Chapter 10: The Sound of Silence
It's been said, on occasion, that the loudest, most deafening sound in the universe is that of silence. Such was certainly the case in room 431B of Seattle Grace Hospital moments after Meredith Grey revealed the previously unidentified, formerly unconscious patient as her husband. A husband that no one knew even existed. But surprise! Here he was, and here they were, four interns, a resident and an attending standing around staring, gaping, and gawking at Meredith and Joshua, whose hands remain linked. All of a sudden, Annie O'Connor's record-breaking tumor didn't seem nearly as bizarre as what had just been revealed. Because, seriously, who would have imagined Meredith "bring-home-a-different-man-every-night" Grey to be Mrs. McMarried? Not anyone in that room, that's for sure. Like all of them, Meredith was aware of the silence, but also not too much in the mood to care. Not with the love of her life so close to her again after so damn long. The slender intern couldn't help but smile and smile and smile, even while those around her sought to recover their voices.
At long last, someone spoke. "Did you say husband, Grey? Like as in, married to you husband?" inquired Bailey, who like all of them was stunned by this totally unforeseen news.
Meredith laughed, but it was Joshua who answered. "She did, indeed. She's stuck with me. And in case she ever attempts to deny it, there's tons of photographic evidence." He couldn't keep the humor out of his voice, obviously amused, but not surprised at everyone's shock.
"Seriously?" Izzie couldn't help but asking.
"Seriously. White dress, big fancy wedding ceremony and all," answered Meredith.
Bailey nodded, trying to take in the fact that Meredith was married. She was certainly not the only one, however. Across the bed, with an indescribable look upon his face, Derek Shepherd was standing there trying to figure out what the hell was going on. And how he had not turned out to be the only married one in his previous relationship. Somehow, he felt that normally the chances of that occurring were slim to none. But here he was, staring at a woman he loved, and her husband. The one that she had totally failed to mention in their months together. So he remained silent. Totally, stone cold, his body language emitting all his rage and shock and awe and a million other emotions he probably couldn't have began to express if he tried. His silence echoed across the room.
Behind Bailey, Alex whispered to Yang, "Damn. McDreamy's pissed off."
"Ya think?" replied Christina in her usual manner. Both interns were shocked as anybody else, but couldn't help gossiping, even as their friend's greatest secret was revealed. Out of the interns, only George had remained utterly silent, still too bowled over by Joshua Delmante's appearance to speak.
Dr. Bailey had finally collected herself (which no one else had), and said, "Well, all right then. Grey, take the rest of the day off. Izzie will get his history from you later, whenever you're ready. The rest of you, come on now. Nothing to stare at here."
"But-" objected Alex.
"You questionin' me, Karev?" the resident asked, hands on hips, trademark glare on her face.
"No," he sulked out with the rest of them, dying to know more about his fellow intern's husband.
"Thank you, Dr. Bailey,"
Bailey nodded at her intern, then led the rest of them out of the room, leaving Meredith and Joshua alone. Dr. Shepherd followed, giving the couple one last long, hard, look, then turning the corner to get away from Bailey, Meredith's friends, and hopefully his thoughts.
A/N: Sorry, this chapter is kinda short, and didn't really go how I wanted it to. But oh well. Also, opinion time, dear readers… Would you rather see Meredith/Josh next chapter, or everyone else? I'm a little divided as to the order, so any input would be appreciated. And next chapter will be better, either way!