Still haven't decided whether or not I'll continue, but as for now, I'm going with the flow. This chapter is basically a continuation of the last, following up on Callie's conversation with her father. Some drama, but some fluff as well. The storyline w/ Callie's father will develop over time, because I'll be doing a time jump after this chapter. There is also something else in this chapter, that will be addressed in the next, whenever that comes.
Thank you to those who left reviews on my Author's Note, I really appreciate the feedback and support. I wish I could thank all of you individually, but you know who you are. Thanks so much =)
Four hours later...
Callie's POV
Arizona and I spent the last of our time together, wrapped up in each other's arms, under our tree. I didn't want to think about the fact that I was afraid of how the discussion with my father would go. All I wanted to do was focus on the fact that my beautiful blue eyed angel, was in my arms.
My heart broke just a little when she tried to leave, and said that she didn't want to come between my family and I. It took a lot of reassuring her, to get her to realize that I am not willing to let her go, just because my father can't accept me for who I am. I can take whatever is thrown my way, as long as I have her by my side. I couldn't take losing her, because she is the best thing in my life.
When it came time for both of us to go home, I found it even harder to let her go. I wanted to stay there forever, just her and I. When I got home, I went straight to my room, thankful that my father was not yet home from work. My mom had tried to talk to me about what happened this morning, but I didn't want to, because nothing she says is going to make any of this easier for me to deal with. She understood how irritated and upset I was, and gave me the space that I needed. I did the very little home work I had, and picked out an outfit to wear to school tomorrow.
As I'm laying on my bed, thoughts of my blue eyed beauty race through my mind and I decide to send her a text message.
I miss you already baby. I wish I could hold you right now =( -C
My mother knocks softly on my bedroom door, before entering. I sit up in my bed, as she closes the door behind her.
"Hello Calliope. I know you said that you didn't want to talk..." she trails off, as she sits on my bed. "...but I was wondering if I could talk to you, just for a few minutes."
"Uh...hey...mom..." I reply softly, avoiding eye contact. "...sure"
"I know you're upset about what happened this morning, but you have to understand...your father is under a lot of stress lately..."
I shake my head slightly, without making eye contact. "That's still no reason for him to treat me like that. He's ashamed of me mom...I know he is."
"He is not ashamed of you". She places her hand on my leg in an attempt to comfort me. "He just..doesn't know how to deal with know your father...he will come around, you just have to give him time."
"I've given him plenty of time, this started long before we moved here..." I reply, sounding more irritated than I want to. After all, it's not her fault that he is acting this way. "...I know he's my father, but he shouldn't be telling me I can't be with the one person in this world, who makes me happy...I...I can't break up with Arizona, just because he won't accept my relationship with her. She tried to leave me, because she said she didn't want to cause problems". When I start to cry, I take a moment to contain my emotions. I wipe the tears from my eyes, before making eye contact with my mother again. "Arizona is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I wouldn't know how to even...breathe without her. She means everything to me, and I know...I know what you're going to say, that I'm too young to know what love is...and before I met her, I probably would have agreed with you, but not now. She's...my first. With her, it isn't a game...it's not just a fling or a meaningless teenaged relationship that will end before you know it, with her...it really means something. I love her, Mom."
By now, we both have tears in our eyes. I blink hard, forcing the tears from my eyes. My mother tries to hide the fact that she's crying, by refusing to make eye contact. While I wipe the tears off my face, she looks anywhere but directly at me. Following a slight sniffle, she slowly shifts her gaze back in my direction, but fails to make eye contact right away.
"You know, I never told you this". She takes my hand in hers, giving me a small smile. "...but when your father and I met, we were...about your age. It obviously wasn't the same situation, but my parents didn't approve of our relationship. They thought that we were too young to know what love was, and that we didn't belong together."
"Well, clearly...you didn't listen" I chuckle through tears.
"No, we didn't.." she replies softly, with a small smile before becoming serious again. "...because when you really love someone, you don't care what other people think...no matter who they are to you. Whether they're your family, friends, or anyone else in your life...if you really and truly love someone, you do what it takes to be with them."
"I really do love her"
"I know you do". She smiles at me, and I return the smile. "I see it every time you look at her. It's the same way your father always looked at me, when we were young."
'Well, that was a long time ago" I joke, trying to lighten the mood.
"Watch it missy, I'm on your side here" she replies, with a teasing smile.
"Calliope, come down for dinner please!" My father shouts, from the bottom of the stairs.
Sighing heavily, I place my head in my hands.
"Calliope, it's going to be okay..." she assures me, though I can tell she is really not sure. "...if he brings it up, try not to raise your voice or show him any signs of disrespect."
Choosing not to answer her, I get out of bed and we make our way downstairs. What I wanted to say, was that he is the one who is being disrespectful, because he can't love and accept me for who I am. He wants to force me to change, so I will be who he wants me to be.
Dinner begins in silence, and all that is heard is the sounds of silverware as the four of us share awkward looks. I try and avoid maintaining eye contact with my father, hoping that he will let the issue go for now.
"So, girls...how was your first day at school?" My father asks.
"Fine.." Aria mumbles, her eyes widening when he glares at her. "...uh...it was good, very good..I think I'm going to like this school" she adds, when she finishes chewing.
"It was good..." I reply, without looking at him. "...I have all of my classes with at least one or two of my friends, so I was able to find my way around easy. Everyone was helpful."
"Very good. I'm glad to hear...you two seem to be adjusting quite well..." he replies, smiling at both of us, which I can only see out of the corner of my eye. When I look down at my plate, and then back up to make eye contact with him, I can tell he is about to ask me something. "...have you finished your homework?"
I nod slightly. "Yes daddy"
"Good, Aria have you finished yours?..." he asks her, receiving a nod in response. "...alright then, I'd like us to all sit down and have a talk after we're finished here. I would like to finish the discussion I had with Calliope this morning."
Aria looks to me, giving me a look that says 'I'm sorry'. I shift my gaze to my mother, who glares angrily at my father, trying to communicate without the use of words. Silence falls around us, as my father ignores my mothers stare. We spend the rest of dinner in yet another period of awkward silence, as no one knows what to say. I eat as slow as I can, dreading how this conversation may go. By the time everyone else is finished, I am still eating, though I am not that hungry anymore due to the intense feeling of nervousness in the pit of my stomach.
"Calliope, are you almost finished?" My father asks.
"Carlos..." my mother warns, with a slightly irritated tone. "...she's had a long day, it was her first day in a new school...she's probably exhausted. I don't think it's really necessary that we put any more stress on her tonight."
"What about the stress she's put on me?..." he replies sternly, shooting an angry glare my way, which doesn't go unnoticed by my mother or sister. "...Calliope, the way you spoke to me this morning was disrespectful."
"Do you really want to talk about disrespect dad?..." Aria chimes in, shooting a glare in his direction that shows she's not backing down, though she normally would, we both would. "...what about the way you spoke you her?"
"Aria please" my mother warns.
"I love her Daddy..." I say boldly, with a slight shrug. "...and I don't care what anyone thinks. I love Arizona. She's the best thing that's ever happened to me and I refuse to let her go, just because you can't accept me for who I am."
"Calliope, this goes against everything we believe in!" he raises his voice.
"We're your daughters, Dad. You're supposed to love us, no matter what" Aria defends.
"I do love you, I love both of you with all of my heart..." he replies, before directing his attention back to me. "...but I don't understand what's happening, or what I did to..."
"It wasn't anything you did. It's who I am!" I defend, raising my voice slightly. I sit back in my seat, and take a deep breath. "...it has nothing to do with how you raised me...it's who I am...and for me, it's not about the gender of the person, it's who that person is. That person happens to be a girl. Arizona is the sweetest person I've ever met, she would do anything for me...and she makes me happy, that's all that should matter to you."
"Carlos..." my mother chimes in. "...she's our daughter, we should love and accept her for who she is..."
"No, I will not have this going on in my house..." he cuts her off, raising a hand to stop her from talking. "...no daughter of mine, is going to be in a relationship with another girl...it's.."
"It's what?" I snap, glaring angrily at him as I try to keep the tears at bay. "...actually, never mind...I don't even want to know..."
"You need to end whatever is going on between you two..." he cuts me off, pointing a finger at me. "...end your relationship with her or you will never have a life outside of this house...do you hear me? You will go to school, and come home from school...no friends, no softball...nothing."
Knowing that I won't be able to stop the tears, I quickly get up from the table and exit the dining room.
"Calliope, do not walk out on me!" he shouts, as I make my way upstairs and into my room.
After closing and locking my bedroom door, I curl myself into a ball on my bed as I let the tears fall freely. He has never been able to accept the fact that most of my relationships, have been with girls. But he has never gone so far as to tell me that I had to end the relationship. He gave me an ultimatum, knowing how much I love softball. What he doesn't know, is that nothing in this world means as much to me as Arizona. Needing to feel her in my arms, I send her a quick text.
Baby are you home? I need to see you :'( -C
I crack my bedroom door open, only to hear shouting coming from downstairs. A rather heated argument between my father, mother and sister. My mother and sister, trying to defend me. While I still haven't gotten a response from Arizona, I grab my keys and slip on some shoes. I sneak downstairs past the dining room, and into the kitchen. I make my way through the kitchen and out the garage door. Not wanting to make too much noise, I exit the garage through the door leading into the back yard, instead of opening the garage door, which would surely be heard.
I sneak around the house and down my driveway, glancing behind my every so often to make sure that I am not being followed. I take the walk down my long street and take a right at the end, making my way to two streets over.
I check my phone, sighing heavily when I notice that she still hasn't responded. I dial her number, as I come to a stop at the end of her driveway. I dial her number, and pray every second that she answers.
"Calliope.." she answers softly. "...I miss you...I just got your texts"
I burst into tears at the sound of her sweet voice. "Are you home? I know you're not allowed out but I need to see you baby. Please.."
"What's wrong babe? Are you okay?"
"No I'm not okay...can you come outside?"
"I'll be right there, meet me under my bedroom window" she replies, before hanging up.
I do as I'm told, and make my way to the right side of her house, directly under her bedroom window. Less than two minutes later, she comes around from the back of her house, having probably exited through the back sliding glass door. I can only see her due to the small amount of light from her outside lights being on, and all I can think about is how adorable and sexy she looks in her light pink tank top and short grey shorts.
"Arizona..." I say softly trying to hide my emotion. I wrap my arms around her, hugging her tightly, and place a hand on the side of her head, holding it to my chest. "...I'm so sorry...I don't want to get you in trouble with your parents, I just...I had to see you."
She forces herself out of my tight hold, and pulls back to look me in the eyes. "Calliope, what's wrong?"
"I just had a huge fight with my dad". As hard as I've tried not to, I burst into tears all over again.
She gently takes my hand. "Shhh babe, it's okay...it's okay". She guides me into a sitting position. She sits next to me in the grass, as we lean against the side of the house. She wraps an arm around me as I lean into her embrace, and she holds me while I cry. "...I'm sorry Calliope...I'm so sorry...it's going to be okay. I know I said that I didn't want to cause problems with you and your family, but I promise that I won't leave you. I need you, just as much as you need me. I will always be here for you...I promise."
"I...can't...lose...you.." I choke out through tears, as my whole body shakes. "...you're...the best thing in my life...he keeps telling me to break up with you, and I can't do it baby...I can't and I won't."
"You're not going to lose me..." she assures me, placing a kiss on the top of her head and softly stroking her cheek with my thumb. "...I'm sure he will come around...maybe my dad could talk to him?"
"I don't know..." I reply, shaking my head against her chest. "...I...I don't want to think about it now, I just had to see you". Grabbing her wrist, I lead her into a position on my lap. "...come here baby..." I whisper, as I pull her closer so that she ends up straddling me. "...I just want to feel you, and be with you...you take away my pain."
"You take away my pain too..." she replies, softly and emotionally. "...my beautiful Calliope" she whispers, bringing a smile to my face.
I run my hands up her sides, as she cups my face with both hands and crashes our lips together in a passionate kiss. We open our mouths slightly, at the same time, while our lips gently caress one another's in a series of loving kisses. She moans when I slip my tongue into her mouth, as I pour every ounce of love I have for her, into the kiss.
Much to my surprise, she doesn't pull away when my hands find their way up her tank top. She breaks the kiss and throws her head back, moaning as I gently palm her perfect breasts for the first time. While her head is thrown back, I place open mouthed kisses on her chest before dipping my tongue into her tank top, down in between her breasts. By now, the outside light which is a motion sensor, has gone off and the only light we have at all, is the very small amount of light from the bright moon.
"mmm Calliope..." she moans, as she grinds her covered center down onto my thigh. "...oh...my...god...your hands feel amazing on me babe...Calliope" she breathes, as my thumbs toy with her now erect nipples.
When I slip my hands out of her shirt, she groans at the loss. Pushing her forward, we land on the grass laying side by side. She rolls herself on top of me as she giggles softly.
"You're so beautiful..." she says softly, stroking my cheek with her thumb. "...you're the most beautiful girl I've ever laid eyes on, and you're all mine."
"I'm sure I look great right now..." I chuckle, wiping my tear streaked face. "...I've been crying for god knows how long, and my hair is a mess."
"Babe, you're gorgeous...nothing could change that" she says sweetly, before crashing our lips together in a kiss that quickly gets heated as hands roam.
"Oh god baby" I moan into her mouth, as her hand snakes under my shirt and finds my breast.
"my sexy Calliope" she murmurs against my lips, as she grinds our covered, heated centers together.
"baby...we have to stop..." I moan, pulling away from the kiss. She rests her forehead against mine, as we both breathe heavily. "...I...we have to stop...or I'm going to want to take you right here, and I don't want our first time to be outside. I want you to be my first, but not like this. I want it to be special, and perfect for you."
"You want me to be your first?" she asks softly.
"I do" I reply softly. She pulls back slightly and rolls off of me. She rests her head on my shoulder, as I wrap an arm around her.
"I want you to be my first too"
Arizona's POV
Silence falls around us as we lay in the grass and look up at the stars. I'm wishing every single second, that I could find the words to take her pain away. I know she is still hurting over her fathers disapproval of her sexuality as well as our relationship, but she isn't showing it. She's been so strong for me, and carried me through my bad days and that's all I want to do for her.
"Calliope..." I say softly, breaking the silence. I lift my head off her shoulder and prop myself up with my elbow. "...do you want to come inside? maybe we could just sit in my room and talk..."
"I don't want you to get in trouble..." she tells me, bringing herself into a standing position. She holds her hand out to help me up, and wastes no time in wrapping her arms around me, holding me close. "...I think I am going to go...somewhere...I don't know...but I'm not going home..." she trails off. She places a kiss on my lips, before turning to leave. "...I'll see you tomorrow at school..."
"Where are you going?..." I ask, as I grab her wrist to stop her, and she turns back around to face me. "...I don't like the idea of you being alone right now. Please, just come inside with me for a little while. Let me hold you and be there for you...please."
"Arizona..."
"Please..." I plead, keeping my hold on her wrist. "...let me be here for you, like you're always there for me. Let me hold you for a little while, please."
"I really don't want to get you in trouble" she protests, slightly shaking her head. "...if your father finds out..."
"Just stop..." I demand, placing a finger on her lips to silence her. "...I don't care if I get in trouble okay? You're hurting right now, and you need me...I can't let you go right now, I just can't...I can't bear the thought of you being alone and sad."
Without giving her a chance to respond, I lead her around to the back of my house and up my porch steps. When I notice that most of the downstairs lights are off, I figure my parents have probably gone upstairs to get ready for bed. Their evening routine is that they usually change for bed, and then watch television in the living room for a couple of hours, before going up to bed. I quietly open the sliding glass door, leading her inside.
She stands there awkwardly while I shut the door. Taking her hand in mine again, I lead her through the house and upstairs in a hurry, not even bothering to make sure that we don't get caught. When we finally reach my bedroom, I quietly close the door behind us.
"Lay with me..." I tell her softly, leading her over to my bed. She crawls into my bed, scooting over to leave space for me. "...are you okay? do you need me to get you anything?"
"I just need to hold you baby..." she replies, as her voice cracks up. When I lay down facing her, she tugs at my tank top, signaling for me to come closer. "...you're all I need beautiful. I don't need anything or anyone, all I need is you...you're my whole world."
Unable to stop myself from smiling, I greet her with my dimples. She smiles back at me as she wraps her arm around my waist, and we gaze into each others eyes. Little moments like this, still give me butterflies in my stomach. I have never experienced anything like this in my life, and have never had anyone look at me the way that she does.
"Are you sure you're okay?" I ask.
"I'm better, now that I'm with you..." she replies. She leans in to steal a few kisses, as she slides her hand up my tank top, softly caressing the soft skin of my back. "...whenever I'm with you, everything bad just goes away, and nothing in the world matters to me. You're the best thing in my life, and I can't imagine my life without you."
"I can't imagine my life without you either. Before you, all I ever knew was heartbreak. You put me back together, and made me whole again". We gaze lovingly into one another's eyes, as silence fills the room for a moment. Right here with her, is where I find my peace and comfort. "...I thought I wouldn't be able to trust again. I was so scared, but you had to go and be amazing...and make me fall for you."
"You're pretty amazing yourself..." she chuckles softly. She removes her hand from my shirt, and brings it to my face, softly stroking it with her thumb. "...and so...so beautiful.."
"Calliope, I'm just like any other girl..." I reply, as my cheeks turn a light shade of red. Though I can't see myself, I can feel the heat as my cheeks begin to flush. "...I'm not that..."
"You are that beautiful..." she interrupts me, giving me a flirty smile, before giving me a kiss. "...and you are not just like any other girl...you are so much more...you really are the most beautiful girl I've ever laid eyes on. From the moment I saw you, all I could think about was how absolutely gorgeous you are."
"Wanna know what I thought, when I first laid eyes on you?..." I ask, showing off my dimples. "...I find you so breathtakingly beautiful, sexy even...the day I met you, I couldn't stop staring.."
"Yeah, it wasn't obvious or anything..." she teases me. She giggles softly as I playfully swat her arm. "...don't worry, I found it extremely adorable...every time I caught you, your cheeks turned red."
"It's so nice to see you smile..." I tell her softly. When my Calliope is hurting, I feel it too. I had never known it was possible to be this connected to another person. When she was crying in my arms, my heart broke for her. It literally hurt me, to see her so broken. "...I don't mean to, you know...bring it up. I just...when I saw you crying it broke my heart. You have a beautiful smile, Calliope."
"Thank you for being here for me baby. I don't know what I would have done without you. I was sitting in my room crying and all I could think about was how much I wanted to hold you and be with you."
"You don't need to thank me Calliope, it's what we do, you and I...we're there for each other. You were there for me earlier today, at school...you're always there for me, comforting me, and protecting me."
"I hate those girls..." she says angrily. My thoughts drift back to today, and I struggle to keep my emotions at bay. "...I don't like how they treat you". She scoots a little closer, leaving our faces just two inches apart at the most. She runs her fingers through my long blonde hair, a gesture that has somehow always soothes me. "...you don't deserve to be treated that way, my princess...did anything else happen?"
"n...no" I lie. She gives me her 'yeah right' look. She can always tell when I'm lying, as she knows me better than anyone. I don't even know why I would ever try and lie to her, when she can see right through me. It's as if we are one person. "...well, not really...just Kayla saying something but I'm choosing not to listen to her."
"What did she say?"
"That you didn't really care about me, that all you wanted was to get..." I trail off, with a heavy sigh. Thought I know this isn't true, I can't even bring myself to say it. "...that all you wanted was sex, and then you were going to break up with me. She also said I should 'give it up' or you would leave me for her, because she could give you what you want."
"Baby I hope you know that's not true at all..." she says softly. She sits up, pulling me into a sitting position. We sit facing each other, as I mirror her position. "I want you to be my first, and I don't want it to be just sex...I want it...to be special". She pauses for a moment, and all I can do is smile at how beautiful she is, even when she's nervous. "...I want to say something to you, I probably shouldn't...but I am going to any way, because I can't hold back any longer..."
"Calliope..." I say softly, my voice laced with emotion. A combination of fear and excitement. Fear of being loved by her, because of the hold she has on me; and joy and excitement, that someone loves me. That it's her who loves me.
"I love you". My blue eyes mist with tears of joy, as she takes her hand in mine. I remain frozen, due to shock. "...At first, I wanted to wait to tell you, because I didn't want to say it too soon. But...every time I look at you, it gets harder and harder to hold back. I'm so in love with you Arizona...I love you, with all of my heart, and I have from the moment I first laid eyes on you."
"Calliope..." comes my soft reply. I'm not even sure if she heard me. I clear my throat, hoping to find my voice. "I...uh..."
Struggling to find the words, and struggling internally with fear, I do the only thing I can think of. Pushing her back against the head board of the bed, I crawl onto her lap, straddling her. Cupping her face in both my hands, I close the gap between us, claiming her lips in a passionate kiss. It isn't too long before hands begin to roam, each of us softly caressing every inch of skin we can find, hands tangled up each others shirts. She moans into the kiss, as I whimper softly when she runs her hands over the smooth skin of my thighs up to my waist, and up my sides.
"Arizona?..." my mother calls from outside the door, knocking a few times. We quickly spring apart as the door cracks open, and my mom enters. "...what are you doing? you know you're not supposed to have people over on a school night...if your father finds out he'll..."
"Mom, please..." I plead, shaking my head slightly. I quickly get off the bed, standing in front of her. I blink a few times, giving her my best puppy dog eyes. "...let me explain..."
"No, I'll explain..." Callie chimes in. She slowly and shamefully walks over to my mother, taking a deep breath. "...it's my fault, not hers. I'm sorry...I just had an argument with my father, and I...needed to see Arizona. I didn't want her to get in trouble...I'm sor..."
"I'm sorry Callie..." my mother says softly, after her and I share a knowing look. I had briefly explained to her, the issues between Callie and her father, regarding our relationship and her sexuality. "...your mother called looking for you. Had I known you were here, I would have told her...you should probably call her, she's worried about you."
"What's going on?" My Father asks sternly, as he stops in the door way. He looks between Callie and I, before shifting his angry stare back in my direction. "...you have a lot of explaining to do young lady..."
"Daniel, please..." My mother chimes in. She shakes her head, as she gestures for him to back off. "...I am going to call Callie's mother, and then I would like a word with you."
I watch them walk down the hall way, communicating through a series of hushed whispers. I try my best to hear, hoping that neither of them are upset and will understand. When it comes to Calliope, and my relationship with her, there hasn't been a whole lot that I haven't told them. I have always talked with them, about my concern for her, regarding her father.
Once they are out of sight, I turn around to face her. Fear fills her beautiful facial features, as my blue eyes meet her brown ones. Is she afraid she said too much? I think to myself, though I can't really blame her. My reaction probably wasn't what she expected at all.
"Calliope..."
She shakes her head slightly. "Arizona, don't. You don't have to". She closes the gap between us, cupping my face with both her hands. She places a kiss on my lips, before kissing my forehead. "...I understand if you're not ready to say it back. I just...wanted you to know. I know you're probably scared, because of your past...and that's okay. I'll wait as long as you need, but you need to know. I do love you. I'm not saying it because I want...certain things from you...I'm saying it because I mean it. I love you, my beautiful girl."
"I..." is all I'm able to get out. 'Come on Arizona, use your words' I mentally scold myself. 'I love her, but I'm so scared. Why am I so scared of being loved?'
"I'll probably get going now..." she says, in a shaky voice. A combination of fear and regret. "...goodnight, my sweet princess". She places one more kiss on my lips, letting her lips linger on mine for a moment, before pulling away. She then wraps her arms around me, pulling me in for a hug. "...I love you Arizona. I'll see you tomorrow."
With that, she releases her hold on me and makes her way out of the bedroom. I remain frozen in place, mentally cursing the fact that I am currently unable to even move, let alone form words. I want to stop her before she leaves, I want to tell her I love her too, but I am so confused. 'Is it really love, or is my heart misleading me?' I ask myself.
By the time I am able to move, I get downstairs too late. She has already left.
I stand in the living room window, watching her mothers car drive away. My last thought:
What am I supposed to do?
The first person ever to tell me she loves me, and I don't know what to do.
General POV
The short car ride home was spent in silence, neither Callie or her mother knowing exactly what to say. Callie can't exactly read her mothers facial expression, and hopes that she won't be in too much trouble.
While she fears the reaction of both her parents about her sneaking out, every minute spent with her girlfriend, was worth it even though she didn't tell Callie she loved her too. She wouldn't trade a second of her time spent with Arizona, for anything in the world.
When she enters the house with her mother, her father paces back in fourth at the bottom of the stairs, with his hands on his pockets.
"Calliope, where have you been?" he asks.
"I..."
"She was with me..." Lucia chimes in. "...we went for a short drive, to calm down". Callie's eyes widen in shock momentarily, before they lock with her mother's. Her mother nods slightly, silently assuring her that it will be okay. "...Carlos, I would like to have a word with you...and Calliope, please go up to your room and get ready for bed."
Callie does as she's told, breathing a sigh of relief as she makes her way upstairs. While there are so many thoughts racing through her mind, the one thing she can't get off her mind, is Arizona. Arizona is the one constant in her life, the one she can depend on to always make her smile. The one person in this world she knows she can trust, to always be there for her.
Once she is ready for bed, she crawls into her bed. She lays staring at the ceiling as her thoughts run wild.
Ten minutes later, her father knocks twice before entering. Though she can't see his every thought based on his facial expression, he does look calmer than he was, earlier this evening.
"Calliope..." he says softly. When she doesn't respond, he closes the door behind him and makes his way over to the bed, sitting beside her. "...I know you're upset with me, and you have every right to be. The way I talked to you was unforgivable..."
"We don't have to do this..." she interrupts him softly. "...I'm really tired."
"I'm trying...as I said, you have every right to be mad at me. I just...don't understand this, any of it..."
"What don't you understand, Daddy?" she asks him. She hates to sound this way, but all she wants to do is curl herself into a ball and cry. She wants to try and sleep, hoping that tomorrow will be batter. "...I love her, okay?...I...I don't know what else to say. I've said most of what I needed to say. I love her so much, and I wish you could accept that. If you really got to know her, you would love her too. She's...amazing, but you don't even give her a chance...because she is a lesbian. You tell me I can't be with her, and I can't be who I am."
"It's late, we are both tired and have had a long day. We can discuss this at another time..." he offers kindly, sensing his daughters high level of stress. He stands up, unwilling to make eye contact. "...I'm sorry Calliope, I am...so sorry. I hope you can forgive me. I am going to try, because your mother is right. You are my daughter, and I must love and accept you for who you are. While I don't fully understand any of this, I need to try and come to terms with it. You need to give me some time. I have had a talk with Arizona's father...and I just need time, to let all of this sink in." 'haven't I given you plenty of time?' "Goodnight Calliope". He leans down, kissing his daughters cheek.
"Goodnight, Daddy" she says so softly, that she's not sure he even heard her.
He exits the bedroom, and her thoughts immediately drift to what happened earlier tonight with Arizona. All she wants is for Arizona to love her back, but she doesn't want to push her. She pulls her phone out from under the covers, sending her a quick text.
I really do love you, princess. I understand if you don't feel the same way, but I needed you to know. I love you. Goodnight xoxo -C
Goodnight Calliope. I hope you feel better. See you tomorrow-A comes the almost immediate reply.
Sighing heavily, she exits out of the text message, throwing her phone onto her night stand. She closes her eyes, wishing and praying that sleep would come, but knowing that it probably wouldn't. She is afraid that maybe she's said too much.
Does she not love me back?
To Be Continued?
