Disclaimer: The characters in this story are not mine and belong to Grey's Anatomy.
AN: Thanks to "cycworker", who did a hard job trying to fix my errors, and I know that isn't so easy... I'm very grateful to her. But any error in this chapter is mine because English is not my first language, I'm sorry, and I would truly appreciate any constructive input that may help further my storytelling.
CHAPTER 16
"What are you two doing?" Arizona and Sofia turned their heads quickly when they heard Callie's voice.
"We're watching a movie, Calliope." Arizona answered quickly, bending over towards the tv.
"Yes mommy, we're watching a movie." Sofia repeated, as though Callie's question was the silliest thing she'd ever heard.
"Sofia" Callie warned her daughter. Arizona could see from her expression that Callie was upset.
"Sorry Mommy..." Sofia excused herself.
Callie started to walk towards the kitchen with the bags. Arizona rushed to help at her. "What the hell are you doing, Arizona?" Callie asked angrily.
Arizona shrugged. "Mmm, trying to help...?" She frowned, knowing that Callie was mad at her. Callie asked her to stay in bed while she went to the grocery store to get some things for lunch and Arizona did the opposite.
Callie bit her lip. "Trying to help? Really Arizona?" She repeated angrily. If you'd really like to help, you need to get back to bed"
Arizona opened her mouth to argue but Callie interrupted her quickly. "No, Arizona, you heard what Derek and Bailey said. You need rest. You're not a child, Arizona... I need you to take care of yourself..."
"Callie, honey... I didn't anything wrong. We were just watching TV"
"You don't understand, do you? I need you feeling well..." Callie took Arizona's hands. "I - We need to help Derek to help you. The best way to do that is to follow his instructions..." Callie replied, her voice breaking.
"Please, Callie, try to understand.. I've been stuck in bed all weekend... I'm bored." Arizona's heart sank as she saw that Callie was still upset.
"That's because your fever still hadn't gone down.. Do I need to remember you the temperature you had, early yesterday morning?" She said dismayed.
Arizona looked down. She felt guilty. She knew she really hadn't done anything wrong by watching TV with Sofia. They were just sitting on the couch enjoying a relaxing time together. Still, she understood how Callie felt; she knew she'd be concerned, too if their roles were reversed.
She knew Callie was worried. She knew she really hadn't done anything wrong by watching TV with Sofia. They were just sitting on the couch enjoying a relaxing time together. Still, she understood how Callie felt; she knew she'd be concerned, too if their roles were reversed. Callie had spent the last few nights awake trying to lower Arizona's temperature. Even with her eyes closed,, Arizona could feel Callie's gaze over her throughout the night.
Arizona had felt Callie's hand on her forehead in the night, checking her temperature, several heard her girlfriend muttering to herself, concerned,when she realized it was still high.
Arizona was careful not to mention it to Callie if she wasn't feeling well, as she didn't want to cause the other woman further distress. She remained motionless in the bed, lest she wake Callie up if she was finally getting some sleep.
"I'm sorry..." She whispered.
Callie didn't hear and continued venting to Arizona.. "How can go to work tomorrow if I can't trust you, Arizona? I feel bad enough as it is, having to leave you here alone." Callie took a deep breath, trying to calm down. She knew that she was nervous and it was causing her to overreact, but she couldn't help but worry. "I'll call Owen and I'll take tomorrow off too..." She said more to herself more than anything.
"No!" Arizona exclaimed quickly. "You can't do that Callie. You didn't go in today. You can't just skip work. You can't... You... I ..." Arizona broke down, sobbing and covering her face with hands.
Callie looked at her, terrified. "Arizona? What's wrong?" She tried to move Arizona's hand but the blond resisted. "Please, Arizona, tell me what's wrong?"
Arizona looked up. Her eyes were brimming with tears and the sight broke Callie's heart. "You can't do this Callie, please… I need you keep living a normal life! I can't keep feeling like I'm a burden to you!"
"Arizona... I ..."
"No! Callie, don't! You promised me that we'd try to have a normal relationship! You promised me..." Of course, Arizona understood and respected that Callie would be concerned about her. Her big heart was one of the things Arizona loved the most about the other woman. She was just so afraid of being a burden for Callie and that one day, she would be resent at her. Sometimes Arizona forgot that part of being in love with someone meant taking care of the person when they needed it.
Callie sighed deeply. She felt bad for Arizona. She knew she needed to control herself and not push so much. She had to give Arizona the freedom she needed despite the fear she felt. Grabbing Arizona's face, she softly kissed her forehead. "I'm sorry baby, I need to get used this... It isn't easy to not want to take care of you, you know?" She winked trying to lighten the mood.
No saying a word, Arizona hugged strongly at Callie. "I love you" Arizona whispered in Callie's neck. "Maybe I need to get used to the idea that you will take care of me, too..."
"You'd better, because there's no way I won't look after you. Do you hear me?" She said playfully. "And you know why? Because I love you, so so much, Arizona... I love you." She pecked Arizona's lips.
Arizona smiled and dried her tears. "I love you too, Calliope. I'm sorry I blew up..."
"Arizona, the best part is coming!" Sofia yelled from the living ignoring what was happening in the kitchen.
Arizona looked at Callie with puppy eyes. "I guess I can't go, right?" She asked softly. When Callie raised her eyebrows she answered herself. "Ok... I'll go to bed again..." she pouted.
"I'm sorry Sof, but Arizona can't go!" Callie yelled back at her daughter. "She has to stay here and help me make lunch!" She turned and saw the huge smile in Arizona's face. "Unless you'd prefer to go watch cartoons and..."
"Of course not" Arizona quickly answered. "You tell me what to do." Arizona was glad that Callie let her help.
"Sit." Callie ordered. "Wait there, you can chop the onions." Said cheerfully.
"What? Callie, you know I hate to chop onions!" Arizona complained. "You should remember, it's me who has trouble with the memories!"
Callie laughed. "Of course I remember sweetie, but this" She said pointed the onions. "Is your punishment for not keeping your word and resting like you promised you would..."
"You're evil..." Arizona murmured.
Callie approached. "You bet I am..." She kissed Arizona lovingly. "Promise me that if you start feeling bad, you'll tell me and you'll go to rest..." She asked tenderly.
"I promise." Arizona answered looking deeply in Callie's eyes.
"Good, now. come on, I need those onions..." Callie clapped her hands.
A few minutes passed a neither of them said a word. Callie didn't notice Arizona's glance until she heard her voice. "Calliope…?"
Spinning her head Callie glanced at her. "Hmm?"
"I love you." Arizona stated. It was nothing more than the truth. They weren't exuberant words but they were the sweetest, magical and incredible words that Callie could hear in that moment.
Callie smiled. She needed to not be too sentimental. She hide her emotions and controlled the urge to run towards Arizona and embrace her because she knew that if she did it, she would break down crying. And Arizona didn't need that. She needed all the normalcy Callie could give her.
"You aren't getting out of your job." She teased. Arizona smiled happily, enjoying that simple moment she missed in the past. "Oh, and I love too." Callie said and kept cooking.
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A soft knock at the door was enough to wake her up. Callie stretched. She was confused. She took a moment to focus. "Baby, someone's at door" She heard Arizona murmur, still sleepy. She moved her arm from Arizona and smiled when Arizona groaned.
They had fallen asleep on the couch watching a movie. Mark had picked up Sofia to take her to a friend's birthday. Sofia wasn't really sure about going,but Arizona convinced her. Sofia was afraid Arizona would leave them again, but both Callie and Arizona promised that Arizona would be there when she came back. So, as they were alone, they decided to enjoy their time watching tv snuggling together in each other's arms.
"I'm sorry, it seems I woke you up..." Teddy said timidly when Callie opened the door, rubbing her face.
"Hey!, come in, please..." Callie hugged at her. "I didn't expect you until tomorrow." She whispered, surprised.
"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry I didn't tell you." Teddy apologized. "It was all very sudden..."
"No, Teddy, please. You don't need to explain yourself. I'm really happy you're here... I think it'll be good for Arizona..." She smiled sadly.
"Does she knew I was coming?" Callie shook her head. "How is she?" Teddy asked, concerned. She had talked with Arizona once but she wasn't very talkative. She knew Arizona wouldn't tell her how she was really feeling, so she had had several conversations with Callie in the last few days. Callie kept her up to date about Arizona's physical and emotional health.
"You know... It was hard for her... She is still trying to adapt." Callie explained.
"Teddy?" Both women turned when they heard that voice. As Callie hadn't returned, Arizona got worried and went to check on her. "What are you doing here?" Arizona was happy to see Teddy but she was also nervous. She wasn't sure she was ready to talk to her.
"I'm happy to see you too, Arizona..." Joked at observe Arizona's reaction. "Come here..." She extended her arm and pulled Arizona towards her.
When Arizona felt Teddy's body against her, all her walls came her best efforts to hold it together, she broke down, shaking and sobbing. "Shh, sweetie, it's ok. Everything's fine now..." Teddy said, her voice shaky. Her cheeks were wet. She couldn't control herself either. The past few years of Arizona's illness had taken a toll on Teddy, too.
Teddy had been a pillar of strength for Arizona over the years. She had helped her cope with her illness and memory loss. She was there for anything Arizona needed. Teddy always had an encouraging word when Arizona was ready to throw in the towel. Teddy was there to take Arizona's hands when she was feeling alone. Teddy was all Arizona had. "Everything is so weird now..." Arizona cried.
"I know... I know..." She was rubbing Arizona's back, trying to console her.
As Callie watched them, she felt helpless. She held back her own tears, as it hit her once again that no matter how much love she and Arizona shared, it wasn't enough to change what Arizona had been through. All she wanted to do was take away the pain the woman she loved was feeling, even though she knew it couldn't be done. "Why don't you two have a seat?" Callie suggested shyly. She was concerned about the effect this emotional roller coaster could have on Arizona.
"Your girlfriend is right... She is your girlfriend again, right..?" She said teasingly. Arizona nodded. "Well then I better be careful not to hug you for too long... I don't want troubles with her. She seems strong..." Teddy whispered in Arizona's ear, trying hard to cheer her up.
"I don't think she minds..." Arizona laughed.
"Excuseme!?" Callie retorted, pretending to be upset. "I am not at all ok with any women other than me hugging my girlfriend!" Callie walked over to them and brought Arizona to her side.
"Hey! I'm not any woman!" Teddy complained and the three of them laughed.
Callie glanced at Arizona and smiled sadly. "I know you are not... And I'll be always grateful to you..." She kissed Arizona's cheeks lovingly.
"Me too... I'm truly and immensely indebted with you, Teddy." Arizona stated, her eyes filling with tears.
"No..." Teddy shook her head. "You don't need to thank me, Arizona... Neither of you... We are friends...And that's for the friends are for, right?"
"We were best friends..." She answered more to herself than for Teddy.
"We are best friends, Arizona. We are..." Teddy stated.
"I always knew we would be great friends..." Arizona grinned.
"Would you like something to drink, Teddy?" Callie asked as the three women made their way to the couch.
"Yes, please..." Teddy sighed profusely. "If you don't mind, I'd like to use your bathroom first."
"No problem. Make yourself at home. I'll make you a coffee." Callie walked to the kitchen.
"Babe, it's time for your meds. I'll get you some water."
"Yes, thank you..." Arizona replied sorrowfully.
When Teddy came back, Arizona was lost in thought. "Hey, everything ok?" Teddy squeezed Arizona's leg.
"Yes... I guess..." Arizona shrugged. "I still feel like there's a whirlwind going on inside me..."
Teddy smiled sympathetically. "You have your memories now... right?"
"Most of them..." Arizona breathed out heavily. "But not all of them yet... and many are still confusing... I'm trying hard to remember some things that I can't... And on the other hand I remember things I'd wish I could forget..." She laughed wistfully.
"I'm sorry to interrupt... Here is your coffee." Callie extended a mug towards Teddy. "And here is your water, honey."
"Thank you" Both women responded in unison.
"I'll let you chat alone."
"Babe, it's not necessary. You can stay." Arizona replied quickly.
"No, you two need your time. I'll be in the bedroom preparing some stuff for tomorrow. If you need something just call me... Ok?" Callie kissed Arizona's head.
"I need you..." Arizona replied.
Callie knew that Arizona needed time to talk with Teddy and she wasn't sure that her presence was the best idea. Even though she wanted to be there for Arizona, she knew that Teddy and Arizona needed some time just for them, after all they had been through. "Look, we can do this... I'll let you two alone for awhile. I'll check in on you later, and if you two leave more time, just tell me and I'll go... Deal?" Arizona just nodded.
"I guess you remembered your relationship with Callie..." Teddy asked after Callie left them alone.
"Yes... I remembered most of our past together... Actually that's the reason I'm here now."
"And about Sofia..." Teddy inquired with care.
"You want to ask if I know that she slept with Mark while I was in Africa. Yes, that part too..."
"And... How are you feeling about that?"
Arizona thought for a few seconds before answering. "I won't lie you, it's not easy... It's not something I can just forget the next-day..." Both women burst out laughing at the irony of Arizona's words.
"Are you sure, Arizona?" Teddy asked humorously.
Arizona couldn't stop laughing. "Actually no..." They knew the situation wasn't really funny, but they couldn't help themselves. The dark humor was a good defense against their fears and sadness. However in an instant both were serious again.
When Callie heard the women laughing she wanted to know what was happening. She loved Arizona's laugh.. She stayed hidden in the hallway, hoping to remain unnoticed, but Arizona saw her out of the corner of her eye.
"But... I love Sofia. I think I've loved her since the first day I met her..." Arizona replied, looking at Teddy.
"That's because when you found her, you found Callie..."
"No..." Arizona smiled as the memories overcame her. "No, before that... I think I've loved Sofia since the first day Mark introduced her to me... She was so tiny...so beautiful... She was a mini Callie..." Arizona laughed and dried her cheeks. She hadn't realized that she had started crying. But it wasn't a sad cry. She was crying tears of joy as she realized the depth of her love for Callie and Sofia."No, I don't think. I know that.I just forgot for a while..." she whispered sadly.
Callie was crying as well. She had hoped the other women didn't notice her eavesdropping, but Arizona glanced up and looked her in the eyes."You know Teddy... I haven't had too much time to assimilate too many things but..." She continued to look at turned to see what had caught Arizona's eye. "I love Sofia... I love Callie... I love you Calliope. "
"I love you, Arizona..." Callie sobbed.
"And none of the rest of it matters..." Arizona stated.
Callie ran towards her and embraced her tightly. "I love you baby..." They kissed cleared her throat. "Sorry" murmured Callie.
"I'm so so happy for you, Arizona... I've saw you so sad, so lost all of these years... So may times I asked myself if I should break my promise and find Callie..."
"Really?" Callie asked surprised. Teddy nodded.
"But I asked her don't talk to me about you and... my family, right?" Arizona asked sadly.
Teddy down her head. She didn't want to have this conversation. It would be really painful for Arizona and she desperately wanted to avoid it for as long as possible.
"What happened to my parents, Teddy?" Arizona asked. "I can't remember... I know... I think they're dead, like Tim, but... there are still something missing..."
Teddy sighed. It broke her heart to have to tell Arizona this news. Still, she knew her friend deserved to recover her past, even though some of the details were painful.
"Yes, they are... I'm sorry..." Teddy admitted sadly.
"How...?" Arizona had a lump of her throat. "Was I still me when they died?. I mean, did I still have my memory? Did they know about my tumour?
Teddy saw the pain in Arizona's eyes and responded quickly. "Your parents never knew about your tumor, Arizona. You didn't tell them at first and then well... what happened..." Teddy explained gently.
"What was that, exactly...? I can't... I just..." She clutched her head tightly, as though she was trying to squeeze her memories back to the forefront.
"Honey, please... Don't push yourself. Why we don't save this conversation for another time?" Callie suggested worried.
"Yes, Arizona. Callie is right..." Teddy seconded.
"No. I want to know now. I want to be myself right now. All my life, my past… I've lived in the shadows for years and now I have the opportunity to recover what I've lost.. We can't know if I'll have my memory tomorrow, we don't know how much time I have. We -"
"Arizona..." Callie said painfully. It broke her heart to hear Arizona speak this way.
"No, Callie! You know I'm right! I want my life back!" Arizona yelled, frustrated. "Please..." She begged, glancing at Teddy.
"They had a car were hit by a drunk driver."
"Did they... " Arizona couldn't finish the question but Teddy knew what her friend was trying to ask.
"They didn't suffer. They were killed instantly."
"What about the other driver...?" Arizona inquired with a tremble in her voice.
"The police were never able to find the other driver, sadly."
Arizona broke down, sobbing. Callie hugged her tightly. "Shhh, baby... everything will be fine..." Callie didn't have words to console Arizona.
"I'm sorry..." Teddy said softly.
After a minutes of crying Arizona gathered herself. She dried her tears and breathed deeply. She needed to know everything. She needed not to have doubts. "Tim died years before, right...?" Teddy nodded. "I never put a flower on my mom's grave… I never visited them..." She stated painfully. "They've being forgotten for years. I'm a awful daughter..."
"No, sweetie... Don't be so hard with yourself... You didn't know Arizona. You can't blame yourself..." Callie squeezed her leg and lovingly kissed her cheek.
"Arizona... Your parents haven't been forgotten. Mark and I made sure that their graves were maintained. They're buried next to your brother. You have nothing to worry about." Teddy explained with a sad smile.
"What?" Arizona asked astonished.
"You asked us, to look after them when you couldn't. We knew that your health was getting worse. We knew that it was matter of time before you lost your memory. So Mark and I promised you we'd do that for you, until the day you could do it yourself again..." Teddy pointed out with choked voice.
"What if I had never recovered?" Tears came to her eyes again. Teddy and Mark had kept their word. A word that she couldn't even remember She couldn't believe what she was hearing.
"That was never a option. No for Mark. Not for me. We could keep doing it for years. I wouldn't fail you, Arizona. We're friends, right?"
Arizona jumped into Teddy arms. "Thank you..." She didn't have words to express her gratitude. "I don't know what to say... What you two did for me..."
"It was nothing you wouldn't do for us..." Teddy stated. "Well, at least for me. I'm not so sure about Mark..." Teddy said playfully, trying to lighten the mood. The three of them laughed. "No... really, Arizona. We did what we had to."
"I can believe that Mark kept the secret from me all these years..." Callie said wistfully.
"Please don't be mad at him, Callie. Arizona asked us not tell to you. She thought that was the best and at some point she was right."
Callie laughed angrily. "Really? Because I don't think so..."
"Calliope, you were pregnant... You didn't need a burden..."
"Enough with that, Arizona! You would never be that for me. Never." Callie was upset. She couldn't be there for Arizona. She couldn't do anything for her while her best friend lied to her. "Sorry." She murmured when saw Arizona's face. They'd already had this conversation and there was nothing Callie could do now. They needed to move on from the past and start a new life.
"I want go to see them, Calliope..." Arizona asked softly.
"We'll go. When you're better we'll"
"Callie, please... I need to go..." Arizona begged.
Callie took Arizona's hand in hers. "We'll go. I promise." She said firmly, looking Arizona in the eye. Arizona nodded sadly.
"There is something else..." Teddy interrupted timidly. When Arizona and Callie looked up she continued. "You signed papers giving me the right to make decisions about your affairs…"
Arizona frowned. "My affairs...?"
"I ... I'm ... You gave me power of attorney so I could make decisions on your behalf when you couldn't. Medical decisions.. And your financial situation, including your parent's house... But don't worry. I didn't do anything we haven't talked about and - " Teddy stammered.
"Teddy." Arizona interrupted. "Thank you. It's ok. I trust you. I don't need to know about that right now. It can wait..." She smiled.
"Ok..."
Arizona sighed. "I think we've talked about my past enough for now. I guess you won't be in Seattle for long time..."
"Actually, no. Just a few days. I wanted to see you..." She explained.
"So, now I want to talk to my friend though. Tell me everything about your life in New York..."
"I'll bring more coffee" Callie suggested happily.
