After the Storm

Chapter 7: Settling In

The last box hit the floor with a loud crash.

I sighed with relief, and wiped the sweat from my forehead.

I knew I could be out by tonight. I had moved all of mine and Sofia's things into Meredith and Derek's house in under six hours.

I had to admit that I was pretty proud of myself.

Meredith gave me a key to the house, and told me that we could set up in the spare bedrooms. Both of them were right next to each other, which was a bonus.

Meredith and Derek's room was located by the baby's, then Zola's was next to his, and the spare bedrooms were across the hall.

I had Sofia's crib set up, and placed the boxes with her toys and clothes in there as well.

As for me, there was a bed already set up, furniture was already in there, which made it a hundred times easier on me.

All I had to put in was my clothes, toiletries, and a few other things that I wanted.

Derek told me that he would drop Zola off over here after his shift, and then go back to spend the night with Meredith and baby Bailey.

It was near ten at night now, so he should be here soon.

Sofia was sitting on the couch, drinking apple juice, and taking in the new surroundings.

I went and sat down by her.

"Hey, Sof," I cooed quietly.

I picked up my daughter, and placed her on my lap.

"So what do you think?" I asked her.

She made a noise that sounded like a giggle.

"Yeah. You just like it because it means you get to bunk with Zo," I laughed.

"Well, we'll be here for a while baby. Until I find a new place, this is home," I said, sighing.

My thoughts wandered off to Arizona. She must be home by now. And how worried she probably is. She has no idea where I am, let alone Sofia- If the situation were reversed, I'd hate her for doing this. And I kind of hated myself for doing this. At least doing it without telling her. But I hated her for what she did to me, so we were even for now. In a sense.

"Mami?" Sofia asked.

I looked down at her.

"Where's Mama?"

My heart broke into a million pieces.

"She's uh- she's not here right now, sweetie," I said glumly.

"Why?" she asked, her big brown eyes boring into mine.

"Mama's alright. I promise, but Mama and I- we aren't-" I paused.

How could I explain to my three year old daughter that her parents were split?

"Mama and I aren't together, baby," I said. I figured that she needed to hear the truth, and she would hear the truth eventually. So why not tell her now?

"What do you mean Mami?" she asked, worriedly.

"Mama and I are having problems. But don't you worry. Everything's going to be okay. Mama's alright, I promise. And we both love you very much, Sofia. So much that you'll never know. But I just want to promise you that everything will be, and is okay," I said gently.

She nodded sadly. I kissed her forhead.

I looked up once I heard keys in the door.

I gasped theatrically.

"Sofia, guess who's here?" I asked excitedly.

She gasped too.

"Zo!" she squealed.

Zola and Derek appeared in the doorway. Derek waved to us, smiling.

"Sof!" Zola cheered.

Derek set his daughter down, and both girls ran to each other, causing us to laugh.

"She's been talking about seeing Sofia the whole ride home," he said.

"Same with this one," I said, smiling at our children.

After their hug, Zola grabbed Sofia's hand, and led her over to her bedroom.

"Dolls," Zola murmured.

"Are you sure you can handle them?" Derek asked.

I nodded. "Of course, they're both angels," I said.

He laughed.

"Alright. Again, I can't thank you enough, Callie," he said, hugging me.

"Oh, Derek, you're letting me live at your house. I can't thank you enough," I said.

He smiled brightly. "Well, Meredith, the baby and I will be back tomorrow. You know, she'll be on maternity leave," he said.

I nodded.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, I took off the rest of the week. You know, for personal reasons. But, I guess you know the reason, so," I said.

He nodded.

"Things will be alright," he said, nodding reassuringly.

I smiled.

"Okay, well, say hello, and thank Meredith for me again," I said.

He nodded, smiled, and went to leave.

"Derek-" I stopped him.

He looked over at me.

"Yeah?" I gulped.

"If Arizona- if, if she asks where Sofia or I am, don't tell her that we're staying here," I said.

He stopped, and cocked his head to the side.

"Callie," he said, as if scolding a child.

"I know. I know that sounds bad, it is bad. I'm not trying to hurt her, or to scare her, I just- I just want to be away from her for a little while. Seeing her, and all I can see is her kissing Boswell, or touching her, I just don't see my  Arizona anymore. If you tell her that I'm here, then she'll come here. I promise that I will tell her eventually, I just need some time to myself. Just for a week. A few days, even. You've been through this with Addison, and I know you know what it's like," I said.

He looked into my eyes with remorse.

"Okay, I won't say anything," he said, rolling his eyes playfully.

"Thanks," I said, grinning.

He waved again, and left for the hospital.

I sighed, looking around the room. It's time for a change. And change is just what I wanted. It's just what I needed.