I Won't Let Nobody Hurt You

12

"What if I fail? What am I supposed to do? Be an intern again or just quit my job and work at McDonald's for the rest of my life?" Meredith panicked, close to hyperventilating while in the car with Addison and Arizona the morning of her intern exam.

"Mer, you're not going to fail. You know all the information you need to know and are at the top of your class." Addison assured her.

"I know all the information now, but what if it just leaves my head when I go to take the test?" Meredith argued.

"Then you can work at McDonalds and get an employee discount on happy meals for little Mer." Arizona joked with a laugh, causing Meredith and Addison to roll their eyes.

"Ha ha very funny." Meredith huffed as she crossed her arms.

"Mer, everything's going to be okay. You'll take your exam today, get the results in a couple of days, and then we're leaving for two weeks to go to Florida. Just think positive." Arizona encouraged as she pulled into the parking lot. "We love you, even if you fail and spend the rest of your life working at McDonalds."

"I love you guys too, but would you really love me if I wasn't a surgeon?" Meredith asked quietly, looking down at her lap. Addison turned around in her seat and gently lifted her chin up and smiled reassuringly.

"Yes. We don't love you because you're a surgeon, we love you because you're you. Surgery is your career, not who you are as a person." Addison promised. "Now, are you ready to kick this exam's ass?"

"Yes I am." Meredith smiled and nodded. "Thank you guys. I feel a lot better now. Meredith unbuckled her seat belt and got out of the car, waiting for Addison and Arizona before walking into the hospital and going to the locker room.

"Remember, don't try to get in on any cases before your exam. Take the time to relax and look over your notes one last time if you think you need a bit more study time. You can come sit in either of our offices if you need some quiet." Arizona reminded her, hugging her tightly.

"I know Zona. Besides, Bailey would kick our asses if we tried anything like that and she's scary. I'm not in the business of going against the natzi." Meredith laughed.

"Since when?" Addison teased, pulling Meredith out of Arizona's arms and into her own. "You'll be just fine honey. Remember to eat something before your test and drink plenty of water."

"You guys are such moms." Meredith playfully rolled her eyes as she pulled back from Addison.

"Yes we are." Addison smiled. "If you need anything, you know where to find us. I love you." She kissed Meredith's forehead.

"I love you too Addie." Meredith smiled. "Now get to work, I may not be able to cut anyone open but you guys certainly can."

"Alright fine, we'll leave." Arizona sighed dramatically, bringing Meredith in for one last hug. "I love you."

"I love you too." Meredith responded before turning to walk into the locker room. Arizona and Addison turned to walk towards the elevator with tears in their eyes.

"I was never this soft, what has she done to me?" Arizona groaned as she took the tissue Addison offered her.

"Believe me, I feel the same way." Addison chuckled as she wiped her own tears. "I can't believe she's about to become a resident."

"Neither can I. Soon she'll have her own interns to boss around. They grow up so fast." Arizona joked. "Hard to believe we've been her caregivers for a month, it feels like it's been much longer yet just like yesterday all at the same time.

"Tell me about it." Addison sighed. "I wouldn't change a thing though."

"Neither would I." Arizona agreed as the elevator came to a stop on her floor. "I'll see you later."