Chapter: Embracing your birthright

Meredith hated the chaos of the hospital. This was not right. This was not the normal hustle and bustle of people chasing medical mysteries. This was people scared as they were no orders. This was stupid!

She got it. She did. She was more than aware that many people hated hospitals but these people worked here. This was her playground as a child. She would weave in and around the halls. She could talk to the doctors and they would help her understand any medical questions she had. It was one of the reasons why medical school was a breeze for her. As a kid, quizzes from the best and brightest had helped her understand biology.

"Everyone stop!"

Silence and pandemonium stopped. For one blessed second she could think. She could see everyone wanted to ask questions and would expect an immediate answer. She wanted to laugh in their faces as they didn't know her that well. She held up her hands to stop any questions, "What are the facts?"

She could deal with this cold and rational but only if she has the facts. Bailey looked so relieved she wasn't even the least bit terse.

"Webber is in surgery with Sloan, Sheppard and Burke working on him."

Meredith nodded her head. So there was something wrong and they were going into fix it. She could work with that as she trusted Mark and Derek to see him okay. "Okay so why is it like World War Three has just started?"

"Well there is no Deputy Chief as Cooper split when you and Jackson joined."

Meredith snorted because Bailey didn't know the half of that story. She was not in the mood to share any facts either. "Okay. I got this."

She was never so glad to have spent her childhood in the hospital. She was able to know what needed to happen and started to ask the most pertinent questions. "Okay so who is on call for the Pit?"

Webber responded, "I am but backup is Jackson."

Meredith nodded, "Are all scheduled operations prepped and ready to go?"

Bailey had no clue and the look on her face spoke volumes. It was one of the other things Meredith had learnt long before any of the others. You should always be nice to your support staff. They were the ones who ran the hospital and just let others take the credit. The Senior Nurse looked harried and Meredith could guess why.

She repeated her question, and got a concise explanation in return. "All operations are still scheduled. We have warned those scheduled for the doctors in the emergency room that there will be delays. Those affected, know they can accept a substitute or have there operations rescheduled."

Meredith smiled. "Thanks Mandy. Get all staff into the foyer quick-time please. We cannot let this continue Dad may be in trouble but he would freak if he found the hospital was in trouble."

It was kind of perfect for Meredith, she could focus on the hospital and not dwell on what was going on in the ER. There was no chance to take a breather as she saw Addison rush towards her. An older man following in the wake of the regal redhead. "Dr Sheppard I need a word!"

Meredith embraced her friend, accepting the silent support from her good friend. She'd recognised the older gentleman and had to bite back a groan. She had patients, a sick step dad and a hospital to get back on its feet. She didn't have the desire or the inclination to play political games at this stage.

"How can I help you Mr Anderson?" Meredith said, her tone as cordial as she could manage.

"Who is in charge?"

Meredith smiled but it lacked her usual warmth. "I am."

He couldn't hide his stunned look and she saw Addison hide her smile behind her hand.

"You cannot be serious?"

Meredith folded her arms in front of her. Oh hell no. He did not just go there. She would cut him off at his knees before he could interfere. He had no clue, he was a politician not a surgeon. He might think he could run the hospital but he wouldn't manage it. Worse. He could do damage to it.

"You know. If I thought you would understand what's needed Mr Anderson." Meredith paused letting him hang on her words. "Then I would let you and focus on my patients. I know what needs doing so it will happen this way because it is the best."

"Just like that?"

Meredith rolled her eyes and explained it him in tiny words. "My family has a wing here. I should know I was there when my mother opened it. I am one of your top-billing surgeons alongside my husband. When children were playing at the park I was here. I grew up reading OR charts and the rota schedule. I learnt Math through supply ordering. As a result I have an intrinsic understanding of what needs to happen. Can you say the same?"

The argument was over before it even began and they all knew it. Grey had outplayed him and he was stupid enough to do it in a public forum. The point rammed home when there was applause behind them.

The court of public opinion had nominated her too and that was obvious. There was nothing form here and he had his pride so he bowed out before it got any more awkward. Meredith was big enough to let him. She just turned around to the staff who'd appeared.

"We have got our roles and we know what to do. This is a hospital and we will do our best as the Chief would expect nothing less."

Avery bowed, "My dear I think the Princess just ascended."

Meredith chuckled, it came out almost hysterical as the situation sunk in. "Right okay so that just happened."

Avery looked at his friend, "So what are you going to do?"

Meredith knew what she needed to do. "I'm going to the O.R to get an update and then I'm going up to Dad's office to check on the state of affairs."

Addison watcher her friend walk away. She was a Montgomery-Forbe and knew all about heavy mantles. What she had just seen was her friend no longer running. For as long as she had known Meredith she'd been running from being a Grey.

Today she stopped and accepted her birthright. She couldn't wait to see what she did next.