Chapter 24
AN: I know I know and I'm sorry you had to wait so long. I have the way of the story in my head, but sometimes it is not so easy to put everything into the right words. The story is important to me, with all facets. And be sure I'll finish it.
R&R
Arizona's POV
To say that I am still bewildered, over the course of the evening is mildly expressed. And to realize properly what that means, I will need some more time. Maybe I'm just too naive to see the bad in people.
Right now I despair of our computer program. Nothing seems to work properly. Frustrated me without end.
"Teddy, when did Addie and Callie want to be here?"
"Uhh in about an hour and a half. Why? What's wrong?"
"Well, I don't know. I am trying to edit my schedule for the next month. But let me show you what happens when I enter a new appointment." Again, I start to enter an appointment and only a few minutes later, "Canceled" appears on my screen.
"I don't know why, but that happens all the time. Only my appointments in the children's hospital remain unchanged."
"Mhh strange. I wanted to edit my dates later, but let's see."
For the next few minutes Teddy enter her new dates, and after just a few moments, exactly the same happens. All dates are canceled.
"What the hell …. This cannot be?!" Again, Teddy starts typing, but the result is the same. All entered dates will be canceled.
"Teddy what the hell is going on here? This can not be normal. When was the last time that the computer system has been checked?"
"Before our trip. But that can not be the reason. On the individual programs, not everyone has access."
"Ok, but on our calendar has only us and …"
"Mel." The only thing we do now is to look at us confused. We really don't understand what is going on here.
"Arizona, I think, Callies contract begins to make sense. How much time do we have before our women are here?"
"About an hour. Why?"
"I have a suspicion. Let's see if I'm right."
So she gets up and leaves her office, only to come back a few moments later with a confused looking Mel.
"Hi Mel, I just made fresh coffee and thought, since we never have much time to talk, we can do it now. But give me a few minutes, I would like to add a few new dates really fast."
Oh Teddy you're awesome. For the next half hour or so, we talk to Mel about her life. And I must say I understand more and more why Callie calls her "drug girl". But she really is behaving strangely.
As Mel then goes back to her place, it seems as if Teddy counts the seconds.
"Teddy, what are you waiting for? Or what is so interesting on your screen?"
"If I'm right, we will know at once who canceled our appointments. Then we just need to find out why."
And as by ghost hand, these appointments are also canceled.
"Teddy, what do we do now? I would like to know what all this means. Why does she do that? I mean, it makes no sense. If it hurts us, it hurts her too. Sooner or later. And what's the deal with Callie's contract?" At the moment I feel totally overwhelmed. This makes no sense to me.
"Arizona, first of all, when did you last have time to enter your dates yourself?"
"I cannot tell you exactly."
"Exactly. We always rely on Mel. Ok and now remember what this contract says. Callie knows we have problems. And she knows who caused these problems. With this contract, she tries to protect everyone. Not only now, but also in the future."
"Teddy I do not know if I understand what you're trying to say. At the moment I do not know where my head stands. Why did we not notice it? I mean, I'm not blind." The whole thing frustrates me immensely. Why does someone do something like that?
"Have you read the entire contract?"
"Well, kind of. But I was too shocked by the amount."
"Do not think about the money now. For one, Callie tries to buy herself freely with this contract. But since she knows her father and knows that he will not do it so easy, she tries to protect everything. Everything and everyone. Her relationships, both business and private. This contract forbids her father to take action against others. Alone the attempt to cause harm will be expensive for him."
"So you think that's his first answer to this contract?"
"Yes and no. I think he has something to do with Mel. But before he even knew about the contract. Our problems began sooner. Even before he could know what Callie will do. And he had all the time in the world when we were with your parents. At this time Mel was here to organize the office. I really think it is his work. He tries with every means to hurt Callie. He is ruthless."
"Yeah, I think you're right. You know, it's just so hard to believe. I mean, I just do not understand how someone can be so vicious. We have never had to experience such a thing as we grew up. Our parents were always understanding. Even with the heavy start on our visit to my parents, after that it was perfect."
"You're right. But I must also say I was very frightened. I had never seen your family like that before. Even then not, when we did not do what they told us. You know, when we just went to this concert, even though they had banned us."
"Yes, but I really think they were simply overwhelmed with the situation. And a little it is also my fault. I should have said something before. If they had known, they would not have been so surprised. They'd better have responded to Callie's father and his utterances. I'm sure. But in the end everything was good. And I am so glad to have my family. And I love them even more since they added Callie and Addie, so easily. And they did not do it out of pity."
"They would never do anything out of pity. I had a guilty conscience when Addie and I just left. But I thought you needed that time together."
"We did, we really did. It was hard and totally emotional. But also great. Wow, that sounds kind of funny. And after that we all had a really great time. And I know my parents love Callie."
"They do. And also Tim. But I would have made him sweat more. Haha his face was divine. He had almost the same face in school when he found out that his girlfriend was yours too. Too good. Hahaha."
"Really Teddy? Anyway. What do we do about Mel? We cannot pretend as if everything is fine."
"We have to talk to Callie and Addie."
"Teddy no. We can't do that. Callie already has enough on her plate."
"Arizona, she has to know. She already knows we have problems. This is nothing new for her. Now we only know more. We know how and what. She has to know that. Oh that reminds me, she wanted to talk to me. Do you know what it is?"
"Not really. I have a clue, but I'm not sure. We will know as soon as she is here. Have you thought about how our new practice will be?"
"Yes a little. But it depends on the size of the rooms. I'd like to give seminars."
"Oookay? What kind of seminars?"
"Depends on. We must not forget what Callie has in mind. This way I can not offer all kinds of courses. But I still have a lot of options. For example courses for self-discovery, trauma-coping. And I would love to work more with people like Callie. And you?"
"I like this idea. I would very much like to do more in trauma treatment with children and adolescents. And of course working with Callie. I am convinced of her idea. You and I are both best suited for this. Well and the right rooms we will find."
The next minutes we spend in a pleasant conversation, about the location of the practice, number of rooms, size and possible staff. I must say, the more I think about it, the more I get excited. Soon we are interrupted by a knock at Teddy's door and Mel tells us that our wives have arrived.
For the brief moment I see Mel, I try to read her. What am I looking for? I'm not really sure. Maybe guilt, fear, I really don't know. But what I see in her eyes makes me stunned. I did not expect that at all. And I can not help but gasping for air.
"Hey Sweetheart, is everything ok? I mean, I'm glad you're excited to see me, but not so." Callie puts her lips on my temple, and I'm sure she can feel how much my pulse is racing.
"Yes. Hey. Yeah everything is fine."
But I can see in Teddy's eyes, she knows it's not alright. And I know Callie and Addie know it too. And I don't know what I should or can do about it. So much hatred and, yes, arrogance, I've never seen in my life. I mean, I know our eyes are our mirror of our soul. And that is why I don't understand.
"Ok, what's going on here? Arizona I've never seen you so distraught. Absolutely mad, excited, yes, but never like this. So you two, what's going on?"
"Callie, wait. Before we discuss that here, what do you guys think when we change the location. I don't know what is going on. But maybe that helps."
"And I thought I was the psychologist in our relationship. Hahaha."
"Come on, shut up. Give me a kiss and let us get out of here." Addie and Teddy are gorgeous together. I never thought to see Teddy in such a relationship. But the two complement each other perfectly. I am happy to see my best friend so. In a loving relationship. Full respect, recognition and understanding. She has exactly what I have. And on days like this, I know that even more to appreciate.
After about half an hour we found a great place on the beach. A miracle at this time of the day. And as by magic hand, Addie has managed to get us to deliver Chinese. While we enjoy our spontaneous picnic, I can feel Callie's eyes on me.
The whole time I think about how I tell the two what is going on. Callie already has enough on her plate and I know this will bring even more stress. But I also know she needs to know.
"Okay, before you pierce me with your eyes. I'll try to explain what's going on."
And I tell everything. How the trouble has begun to what happened today. "But what has shocked me so was the view from Mel. Believe me, something like that I've never seen before. There was so much hatred and at the same time arrogance. I felt very bad."
I can see Callie and Addie are both stunned. The question of why we did not say something earlier is asked to both of us. But I do not know how to answer it. I mean, patients cancel appointments. This is nothing unusual. Teddy and I needed a little longer to understand that there was something else behind it. Maybe we were both too naive.
"Humm. Wait a moment. Teddy, you had your computer system checked out before we went on vacation?" Addie's question I don't understand.
"Yes, about a week before the vacation."
"And it was the same service staff as always?"
"To be honest, I do not know. On that day, neither Arizona nor I were in practice. These things were always monitored by Mel. I really do not know it. But why is that important?"
"Honey, please try to figure out who did the job that day. This could give us important clues."
While Teddy is on the phone, I notice for the first time that Callie is damn calm. Too calm.
Callie's POV
I do not believe it. Why? How? Ugh maybe I should just stop asking these questions. I will not find any answers anyway. I am just glad we have worked out this contract, just as we did it.
With this action, my father has done no favor.
"Callie, are you okay? I am so sorry."
"Arizona, why are you apologizing? Honey, that's not your fault. I am sorry that I am the reason for your problems. But believe me when I tell you that everything has an end soon. This was the last time my father tried to destroy my life, or that others. Addie what do you think, he got it already?"
"Yes I think so. If the earth shakes equally, we can be sure of 100%. What do you think he will do?"
"Mhh I'm not quite sure. But it will not be nice. I'm not worried about myself, but what about you all? What if we missed something? What if he finds a way to harm you all further?"
"Callie, we thought of everything. And if he tries something, I still have my ace in my sleeve. You know my dad is not Carlos's biggest fan, he would be glad to buy your share."
How right Addie is. Our fathers are like fire and ice. With a difference. Addie's father never does anything to harm others. He is a great figure in his discipline, not a question, but he always finds ways that lead everyone to be satisfied in the end. He is warm-hearted, always for a fun to have, and is not a pity to make his fingers dirty. Hahaha, I can still remember very well how Addie and I as 12-year-old absolutely wanted to have our own garden. For my parents that was unimaginable, but for Addie's no problem at all. Her father was the one who helped us make the roses. With everything that goes with it. Addie's father was so much more father to me than my own.
"Are you sure? I mean, not that he will destroy our roses when something goes wrong."
Addie's hearty laughter makes me relax a little. I know her daddy would never do anything to hurt his little girl. And I know that he has long been searching for a way to get his hands in my father's business. I do not know what, but what it is between the two men is no friendship, that's for sure.
Growing up in a wealthy family also means that you have to make certain commitments. Whatever your daily job is. One of these commitments is to show everyone how well you are. That means, you give parties, you are invited to these, and only to show what you have.
I can remember, we always had such parties in our house. I never understood what is so important. As a little girl, it was just loud. With increasing age, and the ability to see things from a different light, it only made things worse. I learned to see behind the façade. It was not just about showing what you have, no, more important was to let those around you know how much power you have.
Addie's family did much for the community. She still does. Their parties always had a social reason. It was never a question of augmenting their own wealth, but of how best to achieve it for others. Addies family supports many social institutions and organizations. Something my family never understood.
I get torn out of my thoughts by light pressure on my shoulders. "Uhm Callie, do you have a minute?" With a slight nod I show Teddy that she can continue to tell. "Ok, so I talked to the computer company. About two months ago Pater hired a new employee. Good testimonials, very good references. A certain Mike LaMas. According to his documents, he has just moved into the city. Well, Pater was very impressed with his work. Anyway. This Mike has checked our computer system. Here, Pater sent me a photo. I asked him to do nothing for now."
When Teddy shows me her phone, it runs cold down my spine. "Addie look. The guy called Mike Rodriguez, and he's been working for my father since he's not wearing any diapers. Unbelievable."
The looks of Arizona and Teddy are full of horror, "Callie, what will we do about it?"
Before I have the opportunity to answer, Addie says, "We will do the following. Teddy, call Pater again and ask him to send you the papers. But use your private email. Furthermore, we will not do anything at first. I know I know this sounds crazy. But you must trust me here. You read the contract for Carlos, it was thought of everything. I know this is about your existence, but please trust me. We have enough evidence against Carlos if we need them. I think the best for the next few days will be to pretend everything is all right."
"Addie I trust you, and I know that Teddy does it too. But I do not know if I can. I'm so angry, I don't know how to deal with Mel."
"You don't have to. For now. Work from home."
"Addie I can not just work from home. That's impossible. I also do not want my patients to come to my house. Apart from that, I have no more appointments. Everything canceled. Only in the hospital."
"Arizona sweetheart, what Addie says is not so wrong. Arrange new appointments. Let your patients know your email address has changed. I know this is not something you want to do and I'm very sorry. But it'll be over soon."
Arizona's gaze tells me that she is not happy about it. No one is happy about this situation. And I pray that this will soon come to an end. Everyone tells me it's not my fault, and they could be right. But it does not make me feel better, when I see how the people who mean so much to me, suffer.
"Uhm, I know the timing couldn't be less favorable. But Teddy I need your help with another thing."
"Ok, how can I help you?"
"I need a doctor. Throughout the years, I've seen the doctor my parents thought fit. But I think it's time to look for a doctor I trust. Not someone who is on the payroll of my parents."
"Are you ok Callie? Sure, I'll help you. But are you really okay?"
"Yes, don't worry. I have not been to my check ups for a long time. Arizona and I have talked about it. I have just no idea where I can find the right doctor. And I would like to start afresh, without the results of the examination I have received from my parents."
"That should not be a problem. Male or female? Oh, what do you mean by your parents? When was your last check up?"
"My parents were always the first to see my test results. And let's just say my last check up is quite a while ago. Because of said reason."
"Ok, I would recommend you, Dr. Warner. She works at the community center. I met her a couple of years ago, and I can safely say she knows what she is doing. You're not the first one she's working with. If you want I can call her and make an appointment?"
"Thank you Teddy. But if you give me her contact information, I can also call. I'm a big girl."
"Don't be ridiculous. You know how it is with appointments. Let me call and you'll see you have an appointment in a few days."
Teddy was right, within a few minutes I had an appointment. There's something good about being friends with the right people.
Later in the evening, Arizona and I sit on our roof terrace and enjoy our time together. I mean, I like to spend time with our friends. But my time with Arizona is sacred.
"You know, if I'm honest, I like the idea that you're working here. You and I, together here. Do you know what this means?"
"Hmmm, I can imagine very well what you mean. Will we also work from time to time?"
Laughing, Arizona snuggles even deeper into my side. I could always spend my day just like this. Just in these moments, we can both easily forget the world. Nothing is important.
I'm sure I could fall asleep here and now, if my phone would not tell me that I have a new message.
"You want war? Then you will get war."
What do you think will happen next?