Chapter: When it Rains it Pours.
Meredith was doing ... okay. She hated that her marriage was failing in front of her. It was more the admittance of failure. It didn't matter. She would do what she had always done. She would pick herself up and dust herself off, and get on with life. One of the first things she did having got back to Seattle was arrange a dinner with the Webbers.
She knocked on the Webber's door, clutching the red wine and the bouquet of flowers. She hadn't forgotten her vow in New York. She was going to make Adele how aware, and grateful for her help she was.
Richard opened the door. "Merry come in."
She did as bid and handed her coat over to her stepdad and went to find Adele. She knew where Adele would be. Adele was a formidable woman and you stepped in her kitchen at your own peril. She kissed her on the cheek, "And what are these for?"
Meredith smiled, "You are an amazing woman and I just wanted to remind you that I know it."
Adelle chuckled kissing her cheek back, "You are always welcome here baby girl and you know it. You are the daughter of our heart."
Meredith glowed with the reminder. She knew it in her mind but it didn't hurt to hear the vocal reminder. "A fact I appreciate every day. You had every right to hate me but you loved me."
Adelle rolled her eyes, "That is because you are loveable and I'm sorry they never saw it."
Meredith knew the 'they' referred to her biological parents. If there was one thing she had learnt in her life; a family doesn't end in blood. You make your own family and Meredith was far better off for having done exactly that.
The Pit staff didn't understand what was going on. Dr Shepherd was down there on a consult. There was nothing new there. He dealt with the patient with his usual composed manner. It was when he saw the name on one of the other beds.
He let out one of the more creative curses he knew and looked at the head nurse. "I want the Chief down here."
The nurse looked back with confusion, "He's down for Dr Grey, Sir."
Derek shook his head, "Under no circumstances is Dr Grey to deal with Mr. Grey. "
When he phrased it that way the head nurse was able to make the connection easy enough. There was a hard glint in her eye. Meredith wasn't just the Chief's favourite, the nurses adored her too. "You got it ... But I can't stop her being down here."
Derek sighed because if it wasn't one thing it was another. Meredith was doing remarkably well with Mark and her crumbling marriage. In part, it was because she was focussing on Seattle and helping him with Addison. It was true what they say misery loves company. The bright side was - it was a little less miserable with both of them. Still, there was no telling what seeing her Dad would do. He couldn't protect her from the world but he hoped to spare her from any more pain.
Richard went down to the pit, hunting his Head of Neurology wondering just what had got him in a tizz. As his head nurse had described it. "What's wrong?"
"Thatcher is here and seeking treatment?" Derek explained and that did explain his mood.
This was a mess. There was no way Thatcher would want Webber treating him. Meredith would be better off not treating him. Derek knew his impartiality would struggle. So they were fast running out of options.
Derek could see his boss got his concerns. He did ask, "What do you want me to do?"
Richard thought about it, "You should get Burke to treat him ... And then tell Merry he is here."
Derek hadn't expected that response. "Why?"
Richard sucked in a breath and he hated himself for what he was about to suggest. "Because as much as she hates Mark right now. He gives her anonymity."
Derek found his friend in the staffroom. He was grateful that no one else was around. There was no reason to subject her childhood to hospital gossip. Meredith looked at him and clearly knew him too well. She asked him,
"What's up? You look like you've seen a ghost. Addy is not here, is she?"
Derek shook his head. In fact, he would gladly deal with the mess his marriage was in. If it could spare Meredith from having to see her biological father.
"No, far worse and not Mark before you ask." Derek was quick to reassure her.
Well, that was worrying. Meredith didn't think there was anyone she would hate to see more than Mark or Addison.
Derek made sure she was sitting down. He couldn't quite guess her reaction so figured it was best to sit down. He was just sorry it freaked her out even more. "You should know that they brought Thatcher Grey into the ER just now."
Meredith paled, "You have got to be kidding me!"
Derek shook his head. "No, now I hate it but Richard had a good idea."
Meredith frowned, "I'm guessing slapping him is off the agenda?"
Derek chuckled as that was so like Meredith. "Yeah, it is although I would give you an alibi. Richard suggested you change to your married name."
Meredith sighed as that was the last thing she wanted to do. It was not going to help her heart move on like she wanted. Still, it did make sense. She was Chief Resident and her remit was the E.R she wasn't going to hide away like a scared child. She had outgrown Thatcher Grey and his crap a long time ago. Yet, she didn't want to deal with his crap unless she had to. She could use her married name, she was still married and it was about time Mark was useful.
It bothered Derek a great deal that when he saw Meredith's coat read as Dr Sloan. He couldn't put it into words why.
She strode confidently out of the staff room and went about her business. So of course with her luck, she ends up treating the patient next to him. She could curse the gods but it was pointless. She had a duty of care and she would do her job.
She was doing so well. Meredith almost believed she would get away without acknowledging the Grey family. Well, right up until a nurse shouted for her, "Dr Grey."
She had no choice but to answer, "Yes, Nurse Stanley?"
She replied and went to pick up the file. There was nothing like a quick exit. She pulled the curtain too and, that was when she heard it.
"Meredith, it is you isn't it?"
In life, there are moments. Meredith was facing one. Did she turn around and acknowledge him? Or, did she walk away? She owed the man nothing after all. She wasn't a coward.
"Yes, Can I help you?" She was a picture of perfect professionalism.
"Are you going to play it this way? I'm your father." He said, looking so pitiful on the bed.
Meredith wondered what she might have been like if she didn't have the Webbers' in her life. She knew what her answer was "No, you are not. You are a patient in this hospital. Your daughter and your family are standing by your bed. You never wanted me as a child so you don't get to change your mind now."
Wow. She felt good. She wasn't rude or shouting. There was no anger in her voice. It was just a plain statement of facts. She looked at the medical notes to emphasise her point. "I'm afraid your problem is thoracic so I will call for a specialist."
"MEREDITH!"
Meredith ignored the call and went back to her day and her patients. To her great relief, the care for Thatcher Grey was quick enough to cause a minor stir and no more. The only remnant to the whole affair was the gossip mill now had her married name. If that was all - she could live with it.
Meredith watched Thatcher and his perfect little family walk away. She should hurt. There should be something there ... but there wasn't anything. Perhaps, that was the most damning part. No, scratch that it was a testament to the people in her life. The Webbers' were her parental figures and Derek was her rock. She was okay.
She surprised herself by pulling Derek into a hug. The hug communicated everything she couldn't; affection, gratitude and much more. She felt Derek press closer, they hadn't done this before, not awake and conscious at least.
Derek hugged Meredith closer and was so glad for his friend. He worried about all the recent knocks that this would be the straw that broke her back. "You were great today." He told her.
Meredith snorted but didn't let go. She wanted a snuggle and after her crap day. She deserved it, "You're just saying that because you're my friend."
Derek was smirking. She knew him too well even if she couldn't see his face. He confessed to her, "Right now, you are the only thing keeping me sane."
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF MY HUSBAND!"
And their whole worlds exploded in chaos. Again.
