Well, yet again, I'm having a pretty good day and I'm feeling generous! (I may tease you but I update pretty often for you to not have too many palputations hehe)
I'm off out after work tonight so here I am , on my lunchbreak and I've got yet another update for you!
Bit of 'fessing up time (but is it to the right person) and the girls have their first away match! Oh yes, it's gona start getting juicy soon...or...is it?
Thanks again for all those reviews...you're awesome!
Chapter 9
At home later that night, Arizona lay on the couch, resting her aching muscles. It had been another great night for Rentworth. They had beaten John Spence 54-44. There had only been one thing that had tarnished the victory. Meredith and Sadie had not turned up for the match. Half way through it, Callie had been told both girls had gone home earlier in the day. The whole team felt awful for them both. A few had known something had been going on and had chosen to keep it to themselves. It was non of their business after all. It had, however been great to see both of them enjoying the other's company. They vowed to make Kirsty, Megan and Reed pay. As the night wore on it had become evident that most students didn't actually care. As soon as the match finished, Arizona rushed home in hopes of getting in touch with Meredith. She'd had no such luck. Now, as Arizona lay on the couch, she contemplated getting in the car and driving over to her house. There would be no way of ignoring her then.
Her mind made up, she peeled herself from the couch, grabbed her keys and headed out of the apartment.
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Knocking on the front door, Arizona stepped back and waited for an answer. A few moments later, Meredith's face appeared in the glass pane of the door. She looked a bit sceptical.
'Meredith, please let me in…'
Arizona heard the dull thud of a lock before the door was slowly opened. A very depressed looking Meredith stood on the other side.
'I'm sorry Arizona' Meredith said softly. 'I just wanted to be alone…'
Arizona stepped forward and put her arm's around Meredith.
'I am so sorry it got printed. It's about the lowest thing they could do.'
Meredith loosened her muscles and reciprocated Arizona's hug. She let her arms pull Arizona's body closer, enjoying the feel of her warm body.
A few moments passed then Arizona loosened her hold and leaned back. Meredith, unwillingly let go and looked at Arizona through her swollen, red eyes.
'Can I come in?'
'I guess..'
Shutting the door, Arizona followed Meredith into the living room. She looked around the seemingly empty room. Meredith saw her looking around.
'There's no one else in. My parents are both in New York.'
'Oh. On business?'
Meredith shrugged. 'Who knows?'
It pained Arizona to think Meredith had been sat here all day by herself. No one to talk to, confide in. At least she'd always had Teddy.
'So….what have you done today?' Arizona asked, sitting down on the couch next to Meredith.
'You mean except from being completely humiliated? Absolutely nothing. I've been sitting here most of the day. I can't get things out of my head. I've tried, it's just too hard…' she trailed off as tears began to fall.
Arizona leaned closer, putting an arm around Meredith's shoulder. She knew nothing she could say would make her stop thinking about the whole situation. Well…almost nothing.
'Meredith..?'
Meredith looked up.
'There's something I should tell you…'
'What?' Meredith asked, wiping her tears away.
'Well, I'm actually gay too.'
They sat in silence for a few moments.
'Your….gay..?'
Arizona nodded.
'Yes' she said calmly.
Meredith relaxed and began to feel momentarily better. She felt a wave of happiness wash over her. She wanted to embrace Arizona and tell her how much she liked her. Something held her back. She had the feeling there was more to come.
'I umm, had a feeling you were. I just…..I wasn't sure. I hoped you were…'
'Why?'
*Go on tell her…May as well. She knows everything else about you* Meredith thought.
'I guess, because I like you. I've liked you from the moment I saw you.'
Meredith stopped as she saw the anguished look on Arizona's face.
*Damn* Arizona thought. *Those girl's were right. This is going to be difficult*
'Ugh, Meredith? I don't….I don't feel that way…about you…'
Meredith's stomach dropped. She looked at the floor as more tears threatened to pour down her cheek.
Arizona mentally slapped herself.
*Crap. I have to elaborate. I'm suppose to be cheering her up. What can I say….*
After a few moments thought she took a deep breath.
'I'm sorry Meredith. Things are just so complicated.'
Meredith wiped her eye's.
'Is there someone else?'
'No. Well….' Arizona looked at the floor. '….there might be. Things are just so messed up. I don't know what to do.'
Pushing her feelings to one side, Meredith decided to listen to Arizona's problem.
'Do I know her?'
*Come on Arizona, do it. Tell her…*
'Yes. You do…'
'Who is it?'
After sitting in silence for a few moments Meredith realised Arizona was debating telling her. She had to know who it was.
'Arizona please….tell me. I swear I'll keep it to myself.'
'Will you? There's just so much going on. Everything is a mess Meredith.'
'You're my best friend Arizona. You can tell me anything.'
That's statement made Arizona feel more awful….if that was possible. She had to come clean. Meredith wouldn't broadcast anything like those girls. She'd been on the receiving end of it. There's no way she'd do that to Arizona. Would she?
'Ok.' Arizona said. 'Its….Callie Torres.'
When Meredith heard the name she couldn't help but laugh.
'You and me both Arizona. In fact not just you and me. Everyone in school has the hots for her….regardless of their orientation. She's just….A whole lot o' woman!'
Arizona tried to steady her nerves.
*I can do this. Just tell her.*
'The thing is Meredith, it's more than that. I really like her…'
'Yea, I know, I do too! We all have crushes on our teachers. When they're as hot as Miss Torres it's hard not to…'
'Meredith. I need to tell you something else. This is really important. You have to promise me you'll keep it to yourself…'
Sensing Arizona's urgency. Meredith agreed.
'I promise. It will go no further.'
'I mean this Meredith. If anyone finds out then the whole operation will be ruined.'
'Operation?' Meredith asked confused. 'What are you talking about?'
Arizona rubbed her temples and thought of how to say it.
'I'm not who you think I am Meredith..'
'You're not Arizona?' Meredith asked, furrowing her eyebrows.
'No, I am Arizona Robbins. That is my name. I'm not 17 though, I'm 24.' She paused, analyzing Meredith's reaction.
To begin with Meredith grinned.
'You're winding me up aren't you?'
Arizona shook her head.
'No Meredith, I'm serious. I'm 24. I'm an undercover reporter for the ''Daily Chance''.'
Meredith stopped smiling as she digested Arizona's confession. The room fell silent again.
'Are you really serious?'
Arizona nodded.
'You're…a reporter? You're undercover?'
Again, Arizona nodded.
'So, this whole time, everything's been a lie?'
'No, Meredith, no. When I first arrived I had a job to do. I had to pose as a 17 year old and find a story within the school for the front cover. But when I actually got here, everything changed. I started re-living my own school days. I suddenly became popular, thanks to basketball. That's never happened to me. I've always been the geeky one. I thought maybe, this was my second chance. I've made some wonderful friends. You of course are one of them.'
Meredith pursed her lips a little into a half smile as Arizona continued.
'What with all this going on I lost track of the story. So, my boss gave me a hidden camera which enabled him to help out. I wear it in my necklace…'
Meredith continued to listen as Arizona explained her whole situation, including the whole Callie charade.
Twenty minutes later Arizona finished her story and sat back, preying she hadn't made a mistake.
'Wow, that's some story' Meredith started. 'First of all, don't worry, your secret's safe. At the same time, I cant help but feel a bit betrayed. This whole time, you were lying…'
'Not because I wanted to…' Arizona input.
'I know….you were just doing your job and you were told not to. But still. I feel like….when I opened up to you….about being gay, I did it because I felt safe. I felt you were the most genuine and honest person I'd ever met. I get the vibe now that I was wrong.'
'No Meredith, please. I am honest. I know it's hard to believe in these circumstances, but I never meant to hurt anyone.' she stopped as Meredith got up from the couch.
She wandered over to the door.
'Its getting late Arizona, you should get going. I don't think my mind can take anymore agro.'
'Please Meredith, hear me out….'
'No, I need to sleep Arizona. My mind is in overdrive. We can talk more later.'
Defeated Arizona got up from the couch and walked towards the door.
'Ok. But Meredith? Please….keep it to yourself.'
'I already told you Arizona. I will…'
'Thanks. You know, I told you because I realise I can trust you. You're my best friend. Nothing is going to change that.'
'You really want a 17 year old as your best friend?' Meredith asked.
'It doesn't matter about age Meredith…'
'I guess. What about you and Callie? Do you think something will happen? Does she know you're 24?'
'No, she doesn't. I can't tell her. I guess I'm just hoping things will work out. Nothing's ever easy is it?'
'No…' Meredith replied, looking to the floor.
'I'll leave you to it then. Call me over the weekend yea?'
'Ok. I just need to clear my head. I need to talk to Sadie…'
'She'll come round. It's all very daunting….for both of you. Believe me though, they are going to get what's coming to them. They're going to realise they messed with the wrong people…'
With that she opened the door and stepped onto the patio.
'Meredith' Arizona said looking back. 'You should know that everyone is cool with it. They don't care..'
'I can only hope…'
Flashing a quick smile Arizona turned to leave. 'Speak to you soon Meredith'
'Ok, night Arizona.'
Shutting the door, Meredith turned around and headed upstairs. She had a lot to think about. Her head was pounding from the turmoil it had been through. Entering her room she collapsed on the bed, shut her eye's and began to process everything….from start to finish.
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The next day Arizona went in to work. She'd spent most of the morning talking to Cristina. Because of this she was in a very good mood. Everything, for now was going well.
Early afternoon she headed towards Owen's office. She'd had a phone call from his secretary asking for her to come along. Arriving at his door she knocked then entered as he shouted.
'Hey Owen' she said, coming into the office.
'Arizona, thanks for coming. Please take a seat.'
'Ok..'
'So, another week gone. How has it been for you?' he asked.
'Umm….it hasn't been too bad. Few ups and downs but nothing that can't be sorted.'
'I see. Any luck on some story idea's?'
'Well, I've draft wrote up some idea's. One is about the security of the school. Did you know Cristina just wondered in the other week? What if she had had guns or explosives in her bag? But no, she never even got asked for ID. I thought it was appalling.' She stopped, sensing Owen's uninterested mood.
'The security?' he asked. 'That's all very well Arizona…' He stood up and started to pace behind his desk.
'But we need a 'real story'. Something that will blow everyone's socks off. Anyone could write about the security. Heck, even Cristina could write something up in 5 minutes.'
*Uh oh, he seems mad* Arizona thought.
'I need more Arizona. Security doesn't sell. Sex, scandal, cheating….now that turns heads!'
Owen stopped pacing and looked out of the large window behind his desk.
'Arizona, I want you to reconsider writing about Callie Torres.'
Arizona swallowed the lump in her throat. How could Owen ask her that? How could he when he knows her feelings?
'Owen…I…I can't…'
'I knew you'd say that. This is business though Arizona. You were chosen to go undercover. You were picked to find a story form the gut of today's education system. It seems you've allowed your emotions to cloud your work…'
Arizona couldn't speak. Owen was right….she couldn't argue. Owen walked back to his seat and sat down.
'To be a good writer' he started. 'You need to detach from your normal self. Sometimes you have to be cruel to get what you want…'
It pained him to have to say this to Arizona. He knew how much she liked Callie but his job was on the line. He couldn't let himself be fired over something that was almost out of his hands.
'I'm only asking Arizona' he continued. 'I saw your chat with Callie yesterday. There is something there. A spark. From what I've seen it's only you it happens with. This story really is the best thing I've seen. You could write up a masterpiece, starting from the first encounter…'
Arizona was still at a loss for words. She could never do anything to harm Callie. She had to think of something else. Thee had to be another story lurking within the school.
'Arizona?' Owen said, bringing Arizona from her thoughts. 'Arizona please, just say you'll think about it?'
She looked down at the floor. Her mind confused.
'I'll think about it.'
Mid morning on Tuesday, the team were on a coach, on route to their first away match. Seeing as it took 3 hours to get there the school had organised for them to stay overnight instead of driving back late.
Meredith had managed to get in touch with Sadie on Saturday morning. Their friends had rallied around on Saturday afternoon telling them how great they thought it was. It had taken a while but both girls had relaxed and were feeling much more content with their friends' acceptance.
Now, on the bus, they sat together, talking quietly between themselves. Arizona was sat at the back along with Lexie, Mandy and Lindsay. Excusing herself, Arizona stood up and headed towards the front of the bus.
'Can I sit?' she asked, hovering over the spare seat next to Callie.
Looking up, Callie smiled. 'Of course. I was beginning to feel like Billy no mates' she joked.
'He he, well we can't have that.'
'So how are things with you?' Callie asked as Arizona settled herself.
'Things are good. Looking forward to the game. What are Priory like….skill wise?'
'You know, I'm not sure to be honest. I've heard nothing about them. They've won all their games so far but I think it will be a walk in the park for us.' she said, grinning.
'Thanks for the jinx coach' Arizona joked.
'Bah, I believe in us. I know we can win this tournament. If you hadn't guessed already I'm rather competitive.'
Arizona giggled. 'Well, the thought had crossed my mind. I get like that too sometimes…'
Callie smiled. 'Actually there's something I've been wanting to ask you.'
'Oh?'
'I've been thinking of starting Meredith. I may have done some…pre-judging, if you will, when I chose the team. Admittedly, I made a mistake putting her as a sub..'
'She'll be overjoyed.' Arizona smiled.
*She could do with good news like this…*
'I know. I thought I'd run it by you. I'm at a loss as to who to swap her with though. Any idea's?' Callie asked.
'Hmm….that's a toughie!'
'Yea…'
'Maybe run it by Mandy. I know she's been a bit tired and sore lately. Maybe this game she'll be willing to sit out.'
'I was thinking that too. Thanks for the decider.'
'Anytime..' Arizona said, flashing her half smile.
They sat for a few moments lost in their own thought until Callie broke the silence.
'So how are you doing anyway?'
'I'm good. Just juggling stuff at the minute you know. Basketball, paper work, deadlines. You know how it is…'
Callie nodded. 'You're right there. It only gets worse when you're older too. Enjoy this while you can…'
'I'm loving every second' Arizona smiled.
Thirsty minutes later they arrived at the Swan Hotel. After unloading their bags they headed into the reception area. Callie walked ahead, making for the check in desk. As se approached the lady standing behind it looked up and smiled.
'Good Afternoon ma'am, are you the Rentworth party?'
'Hi, yes that's us..'
'One moment please while I search for your booking.'
As the lady began to search through the computers database Callie turned and smiled at the group.
'Ah here you are' the lady said. ' Two rooms both fitting 4 and one room fitting 5.'
'Ok, great' Callie replied.
The woman called for a nearby bellboy.
'Drake' she said as the boy approached. 'Could you assist these ladies to their rooms..?'
'Of course' he said, eagerly eyeing the young girls up.
Callie turned back to the girls.
'Ok, 3 rooms….2 can fit 4 of you and 1 can fit 5.'
Immediately the girls arranged themselves into groups.
'I'll kip with whatever group has a space' Callie input.
'That'll be us then coach' Sadie said.
Callie looked over. Her stomach erupted with butterflies. She looked at Arizona who if possible, looked just as shocked as her. The rest of the girls were sorted, leaving Meredith, Sadie and Arizona's group with a spare spot.
'Look's like you're bunking with us coach' Meredith smiled.
She looked sideways at Arizona who was looking at the floor, seemingly lost in thought.
As the weekend had worn on, Meredith had come to terms with the whole Arizona situation. She understood what a hard situation she was in. On Monday night she had gone around to Arizona's and talked about the Callie fiasco. She'd realised Arizona's feelings were true. Arizona was in love with Callie and from the sounds of it, the feeling was mutual.
Unknowingly she had put extra doubt in Arizona's head about revealing the truth to Callie. What if Callie took it really badly. Took her from the team. She'd have let the whole team down. There'd be a story to print alright.
'Undercover reporter exposed!'
Not the kind of thing she'd had in mind.
So once again, Arizona was at a loss. That aside she was thrilled at how well Meredith was taking it all. She felt, at last she could be open and honest with her new best friend.
As the rest of the girls began to follow Drake, Arizona came out of her thoughts and looked at Callie.
*Oh god. Please don't say we have to share a bed.*
Callie in the meantime was trying her best not to look at Arizona.
*Why oh why. Were going to be sleeping in the same room. In such close proximity and I have to control myself! This is going to be one long night*
Walking past Arizona she glanced quickly at her. Their eye's met. They could see the turmoil going on within the other. Looking ahead Callie followed the rest of the girls and was soon followed by Sadie, Meredith and eventually Arizona.
'This is going to be fun' Meredith whispered to Arizona as they made their was down the long corridor.
'Fun? That's not what I was thinking.' Arizona said anxiously.
'Come on. There's no harm in a bit of harmless touchy feely when you're 'sleeping'.' Meredith giggled.
'Yea, that's what I'm worried about…Don't think I'll be able to stop myself…' Arizona winced.
As they arrived at their rooms, Drake opened the door to each of them then made his way back along the corridor. Following Meredith through the door, Arizona's eye's immediately landed on the room to the left. A double bed was in plain view.
*Oh god. There's no way we can get in that together. Ok, relax. Meredith and Sadie can sleep there. There's bound to be 2 single beds around here somewhere.*
'Looks like there's only 1 bed' Sadie stated.
Callie joined them in the room as they put their bags down. Arizona walked further into the living area as she scanned the space. Looking at the sofa her heart skipped a beat. She looked back and met Callie's eye's as they both realised that it wasn't JUST a sofa.
*Fuck* Callie thought *I'm gonna to share a bed with her…*
'Ohh, it's a sofa bed' Sadie said, bouncing in the middle of it. 'Meh, uncomfortable….we call the real bed' she shouted, jumping off the couch and grabbing Meredith's arm.
Looking at Arizona, Meredith shrugged apologetically then picked up her bag and headed into the bedroom.
Silence filled the air as Arizona and Callie raked their brains for something to say.
*How am I going to control myself?* Arizona thought. *She'll be right there and I don't think I'll be bale to stop myself touching or rubbing up against her.*
'We got the short straw I guess…' Callie said, breaking the silence.
'Yea..' Arizona laughed, blushing at her thoughts.
'I can sleep in the chair Arizona. I know sharing a bed with a teacher isn't exactly on a students list of things to do…'
'No, no…don't do that!' She stopped talking, realising she may have said that a little too loudly.
Callie's heart began to flutter. She knew she should insist and say it wasn't right. Especially because of the way she'd been picturing Arizona of late. But she couldn't. Both through lack of will power and rising desire.
'Are you sure..' Callie asked.
'Yea, umm, I don't mind sharing a bed with you. You're not just a teacher…'
*No, you're one hot Latina with the sexiest body I've ever seen* she thought.
'…you're a person too. A nice one at that.' she finished.
*Christ why can't I just shut up*
Callie tingled all over. Smiling she turned and walked further into the room.
'Thanks' she said, walking past the blonde.
'Anytime..' Arizona replied. She closed her eye's as she stopped herself from reaching out and stopping Callie walking past.
*Let the night begin…*
