Chapter Text
“Meant to be”
That was the last thing I heard as the pain disappeared and the image of Mark desperately holding on to me faded. Until a new image appeared in my mind. I first thought it was some near-death mirage when I saw the ceiling of Meredith Grey’s attic. The more my vision cleared I realized that I was in fact, on an air mattress tangled in blankets. And fine. Not entirely ok but I felt no injuries on my person. I looked around more fully this time and observed that it all looked the same as before, which was comforting. (Not being trapped under plane wreckage was pretty nice too.) I mean woohoo obviously for somehow cheating death, but my concerns began to grow the more I thought about the situation.
“This isn’t real,” I whispered to the ceiling, “It can’t be.” Id never read single article that indicated time travel was scientifically possible. I rolled it over in my head about a dozen times over until Meredith, my sister, called for me asking if I needed a ride to the hospital. An unexpected burst of happiness and realization flooded through me that not only was alive so was everyone else. Meredith, Christina, Arizona, Derek. And Mark. Especially Mark.
I tried to block out the rapid memories flooding me of the plane crash, but it still felt as though it was all happening again. Ever so slowly, I brought my hands to each part of my body while my mind recalled the damage each area took. I brought both my hands to my stomach and could almost feel the weight of an airplane wing on it. My eyes started to water, and I did my best to remind myself to stay present at this moment.
“Just stay in the here and focus on the now.” I said aloud. Mark used to say that to me whenever he found me worrying. He would always embrace me and dry my tears. If this was my second chance, then I know exactly how to make the most of it.
I jumped out of bed, grabbed the first clothes in sight, and made it to the vacant bathroom which I assumed -after looking at the time- was because all my fellow coworkers had already left. I looked more closely in the mirror and to my shock blonde hair cascaded down my shoulders! (Last I checked my hair was definitely brunette) I continued getting ready and then rushed out the door only to still arrive late for rounds at Seattle Grace. Even though I was late and disoriented it still felt magical having a supposed second chance at this.
My attempt to snuck into rounds was unsuccessful. I stepped into room 323 with our first patient and received quick glances from everyone. Dr. Yang on the other hand stared at me with no doubt the intention of making me nervous. Although, on normal days I would get more than just a stare and a simple warning. I wondered why Dr. Yang was being somewhat lenient...
“Grey. Nice of you to grace us with your presence. Don’t do it again.” That was all Christina said. This isn’t the ideal circumstance, but I was glad to see that she was ok and back to being, well, Christina. Of course I was still embarrassed, but I really expected more of a reprimand.
I glanced over to my coworker and whispered, “What did I miss?”
Reed leaned over and quietly explained how Christina had a more patient attitude today since she too had been at the party last night.
The party. Derek’s celebration party.
“Ok. Thanks!” I said in a cheerful tone but internally my insides were twisting because suddenly it all made sense.
That’s why my hair was blonde. That’s why I woke up in Meredith’s house. It was the day after Dereks party. I had been transported from one disaster to another.
It was the day before the shooting.