Meredith tried to get a good night's sleep, tossing and turning after thinking over and over what this could mean to their friendship. Friends don't kiss, she reminded herself over and over. Damn the rules of life she cursed herself, how hard could it be not to kiss Derek? After all he was a guy and guys do have their asshole moments.

Meredith promised herself that she would not get caught up in the what if's of this still life. Instead she made herself go to sleep, turned off the TV, and curled up in bed, falling asleep on top of the covers as she always did. It didn't matter if it was nine degrees outside or ninety nine, Meredith slept on top of the covers. She thought nothing of it, but Cristina always found it interesting to find her on top of the sleeping bag when they had sleepovers...she too thought nothing of it.

Morning came quicker than imaginable for Meredith as she saw the sun rise, she cursed herself for waking up so early, but could not find a way to go back to sleep.

"Coffee" She mumbled to herself as she walked out of her room and down the stairs in a trance...rubbing her eyes in the process..."What time is it?" she asked herself as she peered at the clock on the mantel...7:30 it read

"so much for sleeping in" Meredith said with a grunt as she headed downstairs to the coffee machine to find a used filter on the counter and an empty coffee canister next to it.

"what the..? Must be mommy dearest " , she mocked to herself. Empty coffee canister, used filter and dirty pot….what a loving mother. Meredith groaned, taking the canister and throwing it in the trash with a little extra force, adding the filter and cleaning the counter afterwards. "I guess we need coffee" she said as she slowly headed upstairs to get changed and head to the store

I don't feel the way I've ever felt.
I know.
I'm gonna smile and not get worried.
I try but it shows.

:::

Meredith grunted as she changed into some clothes that were more suitable then pajamas.
She grabbed black straight legged jeans and a white Tshirt, forgoing the jacket in her haste and grabbing her wallet, cell phone and keys as she ran out of the house. Must get caffeine she thought to herself. Her hair was brushed and up in a loose ponytail and her chapstick gave her lips a perfect sheen. She was beautiful without makeup...just being who she was

Meredith headed out the door, locking it as usual and placing her key into the coin slot of her wallet. She walked down the street, passing by Cristina's house, knowing full well that she would still be sleeping and wanting to slip away before Cristina's over eager mother grilled her about Cristina's love life. She was hell bent on finding a boyfriend for her and Cristina was hell bent on not having one...for now.

Meredith yawned as she headed further down the street

::::::::::::::
Whole Foods was always a great place to eat; everything organic to keep her in the best health possible. Meredith however loved it because of all the food, she tended to eat more then anyone she knew and she decided long ago if someone else was paying for the food, it might as well be the best...especially when she was eating more then anyone in the house. Meredith entered the store with a faint smile, smelling the smells of the fresh coffee roasting and the full breakfast bar that was there. She took her time making her way over to the coffee area, watching the beans roast as she took in the scent.
Meredith grabbed a fresh bag of the dark French roast off the shelf and headed down the row of the salad bar, grabbing a plastic container and filling it with fruit salad and putting yogurt on the side. She closed the lid as she looked over at the hot breakfast bar. So many choices she thought to herself. MMmmm...French toast she said as she grabbed two pieces, putting them in the cardboard container reserved for hot food as she put scrambled eggs and bacon on the side before closing them up.
Meredith was on her way to the register, grabbing her card from her wallet as she blindly ran into someone.

"Whoa there", the deep voice said.

Meredith looked up at the guy she ran into, definitely cute, she thought to herself.
The muscular looking teenaged boy accidentally stepped on her foot as he tried to avoid her. Why does she look familiar? He asked himself.

"Ow," Meredith said quietly.

Mark put his hands on her shoulders, "Sorry," he said, "Still got all ten?" he asked, referring to her toes.

Meredith nodded, "yeah."

"Have we met?" I'd remember a face like that, he thought

"No."

"I'm Mark."
"Oh. I think you're Derek's friend…I'm Meredith." This is his best friend, Meredith thought. What do pretty people just find each other?

Mark nodded, "Right. Meredith. It's nice to meet you. Awkward run in though," he said trying to keep it light hearted.

Meredith shrugged, "Well I'm used to the awkward run ins, how do you think I met Addison?

Mark pulled Meredith out of the way of someone's shopping cart as they walked by, making sure she wouldn't get run over.

"Thanks," Meredith said.

Mark looked at her full hands, "Breakfast?" he asked

Meredith nodded.

"At least let me buy you coffee," he said, signaling towards the coffee bar adjacent towards them.

Meredith shrugged, "Okay", Why not? She thought to herself.

Meredith walked off to pay for her items after telling Mark she'd have whatever it was he was having. She felt out of place. Seattle was big city but it seemed like her future high school was a big influence. How is that she had walked into the exact store he was at?

Sometimes
I forget I'm still awake
I fuck up and say these things out loud
:::::::::::::::::::::::

Dirty mistresses club as deep roots. Don't worry, just a friendship.

Read and review please.

I'll post more as soon as I can.

-Viv