Chapter 9: fall seven times get up eight
This is exactly the kind of thing Callie didn't need right now. For once she felt like everything was on track. She had support from her family and friends, she worked in her dream job, and she had an amazing girlfriend. A girlfriend she found herself falling faster for everyday.
On top of that the league was building quite a fan base. She had to admit it was kind of cool that she got bum rushed the other day while she and Arizona were out doing a bit of shopping. It was definitely surprising, but it was kind of cool.
But this... This was just not making things easy. It put a definite kink in her seemingly perfect life, because it's taken her out of the game... And she doesn't know for how long.
Everything had been going perfect. The refs had just given the two minute warning for the second quarter. The sharks were up by twenty-six, and had received their first safety that day. The team went wild, and the crowd went wild when it happened. Everything up to that point was smooth, and perfect, they couldn't be having a better game. Both defense and offense were at their best.
"Ok ladies! We are killing it out there! Let's keep up this momentum!" Callie said as she glanced around at her team mates and friends. Sweat was dripping down her face and her black hair somehow seemed blacker with the moisture it had collected. "Let's hydrate and get back out there. Their defense has been really weak on the left side, so let's run grey 22!" Callie said enthusiastically. "That should leave several of you wide open, but that also leaves me uncovered so let's move fast people!" Callie said clapping her hands.
With that they stepped back on the field. This was a fairly new play they were running, and yea it was risky, But they were ahead by enough that a mistake wouldn't cost them too much. And if this play was a success, it would benefit them against tougher opponents in the future.
The team lined up, and Callie squared off for the snap. Her blood was coursing through her veins. This was exciting, it was new, it had the possibility of changing their whole offensive game.
"Grey 22, grey 22, hut, hut, hike," Callie shouted over the roaring crowd. The ball was snapped and placed in her hand as the whole offense moved left in one quick fluid motion. Addison had trouble getting open, which put a damper on the plan, but ami was wide open, and Callie caught sight of her at the last second.
But, like any football fan knows, a second can mean the difference between a touchdown, or a fumble, a running play, or a tackle, a completed pass, or a sack. The last one was the case for Callie. She was just one second too late, and that one second may have just changed her life forever.
All she could feel was pain. A sharp shooting pain up her right leg. This was not happening. She heard something pop as she hit the ground, she figured it was her helmet at first. But the pain she felt in her leg immediately following the horrible sound, let her know otherwise.
Callie wasn't an idiot, she knew how serious a leg injury could be. Especially in the line of work she was in. All it takes is that one injury to take you completely out of the game, forever. And while Callie wasn't in the habit of thinking the worst out of a situation, she couldn't help the sudden, and unwanted tears that sprang to her eyes.
She hurt, it was awful. The burning sensation running up and down her limb made it feel like her leg was literally on fire. But more than that, fear was coursing through her entire being. She couldn't be done. She had just started. She was making a name for herself, for her team. This couldn't be it. It just wasn't possible.
Callie ripped her helmet off, struggling for breath through her tears. She clawed at her leg trying to relieve some of the pain. Everything felt like like it was going in slow motion around her. She could see people moving, she could feel them inching closer and closer to her, but it was all so slow.
"Callie! Callie!" She heard through her cloudy thoughts. Miranda's wide brown eyes were set on her, concern was etched all over her face, as she kneeled next to her quarterback.
"Something snapped coach. I'm not sure what it was." She said, as she started to take deep calming breaths. "I got hit from the right side, and I fell on my leg weird and... And... It burns!" She said falling back onto her back trying to stretch out for any relief she could find.
"Where's kepner?!" Bailey yelled.
"Here!" The red headed physical therapist said, as she crawled up to her right side. "Can you move it at all Torres?" April asked as she poked and prodded at the sensitive muscle in Callie's knee.
"A little." Callie said wincing as she rotated slightly to the left then the right.
"Ok, let's get her off the field, and back to the locker room." April said looking at two more medical assistants who had joined them on the field. "This needs ice, and I want to get her to a hospital for scans." She continued, sternly.
The two medical assistants helped stabilize Callie, who stood awkwardly on her left foot, trying to find her balance. No way in hell were they taking her off this field on a stretcher. She wasn't ready to be taken out of the game, and the fear that had just been coursing through her now turned to sudden determination.
Whatever it took, she wasn't going to let whatever happened to her stand in her way. Callie Torres was a football player. It's what she lived and breathed for, and nothing, not even a leg injury was going to stand in her way. She was a fighter, and an all around bad ass. She wasn't going to let anything keep her down.
"I really think we need to get you to the hospital." April sighed as Callie took a seat on the locker room. "This is really swollen, and there's only so much I can do. I definitely need some CT scans and x-Rays just to make sure nothing is broken." April said running her fingers over the swollen flesh.
"Let's go. The sooner we get started, the sooner I can get back out on the field." Callie said eagerly.
"Slow down there champ." April giggled. "I want to ice this first, and then we'll move you." April said, already making an ice pack to place on Callie's knee.
"Callie! Are you ok?!" Addison said pushing her way into the locker room. She had been frantic since she saw her go down, but knew better then to crowd her.
"I will be." Callie grimaced as she shifted uncomfortably on the bench. Every movement sent an uncomfortable shock through her leg.
"Arizona is freaking out." Addison said taking a seat next to her, careful not to jostle her in any way. "She practically leaped over the barrier when you were being helped off the field." Addison said, having to stifle a giggle.
"Where is she?" Callie asked with slight concern. She hadn't forgotten Arizona was there, but she had pushed it to the back of her mind.
"Probably being detained in stadium jail." Addison said with a smirk on her face, as she remembered just how frantic Arizona had been. The petite blonde had nearly launched herself over the barrier that separated the seats from the field.
"Can someone please go get my girlfriend for me, before she gets arrested?" Callie said with a smirk. She and Arizona had been exclusive for a few weeks now, but with her busy schedule, and Arizona's busy schedule it was hard for them to spend much time together.
Callie had invited Arizona to the game, after the blonde had expressed missing her over these past few weeks. She had missed Arizona too, but there wasn't much she could do at this point.
They were both very aware of each other's busy schedules, and Callie's was only becoming increasingly busy with people wanting to sign her as the face of their company. She had already gotten offers from Gatorade, Nike, Adidas, and several local gyms. She even got an offer to do the sports illustrated bikini issue.
But she would do anything to arrange time with the blonde who was quickly stealing her heart. It was only a few more months until the regular season was over. They were a definite shoe in for playoffs, and a favorite to win the championship game. That would tack on another month, but after that she was home free. And Arizona had vacation time coming up, so they were planning on doing something together.
But again, this injury could put a damper on things. All Callie could do now, was hope for the best. And for that she needed the best.
"I'll get her." Jacob, one of the teams multiple staff, said to Callie after no one had answered her request.
"Thank you." Callie said with a grateful smile. In the short time she and Arizona had been official, it was clear how much the blonde worried about her. It was quite sweet actually. No one had ever cared about her the way Arizona did. It made her feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
It was a few long uncomfortable, and painful moments of April, poking, and moving Callie's leg before Arizona showed up. Her blonde hair was frenzied with worry as she pressed her way into the now packed locker room. It has half time, and with the first string quarter back now out of play, Coach Bailey, and coach Avery had to come up with a plan.
"Calliope." Arizona breathed out. She took one look at her girlfriends form, and her heart beat rapidly in her chest. She had been worried since the second Callie went down and didn't get up. It was a relief just to see her.
"Hey." Callie said with a soft smirk. She was in pain, but she'd do anything to ease the worry she saw in Arizona's face right now.
"Are you ok? I mean, obviously you're not ok. You're hurt. But..." Arizona said taking a step closer.
"Hey, it's ok." Callie gently coaxed patting the spot next to her that wasn't taken up by her sprawled out leg.
"I was so worried." Arizona breathed out taking a seat.
"April wants me to go to the hospital, to get some scans done, and make sure nothing is broken." Callie said signing. "I just hope it's nothing permanent." She admitted, voicing her worst fears.
"It'll be ok." Arizona smiled pressing a soft kiss to Callie's cheek. So soft Callie almost didn't feel it. But it made her feel one hundred times more optimistic than she had been feeling, and for that she was grateful.
"Will you... Do you... Would you go to the hospital with me?" Callie asked struggling for words. She was a bad ass, but she found a growing need for Arizona everyday. And honestly she didn't care how desperate it made her sound at that moment.
"Of course I will. You're my girlfriend. I'll be right by your side." Arizona smiled, letting her dimples pop. She'd do anything for Callie, she was quickly realizing. And the thought that once scared her, no longer did. She could see a beautiful future with Callie. Even if her chosen profession was less than safe.
"Yeah.." Callie smiled loving the way "girlfriend" sounded rolling off Arizona's lips. She'd never tire of hear OMG that.
"Alright, John is going to go with you to UCLA medical center. I have to stay until the game's over just in case anything else happens. Keep me updated. I'll be there after the game if you're still there." She smiled patting Callie on her good knee.
Arizona, Callie, and John loaded up in a waiting ambulance, on call for emergencies at the fame and quickly made their way to the hospital. The ride was filled mostly with silence. Callie held Arizona's hand loosely, while drawing patterns on the palm of ivory flesh.
"Nervous?" Arizona asked silently.
"A little." Callie said clearing her throat. "I just want to play you know? It's what I do." She said, offering up a small smile.
"It'll be ok baby. I promise. And if not, well, we'll figure out a way to make it ok." Arizona said squeezing Callie's hand tightly.
Callie's eyes opened wide at Arizona's statement, they had never used pet names before, but she quickly realized she didn't dislike it. In fact it was the exact opposite. She loved it. It sent a shiver through her entire body. It almost made her forget her current predicament.
"What? Why are you looking at me that way?" Arizona asked, feeling suddenly self conscious.
"You called me baby..." Callie said as a smirk over took her recently somber features. "I... I liked it." Callie said, her smile growing at Arizona's worried expression.
"Yeah?" Arizona asked with her dimpled smile.
"Yeah." Callie said leaning back in the bed they were using to transport her.
The hospital was busy when they arrived through the ER entrance. The team had called ahead, and Callie bypassed everything downstairs and went straight up to a private waiting room. Being a football star had its perks, she had decided, as she waited in the comfort of her own room. Not that she really thought she should have special treatment, but we was in more pain then she had come in with, and all she really wanted to do at this point was go home and shower.
Arizona sat dutifully by Callie's side, as Jacob made himself busy in the hospital cafeteria, wisely giving the girls. some alone time.
"You're beautiful, you know that?" Callie said looking over at Arizona. She was beyond happy for her presence here. She'd be going crazy otherwise.
"You make me feel beautiful." Arizona said smiling and leaning in for a quick kiss.
The kiss. Which was intended to be a quick peck on the lips quickly turned into something deeper. Callie wrapped her hand around Arizona's neck pulling her impossibly close. Hearts started pounding, and hands started roaming. It wasn't until a throat cleared to get their attention that they pulled apart.
"Wow." Callie said under her breath. As she shook herself back into the now. Arizona Robbins was going to be the death of her. But what a way to go.
"Hi, Callie. I'm Dr. Hunt." The tall red head said with a smirk on his face as he entered the room.
"Hello Dr. Hunt." Callie said politely.
"There was a big traffic pile up on the I-5 today, and a lot of the accident patients got brought in to our ER." He stated regrettably. "That means we are back up in X-Ray and our CT scan rooms." He continued. "You have options. You can wait here, and be seen by the best, me." He said confidently. "Or we can send you somewhere else and have it looked at." He said rocking back and forth on his heels.
"Can I take a shower? I mean, like his long am I going to be waiting?" Callie asked sighing and laying back in her bed.
"Sure. There's one right in there, and I can get you on some medicine to help manage the pain." Dr. Hunt said as he tucked his hands into his pockets.
"Do I have to wear one of those hospital gowns?" Callie said crinkling her nose and making a face. This got a giggle from the blonde beside her. A sound she was quickly deciding was her favorite sound.
"No, Ms. Torres." Dr. Hunt said with a smirk. "Shorts and a shirt are fine. No pants, it'll just make you uncomfortable with everyone poking at you." He said nodding his head once.
"This is going to be a long day." Callie said taking a deep breath.
"I'll go get you some clothes, while you shower." Arizona said smiling. She kissed Callie on the forehead before making a quick trip to the hospital gift shop in search of clothes. Addison would be there with Callie's clothes later, but she knew the Latina wouldn't wear a hospital gown, even for a while until her clothes arrived.
"You're my favorite." Callie called after her.
"Alright, I'll get someone up here to give you some stuff to clean up with, and get you something to help with the pain. I'll get back as soon as I can. To get those scans done." He said with a smile before leaving the room.
"This sucks." Callie thought letting her head fall back against her pillow. She was missing the whole second half of the game, and she was stuck in a hospital, in her dirty, sweaty uniform. At least until her girlfriend got back with clothes. Her girlfriend. That thought brought a smile to her face.
The throbbing in her leg was decidedly less then when she had arrived, but she was still uncomfortable. She was sure she didn't want any drugs to numb the pain, but she was also sure she wanted it to be even less then it was still.
"I got you some shorts, and a shirt, and some shampoo and body wash." Arizona said bounding in the room suddenly. She was back quicker then Callie had expected.
"That was fast." She smiled looking at the perky blonde. Her perky blonde.
"Well I figured you were uncomfortable." Arizona said shrugging as she made her way closer to the bed.
"You're incredible." Callie said smiling. Arizona just made everything seem like it was going to be ok. They were so new, but she could see an amazingly long future with the woman beside her. And it didn't scare her. It made her excited. That was new.
"You're not so bad yourself." Arizona said picking up a tan hand and laying a kiss to it. "Now go shower." She said helping Callie up.
Thankfully hospital showers had bars everywhere. So it was simpler than taking one at home. It was hard not being able to put pressure down on both legs, and Callie was having some balancing issues. She could only imagine the trouble she'd have at home.
"Babe, I'm going to go get something to eat. Are you hungry?" Arizona shouted into the bathroom.
"Food sounds amazing! Yes, I'm starving!" Callie said with a smirk on her face. That was the second time today Arizona had used a pet name for her, and she loved it.
"Ok, take your time. I'll be back." Arizona said leaving the room, once again.
Callie dried off quickly, before dressing and wrapping a towel around her head. She almost lost her balance a few times, but managed to keep it together.
She used the crutches that some
Random nurse had dropped off earlier, and hobbled back over to her bed. She found that it took more energy to do anything. And she found it out quickly. Maybe the pain meds wouldn't be such a bad thing. All that moving around certainly hasn't helped her pain level, that was definitely another down fall.
"Ms. Torres?" A new voice said just as Callie got settled back into bed. She had since taken her towel out of her hair, and looked casually beautiful.
"Yes?" She asked sitting up looking toward the new voice.
"I'm here to give you these." A young nurse, said holding out a small cup. "It'll help with the pain." She said walking towards the bed.
"On a scale of one, to seeing dragons flying around my room, how bad is what you're giving me?" Callie asked taking the small cup out of the nurses hand.
She was cute. Short brown hair in a bob cut, deep green eyes. "Cute yes, but nothing on Arizona." Callie found herself thinking with a smile. She just felt lucky. She was lucky, even now laying in this hospital bed. Because she had the most beautiful and awesome woman by her side.
The nurse, Emily, let out a laugh and threw her head back. "You'll feel pretty good. But more then likely, you're just going to fall asleep." She smiled placing an arm on Callie's. "Can I just say, I'm a huge fan. I've been watching you since you played in college." The nurse said in almost a whisper as she looked around the room.
"Thank you." Callie said with a smirk as she threw back the pills, and grabbed her glass of water from the table sitting next to her.
"Would you mind? I mean... I probably shouldn't can you... Maybe sign this for me?" Nurse Emily said holding out a pen with a shaky hand. And a piece of paper.
"Sure." Callie smiled at her nerves. This whole signing autographs was still new to her, but it was exciting.
"Thank you." She smiled taking it back before sliding another piece of paper in front of Callie. "And you know. Once you're feeling better... Maybe we could go for a drink. Just think about it." She said before slipping out of the room.
Emily knew that was against so many rules, but Callie was hot, and how many opportunities was she going to get to do that.
Callie didn't even have a chance to refuse her. She just wouldn't call her. That would be the end of that, cuz she had Arizona. She couldn't even think of anyone else. Nope, it was simple as that. She picked up the piece of paper and opened it. Emily had left her, her number, and all she could do was laugh. Obviously word about her and Arizona hadn't gotten around yet. But that was another hurdle they'd have to cross when it got there. Fame was still new to her.
"hey! I got you a salad and a burger." Arizona said carrying in two trays of food.
"Thank god! I'm starving!" Callie said pushing the number aside.
"what's that?" Arizona curiously asked.
"Oh. Some nurse gave me her number." Callie laughed with an eye roll.
"Oh, she did, did she?" Arizona asked almost annoyed. Callie knew how she felt about sharing. And she wasn't a jealous person by any means, but something about this made her blood boil. Callie was hers.
"Arizona?" Callie asked... "Baby, where did I lose you?" She asked reaching out a hand to pale skin. Arizona had completely zoned out on her.
"I don't share calliope, and I'm not a jealous person..." She said narrowing her gaze. "But I can't help but feel uneasy about this. I know you know I don't share. But... I just need a minute." Arizona said pushing her way out of the hospital room. Leaving Callie stunned.
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A/N: so I started and restarted this chapter over four, yes FOUR times! I wanted to fit as many requests in as I could, and I think I got most of them...
More football
Injury
Jealousy...
I know personally, I hate it when only one party is jealous. So we will see jealous Arizona, and a jealous Callie too.
Also, before you get too mad at me. I had to cut it off because I would have just kept writing... And writing... And writing... You get it... And I had a hard time finding a stopping point. It seems as though Arizona is being irrational, but you'll see why soon.
I know a lot of you have been requesting sexy time, and I will work it in there! Promise! I also know that some of you don't LIKE sexy time so I want to make it a chapter that you don't necessarily have to read if you don't actually want to.
As always Thank you , Thank you, thank you for your continued support. You have no idea what it means. All the follows, and comments really keep me going. YOU are the reason I write this. So keep those comments and suggestions coming. You are the best!
Xoxo
