I Won't Let Nobody Hurt You

29

A week later Addison found herself hiding in the kitchen while Arizona and Meredith watched a movie in the living room after breakfast. "Mark, you promised me that neither one of us would have to come in until Meredith could come back and now you're telling me that you need both if us?" Addison whisper-yelled into the phone.

"Addison I am so sorry, I didn't expect half the surgical staff to come down with the flu at the same time." Mark sighed. "How's Grey doing?"

"She's recovering from the surgery well, but mentally, she's struggling. Therapy is helping but it's a marathon, not a sprint. She's always been with at least me or Arizona, we've never left her at the same time seeing as she can't be left alone when she's in headspace." Addison explained. "We can't both come in so you're going to have to decide which case is more important."

"Both Yang and Kepner are off today, couldn't one of them watch her?" Mark suggested.

"In theory yes, but given how bad her separation anxiety is I don't know if I'm comfortable leaving her with anyone but Arizona and I know Arizona feels the same." Addison rubbed her temples in frustration.

"It would only be for a couple hours." Mark reasoned. "Addie, you know I wouldn't ask if I had any other choice. Richard fucked up more than either one of us were aware and as much as I hate to bring you guys in just for good press, the hospital needs it right now and this surgery will bring good press. If I had any other options I wouldn't be calling you."

"Mark, I want to help you, I really do." Addison choked back a sob. "But Meredith is my priority. I can't leave her. I just can't."

"Mama?" Meredith called from the living room.

"Just a second bunny!" Addison called back. "Mark, Mer is calling for me. I have to go. I'm sorry, but I can't come in."

"I understand Addie. I figured you would say no, but I had a responsibility to at least ask." Mark explained. "What about Arizona?"

"I can talk to her, but she'll probably have the same answer that I do." Addison sighed. "Email me the chart and I'll look over it. There may be a way to push back the surgery until your new neonatal surgeon and the other peds attending recover from the flu."

"I will figure it out, I don't want you to worry about it. Focus on Meredith and I will call you later." Mark said before hanging up. Addison took a deep breath before walking back into the living room, smiling at Meredith and Arizona snuggled under a blanket on the couch.

"Hey bunny, you needed me?" Addison asked as she sat down on the couch.

"Mama cwying. Mewedif got wowwied." Meredith explained, crawling out from under the blanket and into Addison's lap. "Mama otay?"

"I'm okay bunny." Addison nodded, kissing her forehead. "I love you so much my little bunny." She hugged Meredith close to her chest.

"Mewedif wub mama." Meredith smiled.

"What's wrong?" Arizona whispered.

"I'm okay." Addison whispered back. "I'll explain later, it's nothing bad. I promise."

"Okay." Arizona nodded hesitantly, not entirely sure if she believed her.

Meanwhile at the hospital, Mark hung up the phone and glanced up at the two people sitting on the couch in his office. "I told you that wouldn't work. In fact, I'm pretty sure she was crying."

"I knew this was a bad idea." Charlotte muttered. "We should have told her we were coming instead of just showing up and trying to lure her and Arizona to the hospital."

"I wanted to surprise them! Sue me." Amelia rolled her eyes. "I figured it would be better to meet them here then just show up at their house."

"It would have been better to tell them we were coming considering how much they have going on right now. This may not be the best time for a visit." Charlotte sighed.