Forever and Always

Chapter 3 - A diagnosis

Callie was stunned by the news. She had no idea Arizona had a biological child or the depth of her past trauma. It all made sense now—the hesitation and guilt that had lingered in Arizona's reluctance to have a child. Callie looked at Arizona, her heart aching for the pain her partner had endured.

"Arizona," Callie said softly, squeezing her hand. "I'm not sure what to say, but I want you to know that this doesn't change how I feel about us. I love you, and I'm looking forward to meeting Lily. If she's anything like you, I know I'll love her too."

Arizona's eyes filled with relief, and she pulled Callie into a tight embrace. "Thank God. I was so afraid of losing you over this."

Pulling back slightly, Callie asked, "But how did you end up pregnant?"

Arizona looks away, her hand slipping out of mine as she takes a deep breath. "It's complicated," she starts, her voice wavering. "It was my last semester of Med School. I was on a research team with one of my professors. He was young for a professor, late 30s or early 40s, very good-looking and intelligent, but obviously not my type. He was always nice, or so I thought. One night, after the other two students had left the lab, he came over to check my work. He got really close, looking over my shoulder, and then he... he tucked my hair behind my ear and kissed my neck."

Arizonavoice cracks as she continues, "I stood up and backed away, asking him what he thought he was doing. But he grabbed my wrist and pulled me close, saying, 'C'mon, don't be a tease. You know you want it.' Then he... he threw me down on the table. He was so much stronger than me, and no matter how much I fought back or said no, he didn't stop." Tears stream down her face as she chokes on her words. "He raped me."

Callie felt her heart shatter as Arizona sobs uncontrollably. Callie pulls her close, trying to soothe her, even though Callie is barely holding it together herself. "Oh, Arizona, I'm so sorry he did that to you, baby. But I hope you know this wasn't your fault."

Arizona nods, her tears slowing as she tries to regain her composure. "I know, but it's something I still struggle with. I have PTSD, which is why I see a therapist. I never told anyone about what happened, except for my therapist, Karen, and now you. About a month after it happened, I found out I was pregnant. But from the moment I knew, I was excited. This was my baby, and I never saw her as his. The hardest part was having to walk into his class pregnant, knowing what he'd done to me. When he noticed, he asked if it was his. I told him no, and he called me a whore."

Arizona takes a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Giving Lily up had nothing to do with being raped. I gave her up because she deserved parents who could be there for her. I was about to be an intern, and I knew I wouldn't have time for her. It wasn't fair to her. But Karen wrote me a letter, saying she wanted me to meet Lily. They were on their way here for Lily to see Dr. O'Connor when the accident happened. Karen wanted to give me the letter when they arrived. According to the letter, Lily's symptoms could be anything from a virus to something more serious, like leukemia or kidney disease. I'm terrified something's wrong with my daughter. In the letter, Karen talked about her and Josh wanting to talk to me about their will, and she attached a copy. They left guardianship of Lily to me if something happened to them.."

Callie was overwhelmed by everything Arizona just shared. "No matter what happens, I'll be here every step of the way. I love you."

Arizona leans in, kissing. Callie softly. "I love you too." Just as we're about to embrace again, there's a knock on the door.

The door to the conference room opened, and Teddy, the Chief, and two unfamiliar faces walked in. The Chief approached Arizona with a warm smile. "Well, I hear we have a new member of the Seattle Grace Mercy West family. I'm eager to meet Lily."