Home Hunting

Chapter 12: Grey November

Evelyn's POV:

Today is Monday: my first day back at work since the loss. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous to be back. Naturally, I arrived at the hospital extra early and headed up to the NICU. Surprisingly, I was alone, with no sign of Addison. I hadn't seen her since she drove me back to the shelter last Thursday, but she had texted me a few times to check in.

Immediately, I walked over to Lola. I smiled at the sign on her bassinet that read "Happy Graduation Day."

"Ohh I'm gonna miss you so much little pea" I cooed, gently picking her up and holding her close.

As I turned to walk over to one of the rocking chairs, I heard the door creak open. I turned my head, expecting to see Addison. However, it was Mika smiling to greet me.

"Hey!" I said, welcoming her in. "Welcome to heaven."

"Why thank you," she laughed, coming to join me. "I came to see you and to meet the famous Lola."

"Lola, say 'Hi Mika!'" I smiled, picking up her arm to motion a wave. "It's my graduation day. I'm blowing this popsicle stand!"

"Well, it's very nice to meet you, Lola," Mika smiled. "You've got the right idea. This is a nice way to start the morning."

"I'm very wise," I replied.

"Are you happy to be back?" She asked.

"I mean I haven't been gone for that long. I'm happy to be back, yes. I'm nervous, though," I answered.

"That makes sense. Just take it easy on yourself."

"Yea, let's just hope whoever my attending is today has the same idea," I said sarcastically.

"You ready to go find out?" Mika asked, looking down at her watch and then back up at me.

"No time like the present, I suppose."

***

The rest of the class was already standing around chatting amongst themselves when Mika and I entered the locker room. Jules gave me a soft smile while locking her eyes with mine. I felt a wave of comfort wash over me. I missed her. But now wasn't the time for a hard launch.

"Welcome back," she said.

"Thanks," I smiled.

"Good to have you," Lucas added.

In fact, everyone seemed to be in a particularly good mood today.

"What's got you in such a good mood today?" Mika asked, addressing Adams.

"Cause today is the one day every month where our bosses get to be in the hot seat instead of us," he answered.

"What are you talking about?" I laughed.

"Dude, the M&M is today!" He answered, as if this was an obvious event.

"The Morbidity and Mortality Conference," he added when I didn't respond.

I felt the blood rush to my cheeks as Dr. Bailey entered the room. I angeled my face at the floor.

"Alright, today's assignments:" she began to read. "Adams, you're with Altman. Yasuda, you're with Shepherd. Jules, with Montgomery. Kwan, you're covering the pit with Hunt and Kepner. Bowers, you're with Grey."

"Excuse me, Dr. Bailey," Kwan interjected. "Isn't the M&M today?"

"Yes," she replied. "What's that got to do with anything?"

"Well, aren't the interns all going?"

"It's not until 1:00. That's up to your attendings," she answered. "Any other questions?"