Chapter 4:
Present
As soon as those butterflies erupted in her stomach, her heart filled with anger. She shifts her eyes around Callie's figure. Her body is still the same; strong biceps, sharp jawline, and sleek back hair with a faded undercut. She was the look of
any hot and sexy athlete. Arizona sees two suitcases around Callie - she knew right away that Callie had come from her Worldcup Tour early. Although she knew it was because of Sofia's surgery, she still asked her to relieve the tension and awkwardness in the air.
"Why are you here, Calliope?" Her hand instinctively moved to hide her blushing neck.
Callie sensed Arizona's uncomfortable state right away. She saw the way she was trying to hide her neck. She noticed the tousled hair and the almost opened bra underneath her white see through blouse. She knows this look on Arizona. It's her sex look. Callie has memorised this look. Anger fills Callie's stomach, feelings of jealousy erupts inside Callie.
Arizona notices Callie's demaour. Her face changed from excitement to a tense dreadful look. Arizona is also aware of Callie's jealousy.
How her forehead lines tense up, eyes filled with anger, and hand tightening the suitcase.
Suddenly Callie feels thirsty, her throat is dry and unable to form words. Callie shifts her eyes to the floor so she can regain her focus. "Um…I'm here to see Sofia. I finished the Tour and left early from London. I wanted to be there for her before the surgery. You know… maybe spend some time with her".
Arizona scoffs at Callie's words. She can't believe Callie had the audacity to say those words. Although Callie had been gone for a few months, she barely made the effort to call, it was either Arizona or Sofia calling her. Callie knows Arizona doesn't take her words seriously. She knows the extent of her damage - loss of Arizona's trust. Callie tries to convince Arizona. "I'm trying here Arizona. I came back early. I want to be there for her last surgery, her recovery. I will be there". Callie says in a determined manner.
Although Callie's words meant nothing to Arizona. Her eyes still showed the love she had for Sofia. And Arizona did not want that love to disappear either by restricting Callie. When things suddenly became awkward again, Arizona added, "Well you can see her tomorrow morning for breakfast, she's already asleep now. It's way past her bedtime anyways".
Callie knew Sofia would be asleep by the time she arrived at their apartment or well now Arizona's apartment. But she wanted to see Arizona, even with the awkwardness and tension in the air, Callie wanted to be with Arizona. Callie smiles, "Okay that's great, I'll come by 9:00 am?".
Arizona nods and reassures her the timing for tomorrow. "So I'll get going now", says Callie. She starts to move her suitcases.
As Callie starts moving her suitcases past Arizona. She sighs. There was so much she wanted to say to Arizona. To be able to see her smile; the one she only kept for Sofia and her. She wanted to hug and kiss her. Engulf her in her arms so tight as if it's their last time being together. To be able to kiss her on the neck. Callie noticed how Arizona was trying to cover her neck. She knew. Of course she did. It's Arizona.
Arizona stands still leaning against the half opened door framed. She sees how Callie moves her suitcases and hears her sighs. She suddenly realises how Callie brought her suitcases to the apartment. Her entire luggage was with her while they were talking. Although she had a feeling why she brought the suitcases, she wanted Callie to say it herself.
"Callie…wait" Arizona whispers, hoping Callie doesn't hear her. Hoping that she just leaves without fulfilling Arizona's curiosity. But Callie hears it. She knows that quiet whisper. Gentle and soothing. Callie quickly turns around. Also swiftly turning her suitcases with her. Wanting to hear what Arizona had to say. Wanting to be near Arizona even if it was for just a second.
After Arizona moments of silence. Callie perks up her eyebrows, silently allowing and encouraging Arizona to say more for what she had to say.
Arizona suddenly became hesitant. She felt as if she was crossing a line. She bit her lip - regretting why she stopped Callie when she could've been inside with Lauren by now. Who for some reason hasn't called her back inside either. Choosing to still ask her the question and seeing Callie's silent encouragement, she asks, "why…did you bring the suitcases with you?"
Arizona doesn't understand what she is seeking this question or what Callie will say. She herself doesn't understand why she asked her this question in the first place.
Callie, obviously oblivious, doesn't understand Arizona curiosity either. "Uhhh…what do you mean?" Callie replied in a confused manner.
Arizona suddenly sighs and huffs in Callie's lack of understanding.
Callie sees Arizona's frustration at her. "Arizona I don't know what you're saying".
Unable to hold off her uncomfortable thoughts anymore, Arizona tries to ask her a question as if it's Sofia. "I'm asking why did you bring the suitcases with you? to my apartment", said Arizona.
Callie now Confused and still oblivious as to where Arizona is going with these questions, she responds, "Well, I was hoping to see Sophia".
Arizona wanted to scream, hit and punch Callie so badly. She wonders how Callie should be so oblivious to literally everything around her. Trying to say this as calmly as possible, Arizona says, "Well, you could've left your suitcases in your apartment or in the car. Why did you bring it here?"
That's when Callie realised what Arizona was intending to ask her. It finally clicked in her brain. But Callie herself knew she wasn't ready for it. For the change to come and sweep her off her feet.
Arizona saw Callie's eyes click, as if she understood why Arizona was so curious. Arizona was ready for Callie's rant or some confession.
To Arizona's surprise, Callie said, "oh you know I came in a rented car with a driver and because it was so late I didn't want the driver to drive around all over the city, you know how it is"
Callie thought she did such a good job pulling a lie like that. However, Arizona knew right away Callie was making up some story she just came up with. But Arizona knew she didn't want to discuss anything tense at this moment. She was honestly tired and wanted to go to bed. She knew tomorrow would be intense.
Arizona just nods, too busy to reply because of her overwhelming thoughts in her head. Callie thought Arizona was convinced enough and knew now was the perfect timing to leave before anything erupts between them. She was excited to see her daughter tomorrow after 3 months of tournament.
Callie grabs her two suitcases nearby, "Okay I think I will head out now, goodnight" says Callie without making eye contact with Arizona. Even though they were standing 5 feet apart, the angst and tension was still very much there. And both of them didn't know what it meant and how they felt about it. But they both knew it was their relationship of who they were together is past them, as it has been centuries. Now they were trying to forge their own pathways - or perhaps forcing to?
Callie knew Lauren was inside the apartment. Having sex. She knew Arizona's sex face. But it was too painful for her to mention her name or begin some argument she knew she couldn't defend. So she turned around, without looking at Arizona, hoping she would let her walk away with any questions she knew she couldn't handle. A part of her was glad that Lauren was in the apartment, perhaps listening to their conversation. Because Callie knew for a fact that if Lauren wasn't in the house, she may have done things she would regret later. Things probably Arizona would definitely regret more. She did what she does best. She left.
Arizona pretends to go inside. She doesn't say goodbye. She didn't close the door, until she heard the elevator door close. She sighs and turns around. Suddenly she's met with Lauren's excited face that she was too tired to look at.
"Was that Callie?!!" Lauren asked, super excited.
"Yes" Arizona responds, she's too exhausted for this conversation. Even though she and Callie talked for a few minutes, she was already so drained.
"You know I'm a huge fan of women's soccer and I knew I would meet her, but I didn't know it would be after so long we've been together and I just feel…"
"Lauren!", Arizona suddenly stopped Lauren. Her conversation with Callie drained her and she didn't have the energy to listen more about how awesome Callie is.
Trying to calm and compose herself, Arizona looks apologetically towards Lauren and says, "how about you come by later in the day to meet her, she's gonna be here tomorrow". Arizona wanted to take those words back right away. She didn't have a good feeling about Lauren and Callie meeting. She was scared of how things could go wrong. terribly wrong.
Lauren holds Arizona's shoulders and says, "Wait, I thought I was spending the night here? You know I thought we were just getting started" Lauren smirks and starts kissing Arizona's neck.
Arizona felt insects were crawling on her neck. She didn't feel uncomfortable with Lauren before. Now she didn't want to be near Lauren at all. Trying to be gentle, she pushes Lauren's shoulders away.
"Lauren, it's getting late", Arizona said in a sigh. Her brief conversation with Callie left her exhausted. Without answering, Lauren turns away from Arizona grabbing her jacket and bag from the sofa. Arizona instantly knows Lauren is angry. Arizona gently grabs Lauren's wrist and turns her so they are facing each other. Arizona speaks, "I know today was supposed to be our night, you know. But I promise you, I will make up for this".
Ignoring Arizona's weak apology, Lauren turns away from her, and continues to grab her stuff and moves towards the door now. Arizona is still standing near the sofa where she tried apologising. She looks down at her subtle diamond ring and fiddles with her own finger, "you know…with Callie everything was so difficult. She was never home. But with you…everything is so easy. I can breathe around you Lauren", Arizona exclaims.
Hoping her somewhat heartfelt statement made up for her rejection earlier, Arizona turns around to see Lauren opening the door. Lauren, turns her head and whispers, "You're wrong, Arizona. Callie's always here". Lauren pauses and sarcastically laughs, "I feel like there's three people in our relationship: you, me and Callie. she may not be here physically, but I know she's always on your mind."
Arizona's face is pale and in disbelief. But before she can defend herself, the door loudly shuts. Tears from her eyes drop like a waterfall.
As those tears fell from Arizona's eyes, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with emotions. The encounter with Callie had stirred up a whirlwind of feelings, and now, Lauren's harsh words cut deep into her heart.
A/N: I am extremely sorry for the long hiatus!! but i'm finally back and so excited to continue this story. again it's calzona so don't worry!! I would love to hear your thoughts and opinions in the review. Also why do you think Callie brought her suitcases with her???
Thank you for your patience!!