(no subject)
This is a story about love. It is not necessarily a happy story, nor is it necessarily a sad one. It is about a love that would stand the test of time, overcome hurdles no party ever expected but above all it as about the extraordinary circumstances that brought two people back together.
Our story begins over three decades ago when a young woman, named Addison Montgomery, from a wealthy background met the disheveled and hapless Derek Shepherd. From the moment they met the world seemed to spin slower, and there was a certain sparkle in their eyes, a curve of their lips that spoke of meeting souls.
They eventually became the golden couple amongst their friends and acquaintances and progressively their colleagues and peers. But. There is a but, in all good love stories there is a but. The fated pair faced the challenges that all lovers face. They seemed insignificant at first and so sure, so arrogant of their steadfast love that they ignored the warning signs as distance seeped into the foundations of their relationship. The details of what happened in these few years as the distance grew are irrelevant. Needless to say as the end grew near neither Addison nor Derek were the same.
Shadows of their former selves, they lived out their existence in a husk of their marriage until as ever temptation presented itself. What happened next no one saw fore coming but the golden couple toppled from their thrones. Scattered amongst the ruins they were separated for a time until by fate’s hand they met once more in the furthest most place from their minds. Seattle.
Here they toiled to salvage what they had but were resigned to the fact that it would never be the same. Temptation to stray from their intended path became great with alternative routes to happiness appearing more and more attractive and simple. So it was with heavy hearts that the fated pair parted ways once more.
Here our story also forks as we follow their separate journeys. Addison began another path but found it lead to a dead end. And to her credit she did try but she could still see Derek on the horizon and it deflected her attempts. So in the end she chose a completely different path, leaving behind all traces of the past. Or so she thought.
Befitting of their once amazing love Addison met with Derek one last time and told him of her departure before she would say goodbye forever. Perhaps it was that thought, perhaps it was destiny’s attempt at a joke, no one quite knows, but that night they made love. They made love for the final time, as if it was the first time but knowing it was their last. The final goodbye.
But as I said at the beginning this is story is not about the tragedies that befell this remarkable pair. This was not the end.
No in fact, it was perhaps another beginning. For over the next 18 years Addison and Derek lived in silence. No, they did not take vows or pledge to God. They continued to live their lives as would be expected in silence from each other. Well, that is until now…
Annabelle sat at the computer, her lips pursed together, she tapped at the enter key rhythmically. She glanced from the screen to her mother who was washing dishes in the kitchen sink. “I…er…” she began as she watched her mother dry her hands and take a sip from her glass on the side. “I think U-Dub looks good.” Annabelle finished watching carefully for a reaction.
Her mother paused. The glass in mid-motion, for a second, before continuing. Swallowing she asked, “What happened to Stanford? I thought you had decided already?” She blinked rapidly.
“Yeah but U-Dub, you know. It’s highly rated. It’s cheaper-” Annabelle began.
“Money isn’t an issue, you know that.”
“It’s further away.” Annabelle stressed, fully aware of the coming argument. “I don’t mean this the wrong way Mom.” She added watching her mothers face drop, “It’s just I need…I need to spread my wings. I need to be independent. I want to be independent, and I feel like I can be independent…in Seattle.”
“It rains in Seattle,” Her mother said indignantly, “You hate rain.”
“I’ll buy an umbrella.” Annabelle shrugged, gathering her loose hair up into a pony tail, “Besides, if I go to U-Dub, I can pester Uncle Richard to let me in on his intern program.”
Addison merely gulped. “I…er...I-I…”
“If I’m in Seattle then you have an excuse to visit him.”
“I don’t know Annabelle, we’ll discuss this later.” She said dismissively, picking up the cordless phone and heading out the room.
They did discuss it. Annabelle won. And so a few short months later Addison was helping her unload boxes in her dorm.
“Mom please just…let’s just leave all this until later.” Annabelle half begged.
“But…” Addison said as she took sweaters from a box.
“Mom! I can do it. Please. It will give me something to do when you’re gone.”
“Okay. Fine,” Addison nodded, setting aside her motherly urges.
“Let’s go find your hotel. You can buy me a coffee.” Annabelle smiled pulling her jacket on and holding her hand out for the keys, “Your sense of direction is lousy.” She grinned impishly at her mother.
“It is not!” Addison exclaimed defensively, “I…” she stopped before she let slip she knew Seattle somewhat intimately. That it was her personal city of lost loves and heartbreak. “I have impeccable sense of direction.”
“Ha, and I’m the queen of Sheba.” Annabelle laughed linking her arm through her mother’s and unceremoniously pulling her through the door.
They traveled into the center of Seattle and it brought back a flood of memories for Addison. Floating across the murky waters she knew her wedding rings lingered below. There was also a sense of trepidation, as the entered the city, wondering what else the hands of fate would deal her. As if on auto-pilot she guided her daughter through the city she had sworn she would never return to. Never knowing what was in store.
“So I…urm called Uncle Richard.” Annabelle said nonchalantly as Addison wheeled her small suitcase into the all too familiar room at the Archfield hotel.
“What!” Addison spun around eyeing her daughter.
“Well he knew I was coming, and he insisted that we stop by the hospital when he knew you were coming to.” Annabelle smirked with the confident smile that she had not inherited from Addison’s gene pool.
“I cannot believe you Annabelle! The one thing…the one thing I ask you not to do!”
“What’s the big deal? You don’t see enough of Uncle Richard; I thought it would be nice.”
“What’s the big deal? What’s the big deal? I don’t want you anywhere near that hospital, that’s what the big deal is.”
“Why? What if I do my internship there?”
“You won’t.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do too.”
“It’s not your decision.”
Addison sighed in frustration. Tempers were already flaring this was going to make it worse, “Your Uncle Richard and I have an agreement.”
“What do you mean you have an agreement?”
“You can pick any other program in the country, just not that one.”
“It’s the best.”
“One of the best.”
“What is so horrible about this place mom? What’s so bad about Seattle Grace?” Annabelle asked her temper beginning to fray.
“I…I just…I used to work there. The staff there knows me, and I don’t want you living under my name, and I don’t want you being favorited by your uncle Richard. End of discussion.”
“Fine.” Annabelle spat, folding her arms. Her blood boiling but as ever it was hidden beneath her placid exterior. Hidden by her piercing blue eyes and snow white skin, “But you wont let Uncle Richard down,” she huffed marching to the door and pulling it open. “We are meeting him in thirty minutes I suggest we get a cab now who knows what the traffic will be like.” She declared in a frosty tone, properly pronouncing every word, making sure her mother gathered how annoyed she was.
And so the story unfolded that the two Montgomery’s would walk through the doors of Seattle Grace some twenty minutes later and to the relief of the elder there were few whispered words, hushed conversations or lingering glances as the staff had ultimately turned over in the last few years. She stood a little taller and walked a little harder on heels that connected with a click on the flooring no longer so afraid of keeping her secret. She ushered her daughter to the elevator and stepped on. Every time the doors opened and someone stepped on she sighed in relief and their ascent made her question if the girl with the jet black hair, pure white skin, and eyes that could only be inherited from one person stood at her side would stand out like a sore thumb. Then Meredith Grey stepped on the elevator.
“Dr. Grey.” Addison nodded at the younger woman who stood opened mouthed for a second too long as she saw Addison.
“Dr…Dr. Montgomery.” She stuttered stepping in and allowing the doors to close. “I…I wasn’t expecting to see you. You...er…you look good.” The younger woman uttered still in shock, unsure if she should compliment the woman who left the love of her life and Seattle some 19 years ago.
Addison bit her bottom lip and tried not to laugh; avoiding all eye contact with her daughter who would almost certainly ask what that was all about. “Thank you.” She smiled hoping the other woman would exit on the next floor before said daughter would open her mouth. Oh if only luck was on her side.
“Mom.” Annabelle whispered as she nudged her mother with her elbow and made her eyes wide and the motioned towards the shorter woman to her left. Intent on having Addison introduce them. Her mother ignored her. Annabelle sighed and then turned to her left, “Hi. I’m Annabelle Montgomery, Addison’s daughter.” She smiled wide offering the shorter woman her hand.
“Meredith.” She said wide eyed as she took in the girl attached to her hand. Tall, like Addison. Smiled, a little like Addison. Long black hair. And Derek Shepherd’s eyes.
Addison closed her eyes and prayed for the elevator to reach its stop. For once fate was on her side, the doors pinged open and Meredith exited. She opened them as they shut again, relieved they were alone.
“Jeez, Mom there was no need to be rude.”
“I wasn’t being…”
“Whatever.” Annabelle shrugged leaning against the wall still irked by the argument earlier, “You know, I don’t like you here. You’re different.” Annabelle declared staring at the doors.
“Honeybee.” Addison said softly stepping closer to her daughter, “don’t be like that.” she laid a hand on her shoulder.
“Just…just let’s see Uncle Richard.” And the doors sprang open.
The pair walked in silence to Richard’s office and was met with warm hugs when the door was opened. He embraced them as long lost friends and was quickly updated on their trip to Seattle and laughed at Annabelle’s enthusiasm at starting university. “You’ll make a fine surgeon, just like your mother.” Richard smiled as he motioned for them to stand, mentally adding, and your father. “Now let me show you the surgical floor, I know your dying to see it.” He smiled at Annabelle whose eyes were twinkling with delight, and glanced to Addison who suddenly glared at Richard.
There was some cit chat on the way down, and Richard began to show his young charge his life’s work, Addison remaining stonily silent. Her eyes darted from left to right as if she was waiting for him to appear from out of no where. But it didn’t happen. Richard began explaining the finer points of balancing the O.R board to Annabelle when a pager erupted from his pocket. “I’m very sorry I have to take this. Addie, you know your way around, I’ll meet you back at my office in twenty minutes.” He smiled, kissing Annabelle’s forehead before he disappeared.
Annabelle stood and stared up at the board mesmerized by what it represented having been enthralled by doctors and surgeries all her life. Addison shuffled uncomfortably, aware of how exposed she was. She felt eyes on her back, and the breath caught in her chest. “Addison?” His voice asked, the sound penetrating her very soul she was frozen in another time and place, as a thousand memories that she had hidden for so long washed over her. She turned and smiled at the sight of him. His hair was much the same- graying at the temples and lightened with flecks of silver. The only other noticeable difference was the lines around his eyes showing his age.
“Derek.” She smiled.
“What are you…I didn’t know you would be here.” He said stepping forward to hug her.
She melted into his embrace and the world span slightly slower. For all of a moment it was just the two of them again. She wanted to tell him, she missed him and he wanted to tell her he’d always loved her. But there was no need for words. It was as if when skin touched skin their thoughts were shared. Addison blinked and heard her daughter clear her throat. She pulled away from Derek wanting to keep these thoughts private. She tried to ensure the color stayed in her face but she wasn’t entirely sure that happened.
“Hi,” Annabelle stuck her hand out to the man who had her eyes, “You must be Derek Shepherd,” she smiled as he looked at her curiously as he took her hand “I’m your daughter.” She beamed as she shook his hand.
“What?” He asked the air rushing from his lungs.
“How did you…How did you know?” Addison choked in a whisper.
“I’m your daughter.” She said again to Derek who still had a hold on her hand. “And it wasn’t that hard mom. You refused to talk about Seattle. I found pictures of your wedding at Aunt Naomi’s and then I found Derek…Dad and it all made a little more sense.” Addison merely blinked as if she needed more proof “I have his eyes…” She shrugged as Addison looked on aghast.
The meeting was brief, but it was not the last. There was much fighting and many arguments in the coming days, but they fit straight back into it so easily. Addison was unable to leave, feeling her explanation about her decision to the man she once knew was imperative. Derek felt she had to have something to say. And it began much how it started. Over drinks, in that bar, the snipping and the debating fell short replaced by giggles and reminiscing. The connection was ignited, their eyes sparkled and there was something about the curve of their lips when they smiled intently at each other. They fell into bed and said it was a mistake. But it happened again and again and maybe it wasn’t a mistake. They held each other and looked at each other like there was no one else in the world. Their paths were reunited once more. And with whispered words of love and forever, they went on to live, together, as a three, happily ever after.
Our story begins over three decades ago when a young woman, named Addison Montgomery, from a wealthy background met the disheveled and hapless Derek Shepherd. From the moment they met the world seemed to spin slower, and there was a certain sparkle in their eyes, a curve of their lips that spoke of meeting souls.
They eventually became the golden couple amongst their friends and acquaintances and progressively their colleagues and peers. But. There is a but, in all good love stories there is a but. The fated pair faced the challenges that all lovers face. They seemed insignificant at first and so sure, so arrogant of their steadfast love that they ignored the warning signs as distance seeped into the foundations of their relationship. The details of what happened in these few years as the distance grew are irrelevant. Needless to say as the end grew near neither Addison nor Derek were the same.
Shadows of their former selves, they lived out their existence in a husk of their marriage until as ever temptation presented itself. What happened next no one saw fore coming but the golden couple toppled from their thrones. Scattered amongst the ruins they were separated for a time until by fate’s hand they met once more in the furthest most place from their minds. Seattle.
Here they toiled to salvage what they had but were resigned to the fact that it would never be the same. Temptation to stray from their intended path became great with alternative routes to happiness appearing more and more attractive and simple. So it was with heavy hearts that the fated pair parted ways once more.
Here our story also forks as we follow their separate journeys. Addison began another path but found it lead to a dead end. And to her credit she did try but she could still see Derek on the horizon and it deflected her attempts. So in the end she chose a completely different path, leaving behind all traces of the past. Or so she thought.
Befitting of their once amazing love Addison met with Derek one last time and told him of her departure before she would say goodbye forever. Perhaps it was that thought, perhaps it was destiny’s attempt at a joke, no one quite knows, but that night they made love. They made love for the final time, as if it was the first time but knowing it was their last. The final goodbye.
But as I said at the beginning this is story is not about the tragedies that befell this remarkable pair. This was not the end.
No in fact, it was perhaps another beginning. For over the next 18 years Addison and Derek lived in silence. No, they did not take vows or pledge to God. They continued to live their lives as would be expected in silence from each other. Well, that is until now…
Annabelle sat at the computer, her lips pursed together, she tapped at the enter key rhythmically. She glanced from the screen to her mother who was washing dishes in the kitchen sink. “I…er…” she began as she watched her mother dry her hands and take a sip from her glass on the side. “I think U-Dub looks good.” Annabelle finished watching carefully for a reaction.
Her mother paused. The glass in mid-motion, for a second, before continuing. Swallowing she asked, “What happened to Stanford? I thought you had decided already?” She blinked rapidly.
“Yeah but U-Dub, you know. It’s highly rated. It’s cheaper-” Annabelle began.
“Money isn’t an issue, you know that.”
“It’s further away.” Annabelle stressed, fully aware of the coming argument. “I don’t mean this the wrong way Mom.” She added watching her mothers face drop, “It’s just I need…I need to spread my wings. I need to be independent. I want to be independent, and I feel like I can be independent…in Seattle.”
“It rains in Seattle,” Her mother said indignantly, “You hate rain.”
“I’ll buy an umbrella.” Annabelle shrugged, gathering her loose hair up into a pony tail, “Besides, if I go to U-Dub, I can pester Uncle Richard to let me in on his intern program.”
Addison merely gulped. “I…er...I-I…”
“If I’m in Seattle then you have an excuse to visit him.”
“I don’t know Annabelle, we’ll discuss this later.” She said dismissively, picking up the cordless phone and heading out the room.
They did discuss it. Annabelle won. And so a few short months later Addison was helping her unload boxes in her dorm.
“Mom please just…let’s just leave all this until later.” Annabelle half begged.
“But…” Addison said as she took sweaters from a box.
“Mom! I can do it. Please. It will give me something to do when you’re gone.”
“Okay. Fine,” Addison nodded, setting aside her motherly urges.
“Let’s go find your hotel. You can buy me a coffee.” Annabelle smiled pulling her jacket on and holding her hand out for the keys, “Your sense of direction is lousy.” She grinned impishly at her mother.
“It is not!” Addison exclaimed defensively, “I…” she stopped before she let slip she knew Seattle somewhat intimately. That it was her personal city of lost loves and heartbreak. “I have impeccable sense of direction.”
“Ha, and I’m the queen of Sheba.” Annabelle laughed linking her arm through her mother’s and unceremoniously pulling her through the door.
They traveled into the center of Seattle and it brought back a flood of memories for Addison. Floating across the murky waters she knew her wedding rings lingered below. There was also a sense of trepidation, as the entered the city, wondering what else the hands of fate would deal her. As if on auto-pilot she guided her daughter through the city she had sworn she would never return to. Never knowing what was in store.
“So I…urm called Uncle Richard.” Annabelle said nonchalantly as Addison wheeled her small suitcase into the all too familiar room at the Archfield hotel.
“What!” Addison spun around eyeing her daughter.
“Well he knew I was coming, and he insisted that we stop by the hospital when he knew you were coming to.” Annabelle smirked with the confident smile that she had not inherited from Addison’s gene pool.
“I cannot believe you Annabelle! The one thing…the one thing I ask you not to do!”
“What’s the big deal? You don’t see enough of Uncle Richard; I thought it would be nice.”
“What’s the big deal? What’s the big deal? I don’t want you anywhere near that hospital, that’s what the big deal is.”
“Why? What if I do my internship there?”
“You won’t.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do too.”
“It’s not your decision.”
Addison sighed in frustration. Tempers were already flaring this was going to make it worse, “Your Uncle Richard and I have an agreement.”
“What do you mean you have an agreement?”
“You can pick any other program in the country, just not that one.”
“It’s the best.”
“One of the best.”
“What is so horrible about this place mom? What’s so bad about Seattle Grace?” Annabelle asked her temper beginning to fray.
“I…I just…I used to work there. The staff there knows me, and I don’t want you living under my name, and I don’t want you being favorited by your uncle Richard. End of discussion.”
“Fine.” Annabelle spat, folding her arms. Her blood boiling but as ever it was hidden beneath her placid exterior. Hidden by her piercing blue eyes and snow white skin, “But you wont let Uncle Richard down,” she huffed marching to the door and pulling it open. “We are meeting him in thirty minutes I suggest we get a cab now who knows what the traffic will be like.” She declared in a frosty tone, properly pronouncing every word, making sure her mother gathered how annoyed she was.
And so the story unfolded that the two Montgomery’s would walk through the doors of Seattle Grace some twenty minutes later and to the relief of the elder there were few whispered words, hushed conversations or lingering glances as the staff had ultimately turned over in the last few years. She stood a little taller and walked a little harder on heels that connected with a click on the flooring no longer so afraid of keeping her secret. She ushered her daughter to the elevator and stepped on. Every time the doors opened and someone stepped on she sighed in relief and their ascent made her question if the girl with the jet black hair, pure white skin, and eyes that could only be inherited from one person stood at her side would stand out like a sore thumb. Then Meredith Grey stepped on the elevator.
“Dr. Grey.” Addison nodded at the younger woman who stood opened mouthed for a second too long as she saw Addison.
“Dr…Dr. Montgomery.” She stuttered stepping in and allowing the doors to close. “I…I wasn’t expecting to see you. You...er…you look good.” The younger woman uttered still in shock, unsure if she should compliment the woman who left the love of her life and Seattle some 19 years ago.
Addison bit her bottom lip and tried not to laugh; avoiding all eye contact with her daughter who would almost certainly ask what that was all about. “Thank you.” She smiled hoping the other woman would exit on the next floor before said daughter would open her mouth. Oh if only luck was on her side.
“Mom.” Annabelle whispered as she nudged her mother with her elbow and made her eyes wide and the motioned towards the shorter woman to her left. Intent on having Addison introduce them. Her mother ignored her. Annabelle sighed and then turned to her left, “Hi. I’m Annabelle Montgomery, Addison’s daughter.” She smiled wide offering the shorter woman her hand.
“Meredith.” She said wide eyed as she took in the girl attached to her hand. Tall, like Addison. Smiled, a little like Addison. Long black hair. And Derek Shepherd’s eyes.
Addison closed her eyes and prayed for the elevator to reach its stop. For once fate was on her side, the doors pinged open and Meredith exited. She opened them as they shut again, relieved they were alone.
“Jeez, Mom there was no need to be rude.”
“I wasn’t being…”
“Whatever.” Annabelle shrugged leaning against the wall still irked by the argument earlier, “You know, I don’t like you here. You’re different.” Annabelle declared staring at the doors.
“Honeybee.” Addison said softly stepping closer to her daughter, “don’t be like that.” she laid a hand on her shoulder.
“Just…just let’s see Uncle Richard.” And the doors sprang open.
The pair walked in silence to Richard’s office and was met with warm hugs when the door was opened. He embraced them as long lost friends and was quickly updated on their trip to Seattle and laughed at Annabelle’s enthusiasm at starting university. “You’ll make a fine surgeon, just like your mother.” Richard smiled as he motioned for them to stand, mentally adding, and your father. “Now let me show you the surgical floor, I know your dying to see it.” He smiled at Annabelle whose eyes were twinkling with delight, and glanced to Addison who suddenly glared at Richard.
There was some cit chat on the way down, and Richard began to show his young charge his life’s work, Addison remaining stonily silent. Her eyes darted from left to right as if she was waiting for him to appear from out of no where. But it didn’t happen. Richard began explaining the finer points of balancing the O.R board to Annabelle when a pager erupted from his pocket. “I’m very sorry I have to take this. Addie, you know your way around, I’ll meet you back at my office in twenty minutes.” He smiled, kissing Annabelle’s forehead before he disappeared.
Annabelle stood and stared up at the board mesmerized by what it represented having been enthralled by doctors and surgeries all her life. Addison shuffled uncomfortably, aware of how exposed she was. She felt eyes on her back, and the breath caught in her chest. “Addison?” His voice asked, the sound penetrating her very soul she was frozen in another time and place, as a thousand memories that she had hidden for so long washed over her. She turned and smiled at the sight of him. His hair was much the same- graying at the temples and lightened with flecks of silver. The only other noticeable difference was the lines around his eyes showing his age.
“Derek.” She smiled.
“What are you…I didn’t know you would be here.” He said stepping forward to hug her.
She melted into his embrace and the world span slightly slower. For all of a moment it was just the two of them again. She wanted to tell him, she missed him and he wanted to tell her he’d always loved her. But there was no need for words. It was as if when skin touched skin their thoughts were shared. Addison blinked and heard her daughter clear her throat. She pulled away from Derek wanting to keep these thoughts private. She tried to ensure the color stayed in her face but she wasn’t entirely sure that happened.
“Hi,” Annabelle stuck her hand out to the man who had her eyes, “You must be Derek Shepherd,” she smiled as he looked at her curiously as he took her hand “I’m your daughter.” She beamed as she shook his hand.
“What?” He asked the air rushing from his lungs.
“How did you…How did you know?” Addison choked in a whisper.
“I’m your daughter.” She said again to Derek who still had a hold on her hand. “And it wasn’t that hard mom. You refused to talk about Seattle. I found pictures of your wedding at Aunt Naomi’s and then I found Derek…Dad and it all made a little more sense.” Addison merely blinked as if she needed more proof “I have his eyes…” She shrugged as Addison looked on aghast.
The meeting was brief, but it was not the last. There was much fighting and many arguments in the coming days, but they fit straight back into it so easily. Addison was unable to leave, feeling her explanation about her decision to the man she once knew was imperative. Derek felt she had to have something to say. And it began much how it started. Over drinks, in that bar, the snipping and the debating fell short replaced by giggles and reminiscing. The connection was ignited, their eyes sparkled and there was something about the curve of their lips when they smiled intently at each other. They fell into bed and said it was a mistake. But it happened again and again and maybe it wasn’t a mistake. They held each other and looked at each other like there was no one else in the world. Their paths were reunited once more. And with whispered words of love and forever, they went on to live, together, as a three, happily ever after.