Chapter Text
Meredith had wanted to surprise her kids with a trip back to the place she had called home for almost a year. She had taken a few days off while the kids were on their mid-winter break. They were off to San Diego since Zola had let it slip that she wanted to go to Sea World again which led to whining from Bailey and Ellis. She didn’t usually give into their whines but she had a feeling they weren’t going to be able to do trips for a while. Thus, off to San Diego they went.
They spent two days in the theme park. Ellis had loved to watch the dolphins and penguins along with Bailey, while Zola was in love with the otters. It was a fun yet exhausting couple of days and the kids were as happy as could be, which meant she was happy too. The next afternoon they went to the beach to play in the sand and splash in the water, which wasn’t a total possibility up in Seattle.
The moment their feet touched the ground the kids were off, with Zola admonishing the younger two for leaving without her and their mother. She was so mature most of the time, though Meredith could still see the child she was shining through at times. She walked behind the trio keeping a close eye on them, she was so focused on her kids that she missed the person backing onto her.
“Oh. I’m sorry. I wasn’t…” She began to apologize to the person she had run into until she recognized her. “Addison?”
“Meredith? Hi. Sorry I was taking a picture.” The redhead smiled.
For a moment Meredith lost all train of thought as she looked at her late husband’s ex-wife, who looked just as gorgeous and fabulous as the first time she had met her. She wore a fedora with big sunglasses, her red hair cascading around her face. As Meredith looked her up and down she noticed that for the first time ever she was in front of an Addison that wore sandals instead of heels and short shorts instead of a pencil skirt with a sleeveless shirt in place of a blouse. Without a dress or skirt she still looked every bit goddess-like as she ever had.
“Meredith? You ok?” Addison asked as her smile went away to be replaced by a concerned frown.
“Uh- yeah. I’m ok.” Meredith smiled and was grateful for the sunglasses she wore which kept her eyes concealed.
“You’re here? On vacation, I assume?” Addison smiled again.
“Yep. It’s mid-winter break for the kids and Zola got the rest of the crew to almost go on strike because they wanted to go to Sea World.” Meredith let out a chuckle and glanced over to her kids playing in the sand.
“Strength in numbers.” Addison chuckled next to her.
“Yeah. Strength in numbers.” Meredith shook her head. “So how’ve you been? Are you still in that practice in LA?”
“I sorta own it. So yeah I’m still there. Though if I’m honest I wish I was somewhere else.” Addison let out a soft chuckle.
“I can hook you up. Since you were one of my teachers and all. I do own a bit of a hospital.” Meredith joked.
“Yeah? Are they looking for world class neonatal surgeons?” Addison joked back.
Suddenly a light skinned boy, who she recognized as Henry from pictures Amelia would show her, walked up to them. The way he carried himself with confidence screamed Addison which made her smile.
“Hey there, my good sir. Would you introduce yourself to my friend here?” Addison smiled.
“Hi. I’m Henry Montgomery.” The boy smiled sweetly with cute dimples.
“Hello. I’m Meredith. It’s a pleasure to meet you sir.” Meredith smiled back at him.
“So what’s up? Weren’t you playing?” Addison asked.
“I’m not playing with them anymore.” Henry stated with a frown.
“Why?” Addison asked.
“Because they’re annoying. So I don’t want to deal with them.” Henry shrugged nonchalantly.
“Wow. Like mother like son.” Meredith whispered to which Addison shrugged just as Henry had. “How about you play with my kids? They aren’t too annoying.” She smiled.
“Who are they?” Henry asked excitedly.
“Zola! Bailey! Ellis! Come here guys.” Meredith called and quickly three smiling children ran to her. “Guys, this is Addison and Henry.”
“Hi!” Her smiling kids said in unison.
“Hi.” Henry smiled back.
“Hey wanna play?” Bailey asked excitedly.
“Yeah.” Henry seemed just as excited.
“Let’s go. We’re playing pirates!” Zola smiled.
“Hohoy!” Ellis shouted.
“Ahoy, Ellis.” Zola corrected.
“Ahoy matey!” Ellis shouted correctly this time and then all four ran back out to the sand and water.
Meredith motioned to a table nearby from which they could still see the kids and Addison followed. They silently watched the kids playing around the sand with smiles until Addison spoke once more.
“So how have you been?” Addison asked. “Alex called me to tell me he was leaving Seattle. I supposed that hasn’t been fun.”
“Not at all. After Cristina he was well he was…” Meredith began but stopped herself.
“Your person?” Addison smiled. “I know about that. You and Yang had a special kind of relationship and everyone knew what you called each other.”
“Well, yeah. He was my person so now I’m alone. Not technically alone. I mean I have Maggie and Amelia of course. And we’re sisters but…” Meredith began once more.
“But Alex got you. No judgement no nothing. He was just… there. Just like Cristina was.” Addison smiled sadly. “I get that. And I understand the feeling because I lost both of my people as well. Still got Callie though and Amelia. But…” She released a long sigh.
“But it’s not Mark nor Derek.” Meredith gave her a sad smile as well. “They would talk about you. When I was hanging out with Lexie back before everything changed. They loved you.”
“How about we talk about happier things?” Addison forced a smile and Meredith knew right now it wasn’t the time.
“How’s the husband?” Meredith blurted out trying to change the subject quickly.
“Happier things, Meredith.” Addison chuckled. “I suppose my ex-husband is ok. I only see him at work.”
“Oh. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” Meredith wasn’t sure what to say.
“He fell in love with someone else. He didn’t want to cheat so we got divorced. Guess I have a type, huh?” Addison shrugged.
“Addison. I am so sorry. I should probably…” Meredith stammered.
“Meredith. It’s a joke. Calm down.” Addison laughed. “It’s like I sent you back to the stammering nervous mess you used to become back when I first met you.”
“It’s not funny Addison.” Meredith found herself pouting then cleared her throat and pout off of her face.
“I think it’s funny. Anyway I should do what you said back then.” Addison propped her chin on her hand as she rested her elbow on the table.
Meredith thought it was the cutest thing ever and swallowed hard as she felt the fuzzies crawling on her skin.
“I’m going to swear off men. When I proposed to him, because I was the one to propose. Anyway when I proposed to him I told him ‘I love you and you’re the last man I want to say that to’ and we got married and I thought that he was it. That’s why I said what I said but guess not.” Addison shook her head.
“Well you could go for women or knit.” Meredith joked.
“I just might.” Addison joked back with a smirk.
“Knit or?” Meredith felt her breath catch and then started to cough when the only response from her was a wider smirk and shrug.
“You alright there, Grey?” Addison chuckled.
“Yep. You want a drink? I’m gonna get some drinks for the kids and us I guess.” Meredith stood quickly.
“Sure. Just no soda for Henry. He’ll be off the walls if he gets that.” Addison shuddered.
“Right. Mine too. I’ll be back.” Meredith laughed a bit and walked quickly.
What the heck was wrong with her? She needed to breathe. After all these years. What the hell was wrong with her? Did she really have one of those high school crushes? And on Addison Forbes Montgomery of all people? She had to go. Air and a walk would be pretty great right then.
Addison watched with amusement as Meredith practically ran away from her and chuckled. Some Medusa she was. But then she was Satan herself so she supposed there was still some sort of hierarchy. She turned her attention back to the kids running around and watched as Zola came up to her looking for her mom.
“Where’s mom?” Zola asked, looking around.
“She’s right over there. She went for drinks.” Addison smiled at her.
“I’m gonna go help her, we're a lot.” Zola said and ran after Meredith, crashing herself against the blonde when she got there.
Addison smiled at the two and went back to watching the other three still playing. Soon she caught Ellis’ eye, who smiled wildly and ran up to her.
“Hi!” Ellis chirped.
“Hello.” Addison grinned.
“Your hair is so red. It’s pretty.” Ellis said as she looked at it.
“Thank you very much. So is yours.” Addison chuckled a bit.
“Can I umm can I…” Ellis tried but kept getting nervous.
“Like mother like daughter. Do you know how to do braids?” Addison smiled.
“A little. Zozo was teaching me.” Ellis grinned, gaining her confidence once more.
“Good. Here.” Addison took off her hat and grabbed a handful of hair. “Let’s braid this together.”
“Ok.” Ellis bounced her way to her and with a bit of help, started to make small braids, which didn’t stay too long without a hair tie.
Ellis continued to make braids and giggle as they fell apart saying Zola would keep tons of hair ties because her hair did the same. Then she had Addison holding the ones that were done because she was going to put them all together like on tv. Addison listened and laughed with every little story the girl told her about her brother and sister and her aunt.
“Mom!” Henry ran to them with Bailey following behind.
“What can I do for you gentlemen?” Addison turned her attention to both boys.
“We want to do a race. Can you be the judge?” Bailey smiled and Henry nodded happily.
“Alrighty then. Go to the very edge of the water and then the first one to get here wins.” Addison chuckled as both boys looked at each other and nodded.
“You won’t cheat ‘cause you’re his mom?” Bailey asked.
“Nope. But Henry is a fast runner. Show him who’s boss Bailey.” Addison gently poked his cheek.
“Mom.” Henry whined .
“Nuh uh uh. No whining sir. You go race. Let’s see who in this moment is the fastest.” Addison said as she planted a kiss on his forehead.
“For extra speed?” Henry asked.
“Wait, I want extra speed too.” Bailey said moving to her.
“Right, of course.” Addison chuckled as she kissed Bailey’s forehead as well. “Now that you are ready. Better head over.”
“Race you there.” Bailey said and took off running with Henry close behind both a whirl of giggles and laughter.
The boys did many races over and over and by the end both had two wins to their name. Once they grew tired of racing they went to play pirates again as Ellis continued with her mission of braiding Addison’s hair.
By the time Meredith and Zola got back Addison had close to half of her hair braided into little braids she held. Meredith gave her a soft and thankful smile that somehow melted her a bit.
“Elle belle, why don’t you have a drink?” Meredith smiled.
“Mommy!” Ellis chirped as she jumped towards her. “Look!” She said pointing at Addison, who couldn’t help but smile at the little girl.
“Beautiful, baby.” Meredith smiled as she looked at Addison.
“Why, thank you.” Addison smirked and rebelled in the way Meredith’s cheeks turned several shades of red before returning to their normal state.
“Her hair is really red! And really really pretty.!” Ellis giggled.
“Yes it is.” Meredith smiled a bit, clearing her throat. “Anyway, want some juice?”
“Yes! Bailey! Henry! Juice!” Ellis shouted and the two boys ran over.
“Ok everyone. Sit down, please.” Addison said and all three younger kids sat down at the table.
“Wow. Even mine listened.” Meredith chuckled as she handed them each some juice.
“They like me, is all.” Addison shrugged.
“Sure seems like it.” Meredith smiled and shook her head as Addison gave her a small smile.
As soon as the youngest three were done they began plotting what they’d do next. Both her and Meredith chuckled as the kids devised the rest of their stay at the beach.
“I’m gonna race them now.” Ellis announced.
“What about the braids?” Addison asked playfully.
“I’ll finish them tomorrow.” The girl said as if they’d be seeing each other again just like that.
“Ah. I see. Ok. You go beat those boys.” Addison put up her fist and Ellis bumped it while she turned giggling.
“Wait, wait.” Ellis stopped and ran back to her, placing her hands on Addison’s knees she leaned towards her. “I need the superpower kiss.”
“Almost forgot.” Addison chuckled and planted a kiss on the girl’s forehead.
“Wait, mine wore off.” Henry chirped as he made his way to her.
“Mine too.” Bailey joined in.
“Well, I have to replenish that. Don’t I?” Addison grinned at the nodding children.
After each got their kiss they were off but it seemed the racing had slipped their mind as they started to play at the edge of the water. Addison smiled as she saw how happy and comfortable Henry seemed with the other two when suddenly she felt gentle tugging on her hair. She turned to find Zola touching it and quickly withdrawing her hand.
“Ellis says you like to braid.” Addison smiled. “I don’t mind.” She motioned for her to continue.
“It really is really red and pretty.” Zola said as she shifted towards her and began to undo the braids that miraculously had stayed before moving behind her. “I wish my hair was this pretty.” She said as she ran her little fingers through.
Addison heard the intake of air from Meredith as the blonde was getting ready to speak but she was faster. Reaching behind her she stilled the girl's hands and turned towards her.
“Let’s get one thing straight. You are beautiful. Your hair is beautiful. People all over pay to have hair like yours all curly and wild. I wish my hair did what yours does. The only thing that makes my hair special in any way is it’s color. Yours, has character. It screams I am here. Watch my amazingness.” Addison smiled as she watched the girl's chocolate eyes light up.
“My hair is pretty?” Zola asked and instinctively Addison reached for her cheek, cupping it sweetly.
“Beautiful. Anyone who says otherwise is jealous and lying.” Addison grinned.
“You really think so. I know mommy has to say that because she’s my mom but…” Zola stopped and looked at her feet.
“I don’t think so. I know so.” Addison said as she pulled the girl into a hug.
Her eyes found Meredith who smiled softly at her with watery eyes. The blonde mouthed a thank you to which she responded with a smile.
“Alright then. Can you please add some character to my hair?” Addison said as she pulled away.
“Yeah!” Zola nodded excitingly.
Meredith watched as Zola happily braided Addison’s hair and smiled softly at the two. Her attention then went to the younger kids still running and laughing at the edge of the water. She couldn’t help but think about how happy of a family they all looked. It was a stupid way to see it because Addison and her weren’t a couple or anything like that, they had only just bumped into each other for god’s sake, but still.
The sun was starting to go down when Addison threw her a look. It was sad but she knew with the end of the day approaching they’d be going their separate ways. She smiled and nodded at the red head who now had a beautiful inverted French braid, courtesy of Zola.
“Ellis! Henry! Bailey!” Meredith shouted and all three came blazing over still full of energy as if they hadn’t been playing for hours.
“Mommy, is it time to go?” Bailey asked. “I don’t wanna.”
“I know bud but we have to.” Meredith replied.
“Mom, can we play just a little while longer?” Henry asked Addison.
“I’m sorry sir but it’s time to go. It’ll be dark soon.” Addison said as she poked his cheek lightly.
“It’s ok guys. We can play tomorrow. Addie will let me play with her hair.” Ellis chirped.
“Who’s Addie?” Bailey asked.
“I believe that’s me. No one has called me that in a long while.” Addison smiled.
“It’s nickname. I like it.” Ellis grinned.
“Bailey. Ellis.” Zola called and the two little ones looked at her. “We’re going home tomorrow. Remember?”
“But I want to play with Henry.” Bailey whined.
“But, but we can bring Addie and Henry home. Then we can play.” Ellis said happily as if she had solved the issue.
“Elle belle, we can’t take them with us just like that.” Meredith began.
“But I didn’t do the braids. I wanna play more. Can you come?” Ellis turned her attention to Addison and Meredith could see the puppy eyes on her daughter.
“Tell you what, I'll come up with a few dates when we can go up to Seattle and visit.” Addison smiled. “And you’ll get all day to braid my hair.”
“Promise?” Ellis pouted and Addison nodded. “Mommy,” the girl turned to her. “Promise?”
“Of course. Addison and I will come up with something.” Meredith smiled.
“And then we can figure out a way to make your mom stay.” Bailey whispered to Henry who nodded.
“Hey, pirates. Not very sneaky over there. We can hear you.” Meredith said, raising a brow.
“No you can’t.” Henry said quickly which had Addison chuckling.
“No. We can’t.” The redhead grinned.
Soon they were saying goodbye as they walked to the parking lot. After many forehead kisses for storage, as per Bailey and Henry, and many hugs they parted ways. Meredith glanced once more at Addison who winked at her and waved before getting in her car.
As she got everyone settled and put the keys in the ignition her phone dinged. She smiled as she read the caller ID from the message.
Incoming Message From Addison
-Just want to make sure you gave me the correct number.
Outgoing Message
-I did not give you the wrong number.
Incoming Message From Addison
-Have to make sure. Have a safe trip Grey. Can’t wait to see you again ;)
Outgoing
-Can’t wait either.
After the message she smiled and turned the car on. Looking in her rearview mirror she caught Zola watching her with a knowing look and amused eyes.
“What?” Meredith asked quickly.
“Nothing.” Zola shrugged and looked out the window instead.
Meredith watched her a while longer kicking herself for being so transparent to her daughter. She was painfully aware of how much teasing she’d get from Amelia and Maggie if they found out she was here crushing over someone she probably shouldn’t be. Just in case she’d clear things up with Zola before she saw either of her aunts though.