Breathe

Chapter 16: Old Sorrows

Chapter 16: Old Sorrows

Aelwyne stood in front of the mirror in the intern's locker room with her makeup bag trying to hide the bags under her eyes as well as the bruises that refused to fade. The second week of recovery had come and gone. Her ribs though sore had healed perfectly which had Callie very happy. However she had insisted that in these first few days she took it slow, no long surgeries and no heavy lifting just yet. Thanks to that after rounds she had been assigned to Addison because she was the only attending to have only 2 scheduled surgeries. Bailey had suggested she try and cover her bruises a bit more after some of the patients got nervous when they noticed them. So there she was trying to cover them more but she was failing miserably at the task.

"Need a hand there?" The familiar voice of the gorgeous attending filled the quiet room.

Addison stood at the doorway with an amused smile. She was already dressed in her salmon pink scrubs. She made her way over to Aelwyne a soft chuckle escaping her lips.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be late. It's just... I can't hide them. And Bailey said to hide them. But I can't make it work. " Aelwyne responded waving the makeup brush frustratingly.

"Why don't I help you with that then?" Addison said with a chuckle and taking the brush she was holding.

"Here, sit." Addison directed towards the bench. Aelwyne did as she was told.

"I heard they moved the trial." Addison said as she started to apply more concealer.

"Yes, they did." Aelwyne said quietly.

"Are you ok?" Addison asked.

"Everyone has been asking me that. I'm fine." Aelwyne responded with a sigh.

"Sorry." Addison said quickly.

"No I get it. People want to make sure I can function. I mean who would like to deal with the damaged intern." Aelwyne said, forcing a chuckle.

"You are not damaged." Addison said, stopping her movements and meeting her eyes. "You are not. You've been hurt and that's all. People have been asking because they care about you. At least that's why I'm asking. I just want to make sure you are ok."

"Sorry." Aelwyne whispered, dropping her gaze. "I'm ok."

"I think I'm done. Want to take a look?" Addison said after a few minutes with a smile.

Aelwyne went to the mirror and sure enough the bruises were covered. It was like magic. She smiled at herself in the mirror and then turned to Addison with a smile.

"Alright then. I hope you're ready. We have two surgeries this morning." Addison said walking out.

"I'm so ready." Aelwyne quickly followed.

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The two surgeries had been a success and lunchtime found them in the cafeteria which was packed. They found an empty table and sat together.

"I forgot to grab a fork." Addison said as she set the tray down.

"Me too." Aelwyne said, moving to stand up.

"No, no. You stay, I'll go get us some." Addison said and walked away.

"Aelwyne!" Called Cristina as she approached with Meredith.

"Hey guys." Aelwyne said with a smile.

"I'm starving. Also why are there so many people here." Cristina said sitting down followed by Meredith.