I don't own anything…all credit goes to ABC/Shondaland
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Callie's POV
It's Sofia's birthday! My baby girl is one year old today and I seriously cannot believe it! This past year has been crazy. From the moment she was born my whole life changed for the better, and I couldn't be a prouder parent. If you would have told me a year ago when she was born that I would be engaged to be married, I'm pretty sure I would've laughed in your face and asked "how high are you?" but nonetheless, here I am. When Sof was born it was she and I against the world, plus Mark, but I guess that's the funny thing about life. You never really know how and where you'll end up. Truthfully, I couldn't be a happier place right now. Everything is great, except for the fact that Arizona has been freaking out about planning Sofia's party. It's cute to see her all frazzled and excited over this. Personally, I was just thinking about some cake, music, friends, balloons, and presents, because let's face it Sofia won't remember this at all. Arizona has other plans though, she is hiring a caterer, she's been decorating the first floor for the past three nights, she ordered two birthday cakes – one for Sofia to play with, and one for all the guests – I haven't been able to hang out in my 'bat cave' for the last couple of nights because it's literally filled to capacity with balloons. It's cute, but slightly annoying. Every time I try to object to something she just says "You only get one first birthday!" then walks away. The only thing I was firm about was not having a clown. They fucking creep me out and until Sofia is old enough to verbally ask for what she wants at her party, there will be no clowns in my house. My fiancée even hired a personal photographer, which I thought was a waste of money because everyone has a camera on their phone these days, but she insisted so I complied. Besides all of that, Addison and Aria are coming in town today and are staying at our house. Mark is coming too, and he's bringing his latest fling, at first I said no, but then I realized it wasn't really my place to say who he could invite to his daughter's party (even though it's at my house), but he's happy so I'm happy. Plus, his flings never last long and I love to tease him about them once they break up, so really him bringing someone is for my comic relief. Somehow the guest list got up to thirty people, including people from the hospital, and some of Arizona's friends. This is really an adult party because not many of my friends have children yet, but it's a day dedicated to Sofia and that all that matters.
"Arizona, can you please get off the phone and join us for breakfast!" I holler to Arizona in the living room. Since this morning she has been in overdrive making sure everything is set for this afternoon, but I want the three of us to have some quality time together before the party starts.
"One sec, babe. I'm coming." She replies. I just roll my eyes and look at my little girl in her high chair at the table. She clearly has no idea why today is so special, but she just plays along.
"You're mommy is so crazy, Sof. She's going all out for you, pretty lady. I just wish she would get off that darn phone and eat with us because I'm starving!" I say in a baby voice. I cut up a pancake into small pieces and start feeding Sofia and I just sip on my coffee waiting for Arizona to join us.
"Sorry about that, the people at the store thought I wanted to pick up the cakes at two, when I explicitly said one." Arizona says shaking her head while joining us in the dining room.
"It's all going to be okay, just relax. I can have Mark pick up the cakes if you want? That way you can be here when the caterers come." I suggest.
"That would actually help a lot! Thank you." She says digging into her food. I pull out my phone and send Mark a quick text.
"Sure thing…now what do you need me to do today?"
"Aria and Addison should be here soon, so I guess you guys can bring up the balloons and finish decorating…I'll handle the food, and the photographer won't get here until the party starts, so we should be set."
"Okay, I want to make sure Sof has a pre-party nap so she isn't all cranky when the guest arrive. Also, you, Mark, or me need to keep an eye on her all day. I don't want everyone's hands on her. I guess Aria and Addison are okay too, but that's it. She's already going to get a lot of attention on her, I need lots of people juggling our kid around."
"Hmmm, you right. I guess I should leave out lots of hand sanitizer too." She says going though a mental checklist. We continue to eat breakfast with Sofia for the next few minutes before the doorbell rings.
"I'll get it…can you get the baby wipes and get the syrup off her, please?" I ask Arizona before getting up from the table.
"Yeah, yeah…" She waves to me. I make my way to the front door and am greeted by my sister.
"Where is my birthday niece!?" She says once I open the door. She just walks past me, handing me her duffle bag and goes to find Sof.
"Uh..hello to you too." I whisper to myself. I take her bag quickly upstairs then come back to find my sister playing with Aria at the table.
"Callie, she's so big! I just saw her a few months ago, I can't believe so grew that quickly!" Aria exclaims.
"Yeah, well that tends to happen over time…"
"Callie!" Arizona scolds.
"Sorry, sorry. Anyway, how are you sis?" I ask before giving her a quick hug.
"I've been better, but I'm happy to be here. I really like this house, guys. I can tell Arizona did the decorating because there is no way Callie would have made it look this nice."
"Hey!" I say objecting. Arizona just flashes her dimples.
"Oh please, Callie. You're so dark. Your room growing up was navy blue. What kid at age five wants a navy blue room growing up?"
"Fair enough."
"Exactly! Now I got Sofia a little birthday outfit, can I please change her?"
"Fine, but nothing outrageous please? She's probably going to get it dirty anyway."
"Well then it's a good thing I picked up two of the same outfits. She must look good for all the pictures, Callie. She only turns one once!"
"Hey, that's what I say!" Arizona says.
"I knew I liked your fiancée, congratulations by the way." Aria says with a smile.
"Thank you." We say in unison.
"Wait! Let me see the ring!" Aria says before quickly reaching for Arizona's hand. "Oh, Callie you did really good. That ring is gorgeous! Damn, now you make me want to get married."
"I know right?!" I quip back. Arizona blushes and I just give her a quick peck on the lips.
"You guys are too cute! I wish I was in a relationship." Aria states.
"You probably could be if you didn't sleep with every guy you walked by."
"Calliope, really?" Arizona reprimands.
"She does have a point…anyway I'm going to go change Miss Sofia here. We'll be right back." Aria says before heading upstairs. I move in front of Arizona and wrap my arms around her waist.
"Promise me that today won't be stressful and that Sofia will have a great first birthday." I say staring into her staring into her blue eyes. She puts her arms around my neck and grins, "I promise today won't be stressful and that Sofia will have a great first birthday." We lean in and meet in the middle for a tender kiss. The doorbell rings and we part from our embrace. "I'll get it, babe," Arizona tells me and I immediately miss her warmth when she leaves to go answer the door.
"Hey Addison!" I hear my fiancée say and I follow her to the door to greet my best friend.
"Arizona! Or should I say future Mrs. Torres?" She says with a wink. "Congratulations!"
"Thank you, Addison! Come inside." Arizona says and moves out the way to let her in the house.
"Addie you're here!" I greet her with a hug.
"Of course, I'm here. No party is complete without Aunty Addison. Where is the birthday girl by the way?"
"Oh she's upstairs with Aria changing into a birthday outfit."
"Aria's here!? I haven't seen her in ages. We used to have a great time together in Miami." Addison says reminiscing.
"Yeah, that's because you guys always partied and got wasted together. Then spent thousands of dollars the next day on clothes."
"Exactly…it was a great time. Don't even lie, Cal you came with us a few times."
"Ohhh, is that so, Calliope?" Arizona asks me raising an eyebrow.
"Everyone has a past." I say before kissing her on the cheek.
"Addison Forbes Montgomery!" Aria says from the top of the stairs.
"Aria! Get down here right now and give me a hug! Bring Sofia too!" Addison says cheerfully. As soon as Aria gets to the bottom of the stairs she passes Sofia off to Arizona and gives Addison a huge hug.
"Oh my god, Addison you look fantastic!"
"Me? Look at you! You Torres girls always look so good. We must catch up tonight!"
"Of course, hopefully we can find something good to do in Seattle tonight."
"Um, excuse me you two are here for Sofia. Remember that." I quickly interject.
"Arizona pass me that baby! Hi Miss Sofia." Addison says before taking Sofia into her arms and holding her along her hip. "Callie she is your twin, she looks more and more like you everyday."
"I know, Arizona says the same thing." I say grabbing Arizona's hips from behind and giving her a kiss on her neck.
"That's cause it's true, babe."
"You guys so adorable, like disgustingly adorable." Addison says watching us. "Your so lucky Sofia to have two mommies who are so in love. I can't even find one man to love me."
"Tell me about it." Aria says rolling her eyes.
"Okay, well I need you two to help me bring the balloons up from the basement and finish decorating. So drop your bag off upstairs, Addie and meet us downstairs."
"I'll show to your room, Addison" Arizona says and they go up the stairs together. Aria and I move to the basement and start grabbing balloons.
"You weren't lying Cal when you said Arizona was going overboard."
"I told you. There are over a hundred balloons down here. She just wants today to be perfect, and I love her for that." I say gratefully.
"You guys are really good together, does she have a brother?" She says half joking.
"Actually she does, but you he's currently deployed overseas."
"Really? I didn't know what. That kind of sucks." Aria states.
"Yeah, but I met him a while ago. He's a really great guy. They apparently went ring shopping together for my engagement ring when he was here."
"Aww that's so sweet."
"Yeah it was. Hopefully he will come home soon. Arizona doesn't talk about him much, but I know she misses him."
"I guess you and Sof are really her family now."
"Well her parents live in Maryland, but I know what you mean. I just hope we can make her as happy as she makes us."
"I know you guys do. She looks at you with so much love it's practically bouncing off her, and she is great with Sofia. It's a perfect match, honestly." Aria says with compassion.
"Thanks, Ari." I say sincerely. We start moving everything to the first floor and Addison comes down to help out too. Sofia goes down for her nap, and Arizona helps the caterers set up all the food and drinks. After about an hour and a half the doorbell rings again.
"That must be Mark with the cake, he said he would stop by a little early." I say. Arizona comes to the door to help me.
"Torres!"
"Mark!" I say with excitement. He wraps me up in a hug almost lifting me off the floor.
"I miss you, Torres!"
"I miss you too, Mark. L.A. looks good on you."
"It's not too bad out there. Blondie! It's good to see you again."
"Hi Mark. Thanks for coming." Arizona says sweetly.
"Are you kidding me? Of course I'm here! Where is my kid, by the way?" He says moving into the house and laying the cakes on the counter in the kitchen.
"She's napping. Where is your girl?" I ask looking around.
"She's getting some presents out the car…who are these two lovely ladies." Addison and Aria just blush and greet Mark with a smile.
"The red head is my best friend, Addison and the other is my sister, Aria. Ladies meet my baby daddy, Mark."
"Hi" Addison waves.
"Damn, Callie he's hot." Aria says getting up and giving him a flirty handshake.
"I know that's why I slept with him." I quickly snap back before realizing what I just said. Arizona whips her head around to me and gives me a pointed glare. "Shit, sorry babe. I didn't mean it like that."
"Yeah you did, Torres." He says smugly.
"Shut up, Mark!" I spit out.
"Hellooo?" A voice calls from the front of the house.
"In the kitchen, babe." Mark says. "Be nice, Torres."
"I'm always nice." I say cheekily. A blonde appears in the kitchen wearing skinny jeans and a button down shirt. As soon as I see her face I recognize her.
"Callie, ladies I want you to meet Jor—"
"Jordan." I say in disbelief.
"Uh, yeah. How did you know that?" Mark asks confused.
"Callie?!" Jordan says giving me a surprised look.
"Um, are we missing something?" Addison asks speaking up. I just look to her and Aria and they give me a quizzical look. Arizona is watching me with a perplexed glare.
"W-we were in medical school together."
"I remember you telling me about her." Addison says quietly.
"Oh, well that's great!" Mark says not really understanding the situation.
"Why do I feel like there is more to the story?" Aria asks eyeing Jordan and me.
"Wait…didn't you and her?" Addison says assessing the situation.
"We were together in medical school…."
"Really, Callie? It was more then that…" Jordan says.
"Jordan, please." I say sternly.
"Can someone just say what the hell is going on?" Mark declares.
"On graduation day I proposed to Calliope, but she turned me down and went to Seattle and I went to L.A." Jordan says harshly.
"Whoa whoa whoa, what?!" Mark says. Jordan and I just look at each other. Clearly she is still harboring some feeling about everything, but I don't have time for her because I see the look on Arizona's face and she just looks disappointed.
"Um, I'm going to go wake Sofia." Arizona says quietly, and quickly exits the room.
"Seriously, Mark?" I say hitting his arm.
"You can't be serious, Callie. I didn't know!" I want to be upset with him, but this isn't his fault.
"Can you guys just finish up down here? I'll be back." I say leaving them in the kitchen. I quickly climb the stairs to go find my fiancée. I hesitantly open the door to Sofia's room and see her rocking Sofia in the chair.
"Arizona, I didn't know, I swear."
"Callie…not now please."
"Are you mad?" I ask nervously.
"I'm not mad…I'm just…I'm disappointed and hurt. Why didn't you tell me? You can tell me anything."
"I know, but it wasn't even that serious. It was a long time ago, I haven't seen or heard from her since graduation day."
"Don't stand there and tell me it wasn't serious, Callie." She deadpans. "She proposed to you. That seems pretty serious to me."
"Okay, but I said no. I wasn't ready. She was my first real relationship with a woman. I thought I was in love with her, but I wasn't. Not nearly as in love as I am with you."
"She called you Calliope."
"I hated when she called me that, but she insisted. I only like it when you call me that. I didn't tell you because I've never thought about her ever again. We were going in two different places in our life. Neither of us was ready to move to stay together. It was a medical school romance, that's all. I never wanted to marry here."
"Still, you didn't tell me. It's one thing to have a past girlfriend, I understand that, but she proposed to you. That's serious!"
"Arizona, I-" Mark enters the room before I can finish. "Mark, not now please."
"Callie, just let me take Sofia downstairs. I haven't seen her in a while."
"Fine." Arizona gets up and passes her to Mark and they exit the room.
"I'm sorry, Arizona. I truly am." I say bringing myself to stand right in front of her.
"Do you still have feelings for her?"
"Arizona, you can't be serious."
"Answer the question, Callie." Arizona says firmly.
"Of course not. She just surprised me. That was the last person I thought who Mark would bring. If I knew I would've said no. I didn't know she was even into men."
"Look, we can finish this later. I need to go downstairs to finish up. People will be showing up soon."
"Arizona…"
"Callie, I need to go downstairs." She says trying to get around me.
"Can you please look at me, babe?" She slowly raises her head and looks at me in my eyes.
"What Calliope?" I smile internally when I hear her call me 'Calliope'.
"I love you."
"I love you too, Calliope." She says softly.
"Can I kiss you?" Arizona nods her head and I give her a love-confirming kiss. I take her hand and we walk down the stairs together. As soon as we reach the bottom, Jordan is waiting for us.
"Calliope, I didn't—" I raise my hand to her face.
"Seriously, not Jordan now and stop calling me that. I didn't like it back then and I don't like it now."
"Okay, but I—"
"Jordan, I want you to meet my fiancée, Arizona." I say looking at Arizona. I give her a quick kiss on the lips and she smiles at me before reaching out and offering her hand to Jordan.
"It's nice to meet you, Jordan. Welcome to our home, I hope you have a good time at the party." Arizona says showing off her dimples. Jordan just gulps and looks between the two of us. Before she can say anything I pull Arizona's hand and we walk into the kitchen leaving Jordan behind us. The party hasn't even started yet and I'm already stressed out, I feel like today is going to be a long day…
AN: Part 2 of Sofia's birthday is next from Arizona's POV. Thanks for reading!