Hey, there! I´m so sorry it took me so long to update. I´m finally on vacation, so I´ll get to work on the chapters more often! Here is a new one and is longer than the others.

For the record,I´m not abondining the story. I hate when other people do it, so I´m finishing it!

Let me know what you think!

Chapter 13

Being a single mom, even with a huge village, is pretty difficult to manage and when you are a double certified surgeon, it gets worse. Arizona was doing as good as possible; thankfully she had gotten a nanny that could be called in anytime. She was begging for Callie to be back, it will get easier and she won't be this tired every day. No matter how exhausted she is when she gets home, she cooks dinner for her kid, they do Sofia´s homework and have some quality time together whether watching a movie, dancing along Sof´s favorite songs or spending some time just lying in bed catching up about the little Latina's day. She loves those moments, but sometimes her body and her mind just can´t keep up with her daughter´s energy and she falls fast asleep before the young one.

In view of Callie coming back this weekend, Arizona has asked the chief the weekend off so she can helps Callie out with the moving. Sofia is so excited she planned an entire weekend of activities with her two moms, like moving was something they can manage to do in two minutes.

It was around 8 pm in Seattle, Sofia and Arizona were in bed, they were supposed to be finishing a movie, but they both had fell asleep in the middle of it., when Arizona´s phone rang waking the blonde up in a jump.

Hello- She said in a whisper trying not to wake Sofia.

Hey! - Callie said excited in the other side of the line- How are you!?

Good and you? - Arizona asked, still in a whisper and with her eyes closed. She was so tired she couldn´t keep them open even if she tried.

Are you sleeping? And Sof? I can hardly listen to you.

She´s here and sleep, I don't wanna wake her that´s why I´m speaking this low. How was your day?

Oh! Okay! My day was great. I have really good news! - The brunette couldn´t help being all this cheerful even if her ex-wife was too sleepy to follow her.

Callie´s last week in New York has been excellent so far and all of that is because of her super incredible good mood. Ever since Arizona and Sofia have left the big apple, her view of things changed. Knowing she will be home soon and will be received with open arms, has made her enjoy her last two months in New York. In these two months she did everything she hadn't done since she arrived. She enjoyed the city, the crowed, the weather, and her job. And late at night when she gets to the hotel that she has been calling home for these two months, even that she was alone, she doesn´t feel lonely anymore. Some days she chat with Meredith, sometimes for hours, talking gossip and stuffs, other times she facetime with Sofia, she sometimes even read her daughter some bedtimes story until she falls sleep. And most of the time, once she´s in bed she calls Arizona and talks to her about everything and nothing at the same time. They catch up about work, Sofia´s matters and the most beautiful things of all, they make plans. They make plans for the future. The near future, the one will have Callie in Seattle again. At home.

Callie had looked for apartments on the internet and Arizona was the one to look for them in Seattle. She called Callie while being there and showed her the place with her cell phone. So technically they chose Callie´s new place together. It was one near Arizona´s place so it will be easier to make the exchanges when it comes to Sofia´s weeks with one or the other. And also, they had arranged they will spend every Sunday afternoon, they both had free, together with Sofia letting the little one choose what to do. They were being friends and that was the mean reason Callie was so happy to be back soon. If they weren't in a good place it might have been a different story, probably.

Tell me, Calliope, what´s the big news- The blonde said

The first one is that I got an earlier flight! I´ll be getting to Seattle on Thursday night instead of Friday!- She said with a huge smile in her face.

Really?- Arizona said and this time, with her eyes open and an a super magic smile in her face.- That´s awesome!- She exclaimed a little louder than she was currently speaking.- Although, I was hoping to enjoy a little bit more my Calliope Torres free time but, whatever- Arizona started to waking up a little and with that, her enjoyable feeling of teasing Callie.

Oh, sure, you´re dying to see me again, don't fool yourself. You need me.- The brunette said, knowing how tired the peds and fetal surgeon has been recently, trying to cover up Karev´s surgeries in Peds plus taking care of their kid alone.

I don't even feel strong enough to fight you there- She said, laughing and got a chuckled from the brunette.

I´ll make it up to you, I promise. I´ll take Sofia for two Saturdays night straight so you can go out and have some fun.

Make them three!- The blonde said, liking the idea. She had only being out two days ago, after almost a month, when Joanne had been back. Meredith took Sofia for a sleep over with her kids.

Arizona and Joanne went out and took April with them. Since the trauma surgeon has been rusty in the dating field they decided to be her wing-women for the night. For Joanne and Arizona, even that they both had gotten hitting on and giving some numbers, it was just a girls night out, so while they enjoyed the flirtation, except for the ones coming from men, they said goodbye soon and back to talk to each other and catch up. Joanne was going to stay for 2 weeks, that was all she could ask for to her boss. - What´s the second good news?- Arizona asked.

I talked to Bailey! She´s giving me a job as an attending, not chief. Something about earning my department back, but

we´ll get there.

I knew that , Callie. I´m part of the board, remember?

Yeah, she asked your opinion?

Well, no, we had a meeting about some changes she wants to do in the hospital, and your topic came up. We all agree on you being chief of orthopedic surgery again, but you know Bailey. She won't make this easy for you.

ha! Yeah, I noticed. What changes she wants to implement? I want my seat in the board again, by the way.

Yeah, I know, I told them in the meeting you probably will take it back. And I don´t really know what the Chief said. Something about the teaching program. She´s bringing someone new to observe or whatever. Imagine us all… but she is the chief.

Every time someone was brought to "observe", nothing got too good.- Callie said remembering old times.

We´ll see.

Well, It´s pretty late. I´ll get some sleep. I have my last surgery tomorrow and then I´m free to pack and arrange all that.

Great. We can´t wait to have you here again, Dr. Torres!

Thursday came along and Sofia and Arizona couldn´t be more ready for Callie´s arrival. They had been cooking dinner all day. A homemade meal and dessert! Sofia was beyond excited. She was over the moon knowing her mama was going to stay at home forever and even more thrilled, being promised an entire weekend with the two of her parents. They had explained that all the things she wanted to do weren´t possible due to the hard and heavy job they have ahead with the moving, but the little one was just happy about the idea of being the three of them together in the same place that didn´t care much about what they do.

Once Callie was at Arizona´s, the trio spent the night catching up and eating the delicious meal Sof and the blonde had made at which Callie flattered at every bite she made.

Mama, tomorrow we are going to help you with all your things and then can I pick the new color for my bedroom?

Of course, sweetie. Any color you want.- Callie answered while tousling her baby´s hair.

And I want some new things, too- The little brunette said smirking.

We´ll see about that, they´re bringing all your new things from New York, remember?

Yeah, but that are not new anymore!

They´re new enough, young lady! – Arizona said smiling at her smartass kid.

All Callie´s things from New York were arriving tomorrow morning at her new apartment, so they watched a movie and went to bed early that night.

She was pretty restless!- Callie said, getting out of Sofia´s bedroom with Arizona after they read her a bedtime story . They were heading to the kitchen to clean up the mess they have done.

She has been like that the last two days. Organizing everything for the weekend.

I know. It kinda makes feel bad, somehow.

Why?

She gets like this, all excited for having a family weekend… We haven´t had one of this in such a long time… it just makes me feel sad.

Well, but we´re in a real good place now. You and I. And we´ll give Sofia more family moments for now on, right?

Yeah. I just feel guilty.

Callie… come on. We´ve past this. We´ll right our wrongs, you´ll see. Now we get another chance to make it right and that is what we are doing.

Okay. Yes. yes. You´re right. Thinking about the past won´t help. Sundays will be family days for us every time we both can.

They will be- Arizona said smiling and squeezing Callie´s arms as a reassurance- She is a happy kid, Callie. She really is.

I know. She looks so much happier lately that makes me ten times surer about coming back. And I´m so happy too, this feels right.

Because it is- The blond said smiling – Let´s go to bed. It´s late. Are you sure you are okay sleeping with Sof? The guest room is ready for you.

I missed her too much, I wanna hold her all night.- Callie haven´t seen her daughter after they visited NYC. It has been a nightmare.

I can recall the feeling- Arizona said with a shed of hurts feelings- If you need anything I´m across the hall. Sweet dreams.- She said, tomorrow was gonna be a looong day.

With the help of some friends, the moving went faster than expected. The only room that wasn't ready to put the furniture in, was Sofia´s. Because she wanted a new color in her bedroom and her mama couldn´t say no to that. Everything was mostly done by Saturday. Which let the little family an entire free Sunday.

Sofia was so tired Saturday night that she fell asleep before 7:30 pm leaving her two moms alone for the evening.

I don´t remember seeing her this exhausted- Callie said giggling.

Yeah, she hasn´t stopped a second today.

So, are you too tired? Because I was thinking, maybe, I can cook something good and we can have dinner with some good wine and relax a bit?- Callie suggested, hoping she can finally spend some alone time with her ex-wife.

Sounds good, but you sure you are up for cooking? We can just order something.- Arizona said, knowing how a long day they both had had today.

Yup. As a thank you for all the help I got from you.- The brunette said smiling.

And you think just a dinner will pay for it?- Arizona said smirking. Callie smiled back and got a little nervous. Was Arizona flirting with her? No. She was just playing… Could be?

Oh, well… what is that you want, then, Arizona Robbins?- She said, deciding to play along.

I haven´t really thought about it. I didn't know you were willing to pay, so I will have to think this well.

Yeah, it has an expire date. Which is today, so, hurry up – Callie told the blonde and went to the kitchen to start dinner. They were at Callie´s new place, they had made some grocery shopping so Callie had everything she needed to make a really good chicken piccata

Can I help you with anything?- Arizona said, staring at Callie. She loved to see her ex-wife in the kitchen. She moves like a fish in the water. And everything she cooks, always taste delicious.

You can pour us some wine to drink while I do this. I think the glasses are umm… I think I put them there- Callie shows Arizona the cupboard in the corner.

So, you´re making chicken picatta?

I am- Callie said smiling. They stood in silence for a while until the brunette decided to ask what she meant for, since she arrived. Actually, since Arizona had showed up in New York for New Year when she supposed to be with her "friend" Joanne.

So, I´ve been wanting to ask you.. what about Joanne? How that ended up?

Joanne is back!- Arizona said with a huge smile. She loved having Joanne around. Callie face changed in a second. Back? What is that supposed to mean? Wasn´t she here just for work last time? Was she back for Arizona?

Oh! I didn´t know she was back.-

You don´t like her much, do you?- Arizona asked, noting how Callie´s smile faded from her face at the mention of Joanne being in Seattle again.

What? Pff, yeah- Callie said, obviously lying- I do, yeah I mean, I don´t know her that much but if you like her I´m sure she´ll make a good girlfriend.

Girl friend, Callie, not girlfriend.- Arizona said remarking the difference.- She is not my girlfriend. I don´t know why I have to explain myself, though.- The blonde said with a change of tone. This was like the third time Callie was indulging about her relationship with Joanne, like she was bothered by it. Was she? Was Callie… Jealous? That could be interesting…

No, I mean… you don´t. Sorry. I´m just a curious cat, you know me. So .. umm..you´re not dating anymore?

We are just friends!- The blonde said rolling her eyes-Nothing else this time. She came to visit for two weeks. Why are you so interest in?

Oh, that´s great, then!.- Callie said, somehow relieved.- No interest in particular. Friends ask each other about this kind of stuffs, don´t they? - She said with a playful smile. She had been thinking back in New York that, once she is settle in Seattle and everything gets more or less in its place, she will make a move with Arizona. She thought rushing things had never worked, so she was going to do it slow. Try, innocently, to spend time alone with her, test the field, see where Arizona is standing, and then, if everything goes as she hopes, ask her out on a date.

Well…I guess. – Arizona said, squinting her eyes- Still feels weird talking about it with you. But, okay.- Arizona said.

It shouldn´t. – She said giving her a lips smile - And have you umm been seeing anyone else? - She asks, while looking for some spices for the chicken, to look more innocent. Arizona looked at her with inquisitive eyes and decided to answer, downplaying the fact that she knew Callie too well to know this wasn´t just a friendly talk.

You know I haven´t. I´m all about work and Sofia, lately. Hardly had time to see Joanne two days ago.- She said, sounding really exhausted.

Well, now I´m here, I´ll help with Sof and you will have more free time to spend with her while she´s here- She said smiling, really feeling bad about how tired the blonde looks like.-

Yeah, you better!-Arizona said, pouring more wine to both of their glasses- I love having her around. She is really funny. You can come with us next time we go out, if you…you know what? forget I said anything.- She suddenly said with a playful smile.

Wha- why? You were inviting me!

I just remember she sees you in a way I don´t like. She is a womanizer- Arizona said, laughing remembering Joanne telling her Callie was really hot.

Oh, come on! There´s no way.- Callie said laughing- Would that bother you, tho?- Callie decided to go a little further in her seeking. Arizona´s answer didn´t come quickly. The blonde knew what Callie wanted to hear. She looked deeply into brown eyes and, somehow, she knew. She felt it. "Think of what you really want", Joanne has told her. And she did. She wanted Callie, there wasn´t doubt in that. The thing was… she was scared. How wouldn´t she? They had tried so many times before and the only thing they always got was more pain. Why will this time be any different? They´ve changed. And they seemed they´ve healed… but… have they truly forgiven each other for everything that happened in the past? She has. She can looks at her ex-wife into her eyes and feel all kind of emotions and none of them is hate or resentment. Does Callie feel the same? Can they really start fresh? Too many question flitting around in her head, questions she can´t answer by herself. She needs Callie. They have to answer them together. She decided to play along with whatever Callie was trying to figure with all these interrogations.

Of course it would.- Arizona said and they locked eyes for a few seconds

Even if she is the second hotter woman around, there´s no way. She slept with you. That will be literally the most awkward thing.

Steak knives slept with me-

And you warned me soon enough where I was getting into I didn´t get the chance. And besides, it wouldn´t count. It´s different because Joanne is your friend.

Well, Alex is my friend and you also-

Ouha! That´s a low blow ! That was before! - Callie said and they both blurted into a laugh.

Who is the first?- Arizona finally asked

The first what?- Callie said ,confused

You said "even that Joanne is the second hotter woman around"

I think you know.

Umm If you ask me I´ll say is… umm- Arizona started to act as she was thinking hard. Trying to see how far her ex-wife was willing to go with this dangerous game they were playing.

You. Is you. – Callie said, determined.- The blonde couldn't help blushing. And biting her down lip she said:

Thank you. But I disagree, because…- She said while standing down of the stool she was sitting and going closer to Callie. Her mind was telling her to stop walking but her feet didn´t seem to respond. She wasn´t sure what she was doing but she felt the need to be closer.

The brunette stood still not knowing what the blonde was going to do, she definitely wasn´t expecting any movement from the other side, which surprised her and terrified her at the same time- I think you are. I think you are the most beaut-

Mommy, mama! Where are you?- A sleepy Sofia was yelling from the stairs, interrupting who knows what was about to happen. Arizona quickly took a few steps back and went to her kid. Callie stood there not really conscious of what was going on. She could hear Arizona asking Sofia if she was okay and suddenly, she found herself with a huge enormous smile on her face.

That was interesting.- She mumble to herself while Arizona enter the kitchen again follow by the little one.

Hey, hon, you had a nightmare?- The brunette ask sweetly.

No, I just woke and I feel hungry! And you weren´t in your new bed and so I got scared.

Well, luckily mama is cooking something really tasty- Arizona said, relieved that Sofia had showed up. She wasn´t sure what she was about to do, but she perfectly knew she wasn´t ready. Stupid impulse.

Once they finished dinner, they tuck Sofia in again, this time took a little longer, and after they finished cleaning all up, Arizona decided it was late enough and she really needed to sleep, so she was going home. Before they say their goodbyes Arizona looked straight into brown eyes and said:

It´s not midnight, yet, and I know what I want as thank you for helping you with the move- the blonde said, never stopping the stare.

Ugh I almost get away it!- Callie said joking.

I want us to be like this forever- Arizona kept going, she was serious.- I love our family, Callie. I love spending time with you and Sofia. And I know, I know things can change if any of us gets involve but promise me, I want you to promise that will always be a loving united family, for Sof but also for us. And not matter what happens in the future we won´t screw things up again and we will always make it work. I don´t want to lose this again. I really don´ t- It was really hard to avoid the knot forming in her throat while saying these last words. She was enjoying so much these moments with Sofia and Callie, she had them once and she lost them, and now that she has them again, in a different form, but has them anyway, she is scared to death to lose them again.

I promise- Callie said, perplex at Arizona´s speech and getting the fear her ex wife was feeling because it was also her own.- I promise we´ll always be a family. I don´t wanna lose this either. We´ll work out anything that comes. I promise.- She smiled and took Arizona into a hug.

I don´t want us to grown apart again, Callie - Arizona said, tightening the embrace.- because I lo–She sighs. Unable to pronounce the words. Not because they weren´t real. It was because they were. And she was so, so scared if she say it out loud it will go away. Everything they got so far, it´ll get complicated. It always does with them. She feels it. But she is not ready yet. And so, she stops. She breaths in Callie´s essence and closing her eyes she stays there. In the brunettes arms.

I know. - The brunette simply said, smiling and kissing Arizona´s shoulder.- Me too- Callie knows. She feels it, too. And even that, she is determinate and sure of what she wants, she´s also terrified to screw it up. And so she´ll wait. As long as Arizona needs. She has pushed too much in the past, she won´t do it again. This time, they make things right.