Why does such a woman intrigue so much Arizona? And how will she manage to cope with the challenges of being the youngest and most American head of sector in one of London's most important hospitals?
This is a AU of Arizona Robbins if she had never been to Seattle (so she's young and still the cute person she is) and it's quite similar to a Fairy Tale story, but in a funny way :) It has Fairy tale elements, like the Pretty Woman style movie romance between the rich woman with a girl that is awesome (Arizona, of course)...
As soon as she leaves gate 7, entering Heathrow Airport, Arizona Robbins pulls out her handbag while trying not to bump into the various people who leave too. Before she can look at the place as a whole, someone exclaims extremely excited:
— Aaaahhhh, Aaaaary! — she looks ahead and sees none other than her friend Alexandra Anderson waving fervently at her. — Aaahhh, you came!
— Alex! — Arizona exclaims as she runs up to her and the two hug each other tightly, jumping excitedly.
They move away slightly and, with their hands held together, look at each other smiling.
— Oh, Ary, I couldn't believe it when you told me you decided to come here! — Alexandra exclaims without cutting her beautiful smile and, taking her friend's suitcase, walks arm in arm with her to the luggage racks. — How many bags did you bring? Did you manage to put everything in them?
— Well, not everything, right? — Arizona responds by poking the blonde's cheek as soon as they stop in front of the mats, waiting for their luggage. — My parents will bring the rest as soon as I can stabilize myself in an apartment.
Alexandra doesn't say anything right away, tosses her hair back, arranges her glasses on her face and looks curiously at the pediatrician.
— Um... and where will you stay? I thought you would get a house while you are here...
As soon as Arizona points to her luggage passing, the two take the bags and, resuming their steps, continue to talk.
— So, Alex, I still need to talk to the director of this hospital and see his proposal. — Arizona responds somewhat thoughtfully. — I mean, I still don't know if I'll stay here or accept the job in Seattle, you know?
— Stop! Stop! — Alexandra exclaims when she stops walking and puts a hand on her friend's shoulder, looking deep into her eyes. — You still haven't agreed to stay here, Ary?! Are you crazy, girl?! You NEED to stay here! There is no comparison between London and Seattle.
Leaving a silly laugh and resuming her steps, wishing to take a shower and eat something after that tiring trip of more than 10 hours, Arizona replies:
— Oh, Alex, I'm very proud of myself for getting two invitations to head Pediatrics in these two cities, but I need to decide calmly, don't you think? — Alex shakes her head and the pediatrician laughs. — Anyway, you silly, I believe that I need to evaluate better and then I will decide which job I will take. I already talked to the people in Seattle, I liked their proposal, but... nothing caught my attention, you know? So I have a certain hope that it will be better here.
— Well, of course the proposal here will be better, you crazy! — Alexandra exclaims happily, the same moment they leave the parking lot. — In fact, you arrived in winter, an excellent time to wear our overcoats and boots! — the two laugh in a silly way. — But seriously, Ary, do you have any idea that the hospital that invited you to head Pediatrics is the most important in the UK?
The moment they stop next to Alexandra's SUV, Arizona looks curiously at her friend and, shaking her head, comments:
— I know it's a very important hospital, well regarded, but I didn't know that it had all this grandeur.
— Well then, friend. Can you imagine having on your resume that you were head of Pediatrics at Memorial Grace London Hospital? — Alexandra questions when pressing the button to open the trunk and the two women put the luggage there. — Go talk to the directors and then we'll celebrate, because I'm sure you'll be here!
The two laugh silly again, get into the vehicle and, after putting on their belts, Alexandra starts driving around town.
— Oh, Alex, will I get used to living so far from America? — Arizona asks after a few seconds of silence and the prosecutor looks at her quickly.
— Of course you will! Olivia and I did it, so you can do it too! — Alexandra responds winking excitedly to the pediatrician. — And look that we came from NY, so we should be afraid, but... here we are! Happy and satisfied!
— Yeah... you're right... — Arizona says, throwing herself against the seat and looking at the streets of London. — Where are we going, anyway? I made a reservation at a hotel called...
— What hotel, girl!? — Alexandra exclaims shaking her head. — You'll stay at my place until you choose an apartment to live in. Wasn't that one of the things the hospital here promised you? If accepted, they will pay for the apartment you choose, right?
— Yes... — Arizona responds with a corner look at the prosecutor. — But I really don't want to disturb you, Alex. Does Olivia know you're taking me to your house?
At that moment, stopping at the red light, Alexandra looks worriedly at the pediatrician when she says:
— Um... true... I forgot to talk to my wife about taking my best friend home...
Arizona, recognizing the tone sarcastic of her friend, closes her eyes saying:
— You are cruel, did you know that?
Letting out a snigger laugh as she starts driving again, as soon as the light turns green, Alexandra says with her head exclaiming:
— I know! But I would say that I am realistic and with zero tolerance for so much freshness, right, Ary!? — she quickly looks over Arizona over her glasses and returns her attention to the streets. — You'll stay at my place, we already left the guest room all tidy. Stay as long as you need and feel free, okay?
The pediatrician nods, smiling in the corner and stroking Alexandra's arm. Then, letting out a deep breath, she turns her gaze to the streets, feeling damned anxious to imagine herself living in London.
A few months later...
Leaving the hospital canteen, squeezing a styrofoam cup of coffee for the third time that night alone, Arizona walks to the elevator, when it is nudged on the shoulder.
— Hey!
As soon as she turns her body back, she comes across Kamy, the dermatologist on the 4th floor, looking at her with a beautiful smile.
— Oh, hi! — Arizona exclaims winking at the beautiful black-haired woman and the two enter the elevator. — I didn't know you work until late...
— No... I don't — Kamy replies throwing her hair back and looking excitedly at the pediatrician. — Today I decided to stay just to see if I could talk to you, Arizona, since you don't return my calls and don't even have lunch with me anymore.
Letting out an awkward chuckle and shrugging her shoulders, Arizona takes a sip of her coffee and says:
— Oh, I'm sorry, honey, but it's just that I'm working too hard and, you know, it's hard to be so young and head of a important sector in this hospital... — the elevator opens the doors on the Pediatrics floor and Arizona skates out into the corridor. — Besides, I said it would be just that night... remember ?! See you, Kamy!
That said, the blonde skates happily while drinking her coffee, leaving the elevator to close the doors with Kamy extremely irritated. Arizona smiles in a corner when thinking about how good it feels to have chosen to stay in London and she has to admit that Alexandra was right in everything about living in Europe, especially the part about women... they really love an American accent and look excited whenever Arizona says anything.
As the American skates to the nursing counter, a resident exclaims:
— Ah, Dr. Robbins! — he gestures to the blonde, who turns her back and stops in front of him, drinking her coffee.
— May I help!? — Arizona asks thoughtfully and the young man hands her the tablet.
— I just saw the results of the exams of patient 6109 and the cancer was confirmed...
— Oh, I was hoping it wasn't that... — Arizona comments upset and, taking another sip of her coffee, she shrugs. — Well, patience, isn't it? Tomorrow morning, I want you to talk to the patient's parents and, whatever you need, just call me.
The young man widens his eyes, somewhat surprised by this and, pressing the tablet in his hands, asks:
— Me?! Really?! Will I be responsible for this case?
Arizona looks around in confusion and, nodding, says:
— Yes! That's exactly what I meant, boy! You are responsible for this case, so I will be relying on your diagnoses, treatments, etc. — she pats him on the shoulder and smiles. — I just hope you do your daily reports and don't forget to email them to me. Deal?
With an immense joy on his face, the young man exclaims:
— Yes, yes, Dr. Robbins! I will not disappoint you! Our previous boss never let us handle the cases alone... he was always watching us and saying that we would not be good professionals...
— Bah! — Arizona shakes her head. — How silly! Rest assured, I'm nothing like this boring guy! If I am giving you this case, it is because I fully trust your work!
The young man leaves there extremely cheerful, leaving the American woman a little thoughtful and wondering how anyone can not trust his own resident, since he learned from you?! That is why Arizona, being confident and extremely good at what she does, believes in the potential of her residents and interns, since they learn from her and, therefore, are excellent! Of course!
Then, with a deep sigh, the American prepares to skate, when someone exclaims:
— Now, now, Robbins!
Sighing heavily and stopping suddenly, Arizona rolls her eyes before turning on the wheels and facing Dr. Rivers, one of London's most important pediatricians and an extremely despicable man.
— Say it, Rivers! — Arizona exclaims trying to keep her smile on the man who provokes her from day one and is absolutely certain that he does not accept that a woman 30 years younger and American has become head of Pediatrics instead of him. — Has something happened now?
— Well, you gave a cancer case to a resident, Robbins! — Rivers responds raising his eyebrows. — How irresponsible! You assign patients to your residents and keep rolling with those skates, sneakers, I don't know, when you should be working hard!
At that moment, Arizona sighs heavily, needing to be strong so as not to be rude to the man old enough to be great-uncle, and folds her arms while saying:
— Yes, I did it and, as far as I know, I don't need to give any satisfaction of my steps for you. I think I'm still the head of Pediatrics, so... I'll do what I think best with my residents and patients! Have a good night!
The American woman spins again and skates away from the man, who remains mumbling inaudible things.
Meanwhile, in Knightsbridge, at an event venue, one of the most important parties and with the richest people in the entire Kingdom happens in a lively, beautiful and very, very elegant way.
British models, politicians, businessmen, fashion designers and people from high society are having fun, drinking, laughing and talking all over the place. The best wines, champagnes, whiskeys and the like are served non-stop, in addition to the best canapés, which are barely touched. An elegant band plays on the beautiful stage in the background, while round and extremely beautiful tables are scattered throughout the rest of the venue.
— I went to his show and I must admit that I didn't see anything much in this year's collection — a slender woman with black hair and blue eyes says in her velvety voice to two other women who are around her.
— Oh, don't even tell me, I found that fashion show a waste of time, Melissa! — another woman, with short blond hair and black eyes, exclaims, rolling her eyes and sipping her champagne.
— Changing the subject, dear — a third woman stands next to Melissa and points her glass to someone ahead, chatting animatedly with a group of people — What did you think of her with that Giorgio Armani outfit?
The three beautiful women are silent for a few seconds, while their eyes seem to devour the woman ahead: not too tall, but with broad shoulders and somewhat strong arms, tight in the black suit. The long, orange hair is straight and tossed aside, while her pale green eyes are perfectly dyed.
— I heard that she is finally looking for a wife. — this Melissa says, nibbling the glass and the others look shocked. — I'm serious!
— Ah, Mel! Harris will never get married again! Never! — the woman with short hair exclaims, shaking her head. — Especially after everything that happened to her.
— Um, not to mention what she goes through with her daughter's illness, right?
Melissa shakes her head, saying:
— It is high time that she had someone with whom to share so many pounds, properties and that wonderful body! After all, everyone knows that she goes out with women around, even if it's just for one night and nothing more. Which gives the hope that she needs a woman who loves, cares for her and, above all, helps her to spend all her fortune. Don't agree?!
— Melissa! — the two women exclaim, laughing and the short-haired one continues: — I believe she isn't as stupid as she was at the beginning, Mel! I heard that she gives gifts the next day, but that is it. She doesn't say the phone number, nor does she allow any woman she has dated to enter the company or the farms in Wales. And, let's face it, it must be a pain to have to put up with that little girl of hers who is stuck for 24 hours, don't you think?!
— Merida Harris would never go out with any of you, you crazy people, because you were friends with her ex-wife! — Brendon Schneider exclaims a little irritated and gestures with his hands for them to leave. — Hurry up! You can scratch somewhere else!
As soon as the women walk away grumbling and looking irritably at the stylist, he adjusts his glasses more to his face and, walking over to Merida, puts an arm around hers, murmuring:
— Stop talking about business and come and have fun, you savage!
At that moment, the orange-haired Welsh makes a sign with her right hand to the people around her saying:
— We can talk better about these investments tomorrow, in my company here in London, could it be? — the woman in front of her just nods and Merida kisses her hand, leaving with Brendon. — What do you want, Bren?
— Oh, you crazy, I want you to be distracted, make new friends and find a woman to have fun, Merida, that's all! — the stylist exclaims, patting the redhead on the arm. — After all, you need to meet new people! All you do, since that slut left you, is work and take care of Alicia.
Merida shakes her head negatively as she takes a sip of her whiskey and looks down at the table.
— I have no reason to worry about anyone keeping me company, Bren, when I am complete just for having that beautiful smile every day of my life! — she points to the table and smiles. — Don't you agree?
As soon as the stylist looks at the indicated place, he sees Alicia Harris, Merida's 4-year-old daughter, smiling and playing with her Legos at the table, accompanied by a security guard. Alicia is a very intelligent and extremely smart girl, being redheaded like her mother and with huge blue eyes, looking like two marbles.
— Yes, savage, Alicia is the best company in the world — Brendon comments smiling at the child, but turns his gaze to the Welsh beside him. — But she is not an adult, Merida, and you desperately need to live a little! How long has it been since you had dinner with a beautiful woman? How long have you not been to the theater? You like these things so much... I'm sure Bree won't be bothered to be with Alicia for an entire weekend.
At that moment, Merida looks a little scared to the stylist and asks:
— And why would she be alone with Alicia all weekend?
— Ah, Merida, because you are going with me to Paris! — Brendon exclaims after drinking a sip of his champagne. — I'm going to have a party at my house over there and I want you to go! It's decided! You will meet new people and I will introduce you to women who are crazy to know you, not your money. Trust me!
Shaking her head, feeling a chunk of all her friend's attempts to want her to stay with someone, Merida comments:
— I appreciate it, Bren, but I won't go. Alicia needs me all the time and you know that I would never forgive myself if something happened to her and I was with a woman.
Then, before she says anything else, Merida sees Alicia dropping a Lego piece to the floor and collapsing on the table.
— Oh no! — Merida exclaims desperately, as she runs to the child. — Alicia, my love! — she carries her daughter and, before she says anything, her security guard signals to leave.
— The helicopter is unable to leave, Madame Harris, as there are people in line. — the man says as he leads them out of there. — But Thomas is already ready and waiting at the door with the limo.
— Perfect! — Merida responds by holding her passed out daughter in her arms. — Let's go to a hospital here and in the meantime, tell the helicopter to meet us there. We will return to Wales as soon as possible. What is the best hospital around here?
The moment the limo stops in front of the Memorial Grace London Hospital emergency, Merida exits the vehicle carrying an unconscious Alicia and enters the place exclaiming:
— I need a pediatrician!
As soon as Susan, the head nurse of the emergency, looks at Merida, immediately approaches her and, pointing to the Trauma 2 room, says:
— Please, please come with me!
Merida places Alicia on the stretcher and, stroking her hair, exclaims:
— My daughter was born with CIV, who developed a heart murmur, so she must always be attentive and it is necessary to attend a cardiac pediatrician as soon as possible!
— Pediatrics has already been triggered — Susan responds by doing the preliminary care and, as soon as her eyes look at the Welsh on the other side, she murmurs: — Oh, my God... it's Merida Harris... I can't make a mistake with her daughter.
Merida, running her hands through her hair, exclaims impatiently:
— I want the best pediatrician you have, even if it is the head of Pediatrics, but I do! No interns or residents attending my daughter, please!
— Did someone call for Dr. Robbins?!
Arizona exclaims excitedly, as she skates beside Susan, being watched by an extremely shocked Merida and looking her up and down.
— Yes, this child has...
— CIV, I understand! — Arizona exclaims as she moves ahead of Alicia, starting to make the call.
— Hey! Hey! — Merida says a little disgusted and takes Arizona's hands off her daughter. — I don't want a resident! Much less an American skater! I want the head of pediatrics now! Nobody touches my daughter anymore!
At that moment, everyone in the ER looks shocked at the situation, while Arizona, not in the mood to explain she is the head of Peds, points to Alicia's lips saying:
— Okay, Mom, but as long as the Head of Pediatrics doesn't come, I NEED to take care of your daughter, since her lips and probably the little hands are almost blue.
Merida looks at Alicia and sees that the doctor is right, then nods, stating that Arizona can continue with the care, and folds her arms trying not to be irritated by the hospital. She looks at Susan and asks:
— When will the Head of Pediatrics appear?
— Soon, soon! — Arizona replies without looking at her, as she continues to treat Alicia and signals to Susan: — We will need a NIV, Mayer!
— Yes, doctor! — the nurse responds quickly and moves forward to the device beside.
— You're doing everything wrong! My daughter's doctor doesn't do any of that when she has these collapses. — Merida comments not standing that abused resident treating her daughter.
— Calm down! — Arizona exclaims trying not to lose her patience with that country accent. — I'm doing exactly as it should be.
Another doctor approaches and Merida asks:
— Are you the head of Pediatrics?
— No! I'm from cardiology, excuse me! — the man stands on the other side of the stretcher and starts talking to Arizona about the procedures.
Looking at her daughter being cared for and fearing that those incompetent ones will kill her, Merida closes her wrists and a woman with glasses, looking to be in her 50s, appears in front of her.
— Mrs. Harris, good night! — she extends her hand to the Welsh. — It is a sad situation to know each other, but I am the director of this hospital, Harriet Yale. Whatever you need, please don't hesitate to call me!
Arizona, for a brief second, looks confusedly at the director and then at Merida, failing to understand why so much flattery in a completely rude woman.
— Hey! — the blonde exclaims quietly to the cardiologist. — Why is Yale down here and talking to her?! When was the last time our boss came down here?
The man quickly looks to the side and resumes what he does when he answers:
— Of course, Yale would not miss the opportunity to suck up to one of the most important billionaires in the UK and, who knows, make her invest in this hospital.
— Billionaire?! Who is she? — Arizona questions confused.
— You don't know who she is?! — the cardiologist asks in shock and points to Merida. — That one is Merida Harris!
Even so, Arizona still doesn't know who that woman would be and, the instant she stabilizes the patient, she signals for the nurses to take her to a room and approaches Merida, noticing her for the first time.
The blue eyes seem to photograph that woman as a whole, from the feet in the dress shoes, passing through the turned legs somewhat accentuated by the glued trousers until reaching the torso, noticing the suit a little tight in the arms and broad shoulders. She feels a certain anxiety as soon as the woman's green eyes stare at her intensely and Arizona looks at her nude painted lips, as if they were calling her...