Breathe

Chapter 23: Breaking

Chapter 23: Breaking

How did this happen? How had they gotten to the lobby? How had they gotten into this position?

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She was happy, a bit worried, but still happy. Cristina had texted her to tell her they had a date for the family dinner when everyone was off. She was happy about the arrangement. Still a little weary of this whole celebration but with what Addison had said she felt a bit more accepting of it.

After replying she looked up from her phone with a smile because she was going to see her. However the smile evaporated rather quickly as she witnessed the scene before her, there was McSteamy with her Addie. They were together at the doorway and they were kissing. Aelwyne felt her world break as he saw Addison in his arms.

'No.' She lost grasp of her phone as she shook in anger and pain.

The clattering seemed to make them stop and Addison looked at her. She tried masking her eyes but could not, she just stared at them. Mark was looking at her with a smug smile that made her blood boil. Addison was even paler than usual, she saw fear in the redhead's eyes but did not care. She could not stand looking at them anymore. Addison said her name but she ignored her and Mark's 'I told you so' made her shake in anger even more. Addison had tried to explain something but Aelwyne did not care.

'I just want to go. I don't want to be here. I can't be here.' She grabbed her phone without a word. Addison was already in front of her begging but she did not want to hear it.She felt the prickle of tears pooling in her eyes when Addison grabbed her but she would not allow a single one to drop. She could not, would not allow herself to cry. The redhead pleaded but still Aelwyne did not care and left.

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Addison was kissing her in front of everyone in the middle of the lobby after having chased her and called out to her in a broken voice. The sound was what made her turn around. It sent shivers down her spine. She could hear it all, the pain, the guilt, the shame. She could not ignore it a second time. It had taken all of her will power earlier to walk away from the redhead after hearing that broken sound. So now they were here. In the middle of the overcrowded lobby, the redhead's lips over her own.

The world around her melted away much as it did whenever Addison had her like this. Her hands landed on Addison's sides as she deepened the kiss. It was a moment of sweet bliss that was quickly interrupted by Mark's voice.

"I could get used to this." He joked and his voice brought everything back. The jealousy and anger and pain of what she had just seen.

Abruptly Aelwyne pushed against Addison tearing herself away from her lips. The attending tried to draw her close once more but Aelwyne stopped her. Addison shook her head as tears ran down her cheeks when she took a step back from her. The redhead went to step closer to her but Aelwyne recoiled back.

"I can't." Aelwyne said her voice a bit higher pitched than normal as she tried to stifle her cries.

"Aelwyne, please. Talk to me. Please." Addison was begging again.

"No. I can't right now." Aelwyne repeated, unable to contain the tears.

"Don't leave. Please." Addison whimpered. Aelwyne closed the distance once more and rising to her tippy toes she managed to kiss her forehead. Addison choked back a sob at the action.

"I can't." Aelwyne backed away once more shaking her head.

"Ael. Don't. Please. I can't. Don't leave me." Addison pleaded, more tears streaming down her face and as she went to take another step both Meredith and Cristina stood in her way.