Walk Tall...by lilscout

Chapter 10

A/N – Okay this chapter is a bit short, but it was either post what I have now, or make you wait another week. BTW, thank you so much to everyone who takes time out of their busy day to read, and to review, my little story. It means so much that people are enjoying it.

...

It had been three days.

The hospital had given Arizona the rest of the week off to recover from her injuries. Callie had called and texted numerous times, but Arizona hadn't responded. She wasn't ready. Something in her had snapped that night. Something she didn't recognize, and it scared her, disturbed her, deeply. The bullied had become the bully. Her moral compass was off and she needed to find her true North again. She just needed a big enough magnet to pull her there.

She picked up the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hi Dad."

"Hello Sweetheart! This is a surprise, how are you?"

"I'm okay, how are you and Mom doing?"

"We're good, hang on, I'll get her for you..."

"No! Dad, it's actually you I need to talk to...if you have a minute."

"Oh." His tone grew wary, quiet. "Is everything okay?"

"Yeah..." she paused, tears threatening.

"Arizona?" he prompted. "What's wrong?"

She took a deep breath in, then exhaled loudly.

"Something happened, earlier this week..."

And she told him. Everything. About Callie. About outside the bar. In the alley. And, about what she did afterward. He listened, quietly, as a father would, feeling the rage inside him grow, then subside a little, hearing his daughter wasn't injured. She was an adult, he knew that, and fully capable of looking after herself, but to him she would always be his little girl.

"Well," he began, keeping his voice even, "let me say I'm very glad you, and Callie, weren't hurt, but honestly Arizona, I don't see the problem. Sounds like self defence to me." He paused. "What are the local police saying about it?"

"Nothing as far as I know. Apparently the guy had a warrant out for assault already. They expect he'll be in prison for some time if convicted."

This made the elder Robbins audibly happier. "Well there you go! He has a history of assault. It's a good thing you stopped him then."

"Yeah, but Dad..." Arizona was growing frustrated. He wasn't getting it.

"What? Tell me."

She exhaled loudly again, exasperated. "It's not him I'm worried about!" She stood up quickly from the couch and began to pace the room. "I kept on hurting him...after he was down, like some kind of...of...thug!"

Her father tried to interject, "Arizona..."

"No!" she yelled, and instantly regretted it, closing her eyes briefly. "Dad, I'm sorry."

They shared a long pause.

Arizona began again, this time her tone a little more somber. "It's just...every week I teach other adults and little kids about self control, about having respect for their opponent and for themselves. How can I continue to do that, knowing what I did?"

"Have you talked to anybody at the dojo about what happened?"

"No. I haven't spoken to anyone, well, except for the police that night."

"What about Callie?"

"I...don't know what I'd say to her. She must think I'm some kind of monster."

"Has she tried to call you?"

"Yes, repeatedly. And text."

He scoffed lightly. "I'm sorry Arizona, but those don't seem like the actions of someone who thinks you're a monster."

"But..."

"Arizona," he interrupted, "I'm going to stop you right there. You obviously called me for some advice, so here it is. This man, who I would like five minutes alone with myself right now, tried to attack you both, twice. You, and someone you care for...maybe even love...were threatened."

"Mmm hmm..." Arizona responded, fighting back tears.

"Right. What you did, how you reacted, was completely understandable. I would have done the same thing if it were me in that alley instead of you. I would go to any length to protect myself and your mother, and you. Frankly, I'm proud of you."

That did it. Arizona felt hot tears stream down her cheeks, and she emitted a loud sob.

"Sweetheart." He paused, searching for the right words. "You're human. You were angry and you may have let that anger control you for a few moments, instead of your head. But you did stop yourself, don't forget that. Yes, you broke his other kneecap too, but then you stopped, on your own, when you realized what you'd done. That proves to me that you do have self control, that you are not just a thug, as you put it. The very fact that you're upset about this is a good thing. Many people wouldn't be. But it shows me that you're still the kind, and moral, and caring person your mom and I raised. Right?"

"Right," she answered quietly.

He continued. "And I guarantee you, no one thinks you're a monster. Not the police, not your colleagues, and not Callie. So call her." He smiled, trying to lighten the mood. "That's an order, soldier."

"Dad..." Arizona smiled back, and flopped back down on the couch, grabbing a tissue to blow her nose.

"I know...bad joke." He lowered his voice as he spoke next. "Now, speaking of your mom...who's gonna tell her about all this, you or me? 'Cause you know how upset she'll be when she hears you were hurt, even if it is just some bruising."

Arizona hissed. "Oooh, hadn't thought about that!" She paused, thinking quickly. "Maybe if you tell her and try to keep her calm, then I'll call later on Skype and she can see I'm okay. What do you think?"

"Sounds like a plan."

"Okay." She let out a faint laugh, and it made her father smile.

"Feel a bit better?" he asked.

"Yeah...thanks Dad...I do."

"This might stay with you for a while, you know, but keeping quiet about it won't help. Talk to people at your dojo, talk to me, and talk to Callie. Remember, you weren't the only one there. She was there too, and she's probably scared as well. It's not fair to shut her out."

"Oh god!" Arizona gasped. "I hadn't even thought of that. You're right!" She shook her head, cursing herself for being so selfish, so indulgent in her own confusion. "Dad, I gotta go."

"I know. We'll talk soon. And, take care of yourself."

"I will, you too. Bye Dad."

Arizona hung up and quickly typed out a message on her phone.

...

Callie looked down at her cell as a text came through.

I'm so sorry for not talking to you about all this. I'm an idiot. Please forgive me. Can I see you later?

Mark saw the look on Callie's face and figured only one thing could make her smile like that.

"Blondie finally get in touch with you?" he asked, ever tactful.

Callie typed back quickly as she answered him. "Yes, it's from Arizona. She has a name, Mark."

"Sorry, sorry. Okay, well, that's good, right?"

"Yep." She stood up as she gathered her things from the from the lunch table, her eyes shining. "It's good."

...

A/N – Next stop...happier times...;)