A/N: I know this is a controversial topic, Arizona literally being a teenager. But not in any point in this story will I make the main characters commit any crime. I believe that Arizona being 18 is already an adult of consenting age, and her character will be quite mature for her age. I know there are a lot of recent stories that portray the two main characters as having a huge age gap, but I want this story to take on a different route, and to tackle issues different from those previously portrayed.
I know 18 is still a tender and fragile age, but some just have to mature ahead of others, and I would want to portray Arizona as that. It really bothers me that some people invalidate other's opinions, capacities, and feelings just because they're young. It's not a matter of age, it's a matter of perspective and understanding. I myself had to mature at a young age, at 18, had my own little business, bought my first car, been traveling to different places, and had been living on my own. Met my ex at 19, and had been serious and monogamous ever since. She used to call me immature at that age, and was so unsure of me because of my age, but we lasted for 4 years, almost got engaged but she cheated on me with a married man with a teenage kid. I was 19 and she was 24 when we first started dating, but who turned out to be more immature and reckless? As I said, it's not all about the age.
Anyway, on to the next chapter.
Arizona's POV
It's Friday and I mostly have the day off. We only have 1 lab class in the morning, and I'm off by 10. I had been covering for my friend as a waitress in a sports bar for the past Fridays, but I decided to take this day off so I could go to Callie's house for my orientation. I'm quite excited actually, it's not everyday that you get to be lectured one on one by a world renowned surgeon. Though it's about baby sitting or other matters that need to be discussed, it would be a great opportunity for me to get to actually know a successful doctor. Even though it was really mom's dream and she was really the one who pushed me to pursue pre-med and eventually med, I actually can't imagine myself doing something else for the rest of my life. I had always said I wanted to be a doctor when I was younger, and mom and I loved watching medical dramas and documentaries. Maybe one day Callie could take me under her wing, but I don't want to get too ahead of myself.
It's down time in our lab class, mainly waiting for some chemical reactions to occur. I open my laptop, then I google search "Callie Torres". I don't want to be stalkerish or anything, I just want a preview of who I am going to meet later.
Callie Torres, Cartilage, Orthopedics, Sloan Pharmaceuticals… blablabla
Let's go for wikipedia.
Calliope Iphegenia Torres, born December 12, 1984, graduate of Harvard Med… Wife of Richard Sloan of Sloan pharmaceuticals…. Then a list of her accolades and researches followed. I have to say, she's relatively a young doctor but she has accomplished a lot. It's intimidating to be honest, to be in the presence of someone so accomplished, while here I am, struggling through college. Did I mention that she is stunningly beautiful? Beautiful, smart, successful. Now I really feel intimidated, and a little self conscious.
I shut my laptop off and get to work. If I want to be as successful as she is, I have to pay attention in class.
Callie's POV
I had to take the day off. Barb's daughter will be coming today for orientation and I want the house spotless. Though we hired a cleaner who comes in every other day, I can't help but fix things myself. I wasn't as much of a clean freak before, but ever since I married Richard, this perfectionism of his subconsciously got adopted to almost every aspect of our every day lives.
These past few months had been really busy for him, and I miss him terribly. Ever since our collaboration, Sloan pharmaceuticals skyrocketed to the top of the pharma game. After the development of my cartilage, Richard then focused on upping the game on pain meds. It does go hand in hand with tendon and ligament damage and repair, so now, he's busy pushing and promoting his top pain meds. It's a hit for athletes, amateur and professional alike. My husband had been out of the country numerous times these past months for conferences, and it's kind of hard running a household and raising a 4 year old almost all by myself and being a badass orthopedic surgeon at the same time.
It's actually a breath of fresh air having a little help over here. It's hard to find someone you can fully trust, especially when it involves the safety of my daughter. We've been through dozens of babysitters, not all of them are bad, some had to move away, or pursue something else, but our last one, an overly happy teenage kid, had the audacity to throw a party while Richard and I were both stuck at work. I have to say, she was quite sneaky. Sofia took an immediate liking to her, and Sofia usually listens to her without any struggle. That night, Sofia fell asleep early after story time, then Blair, the babysitter, snuck in about 20 people. Having all of our rooms almost sound proof, Sofia slept through the entire ruckus downstairs. Before Richard and I got back, the house was spotless. I only found out that a party had occurred when I was browsing through the house's entire security footage.
Arizona came in highly recommended, and of course, I would never doubt Barb's word. She's really frank and upfront and she wouldn't be the type to oversell someone even her daughter. Also, I have met Arizona several times before, and she is a brilliant, intelligent, and organized girl, I know I won't have any problems with her. This is also my way of helping my best friend out. Barb is the strongest person I know and she's been through so much, and no matter what she was going through, she would never ask for help. I had to force her at times, even playing the best friend card. By having Arizona work for me, I can look over my best friend's daughter, and help her anyway I can. Of course it also doesn't hurt that I'd be paying her more than what I pay my previous babysitters. She is family after all.
Arizona's POV
Now I get it why an official orientation is in order. I almost got lost just from walking from the front gate to the humongous front door. Mom forgot to tell me that I'm not going to Callie's house, I'm going to Callie's mansion. Now I just got more intimidated. I look around to find the door bell, but I only find a metal keypad on the side of the door. I try to figure out the buttons, mostly numbers and some with symbols. I just try and press some of the buttons with the symbols waiting for something to happen. Then a loud wailing alarm in the whole compound sounded. It's like SWAT is just gonna bust through the windows and tackle me to the ground. I almost made a dash out of the place, but then I heard some yelling in Spanish opposite the door. Then the door busted open. I stepped back a little not really knowing what to expect.
"Oh it's you," a woman with a deep smooth voice squeals, and I'm suddenly enveloped in a tight hug. I flinch a little, not expecting the sudden contact. But I ease into it after a while and relax. I almost can't understand what the woman is saying, I just take in the only human contact I've had in a while. I almost didn't notice myself hugging back and melting jnto the embrace. She feels so strong and soft at the same time, and she smells so wonderful. She pulls away, and I almost pout at the loss of contact. She looks at me from a shoulder's distance and holds my cheeks with both of her palms.
"You're so big now, oh my gosh the last time I saw you you were just a little girl with pig tails," she says with a megawatt smile. "You're so beautiful," she says almost in awe and I just get a little more conscious. I feel my face get hotter all the way to my cheek.
Come on, I'll show you around. She then pulls me into the house with the doors closing behind us.
"I prepared dinner if you haven't eaten yet. We got a lot of catching up to do," she says. I look around the house as I let her take the lead with her hand in mine. It's not as big as I assumed it would be relative to the size of the entire grounds. We go to the dinner room and I see a huge spread on the table. My mouth immediately waters. I can see a pasta dish, a rolled up meat dish, and some little pastry pockets almost like hot pockets but fancier. She pulls up a seat for me, and I hesitantly sat down.
"So what are you having? Wine? Water? Juice? Beer?, wait are you old enough to drink?" she asks as she scurries of to the kitchen.
"Well in this state I am, but some juice would be lovely," I say trying to sound as polite as possible. I hear some clanking in the fridge and she emerges again with a pitcher in each hand.
"Fresh orange juice, or fresh mango juice?" She asks. It's only now that I get a good look at her. She's wearing a gray button down shirt, tucked. Some classic blue skinny denims and peep-toe black pumps. Her jet black hair is tied in a half bun, and she has very minimal make up on. She is beautiful, the pictures from the internet does not give her justice.
"Uhmm, I haven't tried fresh mango juice before," I answer meekly.
"Oh it's lovely. My husband had a recent trip in Asia and he brought home some mangoes," she says while already pouring some on my glass.
"Thank you," I say. I again get a waft of how amazing she smells like.
She sits down on the opposite side of the table. It's a long table, but only long enough to seat about 6 people so we're not really that far away from each other.
"So how have you been? It's been years since I last saw you," she says while she pours herself some red wine.
"I'm doing okay. I'm attending Barton right now taking up Biology," I say.
"So do you plan on taking up med?," she asks as her smile gets brighter.
"Yes ma'am," I answer with a nod.
"Oh no need for ma'am. Just call me Callie," she says with a soft smile. "I'm happy that you've decided to become a doctor. I still have some pre med and medical books here if you need to borrow anything. And if ever you need anything, I was quite the nerd back in school," she says as she kind of laughs at herself. The great Callie Torres, laughs at herself, it's actually quite endearing.
"I hope you don't mind but I took the liberty of cooking my mom's best recipes," she says as she gestures to the food in front.
"This actually looks pretty amazing. It's a whole different league from what I eat everyday," I say as I laugh at myself this time.
"Oh I'm definitely packing some for you when you get home. College kids these days and their unhealthy habits," she says almost sounding like my mother.
"No, it's o-," I try to say but she interrupts me.
"You will be bringing some home cooked meals. No buts. I made plenty," she says with finality.
"Thank you," I say trying my best to not be embarrassed.
"These were your mom's favorite. I swear your mom could smell the food blocks away everytime my mom would cook these. She never really remembered the names of the food my mom made, she just ate," she says with a nostalgic smile.
"So that one is a rolled up pork belly cooked chicharrones style, those little meat pockets are empanadas, and the pasta is just simple chicken piccata. Go on, help yourself," she says flashing me again one of her radiant smiles. I can't help but swoon a little every time she smiles. It's just that breath taking and I bet she has this effect on everybody.
"Thank you again Mrs Sloan.. I mean Callie, for this. You didn't have to, but everything looks so good and pardon me if I just start moaning…" I say then I suddenly realize the awkwardness of what I said.
Her eyes widen for a while, but she bursts out laughing a deep belly laugh.
"I see you inherited your mon's tendency to say inappropriate things," she says in between laughs.
"Don't worry, it's cute," she says as she comes down from her laughing spree.
We both start eating. We have small talk here and there, and my uneasiness is slowly dissipating. Callie is not intimidating at all. She's easy to talk to and totally down to earth. It feels like we've been friends for a long time, and she respects me enough to not sound patronizing or condescending at all at any point in our conversation.
The food, oh my gosh, the food is amazing. It's literally the best thing I've put in my mouth. The fresh mango juice tastes like sweet nectar enveloping my mouth and tongue after each bite of the crispy, juicy, and succulent pork belly. The empanadas… If asked if I would trade all the pizza in the world for these empanadas, I would. They're flaky pockets of perfectly seasoned savory meat. I think I've eaten about 10 already. The chicken piccata, is perfectly tangy, light, and refreshing. It's probably the best meal I've had since I've moved here. It's almost better than my mom's cooking, but I'm never gonna tell mom that.
"You sure can put it away huh?," Callie says with a chuckle.
"Oh my gosh I'm so sorry," I say as I put down an almost forkful of pasta. I didn't realize how much I've eaten and now I can feel my face going red again.
"Oh no no, just help yourself, don't be shy. I love it when people eat my food, especially when they eat a lot of it, and I like a girl who has an appetite as big as mine," she says with a wink.
Then I blush even more furiously. Stop it Arizona, you're as red as a tomato. She's just being playful.
We finished the meal in comfortable silence. I managed to eat a couple more empanadas and a few more pieces of chicharrones. I haven't been this full for quite a while. I'm quite queasy to be honest, but the food was just that good.
Callie then began showing me around the house. First, she showed me the kitchen. I was surprised that her kitchen is actually bigger than the dining area. The island counter in the middle is enormous. She has a stover top, a griddle, a grill, and a brick oven on the far corner of the kitchen. One wall is lined with a vast collection of wines, cognac, and whiskey. She has a double door fridge and a separate single door freezer.
"This is my kingdom," Callie proudly gestures to the kitchen. "I have always loved cooking. My mom and I used to cook every weekend and holiday for the family."
She then directs me to another room in the house. It was a small room with mahogany colored caroet flooring, bookshelves filled with different books ranging from medical to books on economics and business, a big rectangular table with intricate carvings in the middle and a pile of papers on top of it.
"This is our shared office, but Richard uses it most of the time. I want to finish all readings and paper work in the hospital before I go home, so when I'm home I can take care of Sofia. Richard and I aren't really particular about this office, so come by and grab any book if you want," Callie says.
Then she goes on and shows me the music room, and entertainment room downstairs. Yes, they have a little theatre with state of the art equipment and 4 la-z boy seats. She then gave me a tour of the second floor. She showed me the master suite which has a custom bed because according to Callie, her husband wanted a bigger bed. Then she showed me Sofia's room.
"We had playtime earlier and it immediately knocked her out," Callie says in a whisper.
Then she shows me the guest bed rooms.
"So this is where you'll be staying in case you need to spend the night here. It doesn't really need to be because of babysitting Sofia, you could come visit anytime, you're family anyway," Callie says as she puts her hand on the small of my back as she gives me a tour of the guest bed room.
Callie then sits on the bed. She pats the spot beside her gesturing me to take a seat.
"So, do you have any experience babysitting," Callie asks.
"Actually, yes I do. I used to do it all weekends during high school," I say quite proudly.
"You're quite a hard working young woman aren't you," Callie says genuinely impressed. Wow, Callie Torres, the Callie Torres, impressed by my babysitting experience.
"I wanted to help mom as much as I can," I say.
"She was right about you, you did grow up to be an amazing woman," she says as she puts her arm around my shoulder.
"Well Sofia is pretty behaved for a 4 year-old, and she's pretty easy to please. If she asks for a snack, give her a peanut butter sandwich, but you have to smash the sandwich until it's thin and flat," Callie says like it's the most normal thing in the world. Then she sensed that I'm looking at her with a confused face.
"Just put it in between two sheets of cling wrap and pound it gently. She got it from me," she adds.
"If she asks for a story, read to her Beauty and the Beast. Do not feed her apples, do not feed me apples, we hate that evil fruit. But we do drink apple juice, and eat apple pie," Callie continues, and my face continues to contort in confusion.
"I know we have weird eating habits," Callie says with a chuckle.
"I will give you temporary list of my schedule, and I'll give you a call a day before if I ever need someone to babysit Sofia," she says. "Will that be okay?", Callie asks.
"Yes I have no problems with that arrangement," I reply.
"And your mom insisted that I just deposit the payment to your atm account, she said you have a tendency to lose things," Callie says.
"Well then, I won't keep you for too long, you still have class tomorrow morning," Callie says as she guides me out the room.
She fixed me a bag of food for me to take home, and walked me to the door.
"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you to your dorm? It's a pretty long walk," Callie says worriedly.
"Yes I'm sure, and I don't want Sofia to wake up alone," I say.
"Thank you so much for the wonderful evening Callie, it was great to see you again," I say.
"I'll call you if something comes up and don't hesitate to give me a call if you need anything okay?," she asks.
"Yes, definitely. Well, goodnight Callie," I say holding my right hand out for a shake. But Callie had a different idea and enveloped me in a tight hug instead.
"You've grown so fast, I'm so proud of you," Callie says warmly, and with that, our evening ended.
As I reached my dorm, I just cleaned up then I collapsed on my bed. Eating that much made me sleepy in no time. I'm in my boxers, and the shirt I had been previously wearing. I usually don't wear filthy clothes to bed, but my shirt smells so good. It smells like freshly cut grass, mangoes, and Callie. Uh-oh, I guess I got a little crush on my employer, and my mom's best friend. It's just a harmless crush anyway.
A/N2: So how did the meet-up go? Any thoughts?