Story background: Arizona and Calliope split up five years ago when she got offered a job 3000 miles away and couldn't turn it down, and with Callie not being in the position to leave with Arizona it meant that they had to part. the story is set now five years after the break up with Callie telling us how she is trying to find her way back her head chef. constantly having flashbacks remembering how they were before all this happened and how they got here so far apart from on another.
AN: Thanks everyone who is still reading, always very happy to hear the feed back, i have gotten myself a Beta now so hopefully it will be an even more enjoyable read.. thanks
Callie: Don't drool its not polite
I say as I tap Owen's arm on the way back from the toilet almost mirroring the way I did on my out. He looked at me with a sideways grin and took a sip of his drink looking of to Cristina again as I placed myself opposite to him. Once more, I notice him trailing her every move as she takes some other peoples orders.
Owen: What? I-I wasn't doing anything
A chuckle escaped his lips as I lifted my eyebrow at his response.
Callie: You know what you were doing
Nodding his head with admittance taking one more sip of his drink he smiled a broad smile as Cristina caught his eye once more.
Owen: So you going to… Oh thanks Cristina
Trailing off half way through his sentence as Cristina came to give him his food - a bowl of pasta and a small plate with some homemade garlic bread on.
Cristina: You're welcome Owen
She left the table to go and get Callie's dish.
Callie: So I assume you got her number while I was away then?
I gave him a wink and he just smiled back softly nodding his head up and down in response to my question
Callie: I think she likes you
Owen: Whys that?
I leaned in and whispered my next words as I could see cristina heading in our direction with my plate of food.
Callie: Because, and you of all people should know this, you're supposed to serve the lady at the table first. So you either have bigger boobs than me (I jigged them in my hands to emphasize) or she likes you.
Cristina placed my food down in front of me and I smiled in thanks
Cristina: Would you like pepper and palmersan?
Callie & Owen: Please.
Owen: I think your right I think she likes me
He said with a confident smile
Cristina: Say when
Owen: When
Callie: That's fine thank you
Owen: So this story, are you going to tell me more or do I have to beat it out of you?
I rolled back my head and laughed as I took my fork out of it's cloth casing, plunging it into the pasta. I layed the cloth along my knee, picked up a fork full of food and brought it close to my lips. I was just about to place it in my mouth when
Owen: OH MY GOD
Came the shout from his mouth full of pasta. I dropped my fork into the bowl, grabbed my purse and slapped Owen for the third time this evening around the top of his arm as fast and hard as I could from where I was seated.
Owen: OUCH!
Callie: SHHHHHHHHH
Owen: What on earth did you do that for?
Callie: Because everyone in the room just looked at us!
With a whisper he lent in
Owen: Sorry but it's the best thing I swear I've ever tasted!
Callie: Well.. Not everybody in the entire universe needed to know!
Owen: Sorry
He chuckled at me as he continued to eat his food. I took a piece of garlic bread and nibbled at it until I was confident there would be no more outbursts and could carry on with my meal peacefully. Placing some of the pasta on my fork, I looked over to Owen hungrily eating his meal. I pulled up the fork full of food and smelt the armours coming from the dish.. Without realising it in that moment it smelt oh so familiar.. I placed the fork in my mouth very slowly pulling the food into my mouth with my teeth. I closed my eyes and I took the first bite. It felt like I was going in slow motion. I found myself chewing on pasta yet again only this time the chicken was juicy and almost sweet, the pasta was perfectly al dente. Then I found my taste buds become acquainted with its beautiful sauce, almost instantly I snapped my eyes open and without even noticing I rose to my feet.
Owen: What, where are you—
Before he could finish his sentence and without even realising I was running across the restaurant towards the kitchen door.. I couldn't believe it, could she of been here the entire time without me even knowing. How did I not pass her on the way in and out, am I getting ahead of myself? I'm probably just wishing it was her. BANG. THUD.
Callie: ouch!
Cristina: I'm sorry Callie you can't go in there.
Without me realising Owen was behind me and he slowly pulled Cristina out from in front of me.
Owen: Leave her, if this is what I think it is please leave her, she needs this.
Cristina: But I can get in tro-
Owen: Trust me I'll tell you the story
In the background somewhere I hear their conversation as I took a few steps forward and was then all of a sudden rooted to the spot. All my adrenaline left me, I can hear my heart I my ears and there was a lump in my throat.
Cristina: But she's not allowed in there
Owen: I know but she's not going in, look
Owen had pointed in my direction and turned Cristina to look at me. I was stood at the door of the kitchen. I was frozen, my arms wrapped around my own waist and I suddenly felt cold. Looking through the circle window in the door I searched for a face a movement, something, anything to indicate it was her, I was sure it was. Then true to my thoughts I see it, I see a body covered with chef whites still somehow showing of the curve of her hips. A chef hat with a few loose beautifully blonde curls being bound by a hair net.. There must be music playing because she's dancing around the kitchen and singing, she gets the words wrong and smiles at herself. I go weak at the knees that smile I remember and I remember being the one to put that there once. What am I doing? What if someone else puts that smile there now? What am I doing? Why am I here? She will never want to see me its been too long, I left it too late, she probably has someone new. God look how beautiful she is, its like a day hasn't past. I should leave. I don't deserve to mess her life up like this. I don't deserve to just turn up and hope she wants to see me., who am I kidding she wont want to see me I broke her heart I left her, I let her go, I didn't stand up for her. I convinced my self to walk away and then it happens I see them I really see them. Crystal blue beautiful amazing eyes. The eyes that stop my heart. The eyes that saw more of me than any others have and I believe ever will. Those are the eyes that beckoned me and before I could stop myself I pushed the door remembering how I was never brave enough to do it last time.
-FLASHBACK-
Callie: Oh my god baby that's fantastic, when do you go? When does it start?
Arizona: In 4 weeks but I, there's something I need to tell you
Callie: What baby?
I said with a kiss on her lips then walking over to the fridge to grab us both a few beers. Opening them and then passing it to her I noticed a sad look in her eye, I snaked my arms around my girl with a megawatt grin on my face.
Callie: Why do you look so sad? You just got the chance of a lifetime
Arizona: It's in Australia and I'll be gone for 6 months and if I win-
Callie: When you win
Arizona: IF I win Calliope, IF.
She said with a scolding look
Arizona: If I win then that means, well ill be out there indefinitely at least five years
Calliope: Annnnnnd?
I said wondering what she was trying to get at. I looked over to her as she avoided my gaze now seeming to be very interested in her shuffling feet more than the conversation. I didn't get it, she should be happier than she has ever been. She should be proud; excited she's about to move a million miles away and live her dream. She will be in one of the biggest cooking competitions with the biggest prizes. She'd have money, suppliers and a restaurant of her own. How could she possibly not be excited? She will get to leave everything behind and start fresh. There it is. It's clicked in my very silly little head.
Arizona: I don't know, I don't… how do I erm.. I don't know how to say it… to ask it?
She questioned herself, I find this so cute she's pacing back and forth ranting or rather mumbling this rant to herself, rubbing her temples as if I'm not even here… I don't like to see her having such an inner struggle but I don't know what I can do.
Callie: Well you know I'm coming right?!
I don't think that she heard me, or if she did, her mind just ignored it and carried on the way she was going. As the mumbling and pacing continued.
Arizona: We could try long distance, but that never works, but I love you Callie so surely we should try. Then if we try and fail then that will just hurt more. You'll never be able to come and see me though. Then again you're rich, well your families rich so you might be able to come and see me more. Will you be needed at the company more now though, I just don't know what to do… why can't you just come. No you don't want to come. You have too much here to do. Does your fathers' company have a bunch of offices in Australia? Could he build some? Would he want to? Oh god I should just turn it down I don't need to go. I need you calliope… calliope?
As Arizona was mumbling away to her self I had taken it upon myself to go into the living room and stared looking for tickets of the flight that she was on. Getting out my passport and checking it was in date and checking that I would be able to get a visa. As I heard her question where I was, I called her over and she came and sat right by me. Looking at the screen she was first puzzled as to what it was that I was doing, when she saw the visa application and my passport it started to click.
Callie: So am I buying this ticket?
She jumped on top of me placing kisses quickly and many all over my face.
Arizona: YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
She squealed between each kiss as though I had just made her the happiest girl in the world when she should have been focusing on the fact that she just got her chance at her dream competition, I was so proud of her. There was never a second thought in my mind about whether I would go or not to me it was just a given I can afford to. I can support us. I can get us an apartment to call home out there. I could ask my dad if I could have a few years out of the family business and then when Arizona wins and opens her own restaurant we could live off that money and I could convince daddy to open a branch in Australia that I could run. There would be no problems with that. Mum would talk him around.
That night we made love and I awoke to breakfast in bed off my beauty. The next week flew by and I realised that I still hadn't been to speak to my father. Shit, we are supposed to get on a flight in 2 weeks and 4 days. So without hesitation and a big smile on my face I drove over to my daddy's offices to speak to him.
I arrived at his office and hoped that he would be pleased and happy for my adventure. I hoped that he would be okay with me going to Australia with Arizona to help her follow her dreams. I hoped that he wouldn't mind that I wanted to step out of the business for a while, he's always been very understanding as far as I am concerned, he loves me. When I came out to him after a few hiccups he really has been so supportive. I hope he understands. I get snapped out of my thought as I hear his office door click open.
Callie: Hey daddy
Carlos: Hey sweetheart, come on in.
He smiled gesturing for me to walk into his office taking me in for a quick hug and kiss on my forehead as I walked by. We both sat down.
Carlos: Are you okay calliope?
Callie: Yes daddy, erm, there's something I need to talk to you about…
I proceeded to tell him about Arizona's chance and how I wanted to go with her, he seemed fine with everything. He was happy to let me take a step back. I left his office feeling amazing and went somewhere that id been wanting to go for a year now. The beautiful jewellers on the corner of mine and Arizona's street. She had been stopping next to it and looking at one ring in particular every time we passed and it was beautiful and I knew it would be perfect. I can ask her as she makes it through the initial round of the competition. I will be perfect.
I walked into the shop, pointed to the ring I wanted and within moments I had left with the ring in the bottom of my bag safely hidden away. Somewhere I knew Arizona would never look and when the time was right id sneak it into our luggage and know that it will be waiting when it's the right time to ask her to marry me. As soon as I got home I noticed that the house was quiet and Arizona was out so I thought that I would be able to hide the ring in the suit case, which I did. I couldn't help myself. I wanted it to be there and safe and ready for when the time was right.
The next day I got a call off my father to go back and see him. It was urgent so I did.. I was in his office when all of a sudden he seemed to fly into somewhat of a rage.
Carlos: What do you think you are doing Calliope?
Callie: What daddy?
Carlos: $15,000 in a jewellery store?!
Callie: Well let me explain
Carlos: I think I can guess Calliope, you thought that because I said you could fly off to Australia with your girlfriend and take a few years out that you would ask her to marry you. Then get married and have kids on my money all the while knowing that you wouldn't be coming back here at all and spending the family money to support you.
Callie: No daddy that's not it
Carlos: I'm disappointed in you Calliope I thought I knew you better than this, I thought you would come to me if you wanted to get married. I would have given you your grandmothers ring, why didn't you tell me, our relationship was never like this, it would break your mothers heart if she couldn't see you get married. Do you know what that would do to her? It would kill her… Well you can have your wish you can go be with her.
Callie: Arizona! Daddy! She has a name.
Carlos: I don't care for that nonsense.
Callie: Daddy, please.
Carlos: No Calliope, I've frozen your accounts, all of it. If you want to remain part of this family and the family money and business you can take that ring back tonight and when I see the money back in the account in 3 days you can go to Australia. When you get back you may ask for your grandmothers ring and ask HER to marry you then. I will not have her take you away from us.
Callie: And if I don't?
Carlos: You are cut off, for good.
Callie: I always planned to stay apart of the business but Arizona IS my family.
Carlos: And us? We are nothing?
Callie: Don't put words into my mouth.
Carlos: This is your mistake, you walk away with that ring it will be all you have left.
Callie: I will have Arizona
Carlos: You could have had both if you were honest
Callie: I never lied to you daddy you lied to me. Lied when you said that I was your all that you would love me no matter what and support me unconditionally. You lied daddy not me. I just didn't tell you something.
Carlos: I hope you make the right choice Calliope
Callie: I already have.
I threw down all of my cards and money that was in my purse and walked away, knowing that I didn't need him or any of them as long as I had Arizona. I made my way home to talk to Arizona and tell her that I was leaving the business for her, leaving the money and that we could go and be happy together.
Arizona: Hey Calliope is that you?
I heard from upstairs as I walked in the door
Callie: Yes it is what are you doing?
Arizona: Just checking everything in the case again.
Almost without thinking I ran upstairs just as she was about to put her hand in the pocket where I had hid the ring and screamed
Callie: NO!
It came out harsher than I had meant. But what could I do, if she found it the surprise would be ruined. I never was very good at things like this, the 3 years we have been together I think I only really surprised her once with the party when she got the promotion to head chef. Shit the look on her face I need to say something. I think I'm just going to have to tell her everything,
Arizona: Why are you shouting at me?
Callie: We need to talk
Shit that didn't sound good that sounded really bad. By the look on her face she thinks something horrible is going to happen, the colour in her face drained.
Callie: No its er, its nothing bad… well not too bad.
I was nervous and jittery. This didn't sound great at all.
Arizona: What is it?
Callie: My father called me back today
Arizona: And?
Callie: Well it's a long story but basically he gave me an ultimatum
Arizona: Well what, what was it?
Callie: It's so hard to explain
Arizona: He was so supportive yesterday.. What did he say? Did you do something?
Callie: I kind of did something but for the right reasons
Arizona: What reasons?
Callie: Well you see this is the thing, he's not sure that ill come back and he got upset.
Arizona: Why wouldn't he be sure you told me you told him everything and how you were hoping to open offices out there?
Callie: He thinks I don't want to work for my money that ill just spend it all
Arizona: Why would he think that?
Callie: Well I brought something yesterday and he thinks it means that I wont come back and that we will spend all of his money and well.. This is all coming out wrong.
Arizona started to cry at this point. I knew I wasn't saying this right why didn't I just tell her it cant make things any worse.
Arizona: So you're telling me we cant go or that you cant go Callie? I cant take this, I am sorry, I need some time.
Arizona rushed out of the room, I tried to follow her but my legs wouldn't move. I fell to the floor and the tears poured from my eyes. I didn't hear from Arizona for the next few days. I needed to tell her everything, I knew she was working so I made my way over to the restaurant. I got there and as I stood inside I prepared the speech I was going to give her. I was going to tell her everything and give her the ring when she got home. I can't do this without her anymore. I was stood at the door of the kitchen, I was frozen my arms wrapped around my own waist I suddenly felt cold. Looking through the circle window in the door I searched for a face a movement, something, anything. Then there she was I was ready I took a few deep breaths and…
…I was just about to walk through the door and tell her everything when something stopped me.
-END OF FLASH BACK—-
Arizona: There's no food ready yet Yang but if there's an order just leave it on the side.
She has her back to me, she has no idea it's me. It's amazing to be this close to her after all this time but what do I say? How do I even start? I hope I figure this out before she turns around, I don't know what to do, that's the first time I've heard her voice in 4 and a half years. That's when I finally stopped calling 6 months after she left. Stopped listening to her answer phone message (never understood why they called it answer phone when it's exactly the opposite. But I digress) her smooth voice bellowing over the music… OH MY GOD SHE'S TURNING AROUND.
Arizona: Cristina I need to as- ohh okay you've left, now I'm a crazy person talking to myself.
So I chickened out just then right there for a second and ducked down behind the dressing table.. I'm not all confident Callie I cant just be like.. "Hi" and cross my arms like the past 8 years mean nothing.. I peak over the table and see that she has her back to me again.. She's shaking her bum to the music, I cant help but watch and let out a little giggle.. I didn't even realise that I might of caught her attention. I cover my mouth to muffle my giggles looking down at the side in front of me and when I lift my head its like the whole world went silent. She turned around, saw me, and dropped the whisk and the bowl she was holding. The entire contents of the bowl now on her trouser leg and the floor. I can hear my heart beat in my ears and felt a lump in my throat once again. I slowly eyed her from bottom to top and reached her elegant face. She looked in shock, at least a minute in silence passed and I couldn't take it any more so I cleared my throat and said the only thing I had practiced in my head.
Callie: Hi