It was better than Christmas morning, better than her birthday...
As soon as Sofia saw her mother waiting for her in front of her school, the wildest smile appeared on her face and she ran as fast as she could, throwing herself into Arizona's arms. The little girl was hugging her mother tightly as the blonde silently cried, her tears so prolific they were wetting the collar of Sofia's shirt.
She hadn't cried that easily for a while, but the joy of seeing her daughter, and it being a surprise, were making her the most emotional she had been in a long time.
Callie was waiting in her car on the other side of the road. She was supposed to be picking Sofia up, but as Arizona had asked her if she could surprise their daughter, she had let Arizona collect Sophia.
She wasn't supposed to be there, Arizona didn't know she was watching, but the pull had been stronger than her. She wanted to. She felt stupid, acting like a creepy stalker. Arizona seemed to have lost weight and that made a wave of guilt hit Callie in her guts. She had done this. She had made it so hard for Sofia and her other mother to be able to see each other.
« But why didn't you tell me you'd be here Mommy? » Sofia asked as mother and daughter were now waiting for a cab.
« Because I wanted it to be a surprise! » Arizona replied, stroking her daughter's hair affectionately.
« And guess what? I will spend the entire weekend with you baby! »
« Yay! » The little girl yelled while hugging her mother once again. « Why are we getting a cab, aren't we riding with mama? »
« What? » Arizona asked, as Sofia pointed to her mother's car.
« It's Mama's car! » Sofia explained. « Are we doing something together? »
« I... I don't know... »
Callie gasped as her daughter noticed her. That wasn't supposed to happen. She was not supposed to be here. She had been caught red handed. She tried to keep cool. She couldn't show any kind of weakness, keep cool Torres… she said to herself you can do this.
She opened the door of her SUV and took a deep breath before plastering the most neutral expression on her face.
She crossed the road and joined her daughter and ex-wife.
Arizona's body was tense. She didn't expect to see Callie before tomorrow evening. And to be honest she had already planned several excuses in her head to avoid meeting her.
She was still mad at her, even if she could feel the other woman was trying to make an effort. The pain of the courtroom, the words of Callie's lawyer, the lack of Sofia in her daily life had been too much for the blonde surgeon.
She clenched her teeth as Callie approached them, readjusting her jacket to try to hide her not yet visible bump.
But she knew Callie was still able to notice any kind of change in her. It was one of the things she used to love about her ex-wife, the fact that she looked after her and how she could tell when she was not her usual self.
Callie kissed Sofia and asked her some questions about what she did at school that day, the usual things she would ask her when she picked her up from school.
She then finally crossed her ex's gaze, and everything became awkward.
Arizona didn't really know what to say. She just had not really nice words coming into her head, on the tip of her tongue. If Callie was there, it must mean she didn't trust her.
But she didn't want to play that game. She knew it would only turn things against her one more time. So, she bit her tongue….knowing Callie's lawyer, she would be thrilled to learn that despite her clients wonderful offer to see her daughter on a non-expected weekend, all Callie got was Arizona breaking down and screaming at her, no she wasn't playing that game, it would be much too convenient to play the into the lawyers hands, so she kept her thoughts to herself.
« Hi. » Arizona said, coldly, as she took Sofia's hand in hers. « We were waiting for our cab. We... I wasn't expecting to see you. »
« I know... I'm sorry, I was just passing by, and I just wanted to say hi. » Callie lamely explained. « And I'm not going to bother you. I hope you'll have a great time together. »
« You're not coming with us Mama? » Sofia asked her, a little disappointed.
« I'm not Baby girl. But I know you're going to have so much fun with mommy! And don't forget your sleepover at Cathy's tomorrow night right? » Callie reminded her.
« But if Mommy's here, I don't want to go anymore. » Sofia replied.
« She has a sleepover? » Arizona repeated, annoyed by the missing information. « I didn't know that... Well, seems like there's a lot of things I don't know about my own daughter lately. »
« Cathy's our neighbour's daughter. And Sofia you're only going because me and Mommy have to talk about grownup stuff tomorrow night….. Arizona, she will be at Cathy's for the night, and you can have her Sunday morning, okay? » Callie said, receiving a sigh as an answer.
« Do I have a choice? » Arizona grumbled as her cab arrived and parked.
« I have dropped off her bag at your hotel with all her stuff. » Callie said, knowing she was hurting Arizona a little more. « I will send a cab for you at 6 tomorrow for both of you and so we'll meet at my place if that's okay with you?«
Arizona didn't reply and opened the door of the car so Sofia could get in.
« Arizona, I know you must hate me, but … I'm trying to extend an olive branch here. » Callie sighed. « And I really need to talk... »
« You don't know anything Callie. And I don't really care about your olive branch. I'm way past that. » Arizona replied, her tone sarcastic.
…..
The evening and the Saturday had been full of joy and excitement. Each time Arizona was with Sofia, she felt at peace. She was home.
Her daughter was the only person on earth that made her feel that way.
Not even her parents could, even if she loved them tremendously.
Once upon a time Callie made her feel safe, loved, cherished. She felt home with Callie.
But it wasn't the case anymore.
All she could feel for her now was anger, disappointment and a sensation of waste.
They could have gone on with their coparenting relationship if Callie hadn't suddenly wanted to uproot their daughter's life to chase tail across the country.
But what was done was done.
Now she would build her own home with her baby and from time to time, Sofia would be with them.
She hoped the siblings would be able to share a bond even if they would be 7 years apart and if they couldn't see each other all the time.
But thinking about that was making her feel guilty. She was feeling selfish about making the decision to have another baby. She knew she would be depriving the child from seeing Sofia as often as they should. She was depriving them of another parent, and even if she had seen dozens of single mothers doing a wonderful job with their kids, she hoped the tiny human growing in her belly wouldn't resent her one day.
There were so many questions running through her head as Sofia and her arrived in front of Callie's building.
And tonight, what would that be all about. She didn't know why she had agreed. She felt trapped.
What is it Callie wanted to talk about? That was new.
Since their divorce, the brunette had made it very clear her life didn't concern her anymore, and she didn't want to get involved in anything regarding Arizona, apart from Sofia.
Sofia was the last reason they were linked. And yet, not really anymore since Callie had sole custody of the little girl.
« Mommy, are you coming? » Sofia outed her mother from her thoughts abruptly. The elevator doors opened, and Arizona tried to focus on her daughter.
« Right, let's go! » She said as she took her daughter's hand. They walked to Cathy's apartment. The girls were really close even if they were not in the same school. Cathy was one year younger than Sofia, her mother was a vet and her father a lawyer. Arizona knew everything about the family before she knocked on the door.
« Hey Sofia! » Cathy welcomed her friend. « Hello! »
« Hello Cathy! » Arizona replied with a big smile. She was happy to be connected to her daughter's life in New York a little more.
« Ho hey Sofia, how are you sweetie! » A woman said as she walked to the door.
« Hello Ms Greene! » Sofia smiled.
« You must be Cathy's mother. » Arizona said. « I'm glad to meet you. Sofia couldn't stop talking about Cathy! »
« Hi... » The woman replied, looking strangely at Arizona. « You must be a new one? Where is Sylvia? »
« She's not my babysitter! She's my Mommy! » Sofia explained, crossing her arms on her chest. She was clearly upset.
« Oh my god I'm so sorry! I just assumed... Callie never talked about you. We only know her and Penny... I just assumed... » the woman rambled.
« It's... It's okay... » Arizona sadly replied. There was more proof of the lack of credibility Callie was giving her as a mother. She knelt down and kissed her daughter's cheek.
« I hope you'll have a great sleepover baby. I will come and pick you up tomorrow morning, ok? » Arizona said, handing her daughter her backpack.
« I'm sorry Ms? » the woman asked
« Robbins, it's Dr Robbins. » Arizona replied. « It's okay. I'll be there at 9 tomorrow morning. Have a good evening. »
She politely nodded and walked away, as Cathy's mother closed the door.
What about now... Arizona wasn't feeling comfortable at all. She had caved in just to see her daughter for one more weekend. But to tell the truth she didn't want to hang out with her ex-wife. She didn't want to hear about her problems.
Callie hadn't asked her if she was doing okay for years. So why should she bother?
She was trying to convince herself not to get involved at any level, whatever Callie told her.
But she had been crying on the phone the other night and that's what bugged Arizona. What if Callie was sick? Or if she was in big trouble for an unknown reason? Maybe, another malpractice suit?
No, that couldn't be it. What if Sofia was sick? No, that wasn't possible either.
She would have told her immediately right?
Plus, she hadn't noticed anything wrong with her daughter and she was one of the best peds surgeons in the country.
Arizona shook her head; it was not the moment to think about any of those stupid scenarios. She would push Callie to talk to her as fast as possible and then, she'd see what to do.
She walked to the elevator and sighed in frustration. She didn't want to think about Calliope Torres anymore and here she was, almost worrying for her ex-wife who hadn't given a crap about her for years.
As soon as she arrived in the street, Arizona sent Callie a text informing her she was ready, waiting for her.
One of her hands found its way on her stomach and she stoked it with a little smile.
« I'm sorry for all the negative vibes you are going to feel tonight little one... But I have to do this... That woman is your sister's other mother, so I have to be nice to her... »
« Who are you talking to? » Callie's asked as she appeared behind her ex-wife, making her jump in surprise.
« Oh... No one... » Arizona mumbled, swallowing in surprise.
« You know you could have come to my place. » Callie almost reproached. « It was just two doors along from Cathy's... »
« I didn't think it was a good idea. I don't want to intrude. » Arizona explained, looking at the ground. « I don't feel comfortable, I'm sorry. »
She raised her head and met brown eyes who seemed already tense and upset. Arizona could see Callie had been drinking already. Her gaze wasn't really focused, and she had that pouting expression on her lips.
« Ok... Well, it's going to be a long night... » Callie said. « We are taking a cab and then ... »
The brunette sighed deeply.
Arizona couldn't believe her eyes. Callie seemed more than frustrated to be around her. She was the one who wanted to go for that stupid outing.
« Listen, if you can't stand to be around me, I don't know what I'm doing here. You begged me to come, and I agreed. So, let's do it now and it will be over. What do you want to talk about? »
« I'm not drunk enough for it... So please get in the stupid cab and let's go! » Callie ordered.
….
The ride was silent and awkward. Arizona was looking out of the window sitting as far as possible from her ex-wife who was glued to her phone, playing some game and nervously fidgeting from time to time.
Callie was dressed casually but classy, black tight jeans and a green oversized blouse with a black leather jacket. Her hair was loose, falling in curvy locks onto her shoulders.
After all these years, Arizona was still in awe of Callie's beauty, even tonight she had stared and couldn't help but find her stunning.
She was dressed as casual as possible. dark blue and white flannel shirt with basic jeans.
She wasn't here to have fun or to meet people. She was going to listen to whatever drunken confession her ex-wife would tell her and get back to her hotel room as fast as she could.
The car stopped and Callie paid the driver before both women got out the vehicle.
Arizona looked around. She definitely didn't really know New York by day, but by night it was worse.
She had no idea where they were.
The street was busy with a lot of bars and night clubs around, people having drinks, dancing, singing, it was a party street for sure.
Callie didn't say a word and Arizona just followed behind her. The brunette greeted a few people. She seemed to know the different bars and pubs around.
She eventually stopped in front of a bar named « The Taboo » it was clearly claiming to be a gay bar.
« Is this bar okay? » Callie finally turned and asked.
« Sure, whatever... » Arizona replied, already annoyed.
Callie opened the door and let Arizona enter first. Both women entered and walked through the bar where the music was playing loudly.
The brunette continued confidently to a booth a little more isolated, greeting several people around.
She was known around for sure.
« Hey, what's up... » A woman stopped in front of Arizona, smirking. « I'm Meg. I've never see you here? You're new in town? »n
Arizona opened big eyes and was about to say something when Callie came to the rescue.
« Hands off Megan. She's with me. » Callie said, grabbing the blonde's hand.
Arizona tried to pull away immediately but Callie's grip was too strong for her.
« All the new girls aren't for you Torres... » The woman smirked. « And this one is particularly cute... I won't give up on her... »
« Whatever... Have a good night... » Callie replied, as she dragged her ex-wife to the booth she wanted to occupy. Arizona managed to free her hand and sat, obviously pissed.
« Believe me, I spared you a lot of trouble. She seems nice but she's a monster... » Callie said as she sat in front of the blonde and waved at the waitress.
« Hello ladies, what would you like? » the young woman asked, winking at Callie.
« Tequila please, a bottle and two glasses? » Callie asked her ex-wife.
« I'll take a soda. » Arizona clarified, as the waitress nodded.
Callie looked at her strangely. She knew Arizona couldn't resist a shot of Tequila. At least she couldn't when they were together.
As the waitress came back, no words were spoken between the ex-spouses.
Callie took the bottle and served them both a shot.
She drank it in one go as Arizona just looked at her and wondered what was going on with her ex-wife.
« Come on, drink up... » Callie said as she poured herself another shot.
« No thank you I'm good. » Arizona said, sighing.
« Listen, I know you don't want to be here with me and I'm sorry about that. But … I need more liquor. »
Callie served herself three more shots of tequila as Arizona was looking at her with sadness.
« I think you had enough to drink Callie... » Arizona said. « Please, tell me what you have to tell me. I'm tired... »
« What's wrong with you. You're not drinking, you're tired. You are in a great bar, in New York, with great music and women hitting on you... » Callie laughed. « you used to be a lot more fun »
Arizona remained agape for a moment. That woman in front of her must be kidding right.
« Really Callie? You want me to be fun, and to have fun with a woman who left me on a couch in a shrink's office. You want me to be having fun when you took our daughter across the country to follow your girlfriend of a few months? » Arizona reproached. « You forced me to come here to listen to you making fun of me? You know what, this was a mistake. I'm going back to my hotel... »
Arizona stood up and was about to get away when Callie grabbed her wrist.
« I'm sorry... » Callie genuinely said. « I'm sorry please... I need your help... »
« I... You have minutes Callie. 5 minutes and then I go. » Arizona warned, as she sat back down.
Callie nodded. She rubbed her temples and took a deep breath.
There it was, the moment she was fearing the most... Arizona was surely going to say no, and she would be in her rights to do so after everything she had put her through.
« I know you have no obligation to me whatsoever, but I have something to ask you. I know I've been a bitch to you and everything. But I really need you to listen okay. » Callie explained, receiving a nod from her pissed ex-wife.
« So, a few months ago, my father called me. He told me he wanted us to go and visit him and my mother. She had something to tell us. » Callie explained. « By us, I mean Me, Sofia, and You. »
« Me? What, Why? » Arizona yelled.
« Wait please... let me explain. » Callie begged. « I think the last time you saw my father was during my malpractice suit, right? »
« Yes... » Arizona replied.
« I never told you, but he is the reason why I came to the Archfield hotel and asked you to come home. » Callie confessed. « Whatever, I told him when we bought the house and everything. He was happy and proud. But after we split up, I never told him... »
« Callie... » Arizona sighed. She didn't like the way this conversation was going.
« Please... Listen to me until the end. » Callie pleaded. « When he wanted to come and see us, I cut him off and I went to Miami before he came to Seattle, with or without Sofia. Each time he asked where you were, and I lied. I pretended you were busy with your fellowship or anything else relating to work. He believed me and he still, even after more than 2 years, believes we are together. But a few months ago, he called me and... »
Callie stopped and tears filled her eyes. Arizona was at a loss.
«He told me my mother is sick. She has a degenerative disease affecting her memory. It's not Alzheimer, but in the end, it will be the same. She just has more time. And she had apparently been thinking a lot about the way she treated me and Sofia, and you of course. » Callie explained. « She had been calling me for weeks, asking me to come and visit her with her granddaughter. It's the first time she called Sofia that. »
« Callie, please, I'm sorry for your mother, but I don't know why you are telling me this. You should be talking about this with your girlfriend, not your ex-wife... »
« That's the problem. My mother has come a long way, and she told me she was so happy that I had a stable life after everything my Family had been through. And by family she's talking about you and Sofia plus me. » Callie explained. « She wants to make amends. She has been asking me and my family to visit. »
« I don't get it. Go to Miami with Sofia and Penny. I have nothing to do with that Callie. » Arizona replied, fearing what her ex-wife was about to ask.
« No Arizona. My mother thinks we are still married, raising Sofia in a stable and loving family. She's been really working on herself since her diagnosis. She wants to apologize to us, she wants us to be a part of her life. » Callie said.
« What do you want from me Callie. I'm not responsible if you are not able to tell your parents the truth about your life with your perfect Penny in New York! » Arizona reproached. « I'm really sorry for her, sincerely. But I don't get what you want from me. »
« She's sick Arizona, and it might be my last chance to fix my relationship with her. » Callie explained. « I'm asking you to come with me and Sofia to Miami for a few days, and give my mother what she needs to see from me... The family I fought so hard for that she's ready to accept now. »
...
AN : / Do not scream, do not be mad. Callie is not a selfish b... even if it's what it can look like here! You'll see it in the next chapters. It's just the beginning of the story, remember!
Of course, her attitude is selfish for the moment, but please, be sure there will be a lot of twist! Jax helped me again, so thank you so much for everything!