Disclaimer: See chapter one.

My Heart Will Go On

Far across the distance
And spaces between us
You have come to show you go on

Chapter 1 Part 2: Spaces Between Us

Previously:

Just as turned around to head back to her car, a phone rang. It was her cell phone. She didn't recognize the number, but it looked familiar. She flipped the phone open and held it against her ear. "Hello?"

" Addison?" The voice asked. It definitely sounded familiar. But it's not possible- it couldn't be...

"It's Matt."

Addison dropped her phone and screamed.

Thankfully, the phone did not break. Just a little scratch. Addison was relieved. She held her phone back up. "Matt?"

Matt was laughing. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."

Addison gathers her thoughts. "I thought you- I thought that you were..."

"Dead?" Matt's voice sounded livelier than it had in years. "You would have known if you had stuck around for a little longer."

Addison suddenly felt terrible. "I'm sorry. It's just- Derek and I- we got internships in New York. "

Matt smiled. "You two always put work first. But don't worry no hard feelings. I have a new respect for life now. I forgive everyone." He paused. "I'm just curious. You thought I was dead? Did you even think about the funeral?"

I can't believe he's alive! I haven't thought about him in years! Addison kept walking toward her car. "We figured that your family didn't want to see us ever again! A couple of years later we thought about visiting, but we couldn't bear the idea of your family hating us for leaving you."

She leaned against her car. It might be a bad idea to drive when she's having such an emotional conversation. Matt cleared his throat. "Uh...my mom actually did die."

Damn it. I'm really striking out today Addison thought. "I'm so sorry, Matt. We should have been there for you."

"It's okay. It's been eight years. I've moved on and apparently, so have you."

Addison was curious. What did he know? "What?"

"I heard about the divorce. And the affair." He knew this would get to her.

How did he know? Before she could say anything, he answered her question. "I called your mom yesterday. She was quite surprised too. Does everyone in New York think I'm dead?"

Addison pretended to hit her head against the car. This is such a big mess. "Yeah. Derek and I spread the word around. We were mourning."

Matt laughed. "Yeah, I guess so. But they're both in Seattle? What are you doing there?"

Addison groaned. "Nothing. Absolutely nothing." She thought of Alex. I can't tell Matt. He would crack up.

Matt needed to use the right approach. Addison could be very fragile. From what it sounded like, Derek and Mark had hurt her. "I need a favor."

This man is full of so many surprises. I miss him so much. "What kind of favor?"

"I need an OB."

Never a dull moment. "What?! YOU need an OB? What is this, some kind of medical marvel? If, so count me in." Addison talked hurriedly.

Matt thought Bad choice of wording. "No. I built a hospital. I need an OB to work there. And from what your mother said, you could use a break."

Addison was ecstatic. "You built a hospital?! How in the world did you get all that money?"

This was a long story. Matt decided to shorten it up. "I raised it. People found my recovery miraculous. I started a fund for the Matt Steele hospital. It's small, mind you, but I think we could do some great work."

"Wait a minute.'We?' You got your medical degree?"

Matt was very proud of this. "Yes I did. I'm a board-certified surgeon, thank you very much."

Addison was impressed. "Specialty?"

"Oncology."

Aww. That's amazing. HE'S amazing. Coming back from cancer...and then helping others with it. "That's so wonderful, Matt. I'm really proud of you."

Matt knew that would touch her. "So, will you help me?"

Wow. Addison had been looking for a break. This could be her chance. But it was so impulsive. Addison never did anything impulsive, except for impulsive sex. "Umm...first of all, where is it?"

"That's the best part. It's right here in LA." He tried to make is sound cheerful. He knew that she hated to move, to completely pick up her life and have to start over new. But Addison knew LA really well; she spent half of her childhood there.

Addison surprised him by saying "Okay." Then she continued. "When?"

Ouch. Matt tried to break this one in easily. "Well, the hospital opens...this Monday."

"Monday? That only gives me three days to find a place!" This new experience was turning out to be more stressful than her life here in Seattle. Actually, that wasn't true. Nothing could be more stressful than her life in Seattle.

Mark had an idea. This is what he really wanted to talk to her about. He still loved her. "Well, you could stay...with me."

Oh-no. Addison did NOT want to break his heart again. Matt was such a great friend. "Matt..."

He just needed to get her to LA. Then, he could tell her how he really felt. Right now, he was going to say whatever made her happy. "Don't worry, Addison. We're friends. We can be roommates. We would have so much fun. It'll be just like med-school."

Med-school. When Matt first got sick. Addison blinked back tears. Matt recovered "I mean, without the cancer." She smiled. He was on surprisingly good terms with his illness. "I guess."

"Good. I already bought your plane ticket. I'll have it shipped to Seattle Grace over-night. You can pick it up in the morning and be on the flight by one. Okay?"

He really had this all planned out. It seemed kind of suspicious. Addison questioned him. "How did you know I would say yes?"

Matt laughed. It was because he had spent years watching her talk and move in college. He knew her better than he knew himself. Hopefully, she hadn't changed much in the past decade. But he couldn't let her know his feelings just yet. "You're so predictable, Addison."

"Maybe opposites really do attract. You're the most unpredictable person I have ever met."

Matt couldn't decide if that was a compliment or not. She said "attract", but she called me "unpredictable". Is "unpredictable" a good thing? He told himself that he should stop obsessing over each word. This is why he knows her so well. "Thank you?" he asks jokingly.

Addison felt like she should really catch up with him. Unfortunately, it was really dark out and she didn't want to be in this weather much longer. "Matt? I should get going. But I trust that you'll send me the ticket."

"It's already sent. Be sure to tell Richard that I'm alive, just in case he doesn't know."

Crap. Richard. Contract at Seattle Grace. "Oh-no. I have a contract. I can't break it, Matt."

Matt wasn't worried. "Just tell him about me. That should crack him. As a last resort, tell him to do it for his wife. This is what Adele would want."

That felt morally wrong to Addison. "That seems kind of low, don't you think? They just got a divorce."

Matt took a deep breath. "Do you want to get out of that hell-hole or not?"

Addison knew she had to leave. She had to get away from all of the failure. "Okay. I'll do it."

"Good. I'll see you tomorrow Addison."

"Bye, Matt." Addison finally climbed into her car. She was so tired. This day had been wearing on her. Just the little bit of hope that she had now was enough to give her the strength to drive home.

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The next day Addison told Richard that she was resigning. He, of course, had protested at first. Well, he had protested for an hour and a half. But the second Addison had mentioned Matt's name, Richard clamped up. She reminded him that he would not be chief anymore. And if either Mark or Derek, or maybe Preston, got the job, they would be sure to let her go. The final straw came at the uttering of Adele's name. Richard gave in and signed a release of her contract. Addison smiled. This is the first step to breathing normally again. She asked Richard to keep her matters private. Only if someone asked him could he tell where she was. And no address. Just "She's gone. She left for LA." She didn't want the whole hospital to know why she was really leaving. I bet Mark is the first to notice. Then Alex, just because we work together. But Derek- I bet he's the last one to find out. She unpacked her locker quietly and quickly; she didn't want anyone to notice before she left. As promised, there was a plane ticket waiting for her at the front desk. Her bags would be sent later. Addison looked outside. It was a sunny day in Seattle. She pulled her sunglasses out of her purse and slipped them on. Feeling energized, she strutted across the hospital lobby just like she did ten months ago. She turned around to take one last look at Seattle Grace. She expected to feel a little sentiment.

She only felt relieved.

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Mark Sloan was angry. After sixty fucking days of no sex, you would think that he'd be extremely satisfied. He had been very excited to bring that nurse back to his hotel room. He figured that "whole" feeling would have come back after the first time. But, no. He still felt empty.

Alright he thought. Round 2. Afterwards, nothing. Still the feeling of emptiness. After round 3, he only felt frustrated. At least the nurse looked like she was having a good time. But Mark still needed to prove to himself that meaningless sex still made him feel better. So he tried four more times to bring the grand total to seven mind-blowing orgasms for this lucky young lady. She looked at him as if he was a god. Hell, he was a god by normal standards. But he still felt like crap. Addison and her little bet has turned me into a pussy. I just need to have sex with her. Then, it'll all be over. She owes me for this. I waited sixty grueling days and I am getting some NOW. He threw off the covers and pulled on his boxers. She's just down the hall. I'll be very quiet and- oh crap. I forgot about the nurse- what's her name? I can't just leave her here. A small voice within him said "Yes you can!" He stared down at her. She did seem to be fast asleep. Then, she let out a little snore. How attractive. I'm sure if I'm not gone long, she won't notice. I'll just have to be back before morning. She should be out for a while. I gave her one hell of a workout. Mark threw on a t-shirt and headed quietly out the door. He knew exactly which room was Addison's, having knocked on that door many times before.

So, once again, he knocked on her door and stood right in front of the peephole, so she could see him. After a few moments, a tall muscular man answered. He was wearing a robe and breathing heavily, implying some kind of physical activity. Mark's heart dropped. She's already moved on. The man eyed him, not angrily, but more flirtatiously. He voice was scratchy. "How can I help you?"

Mark had a strange feeling that this guy was hitting on him. Then, another man appeared in the doorframe. He looked about the same age as McMuscles, but he was smaller and frailer. The smaller man took one look at Mark and asked in a voice too deep to be natural "How can WE help you?"

Both sets of eyes traveled up and down Mark. Mark felt very uncomfortable. "Uh...nothing. I'm looking for my- my girlfriend." Both men frowned. "She used to live here. I'm sorry to...bother you" Mark could see the disappointment in their faces. Maybe I could...NO MARK! Think of hot women. Think of Addison. Yep. I'm definitely straight.

The smaller man spoke. "Oh honey. Well, if you need anyone to talk to, we're here."

Mark smiled. "Not tonight. But maybe I'll take you up on that later."

Both men winked and said goodbye. Mark could not help but laugh. Then he thought of Addison. Did she change rooms on me? I must find out tomorrow. She had better not be avoiding me at work. He used the key to unlock his door. There, the nurse stood, wrapped in a bed sheet with her hands on her hips. She did NOT look happy. Mark grimaced. She tapped her toes. "Where have you been?"

Mark had a lot of explaining to do.

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I just wanted to get this up today. So, if you're confused about Matt, don't worry. I intend to make it very clear what happened later on. Maybe flashbacks?

No spoilers. I'm going to keep you guessing.

So technically, this is the end of chapter one. So review and make my day. Hope you liked it.