I don't anything…all credit goes to ABC/Shondaland
Chapter Sixty-One
Hope you enjoy!
Arizona's POV
I've developed a sixth sense. Well at least I think I have, it's probably just my imagination, but still. I can sense when Noah is awake. Callie said she had the same feeling with Sofia and now I know what she's talking about. It's as if I can feel that Noah needs me. This past month has been a blur. Four weeks of crying, pooping, eating, and lack of sleep on me and Callie's end. As soon as Noah is down I take time to hang out with Sof. So far she's been getting equal attention between my mom, Callie, and myself. I think she knows that Noah needs more attention so whenever it's just us she becomes extra clingy. While I don't think I needed my mother to stay, I'm happy she is here. I'm guaranteed at least three meals a day, and magically my clothes are freshly washed every week. I try to get as much rest as possible, but my Noah sense keeps my mind awake.
"Arizona go back to sleep." My wife mutters from behind me. She tightens her hold across my stomach and snuggles her body closer to mine.
"He's awake, I should go check on him." We kept Noah in our room for the first two weeks then decided to move him to his crib in his room.
"The baby monitor is silent, he's resting…go back to sleep."
"But it's six in the morning, he should be awake by now." I throw over my shoulder.
"Arizona…"
"Okay, okay…" I honestly try to rest my mind and go back to sleep, but then I hear the tiniest of whimpers and I jolt up.
"I'll get him." Callie says rolling out of bed. Two minutes later a sleepy Callie and wide-awake Noah come back into the room. "At least he didn't wake up Sofia this time."
"It's because of my sixth sense."
"Yeah okay." She says with a light sarcastic tone. Passing me Noah, I sit up in bed and unbutton my pajama top to prepare to feed him. Callie joins us in bed, keeping a watchful eye on us. "So I was thinking we get out the house today."
"What why?"
"Because we've been cooped up in the house for a month straight. Sofia can only run around in the backyard so much, and I think the trips to the grocery store aren't as exciting anymore. Just to lunch or something. An hour tops."
"He's still too little."
"Noah is fine. I'm sure he'll be sleep half the time. Plus I think it's time to show him off to the world." She says coolly. Looking down into little blue orbs that Callie swears are the same color as mine, I think maybe it is time to get out of the house. An hour in the warm, Seattle weather won't hurt.
"Fine, lunch at an outside café or something."
"Really? I thought I would have to try a little bit harder."
"Yeah, and I have a cute little onesie that I want him to wear and it's too cute to wear inside." We spend a few minutes just watching as he sucks the milk right out of me. It's a weird feeling, but I've come to enjoy it. It really is that bonding experience that people talk about. "I think he's ready for you to burp him."
"Yay! Pass me my boy." She says sitting up and opening her arms for me to pass her Noah. She carefully holds him up against her chest and begins patting his back, while I button my nightshirt again.
"You guys look cute together."
"You think?"
"I know." I shoot back with a grin. "How's the adoption process coming along? I hate that you have to even go through this."
"It just a lot of tedious paperwork right now. Did you know that I have to pay to adopt my own kid?"
"Are you serious?"
"Yeah, it's a couple thousand, nothing we don't have, but it's just crazy. When my dad visited last week he said he would help me with the legal side of it. I need you signature on a few things as well."
"I'm happy to help any way possible. I'm sorry that you have to do this."
"I'm not. If it means that I get to legally call him my own forever and ever then I'll do it." We share a quick kiss before a little burp comes from our son. "That a boy!" Callie says cheerfully. "That's a strong burp, babe."
"Of course it is. He's our kid. We only do strong in this household." I say confidently boasting.
"Knock knock, you guys awake?" My mom says slowly opening the door with Sofia settled against her hip with her favorite green blanket in hand.
"You can come in, mom." I acknowledge waving her in.
"Well last time I came in I got an eyeful of boob. Haven't seen a boob that perky since I was younger. No wonder you and Callie are always so touchy feely."
"Mom! It's way to early for that."
"Never mind me, I came to tell you all that I'm going downstairs to make some breakfast. Any requests?" Years of being a military wife has made my mother an automatic clock. She's up each morning at five and dressed by five thirty. I'm convinced nothing can break her routine. "Sofia said eggs, anything else?"
"Eggs are fine, Barbara."
"Very well, I'll through on some sausage and potatoes too. Want Sof to help me out?"
"No, she can stay with us. Pass her to me."
"I'll call you all down when it's ready!" My mother says before passing me Sof and heading for the door.
"Good morning baby girl."
"Mornin' mommy. Mornin' mama. Mornin' NoNo." Sof says rubbing her eyes open.
"Good morning, Sof. Wanna hold Noah?" Callie asks. It's become a little routine when all of us are in the bed that Sof holds Noah in her arms.
"Mhmm." She crawls into her little spot between Callie and I and gets her arms ready.
"Make sure you hold his head up, okay?"
"Kay. Ready Mama." Callie carefully places Noah in her waiting arms. She gives her a light kiss on the forehead and it's honestly the cutest thing ever. I've never seen Sof be so attentive before. My mom took dozens of photos the first time she saw Sof holding him.
"Well that was a nice change of pace." My mother says throwing down her napkin on the table. "It's a good thing to get out the house. Not to mention it's probably good for Noah."
"We take him out." I protest.
"Yeah, but only for his doctors appointments. This was a pleasant lunch. It's beautiful out." Can't argue with her there. As much as I didn't think I was ready to take Noah out for lunch, it is a nice day outside and it was good to eat something besides my mother's cooking. I love it, but sometimes I need to switch it up.
"One freshly changed two year-old and one freshly changed one-month old." Callie says bringing Sofia and Noah back to the table and dropping down the diaper bag. "How I managed to change both of them without any help I don't know, but somehow I did it."
"That's cause your super mom!" I say leaning over Noah's carrier that's seated between us to give her a kiss on the cheek.
"Ha! Hardly." She refutes. "I was thinking before we go home we head to the park around the corner. There's a little playground for Sof and we can sit on the benches."
"Park pwease, mommyyy?" Sof begs from her perch in my mother's lap across the table.
"Well I can't say no to that face, can I? Let's go for fifteen minutes."
"Yay!" Sof cheers. After paying the bill and taking a leisurely stroll to the park a couple blocks away, Sof heads for slide with my mother right behind her. Callie and I sit with a sleepy Noah on a nearby bench.
"So I was thinking I would tell my mom she could go home in two weeks. Noah will be six weeks old by then, and I'm not sure how much longer my brother and dad can survive without my mom."
"That's fine. You might be with Noah for two days alone though."
"Ummm and why is that?" I ask turning my attention from Sofia and my mother to my wife.
"Cause I have to take Sof to L.A. for her stay with Mark." She says casually.
"I don't remember having this conversation at all."
"I'm pretty sure I told you about this."
"No you didn't. I'd think I would remember. How long is she going away for?"
"Two weeks."
"TWO WEEKS! That's a long time Calliope."
"That's what I thought, but he originally asked for a month so I think two weeks is manageable. I'm going to drop her off and check out Mark's place. I should be back within two days."
"I don't want her to go." I whine turning my attention back to my bubbly two-year old.
"Me neither, but it's the right thing to do."
"I guess…so it'll just be me and Noah alone for forty-eight hours."
"You could ask your mom to stay until I get back."
"No, no it's fine. I'm sure I can handle it. He doesn't do much beside eat, sleep, poop. Although when I was changing him the other day he started moving around his little legs and arms."
"I noticed that too when I was changing him at the restaurant. Hard to believe it's already been a month."
"I know."
"Mommy chase me!" An out of breath Sofia says running up to me.
"You go head, I'll watch him." Callie offers.
"Noooo, mama chase too!"
"Sof, I gotta watch Noah."
"No!" She says stomping her little foot and crossing her arms with a pout on her face. "Mommy 'n mama chase me!"
"Sofia, that's not how you ask. Wanna try again?" I challenge her.
"Pweaseee."
"Girls it's fine. I'll watch him. He needs some quality grandma time anyway." My mom says helping defuse the situation. Sofia smiles knowing she got her way, but instead of scolding her anymore Callie and I get up and chase Sofia around the park for next few minutes until we decide to head home.
Just like the last four, the next two weeks move just as quick. Noah is now six weeks old and the summer is halfway gone. Another six weeks and I'll be back in front of a classroom teaching.
"Babe we're getting ready to leave." Callie says sitting on the edge of my side of the bed next to me. I heard her get up, take a shower, get a cranky Sofia up, and get ready to leave. I tried to pretend I was asleep so I didn't have to think about she and Sof leaving me, but that didn't work. "The car service is ten minutes away." Callie insisted on having a car service taking them to the airport because it's an early flight. Not to mention my mother just so happens to be leaving today as well, but later in the afternoon. She didn't think it would make sense to make two trips to the airport.
"I don't want Sof to leave."
"I know."
"I don't want you to leave."
"I know. I don't want to leave either." Sitting up to give her kiss, Callie keeps me close by the back of my neck a second or two longer. "I wanted to give Noah a goodbye snuggle, but seeing that he'll be up in an hour or so I didn't want to disturb him just yet."
"Where's Sof now?"
"Downstairs, your mom is giving her a quick breakfast."
"Good." I say pulling Calliope back in for a deeper kiss. I slowly pull her back down on top of me. I know we don't have time to do anything serious, and I haven't got my official okay from my doctor to have sex with my wife, but I still like having Calliope close to me. It's even better now without the baby bump. As much as I loved housing Noah, the stomach started to get in the way. I've missed feeling Calliope lie directly on top of me. I swipe my tongue across her bottom lip and she takes the hint to open her mouth just enough for me to slide my tongue in. Our pink muscles tangle with one another until oxygen becomes a necessity.
"Keep kissing me like that and you'll make me want to stay." Callie whispers against my mouth before taking another quick kiss.
"That's my plan." I kiss her again just because I can before we both sit upright again. "Let's go downstairs so I can say bye to Sof." Like Callie said, my mother was giving Sof a quick, light breakfast of fruit and dry cereal. "Be good for you dad, okay?" I say kissing her atop her head.
"Mmkay."
"I'll miss you and I love you."
"Wuv you too mommy." The next few minutes are quiet as Sof continues to eat and slowly wake up. Callie sips on a cup of coffee, while my mother reads the newspaper. I didn't even know we still got the newspaper, but apparently we do. A honk notifies us of the waiting car outside and with kisses and hugs goodbye to my mother and I they are off to the airport, luggage in tow. I go upstairs to try and salvage some sleep, while my mother goes back to reading the newspaper and preparing casseroles. Once she heard Callie was leaving and it was just going to be me, she took it upon herself to prepare casseroles to leave in the freezer and have me pop one in the oven for dinner later. She insists it's solely because Callie is leaving and I won't feel like cooking and taking care of Noah, but I think it's because she doesn't yet believe that I can actually cook – good food at that! Nevertheless, I let her do her motherly thing.
"Mom, what are you doing?" I ask coming out of the bathroom to find my mother in my room. I just finished a long, hot shower. Lately my showers have been quick, but today after I drop my mother off I have to head to the school to meet with the principal. I think I'm being officially offered the full-time job as the head of the history department, so I took it upon myself to wash up extra good in the shower.
"Just putting away the last of the laundry before we leave for the airport." She says unloading folded clothes from her laundry basket and placing them in the drawers. "Noah is still napping."
"Could you give me some privacy so I can change."
"Just a moment, I'll be out of your way." I return to the bathroom to brush my hair and being my usual post-shower routine. A large and loud intake of breath makes me put my brush back down on the counter.
"Arizona what is this!" My mother gasps. Quickly darting back to the bedroom in my towel I see my mother digging through my top drawer, which just so happens to be my intimates drawer. The last thing I need is my mother digging in there. There are a few reserved items I have in their, like my engagement ring from Calliope, but seeing that she's already seen that I have a feeling that wasn't what made her gasp.
"How in the world is this comfortable?!" She says turning around to face me holding one of my red lace v-string panties up.
"MOM! What the hell?!" I swiftly make my way across the room to take it from her hand. Yeah, it's definitely time for her to go back to Maryland.
"Language, Arizona!"
"Sorry but can you get out of my stuff!"
"Don't get upset with me, young lady. I was putting away your laundry and I came across that." She says pointing to my hand where I've bunched up the intimate item. "And I'm pretty sure I saw a few more in different colors." Before our wedding, Calliope and I took a trip to Victoria's Secret together. We decided to shop for one another. I pick out something for her to wear and she pick out something for me. I read it in a bridal magazine, to keep things hot and sexy in our marriage, although we haven't been lacking that that department. Anyway I took it upon myself to pick out two, red lace and black mesh, night lingerie teddies. They both push up her glorious breasts and stop mid-thigh. The first time Callie modeled one for me I nearly lost my shit. I mean my wife looks good in everything, but still. All I could say was damn. Callie on the other hand picked out five v-string panties for me. She claimed there was a sale if you bought five, but I'm pretty sure the sale was buy two get the third half off. Either way she brought five in different colors. When I modeled one for her on our honeymoon, topless of course, she couldn't keep her hands off my ass. I think I saw hand marks the next morning from all the grabbing and squeezing. If only my mother knew it was her daughter-in-law that purchased the items for me. No way in hell am I telling her that though. "What's the point of even having that? It's basically nothing; it's practically dental floss! Don't tell me you actually wear that."
"There's a outfit and occasion for everything, mom." I say embarrassed and blushing. Putting the item away, I slam my drawer shut.
"Arizona!" She says disbelieving. "Does Callie know you wear that?" Oh she definitely knows alright, trying to contain my snicker I just make something up.
"It's a surprise! You know, post-baby stuff." God, I really don't want to be talking about this right now with my mother.
"I'm sure all of that, or really lack there of, isn't really necessary. A nice meal and a romp in the sheets got your father and I back in the saddle."
"OKAY! More then I need to know."
"At the end of the night it didn't matter what I was wearing cause we were both naked."
"Please stop talking! I beg you." I say gently pushing her out the room. "I'll finish the laundry. You go pack Noah's bag or something so we can take you to the airport once I get dressed."
"Oh don't be embarrassed now, missy." Ignoring her comment, I just close the door. As embarrassing as that was, it's not even the worst of what I have in that drawer.
"You know Shirley told me she found edible body paint in her daughter's room once. Tell me you and Callie don't use that too? Seems like a complete mess to me." My mother says breaking what was the comfortable silence in the car.
"Can we drop it please?"
"Fine, fine." She says looking out the window. "You know I'm sad to be leaving, but I think it's the right time. Truthfully I don't think you or Callie needed me here at all, but it was nice to help out and see my grandson start to grow up. He's so handsome, Arizona. I can tell he has your personality."
"Thanks mom."
"I was talking to your brother and Tim the other day on the phone. We all said we were so happy for you. We honestly didn't think we see the day you give birth. I'm so happy I got to be there, Zona." She says getting emotional. "I knew you'd be a great mother. When I saw you interact with Sofia it melted my heart, and now watching you with both of them is amazing. It's all I ever wanted for you, even if you didn't want it for yourself."
"Mom your going to make me cry." I say sniffling. The car comes to a stop and we both look at each other.
"Promise me one thing."
"Anything."
"Besides giving me some more grandbabies," She teases, "Never lose sight of who you are. You're a mother and wife, but also so much more Arizona. Live a happy life. I know your kids and Calliope make you happy, but also make time for yourself and do little things to make you happy. If that means purchasing barely there underwear then so be it, but promise to make time for yourself."
"I promise, mom." Putting the car in park in front of the drop off area at the airport, I lean over to give my mother a tight hug. "Thank you."
"It was my pleasure. You're raising a good boy here." She says looking at Noah in his car seat. Exiting the car, I get help her with her luggage while she gives Noah endless kisses and hugs. "Call anytime. I can be back whenever."
"I know. Tell Tim and dad I said hello."
"Send me pictures of Noah every week!"
"I will, take care. I love you."
"Love you too, dear." With one last final hug, she walks towards the automatic sliding doors and I hop back in the car headed for Seattle College Prep.
"Just me and you, Noah." I say looking in the review mirror.
"Arizona, look at you! You look great!" Jenna, the school principal, says greeting me in her office. "Your son is absolutely adorable!"
"Thank you! How's your summer been?" I ask taking a seat across from her desk, with Noah's carrier next to me on the floor.
"Good, a little more work then I would like, but good overall. I can see yours is going well. What's his name?"
"Noah."
"Cute name. I won't keep you long, I'll just get straight to it. The board and I looked over your work from the last two years, and particularly your time as interim department head and we are very pleased. On behalf of the board and myself, we want to formally offer you the job of head of the history department here at Seattle College Prep." Jenna says happily. I had a feeling this was coming, but it's still surreal to be officially offered the job.
"Thank you so much. I love it here. The students and staff are wonderful. I happily accept."
"That's good to hear! The feeling is definitely mutual." She passes me a folder with a contract inside. "There you have a standard contract. One copy is for the school, the second is for you own safe keeping. Everything is outlined in side, take some time to read over it. You can drop it off or send it back when you get a chance. As you know, there is a heavier workload in terms of monthly department head meetings and other responsibilities, but it shouldn't be too much and I won't keep you away from Noah too long. There is also a pay raise and upgraded parking spot."
"Seriously? I didn't know the parking spot thing was actually real."
"We don't take it too serious, but it comes in handy in the winter months. If you have a few extra minutes there is someone I want you to meet."
"Sure. Noah is snoozing anyway." I confirm glancing at my son.
"Great, follow me." Exiting her office we make our way through the quiet school hallways. "Normally we would include you in new hires, but since you weren't the official department head we didn't mention anything."
"Understandable." Taking in the familiar surroundings, I notice we stop in front of one of the history classrooms. Knocking on the glass window, a young man waves us in.
"Arizona I want you to meet Trevor. He's one of our newest teachers, and will be teaching here in the history department."
"Very nice to meet you, Ms. Robbins. Jenna has told me so much." Trevor says standing and shaking my hand eagerly.
"Ahh, thank you for the reminder. It's actually Mrs. Robbins-Torres. Arizona got married last winter. I've put in a request to get new business cards and a new name plate for your desk."
"My apologies, Mrs. Robbins-Torres. It's a pleasure to meet you. I happy to be working here." Trevor says correcting himself.
"No worries, it's nice to meet you too." There's something about him that makes me flutter. Giving him a quick glance over he's clearly young. He seems fit and is dressed nicely. He has a nice grin…it's the eyes! If I had to compare him to anyone it would be Callie's friend Jackson. The first time I saw Jackson Avery I couldn't help but stare into his eyes. They are captivating. I mean I know I have sparkling blue eyes, Callie tells me all the time, but Avery's green eyes are gorgeous. I mean I'm one hundred percent gay, but I know an attractive guy when I see one. Trevor is totally giving me Avery vibes. I'm sure the ladies, or guys – hell probably both - whatever floats his boat, are all over him.
"I've got a couple phone calls, but get briefly acquainted. There will be a formal new teacher convocation towards the end of the summer. I figured since you were both here I'd introduce you two."
"Of course. Thank you again, Jenna."
"No problem." She says smiling and leaving the room.
"Please, have a seat." Trevor says offering me a chair.
"Thank you."
"Cute kid."
"Thanks, he's six weeks."
"Wow, congratulations. Jenna told me you were the head of the department. I guess that means we will be working together a lot."
"It seems so."
"I'm excited, and nervous. This is my first teaching job."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I just graduated in May and I put out a few resumes and applications. I was beyond thrilled to get this position. It happened so fast!" I knew he had to be young, a fresh college graduate. Can't be more then twenty-two or twenty-three.
"That is fast! Where did you go to school?"
"I'm from the other Washington, Washington, DC. I decided to stay close to home, so I went to the University of Maryland. Got my degree in History, my minor was Spanish. I did a semester abroad and helped teach young kids."
"Talk about coincidence. I'm from Maryland."
"That's cool. My sister went to the Naval Academy in Annapolis."
"Shut up! My brother is – well was in the military, he just got back."
"Maryland and the military. Two for two. My sister is serving her third year as a marine."
"That's great."
"Yeah, my family is really proud of her. Proud of us both really. They were nervous about me packing up and moving across the country. I've only been here a couple days. Looking for a permanent place now."
"I used to live in an apartment not too far from here. I can give you the contact info. Maybe they still have some space available."
"Oh, that would be great. I couldn't pass up this opportunity. I love teaching and watching kids learn. I know I'm young so that might put me at a slight disadvantage, but either way I just want to make a difference." Aww, he's hopeful and compassionate. I was like that too when I graduated undergrad.
"The kids here are nice, and just use your youth to your advantage. Do you know what classes your teaching?"
"Ummm…" He moves some papers around on his desk, looking for one in particular. "I have three periods of freshman world history."
"Ahh freshman. That's good. They are young, excited, and eager just like you." I say laughing.
"Is it that obvious?"
"Just a little, but it's good." A low whimper let's me know that Noah is starting to wake up. "I should probably head home, but it was nice to meet you. I'm sure I'll talk to you again soon. I'll shoot the apartment info over to your school email." I say standing up and picking up Noah's carrier and diaper bag.
"Perfect. Just got it set up yesterday."
"Good. I'll also have to introduce you to Teddy Altman. She works here too, you'll really love her."
"That's good to hear. As high school as it sounds, no pun intended, I was worried about making work friends." He says letting out a nervous laugh.
"Don't worry. I totally understand. You're basically me two years ago."
"I'll take that as a compliment, especially since you're already the department head. That's impressive."
"Already coming for my job, Trevor?" I ask playfully.
"Oh gosh no. I'm just worried about getting through the first day and working the large printer in the teacher's lounge."
"Remind me on the first day, I'll show you how it works. Took me a couple of tries myself."
"Thank you. Have a good rest of the summer."
"You too." Heading back to the car, I strap Noah in carefully and head home. "Mommy might have a new work friend, Noah." Something about Trevor was refreshingly pleasant. Maybe it's his innocence or maybe it's the Maryland and military similarities. Either way it was nice meeting him. I can't wait to discuss this with Teddy. Speaking of, I decide to call her. After a few rings her voice comes through the car speakers.
"It can't be possible! Arizona Robbins is calling me." She mocks.
"I know…I kinda had a baby so a little busy."
"How come I haven't met him yet!?"
"That's why I'm calling you. Come over for dinner tonight. Callie and Sof are gone, and I have a funny story to tell you about my mom and thongs."
"Ew. Did I hear that correctly?"
"Yeah you did. So are you free?"
"Yeah, Henry is on the road for a game. Should I bring wine?"
"Uhhh…" Considering I'm still breastfeeding I shouldn't drink wine, but maybe I can do a pump and dump before feeding Noah again. "Yeah, bring wine. I have a freezer full of casseroles. Come over around six."
"See you then!"
Thanks for reading!
AN: So Arizona may have a new work friend/colleague. Hmmmm...how will Trevor fit into all of this? I have some ideas. I will be upfront about this; there will be no Trevor/Arizona fling. I'm Calzona all the way, but as much as I like fluff I need some drama.
AN2: Also, your kind words don't go unnoticed. Thank you for your kind words/reviews. I know I don't reply, but I do see them.