Never Been Kissed (Chapter 1)
Title: Never Been Kissed
Author: mcawesome85
Pairing: Callie and Arizona
Rating: PG-13 - NC-17
Summary: What happens when shy newspaper reporter Arizona gets her first Undercover assignment at a local High School? A/N - Its kinda like the movie but I'm changing stuff as I go; Characters from the show will turn up too.
Disclaimer: All television shows, movies, books, and other copyrighted material referred to in this work, and the characters, settings, and events thereof, are the properties of their respective owners. As this work is an interpretation of the original material and not for-profit, it constitutes fair use. Reference to real persons, places, or events are made in a fictional context, and are not intended to be libelous, defamatory, or in any way factual.
Chapter 1
Arizona, Arizona, Arizona the crowd chants….
They were all looking at the same thing….the same person, out there in the middle of the basketball court. This person was Arizona Robbins. A 24 year old, perky blonde who stood, fingers entwined, biting her lip as she nervously scanned the crowds of screaming people.
* I can't believe it * she thought. *Nothing like this was meant to happen, all I was trying to do was my job…*
She was right, that's how it started….that day, 4 months ago…
*Cut Scene*
Arizona Robbins was just your average, middleclass reporter. She went about her day sitting behind her desk, writing up or correcting other peoples stories. Those stories that were her own barely made a quarter of a page in the paper she worked for.
'The Daily Chance' that was the name of the newspaper. She had taken the job 2years ago, after having completed college and university. She was a talented young woman. She worked hard to achieve things in life. She had always been successful. She kept her head down and studied hard. She worked so hard in fact that she barely had anything that could be called a social life. In fact most nights she would finish work, go home to her apartment and unwind in front of the TV.
She had a younger sister, Teddy her name was. She would come around most nights. Arizona had a feeling she only came around to eat her food and watch her telly. The thing was, even if that were true, Arizona didn't mind. She enjoyed the company.
They had always been close, they could tell each other almost anything. They were very different people in that Arizona herself was a rather shy, nervous person. She liked to keep herself to herself and not bother anyone. Teddy on the other hand was loud, confident and most of all she had that 'I don't give a shit' personality. She walked around town with her head held high, getting things out of life, without even trying.
She was a hairdresser, a struggling one at that but she still went about life as though she hadn't a care in the world. She was gay, as was Arizona, but unlike Arizona she was very much 'out and proud'. Teddy would go out most nights and always come back with at least 1 gal in tow.
Arizona didn't know how she did it. She didn't think she could ever just meet someone and jump into bed with them within a few hours. It just wasn't what she wanted in life. So what was it that Arizona wanted out of life?
Well that's what she herself was about to discover one sunny Friday Morning….
As she walked through the main doors of the newspaper entrance an immense amount of heat enveloped her. How was it that it could be hotter inside than it was outside? She looked around the main area. She saw people fanning their faces frantically, sweat pouring from their brows.
As she entered the lift, pressed the button to take her to the 9th floor she over heard people behind her talking about the 'damn air conditioning playing up again.' It was now that she wished she had worn a skirt today.
As the lift opened on the 9th floor she exited quickly, glad to be out of the confined space. She walked along the hallway, rounded the corner and stopped outside of her office. There was a sticky label on her door…
*Meeting Room, 9:30 Sharp*
She peeled the note from her door and entered her office. It was quite a small room with a pokey little window behind a large desk. On the desk was a phone, a pile of papers, a pot of pens and pencils and a few other random items, all spread out neatly. This is how Arizona liked it. No mess, no fuss.
She set her briefcase down in the middle of the table and took a seat behind her desk. Just as she was about to open the case there was a loud bang and someone slammed their body against her office door. She looked up and there was her 'work friend' Cristina staring giddily at her.
'Guess who I did last night?' Cristina panted at her.
'Carmen' Arizona replied, sitting back in her chair.
'Hang on, who told you that?'
Arizona rolled her eyes. Grinning she said..
'You did. Yesterday you told me and I quote…''I have a date with Carmen tonight and I'm going to do it with her!' end quote'
Cristina pushed herself off the door and sat down in the chair in front of Arizona's desk.
'You could have at least acted a little interested' Cristina huffed.
This is how it went every week. Cristina would get a date, she'd brag on about going to do them, then she'd come in the next day stating all the gory details. Its all fun and games….well at least it is to those who are actually getting some. As her mind wandered she looked back at failed attempts to start up any kind of relationship.
She had known she was gay since she was around 15. The guys at school had never interested her. She found them to be boring and self-serving. All they wanted was to get laid. When she looked at some girls her stomach would knot and a blush would form that reached down her neck and over her ears. Pigtails in, braces attached to her teeth she was never the beauty most girls her age were. So she went through high school without ever being kissed by anyone.
When she got to college that's where she 'experimented' for the first time. It was with a boy. It didn't last long. It didn't even get to a 2nd date. She had known it wasn't what she wanted.
In her 1st year of Uni however she had met a girl who she became very close to. After being friends for a few month, it was the other girl who went to kiss Arizona first. They had decided it was for the best to keep it a secret. At least until they had been seeing each other for a little while. They would meet and make out in either her or Arizona's room. One night after a heavy make out session, Arizona had wanted to pursue things further. The other girl had agreed and they made love to one another all night.
It had been the best night of Arizona's life. She felt as though she could have flown. The feeling however didn't last long. The next day when she met up with the girl outside of the University she was told that it wasn't working. The words haunted her dreams for weeks afterwards. Had she done something wrong? Had she been too clumsy or did she not do it right? None of those questions were answered. The girl had said a sympathetic 'sorry' and left Arizona sitting there, alone.
That was 5 years ago now, and Arizona rarely thought of it. Since that she had been intimate with exactly no one! She had been set up on blind dates, both by her sister and Cristina. Not one of them had worked out though.
She was snapped out of her daydream by a hand waving in front of her.
'Hello? Earth to Arizona. Where'd you go I was talking away to you?'
'Sorry Cristina, I just have a lot on my mind' she told her.
Cristina sat up, eyes wide
'Arizona? Oh you haven't, have you?' Her lips curled into a devilish smirk.
'Have I what' Arizona asked
'Met someone, got a date…'
Arizona pouted and looked at her hands.
'No, nothing like that. Besides I don't have the time for dating' she lied.
She hated being set up by Cristina so chose to lie to her instead. She knew she was just trying to help and she did appreciated it, but she couldn't be bothered to go and date a whole bunch of losers in search of Miss right.
'Oh come on, don't give me that bull' Cristina snorted. 'You have plenty of time and you know it. You're just lazy. If you would just maybe doll yourself up a bit you'd have all the girls flocking around you!'
'What's wrong with the way I look?' Arizona asked, looking down at her attire.
'Well' Cristina began 'Its quite ''old fashioned'' if you know what I mean. And plain! All we ever see you in is black or brown or white.'
Arizona pouted and her eyebrows creased.
'Seriously though, do you own any kind of coloured underwear? Blue? Yellow?'
'Cristina! I'm not going to discuss my underwear with you!' Arizona stated.
It was Cristina's turn to roll her eyes. She knew Arizona was a very secretive person. She didn't like to 'air her dirty laundry' in public. She had tried hard over the few years that had been working together to get Arizona out of her shell but, so far she had been just to stubborn to budge! She resumed her position, leaning back in her chair.
'Come on Arizona. When was the last time you went on a real date? And when I say real I mean, make out style.'
Arizona shuffled around in her seat. She was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the discussion. Just then there was a figure at the door. She looked up and saw Erica standing there, looking at her.
'Yes Tina…When was the last time you went on a date' Erica asked sarcastically.
It was no secret that Arizona and Erica were like chalk and cheese. From the day they met they had never clicked. It was Cristina who usually played piggy in the middle between them.
'You 2 are so sure of yourselves. Just because I don't blab on about every girl I've been with doesn't mean that I'm not getting any! I'm just thinking about my career right now.' Arizona said, putting up her defence.
Erica looked down a Cristina and said smugly 'That means she's not getting any.'
Cristina turned to Arizona and mouthed 'ignore her'.
Arizona stood up, not liking her sex life being under the spot light. She rounded the her desk and lent her backside against the edge of it. Arms folded she calmly said to them both…
'Look, like I said earlier, I'm not interested in kissing a whole load of people to find the girl for me'.
'Yea but sometimes kissing a load of girls adds to the fun' Erica giggled.
'When I get kissed, ill know!'
'Whoa, hang on a second…if you've never been kissed then you got bigger problems…' Erica told her.
'Of course I've been kissed. I've kissed girls…I've just never…I've never felt that thing….'
'That thing?' Erica asked. 'Is that what people are calling it these days? I always thought cunt was a good name.'
''Hand Warmer works too' Cristina replied.
'Meatslide'
'Pussy'
'Sausage Factory'
'Tongue Trap'
'Munch Box'
'Calcunta'
Arizona's head went from side to side as she listened to the Cristina and Erica passing back and forth names for their nether regions. This was not what she had meant…
'Lips between the hips'
'Smurf Crease'
'ENOUGH!' Arizona shouted, she raised her hand as if surrendering. In spite of trying to have a serious talk with them she couldn't help but let out a small laugh at their antics. 'I didn't mean that thing.'
Cristina and Erica giggled at their little banter while Arizona stood up and rounded the table to her seat again. After sitting she thought about what to say to them.
'What I was trying to say was id never felt that moment…that moment where everything around you just disappears and all you can feel is this person. All you see is this person kissing you. And in that moment, you know that this person is the only person your ever supposed to kiss. You want to laugh and cry because you know you're so lucky to have found it. The feeling makes you giddy, and light headed and you just want to hold on to it for as long as you can.'
Cristina and Erica had stopped their silliness and paid their full attention to what Arizona was saying. Despite their obvious personality differences, Erica admired Arizona. She knew she had a kind heart and knew she could be a brilliant writer. If she would only get out more…build up her confidence and believe in herself.
She would never of course admit this to Arizona.
'Holy Crap' Cristina said 'Its 9:25, there's a meeting in 5 minutes, come on..' She stood up and turned, heading out the door to her own desk just down the hall. Erica also left muttering something about not being invited to the meeting.
As Arizona gathered a note pad and pen she thought about what she had told Cristina and Erica. She longed to find someone who she could be close to. Not just intimately but emotionally. She always had her sister to turn to, but she had her own life, her own friends. Once she gathered her stuff she stood up and left her office, shutting the door behind her.
As people piled into the meeting room, Arizona and Cristina found seats next to each other. Across the way Carmen was sitting opposite Cristina. They were making eyes and gestures towards one another. Arizona just shook her head, smirking to herself. She turned to the door where their Chief and Editor had just come in. Richard Webber was a tall aging man with bright white hair. He walked in with a sense of power about him. He loved how his employees flocked to his every need in fear of being sacked on the spot for the slightest mishap.
He walks to the head of the table and clears his throat. Those who had been turned the other way talking suddenly fell silent and looked at him.
'Good Morning everyone, and thank you for being here. I have called this meeting today in regards to something that happened to my last night.'
He took a seat and leaned back. Elbows on the chair rest and fingers entwined in front of him, he contemplated what to say next.
'Last night after getting into my car to drive home, I was attacked.'
There was a few ''ooo's'' and ''arr's'' from around the room.
'That's right' he continued. 'I was attacked by the site of kids, or should I say young adults destroying bus shelters, writing jibberish on walls with cans of spray paint, bonfires made up of what looked to be furniture from their parents home. And that's just half of it.'
He stood up and started walking around the table. Arizona started making notes on what was being said, just in case she needed it for further reference.
'Driving around a bit longer I passed more 'young adults' drinking cans of beer and cider, kissing and touching each other right there on the side walk and I said to myself, Holy Shit! What's going on with kids now a days? And that's when it hit me… Undercover story in high school.'
There were a few raised eyebrows, while others shifted higher in their seats in hopes of being chosen.
'You' he said pointing at Arizona from across the table. 'What's your name?'
Arizona was speechless. Was he really talking to me she thought? She was knocked out of her thoughts when Cristina nudged her arm.
'Uhh…A…A..Arizona Robbins' she stammered.
'Arizona!' he yelled. 'You enrol Monday.' he hit his hand on the back of someone's chair and then walked off out of the room.
Arizona sat in her chair, completely shocked. She looked at Cristina, mouth a gape and then got to her feet and walked fast out of the room. When she got there she slammed against the door unable to open it before her body pressed up against it. Once in she went up to her desk, putting her hands on the top and hunching her shoulders, head down.
'Arizona' she heard coming from the door. 'Oh my god Arizona, can you believe it?'
When she felt she had control of herself, Arizona turned around, resting herself on the desk.
'I cant, I cant do it' she stammered.
'What are you talking about? Of course you can do it Arizona. You're an amazing writer. What you lack is the confidence to get out there and do it!'
'I'm not a reporter yet Cristina. All I do is spell check the reporters work'. This is a major undercover feature.' she said starting to pace the floor.
'You have what it takes though Arizona. I'm not just saying that either. This is your big break. This is your chance to shine!' And you know what, if there's anything you need help with, then I'm your girl!' Cristina told her, putting her hands on Arizona's shoulders to stop her from pacing anymore.
Arizona looked at Cristina. 'You really think that Cristina?'
Cristina smiled 'I sure do. There's just one thing that I think needs addressing.'
'What's that' Arizona asked.
Cristina backed off, looking Arizona up and down. 'We have got to do something about your wardrobe!'
Later that night Arizona flopped onto the couch, exhausted from the days antics. After work Cristina had taken her to the mall in search of a new wardrobe. They had shopped until they dropped - literally! Arizona had hated half the stuff Cristina had picked out for her. '
Who would want to wear this kind of stuff Cristina?', she had asked her.
'Arizona, if you want to fit in and look as though you're 17 then this is what you're going to have to wear' Cristina had told her. ' Besides, you look totally hot.'
'Humph, yea right' she had retorted.
Cristina had watched Arizona as she picked out and tried on different clothes. She could see clearly that with a bit of effort she could be the hottest woman in town. She just didn't know it herself. She was such a lovely woman, she had just spent too much time with her head in a book. Cristina hoped that with this opportunity, she would build some confidence.
So now, sprawled on the couch, Arizona stared at the T.V. but she wasn't really watching it. She was too busy thinking about what was going to happen next week. Just then the front door opened and in walked Teddy. She slammed the door shut and looked towards Arizona who was lying on the couch.
'Whoa, this is a first' Teddy said. 'Its 9:30 and you're not in your PJs?'
'I could say the same for you…9:30 on a Friday night and you're not out clubbing..?' Arizona replied.
'Bah, I was out' she explained 'but then 2 girls I've been seeing this week met each other and they got kinda aggressive.'
'So you made a bolt for it?'
'Damn right. I was going to get mixed up in that.' She lifted Arizona's legs and sat on the couch.
'Its your fault it was happening missy, you should control your woman!' she told her.
Teddy stuck her tongue out at her and dragged her nails over the pad of Arizona's feet.
'Arrrgggggg' Arizona shouted. She pulled her legs out of Teddy's grasp and threw a cushion at her.
Teddy snorted and put her own feet up on the coffee table.
'So come on sis. What's up with you? What you been doing?'
Arizona let out a sigh 'You wont believe me' she smirked.
'Try me' Came Teddy's response.
'Well. This morning we all got called into the meeting room at 9:30 and Richard started going on about kids in the streets, trashing bus shelters and everything. Then, as I was taking notes he suddenly yells ''You'' and he's pointing at me!'
'Ohh, Arizona got into trouble. Little miss teachers pet got told off for doodling' Teddy teased.
'Har Har' Arizona replied. 'Actually, the truth is more unbelievable then that. He asked me my name and I stuttered it to him. It was so embarrassing!' She stopped for a second and reached over for her drink.
'So what did the dude want?'
'Well' she said, between sips. 'After I told him my name he said ''Arizona Robbins, you enrol Monday''!'
'Enrol? What's he talking about?' Teddy asked confused.
'It means I'm going back to high school for my first undercover story!' She looked at Teddy's face. Her mouth was open and her eye's wide.
'You? Your going back to high school?'
'I sure am. I got the clothes and everything' she said pointing towards her bedroom. The door over to the far right was open so you could see bags piled on her bed.
'Oh my god, you're serious.' After a second Teddy started to laugh.
Arizona furrowed her eyebrows. 'Hey, what's so funny?'
In between giggles Teddy said 'I'm just….thinking about….what you'll be like…'
'What do you mean by that?'
'Well' Teddy started, her laughter subsiding ' Can you remember what it was like at high school? What you were like?'
'It was a long time ago' Arizona began. 'I liked High School.'
'Sure you did. You studied hard and you got good grades. But unlike most high school goers, you had no social life. At all! How are you meant to write a story if you don't socialise? I mean you were bad back then but even now, your still not one for going out and meeting new people. You just mope around here every night.'
Arizona thought about it for a minute. She looked back at her days as a high school girl. She did socialise….she had had friends. Sure they weren't part of any 'popular kids' group but she was happy. At least for the most of it. She's attempted to be friends with the popular kids but they acted as though she didn't exist. The friends she did have were like her - content on studying as much as they could to get the grades. It wasn't just studying she enjoyed. She loved to play basketball. She loved it because she was good at it. She wasn't much one for long distance running or anything like that. But team sports were her strength. Especially basketball.
Thinking about what Teddy had said….where was the story going to come from? Was she going to write about the Popular kids vs. the Nerds? That's something that people know about. No matter how long ago it was that you were in school, every year had popular and not so popular kids. Its just a way of life. You could write about that without wasting time going undercover. No, Se needed something better. Something that no one had ever done before. Would she be able to find the story though? This was her first attempt at being a reporter. She had to do a good job. If she botched it up, she'd be sacked for sure! Coming out of her thoughts she turned to Teddy.
'This is a very bad idea!'
Author: mcawesome85
Pairing: Callie and Arizona
Rating: PG-13 - NC-17
Summary: What happens when shy newspaper reporter Arizona gets her first Undercover assignment at a local High School? A/N - Its kinda like the movie but I'm changing stuff as I go; Characters from the show will turn up too.
Disclaimer: All television shows, movies, books, and other copyrighted material referred to in this work, and the characters, settings, and events thereof, are the properties of their respective owners. As this work is an interpretation of the original material and not for-profit, it constitutes fair use. Reference to real persons, places, or events are made in a fictional context, and are not intended to be libelous, defamatory, or in any way factual.
Chapter 1
Arizona, Arizona, Arizona the crowd chants….
They were all looking at the same thing….the same person, out there in the middle of the basketball court. This person was Arizona Robbins. A 24 year old, perky blonde who stood, fingers entwined, biting her lip as she nervously scanned the crowds of screaming people.
* I can't believe it * she thought. *Nothing like this was meant to happen, all I was trying to do was my job…*
She was right, that's how it started….that day, 4 months ago…
*Cut Scene*
Arizona Robbins was just your average, middleclass reporter. She went about her day sitting behind her desk, writing up or correcting other peoples stories. Those stories that were her own barely made a quarter of a page in the paper she worked for.
'The Daily Chance' that was the name of the newspaper. She had taken the job 2years ago, after having completed college and university. She was a talented young woman. She worked hard to achieve things in life. She had always been successful. She kept her head down and studied hard. She worked so hard in fact that she barely had anything that could be called a social life. In fact most nights she would finish work, go home to her apartment and unwind in front of the TV.
She had a younger sister, Teddy her name was. She would come around most nights. Arizona had a feeling she only came around to eat her food and watch her telly. The thing was, even if that were true, Arizona didn't mind. She enjoyed the company.
They had always been close, they could tell each other almost anything. They were very different people in that Arizona herself was a rather shy, nervous person. She liked to keep herself to herself and not bother anyone. Teddy on the other hand was loud, confident and most of all she had that 'I don't give a shit' personality. She walked around town with her head held high, getting things out of life, without even trying.
She was a hairdresser, a struggling one at that but she still went about life as though she hadn't a care in the world. She was gay, as was Arizona, but unlike Arizona she was very much 'out and proud'. Teddy would go out most nights and always come back with at least 1 gal in tow.
Arizona didn't know how she did it. She didn't think she could ever just meet someone and jump into bed with them within a few hours. It just wasn't what she wanted in life. So what was it that Arizona wanted out of life?
Well that's what she herself was about to discover one sunny Friday Morning….
As she walked through the main doors of the newspaper entrance an immense amount of heat enveloped her. How was it that it could be hotter inside than it was outside? She looked around the main area. She saw people fanning their faces frantically, sweat pouring from their brows.
As she entered the lift, pressed the button to take her to the 9th floor she over heard people behind her talking about the 'damn air conditioning playing up again.' It was now that she wished she had worn a skirt today.
As the lift opened on the 9th floor she exited quickly, glad to be out of the confined space. She walked along the hallway, rounded the corner and stopped outside of her office. There was a sticky label on her door…
*Meeting Room, 9:30 Sharp*
She peeled the note from her door and entered her office. It was quite a small room with a pokey little window behind a large desk. On the desk was a phone, a pile of papers, a pot of pens and pencils and a few other random items, all spread out neatly. This is how Arizona liked it. No mess, no fuss.
She set her briefcase down in the middle of the table and took a seat behind her desk. Just as she was about to open the case there was a loud bang and someone slammed their body against her office door. She looked up and there was her 'work friend' Cristina staring giddily at her.
'Guess who I did last night?' Cristina panted at her.
'Carmen' Arizona replied, sitting back in her chair.
'Hang on, who told you that?'
Arizona rolled her eyes. Grinning she said..
'You did. Yesterday you told me and I quote…''I have a date with Carmen tonight and I'm going to do it with her!' end quote'
Cristina pushed herself off the door and sat down in the chair in front of Arizona's desk.
'You could have at least acted a little interested' Cristina huffed.
This is how it went every week. Cristina would get a date, she'd brag on about going to do them, then she'd come in the next day stating all the gory details. Its all fun and games….well at least it is to those who are actually getting some. As her mind wandered she looked back at failed attempts to start up any kind of relationship.
She had known she was gay since she was around 15. The guys at school had never interested her. She found them to be boring and self-serving. All they wanted was to get laid. When she looked at some girls her stomach would knot and a blush would form that reached down her neck and over her ears. Pigtails in, braces attached to her teeth she was never the beauty most girls her age were. So she went through high school without ever being kissed by anyone.
When she got to college that's where she 'experimented' for the first time. It was with a boy. It didn't last long. It didn't even get to a 2nd date. She had known it wasn't what she wanted.
In her 1st year of Uni however she had met a girl who she became very close to. After being friends for a few month, it was the other girl who went to kiss Arizona first. They had decided it was for the best to keep it a secret. At least until they had been seeing each other for a little while. They would meet and make out in either her or Arizona's room. One night after a heavy make out session, Arizona had wanted to pursue things further. The other girl had agreed and they made love to one another all night.
It had been the best night of Arizona's life. She felt as though she could have flown. The feeling however didn't last long. The next day when she met up with the girl outside of the University she was told that it wasn't working. The words haunted her dreams for weeks afterwards. Had she done something wrong? Had she been too clumsy or did she not do it right? None of those questions were answered. The girl had said a sympathetic 'sorry' and left Arizona sitting there, alone.
That was 5 years ago now, and Arizona rarely thought of it. Since that she had been intimate with exactly no one! She had been set up on blind dates, both by her sister and Cristina. Not one of them had worked out though.
She was snapped out of her daydream by a hand waving in front of her.
'Hello? Earth to Arizona. Where'd you go I was talking away to you?'
'Sorry Cristina, I just have a lot on my mind' she told her.
Cristina sat up, eyes wide
'Arizona? Oh you haven't, have you?' Her lips curled into a devilish smirk.
'Have I what' Arizona asked
'Met someone, got a date…'
Arizona pouted and looked at her hands.
'No, nothing like that. Besides I don't have the time for dating' she lied.
She hated being set up by Cristina so chose to lie to her instead. She knew she was just trying to help and she did appreciated it, but she couldn't be bothered to go and date a whole bunch of losers in search of Miss right.
'Oh come on, don't give me that bull' Cristina snorted. 'You have plenty of time and you know it. You're just lazy. If you would just maybe doll yourself up a bit you'd have all the girls flocking around you!'
'What's wrong with the way I look?' Arizona asked, looking down at her attire.
'Well' Cristina began 'Its quite ''old fashioned'' if you know what I mean. And plain! All we ever see you in is black or brown or white.'
Arizona pouted and her eyebrows creased.
'Seriously though, do you own any kind of coloured underwear? Blue? Yellow?'
'Cristina! I'm not going to discuss my underwear with you!' Arizona stated.
It was Cristina's turn to roll her eyes. She knew Arizona was a very secretive person. She didn't like to 'air her dirty laundry' in public. She had tried hard over the few years that had been working together to get Arizona out of her shell but, so far she had been just to stubborn to budge! She resumed her position, leaning back in her chair.
'Come on Arizona. When was the last time you went on a real date? And when I say real I mean, make out style.'
Arizona shuffled around in her seat. She was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the discussion. Just then there was a figure at the door. She looked up and saw Erica standing there, looking at her.
'Yes Tina…When was the last time you went on a date' Erica asked sarcastically.
It was no secret that Arizona and Erica were like chalk and cheese. From the day they met they had never clicked. It was Cristina who usually played piggy in the middle between them.
'You 2 are so sure of yourselves. Just because I don't blab on about every girl I've been with doesn't mean that I'm not getting any! I'm just thinking about my career right now.' Arizona said, putting up her defence.
Erica looked down a Cristina and said smugly 'That means she's not getting any.'
Cristina turned to Arizona and mouthed 'ignore her'.
Arizona stood up, not liking her sex life being under the spot light. She rounded the her desk and lent her backside against the edge of it. Arms folded she calmly said to them both…
'Look, like I said earlier, I'm not interested in kissing a whole load of people to find the girl for me'.
'Yea but sometimes kissing a load of girls adds to the fun' Erica giggled.
'When I get kissed, ill know!'
'Whoa, hang on a second…if you've never been kissed then you got bigger problems…' Erica told her.
'Of course I've been kissed. I've kissed girls…I've just never…I've never felt that thing….'
'That thing?' Erica asked. 'Is that what people are calling it these days? I always thought cunt was a good name.'
''Hand Warmer works too' Cristina replied.
'Meatslide'
'Pussy'
'Sausage Factory'
'Tongue Trap'
'Munch Box'
'Calcunta'
Arizona's head went from side to side as she listened to the Cristina and Erica passing back and forth names for their nether regions. This was not what she had meant…
'Lips between the hips'
'Smurf Crease'
'ENOUGH!' Arizona shouted, she raised her hand as if surrendering. In spite of trying to have a serious talk with them she couldn't help but let out a small laugh at their antics. 'I didn't mean that thing.'
Cristina and Erica giggled at their little banter while Arizona stood up and rounded the table to her seat again. After sitting she thought about what to say to them.
'What I was trying to say was id never felt that moment…that moment where everything around you just disappears and all you can feel is this person. All you see is this person kissing you. And in that moment, you know that this person is the only person your ever supposed to kiss. You want to laugh and cry because you know you're so lucky to have found it. The feeling makes you giddy, and light headed and you just want to hold on to it for as long as you can.'
Cristina and Erica had stopped their silliness and paid their full attention to what Arizona was saying. Despite their obvious personality differences, Erica admired Arizona. She knew she had a kind heart and knew she could be a brilliant writer. If she would only get out more…build up her confidence and believe in herself.
She would never of course admit this to Arizona.
'Holy Crap' Cristina said 'Its 9:25, there's a meeting in 5 minutes, come on..' She stood up and turned, heading out the door to her own desk just down the hall. Erica also left muttering something about not being invited to the meeting.
As Arizona gathered a note pad and pen she thought about what she had told Cristina and Erica. She longed to find someone who she could be close to. Not just intimately but emotionally. She always had her sister to turn to, but she had her own life, her own friends. Once she gathered her stuff she stood up and left her office, shutting the door behind her.
As people piled into the meeting room, Arizona and Cristina found seats next to each other. Across the way Carmen was sitting opposite Cristina. They were making eyes and gestures towards one another. Arizona just shook her head, smirking to herself. She turned to the door where their Chief and Editor had just come in. Richard Webber was a tall aging man with bright white hair. He walked in with a sense of power about him. He loved how his employees flocked to his every need in fear of being sacked on the spot for the slightest mishap.
He walks to the head of the table and clears his throat. Those who had been turned the other way talking suddenly fell silent and looked at him.
'Good Morning everyone, and thank you for being here. I have called this meeting today in regards to something that happened to my last night.'
He took a seat and leaned back. Elbows on the chair rest and fingers entwined in front of him, he contemplated what to say next.
'Last night after getting into my car to drive home, I was attacked.'
There was a few ''ooo's'' and ''arr's'' from around the room.
'That's right' he continued. 'I was attacked by the site of kids, or should I say young adults destroying bus shelters, writing jibberish on walls with cans of spray paint, bonfires made up of what looked to be furniture from their parents home. And that's just half of it.'
He stood up and started walking around the table. Arizona started making notes on what was being said, just in case she needed it for further reference.
'Driving around a bit longer I passed more 'young adults' drinking cans of beer and cider, kissing and touching each other right there on the side walk and I said to myself, Holy Shit! What's going on with kids now a days? And that's when it hit me… Undercover story in high school.'
There were a few raised eyebrows, while others shifted higher in their seats in hopes of being chosen.
'You' he said pointing at Arizona from across the table. 'What's your name?'
Arizona was speechless. Was he really talking to me she thought? She was knocked out of her thoughts when Cristina nudged her arm.
'Uhh…A…A..Arizona Robbins' she stammered.
'Arizona!' he yelled. 'You enrol Monday.' he hit his hand on the back of someone's chair and then walked off out of the room.
Arizona sat in her chair, completely shocked. She looked at Cristina, mouth a gape and then got to her feet and walked fast out of the room. When she got there she slammed against the door unable to open it before her body pressed up against it. Once in she went up to her desk, putting her hands on the top and hunching her shoulders, head down.
'Arizona' she heard coming from the door. 'Oh my god Arizona, can you believe it?'
When she felt she had control of herself, Arizona turned around, resting herself on the desk.
'I cant, I cant do it' she stammered.
'What are you talking about? Of course you can do it Arizona. You're an amazing writer. What you lack is the confidence to get out there and do it!'
'I'm not a reporter yet Cristina. All I do is spell check the reporters work'. This is a major undercover feature.' she said starting to pace the floor.
'You have what it takes though Arizona. I'm not just saying that either. This is your big break. This is your chance to shine!' And you know what, if there's anything you need help with, then I'm your girl!' Cristina told her, putting her hands on Arizona's shoulders to stop her from pacing anymore.
Arizona looked at Cristina. 'You really think that Cristina?'
Cristina smiled 'I sure do. There's just one thing that I think needs addressing.'
'What's that' Arizona asked.
Cristina backed off, looking Arizona up and down. 'We have got to do something about your wardrobe!'
Later that night Arizona flopped onto the couch, exhausted from the days antics. After work Cristina had taken her to the mall in search of a new wardrobe. They had shopped until they dropped - literally! Arizona had hated half the stuff Cristina had picked out for her. '
Who would want to wear this kind of stuff Cristina?', she had asked her.
'Arizona, if you want to fit in and look as though you're 17 then this is what you're going to have to wear' Cristina had told her. ' Besides, you look totally hot.'
'Humph, yea right' she had retorted.
Cristina had watched Arizona as she picked out and tried on different clothes. She could see clearly that with a bit of effort she could be the hottest woman in town. She just didn't know it herself. She was such a lovely woman, she had just spent too much time with her head in a book. Cristina hoped that with this opportunity, she would build some confidence.
So now, sprawled on the couch, Arizona stared at the T.V. but she wasn't really watching it. She was too busy thinking about what was going to happen next week. Just then the front door opened and in walked Teddy. She slammed the door shut and looked towards Arizona who was lying on the couch.
'Whoa, this is a first' Teddy said. 'Its 9:30 and you're not in your PJs?'
'I could say the same for you…9:30 on a Friday night and you're not out clubbing..?' Arizona replied.
'Bah, I was out' she explained 'but then 2 girls I've been seeing this week met each other and they got kinda aggressive.'
'So you made a bolt for it?'
'Damn right. I was going to get mixed up in that.' She lifted Arizona's legs and sat on the couch.
'Its your fault it was happening missy, you should control your woman!' she told her.
Teddy stuck her tongue out at her and dragged her nails over the pad of Arizona's feet.
'Arrrgggggg' Arizona shouted. She pulled her legs out of Teddy's grasp and threw a cushion at her.
Teddy snorted and put her own feet up on the coffee table.
'So come on sis. What's up with you? What you been doing?'
Arizona let out a sigh 'You wont believe me' she smirked.
'Try me' Came Teddy's response.
'Well. This morning we all got called into the meeting room at 9:30 and Richard started going on about kids in the streets, trashing bus shelters and everything. Then, as I was taking notes he suddenly yells ''You'' and he's pointing at me!'
'Ohh, Arizona got into trouble. Little miss teachers pet got told off for doodling' Teddy teased.
'Har Har' Arizona replied. 'Actually, the truth is more unbelievable then that. He asked me my name and I stuttered it to him. It was so embarrassing!' She stopped for a second and reached over for her drink.
'So what did the dude want?'
'Well' she said, between sips. 'After I told him my name he said ''Arizona Robbins, you enrol Monday''!'
'Enrol? What's he talking about?' Teddy asked confused.
'It means I'm going back to high school for my first undercover story!' She looked at Teddy's face. Her mouth was open and her eye's wide.
'You? Your going back to high school?'
'I sure am. I got the clothes and everything' she said pointing towards her bedroom. The door over to the far right was open so you could see bags piled on her bed.
'Oh my god, you're serious.' After a second Teddy started to laugh.
Arizona furrowed her eyebrows. 'Hey, what's so funny?'
In between giggles Teddy said 'I'm just….thinking about….what you'll be like…'
'What do you mean by that?'
'Well' Teddy started, her laughter subsiding ' Can you remember what it was like at high school? What you were like?'
'It was a long time ago' Arizona began. 'I liked High School.'
'Sure you did. You studied hard and you got good grades. But unlike most high school goers, you had no social life. At all! How are you meant to write a story if you don't socialise? I mean you were bad back then but even now, your still not one for going out and meeting new people. You just mope around here every night.'
Arizona thought about it for a minute. She looked back at her days as a high school girl. She did socialise….she had had friends. Sure they weren't part of any 'popular kids' group but she was happy. At least for the most of it. She's attempted to be friends with the popular kids but they acted as though she didn't exist. The friends she did have were like her - content on studying as much as they could to get the grades. It wasn't just studying she enjoyed. She loved to play basketball. She loved it because she was good at it. She wasn't much one for long distance running or anything like that. But team sports were her strength. Especially basketball.
Thinking about what Teddy had said….where was the story going to come from? Was she going to write about the Popular kids vs. the Nerds? That's something that people know about. No matter how long ago it was that you were in school, every year had popular and not so popular kids. Its just a way of life. You could write about that without wasting time going undercover. No, Se needed something better. Something that no one had ever done before. Would she be able to find the story though? This was her first attempt at being a reporter. She had to do a good job. If she botched it up, she'd be sacked for sure! Coming out of her thoughts she turned to Teddy.
'This is a very bad idea!'