Chapter 10:

Addison slowly turned the bronze doorknob and stepped inside to the large foyer. Behind her was a chatty real estate agent, blabbing on about the house, its history and how good the neighborhood was. The three bedroom and two and a half bathroom house, was near empty.

There were some casual antiques scattered around the house, such as an old grandfather clock that seemed like it hadn't worked in ages. Yet there was a homey feel to the place, like her brownstone back in New York, and a lot like the home she grew up in during her childhood. She didn't need to see or hear any more; frankly, she was tired of the agent. It was hard to explain but there was no doubt in her mind that this was the perfect house.

Addison turned to the real estate agent, "I love it. How long will it take to get the papers ready?"

The agent responded with a grin then said, "In a flash."

- - -

It had been a few days since Addison's leave and most of the surgical wing felt her absence. However, it was Alex that felt it the most; he didn't show it of course. In fact he went on with life as usual, he scrubbed in on surgeries, delivered babies, and did what Addison would have had him do. From the view of an outsider, it seemed like nothing had happened, nothing had changed. But everything had, all Alex could think about was how their last conversation ended, how she didn't even say good bye. He couldn't help but think that it was he that made Addison leave.

"Dr. Bailey," Alex said, getting her attention. "I need to talk to you."

Miranda reluctantly looked up from her work, giving him a 'this better be good I'm busy' look.

This wasn't going to be easy, Alex thought. "I know I'm an intern and I have no place in asking you this but…" he paused. "I need two or three days off," he asserted.

Miranda didn't even stop for a second to think about her answer. "No. Sorry Karev but like your said you're an intern, bottom of the food chain, you don't get to ask for days off."

"But…"

Bailey knew what this was about and her decision did not change. "No. I don't care what you've got going on in your personal life is like right now. It's not affecting your work so I expect you to do work."

Alex then told her why he wanted the days off. Miranda sighed, "Fine. Two days." She emphasized. "But only if you can get someone to pick up the extra slack." Alex nodded. "One more thing, Karev." He turned his head. "This is not a favor from me to you. It's a favor from me to the hospital."

It surprised Alex how relatively simple that had been. He had thought that it would take a lot more convincing. Now all he needed was somebody to do some of his work during his two day absence. Izzie would probably help out.

Not much later, Alex managed to hunt Izzie down. She agreed to it with almost no hesitation. There were, of course, some questions that came along her willingness to do Alex a favor but he promised that her questions would be answered later because honestly he wasn't all that sure what he was doing himself.

- - -

"Alright Ms. Montgomery, paper work is done, your house, paid for in full…" the real estate agent flipped through some papers, making sure the Ts were crossed and the Is were dotted, "Everything is in order." She pulled out a set of keys. "Here are the keys to your new house. Congratulations," she smiled enthusiastically.

"Thank you," she took the keys and attached them to the ring that held her car keys.

As Addison was about to leave, her agent abruptly posed a question that had been nagging at her. "Ms. Montgomery, if you don't mind me asking, why were you so…" she searched for the word. "Well, eager, to buy this house." This house, referring to literally, the first house she took her to, making her job a lot easier.

Somehow Addison knew she was going to ask that. The answer was simple. "I needed a change."

Her agent gave her an understanding smile. "Oh! I almost forgot. Here's a spare set of keys." Addison thanked her and left. She was going home but before she could she needed to make a stop, one that was quite far away.

She strode in the hospital with coolness, much like she did a year ago, through the doors of Seattle Grace, when confronting her ex-husband. It was a hard and painful time for her. Hopefully this time around it wouldn't be remotely like the last disastrous time. It was late and many of the doctors and nurses were heading back home.

Addison stepped into the empty elevator, and during the ride she told herself that things were going to work out. That she didn't do what she thought was right for nothing. The heavy metallic doors opened, slowly and climactically, as they revealed who was standing behind it. She wasn't too shocked to see him, because almost everything that happened here happened in or near an elevator. It was just how Seattle Grace worked.

There were whispers that came from the small group of doctors, who were also waiting to catch a ride in the elevator. Among the group was Izzie, Meredith and Cristina but Addison didn't even seen the gathering group of people, the only person she saw was Alex.

She stepped out of the elevator and the crowd parted to make room for her and to watch the oncoming scene play out. A sudden hush fell over the crowd.

Alex didn't know what to say, so he asked what everyone was thinking, "What are you doing here?" To the onlookers, he seemed cold, but he was only in shock.

Suddenly aware of their surroundings, the two of them got the idea of going somewhere more private. The onlookers' eyes followed them as they walked away from the elevator, heading to a quiet hallway.

Addison was sure he could hear her heart pounding as they walked in silence, side by side. When they were out of hearing range, Addison spoke, "I'm sorry… I'm sorry I left like that, without saying good bye."

This is it, Alex thought, this was going to be good bye. And he didn't want it, he wanted her to stay. Alex told himself that she came back to make things right, to get some closure and that there wasn't a chance to convince her to come back. "I'm sorry too, for what I said."

From what Addison could tell he was mad and didn't want her back, a tear started to roll down her cheek. Impulsively Alex put his hand on her cheek and wiped it away with his thumb. "I was going to come after you." He said. She took his hand off her cheek and slipped something into it, she had been holding it since she got into Seattle Grace.

He opened up his hand. He was holding a key. "It's a spare," Addison explained, seeing the confused look on his face. "I bought a house… for us."

"It's kind of far from here but it's a really nice house," she digressed, filling in the silence.

And for a long moment Alex was silent. It was the longest four seconds of Addison's life. Her uneasiness was all erased when she felt Alex's lips on hers. It was a passionate kiss; neither of them wanted it to end. When they parted Alex whispered something in her ear. Addison's heart soared. Then she whispered back, "I love you too."

The End.

A/N: Wow. I can't believe it's finally finished. I'm really happy. This will probably be the last multi chaptered story I write. I might do an epilogue then again I might now. Anyway I hope you guys enjoyed it.