Thanks for the latest reviews. I've managed to do a bit of writing today (gotta love days off) so I'm shooting another chapter out to ya! Thanks for your continued reviews and alerts! .GREAT!

previously...

Thank you Arizona, you have no idea how much that means to me. Have a safe journey. I look forward to chatting with you again soon. Sweet dreams, Goodnight! C x

Deciding not to reply, Arizona set her phone down once again and dropped her head back down to her pillow. All she could think about was the prospect of one day, taking the beautiful Latina to Paris with her.

Yep, tonight she would definitely be having sweet dreams!

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Chapter 10

Callie got to work the next morning earlier then she ever had in the 4 years she'd been there. In truth, she'd hardly slept a wink all night….everything was all so fresh in her mind.

Nothing could have prepared her for how heartbroken Erica had been. The older woman had left Callie in the guestroom not long after 10:30. She needed to clean herself up before Jack arrived home. There's no way she could have dealt with coming out to her son aswell as cope with the break down of her marriage. That would have been a sure way of giving her a heart attack.

After Erica had left, the first thing Callie had thought of was the other blonde woman in Missouri. She felt she needed to tell her what had just happened. After receiving a text back she felt so much relaxed. It felt that, although she'd just initiated the break up of her 7 year relationship…..hearing those strong words from Arizona had reminded her that she had done it for very valid reasons.

Firstly, this relationship with Erica was in reality, nothing more than a friendship. Secondly, the feelings she was having for Arizona were stronger than she'd ever experience for anyone. Now, with her relationship with Erica effectively almost over, she was free to explore whatever connection she shared with the flight attendant.

That is, if Arizona was interested….

After texting the blonde back, she'd sent a quick message to Cristina. The model had been very supportive and once again, offered Callie a place to stay. As much as Callie would have loved to take her up on that offer last night, she couldn't bring herself to leave Erica after dropping such a huge bombshell.

Before Callie had made it out of the front door this morning, Erica had arrived, looking drawn and puffy eyed in the kitchen. They talked briefly about last night and the blonde had urged Callie once again to see a counsellor with her. They agreed to meet for lunch later and continue the discussion.

Throwing her bag down on her desk, she slumped into the awaiting chair. She sat with her head leant back, rocking in the seat until Mark appeared in front of her desk.

'Wow, can I have a job like yours?' Lifting her head she gave the sports writer one of her not in the mood glares. He raised an eyebrow. 'Jeeze Torres, is it the time of the month or something coz your attitude blows lately.'

Pulling herself closer to the desk she powered up her computer. 'I'm just not in the mood Mark' she grumbled.

'Yea, you said that Friday.'

Though the 2 of them weren't befriends or anything, they'd always had a good working relationship. The jokes always flowed between them, but recently Mark had recognised the Latina's constant dark and gloomy attitude. Deciding he'd let it slide for long enough, he took a seat next to the photographer.

She glanced at him through the corner of her eye. 'Ugh, can I help you?'

'That's it Torres, spit it out, now!'

'Mark, I'm seriously not in the mood.'

'Yea, you said that already. I want to know why.' Busying herself with logging into her account, Callie ignored his intense gaze. It didn't sway his resolve however. 'Callie…..come one, you can talk to me. I know I can be an ass sometimes.' Callie let out a small snort. 'Ok' he continued. 'So make that most of the time, but really…..I'm worried about you. We used to have a good laugh you and I, but lately….you're nothing but a sour puss.'

'A what?'

'You know, a pain in the ass.'

She sighed again, bringing her hands to her temples. She knew her attitude had sunk lately and she was quite surprised Mark had picked up on it…being a dude and everything. It seemed only fair that she gave him some sort of explanation. The thing was…..was she ready to give him the gods honest truth?

'Mark…..I….it's just….'

This was harder than it seemed. Dropping her hands she looked up at his gentle friendly gaze. She could feel herself starting to tear up. Mark noticed and leant forward, taking her hand in his own.

'Hey Cal what is it? You can tell me.'

His comforting words were doing nothing to keep her tears at bay. 'Mark….'

Her phone buzzed in her pocket, stopping her from continuing. Maybe this was a sign. Letting go of his hand, she reached into her pocket. She felt butterflies spring to life when she saw Arizona Robbins was the sender of the message.

'Good morning Callie, just wanted to say I hope you're OK today. I'm just about to board the plane. Paris ici que je viens. That means Paris here I come….or so google translate tells me anyway ;) Speak to you soon! A x'

Mark witnessed a genuine smile spread over the Latina's face which slowly mirrored onto his own. 'Well it's good to see someone still makes you smile. Who is it….' he hesitated for a moment. '…or should I say who is she…'

It took a few moments for Marks words to register in her mind, but when they did she looked up hesitantly. 'Wh-what?' She felt her heart begin to race.

Leaning back in his chair, Mark linked his fingers behind his head. 'Come on Torres, I'm a guy. Guys always notice when chicks dig other chicks.' She just stared back at him, her mouth slightly agape. Wiping the smile of his face, Mark leaned forward. 'Torres, you're gay, aren't you?'

Callie quickly looked around, anxiously seeing if anyone had over heard him. 'Shh Mark, no, I'm not….I mean, why would you even, I'm not gay…..no, I like penis….'

A smile began to form on Marks face again. 'Torres, you're as gay as the day is long.'

She opened her mouth to protest, but that glint in her colleagues eye told her that her arguments would all be in vein. She closed her mouth, which it seemed had suddenly become very dry. Looking down at her phone again she rubbed her thumb over the text senders name. 'Ok…' she whispered. 'Ok…' She stayed silent for a few moments before looking back up at him. 'How long….'

'Have I known?' he finished for her. 'I guess I've known for quite a while.'

'How?'

He shrugged. 'Little things I guess. They way you used to over exaggerate with talk of guys. We've been out on the drink many times and had several Xmas parties and you've always come alone or brought your housemate.' He smiled. 'I've known you a good 4 years Callie and not once have I ever seen you with a dude. Then there's been a few times I've seen you checking out the same girls I've given the once over.' She nodded weakly back at him. 'Plus….you always refused me….that was the biggest giveaway!'

She had to laugh at the look of smugness currently plastered on his face. Calming herself she took a deep breath. 'So, does anyone else know?'

'Not that I know of. I mean, I'm not a chick, I don't gossip!'

'Mark….'

'Ok, so I sometimes part-take in a little passing on of information form time to time, but I'm still not a gossip. And I've never over heard anyone talk of you competing with me for best womaniser of the year.'

She nodded again. This was not what she'd expected to be doing this morning. And with Mark of all people….

'I'm glad you finally plucked up the courage to admit that to me Callie.'

'It's been happening a lot lately…'

He raised an eyebrow. 'Really?' His curiosity was peaking.

She just nodded her head, staring blankly at the computer screen.

Figuring there was a lot his friend needed to get off her chest he stood up. 'You know what, how about you and me go out for some breakfast.'

'I can't Mark, I've got a ton of things to do here….

'Leave it. Have a chat with Webber, I'm sure he'll be cool with you escaping for an hour.' He leant his backside against the desk. 'I know he can be an ass at times but the guys got a good heart. Plus….his son is gay.'

'He is?'

Mark nodded. 'So I'm sure he'd understand more than most right now.'

Beginning to feel much better than she had earlier this morning, she sent a quick text back to the blonde and looked back up at Mark. 'Ok, but you're buying!'

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

'Once again you've turned my frown upside down. Do you have special powers or something? Have I already told you that I owe you? If so, I double owe you now! Have a safe journey Arizona, hopefully speak to you tonight! C x'

'Let me guess, that's Teddy cursing you for getting the trip to Paris again?' Lucy asked, seeing the blonde break out into a smile after reading a text.

Arizona looked up at her fellow flight attendant, her smile remaining in place. 'Actually no, I haven't received that one yet' she laughed. It was customary for Teddy to text Arizona whenever she got to go on the better trip. Unfortunately for the brunette she'd been put on the short flights to Mexico tomorrow and she'd be there for a good 4 days. 'I'm sure it'll come through soon though…' Arizona finished.

'Poor Ted!' Lucy smiled shaking her head.

'She's even more disappointed coz I have tickets to see Sara Ramirez in New York on Thursday and she can't make it.' Her thoughts drifted to the other woman, besides Teddy that she'd have loved to have gone with. Things were moving though…..definitely in the right direction.

'Oh my god, you're kidding! You're seeing Sara Ramirez, I am so jealous!'

'The one and only, you're a fan?'

'Are you kidding me' Lucy gushed. 'I'm like her biggest fan. She's smoking hot.'

The blonde nodded her head. 'Well, if you want, I have an extra ticket. I'd originally bought them for Teddy and I but after she had to have those few days off last week her schedules all over the place. You're welcome to tag along if you want..?'

Lucy stared at her open mouthed. 'Are you serious?'

'Sure, why not' Arizona smiled. 'You're on the same flight home as me on Wednesday. We get home, do a quick turn around and we'll be in New York Thursday morning!'

'I don't know what to say….' Lucy got up and wrapped her arms around a laughing Arizona.

'It's cool, at least I won't have to be billy no mates now.'

Pulling back, Lucy held her face mere inches from Arizona's. 'We could never have that….' Just before anything could have potentially happened, the voice over called for them to board their flight.

Arizona moved swiftly, sensing the need to distance herself from her excitable co-worker.

'Paris, here I come!'

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Callie sat with her hands gripping the steering wheel as thought her life depended on it. She'd pulled up around the block from her house a good 10 minutes ago. Since then she'd been spurring herself on to get her ass home and face the music.

Today had been, without a doubt one of the longest days of her life. So much had been revealed and explained in just 10 measly hours.

Her breakfast date this morning with Mark had gone amazingly well. After discovering Richard Webber was in an important meeting, she'd left a note on his desk which briefly told him what had happened. She'd actually come out to her boss…on a post-it note! It's not exactly how she would have liked to have done it and god knows everyone in the office would be talking about it by the time she got back. But in the moment, she didn't care. She felt that it was finally the time to be true to herself.

The way Mark had just….accepted the real her had been jaw dropping for the Latina. I mean sure, he was a guy…..he still had his guy thoughts, but behind all his smug little lesbian jokes he had proved himself to be a great confidant. She'd revealed to him everything from her childhood to her relationship with Erica and finally to the sender of the text that had made her smile that morning. He'd consoled her when she'd begun to cry and assured her that from here, things could only get better.

From that moment Callie had seen a different side to the man from work. She realised she'd found a guy that she could actually trust.

Returning back to work, Richard had left his meeting but unfortunately had also left the building on business. He had however left a post-it on her desk which merely said 'My office, 2pm!' Something told her she was going to get her ass handed to her that afternoon.

Before that however, lunchtime arrived and as promised she'd met Erica in the café close to her office building. The discussion of last night was continued, but this time with less tears…being in a public place and all….

By the end of lunch however, Callie had apologised countless times and told the blonde she really didn't see a chance for them, regardless of how many therapy sessions they could go to. Erica was hurt….so hurt infact that she ended up having a go at the Latina. She spat that it took 2 people to break up a marriage and now Callie just wanted to walk away without even trying to make things good.

Callie had stayed strong. She knew what Erica was doing. She knew it was just the thought of losing her that had the blonde acting out. She was effectively clutching at straws. No matter what Erica said though, in the light of day Callie knew she'd done the right thing. This was something she should have done so long ago.

As her lunch hour ended, Callie kissed the blonde on the cheek, told her she loved her and left.

Walking back to her office she didn't know which was worse. Breaking it off with Erica last night, or making the dreaded walk to her bosses office.

Ofcourse the meeting with Richard had been the complete opposite of what she'd been expecting. The normal authorities demeanour that radiated from Richard Webber had been replaced with a soft, understanding side. He'd told her of his experience with his son. To Richard he couldn't care less if his son loved men as apposed to women. All he cared about was that his son was happy and healthy.

Callie went on to confess, in a nutshell what she was going through. He'd comforted and handed her tissues as he listened to her story. He then assured her that he understood exactly how she must be feeling right now…..so much so infact that he gave her the week to sort herself out.

She'd been reluctant at first, thinking that perhaps she may be laid off or something. He again had promised her nothing like that would ever happen. Not while he was in charge.

So that was it. She'd left work not long after the meeting and went into town. She'd booked herself a flight to Miami, still feeling she needed to have some time away from Erica for a few days.

*Come on, time to face the music* she thought.

Taking a hand from the steering wheel she turned the key in the ignition. Slowly driving the car around to her house, she felt a pang of dread seep into her stomach. She really wasn't looking forward to another emotional confrontation.

Pulling into the drive she attempted to calm her fragile nerves…..unfortunately she was failing miserably. When she finally made it into the house, it all seemed unnervingly quiet. Putting her bag down on the table in the hall, she made her way through the house. Making it into the kitchen she noticed the backdoor was ajar. Opening it further she stepped out onto the patio. Her eye's immediately found the blonde sitting under a blanket on one of the chairs. Erica made no attempt at letting Callie know she'd noticed her. Stepping closer Callie tentatively made her presence known, 'Hey….'

Slowly Erica turned her head. She looked so pale and miserable. 'Hey.' she replied, her voice cracking slightly.

Callie stood a meter or so away from the sitting blonde. She wasn't quite sure what to say. 'Where's…where's Jack?'

'He's gone back home to get some of his stuff.'

'Oh, has he found somewhere to stay then?'

The blonde nodded. 'Here…'

Callie breathed a silent sigh of relief, happy in the knowledge that Erica wouldn't be completely alone when she went away for a few days. Though she had no intention of moving out just yet, it was good to know that Jack would be around whenever she wasn't. 'That's…..good!'

'Yea…'

An awkward silence surrounded them and Callie found herself fidgeting with the zip on her coat. 'I…I had an interesting afternoon' she started.

'Did you?' came Erica's half hearted response.

'Yea, I….I kinda came out to Richard…'

Erica's head turned swiftly to face the Latina. 'You came out?'

'Yea. I guess I should have done it a long time ago coz he took it really well.'

Erica nodded, a little dumbfounded. Question after question started to whiz around her head. 'What…..made you do it now?'

Shrugging Callie say herself in a chair next to the blonde. 'I think….I think it was the gentle push Mark gave me….'

'Mark?'

Callie nodded. 'I kinda came out to him too. Well, actually….he knew I was gay.'

'That can't have been a nice experience with that guy!' It was no secret Erica had never thought much of the sports writer. Especially when he always insisted on flirting with her…with her…ex-girlfriend? Whatever Callie was to her now, she had always hated seeing him come on to her….Callie…

'Actually, he surprised me. He's not as much of an ass as he likes to make out.'

Erica looked back out on the garden. She began to feel slightly….guilty. She'd been together with the woman by her side for so long. In a way she felt she had been the one that had insisted they keep their relationship a secret for so long. She'd been so scared of having all her friends and her family know that she'd been living a lie with her ex husband for so long. She'd always told herself no one would ever understand. So it had just been….easier to keep one of the most important people in her life a secret. She'd effectively made Callie her dirty little secret. 'I'm sorry Callie…'

The Latina looked at the blonde. 'For what?'

'For making you suffer in silence for all these years. Maybe if he'd been honest with everyone from the start. Perhaps having everything out in the open would have made our relationship stronger instead of choking the life out of it.'

'Erica, this is not your fault. I'm as much to blame as you are here. I wasn't exactly ready to shout it from the rooftops.'

'So, what changed? Why did you feel that today was the day to reveal your true feelings?'

Callie thought on for a few moments. Her first thought was of Arizona. The feelings she'd developed in such a short amount of time for the woman in Missouri had made her feel like….like she could do anything….like she could be anyone. She knew if she wanted any sort of a relationship with the flight attendant she had to be completely honest….to herself and everyone around her.

She couldn't exactly say this to Erica though could she? Her girlfriend….or ex-girlfriend… Whatever Erica was to her in this moment, she didn't need to give the dejected woman another reason to be upset right now.

'I guess it was just a mixture of things really. I was sick of living a lie. I always hated having to hide my true feelings for you. Somewhere along the line when I realised my feelings for you were….' she looked away from the blonde. 'When I felt they weren't as strong as they once were, I started look at my life differently. I realised that this wasn't the path I was meant to walk down.'

Tears began to fall down Erica's cheeks. She could actually feel her heart breaking in her chest. No one enjoyed having their girlfriend….ex-girlfriend, say they we're no longer in love with them.

Callie could hear Erica's gentle sobs….her own heart ached for this woman. It hurt her to know that she was the cause of Erica's heartbreak. 'I'm sorry Erica…' she whispered. 'I'm just so sorry.'

'I know you are Callie. You are an amazing woman. You're so thoughtful, so giving and so beautiful, and that's why this hurts so much. You were meant to be it for me.'

'It was the same for me Erica. A few years ago you were my forever. It's just….somewhere along the line…'

'You grew up…' Erica cut in. '….you realised there were younger, more attractive women out there.'

'That's not it at all Erica, please, don't say that.'

'It's true thought Callie. The age gap between us was always going to be an issue at some point. I always knew that…..in the back of my mind. I knew you were too good to be true.'

'Erica! You have got to stop thinking that. You are….you are such an amazing woman and I love you. I really do, but…..I'm just not in love with you anymore and continuing as we were was just….it wasn;t fair for either of us.'

They sat in silence for a few minutes, both lost in their own thoughts. It was only when Callie's phone began to ring that they both came back to the present. Lifting her phone from her pocket, Callie frowned as the caller displayed was international. Hitting answer she brought it to her ear. 'Hello?'

'Hey, is that Callie?'

The Latina's heart dropped to her feet. It felt as though all the wind had been knocked out of her lungs. It was the first time she'd ever heard this voice, but she knew without a doubt that this voice belonged to Arizona. This sweet, angelic voice belonged to the woman she was certain she was already in love with. Her eye's shifted to look at Erica who was sat watching her curiously, no doubt wondering why she hadn't spoken since uttering hello.

'Ugh, umm yes this is she, it's me….yea, Hi.' She mentally slapped herself….extremely hard at her pathetic reply.

The sweet little laugh on the other end of the phone made her heart ache with want. Her whole body trembled with excitement. Ofcourse, Erica was no looking at her with her brow furrowed. The continuance of Arizona's amused laugh brought her back to the phone call. Now she understood why Arizona called herself Chuckles.

'You're ramblings are even cuter when they come out of your mouth Callie Torres. It's Arizona by the way….'

Callie could hardly breath. Her heart was beating far too rapidly for her to get even the smallest of breaths in.

'Callie?' The Latina's eyes shot up to look at her girlfriends….her ugh, ex-girlfriends face. 'Are you OK?'

'Ugh…' she felt a flush form on her face. What the hell was she supposed to do in this situation? 'Umm, yea dad, look I can't really talk right now, can I call you back?'

There was silence on the other end of the phone for a few moments before Arizona replied. 'Yea, umm…..I'm sorry to have bothered you Callie. Bye.'

The line went dead.

The sound of Arizona's dejected response had cut through the Latina like a knife.

*Shit shit shit! This is so not good!*

'What did he want?'

Callie lowered her phone before looking back at Erica. She tried to keep her face and voice neutral, but it was a rather difficult task. 'He ugh, I've booked to fly out there for a few days.' Seeing Erica's confused look she continued. 'Richard, he….he's given me a few days off. He told me to clear my head and stuff….so, I thought perhaps it would be a good idea to go out there.'

Hurt spread over the blondes face. 'I see.' She wondered of this was Callie's way of saying she was leaving…..for good. 'Are you…..will you be back?'

'Yea, I mean, I live here. It's just a few days away. Gives us time to….you know, digest things.'

Another silence washed over them. Callie's mind replayed the sound of Arizona's apologetic and tensed reply, over and over. She'd sounded so….hurt!

*Great going Cal, you're a regular ol' heartbreaker lately aren't you!*

Sighing, Erica got up from her chair and gestured towards the house. 'I'm just going to…..take a bath. It's been a long day.'

Callie nodded. 'Ill….give my dad a call back then.'

As Erica entered the house, Callie quickly scrolled through the contacts in her phone until she found the flight attendants number.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx