Chapter 9
Every new day brings new possibilities. Some we see coming from a mile away. Others, they can sneak up on us. Possibilities can change our life, our way of thinking, our way of seeing the world. Most importantly, they can give us hope. Hope for things we didn't know we needed or wanted.
Callie Torres is cutting the ribbon for the grand opening of Torres Orthopedics, right this very second. She has known since she became a doctor, this is what she wanted to do and she sought to make it a possibility. Today... it becomes a reality.
Standing right behind her, are her new co-workers and friends. Addie, Christina, and Meredith are donned in fresh scrubs, ready to tackle this new adventure with her. Standing alongside them, are several of the local business owners and employees. Among those, are also new friends, Teddy, Mandy, and surprisingly, Arizona Robbins. Teddy informed her this morning that they rescheduled some patients to be able to be here for the event.
Little acts of kindness go a long way and today, Callie is feeling blessed. From her friends and family that are unable to be here, including her parents, Mark, and her former boss, Richard Webber- who encouraged her every step of the way with her cartilage research... all sent flowers that are adorning her waiting room. They have sent support when they can't be here themselves.
As the ribbon is cut and cheers are heard, the flash goes off for a picture that will accompany an article in the paper tonight. Once that is done, Callie gives a quick speech thanking everyone for coming to support her. She is somewhat overwhelmed at the generosity of her business neighbors and wants to make sure they know she appreciates it.
Once Callie thanks them one last time, everyone starts to disburse. Callie's co-workers head inside as the other owners head back to their places of business. Callie's first patient is already here so she is quickly trying to pick up a few things to head in to join them, when she hears a throat clear behind her. When she turns around, she is surprised to see Arizona standing there. She looks and sees that Teddy and Mandy are already back across the street so Callie is unsure of what Arizona could want.
Last night, Callie had time to do a lot of thinking as she was up late in the office. She didn't come to any particular conclusions, but she knows things may possibly never be the same for her.
"Hey," Arizona says, taking in the sight of Callie in her petite-cut business suit. She has always thought the woman was stunning, but right now, it almost takes her breath away.
"Hey." Callie stands there, also taking note that Arizona is a little more dressed up today as well. With other business owners at the opening, Callie is sure Arizona wanted to dress a little more business-like because of that. Not that she hasn't always looked professional, but she is also wearing a woman's suit today.
"Um... congratulations," Arizona says, nervously. She isn't sure she should be here right now, but her feet didn't give her mind a say in the decision. They had a mind all of their own.
"Thanks."
The women stand there for a second before Arizona continues. "I won't keep you, but I um, I just wanted to say... I um..." Arizona shakes her head. What is it about this woman. She just does things to her. She just can't seem to function around her at times. "I'm sorry," Arizona half chuckles. "I always seem to do this around you."
"I may have noticed," Callie chuckles nervously. "It seems to be a habit. I'm not sure how you get all those women Teddy talks about if you are like this around everyone," Callie says, causing Arizona to blush.
"I seem to reserve this for just you, for some reason," Arizona reaches up and scratches the side of her neck nervously as Callie watches her carefully. "Um, look, would you, maybe... want to go grab a drink tonight? Like a grand opening celebration drink? My treat."
"Um, I don't know... I have a lot of stuff still to do and I just, I don't know if it's um, you know... If it's a good idea right now."
"Because your busy or because...? You know what... never mind. I just, I just thought I would throw it out there," she says looking at her watch. "Oh, I better go. Teddy is going be out here any minute wondering where I am. I'll uh, see you later. Good luck today." And with that, Arizona turns and rushes across the street.
"Thanks," Callie says quietly, knowing Arizona didn't hear her. Turning to walk back in, she stops at the door and looks back across the street, just in time to see that Arizona had turned around and was watching. She gives her a small wave as Arizona does the same, then they both head into their office.
"I thought you were right behind us until we got to the door," Teddy says. "Then I saw you over their flirting. How did that work out for you?"
"Yeah. Well, I don't think that counted as flirting. That would require a complete, coherent sentence, and as usual… that didn't happen. And it appears it wouldn't have done any good anyway."
"What do you mean it wouldn't do any good? Seemed to be working for you last night."
"Yeah, well, apparently that was last night. I don't really want to talk about it. I am expecting another fax from Dr. Tanner. Let me know when it comes. I think we are about ready to either make a break-through or hit a road block. If it's the latter, it's not going to be good."
"Ok. Well, little Marcy is in room one. They are here early so Mandy went ahead and took them back."
Arizona nods and heads to the patient's room, ready to begin her day.
XXXXXXX
"Callie, Mr. Thompson is set up in room A. Christina has his old files pulled up he had sent from his last doctor but Meredith has the machine warming up if you want new films."
"Thanks, Addie," Callie says, sitting down her scissors and ribbon from outside. She goes to walk away when Addie stops her.
"You ok? I saw you talking to Robbins out there."
"Uh, yeah. She was just wishing me good luck today."
"That's very cordial of her."
"Yeah. Well, I better get in there," Callie says, pointing to the room.
"Is that all?"
"What do you mean, is that all? She was just being neighborly."
"Neighbors don't usually look nervous as hell when they wish you good luck."
"Well... that was it," Callie shrugs as she heads to see her first patient. To be honest, Callie isn't sure why she is hiding the fact that Arizona asked her out for a drink. After all, it was just a friendly drink. She didn't ask for a date or anything like that.
Addie knows the small chat was more than just a good luck chat. And she also knows Callie herself is nervous as hell over the growing attraction between the two and probably doesn't want to draw more attention to it than need be. She pulls her phone out and texts Teddy across the road, wondering if Arizona said anything when she walked in. Addie finds out that there was apparently something that went on, but it didn't work in Arizona's favor.
XXXXXXX
"Arizona," Teddy says, walking into Arizona's office. "Here is the fax you were waiting on," Teddy says, watching Arizona open it.
"Damn it."
"Doesn't sound like the results you were hoping for."
"No, it's not. Little Katherine is one puzzle of a little girl. I just don't get it," she says, scanning the rest of the contents of the fax. "This little girl has been in a coma for a little over two years. There is nothing, and I mean nothing, on any of the tests that would pinpoint a cause. Nothing. I mean, they could keep her on support for the next who knows how many years, and nothing would change."
"Did she just fall into a coma or did something happen?"
"She fell off something in daycare. See, usually you would be able to see the trauma and know why they are in the coma. In this case, they know she fell and hit her head, but there is no evidence of any trauma. So, it just doesn't make sense."
"That's unfortunate."
"It is. And the thing is, the longer they wait, the more likely there will be long term damage that we can't even begin to predict. I mean, even if we were to figure this out now, this little girl would basically need to learn to do everything all over again. She would most likely, given her age at the time and the length of time she has been in the coma... she would need to learn how to walk and talk and function, all over again. That would be a good case scenario. Odds are good that there would be impairments impossible to predict. And the parents... that would be so hard on them. I just can't help but feel for them. It's a tough decision for sure."
"I don't envy you any. You have a tough job with life or death decisions most of us can't even comprehend making," Teddy says, leaving Arizona to look at the file.
XXXXXXX
The last patient just left for the day and Callie plops down in the chair in front of Addie's desk. About that time, the phone rings and Addie answers. "Callie, this is Katie's doctor. I'll forward it to your office."
Callie becomes anxious with each call she receives now. It is never good news and it makes her wish that they would almost stop doing tests. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss. It leads you to believe, if only for a little while, there may be some hope.
Callie goes into her office and takes the call. Teddy watches as she comes back out, around ten minutes later, with tears falling down her cheeks.
"I'm going to um, go ahead and get out of here. I need to just get out for a little bit," Callie says, pointing towards the door.
"Honey… are you ok? Did something happen?" Addie stands to walk over towards Callie, putting her hands on Callie's shoulder.
"No. But that's kind of the problem. I just… I just need to go out and clear my head. Thank you, for everything today. Tell Meredith and Christina thanks for me and I will see you all tomorrow."
"Maybe I can go with you? Maybe just be there…in case you want to talk?"
"I appreciate it. I really do. I just need a little time to myself tonight though."
"Ok. Just call if you need me and I'll be right there."
"Thank you, Addie."
XXXXXXX
Arizona has not had a date in three weeks. She isn't counting, and as a matter of fact, hasn't even noticed, until she walks into Jax and sees her last fling sitting at the bar watching her. Arizona tries to act like she didn't see the woman, but it's too late. She is already on the move and heading towards Arizona.
"Well, I wondered where you have been hiding," the woman says, approaching her, reaching out to run her hand up Arizona's arm.
"I've been busy," Arizona says, pulling her arm away from the woman. A few weeks ago, she wouldn't have thought anything about taking this woman and leaving right this second. Right now, that's the last thing she wants to do.
"Oh, someone is a little grouchy tonight. Maybe that's something I can... help you with," the woman says, having tried to lean in closer, only for Arizona to take a step back.
"Look, I'm sorry, but that isn't happening again," Arizona says, trying to walk away.
"Oh, come on. You aren't here with anyone. Let me buy you a drink."
"Look, I've tried to be nice, but apparently that isn't working with you. A friend is meeting me but even if they weren't, I'm not interested."
"You were a few weeks ago," the woman says seductively.
"Yeah, well, not now." With that, Arizona brushes past her and makes her way to the other side of the bar, away from the past fling. She places her order and pulls her phone out to send Teddy a text telling her to hurry.
As she sips on her drink, she gets a text a few minutes later. Looking at her phone, she sees that it is Teddy. Teddy informs her she had a water leak under the sink and is stuck cleaning up a mess and won't be able to make it. A little disappointed, Arizona decides to order some food and then head home.
Halfway through her dinner, she happens to glance up just in time to see Callie sit down and order a drink. She watches the woman and is somewhat upset that she turned down drinks with her, just to come for drinks anyway.
"Well, I guess it was just me that she didn't want the drinks with," Arizona mumbles to herself. She all of a sudden doesn't have much of an appetite, so she pulls out money to pay her bill and sits it on the table. She goes to stand but notices Callie stands as well, and makes her way toward a table in the back of the room. For some reason, Arizona finds herself having a seat, once again, and watches the brunette sit down, putting her coat and purse on the chair next to hers.
Arizona can't help but to just watch the woman. She notices that Callie looks upset and has possibly been crying. She is still beautiful, but her make-up isn't as perfect as it was when she saw her this morning.
She sees that Callie slowly sips her drink. She appears to be alone as no one has joined her yet. Arizona contemplates joining her, but decides against it for the time being.
XXXXXXX
Callie finishes her drink and catches a waitress to order another. When she left her office earlier, she went for a drive. She found a nice little spot by the lake to sit for a while and pull herself together. Nothing has to change. She can keep doing what she has been doing. She can keep working and then spending the weekends with Katie. She can keep waiting on new tests and studies, just like she has been. But for some reason, she feels like time is fleeting more quickly and that maybe it is time to reconsider her options.
When she became a parent, she thought the three a.m. feedings would be the worst part of parenting and it would get easier from there. Boy was she ever wrong.
When she was called by the daycare and told there had been an accident, her world changed, forever. She had no idea what she would face, watching her child lay there… day after day, month after month. She would wonder if she would ever get to hear her little girl's laugh again….wonder if she would ever feel those little arms around her neck and hear her say, "I love you, mommy."
She sips her second drink, taking her time. There is no rush tonight. She already decided the extra work she had can wait.
Callie watches the crowd begin to loosen up and hit the dance floor. She orders one more drink… a beer this time. After finishing it, she starts to feel the weight of the world begin to lift from her shoulders, if only for a little while. She stands and heads for the dance floor. The music is fast and she is more than happy to join in.
XXXXXXX
Arizona hasn't left her stool in a while, but watching Callie. It is more than obvious something is bothering her. Arizona had expected celebratory drinks, not what she has been witnessing.
When she sees Callie stand from her seat to head to the dance floor, she notices how Callie starts moving with the music. She watches as Callie's arms find their way into the air and begin swaying. She also watches as Callie's hips begin to move and when she sees that, Arizona is a goner. No other woman could ever have a body that compares to the one she is watching.
She can't take her eyes off of the mesmerizing woman. She observes for a few more minutes, taking her all in, when she sees a man begin to notice Callie. He dances closer and finally gets to where he is right behind her. He dances close, but not touching and Callie knows he is there. She looks around to acknowledge him then turns back around to continue dancing. This continues for a few songs, the man leaning in to say something every now and then.
Finally, Arizona realizes that she can't sit here and just watch any longer. After last night, she knows that there is something between them. It wasn't just in her mind. There is something there. It is an undeniable chemistry. Deciding that being shot down once in a day might not be enough, she makes her way through the dance floor and approaches the brunette and the man dancing with her, from behind. She reaches up and taps on the man's shoulder, nodding that she wants to cut in. The man looks at her in disbelief but shakes his head and walks off. Not that she needed it this time, but she would have been more insistent if need be.
After the man moves and Arizona takes his place, Callie is still unaware that she has a new dancing partner. The song comes to an end and then is almost immediately replaced by something a little slower. Arizona doesn't give Callie a chance to turn around and steps right up behind her, putting her left arm around Callie's waste and her right hand on Callie's hip, immediately starting to sway with the song. Callie dances for a bit before looking down to notice the appearance of the other hand, when she realizes there is no way that hand belongs to the gentleman who was just there.
She goes to turn around when Arizona suddenly senses what she is doing. Arizona steps into her and pulls Callie flush against her body, causing a flurry of feelings to erupt in her stomach. She leans in when she feels Callie starting to strain to turn around, and whispers in her ear, "Just. One. Dance. That's all I am asking for."
Callie's breath hitches when she realizes Arizona is indeed the one she is flush against. She can feel Arizona's breasts pressing into her back, causing a feeling she has never felt before, to overtake her. The only thing she can think to do is nod.
They continue to dance for another minute before Arizona releases Callie and turns her around. They come face to face and Arizona has never felt how she is feeling right now. She really doesn't even know this woman, and yet, there is a pull between them she can't explain.
Callie on the other hand, is now faced with the reality that she can deny her attraction for the woman in front of her all she wants, but it would be futile. Arizona puts her left arm around Callie and pulls her closer, with Callie putting her arm up around Arizona's back and resting it on her shoulder. Their opposite hands find each other and Arizona grips Callie's hand, pulling it up to cradle it on her chest as she pulls Callie impossibly closer.
"Arizona, I..."
"Callie..." Arizona interrupts. "Please?" Arizona almost sounds desperate. She can't help but feel a need to be here with Callie.
Callie nods and the two women dance. Their feet moving just enough to cause them to move in small circles around the floor. The song changes and the women don't seem to notice, as their positions don't change and they seem lost in their own little world when the gentleman from earlier taps on Arizona's shoulder.
"Mind if I cut back in?"
Arizona takes a step back and looks at Callie. She then starts to take a step away when she is stopped by Callie reaching out to grab her hand. Callie looks at her, then turns to the man. "I'm sorry, but I'm good right where I'm at." The man holds his arms up as if to say it's her choice, then walks away.
"You were going to give up that easy?"
Arizona looks at Callie, surprised by the question. "You weren't exactly thrilled when you saw it was me to begin with. I um, I only asked for one dance so when he came over, I didn't want to make you mad."
"I… was actually pretty content where I was. But if you want to go…" Callie says, somewhat shyly, looking up at Arizona.
"God, no," Arizona blurts out, then realizing how eager she sounded. "I mean… no. As long as that's ok with you?"
Callie responds by holding her hand out for Arizona to take, smiling bashfully as she does just that.
"You know, I thought you were too busy for drinks?" Arizona asks, pulling Callie in close to her again.
"Yeah…I'm sorry. I really didn't intend to be here tonight. It's just… I really can't talk about it right now, I just needed to get out. I really am sorry…I really wasn't lying when I said I had things going on. I just… I needed to get out though."
Nodding, Arizona continues to lead Callie around the dance floor. Occasionally, Arizona will tilt her head in, just a little, and inhale the scent that is Callie. If Callie notices, she doesn't say anything. Truth be told, Callie has been doing the same thing. She is used to the scent of a man's cologne or herself wearing perfume. She usually isn't this close to women for a long period of time, so even the smell of another woman like this is new to her.
Arizona takes the hand that is holding Callie's on the top of her chest, and lets go. She takes her right hand, and can't help but trace Callie's jawline with the tips of her fingers. She doesn't say anything, but reaches up to put a strand of her that has fallen down, back behind Callie's ear. She then leans her head forward, just a little, so that their noses are almost touching.
Callie has never in her life been intimate with a woman. The way Arizona is holding her and touching her face, is almost more than she can handle. And not even because Arizona is a woman, but because she has never felt a connection quite like this.
"Does this make you uncomfortable?" Arizona asks, looking Callie in the eyes.
"Um, no," Callie says, slightly shaking her head as she whispers. "It doesn't." Callie says, watching Arizona carefully.
"I'm sorry I'm not usually coherent around you, Callie. You just do things to me that I have never in my life, experienced. I am usually pretty well put together and just being in the same room with you... it turns me into a mess and I can't hardly think or form thoughts and I know... I know you have to think I'm like this all the time, but I promise you, I'm not. And I hope one day, you get to see the put-together side of me. Because there is so much more to me than what you have witnessed so far."
"Arizona, I think you just did an amazing job of sounding like a... normal human," Callie smiles.
"Oh, gee, thanks," Arizona scoffs.
"That's not quite what I meant. It's just... what you just said? That's the sweetest thing that anyone has ever said to me. And after seeing this side of you, the way you are right now, if there is a more put-together version, I think I'd rather pass. Because this person with me right now, seems pretty special."
"If that was the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to you, then you haven't been around the right people," Arizona says as she let's her hand side down to the side of Callie's neck.
"Probably not," Callie agrees, shaking her head.
"I love dancing with you," Arizona says, as she once again raises her hand and runs her finger down Callie's jaw line. She then takes her finger and traces Callie's lips... her eyes flickering from Callie's lips up to Callie's eyes. "But as much as I like it... do you want to maybe get out of here? We can go and just talk?" She knows it is a risky question. One she is sure Callie may not be ready for, especially after her response this morning to an invitation of drinks.
"Um, you know," Callie says, looking at the time, "I probably should get home. I have to be at the office early in the morning and the last thing I need is to drag myself in because I was out so late.
"Oh, yeah. That's fine. I wasn't even thinking about the time," Arizona says, agreeing, but feeling disappointed. "Well, why don't you get your things and I'll walk you out. If that's ok?" Arizona asks.
"Um, yeah. Of course. Just let me grab them."
"Ok, let me grab mine too and I'll meet you by the door," Arizona says.
True to her word, Arizona grabs her things while Callie is doing the same, then they meet by the front door as promised. Arizona holds the door open for her and leads her out into the muggy fall air. "You know, you didn't have to walk me out," Callie says.
"Yeah, I did. With you leaving, I had no reason to want to stay."
"I'm sure you could have found someone else. There were a few that were staring."
"Callie, I can assure you, they were staring at you."
"Yeah, I don't think so. I haven't had anyone look my way in years. Not even my husband. Well... ex-husband. But still, you didn't have to leave."
As they reach Callie's car, the one Arizona has really grown accustomed to seeing over the past several weeks, Arizona grabs Callie's hand and turns her, pushing her back against her car. "Then like I said, you haven't been around the right people. Because Callie, you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life."
"You know, I think you probably tell everyone that."
Arizona starts to take a step back, then steps in even closer to Callie, causing their breasts to push together. "I won't lie, I have seen pretty women. The thing is, I can assure you, none of them have held a candle to you. And while that may seem like a cheesy pick-up line, I can assure you, it's not. When I tell you that you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, I promise you, that's something I have only ever said to you."
"Arizona, please don't say things you don't mean. I have a lot on my plate, actually, more than you know. And I have things I need to tell you because it might change what you think you are feeling right now, and..."
"Are you seeing someone?" Arizona cuts her off.
"No... It's not that, it's..."
"Then it won't change the way I see you right now," Arizona whispers.
"It's just... sometimes things aren't what they seem and I don't want you to get..."
"Oh my god... Arizona says, her eyes lighting up with some sort of realization. "I have to go! I'm so sorry. Thank you... thank you! I think you may have just given me a new idea on a case I'm working on!" Arizona says, leaning in to give Callie a quick kiss on the cheek, surprising her."
"Oh," Callie says, reaching up to put her hand on her cheek. "Ok..."
Letting go of Callie's hand, Arizona takes a step back, with a huge smile on her face. "I'm sorry... really. I need to go though. You may have just helped a little girl more than you will ever know."
"No, that's ok. Go. Some kid is going to be lucky to have you on their case."
"I hope so..." Arizona says, smiling. She takes a step closer and leans in once again, and places another kiss on Callie's cheek. "I really want to kiss you right now, but I am going to wait. Because when I do kiss you, I want it to be somewhere more romantic than a parking lot. When I kiss you, I want you to never forget it, so... it needs to be way more romantic than a bar parking lot..." With that, Arizona takes a step back and gives Callie the biggest dimpled smile Callie has ever got to witness.
"Ok."
"Ok?" Arizona asks, with her eyebrow raised.
"Um, yeah," Callie nods, smiling, almost embarrassed.
"I'm glad I'm not the only one not able to come up with words. Makes me feel a lot better about myself. I'll see you later, Callie," Arizona says with a wink, walking backwards for a few seconds before turning and heading to her own car.
Callie smiles to herself before getting in her car to head home. This has been a night she wasn't expecting, at all. Arizona on the other hand, is heading back to the office to look at Katherine's file. Maybe they have been looking at this all wrong...