Breathe

Chapter 33: Exam Jitters

Chapter 33: Exam Jitters

Addison woke up feeling suddenly chilly. The room was dark and quiet. Blindly she moved towards Aelwyne's side of the bed to find it empty still. The brunette had walked her to bed and kissed her goodnight before going back to the living room to study some more with the rest of the interns. Tomorrow was a big day. It would finally be the day of their exam. The most important one yet.

Looking at the clock next to their bed she noticed the late or rather early hour so she went searching for her Bug. As she neared the living room she heard light snores and some mumbling. Entering the room the first thing that caught her attention was the pacing Aelwyne, eyes glued to Callie's flash cards. Then she noticed Meredith and Cristina sleeping next to each other in very uncomfortable looking positions. She would have them move to the guest room but first she needed to deal with the bundle of nerves before her.

"Bug... I miss you." Addison called groggily.

"Addie, sorry. I just need to study." Aelwyne snapped out of the cards for a moment and then back. She looked so very tired and yet she still paced and mumbled.

"Your brain needs a break, Ael. Besides, you know those cards front and back already." Addison walked to her and stopped her from pacing.

"I need to do good." Aelwyne insisted, her eyes still on the cards.

"Aelwyne, you will. I know for a fact you three are going to pass with flying colors." Addison lifted her chin to make her look at her. "What's this about?"

"I'm sorry." Aelwyne looked at her, finally putting down the cards.

"You don't have to apologize. Just tell me." Addison smiled.

"I just get... nervous. Tests make me nervous. It's something that has happened to me since I was a girl. Because just that one piece of paper will determine my future. And if I fail that. I'll fail them." Watching her sad eyes as she spoke made Addison wrap her in her arms.

"I know. And everyone knows you'll pass. You won't fail anyone. But even if and that is the biggest if. If you somehow manage to not pass then we'll take it again. You'll only have failed when you give up." Addison ran her hands up and down Aelwyne's back soothingly, hearing the brunette sigh.

"Get a room." Cristina's husky voice came from the couch.

"In our loft, we get to do what we want wherever we want." Aelwyne scoffed and chuckled.

"Whatever, I'm hungry." Cristina said as she got up slowly to let Meredith keep on sleeping.

"You know where everything is already so go for it." Aelwyne smiled sleepily at her friend.

"It's almost 3 am, you two. Grab something light and get to bed Cristina. I'll get Meredith and you pick up the mess." Addison said, bopping Aelwyne on the nose.

"Ok." Aelwyne scrounged her nose a bit before giving her a smile.

"Yes, mom." Cristina mocked as Aelwyne began to pick up the mess of papers and books lying about.

"I'm not your mom. I'm far too young and pretty." Addison pipped as she made her way towards a snoring Meredith. Cristina rolled her eyes playfully as Aelwyne chuckled lightly.

"Meredith." Addison called gently tapping on the blonde's shoulder but she did not move an inch. "Meredith?" She called once more, shaking her a bit.

Meredith opened her eyes and looked up at her for a while, confusion lining her face making Addison chuckle.

"What? W-why are you in my room?" Meredith struggled to keep her eyes completely open.

"You're in my living room, Meredith." Addison smiled and Meredith looked around.