Addison nodded as she saw the signal from her director, and gave a small wink to the two nervous looking women on the sofa in front of her as they pulled their hands free of each other and placed them demurely on their own laps. She smiled brightly and started. "So, first of all, thank you both so much for being here today. I know you both had a busy day yesterday"
Callie gave a small chuckle as she replied. "Yeah, two finals in one afternoon is hard work, but worth it"
"I bet" Addison chuckled back. "But to be fair, you took home a fair old share of silver ware between you"
"Wasn't a bad day all in all" Arizona shyly said, "though, personally, it perhaps could have gone a little better ya know?"
Callie laughed as she glanced at her. "Really? Funny, cos…well….MY day went just fine"
"Shut up show-off!" Arizona smiled and playfully nudged her
"Clearly no real hard feelings here though?" Addison asked a smile on her face
"Hard feelings? Neh" Arizona tried to look serious as she added, "I just snuck in later and cut all the strings off her racquets!"
"That was you?" Callie gasped dramatically. "I thought it was Erica!"
Al three laughed as Arizona shook her head and again playfully nudged the brunette
"Is it difficult to play against your doubles partner in a singles final?" Addison asked as the laughter finally died down
Callie glanced at the blonde next to her waiting for the go ahead to reply for both of them. "No. No. Not difficult exactly. But, it isn't easy either. I mean, you have to go into a final with absolutely the right kind of mind set. You have to go on to that court SO focused, just totally believing in yourself and wanting to win so desperately that you will do anything to beat your opponent. That's the key word. Opponent. Not friend, not partner, not even someone you know! Opponent. Show no mercy, no remorse, no sympathy. Friendship has no place on that court. The other player? They have to become, faceless. Someone to defeat. Crush even, destroy. Completely. But, when that person is your friend? Someone you care about, someone who you understand and know how they think and feel? Man, but it is so hard to make them faceless. So tough to focus on your own game and not worry about theirs and how they are feeling. But you have to. You have to. You owe it to each other as much as anything"
"To each other?" Addison lifted a perfectly sculptured eyebrow
"We are both competitive people" Callie explained. "We demand the best of ourselves, and know what the other is capable of, and demand that from each other. If Arizona hadn't been playing her best, I would know. But, I wouldn't, couldn't ease up on her and go easy on her just because I know her game is off, she wouldn't expect that, she wouldn't respect that and she wouldn't thank me for it right?"
"Thank you? I'd hate you for it!" Arizona took over with a shy smile. "It would be, an insult in a way. And an insult to the spectators and fans. You walk on to that court to face someone like Callie Torres and it is such a thrill. This is the type of match you work so hard for, and you want to impress….you want to win! And it is a real adrenalin rush to. So I found myself playing some of the best tennis of my life yesterday, I'm proud of how I played in that final, proud and happy. And, let's be honest here," Arizona grinned, "Man, I came close to beating her today, I could have done it, just a few crucial points going my way and I would be, uhm, dining in style for a while as the French Open champion."
"You think?" Callie chuckled good naturedly as she looked at the blonde
"Yeah!" Arizona chuckled back. "But, hey,it WAS tough to lose, I won't lie. But I can look back and hold my head up high. I did everything I could. I played every shot I could to beat this one here, and end of the day, despite those, odd lucky shots of hers…."
"Hah!"
"Callie beat me. Because she was the better player on the day, end of. Not because I didn't play well, or because I let her win as a friend. I wanted to win, I went out there TO win. It was the only way I could go out and play the way I did. But, Callie was better, this time. And the victory for her must feel that much sweeter knowing I made it a bit of a battle for her"
"A bit?" Callie scoffed. "My back locked out after the match and I needed my own physio just to get me back on court for our doubles match. Oh, whilst I remember, thanks Henry!"
"Henry?" Addison quizzed
"Henry Burton, my physio and miracle worker. But, yeah, as Arizona said, the win yesterday wasn't easy, she isn't a bad player…."
"Gee thanks" Arizona deadpanned
"And she made me truly fight for every single point. So to win a match like that. Oh yeah, hell yeah. Feels so good. So good. Down side? Well, my friend was hurting cos she lost, but I could only think about that after the umpire called game set and match. Sorry!" Callie looked at Arizona and gave a small grimace
"But, during the match, the two of you were still laughing and joking at times, I mean there was a lot of banter and fun that we don't normally see in situations like that" Addison pointed out
"We did, yeah" Callie laughed. "After all, we are human and we ARE friends, and have the same sense of humour. I couldn't laugh like that with anyone else as they either wouldn't know what I was laughing at or would accuse me of trying to distract them. Where as Arizona here knows I wouldn't play dirty tricks like that, and she would get the joke. I also know that as soon as the laugh ends, she can refocus on the game, same as me"
Addison nodded and paused before saying. "You are both, very close to one another aren't you?"
Arizona gave a wry chuckle. "We are partners"
"Doubles partners?" Addison pushed
"Partners" Callie repeated
Addison nodded and lowered her voice a fraction as she began. "You may be aware that Erica Hahn mentioned in an interview that she believes you to be, partners, in every sense of the word. Is that true?"
"That she mentioned? Yeah it's true" Arizona nodded, "we saw the news clip to, so yup, she sure mentioned it!"
Addison nodded and paused before repeating. "But, IS it true?"
"Wow Addison. You move quick huh?" Callie chuckled
"You have known each other five weeks, so the same could be said of you two!" Addison replied with a wry grin
"Addison!" Arizona gasped, and shook her head as she blushed a fraction as Callie mumbled "Touche!"
"Sorry!" The reporter muttered, the twinkle in her eyes showing she was far from it. "But, you still haven't answered the question"
Callie reached for Arizonas hand and brought it to her lips to gently kiss the back of it as she smiled in to amazing blue eyes. "Does that answer you?" she smirked at a smiling Addison
"So what came first? The doubles partnership, on… or off the court?" the reporter asked, still smiling
"Yeah!" Arizona answered with giggle
"Sorry?"
"You could say they both happened at the same time" Arizona giggled again. "Love at first sight kinda thing. I mean I knew who Callie was, who in the tennis world doesn't right? So, I knew she was good looking…."
"You never told me that?" Callie cut in, squeezing the blondes hand again
"Didn't I? Huh, oh well" Arizona gave a small wink as Callie shook her head. "Anyway, as I was saying….I KNEW she was, you know, ok looking. But when I first met her on the practice courts, wow! But it wasn't her looks that I fell in love with. She is just, an amazing person. She made me laugh, right from the first meeting, but she was so patient with me to, so friendly and down to earth. NOT what I was expecting, not what I think anyone would expect. We just clicked, then and there. After we realised we just had to play tennis together, we spent time just talking, getting to know each other as friends. And, well, the more time I spent with her, the more I fell in love with her."
"In love huh?" Addison probed gently.
Arizona smiled and nodded. "I know, I know. Like you said, we've only known each other five weeks and here I'm publicly declaring my love for this amazing woman. But as a VERY wise woman told me not so long ago, when the heart knows, the heart knows" She glanced at Callie and saw the way the brunette smiled and nodded. "Look, here's the thing. Everyone knows by now that I'm the daughter of a Marine. I was raised on army camps, my schools were run by drill sergeants, my HOME was run with military precision, and I was raised to analyse everything, be certain of all your facts all the details. Love at first sight? Please! I wouldn't have believed that could exist, no way. If I was listening to this interview I would probably be thinking I was some sort of gold-digger and Callie was, uhm, on the rebound from a broken heart after her tragic loss. I wouldn't believe that in such a short time, anyone could feel the way I do about this woman. I find it amazing, life changing in every way, and yeah, my head is spinning a bit. But, I have also never been happier, never felt more alive, and never felt more certain of anything…or anyone in my life"
Callie had turned to face her as she spoke, her brown eyes glistening with tears. As Arizona finished speaking and turned to look at her, she couldn't help herself, and slowly bent forward to tenderly kiss the blondes soft pink lips. "I love you to" she whispered against those lips before pulling back, giving a small cough and looking back at Addison. "Sorry" she mouthed
"Callie, Arizona mentioned that people might think this is a rebound, it is only nine months since the tragic accident that claimed the life of your fiancé" Addison said gently. "What would you say to them?"
Callie shrugged slightly as she chewed her lip. "I agree with Arizona in that if I was sat at home watching this, it is exactly what I would be thinking. And I am aware that there are also people who would see this as an affront to Marks memory. I have already dealt with the mail that thought I should have died instead of Mark. And to be honest, there was a time when I agreed with them. I couldn't understand why he was gone and I was alive! He had so much life, was so full of fun and joy, loved….everyone! He had so many big plans and dreams for his future. When I woke up in that hospital, and realised he was gone….I felt empty, void. All my plans and dreams had been wrapped up in him. HE was gone, THEY were gone." Callie paused and drew in a deep breath, smiling slightly as Arizona moved her hand to gently rub the small of her back. "I uh, I didn't think I would ever be happy again, I didn't think I deserved it. So, I focused on getting well, getting back on to the court, and trying to rebuild at least one part of my life. Then, well, then I met this one here" Callie smiled brightly and indicated Arizona with her thumb. "And from the moment I saw her, my life seemed brighter. From the moment I met her, spoke to her, I found….joy again. She makes me smile, laugh, go crazy, and have FUN again. She has brought me back to life, and given me hope, dreams and plans again. I wasn't looking for love, I thought that had been ripped away from me for ever. I wasn't looking for anything other than a doubles partner who could push me and work with me. And Arizona certainly does that. On, AND off the court. I wasn't looking for anything. But, I have found, found EVERYTHING. Everything"
Addison smiled and nodded at them "Sounds like you're both very happy"
"Meh!" Arizona shrugged then raised her hand and tilted it from side to side, laughing as Callie prodded her side. "Yes, we are happy, very happy, thanks"
"And your families are happy for you?" Addison asked softly
"Wow" Callie visibly jolted. Addison had warned them about the questions she panned to ask, but when it came to it, the Latina was never comfortable talking about that side of her life. And knowing Arizonas family situation, feeling the way the blonde shifted slightly, she was certain her girl felt the same way.
"We don't really see them at any of your matches. Do they know you two are dating?" Addison pushed
Surprisingly it was Arizona who answered first. "My family situation is a little, unusual right now, so I am safe in saying that no, they don't know"
"Unusual? Your dad is a Marine, would he not approve?" Addison looked straight at Arizona, a small nod giving gentle encouragement.
Taking a deep breath Arizona decided to talk. "My brother was killed in action a while ago, and my mom who was already….ill….well, it broke her. Completely"
"Broke her?" Addison prompted as she saw Arizona hesitate
"She had a psychotic break, which led to a full break down. She is catatonic, completely shut down to the world around her, she….she doesn't even know who she is, let alone me. So no, she doesn't know. She is in a very good private hospital, and is well cared for But uhm, yeah, she uh, yeah. She doesn't know. Uhm…. And my dad, uhm" Again Arizona drew in a steadying breath, closing her eyes briefly as she felt Callie rest her hand on her knee and gently squeeze. "My dad, has dementia…"
"Oh God!" Addison muttered, sitting up in her seat.
"He thinks he is still a Marine, still fighting a war. He thinks his daughter is a blue eyed blonde toddler, still running around the garden with her diaper trailing behind her. So, safe to say he has NO clue she is currently dating one of the sexiest women in the world!" Arizona tried to smile brightly, but she was nervous about what else Addison might ask
"If he didn't have dementia, do you think he would approve?" was the dreaded question
"Truthfully?" Arizona shrugged. "Don't ask don't tell." She shrugged again before whispering. "I'll never really know, if he would bend for me….I'll ever know"
Addison looked at her thoughtfully, but decided she had got enough information to satisfy the viewing public, and hopefully buy Arizona a little more privacy. So, she turned to face Callie, sad to have to put her friend through this, but knowing it was necessary, not just for the baying pres, bt to even it out between the two women. "And your family Callie?"
Callie gave a small laugh. "Oh, I think EVERYONE knows that my family and I no longer talk to each other, so their opinion doesn't matter to me at all!"
"But they came to the hospital to visit, was that not an attempt at an olive branch?"
Again Callie laughed. "They may have been at the hospital, but they have to actually come in to my room and speak to me in order to class it as a visit!"
"So you are still estranged from them?"
"One way of phrasing it!" Callie muttered. "My family, have a different set of values and priorities than I do, and since I was 18 I have been just fine living my life my own way, without their interference and manipulation. 8 years, I have been living without them. And in that time I have gone on to win every major title, several times. I have been a guest on 3 TV dramas, been a guest so many times on chat shows….lived MY life my way, and had fun!"
"Too much fun according to one interview with your dad before you got engaged to Mark. He said you were running wild!" Addison grinned. "Drinking too much, partying too much….dating too much!"
Callie grinned back and gave a small wink as she cut in. "Hanging around with the wrong type of people, bad influences!" She pointed at Addison and laughed as the reporter said "Teddy Altman wasn't that naughty!" Callie shook her head as she stopped giggling. "I was 18 and had been under my parents thumb from the moment they realised I could not just hold a racquet, but knew what to do with it. I had no friends, wasn't allowed to talk to any other players or their families….was privately schooled by a tutor whilst on the tour, spent my holidays just practising tennis. When I wanted my freedom, it came at a cost….not just financially…but I was suffocating, I had to break free, I had to! in the last 8 years, yeah…I have partied, normally AFTER a tournament, I mean there is a VERY good chance I will be drinking and dancing tonight, got a lot to celebrate! I made great friends…Addi…and in a way, found a new family! You, Teddy, the Webbers….Mark. I had a few flings, some ill advised and some…well let's just say …uhm…not ones to be proud of, as we all do at that age! Right? But, not that many! Then again I had a few serious relationships before Mark and I decided we were more than friends and tried to make a go of things!"
"Hardly running wild!" Addison nodded. "In fact, you grew up very quickly when you broke from your parents"
"I had to" Callie nodded. "Which means I had to learn to trust my instincts, I had no one to go to for real advice, I had to learn as I went along, learn the hard way in some cases"
"Really?"
Callie chuckled. "You mean you haven't heard about my marriage to George O'Malley? That was a novice mistake! And then Alex Karev? I couldn't tell he was serious and just thought we were having fun…misread that and hurt a good man….though we are friends now, good friends I'm pleased to say! And Erica, she tried to get me to hide that side of myself away, as if being bisexual was something to be ashamed of, and I hated the secrecy, made me feel …dirty! And yet, I never really cared enough to try and fight her on it, wasn't bothered if people didn't know, I knew we wouldn't last…I just don't like secrets. So yeah, I have had some messy mistakes, but I have learnt from them, got stronger and more sure of myself, confident! And, and all without my parents telling me how to feel or how to think. So…do they know about me and Arizona? Probably!" She shrugged. "They, they will have seen it on TV or in the papers by now. But. Do I care? Seriously?" she smirked and shrugged again
"Guessing that's a no huh?" Addison winked
Callie chuckled as she nodded
"You mentioned you had, what, a fling with Erica? That's interesting" Addison tilted her head a fraction and pursed her lips." How long did it last?"
Callie paused to think before saying hesitantly "Four, maybe five months? Not sure really. We saw each other over that period of time, but Erica wanted it to be a big secret, so we could go a week or more before we would see each other. It wasn't exactly a wild affair if you know what I mean!"
"From your point of view!" Arizona cut in. "Think Erica was perhaps, more, shall we say invested? So it seems from the things she said recently"
"Maybe she was" Callie said coldly. "But, it was never anything serious to me. Never"
"Not like with Arizona huh? A bit different?" Addison smiled at the couple
"I love Arizona" Callie replied quickly. "So yeah. Big difference. Huge"
"Some people would be surprised to hear you admit to an affair with Hahn, you're not exactly kown for having a friendly rivalry!" Addison giggled
Callie smiled back and pursed her lips. "What can I say. I am someone who leave her tennis games on the court and her private life of it. Not everyone can do that"
Addison nodded. "So you think Erica deliberately told the press about you and Arizona, as payback for beating her and Stevens today?"
"You'd have to ask her!" Callie laughed. "But if she thinks it bothers us, if she thinks we were hiding our relationship, well…sorry! I love Arizona, and Arizona loves me. And nothing else matters. WE have nothing to hide. We just didn't say anything sooner as, well, it's new to us! We wanted to just, enjoy ourselves and live in a little bubble for a while. We are not some dirty secret, if that's what she thinks that is her problem"
Addison raised her eyebrows and asked. "You must have some juicy gossip about Erica you could share? Payback maybe?"
Callie threw her head back and laughed again. "Oh I know plenty, believe me. But, I wouldn't do that. People are entitled to a private life. Unlike others I DO respect that. No. If there si going to be any payback, it will be on a tennis court. Wimbledon is coming, Erica has never won there, and I intend to make sure she never does!"
"Me to!" Arizona chimed in, playfully raising her hand and smiling brightly
"Fighting talk!" the red head gasped.
"Maybe" the blonde grinned as she looked at Callie. "Or maybe I just really, really wanna win Wimbledon!"
"The doubles?" Callie asked innocently
"That to" the blonde grinned, laughing as Callie raised an eyebrow and growled. "Bring it on!"
"So you are planning a rematch of yesterdays singles final at Wimbledon?" Addison asked with a knowing smirk
"Absolutely!" Callie said confidently. "And if I knock Erica off the World number One spot along the way, bonus!"
Addison laughed as she shook her head before finally saying. "Well, it has been a delight talking to both of you today. And I want to thank you for your honesty and your patience. I will let you head off now, as I believe you have a Champions Ball to prepare for!"
"We do!" "That's right!" the two women replied
"Well then" Addison stood up and made a show of hugging both of her friends before sitting back down and looking at the camera to add. "This is Addison Montgomery, thanking her guest Callie Torres and Arizona Robbins, and wishing them BOTH the best of luck for Wimbledon!" She turned to look at them ad added. "Now get going….there must be a champagne glass or two with your names on it!"
"And I do LOVE champagne" Callie grinned and winked at Arizona, causing the blonde to blush furiously just as the director called "Cut!"