TITLE: Grey's Anatomy – "You're My One"
SUMMARY: Having endured drama and heartache over the course of the past two years, Doctor Callie Torres finds herself lost and with no direction. Her only comfort is her three year old daughter and her work as a world renowned Orthopaedic Surgeon. Can she find the one element missing from her life, or is she destined to make the same mistake over and over while ignoring her heart's true desire?
PAIRINGS: Callie Torres & Arizona Robbins; Alex Karev & Jo Wilson; Owen Hunt & Amelia Shepard.
RATING: M for mature readers.
DISCLAIMER: The television characters are owned by Creator Shonda Rhimes, ShondaLand, The Mark Gordon Company and ABC Studios. I have merely taken them out to play and will return them unscathed once my Muse is done. All original characters belong to the author. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is gained from this storytelling.
A/N: Many apologies for the delay in getting this chapter posted, but real life takes priority over a hobby. Please feel free to review, follow or favour.
Chapter 4
Saturday 23rd May, 2015
Callie woke to the sound of persistent raindrops colliding with the bedroom window pane situated above the bedhead. With one eye open, she spied the bold red digital numbers of the bedside clock and rolled onto her back. As it was only six thirty, Callie closed her eyelid and drifted back into sleep; trying to recapture the pleasant dream she was having of Arizona.
With Sofia at her mamma's, and being off-call for the weekend, the gifted surgeon had no need to be up so early, but her sleep-in bliss was disturbed an hour later by her cell phone and pager going off simultaneously.
"Damn it," she cursed while reaching for both devices. "It's my weekend off," she bitterly complained while placing the phone against the shell of her right ear.
Callie answered as she read the 911 message on the pager screen, "Torres."
She wasn't surprised when Owen replied, "I know you're not on-call, but there's been an apartment collapse and multiple causalities are ten minutes out. The ER is going to be slammed and I need all hands on deck."
"I'll be there in six," returned Callie, already out of bed and in full doctor mode.
-o-
Owen's prediction proved correct and all available staff had been called in to handle the injuries caused by the five storey demolition. The pit resembled a war zone and as Callie treated one patient after another, she caught several glimpses of Arizona rushing by.
Having dealt with eight surgeries over an extended period of time; Doctor Torres was exhausted by the time she finally took a break in the doctor's lounge. Finishing a chicken salad, she sipped from a bottle of chilled water while listening to Meredith's half-sister Maggie Pierce prattle on about her lack of dating success with Meredith at the table.
Her near catatonic state ceased when Arizona burst into the room and immediately asked, "Is anyone available to assist with an emergency gastrectomy?"
Gathering up her rubbish, Callie answered first, "I'm refuelled, so let's go."
"Thanks Calliope," responded the blonde as the two women headed out the room and towards the lifts.
"I guess this means dinner is postponed?" inquired Callie, somewhat disappointedly.
Pressing the call button, Arizona replied, "I think that's a given considering I have another four procedures after this unexpected one."
Rolling her eyes, Callie quipped, "So much for the weekend off."
Nodding, Arizona gave the brunette a frown, "I promised Sofia a trip to the zoo and really hated having to bring her here instead."
"It's good she understands how demanding our jobs can be and never complains."
Scrunching up her face, Arizona shook her head, "That could change at any moment."
Smiling broadly at the accurate statement, Callie agreed, "Yes, but we've been pretty lucky so far."
Both surgeons exited the car and made their way to the scrub room. Taking a full five minutes to prepare; Arizona presented the case to Callie before entering the theatre. The pair worked effortlessly opposite each other and discussed Sofia's liking of Arizona's new house, particularly the large backyard containing a multi-level jungle gym.
Four hours passed before the patient was transferred to recovery while Callie found herself paged to four subsequent surgeries. She crawled into bed seven o'clock Sunday morning, and before she realised what she was doing; phoned Arizona.
"Hey Calliope, is everything okay?" asked the blonde in between yawns.
"I just called to see how Sofia is doing?"
"Maddy picked her up from the hospital around six last night and both are still sound asleep."
"It's fortunate you found a babysitter that doesn't mind sleep overs."
"Yeah, we really lucked out there. You sound like you are ready for sleep."
"I am and should let you get some too before our daughter wakes you."
A short giggle preceded Arizona's bubbly retort, "I made a deal with her last night while saying goodbye."
"What kind of deal?"
"If she allows me to sleep until noon, a trip to the zoon is still on."
Laughing richly, Callie responded, "Very diplomatic of you."
"I thought so and I'll see you Tuesday when I drop Sofia at day care."
"You will, goodnight Ari."
"Oh before you hang up, do you want to try to go out to dinner Friday night?"
Callie couldn't help but feel the tiny flutter of hope take up residency in her chest and happily answered, "Sure, I'll even offer to meet you at Joe's and organise the sitter for Sofia."
"Sounds good and we can play it by ear, goodnight Calliope."
"Sweet dreams," countered Callie prior to the conversation ending.
-o-
Tuesday 26th May
Ambling into the day care centre, Callie spotted Arizona embracing Sofia by one of the activity tables. Her heart performed a somersault and tears filled her eyes. Quickly wiping them away with the back of her hand, she approached just as her daughter took a step back.
The little girl's smile widened and she gushed, "Mommy, you're here."
Hugging Sofia, Callie greeted her in a wavering tone, "Happy Birthday sweetie."
Straightening up, Arizona collected her work bag from the floor and turned to Callie, "There is cake at twelve if you have a break."
"I'll make sure I'm available," began Callie before returning her attention to Sofia. "Look how big you've grown the past few days."
"I'm four, I'm a big girl now," returned the child proudly. "Poppy and Abuela called this morning. They sent a present yesterday; will it be at home later mommy?"
"I'm sure it will be waiting for you when we get there.
A heart-warming smile graced Sofia's lips, "Is that where your present is?"
"You know it is Munchkin."
Nodding at the words, Sofia glanced up at Arizona then excitedly announced, "Mamma gave me a ticket for the zoo for a whole year and reading books."
"That's because she loves you and always gives excellent gifts."
"I know mommy and I love her too."
Caressing the top of black curls, Arizona reciprocated, "I love you with all my heart, but I need to make a move. See you later for your party."
"Okay momma, time for you to be a rock star. Is Georgia gonna be here too?"
The question hung in the air for several seconds as Callie's blood reached boiling point and the glare she gave her ex-wife spoke volumes.
Raising her right hand, Arizona was swift to defuse the situation, "I'm not sure honey and no Calliope, it's not what you think."
Swallowing her rage, Callie suggested, "Maybe we can discuss it at a more convenient time?"
The inquiry was met with sparkling blue eyes and a grin, "Hopefully, but I really do need to leave."
"Bye mamma, be awesome."
"Bye honey, later Calliope."
Callie took all of two seconds once the blonde departed before quizzing her offspring, "When did you meet Georgia?"
Tilting her head to the side, Sofia casually replied, "Oh, she is mamma's new friend and was at the zoo."
"Did she go there with you and mamma?"
"No mommy. She was at the elephants when we went to see them. I like her. She bought me and mamma an ice cream after we fed the giraffes."
"That was kind of her," snarled Callie, unsuccessful in trying to hide her disapproval.
Sofia was about to speak when Callie's phone sounded. Instead she sat down at the table and engaged in a conversation with another child.
Looking at the caller ID, Callie placed a hand on top of Sofia's head and answered, "Hey dad."
"Cariño, I hope I haven't called at an inconvenient time and interrupted your work?"
"No. I'm with Sofia at day care and have a few minutes before rounds."
"Good. I'm just calling to let you know your mother and I will be arriving at four this afternoon for the surprise birthday dinner."
"Just use your spare key to let yourselves into the apartment and I will see you later."
"Will Arizona be joining us?"
"I haven't invited her yet."
"I see. I won't keep Calliope, see you soon."
Callie wasn't sure, but she thought she detected some semblance of regret in her father's words, "Will do, bye."
Pocketing the phone, Callie said her goodbye to Sofia then headed for the Ped's Department.
-o-
Doctor Torres located Doctor Robbins conducting rounds in the children's ward. She observed as an Intern presented a case along with updates of the patient's condition. Callie smiled when Arizona spotted her and dismissed her students.
"I didn't expect to see you so soon," she said cheerfully while exiting the room and walking towards the nurses' station.
"I meant to speak with you yesterday, but I was hammered in theatre and had a late finish."
Checking her wristwatch, Arizona noted, "I have about five minutes before I am due to scrub in, so I'm all ears."
Callie's concentration took a serious dive when Nurse Preston sauntered up to the counter and placed a hand on Arizona's left shoulder.
"The OR is prepped and Gracie is ready," proclaimed the five foot eight blonde while making eye contact with Callie.
"Damn it," cursed Arizona in reply. "I'll come find you when I am done Calliope, sorry."
"I'll hold you to it," conceded Callie merrily, void of the true emotion swirling around her head and masking the fact she wanted to swat away the nurse's appendage.
No more words were exchanged as Arizona rushed off with Georgia by her side, but Callie's jealousy sped into top gear when the younger blonde dropped her right hand down along the full length of Arizona's spine. It went into overdrive when the nurse glanced back over her shoulder at Callie with a smug expression plastered on her face.
"You bitch," muttered the Ortho before turning heel and moving towards the elevators.
-o-
Doctor Wyatt greeted Callie at her office door then motioned for her to take a seat on the sofa, "I was surprised to receive your request for an earlier appointment, but I detected anger in your voice and pushed my next session back."
"I appreciate you seeing me and you were right; I am really mad and need to vent before I say or do something I will regret."
Sitting in armchair, Katharine opened her notepad and Callie proceeded to explain what had happened hours previously.
"I recall you saying your ex-wife was not dating anyone at the moment," point forth Wyatt. "Is it possible this nurse just managed to give the impression the situation was more than it is?"
Callie took a deep breath before answering, "Arizona told me Georgia was nothing more than a friend, but come on, she just happened to be at the zoo at the right time on the right day?"
"First of all, you haven't spoken to Arizona about it and secondly, I'm glad to see you didn't accuse her of any wrongdoing."
Allowing herself a small smirk, Callie let out a loud sigh, "The therapy must be working."
"I think it is more the fact of you learning how not to communicate negatively with Arizona."
"I agree, but I still wanted to confront that freaking nurse."
"Instigating a cat fight in the Ped's Ward is definitely something that should be avoided," recommended Katharine behind a grin.
Realising how absurd that prospect sounded, Callie laughed, "I have a mean right hook, but if I acted out my jealousy, I would certainly destroy all hope of winning Arizona back."
Katharine's brows rose, "Is that how you view your current issue; a contest between the new and the old?"
Callie was quick to protest vehemently, "No, hell no. I suppose it was just a bad choice of words. I know I can't afford to scare Arizona away by being out of control and wanting to rumble with someone who obviously intends on overtly displaying her player moves." Relaxing her shoulders, Callie beamed, "A while ago when it was thought I was going to lay some smack down on an Intern in the cafeteria, Arizona did say it was hot."
With a brief chuckle, Wyatt pointed out, "Yes, but you were a couple back then and I had twenty dollars riding on you to win."
Joining in the laughter, Callie suggested, "I really do need to find the time to sit down with Arizona and tell her all this."
"You'll get no argument from me," agreed the Psychiatrist while making a notation.
"We are supposed to have dinner Friday night, so maybe I'll get the chance then," reasoned Callie.
"Time will tell and our time is up."
Getting to her feet, Callie headed for the exit, "Thanks again."
"I'm sorry I didn't have time for a full session and good luck Friday."
"Our talk has calmed me down and I'll see you next Wednesday."
"Take care Callie."
"You too Katharine."
-o-
Five minutes late, Callie strolled into day care and held her breath. Sofia was sitting in front of a huge frosted cake surrounded by staff, children, Arizona, Meredith and Georgia. All were singing Happy Birthday and the last person Callie wanted to see was making a fuss over Zola and Sofia. It took all that had been discussed an hour earlier with Doctor Wyatt, to hold Callie together.
A wave of sheer bliss washed over Arizona's face and it lifted Callie's spirits when the blonde glanced her way and gestured for her to move closer.
"Sorry, I got caught up with a consult," she explained.
"Mommy," squealed Sofia as Arizona passed her a large plastic knife. "I'm big enough to cut my cake now."
"Yes you are sweetie," replied Callie while moving to the other side of her daughter.
Once the candles had been removed, a giggling birthday girl sliced into the white icing before Callie took over and divided the chocolate sponge into enough portions for all those in attendance.
Ten minutes passed and children were having cream and jam wiped from their faces then preparing for an afternoon nap. Callie walked out with Arizona and as they neared the lifts, the brunette turned and asked, "Do you have time to chat?"
Just as Arizona opened her mouth to answer, a grinning Georgia approached and embraced her, "Thanks for the invite, see you tonight for dinner."
In a flash she was gone and in her wake; left behind a gobsmacked Arizona and a less than impressed Callie making her way hastily down the stairwell.
-o-