=1= Seattle Grace Hospital
To say Richard Webber was surprised to see Meredith Grey in his office on her second last day of the 2-week mandatory leave after the Code Black accident was an understatement. He wasn't expecting to see anyone at 2 a.m. on a quiet Sunday. He was only there at such ungodly hour because his heart-liver transplant surgery with Dr. Burke ran late due to complication after complication.
His original plan of quickly cleaning up and going home was obviously interrupted seeing the petite surgeon sitting in front of his desk.
"Meredith, what are you doing here?" He asked as he closed his office door behind him.
"Chief, sorry to bother you so late, let alone without an appointment." Meredith plastered on a smile and handed over a large manila envelope. "I'm requesting to be released from the surgical residency program."
"What? You're quitting—" Richard was surprised, he never thought she would be thinking about leaving. She seems to be doing well, in fact one of the most promising intern in her year, even after Addison showed up. But again, holding live ammunition and watching people blow up right in front of her may have shaken her up and driven her to make rash decisions. He wanted to comfort her and persuade her to stay, but was quickly cut off.
"Chief, I'm really transferring to a different program, the other hospital approved my request this Monday. But if I tell you my destination you would have to sign a legally binding gag order to keep it a secret. I need a clean break." Meredith explained, nervously fidgeting with the hem of her coat.
Richard quirked an eye brow, surprised by this piece of revealed information. "Then can I ask why? Your mother is here, Seattle Grace has the best surgical residency program on the West Coast. Are you sure it is not a rash decision?"
"Chief, two weeks ago, if not for Dylan, the head of bomb squad, I could have died. This is my new start, I want to make it count. I want to strive somewhere I'm not gossiped about, or gawked at because of my poor decision making in my personal life. I need to move on from this limbo I've been in and I need to do it somewhere I'm NOT learning from him." Meredith said with determination, "I thought about it for the past 2 weeks. I've been waiting to come in since Tuesday but I couldn't find a time in your schedule when I can meet with you discreetly."
Richard rubbed his face with one hand, contemplating his decision. "Ok. I will sign the gag order and the transfer paper, tell me where you're heading to."
Meredith broke into a small, genuine grin, "Johns Hopkins, their surgical residency program has an intern dropping out a month ago due to medical conditions and I can take his place."
Richard was silent for a second, deep in thought. He then looked up from the papers he took out from the envelope as if he realized something. "You asked Yang to stalk Burke and I so you could catch me after this surgery, didn't you?"
Meredith smiled and nodded.
After a pregnant silence, Richard sighed, giving in. He pulled out a pen to sign both copies of the documents he had finished reading, "Meredith, I will have Patricia process your resignation in two weeks so you can make a smooth transition. Does anyone else know where you're heading?"
Meredith collected her copy of the paper from the desk back into the envelope and nodded, "Dr. Yang, Dr. Karev, Dr. Stevens and Dr. O'Malley all know and they've all signed a gag order. I've wanted to catch Dr. Bailey and tell her in person but I haven't had the opportunity to because of her maternity leave. I fly out tomorrow night and I won't be able to see her before that, can you pass her this letter?" She took out a smaller white envelope from her tote bag and pressed it on the desk.
Richard agreed with a slight nod, then continued his inquiry. "How about Ellis? Are you taking her to Baltimore?"
"No, my mom is not coming with me. She finally settled into Roseridge and I wouldn't want to move her again. She already signed everything off to me. I can always call, and fly back. I've signed over her emergency medical decision to Cristina. " Meredith paused and gazed at Richard pleadingly, "Chief, I know you've been visiting her. The nurses say that she's been feeling much better since you started. I know it's a lot to ask, but if you can continue to visit her, I'd really appreciate it."
Richard stammered, surprised by her request, "Oh, hmm, of-, of course I can do that."
Meredith smiled, "Thank you chief, for giving me this opportunity at a fresh start." With that, she exited his office.
=2= Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the Next Day
Cristina parked Meredith's Jeep outside the domestic departure gate. She agreed to drop Meredith off as she was the only one whose shift already ended at noon. As she was about to open the car door to exit, Meredith stopped her with a hand on her arm. She pulled out a set of keys from her carry-on luggage and place it in the cup holder.
"Cristina, I want you to take a key to the house, and to my room, as well as the car. I know you have your bike and you've moved in with Burke, but just in case you need a place to stay or to store extra stuff. There is also a copy of the key for Alex. He's still mad that I took the coward way out and he wouldn't talk to me. I moved my mom's stuff out of the den into the attic last week, he'd just have to buy a new bed to start living there. I've entrusted the house to Izzie so you all can continue to live there comfortably." She paused, "I never intended to leave you guys. I want you guys well and taken care of even if I'm on the opposite coast."
Cristina nodded, suddenly lunged forward to hug Meredith.
Meredith chuckled, despite her watering eyes, "I thought you don't hug."
Cristina pulled back and snorted, "Oh shut up, I won't do it in public." She put her hands on both side of Meredith's shoulder and gazed at her intently, "You're going to call us at least once a week from Baltimore, and visit whenever it allows. I demand to know all the good surgeries." Meredith nodded, leaned over and put her head on Cristina's shoulder, relishing the last moment with her best friend before departure to Johns Hopkins.