Writer's Note:
"When loyalty starts to wear the mask of pretence, the heart becomes a theatre where love's tragic plays unfold."
Amidst the hum of cars and the background radio softly playing some morning tunes, Arizona drove towards the hospital. The dim rays of the dawn stretched across the horizon, gradually blending with the deep blues of the early morning. The giddiness of the previous night's date with Callie still warmed her heart.
Last night as she had neared home in the cab, a growing anxiety had filled her about confronting Carina.
The house had been unsettlingly quiet. Her eyes had immediately been drawn to the neat handwriting of Carina's note left on the kitchen counter. The note mentioned her sudden departure for a week-long writer's workshop in London. It felt almost like an intentional escape. The cold realisation that Carina had fled, avoiding confrontation, stung. Arizona had tried to dial Carina immediately, but her calls echoed in the empty chasm of voicemail.
Now, as the trees whisked by her window, the car's dashboard's glow illuminated her face. Her fingers moved briskly on the broad screen showcasing her recent dials and she immediately dialled Carina again. If she were to have a conversation then of any sort with her wife, it had to happen sooner than later. But, just like the previous attempts, the call went straight to voicemail. With a heavy sigh, she ended the call, staring at her list of recent calls.
Arizona's gaze lingered on Lexie's name next. She tapped it and waited.
"Hey! How's my favourite sister?" Lexie's voice chimed from the other end, a hint of excitement lacing her tone.
Arizona smiled, " You mean your only sister? I'm good, Lex. Was wondering when are you reaching Seattle?"
"In a day or two," Lexie's voice trailed, brimming with anticipation. "Guess what? Chief Webber offered me a position to handle the legal department at SGMW hospital. I'm over the moon!"
Arizona's smile broadened, her heart swelling with pride for her younger sister. "That's fantastic news, Lex! I can't wait to live with you again," she said, the thought of having her sister close by bringing a sense of comfort.
There was a brief pause on the line before Lexie responded hesitantly, "About that… I don't think I can live with you, Arizona."
Arizona's heart sank. "What? Why not?"
Lexie's voice wavered slightly, "It's not you, Arizona. It's just... this difference between Carina and me. I can't bear to be around her, especially after everything."
Arizona tried to mask her disappointment, her grip tightening on the steering wheel, "We'll sort it out, Lex. You and I, we're family."
Lexie sighed, "It's not just that, Zona. Living so far from the city... it's impractical. Honestly, I never understood why you chose to live so far from the hospital in the first place."
The road ahead seemed longer as the weight of the conversation pressed on Arizona's shoulders. The anticipation of Lexie's arrival was now replaced by the uncertainty around how Carina will react once she knows that Lexie is moving to Seattle.
Taking a deep breath, Arizona finally said, "We'll figure it out, Lex. One step at a time."
The call ended with soft goodbyes, but the feeling of unease persisted as Arizona continued her drive, lost in thoughts of tangled relationships and a future riddled with questions.
The rhythm of the hospital enveloped Arizona as she moved from one surgery to the next. The soft hum of the fluorescent lights above, the beeping of the heart monitors, and the muted, urgent conversations between doctors created an ambiance of orchestrated chaos. Her day has begun early with a complicated paediatric surgery alongside Alex.
The patient was a 6-year-old boy, James, with a congenital heart defect. As they scrubbed in, Alex, dressed in his light blue surgical scrubs, said, "This is a tricky one. The septal defect is larger than we expected."
Arizona, with her golden hair tucked neatly under her pink and white surgical cap, nodded in agreement, "Yes, but we've got this. We need to ensure minimal blood loss and keep a close eye on his vitals."
As the surgery progressed, they worked seamlessly together. Their hands moved with precision, guided by years of experience and a shared passion for their profession. The surgery, though complicated, was a success, and as they stitched up, a sense of accomplishment filled the OR.
"Good job Karev" Arizona chimed in as she looked proudly at her prodigy.
"Thanks Robbins! I was wondering though, can I be a part of this new research project you are starting ?" Alex asked casually
"We will see about that. Right now I want you to focus on running the ward as smoothly as possible…"
Alex nodded and they both made their way to the Peds wing.
Before Arizona could catch a breath, she was on to her next surgery with Dr. April Kepner. The case was of a toddler who'd ingested a small toy. While the situation was common, the toy's location near the child's windpipe made it critical.
In the OR, April, always meticulous in her approach, discussed the game plan. "We need to make a small incision, retrieve the toy without causing any trauma. Every second counts."
April's face showed a mix of determination and concern. Arizona, sharing the sentiment, replied, "Let's get moving people. And someone page Ortho. We need to be ready in case we need to rebuild any bone structure in the throat"
As the surgery got started, Arizona and April were joined by Dr. Jo Wilson, a second year Ortho resident that Arizona knew Callie was training. It unsettled her a bit that Callie didn't came down herself— not that the surgery was complicated or anything but still Arizona felt that Callie would want to see her?
The surgery was tense. After what felt like hours but was only a few intense minutes, April managed to extract the toy. As the child's stable vitals echoed in the background, both surgeons exchanged a sigh of relief.
As Arizona moved out of the OR, she looked around, hoping to spot Callie. The anticipation was a constant buzz in the background of her day. The brunette seemed like a mirage, always out of reach.
Recalling their date from the previous night, Arizona felt a confusing mix of elation and concern. Was Callie avoiding her? Their date, in her perspective, was nothing short of magical.
Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a pager buzz. She looked down to see a message from Chief Webber, asking her to come to his office. The dread of official summons made her stomach clench. Pushing her thoughts about Callie aside, Arizona made her way to Webber's office, bracing herself for whatever awaited her.
The atmosphere in Webber's office was a mix of authority and clinical sterility. Bookshelves lined the walls, and diplomas, certifications, and accolades were displayed prominently, an ode to the decades Webber had dedicated to the field of medicine. The plush carpet muffled the sounds of Arizona's footsteps as she entered.
She found Callie, dressed impeccably in a form-fitting navy-blue dress, conversing with Chief Webber. Callie's raven hair cascaded over her shoulders, and Arizona couldn't help but notice the light sheen on her skin, reflecting the room's muted lights. Callie's posture was straight, authoritative, yet a hint of playfulness lurked in her eyes, especially as they met Arizona's.
Arizona approached the two. "Dr. Torres," she greeted, allowing her gaze to linger just a moment too long on Callie's lips and then shifting to the exposed collar. The air conditioning in the room caught the faint perfume Callie wore, a scent Arizona was becoming all too familiar with.
Callie cleared her throat, a subtle blush tinting her cheeks, before answering, "Dr. Robbins." The weight of their shared memories charged the air.
Richard Webber, ever the observant chief, noticed the brief exchange but chose to remain professional. "Ah, Dr. Robbins," he said, adjusting his glasses, "I was just discussing the Peds and Ortho collaboration research with Dr. Torres here."
Arizona nodded, trying to shake off the initial jitters as she took a seat besides Callie. "Yes, the clubfoot research. We've already started our preliminary work, and the lab setup is progressing smoothly."
"We've also brought in some of the best Ph.D. scientists to assist us in the project. Their expertise will be invaluable." Callie chimed in, her tone both friendly and professional.
Webber leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the polished mahogany desk. The sunlight filtering through the blinds created a dance of shadows across the room. "That's commendable progress," he acknowledged. "Given the pace, I believe you both should represent our hospital at the upcoming medical conference in Chicago. It's a two-day event, and having our lead doctors on the project would make a significant impact. It will also subtly inform the donors about the strides we are making."
Arizona exchanged a glance with Callie, trying to gauge her reaction. Callie's eyebrow quirked up in mild surprise, but she nodded slowly. "I think it's a brilliant idea," Callie agreed, her voice steady, "It's a global platform. A great opportunity for networking and gaining insights."
Arizona, still reeling from the close proximity to Callie and the events of the previous night chose to stay silent.
Webber seemed pleased. "Good, I'll have Dr. Bailey coordinate the logistics. We want to ensure our presence is notable. You guys have to leave tonight."
Arizona was taken aback by the sudden announcement. "Tonight?" she repeated, her eyebrows shooting up in surprise. Her face was a canvas of emotions. Her fingers played with the hem of her white lab coat, betraying her unease. Gathering some courage, she added, "Dr. Webber, my sister, Lexie, is moving to Seattle. It's a significant change for her. I was hoping to be here when she arrives," she voiced her concerns, the protective older sister clearly evident in her tone.
Dr. Webber leaned back in his plush chair, contemplating. The ambient light gleamed off his bald head. "Dr. Robbins, I understand your concerns. But this conference is crucial for the hospital's reputation. There's money on-line that's not ours. I'll ensure that Lexie has the best accommodations and is taken care of. But I need you there," he insisted, his voice brooking no argument.
Callie, on the other hand, felt a mix of irritation and concern. While she understood Arizona's dilemma, the hesitance didn't sit well with her. "I'm fine with it," she said curtly, her voice giving away nothing of the storm of emotions inside her.
When Webber dismissed them with a final nod, Callie, in an uncharacteristic move, walked away briskly without waiting for Arizona. The heels of her shoes clicked assertively against the marble floor, echoing in the vast hallway.
"Callie!" Arizona called out, her voice laced with surprise and a hint of desperation. She hastened her steps to catch up, her own shoes making a softer sound against the floor.
But Callie, wrapped up in her thoughts, didn't acknowledge or turn around.
Arizona's heart raced. The distance between them, both physical and emotional, seemed to grow with each passing second. The looming conference, instead of being a platform for professional growth, now threatened to wedge them further apart.
The bustling corridors of Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital, moved swiftly, with staffs attending to their respective duties. Amidst the clinical white walls, the overhead fluorescent lights cast a harsh illumination. Arizona, her azure eyes flashing with a mix of frustration and longing, reached out suddenly, grabbing Callie's elbow. Without a word, she dragged the brunette into a nearby supply closet, the door clicking shut behind them.
The small space was filled with the scent of antiseptic and latex, shelves lined with neatly arranged supplies. The faint hum of the hospital's activity barely penetrated the thick walls. Arizona's blonde hair, which usually shimmered under the hospital lights, now seemed muted in the dimness of the closet.
Callie looked flustered. Her eyebrows furrowed in irritation, her brown eyes shooting daggers at the blonde in front of her. "What the hell, Arizona?" she snapped.
Arizona's hands fluttered in the air for a moment before settling on her hips. "Okay, spill. What is it?" she asked, her voice a mix of confusion and frustration.
Callie tilted her head, feigning innocence. "What what is?"
"Why are you avoiding me?" Arizona shot back, her voice strained.
Callie let out a disbelieving laugh. "Avoiding you? Really? That's what this is about?" She took a deep breath, attempting to keep her temper in check. "Maybe you should tell me why going to a medical conference with me is such a hardship for you?"
Arizona's eyes instantly widened and then darted away, seeking refuge in the shelves filled with supplies. "It's... it's not…..it's because of Lexie," she said, her voice quivering slightly.
Callie snorted, her disbelief evident. "That's bull, Arizona, and you know it."
Arizona fidgeted, her fingers playing with the hem of her coat. "Well... there's also the fact that it's such short notice. And... and my schedule is so packed, I'm not sure how I'll manage everything once I'm back."
Callie eyed her suspiciously. "There's more to it, isn't there?"
Arizona sighed, rubbing her temples. "It's just... the hospital's politics right now. There's so much going on with this new project, hiring new staff for the lab, and I don't want to leave things unresolved."
Callie crossed her arms, unconvinced. "Out with it, Arizona."
Arizona hesitated and looked at the floor. Even in such a small amount of time, Callie knows her all too well. Dejected, she then admitted, her voice barely more than a whisper, "I...I just feel… This conference….you and me….in a new city….alone…..I just feel…I won't be able to hold myself back if I'm alone with you."
The confession hung in the air, thick and daring. Callie was taken aback, her initial irritation melting into surprise. Till now, Arizona had barely ever admitted of being in this from her end.
Callie's face softened, and she searched Arizona's face for any sign of deception but found none. She knew it must have taken a lot of toll on Arizona to admit this aloud and she didn't wanted to push the blonde further.
She cleared her throat, a smirk playing on her lips. "Well, Dr. Robbins, I promise I won't take advantage of you."
The tension in the room lifted instantly. Arizona chuckled, her laughter echoing in the tight space, and Callie joined in, her deep laugh mingling beautifully with Arizona's lighter one.
Eventually, the laughter subsided, and they found themselves standing close, sharing a comfortable silence, just staring at each other.
Arizona, her deep blue eyes darting nervously, walked backwards and leaned against a nearby shelf and finally broke the shared silence. "So, now that we have cleared this bit…..do you want to tell me why you were avoiding me?" she began, her voice barely louder than a whisper. "Was our date that bad?"
Callie's brown eyes looked away, avoiding Arizona's gaze. She took a deep breath, the atmosphere around her changing subtly as she drew herself up. "God Arizona no! It was everything I had ever hoped for….. But about those rules..." She hesitated, searching for the right words. "I feel I need to have some rules too."
Arizona blinked in surprise, her heart rate spiking. "What rules?" she asked cautiously.
A playful, almost teasing smirk danced on Callie's lips as she leaned back on the closet door. Her arms folded on to her chest as she chose her words carefully, "I respect your rules, Arizona," she began, her voice taking on a softer tone. "And I'm okay with them. But I need to preserve my own sanctity too."
Anticipation hung thickly in the air, the dim light of the closet casting shadows over Callie's features, making her seem even more enigmatic. Arizona's anxiety was evident as she waited for Callie to continue.
Callie took another deep breath, her eyes locking with Arizona's. "I'll be dating other people," she spilled out fast but yet firmly.
The impact of her words was like a physical blow to Arizona, leaving her momentarily breathless. Her face contorted in a mixture of surprise and pain. "Really?" she whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Callie nodded, maintaining her resolve. "It's only fair," she said, her voice even but filled with underlying emotion.
Arizona turned around abruptly, facing the small window near the wall. She can't show her emotions to Callie. She tried to form a coherent response, but words eluded her. The idea of Callie with someone else, of sharing the intimacy they had begun to build with another, was too much to bear.
Before Arizona could articulate her feelings, the shrill beep of Callie's pager pierced the silence. Callie's face contorted in a mix of relief and regret. "I have to go," she said hurriedly, her eyes settling on the back of Arizona's head.
Arizona simply nodded, too stunned to say anything. As Callie rushed out of the closet, the weight of the moment settled heavily on Arizona's shoulders. The mix of emotions - sadness, and a sense of loss - threatened to consume her. The image of Callie laughing and sharing moments with someone else made Arizona's stomach churn, and she leaned against the shelf for support, trying to come to terms with the roller coaster of emotions she was experiencing.
In the hushed serenity of her office, the beige walls and the soft hum of the central air system doing little to calm Arizona's racing thoughts, she found herself lost amidst a storm of emotions. The pale overhead lights cast a subdued glow on her desk littered with medical journals and patient files, but her attention was squarely focused on the sleek leather suitcase before her.
She was momentarily thankful for always keeping a drawer full of clothes and accessories here in her office. Otherwise going back and forth to her home just to back a bag could have taken toll on her already charged mind.
Pulling open a drawer, she brought out neatly folded blouses, slacks, and a couple of dresses. Each piece of clothing was chosen for practicality and style, a necessary part of her long days and unpredictable nights at the hospital. As she meticulously began packing, her fingers brushed over the fabric, triggering memories of when she'd worn each item. But today, it wasn't just about the clothes. It was about the chaos raging in her heart and mind.
Deep in thought, she slipped into a beige pencil skirt and a light blue blouse. Adjusting her attire, she glanced at her reflection in the small mirror by her desk. The woman looking back was poised, confident, but her eyes betrayed a hint of the internal turmoil she was experiencing.
She sighed heavily, allowing herself a moment of reflection. It wasn't just about the secrecy of her marriage; it was the suffocating weight of not being transparent with someone she felt an intense connection to. The duality of her situation was tearing at her: her commitment to Carina and the budding feelings for Callie.
Pushing a stray blonde hair strand behind her ear, she contemplated Callie's new rule. The idea of Callie with someone else, laughing, connecting, sharing the kind of moments they'd shared, was like a punch to the gut. The mental images were almost unbearable. Yet, as she mentally tortured herself, a small voice in the back of her head berated her, reminding her of the unfairness of her own secret. She was shackled by a truth she wasn't ready to share and yet was expecting Callie to walk on the path she decides.
She was such a hypocrite!
Arizona zipped up her suitcase, her movements more forceful than necessary. The sound echoing her own emotional turbulence. Callie had been so understanding, so patient, and here she was, doubting Callie's intentions while concealing her own truth.
Taking a deep breath, she tried to muster up some courage. The internal conflict was consuming, but she reminded herself of the depth of what she and Callie shared. Even in its infancy, their relationship was intense, passionate, filled with moments of vulnerability and desire.
Taking a seat on her plush office chair, she stared blankly at the medical degrees adorning her wall. They were symbols of her dedication, her journey, her identity. Yet, today, they felt like mere pieces of paper in front of the emotional storm she was wading through.
She considered reaching out to Callie, to call her and clear the air, to share her side, but hesitated. The weight of her secret marriage and Callie's rule loomed large, casting a shadow over what could be a beautiful connection. At the crossroads of her feelings and reality, Arizona realised she would need to make some tough decisions soon, decisions that would shape the course of her relationship with Callie.
The ambience inside the plush confines of the business class section of their flight to Chicago was a mix of tranquillity and the low hum of murmurs. Soft, overhead lighting illuminated the plush seats and warm wooden panels, offering a sense of privacy. The quiet chime of the plane's announcement system occasionally broke the silence, its sound distant and muted. Despite the luxurious surroundings, the tension between Callie and Arizona was evident, each lost in their thoughts, separated by the quiet space of unspoken feelings and unease.
Arizona was seated on the aisle side of the seats, her periwinkle eyes, which usually radiated warmth, now looked distant and were clouded with uncertainty. A silver brooch, in the shape of a butterfly, was pinned near her collar, its wings sparkling whenever it caught light. Her blonde hair was pulled back in a loose ponytail, and her blue eyes shimmered with a mixture of anxiety and curiosity.
Callie, on the other hand, was adorned in a soft black blazer over a vibrant red blouse, the colour accentuating her tan skin. Her luscious wavy hair cascaded gracefully onto her shoulders. Unlike her usual self, where her attire screamed confidence, her amber eyes were full of contemplation, and her posture a bit slouched, indicative of her internal conflict.
A flight attendant passed by, her heels clicking softly on the carpeted floor, offering a menu of gourmet meals and a collection of vintage wines. The two doctors barely acknowledged her, ensnared in their private bubble of discomfort.
Arizona's fingers danced over her iPod, the glint of its screen reflecting in her eyes. She hesitated for a moment, glancing sideways at Callie, contemplating whether she should say something, to break the ice. But the weight of their last conversation hung heavily between them. With a silent sigh, she plugged in her headphones, letting the soft melodies envelop her, hoping it would drown out the noise of her racing thoughts.
Callie felt the sting of rejection as she saw Arizona retreat into her own world. Her fingers unconsciously tightened around the spine of her novel.
"So she's going to avoid me for the entire flight," she mused bitterly, her eyes rolling almost imperceptibly. She flipped the novel open, the crisp pages a stark contrast to the mess of feelings she felt inside.
The flight took off with both women lost in their own world.
After a stretched period of silence, Arizona's voice broke the bubble of concentration Callie was in. "You read?"
Lifting her gaze, Callie smirked, amusement evident in her eyes. "Most humans do," she teased. Noticing the iPod set aside and the earphones lying limp in Arizona's lap, she added casually, not yet ready to divulge the sting she had felt, "Looks like someone got bored of her playlist."
Arizona chuckled softly. "It's not about getting bored. I usually listen to music during take-offs and landings. Helps calm my nerves. I'm not a big fan of flying."
A look of realisation dawned on Callie's face. "I pegged you for the 'avoiding conversation' type," she admitted sheepishly, marking her place in the book with a bookmark and setting it aside on the small table on her side.
A mock gasp escaped Arizona's lips. "Dr. Torres, are you accusing me of being antisocial?"
Callie's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Just making an observation, Dr. Robbins."
There was a pause, a comfortable silence enveloping them as the plane soared through the skies. The distant hum of engines was the only sound accompanying their thoughts.
After a while, Callie shifted slightly, turning more towards Arizona. "You know," she began, a hint of hesitancy in her voice, "when I saw you with your earphones in, I thought...maybe you were trying to keep some distance. After what I said earlier in the afternoon….."
Arizona looked deeply into Callie's eyes, searching for the right words. "I wasn't avoiding you, Callie. And I won't," she affirmed, her voice soft yet sincere. "Sometimes, we all just need a moment to gather our thoughts."
Callie nodded, understanding evident in her eyes. "We're navigating something complex, aren't we?"
Arizona sighed, her gaze drifting past Callie towards the window, where a sea of stars painted a picturesque view. "Yes, we are. But I believe we can find our way, together."
Their conversation continued, soft and intimate, as the aircraft carved its way through the sky. The world outside seemed miles away, both literally and metaphorically, as Callie and Arizona explored the vast expanse of their evolving relationship.
"I didn't peg you for a book worm to be honest….?" Arizona inquired after a momentary silence in their laughter-filled conversation, a hint of playful curiosity in her voice.
Callie glanced up, slightly surprised. "Yeah," she replied, "I don't usually read, but whenever I have time, I do…During my stay in Botswana, we'd often camp in remote places without any internet. And books easily became my best friends there."
Arizona sipped her juice, her eyes glinting with interest. "What are you reading now?"
Callie adjusted herself to turn towards Arizona, "It's a story about a man who cheats on his wife. The lengths he goes to cover it up are mind-boggling. He almost succeeds in making the woman believe she's losing her mind."
Arizona's eyebrows raised in surprise. "Sounds intense. Fiction?"
Callie shook her head, her expression turning slightly grim. "Nope. It's based on real events. My mom represented the wife in a landmark case. The book was inspired by that."
"The Illusionist's Deception," Callie then added, holding the hardcover up for Arizona to see. The cover depicted a shadowy male figure, half hidden behind a curtain, while the silhouette of a woman stood vulnerably in the foreground, her posture slumped as if defeated.
Arizona leaned forward, intrigued. "So, I assume your mom represented the woman in this case?"
Callie nodded. "Yes. It was a high-profile case back then. The husband was a renowned illusionist, and he used his skills to manipulate situations and evidence, making it seem like his wife was delusional." She sighed, her eyes taking on a distant look, "The depth of his betrayal and deception was chilling."
Arizona took a moment to process the gravity of the story. "It's hard to believe people can go to such lengths," she said, shaking her head slightly.
Callie took a deep breath, "It's disturbing. Every time I read a chapter, I have to remind myself it's not fiction but based on real events. It's crazy how far people will go to guard their secrets."
Arizona shifted in her seat, her face displaying a myriad of emotions. "It is, really. How well do we ever truly know someone?"
The conversation took a deeper, more introspective turn. The confined space of the plane became a confessional of sorts, a place where both women felt safe enough to share their vulnerabilities.
Callie took a sip from her drink, the ice cubes clinking softly against the glass. "My mother always said that relationships are a mirror. They show us our best sides but also our worst. The real challenge is in discerning which is the true reflection."
Arizona pondered this for a moment. "So, in the case of this book," she began, pointing to the title still held in Callie's hand, "the illusionist's wife had to confront not just her husband's deception but also her own self-deception. The version of their marriage she had believed in."
Callie nodded slowly, appreciating the depth of Arizona's insight. "Exactly. It was a hard journey for her, but with my mom's help, she eventually found her voice and her truth."
The two sat in a momentary silence, the weight of the conversation pressing on them. Arizona's mind was racing. The narrative was a bit too close to home, considering her current situation. Concealing her emotions, she gently said, "Life is more complex than we give it credit for."
Callie nodded, looking back down at her book. "Indeed. But stories like these? They serve as a reminder. They challenge our perceptions and make us question the world around us."
Arizona took another sip of her juice, her mind deep in thought. Hearing Callie discuss cheating had been a sudden jolt, a reminder of the deep well of secrets she held. Arizona was trapped in a whirlwind of confusion. Was it truly cheating when one's relationship was a mere shell of what it once was? Could she really label her actions as treachery when her heart no longer felt any semblance of love or even any feelings for Carina? These questions ricocheted in her mind, causing a turmoil she hadn't anticipated.
The plane's descent was gentle, but the emotions churning inside Arizona were anything but. Thoughts of Carina, their crumbling relationship, and the feelings she was harbouring for Callie clashed inside her.
Lost in her thoughts, Arizona barely noticed the soft hum of the engines or the hushed conversations around her. She replayed Callie's words in her head, the tale of a man going to great lengths to hide his infidelity. A wave of anxiety hit her. How would Callie react when she learned about Arizona's situation? A situation that wasn't exactly cheating, but wasn't honesty either.
Arizona's train of thought was interrupted when she felt Callie's gaze on her. She looked up, meeting those warm brown eyes. But she quickly turned her attention back to the rows in front of her, her fingers trembling slightly. The descent of the plane always made her nervous.
Without a word, Callie reached out, wrapping her fingers around Arizona's. The warmth of her hand was instantly calming, providing a touchstone amidst Arizona's spiralling emotions.
"You okay?" Callie asked gently, her voice filled with concern.
Arizona took a deep breath, "Just nervous about landings," she admitted, grateful for the diversion.
The plane touched the ground, smooth despite Arizona's fears. The comfort Callie's hand provided was otherworldly, a soothing presence amid the storm of emotions. The two women exchanged a glance, understanding passing between them.
But the unresolved feelings lingered. As the aircraft came to a stop and the seatbelt light switched off, Arizona faced an internal crossroads. She would have to address these feelings, with herself and with Callie. But for now, she took solace in the warmth of the hand holding hers, drawing strength from the silent promise it conveyed.
AN 1 - So….what does this trip hold for Callie & Arizona? Is there a confrontation on cards? Or more complexity?
AN 2 - Listen guys! I have got several PMs stating that the pace of this story is slow and I totally hear you all! But, it is essential that we set the plot properly before we throw in any kind of high-voltage drama… right? And somethings are just super essential for the plot - things will unfold later on how each happening is connected to another one.
AN 3 - Thank you for all the reviews. It is always a treat to read what y'all think. Another quick update coming soon so do let me know what you think of this one…!