Hey y'all! So sorry this is so late. And it's gonna be short BUT A LOT HAPPENS kind of conversationally, ya know? Anyways, my last paper for a little bit is due tomorrow night so I SHOULD be able to pump out a new chapter in the next few days which will make up for my terribleness, right? Right.
So, read, enjoy, tell me what you think, and keep on chuggin' y'all.
Disclaimer: I own 0 things. Praise be to Shonda and ABC.
Sofia pulled out of Mami's arms as soon as she walked into the room and saw Mama sleeping in the hospital bed. She didn't look sick, but Sofia knew that she was; healthy people don't sleep at the hospital without blue clothes on. She walked past her Grammy and Papa and climbed into Amy's lap, using the boost to hold on to Mama's hand. Amy scooted forward in her seat and wrapped an arm around Sofia, securing her on her lap.
"Hey, Sof," she said softly.
"Is Mama going to die?" Sofia asked, her bluntness leaving the air in the room still and tense.
Papa made a funny noise, opening his mouth to say something – but Sofia beat him to it.
"My daddy died. Is Mama going to go the same place as Daddy?"
No one wanted to answer. Amy sighed, pressing a soft kiss in to the Sofia's hair.
"No, baby. Your mama isn't going to die," she finally said, her voice sounding dry and far away.
Sofia heard Mami walking closer to her, "Sof, why don't I get you your own chair?" The little girl shook her head vigorously settling deeper into Amy's lap and squeezing Mama's hand.
"She's fine, Callie," Amy said. Her voice sounded sad – was she worried about Mama too?
Sofia thought about it for a moment. Amy and Mama were always together when they weren't being doctors. They made dinner together and watched movies together and even played with her together. In fact, Amy and Mama were together more than Mama and Mami had ever been together – even when Sofia was a baby.
"Amy?" She asked.
"Yeah baby?"
"Do you love Mama?"
"Yes, I do love your Mama," she answered, her voice shaking almost imperceptibly. The question threw Amelia off guard; she was in a room with Arizona's parents, daughter, and ex-wife – this could easily turn sour. But she did love Arizona, undoubtedly. Sofia should know that. She should know that someone loves her mom more than anything.
She felt tears welling up in her eyes and tried to choke them down. She didn't want the girl to see her cry. Sofia needed as much support and strength as she could get, and Amy couldn't stand the idea of the girl comforting her instead.
She lifted her off her lap and set her next to Arizona on the bed, helping her to snuggle in to her mother's side. Sofia nuzzled her face against the woman's neck and closed her eyes, drifting off to sleep in no time.
Amelia stood up once she was sure the girl was asleep and excused herself, avoiding Callie's piercing gaze as she left the room.
"It's nice to see you, Callie," Barbara said quietly once Amy had gone. She looked her daughter's ex-wife over; she looked well, but tired and maybe a little stressed. Arizona had told her that Callie was seeing someone new, and that Callie was unhappy with her for seeing Amy.
Barbara could see the distrust and jealousy in the woman's eyes when she looked at Arizona's new girlfriend.
"You too," Callie said hoarsely, "I know it's been a long time." She knew that Barbara was watching her – had always been watching her – closely. From the day she had first met the Robbins family, she had felt Barbara's eyes on her – not intrusively or coldly, but curiously. She cared deeply for Callie because Arizona did, and even now that Callie had walked away, she knew Barbara would always be watching her with those kind, concerned eyes.
"How have you been?"
Daniel watched as the younger woman squirmed with discomfort. He couldn't help but wonder what his wife was doing; he knew she'd lost many a night of sleep over her daughter's divorce, but she seemed happy with Amelia – and Barbara knew that. He silently prayed for her to stop meddling.
Callie stammered, "I-I'm good, you know. Just… Working a lot, I guess."
Barbara nodded. "Arizona says you're seeing someone."
Oh Christ, Barb, Daniel thought as Callie nearly choked on her own breath.
"Y-yeah, I have been. It's fairly recent, I mean. Nothing serious or –"
"I think that's good," Barbara interrupted, smiling. "Your love for Arizona ran its course. You both need to move forward."
Daniel felt himself relax, and Callie found herself surprised at the genuineness of her former in-law's tone. "Yeah," she said slowly, "She's seeing Amelia now, you know."
Daniel chuckled, "Clearly. The poor girl has barely slept in three days."
"Yes, Amelia makes her very happy, I think," Barbara said, diverting her eyes from Callie. "She makes her as happy as she used to be, it seems."
Barbara's words sunk into Callie's heart slowly, burning and twisting on the way down. While Mrs. Robbins was undoubtedly right, she didn't want to think of Arizona being as happy as she used to be with anyone else. She didn't want her to love Amelia. She didn't want her to move on.
But she was. They both were, and that was the only way they could continue to live.
"Yeah, she does."
"A-Amelia? Amelia?"