Lynx: A Callie Torres Story

30

Callie took a deep breath and walked into her kitchen where her (still fiancee?) and boyfriend were having a good conversation that didn't involve throwing anyone against any walls. As much as she didn't want to admit it, Callie had her mind made up. She'd had it made up before Jada arrived in Seattle. Callie Torres knew who she wanted to be with.

Jada nervously watched Callie come in the kitchen and make her way over to the table. She felt like she was going to pass out any minute. After seeing Callie's chemistry with Luke, she was really starting to doubt her chances. Jada did really like Luke though. So if Callie chose Luke, Jada knew he would take care of her and she would be safe with him.

While Callie cleared off the table and brought them beers, Jada took a moment to admire her new home. It was even more stunning then the one they had shared together in Los Angeles. It seemed like everywhere was more spacious then her previous home. And Jada hoped that she could soon call it her home as well.

Jada didn't even know how to start this discussion as Callie sat down and cracked open her beer. "I never thought I would be having this conversation," she admitted.

"Neither did I," Jada replied. "And I know the reason we're here is my fault."

Callie simply looked at her and Jada was scared of what that look meant. "Well, to get this shit show started, I'm going to be staying in Seattle," Callie told the two of them. "I would have pursued this opportunity even if everything didn't happen."

"It's a hell of an opportunity Callie," Jada told her. "I'm happy for you."

She nodded. "I don't talk to my family and all the people I liked working with pretty much followed Meredith here so I have no reason to even think about going back to Los Angeles."

"Your family is really that bad?" Luke asked.

"They don't believe in being gay, or bi, or any of that," Callie explained. "And when they found out that I'm not their perfect little straight daughter, they disowned me. I haven't seen them in six years and I don't really plan on seeing them ever again. I know who I am, I'm bisexual and that's who I am. Nobody, not even my parents, can change that."

Callie then continued, "that's another thing. My parents won't be in the picture so I don't have to spend holidays with them or anything."

"And, no matter what my decision is here, we're all going to be friends. I don't care how hard it is, you both are here right now because you care. And I don't want to lose either of you. So we're all going to suck it up and be friends. The two of you, and everyone from work are pretty much my family."

Jada's heart broke when she heard Callie talking about her family. Her mom had already been referring to Callie as her second daughter. Jada knew she could at least give Callie some family. Sure, her parents would never take the place of Callie's, but at least she could have someone to act like parents for her. And part of her was relieved that she would still be in Callie's life. As much as she hated to think that Callie could choose Luke, Jada would still want to be friends.

Callie turned to Jada. "I need some reassurance here. If I do chose you, what security am I going to have so you don't jump ship on me again?"

Jada was prepared for this question and in the moment, she had no idea how to answer it. "I am so in love with you Callie Torres." She reached down into her bag and pulled out a folder. "This has everything from my therapy, recaps of my counseling visits, to all of my doctors appointments in it. Both myself and the staff kept logs of how I was progressing. I got better to be the best person I could be for you. I kept this all because I was wrong to be afraid of allowing you to take care of me. I was vulnerable and in a very bad place and I didn't want to drag you into it, and I was wrong in doing that." She slid the folder over to Callie. "It's all yours. I'm an open book."

"May I look?"

Jada nodded and watched her spend a few minutes looking through the folder. She pulled her hair down to hide her face and held her hand to her chin. Based on experience, she knew Callie was crying and want to pull her into her embrace so badly.

Callie closed the folder quickly and both Jada and Luke were startled at the sudden sound of papers being crushed together. She gave the folder back to Jada. "I don't need to see anymore."

"Okay," Jada answered quietly. "I'm sorry. For everything."

She watched as Callie looked between her and Luke multiple times. Jada bit down so hard on her lip as she prayed Callie would chose her and give her another chance.

"Jada, are you even going to be able to live in Seattle?"

"Yes."

Callie turned to Luke. "I'm sorry Luke. I really am. I love you, but my heart is with Jada."

Jada thought she died on the spot. She didn't even know what to say as Luke stood up and excused himself. "Kuechly you better have that analysis ready for me first thing tomorrow morning."

Luke smiled as he made his way out the door. "Wouldn't miss it."

"Callie, I" Jada started to say.

"Come here," Callie instructed, cutting Jada off from whatever else she was going to say.

Jada did as told and crushed the love of her life in a hug.

"Calliope... I don't even know what to say."

Callie returned the hug with such force that she completely pulled Jada on to her lap. "Let me hug you."

Jada nodded into her shoulder. "I'm here Calliope. And I will be here, always."