Grey's Anatomy: Out Here on My Own
TITLE: Grey's Anatomy – "Out Here On My Own"
SUMMARY: Doctor Arizona Robbins has finally come to a decision after years of attempting to regain the love of her ex-wife. She didn't have the epiphany on her own; it was ungraciously shoved in her face by others. Is it finally time to move on and find some happiness or is she preordained to be alone?
Pairings: Arizona Robbins & OFC; Callie Torres & Penelope Blake.
RATING: M for mature readers.
DISCLAIMER: The television characters are owned by Creator Shonda Rhimes, ShondaLand, The Mark Gordon Company and ABC Studios. I have merely taken them out to play and will return them unscathed once my Muse is done. All original characters belong to the author. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is gained from this storytelling.
A/N: Please feel free to review, follow or favour. Feeling the love for this story, so here's another chapter. Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 11
A giggling Sofia was being thrown into the crystal blue water by Luke as Jaimie, Joel and Teddy looked on. Beverley returned from the kitchen with a fresh glass of sparkling wine and sat down on the lounger beside Arizona's. She glanced at the blonde then at the crutches leaning up against the table on the other side of Arizona.
"I greatly admire your courage," she commented.
"Thank you, but I had wonderful support once I was willing to accept it."
"Jaimie has spoken of the plane crash and the emotion she displayed when describing your bravery near broke my heart. My daughter has an enormous amount of respect for you Arizona and it has taken a long time for her to entrust her heart to someone."
"I know a little about Brooke and sympathise with her loss as I do with yours. It must have been difficult for you to be left alone with two children."
"I struggled at first, but with the assistance of family and friends I managed to pull myself together for Luke and Jaimie's sakes. John will always be in my heart, but Joel showed me how to love again. He took my kids in without hesitation and treated them as his own. Initially I was reluctant to remove them from their home and family but I think they felt it was an opportunity to start all over again in a new country."
"Do you miss Australia?"
"To a small degree I do. We travel back once a year to catch up with my parents and sister along with her family. In turn, they make the trip over here as often as they can. What about your parents, Jaimie mentioned they live in San Diego?"
"They fly up every couple of months to visit Sofia, but not as regular as they used to before the divorce. They were more than a little disappointed with the breakup; they adore Callie."
"Jaimie told me you've only recently found a balance with the relationship you have with your ex-wife."
"That's true and all decisions have been made with the best interests of our daughter in mind."
"She's a wonderful child. You and Callie should be proud of the way you have raised her."
"We are; it's what bonds us as a family."
"That is a good thing and I think I've asked you enough personal questions for the day."
Smiling, Arizona turned to face the older woman, "I don't mind at all. I have nothing to hide and my father will be sure to interrogate Jaimie when they meet."
"Has Jaimie spoken to you about her retirement from the Army?"
"She mentioned she is officially resigning her Commission in December."
"My husband has been attempting to persuade her to reconsider."
"From what Jaimie has told me that possibility is not an option."
"I agree, but Joel would like to see her do twenty years and be set for life with the Army pension."
"I get the feeling money is not an issue."
"It most definitely isn't. Jaimie and Luke have both invested well over the years."
Arizona's attention was drawn to the pool steps. Jaimie was making her way out of the water with Sofia in her arms. Arizona's eyes focused on the black board shorts and blue rashie attired woman and her pulse raced as her thoughts turned carnal. Jaimie's legs were tanned and well-muscled and matched her toned biceps. Her near pornographic daydreaming disappeared when the goddess spoke.
"I think someone needs a nap."
Looking up, Arizona asked, "Hey Little Miss, you ready for home?"
"Yes mama, me tired."
Reaching for her crutches, Arizona stood, "We better get you dry and clothed then."
"I'll take her into the house while you say goodbye to everyone," offered Jaimie.
"Thanks and I had an awesome afternoon. It was a pleasure spending time with you Beverley. I hope to see you again soon."
"The pleasure was all mine dear."
-o-
Monday 9th April
After dropping Sofia at day care, Arizona went to the ER in search of Jaimie. She located her at the Nurse's Station reading a tablet. "Hey Doctor Miller," she said in greeting.
Looking up, a bright smile appeared on Jaimie's mouth, "Good morning Doctor Robbins."
"I was wondering if you'd like to have lunch with me later."
"I most certainly would and you being here just happened to save me a page." Passing over the electronic chart, Jaimie continued, "A mother brought in her nine month old baby boy after he refused a bottle and vomited. He presented with signs of shaken baby syndrome and is lethargic."
"The Triangle of Symptoms?" inquired the Paediatric Surgeon.
"Yes. The CT detected a small subdural haemorrhage, mild Encephalopathy and an Ophthalmological exam revealed low grade bilateral retinal bleeding. I wanted your opinion before I called in DCFS. I ordered skeletal x-rays and the results just came in. A neurological exam cleared Brendan of any hearing loss and seizure disorder. Time will tell if there are any permanent injuries, but Doctor Radcliff was pleased with Brendan's responses to stimuli."
"What explanation did the mother give for the injuries?"
"She maintains Brendon fell off the bed when she looked away for a second while changing his nappy."
"Is there a father in the picture?"
"No, but there is a boyfriend and Molly is very evasive about his whereabouts."
Inspecting the x-rays, Arizona pursed her lips, "There's a healed fracture of the left ulna and several ribs." Shaking her head, she continued, "And evidence of an old intracranial haemorrhage. I think your suspicions may be correct."
"Doctor Kepner is checking other hospitals for treatment on the arm and ribs. I also found bruising to the base of his neck along with fingertip sized bruising to the rear of his forearms."
On cue, April joined the two Doctors and handed a tablet to Jaimie, "Two months ago Molly Burns showed up at Seattle Pres with Brendan. She stated the baby rolled off the bed while she was changing his diaper."
"Bloody hell; I don't believe in coincidence. Kepner call DCFS and the Police."
"Yes, right away ma'am."
"I hate these bloody idiots," cursed Jaimie with distaste.
"I'll examine the tiny human myself and order an MRI in case the CT missed other healed trauma."
"Thanks Doctor Robbins, I'll join you."
-o-
Jaimie's initial diagnosis was confirmed by Arizona and an MRI unearthed minuscule fractures to Brendon's wrists as well as a healed fracture of the Occipital bone. By the time a DCFS and Police Officer arrived, Arizona was fuming and ready to explode a tirade of abuse on Molly. Her anger was redirected when the young mother confessed her boyfriend Sonny had twisted her son's hands and shaken him on three different occasions when he wouldn't stop crying.
Unable to listen any further, Arizona gathered up a sleeping Brendon and started to leave the room, "I'm taking him up to PICU." She held her tongue when Molly pleaded for her son to remain with her.
Once Arizona was in the hallway, she felt a hand on her right shoulder. Turning, she locked onto concerned green eyes, "How the hell can a mother standby and allow her child to be abused like that?"
"I don't know. It's never made sense to me. You have to have a licence to have a dog, but not to have a child."
"That is true and oh so wrong on many levels. I'll get this little guy into a crib and plaster his wrists. I want to keep him for observation for at least forty eight hours to monitor the intracranial lesion in case we have to operate and place a shunt to relieve pressure. I'll organise another MRI for tomorrow morning in hopes the swelling abates."
"Okay, Brendan is officially your patient now and if you need to talk, I'm only a page or text away."
"I appreciate that, bye."
-o-
"How is Brendan doing?" inquired Jaimie as she sat down beside Arizona and placed her meal tray on the table.
Casting her eyes over her girlfriend's hamburger and fries, she grinned, "I see we have similar tastes in food and Brendan is doing remarkably well. Doctor Radcliff was in surgery, so I had Amelia give him another thorough examination and she agrees he should improve now he is away from the abuser."
"I'm pleased to hear that and I hope my mother wasn't too harsh on you yesterday?"
"She was remarkably sweet and we had a delightful conversation," replied Arizona before taking a sip of her chocolate milkshake.
"Mum called before I left for work this morning and sang your praises."
"I really did enjoy our time together and I phoned my parents last night with news about you. They're eager to meet you and Sofia was so excited to tell them all about you and Luke."
A slow smirk crossed Jaimie's lips, "Your child is a joy."
"She's a good kid and you, Luke and your dad wore her out. She slept right through the night from the moment I got her into the car."
"We had fun and I admit I had a good night's sleep too."
With a deep dimpled smile, Arizona leaned into Jaimie, "I had an excellent day of sun and great company."
"You and Sofia are welcome to use the pool anytime; even if I'm not home."
"That's awfully nice of you."
Jaimie pressed her lips to the shell of Arizona's left ear, "You're awfully nice and looked amazingly gorgeous in your dark blue bikini. I think it is my favourite colour on you."
Tentacles of heat wrapped themselves around Arizona's centre and goosebumps popped up over her skin, "Thank you and you are simply stunning."
Sitting back, Jaimie held Arizona's gaze, "I know I am usually professional at work, but Doctor Robbins, you are way too tempting for me to resist."
Blushing, Arizona quipped, "I think you are the temptress."
Jaimie was about to make further comment when her pager sounded, "Bloody hell, MVA five minutes out." Getting to her feet, she kissed Arizona's lips fleetingly, "Sorry sweetheart, talk to you later."
"Okay honey; I'll take care of your tray."
"Cheers."
Arizona sighed as Jaimie took off in a long, graceful stride. "Good grief that woman is damn fine," she thought to herself.
"You're a lucky woman Robbins," announced Alex as he took a seat opposite her. "I witnessed that little kiss and it was hot."
"You're a dick Karev," shot back Arizona with a giggle while her friend helped himself to some of Jaimie's leftover fries.
"Hey, I'm a guy and seriously, I'm happy for you. You two are an attractive couple and the smile you have been sporting the past few weeks suits you. Let's face it, you have been through so much shit and deserve to be the old Robbins we have all missed and not the woman too afraid to rock the boat. I love the ballsy, take no prisoners Head of Peds that kicks ass."
Grinning, Arizona humbly replied, "Thank you for that sterling character reference and how did the pre-op go with Regina?"
Beaming, Alex answered, "That girl is all sass and made me promise to buy her a Barbie campervan before she allowed me to shave her head."
"She's got a crush on you."
"She's seven and scared shitless is what she is."
Rolling her eyes, Arizona pointed out, "Come on, you are terrific with her."
"It's a gift I learnt from you."
"You were my best student and will make an excellent father one day."
"Yeah right and that's something I didn't learn from my old man."
"You're a good man Alex. Have you and Jo sorted out your crap yet?"
"We've had a really long talk and she wants to marry me, just not yet. She's still got a few issues with abandonment and wants some more time to deal with the fact I'm not going anywhere."
"That's awesome and I have to admit you've been happier lately."
"Jo and I are in a good place right now and she's less stressed over her career."
"Do you think she'll choose Ortho as her speciality?"
Popping three fries into his mouth, Alex chewed then swallowed before answering, "I think she enjoys breaking bones a little too much; it's kind of scary."
Releasing a chuckle, Arizona cooed, "A strong woman is sexy."
Grinning, Alex nodded, "I can't argue with that."
"I didn't think you would."
"Speaking of strong women, did you hear about the ruckus in the Pit?"
"I haven't heard a word and Jaimie didn't mention there was a problem."
"Police and DCFS were still interviewing the mother of the kid you brought up to PICU in Trauma 2 when some guy came looking for her. He pushed past security screaming and demanding to speak with her when Jaimie came out of nowhere and tackled him to the ground just as he was about to grab Nurse Cathy. April told me your girl had the prick face down on the floor and subdued by the time the cops got to him. Apparently he was the son of a bitch responsible for Brendan's injuries."
The arousal that Arizona had experienced earlier had simmered, but now it suddenly sprang to life, "Oh my god, I hope they got that on CCTV."
"You are a perv Robbins, but seriously, when you find out, come get me."
"Let's go to the security control room now and ask to view it."
"You don't have to ask me twice."
The two friends cleared the table then set off for the security office.
-o-
"Jesus, the dufus is twice her size," pointed out Alex as Andy the Security Officer played the footage from the ER.
"Crap, he's got like a hundred pounds on her," noted Arizona excitedly as Jaimie launched herself at the man.
"Boom!" exclaimed Karev. "Great tackle Wonder Woman."
Arizona was left speechless as she watched Jaimie position herself on Sonny's back and dig a knee in between his shoulder blades. She thought she was viewing an episode of Cops as the man struggled to free himself. He was no match for Jaimie and quickly surrendered as she pressed his face into the floor. She leaned over him and said something into his right ear.
"I wonder what she told the dirt bag?" queried Alex.
"I'll have to find out," said Arizona as her ability to form words returned. The stimulation coursing through her body was electrifying and she knew she had to douse it before returning to the Ped's Ward for afternoon rounds. "I'll meet you upstairs Karev; I need to take care of something."
Heading out the room, he gave her a knowing look, and couldn't help himself, "Off to find Wonder Woman and get your freak on?"
"No you idiot. Jaimie is busy in the Pit and we don't do that crap here at work." "More's the pity," she said to herself as wetness seeped through her underpants. Taking off, Arizona went to her locker and collected fresh underwear and toiletries before taking a cold, cold shower.
-o-
Doctor Robbins was exiting the Attending's Lounge when her phone sounded with a text alert. Retrieving it from the back pocket of her jeans, she smiled when she read the message from Jaimie: The ER is out of control & I'll be here forever. Can I drop in to see you after I've escaped? xxxxoooo
Arizona sent back: Please do & I'll have dinner waiting for you xx
You're the best girlfriend ever, hugs
Grinning madly at the thought of finally having some time alone with Jaimie caused Arizona to rush to her car with ideas for a romantic dinner swirling around her head. She settled on her mom's recipe for pot roast and made a stop off to the supermarket before driving home.
She was popping the dish into the oven when Jaimie called. "Hey, are you on your way?" she answered after two rings.
"No sweetheart. I'm about to head into the OR, so please don't wait up for me. I'll be at least another four hours or more and will stay here overnight. I'm sorry to ditch you and dinner."
"Comes with the job honey and I'll see you in the morning."
"Too right you will and sweet dreams Arizona."
"You too, goodnight."
-o-
Up Next: Poor Arizona and all that pent up sexual tension. Our favourite Paediatric Surgeon's interrogation from Jaimie's mum continues.