Chapter Seven

I inhale the fresh air as I leave the hospital. It had rained all day, no surprise there, and it smelled like Earth outside...something that's quite refreshing after being in a hospital for a sixteen hour shift. I turn to my right to head down the block to the nearest Chinese take-out diner. Uptown China; a blessing when it comes to these nights I don't want to cook. As I walk, I take in the noises of the city around me. Cars are honking and tires screeching, people haling taxies, the distant rumble of thunder. I take it all in. It's nice to be alive...to be alert. Ever since Mark landed in the hospital in a coma, and several others were affected, I've tried to appreciate the little things more. Granted, I don't remember to do that all the time, but today...today I can. And I won't lie, I'm sure it has something to do with Arizona and having lunch with her yesterday...It just made me feel…good. Just being in her presence made me feel on top of the world. Of course, I thought I almost screwed that up…but she said we'd see each other around, so I'm hopeful.

Smiling at the memory, I open the door to the diner. I place my order and walk to the while I wait for it to be done. They deliver, but I figured it's so close I may as well grab it before heading home. I lean against the wall and glance around. There are a couple of people eating at the two tables available and one other person waiting for their food like me. I open my purse and dig around inside for my phone; something to do while I wait. As I'm reading an article on bone spurs, I hear someone calling my name. I smile.

"Teddy. Hey!" I say with a wide smile. Knowing that Arizona wouldn't be with her didn't stop me from glancing behind her looking for the shorter blonde and being slightly disappointed when she wasn't. God I'm pathetic. "Fancy seeing you here!"

"Yeah, right? Just coming to pick up dinner for Arizona and me. Nice night, so I thought I'd walk. What about you? Heading home?" she asks me.

I give a small laugh, "Yup, finally. I just got done with my shift and stopped here before walking home. So you live close?" I ask, a little curious about where Arizona lives. Okay... maybe a lot curious.

"Uh-huh," she says giving a knowing smirk. I can't be that obvious, can I? Alright...so maybe I can. But I can't help it...Arizona's amazing. "We live in the apartment building across the street, she said pointing out the door to the building she was talking about. Wow. They do live close to the hospital...and close to me. I can't help but smile.

"That's cool, I live a couple blocks that way," I say pointing my hand in the general direction of my apartment.

"Order for Torres" I hear the man behind the counter call out.

"Well...that's me," I say awkwardly. Really? Like she doesn't know it's me!? "Um, it was nice seeing you Teddy." I say and turn to go get my food. Once it's secured in my hands I go to leave the building, eager to leave with a little bit of my dignity.

"Hey Callie, wait!" Damn it... I turn around, putting on a smile for Teddy.

"What's up?"

"Do you work tomorrow?" she asks, and I can detect a bit of hope in her voice.

"As a matter of fact, I do not," I tell her.

"Well, good. Why don't you do brunch with Arizona and me tomorrow? I work at eleven, so we're probably going to hit the café around nine or ten." She asks.

Oh yeah, I'm totally going to do this. "Are you sure Arizona won't mind...? I mean, I don't know how much she enjoyed lunch with me the other day. I mean, I may have said a few insensitive things..." I ask, more as a formality. A terrible icy blizzard wouldn't be able to keep me away.

"Oh, she enjoyed lunch. She may deny it, but trust me, she did." Teddy tells me with a smile, "So...is that a yes?"

"Yes. I'll be there. Just text me what time," I say back, doing a little dance in my head. I started backing up while still looking at her, and in my excited stupor, as I turn around I run smack dab into the door. Sometimes I hate myself. I hear Teddy trying to stifle her laugh behind me. "Oh shut up," I shout, continuing out the door without looking back, refusing to show my blushing face. I'm an embarrassment to the human race. On the Brightside, at least Arizona wasn't the one who saw me. That's a plus. Oh God...I'm gonna make a complete fool of myself tomorrow.

XXX

"Uhhhgg...what the Hell?" I groan as I sweep my arm across the bed, searching for my phone that I'm certain is lost among the sheets. Another ding helps guide me towards it and finally I feel my fingers wrap around my phone. I glance at the clock and see that it's eight o'clock in the fucking morning. Who the hell is messaging me? I squint at the screen as I unlock it and go to my messages.

Hey Callie, just wanted to let you know that Arizona and I are headed to the café at 9:30 if you're still interested in joining us. We would both be really happy if you did. ~Teddy

"Oh God!" I sit up, suddenly wide awake. I have to get ready. I have to shower and, and find an outfit that's nice, but obviously not too nice, because it's just brunch...or breakfast. Whatever it is, it's not something to be too dressy for. It's just food with two friends. Even if I want one of those friends to be something a little more. Maybe. Though that particular person I'm not even sure would consider me to be a friend in the first place. But we will be. I hope.

Another ding startles me out of my internal ramble as I hold it up once again.

By the way, sorry if I woke you up.

I smile. At least Teddy is nice about it. I quickly text her back telling her it's no problem and that I'll meet them there at 9:30. I stand up and stretch my hands above my head, sighing as I hear my back crack. So much better. First things first...coffee. Stifling a yawn, I shuffle my way to my kitchen in nothing but my boy shorts and a ratty t-shirt. Hopefully Cristina isn't home, but hey, if she is, it's nothing she hasn't seen before. I press the button to start my morning brew and turn my attention to my TV and plug in my iPod, anxious to wake up...and the best way to do that is with some music and dancing. Guaranteed to get the blood flowing.

Really getting into the feel of the music as I go about getting ready, I fail to hear someone opening the door. I jump out of my skin when I hear someone speaking to me.

"Really? I don't need to see your ass anymore than I already do," Cristina shouts at me over the music, "And your taste in music sucks." She adds as she disappears into her room.

"Yeah...well...Fuck you Cristina!" I shout as my pulse calms and I turn down the music. It's time that I take a shower and get dressed anyway. I make my way to the bathroom and turn on the water. 'Don't have good taste in music...I have freaking fantastic taste in music' I mumble to myself, still bitter about Cristina's comment. She can be a real ass sometimes. Once the water is a comfortable temperature, I strip and get in. Being quick about it, I'm done within about twenty minutes. Now to find a nice outfit that isn't too nice.

Wrapping my towel around my torso, and another in my hair I head over to my closet, frowning as I look at the options before me. I have no idea what I should wear. Glancing at the clock, I huff, it's already nine o'clock. Why did I agree to this? Oh yeah...because I'm a love-sick teenager with a pathetic little crush. God...I could really use Mark right now. He'd slap some sense into me...maybe give me advice. Remind me that I'm smoking hot; probably even make some inappropriate suggestions even though he has a girlfriend. But nooo he was in a plane crash and landed himself in a coma.

Okay. Deep breaths. Focus on your closet. Jeans...nice jeans; that make my butt look magnificent. Underwear first, I remind myself...no need to go commando today. Grabbing a pair of my dark jeans, I slip them on. I glance outside and can feel my face fall. It's all gloomy out...and true…it's gloomy 95 percent of the time, but God...early morning and cloudy rainy day? Screw it. I reach out and grab a bra and put it on, before throwing on my old college hoodie. I get down on my knees and dig around the bottom of my closet looking for a pair of tennis shoes. Finally finding the pair I was looking for and a pair of socks, I put them on and stand up. Making my way into the bathroom, I quickly let out my hair and add some mousse and quickly apply a little bit of make-up. I may have decided to bum it...but there's no need to scare them with a non-made-up face. Looking in the mirror, I can't help thinking that this is as good as it's gonna get today. Grabbing my purse I head to the door. Time to get this show on the road.

It only takes me a few minutes to walk the block to the little café we're meeting at. It's a quaint little place called Cuppa Joes. I've been to it a couple of times, but not very often. They make really good breakfast sandwiches and their coffee is to die for. As I open the door, I can hear the little tingling of the bell. There are six small tables scattered around, and a couple of them are occupied by brunch and coffee lovers. Right away I notice that I'm the first one to arrive. I decide to head over to one of the larger tables that seat four to claim our spot. Feeling a tad bit out-of-place, I pull out my phone and check my emails. After a couple of minutes I hear the bell on the door and look up. I can't stop the smile that spreads across my face when I see who walks in.

Teddy first, followed by a very flustered looking Arizona. I'm glad of my choice in wardrobe, because it seems they had the same idea, both dressed in jeans and hoodies. Teddy is the first to spot me, giving me a smile and turning to Arizona saying something I couldn't make out. Arizona blushed though, and slapped her on the arm. I laugh at the pair, glad that they liked me enough to include me for brunch. I keep my eyes trained on Arizona until she meets mine. I give the tiniest of waves, not even thinking of how awkward I may be.

"Hey Callie!" Teddy says to me, her voice chipper and happy.

"Hey Teddy," I tell her, giving her a wide smile. I tilt my head and look at Arizona, trying to make eye-contact with her, "Hey Arizona," I say quietly.

She finally connects her eyes with mine, and gives a very small, but genuine smile. "Hi Calliope."

We stare at each other for a few seconds, and when I hear Teddy clear her throat, I realize that it was probably a few seconds longer than normal. Shaking my head, and breaking our staring contest, I indicate the table, "I uh, I saved us a table. Though I haven't ordered yet...I thought I'd wait for you guys," I laugh, "though I must say it was hard to resist...the coffee smells amazing."

"Well thanks for waiting, but you didn't have to," Teddy said taking a seat next to mine, leaving Arizona in the seat across from me. When she sat down, I noticed how she struggled for barely a moment and leaned her crutch against the table. That's when I noticed that she only had one crutch. I wonder why I didn't comprehend that earlier...then again, I was staring…but definitely not at her crutches. I glance up at Arizona and see that she's staring at me, her head cocked to the side...almost seeing if I was going to make mention of her single crutch. Deciding to hold off for now, I smile at her.

"So, you guys ready to eat? I know I sure am," I say, letting out a small laugh. Both women smile at me and nod, offering their own enthusiasm to get food. A waitress soon comes over and takes our order and within fifteen minutes, we're all stuffing our faces and making small talk. After we're about done with our meals, I reach over to take another sip of coffee, sighing as it goes down my throat. "You know...I think this will be my new coffee place. This is delectable, and the hospital stuff sucks."

My jaw drops as Arizona reaches over and takes my cup from me, taking a big drink herself. "Oh yeah...this is, this is delicious," she said, not even acknowledging that she just commandeered my coffee. My Coffee. No one messes with my coffee...not even cute blondes with beautiful blue eyes.

"Hey!" I shout, "Get your own damn coffee...back off," I bark, though more shocked than angry. I take my coffee back from her and hug it close to my body in a defensive position. Looking down to my coffee, I start talking to it, "There, there, I won't let the evil blonde drink any more of you. You're all mine."

As I'm looking at the cup in my hand, I hear a silent pause in which they're both staring at me, until I hear Teddy let out a huge belly laugh. I look up at her and smirk, and it slowly turns into a smile at Arizona's jaw-dropped face; her hand still up, holding an invisible cup. I make eye-contact with Teddy and soon join her in laughter. We keep cracking up, and soon Arizona is flustered.

"What the hell was that, Callie!?" she said, and I could tell that she was trying to be angry, but that I could easily get her to crack.

"Me!? You took my coffee. Arizona. You should know never to mess with a doctor's coffee." I say between laughter. "Plus...your face," Callie giggled, "was priceless. You did not expect to get called on it." I watched as her lips twitched...oh yeah, she was close to breaking down with the rest of us. I just give her my look, letting her now there's no getting past me. Finally she can't hold back and starts to smile, and eventually cracks up with Teddy and I, our laughter making a number of people look over at us, but we could care less. After a few deep breaths we're all calmed down enough to talk again.

"Jesus Arizona," Teddy said. "Was the coffee worth it? Because I'll doubt she'll ever let go of it again." She said.

"First off, yes." She said, giving me a pointed look, "I regret nothing." She then narrows her eyes and says in a haughty way, "It's not my fault I have to go decaf for my meds; I just wanted a sip...any sane person would be okay with that," Despite how she says it, I see a gleam in her eye that lets me know she doesn't mean it. I decide to play along and just shrug my shoulders and stick my tongue out at her for good measure. She cracks a wide smile at me and winks at me.

I can instantly feel my cheeks warm after she winks at me, and hope that she doesn't notice my blush that I'm sure is covering my face. Looking at her and trying to think of a change of subject, it dawns on me. This is the most laid back I have ever seen Arizona...she's actually, pretty happy. I like it. However, with this revelation, comes another one. "Oh my God..." I whisper, staring at her, a look of disgust on my face, "You're one of those people aren't you!?" I spit at her. It takes all my might not to smile at the look of shock and apprehension on her face, and keep the look of disgust plastered on. Even Teddy is staring at me with some trepidation.

"Excuse me?" she says, and I can tell she's starting to think the worst...getting defensive and angry. Time to let her off the hook.

"You! You're one of those morning people," I say, a small smile finally breaking through. "Don't deny it Arizona. I can tell...you've got this...this air about you. I don't know if we can be friends anymore..." I say, turning away from her and drinking my coffee. On cue, I hear two sets of quiet laughter; however, I'm an amazing actress and refuse to budge. "I don't know why you're laughing. I'm dead serious." Arizona sobers up and drops her jaw, while Teddy is still laughing and agreeing with me that she is a morning person. Keeping a straight face, I quickly point a finger at Teddy. "And you too...miss 'text-me-at-eight-o'clock-in-the-morning'" That makes her somber up quickly.

"HA!" Arizona says to Teddy.

Teddy just sticks her tongue out. We all smile, and Teddy grabs her phone to check the time. "Well, I guess I have to head out; I still have to change into my scrubs..." she says deflating. "Too bad we can't wear jeans and hoodies, huh?"

"I think that would make our job perfect," I say with a smile.

"So are you ready to go Arizona?" she asks, turning her attention to Arizona.

I can see that Arizona is slightly irritated that she has to leave when Teddy does, so I cut in, "I wouldn't mind hanging out a bit longer...I mean, if you wouldn't mind keeping me company?" I ask the blonde before me.

"Oh umm...I don't know Callie," she says, "I don't want to be a burden...having to drag me back home and stuff."

"Nonsense!" I say, "I enjoy hanging out with you, and you are in no means a burden. Honestly, I'm being a bit selfish. I hate spending days off by myself, and hanging out with a cute blonde? That would make my day perfect." I smile at the blush my words create on her cheeks.

"Well," she chuckles, "If you insist."

"Alright then!" Teddy says, and I swear her cheek bones must be ready to fall off from that big smile she has plastered on her face. "I will leave you too to hang out...don't have too much fun without me," she says, though when she turns away I catch the hint of a smirk on her face.

"Yeah, see ya Teds!" Arizona says to her back. Teddy just waves a hand in the air without turning around. And before I know it, Arizona and I are left alone in a semi-awkward silence. "Sooo..." Arizona drawls, looking anywhere but at me.

"So." I say, not really sure what to do now that it was just the two of us...not even sure what I was thinking suggesting she stay, other than I don't want her to go just yet. "Umm...so, anything in particular you'd like to do?" I ask, trying to think of something myself.

"Not that I can think of...I spent all day yesterday doing exercises and watching Disn-um. Movies. Watching movies with Teddy."

I smile, because I caught what she almost said, "you spent all day watching Disney movies?" I ask with a smile. That is something I did not expect...though I guess with such a renowned pediatric surgeon, it made some sense.

"No...That's not what I said." She tried, but when I raised an eyebrow, she broke, "Okay. Fine, yes. Teddy and I had a Disney movie marathon yesterday. Go ahead, make fun. I can take it."

I laugh at her, "I'm not going to make fun! I think it's cute. What's your favorite one?" I ask her.

She smiles at me, "I honestly don't think I could pick just one, but I do enjoy brother bear."

I scrunch my eyebrows. "I don't think I've seen that one."

"What!?" she asks, disbelief in her voice, "Well remind me to change that someday."

I smile at the fact that she plans on hanging out in the future. "I'd like that." I pause, thinking really quickly, "Oh! Have you seen Frozen? All the kids that come in for a cast are fanatics about that one! I had one little girl come in decked out in a little outfit of red-headed one...Annie? I don't remember her name…"

"Anna, and no, I haven't seen that one. It came out while I was, uh...in the hospital." She says, her tone turning a tad bit sad. I can feel myself deflate at causing this, and quickly try to fix it.

"Eh...what do kids know? It probably sucked...I'm sure you're not missing anything." I try, but I can already tell that she's starting to retreat into herself. I try to think of something to get her mind off of the crash and her leg...which is where I'm sure she's going, and think of the perfect thing.

"Hey! I know! When was the last time you went for a stroll in the park?" I ask.

"Callie..." she starts, and I know she's going to try to shoot me down, but I refuse.

"No, don't worry, I know what you're thinking, and do you honestly think I look like I'm one for hiking? The answer is Hell no. Nature is yucky. I just know of this spot in the park that I think you'd really appreciate." I say, not caring about the amount of desperation I put into that little speech.

She looks at me, and I swear she's going to say no. Then she glances outside and bites her lip, thinking of how to put me down gently. When she finally turns to face me, getting ready to utter 'no' she shocks me by saying "Sure, that sounds nice."

"Really?" I ask, not able to hide my surprise.

She chuckles, "Yes, really. Why'd you think I'd say no?" she asks, and I can tell she's serious. Daring me to lie to her.

"Well, honestly I thought you were starting to retreat back into yourself and opt for me taking you home. I mean...that's kinda what happened last time I opened my big mouth and made you upset." I say without thinking, and then mentally face-palming myself, "Like I am right now...god," I give a mirthless laugh, "open mouth and insert foot," I mumble to myself. After a moment passed, I look up at her, "Hey, I'm sorry Arizona...sometimes I just get ahead of myself."

"No. No, you're right. I was starting to retreat back to that dark place. Sometimes the weirdest things can trigger that, and for some reason, I don't want to go there anymore. I want to get better. And I know that I won't get better locking myself in my apartment and brooding over what is and could've been." She pauses and then places her hand on mine. "And honestly, I think you have a lot to do with that...well, you, Teddy, and Mark," she smiles.

I smile back, touched by her words, "Really?" I ask, "You don't find me too abrasive? Because I know I can be. I can just ramble on forever and usually I just say what comes into my mind and forget to filter what I say. It's gotten me into trouble before...One time I told the chief off and quit and went to another hospital. Then that hospital merged with Seattle Grace and I swore that Webber wasn't going to give me my job back, but then he actually"

"Calliope!" Arizona shouts, interrupting my ramble. "Honestly, if you hadn't said anything, I would've never guessed you were a rambler," she teases me and I can feel my cheeks start to blush at how much I just babbled. "And your honesty is actually quite refreshing. A lot of people baby me, and I don't think that helps me much." She smiles at me.

"Yeah...yeah, okay." I smile back, nodding at her. "If you're sure?" I ask, to which she just smiles and nods. I haven't failed to notice that her hand is still on top of mine, and I honestly have no complaints about that. "Well, okay then. If you're up to it I need to walk to my apartment and get my keys then I'll drive to the park to show you my spot. Are you up for the walk? I can always just go get it and pick you up here?" I ask, keeping in mind she only has one crutch and probably wasn't expecting any kind of walk when she arrived for brunch an hour ago.

"Nope, I'll be fine," she says, and I can detect just a bit of bite in her tone, but let it pass. "Let's get this show on the road."

"Alrighty then," I say, as she maneuvers her way into a standing position, her crutch secured under her arm, "If you'll just follow me then," I smile, and with that I walk to the front of the café and hold the door open as she shuffles pass me. Smiling at her back, I can't help the twinge of excitement I'm feeling for the day.

AN: Umm...hey? heheh...you guys still there? Sorry about the delay! I will no longer make promises for quick updates...I'll just end up breaking them. anyhow, I hope you enjoy this chapter! The response I've gotten for this story honestly blows my mind...I never anticipated to gain this many followers/faves and get so many wonderful reviews, it's very humbling, and I love you all!