I don't own anything…all credit goes ABC/Shondaland
Chapter Thirty-Two
Arizona's POV
Early this morning Calliope got on her flight to Cambridge for her interview with Harvard. I'm very proud of my Calliope. She has worked her whole life to be able to be in this position and I want her to make the most out of it. Honestly I wouldn't be upset if we had to move. It would no doubt be a little stressful and hectic, but I wouldn't be mad. That being said, it would be nice to stay in Seattle. It just seems like we are really getting our bearing here together as a little family, but I guess you can do that anywhere. Calliope and Sofia make me happy, and as long as I'm with them then I'll be okay. Speaking of Sofia. Today was an interesting morning. As soon as Callie left in the taxicab, she broke down crying. I get it, I'm going to Calliope but I'm not about to cry over it. It probably wasn't the brightest idea for us to let Sofia say goodbye and watch her leave, but Calliope insisted on saying goodbye to her this morning so as soon as the door shut, she cried. It wasn't her normal tired or hungry cry; it was more of a loud wail. I had a mini freak out because nothing would get her to calm down, but then I decided to lay her down next to me in our bed and I think she could smell Calliope on the sheets. Calliope's smell is infectious. It's one of the first things I recognize about her every time I touch her or am near her. Luckily that little trick worked and Sofia's cried slowed into little whimpers before she finally calmed down. I was fully prepared to bring Sofia into work with me today. We are just going over material, nothing new and I was having the students work in groups on their review study guides, so I could easily keep an eye on Sof, but Callie said it was okay that I dropped her off at the hospital daycare even though she wasn't there and I'm not a doctor. So, deciding that was probably a better idea I dropped Sof off this morning after getting her dressed and fed for the day, and pack a bag for her. I have a few more hours before I can head out, so I decided to bother Teddy during my lunch break.
"Teddy, it seems like we haven't talked in ages!" I proclaim walking into her office in the school gym.
"You got engaged on me and I haven't heard a peep since. We barely talked at Sofia's birthday, which by the way was pretty awesome. I've never been to a one year olds birthday that exciting." She says offering me a seat in front of her.
"It was a good party. It seems since the engagement my life has been on the fast track. The house, engagement, Sof's party, my job, Callie's job, everything is moving quickly now." I say taking a bite of my salad.
"What's going on with Callie's job? She's still at the hospital, right?"
"Yeah, she's actually on her way to becoming an attending, but right now she's at Harvard for an interview."
"Wow. That's major. I'm guessing you guys are going to move if she gets the job?"
"Potentially, it's all kind of up in the air. I think she really wants to stay in Seattle, but if she gets a better offer that she just can't refuse, then we might be moving."
"That's serious, how do you feel about everything?" Teddy asks me.
"I could go either way, depending on where we could maybe move I'd be okay, but I wouldn't mind staying here either. All her offers are good, I don't think we'd move to a small hospital in the middle of Iowa, but Seattle is nice. I've come to like it."
"That's good. Henry had the same issue, too. He was up for a trade and at one point he almost moved to Atlanta, but the trade fell through so we are still here. I wouldn't mind Atlanta, but I like Seattle too. I just think the thought of having to start all over somewhere else is what is stressful, not the actual place." She finishes before going back to her sandwich.
"You're right, so how are you and Henry anyway?"
"We're good. Living together, and we're talking about marriage more and more. It's something we both want, but aren't rushing into it. I can't complain my life is pretty good right now. Plus summer break is almost here, so three months of unlimited free time."
"I hear that! We're supposed to be going on a little vacation, and I'm really look forward to that."
"That should be nice, any idea where yet?"
"Nope. Still thinking, I think I want to visit my parents though so probably a few days in Maryland."
"Well that's nice, any plans for the wedding?"
"No, there is so much going on right now. Maybe when things settle down we can start to plan. I have no idea where to start."
"Callie's seems like the type to hire a wedding planner. There's always going to be a lot going on, that's just life. It won't be long before your mom starts asking for more grandkids."
"You're right about that. I sent her a picture from Sof's party and she replied that she wants another one soon. I didn't even reply back." I say laughing recalling the texts between my mother and I.
"Have you and Callie talked about that?"
"Yeah, we both want more kids, but that's pretty much the extent of it. It's probably not ideal for her to have one now with a new job and everything, but at the same time I think I want to carry our first one."
"Really?" Teddy asks surprised.
"Yeah. I've been thinking about it more and more lately. A year ago I was totally opposed to the idea, but now I'm not. I've even thought about getting pregnant in the fall so the baby would be here next spring and I would have all of summer break off before returning to work." I state thinking ahead. "I haven't talked to Callie about all of this yet. I'd be happy if she wanted to carry again, but I feel like I want to have our first one. Either way, I just want another child with her. I missed out on Sof's first months, and Calliope being pregnant. I want to be part of everything next time." I say genuinely.
"Wow Arizona, you've really been thinking about this." She says taking a sip of her water.
"It's kind of crazy, but really exciting. I want to at least wait until she finishes her board exam, plus part of me wants to wait until we're married to have children. I go back and forth. Kind of depends on the day." I say snickering.
"Hey, I say no time like the present. Why wait when you can have something now, but waiting isn't bad either. It's definitely the more traditional route, but it doesn't have to be that way. Ultimately, do whatever makes you and Callie happy.
"Well according to society, traditional would be for me to marry a man, live together, then start a family. I'm far from traditional. I'm already living with my fiancée, I marrying the love of my life that just happens to be a woman, and we already have a kid. Arizona Robbins doesn't really do traditional."
"Touché" Teddy smirks.
"Regardless, I'm just trying to get through these next couple of weeks. Then we can move on to other things." I say finishing up my salad. Teddy and I talk for twenty more minutes before our lunch break is over. I return to class and finish teaching for the day before heading to the hospital to pick up Sofia. When I get there I see her playing on the floor so I decide to go in and sit with her for a few minutes before heading home.
"Is that Arizona Robbins sitting on the floor of her child's daycare?" Bailey asks walking into the room.
"You're right, Bailey." I smile back. She sits down next to me and watches her son Tucker play around.
"Well how are you, Arizona? I haven't seen you since the party."
"I'm great Bailey thanks for asking. How are you?"
"Annoyed. All the residents, including your fiancée, are walking around here spitting surgical facts, I can't get them to shut up. Every time I turn around some resident is pulling their notecards out of their pocket and reviewing." She says disturbed.
"Yeah, well you should see my house. Notecards and diagrams everywhere, I turned on the television one day and a surgery was playing. Let's just say my lunch didn't sit well that day."
"Oh Robbins, too much information." Bailey says waving her hand at me. "I haven't seen Torres all day, is she here?"
"No, she's at Harvard for an interview. Hence why I'm here picking up Sofia."
"Don't get smart with me, Robbins. It doesn't suit you well," She says sternly, I can't tell if she's joking a little or completely serious. "Torres at Harvard, that's darn near spectacular. She deserves it. I would hate for Seattle Grace to lose someone like her, but she's one of the best."
"Whatever makes her happy." I say contently.
"Well what makes you happy, Arizona?"
"Being with her. She and Sofia light up my life in so many ways. I can honestly say that I'm happy if she's happy. We're good together." I say looking towards Sof.
"That's all that is important. That girl talks about you all the time. I'm pretty sure she would move for you too. We're lucky in our professions. People needs doctors, so we can mostly gets jobs anywhere. It may not be the best, but it's better then nothing. I'm assuming teaching is the same way. We can never have too many teachers in this world. What's this I hear about the Arizona Academy of Learning? Are you planning on opening a school I don't know about, Robbins?"
"Ha! Oh gosh no, not right now. That was just a name Callie threw out there. We were talking about our goals and dreams and I told her I wanted to open my own school one day. She came up with that crazy name." I laugh back.
"Oh, well Callie was walking around her on her high horse saying that people would be begging her to let their kids attend your school. She went on and on about how your school would be the best, and even Cristina Yang would be begging Callie to let her kids into your school. And we all know Cristina doesn't want kids, so that must be a mighty fine school you're planning."
"She's just exaggerating, I have no plans to open a school yet. I'm just finishing up my first year."
"That may be true, but Callie has all the faith in the world in you. You can do know wrong her eyes. You've done something to that girl, Robbins. And whatever it is, I like it."
"Thank you, Bailey. That means a lot to me."
"I just say it like I mean it." She states coolly. We talk for five more minutes before getting up to grab our kids and leave. During the car ride my phone rings and it connects to the Bluetooth.
"Sof, Grandma Robbins in calling should we pick up?" I ask Sof while checking her in the rearview mirror. The ringing noise has Sof doing a little dance in her car seat, so I decided to answer the call.
"Hi mom,"
"Arizona! How are you, sweetie?"
"I'm good, just in the car with Sofia heading home."
"Ohh give her a kiss and a hug for me, will ya?"
"Of course, mom. How are you?"
"I'm good, did a little shopping today. I picked something up for Sofia. I just saw the cutest little dress with flowers on it, oh Arizona you're going to love it!"
"Calliope and I buy her clothes, mom." I say dryly.
"I know that, but still. When are you and Callie coming to visit your father and I? We haven't seen you all since the engagement." My mom says. A few days after the engagement we Skyped with my parents to tell them the good news and my mom squealed for at least five minutes, while my dad just smiled and said congratulations.
"Hopefully soon."
"Well we need to discuss wedding details. Will Callie's folks be involved? I'd love to meet them. After the wedding you can give me another grandchild. I saw an old baby blanket of yours in the attic. I'm sure Sofia is too old for it, but it would be great for a newborn." She rattles off with excitement.
"Mom, you know I'm waiting for Tim to come home before we start planning the wedding."
"Who knows how long that will be, Arizona."
"Well Calliope and I agreed to wait, so we're waiting." I say leaving no room for discussion.
"Ari—"
"Mom, we are waiting. End of discussion."
"Don't snap at me, Arizona. I'm just saying that could be a long time."
"Yeah, well. It's what we want to do. Calliope is on board."
"I'm not waiting forever for more grandchildren. Callie has changed you in a good way, and now you're talking about children. You know how long I've been waiting for that? When you told me years ago you didn't want kids I respected your decision, but now you thankfully changed your mind, so I want some more grandbabies." She says stubbornly.
"All I due time, mom. I'm not your only child, mom. Tim can have a kid too. Probably quicker then me."
"He doesn't even have a girlfriend, I doubt he's having children soon." She says dejectedly.
"All it takes is one time." I say teasingly.
"Arizona, stop that nonsense. We both know Timothy is responsible."
"Look, I'll try to get down there with Sofia and Calliope soon, she's studying for a big exam right now, but once she's done we will talk about it. I got to go though, I'm pulling up to the house."
"Fine. Tell Calliope good luck for us and tell Sofia we love her!"
"I will. Tell dad hi for me."
"I will sweetheart, talk to you later."
"Bye mom." I say disconnecting the call. Once I get myself and Sofia situated in the house I quickly get dinner prepared for us. Since Callie on the east coast she is three hours ahead of us, and we promised to FaceTime tonight, so I get Sofia fed and bathed for the evening so she can say hi to Callie before I put her down for bed. After her bath, I read her a story until I hear Callie calling us.
"Sof, mama is calling, let's go sit in the bed and talk to her." I say quickly moving into our room and placing her in my lap while I lean up against the headboard.
"Calliope!"
"Hey babe, how are you?"
"Good, you look nice in your suit." I say pointedly. She is wearing a red blouse with a black blazer.
"Thank you, I decided to at least look presentable," She says sarcastically. "Hey baby girl?! Are you being good for mommy?" Callie asks waving to Sofia.
"Mama." Sof says clapping her hands and trying to touch Calliope through the screen.
"Yeah, Sof it's mama, doesn't she look pretty?" I ask Sofia.
"How was she this morning?"
"She cried after you left, but besides that she's been a little angel."
"That's good. What else did you guys do today?" Callie asks lying down sideways and adjusting the camera.
"We talked to Grandma Robbins, didn't we Sof?" Sofia just nods and rocks back and forth between my legs.
"How's your mom doing?"
"She's good. She wants to see us soon. She asked about the wedding and grandkids, naturally," I say with an eye roll. "She asked about meeting your parents, but I didn't say anything. I wasn't sure if you wanted to tell them about the situation."
"You could've told them, it's okay. I'm not ashamed of myself. If my parents don't want to be part of my life, it's their choice."
"Maybe you should try your dad again, I think he's coming around." I suggest.
"I don't know…if we go down to Miami I may ask to go the lunch with him and Aria, but I'm not sure yet."
"Whatever you think is best…I told mother we were waiting for Tim to come home to start planning, she wasn't too pleased about that." I say laying Sofia on my chest and calming her down.
"I'm sure she understands, it doesn't mean she has to like it. I don't mind waiting, but I could also marry you as soon as I come home. All we have to do is go down to the courthouse, babe."
"Is that what you want?" I ask timidly.
"I just want to be your wife, Arizona. I don't need a big wedding, sure it would be nice, but in the end once we sign the marriage license it's official. We can do that in the courthouse, or we could do it after our big ceremony. I'm totally okay with waiting through. Mama just wants to marry mommy, right Sof?" She asks Sofia. "I'd wait forever for you."
"Oh how romantic, Calliope." I say mockingly.
"It's true! What can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic." She says fluttering her eyes.
"Yeah, yeah…I just want to wait a little bit longer. That's all. Mom really just wants more grandkids." I say nervously. Callie and I have talked about kids, but never when we would actually start the process.
"I'm sure your mom would love that. Sofia deserves a sibling. I have no clue when we will start that, but it's something to talk about. There's never a perfect time to have kids, but if we're both ready then we should talk about it. I guess it just depends on when we have the wedding and when Tim comes home."
"You're right. Enough baby and wedding talk, how was your interview?"
"I actually haven't had it yet. Today was just a tour of the facilities and meeting my potential department. I have the interview tomorrow before my flight."
"Are you nervous?"
"Yes and no. It's not like I'm dying to come here, so that takes some of the pressure off, but I still want to do a good job. Uh, babe Sofia is out. You should lay her down in the crib." She says pointing to my chest. It seems my little back rubs have put Sofia to sleep so I tell Calliope I'll be right back once I put her down. When I come back to the bedroom Calliope is gone and the camera angle from her iPad has changed.
"Calliope?"
"One second, babe." I hear shuffling in the background. She comes back in frame, from the waist up, in a black lace bra.
"Well doesn't someone look sexy?" I say sexily.
"Oh I guess… I was just changing into my pajamas. I don't think I'm going to go out later tonight." She says unhooking her bra and putting on a nightshirt.
"Wait!" I yell.
"What?"
"Don't put your shirt on yet." I say with a smirk.
"Arizona…"
"No, I like this view. Your boobs look great, Calliope." I say smiling, and subconsciously biting my lower lip.
"They always look like this, they haven't changed." She says. "Actually I'm pretty sure they grew cup a full cup size after I had Sofia. Mark always came over during her feeding hours claiming it was his "fatherly duty" but I'm pretty sure he was just trying to check me out."
"Can we not talk about Mark and your boobs, please?" I ask uneasy.
"Sorry, but I'm going to put on a shirt now. I feel awkward just letting them hang out like this." She says resuming putting on a shirt.
"Hey, I wasn't done staring!" I fake pout.
"Arizona, I promise I'll give you a personal showing when I get back." She says seriously.
"I'm holding you to that, Calliope Torres!"
"I know you are, babe." She says yawning.
"Are you tired? I can let you go. I know it's later there."
"No, no I'm fine. I want to talk to you some more." Callie says waving me off.
"Okay, well how are you liking Harvard? Do you think maybe you would want to work there?"
"Truthfully, not really. The facilities are state of the art. It's great here, but the vibe is different. Unless I get wowed away in the interview tomorrow I'll probably pass. It was nice to get wined and dined though. I see why Cristina enjoys all of this."
"Nothing is going to measure up to Seattle Grace, babe. You've been there for years. If you compare everything to it, you'll never like any other place."
"I know," She says sighing. "I just don't want to leave Seattle Grace. Money isn't an issue, so it doesn't matter how much anyone offers me. I don't think I'm ready to head my own department yet, and I highly doubt anyone would offer me that right away, so that's one less thing. Sure there are some nice small perks, but nothing worth moving for."
"Well that's just Harvard, maybe another place will do things differently."
"Arizona it sounds like you want to move…" She says giving me a squinted glare.
"I just want you to have an open mind, that's all. If Seattle is the place, then it's the place." I say supportively. "Are you going to go on any more interviews?"
"Maybe, the boards are in two weeks so if I can squeeze in some time to fly out somewhere then I will, otherwise probably not. If anything this trip just made me realize how much I like Seattle Grace. Yeah, it's a little quirky, but I like it."
"Sounds good, baby." We talk for at least thirty more minutes before Calliope decides to go to bed because she has to be up early tomorrow for her interview.
"Seven thirty, right?" I ask confirming her flight for tomorrow.
"Yup! I'll let you now if anything changes, otherwise I'll be back with my girls at seven thirty tomorrow evening."
"Yay! We miss you!"
"Me too, babe. Me too. I love you."
"Love you, too. Night." I say before hanging up. Since it's still a little early for me I decide to watch some television and play around on my iPad. Right before I lay down for sleep I hear a whimper sound coming from the hall. Assuming its Sofia I look at the baby monitor and surely enough she is standing up in her crib. I make my way to her room to calm her down and get her back to sleep.
"Mommy's here pretty girl, what's wrong?" I say opening the door to give us some light. I don't want to turn on the ceiling light because it's very bright and it might wake her up even more, so I settle for a little lamp that's next to her crib. I pick her up out the crib and walk soothingly around the room with her. Seeing that it's nothing serious, and that she's probably missing Calliope I don't worry too much. After walking around for a little bit, I decide to sit down in the rocking chair and read her another book. "Which book do you want mommy to read to you?" I ask myself more then her. She just starts to squirm and her little chubby hands play with the necklace that Calliope got me resting on my chest. "It's pretty, huh? Yeah, you and mama got this for me. Mommy loves it so much I never take it off." I say into her little brown eyes. She just stares up at me lovingly.
"Mommy." Sofia says looking right at me.
She said it. I didn't miss it, I'm not hearing things, she just called me mommy! I'm internally jumping for joy, but on the outside I'm still calm because I don't want to jolt her too much, but my voice shakes a little with emotion. I never thought I'd react like this to someone calling me mommy. It's kind of indescribable.
"Yeah, baby girl. I-I'm your mommy, sweetheart and I love you so, so much!" I say before giving her a kiss on her short brunette hair. She breaks into a little smile flashing me her two front teeth. I'm so tempted to call Calliope right now, but I know she's tired and resting so I'll tell her later. I haven't been more proud and honored to hear Sofia call me her mommy. Of course she doesn't realize the significance of it, but I do. There's nothing like it. If anything were to ever happen between Calliope and me, at least I'll know that I'm Sofia's other mommy and that's something I don't take lightly. She's felt like my daughter for a while now, but when she just acknowledged me as her mommy it was like confirmation for me, from her to me. I finish reading her another story before laying her back down to sleep. I lean over the crib slightly to kiss her and her hands reach for my dangling necklace again.
"Mommy." She says again, but this time her voice is drowsy and I can tell she's tired. Clearly she made some connection between my necklace and me as her mommy. I guess it makes sense; I wear it all the time. If wearing this necklace means she will call me mommy for the rest of her life, I'll never take it off.
"Night, night baby girl." I say before exiting the room. "Mommy loves you."
AN: Thanks for reading.
AN2: For the guest comment on an earlier chapter about Arizona saying she wants a "mini Calliope" it wasn't to lessen her connection with Sofia. She loves Sofia like her own; all that was meant was that Arizona just wanted to have a child with Callie. Not a child with Callie via Mark…if that makes sense. I wasn't trying to diminish her feelings for Sofia. Sofia isn't and won't be left out when they have future children. Hope that makes sense and clears everything up. If it came off offensive I apologize, that certainly wasn't my intention.