Title: Frontlines
Author: captstarbuck
Rating: T
Pairing: Callie/Arizona
Disclaimers: All television shows, movies, books, and other copyrighted material referred to in this work, and the characters, settings, and events thereof, are the properties of their respective owners. As this work is an interpretation of the original material and not for-profit, it constitutes fair use. Reference to real persons, places, or events are made in a fictional context, and are not intended to be libelous, defamatory, or in any way factual. (I don't own any of the characters from Grey's Anatomy.
Summary: My take on Callie and Arizona in NYC at the time the pandemic hit
Editor/Beta: pensco_927
Author's Note: I first conceived this story over the summer, during my many lunchtime walks. At the time, here in New York, COVID seemed to be trending downward and there was hope that we were over the worst of it. When I plotted out the epilogue, it was done with the hopeful assumption that COVID would be under control and that we'd have a vaccine by the summer of 2022. I'm now not so sure about where we'll be when it actually gets to next year. I try to be accurate in my writing where possible, but jumping ahead to next year (2022) may make that difficult. However, since this is fiction, I will just proceed with the assumption that they'll all be safe and COVID-free.
Additionally, I've decided to break the epilogue into two parts as I expect it to be a bit lengthy and I think it will flow better in two parts.
Sorry for the delay in posting, too. It's been crazy busy at work with a big project and preparing for year-end. I haven't had much time to write, but am hoping to finish this up over the long holiday weelend.
Frontlines
Epilogue – Living the Dream
Part 1
Wednesday, August 4, 2021
Fifteen Months Later
Arizona stood in front of the kitchen sink and sighed contentedly as she looked out the window. She smiled as she took in the scene in the backyard. When she felt Callie's body press against her back and her arms slip around her waist, her smile widened.
"That was a pretty big sigh," Callie commented, her chin resting on Arizona's shoulder. "Something wrong?"
"No, not at all. I'm just happy. This is what I dreamed about when we bought the house."
"Which is?"
"A house full of our family and friends."
During the first month of Arizona's convalescence, she had shared Callie's obsession for finding the perfect house. In early July, when the virus seemed to be easing in New York, they spotted a house that they both fell in love with. After a call to the realtor, they donned masks and made a trip to see it in person.
It was a large house with an acre of land, as most houses in the neighborhood had, but this lot had a wooded area that lined the back edge of the property. There were three bedrooms upstairs, one a master suite, and there was an additional full bathroom. There was also a large game room on the floor. On the first floor, there was another master suite, an open concept kitchen and family room, as well as a formal dining room and living room. A laundry room and a small office with a full bathroom completed the main floor. Both women immediately thought the office would make a great guest room for Nicole when she visited. A sliding glass door in the family room led to a large stone patio with a small stone wall surrounding three sides of it.
The big selling point for them was the large in-law suite that was attached to the house and garage. The fifteen hundred square foot living space had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen/eating area and a living room. There was even a small den that Arizona could picture her father filling with all his awards and honors. Yes, they had convinced Barbara and Daniel to move up to New York with them. The older couple had agreed, but only on the condition that they would have their own space. This house met those conditions perfectly.
The large three and half car garage also had a spacious apartment above it, which only made them want it more.
That very day they put in offer on it.
A month later, Barbara, Daniel and Sofia moved up from Virginia.
Six weeks later, they became foster parents when Ricky joined them.
The couple took another look outside. Both sets of parents were sitting at a large table on the patio, sharing after dinner cocktails. They only thing missing at the table this evening was a deck of cards. For the past two nights, the foursome had been playing some very competitive games of Bridge. Since the Miami Torres arrival on Sunday afternoon, the older couples had finally had a chance to get to know one another. Surprisingly enough, they got along better than anyone had expected.
Addison and Nicole were seated nearby on the stone wall, engrossed in conversation. No doubt they were 'talking shop'. The tall red head had come out the previous year to help out the Center during Arizona's lengthy recovery and never left. She and Jake ended up buying a house two doors down, much to Callie's delight. She loved having Addison nearby, and Arizona shared her feelings. Callie felt like she was building a new village as they often shared carpooling, babysitting and meals.
Aria and her husband Marco were out on the expansive yard, kicking around a soccer ball with the kids. Marco playing soccer with them was expected. He was tall and athletic, and enthusiastic about any games the kids wanted to play. Jake would've been out there with them but he'd left that morning for a conference and would return Sunday night.
Aria out there, on the other hand, was a total surprise to Callie. She'd never known her sister to do anything even remotely athletic, except swim and maybe an occasional game of non-competitive tennis. Callie could only assume that motherhood with two energetic kids had changed her. It also helped, Callie believed, that Aria was happily married to someone she loved, and not married to someone with the "right" pedigree. After years of dating rich society snobs, she'd settled down with Marco shortly before Sofia was born. Callie was bitter about Lucia finally getting a big wedding for one of her daughters, but she'd never held it against Aria. She knew the kind of pressure Aria must have been under at the time.
Aria's daughter Mariana was fourteen months younger than Sofia, and she idolized her older cousin. Sofia of course, loved the attention and the two were as Carlos liked to say "thick as thieves". They were at the in between age where they sometimes tried to act older than they were, and other times giggling like two little girls. They had no problem switching back and forth from doing girly things like using nail polish or trying to be fashionistas, and playing soccer and roughhousing with the boys.
Henry, Addison's son, and Ricky were the same age and had been in the same class the previous year, when they'd finally returned to in-school learning. They'd quickly bonded over their shared love of sports, especially soccer, and Legos. Eduardo (or Eddie as he liked to be called), Aria and Marco's son, fit right in with the two boys as he was the same age and had the same interests. When it had rained on Monday morning, they'd spent hours in the game room putting together all of the Lego kits that they had.
The newest addition to their family had also joined the soccer game. Ranger, a three-year old rescue dog that was half German Shepard and half Labrador Retriever had more than enough energy to keep up with them. Daniel had gone to the local animal shelter three months ago and returned with the dog. He was a smart, obedient dog that loved kids. At night he could be found sleeping in the upstairs hallway outside of Sofia's and Rickey's bedrooms. But Ranger absolutely loved Arizona, often following her around the house, or laying at her feet in the evening. Callie often wondered if the dog could sense Arizona's disability and had bonded to her because of it.
"This has been a wonderful week, Calliope."
"Yes, it has," Callie agreed, hugging Arizona closer. "Everyone has been getting along so well." Callie grinned. "And no complaints about the accommodations. No need for a hotel for anyone."
"Eddie seems to enjoy the bunkbed in Ricky's room, and putting in twin beds in Sofia's room gives the girls plenty of space."
"I'll tell you what surprised me the most is my parents agreeing to stay with your parents in the spare bedroom and let Marco and Aria have the guest suite. Your parents' place is nice and all, but it's a far cry from the luxury hotels my mother is used to."
"Well, maybe not being on the same floor as four rambunctious kids had something to do with it," Arizona said with a smirk.
"Well, there is that."
They watched from the window for a few more moments before deciding to join everyone else. As the two women stepped out onto the patio, a flushed Aria staggered up the two steps from the yard.
"I've had enough," she said, plopping down into a chair.
"Tough getting old, Aria?" Callie teased.
"Hush your mouth. You're not that much younger, Cal."
"Won't be long before you hit the big 5-0," Callie said with a large smile.
"Please, don't remind me. I've still got two more years so don't push it," Aria warned.
"Can I get anyone a refill?" Arizona interrupted, preventing the two sisters from any further bickering or teasing.
"Thank you, no, we've got plenty left," Carlos said, gesturing at the half-full pitcher of martinis on the table.
Daniel had mixed up a batch for the grandparents, and as usual, they were too strong for anything but sipping slowly.
Lucia looked out at her grandchildren. "I cannot get over how much Sofia looks like you did at the same age, Calliope."
"No kidding, sis," Aria added. "She's like a carbon copy."
"Except the dimples," Lucia continued. "She must have got them from the Robbins side of the family."
Callie knew her mother was a smart woman, and she knew Lucia knew that Sofia didn't inherit anything from Arizona. She was baffled, then realized it was her mother's way of reassuring her that she accepted Sofia and Arizona completely.
Noticing her sister's expression change from one of confusion to understanding, and seeing her eyes shine with tears, Aria decided to rescue her. "Does she have that attitude yet?"
"What attitude?" Callie shot back at her sister.
"You know, the broody, hate the world, hair chewing teenager that you were."
"Of course not. She's not even a teenager yet!"
"Neither were you, Calliope," her father teased. "You always were a little precocious."
"Daddy!" Callie was exasperated by her father and her sister. "And you're one to talk, Aria," Callie countered. "Need I remind you of your fashion choices growing up. 'Big hair eighties' ring any bells?"
Arizona laughed until Barbara grinned at her, a glint in her eye. She was clearly ready to share some secret about teenaged Arizona.
Callie saw the small panicked shake of Arizona's head, as well as the warning look that quickly followed. She was now intrigued. She'd always thought that Arizona was one to follow the rules and conform to what was expected of her.
"Well, there was the time –"
"Mom," Arizona pleaded as she cut off her mother.
"Oh, Arizona, we all had our teenaged moments." Barbara chuckled. "Except maybe your father."
"What did she do?" Callie asked.
"Arizona had a time when she was into that dreadful punk rock phase."
Callie looked at the blushing Arizona. "Really? Do tell."
"Oh, it wasn't that bad, and fortunately it didn't last long. We moved during it and she found a new set of friends and that was that."
"New friends and Tim teasing her incessantly about it," Daniel added.
"Tell me you have photos," Callie insisted.
"Oh, I think I've got one or two, but I'll save them for another time." Barbara's eyes twinkled. "Maybe I'll drag them out when Sofia hits that rebellious age."
Nicole and Addison had quietly joined the group, Addison assisting Nicole in finding a chair at the table to sit in.
"What's got you all riled up, Robbins?" Nicole asked as Barbara placed a full martini glass into the blind woman's hand. "I could hear you huffing all the way on the other side of the patio."
"It's nothing. Just being reminded of some poor teenage decisions," Daniel explained for his daughter.
"Poor decisions? Robbins? Hard to believe," Nicole commented as she sipped from her glass. She'd always enjoyed a strong drink, and the Colonel never failed to deliver.
Before Arizona could reply, the children and Marco tromped up onto the steps.
"Ah, the troops have returned," Daniel said.
"Mom, we're hot," Sofia said. "Can we have some ice cream?"
Arizona cringed at being called 'Mom'. When the school year had ended, Sofia had started calling Arizona 'Mom', declaring that she was too old to call her 'Mommy'. Arizona had almost been heartbroken, and she realized that her daughter was beginning to grow up.
Seeing the look on Arizona's face, Callie answered for her. "There's a box of popsicles in the freezer in the garage."
The four younger children happily followed Sofia to the garage in search of the frozen treats.
"It stings a little, doesn't it?" Barbara asked her daughter knowingly.
"Just wait until they start calling you 'Mother'," Lucia added with a mock glare at her two daughters. "That was far worse."
"Oh, come on, Mom, you know that was only a sign of respect," Aria said with a grin, her words causing Callie to laugh.
"Oh, yes, because a flip of the hair and a rolling of the eyes and the 'Mother'," Lucia mimicked, "was so respectful."
The two sisters had the decency to look guilty as they knew their mother was right.
"I'm sorry, Mom," they both said simultaneously, their voices small and contrite.
The Torres matriarch waved her hand dismissively. "All in the past, all forgiven." She suddenly smiled mischievously. "I'll just exact my revenge through my granddaughters."
Carlos roared with laughter at the look on his daughters' faces, Lucia, Daniel and Barbara joining him.
Addison enviously watched the exchange. Her parents had never even bothered to be upset when she copped an attitude in her teens.
The children returning interrupted any further discussion about teenagers and their attitudes. No one wanted to give them any ideas, especially to Sofia and Mariana, who were both nearing the age of teenaged angst and attitude.
Callie noticed that Ricky had two popsicles, but before she could ask him why, he approached Nicole.
"Dr. Nic, I brought you a popsicle," he said shyly. "Can you do your trick with them like you do with ice cream?"
"Sure she can," Sofia bragged. "She's the best."
"Might be a little difficult since my tastebuds have been numbed by gin," Nicole answered as Ricky placed the popsicle in her hand.
Callie was glad to see that Ricky was no longer timid around Nicole, and he seemed to have developed a crush, or possibly hero worship for the prickly surgeon. He was certainly in awe of her and her ice cream tasting abilities. She smiled as she recalled the time she'd overheard Sofia telling Ricky about Nicole.
November 2020
Sofia was standing with Ricky in the kitchen, watching Arizona and Nicole talk on the patio.
"See that tall lady with Mommy?" Ricky nodded. "That's Dr. Nic. She works with Mommy. She's blind. Do you know what that means?"
"No."
"She can't see. That's why she carries that white cane. You have to always make sure you don't leave your shoes or backpack on the floor, and always pick up your toys. You don't want her to trip, 'cause she can't see them."
"She looks mean," Ricky said warily.
"She's not. She's pretty cool. And she has a superpower."
"Really?"
"Yup. She knows all the flavors of Ben & Jerry's ice cream, and she can tell you what they are just by tasting them."
"All of them?" he asked, wide eyed, impressed with Sofia's statement.
"Uh huh. We always have ice cream for dessert when she's here, and I always ask her to guess what the flavor is. We never tell her. And she's ALWAYS right."
"Wow!"
Nicole didn't disappoint. One taste of the popsicle and she identified it.
"Cherry," she said. "Though with the amount of gin in my martini, it tastes like cough medicine."
"I bet cherry was the best to mix with your drink," Arizona said. "Imagine what it would've tasted like if he'd given you a root beer one."
Nicole grimaced. "I don't say it often, Robbins, but you're right. Root beer would've been terrible."
Daniel clapped his hands loudly, startling the group.
"So, PT tomorrow morning will be early. We meet at oh-six hundred. That will give us plenty of time to shower and eat before leave." He looked over at Addison's son. "Will you be joining us again, Henry?"
"Yessir," he said. "I'm sleeping over tonight."
"Good man, Henry."
Henry beamed at the praise and Addison couldn't help but smile at the interaction with Daniel. She would be forever grateful to the senior Robbins. They treated Henry like another grandchild, watching him with Sofia and Ricky afterschool, and always making sure he was included. Jake's parents lived in California and they seldom saw them. With her mother dead, and her father a non-factor in Henry's life, Barbara and Daniel had stepped in as grandparents. Better a colonel than a captain in his life, Addison thought.
"Do we have to get up so early?" Sofia asked. "It's summer, and we haven't had to get up this early before."
"You know we have to be on the road at nine AM sharp. You'll thank me for it later when you've been sitting in a car for hours tomorrow."
Sofia frowned, but thankfully did not roll her eyes. "Okay, we'll be up."
For three mornings, Daniel had led the children in a modified version of Marine PT sessions. Eddie though it was great. Mariana took her cues from Sofia. It her older cousin did it, then she would do it.
"Anyone else want to join us?" Daniel inquired.
"Ugh. Not me," Arizona said, the others sitting around the table agreeing with her. "I want to get some sleep before we hit the road."
Tomorrow they were all driving to Vermont. What had initially been a trip for Arizona, Callie, Sofia, Ricky and Nicole had morphed into a joint family trip. Callie had invited Barbara and Daniel along, so Arizona only thought it fair to invite Carlos and Lucia. That invitation was then extended to Aria and her family. It would be the first time that the Miami branch of the Torres family would see their new home. The original long weekend had then turned into a weeklong visit.
When Carlos heard the reason for the original trip, he had arranged for a private tour of the Ben & Jerry's factory there. The plan was to drive up on Thursday, visit Ben & Jerry's on Friday, then drive back on Saturday. Callie couldn't tell who was more excited, Arizona or the kids. She also had her suspicions that Nicole was looking forward to it as well. Callie, however, had her own reasons to be excited for the trip; reasons that she wasn't sharing with Arizona.