Pit Walhberg. He is one of the guardians of the area. » Arizona explained as Callie nodded. « And guess what Pit! I've been included in some kind of big clinical trial for a Robot prosthetic leg! Isn't that awesome? »
« Hey! That's great Doc! I was worried when I heard about what Happened. But apparently, you found a way to get out of here! You deserve it! Don't screw it up » Pit said. « I hope you won't be back here! Ever! If I cross you on the street I will kick your ass! »
Arizona laughed loudly and Callie smiled. There were people who cared for her and she was happy to know it.
« I'll remember that! » Arizona teased as Callie entered her car. « I have to go now. Thanks for everything! »
She hugged him and gave him something she had took out from her pocket which seemed to be a bill.
« And take care of everybody, would you? » She asked the man with a concerned look.
« No problem! » Pit replied, a little sad to see her go but happy for her at the same time. « And your stuff isn't here anymore... »
« Oh... » Arizona said in surprise. « So I guess he took them with him? »
« Yeah... » Pit nodded as Callie witnessed silently the scene without understanding anything.
« And I guess he will be at the same spot as usual? »
« Yeah! »
« Cool! » Arizona replied relieved. « Take care Pit! See you! »
She walked to the side door and entered the car. She sighed lightly and looked at Callie, tears on edge of her eyes.
Taking the chance, Callie carefully put a hand on her shoulder to comfort her and the blonde nodded in understanding. Arizona Robbins was tough and strong but she was letting her emotion overwhelm her right now.
Callie started the car and they left the place in a comfortable silence.
She wanted to ask a billion questions to her. She wanted to know if she was okay if she needed anything. But she didn't want to push her too far knowing she didn't like to be mothered.
« I'm sorry you lost your belongings. » Callie stated sincerely.
« Oh, there was nothing valuable in that car. » Arizona explained. « I've been homeless for a quite some time now. I learned the rules quickly enough. »
Arizona was already back with her sarcasm and the statement made Callie gulp. Seeing where her patient had been living had upset her a little more than what she let on.
Because there was something she hadn't confessed to Arizona, and knowing what she knew made Callie more confused how that smart woman had ended there.
She knew a few things on Arizona and her past.
After her chat with Jo, the two women had googled her name and had found out that Jo's speculation was right.
Arizona was in a medical field but not anyone.
Dr. Arizona Robbins, pediatric surgeon, was travelling worldwide, helping children in poor countries or on natural disaster fields like earthquake, epidemics, tsunami, and giant storm.
She was also involved in several leagues of children protection against physical and sexual abuse.
She was working for a NGO based in Los Angeles and was kind of famous in her field.
But mysteriously, there was nothing about her since 2012 as if she had vanished from earth.
How can somebody like her have found herself living in that creepy place, surrounded by drug addicts, dealers and who knows what kind of troubled people. What happened to her?
Sure, they would have to talk about that one day or another, and knowing that she was a surgeon was a big news for the trial. It was going to help them in a lot of ways and the results would be even more precise.
But now, Callie was wondering if Arizona would be psychologically strong enough to undergo the whole process. She didn't have any idea of the reason her tester had lost everything to the point she was now on the margins of society.
« Can you stop near that gas station please? » Arizona suddenly asked.
« Sure... » Callie replied as she was still trying to figure out what had happened to her patient.
« I won't be long. I just have a friend here and he has something to give me. »
She walked out of the car and Callie tried to look at where she was going in the mirror.
The blonde went to the corner of the street where an old man was standing. He seemed to be homeless too, dressed with dirty and ragged clothes.
He gave something to Arizona, like a carton box. Arizona opened it and looked in. It was the size of a shoe box.
She hugged the old man for a long time before talking with him for a few seconds.
The more she was looking at her, the more beautiful Callie found her. She was for the moment a real enigma.
She knew nothing about her, except the few articles she found on the internet and everything was really confusing.
And even Callie was feeling confused. And she didn't like that. She was a Cartesian person and she hated guessing or imagining. She needed concrete facts and concrete elements. And with Arizona Robbins, everything was foggy and insinuating
« I'm sorry, it took a little longer than I thought. » Arizona said, opening the door and making Callie jump.
She started the car back as Arizona carefully grabbed her shoe box.
« What's in there? » Callie asked without any kind of thought.
Arizona's finger curled stronger against the box and she didn't answer. It was too soon to talk about it. And it did not concern her at all.
« Are you married? » Arizona suddenly asked.
But Callie was no fool and she knew this was her co driver's way to change the subject that she didn't want to talk about by picking another inappropriate subject.
« I'm not actually. » Callie replied. « But I don't think it's any of your business... »
« Oh, Really? » Arizona said. « Because I know that you have tons of questions to ask me but you don't have the guts to do it... »
« I'm not going to play that game with you. I know you have done it with Dr. Wilson, but with me it's another story. » Callie replied, vexed.
« Let's make a deal. I'm going to give you two questions a day that I will answer. And in return, I can ask you two questions too... We have 2 joker each. »
« I'm not your play friend Arizona, I'm your doctor... »
« Come on! I know I intrigue you. » Arizona said, making Callie blush lightly as she tried to remain neutral. « And you intrigue me too... People are curious, that's human nature... »
« And what's the purpose of this silly game? »
« Getting to know each other. I bet you know that doctor / Patient links have to be trustful and tight right? »
« Okay, right... Two questions a day but nothing more! » Callie said.
« Awesome! » Arizona said, excited like a child on Christmas morning. « So here is my first question: Have you ever been married with kids? »
« That's two questions in one... »
« No, the way you're asking is an important part of the game! »
« If you said so... » Callie said, getting annoyed by that game already.
« Come on! Answer the question... »
« I've been married... Twice. Almost three but I broke up with her before the wedding. And I don't have kids... At the moment. »
The precision made Arizona smiled tenderly. She barely knew her but she thought she would make a great mom.
« My turn... What was your job before you found yourself... in this situation... »
« You're such a pussy Dr. Torres! » Arizona teased, wincing a little in pain because of the big smile she had on her face. « You can say homeless, in the street... there's a lot of words to describe 'this situation'. »
Callie bit her lip in frustration. Walking on eggshells was the only thing she thought would lead Arizona to answer her question. But as usual, she was clearly making fun of her.
« To be clear, you want to know the last job I had before I lost my apartment right? » Arizona asked.
« Yeah... » Callie replied, wrinkling her forehead.
« Well, I was dispensing some bullshit leaflet in the streets. A friend of mine was doing it but he was sick and he didn't want to lose his job. So I took over for him. »
« You are kidding me right? » Callie interjected.
« Why would I ... » Arizona kept messing with her.
« I was asking about your real job! »
« That is a real job, and I believe it's a very ungrateful one. People don't even look at you, you are being insulted, standing in the cold all day long... That's a really hard job! »
« That's not what I'm talking about... » Callie interjected, visibly mad at Arizona.
« I know. That's why I told you, wording is important Dr. Torres... »
Callie didn't reply, too pissed to talk. She had managed to make her enter her game and now she was stuck. Moreover, she fell in the trap first and she was annoyed by that.
« Oh, so you are sulking now? »
« You know what, let's stop it. You're happy, you got me fooled. » Callie said coldly.
« Oh Come on Doc... You already know what my job was. »
« Why would I be asking this then? »
« Because you don't have the guts to tell me you've been looking on the internet for me Dr. Torres. » She smirked while Callie was pursing her lips, trying not to care about what she was telling. « I've tried to erase most of things but you know, it's impossible to get rid of everything on line. »
As a silence settled, Callie's phone buzzed multiple times but she let it. She didn't know if she could keep the subject of Arizona being a surgeon in the conversation without worsening things.
« You still have a question to ask me. » Arizona noticed, taking the lead to change the conversation but this time it was making thing easier for Callie.
« You too. » Callie finally replied, breaking her silence.
« Okay. So, what do you want to know... »
« I'm just going to ask you the same question as you asked me earlier... Have you ever been married with kids? »
« Nope! » Was the simple answer Arizona gave her before turning her head to the window?
Noticing that the subject seemed delicate to talk about, Callie decided not to insist. Arizona must have told her the truth but her ability to play with the words might lead her to hide something. She would keep that subject for later but noticed that it was something she really wanted to know better about.
« Alright... Your turn... »
« Well, I'd like to ask you why you are so caring with me. Because I think there's something much more than that damn trial. » Arizona asked. Because she knew how doctors interacted with their patients as a matter of fact. But here, Callie was really involved, by her side and she had already noticed it.
« You're going to help me through my research, I'm just grateful. » Callie explained, her cheeks blushing. Ultimately she was telling the truth. But something about that woman was attracting her and she didn't want to admit it.
« Yeah, of course... But you are really involved. You are bearing me even if I'm a pain in your ass, you are checking in all the time... » Arizona précised as Callie parked her car in the hospital parking lot.
« I'm just a caring kind of person. »
« That's good to know... By the way, thank you for the ride! I appreciate it, a lot. » the blonde stated, offering a wonderful smile to Callie who gasped one more time.
It was time for her to get back to work and to focus on something else.
…...
She entered her office, closing the door behind her.
That road trip with Arizona had been anything but easy. The young woman had been talkative and what was annoying Callie right now was she was almost able to read her like an open book.
But at least, they had some conversation and she knew a little more about Arizona's life. Nothing accurate but some pieces of the puzzle were discovered. There was still a long road to go but she smiled, thinking about what was coming next.
She was going to rent a room for Arizona in a hotel near the hospital for the duration of the trial. She also had to introduce her to the team who will be working with them. She already knew Jo, but there was Amelia Shepherd in charge of the brain captor implant, Miranda bailey the physiotherapist, Jackson Avery, robotics technician and Owen Hunt, a trauma surgeon, specialized in the aftermath of amputation who was just a consulter in the trial.
It was her team and they were working closely and efficiently together. She couldn't wait for them to get to know Arizona.
Yawning, Callie walked to her desk where a lot of paper work was waiting for her.
As she sat, she took her phone out from the pocket of her jacket and checked it. Remembering it had buzzed several times, she noticed she had a voicemail just when Jo entered her office.
« Oh you're back Dr. Torres! I needed to show... »
« Shhhh! » Callie welcomed her with a finger on her mouth.
« Hello. I'm looking for a Dr. Wilson who contacted me on Facebook. She left me your phone number saying you could give me some information about Arizona Robbins. I'd like to talk to you, it's important. Can you call me back at this number? Thank you. Oh, and I'm Teddy Altman. Dr. Teddy Altman. »
A little lost, Callie tried to process the information she just received before throwing a death glare to her fellow.
« Wilson, what did you do? »
…...
« I just spotted the ad on Facebook... » The young doctor replied under the reproaching look of her attending.
« You must be kidding right? »
« Why are you so pissed? You have googled her name too! »
« Under YOUR advice! And that's not the problem! » Callie yelled. « First, you have contacted a person you don't even know and second, you gave her MY phone number! What's wrong with you! »
« I just looked for 'Arizona Robbins' on Facebook and I just found that message from a Theodora Altman from Los Angeles who was looking for a woman called Arizona Robbins. » Jo explained. « The message was 18 months old and I just contacted her to see if we were talking about the same person... »
« And you gave her my cell number... »
« I'm sorry Dr. Torres, I misjudged the situation. I'm going to call her back and explain it was a mistake. »
Callie sighed and finally took a minute to think about the situation. If that woman had took the time to call her back, it meant that she was still looking for Arizona. But she needed more information.
« Can you show me that message? »
« Of course! » Jo said, walking to Callie's laptop. « Can I? »
Callie nodded and Jo looked for the message she found the night before.
« See, it's here. It's a group where you can leave a message for someone you haven't seen in a while, lost or missing person. » she explained, going to the message concerning Arizona. « Here it is. »
I'm looking for my best friend. Her name is Arizona Robbins. She's blonde, blue eyes, 165 cm. She uses a prosthetic following the loss of her left leg. She might be on the west coast.
I'm very concerned. She left without telling anyone. Her car and some of her belongings are missing too. And as I'm not from her family I can't report her missing.
Arizona if you are reading these words, we are all looking for a sign from you. Please just let us know you're okay. We need to know you're alright. We love you and miss you.
« See that can only be her right? » Jo asked.
« I don't think there's a lot of 'Arizona' Robbins using a prosthetic leg. Everything fits her... » Callie upsettingly replied.
« That means someone is looking for her. »
« She told me she had no family and no friends... » Callie whispered.
« Are you going to call that woman back? » Jo asked.
« I don't know. I mean, I don't even know why you have done this. Arizona is here to be our prosthetic tester. She did not sign those paper for us to intrude in her private life without authorization! » Callie interjected.
« I know, I exceeded the limits. I'm sorry! » Jo apologized. « We've been looking for that tester for too long, and now that we have her, I don't want to screw everything up. Let's forget about that. »
« It's not going to be that easy now. I know her friend is worried about her whereabouts. » Callie said. « I think I'm going to call her back. »
« But you just said... »
« Wilson... I'm the boss, you're my fellow, just leave it. I'm just trying to do what's best for my patient. »
…...
« Wake up! For god sake's Arizona! You've been laying in that bed for days! »
Receiving nothing but a frozen and empty look from her friend, Teddy clenched her fists and bend her head in defeat.
« I know you think you should have died out there. I know you don't want to hear that right now, but we're here for you! So stop cutting us off. »
« Get the fuck out of my apartment! » Arizona yelled, throwing a bottle of water in Teddy's direction, bursting into tears and screaming in pain.
Teddy rushed to her side and hugged her tightly, rubbing her back, and crying with her.
« Everything that happened to you was unfair. I can't say that I know what you are going through because it's impossible that I would have been able to survive it. But I'm here and I will never leave you! I'm your friend! » Teddy whispered.
« They all said that... »
« I'm not your mother, I'm not going to disappear on you. I'm not your father or Tim or Annie. But I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere! »
They stayed like that for a long moment, Teddy trying to reassure her and to ease her pain.
When she was a little quieter, Arizona broke the embrace and wiped the last tears she had in the corner of her eye.
« I... Uh... April kept calling. Don't you want to talk to her? » Teddy explained carefully, fearing her friend's reaction
« Screw her! I don't want to see her ever again! Tell her that! »
« Arizona! She just wants to help. She's your … »
« Don't you dare say that. She's nothing to me. And get the fuck out! »
