Just a minor wait! I had one of those brutal close/open shifts that prevented me from updating again last night! But here it is! I appreciate your sweet comments so much!! I hope you enjoy! This is just a little light fun until I have more time to write a proper chapter...

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Once upon a time, I had a mother.

The kind that would walk me to the bus stop, bake me cookies when I came home, and kiss me before I went to bed. I had no father, and my environment was more than bleak, but somehow she made it all okay. She was so wonderful. When I was a child I often imagined that she was a fairy. Everything she did was touched with magic and delight. I miss that so much in times like these, that I often dream about being that little girl once again.

That's why when I awoke the morning after our impromptu slumber party with Louise, I was fraught with sleepy confusion. I literally could smell the scent, and hear the sounds of yesteryear. I almost expected to wake up in my tiny bed, instead of the spacious one I shared with George.

But, no.

I was at home at Meredith's.

Home here in my grown up body, where I know fairy magic isn't real.

Yet I opened my eyes, and I found the blankets tucked tight around my arms, and Bailey's prescribed OJ and saltines on the bed table. Someone besides myself was cooking away downstairs, humming and laughing with Meredith and Cristina.

Mmm.

I could smell pancakes and sausage.

Maybe I was in heaven? Maybe fairy magic is real after all?

After I drank my glass of juice and had a few crackers, I made my way to the kitchen. I am happy to report that it definitely diminished the queasies.

Like a dream, there stood Louise at the stove, looking quite contempo casual, and sporting my apron. She was making the girls laughed once again, and she looked so much like home that I almost cried. Even Cristina was a little warmer than normal. George's family might have been of modest means, but they were beyond rich in love.

It struck me how lucky my baby would be to have her for a grandmother. I could practically see chubby baby legs running for her as she made smiley-face pancakes and milk cups the morning after sleepovers. They would be quite a pair making Christmas cookies, stringing up popcorn garland, and caroling. Louise would never miss a play, or a Halloween, and be the Nana my far away mother could never be.

Almost like she could sense my thoughts, she turned around with a smile and a hug.

"I never thought you'd wake up, sleepyhead! Did you drink your juice and nibble your crackers?"

"Yes."

"Much better, huh? Come sit down and I'll make your plate. Are you up for all the breakfast fixings, or should I make you oatmeal?"

"I'll take pancakes. You don't have to make anything else."

"Oh, I've missed this. Only better. I have girls now!"

We tucked into our meal with gusto. Not another word was needed until Louise spoke again.

"You know girls that George will have to pay for trying to fool his mother."

We all looked at her in confusion.

"So, I think I will stay in town for the day. Not a word to him though. If he asks about last night, change the subject. He deserves a little worry after the way he has been worrying me. Izzie, just tell him I'll be by for lunch. Remember girls, not a word. We're gonna get my Georgey good! Now run along and get dressed! You're gonna be late to work!"

We all went our separate ways, as we all really were running late.

George finally found me around ten, just two hours before Louise would have here revenge.

"Izzie! Where have you been? Why didn't you call me back? Why did my mother hang up on me, on your phone?"

I played it as aloof as I could.

"She's coming here for lunch at noon to meet us. Be ready."

"Why do we have to be ready? Why did she call a meeting? It's never good when she calls a meeting! What happened last night?"

"I've got rounds. See you at tweleve."

He looked so lost. Truly confused with my demeanor. But it was a little delicious to make him sweat it out. Plus, with Louise being so wonderful, I couldn't let her down. So I let it go. He dogged Meredith for the next two hours, but like a trooper she kept quiet. Except about Cristina being there too, so that he would go bother her.

We all gathered at the lunch table at noon. I wondered exactly what she would do with him. Thankfully, I didn't have to wait long.

"George O'Malley! Come explain yourself right now young man!"

He looked absolutely panicked.

"You told her Iz?"

"Do not look to Izzie. You've apparently done enough of that. You talk to me."

"Well, Mom..."

"Out with it."

"I...I love her Mom. No explanation needed. I just love her. I love the life we will be leading."

She sat in thought a minute.

"Good answer. But you ought to be ashamed of yourself."

"But I'm not Mom. I love Izzie and she loves me."

"Better answer. Don't ever try to hide something from me ever again."

"I won't, Mom. In fact..."

"I already know, George."

"Oh."

She dropped the facade and began to laugh. She opened up her jacket to reveal a shirt that read "Nana's know best!".

"I knew so much, I bought a shirt!"

Meredith, Cristina, and I serenaded him with a "Gotcha!".

He slumped down by his tray.

"Scratch that. I HATE YOU IZZIE!"

"Never leave me alone with your mother, lover. We will bake, we will hot glue, and we will eventually get you!"

"So you are okay with this Mom?"

"Yeah. I'm okay."

"Good."

He grabbed my hand and started questioning her about back home.

Once upon a time I had a mother, and it didn't last. But now, I have something better than I could've dreamed.