Cristina stared out the window at the passing clouds. It seemed as if she had been on this airplane forever. It had been a long time she had been to America, especially Seattle. In fact, the last time she was back was when Derek died and that was over six years ago. She was glad her trip home this time wasn't a somber occasion, but involved Meredith yet again. She was getting married.

Meredith had called her the day Andrew proposed. Those two had been through the ringer that was for sure. Cristina thought she was crazy but supported her friend in all of her asinine decisions. She was happy for her friend, but wasn't sure it was the right decision. Afterall, Andrew was still dealing with his inner demons and was still on a leave of absence from the hospital. Cristina kept most of her thoughts to herself. She knew Meredith was still mourning over the loss of Alex to some farm in Indiana.

"Attention, we will be landing in ten minutes, please buckle yourself in." Cristina was jolted from her thoughts by the flight attendant's chirpy voice.

Once the plane landed, Cristina retrieved her three bags and began looking around for her ride. Meredith was unable to pick her up due to some emergency surgery, and insisted that Maggie pick her up. Cristina didn't know Maggie very well. They only met twice. She was brilliant but socially awkward. Cristina chalked it up to that's how all great surgeons were. As she scanned the airport she found Maggie standing near the exit sign, waving and smiling at her.

"Cristina, Cristina, over here!" Cristina followed her voice and met her at the sign.

"Can you believe Mer is getting married? Do you think they'll last?" Cristina raised her eyebros and drowned out the remaining questions flooding from Maggie's mouth. She was not into gossiping, especially about her best friend.

"Did you try to get an earlier flight? The rehearsal is in four hours and can you believe the wedding is tomorrow? I don't know who Jackson is planning on bringing, and you know what? I don't even care!" Cristina just let her talk. In five short days she'd be on a plane returning home. That was the only thing getting her through this.

Cristinia managed to mutter a "Can't wait" as she let Maggie lead her outside to her car. She wasn't even sure where they were going. Everyone was probably at the hospital and that was the last place she wanted to go. Every time she was there Richard did his best to get her to come back. She had no plans on that happening ever. She ran a hospital with Burke, who was nearing retirement because he wanted to travel with his wife and children. At this point, the hospital was hers. Why would she give that up for the unfortunate events that happen at Grey Sloan every other month? No thanks.

"And can you believe Teddy cheated on Owen?" Cristina's ears perked up. This was information she was not aware of. How could Meredith have forgotten to tell her?

"Really? With who?"

"Tom." Cristina didn't know who Tom was. She really didn't care either. She hasn't thought about Owen in a long time. Last she heard he had just had a baby with Teddy and was living the fairytale life he always wanted.

"So where are we going? I'm staying at the hotel on 3rd and Madison." Cristina just wanted to shower and relax before this rehearsal dinner. Meredith didn't have an actual wedding last time so she is making up for it this time.

"Mer told me to bring you to see her right away at the hospital. Her surgery should be done in no time. I think it was just an appendectomy."

"Oh, great." Just what she wanted to do. The rest of the ride consisted of Maggie's mouth talking nonstop. That thirty minute drive felt like three hours. By the time they reached the hospital Cristina was filled in on everyone's business, even people she didn't know.

They pulled up to the hospital and it was just as she had remembered. People dying inside. Lives being saved inside. Relationships being formed. Relationships being ruined. A million feelings ran through her. This was the place she called home for ten years. She shook her head. Now wasn't the time for reminiscing. She was here for one thing and one thing only.

Meredith's wedding.