A/N: Hello everyone. I'm sorry for the long delay in updates. I hit a bit of writer's block on several notes and it took me a bit to try and sort through them. I also am having a harder time with this story than I originally thought I would due to certain things written are based on my own personal experiences. Also personally life has been well shall we shay hectic? I won't bore anyone with any details but I assure everyone this story will be completed. Hopefully people are still reading this story. Please feel free to review!

A/N2: If anyone was wondering I do have a couple other ideas floating around about possible future stories with our beloved Calzona! I try not to write more than one at time though so that my attention doesn't get divided.


Tapping her cell phone in her hand Arizona paces back and forth in front of the bathroom door contemplating what she should do.

"I can't just wait for Teddy or Mark to get here." Arizona thinks to herself. "Lord knows what is going on in that bathroom. I can still hear her cries and whimpers."

"What the hell are you just pacing in front of the door for then? Get the door open!"

"Is it even possible?"

"You idiot! There's a hole in the door handle. Of course it can be opened just find a flat head screw driver and you shouldn't have any problems unlocking the door."

Dropping her cell on the dresser next to the bathroom door Arizona runs to the laundry room where she knows that Callie keeps a toolbox. Coming back with her tool in hand she attempts to unlock the door.

"Fuck!" The blonde mumbles after several failed attempts. "Calliope, I really need you to come and unlock this door for me." She tries calling louder as she doubles her efforts in opening the door. "Please, you are scaring me. Just open the door so I can be sure that you are ok."

What seems like hours later but in reality have only been mere minutes she hears the lock on the door click and the knob turns once she tries it. Taking a moment to collect her thoughts and emotions she opens the door and ducks her head inside the door to look for the brunette. Not seeing her right away but still hearing the water running in the shower she walks into the bathroom.

"Calliope, it's Arizona." The surgeon calls out again as she makes her way closer to the shower.

"No, please." Callie's anguished mumbles can hardly be heard above the rumble of the cascading shower. "I swear, I know my place. I'm not good enough."

The author is curled in a tight ball in the far corner of the large glass shower holding her hands above hear head and flinching as if she's being beaten. Her lips are are nearly blue and her normally olive complexion is a ghastly white. Scars are clearly visible on her left leg and the portion of her back that is facing Arizona.

"What the hell did that bitch do to you?" Arizona gasps internally as her jaw drops and her eyes travel over the crumpled body before her. Every scar, every freckle, every curve is registered by the cerulean eyes trained on the quailing body.

Jolting out of her stupor Arizona opens the shower door and reaches over to turn off the frigid shower. Kneeling down so she's on the same level as Callie and not towering over the author she steps into the shower.

"Calliope, it's Arizona." The blonde speaks softly, keeping her tone neutral and calm even though the rage cursing through her body is making it difficult. "Sweetie, you're safe. No one will hurt you. Come back, please, come back."

Callie is so immersed in her flashback, she doesn't register the soft and gentle voice speaking in her ear. The black abyss of torture has encompassed her so tightly sheer words will not break it's hold.

Reaching out Arizona gently places her hand on the left arm of the brunette. "Calliope, it's not real. You are safe now."

At the touch, a soul piercing cry is released into the atmosphere. "NO!" Every atom of the air is ripped at their seems by the desperation uttered with that single word. The utter fear tears into Arizona at lightening speed, leaving her unprepared for it's devastating touch. Tears gather in her eyes.

"Pull it together, Arizona. Now isn't the time for you to be emotional. Calliope needs you to be strong for her. She has cried enough tears for the torture she's been subjected to. Your tears can be had in private."

Decision made, Arizona crawls closer to the distraught brunette and sits down right next to her. Pulling the raised arms down isn't easy as they're rigid but she manages and then wraps her arounds Callie.

"Calliope, you are safe." Arizona speaks softly but with determination. "No one can hurt you now. Listen to my voice. Focus on my arms around you. I am real, what you think is happening isn't real."

Slowly the sobbing and murmurs come to a stop along with the flinching. "Arizona?" Callie whispers as her hands get a death grip of the blonde's shirt.

"Yes, I'm right here, Calliope." Arizona whispers as she gently lays Callie's head on her shoulder. "I'm not going anywhere."

Deciding its best to not try and move Callie out of the bathroom until she's calmed down, Arizona continues to hold her. She whispers soothing words hoping they will help root Callie. The author is no longer murmuring or crying as her body has been exhausted to its limit. Noticing that Callie has started to shiver the blonde decides to try and convince the author to come out of the shower.

"Calliope, we need to get you dried off." Arizona whispers as she reaches out to tilt back the brunette's head wanting to look into her eyes. "You are freezing and I don't want you catching pneumonia. Can you stand up for me?"

Getting only a slight nod in return Arizona stands up first and then leans over to help Callie to stand. "I'm going to get you a towel to use and then I will get you some clothes to put on while you dry off ok?" Receiving another nod to indicate understanding Arizona steps out and holds out a towel. "Can you tell me where you keep your sweats and some t-shirts? We need to get you dressed in some warm clothes so we can get your body temperature back up."

"Arizona, you don't have to do this." Callie begins to whisper after she gets the towel wrapped around her naked body but not before the cerulean eyes note the horizontal scare on her lower stomach.

"Calliope, stop that right now." Arizona interrupts the brunette before she can protest any further. "You've warn yourself out throughly and are in no shape to take care of yourself. So don't for a split second think that I'm just going to walk out of this room and leave you alone before I know for certain you are dry and dressed in warm clothes and under your comforter."

"I'm really alright..." Callie again starts to protest.

"You can try and argue all you want, just remember that you were released from the hospital under MY care and supervision." Arizona interrupts again and levels a hard glare at Callie. "Now, we can do this the easy way and you can tell me where you keep your sweats or I can go and search ALL of the drawers and your closet. Those are the ONLY choices that you have right at this very moment."

Resigned that she is going to be receiving help whether she wants it or not Callie whispers. "The dresser. My sweats are in the third drawer and my t-shirts are in the second."

Allowing a small smile Arizona answers. "Great! Now try and towel dry your hair as much as possible and then come into the bedroom and I'll have your clothes ready."

A short time later Callie slowly hobbles out of the bathroom with the wrap removed from her cast and still wrapped in her towel to find Arizona sitting on her bed holding some clothes staring off.

"Arizona?" Callie whispers as she leans on the dresser to keep wait off her broken leg.

Shaking her head the blonde looks up and offers another smile but one that doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I managed to find a long sleeve t-shirt along with your sweats. This will help you warm up quicker. Do you need help getting dressed or can you do it alone?"

Walking over to the bed Callie replies. "I should be able to manage but would you mind horribly waiting here just in case I do need help? I'm moving a little stiffly."

"Of course I don't mind, Calliope." Arizona answers standing up and walking over to take the authors hand and help her walk over to the bed. "I'm just going to turn around but if you need help you just tell me."

"Umm, Arizona?" Callie says after the blonde has her back turned to her. "Can you get me some under garments from the top drawer of my dresser, please?"

Blushing at the thought of seeing Callie's negligees Arizona is thrilled that her back is to the brunette. "Oh, I suppose that would help wouldn't it? Do you sleep with a bra?"

"I... well... no, I don't." Callie answers.

Not wanting to make Callie uncomfortable with having a relatively new friend going through her personal garments the blonde quickly grabs the first pair she puts her hand on and takes a few steps backwards holding out her hand behind her, unsure if Callie still has the towel wrapped around herself.

Clearing her throat Callie whispers trying to hide her embarrassment. "Could... would... I mean... would you mind getting another pair, please? These are ... a tad to over the top to be wearing around the house."

Hanging her head Arizona reaches out behind her again. "Sorry... I didn't look. I ... just grabbed the first pair I touched."

Walking back to the dresser she drops the pair in her hands in the drawer and picks up another pair and holds them up without looking at them. "What about these?"

"Arizona, my panties aren't going to bite you if you look at them." Callie lets out a small laugh when she sees the blonde with her head turned opposite and moving around inside the drawer blindly. "It's not like you don't have panties. Those will do just fine though, thank you."

Walking backwards again Arizona lets out a nervous giggle. "Touché. However, I was trying to be considerate and not make you uncomfortable."

This time letting out a full bellied laugh Callie replies. "It's not like I'm going to be modeling them for you, Dimples."

Arizona is thrilled, even at her own expense, to see that Callie was able to forget the incident in the bathroom. Even if it was just for mere moments. "Ya, keep laughing at my expense, Scribbles. I wonder how you would react if the shoe was on the other foot?" Hearing grunting behind her and a sharp intake of breathe she quickly forgets the playful banter. "Are you alright? Do you need help?"

"To quote you, touché!" Callie says out of breathe. "I'm fine, ribs are still very sore so moving and bending still gives me some trouble but I assure you nothing I can't handle." After a few moments she adds. "All dressed, it's safe for you to turn around."

Turning around Arizona says. "Why don't hop in bed and get comfortable while I shimmy downstairs and make you a warm cup of tea. Your lips are still a faint blue.

"You don't have to make me tea." Callie answers. "I'm sure I'll warm up fairly quickly once I'm under the covers."

"Calliope." Arizona says with a warning tone. "Don't start that again, please. I'll feel better if we get some warm liquids in you, besides we should probably try and hydrate you. I won't be but a few minutes."

Deciding against further argument the brunette nods with a smile. "Yes, Dr. Quinn medicine woman."

Rolling her eyes Arizona makes her way downstairs as the author climbs gingerly into bed. Covering herself with the comforter Callie lay back on the pillows staring up at the ceiling.

"How is it that I can still hear her clear as day?" Callie thought to herself. "It's like Erica is still here manipulating my life."

"It's not manipulation, Callie. She only told you the ugly truth. She was right, of course. You know this."

"I'm not asking for a miracle here. I'm simply asking for peace. For once in my life I want peace."

"People like you don't get peace. Your life will always be worthless. You even quit med school. And for what?"

"So, what? I'm supposed to live my entire life in agony?"

"About sums it up! If you would just accept it then you wouldn't find it so difficult. Stop expecting good things to happen. Once that expectation is gone there will be nothing to disappoint you."

"I've long since done that. I just want Erica gone. I can accept never being happy. I can accept never finding love. I can accept a lot of things. I just want her gone. Exterminated."

"She's here to remind you of the heartache. It's better this way. Otherwise, there's the risk that you'll start believing that you deserve better. You know that you don't but you have your days when you forget the truth. That's why she's still here. You bring her when you need the reminder."

"I don't need anymore reminders. I have the scars, physical and emotional, to remind me of her. I lost the best thing in my life because of her. I don't need anymore reminders of that part of my life."

Arizona walked back into the room holding the steaming cup of tea to find Callie lost in thought whilst staring up at the ceiling.

"Calliope?" Arizona called out walking closer to the bed. Seeing the brunette look so broken and defeated made her wish she could crawl in bed next to her and wrap her arms around her. She wanted to whisper in her ear until the nightmares loosened their grip. "I have the tea I promised."

"Thank you, Arizona." Came Callie's whisper. "Just put it on the nightstand, please."

Unable to withstand the defeated voice coming from the author Arizona lays the tea down and sits down on the bed next to Callie and reaches out to grasp one of the hands laying on top of the covers.

"Will you tell me what happened in the bathroom?" Arizona softly asks closing her eyes briefly wondering if she can listen without losing her composure.

Callie takes a deep breathe before releasing an even longer sigh. "Arizona, nothing happened. I was taking a shower and simply didn't realize the water had gotten so cold. You don't need to worry."

"Now that's just horses shit, Calliope." Arizona snaps whirling her head to face the brunette. "I heard you crying out from the hallway. Don't insult me by telling me lies. If you don't want to talk about it, fine. I won't push. However, I think that would be a mistake. You need to start talking about your past. Otherwise how will it's grasp on you dissipate? How will you move on with your life? I know, trust me, I know how difficult it is to speak of things that leave such traumatic scars on you, but talking about it helps heal you. I wouldn't be telling you this if it weren't true."

The blonde can see the internal struggle that Callie is having swimming in those obsidian eyes. Several moments later a soft, unsure reply comes out. "Fine, I don't want to talk about it. And more importantly, you definitely don't want to hear about it. Trust me on that."

Heaving out an exasperated sigh Arizona quietly replies. "If you truly don't want to talk then please explain to me why you hesitated in your answer and why you won't look me in the eye. Also, if I didn't want to listen and offer support I wouldn't have asked."

"Look, I can see that you are a kind and caring person." Callie says finally bringing her eyes to look into the blue pools before her. "Honestly, I don't think I've met another person quite like you. And truthfully, you don't know how much your kindness means to me. It's because of that, that I won't drag you into this rabbit hole with me. You, Arizona Robbins, deserve far greater things in life. You don't want to be friends with an emotional cripple."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Arizona gasps. "Emotional cripple? Moreover, why don't you let me decide whom I would like to be friends with? After all, I am an adult, a doctor at that. I am fully capable of deciding what's best for me. Calliope, I may not have gone through the physical and mental abuse that you've gone through but I understand fully well what it means to have someone cause you to doubt yourself so throughly that you wonder if you will ever be enough, if you were ever enough. You wonder what you did to deserve something so harsh. You wonder why they couldn't love you like you did them."

The author pushes herself up straighter in bed and quietly asks. "What do you mean? How do you understand? I wasn't trying to insinuate that you aren't capable of making your own decision, Arizona. I was simply giving you a fair warning."

"Seeing as I know quite a bit of your history, I think it's time I share some of mine with you." Arizona says as she adjusts herself on the bed. "I haven't been in a relationship, a real relationship, in five years. I had been with Amanda for three years when I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. We had been living together for a little over a year and half and I was planning on proposing to her the week that I found out. At first they tried radiation and chemo to remove the cancer but when that failed my only option was to have a total hysterectomy. We were sitting in my oncologist's office when I was told. Amanda was holding my hands in hers and when Dr. Shoiemer told me that my only chance at living was to have the hysterectomy Amanda dropped my hands and refused to answer when I asked her what her thoughts were on the matter. The doctor left the office to give us a chance to discuss things. I know, I know, you're probably thinking what is there to discuss right? Well, after several minutes of me pushing and pushing for an opinion from my would be fiancée she finally yells at me of course I have to get the hysterectomy. The doctor came back in the office and we scheduled the surgery. When we went back to our apartment Amanda went straight into our bedroom and closed the door. About three hours later she came out of the bedroom with two large suit cases. I was completely baffled, here I was scheduled to have surgery in two days and my girlfriend of three years is packing bags. So naturally, I asked her where she was headed. She said that we needed to talk and asked me to sit on the sofa. Sitting across from me she looked me dead in the eyes and told me that she could no longer love someone that wasn't whole anymore. She wanted children and I wouldn't be able to give them to her. She told me that she had wanted to end the relationship a few months before but due to my poor response to the chemo and radiation she felt like she was forced to stay. I tried to reason with her that we could still have children since she could carry or we could adopt or use a surrogate. Amanda then told me that she refused to carry and adoption wasn't an option for her and there was no way in hell some strange woman would carry her child. She then stood up and came over to me kissed me on the cheek and walked out my front door. I never heard from her again. I tried calling several days later but by that time she had disconnected all of her phone numbers and even went as far as to change her emails. Tim and Teddy are the only reason that I am still alive today. They made sure that I went through with my surgery and then Tim stayed with me during my recovery. It took me a couple of years to finally wrap my mind around the fact that I wasn't the problem. That I hadn't done anything wrong. There are still days when I have doubts. I've been on dates and I've even had some short term relationships but so far I haven't found the one for me. I have come to accept that one day I will find someone that will love me and realize that I am enough. That I'm not less of a woman just because I don't have the possibility of carrying a child. I will admit, it took me a long time to realize this. What got me through it was talking to my friends and family."

Arizona had seen the horror and anger grow in the molten chocolate orbs before her as she told her story but nothing prepared her for the response she received from the goddess.

"Arizona!" Callie gasped reaching out with her free hand to place it on a slender shoulder. "This Amanda person better pray to whatever deity is out there that I never come across her. After my ordeal I don't believe in violence but I promise you that I would put her in the hospital for ever making you second guess yourself!" Callie leans forward in bed and reaches up to cup a pale cheek. "Carrying a child doesn't make you a woman! Giving birth doesn't make you a woman!" Tears slowly start to cascade down caramel cheeks. "I am so very sorry that you went through something so horrific and that you were treated so poorly by someone who obviously did not know your value! Please, promise me if you ever doubt yourself again to talk to me. I will remind you that she was irrevocably wrong and absolutely crazy! That woman doesn't deserve to kiss the scum off your shoes! I cannot tell you how happy I am that I was able to meet you! In the short time that I've known you, Arizona, you've made my life so much better. If anyone in this world deserves to be happy, you, as sure there are skies above us, do!"

To say that Arizona was left speechless and shocked would be the understatement of the century. She knew in that instant that someone who could make her feel so appreciated and cherished with so few words was someone worth falling for. If Arizona had any doubts on whether it was worth the risk to her still fragile heart to bet on Callie, they were all banished for eternity.

Taking a deep breathe Arizona decided now would be the perfect time to press her earlier point. "Calliope, your reaction to what I just told you proves my point. If you were anything like Amanda or Erica you would have laughed at me and asked me how I could compare myself to your years of not only abuse but abandonment from your family! YOU, you are an amazing woman as well! And one day, I promise you, I will make you believe it! I will make you see it! You aren't emotionally crippled. You just need to heal!"

Blushing a deep red, Callie tucks a strand behind her ear before speaking. "I will tell you what happened today but not today. It's getting late and honestly I'm exhausted. I promise, one day I will tell you what happened or what was happening when you came through that door."

Showcasing her dimples Arizona responds quietly. "I will hold you to that! I'll let you get some rest."

Before Arizona can stand up to leave Callie grasps her wrist in her hand again. "Would you please lay here with me until I fall asleep?" Seeing Arizona's eyes widen she quickly backtracks. "You... you don't have to feel ... obligated to. I can... understand if you don't want to."

Deciding that a verbal answer wouldn't be as reassuring as action Arizona stands up and walks over to the other side of the bed and pulls back the covers, sliding in behind Callie.

"Turn over." Arizona whispers turning to face the brunette.

Callie turns her head to stare at the blonde. "Turn over? What do you mean?"

"Turn on your side facing away from me." Arizona says with a soft smile. "I'll hold on you until you fall asleep."

The surgeon watches as Callie's eyes widen as she licks her lips nervously. "Arizona, I don't want to make you uncomfortable. Just having you here is helping me."

"Calliope, just turn over." Arizona says shaking her head slightly. "By now, you would think that you'd understand that I wouldn't offer if it made me uncomfortable. Besides, I'm a cuddler and I have a feeling you haven't had much comfort recently."

"Not since Erica." Arizona hears so quietly that if she had been making any sound at all she would have missed and at the revelation she snaps up to a sitting position.

"What do you mean not since Erica, Calliope?" The blonde asks befuddled. She has an idea what Callie means but wants to be sure she's understanding correctly.

"There hasn't been anyone of any kind since her." Callie whispers as the blush on her cheeks darken to deep blood red.

"You mean the cuddling right?" Arizona asks trying to compose her facial reaction and not show how stunned she is to be finding this out.

"No, no one, period, nothing." Callie says looking away and turning over away from Arizona.

"Not even a drunken one night stand?" Arizona asks as she arranges the pillow so she's as close to the author as possible before wrapping her around her waste.

"I know, it's rather embarrassing to admit but no not even that." Callie answer after a slight pause. "After Erica left I had Nate and I wanted to be the best possible mother I could be so that he wouldn't feel like he was missing anything by having a single mother. Then after he ... well, I don't exactly socialize and I've not had that urge if you will. Besides, who in their right mind would want to be with someone as ugly as me."

"Calliope Torres!" Arizona yelps. "How in the hell could you say something like that about yourself? You've obviously not looked in the mirror lately! I'm sure if you went to a bar you wouldn't have to pay for a single drink. People would be lining up to buy you drinks. And before you say it no, not because they know you as an author! Either way you can't use that excuse because it's not like your picture gets circulated with your books!"

Letting out a sarcastic laugh Callie shakes her head and retorts. "You're crazy! You don't have to say things like that because you think I need to hear them."

Sighing Arizona gently tightens her grip around Callie's waste. "First of all, I'm offended that you think I would say that you're beautiful just because I felt 'bad' for you! Secondly, you are breathtakingly, stunningly, gorgeous! Don't get me started when you flash that amazing smile of yours! People drop to their knees just to see that smile!"

"Remind me to call Mark or Teddy and have them order a head CT for you!" Callie says sarcastically. "You've obviously hit your head and forgotten about it!"

"That's Erica talking isn't it?" Arizona says sadly.

"Well, it's not like she was lying when she told me." Callie replies with a shrug.

"Erica is the one that needs a head CT, Calliope, not me!" Arizona retorts back. "And an eye doctor! If she told you that you are anything but stunning she has to be blind! Not to mention a complete moron! Damn, what a bitch! If I ever see that bitch again she'll rue the day she was born!"

Callie lets out a bark of laughter. "Rue the day she was born? Really? Cliche much there, Arizona?"

"Go to sleep, Scribbles!" Arizona whispers leaning in to speak in the brunette's ear. "You've had a long day and the last few hours have been emotional. I'll be here when you wake up."

The surgeon lays there unable to stop the torrent of thoughts rampaging through her mind as she listens to Callie's even breathing. Not long after the author's breathe's have steadied and she can tell that Callie has fallen asleep she hears her phone vibrating on the dresser where she'd dropped it earlier. Gently extracting herself from the bed she makes her way over and looks at the caller ID. "TimMan" shows on the screen. Making her way out of the room and closing the door behind her she answers the call.

"Hey Tim, what goes on?" Arizona whispers not wanting to be far from the room in which the brunette is sleeping but at the same time not wanting to risk waking her by speaking to loudly.

Hey will you call the security guards and let them know I'm allowed up.

"What are you doing here?"

Teddy called me frantic saying she got a call from you asking for either her or Mark to immediately come here. They're both in surgery so she asked me to come by and make sure you're both ok.

"Oh, give me a minute to hang up with you and I'll call them to grant you permission. I'll also put you on the visitor log."

Hanging up with her brother Arizona calls Ivan who she knows is working right now and lets him know that Tim is her brother and is allowed to come up and asks him to add him to the list of visitors. As she's talking to the security officer she makes her way to the living room to wait for her brother.

"Arizona, what's going on?" Tim asks as soon as the elevator doors open. "Why'd you call Teddy so frantic?"

Sitting down on the sofa Arizona lets out a long breathe before answering. "Callie had some sort of flash back and she was locked in her bathroom. I was scared of what was happening behind the door and I couldn't get her to open it. I mean, one minute we're trying to make some donuts and then mom calls. We spoke to her for a bit and then after she hung up Callie and I got into some crazy food fight. Well, it wasn't so much a food fight as an ingredient fight I suppose as we never finished making the donuts. Then we kissed and sud..."

"Hold that for a minute." Tim says with his eyes widening. "You kissed Callie? Arizona! What were you thinking?"

"Are you going to let me tell you what happened or are you going to judge me?" Arizona snaps.

"I'm not judging Arizona." Tim quickly replies trying to dispel the anger. "It's just that, well you both aren't in the best of places."

"Ok, first of all she kissed me!" Arizona retorts. "Ya, I kissed her back but she initiated the kiss! Anyway, after my shower I was walking by her room and I heard her crying out. God Tim, what that woman put her through! Anyway I went in to check on her and found that she was in the bathroom with the door closed. The way she was talking and the desperation in her voice, I was honestly afraid of what I would find behind that door. I panicked and called Teddy. I ended up getting the door open with a screw driver and was able to calm her down."

"Where is she now?" Tim asks looking around the quiet apartment. "What happened when you got the door open?"

"She's sleeping upstairs." Arizona answers as her gaze travels to the wall of Callie's bedroom. "She wasn't hurting herself or anything. She was in the shower with the water running frigidly. I tried calling to her but when she didn't respond I went in the shower and was able to get her to get her in bed."

"She didn't lose it further when she found you in the shower with her I'm assuming naked?" Tim asks raising his eyebrows.

"Tim she was so lost that she didn't know up from down." Arizona answers. "Once she was able to stand up I handed her a towel and left the room."

"Did she tell you what triggered the flash back?" The blonde man asks quietly.

"No, she didn't want to talk about it." The surgeon says shaking her head. "At first she tried to brush it off saying she didn't realize the water was that cold but I called her out on it and then she just refused to talk about it. So, I ended up telling her about Amanda."

Eyes snapping open wider Tim looks at his sister slack jawed. "You volunteered that information of your own volition? That's... that's ... amazing! You never tell people about her!"

Arizona gives a dry laugh before replying. "Believe me, I couldn't believe it myself as I was telling her. It was like I was watching myself outside of my own body. I just... I don't know, Tim... I just felt like I know so much about her and I wanted to show her that I'm not perfect either. She kept saying how I didn't deserve to be dragged into her issues and how she's emotionally crippled. I just wanted her to see that on some small level I can sympathize with the doubts that Erica instilled in her. What better way to show her that then by telling her my story?"

"I'm proud of you!" Tim says with nothing but admiration for his sister. Not many people would survive what she had gone through and selflessly offer that information to help another. "What did she say?"

The surgeon again lets out a laugh but this time a genuine one. "Amanda better pray she never runs into Callie and she knows who Amanda is. She threatened to put her in the hospital. She basically said what you and Teddy have said all along."

"I don't know Callie very well, but one thing is for damn certain!" Tim says with awe. "That woman is something special! From everything I've heard over the years from Teddy she's one tough person! With all the shit hands she's been dealt it's a wondering she's as caring as she is! Most people would be bitter, cynical assholes."

"I couldn't agree more!" Arizona nods along with her brother. "Did you know that she's paying all the expenses for the body guards that have been hired to keep her safe? She wouldn't take no for answer and said that they're having to spend extra time away from their families for her and it's the least that she could do! For someone that's as successful as she is and to be this humble? Unheard of, Tim!"

"Teddy had mentioned something about it." Tim says smiling. "She's worried though."

"Why is Teddy worried?" Arizona asks quirking her eyebrow.

"Because they haven't found any fucking leads!" Tim says running his hand through his hair. "She's always said that Callie doesn't see herself as worthy. So, she's afraid that eventually she'll just either run away without the guards to 'spare' them from extra work or she'll just fire them."

"She wouldn't disregard her safety like that Tim." Arizona says not quite believing her own words. "Why would she have agreed to have them in the first place only to fire them later?"

"She wasn't given a choice." Tim answers dropping the smile. "Mark made sure that the doctors wouldn't release her from the hospital unless she agreed to the body guards. Teddy seems to think after awhile of no leads and being followed every step she'll just try and say they're no longer needed and now they don't have anything to force her to keep them."

"Well, we know one thing for certain at least." Arizona says dejected. "She won't fire them until after I leave. She's said some things that makes me think that she's afraid I'll get caught up with this because I'm now associated with her and am living here. Not to mention that she still blames herself for Nate. I'm sure that if something were to happen to anyone close to her, she would never forgive herself."

"Here's to hoping you can convince her to keep the guards around until this creep is apprehended." Tim says.

"What makes you think I even stand a minuscule shot of convincing her?" Arizona asks bewildered

"She listens to you more than she listens to anyone!" Tim replies with a shrug. "Even Mark and Teddy agree with that. You have some sort of voodoo power over her. She doesn't argue with you."

Barking out another laugh Arizona replies. "You obviously haven't been around here to see just how much she does in fact argue with me. I just call her out on it when it's needed."

"So... how was it kissing your favorite author?" The architect asks wiggling his eyebrows up and down with a smirk adorning his face.

"Holy mother of everything saintly!" Arizona says dreamily. "Tim, I've never felt anything like I did when she kissed me! Not even with Amanda and I thought I would be spending the rest of my life with her! She obviously has skills in that department which makes it even harder for me to wrap my mind around the fact that she hasn't been with anyone since Erica. Like not even a one night stand." Suddenly Arizona realized what she let out of the bag and slaps a hand to cover her mouth. "Tim! You CANNOT breathe a word about this to ANYONE! She'll think I'm gossiping about her to everyone."

"Seriously?" Tim asks after picking his jaw up off the floor. "Nothing, nada, zilch since Erica? How the hell has she not exploded? Of course I won't say a word. Not even to Teddy, although if I were a betting man I'd bet that Teddy already knows this. Does this mean that you like her? Romantically I mean... obviously we all know how you feel about her as an author."

"Honestly?" Arizona thinks about her reply before answering her brother's question. "I do! She's unlike anyone I've ever met. Who survives her life and still manages to be such a truly humble person?"

"I'm damned thrilled to hear that!" Tim says with a smirk! "My sister in law will be a fucking millionaire!"

"Whoa there." Arizona says becoming alarmed. "We aren't rushing anything and for that I'm glad!"

"Well, it's getting late and you seem to have everything under control." Tim says standing up and making his way to the elevator. "Don't hesitate to call if either of you need anything!"

"Thanks Tim!" Arizona says walking with him. "Will you call and update Teddy for me? I want to get back to her. I don't want her waking up."

"Will do, Peanut." Tim says stepping on the elevator, using her childhood nickname. *