Arizona still get panic attacks from time to time whenever she rides an aircraft. This time though, she knows it will be a while before she flies again. She held Sofia's hand and she relaxed a little. She's moving to New York so her daughter can have her two moms in the same state. She's nervous and excited. Sure, she's used to moving but it wasn't remotely anything like this. She now has a daughter, an ex-wife, and a women's center she has to build with Herman from scratch.
Callie squealed the moment she saw Arizona and Sofia. "Sofia!" Callie runs toward Sofia and hugged her. "I have missed you so much, mija!" "I've missed you too, mama" Sofia said with a yawn. It was a long flight, Callie felt bad for Arizona and Sofia. Callie separated the flowers she was holding. She gave a bunch to Sofia then stood up to greet Arizona.
"Hey, welcome to New York" Callie said softly as she hands Arizona 3 pieces of pink peonies with lightly coloured hydrangeas.
Arizona's heart skipped a beat. "Thanks. Thanks for picking us up"
"I wouldn't let my daughter and her other mom take a cab or lyft!" Callie laughed and picked up Sofia.
"So, little miss, ready to go home?"
"Yes, mama."
The ride to Callie's place was relatively quick. It was almost 3:30 am so the city that never sleeps seems to be napping a tad bit.
Callie parked her car and looked at her daughter "Sofia, honey, could you please show mommy where the kitchen is? I prepared some soup to warm you guys up." She then looked at Arizona "just turn the stove on low. I'll be with you before it burns, I promise" Callie smiled then winked at Arizona.
Arizona smiled at the thought of the food. She's been trying to tie loose ends including hospital work and patients. She's tired physically and emotionally. As always, things escalated quickly in Seattle before she could even leave. She's glad that Alex and April married their loves, at least she can focus more on her daughter and her career in New York. Arizona slightly shook her head. It's quite ironic that she thinks she will have more peace in concrete jungle.
Callie's unit is spacious. Arizona could not believe the size of the place. She didn't think New York has this kind of space. Arizona quickly noticed the design — it's very friendly for people with disabilities. Her mind went blank instantly.
"Mommy"
Sofia's voice brought Arizona back to reality "yes, my love?"
"Kitchen's over here"
"Yup. Right behind you kiddo"
Arizona turned the stove on and stirred the pot. Sofia got 3 bowls and spoons and placed them on the table.
"Arizona, I'll put your carry on luggage in the guest room" Callie yelled from the hallway.
"Thank you, Callie. You don't really have to" Arizona replied
"Halfway there, Arizona. Be right there with you guys in a few minutes"
Callie and Arizona decided that it would be best for Arizona to sleep over at Callie's when they get to New York. Callie convinced her it was for Sofia. The brunette did present valid points: she didn't want Sofia to feel abandoned as soon as they arrive, New York is not the safest city in the world at 3:30 am, and she bribed Arizona with a delicious breakfast with Sofia. Arizona was hesitant, but she didn't want to leave Sofia immediately either. So they agreed, for Sofia.
Callie sat on the opposite side of Arizona and smiled "quick shower and the sleep, Sof?" "Yes, mama" Sofia answered as she finishes her bowl.
"That was quick, hurricane Sof" Arizona commented on Sofia's empty bowl
"I missed mama's cooking and I got hungry, mommy"
Arizona chuckled "alright, alright. Give mommy a kiss then go take a shower"
Sofia gave her moms sweet kisses then skipped towards her room.
"So, uhm, I'm really happy you guys are here. I still can't believe it" Callie said softly
"Yeah. Our daughter deserves all the happiness in the world, Callie. I will move a mountain for her if I could."
"I know you would"
Arizona stood up and walked towards the sink. Callie immediately said "just leave the dishes. It's very late and I know you're very tired too."
Callie stood up and brought her bowl to the sink "let's go, I'lll show you your room… Uhm, the guest room, you know, where you will be staying" Callie was blabbering
Arizona tilted her head and smiled "some things never change, huh?"
Callie shook her head "I guess so. Come on. I already filled the tub with lukewarm water"
"Oh. Uhm, thanks?"
Callie led the way to the guest room and its private bathroom. Once again, Arizona noticed the design – it's simple but very well designed to suit a disabled person. The bathroom was softly lit, Arizona immediately smelled lavender and sweet orange. Callie bit her lip nervously and said "I thought this would help you relax and uhm help your uhm stump. You can just take a shower if you want to? The shower is here" Callie pointed at the space with a simple shower head.
Arizona smiled once again. Her cheeks already hurt from all the smiling ever since she saw Callie at the airport. "I'll take a bath, thank you"
"Uhm, okay. Great. Uhm. I'll leave my door open just in case you need anything?"
"Callie, I'm good. I'll go to sleep after this. Get some rest."
Callie nodded "mi casa es su casa, Arizona."
"Hey! I understood that!"
"I know. That's why I said it, Robbins. Okay, I'll leave you to it."
Callie closed Arizona's door and sighed. She kept pinching her cheek while waddling towards her room. She exhaled loudly once she was inside her room "she's here, she's really here." She knew she was excited to see Arizona, but she didn't expect to feel all the emotions she's feeling right now. There's warmth in her heart and she finally feels at peace, after a very long time. She fell asleep with a smile on her face that night.
Arizona drank a glass of water after taking a bath. She feels refreshed and happy. She was touched by Callie's gestures but she did not go dare put a meaning to any of it. "Callie is a kind person, she'd welcome any of her friends with the same warmth and hospitality. Nope. Don't go there, Robbins" Arizona shook her head gently.
Her smile is betraying her though. Arizona smiled once again and retired for the night. She maybe super tired, but her heart can't and won't stop dancing with happiness.
Thoughts? :)
PS: I haven't written a story in almost a decade. Apologies if it's not as coherent in your head. :/