'Addison! Wait – please let me explain!' She spun around, red hair flying over her shoulder, hand on hip.
'Fine! Explain it to me! Explain everything to me, Derek!' Her voice rose hysterically as she both tried to make sense of the situation and fight the urge to put as much distance between her and the man who, five minutes ago, had been the love of her life. How could he even do this to her? He was supposed to be the man that would never hurt her, the one that held her in his arms and whispered in her ear. The man who shielded her, and kept her safe. And now this? It felt as if she was living an alternate life. This wasn't how things were supposed to be.
'Explain! Was she good?'
'What?'
'You want to talk about it right? Well, answer me. Was she good?'
'Addison…'
'Damnit, Derek! Fine! You know what? Fine! Get out!' She flung a hand towards the door, gesturing.
'Leave, Derek, I mean it!'
'Addison, if I leave now…then we have no chance. We're Addison and Derek.'
She shook her head violently from side to side, pretty red curls falling down her neck and over both of her shoulders.
'Not anymore. Derek, go!' When he didn't move, she threw down the tea-towel she was holding, grabbed her cell from the bench and struggled as gracefully as she could, given the situation, into the high heels that had been strewn carelessly in the hall the night before. Slamming the door behind her, she let out a breath, and fell back against the front door. Of course it had to be raining! It hardly ever rained in New York, and the day that she had to be wearing a white dress the heavens opened. Her hair plastered itself to her head and dripped down her chest and she leant against the door she had opened after work every day for at least eight years. Derek opened the door suddenly from the inside, and she stumbled backwards, caught off-guard.
'Derek, go awa-' He grabbed her hand, and pulled her to him. He pressed his lips to her mouth, pulling her to him. It felt so good, so familiar, that Addison responded by instinct, running her hands through his hair. But then, unbidden, into her mind came the thought of her husband's hands pulling of her best friend's clothes off her body, and was repulsed. She put both hands on his chest and pushed him away with all the strength that she could muster. He tripped backwards, putting out his hands to steady himself as he crashed into the wall.
'Get lost!' she shouted wildly, and slammed the door a second time.
She steadied herself, trying to regulate her breathing. Addison gasped at the wind against her cheek, drying her tears and taking away her breath. She had to get out, she just...had to. But where could she go. At that moment, she honestly had no idea, none whatsoever.
--
'Glad to have you here, Addison.' She rose, and took Chief Webber's hand in a firm handshake. She had done it. She had left New York, headed for Seattle. Found the biggest hospital. Handed over her impressive resume. And was hired. Just like that.