AN : / Hello! I know this chapter is coming a little late, but I have a crazy personnal and professional schedul until the end of May... So please be patient ^^
Jax helped me once again. I hope You'll like the turn of event. What do you think is coming next? Thanks for all the people who review!
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« Don't... » Callie said as she kept staring at her ex-wife who didn't even react but kept crying. « Don't... » the brunette repeated as she got closer to Arizona and leaned in one more time, kissing her chastely.
But the reaction she received wasn't what she was expecting when Arizona pushed her back and yelled at her.
« Get away from me! Now! »
Arizona burst into a mixture of anger and sadness, her voice breaking.
« What are you doing Callie? What do you want from me? I have given you everything I possibly could. I will go as far as saying I have given you more than I could. So, what are you doing? »
Callie was not ready to face a visibly upset Arizona. She had been through so much today.
First her girlfriend had dumped her, by sending a text and nothing more. Then they spoke on the phone just after Penny's decision to break up and it had been a really cold and volatile discussion.
The younger woman had been very clear and seemed to be adamant that she didn't want to be around Calliope Torres anymore!
She had been hurt when she had been told about the convoluted ploy Callie had organised to bond with her sick mother.
« I'm just giving her what she wants to see from me. She wouldn't understand that I didn't fight to keep my family together and that I have disrupted my life, my daughter's life, even my career to follow a young resident across the country. »
It had been her own words. They were hard, but it was what she was sincerely thinking.
Of course, Penny had been hurt, of course she had the right to be upset and to be mad at her.
And now Arizona was hurt and madder than ever at her, and it was bothering her more than all of the Penny situation.
« What do you want? Why are you playing around with me like this? I don't deserve any of this! » Arizona yelled. « I'm not some cheap floozie you can just pick up and drop, just so you can forget about Penny for a night or two! »
Arizona was now at the opposite end of the bed; she had grabbed the comforter, covering her body with it. Her eyes were still watering, it stunned Callie at how totally upset her ex-wife was.
« I would never say or think that... I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have kissed you. But on the other hand, I'm not sorry. » Callie confessed. « I Know it's not fair to you, but I... It felt right….it felt... »
« Don 't you dare say one more word Calliope Torres. » Arizona warned. « You had no right doing that. And you can thank God, it could have cost me my daughter if I'd actually reacted the way I should have, because your stupid cover would have been exposed. I'm not a rebound girl for you to figure your shit out with Penny. I'm the mother of your daughter. I deserve way better than that. Better than seeing you dancing with that random man when you are supposed to be married to me. I don't even know why we are talking about that. I had a long day, I'm exhausted, I need to sleep so please go do whatever you want, or kiss whoever you want but me. I see you in the morning. »
She rolled herself in the blanket and tried to ignore the persistent sad eyes of Callie, even though she could still feel them when she turned away.
She switched off the light and put headphones on, trying to isolate herself a little more from the brunette.
« And anyway, why would dancing with a guy bother you? » Callie asked. « I accept I've been out of line with the kisses, but dancing with Jorge? He's my cousin... The son of my father's brother! How could you even think I was getting with him? And besides … It shouldn't concern you, in any way...Unless... »
A silence settled but Callie could feel Arizona was thinking about a billion things, hidden under her blanket. She was sure she had heard her and she was trying not to answer her with as much determination as she could muster.
« Unless what? » Arizona suddenly snapped.
« Unless you felt it too? » Callie asked cautiously. She knew she was treading on dangerous territory and that it could be the end of the weekend in a minute.
« I don't know what you are talking about. Leave me alone. » Arizona coldly replied.
Callie stood up from the corner of the bed and began to pace nervously. She knew what she was about to say could destroy the little bit of communication she had with her ex, and she could also destroy herself in the process.
« When you took my hand when we were on the beach... I... It made me... » Callie stopped when she noticed Arizona was sobbing silently. Her body was shaking lightly, the poor woman was doing everything she could to muffle her cry and control her body.
Of course she had felt it. But she didn't want to admit it out loud.
She had felt this rush of emotions when Callie's lips were on hers. It had been like a tsunami in her body. She had been taken aback by Callie's kiss and by the reaction of her body.
Of course she had felt it. But with everything going on in her life and all the hurt Callie had caused her, and being here in Florida right now, she couldn't admit it.
Callie felt terrible. She didn't know what to do, what to say.
She had been so overwhelmed today. The reunion with her mother, seeing her family greeting her, Penny's text and their breakup phone call, and this need she had to kiss Arizona since she had felt this unexpected reawakening of feelings towards the blonde when she had brushed her lips.
Everything was spinning in her head. She was not in control of her own emotions, and it was driving her crazy.
All she could do right now was to try to ease Arizona's pain as much as she could. So, she simply laid on the bed next to Arizona who was still crying, rolled up in the blanket.
Callie positioned herself on her side and moved towards her, quietly. She settled behind her, and spooned her, like they used to when they were married. She hesitated a second and eventually put her hand on the blanket, somewhere near the blonde's hip.
The sobs stopped when Arizona realised what was happening. She said nothing and tried to calm herself. Callie could feel the tension relax a little. She didn't move at all, not wanting to cause another drama. There had been enough for today.
She heard Arizona sigh deeply a few times, which was the sign she was cooling down slowly.
They stayed there, on that giant bed, so close but yet so far apart mentally, falling asleep a few minutes apart from each other.
….
Arizona woke up with a start in the early hours of the morning. It took her a few seconds to remember where she was.
She was still bundled up in the blanket, having cried herself to sleep.
She had felt Callie's body behind her; she had felt the hesitant hand she had put next to her hip.
It felt like a peace gesture, like an olive branch her ex-wife was giving her. The sensation of a hand on her to protect or to comfort her but resting on a corner of the blanket to not invade Arizona's personal space.
But apparently, during the night, Callie had tightened her embrace and her arm was now placed higher, still around the comforter and just a little higher than Arizona's bump.
She gulped when she noticed where Callie's hand resided and tried to get out of the bed without waking the brunette up. She couldn't face her right now.
Even if she had slept well and that she was feeling good, she still needed some space to face the new day of lie she was about to live again.
Being and heavy sleeper, Callie didn't notice when Arizona rolled out of the comforter and grabbed her crutches to go to the bathroom.
She locked the door behind her and sighed when she looked at her reflection in the mirror. She was a mess. But she didn't really care. What she was worried about was the wellbeing of the two little ones growing in her belly.
She sat on the edge of the tub and rubbed her belly with both hands.
« How are we today in there? » She asked with a big smile appearing on her face. « I'm sorry I freaked out yesterday. I know you can feel everything I feel, so for you two little peanuts it must have been intense. It had been for me, so I can't imagine how much it upset you. But it's better now, okay? I'm going to try not to get overwhelmed today. »
….
Callie woke up with a start one hour later, she had set an alarm on her phone and it was blaring, telling her to get out of bed.
She immediately noticed Arizona was not in the room anymore. She rolled on her side and sighed. She could already feel the headache from the excess alcohol she had the day before.
But what was bothering her was that Arizona had left without warning, even after the most intimate of moments they shared.
She shook her head, feeling she was deluding herself. Arizona had not answered her, so it surely meant what she had felt when she had kissed her, was only her imagination playing with her.
She couldn't still have feelings for Arizona. Because why would she have treated her that way? And what about Penny and their happy life in New York?
No, she was not being rational at all. They'd been over for years. Their ship had sailed and sunk unfortunately...
But what if? What if that feeling in her belly was real and that she was still in love with Sofia's other mother?
What would it mean? And what about Arizona's feelings for her? How could this person still love her after what she had put her through ?
You don't destroy the person you love... That something she had once said to a patient.
Arizona had destroyed her when she had slept with Lauren Boswell. But then she had destroyed Arizona when she had made love to her and then left her on the couch of the therapist the next day...
Why... Why were all these memories flooding her mind now ?
There was no time for that today. And there wouldn't be any time ever because everything she was thinking was totally fictional.
She got up and went to the bathroom and felt relieved when she found Arizona's stuff still there.
But where was she?
She took a quick shower and got ready for the second day of playing the perfect family.
Today couldn't be worse than the day before, there was no way she could cope with having another round of the emotional roller coaster she was on yesterday.
She walked out of her room and went to Sofia's. The little girl wasn't there either. So, she continued her way downstairs.
She entered the main kitchen and what she saw made her heart melt. Her parents were surrounding Sofia who was so excited to be the centre of attention, and in front of them Aria was talking and laughing with Arizona, it seemed apparently the tone was light and everyone was happy.
« Calliope, finally... » Her mother greeted her. « We were just going to have breakfast without you... »
« I'm sorry Mama, I was... I... »
« She had a very emotional day yesterday and she was exhausted. Right honey ? » Arizona cut her off as she stood up. « She fell asleep in a second and I wanted her to rest so I let her sleep a little more this morning. »
Arizona smiled at her and pulled the chair next to hers to invite Callie to sit with her family.
They both sat next to each other, Callie looking at her ex-wife with a stunned expression. Why was she so perky and smiley?
« There you go, a big cup of coffee for you and some French toast » Arizona said as she placed everything in front of the puzzled brunette. « Do you want some apple juice? »
Totally unable to pronounce a normal sentence, she just nodded, still staring at Arizona, who was almost scary as she played her role too well, it felt almost real.
« I hope you don't have a headache? » Arizona asked under the watchful eyes of Callie's family.
She put her hand on Callie's forehead, trying to make her react.
« I... No... I'm good... » she mumbled as Arizona stroked her hair, which made butterflies explode in her stomach.
« Great, because we have a busy day ahead of us! » Carlos said, sincerely happy to see his daughter being taken care of by her wife.
….
« That's awesome! » Sofia yelled when she discovered the giant indoor pool her grandparents had just had refurbished. « Can I go in? »
« Take it easy Sofia! » Arizona warned. « You have to ask your grandparents. But remember, no running around the pool, and no jumping in the water without an adult being around. »
« Ok Mommy... » The little girl rolled her eyes. « Abuelo? Are you coming with me? »
The whole family had had their breakfast and now it was pool time. Everybody was wearing a swimsuit, except Arizona.
She was relieved she could use her prosthetic as an excuse for not wearing a bathing suit and therefore making sure Lucia Torres's hypothesis didn't come true. She was walking next to Callie who was silently following her mother to a cosy corner where natural plants and designer furniture were creating a sort of fancy lounge area.
Arizona was surprising Callie every passing minute. She had taken the lead and had grabbed her hand, being clearly more open and smiley than the day prior.
Lucia sat at the table and invited her daughter and Arizona to join her.
« If you'll excuse me, I have a call to make about a patient. » Arizona excused herself. « I'll be right back. »
Lucia nodded and Callie was about to let a sigh of relief escape her, when she saw Arizona coming towards her with a smile and suddenly, she pecked her lips, before walking away, her phone in her hand.
Callie didn't know what just happened, but if she was confused a second before that quick kiss, she was now totally freaking out.
She stood frozen in place; her mother was calling her name.
« Calliope darling, care to join me or can't you be away from your wife for five minutes? » Lucia teased her.
« I... I'm coming... » Callie mumbled, walking over to sit next to her mother.
The older woman smiled at her. « You are so in love with her... I can see it, and I can almost feel it. » She said with emotion in her voice. « And I am so full of regret for not being able to be in your life for all these years... »
« Mama, it's the past, okay? » Callie tried to focus and reassure her mother who was on the verge of tears. « I know you feel guilty, but we agreed to move past this. »
« Calliope, how can you be so forgiving? I was a monster. I disowned you, your wife, and your precious daughter for so long... »
« I... I think that Arizona told Dad something like, even if I was involved with her, I was still the woman you raised me to be. It's the truth. The fact that I married a woman hasn't changed who I am. And I am grateful you have come to accept that. Because I've been so mad at you, for so long. But I couldn't force you to … you know... But now, I have you back in my life and I couldn't be happier. It was what I needed right now... »
« Why right now? » Lucia immediately worried. « Is everything okay with you darling? Are you having any kind of problems? »
« No! Not at all! » Callie lied, knowing her life was a mess. She was in a city where she didn't have any friends, her girlfriend for whom she had uprooted her life and her daughter's had left her, she didn't really enjoy her job at the hospital because she couldn't work on her research, and Arizona was... She didn't have time to think about Arizona Robbins right now.
« I'm just... It's just that it's not easy sometimes to have time for everything, between our crazy schedules at work, and Sofia... I'm just a little tired. »
« So, stay a little longer. » Lucia proposed. « Your father and I would love that. »
« I can't Mom, I have patients, Arizona has patients... And Sofia has to go to school... »
« I'm sure you can arrange things. » Lucia insisted. « You are both owners of the hospital right ? And for Sofia, she's a smart girl, she can miss a few days of school. »
« I... We can't Mom, I would love too, but we can't... » Callie replied, her voice breaking. She could use one week away from her miserable life right now, surrounded by her loving parents.
« What can't we do? » Arizona asked as she joined mother and daughter.
« I was offering for you to stay longer, because you need a break from your crazy surgeon's life. » Lucia explained. « I know what work can do to a family. I know I have been there. And you amaze me, being able to keep your family united after all you have been through together. So, you need time for you too, only you, not having to worry about anyone else. Of course, Carlos and I would be delighted to have you stay over... »
Callie gulped as she felt Arizona's hands resting on her shoulders. Her expression was impossible to read, and she didn't know what the blonde's next move would be. She had played her role perfectly this morning so far, almost too perfectly it was confusing.
Callie felt her hands massaging her shoulders lightly but nicely.
« I think you are totally right Ms Torres. » She simply stated, sitting next to Callie and taking her hands in hers. « Callie is under a lot of pressure lately. She's been receiving job offers all around the country because of the impact of her research. So, she needs a moment to herself. She needs to rest and have a good time far away from the hospital. »
« See... Even your wife agrees with me. » Lucia winked at her. « So, it's settled, we'll get your plane tickets cancelled and we'll have you for the whole week. »
« Mom, no... I can't... » Callie said but she was cut off by Arizona.
« Callie, baby, you don't have a choice. » Arizona stroked her cheek, making Callie close her eyes. « You deserved this. And Sofia is so happy here. She will be thrilled to stay one week here with her grandparents and you. You have seven years to catch up on... »
« But what about you Arizona? » Lucia asked, noticing she wasn't including herself in what she was telling Callie.
« I can't stay Ms Torres, I am sorry. I really appreciate your invitation, but I have a lot going on in Seattle and I need to be there on Tuesday. » Arizona explained. « But it's ok, don't worry. »
« Abuela! » A yell from the swimming pool caught the three women's attention as they turned to see Sofia who was about to jump in the water. « Look at me! »
« I'm coming sweety, wait for me! » Lucia said as she stood up. As she walked behind Arizona, she put one hand on the blonde's shoulder and bent to kiss her cheek. « Thank you for being so protective to my Calliope, you are an extraordinary woman Arizona. »
The older woman walked to the side of the pool to join Sofia who was clapping with excitement.
« Look how happy she is. » Arizona said, letting go of Callie's hand. « She's going to be over the moon when you'll tell her you are staying here for the week. »
« Arizona... I …. »
« No, don't say anything. I know what you wanted me to say last night. I felt it too... » Arizona said, not looking at Callie who was staring at her, but trying to focus on her daughter. « But it's just a wave of nostalgia, nothing more. You felt sad about Penny, I was taken aback by your kisses, but it shouldn't have happened. It might be sad, but we had our chances, and we missed them, each time. If it wasn't me cheating on you, it was you not wanting to fight for us anymore. We are just going to say goodbye to each other tonight and go on with our lives. I will play the perfect wife for the rest of the day, don't worry. I'll go back to Seattle and be happy, and you'll go back to New York and figure things out with Penny and be happy. And we will arrange Sofia's schedule in the coming weeks and everything will be okay. »
« Mama, Mommy look at me! » Sofia yelled at her parents who waved at her and watched her playing with her grandparents.
Callie was trying to say something, but everything had gone so fast around her that she was at a loss.
« This is how it was supposed to be right? » She finally said. « You, me, and Sofia, together. »
« Things never go the way they are supposed to. You know that better than anyone, Callie. And I do too. » Arizona replied. « What happened to us just showed us that we were not meant to be. »
The tone was sad and full of regret. Arizona didn't know where the conversation was going, but she hadn't planned on having a heart-to-heart conversation with her ex-wife right now.
Arizona bit her lip nervously; she needed a minute to process what she had said out loud. So, she stood up, not realizing her oversized blouse was stuck between two of the tabletops, snagged on the edge of a metal strut, so when she turned to walk away, there was a huge sound of fabric tearing and her blouse was torn in half. Callie looked up quickly to see what had happened, and her eyes froze on what Arizona had been trying to hide. It was not that huge, but the shape of the bump and all the other clues made everything in Callie's mind click, Arizona felt nauseous and knew that her secret was not a secret anymore. For a brief instant she looked at Callie who was in shock after the revelation.
The blonde swallowed hard and abruptly tried to hide the evidence with a towel she found nearby, before leaving in a hurry, tears already rolling down her cheeks, but still able to hear her ex-wife mumble : « You really are pregnant... »
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