“Meredith?” Mer jumped at the familiar voice, “Sorry, I didn't-”

She didn't know when she decided to do it but before she knew what she was doing she had flicked the burner off before turning and speed walking for the door leading from the kitchen to the back deck. “Meredith?” Bayley’s confused voice yelled after her followed by hesitant foot steps.

“Nope nope nope nopenopenopenopenope,” Meredith chanted, nearly running in the direction of non-titoed housing.

“Meredith?!” Meredith squeaked as walking turned into running footsteps, footsteps that were getting closer.

“Nope!” Meredith yelled breaking into a full-out sprint.

“Why are you running?! I just want to talk to you!” Bayley yelled, sliding as she followed Meredith down a side street.

“Well, I don't!” Meredith yelled back as she nearly leaped out of the alley nearly giving Mr. Phillips a heart attack.

“Good lord!”

“Child, are you okay?” Mrs. Monroe asked crouching so she and Meredith were eye to eye.

Meredith didn't even manage to catch her breath before Bayley came running out of the alley just barely stopping before she bowled the omega over, “Shit, Meredith are you-”

“What the hell are you doing!” Mr. Phillips growled pulling Meredith behind himself.

“I-”

“Are chasing an omega half your size?!” Mrs. Monroe’s eyebrow arched as she eyed Bayley.

“And a cop no less!” Mr. Phillips added.

“Mm,” Mrs. Monroe hummed in agreement.

“Chief-”

“Oh, that makes it better?” Mr. Phillips growled, baring his teeth.

“Henry, please.” Mrs. Monroe frowned at the old man, “Chief…”

“Bayley.”

“Chief Bayley, what exactly has this omega done to warrant you chasing her down a dark alleyway?” Mrs. Monroe asked stepping toward the officer.

“Uh…” Bayley stuttered looking back at the alley, “I just wanted to talk.”

“Clearly she doesn't,” Mr. Phillips grumbled.

“Listen,” Mrs. Monroe said drawing Bayley’s attention to her, “You're a person of power chasing an omega down an alleyway like your butts on fire, she’s clearly terrified,” Mrs. Monroe waved to Meredith who was hiding behind Mr. Phillips’s large stature.

“Right,” Bayley sighed, “I just…she was afraid of me- I didn't do anything- not that I know of, that’s why I wanted to talk to her! But…I just scared you even more,” Bayley trailed off watching Meredith clutch onto the older man.

“Well?” Mrs. Monroe turned to Meredith earning a confused frown from the omega, “Do you want to talk to her?”

Meredith’s mouth opened and closed, “I…” Did she? “I do…” she sighed, stepping out from behind Mr. Phillips.

“You sure pup?” The older man asked resting a gentle reassuring hand on Meredith’s shoulder.

 Meredith just nodded, “What do you want to talk about?”