Hope you're enjoying…!

Here's some clarity for you, in case you're confused.

George is NOT with Meredith….. Yet(?)

Derek left SGH soon after Addison returned.

George was the father figure in Claire's life (even though she doesn't call him dad)

Beautiful Mess

Chapter 2

Like We Never Loved At All

Derek Shepard pulled Dr. Bailey aside after he was sure the girl was gone. "That's Meredith's daughter?" He asked her as they shut the door to her office. She nodded. "Is she George's?" He pushed. Bailey didn't answer. "Miranda." He said. "You don't have the right to ask any questions Derek. "This isn't my business Shepard. If you want answers, get them from her. Not me." Bailey told him before exiting the room, leaving Derek standing there. He stood at the window, looking over the parking lot. "She doesn't' really look like George…." He muttered to himself as he gathered his stuff to leave.

Claire had returned to her mom's room minutes before visiting hours ended. "I know you're special kid, but if I don't kick you out…" Bailey warned, sticking her head in the door. She smiled kindly at the woman. "I'm moving, I'm moving." She replied and starting gathering her stuff.

"Looks like I caught you in time." A voice said from the door. She spun around. "George!" She exclaimed jumping into his arms. He was the closest thing she had to a father. "Hey kddo!" He said, wrapping her in a tight hug after kissing her lightly on the cheek. They broke apart after a moment. "How's life?" He asked as he took a seat next to her mother. "OK I guess. Work's tough. I don't make nearly enough money, but that's what I get for not going to into medicine." She said, casting a look towards her mom.

He looked over his eyeglasses at her. God, she looks so much like him… "Claire, she's laying in a hospital bed unconscious. Is it really necessary to take shots like that?" He asked softly. Her expression changed dramatically. She shrugged. "I guess not." She replied, looking at the ground. They were silent for several moments.

"How're you holding up?" She questioned George, raising her eyes to meet his. He had a far away look in his eyes. "Ok, I guess. It helps that she's here and I can check on her whenever I have the opportunity." He said quietly. "Must be easy when you're Chief of Staff." She teased softly. "So you heard? I was surprised. I figured after all this time that it would go to someone younger." He went on. "You deserve it. You've more than paid your dues here." She responded.

"Listen Claire. As much as I love you, and love seeing you, that's not the only reason I stopped in." George said. Claire's eyes met his, questions clouding her deep blue eyes. "Outside of fracturing her skull and puncturing a lung,your mom broke both her legs in 3 places on the left and 2 on the right. She fractured 4 vertebra, and broke her left arm. She's going to need a lot of home care and physical therapy. Now I've taken the liberty of checking with Social Services here at SGH and there are some positions available-" He started.

He eyes narrowed considerably. "Hold it. You want me to move here! Are you crazy! Can't someone else take care of her? She has you, Izzie, Alex, Preston, Cristina… Surely you all can look in on her." Claire suggested. "Claire, I'm Chief of Staff, Izzie's in charge of the NICU, Alex is running his own practice, Preston is head of neurology, and Cristina is running. We can't watch her full time, and that's what she needs. It can't just be someone looking in on her, it's got to be all the time." George went on.

Claire sighed. "I have to work to." She pointed out. "You can work from home. You only have to be in the hospital for certain cases. Claire, you're her daughter. Be a good one." He pleaded.

Anger and frustration boiled out of her eyes. "Yeah, well, she's my mother, but it doesn't mean she was a good one!" She spat as she once again gathered her stuff and stormed out. She felt the tears welling up in her eyes as she made her way out of Seattle Grace as quickly as possible. She was so pre-occupied with herself that she didn't notice the striking resemblance she bore to the man exiting the elevator next to her. He however, noticed her.

Definitely not George's. Doesn't look a thing like him. Must be someone else's. Dark wavy hair. Deep blue eyes, finely chiseled face… She kind of reminds me of me….! Derek stopped cold in the parking lot. The woman looked at least 30. Derek did the calculations in his head. Oh My God. She was pregnant when I left! These thoughts were swirling around in his head as he watched the young woman hop into a modest sedan and take off in a direction he knew all too well. It was the way to Meredith's house.

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