Looking at you side ways

97

Meredith was finishing up for the day and was just staring through the glass at the little girl surrounded by family.[i] They had pulled it off. Her inoperable tumor was successfully removed. [/i]The Chief walked up and looked at Meredith's wistful expression.

[i]She knew he was standing next to her. He had been snappish with her all day. She wasn't sure what his problem was.[/i]

He looked at the patient for a moment and then said, "Tori has a whole army. You didn't have anyone. Seeing anatomy Jane reminded me of how much I was to blame for that. You used to drag that doll all around here. To the cafeteria, the OR galley. You are a living reminder of every failure in my life and that's not your fault. And if I thought[i] I'm sorry[/i] had any meaning at all for you, I would say it. I would say it a thousand times a day."

Meredith sighed,[i] unsure of what to say.[/i] He said, "Congratulations on your test results. I couldn't be more proud of you. Your mother missed five. She was angry for weeks on end." [i]They had her mother in common.[/i]

Meredith laughed a little and said, "I imagine she would be."

He gave her shoulder a quick squeeze and said, "Enjoy your time off Meredith. You have more than earned it."

"Um....I'm going out of town for ten days. I was wondering if you......."

"I'd be happy to check in on her Meredith. When are you leaving?"

"The day after tomorrow. Are you sure you...."

"Meredith. Please. End of discussion."

She gave him her genuine smile and said sincerely, "Thank you."

"You're welcome." She watched him go down the hall. Owen came up to her and said, "Meredith. I just wanted to thank you."

"Thank me?"

"Yes. Cristina told me you suggested a support group for vets with uh..issues. Well, I went to the first one last night. It was good."

Meredith said, "I'm glad you're getting help Owen. I just don't want to see Cristina get hurt. So you are going again right?"

Owen smiled and said, "Don't worry. I would never hurt her and I am going again." His pager went off and he said, "Sorry. I have to go. I'll see you at Joe's later."

She watched him run off towards the pit and she headed towards the elevator.

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Meredith got in the elevator and the lone woman glanced at her a little surprised. Meredith gave her a quick smile and hit the button. The woman said, "We've met before. You probably don't remember. You were little."

Meredith said, "Oh." [i]Meredith thought she looked vaguely familiar.[/i]

"My husband always flirted with your mother. I didn't want to see that, so......I watched you.... a lot. I watched you grow up. You turned out well. I'm sorry. I'm sorry about your mother."

Meredith said, "Mrs. Webber. I'm sorry.......I'm sorry about my mother too."

Adele said, "It wasn't your fault. Maybe it wasn't anyone's fault. You get married at twenty five thinking, this is it. Happily ever after. Maybe there is no happily ever after."

The elevator doors opened and they both walked out. They stood by the nurse's station and Derek walked up in street clothes carrying a large box.

He said, "Hi Mrs. Webber."

Adele said, "Hello Dr. Shepherd." [i]She had met him once before at the hospital.[/i]

Derek said, "Um....sorry to interrupt. I just wanted to let you know I cleaned out our lockers except for your street clothes and your bag."