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 & Jaimie 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. Apologies for the delay in posting this chapter, but real life and work takes priority. I hope you enjoy!
Chapter 45
As the month of May drew closer to an end, both Callie and Taylor had returned to Grey+Sloan, and much to their relief, Penny was nothing but professional when dealing with them workwise. A tentative rapport had been forged while Leah Murphy accomplished the same relationship with her former colleagues. Richard Webber was no longer the Director of the Residency Program and was effectively demoted to General Surgeon. He had been replaced by a younger Physician from Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston.
When the announcement had been made by Catherine at a hastily convened Board Meeting on the twenty ninth, Meredith had cried foul and made an accusation of cronyism considering Doctor York arrived from the very same hospital where Catherine did most of her work.
The news did not bode well with the other Doctors and they had immediately stood and left the conference room.
An upset Bailey had protested vehemently when confronted by the irate mob in the Attendings' Lounge shortly afterwards. She stated she had no say in the matter and had basically been threatened with dismissal if she went against the decision.
After finding out about the relegation from Arizona during dinner that night, Jaimie admitted to not being surprised by the fact Richard had left the home he shared with Catherine and had taken a room at the Archerfield Hotel.
Shaking her head, Jaimie put down her fork, "I'm glad I missed all that by being on nightshift and bloody hell, I am just going to put it out there and suggest Catherine is shagging Doctor York."
"Uhm, Alex said the same thing and is absolutely livid."
"You have to admit it's all a bit suspect."
There was a bob of the head from Arizona, "Yes, but what can we do?"
"First of all and if it is agreeable to you, once we've finished eating I'd like you to offer our pool house to Richard. It's vacant since Alex moved in with Lucy last week and the man shouldn't be alone."
Reaching across the table, Arizona gripped Jaimie's right hand, "There you go again forcing me to fall in love with you all over again."
Smirking, Jaimie concluded, "Yeah, I'm terrible that way. Seriously, tell Richard I'll even toss in home cooked meals."
A radiant, full dimpled smile greeted the words, "He won't be able to resist."
Richard didn't and he moved into the abode the following morning. As promised, there was a delicious meal at dinner time then the remaining Board Members arrived for dessert and a brainstorming session on how to deal with the latest change commenced.
To take the stress off Richard, Jaimie and Alex took him to Las Vegas for the weekend along with Nathan and Ben. Arizona was on-call and delighted to receive Jaimie's call Saturday evening.
"Hello honey, how are things?"
"Hi my love, all is well. You'll be pleased to know Richard and Alex are at Celine Dion's concert and Ben and Nathan are at the craps table. Richard is doing fine and admitted he had his own suspicions about his wife's relationship with Dirk York and the real reasons for her lengthy absences from Seattle."
Arizona couldn't help but laugh, "Who names their kid Dirk?"
"I have no clue except to say he is a dick."
Picking up the dislike in her wife's tone, Arizona asked, "Okay, what happened?"
"The wanker flirted with me yesterday when he toured the Pit. Owen told him off and I may have used the word castration during my rebuke."
There was a raucous bellow from Arizona, "Well done and I'm carry a brick in my lab coat pocket for when I meet him."
"He's as slimy as an eel my love."
"I'll be prepared honey."
"I would have told you about him sooner, but you were still in surgery when I left Seattle."
"It's fine babe and now I understand why the majority of the nursing staff don't like him."
"Yes it would and I have some good news."
"You better share it then."
"The prototype laser unit has its final test on Monday. Initial trials have been positive, so all is good. Amelia is really excited about the finished product and eager to use it on a real patient."
"Oh Jaimie, that is awesome."
"It sure is. How are the boys?"
"Your parents graciously took them home for a sleepover and they'll return for dinner tomorrow."
"That was kind of them to help out."
"Yes and gives me less to worry about while making a dash for the hospital."
"Have you been called in much?"
"I had three lengthy emergency procedures and only arrived home an hour ago."
"Are you tired?"
"Yes and I hope to enjoy a good night's sleep."
"I'll keep my fingers crossed for you sweetheart."
"Thank you. What do you have planned?"
"I'm having dinner with the guys in an hour then off to play in some high roller poker game with Richard."
"Good luck and don't lose too much money."
"I don't need luck; I have you and am a winner."
"You are such a charmer."
"Only when it comes to you my love."
"Then I am the fortunate one. Oh, before I forget, guess who Blake is dating?"
"Murphy," replied Jaimie without hesitation.
"Correct and I wish them well."
"At least Blake has stayed out of Callie and Taylor's way."
"She has and life is good."
"No Az, it's bloody fantastic."
"True and Sofia is looking forward to seeing you Sunday night."
"That's because I promised her a gift."
"You spoil her worse than Callie and her grandparents."
"I'll admit to that. I got her a Las Vegas Barbie complete with trailer, and the boys multi-coloured Lego building blocks."
"The pieces will be too small for them."
"I got the large sized one, so you can relax Mother Bear."
"Okay and do I receive a present?"
"Besides me naked in bed, I may have picked up a little something."
"Now I am curious and horny."
A rich chuckled emitted from Jaimie, "You'll have to wait for both of those traits to be satisfied."
"You know I am impatient."
"Why yes you are and I love you."
"I love you more and do I get a clue?"
"No."
"Hey now, you are just being mean."
"Maybe, sorry my love."
Giggling, Arizona relented, "I should stop trying to force it out of you."
"You should save your energy and go to bed?"
"I'll miss you tonight."
"Only one more sleep Az then I can hold you again."
"I look forward to it and you."
"And that thought alone shall sustain me until tomorrow night."
Yawning, Arizona made her goodbye before hanging up.
-o-
Preparing for bed after a light dinner, Arizona was fast asleep before eight o'clock and didn't stir until six the next morning. She was called to the hospital just before midday and arrived home just as Jaimie and Richard pulled into the garage.
Parking beside the Expedition, Arizona noticed the pair was all smiles as they collected their respective bags from the rear compartment. Grabbing her shoulder bag off the passenger seat; she exited the vehicle and approached her wife.
"Hey, good timing and I gather you both had a relaxing weekend." Leaning in, she kissed Jaimie's lips.
"It was unforgettable," began Richard. "But I'll leave it for you lovely wife to tell you all about it. I'm beat and off to bed. Thanks again for a much needed break Jaimie and I'll see you both at work tomorrow."
Watching her friend make his egress via the back door, Arizona reached for Jaimie's left hand, "Did Webber just dance out of here?"
"He most certainly did and I'm about to escort my beautiful spouse to our bedroom to celebrate."
Blonde eyebrows rose in confusion, "Celebrate what?"
"Let's go inside and talk before Callie turns up with the girls. Your parents will be right behind them, so get a move on."
Walking into the kitchen, Arizona placed her bag on the counter, "There's been a change of plans and dinner has been pushed back until seven thirty."
Wrapping her arms around Arizona's midriff from behind, Jaimie nuzzled into blonde waves, "In that case we won't need to rush."
"That sounds awfully good to me because I missed you and want to hear all about your research."
Kissing her way along the strong line of Arizona's neck, a growl escaped past Jaimie's lips as Arizona's pager went off, "And hello crotch block." Mumbling further, she dropped her hands and walked into the hallway.
"Crap!" cursed Arizona as she read the message and followed Jaimie. "I'm sorry babe."
"It's fine Az. We can chat when you get home."
"Okay and I love you."
"I love you too. Now scoot before I beg you to stay."
"I'll call if I'm going to be held up for dinner."
"Thanks; go be awesome Doctor Robbins."
-o-
It was past ten when Arizona entered the nursery to check on the twins. Individually they were sleeping on their stomachs with only a light blanket covering them. Arizona dropped the railing and gently brushed the thick blond hair now adorning Jordan's hair, "Sleep well my beautiful boy." Repeating the action with Nathaniel, Arizona made her way to the main bedroom. The room was dark and Jaimie was in a similar position as the babies. Careful not to disturb her, Arizona readied for bed and spooned into her wife's side before pecking the bare shoulder on display.
"Hi sweetheart," murmured Jaimie. "You must be tired."
"I am and sorry we didn't have a chance to catch up."
"It's all good my love. What time do you have to be in tomorrow?"
"I don't have rounds until nine thirty, so I'll drop Sofia to school."
"Cool and she put her order in for another sister during bedtime story with Jordan and Nathaniel."
"Good grief, the twins are only seven months old, so she'll have to wait."
"I mentioned that fact to her then Taylor got into the act by suggesting we try for a baby for my birthday."
"It certainly would be nice," agreed Arizona behind a yawn.
"A discussion best left for another time."
"Mmm, goodnight honey."
"I love you Az."
-o-
Monday 3rd June
Jaimie was already gone from the house when Arizona's alarm woke her. There was a note stuck to the side of a vase of yellow roses plucked from the garden on the side table and Arizona smiled. With her tummy fluttering with butterflies, she thanked her lucky stars for Jaimie and reached to the notepaper.
Good morning my delectable angel,
I'll try to find you at work.
The babies are fed and bathed and
are being spoilt rotten by your mother
in the entertainment room.
There's a double chocolate muffin in
the micro for you and the coffee
machine is on.
Sofia screamed at her gift and the
Little Gentlemen drooled over theirs.
All three were ridiculously cute and so like you.
I won't be able to have lunch with you as I am
meeting with my lawyer and registering the
patent on my invention. I'm really excited to
begin production and MEDCOM is interested
as well as the Army Medical Core. All this
information came to light in Vegas when
Teddy called.
Anyhoo, I will find you at some stage
and tell you more.
You are my love forever and a day,
Jaimie xxxx
The grin on Arizona's face expanded as did the pride she felt for her beloved wife. She planned on dropping into the ER before rounds and the meeting of the Departmental Heads at ten. She wasn't looking forward to the gathering and engaging with Dirk York for the first time. Arizona required a little Jaimie "pick me up" beforehand to get her through the ordeal.
-o-
Waltzing into the Pit with the expectation of seeing her spouse, Arizona's high spirits eroded when confronted with sheer bedlam. A steady stream of Paramedics pushing gurneys through the ambulance bay caught Arizona's attention just as her pager buzzed into life. Seeing Owen, she reached for a yellow disposable gown from a nearby trolley and asked, "Where do you need me?"
"Exam bed three. Two year old girl submerged in water for at least three minutes. Father plucked her from underneath an overturned ferry."
Thinking she had misheard the Chief of Trauma, Arizona shook her head, "Say what?"
"There was an explosion onboard the Seattle to Bremerton Ferry before it left the pier."
"Oh my freaking god," swore Arizona as she ran to the appropriate area. Drawing back the curtain, she was met with Stephanie Edwards frantically performing chest compressions on the aforementioned toddler. Checking the monitors quickly, Arizona noted the sinus rhythm was well below the expected rate of between ninety eight and one hundred and forty then she caught sight of the crying male in his early thirties standing to the side. "Speak to me Edwards," ordered Arizona while checking for a pulse.
"Two year old Katie Walsh and her father were thrown into the water during the blast. Father resurfaced with her and managed to get her to the dock while performing rescue breathes. Began CPR and continued until Paramedics took over approximately three minutes later. Patient's heart rate is Bradycardic at forty beats per minute, pupils are responsive to light. Cyanosis is evident Patient has been intubated with mechanical ventilation with high positive end expiratory pressure. Water is draining from her stomach via a Nasogastric tube. There are no signs of head or neck injury. Cervical spine has been cleared of injury. Core body temperature is twenty point four Celsius. There has been no first spontaneous breath or a return of spontaneous cardiac output. ECG confirms chaotic rhythm of a heart in V-fib and evidence of ischemia. J waves and temperature indicate severe hypothermia. No evidence of pulmonary edema or Intra-abdominal and thoracic injuries. A full blood workup has been ordered and Cardio has been paged. Rewarming of the body has commenced with warm fluids and dry blankets. Child's weight is twenty six kilos."
Turning to the distraught father, Arizona spoke calmly, "Sir, my name is Arizona Robbins and we are going to take care of your little girl."
Through his tears, Mister Walsh acknowledged, "Please save her."
With a comforting hand to his shoulder, Arizona glanced at Nurse Walter, "Can you please take Mister Walsh to waiting?"
Once he was gone, Arizona took hold of her stethoscope, "What is your diagnosis Edwards?"
"Profound hypothermia with asystole leading to cardiac arrest."
"Excellent. Stop compressions."
Stephanie complied and staff turned their attention to the heart monitor while Arizona placed her stethoscope on the little girl's heart. There was no change and the Head of Pediatrics took the lead as she turned to the defibrillator and picked up the paddles, "Asystole, push point two six milligrams of epinephrine and charge to fifty two Joules."
Waiting thirty seconds, Arizona then shocked the patient's cardiac muscle. Those in attendance held their breaths until the green sinus line jumped into a stable rhythm. Returning the paddles to the machine, Arizona smiled at Stephanie, "Well done Doctor Edwards; excellent assessment and initial treatment. Awesome work everyone. Let's get her up to PICU and Doctor Edwards, I want an electrophysiological evaluation A-SAP then report back to me. I have a feeling I will be down here for some time. I'll go speak with Mister Walsh."
The reply was delivered behind a huge grin, "Yes Doctor Robbins."
Penny rushed into the cubicle, "What do you need?"
Arizona gave a brief summary to the Cardio Specialist then added, "I'd appreciate your assistance with the evaluation Doctor Blake."
"Not a problem and amazing job everyone," replied a chirpy Penny as she followed the bed being wheeled out of the bay.
-o-
Arizona located Katie's father standing to the left side of a chaotic waiting area. His sorrowful eyes focused on her as she drew closer.
"She's all I have left," he confessed as tears flowed freely. "Her mother is gone. Laura was grabbing a coffee inside when the explosion ripped through the ferry. She couldn't have survived the blast. I … I didn't have time to find her or … even ask if she had been found. What kind of animal would do this to innocent people … to families?"
Holding back her emotions, Arizona settled a hand on the distraught parent's shoulder, "I have no idea and I'll have someone check and see if your wife has been located."
"Thank you. How is my daughter?"
"Would you like to come with me to the Ped's ICU to sit with her?"
A glimmer of hope spread across the man's face, "She's … alive?"
"Yes Sir, but it may be some time before she wakes. Her body received significant trauma and needs time to heal."
Gulping back a sob, Mister Walsh embraced Arizona, "Thank you … thank you."
Returning the contact, Arizona went on and explained Katie's condition in more detail.
-o-
While Mister Walsh sat at his daughter's bedside, Arizona spoke with the Police Liaison Officer and made inquiries into Laura Walsh's whereabouts. After a quick check of persons brought to hospitals, it was discovered she had been sent to Grey+Sloan suffering minor burns and shrapnel wounds to her back and legs.
Going to the Reception Desk, Arizona looked up her name and found she was currently in the Burns Unit receiving treatment.
Running as fast as she could, Arizona travelled to the Ped's Ward and relayed the good news to Mister Walsh. Amid tears, he thanked her for the information then asked for directions to his wife's room.
Arizona offered to take him there before being paged to the ER again.
-o-
Three hours later, Arizona managed to take a break from the carnage and speak with Owen at the charge counter, "I haven't seen Jaimie or April. Do you know where they are?"
"They're both out in the field with Riggs running triage with the other hospitals. We're expecting more causalities in three minutes."
"What a freaking nightmare," lamented Arizona while sipping from a container of apple juice.
"You can say that again," agreed Owen as two ambulances reversed into the loading bay.
April climbed out of one and delivered her initial assessment to the Head of Trauma as Jaimie stepped out of the other rig.
She immediately went through the patient's injuries to Arizona while the gurney was wheeled inside, "Unidentified ten year old male with partial amputation of his right forearm causes by sharp force trauma. I have restored good blood flow and pulse to his hand. Nerve endings have been preserved on scene. Four broken ribs to the ride side with signs of hypertension. Blood pressure is seventy over forty with a heart rate of sixty beats per minute."
"Miller and Robbins, OR 4," shouted Owen. "Torres is already in surgery with Wilson. Everyone else from Ortho is tied up."
"On it Chief," acknowledged Jaimie as she nodded to Arizona. "We got this Robbins."
-o-
