HOPEFUL DREAMS & HIDDEN DESIRES
Hi guys :)
Here's the next chapter of 'HD & HD'. You've all been so wonderful with chapter 9, THANK YOU for that. You guys are all kinds of amazing. Once again the chapter is looooong – actually it's the longest one yet.
Before reading this chapter I just want you to know that Spanish is not one of the languages I know, so please bear with me, if any of it is wrong. I've had to turn to google translate for help.
Disclaimer: I do not own Grey's or any of the characters - they all belong to the lovely Shonda Rhimes and ABC. I'm just toying with them for fun with no intentions of profiting.
Enjoy chapter 10 :)
CHAPTER 10:
Arizona stepped foot on Georgia soil for the first time in almost six months. As soon as the plane had descended she felt what little energy she had left leave her body. She'd hardly slept the night before, because her mind just wouldn't let up and she was exhausted to her bones both mentally and physically.
Callie had kissed her. Beautiful, awesome, fun and kind Callie had bravely taken the initiative and put her perfect lips on those of Arizona's. And the blonde had liked it. Actually it had been out of this world amazing. But Callie was a woman, a fantastic woman, but a woman none the less. And as the kiss ended, Arizona had realized what had happened and the pure shock of it and the fact that she liked it, had made her flee the scene in panic. And then she'd fled the state. She'd actually gone to the airport five hours before her flight departure, just because she feared that Callie might show up at her doorstop to clear the air before they went to their separate
She turned on her phone and found three new text messages from Callie. The texts had started coming last night as soon as the blonde made it to her apartment. She opened the first new one.
*I'm so sorry Arizona! I know you're ignoring me right now and that's okay, but I can't tell you enough how sorry I am. Can we just forget it ever happened? - Callie
Arizona sighed. Yeah like that was a possibility. She opened the next text.
*I don't know what to do to make it better. Please tell me. I'll do anything. – Callie
Arizona felt a pang of regret at the huge amount of responsibility Callie felt for the whole situation. The blonde had been perfectly aware of what was about to happen and she had let Callie know that. Nothing that happened last night was against her will. But then again, she did flee the scene at lightning speed and she supposed that if the situation was reversed she would have felt guilty too. She opened the last text message.
*Will you let me know when you've made it to Georgia? Please. - Callie
Arizona ignored the request and put her phone back in her pocket. She just wanted to go home to her parents. She found her suitcase and made her way out of the airport. She was stopped a few times by fans asking for an autograph, and even though she felt like telling all of them to go to hell and leave her alone, she smiled, posed for pictures and signed whatever paper they stuck at her. Finally she made it out of the airport where she instantly spotted her brother leaning up against his van.
"Tim!" Arizona yelled before ditching her suitcase and charged towards her brother. Blue eyes almost identical to her own found hers and a big dimpled smile made its way to her brother's face.
"Az! It's so good to see you." Tim exclaimed as he enveloped his younger sister in a big hug when she reached him.
Arizona smiled into her brother's neck and inhaled his scent. He smelled exactly like she remembered, and she immediately relaxed. "You too, big T. I've really missed you" the blonde woman stated with a bit of a crack to her voice.
Tim pulled back a little and looked at his sister with concern. "Hey I'm right here. And I'm happy and healthy. What's with you?"
The woman cleared her throat. "Nothing. I'm just really happy to be back home."
The blonde man smiled at his sister and made his way to her abandoned suitcase. When he came back with her belongings in tow, he opened the passenger door to Arizona. "Then let's go home to mom and dad's. Mom's been baking and cooking for the past three days because her movie star of a daughter was coming home. And do expect the rest of the town to go ballistic as well. Little Creek is very proud of you. The mayor organizes a potluck every Thursday, and then we all eat together and watch the show."
Arizona blushed slightly. "Maybe I should go to mom's diner one of the first days and sign autographs and stuff. Get it over with. That way the rest of our Christmas vacation can go back to normal."
Tim snorted as he turned on the car. "Yeah good luck with that. Normal will never be an option again, sis."
Callie dragged her suitcase behind her in the busy Miami International Airport. She wore a hat and her sunglasses to try and attract as little attention to herself as possible. She couldn't wait to get to her parents' house, throw her disguise and just be. The brunette was drained and disheartened. She had spent the better part of the last three days trying to get in touch with Arizona. She had called, left voicemail messages and texted. She'd actually also stopped by the blonde's apartment the next day, but nobody answered the door, so she must have gone to the airport already. Callie had no idea what to do next. Send a skywriter with the words 'I'm sorry'?
The brunette shook her head and made her way out of the airport. She spotted her father's driver and walked over to him. "Hey Roberto", Callie greeted the man with a smile and a hug.
"Hello Mrs. Sloan" the man politely greeted back and eased out of the hug.
Callie patted the man lovingly on the back. "It's back to Ms. Torres again, Roberto. And I told you, you can call me Callie! How are you?" the brunette asked, while Roberto put her luggage in the car.
Roberto blushed slightly. "I'm so sorry Ms. Torres, I completely forgot. And I'm good. Marion is good. The kids are good and doing very well at college. So I'm happy. What about you Ms.?"
Callie got in the car as Roberto opened the door. She waited until the man got in the car before answering him. "I'm surprisingly good actually. The show is doing really well, and I have a lot of great people in my life. I'm good" the brunette smiled at the man from the back seat.
"I'm glad to hear that Ms. Torres. Maybe another suitor has appeared?" the older man smiled at Callie in the rear view mirror.
The brunette's smile instantly fell and sadness washed over her. "No. Unfortunately not." Callie looked out the window for a second as the outskirts of Miami passed by and whispered to herself "She doesn't want me". Callie pulled out her phone from her purse and turned it on. Still no messages from the blonde. She shot off a quick text to Mark and Addison letting them know she arrived safely in Miami. She paused for a second before also sending at text to Arizona. She then looked back at Roberto. "I think I'm just going to close my eyes for a couple of minutes Roberto. I'm exhausted from the flight." Roberto just gave her a warm nod in return.
Arizona was working in her father's workshop with her dad and Tim when she felt her phone vibrate in the pocket of her jean overalls. She put down the tools and pulled out the phone. Once again the message was from Callie. It had been three days and the brunette hadn't let up. Callie texted and called Arizona all day long. Although it had been sparingly with the texts and calls today. The blonde opened the text.
*Hey. Just wanted to let you know, that I'm in Miami now. Please call or text me back, Arizona. I'm going crazy. I just want to know that you're alright. I'm really sorry. – Callie
The blonde turned off her phone and put it back in her pocket. She then dried the sweat of her forehead with the back of her hand and let her thoughts wander. Callie wasn't the only one going crazy. The blonde couldn't get the kiss out of her mind. It was like it was put on repeat in a movie theater in her brain. And every time she closed her eyes, she could see, smell and feel the other woman. And Arizona hated that. Because she just wanted some time to NOT think about it. She wanted to postpone thinking about it and figuring everything out. Right now she just wanted to enjoy the holiday season. But that was damn near impossible.
"You're not going to reply whoever that was?" Tim asked his sister, when he could practically see the wheels turning inside her head. Arizona hadn't been her usually joyful, Christmas-loving self and Tim had already voiced his concern to their mom.
Arizona looked at her big brother and shook her head. "No. It was nothing important. It can wait." The blonde woman picked up her tools again and started planing the piece of wood, that was in front of her.
Tim crossed his arms on his chest and looked at his sister. "Oh like the other 20 times that someone texted and called you? Who is it? And why aren't you answering?"
Arizona sighed. She had to come up with something fast. She put down the plane and crossed her own arms over her chest. "It's not any of your business, Tim. But if you MUST know, it's just group texts. The cast has a group together and everyone uses it to wish each other happy holidays. I already did that, which is why I'm not replying."
The blonde man didn't give up though. "You're lying Az! And don't for a second think, I don't know that! But if you don't want to talk about, then fine. Just tell me if I need to kick someone's ass. Because I will absolutely do jail time for you." Tim was happy to see that he made his sister laugh.
The woman walked up to her big brother and placed a kiss on his sweaty cheek. "Thank you Tim. You're the best big brother ever. And it's really nothing. I've just been so busy with the show, that it takes some time to decompress from it all."
Tim looked at his sister. She did look kind of worn out. "Okay. Let me know if there's anything I can do."
Arizona smiled a bright smile at her brother. "You're already doing it Tim."
Daniel Robbins interrupted the moment between his two children. "Are you two going to actually work. Because this is not gossip-central. That's in the kitchen with your mother" their dad joked.
Tim and Arizona laughed at him before the blonde woman replied. "Chill dad, we just took a break. And with our help you'll have the gazeebo for the Miller/Morgan wedding ready before the big day, don't worry. You taught us well, remember?"
Her dad smiled and picked up the plane for her. "Then you better get to it. Because super-star-you have to go into town in three hours for meet and greet with every single inhabitant and visitor to this town. And God knows that is going to take all night."
Arizona chuckled, took the plane from her dad and got back to work.
When Roberto drove through the gates of her parents' property, Callie could already see Rei sitting impatiently outside the door to the house. The brunette knew that her youngest sister had probably camped out in that exact spot, when Roberto left for the airport hours prior.
As the car stopped Callie hadn't even gotten off her seatbelt before the door was yanked open and a smiling Rei was greeting her. "CALLIE" the 14 year old yelled before catapulting herself onto her big sisters lap. The oldest brunette let out a 'hoompf' when Rei landed on her thighs. "I've missed you" the youngest girl said as she put both her hands on her big sister's cheeks and squeezed them together. Rei had done that every time she greeted Callie since she was a baby. She didn't do it to their other sisters and even though it was really weird and silly, Callie liked that it was something unique between the two of them.
Callie looked at her youngest sister. She was absolutely beautiful and Callie was taken aback every time she saw her because her face and body were really transitioning into those of a young woman right now and it seemed she's changed every time the older brunette saw her. Callie realized that their dad was right when he said, that Rei looked more and more like her oldest sister every day. "I missed you too, hermanita. Are you going to let me get out of the car or are mom going to bring us our Christmas food and presents in here?" Callie jokingly asked.
This made Rei laugh. "No, that's silly! You know we can't eat in this car. And Aria and Jael would be maaaad at me if I didn't let you go in the house. They are going to lure you into signing all kinds of crap for their friends" the youngest sister rattled out on her older sisters.
Callie raised an eyebrow at her sister "Language Rei! And is that so. Well then it's going to be interesting to see if they'll succeed."
Rei giggled and got off Callie's lap and out of the car. She then took Callie's purse to make it easier for her older sister to take her suitcase. Callie always insisted not to let the driver drag her stuff. She was very capable of doing that herself. After all it was her stuff. The duo made their way to the house while Rei was talking up a storm about the daily life in junior high.
When they got inside she immediately dumped Callie's purse at the entrance and ran to the living room. She came back with her phone in hand. "We have to take a selfie for my Instagram, Callie. Please."
The older brunette didn't get the chance to reply before their mother appeared from the kitchen. "Let your sister get settled before pestering her about selfies. Your Instagram followers can wait darling" Callie watched as a pouting Rei made her way to the living room with her arms crossed at her chest. Obviously she wasn't satisfied with the change of her plans.
Callie then directed her gaze to her mom and smiled when she was engulfed in a big hug. "Hello Calliope. It's so good to see you, mija. How are you doing?" Her mother held her at arm's length. "You look a lot better" she said as her eyes took in every single feature of her eldest daughter.
"Hey mama. It's good to see you too. And I'm so much better now. Going back to work really helped." Callie truthfully replied and smiled at her mother at the use of her full name.
The duo was interrupted when Aria and Carlos Torres entered the hall. Carlos was the first to greet his daughter and Lucia took a step to the side to let her husband hug their daughter. "Hola Hermosa. I've missed you so much". Callie hugged her father back with all she had. She'd always been kind of a daddy's girl and Callie knew she broke his heart a little when she announced, she had no intentions of taking over the company. He had never been anything but supporting about her choice of career though. The brunette had to concentrate to hold back the tears that threatened to gather in her chocolate brown eyes.
"God, I've missed you too, papi" Callie said as she buried her face further in to his shoulder. Carlos sent a concerned look his wife's way and the look was requited. The man caresses his eldest daughter's back lovingly. "Are you okay, mija? I thought things were better. You've sounded so happy on the phone these last couple of months."
Callie took in a deep breath and let go of her father. "I am, I promise. I just got so overwhelmed seeing all of you again. I really, really miss you, when I'm in LA." The brunette smiled at her father, then her mother at lastly her sister. Aria stepped forward "We really, really miss you too, when you're in LA. How about giving your favorite sister some much needed loving. I promise I won't rope you into taking selfies with me for my Instagram" Aria stated as she reached out to hug her big sister.
The brunette laughed and hugged her sister back while she said "Maybe not, but I hear you and Jael conspire to lure me into signing, and I quote, 'all kinds of crap' for your friends."
Aria quickly pulled back. "I'm going to kill that little snitch!"
Callie pulled her sister back in for another hug. "Don't do that. But you can throw her in the pool later, if you want. And you know I'll sign anything you want. You don't need to lure me into anything. All you have to do is ask."
Carlos snorted next to them. "You might want to see the pile of stuff first. I think it's the biggest one yet. You're probably providing every single one in their entourages with Christmas presents for their families."
Callie just smiled at her father and then looked at Aria. She reached out and put a lock of dark brown hair behind her sister's ear. "That doesn't matter. I'll do anything for the rug rats. And I'm sure that when I have to call in a favor from any of my sisters one day, they won't say no to me either."
Aria smiled back at her big sister. "Of course not. But can that favor PLEASE be accompanying Joshua Halls to some big event."
Callie let out a loud laugh. Joshua Halls was a huge star and a real hunk. Callie had only met him briefly one time though. "I'm sorry, but I don't know how that will ever be a favor to me. Besides I already told all three of you repeatedly, that I don't know him."
Aria looked at her sister and once again threw her arms around her big sister. "It's so good to have you home Callie."
Barbara Robbins watched as her daughter's phone danced across the breakfast bar for what had to be the 30th time in these last 5 days. And just like the rest of the times, her daughter looked at the caller-ID, frowned and hit the ignore button. Thirty seconds later it vibrated again with what Barbara guessed to be a notification of a voicemail message.
"You're a popular girl. Who keeps calling you?" the woman asked as she poured herself and Arizona a glass of lemonade.
Her daughter got a dejected look on her face before whispering "No one."
Barbara watched her daughter play with a droplet of water that made its way down the glass. She took a seat next to her at the breakfast bar and put a comforting hand on the younger blonde's shoulder. "For the past 28 years I have known you to love Christmas more than any other holiday, but this year you don't even seem to care, that it's here. I can tell that something is bothering you, honey. Please tell me what it is? Is it guy problems? Is some guy not treating you well? Because we can just give his name to your dad and Tim, and you know they'll make sure he never bothers you again" Barbara winked at her daughter and it made the younger woman chuckle.
Arizona sighed. She knew her mother wouldn't let up until she'd told her. And the blonde just didn't have the energy to make something up. She was exhausted. "No it's not guy problems."
The blonde looked to the bright blue eyes of her mother that were so similar to those of her own. But these particular blue eyes conveyed an enormous amount of motherly love. "You know how I told you, that I'd gotten really good friends with Callie Torres? We just hit it off and I can't remember ever getting this familiar with another person that fast. Something just feels so right whenever I'm with her. And then at the Christmas party, we had a moment just the two of us outside, and she kissed me. And I let it happen. In fact I encouraged her to do it. And I really liked it mom! And then I kind of remembered what had just happened, and just left her there and fled the party. So she keeps calling and texting me. To make sure I'm alright. Because she's just that kind of person. And I have no idea what to do…it's all so messed up and I am so confused!" Arizona looked to the ceiling to try and stop the tears that had welled up in her eyes from spilling. But it was a battle she was losing very fast and with one look at her mother, the tears made their way down her cheeks, and she let out a heartfelt sob.
Barbara tried really hard not to show the surprise she felt at her daughter's words. "Oh honey." The older Robbins woman said softly, before she reached out and pulled her daughter to her. Arizona instantly hooked her arms around her mother and cried into her shoulder. Barbara soothingly caressed her daughters back, while the younger blonde let it all out. When the sobs died down, Barbara eased out of the hug and put both of her hands on her daughter's cheeks. She looked her square in the eyes and tried to convey all the love she felt for her daughter in what she said next.
"Sweetie, you need to call or text that poor woman back. She's clearly worried and she needs some sign of life from you. I'm sure she doesn't really care what you say at this point, as long as you give her something." Arizona sighed and nodded her head. She knew her mother was right. "And now for the rest of it. First of all I would lie if I said I wasn't surprised, but Arizona, honey, please know that it doesn't matter to either me nor your dad who you're with. We just want you to be happy. You let her kiss you for a reason, maybe because deep down you've wanted it to happen before it even did. And you liked it because she's clearly a pretty amazing woman. From all you've told me about her, I've only ever thought of her as a good person, and I can't wait to meet her, no matter what happens. Because I know she's been looking out for you and as your mother I'm very grateful for that. I can't tell you what to do Arizona, but I have to say that it sounds like you like her a lot. Maybe in more than a friendly matter. And I get why that must be very hard to deal with. But don't let someone amazing get away because of their gender. Don't let the chance of love pass you by, because she happens to have a set of boobs that matches your own." Barbara sent her daughter a heartfelt smile and was relieved to see the younger blonde smile back.
"Thank you mom. I love you" was all Arizona could say. It was all so overwhelming to her.
"You're so very welcome honey. I want you to know that you can always talk to me, okay? But you need to cheer up and enjoy the holiday season or your brother is going to pick up on your mood more than he already has. And he is going to be pissed, that you're stealing Callie Torres away from him now that she's finally single. You now he has the biggest crush on her" Barbara deadpanned and Arizona giggled.
As if on cue, the blonde's phone once again vibrated on the breakfast bar. Barbara rose and put her hand on her daughters shoulder for a loving squeeze. "Text her back Arizona. She deserves to know that you're alright. And keep in mind, that maybe she's as overwhelmed and confused by this whole thing as you are." With that the older blonde left her daughter alone in the kitchen.
Arizona picked up her phone and was surprised to see, that the text she just received was from Teddy.
*I have no idea what your Christmas tradition in Georgia is like, but PLEASE take the time to call or text Callie back! She's been calling Addi all day wanting to know if we heard from you at all. She thinks you're ignoring her, although I have no idea why she would think that. Maybe you just broke or lost your phone. Anyway just get in touch with her whenever you see this. Merry Christmas! –T
The blonde sighed and hang her head in defeat. Callie had resolved to calling Addison and Teddy. She knew that the brunette would never do that if it wasn't a last resort of getting some information about the blonde.
*Hey Teddy. Sorry about that. I've just been very busy and then I misplaced my phone. But I'll get in touch with Callie. Merry Christmas to you too. And give my love to Addison. – A
Arizona opened her conversation with Callie. It was very clear that it had been one way only lately. Arizona let her thumb hover over the keys. But it just didn't move. Arizona sighed in defeat and put her phone down once again. She stared at it for a couple of minutes before deciding to check her voicemail.
"You have one new message: Hey Arizona. It's Callie. Again. I'm sorry I'm blowing up your phone like this and filling your voicemail inbox. And your text inbox. And I'm not even sure you listen to or read any of it. But I just really need to tell you again, that I'm sorry. I should have never done it. I can't say I regret it though, because if I'm going to be honest with you, I really liked it. And I kind of got the feeling you did too. But I'm sorry if I misread the situation. We don't have to be friends anymore or anything if you don't want to, I just really need to know that you're okay. Please give me something. Anything. Bye.
Arizona sighed. The distress in the brunette's voice was painfully clear to Arizona. The fact that Callie didn't regret the kiss, made Arizona smile for just a second. And the brunette didn't misread anything. Arizona had liked it. Very much actually.
The blonde reopened her conversation with Callie. This time she got a 'Hi' typed out, before her finger once again hovered over the keys. Then she closed the conversation without sending anything once again. Arizona groaned as she slammed her phone down on the breakfast counter and made her way to her family out on the patio.
Callie sat on her bed at her parents' house staring at her phone. She'd just left yet another heartfelt voicemail to the blonde begging for her to let Callie know she was okay. But still nothing happened.
The brunette was at her wit's end. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry. She even resolved to calling Addison several times today to ask if her and Teddy had heard ANYTHING from the blonde. Callie couldn't believe she'd been such an idiot. What had she been thinking? She couldn't just go kissing her best friends. Now she'd single handedly ruined their friendship. Those last five days without a word from the blonde spoke loud and clear about that. Callie was never making any rash decisions while under the influence of alcohol ever again.
The brunette was brought out of her musings by a knock on her door. When Callie had let whoever was on the other side of the door know, that it was okay to enter, Jael popped her head in. "Hey big-C. What are you doing?"
Callie smiled at her sister's nickname for her. "Nothing much. Just going through some emails while having a minute to myself. You?"
"Do you want me to leave?" the younger brunette asked. But as Callie shook her head, Jael entered the room and closed the door behind her. "I was supposed to watch the new episode of 'Vampire Diaries' with Rei and we wanted to know if you would join us?" Callie just looked at her sister like she'd grown another head.
"Relax, I'm kidding!" Jael burst out laughing at the expression on her older sister's face. "We know you hate that show. Rei's BFF called with some sort of crisis, just as we were about to start it, which means I probably won't see her for another hour. And then I thought what better use of my time than some one on one with my big sister." The younger woman said as she sat down next to Callie on the bed.
Callie smiled brightly at her sister. In her eyes Jael was by far the prettiest of the sisters. Her eyes had a lighter more unique brown color than the rest of them. Her cheekbones were high and prominent and she had a slightly slimmer figure while still keeping the Latina traits with hips, ass and boobs. Jael had a lot of similarities with Aria, physique-wise, and when they were younger they were sometimes mistaken for each other, but the eyes really made a difference to Callie.
Jael eyed her big sister for a moment before saying "are you really okay? Or are you just pretending to be to appease all of us. Because you don't have to, you know. You just…you look kind of sad Callie. I can see it in your eyes. Is it still the break from Mark? Because that is totally okay, hermanita."
The older brunette looked at her sister for a moment before looking down at the phone in her hands. Jael had always been the wild child of the family. The fact that it seemed Jael had to try everything in life at least once drove Callie crazy, and she'd spent a lot of time worrying about her little sister during the younger brunette's teenage years. She still did. But maybe this was the first time that Jael's way of life would come in handy to the oldest Torres-girl.
Callie looked back up at Jael. "Can I ask you something without you asking me why I want to know or judging me if your answer to my question is no?"
"Of course Callie. You can ask me anything. Always. And I won't judge or ask questions, I promise," Jael sincerely stated.
The older brunette took a deep breath. "Have you ever kissed a woman?"
Jael's jaw dropped. She had never in a million years dreamed of that question, and she could only guess why her big sister wanted to know. "Callie, why…"
"You promised!" the older Torres sister exclaimed as she pointed her finger at Jael, who stared back at her with wide eyes.
Jael's expression softened and she smiled at her sister. "Yes I have. More than once actually. And I really liked it, which is why I did it again. Heck I did it last weekend. It's softer somehow. Different than with guys - who are also awesome to kiss by the way" the younger brunette said before putting her hand on her older sister's arm. "I know I promised not to ask and I'm not going to. But I have a feeling this wasn't a random question, but has to do with your sadness. You can talk to me, you know."
Callie looked down and started playing with her phone. "I did something Jael. And it turned out to be really stupid." The oldest brunette sighed before she continued "you know Arizona Robbins, the new actress on the show? I've been hanging out with her a lot, and we've gotten really close. A while ago I saw her almost naked during a scene, and I became kind of attracted to her physique. Her body is out of this world" Jael couldn't help but smirk as her big sister described the other woman's physical features "and then at the Christmas party her and I were alone on the balcony, and she started saying all these nice things about me, she had been complimenting me from time to time for a while actually, and I don't know how or why, but I suddenly realized, that I was attracted to all of her. Because she's amazing. And all I could think about was to kiss her, so I did"
The brunette took a break and looked at her sister who just smiled at her, encouraging her to go on. "And she kissed me back, and it was…Oh God Jael, it was mind-blowing. Easily the best first kiss of my life, maybe the best kiss period. But then she panicked and left. And that was five days ago. And she's in Georgia to spend the holidays with her family. I have been calling and texting her nonstop. I just want to know that she's alright. But she's shut me out completely even though I keep apologizing. And sometimes I don't even know why I'm apologizing. Because I don't regret it. And it might have been me who initiated it, but she was the one to deepened it. She was the one, who slipped HER tongue into MY mouth. Why would she do that only to leave and then ignore me for five days." Callie's gaze flicked to her phone once again as she finished her rant, and combed one of her hands through her hair.
Jael looked at her sister with sympathy. She could see the tears rise in her sister's eyes. The younger brunette reached out and took one of her sister's hands in her own. "Look at me Callie" Jael softly stated, but when nothing happened she lowered her head to catch her sister's eyes. "Look at me, Big-C." The older brunette lifted her gaze to meet her sister's. She saw nothing but love and understanding in Jael's eyes, and she had never been as grateful for the 22-year old as she was in this moment. "You did nothing wrong. I'm sure you just caught her by surprise. I'm guessing you might be the first woman she kissed too, and maybe she's dealing with that a little different than you. I've spent 22 years looking up to you, and from my experience with studying you I can tell, that you really like her. And that's probably the reason you feel such need to call and text her all the time. I get that you want to make sure she's alright, but I think you need to give her some space. Leave her alone and let her process. Then maybe send her a Merry Christmas text or something. And maybe one at New Year's too. But let her deal with this her own way Callie. And if she liked it as much as you felt she did, she will come to you."
Callie smiled sadly at her sister. "But she's my best friend. I miss her. I just want to go back to the way things were. If it had been anyone else I kissed she was the one I would have talked to about it."
Jael gave her sister a brilliant smile. "Well as long as you're here for the holidays, you can talk to me. Share all your thoughts with me. And luckily our daddy-o equipped me with a phone, which means that when you go back to LA you can call me and tell me how you feel. I'll ALWAYS listen Big-C, I promise."
Callie pulled her sister to her by her shoulder. "Thank you Jael. I'm so thankful and lucky to have you. And not only because you also prance around kissing girls!"
Jael laughed. "Really I'm the lucky one. Because the world has never seen a better big sister than you. And I know for a fact that Aria and Rei agree with me. I'm just happy you confided in me Callie. I know I come across as young and stupid, but I actually think that I can provide some really good advice once in a while."
Callie gave her sister a genuine smile. "I know you can. Thank you."
The duo was interrupted by Callie's phone who notified her with a text. The text was from Addison and Callie opened it right away.
*Arizona just texted Teddy. Apparently she's been very busy and then she misplaced her phone. But all is well in Georgia. She said she would get in touch with you, so definitely not ignoring you. Enjoy your holiday Callie. – Addison
'Well that was the next best thing' Callie thought to herself.
It was Christmas morning and Arizona woke up first thing as she always did on this day. She smiled at the thought of what the day held. She took her phone from the nightstand and looked at it. No messages. She hadn't heard from Callie for the past three days. It was relieving for the blonde, but at the same time she was worried for brunette. Was she okay?
The blonde made her way out of bed and down the stairs. In the kitchen she found her mother cooking breakfast. "Hi mom. Merry Christmas" Arizona said as she placed a kiss on her mother's cheek. "Where are dad and Tim?"
"Merry Christmas Honey. Your dad is out for a quick run and Tim isn't here yet. He's probably still sleeping." Barbara said while she looked at her daughter checking her phone for messages. The woman took a cup and filled it with coffee for the younger woman. Then she turned back to the stove. "Did you sleep okay?" When she didn't receive an answer, she turned to her daughter once again and found her sitting there staring at her phone.
"Are you expecting a call from someone?" Barbara asked her daughter as she snapped her fingers in front of her face.
Arizona was a little startled at her mother's action. "No. It's just…I haven't heard from Callie for three days, and I'm kind of worried. I know it's silly because I didn't answer when she tried to get in touch with me and now that she doesn't, I kind of miss it."
"Well did you text her back?" Barbara asked her daughter who just hang her head in shame as she shook her head. "Then maybe she got sick of trying." The woman watched as her daughter's face fell at those words.
With the vibration of her phone on the breakfast bar however, Arizona looked to her phone. And this time Barbara watched as a small smile crept its way on her daughters face as she read the text.
Callie had woken up really early on Christmas day. Which was odd, because she never woke up early. She lay there for an hour just looking at her ceiling and thinking. Then when she deemed it appropriate she'd sent Arizona a very neutral 'Merry Christmas' text.
Now she was on her way to Jael's room. Callie needed her sister's help. She slowly opened the door and found a snoozing sister spread eagle on her bed. The brunette tiptoed to her sister bed and whispered "Merry Christmas, hermanita."
Jael stirred and slowly opened her eyes. She rubbed them a little before really tuning in on her big sister. "Merry Christmas Big-C. What time is it?"
Callie stepped back a little before announcing "It's 6.30"
Jael sat up in bed in a flash grabbing her phone on the way. "6.30?! Jesus Callie, why are you waking me up this early?"
Callie smiled at her sister. "I lay in bed this morning thinking, and then I had an idea, and I really need your help, because you know everyone. And I also need you to tell me if it's a good idea or if I lost my mind."
Jael yawned and scooted over in bed to make room for her sister. "Well, tell me then."
It was New Year's Eve and the entire Robbins family had spent the night at the diner with a large amount of their friends. Arizona had had the best night and she'd really enjoyed hanging out with Tim and their old high school friends again. As midnight neared they all made their way to the town's main, and practically only, street for the count down with the rest of the small town's 400 citizens.
Just as the inhabitants of Little Creek had toasted in the New Year, a stranger approached Arizona. "Excuse me. You're Ms. Robbins, right?" Arizona looked at the man and nodded her head prepared to be asked for another autograph, but instead the man pulled out a small envelope from his jacket. "Great. Then this is for you. But I was told you should wait to open it. Enjoy the show." With that he turned on his heel and left the blonde alone with her family.
"What's going on?" Tim asked his sister. Arizona had no idea what was about to happen, but she had a feeling who was behind this.
"I don't know" Arizona answered as she looked at her brother and parents. Just as she finished her statement the beaming voice of one Callie Torres sounded from the speakers in the small street.
"Happy New Year everyone. I'm Callie Torres. I hope you've all enjoyed the holidays, and I really hope, you've taken good care of our favorite Dr. Carter these last few weeks. But I feel certain that you have, because Arizona has spoken nothing but highly about all of you. I really hope that I don't interrupt the calmness of Little Creek too much with this, if so then please forgive me. I just don't think anything should be missing on a night like this. It should be perfect. Arizona, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Thank you for not forcing me to watch 'The Princess Diaries' – again. Consider this my gift to you."
All the citizens of Little Creek turned their head to look at the blonde actress. Arizona just shrugged her shoulders. She had no idea what the brunette was talking about. But just as she finished her thoughts, the sky exploded in various colors, as rockets of all sizes where sent to the air simultaneously. The rest of the town guided their attention from Arizona towards the sky. Arizona was in awe as the fireworks continued. It was absolutely amazing and she'd never seen anything like it. It had to have cost Callie a small fortune.
The blonde felt a hand on her shoulder and glanced over it momentarily before looking back at the sky. She felt her mother lean in and whisper softly in her ear. "She's a very thoughtful woman, honey. And she knows you well" Barbara patted Arizona's shoulder one last time and left her daughter to enjoy the show. The blonde woman was spellbound by the sight before her, and her heart sored at the thought of Callie doing something like this for her despite the fact, that Arizona had ignored her all through the holidays.
When the fireworks came to an end fifteen minutes later, the citizens took their time standing on the street, talking about what just happened and whishing each other a happy New Year. Arizona slowly traced her finger underneath the top of the envelope and took out a small and neatly folded note.
Happy New Year, Arizona.
I really hope you liked my surprise and you didn't think it was too much.
I pray you didn't open this note beforehand and stopped everything because it was from me.
I just wanted tonight to be perfect for you. You deserved that.
I wish I could've been there to experience it with you, but I felt it best not to take you up on your offer for me to spend New Year's in Little Creek due to the circumstances. I took your radio silence as a sign that you'd agree with me on this.
I'm devastated with how things are between us and I wish we could just go back to the way they were.
Once again I'm so sorry.
Please forgive me. I miss you.
Callie
Tim came up and put an arm around his sister's shoulder just as she put the note away. "Wow, I guess it really pays of to be friends with a super star, huh? And I can't believe you forced Callie freaking Torres to watch that stupid movie with you."
Arizona turned her attention to Tim. "She's a good friend. And it was my turn to pick out the movie. She forced me to watch Saw. That's not better in any way." The blonde woman offered her brother a smile.
"She's clearly the BEST friend ever. I can't believe she did that. It was freaking perfect. Little Creek has never seen anything like it. Nothing was missing." the blonde man voiced.
Arizona clutched the note in her pocket and couldn't help the feeling that crept up on her and for just a brief second she allowed herself to think that Tim was wrong. Something, or more specific someone, had been missing on this otherwise perfect night in Little Creek.
That's it for chapter 10.
I hope it didn't disappoint. And I hope you liked getting to meet their families and getting to know little bit about their relationship with them.
Let me know what you think - I feed off your reviews.
Lots of love /Julie