TITLE: Grey's Anatomy – "Out Here On My Own"
SUMMARY: Doctor Arizona Robbins has finally come to a decision after years of attempting to regain the love of her ex-wife. She didn't have the epiphany on her own; it was ungraciously shoved in her face by others. Is it finally time to move on and find some happiness or is she preordained to be alone?
Pairings: Arizona Robbins & Jamie Miller; Callie Torres & Taylor Gordon.
RATING: M for mature readers.
DISCLAIMER: The television characters are owned by Creator Shonda Rhimes, ShondaLand, The Mark Gordon Company and ABC Studios. I have merely taken them out to play and will return them unscathed once my Muse is done. All original characters belong to the author. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is gained from this storytelling.
A/N: Please feel free to review, follow or favour. Thanks to those who have taken the time to leave a comment.
Chapter 26
Monday 14th November
Arizona woke first and was showering when Jaimie appeared behind her. Rinsing off hair conditioner, she turned and greeted her with a kiss. The fevered contact swiftly escalated and led to her favourite water sport and multiple orgasms as Jaimie desperately clung to her.
Adhering to her promise, Arizona refrained from crying while she dressed and Jaimie finished up in the bathroom. She donned a pair of black jeans, a white undershirt and a blue jumper. She was putting on her engagement ring when Jaimie joined her.
"You look really beautiful Az," she said, draping arms around her hips.
"I'm pretty fond of your naked look," cooed Arizona in reply before cupping her left hand around Jaimie's face. "I'm so lucky to be loved by you."
"I'm the lucky one and don't distract me; I need to get dressed."
"In that case I better leave before I ravish you again."
"I'd prefer that, but duty calls."
"Yes it does Soldier Doc."
The smile left Jaimie's face, "I know we have avoided this moment, but once we leave the house for the airport, our chances of speaking in private will be limited. I need to tell you I will never love another. You are my safe harbour, my guiding light bringing me home to our love. We have made wonderful memories together and I fully intend on making more as we grow old side by side. Your love will comfort me when I am alone and nourish me when I require strength. I am deeply in love with you Arizona Robbins and you will be forever in my heart."
Arizona released the bite she had being holding on her bottom lip, "I really want to cry, but won't. Your words always touch me and I want you to know I will wake each morning proud of you. You will carry my heart with you wherever you go. I know you are needed overseas, but you belong here, beside me. Be safe my darling and return to the one whose heart you hold."
Blinking back her own tears, Jaimie whispered, "Bloody hell that was so sweet my love and I cherish your words."
"I'm leaving now before I break my oath to you."
Nodding, Jaimie had the final word, "I admire your courage and will be there soon."
-o-
Arizona wasn't too surprised to find her mother and Beverley already in the kitchen preparing breakfast. "Morning, is there anything I can do?" she asked in greeting.
"Good morning sweetie and no," replied Barbara with a smile.
"Everything is done," added Beverley. "Go sit. Coffee is on the table and the others are waiting."
"Okay and thanks for doing this," remarked Arizona as she headed for the dining area. "Good morning everyone," she said while taking her seat moments later.
There was a collective reply and Daniel inquired, "How did you sleep Pumpkin?"
"Really well thanks dad. So what is the plan?"
Joel was the one to answer, "Jaimie will drive her SUV with you, her mom and Luke while I drive your parents and Teddy."
Pouring a mug of coffee, Arizona nodded, "Sounds good to me."
"As Jaimie's flight to D.C. doesn't take off until nine, we'll leave here at seven so she doesn't have to hang out at the departure lounge on her own for too long," continued Joel as a camouflage fatigues attired Jaimie approached the table.
"Good morning," she commented while sitting beside Arizona. "It's a beautiful day and if anyone cries, they don't get to ride to the airport." Reaching out, she took hold of Arizona's hand as their mothers delivered platters of food to the table.
No one cried throughout the meal and all too soon Jaimie had stowed her two kits and guitar in her car and the trip to the airport began.
-o-
As the group neared the security checkpoint, Arizona felt a tightening to her upper torso when she spotted her friends lined up holding flags and banners and forming a guard of honour.
"Who is running the hospital?" she asked a beaming Richard who was nursing Samantha.
"The Residents are under the watchful eye of my wife while the remaining Attendings handle things.
"This is awesome you guys," gushed Jaimie as she put down her bags and hugged April. "I'm really touched." Turing to Arizona, she suggested, "You can cry now if you want to, because I'm about to."
"No, I've come this far honey." She stood by while Jaimie received farewell kisses and hugs then engaged in a quiet moment with her family. Arizona watched as Jaimie handed them each an envelope and that caused her previously spoken words to go to the wayside when Jaimie stepped into her arms. Arizona allowed the tears to cascade down her face and held on tight, "I love you."
"I love you more and I'll be home before you know it."
"You better be or I'll hit people with bricks."
Letting out a laugh amongst her tears, Jaimie replied, "I'd expect no less from you. Now be awesome with the tiny humans and I'll call as soon as I can."
"I will and be a rock star Colonel Miller; I'm so proud of you."
Letting go, Jaimie picked up her gear, "I love you Az."
"Me too with all my heart," shot back Arizona as Jaimie joined the queue for security. She kept watching until Jaimie cleared the area and disappeared from view.
Barbara and Teddy approached Arizona and she sobbed into her mother's shoulder.
-o-
Arizona was completing afternoon rounds when Jaimie called, "Hey honey, how was your flight?"
"Hello and it was smooth. I just received my official orders and met my unit members. I've served with them all before so there's no breaking-in period required. How was my mum after I left?"
"She was a mess just like yours truly."
"Shit that sucks."
"It's all right Jaimie. We actually felt better after a good old fashioned cry."
"I'm pleased and there is an envelope for you in the top drawer of the study desk."
"I wondered where it was considering I didn't get it at the airport."
"I didn't want to make a tool of myself at the airport."
"It's not full of doom and gloom, is it?"
"No sweetheart, it's a love letter."
"Oh that's so much better. Does it have any sexy parts?"
Laughing, Jaimie answered, "It might do."
"In that case I'll peruse it in the bath tonight."
"You're bloody hopeless Robbins."
"Yes I am, hopelessly in love with you."
"That's what I like to hear."
"Where are you now?"
"I'm in the Officer's Mess at Edwards Air Force Base. Our flight is due to leave in thirty, so I'm having a quiet beer with lunch."
"Callie told me Sofia asked to sleep in her bed last night in case she cried again."
"She is such a cutie and very thoughtful of others."
"Not really honey. It was all a ruse. She was the one that cried and wanted to be held."
"In that case she is adorable."
"Yes she is."
"How is Reggie doing?"
"Really good and if he keeps improving; he can go home at the end of the week."
"That's terrific sweetheart. Oh Az, I have to go. The Loadmaster is walking my way."
"All right, I love you and have a safe journey."
"Cheers and I love you too, bye."
"Bye babe." Pocketing her phone, Arizona noticed the Nurses at the station looking at her with smiles on their faces. "Uhm, that was Colonel Miller," she explained to the curious onlookers.
"No, really Captain Obvious?" quipped Andrea. "Who would have guessed?"
"I'm searching for a brick," joked Arizona. "Someone find me one STAT."
Her colleagues bellowed with laughter as Arizona joined in.
-o-
Tuesday 15th November
After seeing her parents and Teddy off at the airport, Arizona drove to work and was immediately paged to the Pit while changing into scrubs. Running to the lifts, she arrived at the Charge Counter only to be directed to Trauma Room 2. She found Owen and Edwards working on a small boy.
Glancing up, Owen presented the case, "Seven year old Dylan Randall fell out of the school bus emergency exit window and was struck by a motorist. Paramedics found him unconscious and unresponsive at the scene. Open penetrating head injury to the left side. Left pupil is fixed and dilated. Cerebrospinal fluid drainage to the nose, mouth and both ears. Open fracture of the left tibia and fibula, crush injuries to the right femur and ankle and the abdomen is extended and rigid. CT shows bleeding to the spleen, liver and left kidney. Spine is stable with no signs of trauma. Blood pressure is low as is heartrate. Neuro and Ortho have both been paged."
Viewing the scans, Arizona ordered, "Edwards, page Doctors Torres and Shepard and tell them to meet me in OR 2. Page Doctor Grey with the same message; we have to stop his internal bleeding and relieve the pressure to his brain A-SAP."
"On it Doctor Robbins."
-o-
Arizona, Meredith and Callie were scrubbing out as they watched Amelia continue to operate on Dylan. The damage caused by the traumatic brain injury was severe and repair was not a probable outcome. The other Surgeons had completed their procedures in putting the patient's small body back together, but Amelia's task was not likely to finish any time soon.
"His chances aren't good," lamented Meredith while reaching for a towel.
Callie nodded in agreement, "Even if he survives, his quality of life will be highly diminished. I feel for the parents; do either of you know what exactly happened?"
Anger rose in Arizona as she stepped off the water pedal and grabbed a cloth, "Owen said the school bus bully pushed him out of the emergency window exit because Dylan refused to hand over his lunch box."
"Jesus, where was the bus monitor?" inquired an upset Meredith.
A teary Arizona answered, "Oh the bully had knocked her to the floor when she approached."
"That is so wrong," complained Callie. "Where do kids get that from?"
"Usually their parents or the idiots on the Internet," replied Arizona gruffly.
"It's a sad world when a child thinks that is acceptable behaviour," voiced Meredith before leaving.
"I can't argue with that," remarked Callie sadly as she and Arizona departed. "Have you spoken to Jaimie yet?"
A smile crept up on Arizona's lips, "She called yesterday before flying out of D.C. It will be days before she can contact me again. I sent a care package this morning on the way to the airport."
"She'll appreciate that. How long was her flight?"
"Thirteen hours."
"Crap, are you okay for dinner tonight when you pick up Sofia?"
"I certainly am. Will Taylor be there?"
"Taylor is on night shift and I'm making spaghetti and meatballs."
"Yum."
"You can sleep over if you want and have a couple of wines."
"Is this your way of keeping an eye on me?"
"Yes."
"I appreciate your concern, but I want to be home just in case Jaimie manages to call."
"Oh of course, I didn't think of that."
"It's cool Cal. You want to grab a coffee?"
"Sure and I'll buy."
-o-
Jaimie didn't phone that evening and Arizona's day didn't get off to a good start the next day when she attended the Ped's Ward only to be met by Amelia at the Nurses' Station and given the news Dylan Randall had suffered an aneurism and passed away before the Neurosurgeon could get him into theatre.
Shaken by the news, Arizona took a moment before speaking, "Have the parents been informed?"
"They were with him when he suffered the seizure. They are still in the PICU saying their goodbyes."
"Shit, I'll go offer my condolences. This day just sucks big time."
"I hear you," concurred Amelia. "I'll go with you."
"Thanks Amy. Have you seen Karev this morning?"
"No, but I did hear him and Jo got into it yesterday in the cafeteria."
"I wonder what that was about. They seemed so happy Saturday night after the proposal."
"Well you just never know with those two."
"True."
The two Doctors made their way to the PICU then Arizona conducted morning rounds. Workwise, her days were busy for the remainder of the week and she was grateful to accept Alex's invite for dinner and drinks at Joe's Friday.
It was just after six when Arizona entered the bar and located Alex at the counter nursing a beer. "You been here long?" she asked while settling on the stool beside him.
Turning his head, Alex replied, "Nah, just ordered my first drink."
Joe approached, "What will it be Doctor Robbins?"
"I'll take a beer thanks Joe."
"You got it."
"Is Sofia with Callie tonight?" inquired Alex in between sips of beer.
"Yes. She and Taylor have taken her for a weekend on the boat."
"She'll enjoy that."
A bottle was placed in front of Arizona, "Thanks Joe. So what's going on with you and Jo?"
"Nothing apart from the fact our engagement didn't last long."
"Say what?"
"It turns out she got a little carried away in saying yes and explained on Sunday that she can't marry me until she gets a divorce."
"No, wait … what the hell? She's already married?"
"Yup, seems she actually married that druggie of a boyfriend that used to beat on her."
"Oh Alex, I'm really sorry. What are you going to do?"
"I've been staying at the Archerfield and giving myself time to think. I'm pissed at her for not telling me sooner. It's not the first time she has kept something from me."
"I remember all too well and it sucks. Once we have finished our beers, we are going to the hotel to check you out then you are staying at my place."
"You sure about that?"
"Of course I am. You took me in when Callie kicked me out, so no arguments Mister."
A crocked grin appeared on Alex's face, "Thanks Arizona."
"Besides, it will be good to have your company. The house is too quiet without Jaimie."
"You heard from her?"
"No, but that's to be expected while she settles in."
"That's a bummer dude and seems as I'll be staying with you; let me buy you dinner."
"Deal roomie."
-o-
Sunday 20th November
As Arizona and Alex sat on the couch with beers in hand and a bowl of chips on the low table waiting for the start of the NHL game between Columbus and Washington, Arizona's phone rang. Picking it up off the table, she grinned when she read Jaimie's name.
"Hey honey, how are you?" she answered as Alex turned down the volume.
"Hi sweetheart, it's so good to hear your voice and I'm bloody tired. I just finished a twenty hour stint in the OR."
Relieved to learn her fiancée was in the Green Zone, Arizona smiled, "So you are at the hospital?"
"Yes I am. How have you been?"
"I've been great and have a house guest."
"Who my love?"
"Alex, we were just about to watch the ice hockey."
"Robbins, I'll go use the other TV and give you some privacy" interrupted Alex. "Hey Jaimie, your girl is missing you. Stay safe."
"Thank you and Jaimie says hello."
Once Alex left, Arizona leaned back and got comfortable, "Alex and Jo are going through a rough patch and he is staying with me."
"What happened?"
"It appears Jo is already married."
"Bloody hell, that's one hell of a secret."
"Big time and Alex is heartbroken. He really loves her but she keeps coming up with shit she has kept from him. He wants to settle down and start his own family."
"Poor guy; he deserves better, but I'm glad you have someone there with you."
"He's no substitute for you, but is awesome company. Have things been confirmed your end?"
"Yes and next week will be busy."
"I understand honey and that's great news in one way."
"That's my girl and yes, the news is good. How is Sofia?"
"She asks about you often and has a little cry, but otherwise she is doing well. She is currently on the yacht with Callie, Taylor, Teddy and Luke."
Arizona could image the smile on Jaimie's face as she spoke, "She'll have a good time. How is work?"
"I've been busy and mailed you a letter along with a care package."
"I look forward to receiving them and did your read my letter yet?
"No honey, I decided I wasn't going to until the day before you arrived home."
There was a chuckle on the other end, "Fair enough and I can benefit from that."
"Yes you can. I did intend on sending you ten Caramello Bears, but I ate four. They were really delicious and your Aunt Maree is mailing me two whole boxes, so I will send more next time."
"I'll excuse you this time and be happy with six. They are my favourite treat besides you of course."
"Thank you. Oh, Meredith and Nathan are officially dating."
"That's fantastic. How did Owen react?"
"Since Owen's wedding, they have been getting along better, so it's all happy times here in Seattle."
"Excellent," rejoiced Jaimie with a giggle. "I should be able to Skype with you Saturday. I'm scheduled to have the day off."
"I'm on shift, but I'm sure Alex will swap with me."
"No worries my love and I'll contact you about nine in the morning your time."
"I'll be sure to be waiting with Sofia."
"Are your parents ready for the move?"
"Yes. They are arriving next Saturday and staying with me until the removal truck gets to their house on Tuesday."
"I'm happy to hear that is all going well," remarked Jaimie before yawning.
"Baby, go to bed."
"I'm already there."
A soft groan escaped from Arizona, "That's a nice image you have just given me."
"Sweetheart, please don't go there."
"Okay, but what are you wearing?"
"Khaki boxers and a grey tee shirt."
"Mmm, that's super sexy and thank you for leaving behind your favourite tee for me to wear."
Jaimie yawned again, "You are welcome."
"You better go to sleep."
"I can't. I have to call my family first."
"In that case, goodnight and I love you."
"All right Bossy Boots and I love you more."
"Not possible. Be safe honey."
"You too, bye."
-o-
Up next: Skype and tissue time.