Hi Readers! Sorry for the less frequent updates, school is very busy. I am doing my best! For those getting antsy about a Callie/Arizona reunion, hold on tight. This chapter is laying the ground work for future chapters. Things may get worse before they get better. But don't worry, big things will be happening very soon :)
xxxxxxxx
"You stayed late after class, again" Teddy said as we started making dinner. Teddy and I were having Henry and Leah over for a dinner double date. normally, i hated cheesy dates like this. But it was Teddy's idea and what I told Leah about it, she was over the moon. So, I was trying to pretend like I didn't think it was completely gross.
"Teddy, I told you about last week. She just needed someone to drive her to the clinic. She was scared she was miscarrying. You would do the same thing" I said defensively.
"Yeah, but I didn't, because I didn't notice she was pacing around the room the entire class period like you did. Because I don't pay attention to her. And neither should you!" She said to me. I looked away and she sighed.
"What was it this time?" She asked me.
"Initially I just wanted to make sure that she and the baby were okay. But then she brought up the idea of being...friends"
"Friends? Is that a joke?" Teddy asked.
"...no?" I said.
"I know you know that that is a terrible idea" She said.
"Yes, I do. But, maybe it is worth a try. I am thinking if I label Callie as my friend and Leah as my girlfriend or whatever, my brain maybe be able to feel the right things towards each one" I said. She looked at me like I was an idiot. Crap, I knew she wouldn't go for this.
"That is easily the stupidest thing I have ever heard" Teddy said.
"You know what? I don't have a better idea at this point. Callie and I can't ignore each other forever. It only makes things worse for the both of us" I said. Teddy sighed and continued to stir the pasta.
"You're giving Leah a chance?" She asked.
"I am" I said.
"How's it going?" Teddy asked.
"Good! I think..." I said.
"You think?"
"Well, we have been spending more time together. We sleep together. What else is there to say?" I asked. Teddy shook her head.
"I don't know how this is supposed to go, Teddy. I have never done this before. I have only done the crazy, stupid, irrational, not true relationship, relationship. I don't know how the sane, normal, somewhat monotonous but real relationships work" I said. Teddy continued to stare at me.
"What?" I asked. With that, there was a knock at the door and moments later, Leah let herself in.
"Hey guys" Leah said, giving me a hug with her back to Teddy. Teddy raised her eyebrows at me. I looked away, avoiding her condescending glances.
"Hungry?" I asked. Leah nodded, beaming at me.
xxxxxxxx
We spent the rest of the evening eating dinner and talking over a few bottles of wine. The conversation flowed easily between us. Leah fit in well with Teddy, Henry and I, though I am sure she would get along with almost anyone. Leah was sweet, approachable, very likable and a little goofy. When you talked, she really listened and made you feel heard. Even more than that, she looked at me with stars in her eyes. I could truly do or say no wrong. While the unconditional adoration was flattering, it was also difficult to live up to. While a part of me was apathetic to how Leah perceived me, another part o me wanted to live up to the image she had created of me because her feelings were so intense. It left me in a state of cognitive dissonance.
Leah left a little before 10PM that night. It was a school night and I wanted to get a good night sleep. She kissed my cheek as she left, but lingered for just a second, like she wanted to say something important that only I could hear. I panicked for a second, knowing that likely anything she had to say I couldn't say back. But she didn't, she left me with a kiss and walked out of the door. I left Teddy and Henry to resume making out in the living room and went to my bedroom. Crawling into my bed still felt like my face place, the only place I could think about Callie, guilt free. Minutes after I had gotten into bed, my phone rang. TIM ROBBINS flashed across my phone screen.
"Hey loser" I said.
"Hey now, is that nay way to greet your favorite brother?"
"My ONLY brother" I joked
"So hostile. How is it going, Zona?" He asked.
"Pretty well, actually. I had a test today and had dinner with some friends"
"Friends eh? You sure Leah wasn't there?" He asked. I could practically hear his smile across the phone.
"Maybe she was"
He laughed into the phone. "You are readable, Zona, even through the phone. But I am happy to hear she was there. How are things going with her? Still casual or…"
"I am trying, we are trying, to move past casual" I said.
"Trying is better than not trying. How are things with your professor?"
"Callie?" I asked.
"You know who I am talking about" He said, firmly.
"Well…after getting over the initial shock of seeing her there and finding out she was pregnant, we are better. I feel…better" I admitted.
"Teddy is worried" Tim said frankly.
"She is always worried. Why now?" I asked
"She said you were noticeably happier the second you saw her again, despite the whole baby on the way thing. She thinks Leah could be really good for you but you won't give her a chance"
"I am giving it a chance!" I yelled defensively.
"She said that you would say that. But that you aren't. She said in lab that you are so focused on watching Callie that you don't take notes"
"Okay, that is ridiculous. I am acing that class!" I said.
"Zona, you're fucking smart. You could ace a class without taking the damn class" Tim said. I sighed.
"Look, Zona, I didn't call to lecture you. Just…be sure you aren't letting something good get away from you. Callie has always been in a very different place in her life. With a baby on the way, that is more significant than ever" He said.
"I know" I said flattly.
"I know you do. We all need reminders though. Hey, I gotta run. I will be up to visit in like, six weeks"
"Sounds good. Talk to you later"
"Stay happy, Zona, but stay smart too"