Meredith's sister

12

Mia's POV

I woke up in Teddy's arms. This is my happy place—my safe space. I felt her playing with my hair.

"Morning, Princess. You'll be able to leave today," Teddy said, pressing a kiss to the top of my head, making my heart feel whole.

"Yay," I murmured, then sighed deeply.

"You okay?" Teddy asked, holding me closer.

"I don't know what I feel," I admitted, and Teddy nodded.

"I understand," she said softly. I looked up at her as she gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear. I smiled and kissed her.

"I should get ready to leave," I said, and Teddy nodded.

"And I'm going to help you," she declared.

Teddy stood up first, and when I tried to follow, my legs nearly gave out. She caught me before I could fall.

"You okay?" she asked, worry flashing across her face.

"Yeah, just forgot how to walk for a second," I chuckled, though my heart was still racing. Teddy steadied me, and we started packing together.

Once the discharge papers were signed, Teddy drove us to my house. As we arrived, I reached for my bags, but Teddy took them from me.

"No, you're supposed to rest," she insisted.

I smiled. "Teddy, come on."

"No," she said firmly.

I rolled my eyes. "Fine." I opened the door, and we stepped inside.

We made our way into the living room, and Teddy sat next to me on the couch. "You're not supposed to operate for at least three weeks," she reminded me.

"I know," I said, leaning back into the cushions.

"I want to tell you something," I began, my voice quieter now. "Just please don't judge me. This might make you want to leave... but I want you to know."

Teddy's expression softened as she took my hand. "Mia, what's going on?"

I took a deep breath. "I was married... for three years."

A knot formed in my stomach just thinking about him. Teddy intertwined our fingers, grounding me in the present.

"We'd been together since high school," I said, my voice shaky. "He was such a kind man, so supportive. But after we got married, something changed."

Teddy listened intently, her face full of quiet sorrow.

"He started going out in the middle of the night, coming home drunk. At first, it was just yelling. But then, one night, I told him I wanted to have a baby... and he hit me for the first time."

Teddy's eyes welled up with tears. Her grip on my hand tightened.

"Everything got worse. One night, Meredith walked in on him—raping me," I choked out.

"Oh my God, Mia," Teddy whispered, placing a hand on my back, offering silent comfort.

"She called the police on him," I continued. "He was arrested, but he came back. He started working at the hospital, and when Meredith saw him there, she was ready to kill him."

Tears streamed down my cheeks, and Teddy gently wiped them away.

"Then, one day, he asked me to go somewhere with him. It was just so he could beat me up. I was his personal punching bag."

Teddy looked heartbroken. I swallowed hard and kept going.

"The day after that, I met Callie. She figured it out. She helped me stay alive, gave me hope. Then, one day, Callie, Webber, Bailey, Hunt, Mark, and... my crush at the time, Addison, walked in and saw him beating me. I was so close to dying that they didn't think I would wake up. I was in a coma for four months. That's what happened the last time I was in a hospital bed. He's in jail now."

Teddy pulled me into a hug. "Mia, I don't know what to say."

"No one knows this much of the story—not even Callie or Meredith," I admitted.

"Thank you for telling me," Teddy whispered. She held me as I rested my head on her shoulder. "I didn't smile after that... but you brought my happiness and safety back."

Teddy pressed a soft kiss to the top of my head.

The front door opened, and we saw Meredith, Cristina, and Lexie walking in.

"Oh, we can go—" Meredith started.

"No, it's fine. I have to take a few calls anyway," Teddy said, looking at me. "You okay with that?"

"Of course," I smiled, and she kissed me before grabbing her purse and leaving.

Lexie plopped down next to me. "So, what were you two talking about?" Cristina asked.

"I told her," I admitted.

"About you-know-who?" Meredith asked.

I nodded.

"Oh my God, I am so proud of you," Meredith said, hugging me tightly.

"Thank you. It was hard, but she was really supportive," I said.

"She better be," Cristina muttered.

"Wait, what are we talking about?" Lexie asked, confused.

"Meredith, can you tell her? I have to go to the bathroom," I said, standing carefully.

Once upstairs, I sat on the floor, my breath shaky. I couldn't tell Lexie. She was my baby sister. I splashed cold water on my face before heading back down. Lexie immediately hugged me, causing me to flinch before I realized it was just her.

"Lexie, be careful," Meredith warned.

"I'm so sorry for what happened," Lexie whispered.

"It's fine," I said, forcing a small smile.

After a while, we were watching movies and talking when my phone rang. I glanced at the screen and froze.

"Oh my God," I whispered.

"What is it?" Meredith asked.

I showed her the caller ID. It was Addison.

"Should I answer it?" I asked hesitantly.

"That's your choice," Meredith said.

I took a deep breath and answered. "Hello?"

"Mia, thank you for answering," Addison said.

"What do you want?" I asked cautiously.

"I've missed you."

"Addison..."

"Please just listen," she pleaded.

"Fine."

"I'm sorry for what happened. I really like you. I want to try. You and me."

I stood up and went upstairs. "Addison, I can't."

"Let's just try. Please, I beg you."

"Addison, I have a girlfriend."

Silence.

"Oh," she finally said. "Are you happy with her?"

"She makes me feel safe. And... I think I love her."

"Did I ever make you feel that way?" Addison asked quietly.

I hesitated. "You did," I whispered.

"I'm always here for you, Mia. Just know that," Addison said before hanging up.

I exhaled shakily, then took a bath, changed into my pajamas, and curled up in bed, clutching the pillow that smelled like Teddy. Sleep came almost instantly.