Chapter 18

Every time the door opens, Callie's eyes flash quickly towards it, anxious to see the blonde doctor walk through it, to deliver news that her daughter is out of surgery.

They took Katie took the operating room about an hour and a half ago. Right now, Callie is doing as any mother probably would… she is worrying.

"Callie, you aren't going to have any nails left if you keep tearing them off."

"I know. It's a nervous habit."

"Well, but you can quit tearing them off now, because there is blondie."

Looking over, Callie is out of her seat and by Arizona in a heartbeat. "How did it go?"

"It went well. Just as expected, no problems whatsoever."

Callie starts crying and Arizona can't help but take the woman in her arms. "It's ok. She is doing fine…" Arizona says, trying to soothe her.

"I'm sorry… it seems like all I have done lately is cry."

"It's ok. Look, they are going to monitor her for about an hour before we take her back to her room, so why don't you let Mark take you and get something to eat. You didn't eat much yesterday and I don't think Katie wants her mom in a bed next to her."

Callie begrudgingly goes with Mark to eat while Arizona stays with Katie. Once Arizona is satisfied that Katie is indeed stable, they transfer her back to her room. Surprisingly, Callie isn't in the room so Arizona sends a quick text letting her know they are back. She pulls up her tablet and puts in the order for the IVIG treatment to be started tomorrow. The goal is to give Katie antibodies that her own body has been destroying.

When Callie gets her text, she and Mark are just leaving the cafeteria. The line was long and it took twice as long as what it should have. While keeping the conversation light at lunch, Callie now asks the question that has been on her mind since last night.

"Aren't you going to tell me what you talked to Arizona about last night?"

"What are you talking about?"

"I know that you went to talk to her. What did you say?"

"Callie, I had a work thing to do. I texted you and told you that. I didn't see her."

"Yeah, well, maybe I could have believed that, but Arizona is a terrible liar. I know you talked to her. So, spill..."

"Getting to know her little quirks already?"

"Mark..."

"Ok, ok. I just know you have a lot going on right now. And I just didn't want to see her give up on you just yet."

"Well, I'm not giving her a choice."

"And from what I can tell, she isn't asking. I haven't liked many people you have dated and I hated your husband... a lot. But, I like her. She tolerates me on a basic level, which I appreciate. She didn't even want to talk to me last night because when she asked if you knew I was there, I told her you didn't."

"So why did she talk to you then?"

"Because I told her I would leave her alone afterwards."

Chuckling, Callie nods. "Yep. I can see how that would do it for her."

"Hey now. You don't have to be so mean about it."

"Oh, believe me, I'm not. Trust me."

"Look," Mark says, stopping once they are on the elevator and turning to face Callie. "You don't have to move at a warp speed. Take one day at a time. If she is meant to find someone else, then it will happen. But, don't just push her away. If she wants to get to know you, let her. Because you and I both know you don't want her to move on."

"No. I don't. I just want what is best for her."

"I think that happens to be you."

The elevator dings and the two make their way to Katie's room. When they walk in, Arizona is sitting and holding Katie's hand with one hand, and has a book in the other, reading to her.

"Damn it," Callie whispers.

"What?" Mark whispers back.

"Why does she have to seem so perfect?"

"Because for you, she is?"

"Mark…"

Mark doesn't give her a chance to finish as he shoves her in the room, startling Arizona.

"Hey, how is she?"

"Um, she is stable. No changes."

"Good. Sorry we weren't back. The lines were terrible."

"No problem. We kept ourselves busy."

"Well ladies, now that I know she is ok, I do need to get back. I really do have a big surgery tomorrow I need to study up on tonight. I've been collaborating with another surgeon on it. We are hoping that things go well enough that we can publish something on our method."

"That's great. I hope it works out Mark," Arizona nods.

"Thanks. Callie, you need me, you call. Got it?"

"Yeah. Thanks. For every thing."

Mark gives her a hug and Arizona quietly slips out. When Mark walks out, he sees Arizona at the nurse's station waiting, with her phone held out.

"Give me your number," she says, holding her phone out.

"What kind of guy do you think I am? I don't give it up for just anyone."

"Not what you said the night you hit on me at the bar."

"You should just forget about all that…" Mark says laughing, taking her phone. He puts his number in and gives it back.

"She will probably call her parents and let them know what's going on. But if she needs money, she hates to ask. So, if either of them need something, let me know and I'll hit up her dad. She likes to do things on her own but her dad is a great man. He would do anything for her. And like I told you yesterday, cost isn't a problem. So, anything you need for her, let me know. I'll get ahold of him."

"I will. Thanks Mark."

"Anytime. And, by the way… I think you guys are good for each other. Don't give up."

"Didn't plan to," Arizona says, giving Mark a wink.

Later that day, Arizona has been in and out checking on the Torres girls. Beth has been pulling Arizona in to consult on a few cases while she is here. Before leaving for the night, Arizona, Beth, and Amelia meet to discuss Katie.

"Surgery went well. IVIG will be started first thing in the morning followed by another plasmapheresis treatment. We did decide on extended sessions for the time being and I will continue that," Arizona says.

"Well, I'm sure we are all hoping for quick results, but I'm not confident enough to make a prediction as to when we might see them either. I'm hoping with the combined treatment along with the thymectomy, that we will see results sooner rather than later. I think the first sign she gives that she can move anything, we start her on cholinesterase inhibitors," Amelia says.

"Actually, that was what I was getting ready to ask you. What if we go ahead and do that now? I understand we didn't want to because of side effects, but if we don't give it everything now, it might not matter. If we can't get a response from her… I just, I know she can't go on like this indefinitely. I say we put it all on the table. I know there are risks, but I think the risks of not doing it are going to be greater," Arizona says sadly.

"I agree," Beth says. "Ideally it would be better to wait. Do we want to add immunosuppressants in as well? If we are going go big or go home, we may as well start her on those too."

Amelia and Arizona look at each other contemplating and Amelia is the first to respond by saying yes.

"I agree on that too. Again, I know we were trying not to overwhelm her little body, but I just can't shake the feeling that it is all or nothing," Arizona says.

"I agree. So, let's keep them both at a moderate dosage…" The women continue to discuss what exact meds they want to start with and begin to plan the rest of the week's treatment schedule.

In Katie's room, Callie has been waiting on Arizona to come back in. She has been gone a while and although the nurses have been in and out, she would much rather see the blonde.

Arizona comes in a little while later, with the medicine cart, pushing it ahead of her. "Hey. Sorry I took so long getting back. I met with Amelia and Beth and we worked up a new game plan."

"Why? Is something wrong?"

"Nothing has changed. I just think the wait and see approach on a few things is unnecessary. And we all agreed that starting her on the cholinesterase inhibitors and immunosuppressants now rather than later would probably benefit her more."

"It's worse than you thought, isn't it?"

Walking towards Callie, she can't help herself. She reaches for her hand and says, "No… no. I have been honest and upfront with you about everything with her. I just… I have a gut feeling that we need to do this. And that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. Maybe it is doctor's intuition or whatever… but I just think this is what we need to do. I just, feel it," Arizona finishes with a hopeful smile.

"Ok."

Arizona gives Callie's hand a squeeze as she returns back to the med cart and administers them to Katie. Once she is done, she excuses herself and returns the cart.

Making her way back to Katie's room, she hears Callie on the phone. From what she can make out, it sounds like she is talking to her parents, so Arizona leaves to give her some privacy.

Arizona realizes that she, and probably Callie as well, only had a few changes of clothes with them. Deciding that needs fixing, she lets the nurse know she is leaving for a while.

A few hours later, Callie is half asleep when the crinkling of bags catches her attention. Turning to the doorway, Arizona walks back into Katie's room, pushing a cart filled with bags and a pizza box.

"Arizona" Callie says, taking in the site of Arizona and her bag filled cart. "What is all this?"

"This…" Arizona says, holding up a pizza box, "is dinner. The best pizza around. And, I would know because we lived off this in residency. And, I have some drinks and some dessert. They have the best cannoli there. So, come one and move over here to the couch with me…" Arizona says, as she heads that way with the food. "Can you grab those drinks over there? They are in the top yellow bag."

"Um, sure," Callie says as she grabs the bag and follows Arizona.

Having a seat, Arizona pulls over a small table and sets the pizza on it, opening the box.

"I didn't really feel like eating until you opened the box. That smells delicious," Callie says.

"Oh, it is. Like an orgasm in your mouth," Arizona says, causing Callie to laugh. As soon as those words leave her mouth, her eyes get big. "I'm so sorry," Arizona says. "I have a bad habit of saying the first thing that pops in my head sometimes. As you can tell, it is often inappropriate."

"Well, if it's true, it's true," Callie says, shrugging.

"Maybe, but I need to not just, blurt it out" she says, shaking her head. "I didn't know what you liked as far as toppings, so I went with just the special cheese blend and added pepperoni. Hope that is ok?"

"That's fine. I'm not too picky. I'll eat just about anything. My parents didn't give me a choice growing up. If it was on our plate, we ate it."

"Well, I would have struggled with that a little bit. I like a lot, but if I don't like it... I usually really don't like it."

"What do you usually get on your pizza then?" Callie asks.

"Um, although I would like about anything on it, usually I order it just like this."

"Me too," Callie smiles.

"Ok, here... try this," Arizona says, handing Callie a paper plate with a piece of pizza.

"Gladly. I know I haven't had much of an appetite the past two days, but this smells delicious."

As Arizona watches her take her first bite, she is reminded of the lunch where Callie tried her lasagna. The sounds that come out of that woman's mouth should be illegal. She tries to ignore it, but apparently isn't successful as Callie stops and asks, "What's wrong?"

"Uh..." Telling her that there is nothing wrong, she improvises. "Um, I just remembered, I forgot napkins. I got plates, but forgot those. I'll be right back." Callie finds it funny, but lets it go as Arizona rushes out and comes back in a minute later with a small stack of napkins. "Here we go," Arizona says, setting them down on the couch between them. "So, do you like it?"

"It's amazing. If the cannoli is anything like the pizza, this might be an everyday thing."

Arizona laughs as she grabs her piece. "Oh, my goodness. I haven't had this in years. I have missed this so much..." Arizona says, as she takes another bite.

Callie smiles as she watches her. "So, I have to ask... how do you go from surgeon to pediatrician?"

"Well, it was more the other way around. I was already a pediatrician. The more you see, the more you wish you could fix things though. So, I went back and did my surgical residency. I don't like to brag, but, I am pretty awesome at it. They offered me an attending position here when I was done, but I just felt like I needed a break. I had maintained a pretty hectic schedule for a long time, and I really just wanted to take a break and do what I loved doing anyway. Not that I don't love surgery too, but, I just needed to decompress. But... I have recently decided to expand my practice. There is no reason I can't do both. So, instead of referring kids, I can keep them and do it myself."

"Well, there's a lot of benefits to that. No second guesses from other surgeons. Surgeons can be so full of themselves sometimes," Callie says, laughing.

"Says one surgeon to the other," Arizona says, smiling.

"Yeah, we are a rare breed."

"So, I remember reading that you are the genius that created the artificial cartilage. That's not too shabby," Arizona offers with raised eyebrows.

"You remember reading about me?"

"Yeah. I mean, that's a pretty major breakthrough. It was nothing short of amazing," Arizona says, looking down at her drink. "I think that you have changed a lot of lives for the better."

"I hope so. I think that being a surgeon is more than just cutting, you know? It's about making their life better."

"I couldn't agree more," Arizona says. Assuming she was talking to her parents earlier, Arizona asks, "So, have you told your parents what's going on?"

"Um, yeah. I have talked to them a couple times. I talked to my dad earlier. He and my mom are in France on some business right now or they would be here. We are close and they visit when they can, but, usually they always have business somewhere or the other."

"What does he do?" That question has been on Arizona's mind since Mark told her to let him know if she needed something... that money was no object.

"Well, he is in the hotel business. He um, actually owns a chain. You might have heard of Lucia Suites?"

"Oh, yeah. Wow... That's your dad's?"

"Yeah. It's named after my mom. They are doing well these days," Callie says, chuckling. "So, they spend a lot of time traveling right now. Trying to expand. Which means, they don't have much time to visit."

"I'm sorry. It probably sucks not having your family here."

"It does. I know they would be here if they could though."

The women continue to talk as the shift change takes place outside. The women hear someone walk in and look up to see two nurses make their way in, Julie unfortunately being one of them.

"Dr. Robbins. I didn't expect to see you here," Julie says, taking in the sight of the two women on the couch.

Looking at Callie, she says, "Yeah. Dr. Torres and I are... friends," Arizona says.

"I see. Well, we are here to get her vitals. Tammy will be her nurse for the night, I'm just going on rounds with her this evening." Looking at Callie and seeming to give her a once over, she turns to Tammy and they tell the women they are going to get Katie changed and ready for the night.

"Why don't we step out and give them a few minutes?" Arizona asks.

Callie agrees and the woman pick up their trash and make their way to the hallway. Arizona leads them out into the waiting room as they dispose of their trash.

"So, I take it you knew the one nurse?" Callie has a feeling she knows who it is, she just wants to confirm it.

"Um, that's the one Mark saw the other day. She is the head nurse here, so unfortunately I can't get away from her. I know it doesn't really matter to you, but I promise I turned her down."

Deciding to change the subject, Callie only nods. Because the truth is, it does matter. "I can't wait to try that cannoli," Callie says.

"It's almost as amazing as the pizza," Arizona says, moving to sit down as Callie joins her.

"I don't know if I can handle two orgasms in my mouth that close together," Callie says, sitting down in the small chair next to Arizona.

The blonde bursts into laughter causing Callie to do the same. They laugh so hard they have tears rolling down their face.

As the laughter dies down, Arizona turns to look at the brunette. She is amazed at the woman in front of her. In the middle of everything going on, she is still able to smile.

"You know, I don't know how you do it. Thinking back to when I first met you, you always seem so put together. But now that I know you, you have such a worry that you have been carrying around. You are an amazing woman to have been through what you have been through and still be able to go after your dreams of opening your own practice. I'm amazed than you can still smile, after everything. You are a strong woman."

"Well, it hasn't been easy. And it hasn't always been like this. I kind of kept vigil by her bed for months. I um, I ended up in therapy. It took a little while for me to see I couldn't live like that, that I needed to be better for her."

"For what it is worth, I think she would be super proud of you. Hopefully, she will get to tell you that herself."

"I hope you are right."

The nurses walk out of Katie's room and the two stand up.

"She is all set. I will be back later to check in. Let me know if you need anything," Tammy says.

Arizona leads Callie past them towards Katie's room. As Arizona gets in front of her, Julie says, "Let me know if you need… anything."

Callie stops and looks at the woman, not giving Arizona a chance to respond. "If she needs anything, I'm sure I can take care of it." Julie doesn't have time to respond back as Callie continues to walk past Arizona.

Arizona turns to smile at Julie, then follows Callie.

Once they are back in Katie's room, Arizona really wants to jump right in and ask what that was about, but lets it go for now. They stop to check on Katie. She is wearing yellow pajamas with little monkeys on them. "I've seen her in butterflies and monkey so far. Two of my favorites," Arizona says.

"For some reason, I believe you," Callie says, smiling.

They stand there and talk for a bit. Talking to each other and talking to Katie. Arizona begins asking Callie silly kid jokes, causing them both to chuckle. Then Arizona suggests they read her a book, kind of like a bedtime story. Callie goes to pick it out but Arizona beats her to it. Callie is amazed at the woman's ability to let her inner child come out every now and then. Arizona finds a Curious George book at the bottom of the pile and pulls it out. Her and Callie take turns reading every other page. After the story, Callie gives her daughter a kiss on the cheek and tells her she loves her.

They both make their way back over to the couch once more. Sitting down, Callie turns to look at Arizona. She doesn't know where that came from out in the hallway. She knows she can't keep telling Arizona to move on and then practically vagina block her out in the hallway.

"I'm sorry. I should have kept my mouth shut out there. It's not any of my business what you might need to have, um, taken care of or who does it."

"But I think it is your business Callie. I'm not about to push you, but I think you said something to her because you don't want me moving on. Believe me when I say it would never be with her anyway. Maybe I shouldn't say this, but I thought that was pretty damn hot out there."

Callie's eyes grow wide, then she gives a small smile and looks down at her hands before looking back up at Arizona. "I have a daughter."

"I know."

"I don't have time to just… date."

"I know."

"And I have never been with another woman."

"I know that too."

"You deserve more than I can offer you right now."

"And that is only your opinion. Which honestly, makes me fall for you even more."

Callie looks at Arizona. The thought of missing out on this chance, and letting someone else grab it, is no longer something she wants to risk. Arizona knows the situation and is still sitting here.

"I might not be back home for a while. I might be here for who knows how long."

"I'm well aware of the circumstances Callie. I could run if I wanted to. But, I don't want to."

Arizona hopes beyond hope that Callie is getting ready to make a decision that is in her favor this time. "I'm not pushing you Callie I'm really not. I know Katie comes first."

"And that makes me fall for you even more. It shows me your true character. Maybe… maybe if we go slow, maybe we don't need to wait?"

Arizona takes in what Callie is saying. And then she watches the hopeful smile begin on Callie's face and she sees Callie look at her lips. She takes that as her cue and leans in. Giving Callie the chance to pull back, and finding she isn't, Arizona smiles as she leans in and takes Callie's lips with her own. The kiss is sweet and gentle. Arizona depends the kiss and Callie obliges. After a few minutes, Arizona pulls back. The site of Callie with slightly puffy lips, because of kissing her, takes her breath away.

"That was…" Callie tries to find the word, but seems to be unable to come up with the right word. She smiles and puts her hand up to the side of Arizona's face so that she knows this isn't a bad thing.

Arizona leans into Callie's hand. "I know what you mean. I promise, we will go as slow as you want. I'm not rushing you. There are no expectations, ok?"

Callie simply says, "Ok," then leans in for another small kiss. When she pulls back, Arizona has the biggest smile Callie has ever seen grace the blonde's face, and she knows she has made the right decision.

Sitting back, Arizona reaches for the cannoli box and opens it. She pulls one out for Callie and hands it to her, while also grabbing one for herself.

Smiling, Callie takes it. She watches Arizona sit back and take a bite. She notices Arizona has some powdered sugar on the side of her mouth, so Callie reaches over and wipes it off. "I can see already that you have a thing for sweets."

"Maybe…" Arizona says, smiling.

"I don't think there is a maybe to it," Callie says, laughing as she takes her first bite. "Oh God, Arizona…" Callie says with her mouth full

That's it. Arizona knows she will gladly order this every day for Callie if that's what she wants.

"Yep… definitely an orgasm involved there," Callie whispers after that bite, causing Arizona to burst out laughing.

They finish their cannoli amidst small talk and Arizona goes to check on Katie one more time. Heading back to the couch, Callie asks how she looks.

"She looks good. So…" she says as she gets situated and takes her shoes off. "where did you get the name Katherine from?"

"Oh, it wasn't my first choice, that's for sure. But George's grandma was very sick at the time and he wanted to name Katie after her. I agreed because she had always been very kind to me, unlike the rest of his family."

"Sorry to hear they were like that."

"I dealt with it. Katherine was named after a wonderful lady though. She passed away two months later. So she at least got to see Katie."

During the evening as it became later and later, Arizona pulls the blanket over and covers their legs as they continue to talk. They were getting to know each other, telling stories and laughing. And that is how they came to spend the night falling asleep beside each other on the couch.