Chapter 2

Callie

Driving down the road, I was finally headed home after a super long day. Letting out a groan at the use of the word super, that was Arizona's word, although I often found myself saying it or thinking it. I pull up to a red light, looking around I see Arizona's car parked outside a restaurant, one we frequent often, or we used too before life got hectic, with work and kids. A little confused, I thought she said she had a meeting with Nicole "maybe that's where they are meeting" I say to myself. Once the light is green I turn into the parking lot and park my car. "might as well say hi" I whisper to myself and get out of my car. Walking through the door, the host greets me by name "hello Dr. Torres" I smile at him and give him a polite greeting. "would you like me to take you to Dr. Robbins table?"

"I would like that very much please" I smile, and follow him through the restaurant. About half way to the table, I stop, seeing my wife, sitting at a table with a woman I didn't know, and said woman was holding her hand. Taking a deep breath, I step forward, Arizona had her back to me, taking another deep breath, I calmly say "As good as I was to you, is this the thanks I get? Are all the years we shared, so easy to forget? Does this mean that you've won, are you finally having fun? Is she your dream come true?" shaking my head "oh she sure looks good, but she" I point at the woman "won't ever be, as good as I was to you" the look on Arizona's face almost made me go into a Spanish rant, but I held it together. Everyone around us got quiet and stared, until the waiter came over "should I bring another chair?"

"No I was just leaving" I look at the woman, who resembled Lauren, and said "honey you can have her, I don't want her anymore?" looking at Arizona again "as good as I was to you is this the thanks I get? Are all the years we shared so easy to forget? Is this the way it's done? Looking out for number one? Did you think it through? Oh she sure looks good, but she won't ever be, as good as I was to you" I turn around on my heal, I could feel everyone's eyes on me as Mark's voice rang in my head "walk tall Torres, walk tall" I made my way out of the restaurant and to my car. Getting in I start it and head home. Home to where my daughters are. Pulling up outside the house, it's dark, and quiet. Getting out of my car, and letting myself into the dark and quiet house, I make my way to the kitchen and straight for the tequila, wine wouldn't do it. Sitting down at the kitchen table, not bothering with a glass, I put the bottle to my lips, and take a big gulp, as the burn hits the back of my throat, I let out a satisfying sigh. I was going to feel this in the morning, but I needed it. It wasn't long after I hear the front door open "Calliope" I hear my wife's concerned voice call. I didn't bother saying anything, just taking another drink "Calliope" she calls again, as I hear her head up the stairs "Callie" I hear from the second level. Another drink, this time longer, "Calliope" she calls again, as I hear her foot steps come down the stairs, I take another long drink from the bottle. I can feel her eyes on me, as I sit with my back towards the doorway "there you are" she says letting out a breath. Ignoring her I took another drink, yep definitely gonna feel this in the morning. "Callie" Arizona says softly, taking a deep breath I look up and am met with a sad pair of blue eyes, I could tell she'd been crying. "what" I bark out

"will" she says stepping into the room more "will you let me explain"

"explain what?" I ask calmly and shrug "it looked to me like you already had what you wanted" I see the confusion run across her face, as she tilts her head. "Calliope" taking another long drink, I sit the bottle on the table, and stand, bad idea, I have to grab hold of the table, she steps closer reaching out for my arm, I pull it away "don't touch me"

"just let me explain" I turn looking at her right in the eye "fine, Arizona, explain why I found you in a romantic restaurant, with some other woman, who was holding your hand"

"that woman was Cari"

"Cari" I scoff close my eyes tight, and hear "yes Calliope, Cari" now I see it, the blonde hair, Cari was Arizona's cousin, when they were younger she was the only relative she was close to. Now I feel like a complete idiot, as I sit back down. Arizona is talking but I can't hear a word she is saying. "do you really think I'd cheat on you?"

"you have" it comes out before I can think about it. Thanks tequila, no filter, I look at her and see the hurt on her face "you said you forgave me" I groan "I do"

"apparently you don't"

"where are the girls?" I ask looking around

"at Mer's" she spits out shaking her head and leaving the room.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Arizona

I woke up to Callie moaning in her sleep, and it wasn't a good moan either. She must be having a bad dream. Trying to decide what to do, should I wake her? I take a deep breath "Callie" I shake her, but nothing "Callie" I try again, still nothing. "Calliope" I try again this time louder. I see those brown eyes pop open "what?" she asks in a tone she hasn't used with me in a very, very long time "what Arizona" i don't know how to respond. "you" I blink "you were having a bad dream"

"yeah thanks to you" she says and rolls over away from me. What the hell did I do now? I contemplate what to do. Letting out a sigh I roll over and pull her into me, I could feel her start to shake and heard her sniffle "Callie" I whisper. I honestly wasn't sure how to deal with this, I'm usually the emotional one. "leave me alone Arizona" I barely heard her.

"why? What"

"just" she mumbles and rolls over closer to the edge of the bed. Confused, I move back to my side, looking at the clock it was 2 in the morning, but I couldn't sleep, letting out a sigh I toss the covers off me, reaching for my crutches I stand and make my way out of the room. Not bothering to look at my wife, who was obviously in some sort of turmoil after the dream she had. In the kitchen I set to work making coffee. I knew it was going to be a very long day for me. Sofia and Zola were gone, off to wherever city was hosting the boards this year. Once the coffee is done, I pour myself a cup, and sit down at the table letting out a deep sigh. I really hope Callie isn't pissed at me all day. I don't even know what I did. I groaned and put my head in my hands, trying and failing at remembering what I could have done to make my wife so pissed. It bothered me that she used that tone with me, that wasn't us, or it was us, but the old us, from before. I hear footsteps, I didn't need to look up to see who it was "Arizona" Callie's voice is soft "I" she takes a deep breath "I'm sorry" I don't know what to say so I just nod "I" she starts to say "that dream was" she sighs, I turn to look at her "whatever I did in your dream, remember it was just a dream"

"you cheated on me" she blurts out, and I flinch, as memories from the biggest mistake I ever made, a very long time ago flash in front of my eyes. I didn't say anything, I guess the look on my face said it all. "I'm sorry I reacted the way I did when you woke me"

"hmm" I hum, looking down at my cup

"Arizona"

"it's fine Callie" I mumble and hear her let out a deep sigh, I hear the sound of cups clanking together, and her pouring herself a cup of coffee. A moment later she's sitting next to me, and we sit in silence for awhile, "I love you" she says softly

"I love you too" I say back not looking at her, we've been together for what seems like our entire lives, and have been through hell and back, so many times I need two hands to count. After a few more minutes I feel her hand on mine, looking up I'm met with a pair of sad brown eyes. "you're my world Calliope, you and the girls, I wouldn't do anything to jeopardize that"

"I know" Callie's voice was soft "and I understand why you did" I close my eyes "but honestly Arizona" I open them and look right into hers "the dream felt so real"

"it wasn't" I see her nod and take a sip of her coffee "can we go back to bed?" she asks quietly, a look at the clock told me over an hour had passed since I'd gotten up, there's no way I'm going back to sleep now. "you can" I say softly, she groans knowing full well I was up for the day, and after 30 plus years together, she can't sleep if I'm not in bed next to her. She smiles taking a sip of her coffee, then stands "what would you like for breakfast" I smile, knowing it was going to be a long day but Callie and I were going to be ok. When I didn't reply, I hear her moving stuff around the cupboard and pulling out the ingredients she needs to make tortillas.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Stephanie

Rolling over in bed, I let out a groan, I tossed and turned all night, letting out a sigh I flop down on my back "I should have made Liv sleep with me" I often do that when I know Zola is going to be gone, I don't know why but I can't sleep when I'm in bed alone, when I'm on assignment Jen and I usually end up sharing a bed. I know it's weird, but she can't sleep without Clara either. Looking at the clock I see it's barely 4 in the morning. I didn't have to work today, after being gone and reaming my boss a new asshole, she gave me the next week off. Well not completely off, I still have to go through the pictures but I can do that from home. And once Zola and Sofia are back from whatever city was hosting the boards this year, I was told but forgot, we were heading off to Spain. I can't wait, a week just my wife, sister and brother in law. Sofia had decided that her and Mark would join us. Mom's and Meredith had decided that since school wasn't in session right now they would take the kids to Miami. Although I loved our family vacations there, and when I need a quick get away Sofia and I both love going there, this time I needed something different. Taking a deep breath, I smelled something, taking another deep breath, this time through my nose, I felt myself get excited. Momma was cooking, and not just cooking she was making my all-time favorite breakfast. Tossing the covers back, I jump out of bed, first stop was the bathroom, and then I made my way down the stairs. It was still dark, the only light in the house coming from the kitchen where I hear my mom's softly talking, mom starts to laugh, but that stops when I missed a step and fell the rest of the way down. Landing at the bottom with a umph, I can hear the sounds of mom's crutches, and hear her gasp when the light comes on, seeing me laying on the floor "Stephanie are you ok?"

"I'm" I go to move "nope I'm not ok" my leg, the same leg that I broke falling down the same steps just after the twins were born. Momma comes in wiping her hands on a towel, shaking her head, I hear her let out a laugh then mom scolding her. "Calliope help her"

"I will" she lets out a sigh "you really need to be more careful"

"I try" I mumble "I can't help I'm clumsy"

"maybe turn a light on"

"I was in a hurry" I can feel my face turn red "I can smell the food upstairs" I see momma smile "oh sorry, I should have known"

"yeah" I laugh as she helps me up, and into the kitchen, I sit in a chair and she looks over my leg. "well I don't think it's broken"

"remember Cristina's broken foot" mom says behind her

"Arizona, I was in a dark bar and" mom laughs, then looks me over herself "she's right it doesn't look broke, but take it easy for the rest of the day"

"yeah" I groan, momma puts some pills on the table for me with a bottle of water. I nod popping them into my mouth and downing the water. Mom had disappeared, coming back into the room a few minutes later with her leg on, and handing me the boot "I'm not wearing that" I protest

"you're leaving in two days for Spain, do you want to be limping while you're there?" momma says, shaking my head I groan, but hold out my leg for mom to put it on "fine but you do it" I hear mom let out a laugh and bends down to put it on. Momma then puts a cup of coffee down in front of me "breakfast isn't ready quite yet, so relax"

"ok thanks" I smile, she leans down and places a kiss on my head, as mom leans in kissing my cheek. "we love you baby girl"

"Sofia is your baby girl, I'm just" I start to say but mom cuts me off "you're our baby girl too"

"fine" I roll my eyes, but smile. I loved it when they acted like this with me. When we were kids, Sofia would hog all the attention, and sometimes she still does, I vowed with my kids, that Zola and I would show them equal attention. Excluding the little trip to the hospital last week, I do just that. "Oliver told me about watching his first surgery" mom says sitting down with me.

"oh yes, he went into detail" momma smiles sitting down, my guess would be the food needed more time in the oven, to my disappointment. I look up at them, and can't help but smile, momma had mom's hand in hers, caressing it softly. "why didn't Cristina want kids"

"well" momma says squeezing mom's hand "you've heard stories about Meredith's mom right?" I nod, I've heard how much of a shit mom she was, being a doctor was more important to her than anything, Meredith included. "well Cristina knew she'd be like that, and didn't want to put a kid through that"

"hmm" I hum taking a sip of my coffee, when the timer dings "foods done" momma says, I watch as she places a soft kiss on mom's cheek then stands. I wonder if they realize that they do that or if it just second nature. I'm lost in my own thoughts when a plate is sat down in front of me. I look up and see momma smiling at me "eat up"

"oh I plan too" I smile and reach for the fork.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sofia

Zola and I shared a room, thank god, I couldn't imagine sharing a room with anyone else, although we both could afford our own rooms. We'd been at the hotel for a few hours now, the flight here was rather rough, a storm over the Rockies had a lot of turbulence. "we should have just stayed at the house" Zola said as she plopped down on her bed.

"but then we wouldn't get awesome room service" I look up and smile at my best friend turned sister in law.

"oh good point" she smiles, I look over and she's got her phone out. I reach for mine, but see nothing, Mark and Jackson had that big surgery today. With me being gone for this, they opted for Jo to join them, with mine and momma's help consulting. I hit the icon for Facebook, and scroll through, I hear Zola let out a sigh and toss her phone onto the bed "are you nervous?" I look over at her and am met with a pair of scared brown eyes. "a little" I say how could I not be, this was one of the biggest tests of my life. "I'm scared shitless" she confesses.

"don't be, you're a Shepherd" I smile "if auntie Amelia can do it so can we" we share a laugh. There's a knock at the door and Zola jumps up off her bed "you know if Steph would have done that, her foot would have got caught in the sheets and she'd have fell"

"oh I know" she laughs "how the hell is she so clumsy?"

"I don't know" I smile sitting back with my back against the headboard, as Zola pulls the food cart into the room. We got a variety of food, something we have always done before a big test. I remember in med school, the week of finals, we had just about every restaurant within a 5-mile radius of our house being delivered. "Sof look" Zola says pulling the top off of one of the plates. "awesome" I smile, the smell of the food making my mouth water. I'm a little surprised by that, the past few days, when I smell food, my stomach starts to turn. Zola grabs a plate, and starts plating the food, then hands it to me. I'm about to take my first bite, when my stomach starts to roll "nope" I jump out of bed and run into the bathroom, letting everything I had ate in the last few hours come up. "are you ok?" Zola asks.

"I think so, just nerves from the test" I say coming out of the bathroom after rinsing my mouth out.

"hmm" Zola hums, shaking her head "you've never been sick before" she would know after all we've been through elementary school, high school, college and med school together. "yeah I don't know" I climb back onto my bed and reach for the plate. Everything smelled so good, and I wanted to eat. I could feel Zola watching me closely as I took a bite. I look up meeting her eyes "what?"

"nothing" she shakes her head, she reaches for the remote and turns the tv on. Luckily I was able to eat, and nothing came back up. Once we are done eating Zola stands and puts the empty plates back on the cart and pushes it into the hall. She hasn't said much since I was in the bathroom, which has me confused, normally she's all over me "what's up?" I ask

"nothing" she looks at me and smiles, then turns her attention back to the tv.

"hmm" I hum, reaching for my phone. We sit like that for the next few hours, until she gets up turning out the light. "good night Sof" she says climbing back into her bed.

"good night" I repeat and snuggle down into the bed. It was a nice bed, but I couldn't sleep, I have a feeling Zola was having the same problem. About an hour later I hear her let out a sigh, I laugh "I can't sleep" she says, still laughing I roll over and pat the side of the bed, and the next thing I know I feel the bed dip and the covers being pulled. "sorry" she mumbles

"it's ok" I say rolling over onto my back "I can't sleep alone either" on the off chance that Mark isn't home I usually make Sammi sleep with me. And she would make one, if not both of the kids sleep with her. "I hope Steph can sleep" she mumbles.

"she's got the kids, I'm sure she's fine" I mumble back

"maybe your mom will sleep with her" we both laugh, knowing the truth to that, more than once Steph has told me how she couldn't sleep and didn't want to wake the kids so she crawled in bed with my moms. Zola lets out a deep sigh "I'm pathetic"

"nah, you and Steph have been together forever"

"ten years" she sighs, I could tell she was smiling, as am I, "how was your little trip to New York" I ask, I hadn't thought about asking earlier, and I hadn't had a chance to ask my sister before leaving. "it was amazing" Zola says in a dreamy voice "thank you for setting it up"

"you don't have to thank me"

"I made reservations at an amazing restaurant, and we went for a walk through central park, it was a good anniversary"

"she wanted to do something more, but"

"I know that's why we're going to Spain"

"oh god I can't wait" I sat up in the bed "no kids, and sangria's on the beach"

"you sure you should be drinking sangria's" she asks looking at me, she had reached over and turned the light on. "what do you mean?"

"well" she sighs "the last time you were throwing up like that" she points to the bathroom, "you were"

"no, don't say it" I shake my head "there's no way I'm" still shaking my head "nope"

"Sof" she says laughing

"well first off, you need to have sex, Mark and I haven't been in the same room long enough to kiss let alone have sex in" I stop to think about it "it's been way too long" I groan

"hmm" she says looking at me, then I feel a hand on my forehead "you're a little warm"

"it's warm in here"

"yeah ok"

"stop it, I'm fine" I take a deep breath, really I felt fine, and there's no way I'm pregnant… Right? My mind wanders, shit Mark and I were together a few weeks ago in the on-call room, I caught him as he was coming out of surgery. "maybe I should get a test" I say softly, I hear Zola chuckle "I just remembered about 2 weeks ago Mark and I had sex in an on call room"

"and you forgot?" she laughs "must have been some good sex" she adds sarcastically

"shut up" I swat her, "we've been busy"

"hmm" she hums, but starts laughing again "what do you know about sex? You've only been with Steph"

"and I like it that way" she smiles "your sister is amazing, in every aspect" she's got a dreamy look on her face. I laugh "you know how when your momma says that when she looks at your mom she gets butterflies?" I nod "that's how I am with Steph, she's just" she trails off "she may not be perfect, but she's perfect for me" I smile, I love listening to how Steph and Zola talk about each other. "you know she says the same about you"

"I know" she smiles, glancing at the clock, I pat the bed "we should get some sleep, got a big test in the morning"

"and then vacation" she adds

"hmm" I hum, and get comfortable again, this time with my best friend laying next to me I fall asleep right away, with thoughts of possibly being pregnant running through my head.

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Callie

Complete and utter chaos, that's the only way to describe this. Oliver was sitting on his beanbag chair game controller in hand, Mark sitting on the couch with the second controller in his hand, the sound of the game they were playing was so loud it shook the windows. Olivia and Samantha were sitting at the kitchen table, art supplies everywhere. Someone had cut up small pieces of paper which were thrown through out the kitchen. And my wife was no where to be found, letting out a loud groan as I walked back into the living room, I see dirty plates and glasses everywhere "where's Arizona?" I ask but Mark ignores me. "damn kids" I say to myself "Arizona" I call but of course it couldn't be heard. I spot the headphones for the game console on the side table and pick them up, dropping them on Mark's lap, he looks up at me confused "either use them or turn it off"

"sorry Callie, I didn't realize"

"uncle Mark watch out" Oliver says, I look up at the tv and see a character get blown up, and chuckle to myself. "use the headphones" I point at the two of them and leave the room. Now that I could hear myself think I call out for my wife again, but still no reply. As I get closer to the bedroom I hear loud music, "can't anyone get any peace and quiet around here" I groan as I open the door. Quickly closing it behind me when I see my wife is dancing around the room in her underwear. No wonder she couldn't hear me call for her. I can't take my eyes off her, in her 70's Arizona Robbins is still the most beautiful woman I have ever met. Sure over the last few years she's put on a little weight, I even had to adjust her prosthetic a few years ago, but my wife was definitely HOT. "Calliope" I hear, and see her put her hand over her heart "you scared me"

"better me than one of the kids" she smiles "what's going on out there?"

"hmmm?" she cocks her head in confusion "never mind" I say and step closer to her. She meets me halfway, and I wrap my arms around her pulling her in closer, placing a kiss on those luscious pink lips I love so much. "I love the show, but"

"but what?"

"it's a disaster out there"

"is it?" she asks, then shrugs "that's what happens when I leave Mark in charge" she laughs

"where is Steph?"

"she had to run into the office, and Sofia and Zola aren't back yet"

"I know Meredith is picking them up" I kiss her again, this time running my tongue along her bottom lip, she opens her mouth and moans when our tongues touched. There they are the butterflies I always feel when she kisses me like this. I can't believe after all this time she still makes me feel like this. Without realizing, I moved us back to the bed. Arizona broke the kiss to lay down, as I climbed on top of her "Calliope" she whispered

"hmm" I hummed leaning down to place my lips on hers again.

"you're wearing too many clothes"

"oh" I place a quick kiss on her lips and stand back up, quickly removing my shirt, then bra, tossing them onto the floor, then quickly unbuttoned my jeans, as luck would have it as I was trying to be sly, my foot got caught and I ended up falling onto her. "way to go grace" she laughs

"shut up" I smile and maneuver myself so I could get my pants off, along with my underwear. Now completely naked, I straddled my wife. "now Dr. Robbins, I do believe you are wearing too many clothes"

"you better fix that then huh?" she smiles, and tries to buck me off, I laugh and climb off her, reaching over to slide her panties down her legs, "take the leg off too please" she adds, I nod, and reach over to do just that. Just the sight of her laying half naked had my core throbbing. I look up and am met with a pair of lust filled blue eyes, I will never get tired of seeing. Climbing up the bed I place my lips on hers, and our tongues start that familiar dance they have been doing for the past 30 plus years. I love this woman, I always have and always will.

Xxxxxxxxxx

Arizona

Callie catching me dancing in my underwear in the bedroom should embarrass me, and to be honest if it were 30 years ago it probably would have, but not now. Now it just made me want her, she's kissing me, and all I can feel is the love I have for her. Calliope Robbins is my world, yes we've been through hell and back. A break up, because I was stupid and thought I didn't want kids, then a shooter roaming the halls of the hospital. Africa, which, I honestly don't know if I'd change, because if I hadn't of gone, or she had gone with me, we wouldn't have Sofia. The car crash, when I stupidly took my eyes off the road and ran us into the back of a truck, nearly killing my wife and child. And then the fucking plane crash that changed everything. I often wonder what would have happened if I would have just let Alex go, would we still have gotten divorced? Or would we have stayed together and happy? Then of course the divorce and custody battle, which was pointless because I let Sofia go anyway. Through out all that, we managed to find our way back to one another. Then we found Stephanie, I honestly think she fixed us even more. She filled the missing piece our family was missing, then of course there was the earth quake that had Callie paralyzed for almost a year. "Arizona" I'm brought out of my thoughts when Callie says my name, and I try not to laugh, of course I'm thinking all that as my gorgeous wife is trying to make love to me. "hmm" she pulls back and looks at me "are you ok?"

"yeah I'm fine Calliope" I smile

"you looked like you were somewhere else"

"I was but I'm not anymore" I reach out for her "kiss me" she gives me a quizzical look but leans down again, placing her lips on mine, then moves to my neck, hitting that spot that she knows drives me wild. It's not long before I feel her skilled tongue on my clit "oh god" I feel her laugh, while sucking my clit into her mouth "Calliope" I call out, I feel her enter me with two fingers, and begin pumping, all the while sucking on my clit. "yes, oh god yes" we don't get much alone time anymore so it's been awhile since we've been able to do this. Most nights we fall into bed exhausted, Callie from work, and me from taking care of the kids and house all day. When I reach my peak I scream out her name, so loud my throat hurt. Like she has always done, she cleans up the mess and climbs up the bed, going in for a kiss, but I stop her and flip her down onto the bed climbing on top of her. I make quick work of kissing down her body, knowing she was ready, she is always ready after I'm done. Climbing down her body I could smell that sweet scent of my Calliope. I start kissing her stomach, down her right leg, and back up her left. Until I get to where I know she wants me most. She lets out a loud moan, as I run my tongue around her clit, I feel her hands in my hair pulling me into her. One of my most favorite places to be is between Calliope's legs, just like this. I do that thing I know she likes and hear her scream out my name, then fall back onto the mattress, breathing heavy. Crawling up her body, I place a kiss on her lips and crawl up next to her, my head on her chest. Listening to her heart beat slow down. "I love you Arizona"

"I know" I smile "I love you too"

"and I'm sorry for how I reacted"

"Calliope" I move so I can look at her "it's ok" she gives me a sad smile "I think I've proven to you that you are my one and only" she nods, I lean down kissing her again, laying my head on her chest. I'm about to doze off when there's a knock at the door. "yeah" Callie calls out, the door opens "I'm home, are we going" Sofia's question is cut off when she sees us laying on bed both naked "eww moms put some clothes on, you're going to scar me for life" she slams the door shut leaving Callie and I laughing. "never gets old"

"nope" I kiss her and stand from the bed

"where are you going?" she pouts

"shower, you coming?"

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Stephanie

I had just walked into the house when I hear Sofia scream and stomp her way through the house. "what's wrong with her?" I ask

"pretty sure she just saw your moms naked" Mark answers

"oh, you think she'd be used to that by now" I laugh and make my way to the kitchen. The house was a mess, dirty dishes everywhere in the living room, and the kitchen, I almost had a heart attack when I walked in and saw little cut up pieces of paper everywhere. Looking at the kitchen table where my daughter and my niece are sitting "hi momma" Olivia smiles "how was work"

"hi Liv" I smile "it was fine" I look down at the table "what are you two doing?"

"cutting paper" Sammi says with an attitude I know is all Sofia

"why are you cutting paper?" I ask

"because it's fun" Olivia smiles

"we're making confetti" Sammi says "to throw at auntie Zo and mommy" she adds

"um, ok, but has nana seen this?" I ask looking around the room, then back at the girls I see them both shrug and go about cutting again. Shaking my head "hey Mark" I see him standing in the doorway

"yeah?"

"have you seen this mess?"

"Sammi honey why don't we put this away and clean up" he says, Sammi looks at him and starts to pout "but daddy, we aren't done yet"

"yeah momma we have all this" Olivia holds up a stack of paper

"I think mommy and auntie Sofia will love what you have"

"will she?" Sammi asks looking at Mark who replies "yes baby, let's get this cleaned up before nana has a heart attack and aunt Cristina has to revive her" both girls giggle, as Mark starts cleaning up the table. Shaking my head I go to the closet and grab the broom, hopefully momma will keep mom busy until we get most this cleaned up. That thought is short lived, when I hear their bedroom door open, I tense waiting for the yelling. "relax Steph, it's my fault, I was supposed to be watching them, but Ollie got me sucked into a game" Mark whispers as mom makes her way into the kitchen. I tense waiting for the yelling, even today I still get scared when someone starts yelling. To both of our surprise mom goes to the coffee pot, and starts a fresh pot. Not long after momma comes in, giving her a kiss on the cheek. Mark and I look at each other, both shrug and get to work cleaning. Taking a deep breath, I let myself relax. Some of you are probably wondering why we didn't make the girls clean the mess up, well you see the last time they made a mess like this, and we made them clean it, it just became worse. Only that time instead of paper it was a mixture of play doe and mud, on the back patio. We had to borrow the neighbors pressure washer, and scrub hard. I hear the coffee pot beep that it was done, and mom finally turns around, smiles at both Mark and I, and sits at her spot at the table. I continue cleaning, but watch her out of the corner of my eye, until she says "did the girls get the confetti done?" Mark and I both stop, and look at her with confusion, she smiles. "you thought I was going to freak out over the mess?"

"yeah" Mark says clearing his throat

"I told them to do it, they were bored, and bugging me so" she takes a sip of her coffee

"you" I shake my head, I can hear momma chuckling behind me, turning to look at her, she shrugs and smiles. Shaking my head again, I finish cleaning up the floor "woah what happened in here?" the sound of my wife's voice sends chills throughout my body.

"nothing mommy" Olivia runs in and tries to block Zola from seeing it

"nothing huh?" she looks at me, I shrug

"never you mind" mom says and makes a motion for her to leave the kitchen. "what the hell is going on?" I mumble to myself, but I hear Mark chuckle, apparently, he's thinking the same.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Arizona

Theres nothing I love more than torturing my daughters. Frist Sofia, with seeing us naked, you'd think she'd be used to it by now. And Stephanie by not freaking out over the mess, in the kitchen, although the rest of the house was a different story, but I knew Mark would take care of it, or at least I hoped. Nana just needed some nana time, alone, it just so happened my wife came home and we got to spend some quality time together. I found myself outside, letting my mind wander.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

It was the week before Christmas, starting tomorrow the girls would be on winter break, and I spent the day running around like a mad woman trying to get everything done. My parents would be here the day after tomorrow, and Carlos the day after that. Mom and dad are staying with us, but Carlos is staying at the hotel. It's Stephanie's first Christmas with us, and Callie and I want to make it the best we've ever had, although that's going to be hard to beat Sofia's first Christmas. Both girls are excited, as are we. I'm off the next two weeks, with the exception of a major emergency. Which hopefully if anything comes in OB will be able to handle it. Our big plans this year, of course include the Grey Sloan family, when doesn't it right? I smile thinking about them, our big dysfunctional family. I wouldn't have it any other way. Everyone is coming to the house, I'm told it's the best place to have parties. I pull up outside the school just in time to see three excited 8-year-olds run out of the building. Zola was coming over for a sleep over, one of many. I fully expect her to be there for the entire break, but we'll see. There hasn't been a weekend yet that Zola wasn't at our house or the girls are at Mer's. I hear the back door open, looking back Sofia is climbing in, she was the smallest of the three, so they made her sit in the middle. "hi mommy" she smiles

"hi baby girl how was your day?"

"I'm glad to be done" Steph says closing the door

"oh?" I look back at her, Steph normally loved school

"yeah it was just a long day" she mutters I listen for the sound of the seat belts to click, when I hear it I put the car in gear and drive off. "will momma be home?" Sofia asks

"I'm not sure" I say making the turn down our street

"what's for supper?" Steph asks

"what do you want for supper?" I look in the mirror meeting her eyes, I see her smile. She was still a little shy when it came to asking for what she wanted, but that smile always told us that we knew. "I'll see what I can do" she nods and looks out the window. It's not long until I'm pulling into the driveway. Seeing Callie's car "yay momma's home" Sofia screams excitedly it took me a moment to recover my hearing after that. She climbs over Zola and runs into the house "well someone is excited"

"I don't know what her problem is" Steph says as she slowly opens the car door and gets out. I couldn't help but smile when I see Zola meet her and they hold each other's hands. I wonder if maybe someday they will be together. Shaking that thought away I climb out of the car, going to the trunk where I had the groceries. Callie must have been looking out the window and comes out "hey pretty lady, need some help?"

"you can carry the heavy stuff"

"like what?" she laughs

"milk and toilet paper" I smile, placing a kiss on her cheek as I pass. She laughs grabs what's left in the trunk and closes it. Inside the girls have already taken over the living room, that annoying cartoon is playing, volume up, while they sit on the floor, Sofia had her doll, and was brushing her hair, and Steph was holding her stuffed lion she had gotten at the zoo, eyes glued to the tv, I look to Steph's left and see Zola watching her. I nudge Callie "keep an eye on Zola and Steph"

"why?" she asks, I nod for her to follow me into the kitchen "never mind" she laughs "I've noticed they seem closer the last few weeks"

"hmm" I hum as I put away the groceries

"you think maybe they're" she starts to say but stops when I turn to look at her "Calliope they are 8"

"a mom can dream" she smiles and kisses me, I laugh and shut the fridge "so Steph asked what was for dinner"

"what does she want?" Callie asks as she goes about setting up the coffee pot, I give her a questioning look "Mer is coming over" I nod and smile. Meredith coming over means Ellis and Bailey will be here too, Bailey loves to torture the girls and Ellis loves to hang on Sofia which annoys her to no end. "so dinner?" Callie asks sitting down at the table.

"oh" I smile "she didn't say what she wants but she gave me that smile"

"hopefully in time she'll be able to speak up" Callie says in a sigh

"in time" I place a kiss on her lips and leave the room.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I'm broken out of my thoughts when I hear "hey mom" Steph says shyly as she comes out "I'm not bothering you am I?"

"you're never a bother" I smile at her

"what are you doing out here all alone?"

"just thinking" I sigh

"about?"

"your first Christmas with us"

"oh that was awesome" she smiles, and sits back in the chair "seems like forever ago, but yet like yesterday"

"hmm" I hum with a smile.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Callie

I saw Arizona go outside, I wondered if there wasn't something up with her, but I shrug it off, she'll come to me if there is. It's not that I didn't care, I just know my wife, she'll talk to me when she's ready. Steph comes through the kitchen and heads outside, and I can't help but smile. The girls could always get through to her. I sit down at the table, coffee cup in hand, and my mind wanders back to what feels like a lifetime ago.

xxxxxxxxxxx

Christmas morning, Stephanie's first with us. Barbara and Daniel were here, so Arizona and I took advantage of them and slept in. I'm actually awake, have been for a half hour or so, just not ready to get up. I could tell Arizona was awake too, when we fall asleep it's in each other's arms, at some point in the night we roll away from each other, but once she wakes up she's back in my arms. We are laying here enjoying each other's company, when I hear the door creak open and little whispers of "you do it" I could tell that was Steph

"no you do it" Sofia argues back, I hear Arizona let out a giggle, I open my eyes and see them standing in the door way still trying to figure out who is going to wake us up. Before I knew what was happening, both of them jumped on the bed. Arizona let's out and umph, as Sofia landed on her stomach, and Steph landed on my bladder. Of course, I have to bite back my groan. I loved it when they did stuff like this. "mom's wake up, Nana is making breakfast" Sofia says I open my eyes and see she's now sitting on Arizona's stomach. Steph just moved and crawled up next to me. "I can smell that" Arizona says.

"why don't you two go help her, while mommy and I get dressed"

"you gotta stay in your jammies though" Steph says looking at me.

"ok" I look down into those blue eyes, she doesn't ask for much, or anything, we're still working on that but when she does Arizona and I give it to her. Last night, Barbara had given us all matching pajamas, herself and Daniel included. I was against the idea at first, but when Arizona and Steph both gave me the sad puppy dog look, I agreed. She smiles and I lean down kissing her forehead "ok" Sofia says jumping up and hopping across the bed "come on Steph, let's go help nana" Steph smiles at me, then reaches her arms out wrapping them around me, as good as she could, places a kiss on my cheek and hops off the bed. Once they are gone Arizona cuddles back into me "ugh" she laughs

"hmm" I hum, and we both start to laugh, I toss the blanket off me "come on wife, our daughters want us out there" she groans again then laughs.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I'm broke out of my thoughts when I hear the front door open and Meredith call out. "kitchen" I call out. "of course you're in the kitchen, you two are always in here" she says coming through the door. I smile and shrug, she goes about finding her cup, it's the same cup she has used every time she's been here since I moved back. She joins me at the table, and we sit quietly. Steph and Arizona come through saying they were going to run to the store or something, I wasn't sure what, it really didn't matter, I knew Arizona would come home to me.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Stephanie

Mom and I had decided to run to the store and pick up some things I would need for the trip, and get some groceries. The radio is playing low, until mom reaches overturning it up a little "this song reminds me of you"

"huh?" I ask confused, she turns it up a little more, not too loud so she could still talk over it, it was an old country song from the 90's I do believe. I listen to the words "she walks to school with a lunch she packed" I'm still looking at mom confused "just listen" she says, I nod and listen.

"no body knows what she's holding back, wearing the same dress she wore yesterday, she hides the bruises with linen and lace" I can feel the tears sting my eyes "the teacher wonders but she doesn't ask, it's hard to see the pain behind the mask. Bearing the burden of a secret storm. Sometimes she wishes she was never born"

"you know" she starts to say as she pulls into a parking spot. "I really hate to say it, but I often wonder what would have happened to you if we hadn't met you" the tears that I felt prick my eyes decide now's a good time to slide down my cheek. "me too" I sniffle trying to hold them back but no luck. When she turns to look at me I can see the tears in her eyes too "thank you for loving me" I mumble, I'm surprised she actually heard it. "I love you Stephanie" she reaches over and wipes the tears off my cheek "never forget that, Callie and I, we both fell in love with you the first time we saw you"

"I remember that" I sniffle "Sofia's birthday party at the skating rink" she nods, I sniffle again, I heard the sound of her unbuckling her seat belt and feel her wrap her arms around me, I can't hold it in anymore and we both break down "I love you mommy"

"I love you too kiddo" she pulls back, reaches into the middle counsel and grabs a pack of tissues, taking one and handing the pack to me. "let's get ourselves cleaned up"

"looking like this we'll for surely end up on the people of Walmart site" I laugh and she snorts, causing us both to laugh. One thing I love about my mom's is they aren't just my mom's they are my best friends. Meredith too, and all the rest of what I have become to know as the Grey Sloan family. I hear mom turn off the car "you ready?"

"no" I laugh but unbuckle my seat belt and climb out. The damn boot getting stuck as I tried to climb out. I hated this damn thing, but moms were right, if I wanted to be able to walk on our vacation I needed to wear it. I have to rush to catch up, it always surprised me how fast she was with only one leg. I've heard stories over the years that there was a rumor going around the hospital, that mom was just pretending to have a prosthetic for the parking space. And watching her now, even in her 70's, you can't tell. She stops at the carts and looks back, I was just walking through the doors "come on gimpy, you can push the cart"

"gee thanks" I laugh and reach for one, following her into the store, as she looks at her list. She stops abruptly, and of course I wasn't paying attention and ran into her left leg. She starts to laugh "good thing it's my fake leg"

"sorry"

"hmm" she hums, then looks at me "did Zola and Sofia tell you if they passed?"

"huh?" I was confused

"the boards, did they?" she starts to ask, then I hear my phone go off, quickly followed by hers, I pull mine out as she does the same. We both smile, it was a group text from Sofia and all it said was "we both passed, time to party" I don't bother replying, and shove my phone back into my pocket, I'll congratulate my wife later. "I'm so happy for them" mom says then starts walking again. I was too, my sister and my wife, are both officially doctors, now the real fun starts.


I hope this made sense. Callie's dream is from the song Good as I was to you by Lorrie Morgan, and the song in the car is Concrete Angel by Martina McBride. Both song came on and I knew I had to work them in. This story might be a lot of flashbacks, to what we didn't get to see while the girls grew up. Thanks for reading.