Author: PeppermintPatty09
Title: What Makes a Family
Rating: T
Fandom: Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice
Pairings/Characters: Addison/Meredith, Violet/Charlotte, Arizona/Callie, Naomi/Sam, Izzy/Dell, Alex/Lexie and George/April. Past mentions of: Meredith/Derek and Addison/Mark
Genre: Romance and Family
Summary: A/U; Single moms Addison Montgomery and Meredith Grey start a friendship through their young daughters, which develops into more. This is pretty much a fluffy, romantic, family centric story with slight angst and drama.
Disclaimer: The characters of Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice are proudly owned by Shonda Rhimes, production company ShondaLand, and broadcast station ABC. No copyright infringement is intended. Alyssa Harper Grey and Ella Rose Forbes Montgomery are my own.
Authors Note: If the idea of two women or men loving each other and are in a romantic relationship is against your views, please look elsewhere. All mistakes are my own.
Chapter Twelve
Approval
Meredith had just walked out of her patients' room on her way to the surgical board to see what her next case would be, when she saw Christina and Alex snickering and laughing on the phone. Frowning, she went over and checked what was wrong. Knowing those two it could be anything.
"What are you two doing?" Meredith asked, giving the nurse her latest patients' file. "Mr. Grams vitals are looking well. He'll be able to go home tonight," Meredith told the nurse before turning back towards her friends, only to see a phone thrust into her face.
"Hello?" Meredith said in an uncertain tone. "This is Dr. Grey."
"Dr. Grey, this is Headmistress Abbott…"
Alex and Christina watched transfixed with grimed, amused expression at the redder and redder Meredith's face got with each second she was on the phone. When Meredith hung up the phone both of them had the good graciousness to run in the opposite direction. Angry Meredith was someone you didn't want to trifle with.
Meredith hung up the phone, seething. Although, she shouldn't be surprised at the phone call.
"Izzy?" Meredith called her blonde, cheerful friend. She couldn't help but smile when Izzy came bouncing towards her. It was no wonder Izzy and Dr. Robbins got along. Both were irritating cheerful and had a deep love for kids.
"You rang, Dr. Grey," Izzy said, approaching Meredith.
"Can you please cover for me, I need to go to Ally's school. She's waiting for me at the principal's office." Seeing the concern on Izzy face, Meredith quickly explained. "There's no need to worry. She's not hurt. Apparently, a group of boys were picking on Ella and my little trouble maker decided to show the boys how to treat a lady. With her fist," Meredith added.
Izzy had the graciousness to try and looked angry at her little devil niece but it was hard, because it was so Ally. "Oh my God, Mer, I can't believe it. She hit someone!" Izzy exclaimed, feigning outrage but it turned into a fitful of laughter."
"Oh, shut it," Meredith chuckled. "It's not funny. It's sad and horrible. She could have gotten hurt." Izzy gave Meredith a dubious look. "Ok, fine, she couldn't have. But still. She can't go socking people."
"It's so Ally. Trying to be a superhero and saving the day."
"It's so Derek," Meredith sighed, sadly.
Meredith fumed as she walked through the corridor at Ally's school. When she maked it to the Headmistress' office, she was shocked to see Addison waiting outside the door with a shaken and tearful Ella.
"Addison, what…what are you guys doing here?" Meredith asked, leaning up to kiss Addison on the cheek out of habit.
"The headmistress is having a meeting with Michel Jacobs parents, first. Ally is in the room, listening," Addison said in a strain, tight voice.
"I'm sorry," a tiny voice from below Meredith.
Meredith peered down, looking into the bright, watery eyes of Ella Rose, Meredith's heart lurched at the sight. "Oh, baby," Meredith dropped to her knees. "It's not your fault, okay. To be honest, Ally's always been like this. I'm surprised she waited out this long," Meredith chuckled and Ella and Addison managed a small smile. "She's my little trouble maker. Always will be. So, no more tears, butterfly."
Ella wiped her eyes, smiling at the special nickname Meredith had dubbed her weeks ago. Ella loved it. "Okay," she whispered. "But it wasn't Ally's fault, either. Mikey kept on calling me names. They made me cry," she said, tearfully.
"Oh, baby," Meredith cooed, scooping Ella into her arms. She stood, holding Ella tightly to her chest, Addison heart leapt at the sight. "Let's go see how our little monster is doing, huh?" Meredith asked.
Addison absently grabbed Meredith's free hand as they made their way into the office. Meredith handed Ella to Addison when she heard her daughter shouting from the headmistress' chambers. Meredith hastily knocked, upon hearing the quite 'come in', she entered.
"Ah, Dr. Grey, it's good to see you finally were able to join us," the headmistress stated with a tight smile. "I'm Headmistress Abbott here at Dalton Academy." Headmistress Abbott held out her hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, too," Meredith said, shaking the hand of the Headmistress, getting a good look at the headmistress.
Headmistress Karen Abbott was surprising a very attractive woman with dark brown hair, sparkling blue-grey eyes, a kind, charming smile and a thin figure. Meredith thought she looked a little like Lynda Carter from Wonder Women. Meredith rolled her eyes at the thought. She really need to broaden her choices in movie and television shows, she thought grimly.
Meredith turned and looked at the couple sitting next to a young boy. All three were dressed flawlessly in designer clothes. The mom had blue eyes, blonde hair that was done perfectly in a-line hair cut, clothes that were fit perfectly on her sculpted body and face blank, emotionless. The father had a chisel, strong jaw, hazel eyes and his hair was neatly cut and styled. He looked like a GQ model with his tailor Armani suit. And the young boy was a picture of his father with his mother's blonde hair. These people were obviously wealthy. Meredith was wealthy in her own right, from inheritance and her job, but she suspected it was nowhere near these people.
"Meredith Grey," she introduced, feeling a little self-conscious. She had her scrubs, trainers and her hair was done in a unkempt bun.
"Victoria Jacobs," the mom of Michael Jacobs said, snottily. "My husband, James Jacobs."
James Jacobs leered at her body, smiling a predatory smile. Meredith cringed disgustedly when her licked his lips.
"Would someone mind catching me up?" Meredith asked, taking a seat next her glaring daughter.
"Of course. As you may know, we're in here because of a dispute between Michael and Alyssa. Alyssa was seen punching Michael after her taunted Ella Montgomery on the courtyard. Alyssa then took it upon herself to defend Ella."
"Nobody messes with my Ella and gets away with it," Ally shouted. "I'm glad I gave him a black eye. He was saying bad words to Ella, making her cry," Ally glared at Michael. Michael shrink away from the intense look, huddling close to his mom.
"Alyssa!" Meredith said, shockingly. "Can you tell us what Michael said to Ella?" Ally mumbled something. Meredith tapped her on the nose. "Coherently, please."
"He told her he liked her. Then kissed her on the cheek. Ella tried to push Michael away but he wouldn't move."
All the adults lips twitched as they held back their laughter. Michael blushed and Ally continued to glare at him.
"Obviously it's all been a misunderstanding," Meredith said. "They're kids; they're bound to fight and taunt and have crushes. Can't we call this kids being kids, and forget about it."
James Jacobs nodded. He was a little embarrassed his son got beat up by a girl. If the problem was resolved quickly, he could easily forget about it and enroll his kid into karate or something.
"No, it can not be forgotten. You're daughter punched my son. My son didn't do anything wrong. Your daughter was jealous and took it out on my son," Victoria Jacobs, raged.
"I agree with Mrs. Jacobs. It seems Ally is the one at fault," the headmistress said. She turned her attention to Ally. "We do not condone violence in the school, Ms. Grey," the headmistress said sternly. "You will be punished for your actions. Two day suspension. I don't wait to see you in the school till Thursday or in my office again. Do I make myself clear, Ms. Grey?"
"Yes, Headmistress," Ally mumbled, eyes downcast.
Meredith and Ally made their way back to the office and were greeted by a nervous Addison and a frighten Ella. When Ally saw Ella, she ran to her friend, pulling her into a hug. Meredith walked over to Addison, whispering in her ear. Addison giggled lightly when Meredith told what had transpired.
"I have to get back to Bayside," Addison explained regretfully. "I still have three other patients."
Meredith nodded, understand. She was free for the rest of the day. "Well, I'll take Ella and Ally out to get lunch and then we'll hang at my house until you get off, and from there we'll go to my parent's house. Dinner isn't until six-thirty so we have plenty of time."
"Thank you," Addison whispered, gratefully. She looked at the time. 11:50. She had twenty minutes until her next patient arrived, and it took thirty to forty minutes to get back to Bayside.
"Okay, okay, I really need to go," Addison said briskly. She stepped up and kissed Ally and Ella both on the cheek whispering 'I love you' to both and then kissed Meredith on the corner of her mouth. 'I'll see you later' was whispered into Meredith's ear. Meredith blushed at the words, a shiver tickled down her spine.
She turned to the little blue-eyes beauties. "Alright, who want's ice cream?"
Addison walked up the doorway that lead to the white French doors of Meredith Grey's parents house. She was ten minutes late, Ella had went early with Meredith and Ally. She had originally planned on meeting up with her girls and arriving at the Grey's altogether, but a last minute delivery changed all her plans. She called Meredith in a desperate panic, asking Meredith in a pleading voice to watch Ella for her until further notice. The mother was already four centimeters dilated and was progressing quickly with no troubles. She expected to get out in time and would meet them all at the Grey's. Meredith said yes, stating she didn't really need to ask and that she would meet her at her parents' house.
Once the baby was delivered and mother and child were doing fine, she made a beeline for her office, where she changed out of her clothes and into a new outfit waiting for her. On the way to the Grey's house, she stopped at a store and bought one of their best wines, hoping it tasted good and not too cheap and grabbed two bunches of flowers. She was taught to never show up empty handed when invited to a guest house for a dinner party.
Addison took an extra minute to smooth out her hair and straighten her skirt before she rang the door. She swallowed nervously when she heard rustling from behind the door.
"You're here," Meredith breathed when she opened the door, flushed face and gorgeous as ever. "My mom thought you ditched us. She's been frantic awaiting your arrival. She really liked you at Ally's party."
Addison laughed. "I promise, didn't I? And I really liked your mom, too. Along with the rest of your family."
Meredith ushered Addison in. "By the end of tonight, you'll be wishing you never met them. They're kind of crazy and insane." Meredith led Addison into the family room where everyone was chatting, laughing and having a good time. Addison couldn't help but compare it to her family gatherings. A Montgomery family dinner consisted of taut tension, stilt silence and forced smiles.
"Take a deep breath, Dr. Montgomery," Meredith instructed teasingly as the stood a few feet away from the doorway of the family room.
Addison blew out a deep breath. The Grey family had to like her. If she had any hope even a sliver of a chance with Meredith, she had to get on Thatcher and Susan Grey's best side. She already had Amelia's blessing and had started a small friendship with the raven head neurologist, and that was a huge relief. To her it sort of felt like she was getting blessing for Derek and that meant a lot to her.
"I'm ready," Addison breathed.
"So, Addison, what is it that you do?" Susan Grey asked, twirling some spaghetti onto her fork.
Addison wiped her mouth. "I'm a Obstetrician-gynecologist and Neonatal surgeon at Bayside Wellness Group."
Susan nodded, clearly impressed. "Are you married? Divorced? Single?"
"Mom!" Meredith spluttered, embarrassed by her mom's Spanish inquisition. "Leave her alone."
"What?" Susan feign innocence. "I'm just trying to know the poor woman. We really didn't get to talk during Ally's party. I like to know who my daughter associates with. Remember Sadie and the disaster she was."
Meredith groaned. Will her mother ever get over Sadie. So Sadie was a deadbeat friend, who left her in Europe and then later returned, years later, hoping to reconcile her friendship with Meredith and then later quits her Internship because of her cheating ways, begging Meredith to return to Europe. It wasn't like Sadie was in their lives anymore. She got over it, she hoped her mother as, she guessed wrong.
Addison reached under the table, squeezing Meredith's knee softly. "It's okay, Meredith. I honestly don't mind."
Addison turned her attention towards Susan who had a smug smile on her face. "I've been divorced for six years. And I'm single."
Susan clapped, gleefully. "I know the perfect man for you. His name is Jake…"
"Not to be rude, Mrs. Grey, but I'm not really interested in any relationships right now. I'm pretty much happy with my life right now."
"Oh, it's fine, Dear. A beautiful woman like you, I bet you have men falling all over your feet. Just like my Mer."
Meredith face turned a dark puce color at her Mother's words. It was part from embarrassment and, something she recognized and no longer denies, jealousy. She did not like thinking about men falling over Addison.
"You just tell me when you're on the hunt, okay? And I'll find a nice young gentleman for you, just like I did with Meredith," Susan smiled.
Now it was Addison's to turn jealous. She had forgotten about Meredith's date with Finn. For the rest of the dinner Addison stayed silent, observing the family, sulking in her own misery and only speaking when spoken to. Meredith looked on concerned, Addison would just flash her a smile, a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"Thank you for inviting us, Susan," Addison said, politely. "I had such a wonderful time, and the food, the food was simply wonderful."
Susan hugged Addison. "It was wonderful spending time with you. Your daughter is precious. Don't be a stranger, you hear."
Addison chuckled. "I won't. I suspect you'll get tired of seeing me."
"Mom, we really have to go. Ally and Ella are falling asleep and they have school in the morning," Meredith cut in. She had just gotten back from speaking to dad and sister Lexie. She was happy her family loved and approved of Addison and Ella.
"Oh, yes. Okay, off you go. Meredith, call me when you get home."
Meredith kissed her mom on the cheek. "I always do."
Susan and Thatcher walked Addison and Meredith to their cars. They stood in the front lawn watching them drive further away until their tail lights disappeared.
"Your family is really sweet," Addison said softly that night. She had gotten home, got Ella ready for bed, read her little girl a story, then got herself ready for bed. Once done, she called Meredith.
"Thank you. I'm surprised they didn't scare you away. They loved you too, ya know. They were completely smitten with Ella."
Addison smiled in relief. She had the Grey's approval, and she couldn't have been more excited. Now it was just telling Meredith how she felt. Because she couldn't go on like this. If Meredith didn't return her feelings, she would deal with it and move on, hoping it didn't ruin her relationship with the blonde. It was a chance she was willing to take.
TBC
Thanks for reading and I'm so, so sorry for the delay. Like I said, I promise to finish this; it's just a matter of when. The next chapter is already being written as we speak. I have three whole days free and I plan on using that time writing. So, look for the next chapter soon.