Wise up
Title: Wise up
Author: Reddress11
Summary: Well this is set after "Desire". Addison makes a few life changing desicions that changes her relation with all three of her men.
Life Keeps Changing
Music: Beginning: Another Lonely Day: Ben Harper, In the Future: Burn: Usher
Walking through the airport Addison stared out the windows; taking in her last glimpses of Seattle. In less than thirty minutes she’d be out of the city of rain and gloom and leaving behind a decade and a half of love, loss and destruction.
Standing in line to have her ticket checked, Addison watched the happy couple in front of her. They seemed so content with each other and as he leaned in and whispered in his girlfriend (wife’s?) ear Addison couldn’t help but hope that whatever promises he was making he would keep. Feeling slightly voyeuristic, she shifted her eyes downward and tried patiently to focus on her shoes; pushing unwanted memories out of her head.
“I bet it’s just beautiful in LA right now.”
Quietly, Addison shook her head as she handed her ticket to the woman at the desk.
“Are you flying on business?”
Trying to placate the young woman Addison answered, “Um… yes- well sort of I guess. I am moving there.”
“I would love to live in LA; start over and leave the rain behind.”
Trying to be friendly Addison plastered on a fake smile and replied, “Well maybe someday you can.”
“No- I don’t think I ever will. Eric, that’s my fiancé, well his work is Seattle, his family is here and…” reaching down the woman touched her lower abdomen and finished, “I’m pregnant. No- I won’t be leave Seattle, but I don’t mind. I could live anywhere as long as I have Eric… you know?”
Addison wanted to scream. Just her luck that out of the three other desk attendants she would have to pick the one that would want to discuss the details of her happy life. Plastering on the last fake smile she could muster, Addison answered, “Good luck.”
As she walked away she thought herself, “You’re going to need it. Sometimes love isn’t enough.”
~*~
Straining, Mark squinted to see the clock, “Five.”
Restlessly Mark sat up and moved towards the edge of the bed. The entire night he had probably only closed his eyes twice. He hadn’t slept at all. Every time he tried his mind would wander back to her. But no matter how miserable he might have felt pride prevented him from going back to her room and finding closure.
To himself he thought, “She’ll be leaving soon.”
Trying to shake it off Mark walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower. With hot water pouring off his back Mark rested his forehead against the cool tile. Alone, with only the sound of running water and the eco of last night’s words Mark reassured himself, “You’ll be fine.”
~*~*~
(One week later)
Standing in the locker room the once interns carried on their usual morning conversation.
“And you did nothing?”
Closing her locker Meredith replied, “I didn’t know what to say.”
Leaning in Izzie retorted, “So McDreamy isn’t so wonderful after all.”
Chiming in Alex teased, “Trouble in paradise?”
Annoyed Meredith spat out, “No, I just didn’t know what to say. One week he’s avoiding me and then the next he’s proclaiming that I’m the love of his life and that we should be together forever. I can’t just go from cold to hot like that.”
Sitting beside her Izzie warned, “Careful Meredith you don’t want to become Addison. “
Shocked at the suggestion Meredith hurriedly answered, “I could never be her. Derek and I… we are not Derek and Addison.”
Now annoyed, Cristina took one last look at the hidden picture of Burke in the back of her locker before closing it. It had only been a week but people were already speculating that he was gone for good. Cristiana kept face though. She was first and foremost a surgeon. Unlike Meredith she didn’t feel the need to divulge the details of her personal life to the entire locker room.
“So is it you don’t want to be with Shepherd or you think he doesn’t want to be with you?”
Stopping for a minute Meredith sat in silence: not quite sure how to respond. Before she could make a decision Izzie answered for her, “Do you think he really loves you Meredith or do think it’s just the thrill of the chase?”
Now looking at George, Izzie continued, “Because if you think that he’s only in it for the chase end it now. Winning isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be and being the prize isn’t that great either. It’s not worth pain. In the end if he’s only in it for the thrill of winning he’ll leave after he gets what he wants.”
Although no one was really sure what was going on between George and Izzie the tension was felt by everyone in the room.
Meredith, lost in thought after Izzie’s suggestions, was oblivious to anything around her.
Storming into the locker room, Bailey broke the awkward silence, “I know I might not necessarily be your boss but this is a hospital people. There are lives that need to be saved out there, so go start saving them!”
As everyone filed out of the room Bailey caught George’s arm, “George I know this is going to be hard for you but your good surgeon. Don’t let anyone convince you any different, you hear?”
Again reminded of his less than favorable predicament George lower his eyes and mutter a, “Thanks.”
“Another thing George, I know you think I don’t know but I do.”
Questioningly George stared back at Bailey. “Your wife- you don’t meet women like her every day. I know that you have to repeat your year George… but don’t miss this the first time. Instead of having to learn everything the hard way, trying taking some cues from those around you who have traveled on the same road that you’re headed down. Learn for other’s mistakes, George. There are people in this hospital that have messed up good things because they thought that they could have better.” Leaning in closer Bailey continued, “And look where they are now. A lot of them are just now learning that sometimes what you already had and carelessly tossed aside is what you really needed. Take it from someone who’s been married a while. Temptation comes and goes, but the real winners are those who know to appreciate what they already have. “
~*~
Walking towards the nurses’ station Mark scanned for a young resident to assist him in surgery. A week ago Mark had decided to turn a new leaf. He wanted to be better and if attempting t be polite to his co-workers was what needed to be done to achieve that Mark was willing.
With his eyes landing on Izzie first he called out, “Stevens.”
Leaning against the nurses’ station, looking at a few charts, Izzie looked up and in an annoyed tone replied, “Yeah.”
“How would you like to assist me in surgery?”
Trying to restrain her eagerness she answered, “It depends.”
Walking over Izzie stood toe to toe with him. Mark questioned, “On what?”
“I don’t have to sleep with you, do I?”
Smiling, Mark thought for a few moments and casually responded, “No Stevens. Sleeping with me would be privileged, and I’m not feeling that friendly today.”
“Okay, we have a deal. I help you in surgery and you’ll keep your hands to yourself.”
With a fake smile Mark fired back, “Don’t flatter yourself.”
~*~
(1 year and seven months later)
Bent over, Addison stared at the coffee as it slowly dripped into the office pot.
“So I’ve been thinking, you and I, we should defiantly go to dinner tonight.”
Turning Addison smiled as her eyes landed on Pete, “Okay, but I’m going to village.”
“You don’t like the village?”
“I don’t like being mistaken as a drag queen.”
“Hey, that’s almost a compliment. I’ve seem a few convincing ones there.”
Pouring coffee into her cup she replied, “My point exactly. Some of those men look better in a skirt then I do. It’s really not healthy for my self esteem.”
Reaching behind her for a cup Pete smiled, “I happen to like your legs. In fact I enjoy your entire body.”
Smiling back she offered up thanks. As Pete lingered a little too closely Addison asked, “How’s Charlene?”
A little put off with the mention of his newly acquired girlfriend Pete stepped back, “Yeah- I just don’t think that’s going to go anywhere.”
“You’re dumping Charlene? I liked her.”
Taking a drink of his coffee Pete shrugged, “Yeah I just don’t see any long term possibilities there.”
“You realize that if you dated someone for longer than a month there might actually be a chance for something to develop?”
“We dated for longer than a month. In fact wasn’t it more like six?”
Smiling, Addison took another sip of her coffee and responded with nod.
Moving in closer Pete continued, “Which bags the question, why aren’t we still together? We were great as a couple.”
With their foreheads almost touching Addison calmly answered, “And we are even better as friends.”
Moving past him Addison called over her shoulder, “Find some place to eat and let me know. Oh- and be nice to Charlene, I think that could go somewhere.”
Calling out after her, Pete shot back, “We are great friends. Best decision we… or should I say you ever made.”
~*~
“Dr. Montgomery, how may I help you?”
“Addison- its Callie.”
Clutching to the phone Addison swirled in her chair called out in reply, “Callie, how are you? What’s been going on?”
“Oh- a few things. How have you been? Anything or should I say anyone new?”
“No, not seeing anyone.”
“That’s too bad.” There was a pause for a few moments before Addison broke in, “Okay tell me all the gossip.”
Laughing, Callie started in, “Well let me see… my husband is the best damn Neuro surgeon in Seattle.”
“Oh, George… he went into Neuro? I guess they’ve all picked specialties. What are they doing?”
“Well… George of course in Neuro, Cristina went into Cardiothorastics, Izzie Neonatal, Which I’m sure is no surprise to you, and Alex is in Ortho Peds.”
“What about Grey?”
“Meredith? She decided to do Genereal.”
“Gerenal? I thought that she would have pick Neuro, if only because it would have been so cliché.”
“Derek and Meredith aren’t together anymore.”
“What?”
“Yeah, they broke up well over a year ago. She’s dating the Vet… you know the one from before?”
“Yeah… I liked him. Despite everything with Meredith, I really am sorry that she and Derek didn’t work out. She desereves to be happy.”
“She is… the Vet’s good her, a lot less drama and more stability.”
“So Alex went into Ortho instead of Plastics?”
“Yeah, I’m not surprised though. He’s really good with the kids… and the nurses.”
“So messing around with the nurses?”
“Actually I should say nurse. The little man whore has been tamed by Sara, a nurse on the Peds floor. This is a considerably long stretch for him, they’ve been together of at least nine months.”
“Wow, he settled down… well sort of.”
“Speaking of taming man whores you’ll never believe this.”
“What?”
“It’s Mark, or should I say its Mark and Izzie. Their getting married.”
In surprise Addison jaw dropped along with the letter opener she had was holding in her left hand. As it clattered on her desk Callie questioned, “What was that?”
Quickly trying to regain composure Addison picked up the piece of metal, “Nothing- Mark’s getting married?”
“Big surprise right? You should see them together though, it would make sense then. I hate to say it but they are actually really cute.”
Not sure how to precede Addison sat in silence as her mind tried to absorb the information that had been just offered.
“That’s not why I called you though.”
“Oh?”
“I called to ask for a favor. I’m pregnant and I was wondering if you would come to Seattle and deliver the baby for me.”
Taken back again, Addison replied, “Of course, just tell me when and I’ll mark it on my calendar.”
“Um- I was thinking a little sooner, like maybe within the next few days.”
“Wow, um- I… okay?”
“Great, don’t worry about hotels or anything, you can stay with George and I.”
“George and you?”
“We bought a house a little over a year ago. This will be great, George will have a date then.”
“A date for what?”
“The wedding, Mark and Izzie’s.”
“What! Their wedding is this week?”
“Yeah, it’s on Saturday. I guess I’ll hear from you in a day or so?”
Still overwhelmed Addison simply replied, “A… yeah.”
“Oh- and Addison? You don’t hate me do you?”
“What? Why would hate you?”
“Because I’m pregnant.”
“No, Callie I don’t hate you. You’ll be a wonderful mother. I’m really happy for you. I’ll see you soon.”
“Yeah, thanks.”
~*~*
Walking through the halls of Seattle Grace was a little un-nerving. It was like revisiting a battle ground. Dressed in black dress pants with a form fitting green metallic top Addison thought to herself that she must look like hell warmed over. She hadn’t seen George or Callie yet and therefore, hadn’t yet had the opportunity to freshen up since earlier that morning. However, as her heals clicked against the tiled floor and her hands worked quickly to tie her wild hair up she reminded herself that she had nothing to fear. She was a respected doctor and a good person; she could hold her own. She would re-enter the hospital in the same (or similar she hoped) fashion that she first had. All she had to accomplish was avoiding the usual list of undesirables: her exs.
Reaching the nurses’ station, Addison smiled as she met a familiar face, “Nina, I haven’t seen you in… well I guess a year.”
Turning, the scowl on the older nurse’s face immediately disappeared, “Well Addison Montgomery, as I live and breathe.”
Briefly hugging they pulled back to take a look at each other, “You look Great Addison.”
Doubting that Nina could truly be sincere, Addison replied with a quick thank you.
“So what are you doing back at Seattle Grace? I thought you were gone for good.”
“Yeah, me too. Actually I was wondering what room Torres is in.”
“Oh, 310.”
“Thanks.” As Addison turned to find Callie’s room she was stopped when Nina called out, “Do the rest know you’re back?”
Stopping Addison turned and replied, “I was kind of hoping that they wouldn’t have to know. At least not for a while.”
Shaking her head Nina replied, “I never saw you.”
Mouthing a thanks Addison again turned and continued on her mission.
~*~
“Hey, I found you.”
Looking up Callie smirked.
“I didn’t wake you did I?”
Shifting in the bed Callie quickly answered, “No, I needed to be woken up. Don’t worry about it.”
Walking over to her bed, Addison flipped open her chart and began familiarizing herself.
“Preeclampsia, how come you didn’t tell me?”
“I didn’t want you to worry. I’m fine, just on bed rest for a few days.”
“I noticed. How long?”
“Let's see… what’s today… Wednesday? I guess three.”
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to take a look.”
Rolling her eyes Callie responded with sarcasm, “Why not? I think damn near every person in this hospital has already seen me in the stirrups.”
Laughing, Addison grabbed a pair of gloves from a nearby drawer and teased, “Welcome to pregnancy.”
Helping Callie shift her legs up; Addison flashed a reassuring look before she ducked her head under the light blue sheet. Thinking it a professional curtsey and the duty of a friend to help ease an uncomfortable situation, Addison began asking questions, “So where is George?”
“He’s still making rounds, but it’s almost lunch. I’m sure he’ll be here soon.”
“Izzie, can I get a consult?”
Looking over Callie responded, “Hi Alex.”
Sheepishly grinning Alex answered, “Sorry Torres… Izzie, the consult?”
Sitting up strait, Addison dropped the sheet and calmly stated, “Sorry, not Izzie.”
Alex’s body immediately went ridged the moment he saw her red hair peek out from under the sheet. He didn’t know what to say… he was just shocked.
“Cat got your tongue?”
Alex desperately tried to think of something to say and then finally replied, “Hello.”
Standing up Addison looked at Callie and finished, “I would say within the next two days.”
Shaking her head Callie replied, “That’s what I think.”
Walking towards the garbage next to Alex, Addison quickly disposed of the gloves and held out her hand, “ Nice to see you again Karev.”
Completely out of character, Alex without a word dismissed her hand and embraced Addison.
Surprise Addison said the first thing she could think of, “It’s nice to see you too, Karev. Miss me?”
Taking a step back Alex regained his composure and sincerely answered, “It’s nice to see you.”
Smiling Addison continued, “Thank you, same to you. About that consult, would you like me to take a look?”
“Sure, I mean if it’s not an inconvenience.”
After those words left his mouth Addison new that Seattle Grace was not how it had been when she’d left. Things were different, Karev had finally grown up. He was no longer the self centered, angry ass hole. He had matured, and found happiness Addison supposed.
“So you flew all the way to LA to help Callie?”
Walking into the elevator with Karev she thought for a moment and then stated, “She needed a friend, and a damn good doctor.”
Grinning, Alex exchanged, “Does anyone besides the three of us know that your back?”
As the doors closed Addison began to answer, “No, and I-“
But before she could finish her eyes fell on an all too familiar face.
Coming out of a patient’s room Derek was not in the mood for surprises. It had been a quiet day and he had hoped that things would stay that way. However as he handed off his latest patient’s chart to the nearest nurse and headed for the elevator, his hopes were shattered.
Hearing a familiar voice he turned, looking for the source as his senses filled with a barely recognizable scent. Looking up, his mind instantly went blank when he caught a glimpse of red hair. Sure there were at least three other women in the hospital that had natural red hair but as her perfume lingered in the air around him and her voice reverberated in his mind something clicked.
Stunned, Derek stopped mid motion and just watched as the elevator doors closed and the passengers traveled to the fourth floor. He couldn’t believe it. It had been almost two years since he had seen or heard from Addison. And more often than not he found himself looking for her in crowds; almost hoping that he face would appear. Was his mind playing tricks on him? If Addison was coming to town surly there would have already been gossip. With muddled thoughts, Derek hurriedly climbed the stairs towards the fourth floor.
Stepping out of the stair well Derek tried to calm himself as he moved past the nurses’ station.
With eyes scanning he began casually glancing in patient rooms. Looking through most, he had almost given into his earlier assumptions of delusions when from across the hall he heard the same voice again.
There she was; with her hair up and her eyes sparkling. Derek was stopped in his tracks. It was funny when you stopped and thought about it, time goes faster and then you blinked. Everything had changed in the time that she had been gone. But as he watched her move throughout the room and a small smile tease at her lips he realized that everything was also the same. It was hard to believe, but after everything they had been through: the cheating, betrayal and pain, she was still a big part of him. He still thought and dreamt of her.
“Four.”
Closing the curtain Karev questioned, “Four?”
“Four, people know about me being here. George, Callie, yourself and Burke.”
“Burke knows?”
“We still talk and write. I called him this morning and left a message.”
“You talk?” With a look of Surprise Alex finished, “I would have never guessed. He never mentioned anything.”
In reply Addison just shrugged her shoulders. “So tell me about-“
Walking out of the room Addison stopped mid-sentence. Across the hall, leaning up against the door frame was Derek.
Taking a deep breath Addison smiled and called out, “Hello Derek.”
Breathing a little himself, Derek answered after what seemed like years to Addison, “Hello Addison.”
Pushing off the door, Derek walked over to meet where she was standing. Without breaking his step, he quickly embraced her. “You come to town and don’t call up your ex husband?”
Still embracing, Addison thought out loud, “I didn’t think it was news that you would want to receive.”
Standing next to the hugging Ex’s Alex took his cue and politely excused himself, “I’m suppose to meet someone for lunch. I’ll catch up with you later Addison.”
“Coffee?”
Turning before he entered the stair well Alex concluded, “Tomorrow, 10ish, the cafeteria?”
“I’ll be there.”
Letting go Derek was hesitant to move away. “You look good.”
Laughing a little Addison flatly answered, “I look like a mess.”
Tugging at her shirt, “I appreciate-“
Covering her roaming hand with his own his met her eyes and sincerely finished, “You look amazing,” and to himself he though, “Just as I remember.”
Blushing slightly she moved her hand from under his and offered a “Thanks.”
She hadn’t expected to see him so soon. Looking back at him she didn’t know what to do. Everything was different but things felt the same. His hair might have been longer but his eyes were the same blue.
After a series of moments passed and neither had moved, both broke at the same time stepping further away.
“I really need to go back up to Callie’s room.”
“Um, well I can walk you.”
Pausing, Addison thought for a brief second about whether to refuse and then with better judgment motioned for him follow, “Okay.”
“So you’re here…”
“To help Callie. She called and asked if I would deliver the baby.”
“So how long are you staying?”
Walking onto the second floor she thought and then replied, “I don’t know, as long as it takes to deliver the baby and make sure both of them are healthy.”
“Not a vacation then?”
Surprised, Addison stumbled, “Um… no.”
Reaching Callie’s room Addison stopped just outside the door, “Well thank you.”
“We should go to dinner.”
“What?”
“Dinner, you and I, we should go.”
“Derek- I should really-“
“Come on its just dinner. We can catch up.”
“With my ex?”
As a smile spread across his face, Addison instantly knew that nothing had changed. He still tried to manipulate women with what the interns had coined as the McDreamy smile.
In what was meant to be sincere but instead sounded slightly playful, Derek corrected, “With a friend.”
Again hesitating, “Sure.”
“Okay, I’ll pick you at George’s, at seven.”
“I’ll see you then.”
Aime Lyrics
Nothing unusual, nothing strange Comes from nothing at all
Close to nothing at all I saw a spaceship fly by your window
The same old scenario, the same old rain Did you see it disappear?
And there's no explosions here
Then something unusual, something strange
Amie come sit on my wall Something unusual, something strange
And read me the story of O Comes from nothing at all
And tell it like you still believe But I'm not a miracle
That the end of the century And you're not a saint
Brings a change for you and me Just another soldier
Nothing unusual, nothing's changed On the road to nowhere
Just a little older that's all
You know when you've found it,
There's something I've learned
'Cause you feel it when they take it away
Amie come sit on my wall
And read me the story of O
And tell it like you still believe
That the end of the century
Brings a change for you and me
And Amie come sit on my wall
And read me the story of O
And tell it like you still believe
That the end of the century
Brings a change for you and me