"Dr. Bailey, we need you in OR 3. Dr. Bailey, OR 3."
Addison Shepherd's first instinct was to jump as though her name had been called over the PA system, nearly causing coffee to splash over the thigh of her white lab coat.
Yeah.
That would have been good. Addison shook her head, taking one last sip from the Styrofoam cup before tossing it in the trash, heading out of the lounge and into the tunnels. Passing the elevator, as though time were the most ironic thing in the world, the doors open and Derek Shepherd walked out. Addison's heart jumped in her throat, but both cast an uneasy glance at one another.
"Dr. Shepherd."
"Dr. Montgomery Shepherd."
Addison nodded a greeting to her ex-husband, but couldn't stop the dull ache in her heart. So many memories so dearly missed. Why did things have to be so awkward?
Stupid question.
Addison frowned as Derek's face popped into her mind, his bright blue eyes soft and that smile of genuine affection crossing those soft lips.
Unfortunately, the look wasn't directed at her. Ever.
No. It was for Meredith Grey. Daughter of the legendary Ellis Grey.
Addison ripped a patient's file out of the holder outside one of the rooms. Her fingers closed around the metal doorknob, but she paused, taking in a deep breath, straightening her shoulders and exhaled slowly.
Don't let him get to you like this, Addie. She throttled herself on the inside for even a negative emotion show within radius of her patients. She composed herself and entered, brushing a strand of dark red hair behind her ear as she came into the presence of a young pregnant woman and an older one who Addison assumed to be her mother.
"Michelle. Mrs. Lawson." Addison nodded to both women with a smile. "I'm Dr. Montgomery Shepherd. I'll be helping you through the pregnancy, Michelle.
"What about a C-section?" Mrs. Lawson asked anxiously. Addison caught the exasperated flash in Michelle Lawson's green eyes. "I hear they're so much safer nowadays than a natural birth."
"Mom, I'm not having a C-section." Michelle said firmly, almost irritably. Addison flicked on the sonogram, then pulled on a pair of latex gloves and smeared KY Jelly on the hand piece, pushing Michelle's gown up her swollen belly and began the procedure, satisfied when she heard the repeated whoosh of the baby's heartbeat. "You had me without a C-section. I want to be involved in the birth."
"Sweetheart, the C-section wasn't really around when you were born." Mrs. Lawson told her. Both women paused as they listened to the fetal heartbeat, and a glowing smile spread across Michelle's face.
"See? The baby's healthy." She said. "I want to be awake to hear that."
"It's not the baby I'm concerned about, Michelle. It's you." Mrs. Lawson protested. Addison printed out the image of the almost full-grown fetus then turned to Michelle's bedside.
"How old are you, Michelle?"
"She'll be eighteen in April." Mrs. Lawson cut in before Michelle could answer. Addison's eyebrows shot up and Michelle threw her mother a scathing glance.
"Well, in that case I really would suggest the cesarean." Addison admitted. "Your body's not really strong enough to handle the birth, Michelle. I think the C-section would be the safest way."
"No. I'm having the baby myself." Michelle insisted. Mrs. Lawson shot Addison a pleading look.
"Erm…can I speak with you outside?" Mrs. Lawson asked. Addison paused, shutting Michelle's file and held it propped against her chest. "Of course. Michelle, I'll have someone in here to tend to you further in a few moments."
They walked out of the room and Addison shut the door behind them.
"Dr. Shep—"
"—Montgomery. Please." Addison corrected her as politely as she could.
"Dr. Montgomery." Mrs. Lawson chewed her lip. "I don't want Michelle having a natural birth. Can you please speak with her? I know it's too risky, and you do too."
Addison sighed. "Mrs. Lawson, there really is nothing I can do other than try to explain to Michelle the risks. I can't operate without the patient's consent."
Mrs. Lawson nodded slowly, her gaze lowering and she walked back into the room. Addison exhaled, reaching to rub the back of her neck in uneasiness. What could she possibly do? If the girl didn't want to have the Cesarean, there was no way Addison would be able to get her to do so, and they'd have one hell of a time finding a surgeon who would. Turning on her heel, Addison headed back down the hallway, drawing to a halt at the nurse's station.
"Dr. Montgomery-Shepherd?"
Addison's head shot up and she found herself looking into the bright brown eyes of Izzie Stevens, one of Seattle Grace's five interns. As a matter of fact, Addison found herself relieved that it wasn't Meredith.
"Dr. Stevens," Addison handed Nurse Debbie the patient's file and turned to look at the blonde intern. "What can I do for you?"
"Well, I was wondering if you needed an intern." Izzie shifted uneasily, and must of seen Addison's surprised expression. "Listen, I remembered what you said. That I could be like you, and that you could teach me. I want to work with you, I really do. I respect you and really think you could teach me quite a bit."
Addison searched Izzie's eyes and a grin crossed her face as she handed Izzie the file. "Welcome aboard Dr. Stevens. Glad to see you change your mind."