AN: I really enjoy writing this story so thank you to everyone who reads, follows, and reviews. :)

Chapter 18

Friday, February 14th

Arizona's POV

Tim took the neck of my gun and aimed it to the fence. "You might not think you're ready, but I know you are."

The fence broke and a group of infected reached for our rows of lined-up soldiers.

Gun shots went off, grenades were thrown, and explosives were dropped from the air. I would say a good seventy percent of my hearing was gone. So far, all was good…no soldiers gone. When our weapons needed to be reloaded, we stepped back and let the row behind us take our place. We would switch rows to get supplies then another row to grab a different gun and so on. I was standing beside my brother throwing grenades into the crowd of infected which hardly made a dent.

I turned to my brother and leaned in yelling. "We're not getting anywhere!"

"Have faith!"

A soldier in the front row threw is hand towards us. "We've got contact! Retreat!

Oh crap…contact? The infected must have got to one of our soldiers or close enough for hand combat. Tim put his hands on mine and Jackson's chest, pushing us back. A few infected leaked through our rows.

"Hand combat!" Tim yelled.

I reached behind me and pulled out my hatchet. This weapon has gotten be this far, I hope it can keep me alive a little longer. I felt a hand touch my shoulder which made me fumble the hatchet. I swung around and brought it down onto the other's leg.

"SHIT! What the hell Arizona?!"

I looked down to the ground and noticed I had hit Teddy. Luckily, the sharp edge of the weapon was turned around and I didn't cut her leg off. I scrunched down and saw the bone in her leg poking out the back. "Teddy…I…" Owen came beside us and scooped her up.

"We have to go! All of us have to go. They have one bomb left in that chopper and they want to drop it inside the fence. We need to get out of here!"

"Can't they wait until the solders are out?"

"They don't care. As far as they're concerned, we're already dead meat."

I helped him carry Teddy over to Jackson who was fighting off a now infected soldier. "I can't tell who's who anymore!" He yelled sticking a knife into the man's head.

I motioned for him to get closer. "Avery! Go get my brother and Mark. Tell them we have to get out of here before they drop on us."

Owen and I ran behind a mountain of dirt with a rock on top like a cherry on ice cream. Some of our men ran past us back to the vehicles to hide. "Come on, let's get her over there." Owen suggested.

"I'm not going anywhere without my brother!"

"Well I'm not leaving you." We nodded to each other as we waited.

Jackson was about to pass us. "Avery! Over here!" I waved my hands around. He was holding his arm close to his body with Mark keeping him steady. I looked behind them. "Where's Tim?"

They shook their heads. "Couldn't find him." Avery replied.

"I'm going to get him." I bolted into the open war.

"Arizona!" I could hear Avery trying to protest.

"Arizona!" My name was called again but it was different. It sounded closer. I turned to my left and saw my brother fight off an infected then run up to me. "Arizona, what are you still doing out here?!"

"They're going to drop a bigger bomb Tim, we have to go!"

"I know, I know. Just…" He grabbed my hand and hugged me. I pushed myself away.

"What are you doing? Let's go!" I tried to pull him behind me but he stood still. "Tim!"

"Arizona…" He looked down to the ground. "I'm going to stay and fight. It's my duty. That bomb might not reach all the infected."

"Are you kidding me? That's suicide Tim."

"I'm already dead." I gave him a sideways look. He lifted the sleeve on his left arm and exposed his wrist. On the side was a giant bite with teeth marks and blood gushing down his hand.

I took a step back. "Can't we…we can cut it off right? It would keep the disease from going through your system."

"I'm sorry Arizona. It happened a while ago and I'm starting to feel a fever."

We stood silent for a few moments. A while ago? Were we really out her that long? I've lost track of time. It seemed like minutes but was probably hours in reality. I looked to the dark sky, realizing for the first time it was night time. It was getting harder to see.

"Arizona... I love you."

"I love you too." I went to give him a hug but he pushed me back and held his stomach.

"Take care of mom." He blew me a kiss and turned to a small group of the diseased that were getting close to us.

"Tim! NO!" I cried after him. I saw Tim bending over, holding his belly then swing at the dead. He's going to keep fighting.

My brother disappeared into the rough dessert behind a patch of trees. I turned and wiped a tear from my face. The loud sound of the chopper rounding made my heart skip. I ran to the rest of our group, but before I reached the rock, my foot tangled with a body on the ground and I fell on my stomach. A pain ran through my entire body but not from my foot. I lifted myself off the ground and saw a small puddle of blood form. My hand went to my side and more blood gushed out. I noticed the huge knife pointing upwards out of the person's hand. It wasn't a regular knife; it was a giant knife someone would use to kill an animal or something.

The sirens sounded and I knew the bomb was getting ready to drop. I fell onto my face and accepted the fact that I was going to die. I gave it my all. I came, I fought, and I lost. Callie stepped over my body and I her hands cupped my face. I reached out to her, but when I touched her face, she withered away into dust. My eyes closed.

I could feel the bags on my back being dragged across the ground then onto a smoother surface. My whole body was weak and I had no clue where I was, what the time of day was, or who was dragging me. I couldn't keep myself awake much longer.

When I opened my eyes this time, there were blurry images of darkness around me and I could feel my torso tightened by something wrapped around me. I heaved out and blood dribbled down my chin. Someone slid their hand across my face. The sudden blurry movement caused me to get disoriented and I passed out once again.

Callie? Why do I keep seeing Callie? I see you but can't touch you. Where am I? Am I awake, am I asleep? What day is it again? How long was I gone? Is this reality? I'm sure that's Callie touching my face. Why are my eyes so heavy? Why can't I control my body? Why can't I…

Saturday, March 1st

Callie's POV

I waited five days for to come back. Now, I've waited over a week in this room. It's extremely crappy for a clinic, but as long as it was holding Arizona, it had meaning. Miranda said she probably wouldn't wake up for a while; she had some damage to her head or something. Jackson told me she tripped and fell on a knife then was covered by shrapnel from an explosion. I shouldn't have let her go. I knew I shouldn't have done this.

"How's she doing?" Bailey nudged her head inside the room.

"Nothing's happened if that's what you're asking." I pulled my knees to my chest in the small clinic chair.

"Her body has been through hell. It's going to need a lot of rest."

"Rest?! She's been unconscious for over a week now! She's not going to wake up, just say it!"

"With this much exhaustion, it could be…"

"Don't. Don't say anything else!"

"Look Callie, you're hurt and I understand."

"Understand?! I've been crouched beside a hospital bed praying and crying and…hoping."

"Callie, how much sleep have you had?"

"I haven't slept! I spend my time worrying about my girlfriend!"

"I'm ordering you to go back to the hotel and get some sleep. Do you hear me?"

"No, what if she wakes up or…she…she dies…or..."

"I'll get ahold of you. I'll tell you if anything changes."

"I'm not leaving her side."

Bailey placed her hands on my shoulders. "Think about what Arizona would want. I know she wouldn't want you to kill yourself, worrying about her. She would want you to get some rest so you can feel better."

I remained silent, staring into Bailey's eyes. "Okay." I whispered.

A knock came from the door. "Is this a bad time?" Mark was standing with Lexie.

I rolled my eyes and passed them in the door way. As I entered the waiting area, I was met with all my friends and family. Owen, Aria, and Jo stood up as if I was bringing news.

"She's uh…she's not awake." They all sat back down except Aria. "I'm going to get some rest." My feet picked up the pace as I walked down the hall.

"Callie! Wait, I'll come with you." Aria jogged to catch up with me.

I stopped as tears trailed down my face. "She's not going to wake up."

"Of course she is. I don't think she would leave this world without you. Arizona's just waiting until her body is healed."

"Her brother…oh god, she's going to be so upset."

Aria put her arms around me and squeezed tightly. "I know you're scared, I'm scared for you. Let's just get you to the hotel okay?"

I nodded and we left.

Once at the hotel, Aria laid with me and talked about how Maria was getting bigger each week. My sister surrounded me with tissues, soda, and candy. We started to tell stories about how dad would react if we had kids.

"He would have killed me." Aria ended a previous scenario.

"He wouldn't exactly run into that problem with me."

"Come on Cal, the way you and that…what's his name? Justin? You guys dated forever back in Miami. Don't tell me you two didn't do anything."

"We didn't!" I said with a laugh then calmed down and frowned. "He would have killed me too."

"Don't lie. You know dad would have still loved his little girl." Aria pinched my cheek.

"I want to have kids with Arizona. I just know it'd be amazing."

"You ever tell your brain to stop before you take things too far?"

"It's not like we talk about it or anything. I love her…a lot."

"You've been dating for like…six months?"

"It's not too soon to know I want to be with her."

Aria put her hands up in defense. "Okay, okay. You're obviously smarter than I ever will be. I trust that you know how to make good choices. Don't forget that I love you too and I will always be protective of you. Tell Arizona that."

We both giggled and became silent again. I took a big chunk out of a candy bar and a swig of diet soda. I started to chew more slowly as I felt the need for a tissue come.

"What if she doesn't wake up? I can't lose dad and her."

"Haven't I already told you the answer to that question?" Aria lifted my chin up. "Let's talk about Maria again." She leaned back against the headboard and began to swing her arms around to describe the mess an infant could make. I love you Aria.

Sunday, March 2nd

"No way!" I took another sip from my cup.

"I'm being serious." Mark clasped his hands together. "Arizona was totally on the wrestling team."

"I think she did it to break jerks like you." Jo interrupted.

"It doesn't matter, she kicked ass. I have no clue why she quit."

"Tim, maybe? He joined around that time. I don't see why she would leave wrestling just for that though." Jo tried to figure out. Everybody grew silent on the patio at the mention of Arizona's brother.

"Maybe it was a bad break-up or something." Mark tried. "Girls over react to things like that." He stood up to leave.

"Except Arizona wasn't the one who was broke-up with, she was the one breaking hearts." Jo laughed then looked to me. I made sure to give her my best glare.

"Just saying…"

"Mhmm." I got up to get another drink. When I came back, Owen and Teddy had joined us. "Hey guys. How's that leg?"

Teddy showed off her cast. "It's doing well. I'm pretty sure the cast is ready to come off then I'll start some physical therapy."

"I always thought casts were cool." Everyone raised an eyebrow to me. "What? Is it wrong to find medicine interesting?"

"There's nothing wrong with that." Owen offered.

"How did it happen?" I asked.

"It was actually Arizona's doing. I had a small part in it I guess. Owen and I were trying to gather everyone from our group and I came up behind her. She was scared and swung the hatchet at my leg. It was the wooden side so it wasn't the worst outcome."

"Wow. She…she can be clumsy sometimes."

Hours passed as we all told stories from a happier time. We also figured out that Lexie and Meredith were related because they had the same dad. It made me think about all the good things that have come from this journey and not just the bad, not just the losses. We've met so many wonderful people and became a tight group.

Maria was starting to sit up and blabber, creating a heart-warming sight. We all turned in to our separate rooms after it became super dark outside. I decided having Aria and Maria stay with me would keep me distracted through the night. I wanted to visit Arizona today, but Bailey suggested another day of rest would be best.

"Look how adorable she is Aria." I rubbed Maria's belly as she slept.

"I know she's adorable. I'm the one who's taking care of her." She continued to flip through a magazine.

"Is it bothering you or something? You sound upset."

"No, I love it. I just…"

"You need a break?"

"That would be nice."

I thought about for a moment. I could take care of her for a few days. I have too much to worry about now; I couldn't keep up with her. What if Arizona woke up? I'd have to take care of Arizona. Jo wouldn't mind, right? Or Meredith or April…

"I'm sure I can get Jo to watch her a few nights if you want."

"If you wanna ask her, go ahead."

"She's really good with kids. I've seen her and Alex play with the kids in the camp."

We both went to bed soon. It was nice to have some warmth in the bed beside me, even if it was my sister. I loved the company of another person in my room and it was comforting enough to allow me some sleep.

Monday, March 3rd

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

I sat up in my bed and twirled to my side and grabbed a stick. When I noticed how skinny the stick was, I threw it to the side and shook my head. Another knock came from the door. I rubbed my face to wake myself up more. Aria grunted but had no reaction to the loud knocking.

"Don't bother, I got it." I gave my sister a shove.

"Someone's knocking." She finally mumbled.

"I know." I pulled a blanket over my shoulders as I answered the door. Bailey was standing with her hands on her hips trying to catch her breath.

"Wha… Did she…?" I searched her face for an answer.

"You need to come." She motioned for me to follow.

"Did she wake up? Did she die?!"

"Just come on!" Bailey jerked me out of the room. I ran down the street with Miranda leading the way. My chest heaved in and out as I started to get dizzy.

"Whoa, slow down." I stopped for a minute.

"What are you doing?"

"I'm sorry, I wasn't prepared for a run at one in the morning in my pajamas."

"Come on. I need you."

"Need me?" Before I could ask any more questions, I was yanked down the street and across the road into the clinic.

Miranda stopped me right before the turn to Arizona's hall. "Wait. Listen."

"What's going on?!"

"Arizona is awake."

Relief flooded my body until the feeling that she wasn't done hit. "And…"

"But she can't remember anything."

"What?!"

"She's lost a lot of blood, oxygen wasn't going to her brain right. She may have permanently lost some of what makes her…her." I stepped back from the doctor in disgust.

"Why…why would you do this to me?"

"Listen! What you and Arizona have is special and maybe seeing you or something you say will trigger her memory."

"What about her mom, does she not know who Barbra is?"

"She had some trouble, but I think she understands that it's her mom, but she doesn't remember anything recent about her or anything else about her for that matter."

"Can I…can I see her?"

"Yeah. I just want to ask her a few questions. Don't freak out if she doesn't know who you are. This may just be a side-effect from being asleep so long. It could take a day or two for things to come back. Okay?"

I nodded.

"Try not to get angry. You could confuse her even more. Be calm."

I nodded again as tears began to fall. Bailey handed me a rag form her pocket for my face. Once I was over being emotional, I walked in behind Bailey. Barbra was sitting in the chair beside Arizona with her hand filled with crinkled tissues.

"Oh Callie." She jumped up to give me a hug. I couldn't really focus because behind her was a very dazed, but awake Arizona.

Miranda stepped up beside us. "Mrs. Robbins, could you give us some privacy?"

"Of course." She sniffled then looked to me. "Doctor's orders." She smiled and left the room.

I stood beside Arizona's bed, Miranda on the other side. "Hey." I whispered. I took in her face. It was so pale and she had a few cuts on her forehead. Her eyes scanned every inch of the room then looked me up and down. Once she examined me, she went back to glancing around the room, moving nothing but her eyes.

Dr. Bailey patted Arizona's arm. "Arizona, do you know who this is?" My girlfriend remained silent and so did I. "Do you remember her name?" Still no response came. I looked to Bailey before she gave me the go-ahead.

"Arizona, it's me, Callie." I sat beside her slowly and held her hand. She began to lick her lips and sat up.

"Here." Bailey gave her a cup of water. Arizona took a sip and sat back.

I took a deep breath in as Arizona opened her mouth. "You're really pretty."

My heart broke and I started to cry. I patted my face with the rag in my free hand. "Thank you." I whispered.

Miranda gave her another sip. "Arizona, you still don't remember Callie?"

"No. I'm sorry." She apologized and laid her head back. I let go of her hand and stepped back.

"How long is this supposed to last?"

"We have no clue. I can assure you that the doctors here are trying everything they can."

Aria ran into the room with Maria. "Calliope! Thank god! I didn't know where you went."

"She woke up but can't remember anything." I looked back to Arizona who squinted to herself then continued to watch us. She seemed to be mumbling to herself. I hope she's not completely crazy.

"She remembers you though…right?" Aria smiled. I didn't say anything and Bailey shook her head. "Really?" Aria handed Maria to Bailey and went to Arizona's side. "Arizona, it's me, Aria. I'm Callie's sister. You're her girlfriend. You've been together for six months and love each other so much it's gross. Jo, Derek, Meredith, Jackson, April …they're all back at the hotel. Stop pretending you don't know who this wonderful person is."

"Aria, back off." I grabbed my sister's shoulder and pulled her back. Arizona placed both hands on her head and closed her eyes tightly. "You're going to give a headache or something."

"I told you I was going to protect you. All of us in this room know Arizona is stronger than this. She's survived bombs, infected, and gun shots."

Mirada handed the baby girl back to Aria. "Come back later and we'll try again."

Aria sighed and took my hand in hers. Everything was silent as we were getting ready to leave.

"Calliope?"

I froze in my tracks. I thought it must have been Miranda calling me back. I turned around to find the doctor staring at Arizona.

"Calli...Calliope."

Aria's mouth dropped and mine followed. "Was that…?" Bailey just shrugged her shoulders with a smile.

"Callie?" Arizona said again, this time with her magical smile twinkling back at me.

My body shook as I laughed and took the spot beside her on the bed. "Yeah? It's me Arizona."

"You still have that bottle of wine?" She whispered out through her dry lips.

I started to laugh and cry from the amount of joy that overwhelmed me. I took her hand in mine them brought it to my lips for a kiss before bringing it up to my chest. I leaned forward and pressed my forehead against hers.

Is it okay to end the chapter there? I hope so. Excited for Grey's tonight…can't wait!