Everything has Changed

Chapter 1.

"Meredith! We're leaving in half an hour, you better be ready. Oh! Have all your stuff down to the car too."

"I am mom! Just grabbing some last minute things," I said to my mother, as I began to grab some of my bags. I'm moving into college today, and I'm so excited. Finally, I can get out of my house. It's not like I hate this house, it's just living with my mother can be a pain in my ass more often then not. I'm more excited to be living in Seattle, because it's my favorite city. College will be a great time for me.

Once I get all of my bags loaded into the car, my mother and I begin the drive to the University of Seattle Grace, my future. At UCSG I'm going to study medicine, because I've always wanted to be a surgeon. I've known since I was a little girl, that I was always meant to be one. My mother, however, does not approve. She thinks that I don't have what it takes. Hearing her say that really hurts, but if anyone is going to tell me I don't have what it takes, it's her. The famous Ellis Grey. My mother was an amazing surgeon, she was even the chief of the hospital. She would know what it takes to be brilliant. It takes an extraordinary surgeon to know one. Still, I hope she's wrong.

Suddenly, my thoughts are interrupted when my mother speaks.

"So how does Finn feel about this big move?"

Finn is my boyfriend from high school. I really like him, and the distance is going to be hard on us, but we are going to try and make it work. Finn and I are both really strong people, so if we try, we can make it happen.

"He's known that this was going to happen for a while now, and he's okay with it. We're going to try and make the relationship work, even though it's going to be long distance," I said, smiling widely at the thought of Finn.

"I thought I taught you more than this. You shouldn't have a boyfriend through medical school. It will only tie you down Meredith."

Wow, harsh. At this point, I'm used to these remarks from my mother. She has never been a kind women. She doesn't always believe in happiness, but in excellence. It's how she's wired. I don't bother saying anything back, because I know I will never get the last word with her.

About an hour later, we arrive at UCSG and go searching for my dorm. Once, I find it, I open the door to find a short red head. I'm guessing she's my roommate. She notices me and introduces herself.

"Hi, I'm April," she says smiling and shaking my hand. "And you are?"

"Right, Meredith." I'm glad she's nice. My mother just stands behind me, taking in the room, and judging April. April must notice, because she attempts to make a smile at my mother.

"Are you her mom?" She asks.

"Yes. I'm just leaving, so I don't want to chit chat." She says coldly.

April seems surprised by her attitude, which I understand. The only reason I'm not, is because I'm used to this. Just as my mother faces the door to leave, she turns around when she hears our bathroom door open. Out comes a boy only wearing a towel around his waist, with hair still wet. My mothers face turns blue at the site of a boy in my room.

"Excuse me, who are you?" My mother forces with a scolding face.

"Derek." The brunette boy says, as he shakes water from his long hair.

"What are you doing in here, Derek?"

"Uh, taking a shower. What are you doing in here?"

After he says this, I stifle a giggle. No one has ever spoken back to my mother before. Everyone has been too afraid. Hearing someone say something back feels good.

"Is something funny to you Meredith?" And with that, my mood is back to normal. I'm such a coward when it comes to facing my mother.

"No."

"Well I'm leaving. I don't want anymore boys in your room. Such rude children."

"Have a nice night," says Derek sarcastically.

Once she leaves, and a couple more moments pass, April speaks up.

"Hey Meredith, some of my friends and I are going to a party later. Wanna join?"

"Thanks, but I don't think so."

"Of course," scoffs Derek.

"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask him.

"Look at yourself. You are not the party type. You've probably never even been to one. Who would want to party with you?" he says as he walks out the door.

I make a face, and consider going to this party, just to spite this rude boy. What did he mean by, "not the party type?" Now I was angry, and I was definitely going.

"Actually, April, I will go."

At around 10:30 pm, she tells me to go pick out a cute dress. I look for one in one of my bags, and decide on this gorgeous white loose dress, that stops just below the knee. April emerges from the bathroom, and bursts into loud laughter. I turn around to see that she's laughing at me, and flush in embarrassment.

"Is that what you call a party dress? You look like you're going to a church service. Come here," she says in between giggles. She pulls me to her closet, and takes out a small red dress. "This looks like it will fit. It'll look so great on you!"

The dress is very short. It barely reaches mid thigh, and it hugs my body so tightly. I'm not sure if I should wear this out, but April says I look, "so hot."

After arguing with April that she cannot do my hair and makeup, I give up and let her do it. She basically squeals with excitement. After she's finished, she goes to get ready herself. I stand up and look at myself in the mirror. I don't even recognize myself. I'm standing inches taller, in a short black dress, with long straight hair, and a face full of makeup. I've never worn this much makeup, so it feels weird, but I admit, I look good. While I'm looking at myself, April comes out all dolled up and ready to go.

"You ready?"

"Yeah."