Alright guys here is chapter 2. Just a reminder I of course do not own anything...
Chapter 2
Arizona
It's been a month since our first date, and we confessed our love for each other. We have spent as much time together as possible when we weren't in surgery. Oddly enough in the last month our paths have crossed a lot at work too. There was a run-on pregnant women that needed general surgery. Today however is the day Callie and Sofia are flying in. I have to leave in a bit to meet them, I was gonna tell her to just meet me here, but I'm done for the day anyway. I'm headed to the lounge to change when I see my girlfriend headed down the hallway in the opposite direction. Smiling I run up to her grabbing her ass "what the fuck" she whips around, once she sees it's me her face changes from pissed off to a smile "hi beautiful" I say placing a quick kiss on her lips. Not caring that we were in a very public part of the hospital. "hi" she smiles returning the kiss "you heading out?"
"soon" I smile "I was heading to change but saw you and got distracted"
"easily done" she reaches for my hand and changes directions "are you still coming over tonight?"
"as long as Sofia is cool with it yes"
"have you told her yet?"
"no" I shake my head "I will, I wanted to do it in person. I'm sure she'll be excited"
"I'm sure she will too" Meredith smiles, as her pager goes off, she groans "I'll be home by 6 but go over whenever, you have a key"
"I do" I smile as she leans in kissing me once more and runs off. I stand there like an idiot watching her. 'god she's sexy' I shake my head and head into the lounge. When I hear "mommy" coming from the table. And look up and am met with the dark eyes of my ex-wife. "so she's who you've been dating?" Callie says, as Sofia runs to me. I give Sofia a hug, and kiss.
"Sofia why don't you go sit on the couch I need to talk to mommy a minute" Callie says not taking her eyes off me. Sofia leaves my side and goes to the couch just like her momma told her. I was so proud at how well she listens. "you didn't answer me" Callie said quietly. Swallowing hard I look up and right into those eyes that used to make me weak in the knees, I nod and say "yes" she takes a deep breath, and I was expecting for the old Callie Torres to come out, but what she says next surprises me "it's about damn time" she laughs
"huh?" I'm confused
"she's had a thing for you for awhile, I could tell" Callie smiles "I'm happy for you two, is it serious?"
"um, yeah" I say not knowing what else to say I wasn't expecting Callie to act like this.
"well maybe before I head home the three of us can have dinner, I'd like to hear more about this but I have to get going"
"right" I say still in shock. I really thought Callie would freak out.
"Sof, honey I'm leaving"
"ok by momma see you in a few days" Sofia says from her spot on the couch, she had a book she was reading. "are you going to give momma a hug and kiss goodbye"
"oh" she says jumping up and running into Callie's arms "bye momma love you"
"love you too baby girl, be good for mommy"
"I'm always good"
"yeah you are" Callie smiles I watch as she places a kiss on Sofia's cheek then turns to me "I really am happy for the both of you" she smiles at me and leaves the room. Leaving me alone with my daughter. "I have to change then we can go"
"can we go see Zola?" Sofia asks "I miss her" well that was easy I hold back my laugh "yes we can go see Zola, just let me change"
"ok mommy" she says going back to her spot on the couch.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Meredith
After I kissed Arizona, I thought I saw Callie sitting in the lounge, but I ran off so fast I couldn't be sure. But now I know for sure it was Callie as she's standing right in front of me. "hey" she smiles
"um hi" I say taking a deep breath, I don't know if she saw me kiss Arizona or not but "I was supposed to meet Arizona at her house but we got here early so I just brought Sofia here"
"where" I look around looking for the little girl
"the attending lounge" Callie said, I think she can tell I'm nervous "so" she smiles "how's life?"
"life is" I start to say but don't know what to say
"I know Mer" she laughs
"you know what?" I tense
"about you and Arizona" she says her face not letting me know anything "oh" I say "um" she laughs "I saw you two outside the lounge, and asked Arizona about it"
"oh"
"I'll tell you the same thing I told her" she crosses her arms, in the way Callie does when she's confronting someone "I'm happy for you both" she smiles and reaches out to pull me in for a hug. I'm still in shock, "we thought you'd have a problem with it"
"why" she pulls back and meets my eyes "because you're my friend and she's my ex?"
"well"
"well I'm not gonna lie, it's a little weird but I know you've had feelings for her for awhile"
"h, how"
"I can tell these things" she winks "while I'm in town the three of us should get dinner, but for now I really have to get going, I'll call one of you tomorrow"
"ok"
"it's good to see you happy again" she says reaching for my hand and squeezing it, winks and heads off. Leaving me standing there in the middle of the hallway still in shock "what was that?" Alex's voice breaks me out of my thoughts "she, she saw me and Arizona kiss outside the attendings lounge"
"and she didn't freak out?" he asks confused
"yeah" I say looking at him "I'm so" I raise my hands to my head and do the motion to say my mind is blown, hearing him laugh "yeah I would be too, New York must be good for her"
"apparently" I say shaking my head. My damn pager goes off again and I groan "it's never ending today" I turn and make my way to the pit, Alex at my side. Luckily this page I got was quick, I didn't see any complications with the patient. So I make my way to the lounge to change and head home. Pulling out my phone I have a message from Arizona "we'll be at your house, hurry home I have something to tell you"~ A. Smiling I send a quick reply "heading out in a bit just gotta change"~ M after I hit send I decide to send another "I ran into Callie"~ M
"what did she say?"~ A
"I'll tell you when I get home, I love you"~ M
"love you too"~ A. I smile and set my phone down to change.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Arizona
"Sof, honey can I talk to you for a minute?" I ask walking into the living room at Meredith's house, this place was starting to feel more like my home than my house. "ok mommy" Sofia said standing up, I reach for her hand and take her out on the front porch, and sit down next to her on the swing. "you know me and auntie Mer are close right?"
"like me and Zola" Sofia smiles, I nod and take a deep breath "well you know how momma has Penny"
"she doesn't anymore"
"what?" I ask tilting my head
"Penny moved, a while ago" Sofia says 'hmm news to me' not wanting to get side tracked I'm sure Callie would tell me if she wanted me to know "are you and auntie Mer girlfriends?" Sofia asks
"yeah Arizona are you and auntie Mer girl friends?" Meredith asks as she makes her way up the steps "shut up" I laugh then turn my attention back to my daughter "how would you feel about that?" I ask her.
"are you happy?" she asks looking at me then at Meredith, we both smile and nod "then I love it" she hugs me then goes to Meredith hugging her too "does that make you my step mom?"
"well" Meredith says "I'm more like Penny"
"Penny doesn't live with us anymore" Sofia says
"what" Meredith says looking at me, I shrug my shoulder and say "that's what I wanted to talk to you about honey, you can go back in and play"
"ok" Sofia says and runs off.
"I'm a little surprised to see you here" Meredith says
"the first thing Sofia asked was to see Zola so" I smile and wrap my arms around my girlfriend placing a kiss on her lips, after pulling back "Callie saw us kiss" we both say at the same time, laughing. "what did she say to you?"
"that she was happy for us"
"she said that to me too" I say relieved "I really expected her to freak out"
"hmm, me too" Meredith says kissing me again. There's a crash from inside and we both let out a groan when we hear "Bailey NO" coming from both Sofia and Zola. We head inside and see that Bailey had once again ran his ride on truck into a table, only this time it was the table that Sofia and Zola were putting a puzzle together on, there were puzzle pieces everywhere. "ugh" Meredith groans "at least there's no glass this time"
"maybe he shouldn't ride that thing in the house" I laugh
"might be a good idea" she says placing a kiss on my cheek and we go help the girls clean up.
A couple hours later, after dinner is ate, which consisted of spaghetti and garlic toast, it was one of the not so many things Meredith can make without burning the house down, the kids were in the living room watching a movie. "mommy are we staying here tonight?" Sofia asks not taking her eyes off the tv.
"do you want to stay here tonight?" I ask, hearing both Sofia and Zola excitedly say "yes" Meredith and I both laugh "then we're staying here tonight" I look at Meredith who winks at me. I actually haven't been home in a few days, at some point I should go and make sure the house is still standing. When the movie was over Meredith and I tell the kids it's time for bed, Ellis passed out about an hour ago, but the other 3 were still up. "will you read us a story mommy" Sofia asks giving me the puppy dog eyes she knows I can never say no to. "yes honey" I smile and stand.
"I'll get him, you go with them" Meredith says, I nod and follow the girls to Zola's room. They were still young enough where they both fit in Zola's bed, I help them both change, although they didn't really need it. They are after all almost 9, "did you brush your teeth?" I ask
"I don't have my toothbrush" Sofia says "I left it at home because I have one at your house"
"right" Arizona smiles "well come on let's see if we can find you one"
"my mom keeps more in the closet in the hall, I'm always losing mine" Zola says
"did you brush yours?" I ask
"yup" she smiles big showing me her teeth, I can't help but laugh, opening the closet the smell of Meredith engulfs my nose and I have to hold back a moan. I can't be doing that in front of my daughter. Finding the toothbrushes "what one you want?" I hold the pack out for Sofia to choose.
"this one" she points at the purple one "of course" I smile and take it out, we head into the bathroom, finding the kids tooth paste sitting on the sink, and just for good measure I touch the tooth brushes that are there and feel the pink one is wet. Smiling that Zola didn't lie to me, I help Sofia with the toothpaste and decide since we're in the bathroom I should use it, I turn and shut the door, making my way to the toilet "mommy" Sofia says
"yes Sof"
"are we going to live here now?" she asks for a moment I don't know what to say, that's one thing Meredith and I haven't talked about yet. Moving in together. I finish up on the throne and head over to the sink to wash my hands "you haven't answered me" I have to hold back a laugh she sounded just like Callie.
"I don't know why?"
"well momma and Penny lived together I just thought since you and auntie Mer are girlfriends that" she shrugs rinsing off her tooth brush and putting it in the cup with the others. "well Sof, you do know that you can be girlfriends without living together right"
"I guess, but I'd like it if we lived here"
"I'll keep that in mind" I smile as I follow her back to Zola's room.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Meredith
I was lying in bed with the newest journal of medicine when Arizona came in, shutting the door. "how'd it go?" I ask looking up at her.
"fine, we have some amazing kids"
"we do" I smile and watch as she takes off her pants then sits down to take off her prosthetic. Reaching over I decide to help her with unclasping her bra. She laughs and thanks me, I give my reply with a moan. Once she's undressed, she makes her way to the headboard, now we're both sitting up. "Sofia ask if we were moving in"
"oh" I look at her "what did you say"
"I asked her why, and she said that she just thought because Callie and Penny lived together, that's what girlfriends do" I laugh the things that come out of kids mouths, looking into those blue eyes "what did you end up saying?"
"I told her that we can be girlfriends without living together"
"oh" I don't know why but I felt a little deflated at hearing that. We've only been together a little over a month, even though we've already confessed being in love with each other, it was too soon for the moving in talk… Right? "she said she'd like to live here"
"too bad she lives in New York"
"not for much longer" she smiles
"what are we going to do with 4 kids full time" I ask
"it'll be fine, they are 4 of the best kids I know" she smiles
"hmm" I say still a little butt hurt over her not wanting to move in, although I shouldn't be, we haven't even talked about it. "what time do you have to go in?" she asks pulling me out of my thoughts.
"um" I clear my throat "I don't, I forgot to tell you I managed to get tomorrow, and the rest of the weekend off also, figured we could take the kids to the zoo or something, if it's not raining"
"that sounds like an amazing idea" she smiled then moves on top of me, taking the magazine I had in my hands and setting it on the side table, and the next thing I know I'm calling out her name. Although a little quieter this time since we had an extra set of ears in the house tonight. Once we are both satisfied, I lay my head on her chest "do you want to" I ask
"do I want to what?" she asks running her hands through my hair "move in" I still couldn't get it off my mind, I feel her hand still and she takes a deep breath. "I do Meredith, but I think we should wait a bit"
"why" I ask sitting up
"because we've only been together a month, what if it doesn't" I stop her by placing my lips on hers, pulling back I say "just think about it, I want you with me all the time, I can't stand to be away from you, and on nights when you aren't here or I'm not at yours I can't sleep" I say feeling a little embarrassed at the confession, I can see in her eyes it's the same for her. "just think about it ok"
"ok" she nods as our lips meet again and we are onto round 3.
I'm woken up by the sound of the bedroom door creaking open, boy am I glad we decided to put clothes on after round 5. I pretend to still be sleeping when I hear little feet patter across the floor, along with giggling. "our moms look so good together" I hear Sofia say
"they really love each other" Zola says, I feel the bed dip, and something smaller than the 8 year olds moves up the bed sitting on top of me. I open my eyes and find Ellis sitting on my stomach. "mom, morning"
"hi baby, yes it's morning"
"pancakes" she says
"I'd love some pancakes" Arizona says beside me.
"then pancakes it is" I smile "but you have to get off of me so I can get up" I say to my daughter
"k" she says and crawls on top of Arizona instead. I smile, knowing my kids loved her just as much as I do. "I'll go get breakfast started"
"coffee" Arizona mumbles
"yes dear" I lean down placing a kiss on her lips and reach for Ellis "no stay here with Zona"
"she's fine" Arizona smiles "I got her"
"you sure?"
"yes, we'll be down in a bit" the two oldest had already ran out of the room singing pancakes. "ok" I smile and kiss her again and head downstairs. Zola and Sofia had turned on the tv and were now watching some ridiculous cartoon. I really don't understand cartoons today, what happened to good old bugs bunny, and daffy duck. Shaking my head I head into the kitchen, getting the coffee started first. Then open the cupboards to find the box of pancake mix. As I set to work, I hear the foot falls of my youngest run across the floor upstairs, then down the stairs. Followed by Arizona, I'm not surprised not to see Bailey yet, he loves to sleep in, but as soon as he smells food he'll be down. Arizona enters the kitchen as I'm flipping the first set of pancakes "smells good in here"
"pancakes usually do"
"I meant the coffee" she chuckles as she grabs a cup and fills it. I watch as she puts an enormous amount of sugar in hers, along with the sweet cream, then take a sip smacking her lips "mmm perfect" she then sets her cup down and goes about grabbing another one. By this time the first set of pancakes are ready to come off the griddle. Plating them and placing them in the oven to stay warm, I repeat the process until the batter is gone, Arizona had taken a seat at the table, with her coffee flavored cream and sugar and was looking at something on her phone. "hey it's supposed to be nice today, what do you say we take the kids to the" she wasn't able to finish as Bailey comes walking in rubbing his eyes. "I smell pancakes" he says, causing us to laugh. I think I fell a little more in love with Arizona when she reached out pulling the boy into her lap and cuddling him. As they had a whisper conversation that I couldn't hear. Pulling the plate out of the oven I add the last few cakes to the pile and set it on the table. "girls" I call into the other room, hearing a commotion and then seeing them in the doorway Sofia holding Ellis's hand. Arizona quickly goes about getting the kids situated as I refill our coffee. Sitting down I can't help but smile. This was it, this was what I want, I never realized I wanted a big family, coming from being an only child growing up, but as I look around the table seeing the kids happily eating and the one person I hadn't let myself want, my heart was full.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Arizona
Breakfast was a disaster, I forgot how much of a mess syrup makes. I'm now getting Ellis dressed after her bath. She wasn't quite a baby anymore, at almost 3 but compared to the others she was, and needed the most help. "mommy" I hear and look up "Sofia" I reply
"Bailey said we are going to the zoo today is that true"
"do you want to go to the zoo today" I ask, looking up into her eyes, that shined with hopefulness. "yes" she nods and smiles
"let me finish getting Ellis dressed, then Meredith and I have to get dressed, while we're doing that do you think you and Zola can be big girls and help Bailey, while watching Ellis for us?"
"yes mommy" she says, smiling I pull the shirt I had in my hands over Ellis's head and place a kiss on her cheek, Sofia is right there reaching for her hand "come on Ellie let's go get Bailey dressed" a pang in my heart Sofia would have been a great big sister, and my heart hurts that neither Callie or I could give that to her. With that thought in my head I make my way into Meredith's room to find myself some clothes, I hear the shower running, and creep into the bathroom. Seeing my girlfriend standing under the cascading waterfall my heart starts to race. Quickly shedding my clothes I step in, like the moon with the sea my body gravitates towards hers. Wrapping my arms around her placing a kiss on her neck "mmhmm" I hear her moan as she moves her head so I can have better access. Moving my mouth to her ear "Sofia and Zola are getting Bailey dressed while keeping Ellis company"
"good" she says turning around and pushing me back against the wall, as our lips meet. When the kiss comes to an end, she pulls back and looks into my eyes "I love you"
"I love you too" I smile
"I know we are moving fast here, but I" she stops, and steps away from me. Missing the contact I step forward, she looks into my eyes and says "Arizona I want this"
"me too" I reach for her but she pulls away "no" she raises her finger in front of me "I want this" she waves her hand around the shower "I want the morning snuggles with our kids, and sticky mess left from pancake breakfasts, and the patter of little feet, but most of all I want you. Will you please move in" I know this isn't a conversation we should be having in the shower of all places, but before I know it I'm nodding and say "okay"
"seriously?" she smiles
"yeah" I nod, then find myself pressed up against the wall again. I'm not sure why I hesitated last night, but we're here now and that's what really matters…. Right?
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Meredith
"I want to see the elephants" Bailey proclaims as we make our way around the zoo. The double stroller Arizona was pushing only had Ellis in it, the other seat was full of coats and mine and Arizona's purses, along with the diaper bag. The two older girls were up ahead giggling and talking, while Bailey held onto my hand. He dropped it quickly and took off to them, Sofia stopped and smiled reaching out for his hand saying something I couldn't make out. "she would have been a great big sister"
"yes she would have been" Arizona agrees "I had that thought earlier" she says as we walk in silence a bit "we tried you know, Callie and I"
"oh" I look over at her, why hadn't I heard about this before? "I was pregnant, but"
"when" I asked wanting to know more, she continues "just after we moved into the murder house" she says. The next question that came out of my mouth I tried to word differently but couldn't "and you lost it?"
"hmm" she says looking at me and nodding. We continue walking following the girls "I lost one too" I say quietly, out of the corner of my eye I see her look at me "the day of the shooting" she stops walking and grabs me. Pulling me in I hear her say "I'm so sorry honey I wish I would have known"
"no one knew except Cristina, that's why we were wondering around that day, we were looking for Derek to tell him"
"we've all been through a lot"
"yeah" I say in a sigh "but I think we're better for it"
"yeah me too" she kisses me and we start walking again. The girls and Bailey have stopped to look at an emu, so we were able to catch up pretty quick. "you know" I start to say not taking my eyes off the girls "Sofia can still be a big sister"
"oh" I see her smile "how's that?"
"well you already agreed to move in, we could go a step farther"
"Meredith I love you, but I'm not ready for that, and I don't think you are either" she says quietly "not right now at least" she adds. I feel a little pang in my heart, she must have been able to tell so she says "I promise you when the time is right, we'll know and one of us will ask the other, and the answer will be yes" she leans in kissing me. I don't know why I keep wanting to rush things with her. Look how long it took me to finally say yes to Derek. "ok" I say
"mom look" Zola says pointing to the giant bird as it ran past
"can we see the elephants now" Bailey asks, and we all agree and start walking.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Arizona
I cannot believe the conversations we are having today. Frist about me moving in, and then marriage. In all honesty I do want that with her but I know its too soon. We don't even know if we'll be able to live together yet. My mind is running 100 miles per hour. We are now back at the house, getting ready for dinner which Maggie is in the process of cooking. "hey I think after dinner I'm going to take Sofia and run to my house and grab somethings. She didn't even have a toothbrush"
"ok" Meredith says not looking at me I can tell something is up, both of us have been quiet since the marriage talk at the zoo. "you ok?" I ask quietly, she looks up at me and smiles "no, but I will be"
"anything I can help you with?" I ask moving closer to her
"no" she shakes her head "I'm just a little" she stops and I finish for her "a little hurt I won't marry you?" I see her nod. I let out a sigh and say "I'm not saying no, I'm saying not right now"
"I know but it still" she shakes her head "you know what, I'm fine" she smiles and places a kiss on my lips "and there are spare toothbrushes in the hall closet"
"I know" I smile "Zola told me" I kiss her "I love you Meredith and I am moving in"
"I love you, too" she wraps her arms around me. As Maggie calls us for dinner. Meredith and I take turns getting the kids their food, and all sit down at the table with Maggie "hey aunt Maggie" Zola says.
"yes Zola"
"what do you think about Arizona and Sofia moving in?" Maggie looks at both Meredith and I "is this true?" I swallow the bite of food I had taken and Meredith reaches for my hand and we both smile. "I'd love it, although we should probably fix up the attic better I was up there earlier and there is enough room up there for at least 2 bedrooms" Maggie being one who likes to ramble about anything starts going on but I tune her out, as we eat. I did hear her say somewhere in her ramble that she'd love to have us here. So that's good at least. I notice Sofia is almost done eating "hey little miss once we're done eating we're gonna go back to the house and"
"I don't want to" Sofia screamed Meredith and I look at each other, I've only ever heard Sofia use this tone of voice with me one other time, and that was over the phone when I told her that she had to listen to what Callie said. "Sofia" I scold
"I like it here I don't want to go back to that dumb house"
"honey you're coming back" Meredith says "your mom just wants to grab some more of your stuff, you didn't even have a toothbrush"
"but we found one" Sofia whined
"well I guess we know how she feels about you moving in" Maggie said standing up to clear the plates.
"can Zola come too" Sofia asks I could tell the water works were getting ready to start, and after my answer I knew they would. "no baby I'd like it just to be me and you"
"can't you just go" she says and there they come. Sofia is normally a well behaved kid. Always has been, which makes me know Callie and I are doing something right. So when this behavior does start I'm not sure how to deal with it. "we're only going to be gone an hour, maybe two tops"
"but it's already past 5" she whines "by the time we get back it'll be bedtime" I look at Meredith for some help, and thankfully she says "how about while your gone we'll build a blanket fort in the living room and you guys can sleep down stairs tonight"
"do we get ice cream" Sofia sniffles
"yes baby you can have some ice cream" I say
"lets go then, I'm done" she says standing up
"go we'll take care of this" Maggie says as she takes away my plate then heads for Sofia's. I lean over and give Meredith a kiss "I'll be back"
"don't be gone too long"
"I won't, I love you"
"I love you" we kiss again and I leave the room. Sofia already had her shoes on and was out the door by the time I make it to the door. Grabbing my purse and keys, I roll my eyes, this was going to be fun. In the car I try talking to her again "I know you want to move in there, and by the next time you come visit we will be"
"do I have to go back to New York"
"well" I was at a stop sign so I look back at her "honestly that's something that your momma and I have to talk about"
"hmm" she hums "ok"
"is that something you want us to talk about?"
"I don't know" she says and turns to look out the window. My house isn't far, we could have actually walked, but with the fact that I wanted to get some more clothes for both myself and Sofia, I took the car. "is Andrew home?"
"I don't know" I say pulling into the driveway Sofia gets herself out and we make our way to the door. She was disappointed to find that Andrew wasn't home, but that changed quickly when she got to her room.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Meredith
Maggie and I set to work on doing the dishes, when she asks "so, she's moving in?"
"mmhmm" I say trying to hide the blush that was creeping up my face.
"you two are really that serious huh?"
"yes" I nod
"does Amelia know?"
"no" I shake my head "we just talked about it last night" I say handing her a plate to put in the dishwasher. "well I think if she is we should think about redoing the attic like I said, there's enough for at least 2 bedrooms up there"
"that's great you and the older girls can have it then" I smile
"that was my thoughts actually" she smiles
"until you find someone you want to bring home, then your nieces will be cramping your style"
"oh please aint no one good enough for me" she laughs
"conceited much"
"just a little" she holds her fingers up about an inch apart. We work in silence for a bit me handing her dishes to put in the washer when I break the silence "I want to marry her"
"oh" Maggie said almost dropping the plate she had in her hand "that's, that's awesome" she smiles. I look at her to see if she's telling me the truth or not. One thing Maggie had gotten from Richard was the look on her face when she lies. I see her sincere face, and smile "someday Arizona Robbins will be my wife" I smile, and she laughs "as long as I get to be a brides maid"
"of course, you're my sister" and something inside of me feels sad, a flash back of saying almost the same thing to Lexie.
"I saw Callie at the hospital yesterday"
"yeah she dropped Sofia off"
"does she know about you two?"
"she" I start and clear my throat "she saw us kiss"
"oh" Maggie looks at me intrigued to know more "did she freak out?"
"actually no" I say handing her another plate, she puts it in and shuts the door. "she said she was happy for us"
"wow, Penny must be good for her"
"that's what I was thinking, but Sofia said Penny doesn't live with them anymore"
"they broke up?" I shrug my shoulders "apparently"
"think she'll move back? Bailey hasn't filled her spot yet"
"I don't know" I say
"mom" Zola calls from the living room "are you going to help us?" Maggie gives me a quizzical look "the blanket fort" I shake my head and follow Maggie into the living room.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Arizona
As promised Sofia and I were only gone for just over an hour. As I was walking into the house, of course my hands were full when my phone rings with Callie's ringtone "shit" I say dropping the bags I had in my hands on the floor, pulling out my phone "hey Callie, hold on just one second" I say then hand the phone to Sofia "it's your momma" she smiles and takes the phone and I hear the chipper "hi momma, mommy and I just went to get our stuff from her house because we're moving in with auntie Mer" I groan at hearing Sofia say that. Shaking my head I grab the bags again and head up the stairs. Seeing Meredith coming out of the bathroom with Ellis "hey babe" she says with a smile
"so Sofia just totally outed us to Callie"
"what?" she laughs
"did I just hear Sofia tell whoever she's talking to that you're moving in?" Amelia asks coming up the stairs.
"she's talking to Callie and yes" I hear both Meredith and Amelia laugh, as she goes to take Ellis from Meredith. "by the way I'm cool with whatever" she says then disappears into the bedroom to put Ellis down. "mommy" Sofia calls up the stairs "momma wants to talk to you"
"ugh" I groan
"it won't be that bad" Meredith says kissing me
"you go talk to her then"
"no thanks that's your ex" she laughs and kisses me again as Sofia calls again "mommy hurry up"
"you better go" Meredith says smacking my ass "I'll put these in the room" she bends down picking up the bags I had. Rolling my eyes I make my way down stairs, finding my daughter sitting on the bottom step chatting away "ok momma, mommy is here I love you" she says handing me the phone, taking a deep breath I put it up to my ear "hey"
"hey" she laughs "Sofia sure had a lot to say"
"yeah" I say waiting for the freak out to come "are you really moving in with Meredith?"
"um" I say trying to think of an answer that's not going to make my ex-wife flip her shit "yes" I say deciding to go with the truth "Arizona that's awesome, I didn't realize it was that serious, I'm sooooo happy for you"
"um, thanks" I say
"why I wanted to talk to you is, my convention is over tomorrow, I was wondering if you and Meredith wanted to have dinner, I should be there by 7"
"I'm sure that could be arranged, I'll talk to Mer and let you know"
"sounds good" she says I can hear the smile in her voice. "have a good night Arizona"
"you too Callie" I pull the phone away from my ear and stare at it in shock. "I'm so confused"
"mommy are you off the phone"
"ah, yeah baby what's up?"
"is it time for ice cream"
"ice cream" Bailey screams, and I can't help but laugh "come on" I say going into the kitchen.
I was in the kitchen cleaning up from the ice cream when Meredith comes in. "how was your talk with Callie?" I can't help but laugh "that woman baffles me"
"oh?" she chuckles
"she wants to have dinner tomorrow" I turn to face her, wanting to see her reaction "tomorrow?" she asks, I nod my reply "hmm"
"I told her I'd talk to you and let her know, she said she'll be in town by 7."
"well" Meredith says leaning against the counter as I put the last dish from the ice cream party into the strainer to dry. I honestly hate using the dishwasher, but with this many people in the house, it's easier for the big meals. "do you want to?"
"it wouldn't hurt, I mean she is Sofia's other mom and no matter what I will have a relationship with her" I take a step forward "plus she seemed really happy for us" I watch as she smiles, stepping closer she pulls me into her. "ok let's do it then"
"alright" I smile and kiss her, what was intended to be a quick peck turns into a full out make out session in the kitchen, until whatever movie the kids were watching has a big explosion or something, and loud music starts to play. "you think they're asleep?"
"maybe" I smile, turning to turn off the light above the sink, and follow Meredith out of the room. Quietly making our way into the living room I peak inside the fort and see all three of them are passed out. "they're out" Meredith grabs the remote and turns the tv off. Now the only sounds that can be heard are that of the sleeping trio in the fort. "bed?"
"yes" she grabs my hand and leads me up the stairs.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Meredith
Today started out the same as yesterday, I wake up to the sound of the door creaking open, and feel the bed dip, but today I hear little giggles, making it hard to pretend to be asleep. I feel Arizona move beside me knowing she's awake too, as Ellis makes her way up the bed. I'm grateful they make the smaller one do this. I don't know if my body could handle that of either Zola or Sofia, or even Bailey who is still small. "mom" I hear and open my eyes, and can't help but smile seeing my youngest child sitting on my chest "wake up"
"no sleepy" I say closing my eyes pretending to go back to sleep. When she doesn't get the response she wants from me she crawls over to Arizona, I peak an eye open and watch as Ellis puts her face right up to Arizona's and says "wake up" biting my lip to hold back the laugh, Arizona pops her eyes open "Ellis"
"morning"
"yes it's morning" Arizona says
"mom no wake"
"that's because it's early" Arizona says and pulls the little girl into her.
"can we have pancakes again?" Zola asks, I look down at the foot of the bed where Zola and Sofia are. "how about cereal today" I can see the disappointment on both girls faces, "lucky charms?" Sofia asks
"if we have some yes" I say and move so I can climb out of bed. Going around the bed "come on Elle let's let Arizona sleep some more."
"no stay here" she says cuddling into my girlfriend, I find myself a little jealous, we never get morning cuddles. Either the kids are waking us up or we have to be at work, I have a thought about asking Arizona about going away for a weekend. I know Maggie and Amelia will have no problems staying with the kids for a couple days. "she's fine" Arizona smiles. Shaking my head I smile "I'll be down in a minute" I say to the older girls and head into the bathroom. Don't get me wrong I love my kids and having Sofia here just adds to the love, but I could really use some time alone with my girlfriend. When I come out of the bathroom Arizona and Ellis are in a quiet discussion about her favorite toy. "you good here?" I ask before leaving the room.
"yeah, we'll be down in a minute" Arizona smiles and tickles Ellis, I blow her a kiss and head down to see what the older girls got themselves into. Other than the incident yesterday Sofia is an amazing kid, always polite and cleaning up any mess she makes. I find the girls sitting at the table, a box of Lucky Charms sitting between them, Zola carefully pouring the milk. I have to smile, they were growing up. As every morning I make my way to the coffee pot and get that started and go in search of Ellis's bowl and spoon. It's not long before I hear the patter of little feet slowly coming down the stairs, then running into the kitchen, and to her chair. Arizona is right behind her, lifting her up.
"are we doing anything fun today?" Zola asks between bites of the sugary cereal.
"no honey"
"awe" both girls say then start their own conversation. I see the coffee is done so I pour two cups, one loaded with sugar and cream the other black and go sit at the table. "did you get a hold of Callie?"
"I sent a text, haven't gotten a reply yet" I nod
"am I going home today?" Sofia asks
"no" Arizona shakes her head "pretty sure your momma said you'd be here until Monday"
"and today is Saturday?"
"yes baby" Arizona says
"ok" she smiles "but I don't ever want to go back there"
"why?" I ask
"because it's more fun here, and mommy needs help moving"
"we have plenty of help moving" I smile and wink at Arizona, we both know with the right amount of charm we can talk Alex into anything. Not to mention Jackson and DeLuca, I'm sure once Bailey hears she'll offer Ben's help. I let out a laugh "what?" Arizona asks looking at me
"I was just thinking about how when Bailey finds out she'll offer Ben's help in moving"
"Owen and Jackson, I'm sure Andrew will help also" she says "oh shit" she says covering her mouth at letting the word slip "I have to tell Andrew"
"what do you think he'll do?"
"I don't know, I know he can't afford much" she says I could tell she was feeling guilty now "hey what if I tell him to stay, he can just keep paying me what he does, and I can take care of the rest"
"that's up to you" I say standing going to her and placing a kiss on her head "I'm going to shower"
"why we aren't doing anything today" Zola says causing us to laugh "what?" Zola looks at us confused "it's true, so why get clean?"
"because I like to be clean" I say shaking my head and leaving the room.
Xxxxxxxxx
Arizona
I'm in the process of switching over the laundry when I hear my phone ringing with Callie's ringtone. "hello"
"Arizona"
"that's me, Arizona Robbins" I say setting down the basket I had in my hands on the table, I hear her let out a little laugh "did you get a chance to talk to Mer?"
"I did" I say
"and?" she questioned
"I sent you a text did you not get it?"
"oh, I haven't checked those, there's someone from New York I'm trying to ignore so"
"oh" I laugh "would this someone be male or female?"
"ugh, don't ask" I can tell she's rolling her eyes "anyway are we on for dinner?"
"yes" I say "where would you like us to meet you"
"is there anyway maybe we could just have food delivered at Mer's, I mean your place? It's been a long day and I don't really feel like sitting in a fancy restaurant"
"you know it doesn't have to be fancy right?" I laugh
"but still"
"I'm sure that would be fine, then you can see Sofia"
"not to mention your other kids"
"I have other kids?" I ask not thinking about what I just said "well if you and Mer are" she starts to say "you know what never mind" she laughs.
"honey have you seen my" Meredith says coming into the room seeing I'm on the phone
"that's so cute she calls you honey" Callie says through the phone
"sorry I didn't know you were on the phone" Meredith says
"it's Callie, she wants to know if we could just have dinner here tonight instead of going out"
"sure that's fine" Meredith kisses my cheek "did she want us to cook something?"
"god no" comes from the phone "just order something, like pizza, pizza sounds amazing, from that one place"
"pizza it is" Meredith says smiling, I put the phone on speaker so we can both hear without straining ourselves. "I'll be there around 7" she says I can hear an announcement in the background "I gotta go, I'll see you at 7."
"ok bye" we both say and I hit the end button.
"is this going to be weird?" Meredith asks looking at me
"I'm not sure" I shrug "I hope not" she looks around the room "I suppose we better get to cleaning then"
"yeah" I toss my phone on the table and start folding the basket of endless laundry that seems to pile up in this house. Holding up a pair of barely there panties "um" I laugh "how come I've never seen you wear these?" I ask with a wink.
"that's because they aren't mine" she laughs "you think I would be caught dead wearing something like that?"
"Maggie or Amelia?" she gives me the look that says you already know the answer, I laugh "Amelia" she nods and comes over to help me as I toss the panties in the pile I had started for Amelia. With the basket finally empty, I toss it back into the laundry room and pick up the piles that belong to Ellis and Bailey, making my way to their room to put them away. With them both being little yet, Meredith has them in the same room, but that's going to change once we get the attic done. I was up there earlier and Maggie was right, there is enough room to make some more bedrooms up there, but I had the thought that we could get three, if they were a little smaller. I'm not too thrilled about the thought of Zola and Sofia sharing a room, even though I know they will be together most of the time anyway I just feel like they should get their privacy. I have yet to speak these words to my amazing girlfriend but I'm sure she'll agree.
Before we know it there's a knock at the door "Sofia honey will you get it, it's your momma"
I call from the kitchen.
"why is she here, you said I wasn't going back to New York until Monday" Sofia says almost crying, rolling my eyes "she's here to have dinner with Meredith and I, just go let her in please" another knock, then the door opens "hello"
"sorry Callie come on in" I say walking into the room drying my hands on a towel
"I would have just walked in like I used to do but" she shrugs her shoulders
"well I told someone to get the door but" I say looking over at my daughter, who is sitting on the couch pouting "what's her problem"
"I don't know, Sof, why don't you tell momma what your problem is"
"I don't want to go back to New York" Sofia screams and continues pouting.
"oh" Callie says looking at me "yeah" I roll my eyes
"so I'm not going to get a hello hug?" Callie asked looking at Sofia
"no, because I don't want to go back to New York"
"Sofia, I'm not here to take you back" Callie says walking to the couch and I watch as she scrunches down in front of our daughter, she leans in and starts to whisper something. Shaking my head I turn and go back into the kitchen. "was that Callie?" Meredith asks when she hears me walk into the room.
"yeah she's talking to Sofia, hopefully she can get her to change her attitude"
"can you blame her for not wanting to go back?" Meredith says looking at me, we make eye contact and I shake my head "no, I don't but"
"you mean it I'm not going back?" Sofia exclaims causing Meredith and I to both drop what we were doing and head into the living room. "mommy did you hear" Sofia was jumping up and down
"Sofia let me talk to your mommy and Meredith before you tell everyone"
"but you just said"
"I know" she sighs
"can I tell Zola?" Sofia asks I look around the room, I had thought Zola was in there with her, but apparently not "sure" Callie replies and Sofia takes off up the stairs yelling for Zola.
"good thing Ellis is still awake" Meredith laughs
"you wanted a house full of kids"
"ugh" she groans and kisses me on the cheek whispering "only because she's yours"
"so" Callie says clearing her throat
"the pizza should be here any minute, would you like a drink?" Meredith asks heading into the kitchen.
"sure what you got?"
"um" she pulls open the fridge "grape juice, apple juice, oh here a capri sun" she laughs
"whatever you have is fine" Callie laughs too and sits down at the table.
"how bout a diet coke" Meredith says
"sounds great" she smiles
"ok" she says reaching for 3 cans and coming to the table where I have sat down.
"so, how was your convention" I ask
"it was good, there's a lot of new prosthetic designs out there now" Callie says
"oh" Meredith says looking at me, I shake my head not wanting to get into it "yeah, there's a doctor at Seattle press that wants me to help her since I have the patent for the sensors, you know"
"Seattle Pres huh?"
"mmhmm" Callie says taking a drink
"so does that mean you're moving back?" Meredith asks the question I couldn't voice myself to answer.
"that's actually why I wanted to sit down and talk with you guys" she says
"we're all ears" Meredith says looking at me
"well" she says sitting back in her chair, she's about to start talking when there's a knock at the door "that will be the pizza" Meredith says jumping up leaving the room and me alone with Callie "what about Penny? Will she be coming back too?"
"no" Callie shakes her head "Sofia didn't tell you?"
"tell us what?" Meredith asks setting the pizza down in the middle of the table and grabbing some plates. "Penny and I broke up"
"oh, that's what she meant by Penny doesn't live with us anymore" Meredith says thank god she's here she says the things I'm too afraid to say. "yeah" Callie laughs "I don't know what the hell I was thinking, moving to New York because of her" she looks at the two of us and says "how could I leave my village" she turns towards me "god Arizona I'm so sorry for what I put you through" I can tell by the look on her face she means it.
"so" Meredith says "are you going to be working at Seattle Pres then?"
"I have an appointment to talk to Bailey tomorrow" she shrugs "we'll see what she says"
"when" I finally say, then clear my throat "when are you planning on being back?"
"a month at the latest, which brings me to my next question"
"Sofia" I say and she nods "can she stay here with you?"
"of course Callie, Sofia is always welcomed here" Meredith says reaching for my hand "you did just tell her she doesn't have to go back"
"I did didn't I" she laughs, I see her look down and see mine and Meredith's hands "I really am happy for you two" she says with a smile, one I haven't seen from her in a very long time. At least when it comes to me.
"thank you" I smile
"that pizza smells amazing" Callie says "and I'm starved" I reach over and flip the box open "dig in" I say sitting back in my chair as I watch her and Meredith both take a slice.
"where are you going to live?"
"I guess in a hotel until I find a place, I was going to see about staying here, but" she laughs wiping sauce off her face.
"well" I lean forward "if Andrew doesn't mind you could stay at my place"
"would be better than a hotel. Especially with Sofia, she's already got her own room there"
"I'll talk to him" I say finally reaching for a piece myself "I haven't' even told him I'm moving yet"
"we did just make the decision" Meredith smiles, Sofia calls for me from the living room. "since she's still up do you mind if I talk to her outside?" Callie asked, I look at her confused.
"Callie she's your daughter you don't have to ask to talk to her"
"well I just" she shakes her head "it's getting late and you have her so" I smile "thank you, and it's fine" she nods and stands. I hear her walk into the living room "Sof, will you come talk with me outside for a minute" I couldn't hear Sofia's reaction but the door opens and closes. I look at Meredith and we both let out the breath we didn't know we were holding.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sofia
Crap momma wants to talk, I hope mommy didn't tell her about the fit I through. Momma hates it when I act like a brat. "we can sit here" she points to the swing, the same place mommy and I sat when she told me about her and auntie Mer. "ok momma" I sit down and start playing with my hands "am I in trouble?" I ask not looking at her.
"no, why would you be in trouble?" she asks I can tell she's confused
"I don't know" I shrug not wanting to get in trouble if I wasn't
"I just wanted to talk to you for a little bit, a lot has happened in the last few days and"
"I'm ok momma" I look at her
"so you're ok staying with mommy while I go back to New York and get our stuff"
"yes" I say trying to keep the excitement of not having to go back there out of my voice, but let's face it I'm 8, and I can't. "we're really moving back to Seattle?"
"yes baby"
"without Penny"
"without Penny"
"where am I going to live?" I ask expecting her to say with her where ever that is going to be
"where do you want to live?" she's really asking me "do I get to choose?"
"you're old enough now, and you did just spend the last however long with me so, yes you get to choose"
"I want to stay here with mommy and auntie Mer" I was expecting her to get upset but I see her smile "I thought so" we are quiet a while then she asks "you like your mommy dating auntie Mer?"
"I do" I smile, "mommy is happy, and auntie Mer is happy, I'm happy here, Zola's happy, Bailey is happy, so is little Ellis" I see her smile "so I know it might make you mad but I'd really like to stay here with them"
"alright baby girl" her and mommy have always called me baby girl. I don't know if I like it now that I'm growing but I smile and jump up to hug her "but that doesn't mean I don't love you, you're my momma"
"I know baby girl I love you too" momma says kissing my head "so I'm going to go back to New York on Monday, do you want to maybe spend tomorrow with me?"
"can Zola come?" I ask testing the waters a little "well I think I'd like to spend some time alone with you, I won't be back for at least a month so" my head falls in defeat "you promise I'm staying here and not going with you?" I ask looking up into her eyes.
"yes baby you're staying here"
"then I guess I can spend the day alone with you tomorrow"
"good, I have a meeting in the morning so I'll come by around noon and get you"
"ok" I say "can we go back in now, I'm cold"
"yes" she smiles at me and stands. I wait for her to open the door and run back into the living room, but I hear mommy say it's time for bed. So I change directions and head up the stairs.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Arizona
Hearing Sofia run up the stairs, I look up and see Callie taking her place at the table. "how did that go?" I ask looking at my ex-wife.
"good actually, I'll be by around noon to pick her up to spend the day with her" I got a little confused "you know since she's staying here and I'm going back to New York"
"so even if Bailey doesn't give you your job back you're still moving?" Meredith asks and once again I silently thank her for saying what I can't voice. "yes Meredith, even if I don't get my job back at Grey Sloan, the hospital I own part of, I'm still moving back to Seattle"
"I'm sure she'll give it to you, but remember it's Bailey and with the way you left, you'll have some hoops to jump through"
"oh I've already thought about that" we laugh and settle into light conversation. It was a little weird Callie and I have never been friends. We were lovers, and how I loved her, but we were never just friends this actually felt nice. "you've changed" Meredith says out of nowhere.
"oh how so?" Callie smiles
"well" Meredith sits back and her chair and looks at me "we honestly thought you'd freak out when you found out about us" Callie laughs "you know" she sits back "New York has changed me, if I would have found out you two were together before I left, I think I would have lost my shit, but now" she pauses "you two look so happy, and I don't want to come between that, instead I want to embrace that. Arizona you and I have a" she pauses again trying to find the right words "rocky relationship" we laugh, that's putting it mildly "and I'd like for us to be friends, and Meredith" she looks at Meredith "you've always had my back no matter what"
"through the trial it was rough" Meredith says looking at me, I lay my hand on her arm to let her know it's ok "it's all a moot point now anyway" I say and see Callie nod "so I asked Sofia where she wanted to live"
"she chose here didn't she" Meredith smiles, Callie nods "she did, and I think that's best" and again Meredith and I are both blown away "at least for now, she doesn't need to be shuffled from yours to mine" we nod in agreement "but I would like to see her"
"of course Callie we would never keep you from her, she's your daughter" Meredith says and I see Callie smile "I knew you'd say that"
"how about some wine?" Meredith says standing
"I should get going, I have to drive back to the hotel yet" Callie says pushing her chair back
"stay" I say, she looks at me "you can sleep on the couch and see the rest of the kids in the morning" she looks at both me and Meredith, who is smiling and setting the wine bottle with three glasses on the table "ok" she smiles and sits back down. I think that Callie and I can be friends along with co-parents. How can you just walk away from everything we have been through? 'easy she did it' brain now is not the time. I push that thought away. "so did you want me to talk to Andrew?"
"sure" she says taking a sip of her wine "it will only be until I find a place, I wasn't looking forward to living in a hotel"
"alright I'll go talk to him tomorrow while you have Sofia" I look at Meredith who nods. And the three of us settle in with our wine and easy, laughable conversation.
I hesitated on how I wanted Callie to react. In the end, I decided she would be happy for them. And of course Sofia is loving being with Zola all the time. Let me know what you think I have up through chapter 4 done. I'm not sure how long it will be. Thanks again.