Code Blue

28

It's the second day since... the thing... and my first day off of work for awhile now. I am choosing to spend it in a local mall I found off google maps. It's just far enough from you know who and filled with enough clothing to keep me sane.

I sniff and take in a nose full of cheap fruity perfume. I riffle through a section of black shirts with mesh inserts. A few are haphazardly placed and one slides off the plastic hanger and onto the tiled floor. I bend over to pick it up and notice a pair of black loafers come into view. I stand up slowly, meeting the gaze of the disgruntled teen. She smacks her painted pink lips and wipes a red strand of kinky hair off her forehead.

"Need any help?" She asks, clearly hoping that I'll politely decline.

My lips tingle and I bring my right hand to my face. Slowly I use my index finger to trace my cupids bow. The slow tingle let out a small shiver down my spine. It is as if Mark had left a permanent tattoo over my skin where his lips had touched mine. I can't help but think of how dark his eyes got as he had looked down at me, how warm his hand felt on my cheek, and how the kiss had electrified me too much to explain logically. It was so different from other kisses. It was less about want, or even sex- it was about need.

The retail worker makes a noise in her throat to get my attention, "hello?"

"Oh," I quickly put the shirt back on the rack, "I'm just looking."

She sighs and goes back to the check out counter. I hear a few dings as she scrolls through her phone.

I'm not sure how to progress with Mark. Should we actually go on a date? God, imagine a date with Mark Sloan.

I pinch my nose and imagine his deep voice going: "oh hey baby, let's go back to my place blah blah blah". Would he try to get me drunk? What would we talk about- the newest plastic àss that he has worked on?

Come to think of it, he has my number. Why hasn't he texted me? Should I be offended?

"Lady?"

I jerk my head around, facing the retail worker yet again.

"You've been standing in the same spot for like ten minutes. Please don't try to steal because I'll have to call security and that's honestly a lot of work. I just want to go home." The red haired teen laments, showing me the time on her phone.

"Oh," I gawk, "I'm sorry. I'm gonna leave."

I awkwardly cough.

"I swear I didn't steal anything." I add.

She shrugs, my answer was obviously good enough for her.

As I make my way out the glass double doors of the store my phone vibrates. But it isn't Mark who has texted me, it's Callie.

"Come to Seattle Grace ASAP".

I can't help but wonder what has happened. But knowing Seattle Grace, it can't be good.

***

Against my will my heart quickens. My fingers linger over the touch pad. I want to ask Callie what she could mean but I'm already on the bus now. Maybe asking her would make me more anxious.

Before the bus halts in front of the hospital bus stop I am already leaping into the aisle. Apologies spring from my lips as I jostle a few people near the aisle way. A disgruntled woman snarls her lip and adjusts her purse that I've knocked off her shoulder.

My feet don't even touch the steps as I fly across the concrete.

What if Joe is hurt?

I start to imagine the worst scenarios possible as shrubbery and lights become a blur.

Is it his heart? Was there a fight in the bar? His blood sugar?

My shoes squeak and leave two thick black skid marks as I hit hospital tile. I throw a remorseful look to a nearby janitor and meet eyes with Doctor Miranda Bailey at the front desk. Her dark rises meet mine as she looks up from a clipboard.

"Revard," she says simply as a greeting, "they want you on the third floor."

I pause, my breath finally catching up to me. "Do- do you want me to scrub in?"

Doctor Bailey takes a second to sum up my appearance and flushed face. "No, just head up to the third floor- room 326."

Although her voice is smooth and calm, it sets me on edge. I've never heard her take such a sincere tone.

Almost robotically I head to the elevator. I push the buttons with autonomous memory. I watch the floors pass by like I am watching from above, like a dream. My feet go one in front of the other: left right left right left.

Floor three? I curse my terrible memory. What is that floor for? Oncology? Radiology?

My eyes narrow in on the blue sign in front of the wooden door.

326

The curtains are closed and I can't see who is inside. Is it Joe? Mark? Hell, is it Sam?

My hand encircles the metal knob but I can't bring myself to open the door. I take a step back, ready to walk away. But, with a small burst of adrenaline I swing open the door. The forceful movement makes the door hit the plastered walls with a hollow thunk.

My mouth turns dry and I can feel my stomach drop. This... is not what I expected.

"Maggie?"

"Please," the woman in the bed chuckles as she pulls up a blanket to her chest, sending shivers through my body, "you can at least have the decency to call me mom, can't you?"

And with that I take two steps back, and leave.

Nope, uh uh, not today.

A/N: This is my second time attempting to publish this chapter. I have no idea why it was acting so glitchy but hopefully this works for you all!  Shoutout to amiabelle12 for letting me know :)

I apologize for any errors. I wrote this on mobile which I am 100% not used to.

Thank you for your patience and if you enjoy please comment and favorite!