Fic: After the Camping There Was . . . Part 8/?
TITLE: After the Camping There Was . . . Part 8/?
AUTHOR: Sarah
RATING: PG-13
PARINGS: Addison/Izzie
DISCLAIMER: Not mine, otherwise everyday would be Izzie/Addie day :D
WORD COUNT: 3540
SUMMARY: Sequel to Camping in Luxury which was the sequel to The Clichés of Camping. In today’s instalment, we arrive in New York and meet the parents!
The yellow cab sped through the Manhattan streets whilst occassionally having to stop every once in a while to accommodate traffic lights and pedestrians. A young blonde was suckered to the window, hands either side of her face, much like one of those tacky toys you can pick up from a service station. Her face was one of complete awe, occasionally craning her neck forcing her eyes up the side of one of the numerous high rises, struggling to meet the blue of the sky. The redhead beside her was sat silently taking in the familiar surroundings, gently stroking the back of her lover, encouraging her excitement, a warm placated smile adorning her beautiful, calm features. She was home, and the love of her life was with her. As the cab rolled to a halt on East 57th Street, Izzie shrieked with delight as she looked at the building she would call home for the next few days.
“The Four Seasons? Seriously?” Izzie asked excitedly. Addison laughed at her adorable reaction.
“Yes, come on, let’s get checked in, I could do with a lie down.”
“The studio suite?” Izzie asked when she and Addison were alone in the room. “This is beyond words Addie.”
“You should become accustomed to this lifestyle Izzie, with the size of your bank account.” She winked.
“I don’t know if I ever could.” Izzie sighed, turning to star out of the oversized window and onto the city skyline. She was completely awestruck at the stunning view. Addison sneaked up behind her and slid her arms around Izzie’s waist, resting her head on her girlfriend’s shoulder.
“You don’t have to, I was just teasing. That’s what I love about you Iz, you’re so humble and you don’t ask for anything, you are always happy with what you have.”
“Except for eight million dollars.” She sighed. “I know you love all this and are high class Addie, with your smoking hot designer outfits. I must admit, I’m not complaining though, I just feel a little out of depth in this place.”
Addison smiled and hugged the blonde tighter. “Let me spoil you, we need to make the most of each other before the little one comes along.” Izzie turned in Addison’s arms.
“You’re right, I should be the happiest girl in the world and I’m worrying about class issues.” She gazed into Addison’s soft, understanding eyes.
“Are you nervous about meeting my parents?” she asked. The blonde nodded meekly.
“Yeah.” She admitted quietly, “What if they think I’m not good enough for you.”
“Isobel Stevens,” Addison berated, “I love you with every ounce of being and more, any worthy parent will want to see their child happy. I am beyond happy. And my parents, well, you know they are not whiter than white.” She laughed.
“That’s true.” Izzie admitted. “I guess my only real experience with parents is my own mother who I haven’t spoken to in years. And she was never impressed with anything I did, I could never do right by her. I want to be a better parent than that.”
“You will be Iz, I have absolutely no doubts.” Addison cocked her head to the side, waiting for Izzie’s response, she had a pensive look on her face, not looking Addison in the eye. “What is it? What’s wrong?” the attending asked gently, frowning slightly.
“I’m scared.” She whispered in a small child like whisper.
“Scared of what sweetheart?” Addison asked, ducking her head trying to make contact with Izzie’s eyes. The blonde looked up, tears spilling onto her face, her glistening brown eyes unsure of where to look until she rested them on Addison’s questioning blue orbs.
“The baby’s not biologically mine, what if I can’t connect or even, or even love it?” her voice broke at the admission, she had felt this for a few days now and had not been able to voice it to Addison, but since they had started this conversation, it seemed the right time to voice her fears. Addison was the first person she had been in a relationship with where they would talk about anything and everything. The attending had never judged anything Izzie said and whenever there was a problem, they would discuss a solution, together, they were a team, soul mates. Izzie could trust Addison with anything, although she had struggled to trust herself with this latest dilemma and although she knew Addison would find a way to comfort her and work through it, there was still a part of her that thought of the possibility of Addison being hurt by Izzie’s insecurity. At the blonde’s last words, Addison pulled Izzie tight into her body, hugging her close, she spoke as she held onto the young intern.
“You are one of the most compassionate people I know Izzie, you give 100% effort in everything you do, you’re a friendly, caring person and you possess the best bedside manner I think I’ve seen. I’ve seen you with other people’s babies Izzie, you care for them every single day and you treat them like you would treat your own. I have no doubts what so ever that you will love this baby like your own. I know you love me Iz, you show me in so many ways, it’s the little things as well as the grand gestures, it’s the way you look at me and make me feel I’m the only person in the world, the way you touch me like you may never touch me again, the way you kiss me like you’re tasting me for the first time, and how you pout when I leave the bed before you in the morning. I know, you will love our baby, that we will love and nurture and raise together and I am sure that our baby will have many of momma Izzie’s traits.” Addison smiled following her monologue, never before had she told anyone the intimate detail in which she felt, she had always thought it was silly or embarrassing, but with Izzie it was far from that, it was a declaration, she needed Izzie to know how she made her feel, and whilst words could never be enough, they would have to do for now. Izzie was beaming by now, the sad tears drying on her face, slowly being replaced by fresh, happy tears. She latched her lips onto Addison, kissing her like she was tasting her for the first time, holding her tight like she was feeling her for the last time.
As they lay sated in one another’s arms, enjoying the feel of skin against skin in the queen sized bed, Izzie sighed contentedly. She had her head on Addison’s chest, feeling the steady heartbeat beneath her ear, her arm strewn over the redhead’s waist, a leg entwined with Addison’s. The attending held onto Izzie’s hand with her own, whilst the other played mindlessly with the blonde locks, occasionally twirling the hair or stroking Izzie’s head. They lay in comfortable silence, enjoying the time together.
“I wish we could lay like this forever.” Addison broke the silence.
“Me too.” Izzie said as she turned her head slightly and kissed Addison’s skin.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“You’re late.” Said a gruff voice as the door to a plush three story Manhattan town house swung open.
“Hi dad.” Addison offered, no word of an apology. Izzie was stood slightly behind her, head bowed.
“Who’s your friend?” Gerard Forbes-Montgomery asked curtly.
“This is Izzie, we met at the hospital.”
“Are you on some sort of medical conference or something?”
“No dad, can we just come in please?” Addison said taking a step across the threshold, offering her father a kiss on the cheek.
“It’s good to see you again pumpkin.” He said, smiling to his daughter. “Nice to you meet you Izzie.” He said, offering a hand to the young intern.
“Likewise sir.” Izzie said shyly, shaking his hand.
“Come on in, make yourselves at home.” Gerard waved them through to a reception room. Izzie looked around, it was just how she had expected, classically decorated adorned with antiques and large paintings. Gerard was a tall, stocky man with dark brown hair flaked with grey, he was wearing a grey pair of chinos, a check shirt with the top button undone, he turned and called for his wife, “JULIET!”
“Addison, darling!” an averaged height redheaded woman said, her arms open as she waltzed into the room.
“Mom, hi. How are you?” Addison offered as she hugged her mother.
“Very, very well, and yourself? Your phone call was quite unexpected.” She briefly noticed Izzie who had stood to greet her. “And you are?”
“Mom, this is Izzie, Isobel Stevens.”
“They met at the hospital.” Gerard interfered.
“Well, Izzie, Isobel Stevens, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Izzie was expecting a handshake, but instead was enveloped in a hug, like the one Juliet had offered Addison moments earlier. The attending smiled at the surprise on Izzie’s face. “What field are you in Doctor?” she asked, her professional façade taking over.
“Izzie’s about to take up an obstetrics residency, mom.” Addison offered.
“You’re an intern?”
“Yes ma’am, Addison has taught me well.”
“She is the best.” Her mother beamed. “So, how’s Derek?” the atmosphere in the room plummeted.
“Mom, we’re divorced, you know that.”
“I know dear, he is such a charming man, you are still friends I gather?”
“We’re civil.” Addison scoffed. Sitting and wiping her sweaty palms on her Armani jeans, this was going to be tough she thought.
“So what brings you and Izzie to New York darling?” Gerard asked.
“I, we, have something to discuss with you. Can I get a drink please?” Addison asked, suddenly aware of her thirst.
“Yes, a little afternoon tea?”
“That would be lovely, thanks.”
“Go tell Martha to make a pot of tea please Gerard.” His wife barked.
“Are you here for long?” Juliet directed the question at Izzie.
“A few days.” She offered.
“And where are you staying?”
“At the Four Seasons.”
Juliet was surprised, “On an intern’s salary?”
“I, err . . .” Izzie was stuck for words.
“It was my choice.”
“So you’re paying?”
“Mom, it’s none of your business.”
“I actually recently received a substantial inheritance Dr Forbes-Montgomery.”
“Oh.” Juliet said. Before she could continue Gerard brought through a tray containing a teapot and four cups.
“Milk or sugar Izzie?” He asked pouring the young intern a cup.
“Just milk please.” Gerard handed her a cup, staring at her cleavage a little too long. Izzie whipped her head round and looked at Addison who had also noticed. The redhead smirked, knowing the nature of her father.
“What do you want to discuss with us Addison?” her mother asked.
“Well, I wanted you to meet Izzie.” She started.
“For any particular reason?” Juliet pried.
“Yes, erm, well, how can I say this.” Her parents looked at each other confused, Addison was usually so sure of herself, Izzie casually, out of sight, put her hand on her girlfriend’s back, rubbing it gently, encouraging her. “Izzie and I are together, in a relationship.” She blurted, also releasing a huge breath she had been holding. There was silence in the room while the older couple tried to fathom what she had just said.
“Oh.” Was all Juliet could manage for the moment.
“Are you sure this is what you want?” Gerard asked nervously.
“Yes, dad. I’m happier than I’ve ever been. She gets me, she knows me.”
“And what about Derek?” Juliet asked.
“What about him mom? Being with Derek was like a chore, I wasn’t happy and I wasn’t myself. I feel free now.” Addison explained.
“What about Mark?” her mother asked again, Addison was frustrated and was trying not to get angry.
“Mom, that was the biggest mistake of all.”
“I thought you wanted a family, how can you have that without a well to do gentleman.” Addison laughed at the irony. “It’s not funny Addison.”
“That’s the other thing. We want a family. Mom, dad, you’re going to be grandparents.”
“Grandparents.” Gerard repeated, the thought process evident in his glazed eyes.
“Grandparents?” Juliet asked, still confused.
“Mom, I’m pregnant, I’m having a baby. We are having a baby.” She took Izzie’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze whilst smiling at her girlfriend.
“I can’t take this Addison. You’re telling us, you are in a relationship, with a woman, an intern no less, and now you are pregnant? Well how far along are you?”
“I’m 10 weeks.”
“And what do you have to say for yourself young lady?” she pointed accusingly at Izzie who stuttered.
“I err, I am in love with Addison, Dr Forbes-Montgomery. She is everything to me and we are going to be loving parents to your grandchild.” She offered.
“Welcome to the family Izzie.” Gerard said as he rose. He walked over to her and hugged as she was still sat, she struggled for breath slightly. Once again he lingered.
“Ok, dad, stop hitting on my girl.” Addison said breaking them apart. Gerard laughed at his daughter’s statement.
“Come here Addie.” He said, allowing her to stand before pulling her into a similar hug. “Congratulations pumpkin, I’m so pleased you are finally happy and getting the family you deserve.” Juliet looked perturbed.
“How can you be so calm about this Gerard?” she asked. Addison sat back down next to Izzie, closer this time, taking her hand in her own once again, communicating reassurance with her eyes.
“Look at her Juliet, she’s a different person to the last time we saw her, she’s relaxed, there’s a sparkle back in her eye. Everyone deserves to be happy Juliet, especially our little girl.” His wife’s face began to soften slightly.
“Addison I’m sorry, it’s just going to take a bit of getting used to.”
“I understand mom.” She smiled.
“I just have one question. Who’s the father?”
“A donor.” Addison said quickly. Izzie looked at her with a questioning look but knew better than to say anything and simply smiled.
“Do you know anything him? What will our grandchild turn out like?”
“He has blonde hair, brown eyes,” Addison paused smiling at Izzie, “he is six feet tall and he’s a professional.”
“A doctor?” her mother jumped in.
“No, actually, a lawyer.” She smiled at her father.
“Good choice darling.” He beamed, smirking at his wife.
“And that’s all I know, they don’t give too much information.” she said, but to be honest, she had not learnt much about her date when she had been out with him.
“Will you both stay for dinner?” Juliet asked, despite her difficulties in understanding the situation, she was willing to make an effort, and that would mean grilling her potential daughter in law.
“Yes, thank you mom.” Addison agreed.
“Tell us about your family Isobel.” Juliet said, before the beef on the fork past her lips.
“I erm, I haven’t spoken to my mother for a couple of years. We don’t see eye to eye.”
“Oh, your father?”
“He left us when I was young.” She said poking her fork into her dinner. Addison watched, anticipating her mother’s intentions.
“I’m sorry to hear that. It must have been hard on your mother.”
“Yes, it was difficult for both of us.”
“You’re an only child.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Such a shame, I always thought a child should have a sibling. Addison has a brother, Matthew, he’s a lawyer, like his father, married with two beautiful children.”
“Yes, Addison told me. You have a wonderful family Dr Forbes-Montgomery.”
“Oh call me Juliet, please.”
“Mom, will you let Izzie eat her dinner please?”
“I’m just interested dear.” She said as Izzie gulped from her wine glass, “Will you be having the next one Izzie?” the blonde choked on the fine red liquid, Addison rubbed her back.
“Mother?” She warned.
“What? I just assumed you will have another child”
“Can we please have this one first?” Addison asked incredulously.
“Well you’re not getting any younger Addison and to be quite frank, I’m surprised you ended up with someone so young.”
“With all due respect mother, you are hardly one to talk about my personal life. There’s a slight age difference, but that has never become an issue with us.” Addison argued.
“Well done I say, she’s quite a catch Addison.” Gerard said.
“I know, I’m very lucky.” Addison said smiling wistfully. Izzie was embarrassed by the conversation centering around her.
“And what does Richard have to say about all this?”
“He’s fine, he’s happy for us. But no one knows I’m pregnant yet.” She warned. Addison was aware of her mother’s contacts. “Mom, please can we drop this now and enjoy our dinner.”
“I’m just trying to understand Addison.”
“Dad.” Addison whined. Izzie tried to hide her smile, she had never seen this side of Addison before, she was childlike in her tone, begging for one parent to side with her against the other. She wondered if their child would behave similarly.
“Juliet, please, it’s taken a lot for Addie to come here and introduce us to Izzie and to share their news, which by the way should be a happy celebration, not an interrogation.” Addison smiled, she knew her mother would listen to Gerard.
“Addison, Isobel, I apologise.” She said, sipping on her wine.
“Apology accepted.” Addison concluded.
Izzie was in the hallway with Gerard Forbes-Montgomery, waiting for Addison to finish up in the bathroom.
“It really was a pleasure meeting you Izzie. I can tell you are decent enough person, but as a father, I’m going to have to give the, ‘if you ever hurt my daughter’ speech.”
“I will never do anything to harm or hurt Addison sir, you have my word.”
“I thought I would. In this short meeting I feel I know you have my daughter’s best interests at heart. She has been hurt in the past and made some wrong or poor choices, which she has paid for, but she deserves to be happy as I am sure you are aware.”
“I do sir. I really, truly love Addison, the past year has been agony for both of us for different reasons and being completely honest, I never thought we could have something like this. We’ve known each other for about three years now and every day she has wowed me just a little bit more. At first it was professional but a girl can’t help a crush you know.” She smiled. Gerard smiled in return, he could see she was genuine.
“She told me something very similar when you were in the kitchen with Juliet. It sounds like you two should have gotten together a long time ago.”
“She was married.” Izzie sighed.
“She was technically married.” Gerard said. “Derek was a nice guy, but in the end he wasn’t right for her, I begged for her not to follow him to Seattle.”
“But had she not, I may never have met her.”
“Things happen for a reason.” He surmised.
“That’s what Addie says.” She smiled.
“I do hope you are happy together.”
“Thank you that means a lot, and will mean the world to Addie.”
“Are you two talking about me?” Addison said as she descended the stairs.
“Do you mind, it’s a private conversation.” Her father said winking at her.
“Ok, well, we better be off, we have a lot of sight seeing to do. MOM WE’RE LEAVING.” She yelled. Gerard hugged Addison and kissed her on the cheek. He moved over to Izzie and repeated the action.
“Oh dad?” Addison said, “Keep your hands to yourself, she’s mine.”
“Honestly Addison, what sort of a man do you think I am?”
“Do you really want me to answer that?”
“Don’t you worry Addie, your girl is safe.” He then turned to Izzie, “Look after my daughter and grandchild will you?”
“It goes without saying.” Izzie smiled and held her hand out for Addison who latched onto it.
“You going then dear?” Juliet asked as she appeared.
“Yeah, we’ll drop by before we leave.”
“That will be nice. It was lovely to meet you Izzie.”
“Likewise Dr Forbes-Montgomery.”
“I told you Izzie, it’s Juliet. We’re practically family now.”
“Ok, Juliet.” Izzie and Addison said their goodbyes and left the town house. Addison let out a huge sigh of relief when she hit the sidewalk. Izzie pulled open the door of the waiting cab and Addison entered, Izzie followed, shutting the door behind her and giving instructions to the driver.
“That went better than I thought it would.” Addison sighed.
“I thought it went well.”
“I’m sorry about my mother.”
“Don’t be, you haven’t met mine.” Izzie grinned. The cab sped off into the night, through the streets of Manhattan, the high rise buildings now lit with thousands of lights in the dark of the night.
TBC . . .
AUTHOR: Sarah
RATING: PG-13
PARINGS: Addison/Izzie
DISCLAIMER: Not mine, otherwise everyday would be Izzie/Addie day :D
WORD COUNT: 3540
SUMMARY: Sequel to Camping in Luxury which was the sequel to The Clichés of Camping. In today’s instalment, we arrive in New York and meet the parents!
The yellow cab sped through the Manhattan streets whilst occassionally having to stop every once in a while to accommodate traffic lights and pedestrians. A young blonde was suckered to the window, hands either side of her face, much like one of those tacky toys you can pick up from a service station. Her face was one of complete awe, occasionally craning her neck forcing her eyes up the side of one of the numerous high rises, struggling to meet the blue of the sky. The redhead beside her was sat silently taking in the familiar surroundings, gently stroking the back of her lover, encouraging her excitement, a warm placated smile adorning her beautiful, calm features. She was home, and the love of her life was with her. As the cab rolled to a halt on East 57th Street, Izzie shrieked with delight as she looked at the building she would call home for the next few days.
“The Four Seasons? Seriously?” Izzie asked excitedly. Addison laughed at her adorable reaction.
“Yes, come on, let’s get checked in, I could do with a lie down.”
“The studio suite?” Izzie asked when she and Addison were alone in the room. “This is beyond words Addie.”
“You should become accustomed to this lifestyle Izzie, with the size of your bank account.” She winked.
“I don’t know if I ever could.” Izzie sighed, turning to star out of the oversized window and onto the city skyline. She was completely awestruck at the stunning view. Addison sneaked up behind her and slid her arms around Izzie’s waist, resting her head on her girlfriend’s shoulder.
“You don’t have to, I was just teasing. That’s what I love about you Iz, you’re so humble and you don’t ask for anything, you are always happy with what you have.”
“Except for eight million dollars.” She sighed. “I know you love all this and are high class Addie, with your smoking hot designer outfits. I must admit, I’m not complaining though, I just feel a little out of depth in this place.”
Addison smiled and hugged the blonde tighter. “Let me spoil you, we need to make the most of each other before the little one comes along.” Izzie turned in Addison’s arms.
“You’re right, I should be the happiest girl in the world and I’m worrying about class issues.” She gazed into Addison’s soft, understanding eyes.
“Are you nervous about meeting my parents?” she asked. The blonde nodded meekly.
“Yeah.” She admitted quietly, “What if they think I’m not good enough for you.”
“Isobel Stevens,” Addison berated, “I love you with every ounce of being and more, any worthy parent will want to see their child happy. I am beyond happy. And my parents, well, you know they are not whiter than white.” She laughed.
“That’s true.” Izzie admitted. “I guess my only real experience with parents is my own mother who I haven’t spoken to in years. And she was never impressed with anything I did, I could never do right by her. I want to be a better parent than that.”
“You will be Iz, I have absolutely no doubts.” Addison cocked her head to the side, waiting for Izzie’s response, she had a pensive look on her face, not looking Addison in the eye. “What is it? What’s wrong?” the attending asked gently, frowning slightly.
“I’m scared.” She whispered in a small child like whisper.
“Scared of what sweetheart?” Addison asked, ducking her head trying to make contact with Izzie’s eyes. The blonde looked up, tears spilling onto her face, her glistening brown eyes unsure of where to look until she rested them on Addison’s questioning blue orbs.
“The baby’s not biologically mine, what if I can’t connect or even, or even love it?” her voice broke at the admission, she had felt this for a few days now and had not been able to voice it to Addison, but since they had started this conversation, it seemed the right time to voice her fears. Addison was the first person she had been in a relationship with where they would talk about anything and everything. The attending had never judged anything Izzie said and whenever there was a problem, they would discuss a solution, together, they were a team, soul mates. Izzie could trust Addison with anything, although she had struggled to trust herself with this latest dilemma and although she knew Addison would find a way to comfort her and work through it, there was still a part of her that thought of the possibility of Addison being hurt by Izzie’s insecurity. At the blonde’s last words, Addison pulled Izzie tight into her body, hugging her close, she spoke as she held onto the young intern.
“You are one of the most compassionate people I know Izzie, you give 100% effort in everything you do, you’re a friendly, caring person and you possess the best bedside manner I think I’ve seen. I’ve seen you with other people’s babies Izzie, you care for them every single day and you treat them like you would treat your own. I have no doubts what so ever that you will love this baby like your own. I know you love me Iz, you show me in so many ways, it’s the little things as well as the grand gestures, it’s the way you look at me and make me feel I’m the only person in the world, the way you touch me like you may never touch me again, the way you kiss me like you’re tasting me for the first time, and how you pout when I leave the bed before you in the morning. I know, you will love our baby, that we will love and nurture and raise together and I am sure that our baby will have many of momma Izzie’s traits.” Addison smiled following her monologue, never before had she told anyone the intimate detail in which she felt, she had always thought it was silly or embarrassing, but with Izzie it was far from that, it was a declaration, she needed Izzie to know how she made her feel, and whilst words could never be enough, they would have to do for now. Izzie was beaming by now, the sad tears drying on her face, slowly being replaced by fresh, happy tears. She latched her lips onto Addison, kissing her like she was tasting her for the first time, holding her tight like she was feeling her for the last time.
As they lay sated in one another’s arms, enjoying the feel of skin against skin in the queen sized bed, Izzie sighed contentedly. She had her head on Addison’s chest, feeling the steady heartbeat beneath her ear, her arm strewn over the redhead’s waist, a leg entwined with Addison’s. The attending held onto Izzie’s hand with her own, whilst the other played mindlessly with the blonde locks, occasionally twirling the hair or stroking Izzie’s head. They lay in comfortable silence, enjoying the time together.
“I wish we could lay like this forever.” Addison broke the silence.
“Me too.” Izzie said as she turned her head slightly and kissed Addison’s skin.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“You’re late.” Said a gruff voice as the door to a plush three story Manhattan town house swung open.
“Hi dad.” Addison offered, no word of an apology. Izzie was stood slightly behind her, head bowed.
“Who’s your friend?” Gerard Forbes-Montgomery asked curtly.
“This is Izzie, we met at the hospital.”
“Are you on some sort of medical conference or something?”
“No dad, can we just come in please?” Addison said taking a step across the threshold, offering her father a kiss on the cheek.
“It’s good to see you again pumpkin.” He said, smiling to his daughter. “Nice to you meet you Izzie.” He said, offering a hand to the young intern.
“Likewise sir.” Izzie said shyly, shaking his hand.
“Come on in, make yourselves at home.” Gerard waved them through to a reception room. Izzie looked around, it was just how she had expected, classically decorated adorned with antiques and large paintings. Gerard was a tall, stocky man with dark brown hair flaked with grey, he was wearing a grey pair of chinos, a check shirt with the top button undone, he turned and called for his wife, “JULIET!”
“Addison, darling!” an averaged height redheaded woman said, her arms open as she waltzed into the room.
“Mom, hi. How are you?” Addison offered as she hugged her mother.
“Very, very well, and yourself? Your phone call was quite unexpected.” She briefly noticed Izzie who had stood to greet her. “And you are?”
“Mom, this is Izzie, Isobel Stevens.”
“They met at the hospital.” Gerard interfered.
“Well, Izzie, Isobel Stevens, it’s a pleasure to meet you.” Izzie was expecting a handshake, but instead was enveloped in a hug, like the one Juliet had offered Addison moments earlier. The attending smiled at the surprise on Izzie’s face. “What field are you in Doctor?” she asked, her professional façade taking over.
“Izzie’s about to take up an obstetrics residency, mom.” Addison offered.
“You’re an intern?”
“Yes ma’am, Addison has taught me well.”
“She is the best.” Her mother beamed. “So, how’s Derek?” the atmosphere in the room plummeted.
“Mom, we’re divorced, you know that.”
“I know dear, he is such a charming man, you are still friends I gather?”
“We’re civil.” Addison scoffed. Sitting and wiping her sweaty palms on her Armani jeans, this was going to be tough she thought.
“So what brings you and Izzie to New York darling?” Gerard asked.
“I, we, have something to discuss with you. Can I get a drink please?” Addison asked, suddenly aware of her thirst.
“Yes, a little afternoon tea?”
“That would be lovely, thanks.”
“Go tell Martha to make a pot of tea please Gerard.” His wife barked.
“Are you here for long?” Juliet directed the question at Izzie.
“A few days.” She offered.
“And where are you staying?”
“At the Four Seasons.”
Juliet was surprised, “On an intern’s salary?”
“I, err . . .” Izzie was stuck for words.
“It was my choice.”
“So you’re paying?”
“Mom, it’s none of your business.”
“I actually recently received a substantial inheritance Dr Forbes-Montgomery.”
“Oh.” Juliet said. Before she could continue Gerard brought through a tray containing a teapot and four cups.
“Milk or sugar Izzie?” He asked pouring the young intern a cup.
“Just milk please.” Gerard handed her a cup, staring at her cleavage a little too long. Izzie whipped her head round and looked at Addison who had also noticed. The redhead smirked, knowing the nature of her father.
“What do you want to discuss with us Addison?” her mother asked.
“Well, I wanted you to meet Izzie.” She started.
“For any particular reason?” Juliet pried.
“Yes, erm, well, how can I say this.” Her parents looked at each other confused, Addison was usually so sure of herself, Izzie casually, out of sight, put her hand on her girlfriend’s back, rubbing it gently, encouraging her. “Izzie and I are together, in a relationship.” She blurted, also releasing a huge breath she had been holding. There was silence in the room while the older couple tried to fathom what she had just said.
“Oh.” Was all Juliet could manage for the moment.
“Are you sure this is what you want?” Gerard asked nervously.
“Yes, dad. I’m happier than I’ve ever been. She gets me, she knows me.”
“And what about Derek?” Juliet asked.
“What about him mom? Being with Derek was like a chore, I wasn’t happy and I wasn’t myself. I feel free now.” Addison explained.
“What about Mark?” her mother asked again, Addison was frustrated and was trying not to get angry.
“Mom, that was the biggest mistake of all.”
“I thought you wanted a family, how can you have that without a well to do gentleman.” Addison laughed at the irony. “It’s not funny Addison.”
“That’s the other thing. We want a family. Mom, dad, you’re going to be grandparents.”
“Grandparents.” Gerard repeated, the thought process evident in his glazed eyes.
“Grandparents?” Juliet asked, still confused.
“Mom, I’m pregnant, I’m having a baby. We are having a baby.” She took Izzie’s hand and gave it a gentle squeeze whilst smiling at her girlfriend.
“I can’t take this Addison. You’re telling us, you are in a relationship, with a woman, an intern no less, and now you are pregnant? Well how far along are you?”
“I’m 10 weeks.”
“And what do you have to say for yourself young lady?” she pointed accusingly at Izzie who stuttered.
“I err, I am in love with Addison, Dr Forbes-Montgomery. She is everything to me and we are going to be loving parents to your grandchild.” She offered.
“Welcome to the family Izzie.” Gerard said as he rose. He walked over to her and hugged as she was still sat, she struggled for breath slightly. Once again he lingered.
“Ok, dad, stop hitting on my girl.” Addison said breaking them apart. Gerard laughed at his daughter’s statement.
“Come here Addie.” He said, allowing her to stand before pulling her into a similar hug. “Congratulations pumpkin, I’m so pleased you are finally happy and getting the family you deserve.” Juliet looked perturbed.
“How can you be so calm about this Gerard?” she asked. Addison sat back down next to Izzie, closer this time, taking her hand in her own once again, communicating reassurance with her eyes.
“Look at her Juliet, she’s a different person to the last time we saw her, she’s relaxed, there’s a sparkle back in her eye. Everyone deserves to be happy Juliet, especially our little girl.” His wife’s face began to soften slightly.
“Addison I’m sorry, it’s just going to take a bit of getting used to.”
“I understand mom.” She smiled.
“I just have one question. Who’s the father?”
“A donor.” Addison said quickly. Izzie looked at her with a questioning look but knew better than to say anything and simply smiled.
“Do you know anything him? What will our grandchild turn out like?”
“He has blonde hair, brown eyes,” Addison paused smiling at Izzie, “he is six feet tall and he’s a professional.”
“A doctor?” her mother jumped in.
“No, actually, a lawyer.” She smiled at her father.
“Good choice darling.” He beamed, smirking at his wife.
“And that’s all I know, they don’t give too much information.” she said, but to be honest, she had not learnt much about her date when she had been out with him.
“Will you both stay for dinner?” Juliet asked, despite her difficulties in understanding the situation, she was willing to make an effort, and that would mean grilling her potential daughter in law.
“Yes, thank you mom.” Addison agreed.
“Tell us about your family Isobel.” Juliet said, before the beef on the fork past her lips.
“I erm, I haven’t spoken to my mother for a couple of years. We don’t see eye to eye.”
“Oh, your father?”
“He left us when I was young.” She said poking her fork into her dinner. Addison watched, anticipating her mother’s intentions.
“I’m sorry to hear that. It must have been hard on your mother.”
“Yes, it was difficult for both of us.”
“You’re an only child.”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Such a shame, I always thought a child should have a sibling. Addison has a brother, Matthew, he’s a lawyer, like his father, married with two beautiful children.”
“Yes, Addison told me. You have a wonderful family Dr Forbes-Montgomery.”
“Oh call me Juliet, please.”
“Mom, will you let Izzie eat her dinner please?”
“I’m just interested dear.” She said as Izzie gulped from her wine glass, “Will you be having the next one Izzie?” the blonde choked on the fine red liquid, Addison rubbed her back.
“Mother?” She warned.
“What? I just assumed you will have another child”
“Can we please have this one first?” Addison asked incredulously.
“Well you’re not getting any younger Addison and to be quite frank, I’m surprised you ended up with someone so young.”
“With all due respect mother, you are hardly one to talk about my personal life. There’s a slight age difference, but that has never become an issue with us.” Addison argued.
“Well done I say, she’s quite a catch Addison.” Gerard said.
“I know, I’m very lucky.” Addison said smiling wistfully. Izzie was embarrassed by the conversation centering around her.
“And what does Richard have to say about all this?”
“He’s fine, he’s happy for us. But no one knows I’m pregnant yet.” She warned. Addison was aware of her mother’s contacts. “Mom, please can we drop this now and enjoy our dinner.”
“I’m just trying to understand Addison.”
“Dad.” Addison whined. Izzie tried to hide her smile, she had never seen this side of Addison before, she was childlike in her tone, begging for one parent to side with her against the other. She wondered if their child would behave similarly.
“Juliet, please, it’s taken a lot for Addie to come here and introduce us to Izzie and to share their news, which by the way should be a happy celebration, not an interrogation.” Addison smiled, she knew her mother would listen to Gerard.
“Addison, Isobel, I apologise.” She said, sipping on her wine.
“Apology accepted.” Addison concluded.
Izzie was in the hallway with Gerard Forbes-Montgomery, waiting for Addison to finish up in the bathroom.
“It really was a pleasure meeting you Izzie. I can tell you are decent enough person, but as a father, I’m going to have to give the, ‘if you ever hurt my daughter’ speech.”
“I will never do anything to harm or hurt Addison sir, you have my word.”
“I thought I would. In this short meeting I feel I know you have my daughter’s best interests at heart. She has been hurt in the past and made some wrong or poor choices, which she has paid for, but she deserves to be happy as I am sure you are aware.”
“I do sir. I really, truly love Addison, the past year has been agony for both of us for different reasons and being completely honest, I never thought we could have something like this. We’ve known each other for about three years now and every day she has wowed me just a little bit more. At first it was professional but a girl can’t help a crush you know.” She smiled. Gerard smiled in return, he could see she was genuine.
“She told me something very similar when you were in the kitchen with Juliet. It sounds like you two should have gotten together a long time ago.”
“She was married.” Izzie sighed.
“She was technically married.” Gerard said. “Derek was a nice guy, but in the end he wasn’t right for her, I begged for her not to follow him to Seattle.”
“But had she not, I may never have met her.”
“Things happen for a reason.” He surmised.
“That’s what Addie says.” She smiled.
“I do hope you are happy together.”
“Thank you that means a lot, and will mean the world to Addie.”
“Are you two talking about me?” Addison said as she descended the stairs.
“Do you mind, it’s a private conversation.” Her father said winking at her.
“Ok, well, we better be off, we have a lot of sight seeing to do. MOM WE’RE LEAVING.” She yelled. Gerard hugged Addison and kissed her on the cheek. He moved over to Izzie and repeated the action.
“Oh dad?” Addison said, “Keep your hands to yourself, she’s mine.”
“Honestly Addison, what sort of a man do you think I am?”
“Do you really want me to answer that?”
“Don’t you worry Addie, your girl is safe.” He then turned to Izzie, “Look after my daughter and grandchild will you?”
“It goes without saying.” Izzie smiled and held her hand out for Addison who latched onto it.
“You going then dear?” Juliet asked as she appeared.
“Yeah, we’ll drop by before we leave.”
“That will be nice. It was lovely to meet you Izzie.”
“Likewise Dr Forbes-Montgomery.”
“I told you Izzie, it’s Juliet. We’re practically family now.”
“Ok, Juliet.” Izzie and Addison said their goodbyes and left the town house. Addison let out a huge sigh of relief when she hit the sidewalk. Izzie pulled open the door of the waiting cab and Addison entered, Izzie followed, shutting the door behind her and giving instructions to the driver.
“That went better than I thought it would.” Addison sighed.
“I thought it went well.”
“I’m sorry about my mother.”
“Don’t be, you haven’t met mine.” Izzie grinned. The cab sped off into the night, through the streets of Manhattan, the high rise buildings now lit with thousands of lights in the dark of the night.
TBC . . .