(no subject)
Title: Just Like Mom
Rating: PG-13
Summary: George and Izzie are happily together. How can a surprise visitor change that so suddenly? Are Izzie and George strong enough to overcome the doubts and uncertainty the visitor causes?
“So, next I’m going to add the vanilla. I like to use organic because we’re supposed to become eco-conscious- George! Are you listening to me?” Izzie put down her spoon, allowing her eyes to wander to the front door where George was staring. This had better be important if he was interrupting the cooking lesson she was so graciously giving him. What she saw, however, was both shocking and appalling.
She sighed, and went to the door. There, she greeted the woman she had scarcely seen in the 8 years she was in Med School, and had definitely not seen since moving to Seattle.
“Mom. What a surprise. How did you find me?”
Marie Stevens shoved her way into the foyer, ignoring her daughter’s question completely. “I got evicted, Iz. I need a place to stay, just until I get back on my feet.” The middle-aged woman appeared haggard, easily being mistaken to be 10 years older than she really was.
Izzie shut the door, carefully weighing her words before she responded. “I sent you money every month, Mom. How did you get evicted? I sent plenty for rent and utilities.”
“I had some debts that needed paid off first, Iz. I was planning on getting a job, but nobody wants to hire an ugly old lady. You, on the other hand, anyone would hire you. You’re gaining some weight, though.” Marie eyed her daughter critically, just as she had all of Izzie’s life.
The words stung Izzie, but she just let them roll off. She had gotten used to her mother’s brand of love. “I’m making cookies in the kitchen. You can come join me, if you want.”
“Are you still wasting time baking? No wonder you’re gaining so much extra padding.”
The Stevens women walked into the kitchen, where George was still sitting at the counter, nibbling on the unbaked cookie dough. “George!” Izzie snapped, taking the spoon away. “What’s the use of baking if you just eat the dough? Seriously!”
George was startled, of course. This was his sunshine-y Izzie. What could have possibly changed in the past five minutes to diminish that? Then, the reason spoke.
“Isobel Dawn Stevens. Who is this young man?” Marie questioned, batting her eyelashes at George as she did so.
“This is my George-“ Izzie started to answer, but then changed her answer to, “This is my friend/roommate, George.”
“Your George, huh? Does his wife know he’s living in sin with you?” Marie cackled at her observation of George’s wedding band, which he had for some reason chose to leave on until the divorce was final.
“He’s separated from Callie, Mom. The divorce will be final in less than a month. Besides, we don’t share a bedroom.”
“Izzie, you don’t have to explain it to me. I’ve been there and done that more times than I can even remember. It just surprised me that you’re taking after your dear old mama so well, though.” Marie smirked, remembering all the times Izzie had berated her for sleeping with a married man.
Ashamed, Izzie exited the kitchen and ran up to her room, fighting back the tears. Her mom had always had this effect on her; what made her think it would ever change?