Well, here is the next chapter, I guess that I gave full freedom of my imagination... ;) I wrote it too fast and I'm not sure what is the result after all... Anyway I hope you to enjoy it :)
If this doesn't happen :( I'll do my best the next to be better :):):) Special thanks to: Dereks4Eva, xsofax, norafan, Kara, Cocola and listentoyourheart555 :):):):):):) (you know why ;)
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Mark and Izzie made love there on the sofa with the whole their flame and fervor. He had the feeling that he would be never fed up with touching and kissing her body. Izzie was hot and inflamed irresistibly his desire and passion. Mark admired each part of her body, every her curve and beauty spot. She was sweet, tender, passionate and very sexy woman, who knew how to excite his interest.
They reached the culmination together. Her head was sunk on Mark's shoulder and the tiredness carried her away. He held her softly and carefully, taking her to the bed. Mark laid her on the sheet. She moved a little, opening her eyes.
"Where are you going?" Izzie asked with a sleepy voice.
"Nowhere. I'm here." He grabbed the blanket, covering her naked body. Izzie snuggled against him. Mark passed his fingers through her curls, watching how she was falling into a heavy sleep. She looked like an angel, so beautiful and gorgeous.
On the next morning
They were still sleeping, when Mark's cell phone rang. He didn't pay attention to it for a long time, and continued sleeping. Izzie turned to him half-awake.
"Won't you pick it up?" She uttered.
"No." Mark muttered.
"Then switch it off!" Izzie growled, covering her head with the sheet.
The cell phone continued ringing persistently. Mark groaned, stretching his hand to the nightstand, without having a look at the display, he pushed the green button.
"Hello." In a short pause he exclaimed, "Sofia?"
Hearing a woman's name, Izzie pricked up her ears.
"What? Where are you? Yes, I'm still sleeping. Do you know what the time here is? No, I can't. I'm at work today. You are at the airport? When is your flight? What, you are already in Seattle. Shit! No, I'm not swearing at! Yeah, ok see you!" Mark groaned again and pushed the red button, putting his cell phone on the nightstand back again.
Izzie didn't move pretending to be sleeping. Who was that Sofia, who was ringing so early? Any patient? No….it was hardly probable. Izzie decided to fake that she didn't hear anything. She felt Mark's hand to touch her belly, closing his body to hers.
"I'm sorry that my mobile woke you up." He whispered into her ear.
"It didn't." Izzie lied.
"Didn't it?" Mark wondered.
"Yeah, didn't you switch it off?" She asked indifferent.
"No, I responded." Mark replied.
"Ok." She said simply. Izzie didn't ask him anything, because she wasn't sure whether his explanation would have liked to her. He was surprised that she didn't inquire him who had called. Mark decided against telling her about Sofia yet. Not and before knowing why Sofia has suddenly appeared in Seattle. Certainly, there might be a reason, which could not like to him at all. However, Mark had to admit that he was happy to know that she has come here. Long time passed since they have seen each other for a last time. He missed her a lot. Why she did visit him now? May be she missed him. Surely, Sofia missed him, he knew that she felt lonely in that huge cold house. Mark glanced at the alarm clock. It was 6.30. That's just like her. She was at her best in the morning. He tried to become fully awake. Mark touched Izzie's spine with the tip of his fingers. She was sleeping on her stomach. Mark began covering her smooth skin there with soft kisses.
"Mmm mmm, it's so pleasurably." Izzie cooed.
"I would do this all day long, but I have to go." He admitted.
"Why?" She asked.
"There is something to take care about. You can try to sleep more. You have still time."
"Is it important?" Izzie demanded.
"I don't know. I'll leave you the car, I'll take a taxi." Mark informed her.
"It's not necessary. I can take taxi." She disagreed.
"No, you can't." He retorted, "I'll put you the keys on the night stand." Mark removed her hair kissing her neck.
"Do you want to come with you?" She enquired.
"Aren't you at work?"
"I'm but I can do something…" Izzie offered.
"Thank you sweetie, but I don't want you to get into trouble, because of me." Mark said roguishly.
"Ok, as you wish! Are you going to be late for work?" She questioned.
"I hope no. I have a surgery and I would like to call some real estate agencies before it."
"Do you still want to live with me?" Izzie queried.
"Sure I want!" He declared, "Haven't you already changed your opinion?"
"Me? Of course not! I just thought that you could hesitate." She suggested.
"No way, baby!" He said firmly, caressing her back, "I'm going to take a shower."
"Why are you so in a hurry? Is it urgent?"
"I could tell you about that later." He stated.
Izzie said nothing. She was burning with curiosity. Why he didn't say to her something about that Sofia? However, Izzie was firmly convinced not to ask him. Mark kissed her head before get out of the bed.
"Try to sleep." He whispered.
How she could sleep, as some stupid Sofia threatened her happiness.
"I'll." Izzie promised.
Mark took a shower then he got dressed. When he was ready, he approached the bed. Mark kissed her again. Izzie opened her eyes.
"Are you going?"
"Yes, see you in the hospital." Mark smiled.
"See you there." She confirmed.
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SGH
"Who is Sofia?" Izzie asked, barring Derek's way.
"What?"
"Who is Sofia? What she has to deal with Mark?" She demanded.
"Sofia, uh?"
"She called Mark this morning and he rushed somewhere. Should I worry?" Izzie asked anxiously.
"From Sofia?"
"Yes, I should, should I? As soon as Mark jumped out of the bed immediately when she called him. God! Is she sexy?"
"Sofia sexy?" Derek laughed, "Well, maybe once upon a time."
"What that means? Is she older than he is? Certainly she would have left a deep trace in his life, wouldn't she?" Izzie mused.
"Oh, you are right. This woman is the only one who has left a trace in Mark's life. Moreover a good trace." Derek pointed out.
"What? I already hate her!" Izzie hissed.
"Wait! Didn't he tell you anything about her?" He asked warily.
"Nep. But… I didn't dare to ask him anyhow." She said apologetically, "Why do you think this woman is here?"
"She should have a reason to visit him." Derek replied placidly.
"Yeah... She is here to ruin my happiness!" Izzie decided..
"I have doubts. Sofia loves Mark!"
"She loves Mark!" Izzie repeated terrified, "She can't love him. I love him!" She shot then confused, "I mean… I want to say that…" Izzie felt how her cheeks blushed.
Derek smirked. "You need not worry from her."
"How is that? Not so long ago you told me that she has remained a good trace in his life." Izzie reminded him.
"It is, but…"
"Is she beautiful?" Izzie interrupted him.
Derek could hardly resist not bursting out laughing.
"Well, I'd say she is not my type." He replied honestly.
"But evidently she is Mark's type."
"Izzie, he uses his eyes only for you. Don't worry!" Derek calmed her.
"I worry, besides a lot!" She announced.
"You worry in vain. You'll see!" He said mysteriously.
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At the airport
"My dear boy!"
"Sofia, it's a real surprise to see you in Seattle," Mark hugged her strongly, "I missed you!"
"I don't believe you. Since you have left New York, you didn't come to see me even once."
"You are right, but I'm very busy." He justified.
"This doesn't excuse you. You might call me on the phone frequently."
"I'm guilty." Mark agreed.
"Anyway, you look great. I guess Seattle has a good effect on you." Sofia suggested.
"I found here things, which I had never had in New York." He admitted.
Sofia raised her eyebrows, astonished.
"If your parents could hear you saying that, they wouldn't like it at all." She warned him.
"You know I don't care about what they think about me." Mark said carelessly.
"Yes, and I stand for you." She said genially.
"You are the only one, whose opinion I've always needed and cared about." He remarked.
"My love boy." She hugged him and tenderly caressed his cheek.
"You haven't still told me what are you doing here?" Mark enquired.
"Can't I just come here to visit you?" She asked with innocent countenance.
"Sofia, I know you. There is a serious reason you to be in Seattle. If you just wanted to see me, you would have called me first from New York. So, why are you here? What has happened?"
"Yes dear, I have reason for coming in Seattle. We should talk." Her voice became serious.
"Sounds like it's serious."
"It is serious." Sofia confirmed.
"Hm…" Mark took a glance at his watch, "I have a surgery in an hour. Let's have a lunch together." He offered.
"Fine." She agreed with a smile.
"Where are you going to stay at?" Mark asked.
"I thought, I could stay at your place, but I don't want to disturb you."
"I'm still living in the hotel."
"You are living in hotel all this time?!" Sofia exclaimed in a disbelieving tone.
"Well yeah! However, I'm looking for a house." He told.
"I could stay at your hotel then." She assumed.
"Sure. I'll put you up at the hotel. You can come in the hospital at noon."
"Great. Where is your car?"
"I'm with taxi."
Sofia stared at him with much surprise.
"Excuse me?"
"Izzie got the car."
"Izzie? Is that a girl?"
"Of course she is a girl."
"Any serious girl?"
"You are asking, if the girl is serious, or whether our relations are serious?"
"Both."
"For your information, the girl is serious and the things between us are serious."
"Is she beautiful?"
"She is gorgeous."
"I hope she is not your best friend's wife or his sister, or…"
Mark interrupted her.
"No Sofia, she is not. Although she is living in the same house with Derek, Izzie is neither his wife or girlfriend or sister…or something like that"
"How is that, they are living together? What is the meaning of all that?" She confused.
"Sofia, the manners have changed. Should I remind you we are living in 21 of century?" He asked with a smirk.
"Are you trying to say, that I'm old fashioned?" Sofia offended.
"Not and you."
"About Izzie… What does she do? Isn't she some perky waitress or some stripper?" She asked anxiously.
Mark laughed, reminding the last night with Izzie, but he calmed Sofia.
"She is not, none of that. Izzie works at SGH."
"A nurse?" Sofia heaved a deep sigh.
"No. Izzie is a surgeon." He corrected her.
"Hm… Definitely, Seattle has a good effect on you." She notified with a pleased smile.
"Izzie is incredible. I'm impatient to introduce you to her. I'm sure you'll fall in love with Izzie." Mark assured her.
"You aroused my curiosity." Sofia admitted.
"Izzie is the greatest girl, with whom I have ever been." Mark stated.
"Bearing in mind that you have been with so many women, and you have never said that for none, Izzie should be quite incredible." She commented.
"She is. And I'm falling to her so much."
"Oh dear, you are in a big trouble." Sofia chuckled.
"I'm happy… really happy!"
Sofia watched him with a pleased smile.
"I can't believe that I lived to see my boy falling to some girl so much."
"You'll see that I'm right about her. She is beautiful; moreover she has a warm heart." Mark added.
"You can tell me about her, while we are going to the hotel. Oh, here is my baggage."
Mark opened his eyes widely, seeing her luggage.
"All these are yours?"
"Yes."
"Sofia, how long time are you going to stay?"
"Well… it may turn out to be for a long time." She said with a low voice.
Mark frowned. "Did you quarrel with mom and dad?"
"No, for years I don't pay attention to them."
"God, what do you have in all these suitcases?"
"All my life." Sofia murmured thoughtfully.
Mark took two cabs, in the first one he and Sofia got in, and in the second one, they put the luggage.
"Please tell me something more about Izzie. Was that love at first sight?" She asked with a devilish smile.
Mark laughed. "I wouldn't say that was love at first sight. In the beginning, we had many dissensions. She was the first intern who allowed contradicting me."
"A young and beautiful intern contradicts to the great plastic surgeon Mark Sloan. You were right. I already like her." Sofia chuckled.
"Yeah," He sighed, "Moreover when I ordered her to go to buy me cappuccino, she kindly explained to me, where is the cafeteria."
"Why she is living with Derek?" She was curious.
"His girlfriend Meredith is living in her mother's big house. Meredith's mom was very famous and good surgeon. Meredith rents some rooms and shares the house with her friends. Izzie is Meredith's friend. Derek was living in a trailer, but he moved to Meredith." Mark told.
"I see, "Sofia nodded, "I'm glad that you and Derek are friends again."
"Yep, we are friends more than ever."
"You know how I love him. Derek is kindhearted person. His girlfriend... is she like Izzie?"
"No one is like Izzie."
"Oh yeah. I definitely like her, as soon as she managed to make a man of you for this short time."
Mark cheerfully laughed. "You were the only one who possessed my heart not so long ago."
"I'm jealous, hearing that I'm not already the only one for you!" She said roguishly.
"No, you are not!" Mark confirmed.
"There is nothing for it but to accept the facts. I'm impatient to see the woman, who has taken my place in your heart." Sofia smiled.
SGH
Mark washed his hands at the sink, when Derek joined him.
"So, Sofia is in Seattle!"
"Where do you know that from?"
"Izzie told me."
"Izzie?"
"Yep."
"What does Izzie know about Sofia?!"
"Still nothing."
"But Izzie slept when Sofia called me."
"You are wrong."
"Does it mean that she has heard all our conversation?"
"Yes and she is worried."
"About what?"
"About Sofia."
"Izzie is worried, because of Sofia?!"
"Of course, after you have said nothing to her who is Sofia?"
"She didn't ask me."
"Probably, Izzie had worried about your answer. She asked me, if Sofia is sexy?"
"What?" Mark burst out laughing.
"Mark, I didn't say to her who is Sofia, because I think you should do this. But Izzie loves you."
"Izzie loves me? Did she say that?"
"Yes she blundered it out."
"Why is she telling it to you, and not to me?"
"Have you ever said to Izzie, that you love her?"
"Well… I … no… but…"
"Mark, this is something which is very personally. I told you just to know it. Don't worry to reveal your feelings to Izzie."
"Sometimes the words don't mean anything. I think that I show her that … I… I love her."
"I know, but the women need to hear that sometimes. Izzie is a great girl and I'm sure that she sees what you are feeling but when someone is in love, wants to hear these words."
Mark nodded.
"So, Izzie thinks that Sofia and I…"
"Yes she thinks that Sofia is one of your girlfriends."
"And you didn't tell her, who is she?"
"You must do it."
"I'll do it. I'll introduce them today."
"Good luck! Nevertheless this is the two most important women in your life!" Derek grinned.
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Thirty minutes were enough time for Sofia Sloan to remain her luggage, to fix her makeup and to call a taxicab. She said to the driver to go straight to Seattle Grace Hospital. Mark has mentioned that he had a surgery, which gave her opportunity to explore his world and Izzie, who was evidently his world. Not like that she hadn't have trust in his words, but Sofia preferred to take impressions of Izzie by her own. The cab parked in front of the hospital and she got out of it with elegance and refinement with the ease characteristic of women from her class. She entered a main entrance looking around from where she could get the needed information. Her eyes fell on a blond nurse with indifferent aura.
"Excuse me, miss! Could you please help me?" Sofia asked kindly.
"Sure. I'd try." Olivia replied.
"I'm looking for Dr. Izzie… Izzie…" Sofia pretended to thinking, "I can't remember her surname, but…"
"Ah, it's Stevens. Dr. Stevens." The nurse said quickly.
"Izzie Stevens?"
"Yes, Dr. Isobel Stevens."
God, it was much easier than I thought. Sofia smiled to herself.
"Yes, it's she. Do you know where I could find her?"
"Just a moment, please." Olivia looked at the computer, "Oh yes, Dr. Stevens is in the Clinic today."
"In the Clinic?"
"Yes, Denny Ducchette clinic."
"What's that Clinic about?" Sofia asked curiously.
"The Denny Ducchette Memorial Clinic is a free clinic and part of Seattle Grace Hospital. Dr. Stevens is responsible for it. Her fiancée Denny died and he had left to Izzie Stevens$ 8,7 million as inheritance. She gave all the money for the Clinic."
"She has spent $8,7 million for one Clinic?!"
"Yes, a stupid action, don't you think?" Olivia snickered.
Sofia frowned, nodding thoughtfully.
"Would you please show me the way to the Clinic?" Sofia asked.
Clinic Denny Ducchette
"Well, Dr. Hudson, how are you this morning?" Izzie smiled to him.
"Much better, thanks to you! I think that my penis begins to turn back his good form." Michael chuckled.
"That's great."
The cheerful voice of Sidney Heron was spreading out in the room.
"Dr. Hudson, what are you doing in the hospital bed?" She stretched a hand to take his chart, but Izzie anticipated her.
"Dr. Hudson is my patient." Izzie said firmly, holding robustly Michael's chart.
"Dr. Stevens, don't you think that you are selfish?" Sidney asked without change her cheerful smile.
"I don't think so. There are many other patients in the Clinic, you may occupy with all them." Izzie offered kindly.
Sidney turned to Michael with a pleased countenance.
"For a long time I dream to see Dr. Hudson in a bed."
"Excuse me?" Izzie looked at her astonished.
Michael's eyes popping out of his head.
"I'm big admirer of you, Dr. Hudson. I read all your medical papers and researches. Can I help you? I see anything has happened to you. Is it serious?"
"Dr. Hudson had a rash, causing from a swimming pool. I'm his doctor in charge." Izzie established.
"Oh, I'm so sorry Dr. Hudson."
"Thank you Dr. Heron, but I'm all right."
"If you need anything, don't hesitate to call me. I'm at your service."
Michael smiled. "You are very kind, Dr. Heron."
Sidney gave to him a dazzling smile and left.
"Did you see that?" Michael exclaimed.
"Oh, yeah!" Izzie laughed, "I think you have a new adorer."
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George O'Malley was at the Clinic too today, having a paper work.
"Excuse me, would you tell me where to find Dr. Stevens?"
George reared his head.
"Dr. Stevens?"
"Yes."
George looked around looking for Izzie with eyes.
"Oh there is she. Look at the bottom the room over there. She is with a patient now."
Sofia turned her head to the direction where the young doctor has pointed to her.
"Is that Dr. Stevens?"
"Yes she is Dr. Izzie Stevens."
"Very beautiful girl." Sofia notified.
"Yes she is." George sighed, "But I assure you, Dr. Stevens is also a very good surgeon."
Sofia smiled.
"Yes she is really beautiful." She repeated, watching Izzie carefully.
"Can I help you, because Dr. Stevens is busy now?"
"No, thank you. I can wait. However you were very kind."
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Izzie was putting in order the charts in the Clinic, when she felt that someone was watching her. Izzie cast up her eyes. An old around 80's woman stared at her with curious look, seated calmly in the waiting room. Izzie gazed at the woman. She was not like the patients, who usually were coming in the Clinic. She was real lady. Although the woman was old, it was obvious that she had been beautiful once. She looked full with delicacy and refinement. The woman had grey short hair, thin and exquisite woman. Her clothes were expensive, but the woman seemed very kind and pleasant looking person. Moreover, those blue eyes… were so beautiful, reminding to Izzie for someone. Although the years she had perfect make up.
"Can I help you?" Izzie asked.
"Yes… I think you could help me." The woman replied. She had a nice and rich voice. Izzie put the charts on the desk and got close to the unknown woman.
"I'm Dr. Stevens."
"Nice to meet you Dr. Stevens. I'm just an old lady, who is dying and has no idea how to say it to his grandson. Anyway, I guess that you have much more important things to do, than to pay attention to an old woman, like me.
"You don't look like an old woman at all." Izzie smiled, "Can I seat next to you?"
"I would be glad."
"Mrs.…"
"I'm Mrs. Horvitz."
"Mrs. Horvitz, why you are so sure that you are dying?" Izzie asked.
"I'm ill. I have only a couple of months, or year. Nevertheless, that doesn't disturb me. My only concern is how to say it to my grandson."
"I see you love him very much."
"I love him. He is all for me. Moreover, he loves me too. I want to tell him the truth but I don't want to see him suffering." The woman admitted.
"Mrs. Horvitz you can't spare him the suffering but I think you should tell him the truth."
"Do you think so?"
"Yes, he won't suffer less if you don't tell him."
"You are right, but he is my only grandson. He grew up before my eyes. I'm like a mother for him. He is not devoted to his own mother, as much as he is devoted to me. I'm not worried about me, I'm worried about him."
"Just like a mother. You care about your child, not for you. Does your grandson suspect anything?"
"No… or at least it is hardly this thought to pass through his mind." Mrs. Horvitz confessed with a sigh.
"I was11 years old, when my grandmamma died. She was also just like a mother for me. She cared about me, she learned me to all that she knew. We baked together, we cooked together, and we laughed and played. When my grand mom died, the pain that I felt then couldn't compare with anything. I lost the woman, who was like a mother for me, although my mom was alive. I lost my real mother. She died suddenly and that was a big shock for me. I was still a child. But my grand mom lives here in my heart. Her voice, her laughing, her smile and her advices all these are in my mind. I know she is with me in every moment. Your grand son would never forget you, he will carry you in his heart and mind. Be sure."
Mrs. Horvitz stared at Izzie with warm and tender look.
"I would be happy if my grandson would find a girl like you."
Izzie smiled shyly.
"Your grandmother has given to you much more than love."
"She gave me everything. She brought me up, although I grew up in a trailer in the ghetto."
"Oh dear, this doesn't matter. You have become a great person. It's not important whether you were born in palace or whenever, the important thing is where you go."
"My grand mom told the same."
"Your grand mom had been a pretty clever woman." The old lady said meekly.
"Yes she was."
"She would have been proud with you." Mrs. Horvitz assured her.
"I hope so. She dreamed about me to study medicine. She had put aside a good amount to pay my education, but when my grand mommy died; my mom spent all the money in Vegas. Carrying the memory of my grandmother, I decided not to refuse. I became an underwear model and in that, way I paid my education.
"You are not only beautiful, you are very tough person." Mrs. Horvitz notified.
"Dr. Stevens." Michael was running on the corridor with the system attached for his hand, wearing a hospital shirt. On his face spread out a happy smile.
"Dr. Hudson why you are not in the bed?' Izzie qarreled.
"You won't believe, what have just happened to me? I think that Sidney Heron falls to me." He announced.
"Really?"
"She came again, saying that we could drink anything some day."
"Did you see? I've told you will find someone."
"Is she good? I hope she is not like Olivia."
"She is not. Don't worry. Dr. Heron is pretty good and moreover she is a very amusing person."
"I thought the same about Olivia, but look what has happened." Michael queried.
"I know, but now you must be calm."
"Dr. Stevens, can you come. I've a need for a patient." One of Izzie's interns called her.
"Excuse me, but I have to go." Izzie appologized.
"Go dear. Thank you for everything!"
"You are welcome. I hope all to be ok with your grandson." Izzie said and went away.
"She is great! Do you know her?" Michael asked the old woman.
"We have just met. What about you?"
"Oh yes. I know her very well. She is my friend's girlfriend." Michael said proudly.
"So your friend is a lucky guy!" Mrs. Horvitz concluded.
"Oh he is. If wasn't she I would have remained without penis."
The woman opened her eyes widely.
"Excuse me?"
"I'm sorry you are old, but don't you understand?"
"I understand," Mrs. Horvitz sighed, "more than you could imagine."
"Dr. Stevens is not only a beautiful face she is a good person."
"It is… and I like her!"
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"Dr. Sloan there is a woman who is waiting at your office." A nurse informed Mark when he came out of the OR.
Mark opened the door of his office.
"You are already here," he smiled, "You have come early."
"Yes, I didn't have what to do in the hotel, so I came here." Sofia explained.
"Fine." Mark glanced at his watch, "Well, are we going to have a lunch?"
"Here?"
"Sofia, I know that you get used to good restaurants and first class food, but if you want to take you in suchlike you should wait until the evening."
"You know very well that's not a problem for me. I could eat anywhere, but I need to talk with you." Sofia seriously said.
"Is it so urgent? Couldn't you wait until tonight?" He wondered.
"No dear. I have no time." She declared.
"You don't have a time?" Mark smirked, "Why all this hurry? Where are you off to?" He asked jokily.
Sofia sighed. Her blue eyes stared at him sadly. At this moment, someone knocked on the door.
"Yes please." He called out.
Izzie opened the door slowly, peering inside the office.
"Hey." Mark smiled, seeing her.
"Hey, I heard you have finished with the surgery." She said genially.
"Come here. I would like to present you someone." He invited her.
Izzie got close to Mark's desk. She saw that there was someone on the chair against Mark's desk.
"Izzie, I'd like to present you my grandmother Sofia. Sofia, this is my girlfriend Izzie."
Izzie's heart quickened its rhythm seeing the woman seated on the chair.
"Mrs. Horvitz?" She mumbled.
"This is my maiden name." Sofia replied smiling to Izzie.
Mark looked at them curiously.
"Do you know each other?" He confused.
"Yes we have met earlier today." Sofia explained, "Come here dear, take a seat next to Mark. I must talk with him, but I would like you to be here too."
Izzie nodded. She felt a lump in her throat. Izzie held Mark's hand.
"Have you already united against me?" He laughed.
"Take a seat." Sofia ordered. Her voice sounded serious.
Mark frowned but he did what Sofia said to him. Without knowing why he squeezed Izzie's hand instinctively. She caressed his hand with her fingers tenderly.
"Mark, I don't know how to say that, so I'll say it directly." Sofia took a deep breath before continuing, "I'm sick. I have a cancer."
"What?" Mark ejaculated automatically.
"I have a cancer, "Sofia said again, "and it does not remain so long life for me."
"Wait! Are you sure?"
"Yes. You know Dr. Adams, he doesn't make mistakes."
"There is no one doctor, who makes mistakes." Mark burst out.
"However, this is not a mistake. I'm ill." Sofia said in a low voice.
"I don't believe it. I'll make all blood tests, I'll find the best doctors… I…" His voice trembled.
Sofia interrupted him.
"Mark, I didn't come for that. I just need to know how long time I have."
"Are you crazy?" Mark couldn't resist shouting, "You came in Seattle, saying me just like this that you have a cancer, and you expect from me to tell you how long time remains to you, without giving me any chance to do something? No, Sofia. You are wrong! I'm sorry but you are wrong!" Mark stood up, releasing Izzie's hand, "I won't watch how you are dying. Did you hear me? I won't." He headed to the door out of rage.
"Mark, wait!" Izzie called out after him, but he closed the door with a slam. Sofia was leaned her head. Her eyes were filled with tears. Izzie squatted next to her, taking Sofia's hand.
"Mrs. Sloan…"
"Call me Sofia."
"Sofia, he needs a time." Izzie said softly.
"I know," Sofia agreed and added sadly, "but I don't have it."
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Mark was seated on the bench out in front of the hospital. He was covered his face with hands. Hard pain cut his chest. He still couldn't believe that all that has happened and he might lose Sofia. The woman who has given to him love, tenderness and care. Something that his own mother has never done it. Mark didn't feel when Izzie got close to the bench and took a seat next to him. Mark glanced at her saying nothing. For first, time Izzie read such anxiety in his eyes. She took one of his hands and touched his hair. They stood in silence for a long time. Then Mark looked at her eyes.
"I have never told you anything about my family. My family is one of the oldest and famous ones in New York. My father is the owner of the New York's biggest law firm. All my ancestors have been lawyers. I'm the offshoot. My mom and dad got furious with me understanding that I would not continue the family tradition. The only one person who supported me was she… Sofia. She was that who has taken care about me since I was a baby. My mom has never had any interest of me. The only one and main purpose in her life had been to have a son. The heir who must continue the family tradition. Sofia was the mother, the father she was everything for me. She is not like the other people of my family. Izzie, I can't imagine that I could lose her."
"You will never lose her. She has made of you what you are." Izzie hugged him, "Sofia needs you now, Mark." She whispered.
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Mark and Izzie got into the room where Sofia was laying waiting for the blood results, which Izzie had made few hours ago. Sofia smiled widely seeing them.
"I'll leave you to talk." Izzie said.
"No. I want you to stay. I want you to be here. You are already precious for me as much as is my grandson. You are the girl who makes happy my boy. Come here, sit down close to me."
Mark and Izzie seated on two chairs near the bed. His fingers were interwoven robustly with these of Izzie.
"I knew that one day I should tell you all my secrets." Sofia smiled.
"Oh, you have secrets?" Mark tried to joke.
"More than you could imagine." Sofia sighed, "When I was 18, I met my true love." She began.
"Yeah, my granddad."
"It wasn't your granddad."
Mark stared at her astonished.
"But…"
Sofia continued talking.
"I met Luke, and I fell in love with him very much. He was my grand passion. Luke was lovely, kind, romantic and very handsome. He had only one fault. He was poor boy. We were happy, but my father has already arranged my life…. And I couldn't opposed him. I married your grandfather, burring my true passion love. I gave a birth of your father, but I have never forgotten Luke because he was there."
"There?" Mark repeated.
"A year after my wedding, Luke started working for your granddad in our estate."
"And you became lovers?" Mark spontaneously said.
Sofia laughed.
"Mark, I'm different generation and the truth is that I didn't dare. I was a stupid coward. I couldn't ever oppose first to my father then to my husband after to my son. I haven't managed to fight for my love face to face with them. I lost one whole life because of my fear to love and being loved. Moreover, he… my true and only love was waiting patiently all these years… For him was enough only to see me every morning and to be close to me."
"Do I know him?" Mark asked.
"You know him." Sofia made a short pause, "Luke Devlin."
"Luke?! The old Luke???"
"He is not that old." Sofia protested.
"I'm sorry… I mean… you are talking about Luke the driver… You have been in love with him and he has been in love with you?"
"All these 62 years, dear! All these 62 years I was living under one roof with him without experiencing our feelings."
"Why when granddad died you…" Mark stammered.
Sofia didn't wait for his grandson to complete the question, "Again the same reason…. Because I didn't dare. I haven't had the courage to protect my love. Luke began working for my husband only to be close to me, but I… I have never done anything about him. Luke refused all his dreams because of me."
"God… You and the old Luke… Do you know how much time I've spent with him?"
"I know, "Sofia smiled, "he was teaching you to drive. Do you remember? You were taking his driver hat seating on the driver's seat."
"Yeah, "Mark confirmed, "I've always liked him… Now I see why? There was a reason…"
"He was playing with you for hours." Sofia remembered with a dreamy smile.
"Sofia, I haven't known all that for you."
"How could you know it, my dear?" Sofia took a deep breath before continuing, "62 years I was waiting, year after year passed and I didn't undertake anything. Every time I have said to myself that now is not the right moment. When I understood that I'm ill, I realized how late I was. Mark, I don't want to lie on the bed with systems and noodles in my body, waiting for my end. I want to spend my last days with the man who I have always been in love all over my life. This will not give the missed years back to us, but I'll try to make up for the time lost, to bring my youth back, enjoying to my only love."
Izzie looked at Mark and for the first time she saw tears in his eyes. She squeezed his hand tenderly.
"I called to Luke, "Sofia informed, "I said to him for my sickness. He will come in Seattle tomorrow. We'll travel, we'll live as we have dreamed about when we were 18."
Mark tried to smile, brushing his tears from his eyes.
"Do it Sofia!" He ordered, standing up. Mark approached her taking her hand, "As much as time it remains to you, live it as if it's a whole life ahead."
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
The same evening
"Well ladies, I hope you will like the restaurant in which I'm going to take you along." Mark said.
"Let's hope it's not some ornate luxury brothel." Sofia smirked.
"For a woman at your age, you have a pretty bad language. That's no way to talk."
"What kind of bad taste is that speaking for woman's age?" Sofia outraged, "Dear, you must keep a firm hand on this guy here!" She advised Izzie, winking at her.
Izzie laughed, kissing Mark's cheek.
"Oh, surely I'll do it!"
"Oh my gosh, I really need help with you two!" He sighed and opened the door of his luxury jeep, assisting to his favorite girls to get into the car.
At the restaurant
"Sofia, it's better to stop drinking wine and telling to Izzie this old stories!"
"No, they are great!" Izzie objected, "You have been a cute boy." She commented.
"He was very cute little boy with a blond curls and those splendid green eyes. But he was very shy."
"Seriously? Mark shy?! I can't believe it."
"Sofia, please…"
She didn't pay attention to his objections.
"Mark was very shy, but he wanted to know everything. He was asking questions all the time."
Izzie stared at Mark, touching his beard.
"Then of course he changed. I could never forget your father's countenance when he knew that you haven't studied law."
Mark laughed. "I had a feeling that he would get heart attack."
"His father thought, that Mark was studying law." Sofia explained to Izzie.
"Yes, he believed for almost three years that I was studying for a lawyer. When he discovered, the shock for him and then the scandal that he kicked up to me were indescribable." Mark told.
"Wasn't he proud with you that you have decided to study medicine?"
"No. He would never forgive me for my choice."
"Mark, your mom and dad are real snobs, but they love you. I brought up your father, but I have to admit that he is the son of his father. But you are different you aren't like him, neither like your mother."
"We've had enough talking about them."
"Right. Let's change the subject. Tell me about you. Mark told me that you have sent him to buy his favorite cappuccino by himself." Sofia chuckled.
Izzie laughed. "Yes, but Mark was the only one person who helped me when my career as a surgeon was at stake." She revealed.
"You have done that?" Sofia turned to his grandson.
"Izzie is exaggerating too much." Mark said modestly.
"I don't. I was on probation for a while, but Mark interceded for me. He was the first and the only one attending who asked for me in the OR."
Sofia looked at his grandson with love. The evening passed pleasurably for all of them. They laughed at all funny stories, which Sofia was telling about Mark's childhood. When they got into the hotel's elevator Sofia turned to Izzie.
"Would you come in my room? I want to give you something."
"I'm coming too." Mark broke into the conversation.
"You can't. This is only between girls." Sofia snapped him.
"In case you are going to have a dirty talk about boys?" Mark asked anxiously.
"Don't worry, dear! I'm taking Izzie for a short time." Sofia calmed him.
"I hope to be for a short time. I can't be without her for longer." Mark warned.
"I can see it." Sofia chuckled.
Izzie and Sofia entered her room. Sofia grabbed Izzie's hand leading her inside.
"Take a seat, dear." Sofia said affably.
Izzie sat down on the bed. Sofia opened one of her suitcases, bringing out something from there. Izzie saw that Mark's grandmamma held a silver box. Sofia took a seat next to Izzie.
"I have something for you." Sofia passed a hand over the box's cover before opening it.
"Oh my God!" Izzie exclaimed, when Sofia removed the cover, "I haven't seen ever anything more beautiful."
"These are my valuables. In my family, they pass from hand to hand from generation to generation. My great grandmother has given them to my grandmother; she has given them to my mother, who gave the box to me. Now I want to give it to you."
"But Mrs. Sloan…"
"Sofia! And there are no buts… "
"I can't accept it."
"Izzie, when my son got married Mark's mom I didn't give her the box although the tradition ordained that. I didn't give it even when she gave birth to Mark. All these years I've been preoccupied who would be the next owner of this family valuables. At the moment since I saw you I heaved a sigh of relief, knowing that finally the box will find the next owner, that the box will be in trusty hands. I've always hoped my grandson to find the real woman and I have to admit that I was desperate during the last years seeing him what bad choices he made. Now I'll die calm and happy that I have lived to see him with a girl like you."
Tears came into Izzie's eyes.
"Sofia you are giving to me too much honor, I'm not sure I deserve that."
"No my dear. I feel that you must take the box not because you are with my grandson. I want you to take it because, I feel you here." Sofia showed her heart.
Izzie swallowed. She couldn't talk, the tears rolled down on her cheeks. Sofia hugged her warmly.
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Izzie opened cautiously the door of Mark's hotel room. It was silent and dark. She got inside. Izzie took her clothes quietly and entered the bathroom. When she finished there, Izzie sneaked into the bed.
"You are coming late." He notified.
"I thought you are sleeping."
"Not and without you."
Izzie stared at him. She turned to her side, Mark turned on his left side without removing his eyes from her.
"I love you Iz."
Izzie's heart would have jumped out of her chest.
"I love you Mark."
He smiled and kissed her, pulling her close to his body.
On the next morning
Izzie opened her eyes seeing that Mark has already awakened. He smiled to her, touching her hair.
"Good morning!" He greeted her.
"Good morning!" Izzie replied to his smile.
"Why did we wake up so early, as we don't have to get up?" Mark wondered.
"It's biological clock." Izzie said.
"Mmm that biological clock whether it displays another needs." Mark gave a faint smile, caressing her thighs.
"About your needs, it's not necessary biological clock. They are very often and habitually."
"That sounded like a complaint." He commented.
"It was not." Izzie kissed his mouth. Mark immediately replied to her kiss.
At that moment, the phone in the room rang. He groaned.
"This should be Sofia." She informed.
"Sofia?"
"Yes, I settled with her to have a coffee before going to work."
"You settled with Sofia for a coffee?"
"Stop repeating. Pick up the phone!"
Mark wanted to argue a little bit more but he surrendered. He picked up the phone.
"Hello."
"Good morning, dear! How are you?" Sofia greeted with a cheerful voice.
"I could be much better." His grandson replied acidly.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Is Izzie there?"
"Why?"
"I want to talk with her. Give the phone to Izzie please?"
"Excuse me?"
"Give the phone to Izzie!" Sofia repeated.
Izzie stretched a hand taking the phone from Mark.
"Hi Sofia."
"Hi, Izzie! My grandson seemed to be discontented. Am I the reason?"
"No… He just could not regulate his biological clock." Izzie smirked, seeing Mark's grumpy face.
"Oh, I see! I'm at the lobby waiting for you. I'll order coffee."
"Fine. We are coming in a short time." Izzie finished the conversation and tried to get up, when Mark held her hand.
"Where are you going?" He asked.
"Sofia is waiting for us!" Izzie answered.
"You said to her in a short time so I have a little time..." He reminded, caressing her belly then slowly he removed his hand towards her breasts.
"Yes, but your short time, it's not that short at all."
"I'll take this as a compliment." Mark grinned.
"Mark, we can't remain Sofia alone at the lobby, waiting for us…" Izzie protested.
"When you conspired with her?"
"Does it not make you glad?"
"Sure, I'm glad…"
"So?"
"Sofia knows that short time doesn't mean short time…"
"Mark, stop that." Izzie removed his hands, "I don't want to make your grandmamma waiting for us," she gave him a quick kiss and put her legs on the floor.
"What? You'll remain me in this special condition without any preoccupation?"
"You are all right!"
"I'm not!"
"You are. Mark, you won't die without sex one morning. Don't worry!"
"Actually, now you mention it, I could die."
"I'm damn sure you won't"
"How do you know?"
"I know." Izzie removed the sheet from his body, "C'mon it's time to get up!"
"Yeah, it is. You love teasing me…" He shook his forefinger.
Izzie laughed, heading to the bathroom. While Mark was taking his morning shower, Izzie combined her hair. Ten minutes later, he came out of the bathroom, wrapping a towel around his waist.
"Sofia would think that there is something wrong as soon as we come so quickly. She would be preoccupied. I'm sure she doesn't expect from us to come immediately."
Izzie shook her head smiling.
"Nice try to get me in the bed, but it doesn't work."
"So I guessed." Mark sighed, removing his towel and slipped into his boxers.
"Your grandmother is extraordinary woman." Izzie stated.
"She is. I still can't believe that all this has happened in her life."
"What kind of man was your grandfather?" Izzie asked, while she was dressing her clothes.
"I think he was a good man, but he has never expressed his feelings. I had so much respect of him. I would even say that I was afraid of him. He died when I was 16. I don't know if he was still alive whether I'd have the courage to choose the plastic. Sofia was his all-exact opposite. She was kind and warmhearted and meantime, she was very equitable person.
"Mark, your grand mom is worthy of admiration. Can you imagine what kind of love is that lasting for all these 62 years? They have seen each other every day without being able to express their grand passion." Izzie mused.
"It sounds like punishment. Poor Luke he had to see Sofia every day with other man. I can't imagine how he has resisted. I would go crazy if I can't touch you; kiss you moreover to see you with somebody else." Mark said thoughtfully.
"Now I really believe that the real love exists." Izzie confessed, with a smile.
"Didn't you believe in it before?" Mark provoked her.
"I believed or I hoped, but now seeing your grandma I…" Izzie stammered. She noticed Mark, who was staring at her with a strange countenance.
"What?" She asked.
"Nothing…" He had a mysterious smile on his face.
''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
Mark and Izzie got down into the lobby, holding their hands.
"Oh," Sofia was surprised, seeing them "I didn't suppose you'd come so soon?"
"Did I tell you?" Mark turned to Izzie. She rolled her eyes annoyingly.
"I've ordered coffee and breakfast…" Sofia informed them.
"Well, when does Luke arrive?" Mark demanded.
"This afternoon." Sofia replied.
"How long time are you going to stay in Seattle?" Mark asked.
"We're leaving even tonight by ferry." Sofia answered.
"So soon?" Mark wondered.
"I don't want to lose time anymore."
"Have you already planned the route?" Mark smirked.
"Sure. Paris, Rome, Venice, London, Madrid… We are going around Europe. Just me and Luke."
"Oh, it's so romantic!" Izzie exclaimed.
Sofia flashed an impish smile to her. Mark frowned looking at his grandmother and girlfriend.
"Oh, please, so much romantic that I got stomachache." He made a face.
"Why are you so grumpy this morning?" Sofia gave him a surreptitious look.
"I'm not. Just my day didn't start as I'm used to." Mark replied.
"How do you usually start your day?" Sofia asked with a devilish smile.
"Well…" Mark smirked, looking at Izzie. She blushed immediately. Sofia chuckled, sipping from her coffee.
Ten hours later
Izzie Stevens and Mark Sloan stood before the huge ferry that was just about to leave. A strong wind was blowing and both were risen the collars of their jackets. Izzie wrapped a scarf around her neck.
"I won't say goodbye…." Sofia said. Her voice trembled.
"Please… don't!" Mark mumbled.
"I'm waiting to send me your new address to write you a letter!" Sofia hinted delicately.
Mark and Izzie smiled.
"Sofia, people just don't write letters anymore, it's better to use the phone!" Mark advised her grandmother.
"I'll remember that!" She snickered. Kissing and hugging them.
"Take care, if there is something, just call me!" Mark said.
''''''''''
Mark and Izzie were staying embraced watching after the ferry.
"Will I see her again?" Mark whispered in the dark.
"I don't know… " Izzie said with a low voice, "I really hope so…"