CHAPTER 6

Two Weeks Post-Wedding

It had been two weeks since Mark and Addison's wedding, and Derek's mind was once again fixated on Addi always. He blamed Adele for this: she gave him hope. Hope that maybe he wasn't alone, hope that she loved him even a little like he did her. Instead of congratulating the newlyweds he was praying that they would break-up. What kind of person does that? Who wishes pain on their best friend? He was almost disgusted with himself for the thought, but then there was her. Beautiful Addison. His favorite person to do anything and everything with. She made his life happier just from being near him. They hadn't spoken since the wedding, and they were expected back tonight from their tour of Europe. He was dreading it. He had no clue where to go from next. If Adele was right, then he had some major explaining to do because Addison loves to be in the know, and this was not getting by her. She's definitely right. She's got the "feeling". Women. What the hell am I supposed to do? Wait for her to bring it up? Deny it? Confirm it? Kiss her? Stay away from her? Impossible! Everything he came up with was awful, especially the last one. You don't just stay away from a person like Addison. She'd never allow it. Their plane lands in three hours, think quick. Easier said then done.

The Next Morning

Derek returned home from the hospital late last night. He had an emergency surgery on a car crash victim that took hours. All he wanted was rest. He was sure he'd get it, until he saw the blinking light on the machine. It was definitely them. Strolling over aimlessly, he played the message. It was Mark. He wanted Derek to come over to their place for breakfast. They had a lot to tell him about the trip. As much as Derek didn't want to, he obliged, hopped in to a quick shower, and went over. At least we won't be alone yet. I still have no clue how to talk to her about this.

"I got it babe." Mark walked over to the door, hearing the knocking from the kitchen.

"Thanks, I'll be out in a second."

"Derek!"

"Mark! Good to see you, man. How was the trip?"

"Beyond amazing, you have no idea. I can't wait to tell you about it."

"Addi, Derek's here." Ignore for now, just be happy to see her!

"You haven't seen me in two weeks. The least you could do is be ready when I come over." That's good, sarcastic charm.

"Lose the attitude, or you get no gifts. And no hug."

"Please. Get over here." Addison obliged, running into his arms. She smelled the same, like a river. He loved her shampoo. It made his heart skip a beat.

"I missed you D."

"Missed you too. You realize this is the longest we have ever spent apart since we met? I was lost without you."

"Obviously. I'm your rock, you said it yourself in that speech of yours. By the way," Addi started, pulling Derek aside. "I never got to thank you properly for it. It was the most amazing thing anyone has ever said to me."

"It was nothing."

"No, don't say that. It was so much more than nothing. I just want you to know, I feel the same. I don't know what I'd do without you. You're my best friend Derek. I love you." Hugging her again, Derek felt his heart shatter. What should have truly lifted his spirits made him realize something: Adele was wrong. Addison may feel the same, but she isn't showing it. She's married to Mark. She's made her choice. Now you need to accept that. Move on. "I missed this adorable face of yours." She kissed him on the cheek, and hopped up to help her husband in the kitchen. Seeing them together, and happy, made him happy. So happy he was going to need to do something. Take himself out of the equation. Let them live a happy life together, without his interference. His feelings needed to take a permanent back seat. How was the question.

Four Weeks Later

Until Derek had a permanent solution, he chose to be distant, from both of them. He'd excuse himself with cliché lines like "you just got married, live a little" or something lame, but viable, like that. He was especially separated from Addison. Considering the closeness they used to share, he was acting like they were sworn enemies. He ignored her calls, referrals, pages, everything. It made him sad, but he couldn't resist doing something to jeopardize their love. He needed to be the bigger person.

Addison, however, didn't appreciate being ignored by her best friend. It confused her, and more importantly, hurt her- a lot. More then she would have ever thought, considering she was married. You need to go see him, force him to tell you what's wrong. He wouldn't just ignore you. It's Derek for crying out loud. You tell him everything. Deciding to be the strong Addi she was known to be, she figured out a way to force his hand. Derek has a late surgery in two nights, and she would be waiting when he got home.

Derek's surgery went late, as Addi predicted. The patient died on the table from complications with the anesthesia, and Derek was in no mood to talk. He hated more than anything else in the world, losing a patient. All he wanted was a beer, and maybe a pillow to hit. Opening his apartment, he could feel the lock turn to easy, like it wasn't actually closed. That's impossible, you never don't lock it. Cautiously walking in, it took him little time to figure out his lock issue. Standing in front of him was Addison.

"You gave me a key, so I used it. We need to talk."

"Addi, look I'm not in the mood. My patient died on the table and I just want to shower and sleep. Can this wait?"

"No, absolutely not. Look Derek I know how I am after losing patients but this absolutely can not wait. It's waited nearly a month and I'm fed up." Oh boy, this isn't going to be good. I'll give her this much: she knows how to get what she wants. Sneaking into my apartment is pretty devious, even for her. She does look beautiful when she's angry, always has.

"Want a beer?" Derek asked, dropping his stuff on the sofa and wondering to his fridge.

"What do you think?" She responded with lots of attitude.

"No. Alright then. So, why exactly did you sneak into my apartment when you knew I wasn't home?" He was being smug, and she hated smug Derek. He hated smug Derek too, but distance was still crucial.

"What the hell is your problem?"

"What makes you think I have a problem?"

"Maybe because we haven't spoken in a freaking month?"

"I saw you this morning, Add. You consulted on Davis's patient."

"You barely said 'Hi' before burying your head in your chart and walking away. Don't pull this. It's me, Addison. I know you better than you know yourself. What gives?"

"If you know me so well, you tell me." You're a dick. But it's working, she's getting mad, distant. Love blows.

"I figured it was just you adjusting to me and Mark being married. That's what he kept telling me. You apparently still talk to him. He told me to give it a time. Well, I gave it a time. A month without my best friend is really enough for me. I want the truth: why are you ignoring me?" Because I am suppressing my true feelings of love for you, as if you don't already know.

"Addison, I'm fine. We're fine. I don't know why your freaking out."

"We are so far from fine it's not even funny. The last real conversation we had was over your speech from the wedding. This isn't like you; your not distant ever."

"How do you know?"

"Six years of friendship teaches you things."

"Maybe you don't know me as well as you think. Maybe you don't know me at all." That was too far. Derek could see the immediate change in Addi's persona. She went from mad, to sad, and he knew it. Her eyes told him. How could he say something so far from the truth? This is exactly what I knew would happen. No matter what he said, he was going to lose something, someone he cared about. Addison stood their, in shock, while Derek tried to read her eyes. For the first time in six years, he had no idea what she was thinking, and that made him sick to his stomach. She wasn't talking, and he had no idea what to do next. He had never felt this uncomfortable around her, ever. Without opening her mouth, Addison spun on her heels and walked towards the door. "Addison, wait." Placing his beer down, Derek went to stop her. Think face you idiot. He reached her arm, and his touch caused her to retreat. She violently pulled her arm away from him. There were tears rolling down her cheeks. He had power over her neither of them understood. He usually protected her emotions, but not tonight. She was crushed.

"Don't speak to me. Six years of friendship, Derek. Six years, and never before have I not wanted to be around you. Until now." Grabbing the door handle, she threw the door open and stomped out. Derek could do nothing but stand there. Mission accomplished. Walking towards the phone, he dialed a familiar number.

"Hello?"

"Richard it's Derek. I'm glad your still at work." What am I doing?

"Of course. What's going on?" Just thinking of this makes me want to be sick.

"You still got that job opening?"