Meredith sighed "When I was 8 1/2 I lost all momentum. I was starting to get really tired and I was lethargic. My mom thought it was a bit of an act, until I collapsed at ballet."

Meredith paused to make sure he was following.

"I was diagnosed with a heart defect. My heart wasn't pumping enough blood. I was put on the transplant list and spent many days cooped up in a room down in pead's. I missed a lot of school. If I wasn't here I was at home."

Meredith squeezed Derek's hand. "I got a lot worse. To the point where they almost lost me. On more than one occasion I coded. I suddenly found myself completely bed ridden. I couldn't do anything. I had a bedside vigil. The chances of getting a heart were very slim, but eventually it happened. That was when I was 10."

Meredith shifted to get comfortable. Derek knew that she had left something out. He could sense that it was big.

"Dad took me home, and things were back on track health wise. I didn't miss much at school because I was already doing work ahead of others. Things seemed to really settle down. I ditched ballet and took up swimming. I found myself going through a dark stage. I stressed Dad out, Alex panicked and called Mark home from college. I refused to take my medication, and stopped eating. It stressed out my heart pretty bad. It took Mark coming home to straighten me out."



Derek's eyes were wide. "You were the reason Mark completed a semester via distance Ed. With the provisions that he completed lab work at the hospital."

Meredith nodded, "that would be the time. It was hard on him and ever since he has been a bigger worrier than before."

"Anyway... I haven't had any real problems since. I am monitored closely by Burke and Dad while I am here. I am on strict Medication to assist in repairing the damage I had done to my heart. Not only that but to also help keep my blood thickness down. I still swim as you have witnessed before, but every now and then I get a scare."She finished.

"So what happened today?" Derek asked.

"Everything caught up with me. Not to mention the fact that I haven't had any luck taking my pills in the morning due to morning sickness. Plus I have then been working like crazy and have forgotten later in the day." She answered.

"So this isn't a repeat of years ago?" Derek asked warily.

"No, not at all" she answered quickly.

"Ok," Derek said as he released a breath he didn't realise he was holding. "And your heart?"



"Is still beating strong." she told him.

"Good" he told her as he lent down and kissed her. "I've been waiting to do that all day." he whispered.

Meredith smiled. "You're not running?" she stated.

"Only to you, not away." he told her as he kissed her again.

"Mer 2 things." he told her. "Where is your mum, and how did you pass your medical to become a surgeon.?"

Meredith sighed. "I passed my medical with flying colours. I haven't had a problem with my heart for a long time now" she answered. "And mom, well she's a story for another day." she told him.

Meredith pulled Derek down so she could kiss him.

"I love you Der." she mumbled.

"I love you too Mer."