The Aftermath of Callie and Arizona

The Only Thing That Matters Part II

Callie's POV:

"So, let me get this straight, Callie. You actually think the only reason I'm upset with you is because you didn't come home last night? You really have no clue about the impact your absence has caused in your family's lives recently?"

Arizona was sitting, propped up on our bed with Maddy sleeping beside her in the middle. I was sitting next to Arizona on the outer edge of her side, a couple inches from her.

"Arizona, I don't want to fight with you, but I don't think your perspective of my actions recently is accurate." 

I knew as soon as I said my words, Arizona would react. I still wasn't sure what her problem was with me working on the lawsuit, but I was about to find out.

"Accurate? Well, let's just see. From my, 'perspective,' Calliope, you are barely involved in your family's day to day activities. Yes, sometimes you're home, but when you are home, your mind is far from here, it's always somewhere else. Meaning, if you are home, you're doing more medical-legal research, or you're texting with Charley. So, when we do have you, we really don't have you with us."

"This is about Charley, isn't it? If that's the case, I get it, Arizona. You're obviously aware she finds me attractive and I know that must be threatening on some level to you." 

"Wow and wow, Callie! While I know she's mentioned her attraction to you in the past, wow have you gotten a big head about your notion of what Charley currently thinks of you...unless... is there a reason, Calliope, that I should be threatened? Because I thought I could trust both of you to spend time working together. Has that changed, because if it has, I want a honest answer from you, right now."

I was stunned Arizona was even thinking the possibility of me cheating was even plausible! She knew I would never stray from her, although, I did have the thought last night about what kissing Charley would be like... but thinking and doing it are two different things. At least that's how I'd always felt. Plus, I was drunk last night and I know I tend to get more amorous when I drink.

"No! My god, Arizona, No! Why would, how could you even think such a thing?! You know how I feel about you!" 

By this point in our, "conversation," Maddy was still sleeping next to us on the bed. In an effort not to wake her, we put extra pillows around her, just in case, and went to our bathroom to continue talking. Maddy hadn't managed to roll over just yet, but she was close.

Once in the bathroom, Arizona sat on the closed toilet seat and I pulled up the bench from Arizona's vanity and sat facing her. At least we could now talk at a low volume and not whisper. Which, was becoming increasingly difficult as our conversation progressed and our inclinations to raise our voices started rising.

"Callie, so, how do I get you to understand what I'm saying to you...?" Arizona sat there for a moment, legs crossed and arms folded, as she stared at me for my reply.

"It sounds like I should stop working on the project, Arizona, because to me, that seems to be the only solution."

"Calliope, hear me out. I don't want you to stop your work, but I want you to find some balance between all your obligations. And I'll be honest, I do expect you to prioritize your family over this lawsuit, we should matter more to you than that case."

"All of this is news to me, because I thought I was balancing everything and everyone, just fine. I've really been neglecting you and our girls?"

Arizona had tears in her eyes as she nodded, Yes, but I knew it was an emotional response and that she wasn't going to actually cry. 

I felt like a complete jerk at that moment seeing her in pain. While I thought I was doing right by everyone, clearly I had failed with the one person that mattered the most to me. I quickly got down on my knees in front of my wife and wrapped my arms around her tightly. I felt Arizona sigh as she collapsed into my chest.