Home Hunting

Chapter 2: The Tiny Humans

Evelyn's POV:

After I fluttered my eyes open, I immediately scanned the room, relieved to find it empty. I try to block out the ever-present fear that someone would find me here and intrinsically know that I, indeed, was not on call. I don't know if I would be able to face my peers, or even myself, if that day ever came. I rolled over and tilted my phone to reveal the time: 4:30 am– not early enough to go back to sleep, but not late enough to start the day either.

I pick up my phone again, straining my eyes as the bright light beams on my face. I head to Pinterest and scroll through the feed that I have meticulously built: inspirational pictures of surgeries, medical studies, actresses, and interior design. I think I may have been a designer in my past life. Sometimes I daydream about it to fall asleep: myself, designing a little house by the country: my house by the country.

But that's all it is for now: a dream. It's been a dream of mine ever since I was little. Despite the fact that my dad passed when I was a baby, my mom and I were always close. She would take me to the park almost every day. She would push me on the swings and chase after me, and when we got tired of that, we would lay in the grass and take naps in the sun.

When I was around 9 years old, she started seeing another man– Brian. She went out with Brian more and more, eventually even calling off of work to spend time around his place. She came home a different version of herself. She spent most of her time at home sleeping or avoiding work.

It really got bad when she lost her job. Things spiraled from there, and I got placed in foster care. I don't really like to think about it.

But I pulled myself out. I threw myself into work, graduating early from high school and community college, eventually putting myself through med-school at the age of eighteen. But, med-school isn't cheap, and they don't have foster care for 20 year olds. That's how I ended up in a shelter. Well, I guess right now I'm in an on-call room.

***

I pulled on my scrubs and rolled out of the on-call room at about 5:50, preferring to be a bit early for my 6:30 shift. After dropping my things off in the locker room, I went to take a stroll around the hospital. I headed up to the NICU, which is my favorite spot as of late. I find it quite calming- looking at new life.

Also, they're adorable.

"Morning," a female voice said to me, breaking me out of my trance.

"Good morning," I said, turning to look for the source of the voice.

Holy shit. Dr. Montgomery is standing directly beside me. She is the definition of a surgical badass. I've truly admired her since med school, and she was a big reason why Grey Sloan was my top choice for my internship. The fact that she's drop-dead gorgeous is not helping my nerves right now.

"I don't believe we've met before," she smiled, extending her hand. "I'm Dr. Addison Montgomery."

"Dr. Evelyn Bowers," I smiled back, shaking her hand. "It's wonderful to meet you!"

"Ahhh I see I'm in the presence of Seattle's finest young intern. I can't wait to get you on my service."

No pressure.

"Does everyone here know my age," I laughed nervously. "Actually, don't answer that."

"Morning Dr. Montgomery," Dr. Bailey said, walking towards the both of us. "Dr. Bowers, you're with me today. Care to join me on rounds?"

"Of course," I responded. "It's lovely to meet you, Dr. Montgomery."

"Bye, Dr. Bowers," she smiled.

My face is definitely so red right now.