CALLIE'S POV
Emotions surged within me, a whirlwind of feelings impossible to articulate. Breathing in the crisp Seattle air unexpectedly brought back a flood of memories, each one hitting me like a wave. I never thought I'd return here—after all the twists and turns that led me away from Miami. This city held both painful and cherished moments.
My residency at Seattle Grace Hospital, now known as Grey Sloan Memorial, was where my life took a significant turn. I remember my residency and how I managed to bag being chief of residents and my marriage to an intern, the love we shared, and the heartbreak of his betrayal, which ultimately led to our divorce. Life took another tragic turn when he passed away after a terrible accident.
But amid the pain, there was redemption. It was here that I met the incredible woman who became my second chance at happiness. We married, but fate dealt us a cruel hand, and we parted ways when she, too, betrayed our vows.
Beside me stood Penny, my girlfriend of three years, pulling me back to the present. Her voice, soft and reassuring, grounded me. "Hey, you ready?" she asked, concern etched on her face. I adjusted my bag and luggage, attempting to calm my racing heart which seemed determined to revisit the past.
"Yeah, I'm ready," I replied with a mumble, suppressing the mix of excitement and fear building inside me. Together, we walked towards the waiting cab, Penny's practicality balancing out my tendency to drift into memories of the past. This return wasn't my choice—I never wanted to come back, never wanted to confront the feelings that seemed to resurface in this place.
Penny had been my anchor, helping me navigate the complexities of life after Seattle. My daughter, Sofia, remained by my side, our bond unbreakable. I carefully shielded Sofia from the influence of Arizona, her other mother, despite the constant Skype calls they shared. I created space, making sure their conversations remained private making sure it's theirs only and I have no part in it.
Arizona, the woman who had once captured my heart with her ocean-blue eyes and radiant smile, was now just a distant memory. The mere thought of her sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach. I had to close my eyes, willing her image to fade from my mind. I had successfully avoided thinking about her for years, but now, with my return to Seattle, it seemed that my determination might be tested.
Arizona.
The mere mention of her name sends butterflies fluttering in my stomach. Her beautiful face fills my mind, and I find myself closing my eyes to shake off the captivating image that clouds my thoughts. It's as if I'm transported back to a time when she consumed my every waking moment. Despite being with Penny now, the power Arizona holds over my emotions is undeniable.
In the cherished memories we shared, our first kiss took place in Joe's Bar bathroom. Although she unexpectedly kissed me at our very first meeting, it felt like the perfect moment. Our initial date at a four-star restaurant nearly tested our budding relationship, but her words and actions never failed to make me swoon. Her captivating personality drew me in, and I consider myself fortunate to have shown her how deeply I loved her.
Love her.
I can't help but admit that thoughts of her have lingered, even in the years we've been apart. It's an inner conflict I've grappled with, torn between the past and my present happiness with Penny. But I know I can't let the ghost of Arizona jeopardize the beautiful relationship I have with Penny.
I laugh at myself, chiding my heart for even considering breaking what I have with Penny because of the woman who once shattered it. Gazing at Penny, engaged in her own world with her phone, I'm reminded of the love and support she's offered me.
"What?" Her laughter echoed as I gazed at her. In that moment, I leaned in to kiss her, hoping to anchor myself to the present. However, as our lips met, I sensed Arizona trying to infiltrate my thoughts. I pulled away, attempting to regain focus and composure, suppressing the emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.
Penny's gentle concern breaks through my inner turmoil, and her soft voice soothes my troubled heart. I want to share my feelings with her, but the pain and confusion are too raw to confront in that instant. I manage a smile, not wanting to burden her with my internal struggle.
"It's nothing, really. Just feeling a bit nervous," I confess, acknowledging the jumble of emotions I'm wrestling with. My phone suddenly rang, Jo's name popping up on the screen. I picked up the phone and put on my cheerful voice.
"Callie! Have you landed already? The hotel room is ready for you and Penny. Hair and make up artist are already there so just go straight to the lobby and say your name and they'll give you your room key, alright?" Jo said with so much enthusiasm in her voice. I can't help but smile widely. Jo and Alex are finally getting married. What those two have been through, as an individual and as a couple, is unimaginable.
"Yeah, we're on our way. Can't wait to see you and Alex. Thank you for inviting us and having me as your Maid of Honor," I said, smiling through the phone as I held Penny's hand, gazing at her fondly.
"Nonsense! I'm so glad you flew all the way from New York back to Seattle for our wedding. By the way, A– hold up Alex! No– wait, I'm talking to Cal— damn it! Callie, I have to go. Alex is kicking me out because he believes that we shouldn't be in the same room on our wedding day. I'll see you later!" Jo said hurriedly and hung up the phone. I chuckled softly, then turned to Penny with a smile on my face. However, my smile dropped when I was reminded of a certain blue-eyed blonde, and I let out a deep exhale, staring out of the cab window.
"Why are you so nervous?" Penny asked her thumb gently caressing my hand in an attempt to soothe my nerves.
"I don't know. Those people— they are the family I left three years ago just to be with you. I missed them, and I had no contact with them until now. I guess I'm just nervous about their reaction when they see me," I finally admitted, looking into her eyes with a mix of emotions.
"It's fine, babe. There's no need to be nervous. I'm sure they'll be ecstatic to see you and they probably already know you're coming since your name is literally in the invitation cards. I'm here with you, alright? You have me. What could possibly go wrong?"
ARIZONA'S POV
I rolled onto my back in bed, gradually opening my eyes to gaze at the ceiling. Today is Jo and Alex's wedding, and I scrunch my nose, rubbing my eyes to fully wake up. Turning to my side, I'm met with the sight of my girlfriend's beautiful face.
"Mhmm, what?" Eliza murmured, and I couldn't resist leaning in to capture her lips with mine. Our tongues playfully danced, and I couldn't help but smile as I rolled on top of her, my hand gently tracing her abdomen under her shirt.
Pulling away from the kiss, I looked into her eyes and spoke, my words filled with excitement, "Nothing. I just got too excited, I guess. Jo and Alex are getting married, and you're so beautiful that I couldn't resist kissing you..."
"I get it. Alex is very special to you. Now, do you want to go to the wedding or should we just lay here and have sex? Because it's already," she looked at the bedside table on my side which is on the right, and reached for the clock "8 AM and the wedding is at 12 PM."
I arched an eyebrow at Eliza, hoping she'd catch on to the playful tension between us, but she merely laughed and playfully rolled me off her. Sitting up on the bed, she sent me a flying kiss before heading to the bathroom to get ready. Chuckling, I got up and went to the kitchen to make coffee for both of us.
While waiting for the coffee to brew, I noticed the unopened invitation for Jo and Alex's wedding on the kitchen counter. It had been sitting there for a month, but I hadn't dared open it, knowing I was invited. The envelope alone, bearing both mine and Eliza's names, was a clear indicator.
Curiosity finally got the better of me, and I slowly opened the envelope, revealing three cards. The first was the wedding invitation itself, detailing the date, attire, and venue. Seeing Alex and Jo's journey filled me with pride, and their love brought a wide smile to my face.
The second card indicated the table number where we'd be seated. As Alex's best woman, I'd be at table number 1 alongside Jo's bridesmaids. The third card, however, caught me off guard. It was a meticulously designed flow of the wedding, and there, in beautiful handwriting, was a very familiar name beneath mine - Calliope Torres, listed as the maid of honor.
My eyes widened, and a mix of shock and emotions washed over me. I had no idea my ex-wife would be at Jo and Alex's wedding. Filled with a whirlwind of feelings, I immediately dialed Alex's number, hoping to get some answers discreetly.
"Arizona, wha-"
"Why is Callie's name on your invitation?" I asked Alex in a hushed tone, trying to see if Eliza is still in the bathroom.
"What do you mean? She's Jo's Maid of Honor, she used to be Jo's mentor of course Jo would want Callie to our wedding. Wait- didn't you know?"
"ALEX KAREV WOULD I BE CALLING, IN COMPLETE SHOCK, IF I KNEW ALL ALONG THAT I WOULD SEE MY EX-WIFE AFTER THREE YEARS?!" I asked, my breathing becoming ragged as Calliope's beautiful face infiltrated my head. My heart is pounding as the thought of seeing her again after years of not being able to give me chills. I feel nervous, excited, and sad at the same time.
"Whatever. That's your fault for not opening the invitation. Come to the hotel we reserved for you and Eliza at 10 AM. Someone will be there to fix you guys for the wedding- or whatever you call it. I have to go." As he hung up, uncertainty and emotions flooded me as I paced in the kitchen, unsure of how to process the sudden news.
"Oh god... Calliope." I muttered as I rested my elbow on the counter and put my face on my palms, tears threatening to spill from my eyes. Excitement and nervousness filled my entire being as I think about seeing the love of my life today. Of all days that I could see her, it would be today when I will be with my girlfriend for a year.
Eliza. Oh god. What do I do? She doesn't know Callie will be coming.
"I can hear your thoughts from here.." Eliza got out of the bedroom and walked straight to me with a towel wrapped around her body and her hair wet and tousled. I looked at her and immediately put my hands on her waist when she reached me.
"Uhm... I- I.. Callie is Jo's Maid of Honor." I said as I looked down. I look back up when I heard nothing from her and she's just looking at me.
"And?"
"And? Aren't you... like... threatened that you'll finally meet my ex-wife?" I said as I looked at her, her reaction was not the one I was expecting.
"Should I be threatened?" Eliza said as she put her arms around my neck, looking straight into my eyes.
Yes.
"No... Of course not."
"Then no, I am not threatened. You told me, no, so I am not threatened. Besides, I have you and you have me there. What could possibly go wrong?"
AN: This was supposed to be just a one-shot fic but then I had so many ideas coming to me so I decided to have this in three chapters instead. I hope you guys would enjoy this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Let me know your honest thoughts. :)