A/N: WOW! I'm overwhelemed by the mixed reaction this story is getting. Thanks to those who loved it and thanks also to those who didn't. Thank you for being honest. I just wish you guys could trust me with this story. I had this in mind for a very long time and contemplated wether or not to post it because of the very same reason. But trust me when I say there's nothing more in this world that I want than to have Callie and Arizona's happy ending. Please read the comment section, posted something in there too. :) and english is not my first language so please be kind LOL anyway sending you all Calzona love and here's chapter 3.
She spent a good hour and a half watching Meredith's surgery from the gallery. She just sat there at the back corner wishing people won't recognize her but being a part owner of the hospital it was just impossible. She had photos plastered in the organizational charts displayed in some lobbies and offices within the hospital. Plus, she was only gone for 2 years so some of her previous colleagues were still employed here.
It took a long time for Meredith to recognize a familiar face watching her surgery from the viewing dock, Callie was sure to have seen her friend smile behind her surgical mask. She made sure to wave back as an acknowledgement.
Meredith knew Callie was coming to visit. And Meredith also knew why her friend is spending Christmas here in Seattle and not in New York. She can't wait to scrub out and wine in with Callie so she could give her a pep talk. She insisted that she stays with her and not in some hotel during her hiatus.
Of all the people in Seattle, Callie has stayed in contact with Meredith the most, they somehow bonded more during their time apart given that Zola and Sofia has facetimed each other everyday while playing one of their video games, thus giving them a chance to catch up as well, something she would have loved to do with Arizona but they always just end up asking how each other's day went and leaving the phone with Sof so she could catch up with her other parent.
She felt so connected with Meredith after her divorce, Derek's death and her move to New York. Although they are not as close as Mer and Cristina or her and Mark would ever be, she still considers her family, same goes with Meredith. Callie has been a sister to her all these years.
Her quiet bubble popped when she heard her phone buzz from her purse. She scrunched her nose in confusion.
It was from Arizona but the message apparently was sent by Mommy from her phonebook.
Mommy: We're here at the daycare, Sofia wanted to see Zola and I figured you don't have a car to drive around so we're waiting and you're riding with us. Text me when your meeting's over so we could meet at the lobby. See you, Calliope.
And she smiled. That is why she couldn't find Arizona's number from her phonebook a while ago, maybe Sofia changed her name cause she always uses Callie's phone to text and call her Mommy. She didn't mean to surprise her ex-wife today knowing how much the blue eyed blonde hated surprises but they were already at the airport and their cab was waiting and she couldn't find her number so she just gave up. She likes the new name on her phonebook though, so she's keeping it.
"Meeting got cancelled. I'm just watching Meredith's surgery. Ready for dinner? See you at the lobby *" she hasn't hit send yet. She was contemplating whether or not to put the kiss emoji at the end of her text. Would it send Arizona a wrong signal? Was it too much? Ay dios mio Calliope, are you in highschool?
"Torres!" She was meaning to delete the emoji at the end of her text message but instead she hit send after getting startled.
"Alex." She said under her breath.
"I see, you're excited to see me." Alex said before pulling her in for a hug. She rolled her eyes at him.
"Oh we're hugging now?" She muffled under his tight hug.
"We are. We missed seeing you around. Please tell me you're not just here for a visit, you're coming back right?"
"Nope. Just here for the holidays." She told him. His eyes quickly averted to her sloppy gauzed covered hand.
"Jesus, Callie what happened." He almost grabbed it but she quickly retreated and stepped back.
"Nothing. Just an accident."
"It's bleeding." Alex was quick to grab it back and inspected it.
"Shit." She tried to whisper after noticing that it was definitely bleeding through.
"Let's change the dressing—"
"I'll change it myself. Anyway, I have to go—"
"I'm off now, how about I change your dressing then let's grab dinner and a drink at Joe's? My treat." Alex suggested. Before Callie could answer, she heard her phone buzz. It was from Arizona and she couldn't help but smile at her response. No words, it was just a simple kiss emoji but her heart raced and she may have smiled big enough for Karev to notice.
"We can do that next time. Uhm, Arizona's waiting for me at the lobby, we're having dinner."
Alex smirked.
"With Sofia." Callie quickly added but his teasing smile just grew even bigger.
"And Carina." With that, Alex's face switched from his teasing smile to a big frown as if she told him a horrible joke.
"What? We're all adults here Alex. This should be normal."
"You sure you wanna get in between those two's conversations?"
"What do you mean?"
"Arizona and Carina could make saying hello to each other sound like they're having sex. Those two are a walking sex machine—Ouch!" Callie quickly smacked Alex on his forehead.
"Stop being a nosy brat, Karev! They won't do that in front of our daughter."
"Trust me, if you only knew how smitten that italian sex-goddess is with your ex-wife." Callie didn't answer instead she just raised her eyebrows at him.
"But I'm still on team Callie. Just so you know though, if I see Arizona spiral down again because of you, I might change my rule with regards to how I fight back with women." Instead of being taken aback, she appreciated Alex's words. And gave him a hug for a second time.
"Thanks for always having her back, Alex." She smiled at him.
"Anytime Callie, in a heartbeat. You didn't even have to ask." Alex gave his friend a wink before letting her go.
"Good luck with dinner." He tried to add but Callie was a quick walker.
...
After changing the dressing in her hand and silently wishing that Arizona wouldn't start asking questions about it, she walked through the hallways to meet her girls. Her girls, she smiled at the idea and then frowned as she remembered Carina, Arizona's hot italian-sex-goddess girlfriend according to Karev, then she was reminded how she has no match against the beauty. She used to be like her, hot, confident, effortless, sexy, both men and women would go crazy just to get in her pants and she loved it, she loved the attention but now she couldn't even go out without having to take a deep breath and wish people would stop staring. She tried to brush off the insecurity that's eating her insides as she glanced around Grey-Sloan Memorial.
This hospital housed a lot of memories for her liking, every corner reminds her of a certain memory or a certain person. These are the hallways that witnessed how badass of a surgeon she was—still is, she hoped. Here she just passed through the room where she fixed George O'Malley's shoulder, she smiled at the thought of him. Sweet George, she holds him in her heart as her guardian angel along with Mark. And then she almost laughed after turning a corner where her dad slammed both George and Mark up against the wall, this is also where she officially introduced Arizona to her dad, she winced after being reminded how bad her argument with her Dad turned out. Thinking about it, she would still do the same thing and fight for her relationship with Arizona. With a smile never leaving her face now, she continued walking. Those are good memories.
Some of the nurses and doctors have greeted her causing her daydream to be disrupted and one of the intern, guessing with her light blue scrubs on, actually had the courage to walk up to her as if she was some kind of a celebrity.
"Dr. Torres, I'm Dr. Rivera a 2nd year resident, I just wanna tell you how much influence you have in my career, after your cartilage research, how you built it from scratch, and then your robotic limb, you've inspired me, I knew I wanna do as great as you're doing in this field. I just... I'm sorry. I— love you, you're amazing. Oh my gosh I didn't just say that out loud." A petite red haired green eyed intern, was blushing after saying all those kind words. With her high pitched voice and lack of confidence, she reminded her of Kepner mixed with a little bit of George when both were just starting out as interns. Time has really gone by so fast.
She smiled at the young woman. she appreciated every word she knew she needed to hear especially with what's going on in her life. It's times like these that makes her gain her confidence back and it amazes her that the younger generations of doctors have heard and are actually learning about her cartilage and the project she started with Derek.
"Dr. Rivera, right?" She asked the young woman who was shaking as she nodded.
"A-angela Rivera." The shy girl almost whispered.
"I'll make sure to remember that name and if by any chance you're interested in Ortho, I'll be glad take you under my wing." She saw how the intern almost lost her balance after hearing what Callie said. After exchanging gratitude, she continued her way to the lobby feeling great with a little ounce of her self-esteem back. She could still be badass.
In the lobby sat Arizona with Sofia on her side, both are laughing and as Callie neared the two giggling women she found out why.
The mother and daughter tandem are eating what looked like pop rocks and Sofia is so amused by her Mommy's reaction. Arizona was like a five year old getting too excited every time a pink rock candy pops in her mouth.
"Candy before dinner huh? And here I wonder how you got into peds." Callie said breaking the duo's momentum.
"Mommy, you finished it all!" Sofia almost said in unison with her Mama.
"Cause you can't have candy before dinner so I'm saving you from Mama's icy glare." She whispered in her daughter's ear, causing the younger brunette to laugh.
"Hey, I heard that." Callie played along, seeing how the two could play a team against her. Arizona just laughed.
"Loosen up, Calliope." Arizona winked at her.
"Ready to go ladies?" Arizona asked both women, holding Sofia in her right hand, Sofia grabbed Callie's hand on the other. Both nodded in excitement.
"But where's Carina?" Callie stopped.
"She has a mother who's in labor and apparently her golden technique isn't working so she has to stay til she could deliver. She'll follow us there."
"Golden technique?" Callie asked.
"Natural oxytocin. Trust me you wouldn't want me to go into details." She said motioning her head to Sofia.
"Oh... oh... that." She almost regret asking. Arizona nodded then she started walking, Callie noticed Arizona limping. She must have been really tired and must have gone through a lot today. She's fighting not to hold the blonde and help her. She knows how much Arizona hates it and the trouble that could cause her.
While waiting for their food, Callie and Arizona got preoccupied with Sofia's funny stories from school. The seven year old was beyond excited to have both parents seated for dinner. This was definitely a first as much as she could remember so she was extra playful and extra talkative.
Arizona was so amazed by her daughter's wit and sense of humor, she realized she's never seen Sofia like this during her stays with her. And then she watched Callie nod at their daughter's jokes and even share a banter with the little brunette. Callie must be used to this version of Sofia, as she was brushing off a hint of jealousy and sadness tugging in her heart, her eyes suddenly met Callie's who now has a questioning look. She must have been staring for too long.
Arizona was saved from her embarrassment when Callie's phone rang. She watched how the latina stared at the caller ID and paled, her once flushed face that she got from laughing too hard at Sofia's jokes was gone in an instant, she immediately stood up and grabbed her phone, said she will be back right before she pivoted her way out of the restaurant. Arizona fought hard not to follow behind Callie.
Arizona's attention went from Callie to Sofia who was now staring at her Mother from outside of the restaurant's window. Although they couldn't hear her, Arizona and Sofia knew that the tall brunette was shouting at whoever's on the phone.
"Hey sweetheart, is everything alright?" She knew she shouldn't be asking this question. She had a deal with Callie that they would never use Sofia to tell on them if they wanna know what's going on with each other's life. But she was just worried at how her daughter suddenly fell silent after Callie went to take the call.
"I just wish Mama's happy again." The seven year old whispered.
"Oh Sofia, I'm pretty sure Mama is—"
"No. Penny—"
Sofia suddenly shut her mouth after seeing her Mama enter the restaurant.
Penny? Penny what? Something's going on and Arizona could feel it, and Sofia knows something but she's— they are hiding it from her. After a good 5 minutes or so, Callie came back, this time her cheeks and ears were red and her eyes were wetter than they were, almost as if she was trying her best not to break down in front of her.
"Are you okay, Calliope?" She asked but the latina didn't answer, instead she just sat down, took a deep breath and put her phone in the back of her purse as if she never wants to see it again. She just felt a burning blue eyes still staring at her and realized that Arizona was waiting for an answer.
"What was that? I'm sorry." She said under her breath.
"I was asking if you were okay. Are you okay? Do you wanna talk about it?"
"I am okay, I'm fine." She lied "and no, I don't wanna talk about it... now now." She said subtly pointing her head towards Sofia hoping Arizona would get what she meant. The blonde nodded in agreement.
"But we will talk about it?" Arizona insisted.
"We will, we should—" she wasn't even done talking when Arizona's phone started ringing as well. Panic rushed through Callie's veins as she tried to check the caller ID from Arizona's phone. Arizona's now more worried than ever with how Callie is reacting.
"Don't! I mean, uhm, who is it?" Callie quickly asked.
"It's Carina... Callie are you sure you're okay?" Arizona answered this time her voice was higher.
"I-I am. I'm sorry. Go ahead answer the call." She said now that she's calmed down. Arizona's eyes never left Callie's even as she answered Carina's call.
"Tesoro" Callie heard the italian's endearment for Arizona. Having learned a little Italian growing up, she knew that it meant 'treasure'. Arizona Robbins, her once treasure, is now Carina's treasure too.
How sweet. She almost gagged.
"I can't join dinner tonight, this is taking too long as I expected." Carina said over the phone.
"Oh. Okay. Do you need me there? I can help—" Arizona asked her girlfriend now breaking her stare from Callie.
"No, I'm not taking your time away from Sofia, I know how much you missed her." Arizona smiled, grateful for Carina, she really is.
"Thank you. How about we bring you dinner?."
"No, I'm good, I'll just grab whatever later. Can I have bambolina on the phone? I know I promised her ice cream." Carina said. Arizona put the call on speaker for Sofia as if it's not enough that they could already hear Carina on the other line.
"Sofia, I can't be at dinner tonight but we'll have the ice cream tomorrow okay? We'll have the strawberry gelato down the corner at Mommy's place and I also found a new museum you would love."
"Yaay! Okay, see you tomorrow." Sofia excitedly said, sending her back to her upbeat mood. During their short meeting while Sofia was in Seattle a few months back, her and Carina grew very close they sometimes even gang up against Arizona. Carina was surprisingly good with kids, despite Sofia's Seattle tantrums, she still won her heart.
Callie watched her daughter's exchange with Carina and was secretly glad that at least she was getting along with Arizona's girlfriend despite her own emotions playing inside her head. She was jealous, but she wouldn't admit it, not because of pride but because she knows what her place is in Arizona's life now. And after all that she's caused her ex-wife, she will not be in her way to getting the happiness Arizona truly deserves. But right now this was just too much to handle.
"Now can you give the phone back to Mommy?" Callie's thoughts were wiped out after hearing Arizona's girlfriend. Unknown to Carina that she was still on speaker she started teasing the blonde.
"Arizona, I will crash at your place tonight, you better be up when I get home, I'll still give your leg the massage as promised, we will use your natural oxytocin—"
"Carina—"Arizona tried to stop her lover.
"I'll touch you in all pl—" she quickly grabbed the phone from Sofia to turn the speaker off right in time.
"You were on speaker!" She tried to control her laughter.
Her eyes are smiling. Arizona's happy. She makes her happy.
"Oh my gosh did Sofia hear me? I'm so sorry." She heard the brunette on the other line laughing.
"I'll see you later." Arizona said.
"Don't have too much fun at dinner without me. I love you." Carina said.
"Hmmn... you too" Arizona internally smacked her head, she shares something really wonderful with Carina but she just couldn't say it back, love is such a strong word and she just doesn't share it with anyone, but that's Carina!
She silenced her head when her gaze fell on Callie who was now obviously uncomfortable in her seat.
Their silence was broken down when Sofia started talking.
"Why would Auntie Carina give you a massage? Does your leg hurt Mommy?" She almost choked. She will make sure to have a word with Carina later.
"Uhm yeah, Mommy's leg does hurt. Would you give me a massage too?" She tried veering the subject a little.
"Mama's good at massage. She said she's the best at it, right Mama?" She smiled at her mother who smiled back at her.
"Oh but you can't give Mommy a massage yet cause your hand's still broken." Sofia added before giving her mother a chance to answer.
Arizona followed Sofia's attention on Callie's hand and worry over powered the awkwardness they shared a while back. Callie tried to hide her hand under the table but Arizona was quick to grab it. Having missed Arizona's hand against hers, she just let it. It only took seconds before the blonde let go of her hold.
"What happened with your hand Calliope?" It wasn't just a question, it was like an order for Callie to answer.
It was so easy to lie to everyone but lying to Arizona felt almost impossible. Cat got her tongue and she couldn't even say the word.
"A-uhm-Accident." She managed to whisper.
"Lie!" Sofia whispered back to her Mother and frowned at her, a frown that Arizona's definitely used to. This was the Seattle version of Sofia. Callie stared at the seven year old who was definitely acting older than she should be.
"Mija." She tried to stop her daughter, she knew she was being a bad mother right now.
Arizona watched the exchange and cleared her throat. She knew Callie was lying. Callie is a bad liar.
"Calliope—"
"Food's here!" Callie cut Arizona who was now turning red. She's mad. Callie knows.
After their server placed all their orders on their table and made sure he got everything right, he left their table, he, too, felt the thick air between the two women.
Callie cleared her throat. She was sorry, damn, she's been sorry ever since the day she left Seattle, she wanted to explain everything to Arizona but she doesn't have the courage yet, not while Sofia's listening.
Callie reached for Arizona's hand. Both women felt bolts of energy rushed through their veins with that simple touch, Arizona didn't mean to flinch and pull her hand away but she still did after feeling the spark, Callie's touch still has the same effect on her and it scared her. It caused Callie to flush in embarrassment as she took the other woman's reaction wrong.
"I-I'm sorry, Arizona. Let's just... let's just at least enjoy dinner for now." Callie almost choked with each word, still trying to smile for Sofia. Unknown to both women that her ounce of confidence left were now shattered into tiny pieces.
She held her daughter's hand and kissed her forehead. Sofia, her saving grace, the strength she always needed,
but why? Why was her heart still hurting?
You deserve this. The voice in her head won.
This will definitely be a long night for Calliope Torres.
