Arizona sat in a chair at the arrival gate waiting for Addison's plane to land and watching Callie pace back and forth like an expectant father. Callie had been nervous all morning and even changed her clothes at least three times before Arizona finally picked an outfit for her. Looking at her girlfriend in her favorite outfit, black pants, deep purple shirt, and black and purple pinstriped vest, it finally occurred to Arizona why Callie was so nervous. Speaking softly she requested, "Calliope, come here and sit by me please." Callie stopped her pacing, sat by Arizona and allowed her to take her hand and link their fingers together. Using her free hand, Arizona caressed Callie's hand and arm until she felt her start to relax and said, "Honey, this is Addison, she is one of your best friends, she has supported you through everything and she will support you now." Callie exhaled slowly and allowed her body to relax as she nodded and answered, "I know, I know you're right, it's just she's…she's the only person besides you who knew me before all the changes and I haven't talked to anyone else about this and…" Arizona tightened her grip and soothed, "Take a deep breath, listen to me. Addison, Meredith, Bailey, everyone loves you for who you are. They have all seen you at your best and at your worst and right now, you, just like this, this person is the most authentic part of you and that's what's scary. It's okay to be who you are, it's okay to be this person." Callie nodded her head, took some deep calming breaths and responded, "Thank you. I love you." Arizona leaned in for a kiss and answered, "I love you too." Callie smiled, brushed their lips together again and heard, "If you two are going to do this the whole time, I'm going to need a hotel room"
Callie jumped from her seat and hollered, "Addie!" The two women hugged, then Addison pulled back, ran her hands along the sides of Callie's head and said, "Okay, I was so not expecting this but, that's just…HOT!" Arizona pushed between them and said, "Hands off Red, she's mine again and I'm not letting her go." Addie laughed and hugged Arizona as well then pulled back and looked at her two friends and exclaimed, "I am so happy to see you together, but seriously, stop being gross in public." They all laughed, Callie took Addison's bag and teased, "Let me guess, you've got two more in baggage claim." Addison huffed and declared, "What do you take me for? A peasant? There are three more. But in my defense, one is full of gifts for my niece." Arizona shook her head and muttered, "Great more spoiling." Callie turned and explained, "My mom and dad just took her shopping yesterday and I swear we need another room for it all." Addison stopped dead in her tracks and asked, "I'm sorry, say that again?" As the three walked to baggage claim, Callie and Arizona filled Addison in on the whole Lucia saga.
Once they got to the car, Arizona sat in the back so the two friends could catch up. As they started out of the airport, Addison turned to look at Callie then looked back at Arizona and raised her eyebrow in question. Arizona nodded and Addison looked back at Callie and asked, "So, tell me about this, what pronouns do you prefer?" Callie quickly glanced at her friend then in her rear view mirror and got a wink from her girlfriend then responded, "I'm using she/her and they/them. Almost everyone calls me Cal or Torres. After discussing it with my therapist, I've realized that I'm leaning more toward non-binary woman even though I present more masculine now. I just, for the longest time I looked in the mirror and didn't see the person I felt like I was inside, now…now I do." Addison smiled and offered, "I'd love to hear more about your journey if you're comfortable with sharing it with me sometime." Callie looked at her friend and asked, "That's it?" Addison furrowed her brow in confusion and said in a questioning tone, "Congratulations?" Callie chuckled and corrected, "No, I mean, it's that simple to you?" Addison studied her friend and asked, "Are you happy? When you look in the mirror every day are you proud of the person looking back at you?" Callie nodded, "I am now yes." Addison shrugged then answered, "Yep, that's it." Callie smiled brightly and said, "Thanks Ads." The redhead returned the smile and responded, "I love you Cal, no matter how you present, who you love, or how you feel inside." Callie swallowed thickly and realized Stevie and Arizona were both correct, the people who love you will understand, no questions asked.
Pulling into the parking lot, Callie parked in her designated spot and Addison said, "I thought we were going to the Robbins-Herman Center first." Callie chuckled and pointed behind her and Addison responded, "Hmmm how convenient." Both of the other women laughed and Arizona responded, "We think so." Walking into the Robbins-Herman Center, Callie was shocked to see her parents sitting in the lobby. Hugging them both she asked, "What are you doing here?" Lucia responded, "We thought we'd stop by and see if you both had some time to give us a tour." Callie's eyes widened and she suddenly became extremely nervous. She hadn't intended on a whole group today. Before she could ask them to come back later, Arizona piped in, "Of course, we were just about to show Addison around so you can join us." She then went to Dee and asked her to call Nicole into the lobby so she could join them and come greet Addison. Returning to the group, she noticed Maria walking in the door and Callie turned to glare at her. Maria shrugged and said, "I heard the place was mostly furnished, saw you all drive up and thought I'd join the tour." Callie bit her bottom lip nervously, wishing all these people would just go away. She almost groaned when Nicole joined them as well.
After all the introductions were made, everyone filed into the elevator and Callie made sure she stepped into the back corner as far from Arizona as possible. She knew her girlfriend could sense her nerves even though she tried to play it off as excitement for seeing Addison after so long. As the elevator doors closed, Arizona pushed the button for the first floor then turned to the small group and explained, "The first floor is reserved for our more critical patients who have high-risk pregnancies, other health conditions that may endanger the baby, or women who are in pre-term labor. The East Wing consists of 6 antenatal rooms for patients who have to be admitted prior to delivery, 6 state of the art labor and delivery suites, two rooms for OB Emergency and Triage, two operating suites, two pre-op rooms and two post-op rooms. The West Wing is our level III NICU and consists of 18 incubators, 5 private family rooms, three operating suites, and our special Butterfly Nursery as well as the nurses' lounge." Just as she finished her sentence, the doors to the elevator opened and all the occupants gasped at the sight. Addison leaned over to Nicole and described what they were all looking at.
Seeing their faces, Arizona turned and was met with the nurses' desk which was painted a pale yellow at the base when she left on Friday and now was decorated with tiny babies of all sizes and races being held in hands of different sizes, races, and genders. In the center of the base, the words 'We Love Tiny Humans' was painted in a rainbow of bright colors. Behind the desk were the words, 'This is Privilege, Great Privilege' and underneath were rows and rows of white tiles with colorful tiny handprints or footprints each with a name and date written neatly underneath as well as the initials AR, NH, or both. Just to the left of the tiles, was painted an exact replica of the thank you card written by Glenda Castillo who was Arizona's first solo patient. A card which was framed and in one of the boxes she and Callie went through together just last week. In that moment, she knew who was behind all this and turned to her girlfriend with a look of complete awe on her face.
Carlos stepped up behind the desk to get a closer look at the tiles, turned and asked, "This saying, 'This is Privilege, Great Privilege' what does it mean?" Arizona looked to Nicole and then to Carlos and explained, "The very first surgery Dr. Herman allowed me to take the lead on, I was holding the arm of this little fetus, Waldo, he wasn't even born and wouldn't be for quite some time and she said to me, 'It's like a dream isn't it? To touch a baby before he's even born. Do you know what it feels like? Privilege. Great Privilege." Lucia looked at the wall in amazement and asked, "All of these babies, you saved them before they were even born?" Arizona nodded and replied, "We did, one or both of us, yes." She then turned to Callie and asked, "How did you get all of this?" Callie blushed slightly and replied, "I called Karev and told him what I wanted to do. He told me about that first surgery and how those words stuck with him, then he sent me the scans of the birth records of every parent or baby you and Dr. Herman operated on." Arizona was doing her best to fight back the tears. For a brief moment, she had a flash of a courtroom and Bailey defending all the time she spent in surgery and saw a vision of herself cutting her own testimony short to rush to save yet another baby while she could be losing her own. In that moment, she realized this…this wasn't just a decoration or piece of art…this was Callie's way of validating her choice to become a fetal surgeon, not just validating it, lauding it, showing her she got it now and she was proud of her for it. Looking over at her girlfriend, she could now see it, in the expression on her face, the love and pride shining in her eyes. She knew, they both knew, if either of them said anything in that moment, there would be tears, lots of them, so they said nothing, just reached out, linked hands, and that was enough for now.
Breathing deeply, Arizona said, alright, on with the tour. Turning to her right, she was surprised to see the doors to the East Wing had been painted with a colorful silhouette of a pregnant woman with the saying, 'To the world you are a mother, but to your family you are the world'. She understood then that Callie's gift didn't stop at the nurse's station, she had fulfilled her dream of having colorful murals and patient artwork throughout her ward. As they walked through the labor and delivery wing, she saw paintings similar to that on the door of pregnant women, women holding babies, painted replicas of notes and cards written to both fetal surgeons and at the end of the hall, covering the entire wall, was an extremely lifelike image of a newborn's hand wrapped around the forefinger of an adult hand. It was beautiful and brought a lump to Arizona's throat as she recalled the first time she felt Sofia's teeny tiny delicate fingers wrap around her own finger.
Addison popped her head into one of the labor and delivery suites and exclaimed, "Wow! This place puts mine to shame Robbins." The group followed her into a room that would rival one of the larger rooms of The Aria in size. This particular room had a labor tub, birthing bed, guest seating that pulled out into a bed, a baby crib, warming table and equipment for immediately after birth, ample counter space, sink, bathroom with shower, and a special cart sitting near the door. Lucia looked to Carlos then to Callie and proclaimed, "Things certainly have changed since you were born." Callie chuckled at that and responded, "I'm sure they have, can't say as I remember that day." They all laughed at her remark then Carlos looked at the cart that was near the door and asked, "What is this for?" Callie proudly boasted, "Arizona created that." Addison added, "I have one in each of my delivery rooms. Due to her study on maternal mortality and this cart, thousands of lives have been saved all over the country." In a rare moment of vulnerability, Nicole proclaimed, "This crash cart, the work Robbins has done, it not only saved mothers and babies, it saved me. I spent four months riding her and working her to the bone trying to get everything I knew into her brain. I picked her because I knew she could take it and even going through her own rough time, she did, she took it all, all the abuse, all the sleepless nights, all of it. When I woke up from my coma and couldn't see, I went to a very dark place, a deep depression. Surgeons are put on this earth to save lives and I couldn't do that. But hearing about everything amazing Arizona was doing, I realized, I could still teach, I could create more of her, God help us all that they aren't as perky and type-A, but…that cart, that woman, those are the reasons this place even exists." Everyone in the room had tears in their eyes and were all looking at Arizona proudly. She herself had a lump in her throat at her mentor's words even though she had heard a similar sentiment before, somehow it was even more confirming to hear her say it to others. Before anyone could speak, Nicole piped in again with, "See it's times like this I'm glad I can't see, I hate tears. On with the tour Robbins before I need a wheelchair too."
Arizona could barely see through the tears she was fighting and wasn't sure if she could even look at the rest without breaking into a hysterical mess. Exiting the L and D ward, she was greeted with the doors to the NICU and knew she wouldn't be able to hold it in. The doors had been painted a cerulean blue and at the top were two baby fairies sprinkling pink fairy dust across the entire surface. All around the edges were babies dressed as firemen, policewomen, doctors, and other professionals, one baby was blowing out a birthday candle while another was crossing his fingers. Across the bottom was the image of a baby who very much resembled a baby Sofia riding a unicorn across a rainbow and in the center of it all were the words, 'These are tiny humans, they will grow up to believe in magic, they will play pretend, there is fairy dust in their IV bags. Here, we hope, we cross our fingers, we make wishes, and we believe. Here we have miracles and magic. Through these doors anything is possible'. Behind her, she could hear Addison once again explaining to Nicole what they were seeing.
With tears of joy, gratitude, and love streaming down her cheeks, she turned and immediately fell into Callie's arms hiding her tears as she pulled herself together while encompassed in the warmth and love of her safe place. When she was finally finished sobbing, she pulled back, accepted the handkerchief offered by Carlos and said, "You…God…this is just…I have no words. How did you…WHEN did you do all this?" Callie caressed Arizona's cheeks and explained, "You've always wanted your ward to be vibrant and colorful, to bring cheer and encouragement. When we went through those boxes, I just got this image in my mind. I came over the other day and asked Nicole for permission and the keys and she was able to send me some things she had kept. Miguel's brother Marco is an artist and Maria called and asked him if he would do it, so Miguel, Marco, and a whole crew of people were here all weekend working on it." Arizona looked around and proclaimed, "They did an amazing job." Callie laughed and said, "Honey, this is just the first floor. There are murals, copies of cards you and Nicole have received, quotes, and pictures on every floor." This caused Arizona to break down into sobs once again.
Looking around, Callie noticed there wasn't a dry eye in the group. Suddenly she felt something hit her leg and looked down to see that Nicole had swatted her with her walking stick as she said, "Dammit Torres, I can't even see it and you have me crying. I just said I hate tears." Lucia stopped at the doors and read the saying again, then turned to Callie and asked, "Calliope dear, where did you get this quote? It's lovely." Callie put her arm around Arizona and answered, "It's actually something Arizona said to a group of residents shortly after we started dating. I changed the wording a little bit to fit this wing, but…that's when I knew for certain I had fallen in love with her." Lucia smiled brightly and tears shone in her eyes. As she was about to respond, they heard gagging noises coming from behind them and turned to find Maria, Nicole, and Addison all pretending to vomit. Callie and Arizona shook their heads and rolled their eyes at their friends and Carlos muttered something about changing his stance on throwing women against walls, making the two girls snicker at the inside joke.
Continuing through the NICU ward, Arizona explained mostly to Carlos and Lucia what the incubators were for and also shared with them how Sofia had spent the first 3 months of her life in one of those machines. As they passed a door painted with beautiful purple butterflies, Lucia asked, "What is this room for dear?" Arizona inhaled deeply and explained, "When there is a multiple birth and one of them doesn't make it, there is a special sticker or sign placed on the surviving baby's crib to indicate it has lost a sibling. It's mostly for those of us who work with those babies or parents to be careful of what we say. But we wanted a dedicated room for parents to take their surviving child or children to grieve privately. Babies who are in the NICU can't leave because of risk of infection." Lucia simply nodded her head and responded, "That's very thoughtful."
Addison walked around the NICU as well and asked, "Arizona, what are the cameras for?" Arizona walked over to one of the incubators that held the camera, looked to Callie then back to Addie and explained, "We know from personal experience that often times the mother can't get out of bed to see her baby or the other parent may be deployed and visitation in here is limited. This is the NICView and gives families 24/7 access to see their babies. Each camera is encrypted and parents are given a passcode to log in. Once the baby is out of the NICU, the site is reprogrammed and ready for the next baby." Callie couldn't believe the thought and planning Arizona put into this place. She knew Sofia was part of the reason she chose to become a fetal surgeon, but it seemed as though it affected many of the decisions that were made in designing the center. Leaning in she whispered, "That is amazing. I so wish we had that when Sof was born." Arizona smiled sadly and answered, "I know, and that's why we have them here."
Moving up to the next level, Arizona was again taken aback by the beautiful artwork and explained how this floor was designed similar to the floor below, however the patients brought to this floor were not in immediate danger nor were their babies. There was still a NICU in case a baby was born ill, but often times the patients were moved up to the post-natal ward where they keep their babies in the room with them and both mother and baby were monitored by a nurse. Moving to the third floor, Arizona was instantly met with the image of a baby wrapped in a rainbow of colors shaped like little hearts. Some of the hearts already had names in them. Above the image was the phrase, 'After every storm, there is a rainbow of hope. Here I am'. Addison looked to Callie and Arizona and knew they were thinking, hoping, that soon their baby's name would be written in one of those hearts. As they looked at one another, they read it in the other's eyes, smiled softly, and chastely brushed their lips together. Carlos asked, "What is this?" Addison knew neither Callie nor Arizona would be able to talk without becoming emotional so she explained, "A baby born after a miscarriage or a stillbirth is referred to as a rainbow baby. These here are some of the names of babies they've already delivered." Carlos nodded in understanding and they continued on with the tour.
Finally reaching the lobby once again, Lucia, Carlos and Addison all praised Arizona and Nicole for their vision and the forethought put into everything done up to this point as well as complimenting Callie on the beautiful artwork. Arizona shared with them the things that were still left to do and have delivered. She shared their idea about the daycare, the education program and anything else that may have been left off the walking tour. When they were finished, the three guests asked if they could walk over and get a tour of Callie's center now and Nicole excused herself to her office asking Addison to stop by when she returned. Seeing the way Callie was watching Arizona, Maria offered "How about I walk you over, we grab something to drink and rest for a few minutes before taking the next tour. Dr. Montgomery, I'm sure you have to be exhausted by now after such an early and long flight." Addison also noticing the two women may need some time alone agreed, "You know, I really could go for some coffee and maybe a bite to eat before seeing the amazing things Cal has been up to." Callie's parents agreed and Carlos held the door for everyone, extending his arm and offering, "Lead the way."
Finally left alone in the lobby with only Dee at the receptionist desk, Arizona took Callie's hand and started leading her to her office. On their way, Callie felt the need to offer, "I had no idea my parents would be here wanting a tour. I was hoping the first time you saw everything it could just be us so I could tell you why I chose the things I did and…" Her ramble was effectively cut off by a pair of soft lips covering hers as a warm tongue slipped into her mouth and slid against hers. Immediately reciprocating, all thoughts of apologies or explanations fled Callie's mind as she wrapped her arms around Arizona's back resting one hand on the curve of her ass and the other in the middle of her back. Arizona's hands snaked around Callie's waist and she tucked one hand in the waistband of Callie's pants while the other came up to scratch at the stubble on the back of her head while she leaned her body fully into Callie's, both of them relishing the contact. Breathing heavily, Arizona broke the kiss and pulled Callie to the sofa in her office causing her to look around and giggle as she said, "I didn't even know we'd made it to your office." Arizona snorted and replied, "That's because you were too busy apologizing for no reason."
Arizona climbed on Callie's lap, brushed their lips together once more and revealed, "Calliope Torres, that is the most amazing, thoughtful, beautiful, romantic thing anyone has ever done for me and I love it. I'm in awe of it. It's perfect and I just…the fact that your beautiful talented mind came up with that and included everything I ever wanted makes me love you and appreciate you even more." Callie smiled, tilted her head and asked, "So you like it then?" Arizona laughed and shrugged, "Enh, it's alright." Callie captured her lips in a long sweet kiss, pulled back and blushed nervously as she explained, "The nurse's station on the first floor…" Arizona started to cut in but Callie shook her head and pleaded, "I need to say this." Arizona nodded and Callie's lips quivered as she said, "When you decided to take this fellowship, it was one of those times I couldn't see past my own needs, how it would affect me. As you learned and grew, I could see how it affected you and what a positive impact it had on your life. But it wasn't until the trial, until we met the pot cookie ladies, until we looked through those boxes and I saw all the pictures and cards, even when Alex sent all the files, and again today when Herman said what she said, it's like every day I learn new reasons and see all the lives you've saved and brought into this world since taking that fellowship and I…I need you to know, to see that I get it now. This decision was bigger than both of us and I am so proud of you for making it, so in awe of your skills and talents and this…this was just my way of showing you, I'm here, I'm behind you, I support you. This was my way of saying even though you said you would never let it get in the way of our family, you will be called in the middle of the night or away from dates or family time, but you will be saving a life that isn't even born yet and I will do my best to remember that…to always recognize that your job is miraculous and bigger than both of us."
Arizona could taste her tears, she knew she was blubbering like a baby, but the only thing she could focus on was Callie's words as she acknowledged she made the right choice in choosing the fellowship, understood the time and effort she put into everything she did, as she basically offered vindication. To her, these words, this moment meant more than any apology, went further than any retraction, and proved to her how committed Callie was to supporting her and her career. Looking into her girlfriend's beautiful face she admitted, "I didn't know how much I needed to hear that until you said it. Thank you Calliope, really, for the artwork, your words, but mostly for loving me and understanding why I feel called to do this." Callie wiped Arizona's tears with her thumbs, pulled her in for a soft kiss then said sincerely, "I love you so much and I am so proud of you." Arizona smiled brightly and responded, "I love you too." Arizona stood then, grabbed some tissue for herself then handed a couple to Callie and said, "As much as I'd rather sit here and make out and cuddle with you all day, we should go join the others." Callie groaned, wiped her face and opened the door. Just before she walked out, Arizona patted her ass and offered, "If it helps at all, you are so getting laid tonight." Callie grinned lasciviously, straightened her shoulders and answered, "Oh that's all the incentive I need to get through the day!"
XXXX
Walking into the doors of Fresh START, the couple immediately saw Lucia and Addison in the lobby, apparently deep in conversation about something and Carlos walking around behind them speaking on the phone to someone. Making their way over, Callie asked, "Did Maria desert you?" Addison nodded, "She was needed in a patient room, but Lorraine has been taking good care of us." Callie looked up to see Lorraine watching them and mouthed, "Thank you" to her amazing administrative assistant. Callie looked around and suggested, "I guess we will start on the first floor as well since this level is all offices and conference rooms." Carlos ended his call and joined the group. Though he had been here for the grand opening, the center wasn't fully in operation yet and the few times he visited since then, he had only gotten so far as the lobby or Callie's office. As they made their way to the elevators, Lucia noticed the wall behind the reception desk and moved in for a closer look and Addison followed.
Callie stepped up behind them, looked to Arizona, then explained, "While I've always dreamed of opening my own orthopedic center one day, the idea really started forming after Arizona's accident. I knew very little about prosthetics other than where to make the cut to give the patient the best fit for a prosthetic limb." Looking to her girlfriend, she continued, "After…the accident changed all of that and we found ourselves in the role of patient and family and were introduced to this whole knew world that we knew nothing about or how to deal with. When Arizona was fitted for her first prosthetic, that's when I started developing the concept for something better and worked with Derek and we created the mind-mapping and sensors for robotic limbs. I wanted to create something that would suit all of Arizona's needs without the need for several different devices. Over time I started getting grants and other funding and started working with veterans and the concept of a different type of prosthetic grew into this. Without Derek's help or Arizona's inspiration, this center wouldn't exist." Seeing the tears in Addison's eyes, Lucia asked, "Are you okay dear?" Addison nodded, took a tissue offered by Arizona and explained to the other woman, "Derek was my ex-husband, we divorced long before his death and became friends, but…" She trailed off seeing by the older woman's nod that she didn't need to explain further. Callie put her arm around her friend's shoulder and whispered, "I'm so sorry, I should have warned you." Addison waved her off and said, "If I would have known touring your centers was going to be so emotional, I wouldn't have bothered with make-up today." Everyone laughed and Callie guided them toward the elevators once again.
Reaching the first floor, the group stepped off and turned to the right as Callie explained, this wing is dedicated to examination rooms of which there are 10 with 6 other rooms for casting and cast removal. She opened the door to one of the rooms which was typical of most medical facilities containing a patient bed, visitors chairs, doctor's stool, sink and cabinets full of medical supplies. She then took them across the hall to one of the casting rooms and just because she could, walked over to the removal saw and flipped the switch watching as Arizona's eyes turned navy in color and a slight flush took over her cheeks. Winking at her girlfriend, she put the tool down and explained to her parents what types of procedures were performed in that room. As they all left the room, Arizona whispered, "Evil" in her ear as she passed then jumped as she felt a pinch on her ass.
Crossing over to the next wing, they were met with the nurses' desk and another waiting area which aside from the normal seating held two elevating chairs and space for wheelchairs. Seeing the odd looking chair, Carlos asked, "What is that for?" Callie explained, "Many of our patients may have spine or back problems and we have found sitting down and standing up in a regular chair is not only a chore, but it can be quite painful. It's also difficult for amputees who have yet to be fitted for a prosthetic or who are having problems with their prosthetic but don't want or need a wheelchair to get in and out of a regular chair without help. These chairs offer them more independence and often times allows them to keep their dignity intact." Arizona agreed, "After having lost so much, often times all we have left is our dignity and it is difficult to give that up and ask for help even performing the smallest tasks." She then looked to Callie and saw that she was also the reason behind some of these choices.
Walking further down the hall, Callie showed them a trauma room and explained the types of procedures that take place in there and explained, "We also have an operating suite on this floor for patients who need immediate attention and moving them to the O.R. floor could put them in further danger. Getting back on the elevators, she explained, "The second floor contains our operating rooms, radiology, and labs where all the testing is done." As they stepped off the elevator, Callie saw that one of the O.R.'s was free and walked her parents through the scrub room and explained, "Everything in there is sterile, so this is as far as we can go, but we scrub up in here and when we step through those doors, we are immediately gowned and gloved by a scrub nurse. Before we leaved the O.R., we take off all the gear and throw it in the red bin over there by the door." Lucia walked around the room and asked, "So you just wash your hands and go in there?" Arizona and Addison looked to one another, stepped up to the sink, each of them opened a scrub brush, looked at one another again, Addison turned on the water and the two started singing Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star as they methodically went through the entire 4 minute process of scrubbing in which carried them through every verse. Carlos looked at the two grown women and commented, "Well that wasn't annoying at all." Callie laughed and said, "They're baby surgeons, all of us have different songs we sing or different things we recite." Arizona smirked and goaded, "Tell them what you sing Calliope." Callie looked down and mumbled "Dem Bones, Dem Bones, Dem Dry Bones." Lucia let out a bark of laughter and asked, "The song you used to sing as a kid about all the bones in your body?" Callie glared at Arizona and confirmed, "That's the one." She rolled her eyes because she knew what was coming.
As they exited the scrub room, Lucia turned to Arizona and Addison and offered, "I should have known she was going to be an orthopedic surgeon from the time she was old enough to talk. We had this children's cassette and she listened to it over and over again. One day she ran through the house singing 'Damn bones, damn bones, damn dry bones' but she had every single one of the names correct and all the bones connected in the right place." Both fetal surgeons laughed out loud and Arizona added, "She still walks around saying 'damn bones' sometimes, especially at 3 o'clock in the morning when she is woken out of a sound sleep." Callie glared at Arizona then at Addison who couldn't stop laughing. The redhead shrugged and defended, "What? It's funny." Callie shook her head and said, "Yeah, almost as funny as poison ivy on your ass." Addison sobered up quickly then asked, "So what's next?" Callie led them down the hall to radiology and showed them all of the state of the art equipment and explained what each machine did. Just as they were walking out of one of the rooms, Josh came running toward her with a file in his hand. Stopping just in front of her he said, "Chief, here is the blood work you ordered for Dr. Robbins' patient." Both women froze for a minute and stared at each other, then Callie took the folder and said, "Thanks Josh, I appreciate it." Before either of the elder Torres' could ask, Arizona explained, "Callie has a patient who was in a serious accident and she is 19 weeks pregnant so I'm on her case as well and needed a workup because she is also diabetic and anemic." They both nodded and continued to follow Callie down the hall.
Reaching the third floor, Callie pointed down one hall and explained those are post-op patients, many of them are amputees and I prefer not to take visitors down that way. All three guests nodded and followed Callie in the other direction. Getting a huge grin on her face, she explained "This is my lab." Leading them inside, she explained, "This is where I construct titanium bones to replace originals as well as conduct my research and work on my projects." As everyone took off in their own direction looking at the various models and projects, Lucia stood next to a shelf holding various vials of a jelly like substance and asked, "What is this?" Callie explained, "That was my first successful trial of making artificial cartilage. It was what, ten years ago now. Since then it has been patented and is used in hospitals, clinics, and even by veterinarians all over the world." Arizona pointed at the wall above it and continued, "She's won several awards and nominations for it and has even given a TED talk about it." Carlos watched on as Arizona bragged about his daughter's accomplishments and noticed that Calliope had done the same when they were visiting the Robbins-Herman Center. He wasn't sure what had taken place in the last few weeks, but he could see that the two of them seemed happier than he had ever seen them.
Addison found herself in front of a case of prosthetic legs and was amazed at the transformation from the first model to the last. Looking up, she read the small plaque that said AR5511 Prototype Series 1-5. Glancing at the blonde, she was almost certain the AR stood for Arizona Robbins. She knew the amputation and Callie's efforts to create a new prosthetic for Arizona was a major obstacle in their relationship. She was curious to know if that changed and how the blonde felt about this. Carlos also noticed the display and joined her in looking at the different models. Arizona noticed the interest they had taken to the prototypes then looked to Callie and asked, "Should we show off your latest accomplishment Dr. Torres?" Callie shook her head and responded, "No Arizona." She knew Arizona was uncomfortable talking about her leg and it was a big step for her to offer to model it for the prosthetic companies, but this was completely different. Arizona looked to Callie and said, "Calliope, this is our family, Addison is our friend and a world class surgeon. I want them to see what you've created, what you've done. I want them to understand the difference you've made; and you're going to make in this world. Your parents are showing interest in your life, in your career. I'm proud of you, of this. You need to be also." Callie nodded, "I am, you know I am…it's just…I didn't do this for…" Arizona took Callie's hand and said, "I know you didn't. I know that. You didn't even want to show me. I did that to you. Now I'm asking you, let's undo it. Let's be proud of the good that came of this."
Callie nodded once then walked over to where her parents and Addie had gathered and said, "These are the first models I worked on over the past 5 years. As you can see, each one is different, more advanced than the last." Taking a deep breath, she looked to Arizona, received an encouraging smile and said, "Arizona and I want to show you something." Arizona went behind a table and took off her shoes, socks, and jeans leaving her in the bike shorts she always wore in case she had to adjust her leg. Walking from behind the table, Arizona watched as all eyes landed on her legs and studied them carefully. Addison gasped and immediately felt tears spring to her eyes. Even her trained eye couldn't tell which leg was the prosthetic. Lucia leaned over and whispered, "Which one is the artificial leg?" Addison tried to recall, "The left I think." Arizona nodded in response and moved her left leg forward announcing, "This is Calliope's latest prototype." She then looked to Callie who was pulling out her monitor and laptop, climbed up on the table and waited while Callie's computer booted up and connected to the chip in her leg. In the meantime, Callie collected her materials to show how the leg worked. As she did so, Arizona explained, "Everything is computerized and the leg can be programmed from an app on our phones or tablets. Right now, Callie is connecting her computer to read the chip and get access to the sensors so she can show you on the monitor what is happening in my leg."
All three sat on the small sofa in front of the table wondering what more there was to show. Finally, Addison stood up and said, "I'm sorry Arizona, my surgeon's brain needs a closer look." Arizona nodded and watched as Addison examined her leg. Addison couldn't believe the realism of it all. Looking down the leg, she gasped as Arizona wiggled her toes and exclaimed, "Holy shit!" Without thinking, she reached down and touched the toes and jumped again as Arizona jerked her leg away. Instantly turning red she apologized, "I'm so sorry, I should have asked…" Arizona laughed and said, "It's not that, it tickled." Addison's mouth dropped open and asked, "It did what now?" Finally, Callie turned and said, "Addison, quit fondling my girlfriend and sit your ass down." The redhead smirked, winked at Arizona and blew her a kiss then took her seat next to Lucia once again. Looking up, she saw Callie glaring at her and a little shiver of fear ran down her spine.
Finally the monitor blinked on and Callie pulled up the image of the 'skeleton' of Arizona's leg, showing how the titanium was connected to resemble an actual leg then continued to explain the inner workings. She then brought up an image of the socket and showed where the sensors were placed and explained the difference between this leg and having the sensors being surgically inserted into the leg. She didn't want to go into Arizona's personal injury but explained if the amputation is done correctly, there was no need to insert sensors. Addison interjected, "So, have you developed a method for performing an amputation to fit this model so sensors don't need to be inserted after the fact or for inserting sensors during amputation if the nerves are too damaged?" Callie smirked and Addison muttered, "I forgot I was asking the ortho goddess herself. Never mind, continue. your royal hiney." Carlos asked, "Does that mean she has?" Addison nodded and waited for Callie to continue. She was still trying to figure out what Arizona meant when she said that tickled. Callie further explained more of the details then decided it was time to demonstrate.
Callie clapped her hands and said, "Okay, now the fun part. Daddy, can I use your tie?" The older man arched his brow much like his daughter but slowly removed the requested item and handed it over. Callie walked up behind Arizona and blindfolded her while the blonde asked, "Is this necessary Calliope?" Callie responded, "Yes because I don't want Addison to think we are cheating." Arizona snorted and shook her head. Callie wiggled her finger at Addison and quietly indicated for her to pick up one of the items she had laid out. Addie smiled sadistically, grabbed her tool and ran it along the bottom of Arizona's foot and watched as she jumped at the same time the monitor spiked. Arizona yelped, "Dam…Dang it, Addison! I should have known you'd go for that one." Lucia gasped and asked, "You felt that dear?" Arizona nodded and pouted, "Yeah and it hurt. Calliope, stop using that for the demonstration!" Callie chuckled then handed Addison the cold pack. The redhead activated it, placed it on the blonde's knee and watched the monitor. She repeated the action with the hot pack and watched the monitor again. When she was finished, Arizona took the tie off of her eyes and handed it back to Carlos who slipped it in his pocket. Arizona hopped off the table, put her clothes back on and stood next to Callie who was starting to do her little nervous pee dance as she waited for someone to say something.
Addison stared at the other two surgeons, rubbed her temples with her hands and asked, "Do you know what you've done? Do you have any idea what this means? Has Catherine seen this yet?" Carlos asked, "What has she done? What does it mean? Who is Catherine?" Addison turned to Carlos and explained, "Your daughter has revolutionized the technology used for prosthetic limbs for the future. She has created something that will change hundreds of thousands of lives. Catherine Fox is the president of the Fox Foundation which gives one of the most prestigious awards a physician can receive for innovation and research." Addison just kept staring at the two women and finally ran up to hug them both and said to Callie, "I'm so proud and in awe and…and…impressed. Cal this is amazing." Callie and Arizona both beamed at one another. Callie hugged Arizona and whispered, "Thank you." Arizona returned, "I told you." Carlos and Lucia both approached Callie and the two fetal surgeons stepped away to give them some privacy as they saw both of them were choked up.
Carlos hugged Callie then stepped back so Lucia could hug her and Callie felt tears stinging at the back of her eyes. Lucia stepped back and said, "I know I haven't shown it, especially in the last several years, but even before that, I know I showed more of my disappointment that you didn't go into law or your father's business than anything else. I never understood why you wouldn't want to join either of us and go for the sure thing. But I should have known, I should have understood you had to do your own thing, make your own way, and look at you. You're a world renowned surgeon and you are performing miracles. I'm so proud of you mija. So very proud." Callie pulled her mom into a tight hug and whispered, "You don't know how long I've waited to hear that from you mami." Lucia replied, "Too long my dear, you've waited too long. I'm so sorry." Callie kissed her mom's cheek and reminded, "What did I say the other day?" Lucia smiled and answered, "We move forward." Callie nodded then stepped back and wiped her eyes before saying to the group, "Okay, let's keep moving."
After finishing the tour, the group returned to the lobby and this time everyone complimented Callie on her center and the great work she was doing. Carlos and Lucia looked to one another then Carlos looked to Addison and asked, "Dr. Montgomery, would you mind if we borrowed these two for a moment?" Addie smiled and responded, "Not at all, I'll go catch up with Nicole for a while. I'll come find you when I'm done Arizona." She then looked at the folder in Arizona's hand and asked, "Do you mind if I take a look at that patient? I'm already missing practicing." Arizona looked down at the folder, smiled, handed it over and replied, "Not at all. We can talk about your findings when I get over there." Addison took the folder, said her goodbyes and left the building. Carlos turned to Callie and asked, "Can we talk in your office?" Arizona and Callie looked to one another wondering what this could be about then made their way to Callie's office.
Once they were inside, the two women took a seat on the sofa next to each other holding hands and waited for Lucia and Carlos to sit as well. Taking the chairs across from them, Carlos cleared his throat and started, "Calliope, as you may know, your mother and I started the Torres Foundation several years ago to offer scholarships, donate to charities, and fund causes we feel are beneficial to communities or specific groups of people." Callie nodded and Carlos continued, "The call I made earlier was to secure funding for both the Robbins-Herman Center and Fresh START in the amount of one million dollars each, however there are stipulations."
He looked to Arizona and continued, "Arizona, I can't even pretend to understand half of what we saw at your center, but I do know that you have been and will be doing great things. If I understand correctly, you are a maternal-fetal surgeon and you would primarily be working on that first floor we saw with mothers who have difficult births or whose babies are in distress during pregnancy?" Arizona nodded, "That's the gist of it. Yes sir." Carlos nodded and said, the stipulation to your donation is that it is to be used for that ward for the purpose of research, testing, and funding that department. There of course will be documents sent to you along with the check and an end of year report will be required to see how funds were allocated for our own records." Arizona swallowed thickly, nodded, blinked several times then replied, "Carlos, Lucia, this is amazing and will be of tremendous help, I promise you we will put it to good use." Lucia smiled and responded, "We know you will." Arizona looked at the two of them then asked, "Can I um…can I give you a hug?" The older man chuckled and stood and Arizona flew into his arms. She then turned to Lucia hugged her tightly and returned to her seat.
Carlos then looked to Callie and started, "Calliope, again, I can't begin to understand everything you showed us, but I do know that leg of yours is amazing. This money is to go toward further research, materials, and if necessary, start up costs to see about getting that manufactured and on the market. The same reports will be required of you as well." Callie swallowed thickly and said, "Thank you, thank you both so much. You know you didn't…" Lucia cut her off, "Calliope, we know we didn't have to do this and we know neither of you expected it nor asked for it. That is precisely why we did it. We are proud of both of you and we now understand what astounding work you do and how truly extraordinary you both are in your fields. We believe in you and if we can help you make a bigger difference in this world, we will do so." Callie nodded and responded, "Thank you mami." Carlos stood and said, "Well now that we have taken up most of your day, we will see you both tomorrow afternoon." Both women stood as well and hugged them both then Carlos assured them they could find their own way out.
Callie shut the door, leaned against it, ran her hands through her hair, looked to Arizona and asked, "Did that just happen?" Arizona was pacing the office, stopped and looked at Callie and snorted, "I was just about to ask you the same thing." Callie shook her head and offered, "We…we have both received multi-million dollar donations and grants, hell we started our centers because of them…" Arizona nodded and looked at her and finished for her, "So why does this feel so much more…" Callie smiled and asked, "Satisfying?" Arizona smiled back and said, "Yeah." Callie shook her head to clear it and observed, "In all my years of schooling and practicing, they never took a real interest in it. I mean, they've asked the usual questions you ask doctors, but this…this is the first time either of them asked real questions and really focused on what I do or what you do. I mean, we've been involved in each other's lives for ten years, married for three of them and I…" She stopped then and went to Arizona and pulled her into her arms, she was feeling unsettled, unsure, and just needed the safety and the calm she knew she could always find in Arizona. Both women took a deep relaxing breath and just allowed themselves a few minutes of peace in each other's arms.
Finally Arizona suggested, "I think…I think this was their way of acknowledging that to both of us. I mean, everyone has their own way of showing things and we know with your parents, sometimes its material, but today, it was more than that. Today they told us and showed us they were interested and this gift, it was their way of saying they believe in us. To me, it was an acceptance. They saw me as your equal, as your partner." Callie nodded and responded, "I think you're right, I think the sentiment, the thought behind it is what makes it different than all the other funds we've received. This was…personal." Arizona nodded and let out a long sigh and declared, "Today has been way more emotional than I ever expected." Callie kissed the top of her head and answered, "Happy emotional though." Arizona leaned back and connected their lips together then asked, "How about we go see Addison for some more happy news." Callie squinted her eyes at her and asked, "Did you peek at the report?" Arizona shrugged and replied, "Maybe." Callie stomped her foot then whined, "Arizona, that's not fair. No more of that!" Arizona could see Callie wasn't truly upset but didn't want to be left out of any of this and it made her feel warm all over. Leaning in, she murmured against her lips, "No more, I promise and if it helps any, I didn't see it all." Callie poked out her lip and then pouted, "Pinky promise." Arizona leaned in sucked the pouty lip into her mouth, lowered her hands and linked their pinkies as she deepened the kiss. Pulling back, Callie smiled and said, "Well come on then. Let's go look at your lady parts." Arizona muttered, "You should have them memorized by now." Callie turned to her and gasped, "Mind out of the gutter Robbins."
XXXX
After the Robbins-Herman Center cleared out, Arizona, Addison, and Callie entered an examination room where Arizona had one of the new ultrasound machines set up Friday as soon as it arrived. While Addison studied the machine and got herself acquainted with it, she explained, "All your labs looked good. Obviously you're negative for any STD's, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, your cholesterol is good, so no concerns there. Today I'm going to do an intrauterine ultrasound to make sure there's no scar tissue, both fallopian tubes are in working order and check for any cysts or endometriosis." Arizona nodded and Addison reached in her bag and pulled out a hospital gown and some sheets and handed them over to Arizona who looked at her questioningly. Callie noticed the items and asked, "When the hell did you steal those from my center?" Addie smiled and responded, "When I left to go to the bathroom. Oh, here's your badge." Callie looked down to her shirt and realized her badge was missing and asked, "And when did you take that?" The redhead smiled and answered, when I hugged you in your lab." Arizona burst out laughing and proclaimed, "I'm in a multi-million dollar facility and my world renowned OB is a thief who has to steal from my girlfriend. This pregnancy is starting out great!"
Addie laughed and responded, "If you think that's funny, wait until you're actually pregnant and all three of us can say we've been knocked up by Mark Sloan." Arizona threw her head back against the wall and said, "Oh God! I didn't even think of that." Callie added, "The best part is, not one of us actually dated him." Arizona lifted her head and said, "I did!" Addison raised her eyebrows and asked, "Excuse me?" Callie explained, "She did it for me because she didn't like him because he always looked at her boobs." Addison eyed Arizona, shrugged, and said, "They're good boobs." Callie threw up her hands and said, "I'm sayin'!" Then she glared at Addison and observed, "First you're feeling my girlfriend's legs, then staring at her boobs, and you're about to look in her vajayjay, are you sure you don't speak the Vagina Monologues?" This time Arizona threw up her hands and declared, "Oh my God! Can we just get this over with and leave already? We still need to pick up Sof from Jordyn and Stevie's house." Addison grabbed Callie's arm and said, "Come on, let's give her some privacy." Callie complained, "She's my girlfriend." Addison responded, "Exactly, and the minute she takes her pants off in front of you, this exam is over. Don't think I haven't seen you two eyeing each other all day." She then pulled a sputtering Callie out the door.
"Okay, I'm ready." Arizona called out as she situated herself on the bed and covered her lower half with the sheet. Addison and Callie walked in and Callie immediately went to Arizona, took her hand, kissed her softly and said, "I love you." Arizona caressed her face with her free hand and replied, "I love you too." Addison cleared her throat and spouted, "I hate you both. Okay Arizona, a little discomfort." Arizona cut in, "Stop, turn the monitor so we can't see it please. We both want to know at the same time." Addison shrugged and turned the monitor. These two were going to kill her, they were more sickening than ever. Addison inserted the wand and watched the monitor, clicked a few keys, took some measurements, clicked more keys, then turned the monitor so they both could see it as she declared, "Everything looks good, no scarring, no endometriosis, both ovaries are in good shape, the fallopian tubes are intact. It looks to me that you are in perfect health and ready to try to have a baby." She then removed the wand and said, "Okay, all done." She looked up to find her two friends entangled in a kiss that was just this side of decent and declared, "Okay, save it for later. Let's go get my niece." Callie looked down at Arizona and they both grinned at one another as they realized in just a few months, that image could be showing a little tiny human.
A/N: I know I'm spoiling you, but you deserve it for being so loyal and so amazing. I hope you liked Callie's surprise. This was another busy chapter but everything just came flowing out.
All characters, references, and lines from GA are not mine and belong to Shonda and ABC.