Migmen, muchas gracias por tu comentario (tanto en inglés como en español) y especialmente por tus palabras, de corazón! Me alegra saber que hay personas como tú que disfrutan de este fic. Y tienes toda la razón en todo lo que dijiste. Gracias!
I wish you all a Happy 2021! And I hope you're all okay during this "times" we're facing!
It's past 8 pm, Arizona has just finished another surgery feeling somewhat exhausted and clearly upset by not knowing when she would see Merida again.
— Let's think just like another patient and, as soon as Alicia is discharged, we can try one more time... — the pediatrician murmurs while removing the surgical cap from her head and hurries down the hall. — Is she in the room?! Or is she in her Company?!
And as soon as she arrives at the Pediatrics floor, Arizona releases her tennis wheels and skates to Alicia Harris' room, seeing her alone and watching something on the tablet in her tiny hands.
— Good night, young lady... — Arizona says with her affectionate way when entering the place and smiles at the red-haired girl. — How are you feeling?
Alicia doesn't respond immediately, takes her eyes off the object in her hands and, smiling at the doctor, says:
— Hi! I'm fine.
As soon as she stops by the bed, Arizona winks at the child and notices she's better and with a healthy face. Then, pointing to the tablet, she asks:
— What were you doing?
— Watching a video of midi-chlorians. — Alicia responds with her huge blue eyes fixed on the pediatrician.
Wide-eyed and trying to understand what the 4-year-old child means, Arizona opens and closes her mouth a few times before asking:
— What is it?! Midi what?!
Before Alicia says anything, someone exclaims from the bedroom door:
— Dr. Robbins!
As soon as the pediatrician's eyes focus on the door, they come across the despicable Doctor Rivers. With a long sigh, Arizona winks at Alicia and steps forward to the door, leaving the room to say:
— Good night, Rivers! — she crosses her arms and looks seriously at the man ahead. — Can I help you with something?
Rivers seems to evaluate the American very well before answering:
— Well, Robbins, I came to warn you that some interns are in the Emergency.
Squinting at the doctor and trying to understand why he said that to her, Arizona says:
— Well! How nice! Glad they are working in the Emergency! This is great! I also loved being in the ER when I was an intern...
— They are not there as interns, but as patients, Dr. Robbins — Rivers responds impatiently and closes his eyes on the young pediatrician. — One of them told us he was sick after eating a donut you gave him.
— How is it?! — Arizona asks in shock and puts her hands on her hips. — I didn't give anything to anyone! I was in surgery all day!
With a smile slowly appearing on his lips, Rivers comments:
— Now, now! It seems that the American woman on roller skates really did something wrong. Distributed donuts to the interns and denies it! There are at least five interns feeling sick in the Emergency and everyone is complaining about the same thing... stomach ache, craving, vomiting...
Remembering the box with some donuts she had received from Merida in the morning and talking to the intern to share them with the other colleagues, Arizona tries to keep an indifferent expression to the man in front and, sighing quietly, says:
— Well... I'll check later what happened, but I would never hurt anyone in this hospital. Now, excuse me, I have a job to do! — having said that, she skates inside Alicia's room again and murmurs: — It's not possible that the donuts were spoiled...
The pediatrician's blue eyes fall on a colored box next to the girl's bed and perceives it to look like the one she had received from Merida. Then, opening the object, she sees three donuts there and one eaten in half.
As if something made sense, Arizona points to the box and asks:
— Alicia, my love, are these donuts yours?
Taking her eyes off the tablet and looking at the doctor, Alicia replies:
— Yes. Do you want one? You can take it!
— Oh, thank you very much, but I need to have dinner before eating a sweet. — Arizona responds with her sweet way and winks at the girl. — Could I know who gave them to you?
Stating with her head, Alicia replies:
— San and May.
Fearing something and sitting on the bed, Arizona looks intensely at the girl when asking:
— San and May?! Are they your friends?
The child shakes her head before speaking:
— No! They work with my mam and are really cool! I know some things in French and Spanish because of them — Alicia smiles weakly at the pediatrician.
Hating herself for being right, Arizona immediately realizes that the donuts she received from Merida were ordered by the Welsh's "adorable" secretaries and, remembering the way they treated her, Arizona is absolutely certain that her donuts were spoiled or with a "little surprise".
Then, biting her lower lip to keep from screaming in anger at the redhead's secretaries, Arizona strokes Alicia's hair and stands up, moving slightly away from the bed.
— I understand... — she sighs heavily and murmurs: — Those two did something with the donuts that would be for me, there is no doubt about that! Poor interns... — she pretends a smile and winks at Alicia, who looks at her curiously. — My love, I'm going to solve some problems, but soon I'll be back to be with you and then I would like to know more about such midi-chlorians, ok?
Opening a huge smile and nodding, Alicia replies:
— Yeah! And then I can tell you everything I know about the Death Star!
And again, remaining shocked by the child's vocabulary, Arizona smiles and says:
— Well... that too! Then you tell me about it all! — winking once more at the girl, the pediatrician leaves there determined to see how the interns are doing and feels anger about Merida's secretaries. — These two will make my life hell if I manage to go out with that Welsh girl again... Besides, that Bree wouldn't want to see Merida with me either... I'm sure!
— Mrs. Harris?!
Santana questions when entering the room and sees the redhead committed to something on the computer.
— Yes, San? — Merida responds without taking her eyes off what she does and in a somewhat concerned voice. — Shouldn't you be at home by now?
Looking at the delicate watch on her wrist and realizing that it is after 10 pm, Santana approaches the table, turns around and sits on it almost glued to the redhead's arm, asks:
— And shouldn't you have gone out with the doctor?
At that moment, Merida stops what she does, throws herself against the chair and looks intently at the beautiful Latina, showing a thoughtful face.
— Yeah... but she is Alicia's doctor and that's why we decided we wouldn't go out anymore. — the Welsh barely notices a smile on Santana's lips and returns her green eyes to the computer. — As soon as Alicia is discharged from the hospital, I'll go out again with Arizona and everything will be fine! Besides, I will need to travel and stay for a few days in Canada.
— What?! Why? — Santana asks a little shocked, not liking that story. — There is no trip scheduled on your agenda... I'm the responsible person who prepares it, remember?
Smiling weakly, Merida lightly caresses a hand of the Latina and, standing up, walks to the small bathroom in the background.
— I know, beautiful, and you're the best person to take care of my schedule. But this trip just came up and I sent you an emailwarning about it and asking you to put it on the agenda. — Merida says as she washes her face. — Besides, a complicated problem just came up there and I won't be able to send anyone to solve it. — she returns to the room and steps forward for her coat. — I'll be gone for ten days at most.
Getting down from the table and running after the Welsh, Santana hands the bag to the redhead and the two leave the room.
— But you don't want to take someone to accompany you?! — Santana asks while picking up her bag and coat from her desk. — I could go to help you.
Merida says nothing, holds the elevator door while she sees the young Latina running towards her and, as soon as they enter, presses the helipad button.
— Well, I'm going on a business trip, San, and I intend to finish as soon as possible. I believe it will be more than enough time for Alicia to leave the hospital and everything will be perfect.
Squinting at the Welsh, Santana comments:
— And so you can go out with the doctor, right?
Foolishly smiling without noticing and remembering the sweet look that the American pediatrician has, Merida says with her head and murmurs:
— Yes... I liked her, San. She is different...
Feeling her jealousy growing and not liking her boss in love with a possible self-interested woman, Santana asks:
— Is she?! What if she is one of those women who just want your money?! What if she doesn't like Alicia? — she lightly strokes a Welsh arm. — You need a woman who understands you... who likes your daughter, your job and you... not your money!
— But that's exactly what Arizona Robbins is! — Merida exclaims winking at the young woman. — She seems so simple, a good person and very hardworking.
As soon as they leave for the helipad, the pilot soon steps forward to the door and helps the two women to get on the helicopter. Then, after settling in, Merida fastens Santana's belt against her waist and the young woman asks:
— What time are you traveling tomorrow?
— Around 10 am, because I want to stay with Alicia for a while before I go. — Merida responds by throwing her hair back and takes her cell phone out of the bag. — I'll let Bree know about the trip and then I'll send a message to Arizona too, we don't want her to think I'm gone, do we?
At that moment, widening her eyes and thinking quickly, Santana removes the cell phone from the woman's hand and exclaims:
— Ah! Before you do anything, Mrs. Harris, let me synchronize your schedule with mine, so I will be aware of everything that happens. In case you need something, just check it out and I'll streamline everything from here! — completely ignoring the curious look of the redhead, Santana blocks Arizona's number and email, and smiles murmuring: — There! Perfect!
— You're very helpful, San! — Merida comments when receiving her cell phone again. — I don't understand why Dan gets into so much trouble with you!
Two days later...
Leaving zumba class with her hair practically messy and a little wet, Arizona walks down the street with Alexandra while they talk seriously.
— She never called again? — Alexandra asks in a curious and somewhat concerned way with her friend. — Not even a message? Nothing?!
Arizona shakes her head and, pointing to a Tea House, asks:
— Shall we drink coffee and eat some biscuits? I'm starving, you know? I came straight from the hospital and ate almost nothing during the night.
— Sure! Come on! — Alexandra exclaims when shaking her friend's hand and they cross the busy street.
As soon as they sit down at one of the tables and place their orders, Alexandra crosses her long legs and, after a long sigh, asks:
— Go! Tell! Why are you all discouraged, huh?! Don't tell me it has to do with that Harris, because you knew very well how she usually acts with the women she goes out with. Besides, you're wonderful and you don't have to suffer for her, Ary.
With her elbows on the table and her face hidden in her hands, Arizona whimpers in a hushed voice:
— I know! I know that, Alex! But it's just... — she removes her hands from her eyes and looks at her friend. — It's just that I was hoping that I would be different, you know?! Besides, she wanted to go out with me again... that's something, isn't it?!
— Oh, friend, yes, but forget about it. — Alexandra answers while her agitated mind thinks of something to cheer her friend. — You've always been addicted to your work. Why don't you focus on that again? Go out with someone without any commitment, if you like, and then you'll soon forget that Welsh.
Arizona throws herself against the chair and runs her hands through her hair, while the waiter delivers their orders.
— Alex, I need to focus only on my work! — she thanks the waiter and sips her coffee after sweetening it as she likes. — In fact, you won't believe what Merida's insane secretaries did to me!
— Again?! — Alexandra asks with wide eyes and nibbling delicately on a biscuit. — When did you go to her Company again?!
— What?! — Arizona asks in shock and laughs silly. — No, crazy, I didn't go there!
— Huh!? So, how can you have seen the secretaries? — Alexandra questions not understanding anything else and laughs. — You're confused, woman!
— Bah! Wait! Let me explain, creature! — Arizona exclaims with laughter and, after another sip of coffee, continues to speak: — Well, I received a box of donuts from Merida a few days ago, right after us... you know! Anyway, I believe she asked one of the secretaries to do this, because the donuts were somehow spoiled or I don't know and those crazy secretaries have something to do with it!
With her eyes wide and unable to say anything at once, Alexandra nibbles on the biscuit and, sighing deeply, comments:
— Aren't you imagining things just because the secretaries weren't nice to you that day, Ary? You know that people here are somewhat different from us Americans, don't you?
— Aaaahhh, Alex! — Arizona exclaims rolling her eyes and shaking her head. — That's not it! These secretaries are crazy! I was upset that I decided not to go out with Merida now, because of her daughter and such, and I received half a dozen donuts from her. I didn't eat, since I was sad, so I gave it to an intern and said he could share it with others. — Alexandra opens her mouth to answer, but the pediatrician continues. — Hold on! Listen, Alex! Well, then the interns ended up in the Emergency room complaining of stomach pain and nausea because they had eaten the sweets. The doctor who hates me told our boss Harriet and she caught my eye, asking me not to give the interns anything else! As if I was able to kill them or something!
As soon as her friend finishes telling such a story, Alexandra doesn't seem to know what to say and clearly holds a laugh, which ends up coming out mockingly.
— Ah, Ary! You and your conspiracy theories! You have a lot in common with your father, you know that, right?!
— It's not theory, Alex! It's true! — Arizona exclaims angrily and rolls her eyes, throwing herself against the chair again. — They must have put something in those donuts and I almost killed my interns for that! Merida's secretaries are a problem! A big problem!
Wiping the tears from her eyes with laughter, Alexandra crosses her legs to the other side and, taking a sip of her tea, comments:
— Ary, I think you need to go out, have fun, whatever! What do you think about going to a nice party on the weekend? Brendon called me and said that the party in Paris is still on, so I said I would take a friend with me, since Olivia is involved in a kidnapping work.
Arizona doesn't say anything right away, takes her cell phone out of the small backpack and notes that there is no message or call from Merida. A long and sad sigh is released by the pediatrician who still hopes that the Welsh will look for her or that she will come by surprise at her home.
Of course, she knows that it wasn't something concrete that she once had with Merida, but Arizona feels that she is liking the redhead... and it's a lot.
Then, taking her blue eyes to her friend in front of her, she replies:
— I appreciate the invitation, but I'll stay at home, watch something, eat something and sleeping. I need to rest. I've been working straight for two days and I urgently need to get lost in the bathtub and sleep.
With background music, a glass and a bottle of wine propped against one edge, Arizona is lying in the bathtub with her head propped back and her eyes closed while she thinks about how much she didn't want to feel what she feels for the Welsh.
— I can't be alone with Alicia and ask about her mother, all because that Bree doesn't leave Alicia's side. It seems that she's preventing the girl from saying something to me, I don't know...
Arizona murmurs after letting out a heavy sigh and, opening her eyes, takes the glass and takes a sip of the wine that is still there. Then, pouring herself more of the drink, she watches her cell phone ringing from the other side of the tub.
— Oops! — she exclaims excitedly and almost spilling wine in the bathtub, reaches for the device feeling foolish for thinking that Merida had completely forgotten about her and, to her sadness, isn't the redhead who's calling. — Oh! — Arizona tries to prevent a certain agony from tightening her chest and, fearing that is someone from the hospital, she answers discouragingly: — Robbins!
— Arizona Robbins? — a somewhat hoarse and sulky female voice sounds. — Dan Gomes, Harris Financial's lawyer here!
— What?! — Arizona questions a little confused, but widens her eyes the instant she recognizes the name. — Ah! Merida's lawyer!
For a few seconds the call seems to be in absolute silence until Dan says:
— Yes! Ms. Harris' lawyer, Dr. Robbins. Anyway, I'm calling to say that your services won't longer be needed and Harris Financial thanks you for everything you've done for Alicia Harris. In the coming days, you should receive a thank you gift. Have a great night!
And without waiting for an answer, the lawyer hangs up, leaving Arizona completely confused and still trying to understand the reason for that call.
— But!? — she exclaims still standing with her cell phone in her hand and, depositing it on the edge, lay down again in the bathtub. — Dismissed?! Am I not Alicia's doctor anymore?!
Arizona squints at the foam in front of her and feels that Merida is subtly taking her out of her life.
— It can only be tha ... First, she disappears... then send her lawyer to tell me that I'm no longer her daughter's doctor... Maybe she blocked me for calls too... — the pediatrician widens her eyes and, picking up her cell phone again, she calls the Welsh. - No! She wouldn't do that! — the call doesn't seem to complete. — Damn it! She must have turned off her cell phone, that's all!