Chapter 3

"Ready?" Eliza asked Arizona early Friday morning. The sun was not due to rise for another couple of hours. Arizona chose an early flight so that she could make it into New York on time to pick up Sofia from school.

"I am," Arizona smiled widely, "thank you so much for taking me to the airport. I know it's really early."

Eliza grabbed Arizona's bag and pulled it out the front door to take to her car, "I am glad to take you."

"So, Callie is picking you up?" Eliza asked as they climbed into her car.

"Yes, she is," Arizona replied. "She has to take me to Sofia's school because I'm not on the list to pick-up." Eliza could tell the blonde was annoyed by the entire situation.

"You seem upset…" Eliza said cautiously.

"No… well I don't know. Maybe a little. I understand why I wouldn't need to be on the list. I'm not there. But I'm her Mommy, you know?" Arizona pouted, "And yes I am a little jealous that Penny is probably on that list. I'm sorry," Arizona pouted.

Eliza reached over and grasped Arizona's hand. "No reason to apologize to me. You do that a lot," Eliza teased.

"I'm sorry.." Arizona cringed.

Eliza laughed, "It's just that your feelings here are valid. You are her Mommy, and I would be upset too. However, the school year is almost over and soon she will be here with you for the entire summer."

"All summer, yes," Arizona nodded. She appreciated having Eliza around. The brunette definitely walked around the hospital like she owned the place, and it used to bother Arizona a bit. But now that she has had the chance to get to know Eliza, she has realized that arrogance is just a defense mechanism. Underneath it all is a very emotionally intelligent woman that is able to be vulnerable with Arizona. The brunette helped Arizona calm down a lot.

"Just remember, you were the one that the court awarded custody to. That doesn't mean nothing, okay?"

"Thank you," Arizona smiled softly. After a few moments of silence, Arizona started to get worried.

"Are you okay with Callie picking me up? I am sure that must be a little weird for you…" Arizona trailed off nervously.

Eliza chuckled softly, "Well, I can't say it doesn't make me a little nervous. I mean, she's your ex-wife… and trust me, I've heard the Callie/Arizona stories from nurses. They love to gossip," Eliza rolled her eyes. "So yeah, I feel a little insecure," she admitted with a nervous laugh, "but she's your daughter's other mom first and foremost, so I understand that she is a part of your life forever. I can put my insecurities aside for that."

"Callie and I-" Arizona paused, "We are done. Simply put," Arizona shrugged. "I'm with you."

"I know," Eliza smiled.

Arizona turned to admire the brunette who was focused intently on the road. "You mean so much to me, I hope you know that."

Eliza blushed and as she pulled to a stop sign, she turned to Arizona, "You mean a lot to me too. I think you're amazing."

Staring intently into her blue eyes, Arizona had an overwhelming urge to say those beautiful three words. Because they were true. She was in love with Eliza Minnick. She had grown to be her best friend, her confidant, and her pillar. She wanted her to understand how much Eliza did not need to worry. Just as Arizona opened her mouth to say the words, Eliza turned her attention back to the road and continued on their way.

Arizona turned her attention back to the road as well. She could tell her hand was getting clammy at the overwhelming feeling she was experiencing. She pulled her hand away from Eliza's and rubbed it on her jeans.

"You okay?" Eliza asked concerned.

"Oh yeah…" Arizona nodded but Eliza could tell her thoughts were off in a distance. "I'm fine."

"Shit…" Eliza muttered, "I didn't even think about it. It never crossed my mind.. I am a terrible girlfriend. You're about to get on a plane and- God, you must be so nervous. Nervous is a understatement. I am so sorry. I can get a ticket and ride with you to New York- I just have to call Bailey to let her know I can't come in this weekend. You can still have your private Sofia time. I love the Met, I can go there, or central park. It's New York, I'll find something to do. God, babe, I'm sorry I didn't think about this beforehand- What?" Eliza stopped midway as she noticed Arizona staring at her smiling. Tears formed in Arizona's eyes.

"You said girlfriend…" Arizona grinned.

"Oh… well…" Eliza stuttered nervously. "I mean we've been dating for a few months now. I mean our date nights have turned into pajamas and Netflix."

"No, we are definitely an old lady couple now," Arizona agreed, "You have just never called me that."

Eliza blushed, "Well maybe not in front of you, but that's how I talk about you to my family."

"You told your family about me?" Arizona smiled brightly.

"Of course, Arizona! You make me so happy," Eliza paused. "Are you my girlfriend?"

"Yes, I am," Arizona nodded. "But I'm not nervous about the plane ride. I mean, of course I am, but I can handle it. I've been on planes since the accident. I just got nervous because…" Arizona paused and Eliza glanced over at her with concern. "I'm in love with you, Eliza."

Eliza did a double take at Arizona with a look of shock and adoration. She was trying to focus on the road, but she was having trouble looking away from the beautiful blonde.

"...and it makes me nervous to feel like this because I've already experienced so much loss in my life, and I cannot fathom the thought of losing you. It's such an intense feeling," Arizona continued, tears beginning to fall down her face.

Eliza quickly pulled off to the side of the road and took Arizona's face in her hands. She used her thumbs to wipe away some of the stray tears.

"I am in love with you too, Arizona. I love you so much. I'm not going anywhere, okay? I understand why you're scared, and trust me, I am terrified. I have that same intense feeling. But, I'm here right now, I'll be here tomorrow, and I'll be here when you get back Sunday. I'm here with you for the long haul, okay?"

Arizona nodded softly, tears continuing to fall down her fast as she leaned over and kissed Eliza.

Arizona pulled away laughing, "I don't know why I am crying. I am emotional today. It's early, I'm going to see Sofia, and I'm about to be on a plane. I'm sorry."

"Stop. Apologizing," Eliza laughed kissing Arizona in between each word. "Let's get you to the airport before you miss your flight, okay?"

Arizona took a deep breath and nodded.

"Do you have everything you need?" Eliza asked Arizona at the drop off zone.

"I do," Arizona nodded affirmatively as she patted her bags.

"Are you sure you don't want me to fly with you?" Eliza asked unsurely.

"I'm sure. I mean, I'd love your company, but I can do this," Arizona smile showed her dimples.

"Would you like me to walk you in?"

"Eliza," Arizona whispered warmly, "I'll be okay. Thank you for everything." Eliza nodded and pulled her girlfriend in for a hug.

"I'll pick you up on Sunday," Eliza smiled kissing Arizona. "I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too. I hope you have a good weekend," Arizona smiled. "I love you," Arizona whispered shyly.

Eliza grinned, "I love you too. Call me when you land."

"Will do," Arizona agreed before turning and heading into the airport.

Arizona walked out of the terminal and saw a sea of people waiting for their loved ones. Arizona took a deep breath as she looked around for her ex-wife. They had not seen each other in person since she dropped Sofia off and gave Callie the okay to bring their daughter to New York. Usually Sofia had a flight attendant escort her through the airport or Callie sent her with a nanny. It took her a couple minutes but she finally spotted her ex-wife off in a distance doing something on her phone. She looked different, Arizona noted. Callie's long brunette hair had now been cut and shaved off. With one more deep breath, Arizona started walking in her direction.

"Hey," Arizona said, bringing Callie's attention away from her phone.

"HI!" Callie smiled brightly, "Oh!" Callie reached in her bag and pulled out a wrinkled sign that had "Arizona Robbins" scribbled on it and drawings of rainbows and butterflies. "Sofia made it," Callie explained. "She thought you may not recognize me with the new haircut."

"I almost didn't," Arizona admitted, giving Callie a small smile. They stood there awkwardly for a few seconds before Arizona quickly replied, "Oh, I like it, it's edgy. It suits you."

"Thank you," Callie said genuinely. "So, we should go?"

"Yes, yes!" Arizona nodded. "I'm excited to see Sof. I really missed her," Arizona admitted.

Callie nodded, unsure what to say. She didn't know whether to apologize for bringing her daughter to New York or thank the blonde for letting her. Or maybe she should do both… She ended up just nodding. As they walked out of the hospital, Callie guided Arizona to a black car with a man standing by the open trunk.

"James, this is Dr. Arizona Robbins. Arizona, this is Miguel," Callie introduced them.

"Hi James," Arizona gave him a dimpled smile.

"Nice to meet you Ma'am," he replied opening the back door for the two of them. Callie went in first and scooted over to the left hand side, letting Arizona take the right. James shut the door and grabbed Arizona's bags and placed them in the trunk.

"You have a driver?" Arizona whispered loudly, confusion written all over her face.

Callie chuckled, "Sofia does. Courtesy of Abuelo."

"Carlos got our 7 year old a driver?" Arizona asked incredulously.

Callie shrugged, "Honestly, it pays itself. No hassle and I don't have to mess around with taxi fees. Or have our daughter in a dirty New York taxi. Plus this is comfier! Our au pair just hops in the car to take her to school, no issue. We have an hour long drive back to Manhattan and trust me, you wouldn't want to be in taxi right now," Callie laughed.

Arizona gave a small laugh, "Okay okay. Man, our daughter is going to be spoiled. Driver. Au Pair."

Callie grinned, " It's just a year. And anyways, that's what Abuelos are for."

Arizona nodded understandingly, "How is Carlos?"

"He's doing well. He does a lot of business in New York, so I know he has been enjoying the time with Sofia. Mama has been coming up with him to spend time with her too," Callie smiled.

"Oh Mama Torres," Arizona grinned thinking back on all the difficulties they had with her. When Sofia was around the age of 4, she had finally come around and started visiting Sofia more often. Arizona guessed it had more to do with the divorce though.

"She's come a long way," Callie joked. "She even looks Penny in the eye now."

"Wow," Arizona chuckled. "How is Penny? How's the grant?"

"It's good! She's good." Callie forced out a little too excitedly. Arizona narrowed her eyes suspiciously. Callie rolled her eyes and sighed, "She works long hours."

"Ah!" Arizona laughed, "There it is."

Callie shook her head and chuckled, "It's mostly just Sof and I, you know? I honestly miss everyone."

Arizona bit her tongue. All of a sudden, she felt overwhelming rage. She wanted to yell out, "Of course you do! You left everyone!" She wanted to tell her how her selfishness had impacted the hospital, their friends, and her. But she didn't. She knew it wouldn't solve anything. Arguing and attacking is what led to their relationship failure in the first place. Arizona wanted to do better as a co-parent, and a part of her also felt genuinely sad for Callie. Once again, she jumped wholeheartedly into love and once again, she was let down.

Instead, Arizona simply said, "Everyone misses you too."

"How is everyone? I mostly only keep up with Meredith and even that's pretty rare."

"Everyone is good. Or maybe they're not," Arizona laughed, "Everyone seems to be hanging on by a thread. Karev just barely escaped a felony charge, April and Jackson still won't admit they love each other, Maggie's mom just passed away, and Meredith is- well, Meredith is trying to figure things out. Oh, and Bailey and Richard were on the outs for awhile."

"Because of that new Doctor, right? Minnick?" Callie laughed. "Meredith told me she practically got fired over her?"

"Well, not necessarily," Arizona shrugged, "That was all Meredith. Eliza didn't have anything to do with that."

"Wait, Eliza? Eliza as in the one Sofia talks about?" Callie asked in a judgmental tone.

"Yes, Eliza Minnick," Arizona said defensively. "I don't appreciate that tone, either."

Callie chuckled, "I'm sorry. I'm just surprised. You and Richard were close. He was your wing man," Arizona rolled her eyes at her comment.

"Here we go," Arizona mumbled.

"No, no! I'm just surprised. How did Richard take the news that you were dating the woman that stole his job?"

Arizona crossed her arms defensively, "Richard is a dignified gentlemen… and a friend. He supported me completely."

"So he threw a fit?" Callie joked.

Arizona couldn't help but laugh, "A little bit yeah, but he got over it."

Callie nodded, but did not respond. They fell into a comfortable silence for about 5 minutes before Callie spoke up again. "So, Minnick? She's Ortho, right?" Callie smirked.

"Yes," Arizona muttered.

"Yeah, I think i've met her at a conference a couple times before… Brunette?"

"Yep."

"You so have a type," Callie teased as she grabbed her phone and began typing furiously.

"I do not have a type," Arizona bickered with another roll of her eyes.

"Oh, you do," Callie snickered as she held out the screen that showed a picture of Eliza.

"Oh my god! Did you just google my girlfriend?" Arizona shrieked.

"I did," Callie grinned.

"You're annoying," Arizona responded with a small smile. It felt good to have this banter with her ex-wife. It almost felt normal. It wasn't that it brought back old feelings, but there was a sense of home with Callie. She still felt like family.

They sat in comfortable silence another 10 minutes before Callie broke it again.

"They miss you, you know..." Callie admitted softly.

"Huh?"

"My parents. My dad mostly."

"What?" Arizona questioned in disbelief.

"Yeah, they really do. You're their granddaughter's other Mama."

Arizona laughed ironically, "I know, It's just after everything-"

"My dad was the one that encouraged me to stay with you after-" Callie waved her hands in the air to symbolize Arizona's infidelity.

"I never told you that?" Arizona shook her head. "Yeah, he told me regardless of how it turned out, I needed to give us a chance to repair everything… He uh- he cheated on my mom before they had me. They found a way to make it work," Callie said trailing off at the end with a tone of sadness.

Arizona looked out the window thoughtfully and remained silent for a few minutes. "We just had so much loss," Arizona finally whispered.

"I know," Callie responded as she stared out her window.

"I'm not sure even the strongest couple could come back from what we went through-" Arizona started.

"I know," Callie quickly cut her off.

Silence. Arizona fiddled with her fingers as she looked out the window when her phone rang and Eliza's pictured popped up.

"Hey," Arizona smiled into the phone.

"Hi! I'm sorry, I was just calling to make sure you made it in safely." Arizona could feel her warmth through the phone.

"I'm so sorry, I forgot to call! I made it safely. You know how airports can leave you a little disassociated." Arizona could hear Eliza's laugh and it made her heart swell.

"Good to hear! Maybe you can give me a call tonight? I already miss you."

"Definitely, I miss you too. I'll text you a little later to see when you'll be free. Things good on the west side?"

"I didn't think it was possible, but Seattle is a little bit gloomier without you."

Arizona laughed, "That's not possible!"

"Totally possible. Okay, I'll let you get back to what I can assume is a very awkward taxi ride."

"Actually, Sofia sent me her driver. No taxi's for this girl," Arizona joked.

"I like your daughters style." Eliza laughed, "I'll talk to you later, I love you."

"I love you," Arizona said softly before hanging up.

Arizona glanced over at Callie nervously, but she seemed focused on looking out the window. They remained in silence until they pulled up to Sofia's school