Callie had tears flowing nonstop while packing and on the plane to New York. She was devastated. She never felt this broken, not even when her mother rejected her marriage last time. But after all these years, she thought her mother would come to terms with her choices, but she was wrong… very wrong. So now she was standing in front of Arizona, who was shocked to see Callie at her doorstep two days early, looking deranged and broken.
"Callie, what happened?" Arizona asked
Callie didn't reply. Instead, she stepped in and threw her hands around Arizona's neck. She held her tightly and caressed her back, trying to soothe her. Arizona's heart was beating fast out of fear.
"Sweetie, you are scaring me," Arizona said calmly. "Please tell me what happened… is everyone okay at home?"
When she still didn't reply, Arizona took her to the living room, sat her on the couch, and brought her water "drink this, calm down, and tell me what happened."
"My. My...mother," Callie said in between sobs.
"Lucia? Is she okay?" Arizona asked, now concerned.
Callie nodded and took a breath before speaking again. "She tried to set me up with a man."
"Excuse me!" Arizona exclaimed with raised eyebrows.
"Yeah, some guy from her friend circle, hotelier like dad… all that nonsense," Callie replied, waving her hand.
"Ohkay… and…"
"And nothing Arizona… I told him that I was in a relationship. He backed off," Callie said irritably, not on Arizona but the whole situation in general "apparently, my mother forgot to tell him that I was married to a woman, and I have a daughter with her. Instead, she told him that my kid's father had passed away. Implying I am a single mother."
"Oh…" Arizona said lightly, naturally hearing that stung her, but it was not the time to show her hurt. Callie needed her more.
"Yeah… we had a whole fight where she started calling us an abomination and many other things… I couldn't take it anymore, and I just left," Callie replied and started crying again. "Parents are supposed to love their kids unconditionally… my father can come around. Why can't she? Now even gay marriages are legal in all 50 states. But she is still dead set on her concept of right and wrong."
Arizona was rubbing Callie's back in a soothing pattern. "I know, sweetie… it… its heartbreaking to know that the two people you are supposed to rely on haven't got your back."
"I know I have never been her perfect girl growing up, it was always Aria, but I thought she still loved me."
"Honey, she does love you," Arizona replied, and Callie got up from the seat in frustration.
"No... don't do that... you always make me see their side, but it's always me who gets hurt in the process… so please, Arizona, please… for once, be on my side," Callie cried out
"I am on your side, Callie… No matter what, I am always on your side," Arizona tried to reason out.
"Then why do you always make me understand THEIR perspective… why do you always try to mend things between them and me… first with my father, now my mother," Callie said, pacing around the living room frantically moving her hands.
"Callie, come here… sit," Arizona said, gesturing for Callie to sit with her; when Callie didn't budge, she insisted harder, "Callie! Come here; please sit with me… I can't move around like you with my crutches."
Callie considered for a second but then went to sit near Arizona.
"That's better, now listen to me carefully… yes, I try to mend things between you and your parents, and that's because I know what family means to you… I want you to have the support of your family. I know you will never be happy until you have your family support, and that's the only reason I fight with you…." Arizona said sympathetically.
"Arrghh, you ARE annoying," Callie said but with a smile.
"I know"
"I do want my parents to support me… and I know… you made my dad change his mind… but my mom," Callie said, shaking her head.
"She will come around too."
"I guess I need to unleash you on her, too," Callie joked
"Unleash!" Arizona asked in the mock offense, "Like a Kraken."
"Yup… like a very perky Kraken," Callie laughed.
Arizona was happy to see Callie finally smile "you hungry?" Arizona asked
"Neah, I ate on the plane… just really tired," Callie said, yawning
"Come…" Arizona said, offering her hand, "…Let's go to sleep."
Both women went to Arizona's room, where Callie changed, and they lay down cuddling, facing each other.
"I am always on your side," Arizona whispered.
"I know…" Callie replied and captured Arizona's lip in a loving kiss, eliciting a moan out of Arizona's throat. She moved from Arizona's lips to her jaw and then to her neck when her eyes fell on the necklace dangling from Arizona's neck.
She smiled and pulled the heart necklace up gently. "You… still have… this?" Callie said with a loving smile.
"Of course, I do," She said, playing with Callie's necklace, "It holds so many emotions and memories, and when I saw you wearing it at TED, I realized… it's time to take it out."
Callie felt her heart flutter. All these years, she thought that Arizona probably would have gotten rid of it, but a small part of her always hoped that Arizona kept the necklace, just like she did. Today when she saw Arizona wearing that pendant, she gained new confidence in their relationship.
Arizona took Callie's hand and placed it on her chest, "I believe we were doing something else," Arizona said, smirking naughtily.
"mmm," Callie hummed, raising her left eyebrow. "I believe we were," She said before capturing Arizona's lips again.
…
Five weeks later
A phone was ringing from the dresser; Arizona put the pillow over her head to muffle the phone's sound. When it didn't work, she turned around in a huff, "Callie," she said, shaking her to wake up.
"Huh," Callie mumbled in sleep
"Callie! Your phone is ringing," Arizona said
"Led ib, ging," Callie said incoherently.
"CALLIE! Pick it up or silence it," Arizona said, pushing her to get off the bed.
"uhh…" Callie reluctantly got up from the bed "who is calling me so early!" she mumbled
"hello"
"Mija?"
"Daddy? "Is everything alright? Why are you calling me at…" she glances at her watch, "5:30 on a Sunday?"
"Calliope, we are in New York?
"New York?!" Callie said, suddenly waking up completely
"Callie, I am sleeping!" Arizona replied irritably; Callie tiptoed out of the room
"Daddy, what are you doing in New York… and why didn't you inform me before?"
"We just arrived and checked in the hotel."
"Why didn't you tell me that you were coming, dad, and why did you check in the hotel? You should have come home?" Callie asked
"I didn't tell you or came home because I came with your mother," Carlos said lightly.
"Oh..."
"Yeah, and we would like to know if you and Arizona would like to have dinner tonight," Carlos asked meekly.
"We?"
"Yes, Mija! We… your mother and I want to have dinner with you and Arizona and Sofia," Carlos replied
"Daddy, what's going on? Mom wants to have dinner with me, Sofia, AND Arizona?" Callie asked suspiciously
"Your mother and I talked, and I made her understand your side too… I won't say that she is completely on board, but she promised she would try, and it was her idea of having dinner with you all," Carlos explained calmly.
"I don't know, dad… after last time, I don't think it would be a good idea to be in the same room as Mom," Callie replied defeatedly.
"Please, Mija! Do it for me." Carlos insisted.
Callie let out a defeated sigh. "I'll talk to Arizona, daddy… if she said it's okay for her and Sofia to come then, we would come"
"Alright, Mija, I will wait for your call" with that, Carlos disconnected the phone.
After the call with her father, Callie got restless. She didn't go back to sleep because she knew it was no use. Instead, she went to the kitchen and made herself a coffee.
After around 30 minutes, Arizona came out, rubbing her eyes. "Callie?" She called in a sleepy voice.
"Hey, good morning," Callie said from the kitchen where she was preparing breakfast.
"Good morning," Arizona replied, kissing Callie. "Why are you up so early…. I missed you," she said, wrapping her arms around Callie's waist.
Callie kissed the top of Arizona's head. "I couldn't sleep anymore… so I thought of getting breakfast ready."
"Mm, okay," Arizona said, yawning.
"You still look sleepy... why did you get up?" Callie asked
"It became lonely there," Arizona replied with a pout sitting on the other side of the kitchen island
"Sorry, I had to come out to attend the call… after that, I just couldn't sleep," Callie said, handing Arizona the coffee.
"Thanks," Arizona said, taking the coffee. "Oh yeah! Who was calling so early in the morning."
"Oh.. ahem," Callie gave a nervous chuckle. "It was my dad… he … he is … he is in New York and … umm.. wants to have dinner with us… all three of us."
"Oh!" Arizona said, sitting up a little straighter, "with me too?"
"Yeah," Callie said, shifting side to side on her feet, "and… my ... ahem... mom is coming too."
"What?!" Arizona exclaimed with wide eyes. "Callie? Do you think it's a good idea to take Sofia there? Your mom never made any effort to know her, and God knows what she would say in front of her."
Callie hung her head in uncertainty, she knew Arizona was right, but she also didn't want to refuse her father's request.
Seeing Callie's turmoil, Arizona calmed down a bit. "Look, if you wanna go… we will go… maybe it's her way to mend things?"
Callie looked up and smiled "my father did say that she is trying to understand us."
"See… it could be nice," Arizona replied
"But… you are also right… if she started her… "this is an abomination… a sin" … then what… I don't want Sofia to be subject to that," Callie asked.
"If it comes to that… we will leave immediately… nothing is more important than Sofia... okay?" Arizona said, putting a loving hand over Callie's.
"Okay," Callie replied, smiling.
…
When the evening came, both of the women were quite nervous; Sofia, on the other hand, was excited to meet her, Abuelo. Around 7, they reached the restaurant where Carlos made the reservation.
They approached the hostess and asked for a reservation under Torres.
"Ah yes, Ma'am, we have the reservation, but we can't have you seated until your whole party has arrived," Hostess said apologetically.
"Oh-kay, no issue," Callie said
"Why don't you enjoy our drinks while you wait," Hostess said, gesturing towards the bar.
Callie and Arizona sat on the barstool while Sofia played on her mom's phone.
"I told you we are going early," Callie said
"I know, but I didn't want to take the chance… I don't know if you have noticed… but your father is a scary man." Arizona said matter of fact tone, making Callie chuckle.
"You are cute. you know that?"
"Yup… yup," Arizona said with a beaming smile.
"What about me, mommy? Am I cute too?" Sofia chimed in from the side
"Yes, baby, you are the cutest," Callie replied, laughing
"We need to be very careful what you say in front of this brat; she has Vulcan hearing when it comes to things such as this," Arizona said in a whisper.
"I know, right" Callie laughed. "And Vulcan hearing? Seriously star trek reference?" Callie teased, and Arizona just shrugged
After around fifteen minutes, Mrs. and Mr. Torres arrived at the restaurant. Sofia spotted them immediately and ran towards her Abuelo, followed by Callie. Arizona stayed a few steps behind.
"Abuelo," Sofia said, jumping into Carlos's arms.
"Oh, my little bouquet… you are getting bigger… what is your mom feeding you?" Carlos said, teasing Sofia.
"Abuelo, I am a big girl now… right, mommy," Sofia said, looking at Callie
"Yes, you are," Callie said, stepping forwards. "Ola Daddy, how are you?" Callie said, hugging her father once he put Sofia down.
During this meet and greet, Lucia was standing quietly and observing them. After ending the hug, Callie turned to her mother "Mom, how are you" She asked without attempting to hug her.
"I am good, Calliope, and you?"
"I am good as well."
"Sofia, honey, meet your Abuela, Lucia," Carlos gestured towards his wife.
"Hello Abeula, My Name is Sofia Robbin Sloan-Torres," Sofia said chirpily, extending her hand towards Lucia, Making Carlos smile and Callie and Arizona proud.
Lucia gave an Awkward smile and took the little girl's hand in hers. "Hello, Sofia"
Meanwhile, Arizona stayed a few feet away, letting the Torres meet until Callie turned to her and extended her hand towards her. When Arizona grabbed Callie's hand, she slightly pulled Arizona into the group.
"Daddy, you remember Arizona," Callie says, smiling from the outside, but her heart was beating profoundly.
"Ah, Dr. Robbins, how are you?" Carlos said warmly, extending her hand for a handshake.
"Mr. Torres, I am good; how about you?" Arizona replied, taking the proffered hand.
"I am fine, thank you for asking," Carlos replied.
Arizona turned towards Lucia and extended her hand. "Mrs. Torres, how are you?"
Lucia was not expecting any acknowledgment from Arizona; she looked at Arizona's hand and then at all of their faces.
"Lucia, Dr. Robbins is talking to you," Carlos encouraged while Callie rolled her eyes at her mother's reaction.
"Ahem, Hello, Ms. Robbins," Lucia said with a strained smile.
"Dr. Robbins, Mother!" Callie said with clenched teeth
Arizona looked and Callie and shook her head slightly. "It's okay, Calliope… I am both," she said with a smile, keeping the conversation light.
"So," Carlos said, clapping his hands together, "Shall we proceed to our tables?"
Once seated, there was an awkwardness on the table; Callie was fidgeting with her fingers, Arizona was rubbing her hands together under the table, and Lucia looked like she was in pain and was clenching her jaw tightly. Carlos was the only one who was talking to Sofia.
The women continued to sit like that until the waiter brought the menu. Once they ordered and poured the wine, Carlos struck up the conversation. "How is your Clinic going, Dr. Robbins?"
"It is going quite well, we had a good inflow of the patient in the last few months, and the clinic is getting recognition across the country," Arizona said, slightly blushing. Callie, on the other hand, was beaming with pride.
"You should see it, daddy; it has state-of-the-art equipment and robotics. There are very few clinics in the country which provide this type of facilities and this kind of post-op care…and it all because of Arizona… she worked day and night to make this clinic what it is…." Callie rambled on enthusiastically "… and it's just a beginning… I am confident that her clinic will soon become the number 1 clinic not only in America but around the world."
Arizona was now turning red; the way Callie was describing her achievement was making Arizona blush.
"That's great work, Dr. Robbins… I wish you all the best," Carlos said with a smile.
"Thank you, Carlos, but Callie might have exaggerated quite a lot… it's not just me… My mentor Dr. Herman's hard work and grant played a great part in it, and I was just lucky enough to carry her work further." Arizona explained humbly.
"Don't listen to her, Daddy. She is too modest but trusts me… it is because of Arizona's dedication… you know she learned one of the toughest fellowships within six months… nobody does that."
"Callie! Stop," Arizona said, now even more embarrassed
"Arizona, you always undermine yourself… you are the best, and you know that… own it," Callie said with a big smile, grasping her hand on the table.
"Yes, Abuelo… Mama is a rockstar," Sofia chimed in from her seat next to Arizona.
Lucia was drinking her wine which she almost choked on. Callie looked towards her mother and was about to say something when Arizona put a calming hand over Callie's and shook her head a little, gesturing her not to react. Callie took a deep breath and moved her eyes off her mother.
Carlos struck up the conversation with Sofia, "How is your school going, little girl, and you didn't even tell me what you learned in the camp?"
Sofia monopolized the next few minutes when she explained to her Abuelo all the things she did on camp and her new favorite teacher until the waiter came with their food.
"How's the work, Daddy? Any new acquisition?" Callie asked Carlos.
"Work is going great, Mija; you will be surprised how competent Aria is proving to be," Carlos laughed. "I mean, I love that girl but growing up, she was a brat, and when you decided to be a doctor, I was worried that who would take care of all the business after me... but now Aria has taken over so much work, and she is doing it so well… I can say I am relieved now…. And I think your mother is more relieved as now I get to spend more time at home... right dear?" Carlos said, looking at Lucia.
Lucia just smiled with tight lips, which everyone at the table once again ignored.
"Mama, can you please crack this lobster tail for me," Sofia asked Arizona, and yet again, Lucia shifted uncomfortably on her seat, and yet again, it was ignored.
Callie observed her mother and was tempted to say something, but she kept her mouth shut for the sake of her family and father.
After the main course, desserts were ordered, and Sofia addressed Arizona again because she wanted to go to the bathroom.
Just as Arizona left, taking Sofia to the loo, Callie's patience gave up when Lucia eyed them with a frown.
"What, Mami?" Callie said, glaring at her mother. "What is your problem?"
"When did I say I have a problem, Calliope?" Lucia said smugly.
"Your expressions are saying everything, Mother," Callie replied roughly. "Do you have a problem with Arizona? Or Sofia?"
"Ahem… no… umm."
"Daddy, you told me that Mami is willing to come to terms with me and my sexuality, but here she is continuously disapproving of everything my daughter and my partner are doing.
"Lucia… we talked about it… I told you I am not losing our daughter over your conservative thinking." Carlos said.
"I Know… and I am willing to look past my beliefs and religion…." Lucia replied
"Then, what seems to be the problem?"
"It's just…."
"Just what, Mami?"
"It's just… I don't understand why Sofia calls this woman her mother?" Lucia said, shrugging her shoulder
"Because she is her mother," Callie said, clenching her jaw at Lucia's comment.
"I am sorry, Mija! I don't understand this… you gave birth to Sofia; Mark was the father of Sofia…. On the other hand, Arizona has nothing to do with this… she is not Sofia's mother… technically, she is not anybody to Sofia…."
Callie was about to rebuke when she saw Arizona had come back from the bathroom and the look on Arizona's face forced Callie into silence. The next few minutes felt like an eternity, where Arizona was looking at Lucia with a mixture of hurt and resentment. Callie looked intently at Arizona, understanding the pain on her face, and Carlos looked at Lucia with anger. Thankfully Sofia was unaware of the whole situation as she was distracted by the aquarium a few feet away.
The silence was broken when Arizona softly told Sofia to look at the fishes while the adults had a serious conversation.
Once Sofia was out of earshot, Callie looked at her mother with fire. "Never say that again."
"But calliope"
"NO! you don't get to say that; you don't get to say that Arizona is any less mother of Sofia than I am. You don't get to come home and judge me, my relationship, and definitely not my partner."
"The daughter I raised would never speak to me like that," Lucia said, eyeing Arizona.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Arizona replied with a frown
"The daughter I raised was religious and mannered…the daughter I raised would never talk to her parents like that… She would have married a man and brought the child in this world out of love and not out of a one-night stand."
Callie stood from her seat, followed by Carlos. However, Arizona stepped in before they could say anything and calmly said, "She is still all those things, minus the man… she is religious… she is mannered…she loves and cares, not only about her family but also about her patients… She respects her parents and mine, for that matter… Even after our divorce, she never once misbehaved with them, and She brought a child into this world out of love… we love Sofia to death… her father loved her more than he ever loved anything. Her conception might have been because of one nightstand, but Callie, Mark, and I did everything a parent should do. We raised Sofia to be a kind, mannered and loving girl. So, what is the issue?" Arizona was so calm that Callie was surprised and a little scared to see her demeanor. Usually, this topic is a triggering point for Arizona.
"You! You are the problem… you came along and filled her head with all this nonsense. You weren't even supposed to be here. You came in between a what could have been a family…." Lucia spat out.
"Enough, Mother!" Callie roared, gaining the attention of the other customers and Sofia in the process.
Arizona, on the other hand, didn't rebuke. Instead, she looked at Callie and said, "I am talking Sofia home," Peacefully.
"Ok, let's go," Callie replied
"No, Callie, you need to sort this matter, but I don't want Sofia to listen to any of this... so I am taking her to your house and waiting for you there," Arizona said, knowing very well that Callie would remain restless until she doesn't tell her mind. Still, Sofia was their priority, So Arizona decided to take the high road and leave.
"But…"
"Do you want to leave things like this?" Arizona asked lovingly with raised eyebrows "if yes, then let's go."
Callie didn't say anything, and neither did she move. She was weighing her options; she could go home with her family right now or stay here and close this chapter. It's been almost eight years since Callie patiently waited for her mother to come around and accept her for what she was. Callie was tired of walking on eggshells near her mother, tired of her mother making faces whenever she mentioned anything about her personal life, and tired of this distance between them; it was now or never.
Callie nodded towards Arizona, who got the message and asked Sofia to come and say bye to everyone. Unaware of the tense conversation around her, Sofia happily invited everyone to visit her at any of her houses and said her goodbyes.
After Arizona left, Callie called the waiter and asked for the check. "Let's go to your hotel; I don't want to create a scene.
Carlos paid the bill and called the cab to take them to their hotel, nobody spoke the whole ride, and the tension among them could be cut with a knife. Once they reached Carlos and Lucia's suite, Carlos ordered Coffee, and Callie and Lucia sat in the living room facing each other but not talking.
"Coffee would be here in a few minutes," Carlos said, entering the living room; others just nodded.
"Calliope, we came here to end this silent feud you and your mother have been having for many years… she came here willingly, and she is trying to wrap her head around all this... it's difficult for her… so please cut her some slack," Carlos tried to convince Callie.
"I am more than willing to cut her some slack and wait for her to come around… hell, I have been doing it for eight years, and I can do it for eight more, but I am not going to cut her some slack for attacking Arizona like this" Callie said firmly.
Carlos nodded and turned towards Lucia. "Lucia, Darling, we talked about this… Arizona is part of Callie and Sofia's life… she IS Sofia's mother… that's the fact, and you need to accept it. At least try to get to know her… she is a good person, dear… you will like her."
"It's too much for me to handle and understand… I have been raised to believe in Man and women coming together and getting married and having a child… but I understand now that the world is changing… I am trying to comprehend your lifestyle Calliope but raising a child with another woman?" Lucia said, shaking her head. "I can't help but feel bad for the poor kid; she would be subjected to so much bullying."
"Enough, mother!" Callie bellowed, "I appreciate that you are trying to understand my lifestyle, but my lifestyle includes my wif-… my partner, and OUR daughter… you can't exclude them and expect me to be okay with it… because it's not… she is your granddaughter for God's sake… why can't you accept her?"
"I AM accepting that, Mija! I want to get to know my Granddaughter… I know I have not been a good Abuela and missed out so much on Sofia … but…." Lucia replied
"But you can't accept Arizona as the mother of your granddaughter," Callie stated, nodding her head, "because she is a woman?"
"Yes, a child needs a father and a mother… It was you and mark, and that was enough… you could have been a family… you didn't need…."
"I am asking you not to complete this sentence, Mami," Callie roared, interpreting Lucia, "Sofia always had two mothers and a father who unfortunately passed away. We were always a family; when all three of us were there, when there was only Arizona and me, even when Arizona and I got divorced… we still were a family. Arizona loves Sofia more than anything and anyone; she would rip her heart and give to her if it comes to that. Just like you have always been mine, she has always been her mother," Callie concluded calmly.
Lucia stayed quiet for several minutes; Carlos, too, was sitting quietly looking at the carpet, and Callie intently stared at her mother.
"What happens when you both split up again?" Lucia asked firmly
"What makes you think we would?"
"Well, there is a pattern, isn't there?" Lucia asked, and Callie frowned. "How many times have you broken up?"
Callie took a deep breath calming her rage down. "It's not going to happen again."
"How can you be sure?"
"Because we have stayed apart and realized that we can't live without each other"
"And how long is it going to last… this feeling?"
"Forever!"
"Please, Calliope, talk like an adult… not like a teenager."
"I am talking like an adult; we have been through a lot… we have seen all, done all, and we found our way back to each other every time… and this time, I am not going to let her go," Callie was getting impatient; her voice louder.
"And what happens when she decides to break your heart again?" Lucia replied, watching Callie's pitch.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, she cheated once… Could she cheat again?" Lucia said smugly, "you should think about that."
"Did you think about it when dad cheated on you?" Callie asked, raising her eyebrows
"Calliope," Carlos chastised
"I am sorry, dad, for throwing you under the bus, but I had to prove my point," Callie said, looking at Carlos.
Carlos just nodded and didn't interfere further.
"Well?" Callie asked Lucia.
"That's… that's different," Lucia replied
"Yes! That's different because Dad was not dealing with PTSD, he was not dealing with amputation, and he didn't wake up at night screaming. I am not justifying Arizona's infidelity, nor did she, but we talked about it, and I understand what happened… and if I have moved on from that… I don't think anybody else should have a problem."
"I care about you, Mija; I don't want that woman to break your heart and leave you and your daughter again."
"where was your care in the last eight years, mother? You practically abandoned me" Callie had enough now; it was like going in circles; she sat up straighter and said, "Anyways… let me make a few things clear. First, Arizona didn't leave us; I did. Second, we are not going to break up, and even if we did, we would raise our kid with the same love and give her the same values. Third, Arizona is a much better mother to Sofia than I am, and she rightfully has full custody of her…. Can you accept that?"
Lucia couldn't say anything. She was thinking hard, anything to make her point but was drawing blanks.
A few moments later, Callie understood that the issue was something else; no matter what she said and did, her mother would not budge.
"Listen, Mami; I will make things simple; I know all these things are just to cover your underlying problem with my sexuality, so here I am giving you an out; you don't need to pretend to understand us just so you can be a part of Sofia's life, anymore. If you can accept me AND my family as it is, then you are welcome in Sofia's life. Else; this would be the last time you will be seeing me," Callie said, tearing up.
"Mija!" Carlos exclaimed.
"I am sorry, Papi, I can't fight for her approval and love anymore; parents should love their children unconditionally. I know there is nothing Sofia could do to make me love her any less. And if Mami can't see that, then it's her loss, not mine. She is missing out on a beautiful little girl. But that's okay; she can love her other grandchildren. Sofia has a great set of grandparents in Missouri and a very loving Abuelo, so, She will be fine too …and …. And I would be fine too. But I am sorry to say, Papi, I won't be setting foot in your house again… you are always welcome to visit us here. But I can't come to the place where my partner is not welcomed." Callie said, wiping her tears.
She picked up her bag, hugged her father goodbye, and without a single word to her mother, left,
…
Once back at her house with a heavy heart, she opened the door and walked in. She saw Arizona sitting in the living room, lost in her thoughts.
"Hey," Callie said, going next to Arizona and flopping down on the couch.
"Callie…hey," Arizona said, startled, coming out of her thoughts
"Sofia?"
"She is asleep," Arizona replied. "How did it go?"
Callie shook her head. "I gave her the ultimatum if she agrees and accepts me and you and our family, well and good, else, she and I are no longer related… I won't go to Miami, and she can't come to me."
Arizona hugged Callie, empathizing with her. "You okay?"
"Surprisingly, yes," Callie said, nuzzling her face in the crooks of Arizona's neck "Half of my life I spent in gaining my mother's approval, not anymore… this is not the example I want to set for Sofia."
Arizona held Callie closely, knowing very well that no matter how tough Callie sounds on the outside, inside, she is hurting.
"How about you?" Callie said after a while, "are you okay?... I know she said some awful things."
"Hmm," Arizona said, failing to hide the hurt she was feeling.
Callie sat straighter, looking into Arizona's eyes. "You are not sounding convincing…."
"I am fine, Callie," Arizona said, getting up from the couch.
"Do you expect me to believe that when I can see the hurt in your eyes and hear the pain in your voice?" Callie asked from the couch.
Arizona didn't say anything right away; she stood by the window looking at the red and yellow lights from the cars below. After a while, Callie went next to Arizona, put her hand on Arizona's shoulder, and turned her around; she was surprised to see a lone tear dripping down Arizona's face.
"Hey, hey hey… Sweetie… talk to me," Callie said, concerned.
"It's… nothing Callie," Arizona said, gently brushing her hand off her shoulder.
"I am sorry, Arizona, about everything my mom said…." Callie said apologetically, "but you realize it's not true, no matter how often she says… it's not true."
"I know! but..."
"But what?... you have nothing to be worried about… You. Are. Her. Mother… legally, you are her sole custodial," Callie said genuinely.
Arizona looked at Callie sympathetically. "I will get it changed."
"No-No. I didn't mean that…." Callie said, holding Arizona by the shoulders and looking into her eyes, "all I meant to say is that no matter who says what, you were, you are, and you always be Sofia's mother, and no one can change it, not even me… not that I want to."
"I know, Callie… thank you for saying this… but … I am tired and fed up" Callie looked at Arizona with confusion.
"I am fed up of continuously proving that I AM Sofia's mother, too… we may not share the DNA, but she IS a part of me… I was there when she couldn't go to sleep at night. It was me who she wanted when she would fall sick. I was there for nighttime feed, for her every recital, every project… I was there for her first step, for her first Christmas and New Year, or the first time she broke her baby tooth. And I will be there for her graduation, for her first Heartbreak… I will be there with the shotgun to scare any person she will bring home to meet us because nobody would be good enough for her. I will be there to walk her down the aisle or wherever she will get married…" Arizona said in tears, "and I know you will be there too… but I will be there… always… because she is my little girl… she has a part of my heart, and I love her with every fiber of my being… I AM her mother…I am her mother."
Callie's heart broke seeing Arizona crumble like that; in a few quick steps, she took her crumbling form into her arms. "I know you are… you are her mother, and you don't need to prove it to anyone," Callie said, trying to calm Arizona.
"But I do," Arizona said, breaking the embrace and taking a step back. "I do need to prove it… all my life, it's me who needs to prove my motherhood over and over again… be it you, your lawyer, your mother or… or…Mark"
"Mark? What?... when… what do you me?" Callie asked in shock.
Hey,
I hope you like this chapter!
Thanks for the reviews on the last chapter; you all are amazing
Special shout out to my regular reviewers… you are my hero… Keep me going
To all my readers, thank you for your time and love. I wish I could update fast, but I am unable to. Thank you for sticking with this story so far.
Please don't forget to review… it motivates a lot to write.
On another note- I was so happy to see Japril reconciliation last week. I hope and pray we will get Calzona too.
Until Next time
Take Care
Stay Safe
Love
~ RT