Derek went home later that evening, hoping to find Addison there so he could talk to her. He really didn't want to hurt her but this was the only way he could ever be happy with Meredith. Even if Meredith didn't want to be in a relationship with him, it would unfair to both he and Addison if he was in love with someone else once they were married.

As Derek's luck would have, Addison was home doing some laundry. "Hey you, how was the rest of your day?"

"Good, umm, listen Addie, we need to talk."

She turned to face him. "Is this about Meredith?"

"What?"

"Well, I overheard some of the interns talking today. You weren't just dating Derek. You two really loved each other."

Derek was relieved that he wouldn't have to explain all of this to Addison. She pretty much got it on her own. "I loved her so much. I tried to get over her, I really did. When I met you I was heart broken and you put my heart back together again." Derek said, watching as tears rolled down Addison's eyes.

"I put your heart back together so that you could fall in love with Meredith all over again?" Addison said, bitterly. "Sorry, that was uncalled for. You can't help who you love right?"

"I guess not." Derek shrugged.

"Umm, can I at least stay in the spare bedroom until I find an apartment or something? Maybe I can re-lease my old one."

"No problem Addie." Derek went into the kitchen to get himself something to drink. Addison followed. "Man, I thought this was going to be harder than it was."

"Well, you're just lucky you have a very understanding ex-fiance." Addison smiled. She really was a great person.

"And any man would be lucky to have you."

"Hmm, maybe I'll have to call my old boy toy Mark." Addison smirked.

Derek laughed. "You know I hate that guy. He's so cocky and-"

"Derek, we're not together anymore."

"Right." He laughed.

"Derek. Just promise me that you wont go around moping for Meredith. If you really want her, get her!"

"Thanks Addison."

Derek was glad that Addison was still talking to him. They decided that they would be friends, because they both knew how hard it would be to work together if they weren't.

He hoped that Addison and he would still be friends once he started to pursue Meredith.

GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA

Early the next morning, Meredith was in the locker room getting ready to leave when Christina walked in. "Hey Christina, get any good surgeries today? She asked, trying to start up a conversation.

Christina ignored her and continued opening her locker.

"So, Derek told me that you and Burke are engaged. That's so great-"

"What the hell are you trying to do Meredith?" Christina asked, still not turning around to face her.

"Trying to get my best friend back," Meredith said, moving closer to Christina's locker. "I am so sorry I never kept in touch with you guys, especially you. I got so messed up in Boston. I skipped classes. Missed exams. I barely graduated."

Christina finally turned to face her. "I became the girl we all promised we would never become. I was so ashamed of myself I didn't want to talk to any of you and hear about the marks you were getting or your teachers. I didn't want you to be disappointed in me."

"Meredith.. If you had come to any of us we would have helped you. We were all taking the same classes. At one point, Izzie was so upset that you hadn't returned some of her calls, that I called Dartmouth to see if you were still there."

"I am so sorry."

"I had a miscarriage you know?"

"What?"

"Yeah, last year. I was only a couple of months pregnant, but I needed someone other than Burke to be there for me you know? I didn't have anyone to comfort me. I knew you wouldn't return my calls so I didn't call."

"You should have. You should have kicked my ass all the way back here."

"That's ok… I'll kick it now. I have an in at this hospital you know?" Christina smiled.

"I really missed you Chris."

"So did I." Christina closed her locker and the two started walking out of the locker room. "Hey, just because we're friends again doesn't mean I'm going to let you get away with any of my surgeries."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

"So, catch up at Joe's tonight?" Christina asked.

"Would love to."

END CHAPTER 22