Summary: After they have been fighting for months, Derek and Meredith decide to amicably divorce. Come to find out, they are better friends than lovers. They share custody of Zola, and soon find love with other people. (Meredith/Jackson) (Derek/Addison)

Chapter 1: The Parting of Friends (rough draft and it's not very long).

For the last six months, Derek and Meredith have been fighting because of what happened to his trial. Derek didn't seem to understand that she was only trying to give Adele more time. Granted, Meredith thought their problems started way before the trial. They never dealt with everything they had been through over the years. Meredith would always love Derek, but she wasn't in love with him any longer. Hell, he has been talking about Addison in his sleep, and it strangely didn't bother her. They were more friends than lovers now. They didn't sleep in the same bed any longer, let alone in the same house. They did have an adopted daughter together, but Meredith nor Derek did not want her to witness them fighting and arguing. It wasn't healthy for Zola.

When Meredith got home from the hospital, she walked into the living room, seeing Derek playing with Zola. He was a good father and a good friend, but they were no longer suited. They had grown apart. "How was your day?" he asked as she sat in the chair. "It was good. Derek, I need to say something and I really need you to listen. I love you. You're one of my very best friends, but I don't think we are working any longer. I am tired of fighting, and our little girl deserves better than having her parents' arguing all the time. I think we need to divorce and we will share joint custody of Zola," Meredith said smiling as he reached for her hand, gently grasping it in his own.

"You are right, Meredith. We are not working as a couple, and we are better friends than lovers," he said happily. He was happy that they were on the same page. "Also, I know that you still love a certain redhead, and I like Addison. So call her. If you can convince her to come home and give you another chance move into that beautiful house you built," Meredith said smiling when she noticed his cheeks pinked up. "Would you be upset if Zola likes Addie?" he asked. "No. Zola can never have too many people that love her," Meredith said hugging her friend. It felt nice to talk with him like this again. "Take this..." she said taking the necklace off that had the ring that belonged to his mother on it.

"Thank you, Meredith," Derek said. "Don't think me. Zola deserves to have two happy parents. Why don't you take her for the weekend," she suggested. "Really?" he asked. "Yes. The carnival is in town. Take her to that," she said handing him a packed bag of Zola's clothing and everything he needed. "Say goodnight to mommy, Zozo," Derek said as he hugged Meredith one last time. "Goodnight baby girl," she said kissing her daughter's cheek.

When Derek and Zola left for the night, Meredith took a look around the house and decided she needed a change. Her friends could continue living in the house, but Meredith knew she needed a fresh start. Her mother had come from old money, not that anyone knew that. With that money, Ellis had invested in several medical supply companies, along with many other companies. Meredith did not have to work another day in her life, but she would go insane otherwise. Meredith knew that one of her mother's friends had recently put a house up for sale just outside of the city limits of Seattle, and growing up, Meredith spent a lot of time in that house growing up, and she loved it. The owner had offered Meredith the first shot at buying the house for well under the asking price, so she decided to take it.

It was almost time for her boards, and Meredith did not want to be a General Surgeon. She only did that because no one would shut up about it. She wanted to be a trauma surgeon, but she figured that she would become double certified later on down the road. But right now, Meredith needed to get her life together. It was time to put her past behind her and start embracing a new direction.