Looking at you side ways

89

"I...........my first child..........was........named Meredith."

Owen and Dr. Bailey exchanged a look.

Dr. Bailey asked professionally, "And your next of kin and address and phone number Sir?"

The patient stuttered, "Um...Susan my wife and I are in the book. Can't remember address and number right now. Meredith. Sweet, tiny blonde Meredith. An angel........so sweet. I'm all........... mixed up........they are all such sweet girls.......Susan.......Lexie......Molly..........and Meredith.... Oh God! Meredith!" He started crying.

Miranda glanced up and noticed her interns were gathered around outside the glass enclosure of the pit.

She quickly pressed the patient down on the examine table so he wouldn't be seen and said sternly, "Lay still."

Owen asked cautiously, "Dr. Bailey? Is everything all right? Should you page Dr. Grey?"

She replied sharply, "No! Do not say anything. I will be right back!"

She marched over to the interns as she watched Grey run up.

Meredith asked, "Did I miss anything?" She had taken a quick bathroom break.

Cristina said, "Hunt and Bailey were getting into it! As in fight club!"

Burke said, "Just some sloppy drunk needing stitches."

Derek, Mark and Addison just shook their heads no. It was nothing special. One more drunk in the ER and two residents going at it. Just normal shit.

Relived Meredith said, "Good. I would hate to miss something. Oh crap. She has spotted us! She's headed our way."

Dr. Bailey appeared in front of them and said, "What are you fools doing here? In a few hours you people are taking a test that will determine the course of your entire medical careers because the six interns with the lowest test scores will be cut from the program. But are you studying for this test? No, you're not! Are you helping out in the ER? You are most certainly not! Are you getting the hell out of here before I throw you out? I think you are! Get your asses to the tunnels and I will check on you. You had better all be there!"

They all walked away a little stunned at her outburst. The tunnels?

Meredith asked as they headed down, "Why do you think she wants us in the tunnels? It's so out of the way."

Derek said, "Not sure. I mean she wants us to study but why there? Shit. The basement is probably full of mold."

Cristina bitched, "I just want this fucking test to be over with!"

Burke said, "I can't look at another flash card. I'm going to meditate."

Mark laughed and said, "I'm going to sleep."

Addison said anxiously, "We could study."

Cristina said nastily, "Too late now puss!"

Meredith said softy, "She wants us here for a reason...so lets just..........."

Derek said solemnly, "She's right. Let's all just take a moment and reflect on the last year. We're taking a test shortly that will affect the rest of our lives. Let's keep it together everyone."

They all laid down on a gurney and closed their eyes. Even though they were excited and nervous about the test, there was something primal and instinctual about getting horizontal as an intern. You slept when you could. And some slept. Some dreamed of what might have been. And some hoped for a miracle. And some were thankful that it was truly the best year of their life.

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Dr. Bailey told Dr. Hunt, "CT is clear. I called his wife and she is on the way to pick him up. Just needs the stitches. I will do it. We need to get him cleaned up and out of here!"

Owen frowned and asked, "Does Meredith know her father is here?"

Dr. Bailey glared at Hunt. "Did the patient ask for his daughter?"

Hunt said hesitantly, "Well no."

"Did he ask specifically for Meredith Grey?"

"No, but....."

"I need you to keep your mouth shut!"

He looked at her incredulously, "Excuse me!"

"I am normally not a panicky person but I am a fan of daytime television. In my crazy scenario, estranged drunk parents are not good and could cause problems for multiple... Never mind. My interns don't need any distractions today. I need you ...to...keep your mouth shut. And that includes Yang!"

"But!"

"Hunt! You have..survived war! You can do this!"

He huffed, "I know I can do this. I'm saying I don't want to!"

Dr. Bailey eyed him speculatively. [i]It was a game of staring to see who blinked first.[/i]

Hunt shook his head and said, "You're kind of a bully. People don't really say no to you do they?"

"Not when I say please."

They both frowned at each other and Dr. Bailey raised an eyebrow at him.

She said through clenched teeth, "I am saying please."

Owen gulped and said, "Okay." He thought[i] patrolling the streets of Iraq was less scary than Dr. Bailey. His heart rate must have skyrocketed 30 points with her staring him down.[/i]

As they walked back into the exam room Dr. Bailey said, "Thank you. And this patient and this conversation never happened."

Dr. Bailey glanced at the man on the table.[i] Grey was nothing like this stammering, mumbling, clumsy, drunk disaster. She had absolutely nothing in common with him. As they stitched him up, she remembered when she was going through her file that Grey had left her emergency contact blank. No way could she list either parent. She understood, but that was unacceptable. After the test was over she would have to speak to her about that.[/i]

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Miranda came into the tunnels and stoppped short. [i]All six of them were sleeping![/i]