Chapter 8

" Hi Mrs Accosta" Arizona began, extending her hand but stopping abruptly as the woman turned around fully to face her. She couldn't help the gasp that escaped her lips.

"Aria?"

Arizona had never met Callie's sister. But looking at the woman in front of her, there was no mistaking the familial connection. Same height, same lustrous hair, though shorter than Callie's , the perfectly arched eyebrow, but when Arizona looked into the brown eyes of the woman staring at here, she let out a breath she had not realised she was holding. The eyes were a darker colour, almost black and while Callie's eyes were full of whatever emotion she was feeling, the eyes she now looked at were cold and hard. The mouth was twisted in what looked like disdain. Obviously this woman did not want to be here.

She placed the photo of Sofia that she had been looking at back on the desk . She gave a slight nod of acknowledgement to Arizona.

"Doctor Robbins", extending her hand for Arizona to shake.

Arizona stood there with her mouth slightly open, still in shock. There were a few moments of awkward silence as Aria's outstretched hand hung between them.

Gathering her senses, Arizona's training kicked in and she gripped the hand, shook it very quickly and released it before moving around to her chair, putting the desk in between her and the couple.

The gentleman stood and offered his hand in greeting, "Doctor Robbins, I am Roberto Accosta and this is my wife Aria, thank you for seeing us" he said smoothly and with a charming smile.

Arizona nodded mutely, again shaking the outstretched hand in front of her.

"Our doctor, Doctor Cooper, referred us to Doctor Hermans clinic, who has now referred us to you. They have sent on our files and as you will see, we are in our second trimester,,," Roberto spoke as if there was nothing unusual about the situation.

Arizona stared blankly at him, not really listening to what he was saying before shaking her head and interrupting

"Mr Accosta..

"Please call me Roberto" again with the charming smile that Arizona could not respond to.

"Mr. Accosta , I am at a loss here" Arizona said, opening the file, but not seeing what was written. She lifted her head and looked at Aria.

She couldn't believe it. When they had first started dating, Callie had mentioned her sister. They were not especially close, but they had never had a falling out either. Until Callie's father had cut her off, and the rest of the family followed suit. Despite Callie's best efforts not to let it show, Arizona saw how heartbroken this rift made Callie feel. Things improved briefly until the wedding, when Callie's mom had left, unable to stomach the idea of her daughter marrying a woman. At least she had tried Arizona thought. Aria had not once responded to any of Callie's invitations- come to the wedding, come meet your niece. Nothing. Callie had ceased to exist for Aria and over time Callie mentioned her less and less. When Carlos came to visit, he would speak about her mother and Aria, updating Callie about what they were doing with their lives. Rather than making her feel better, these stories had only made Callie feel more isolated from her family, especially after Aria's own wedding, which Callie had to hear about from Carlos. After a while, Arizona asked Carlos to not mention them so much. The man was naturally affronted until Arizona told him it was upsetting Callie.

And now, here she was, Aria and her husband, sitting in front of Arizona as if they only knew her as a surgeon recommended by their doctor. Certainly not as a sister-in-law, not even an ex-sister-in law. They must know who she was but were they really going to pretend they did not?

"What is the problem Doctor Robbins? My wife is 20 weeks pregnant and our baby has been diagnosed with some kind of congenital heart problem. We arranged this consultation through Doctor Herman's office."

Obviously they were not planning on acknowledging her connection to their family. Trying to hold her anger in check, Arizona glanced though the file, and sure enough there was a letter from Nicole's office. Though obviously no longer able to practice medicine, Herman was able to consult with others in her clinic, offer her advice and opinions based on medical facts presented and continued to publish her work.

"That's not a problem Mr. Accosta. My issue is the possible conflict of interest for me to treat your wife." While her tone remained calm and polite, the steely gaze directed at the couple across from her conveyed the seriousness of Arizona's words. She saw the flash of anger in Roberto's eyes before he quickly masked it with a bland smile. Aria looked uncomfortable and placed a protective hand on her protruding stomach, causing Arizona to feel her first pang of compassion since entering the office. She always felt such empathy for her patients. The fears and hopes of every expectant parent reminding her of the time when Sofia's little life hung in the balance. Aria's next words quickly doused this empathy Arizona was feeling.

"Doctor Robbins, I don't see a conflict of interest, we are not connected at all" Aria spoke bluntly, looking at her husband for reassurance. He gave a curt nod and entwined his hand with hers.

"No connection? I was married to your sister. I am your niece's mother. That makes us family in some way and as such.."

"Doctor Robbins, we are of course aware of your… history with Calliope. Our understanding is that is all in the past, Regardless, we are here only to seek your medical expertise. That is the only thing on our agenda. We will be leaving Seattle straight after this appointment" Roberto spoke quickly .

"You are in Seattle and you are not even going to try and see Callie?" Arizona asked incredulously.

"Doctor Robbins, I haven't spoken to my sister in several years. Being here now with you is purely out of medial necessity and does not change anything with Calliope and I. She won't even know we are here" Aria said

"Of course she'll know, do you expect me to keep this from her" Arizona's voice rose , expressing her disbelief at the situation that was unfolding.

"I wish to remind you of doctor patient privilege Doctor Robbins. It would be ethical misconduct if you shared this information" Roberto said with an arrogant smirk.

That did it. That look, that arrogance, that tone. Arizona stood and handed the file to Roberto .

"Doctor patient privilege only applies if I am your doctor Mr Accosta. I have not accepted your wife as my patient and I have no desire to change that. I am sorry you have made this trip for nothing" Arizona looked at Aria and seeing the shock in the woman's eyes she realised very few people had probably spoke to her husband like this.

She didn't care though. She had once been told she was nothing – to Sofia, to Callie. She would not be told that again. Her bravado faltered when she saw Aria again press her hand to her stomach and her look of shock was replaced by fear.

"I can refer you to a colleague, Doctor Neely in San Diego.."

"No" Aria pleaded "We were told you were the best" she looked to her husband, desperate eyes begging him to do something. Whatever Arizona thought about him, she couldn't doubt that the loved his wife. Though it probably killed him to do it, he was forced to make nice with Arizona.

"Doctor Robbins, I am sorry if I have offended you but please, we are here for my wife, nothing more. Doctor Herman did not mention anyone else. She said you have dealt with this type of case many times. Please we need your help" The arrogant façade was gone and all Arizona saw now were two very frightened parents.

" I have and I am probably the best shot your baby has" she spoke softly " but I cannot keep this from Callie, she would be devastated if she found out that you were here, as my patient, and I said nothing. I won't let that happen. We may not be married but she and Sofia are my family and I won't have them hurt if I can help it"

"I understand Doctor Robbins. But you understand that Aria and this baby are my family. I will protect them. If you must tell Callie, fine but I hope you do not make it a condition of you helping us that we have to see Callie " Roberto spoke, a lot less arrogantly but still with determination.

Arizona pursed her lips together and shook her head. She knew she couldn't force them to meet Callie, hell she wasn't sure she wanted them anywhere near Callie or Sofia for that matter.

"I won't . I don't think that's in anyone's best interest right now. Look ,let's just go over your file and see what we can do for you" she offered and at their grateful smiles, she opened the file and began to read.

After reading through the notes in the medical file and asking a few questions of Aria, Arizona paged her nurse.

"Martha, can you show Mr. and Mrs. Accosta into Exam room 1?" Arizona smiled at the nurse and rose, gesturing for the couple across from her to stand and follow the nurse.

"I just need to do some scans and take some bloods." She followed them out the door, looking nervously around in case Callie wandered by. That would be just her luck she thought. Her luck must be in though, as the corridor was deserted and she breathed a sigh of relief when Aria and Roberto were safely ensconced in the exam room.

Giving Aria a few minutes of privacy to change into a gown, Arizona pulled out her phone and quickly pressed the call button.

"Hey, I didn't expect to hear from you so soon"

"I know , um can you do me a favour?" Arizona worried her bottom lip between her teeth

"Sure, what up?"

"Do you know where Callie is? "

"She's in surgery as far as I know. Is something wrong?" Vivian asked with concern

" No, yes, um, I don't know , maybe" Arizona mumbled

"Well that clears things up " Vivian's sarcasm causing Arizona to roll her eyes

"Its nothing too dramatic Viv. Can you come to my office in about a half hour? I need your advice"

"Of course, I have to go now, I'll be there at 5"

"Thanks" Arizona pocketed her phone as Martha stuck her head out of the exam room

"They are ready for you Doctor Robbins"

Taking a deep breath Arizona put on her professional mask and entered the room.

Aria was lying on the exam bed, with Roberto standing by her side.

"Okay, let's have a look at what we have" Arizona raised Aria's gown to expose her swollen stomach. "This will be cold I'm afraid "she offered a smile at Aria before squeezing the cold gel around her stomach.

Picking up the wand she rubbed it around Aria's stomach, watching the monitor as the internal picture came into focus. Pointing at the shadows she told the couple "This is your baby, looks like they are having some fun" she smiled at the small movements of the baby on the screen.

"Do you know the sex?" she asked and nodded as both parents shook their heads.

"Do you want to know"

"You can tell?" Roberto asked, looking questioningly at his wife

"Yes, I can tell you now if you want to know"

She watched as Roberto and Aria looked at each other, Roberto nodding and Aria shrugging

"Yes, we would like to know" Roberto said, clearly excited at finding out the sex of his child

Moving the wand for a clearer picture, Arizona smiled and said " You are having a boy"

Aria gasped and tears quickly appeared and ran down her cheeks, Roberto gulped and Arizona could see him holding back his emotion. He placed his arms around his wife and whispered endearments in her ear. Arizona couldn't quite make out what was being said . Those hushed Spanish words though reminded her of Callie, words they exchanged in love and comfort.

And now for the tough part of her job, telling the parents that their little baby was not safe and healthy.

"Martha is going to take some blood samples and then I'd like to get some scans. While you are doing that, I'll review the scans 's office provided "

Roberto and Aria nodded , more subdued now.

Arizona went back to her office and opened the file. Looking at the scans she forgot about the Accostas and Callie and focused on her real patient. Having reviewed them and formulated a plan for surgery, she was stretching her neck when Vivian knocked and stuck her head in.

"You wanted to see me?" she asked.

Looking at her watch, Arizona knew she didn't have much time before Aria was back from her scans.

"Yes, come in" Arizona beckoned.

" I need your advice. Callie's sister is here, as my patient"

"I didn't know she had a sister" Vivian replied settling into the chair across from Arizona.

"She does, but they have not spoken in years, not since Callie became a lady lover. Now she's here and has no intention of seeing Callie. Do I tell her? I think I should tell her. Aria is going to need surgery so there's a good chance they will see each other. Then again it's a huge hospital and Callie is rarely up here so they may not see each other.."

"HEY"

Arizona jumped at the shout from Vivian, unaware she had been rambling .

"Take a breath" Vivian advised, in a quieter voice.

" You have to tell her, she needs to be prepared just in case they do meet"

"I know, you're right, you're right, I just know it's going to hurt her. Aria doesn't want to see her "Arizona shook her head sadly, knowing the hurt she was going to indirectly inflict on her ex-wife.

Before Vivian could answer, Arizona's phone rang and Martha informed her that the Accostas were finished with their scans and were waiting.

"That's my cue to leave, tell her" Vivian left with a wave.

Sighing Arizona went to her door and beckoned for Aria and Roberto to come back into her office.

Once seated, she went through her diagnosis with them.

"As you know from Doctor Herman the condition is congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation. It's impacting on his liver for now and if untreated, it will start compromising his heart."

She pushed her box of tissues towards Aria as the woman started to cry.

"I know this sounds frightening but believe me, this is very treatable. I will wait for the results of your blood work and the updated scans but I'd like to schedule the surgery for the day after tomorrow if that's possible"

"so soon?" Roberto asked.

"Yes, I don't see any reason to wait. The longer we wait, the more compromised your baby will be"

"And if we don't do the surgery? I mean there are risks right? To both of them? What if we wait until he's born?" Roberto asked, his fear taking over the earlier arrogance

"The longer we wait, the worse the condition becomes. Your baby may not even make it to delivery. There are risks, with every surgery. I'm not going to lie. But I will tell you I have performed almost 100 of these surgeries and all have been successful. I see from Doctor Herman's letter, this is also her recommended course of action. If you want another opinion..."

" No, no, we know this is the only option. I guess I was just hoping " Roberto shook he head in defeat.

" I want to do this as soon as possible" Aria spoke for the first time.

"So you'll stay in Seattle a while? " Arizona asked.

"Yes, for the surgery and whatever recovery is needed after "Aria spoke, subtly reminding Arizona that was her only business in Seattle.

After making arrangements for the surgery, Aria and Roberto left, politely thanking Arizona.

She returned to her office and threw herself face first onto the sofa. What a stressful afternoon- shock followed by anger before her duty as a doctor kicked in, a whole range of emotions. And having to tell Callie. Her phone rang and she rolled off the sofa with a groan to answer it.

"Your next appointment is here Doctor Robbins" Martha's cheery voice interrupted Arizona's jumbled thoughts.

Ugh thought Arizona, she still had 2 more consults before evening rounds to finish. It was going to be a long afternoon. At least it would take her mind off having to tell Callie for a while. Arizona spotted a cell phone on her desk. Picking it up she realised it must belong to Aria. Opening her door she greeted her next patients and asked them to take a seat in her office. Turning to Martha she said

"Would you mind seeing if you can catch up with the Accostas and giving them this?" she handed the cell phone to Martha. "Oh and give them my card to contact me if they have any questions"

Martha knew the best way to catch up to the Accostas was by taking the stairs as they had just left in the elevator. As Aria and Roberto exited the elevator in the lobby, a breathless Martha emerged from the stairwell, shouting their names. They both turned and waited as the nurse ran to them, Martha laughing as she tried to catch her breath. She handed them the phone and then the card.

"That's Doctor Robbins cell. She said be sure to call her if you have any questions". Aria took the card and thanked Martha before she and Roberto walked hand in hand to the exit.

Watching these events unfold was a shocked Callie Torres. She had stepped out for some fresh air after her surgery and was just buying a coffee from the lobby coffee cart. Hearing a shout she had turned with casual interest and nearly dropped her coffee when she saw her estranged sister standing not more than 20 feet from her. What the hell she thought.

Callie was even more surprised to see Arizona's nurse passing them her card and telling them to call Arizona if they had any questions.

Arizona knew Aria? Callie shook her head as if to clear it. What? Watching her sister leave, Callie's shocked emotions turned from disbelief to anger and betrayal. "What the hell was Arizona playing at "she thought? How could she be seeing Aria without telling Callie, after everything Aria had done or rather not done?

Determined to have it out with Arizona, Callie strode angrily towards the elevator. She let out a groan of frustration as her pager went off. Shit it was Nancy, they were supposed to be meeting for an early dinner. Dammit. She'd have to talk to Arizona later. Maybe this was a good thing, it would give her time to calm down before she confronted Arizona. But the mere thought of Arizona meeting with Aria without telling her brought her anger to the surface again. You have some explaining to do Arizona she thought, before heading to the locker room.

To be continued...