Chapter One: The Return of Meredith Grey
Meredith knew she was a complicated person. She had known this pretty much all her life, but 5 years ago her life had gotten less complicated. She had finally moved on from her past and managed to put the last of her demons to rest. Her father walking out on her and her mother had left her scarred, as much as she looked to Richard as a father she still couldn't get over what Thatcher had done to them. He had left her fearing any form of commitment; many relationships had failed because of this. But she had finally found happiness in the arms of a man who loved her very much, and she loved him just the same. After being left heartbroken she had decided to leave Seattle, taking up residence in New York. What she hadn't expected was to meet up with someone else who had decided to leave Seattle in search of a better life. They found comfort and friendship in each other, which slowly built to something more. He had helped Meredith work through her issues, and she helped him to change his ways.
Meredith looked down at her wedding rings as she stood out the front of Seattle Grace hospital. Many memories came flooding back to her, the years she had spent in Seattle had been some of the best, and the worst of her life. She had experienced her first surgery in this hospital, her first love, and her first heartbreak. But all these things had only made her stronger and had made her to be the person she was now. They had also led to the love of her life, who she had married just 6 months ago. Being back in Seattle sent so many mixed emotions through her, she knew she was a better person now but so many memories of the 'old' Meredith remained.
After what seemed like hours Meredith finally found the courage to enter the hospital. So much had changed in the 5 years she had been absent but at the same time many things remained just the same as when she had left. The hustle and bustle of the hospital was still there, some of the same doctors were still there too, most of which had not yet recognised her. There was one doctor in particular that she hoped would not recognise her, she wasn't sure if she was ready to face him yet. She had more important things to worry about such as her mother which was what had brought her back to Seattle to begin with.
Making her way toward the chief's office; who was also her step father Meredith kept her head down as to not draw attention to herself, she wasn't ready to face the Seattle 'gang' yet. The only one of her friends from Seattle that she had really kept in touch with was Cristina. Cristina was also the only one who knew of her relationship with another ex-Seattle doctor and their marriage, Meredith had chosen to keep this fact in her life discreet, she hadn't planned on ever coming back to Seattle so it really wasn't imperative that her past colleagues and friends knew of this.
Meredith stood out the front of her stepfather's office and took a deep breath before knocking on the door.
"Come in." The deep familiar voice gave Meredith a warm feeling, making her realise a part of her really had missed Seattle. Meredith edged the door open slowly, Richard was not expecting her to come all this way and she wasn't quite sure how he would take the surprise.
"Hi Dad." She finally spoke, softly but surely. She had called Richard dad ever since him and Ellis had married not long after Meredith's 16th birthday. He had been more of a father to her than Thatcher had ever been, he was not only caring but understanding- he was the father every girl dreamed of having.
Richard looked up from the paper work he had been doing to see Meredith standing in his office, a look of both shock and joy on his face. There in his office was his step-daughter, who he had not seen since her wedding day 6 months ago. He jumped up out of his chair and made his way to where Meredith was now standing; he embraced her in a warm hug.
"Meredith, what are you doing here? I told you there was no need for you to come all this way."
"I know I had some time off work due, and I thought this was a good reason to finally come back, I can't hide in New York forever." Meredith managed a slight smile for her father, even though she knew he would see straight through her and notice that she wasn't that comfortable being back.
"Did Mark come with you?" Richard had not approved of his step daughter's relationship with the womanising Mark Sloan to begin with, but in time Mark had shown that he had changed and he was worthy of Meredith.
"Not at the moment, I wasn't sure how long I was going to stay, that depends on mom, if I decide to stay longer then Mark will fly in. Until then it's just me."
Richard knew better than to pry into Meredith's personal life, it had gotten him in quite a bit of trouble in the past but he had a feeling something wasn't quite right.