Chapter 32
"I think today is a good day to surprise mommy, what do you think Katie?" Arizona asks, looking into the brown eyes of the little girl in front of her, watching as they follow every move she makes. "Yeah, I thought you would agree," Arizona says, smiling, as she pushes the button for the nurse to come help her.
Over the past five days or so, Katie has continued to show progress. She is moving quite a bit more and even moving her head just a little. She is still breathing on her own, with a little assistance from the bipap, but Arizona hopes to start weaning her off of it soon.
As Callie walks into Katie's room a little while later, Arizona and Katie are waiting for her. It is Halloween today, and just as Arizona planned last week, she has Katie dressed in her unicorn jammies. But if that wasn't enough to surprise Callie, Arizona has an even better surprise waiting.
Callie is still standing in the doorway, as she takes in the sight in front of her. Arizona has managed to have Katie sat in a reclining chair. For the first time in two years, her daughter is out of bed and she can't contain the tears that are now falling. She didn't think she would see this day come.
She rushes over and is trying to take in the sight of her daughter. She has the cutest unicorn jammies on, complete with a horn on the hood. She is sitting up, but still reclined, with a stuffed unicorn sat with Katie's arm curled around it.
There are still no words coming out of her mouth, only tears flowing down her cheeks. She leans down and wraps her arms around her daughter, the best that she can, and just cries. She feels something on her arm and look to see that Arizona is giving her some tissues, which she gladly accepts.
A few minutes pass when she finally stands back up, and turns to look at the woman next to her. She obviously was too engrossed in her daughter earlier to notice, but there standing before her is the blonde, clad in matching unicorn jammies, just like her daughter.
While tears are still present on her cheeks, she can't help but burst out in a full blown belly laugh. While she knew the blonde was child-like at heart, she just couldn't contain the laughter. It wasn't a mocking laugh at the blond, but a laugh of pure joy. While Arizona has an inner child that begs to come out at times, she is all woman in bed. She is professional when at work, loving and understanding when they are alone, and just absolutely amazing with her daughter.
"Why are you laughing?" Arizona begins to pout.
"I'm not really laughing, I'm just so… so happy. And it is all because of you. You did this… for Katie and I. You… are amazing. And I just love you and appreciate everything you do. You make me so happy Arizona Robbins," Callie says, pulling Arizona in for a not so light kiss."
"Mm," Arizona says, pulling back. "You make me happy too," Arizona says, taking Callie's hands in her own. "So what do you think about our costumes?"
"I love them as much as I love the two of you," Callie says, turning to look back at her daughter. "You two make the cutest unicorns ever, " Callie says, smiling.
"We wanted to surprise you. And, it is time we start getting little miss here up and moving a little. Now that she is starting to turn her head, physical therapy is going to start really working with her. And, I always dress up for Halloween. My kids at work love it. So, I thought we could match."
"I love it Arizona. You are so… amazing. Amazing in general and amazing with her. You are so good to us."
"I love you both Callie. I love to see that smile on your face and I think your laughter is the most amazing sound I have ever heard," Arizona says, as a throat clears behind them.
As they both turn around, Barbara is standing there smiling. "I'd say you two need to get a room, but I know Arizona has to go to work," she says, chuckling.
"Moomm…" Arizona says, shaking her head and whining.
"It's true…" Barbara says, shrugging her shoulders. "Anyway, I knew what Arizona was planning, so I just had to come see this for myself. It is so good to see Katie sitting up!"
"It is," Callie says, reaching for Arizona's hand and watching her daughter.
"Very much so. I hope you don't mind dear, but I brought us some lunch, " Barb smiles, holding up a bag of food.
"Actually mom, I was getting ready to leave," Arizona offers.
"Oh, I know Arizona. I meant Callie. I brought lunch for her and I," Barb says walking further into the room with the lunch. "I made it just before I left, so it is still warm."
"Oh," Arizona says, wondering why she didn't get anything. Then she smiles, because she is so thankful that her mom is being so welcoming to Callie.
"Don't worry, here," she says, handing Arizona a gift card. "Your lunch is on me. Mickey D's is right on your way to work."
Arizona's mouth falls open and she hears Callie snicker. Turning to look at her girlfriend trying not to laugh, she turns back to her mom. "Thanks, I guess …"
"Oh hush. It's better than nothing. Now go... you are going to be late."
"Um, yeah. You're right. I will see you guys in a little bit," Arizona says, kissing Callie before going over to give Katie a kiss.
"You be careful. I love you," Callie says.
"I love you too. Bye mom, love you too."
"Love you too. Try not to get arrested wearing that outfit. Those pics would be embarrassing."
"Good advice, mom," Arizona says, laughing as she walks out the door.
"So, Callie, I hope you like chicken noodle soup. I made it homemade."
"I love it. It is probably my favorite soup. That sounds delicious, Barbara."
"I just hope it tastes as good as it sounds," Barbara laughs, pulling he containers out of the bag.
Handing Callie her bowl of soup, Barb takes hers and has a seat next to Callie. They take their kids off, and enjoy some comfortable silence, as Callie takes her first bite.
"Mm, this is delicious, Barbara. We have been eating so much take out that you kind of forget what real food tastes like."
"I'm glad you like it, dear. I thought Arizona said you were trying to fix more dinners though…"
"We were, until she took Katie's tube out. Then we have been spending every night here, so we are back to take out. There was one night that Teddy and Addie brought in some dinner for us though."
"Those two are nice to have around. I don't know what Arizona would do without Teddy. They may argue and push each others' buttons, but they are best friends through and through."
"I can tell. I hope our relationship doesn't interfere with their friendship. I keep telling Arizona she should go out with them, but she refuses."
"Sounds like my daughter. She will never do anything she doesn't want to do. If she chooses to stay here with you, then it is only because that's what she truly wants."
"She is something else," Callie says, as Barb pulls out a few rolls from the bag.
"Oh, these smell wonderful," Callie says as she holds a roll up to take in the aroma of a fresh baked good.
"That's my grandmother's recipe. Arizona has it, but she has never really had a reason to be in the kitchen much. I think maybe she will now," Barb says, as she watches Callie slightly blush.
"I love cooking. I can't wait until we can have free evenings at home."
"No reason you can't take some time now. You are a wonderful mom Callie. I can tell by just watching you. I am one hundred percent sure that our kids come first. But, we are a close second. If you don't carve out a little time, just for your, you will lose yourself. You don't want that."
Callie listens as the woman talks, but something starts to bounce around in Callie's mind, and she can't help but ask. "You um, you don't have to answer if you don't want to, but it just seems like you understand a little better about what I am going through with Katie than most."
"Just life experience, dear. Oh, I meant to tell you, because I know Arizona won't, but her birthday is next week."
"Are you kidding? She hasn't mentioned it at all. Why wouldn't she mention it?"
"Well, long story short… she takes after her dad and doesn't like them. She says they are just a reminder that we are getting older."
"Hm. You know, it is funny that you mention she is like her dad. She never mentions him."
"Yeah, she doesn't like to talk about him. He and I have been divorced for about fifteen years. He tried to keep in touch with her, but she didn't think a real husband and father should walk away from his family."
"I'm sorry. I know what it is like to have a husband walk out," Callie says. "I asked Arizona about him once and she changed the subject. I thought it was odd, but didn't want to push it."
"He always taught her to be a "good man in a storm" and then he couldn't follow through himself. She just lost all respect for him."
"That's a shame. I would think it would take a lot to lose her respect."
"Yeah, it does. Listen, I need to go get some laundry done. But you promise me you will let me know if you need anything. And whenever you want to use that gift certificate for that B and B, you let me know, and I will stay with this little one. I can't wait to spend more time with her."
"I will Barbara. Thank you so much for lunch. I appreciate it."
"Anytime, dear."
XXXXXXX
Hours later, Arizona makes it back to the hospital, just in time to see Callie close the bedtime story she was reading to Katie. Callie looks up and smiles, as Arizona has a defeated look on her face.
"I was trying to get back here before she fell asleep."
"I know. She just couldn't keep her eyes open any longer. I think from where she was sitting up a while, it just wore her out. I don't think she will be waking up until morning."
"I'm sorry, Calliope. I tried so hard to get here. I just couldn't shove that family out the door. It's not easy delivering bad news and then they had so many questions, and..."
"Arizona… it's ok. I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that you would have been here if you could. And once again, you make me love you even more than I thought was possible."
"I just want you to know that the two of you do come first I would never just miss something important like this, for no reason."
"I know that Arizona. It was just trick-or-treat though. What's wrong? Is there something else going on?"
"No. Yeah. I don't know. Can we maybe go somewhere and talk?"
"Yeah. Let's just go tell the nurse we are stepping out for a little bit."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course I'm sure."
Not sure what's got her girlfriend somewhat flustered, Callie leads Arizona out of the room and down to "their" on-call room. Once inside, Callie leads Arizona over to the bed and pats it, wanting Arizona to sit down next to her.
"So, want to tell me what's going on?"
Sighing, Arizona grabs Callie's hand. "I know that this is still new between us, but I guess… I guess trick-or-treat still seemed like a big deal. I felt like I should be here for it. And then I couldn't be here and I felt like I was missing out. I wanted to be here, so bad, and I know you understand, you're a doctor too and you know that things come up. I just felt like I let you both down."
"Arizona Robbins, look at me," Callie says, turning Arizona's face around so that she could look in her eyes. "I love you so much. I keep feeling like this is a dream, because you seem too good to be true. You try so hard, to always do the right thing. You make sure that I always know where I stand with you, and I love you so much for that."
"I love you too."
"I know you do. I don't want to be the woman who brings up her ex all the time, but Katie's own father wasn't there for her. He was only there out of obligation when he did decide to show up. And here you are, you don't have to be there for her, but you are. In every way. You choose her when you don't even have to and I love you so much for it. So for you to be this upset over missing a few kids coming by in a costume, you have no idea how much that means to me and how much it will mean to her."
"Callie, thank you, for letting me be a part of her life. I don't know that I have told you how much it means to me that you trust me enough to spend so much time with her."
At hearing this, Callie can't help but laugh in disbelief. "Arizona… you are something else. You are there for my daughter, when you don't have to be, and here you are, thanking me for letting you. I feel like you are always the one going out of your way for us, and yet, I do so little for you. This… this is what I was afraid of in the very beginning. I just can't offer you as much as you deserve right now."
"Are you kidding me? You, Calliope, are giving me so much. You two have become everything to me. You love me. That's all I need from you. I told you I didn't need anything but you, and I meant it. I will take hospital coffee any day over fancy dates with you, and that will never change."
Suddenly, not able to help herself, Callie stands up and quickly straddles Arizona's lap and pulling Arizona's zipper down to her costume.
"I need you," Callie says, pushing the sleeves down Arizona's arms and roughly pulling the cami over her head, finding nothing else but bare breasts. She leans down and takes one into her mouth, causing Arizona to moan.
"Oh, Calliope. Mmm…."
"I mean it, I need you, right now," Callie says as she pushes Arizona back on the bed and takes her own shirt off over her head.
"Mmm, oh… oh, the door. We need…"
"Locked it when we came in," Callie says, reaching down to pull shoes off and finish taking Arizona's costume off, along with her own clothes.
"Calliope…" Arizona means, as Callie lays herself on top of Arizona. "You feel so good. Oh, I love this…"
"I know what else you love…," Callie says, working her way down Arizona's body.
An hour later, as the two women bask in their afterglow, Callie says, "Next weekend, go away with me. We can use that gift certificate from your mom."
"Are you sure you want to leave Katie?"
"I never like leaving her. But I know she will be in good hands. And your mom said anytime works, so as long as we can get a room, what do you say?"
"I say, I would love it, Calliope."
"Good. I can't wait. I have missed this, just laying here with you."
"You just missed the cuddling?" Arizona asks with a smirk.
"Oh no… I missed it all. Sex with you is amazing Arizona. It's only been a week and a half, but I really needed this. I needed you."
"I missed it too, Calliope. I can't get enough of you. Your taste, your smell, the way you feel against me. All of you."
"So, how about next Saturday? I will call the B and B tomorrow and then check with your mom if they have an available room."
"Sounds good. You know you don't have to take me though, you know that, right?"
"Arizona, I know that. I want you with me. I think a nice romantic night sounds amazing. And I think your mom wants to sit with Katie. She keeps reminding me she is available."
"Yeah, she loves helping. How was your lunch? Hope it was better than my Big Mac."
Laughing, Callie says, "It was delicious. She is a good cook. You know, she keeps telling me I need to take care of myself. I feel like I am missing something."
"Um, she is just a worrier."
"No, I think it is more than that. Has something happened to you? It's like she has this empathy."
Arizona is quiet for a minute "Not me. It was my brother."
"You have a brother?"
"I did. He, um, he was in the military. He was injured during a mission."
"I'm sorry to hear that. What happened?"
"A small explosive went off. He was sent here to basically die. My mom…. She was a mess. I was in college at the time and couldn't be here. My mom spent all her time with him, just hoping he would recover. He fought for a few months, but he ended up with an infection after one of his surgery's that he just couldn't fight."
"I'm sorry, Arizona. I had no idea. That explains why your mom is so worried about me."
"Yeah. She kind of lost herself. She was depressed and then my dad couldn't or wouldn't help her. I know he had a hard time too, but they just couldn't seem to go through it together. It tore then apart and he filed for divorce. Then he couldn't stay here. He asked for a transfer. He is down in Texas."
"So that's why you don't like to talk about him?"
"Yeah. He just walked away. It was the total opposite of everything he stood for. He walked away from me too, not just her. When you suffer a loss, you stick together. He always preached that he was a good man in a storm, and he just bailed."
"I'm sorry. Your mom seems good now, considering all that."
"Yeah. It took her a few years, but she finally got there. I think that's why she worries about you. She knows how easy it is to lose yourself."
"She is amazing. I'm just glad she accepts Katie and I."
"She likes you. A lot. I'm starting to think she likes you more than me. Still can't believe she gave me a McDonalds gift card for lunch…"
Laughing, Callie says, "That was hilarious…"
Flipping them over, Arizona pins Callie's hands above her head. "I think it is terrible you find that funny."
"You gonna make me pay?" Callie asks, wiggling her eyebrows.
"Most definitely…," Arizona says, kissing down Callie 's bodu, causing the brunette to giggle.
"But right now, I'm having my way with you," Arizona says, settling between the brunette's legs.
"Mm, please do…"