Sorry it's taken me so long to update, life got in the way. Let's see what you all think of this. Flashbacks are in italic, and I don't own anything.
Chapter 3
Meredith
You know, I've been on a lot of planes since the crash, but this one is the worst. Callie, Arizona and I are flying with the grand kids to Miami, we've made this trip so many times I lost count. We are on their plane, which I've never had a problem with but this time. "Mer" I look over and see Callie looking at me "you ok?" I was holding onto the arm rest so hard I can feel my hands start to go numb. "I'm fine" I say through clinched teeth. Looking past Callie, I see Arizona has also got her hand clinched on the arm rest, her eyes tightly closed. "you two are fine, you know that right?"
"you weren't on the plane" I growl through gritted teeth and shut my eyes.
"no, I wasn't and I can't imagine what you two went through or are going through, but I do know we are fine right now" I open my eyes and look at her, I see Arizona doing the same "Calliope" she says "if you were with us that day you'd know that this is exactly how it felt when" she stops talking when the plane stops shaking. "oh thank god" I say releasing my hold on the arm rest. The attendant came out of her hiding place, to check on us, as the pilot comes over the intercom. "sorry about that, there was a pretty bad storm we just flew over, I was going to go around it, but looked better to go over it instead"
"of course it did" Arizona mutters
"we're through it now, and should have a smooth flight the rest of the way" the attendant says "can I get you guys anything?"
"can I have a soda?" Oliver asks, I can see the kids weren't affected by that at all, I look over at Callie and Arizona, Arizona is still trying to catch her breath. As Callie replies to our grandson "give all three of them an orange soda, and some snacks" the lady nods and disappears. "Mer" Callie's voice is heard, I look over at her "do you want something to drink?" I shake my head, there's no way I can eat or drink right now, my nerves are shot. "ok" she says softly then turns to Arizona. As I continue to catch my breath. Feeling a presence next to me I look over and see Oliver sitting in the seat "you know gramma, plane rides aren't that scary"
"I know bud" I reply
"I know you and nana had a really bad one, but Gram always makes sure this plane is in good shape" he keeps going. The lady is back, and handing him his drink and a snack, he looks up at her and smiles "thank you"
"you're very welcome"
"I'm going to be a doctor" he says as he rips open the bag of cookies and sits back in his seat, I can't help but smile as he starts talking about the surgery Cristina let him watch "how come auntie Cristina didn't come with?" he asks looking at me.
"that's a good question" I say looking over at Callie who smiles "she was busy with work"
"why aren't you working?" he's now looking at me
"I didn't have to" I give him a small smile, truth be told I'd rather be working, but I was in a pretty bad car accident a few years back causing me to have problems with my back, and now I have trouble standing over an OR table for more than a few hours. I feel Callie reach over touching my arm, when I look at her she's giving me a sad smile. I miss it, but I'm ok with what I'm doing, for the most part. I had an amazing career, winning not one but two Catherine Fox awards. And knowing my two daughters were following in my footsteps keeps me going.
"gramma is your back hurting?" Olivia's small head pokes over the seat
"no I'm good" I smile back at her
"good, I can't wait to go swimming in the ocean" she hops up and down on the seat smiling, then turns around talking to Sammi. These kids, I really don't know what I'd do without them. Oliver and his dark complexion, and blue eyes, and Olivia with her blonde hair and dark eyes. The crazy thing is they both have resemblance to Zola, almost makes me wonder if one of Zola's biological family members didn't donate sperm. I turn my attention back to Oliver, who is rambling about something I wasn't really sure what, but it makes me smile. If only Derek could be here, and Mark too.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Arizona
The flight was hell, that's the only way I could put it. And I had to bite my tongue when Meredith told Callie she wasn't on the plane. She will never know what it felt like when all hell broke loose. Meredith and I both breathed a sigh of relief as the plane landed. As per usual there was a car waiting for us just outside the plane. Over the years we had decided to start using some of the billions Carlos had left us. Truth be told we could afford a bigger and more elaborate house, but Callie and I like the closeness of what we have. If either of the girls decide to have more kids down the line, we'll have to come up with something, but for now it works. And Sammi and Liv are happy to be sharing a room, that might change as they get to be teenagers, but we'll figure that out when the time comes. The car is pulling up in the drive to the house we have in Miami. The 3 bedrooms, 2 bath that sits right on the beach and is handicap accessible. The kids jump out and run to the door, Olivia was talking about the beach, and was excited to get her suit on. Taking a deep breath, I follow leaving Callie and the driver with the bags. Unlocking the door, the kids run in and to their room. Setting my purse and keys down on the table just inside the door my eyes land on a picture of Callie, the girls and I, along with my parents and Carlos. I feel a tear sting my eyes at seeing it, the picture was from our second wedding. The one at the court house, where we legally got married. My parents, although both still alive, aren't doing so well, but being in their 90's I'm lucky to still have them. I don't see them much, since they still live in Missouri, but I still talk to my mom if not every day then every other. "a little help here" Callie says dropping my bag at my feet as she moves passed me. Shaking my head I reach down picking it up and following her down the hall. The kids were already changed and ready to go to the beach. I internally groan, that was the last thing I wanted to do right now.
"I'll take them" Meredith says coming up behind me, and going into the other bedroom.
"thanks" I manage to say before she shuts the door. Meredith never did find anyone after Derek died, she was seeing this guy from Minnesota for a while but that ended when he wanted her to move there. I make my way into our bedroom, Callie was sitting on the bed with her phone in her hand, she looked up when I came in and gave me a small smile. "Sofia says they're stuck in New York due to a storm"
"hmm" I hum, and I drop my bag in the chair we had in the corner of the room. Reaching into my pocket I pull out my phone and see the same text, I can't help but laugh. "serves them right"
"Arizona" Callie tries scolding me but it comes out in a laugh, as I join her on the bed. "Mer is taking the kids to swim"
"oh thank god" Callie sighs "as much as I love the water, I need some time to relax"
"hmm" laying my head on her shoulder, I feel her wrap her arm around me "was the flight really that bad?" lifting my head I look into her eyes, not really sure what to say "I know you think I over react when it comes to that, and I'll be the first to admit sometimes I do, but Meredith"
"I know" she lets out a sigh shaking her head "I know I wasn't on the plane, so I have no idea what you two went through and I'm sorry, I just" she shakes her head and stands "I just want to understand"
"Callie, I don't think it's something you will ever understand. The feeling of" I close my eyes "the feeling, it's" I don't even know if I can go on "the feeling of falling out of the sky, and waking up on the ground not knowing what happened" Meredith's voice was heard "the sound of the metal scraping as it hit the trees, it's a sound I know I'll never forget" I look at her and nod "and the sound of you screaming, I still have nightmares about that, and I know Cristina does too" the three of us are quiet just staring at each other until Sammi comes running in "are we going swimming or not?" I have to bite my tongue to not laugh, she was standing there with her hands on her hips just like Sofia did when we were supposed to do something but were, in her words, taking our sweet time getting ready. "we're going" Meredith says, shaking her head. "we'll be right out" Callie says Meredith nods and follows Sammi out. I turn to look at Callie, who smiles "shall we join them?"
"as much as I'd love to just sit on the couch and relax" I begin to say "the beach sounds amazing" I smile, seeing her nod, as she turns to start changing.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Callie
By the time Arizona and I had gotten out to the water the kids were already splashing around and having fun. Meredith had brought our chairs, from the shed, I can't help but smile when I see they are the same chairs from when we went on our road trip to take Sofia and Zola to college. They were starting to get a little worn, but still useable. Sitting down, I reach for the bag and pull out the sunscreen, turning to my wife "sit"
"Calliope" she tries to protest, she's done this since I can remember
"Arizona you know how bad you burn" Meredith says shaking her head, I raise an eyebrow, although she couldn't see it under my sunglasses, but she knew what I was doing. She lets out a huff "fine" causing Meredith and I both to laugh. "some things never change" Meredith laughs shaking her head. Arizona raises her hand and flicks Meredith off, and the three of us break out in giggles. Once I have put the sunscreen on my wife, I sit back and watch the kids as they play in the surf. Sammi and Olivia were sitting in the water talking as Oliver tries to jump over each wave as they come in. "remember that time Bailey got stung by that jelly fish?"
"you mean the time you hijacked our family vacation?" I look over at her and we both laugh
"yeah" she nods "in my defense, I really did have a consult" she smiles
"I miss when the kids were little" Arizona sighs
"at least we have these three now" Meredith says nodding towards the water, a wave had knocked Oliver over, we can hear his little giggles. "they're growing up so fast" she adds in a sigh
"they are" Arizona agrees. I smile as my thoughts drift back…
Xxxxx
"Sofia come on" Arizona's voice rings out through the hotel room
"coming mommy" Sofia came running out of the bathroom, Steph was already in her suit and standing at the door by me, impatiently "are you excited to go to the beach?" I asked
"yes" she looks up at me big blue eyes shining with excitement. This was our first trip as a family, and Stephanie's first trip ever. She was a little nervous on the plane, but Arizona sat next to her holding her hand. My wife wouldn't admit it, but I'm sure it was more for her own mental state than our daughter's. "ok I'm ready" Sofia says
"ok everyone got everything?" Arizona asks, the two girls nod, yes and I pull open the door. The hotel we are staying at is on the beach, so we didn't have to go too far. Sofia found a spot, and set down her bag, pulling out her beach towel, I watched as Stephanie mirrored her actions, after pulling out her sunglasses she sat down on her towel. Shaking my head I reach into my own bag and pulled out a blanket for Arizona and I, and sat down "alright come here"
"Calliope" she protested
"mommy you know how bad you burn" Sofia says "and I really don't want to hear you whine about how bad it hurts" I hear Arizona mumble something but sits down between my legs as I begin to rub the lotion into her skin. "ok all done" I place a kiss on her shoulder then look at Steph "your turn"
"do I have to?" she asks, I have to bite my tongue, she hadn't even been with us a year yet, and was already taking after my wife "yes" I hear her groan as she stands and come to sit in front of me. "why don't you or Sof need any?"
"me and Sof are darker skinned, therefore won't burn as much, but don't worry we both have to put some on too"
"no momma I want a tan" Sofia protests
"Sofia, you're naturally tan" Arizona says
"I want more of a tan" she pouts crossing her arms, shaking my head, I let out a sigh "fine, for now, but before you go into the water you're putting some on"
"ok" she smiles, and I feel a pain in my heart, that was the same smile Mark used to give whenever he got his way. Damn I miss that man. Once everyone has sunscreen the four of us sit back and enjoy the sunshine. When we left Seattle, it was raining and cold, and it felt amazing to have the sun on my skin. Looking over at Arizona, who was using the bag as a back rest, she had her nose in a book that she had brought with. As much as Arizona loved the beach, with her prosthetic she couldn't go in the water. I was working on a prototype that was water proof but hadn't gotten very far with it yet. And of course I hadn't told my wife about it. Sometimes I feel like the subject of her leg is off limits, so I don't talk about it unless she brings it up. "can we go swim now?" Sofia's voice is heard.
"sunscreen first" I say turning my attention to my daughter, she lets out a groan and stands walking over to me, waiting until she is standing over me before she brushes the sand off her butt. "Sofia" I scold as the sand falls on me. Her little giggle causing Arizona to look up from her book and laugh. I let out a sigh and reach for the sunscreen, and apply it to the bare skin. "stay where we can see you" I say
"ok momma" Sofia smiles "come on Steph" she says reaching out her hand. I smile as I watch the two head to the water hand in hand. I could tell Stephanie was a little nervous at first but Sofia was patient with her, and after a few minutes all that could be heard was the two girls giggling.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
I'm brought out of my thoughts by Oliver asking if he could have a drink, before I could react Arizona had already gotten him one, from the little cooler we brought with. "how about some ice cream" he asks, smiling.
"are you done swimming?" Arizona asks, he looks at the water, then at his sister and cousin "I am but I don't think they are" his face turns into a frown.
"hey girls" Meredith calls, at the sound of her gramma's voice Olivia turns her head "you want some ice cream?" she asks. I have to bite my cheek to not laugh when both girls jump up singing ice cream. Meredith turns her attention to Oliver "there you go" he smiles "thanks gramma"
"no problem buddy"
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Arizona
I know there are three of us, with three kids, you'd think as the grandparents we'd know how to handle them. But nope, I don't know rather to laugh or cry at this point. After Oliver said he wanted ice cream and Meredith got the girls to agree, we all headed into the house to change and head out. Deciding to grab some dinner while we were out as well, the kids decided they wanted pizza so we ended up at chuck e cheese, or some new version of it. I personally never liked the pizza there, but the kids always did. We had ordered, and were sitting down, when Sammi jumped out of her seat and proclaimed she wanted to play a game. Without waiting for an adult to reply she rushed off to the game she wanted to play, Olivia quickly on her heels. It was like that, whatever Sammi did Olivia wasn't far behind. It was like having Sofia and Stephanie all over again. It just got out of hand from there, Meredith got up and followed the girls while Oliver sat quietly in his seat sipping his drink, waiting for the pizza "do we still get ice cream?" he looked up, his big eyes shining.
"after this we will" Callie says, he seems to like that answer, but when loud music starts playing from a game, he jumps up not saying anything and runs off. I look at Callie "are you laughing?"
"no" she shakes her head but I can see she is "just for that you can go after him"
"Arizona" she tries to protest, but I give her the look I have mastered after all these years, she let's out a sigh "fine" and stands, but doesn't leave without kissing me. I've trained her well, I sit back in my seat and smile. The waitress brought the pizza with only me sitting at the table, looking over at the gaming area I couldn't see any of my grand children or my wife and friend. Not really wanting it to get too cold before I reach for my phone, calling Callie, but when I hear her phone vibrate across the table I let out a sigh, quickly ending the call and calling Meredith, getting the same result. Sitting back in my seat letting out a sigh, I look again but see no one. "hopefully someone will look over and see the food as arrived" I say to myself, I thought it was quietly but apparently not when I hear "I can page your party for you" from behind me "my wife would love that" I smile at the teenager
"what's the name" she asks
"Calliope" I smile, the teenager nods and head to the counter and a moment later I hear "Calliope, please return to your table, your pizza is ready, and your wife doesn't look too pleased" I chance a look at the counter and the teenager with the microphone in her hand looks up and winks at me. I don't know rather to laugh or cry. Callie wasn't going to like that. And sure enough a few moments later Oliver appears climbing into his seat. "where's Gram?"
"finishing the game she was playing. She told me to come eat" he says crossing his arms, the look on his face was pure Stephanie, and I had to bite my lip to not laugh. Soon enough the girls were back, with Meredith in tow, talking a mile a minute about all the points they racked up. Once the girls are seated I plate a piece each for them, as Meredith sits and reaches for her own slice. In mid chew Meredith looks at me "where's Callie?" letting out a sigh I shrug my shoulders and take a slice of my own. As Oliver explains to Meredith where Callie is. It wasn't until the kids were done eating and ready to play more that Callie returned to the table. "these damn games are addicting" she sits down, seeing that the pizza was almost gone "thanks for leaving me some"
"maybe if you'd come when you're called"
"don't" she holds up her hand
"just saying" I shrug, the kids were getting restless wanting to go play some more games. Meredith stands and follows them back to the gaming area leaving me alone with my wife. I watch as she plates the last 2 pieces and starts to eat. "what game did you get sucked into"
"there's a Mario Kart game, you sit, and drive" she says around bites of pizza "and you're right this pizza sucks"
"hmmm" I hum, taking a sip of my drink. Oliver comes running back with a bunch of candy tossing it on the table, he starts eating it "oh no you don't"
"what?" he looks up at me, as he pops a piece in his mouth. Rolling my eyes, an 8-year-old, on a sugar high I really don't want to deal with that.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sofia
We got stuck in New York for an extra day due to the weather, we have just now landed and got to the hotel. Steph booked us a suite, with separate bedrooms, and a shared common room. Mark and I both plop down on the bed. "oh thank god" he sighs
"we're surgeons you'd think we'd be used to going this long without proper sleep"
"being in an OR, or even being in the pit, for 12 hours is different than what we just went through" he laughs
"good point" I roll over laying my head on his chest, as he runs his hands through my hair. I'm about to doze off when there's a knock at the door. "Sof"
"what" I ask annoyed
"you guys wanna grab some dinner with us?" I sit up and look at Mark who just smiles that smile that tells me it's my decision "when"
"soon we're starving" as if on cue, both mine and Mark's stomach start to growl, he laughs "we'll be out in a minute Steph" he says, "even though all I want to do is sleep"
"we're on vacation" I say getting off the bed
"exactly" he smiles and stands, reaching for me he pulls me close to him "I love you"
"I love you too" I smile and place a kiss on his lips, he tries to deepen it, but I pull back "later" he lets out a groan of annoyance but laughs. As I pull open the door, I see Zola and Steph are ready to go, both look just as sleep deprived as Mark and I "we'll make it a quick meal" Zola says. I nod my acceptance and follow them out of the room.
Xxxxxxxxx
Stephanie
Made true to our word about making it a quick meal, we ate at the restaurant inside the hotel. The view was nothing but spectacular. I wished I had my camera, but I left it up in the room, being a photographer, I'm always in awe at a sunset. And the way the light was coming off the water, I couldn't take my eyes off it. I hear Sofia let out a giggle and turn to look at her, she's holding out her phone to Zola, who is now giggling too. "what?" I ask confused, Zola takes Sofia's phone and hands it to me. When I look at the screen it's a picture of me, totally lost in the view I was just admiring. Even though it was a candid shot, Sofia got everything framed perfectly. I click around the screen "what are you doing" Sofia tries to grab her phone from my hand, but years of practice makes me quicker than her "don't delete it, I wanna send it to mom's"
"I'm not deleting it, I'm sending it to myself" I roll my eyes as I hear my phone ping telling me I have a new message. "here" I hand her phone back to her "big baby" I mutter under my breath
"what?" Sofia's tone isn't playful at all "it's my phone and you just took it"
"oh here it comes" I mutter, thinking I said it quietly but apparently not quiet enough
"you know" Sofia starts to say, but Zola cuts her off "Sof, you're both sleep deprived, it was a long trip, just let it go" I hear Sofia huff and sit back in her chair. Causing me to let out a laugh, when I get the Torres glare from my sister, I stick out my tongue at her, just like I'd do when we were little.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"but I wanted the purple one"
"you got the pink one, Steph gets the purple one"
"but mommy I wanted the purple one" Sofia whines
"Arizona just give her the purple one" I hear momma say behind her, I honestly don't know what the big deal is, it's not like the cupcake will taste any different which color we get. At least from what I've noticed so far. I'd only been with my new mom's for about a month, and so far I've seen so many different sides to my friend, I guess I should call her my sister now. Or from what we were told, she will soon be my sister. When I look up I see Sofia sitting in the chair with her arms crossed "here take the purple one" I reach for my plate and hand it to Sofia. She goes to reach for it but mommy takes it from me "no she can have the pink one"
"I really don't mind, it all taste the same anyway" I shrug as I put the plate back on the table
"I just wanted the purple one" Sofia pouts
"in about two seconds you can go to your room and not get either of them" mommy says giving Sofia a look, I learned quickly that meant she meant business. I've tried to be good, I help with the chores around the house even though they both tell me I don't need to, but I feel like I have to. I mean, I feel like I owe these ladies everything, for getting me out of that house with that awful family. I look up at Sofia again, her arms are crossed and I can tell she's about to start crying. I've noticed when she doesn't get what she wants she does this. "really, Sof, take it" I say quietly.
"mommy said no" she says through gritted teeth
"Steph, you want some milk" momma asks, I can hear the fridge open
"yes please"
"I want chocolate milk" Sofia says,
"you don't even like chocolate milk" I mutter
"uh huh I do too like chocolate milk"
"there's only a little bit left, who wants it" momma says standing next to me, I just shrug knowing Sofia will get it. "I do" she pipes up, and I hear her let out a noise I've never heard before when momma pours it in my glass. I start to smile, normally momma gave in and Sofia got whatever. You'd think mommy would be the push over, but nope. I smile, as I reach for the glass "thank you" I always make sure to say please and thank you. "you're welcome" momma smiles at me and turns around. Sofia is still sitting there pouting, as I take a sip of my chocolate milk "mmm good" I smack my lips
"not funny" she mutters, I look up at her and smile, I could tell I had a milk mustache but I don't care, I take another sip, and set the glass on the table, and stick my tongue out at her. "you're such a brat you always get what you want" Sofia says, I think she was hoping it was quiet but moms heard her and the next thing we know Sofia is getting hauled off to her room, as mommy is yelling at her the whole way. I probably shouldn't have provoked her like that, but she was the one being a brat, not me. I even offered her the stupid cupcake that she wanted. "and now she doesn't get anything" momma says sitting down at the table. I look up at her and am met with a pair of brown eyes, this lady was my momma now, and I know she and mommy will do anything to make sure Sofia and I both are taking care of. She smiles "eat up" I nod and finally take a bite of my cupcake.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
I'm brought out of my thoughts when Zola comes out of the bathroom, drying her hair with a towel "you want to shower?" she asks looking at me, shaking my head "no, if I wanted one I would have joined you"
"fair enough" she smiles then tosses the towel she had in her hand on the chair, climbing onto the bed. "long day" I say, as she lays her head on my chest
"hmmm, but tomorrow will be worth it" she says as she moves to kiss me "I love you, Stephanie"
"I love you" I smile, kissing her again as she lays her head on my chest. To be honest, I knew when I was 8 that I was in love with Zola, there's just something about her that had me instantly attracted to her. Maybe it's the fact that we're both adopted, I don't know what it is, but I vow to love and cherish this woman, for as long as I live, along with our kids. Hearing a phone ping she reaches over grabbing it, I watch as she smiles "my mom sent me a picture" she holds it out so I can see it. And all I can do is laugh when I see the picture of Oliver shoving what looks like 2 or 3 pieces of candy in his mouth and my mom sitting there obviously annoyed with him. "glad it's them and not us" Zola laughs, her phone goes off again, this time it's a video. All three kids are running around the house either singing or screaming. And my mom is in the background yelling for them to calm down. The screen then turns around to Meredith "hope you guys are having as much fun as we are" she smiles then the video shuts off. "you think we should call?" I ask laughing.
"I don't know if they'd be able to hear us" Zola shakes her head "but I do miss my babies" she looks at me. "I miss them too" she smiles and pushes the video call button on her phone. It doesn't take long before Meredith's face appears "hi girls"
"Oliver don't put that in there" momma's voice is heard in the background
"do I wanna know what he's sticking in what?" Zola laughs
"I'm not sure I want to know" Meredith shakes her head "you want to try and talk to them? Maybe it'll calm them down"
"I'm sure they'll crash soon enough" I laugh knowing the truth of it. A sugar high only last a few hours at most, then they usually pass out where ever they are at. "but yes I want to talk to them"
"Ollie, Liv, your moms are on the phone" Meredith calls out and all the sudden three little faces appear in front of the camera. "where's my mom and dad" Sammi asks
"in their room" I shake my head
"oh, I'll have Nana call them" Sammi rushes off
"good to see you too Sammi, auntie's love you" I laugh then look into the screen to see my angels "are you two being good for your grandmas?" they both nod
"you'd had a little too much sugar today huh?"
"we went to the pizza game place, where I got bunches of candy, then we got ice cream" Oliver states
"all after going to the beach, I love the beach, mommies can we move to the beach?" Olivia asks while talking so fast I had trouble keeping up.
"I don't know about that but now that mommy's residency is over, maybe we can visit more often"
"we do have our own plane you know" Olivia says matter-of-factly
"this I'm aware of" I smile
"living at the beach does sound like a good idea" Zola says looking at me "we kind of are now" Zola stands and takes the phone to the window "you can't see it right now cuz it's dark, but the beach is right there"
"the beach is the back yard here" Oliver points out, and I have to laugh "he's right"
"hmmm" Zola hums, I'm now standing next to Zola "we just wanted to say good night and we love you"
"good night moms, love you" Oliver says then blows a kiss into the phone
"good night moms love you too" Olivia says copying her brothers actions with the kiss. I hope they never grow out of that. "don't hang up I need to chat a moment" Meredith says in the background when she heard the kids saying good night. "why don't you two go find Gram and see if she'll read you a story, make sure she does those voices" Meredith says to the kids, causing Zola and I to smile "I miss your momma doing those voices"
"me too, I never get to hear it anymore"
"ok sorry" Meredith says out of breath "how's the trip so far?"
"so far?" Zola asks then looks at me "so far it's been a bitch, we got stuck in New York"
"I heard" there was some noise coming from the phone, then the picture got darker "hold on let me find the light"
"where are" I start to ask but once the light comes on I know instantly where she is. I love the back patio at the house in Miami, the beach wasn't far, and you can hear the sound of the waves crashing onto the sand.
"oh" Zola says "Sofia will probably tell Callie, but we ran into Penny at the airport in New York"
"oh" Meredith says looking around, that's when my mom comes into view "how did she look?"
"I don't know, I've never seen her before" I laugh
"Sof said she looked old, she actually recognized her"
"hmm" I could see mom's face change
"Arizona calm down, you'll give yourself a heart attack, besides that was a lifetime ago"
"perfect Penny killed Derek" mom says
"actually" Meredith looks at her "the doctor who wouldn't get a CT scan is the one who killed Derek, not Penny"
"that's what you're going with now?"
"what did we do" I ask looking at Zola, who laughs and says "hey we're going to go, we'll call tomorrow"
"ok girls love you" Meredith says
"love you too" Zola says and hits the end button before my mom could say anything. "they'll be fighting over that for a bit" we laugh, Zola tosses her phone on the nightstand and settles down into the bed, holding out her arm for me to lay my head on her chest. As I do, I can hear her heartbeat, lulling me into sleep. Tomorrow would be amazing, no kids, just me, my wife, my sister and brother-in-law. I can't wait.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Arizona
"how can you just forget what happened?" I'm still going off about Penny
"how can you not?" Meredith asks looking at me "Arizona that was so many years ago, you got Callie back, and you've lived a happy life"
"but she wouldn't have left if it wasn't for her"
"you two were divorced long before Penny came into the picture, just let it go already"
"let what go" Callie asks hearing the end of the rant Meredith had just been on, Meredith looks at her, lets out a sigh "Zola just told us they ran into Penny at the airport in New York"
"oh" Callie says sitting down in the chair next to me reaching for my hand like she has done so many times in the past I have lost count, it just seems like second nature to both of us. Callie looks at me "and you have a problem?" I didn't say anything, I didn't feel like I had to, Callie always saw right through me anyway. I pull my hand away quickly "oh my god Arizona, really" she laughs, I'm not sure if she's amused or pissed "baby" she says softly "I chose you, it's always been you"
"but she took you away"
"I came back"
"yes" I turn my head to look at her "but you left"
"so did you" she shakes her head "you left and went to Africa"
"oh here we go" Meredith says, glancing over at her she's made herself more comfortable in the chair. Now normally I'd tell her to leave, but she's seen this fight so many times over the years that it's like a well-rehearsed play for her. "tell me something Calliope" I can see I have her full attention "if I wouldn't have gone to Africa, or you would have come with me, do you think we would have had Sofia?" she lets out a deep sigh and sits back. Round 1, Arizona. I knew that would get her. "besides Africa, Mark, Sofia, that's not to point here, the point is Penny, and New York"
"we weren't even together when" I can tell she's getting irritated now
"you weren't on the plane Callie" Meredith says, and now everyone is quiet "I understand you lost a lot in that, you lost Mark, we all lost Mark and lexi, but you acted" she paused clearing her throat "you act like you were, but you have no idea how it felt" Meredith shakes her head but continues "you have no idea how it felt knowing Derek was missing, or hearing Arizona scream, or watching Lexi die under that plane wing, or how many times Mark tried to die out there" she went on but I stopped listening. Callie never listened to me about the crash, but she listens to Meredith. I watch as Callie's face changed from irritated to sad. She took a deep breath and turned towards me "it's you I want next to me when Sofia scores the winning goal at the women's world cup"
"what?" I bark out in laughter
"something Bailey said to me, I always pictured you"
"hmm" I smile and she leans into me "it's always been you"
"I love you and you love me and none of the rest of it matters"
"exactly" she smiles and our lips meet, she swipes her tongue along my bottom lip, as I open my mouth and our tongues start the all too familiar dance. "this I do not want to see" Meredith says jumping out of her chair so fast she knocked it over, then winces in pain from how fast she moved. I could hear her cursing as she made her way into the house. Callie and I both pull back giggling, she stands, reaches out her hand "come on wife, lets take this to the bedroom" I smile and let her pull me up.
I really have no idea where I'm going with this, any ideas would be helpful. Thanks for reading.