Chapter 7: Rescuer

It was good that it was Friday and Addison had the next two days away from it all. She needed a break. She needed to figure out what the hell she was going to do. She loved it, she already knew that. Teaching was something she enjoyed aside from helping her patients, which was the main reason for her being here. But being here had shown her. Had opened the door to more possibilities. Maybe Richard was right. Maybe the half threat from Bailey was really something to consider. It was tough to process it all. All of that in addition to her plea.

Aelwyne really wanted her to stay. The intern had all but slapped her. There was so much anger in her eyes. Anger towards her. Towards the words that echoed in her mind. Aelwyne looked so angry until of course she remembered both Richard and Bailey were there. The shift from anger to fear was something to behold. Then she could not look at her. Not like she could not more like she would not look at her. After the 'thank you' Aelwyne had already been walking out. She didn't turn to Addison she just nodded and left. She needed to leave this place. She needed out now. She couldn't breathe.

Richard had been convincing enough though. Even if she needed time to think about her decision she would still work in the hospital until they could find a replacement since their actual surgeon was on maternity leave.


It was 7:30 pm when she finally collected her things and decided to head out. She had seen her intern a few times, when she brought the labs and updates. Aelwyne had spoken only what was necessary and as soon as she was done she would scurry away. She went to check on Cristina one last time before heading out. She found her pacing in her room.

"Well at least you stayed in the room Dr. Yang" she said shaking her head from the doorway.

"Dr. Shepherd sorry. I just...The bed makes me itchy. I can't explain it." Cristina said with the I've-been-caught look.

"Right... itchy. Get in bed Yang." She said walking in.

"Ok. Ok." Cristina replied getting in bed.

"Dr. Neirhem told me your fever broke a while ago. Is that right?" She asked.

"Yep. Can I go now?" Cristina asked with a twinkle in her eyes.

"No." She began. "But if you don't have a fever in the next 24 hrs I'll leave the order for you to be discharged." She added quickly as she saw the whine begin to form.

"Really? Awesome!" Cristina said excitedly.

"And you'll need to stay in bed for those 24 hrs." She said with a smile.

"What? 24 hrs?" Cristina protested.

"That's the deal. If not you stay a patient for a while longer." She replied with a shrug.

"Fine." Cristina replied. "Dr. Shepherd... you really aren't too bad. And what Ael and Mer said before is true. It is impossible to hate you." she finished.

"Get your rest Cristina." She said with a smile. "Oh and it's Montgomery now."

"I will and I'm sorry. Not trying to be a hypocrite though, because I support Meredith. I am sorry because this is hurting you." Cristina said softly and with a light smile.

"I... I appreciate that. See you on Monday." She replied and walked out.


She was going to go straight to the hotel but then it was too early and she was not too tired so she went to Joe's. She walked into the bar and recognized a few faces. Burke was there with a few other doctors she had seen in the hospital but never talked to. She thought about joining them but she did not feel like socializing so she went to a corner of the bar and sat pulling a few peanuts her way.

"What can I get you doc?" Joe came to her with his sweet smile.

"How do you know I'm a doctor again? You never told me the first time. Also don't want to think too much about it so a beer is fine." She said looking at him with a small smile.

"Trade secret." he said with a wink and went off to get her beer.

The bar was not as crowded as one would expect on a Friday. People were mingling here and there. She could hear Burke's bad jokes from the other end of the place.

"Here you go beautiful lady." Joe said placing the beer mug on the coaster in front of her. She chuckled as a response.

"Something the matter? Need to talk?" He said bracing her hand.

"Not feeling very talky right now. But maybe after a few." she replied with a small smile.

"Sunk low there. Haven't you Addison?" said a voice behind her.

"Really? We're not in the hospital. I didn't even look your way. I'm not in the mood for fights right now." she replied with a sigh.

"Was just making a joke. Defensive much?" Derek sat on the stool next to her.

"Derek please. Not now please." She said softly.

"Hey doc. Scotch?" Joe asked, trying to ease the tension.

"Sounds about right. Thanks" he replied with a smile.

"You know, Burke is over there telling his awesome jokes. He's probably better company." she said, glancing over to where he was still laughing on the other end.

Joe came with his drink and brought another tray of peanuts. Addison was still not looking at Derek; she just kept on downing mug after mug after mug. She should have probably eaten before this but she didn't. Someone else walked up and sat at the bar so Joe went over leaving her alone with Derek.


"No martini tonight?" he spoke after a while.

"No. I'm feeling beer-y tonight." she replied.

"Addie-" he began.

"Addie?" she interrupted. "Not adulterous bitch? Satan? Ruler of all that is evil? Come on Derek, are you going soft on me?" she chuckled.

"Dammit Addison I'm trying to talk to you." he protested.

"Oh I'm sorry. I thought we were kinda past the talking. I thought we were in the insult stage. You know when we make the other person feel like utter shit. Just a pile of nothingness. Some worthless sack of scum. Were we not at that part? You were doing so good. Listen, if it rains…. If it rains tonight you can even throw me out. I'll be a good girl and wait for you to let me in." Addison rambled drunkenly. Her voice cracking at points and her eyes stinging again.

"Addison are you drunk?" he asked, reaching for her shoulder which she moved away.

"I have to be, to stay sitting next to you. To listen to what you want to say. Did you sign them?" She asked, looking at him.

"Addie-" he began once more and she cut him off.

"No. Don't Addie me because you're gonna make me think you didn't do it and came here to tell me I'm still the love of your life. And I know. I know that's not what you're gonna say. I know. Wanna know why?" she asked him pointing at him.

He stayed quiet and looked at her.

"Because the way you looked at her. The longing in your eyes. What I saw." she said pointing at her eyes. "What I saw in your eyes when you were looking at her I've never seen directed towards me. And I deserve it. It's ok." she said resting her head on your hands.

"I know Derek. I know I lost you a long time ago. Before her. Before Mark. I lost you. I know. Can't tell exactly when but I know it was way before everything happened." she continued with her head still on her hands.

"I'm sorry Addie." he said quietly.

Addie turned to face him while still hoisting her head up on her hands. She gave him a small smile and allowed a single tear to drift down from her eyes.

"It was a nice beginning, wasn't it?" she asked softly.

"Yes it was. A very nice one." he responded with a soft smile.

"Keep the papers until I'm sober please. I don't want to lose them." she said.

"Ok." he said simply.

"Ok" she responded waving Joe over.

"He's paying my tab tonight and you are getting me a cab. I need to get home." she directed much like she would in the hospital.

"Sounds good to me. But is there anyone who could drive you? Someone you know?" Joe asked, a bit concerned about letting her go with a stranger.

"Addie let me drive you." Derek offered.

"No please. Just don't, please." she begged.

"Look at that." she said looking at the door. "Perfect. My rescuer is here. Aelwyne!" she shouted at the girl who had just walked in with the other interns.

"Dr. Montgomery?" Aelwyne said as she approached them.

"Please take me home. Can you take me home? Wait…" she started laughing.

"Doc-" Aelwyne began, reaching for her.

"I don't have a home here. How silly." She hopped off the barstool and into Aelwyne.

"Be careful Addie." Derek warned.

"You pay the tab ok." she said pointing at him. "And you. Can you tell me something Ael?" she said wrapping an arm around Aelwyne's shoulders to steady herself.

"What do you need to know?" Aelwyne asked, holding her upright.

"Do you have a home?" she asked, slurring.

"Yes, I do." Aelwyne confirmed.

"Then kidnap me and take me to your home." She said with a mischievous smile.

And then there were 7. Hope y'all enjoy. ;)