Terrified To Love You

Chapter Fourteen

Arizona's pov

Today has been a rough day. My four-year-old patient, Hannah, didn't make it through surgery, along with both two-year-old twin boys, Patrick and Antony,  who came into the ER after a severe car wreck. I haven't seen Sofia in months and miss her so much, which doesn't help my mood. Normally, Eliza is there to hold me when I have hard days, as I am for her, but she got pulled into an emergency ortho surgery on a man who came in with shattered femurs, caused by blunt trauma from falling from his roof, landing on both legs, so I headed home. Sighing,  I get out of bed, which seems cold and lonely without Eliza next to me, and head to the kitchen cabinet where I keep my cigarets and a bright red BIC lighter. I head to the porch so smoke won't get in the house and light the cigaret. It's a disgusting, awful habit, I know. I only do it when I am really upset though. Callie got me to quit, but I started again after we divorced and went through the custody battle. I stare out at the street. It is quiet at this hour, since most people have gone to bed or retired for the night. I tried to sleep but I couldn't. I glance up and see Eliza's jet black car pull up in front of the house. She gets out of the car and smiles at me as she climbs the wooden steps to the porch.

Eliza's pov

It's so dark that I don't see the cigarette in Arizona's hand until I am standing right in front of her. "You smoke?!" I ask, bewildered. "Only when I've had a terrible day or I know I am going to be in trouble." She says. I feel tears pooling in my eyes and I try to wipe them away, but one single tear escapes and trickles down my cheek. "Eliza, what's wrong?" She asks worriedly, putting out the cigarette on the floor and throwing into the trash can we keep on the porch. "I..I..." is all I manage to get out before collapsing into her arms and starting to sob. "Shh... it's ok. Shh.." She soothes, picking me up bridal style and carrying me inside, locking the door behind us. She sits down on the sofa, me in her lap. She brushes my dark hair out of my blue-grey eyes. tucking it behind my ears. "Eliza, what's wrong?" she asks worriedly.
Arizona's pov

"My father started smoking when I was eight years old. He died four months ago of lung cancer caused by the smoking. We were really close. That's why I came here. I needed a fresh start. I couldn't take people looking at me like I was a kicked puppy just because my dad died. Please don't smoke. I can't loose you like I lost him." Eliza sobs. "I'll stop. I promise. It's going to be ok. I'm here for you, Eliza. I know it sucks to loose a loved one. I'm here. You have me no matter what." I promise. She hugs me and I pull her closer to me. "I love you." She whispers. "I love you too. How does a nice, warm bath sound?" I ask. She nods eagerly and I carry her upstairs. We close the door to the bathroom behind us and I run the bath, adding some bubble bath for good measure. Eliza and I undress and climb in. I lean against a side and she lays against me. I wrap my arms around her and kiss her head. "Your so good to me." She murmurs sleepily. "Your good to me too, Eliza." I say softly, gently pulling her closely to me. She smells like vanilla, probably from the lotion she uses every night before bed. I love her scent. "I love you. Please don't ever leave me." She murmurs, quiet as a mouse. "I love you too and I'm not going anywhere." I assure her. We sit in the bath until it gets cold. We then head to the bedroom, wrapped in towels, and get dressed in pajamas. Sweatpants and one of my hoodies for her, sleep shorts and a comfy long sleeve t shirt for me. She looks so cute in my hoodie. I smile to myself before sitting on the king sized bed, removing my prothesis, leaning it against the nightstand on my side of the bed. Eliza crawls into bed and leans against me. I hold her in my arms and kiss her forehead. "I can't loose you. I wouldn't survive it." She murmurs softly. "Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. I'll throw the cigarettes away. You're stuck with me, baby." I promise. She grins tearfully up at me. I gently wipe away her tears. She carefully cups my face in her warm, soft hands and gently pulls me down for a kiss. Her lips are soft as silk. She places her arms around my neck. When we break apart for air, she lies down and reaches for me. I lie down next to her and wrap an arm around her perfect waist. She stares into my eyes lovingly. Her eyes are so gorgeous. They are the perfect mixture of blue and grey. "I love you." She murmurs softly. "I love you too." I say, pulling her closer. She rests her head on my chest, listening to my heartbeat.

Eliza's pov

I lay against Arizona's chest, listening to her heart beat like a drum. She smiles at me and runs her fingers gently through my long, dark hair. God I love this woman. She's so amazing. I smile up at her and she grins at me. "Arizona?" I ask. "Yes, love?" "Never leave me." I beg. "Never. I promise. I love you with all my heart." She vows. I smile and kiss her soft lips gently. "Let's sleep. I'm tired." I suggest, stifling a yawn. She nods and we fall asleep in each other's arms. What a day.