Meredith was finally out of college and off to medical school. She was so happy to get out of her mother's shadow and ready to start fresh. She stepped out of her car and into the streets of rainy Seattle. In front of her stood her new home. It was a nice quaint house off the lake, which her mother generously bought for her, big enough for her and full of possibilities for the future.

As Meredith walked inside the door of her house she smiled. She could finally be someplace where she was alone. And that is exactly how she wanted to stay… alone. Meredith brushed her fair blonde hair from her eyes and sighed. After taking a look around she went back out to her car to get some boxes.

As she was bringing more things inside, a tall dark figure bumped into her, causing Meredith to lose control and fall to the cement.

"Oh, I'm so sorry let me help you with that", he smiled. Without looking up Meredith instinctively brushed off his gesture.

"I'm fine, really." She glanced up and her legs gave way again. With his brown hair covering his face, scruffy outdoors appearance, and half smile, Meredith melted. She looked into his eyes. Oh those eyes. The blue seemed to sparkle and she found herself in a deep trance.

"Well I'm Derek Shepherd."

"Um… Mer… Meredith Gray", she sputtered out.

"Are you sure you don't need help Meredith?"

"Oh… um… no I'm fine, thanks though"

"Well Meredith, it was a pleasure to meet you," he said lingering for a few seconds before walking off.

Meredith just sat there embarrassed. Could you be anymore clumsy? Or ridiculous looking? She thought to herself.

After collecting her things she headed back in her house eager to meet the neighbors. She knocked door of her closest neighbor. A young girl about her age answered the door. She had a stern look on her face, yet welcoming at the same time.

"Hi, I'm Meredith Grey, and I just moved in here"

"Christina Yang", she said as she shook Meredith's hand. "Are you a med student?"

"Yea, how did you know?" Meredith couldn't help think about Derek and with the thought of him her cheeks reddened.

"Most people in this area are pre-med, but I am curious, why are u blushing?"

"Oh, I just had a run in with this guy earlier and I was just thinking about it"

"Oh, I see. Well come on in and meet my roommates. I'm sure they will be thrilled to meet you.

Meredith headed in the house still thinking about Derek.

Little did she know that he was thinking about her too.