Derek sat at Aria's NICU and stroked her hand. He had been at the hospital for a little over half an hour. Mark and Lexie were at Meredith's side while he decided to spend some time with Aria.
President James Locker was expected to deliver his public address to the town at around 12pm today. Derek wasn't expecting much to be said and didn't really want to go down to the ballroom and listen to him. He really just wanted to crawl up beside Meredith and hold her and sit staring at Aria while humming softly to her.
Staring at Aria reminded of him of all the mistakes he had made in the past 10 years but it also reminded him of the great things that came from those years together. Aria especially reminded him of all the great memories of Meredith and he felt somewhat safe at just thinking about it.
Aria had also become a worldwide trending topic. Paper's, online articles and social media were featuring her name heavily to try and get the word across.
What about baby Aria?
Gun Control for Little Aria's future.
Where's My Mommy? Baby Aria fights for life.
Baby Aria to meet with President Locker today. Will she be the face of change?
Hope for Aria
Hope for change
Hope for victims
She was only 4 days old and she was an internet hit already. Everyone was talking about her and questions were being raised over the safety for her future. She was a trending around the world because of the sympathy people were feeling for her. Derek didn't want people to be sympathetic towards him because he hadn't lost anyone. His wife was still fighting for her life but she was still alive. He wished this never happened but the trending and the articles got the message across and he knew that the more the trends the more people will be about changing their views on things. Social media was a very influential thing he had learnt in the past few years.
He continued to stroke Aria's hand and remembered the time him and Meredith were in New York together. The time he brought her up onto the stage and sang together and then the time they found out they would become parents. They spent so much time together happily why did it have to end and break their hearts. He was going to chase her down to the airport and tell her not to get on the plane but his neighbour called for his help.
He sat at her side pondering and thinking. He wanted to write a song but he didn't know where to start so he just watched Aria.
When the door to the NICU opened he didn't bother looking up because he knew it was a nurse or the Moore's who had their preemie daughter in the NICU as well. He just stroked Aria's hand and heard shuffling behind him and felt someone move towards him and place a hand on his shoulder.
"Derek. Someone is here to see you." Kasey says.
"I don't want any visitors." He says.
"Derek." She says. "Look at me." She says and he turns his head towards her. "Now you have a visitor here to see you and get to meet Aria. You don't want to turn away this man."
He sighs and looks at the window and sees who it is. "Okay."
He stands up and follows Kasey outside to the hallway.
"Derek Shepherd, it's a pleasure to meet you."
"President Locker." He says shaking his hand. "Mrs Locker." He says. "Nice to meet you too."
"Is it alright if we meet little Aria?" He asks.
"Of course. Now I apologise if she doesn't recognise you. She has only just woken." Derek says trying to bring some humour to the situation.
"Oh that's fine. I know what the foggy morning brain is like of a morning." He says smiling.
"Come on in." Derek says pushing the door open and holding it open for the President and The First Lady. He leads them to her crib and stands around it as they meet the baby girl for the first time. "She is only 4 days old and she is much like her mother." He says.
"She is real beautiful." Kelly says. "Hey baby girl."
"You can reach in and touch her in you want." He says.
"Don't mind if I do." Kelly says and reaches in and strokes Aria's hand. "Such a pretty name for such a pretty girl."
"All her mother." He says. "The three kids all got their mother's looks and personality. They are just three very gorgeous children."
"And is Aria your first baby?"
He looks at James for a minute. He could tell the truth about the lies or he could lie about the truth.
"The two girls are mine. Savannah and Aria. Little Jack is with her deceased husband."
"Oh okay. They have had a lot of tragedy haven't they?"
"Not really. This is the biggest tragedy to ever happen, their beautiful mother being shot because she didn't deserve three children." He said looking up at President Locker.
He looked at Derek and nodded his head. "No one should die because of the things they have. Dying because of having three children is worse than someone having the beautiful wife or money. It's just sad that people go that low." He says placing a hand on his shoulder.
"Its life and it has to happen to someone." He says.
"But it shouldn't have been her."
"No, it shouldn't have." Derek says bursting into tears. This was the first time since he found out that he had cried. He felt weak where he was crying but it was all bottling up inside of him and he had to let it out. He had been strong for his family but it was getting to him.
Kasey was outside and noticed Derek crying and she came inside the room and smiled at her big brother who was being comforted by the President and his wife.
"Derek." She says smiling at him. "It's okay to cry."
"But I'm crying in front of the President. I'm weak." He says.
"When I see a grown man cry I don't think they are weak. I think they are crying because they have emotions and have survived through something so traumatic. Something they don't want anyone else to go through because they know what it is like. You have been through a lot and tears show strength in a man." He says. "So don't feel weak. Crying is human and you can't go on holding in these emotions because you want to be brave. My father taught me this. I caught him crying over losing his best friend and he sat me down and said that it's part of life. Don't ever feel weak if you cry because crying tells people that you are going through something but it will get better soon even if it's painful."
"I hate crying in front of the kids."
"You should show them that it's alright to cry because then they know that it's okay to be sad and upset over things."
Derek nodded his head. "Thank you."
"No worries." He says. "I see you have a good support team."
"I do. My family means everything to me." He says. "Meredith showed me that all the time. For 27 years she showed me that even if you want to scream and yell at your family at the end of the day they are the ones who will love you no matter what. They will not judge you and they certainly can hold you to make everything so much better. She showed me this as well. When we were growing up together we had our moments when we would fight and not want to be near each other. After a couple of hours we would find them lying down beside us holding our hand and apologising to each other because life was short."
"The two of them had a wonderful relationship." Kasey says. "They were friends ever since birth. It was always going to be cradle to grave."
"We brought out the best in each other and we just got each other from the moment we could understand what a friend was and what love was. I think the moment I first held her hand just after she was born was the time I started loving her and I never loved anyone else growing up because she was the one. We were young and had a world of endless possibilities waiting for us. We started playing and writing together and developed stronger feelings for each other and we were two teenagers in love. We thought we would live forever and live our dreams. We planned on leaving Lakeview at 17 and moving to LA to get signed to a record deal. Her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's a month before we planned on leaving and her brother and sister were gone to college. She bailed from our plans and I went, leaving her behind. We saw each other when we could and we would make that time so precious and spent it together. We did that for the next ten years and ended up with beautiful kids. We had plans but they never worked out the way we thought they would. We just saw each other and spent time with one another because we knew that any day could be our last. I am just hoping she wakes in the next few hours because I never want her to leave me so soon. We're meant to be with each other."
"She seems like a wonderful person."
"She is." He says. "It's a shame you might not meet her because you would have instantly known her and been able to tell stories to people about Meredith Grey."
He takes Aria out of the crib and hands her to Kelly to hold in her arms.
"All the people she has met will all have their own story to tell. I have my stories and Kasey has hers."
"Tell me about Meredith." He says to Kasey.
"She is just like another sister. I just remember her especially from my earliest memories. It was always Meredith and Derek but I didn't mind because she would always make sure I am alright and happy and be there for me. I remember running to her when I had my first kiss and broken heart and she always told me that I would meet someone so much better. Her voice was beautiful. I always remember Derek calling her his own little 'Aria' and the name stuck for a little while. She was just so beautiful and kind and always put others first. She is godmother to my children and they always loved being looked after by her. She was loved."
Kelly passed Aria along to the President to hold and he held the baby in his arms.
"She definitely was loved." Derek says.
"Where are the other two?"
"They are around. Most likely with my parents." He says. "They should be coming down soon to see Aria."
"Well we have others to see here. We'll most likely run into them."
"Oh you will not miss them at all." Kasey says smiling.
He smiled and then slid the baby back into her crib. "It was nice to meet you little one. You are the definition of beauty and your beauty has captured my heart." He says stroking her hand. "She is divine."
"She's making me clucky." Kelly says placing her hand to her heart.
"Oh and me too." Kasey says laughing. "I suggested to my husband in having another baby and he asked if I was crazy. I wasn't but oh well." She says laughing.
"Well we have others to meet and greet. By the sounds of it Meredith is a beautiful soul. You are lucky to have her still."
"I know."
"We will see you at the ballroom won't we?" He asks.
"Of course." Derek says.
"I shall see you there Derek and I hope to meet the other two. We are sorry for what has happened to your family." He left with Kelly on his arm and the Governor O'Marr and Mayor Chambers came in to meet little Aria.
"Wow I see what people are talking about now." The Mayor says. "You are an angel little one."
"She is beautiful." O'Marr says.
"She's like her Momma. A shining star."
"Her mother is a shining star."
"She is."
Derek let them hold Aria and let them get to meet the girl.
"I wish something so tragic didn't happen to this beautiful girl. I mean this town has never had any violence resulting in deaths for nearly a hundred years. Everyone lived and didn't worry about safety of homes because we lived in a safe, close-knit community and then one day someone walks into the diner with a grudge over a meal and kills two people, critically injures and has injured others." Chambers says. "And we had this little girl born early."
"Well he shot MS Grey because she was pregnant." O'Marr says.
"It's sickening to know someone would do something like that. She was carrying a life and he took it all away."
Derek nodded his head. "People can't be happy anymore. People have to suffer from others pain and misery." He says.
"It's true. All too well are people hurt because someone has made their life a living hell because they aren't happy?"
Everyone agreed along with Mayor Chambers. They spent a little while longer holding Aria and put her back in her crib. Kasey said she would feed her while Derek went and saw the kids.
He thanked her and kissed her cheek before leaving.
He ended up finding his mother, Savannah and Jack in the waiting room with President Locker.
"Hi Daddy." Savannah says looking up and smiling.
"Hey baby."
"How is Aria?"
"She's good baby girl." He says coming and siting down.
"Now where was I?" Savannah asks.
"You were talking about your Mommy."
"That's right." She says smiling. "Our Momma is sleeping at the moment but I know that she is dreaming of all you can eat buffets and I know that when she wakes up she's going to demand so much food because she'll be hungry."
"Did your Mommy like her food?"
"Yes but she ate the wrong kind all the time. For breakfast she would eat left over pizza and cold grilled cheese sandwiches." She says.
"Did she?"
"Yes but I know that even if she is sleeping she still knows what is going on. She is happy because she knows who is waiting for her. I'm being happy because I know she is happy even if she is sleeping."
…
The ballroom was packed with people with only standing room available. Media crews were lined up everywhere to record the address to the people of Lakeview.
Derek sat in the front row with Lexie, Mark, Thomas, Katie, Kasey, his parents and his nieces and nephews and Savannah and Jack.
"Please welcome President Locker to deliver his speech for the people of Lakeview." Governor O'Marr says.
"Good afternoon, everybody. I want to begin by just thanking all the state, local, and federal officials who have responded magnificently to this tragedy.
'Governor O'Marr, has been an extraordinary example of strength. The Mayor, who has only been on the job seven months, and obviously has responded with great strength and leadership. The Police Chief, who — we had an opportunity to speak over the phone — Chief Oates has been dealing with as difficult a set of circumstances as any law enforcement officer deals with, and he and his officers have done everything right, by the book, with great courage and great determination. And so we are very proud of them. And I think I speak for the entire congressional delegation that is here as well.
'Scripture says that "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more. Neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." And when you have an opportunity to visit with families who have lost their loved ones — as I described to them, I come to them not so much as President as I do as a father and as a husband. And I think that the reason stories like this have such an impact on us is because we can all understand what it would be to have somebody that we love taken from us in this fashion — what it would be like and how it would impact us. Today we are here in remembrance of two adults and our other injured victims who are healing as best as they can after this tragic day.
'Mark Fields and Preston Myers
'I had a chance to visit with each family, and most of the conversation was filled with memory. It was an opportunity for families to describe how wonderful their brother, or their son, or daughter, or mother, or father was and the lives that they have touched, and the dreams that they held for the future. I confessed to them that words are always inadequate in these kinds of situations, but that my main task was to serve as a representative of the entire country and let them know that we are thinking about them at this moment and will continue to think about them each and every day, and that the awareness that not only all of America but much of the world is thinking about them might serve as some comfort.
'I also tried to assure them that although the perpetrator of this evil act has received a lot of attention over the last couple of days that attention will fade away. And in the end, after he has felt the full force of our justice system, what will be remembered are the good people who were impacted by this tragedy.
'And I also had a chance to give folks some hugs and to shed some tears, but also to share some laughs as they remembered the wonderful lives that these men and women represented.
'I also had a chance, fortunately, to visit some folks who are going to be okay, thanks to the extraordinary efforts of the staff at this hospital. And I just want to thank everybody who's worked tirelessly here to deal with this tragedy.
'Some of the stories are remarkable. You see young people who've come in and just two days ago, or 36 hours ago, or even 24 hours ago, it wasn't certain whether they'd make it. And now suddenly, their eyes are open, they're alert and they're talking. And it reminds you that even in the darkest of days, life continues, and people are strong and people bounce back and people are resilient. And particularly, given the fact that so many of the victims ranging from a huge age group it is a great blessing to see how rapidly they're able to recover from some pretty devastating injuries. Especially premature baby, Aria Shepherd.
'There's one particular story I want to tell because this was one of the early visits that I had and I think it's representative of everything that these victims were and still. I had a chance, to visit with Savannah Shepherd — Savannah who most of the town knows is 5 years old — and I also had a chance to visit with Savannah's baby sister, Aria, who's 4 days old. This story was one to remember when days get tough and nights are hard. These words made me smile and remember how good of a community it is here.
'And I know there are victims recovering now but stories and memories make the heart heal— but I wanted to share it with you. When I was visiting with the families and victims today I ran into young Savannah Shepherd, just after I was meeting her baby sister. Her father said that I wouldn't miss her and I knew what he meant the moment I saw her. He beautiful smile lightened the room and hid the pain of her critical mother. She ran into me and looked up with her big blue eyes smiling with flushed cheeks and said a 'sorry'. I asked her what her name was and she said Savannah Shepherd. She was with her grandmother and little brother on their way to see Aria. I sat down beside her and told her who I was. Her eyes went wide in shock and then she opened her mouth forming an 'O' shape.
'She said 'oh I recognise you now. I saw you on the computer this morning with Daddy. I think I may have seen you at one of my daddy's concerts.' I said that I was just talking to your daddy and she replied with 'my daddy talks to a lot of famous people all the time, it doesn't surprise me.' She brought a smile to my lips and I asked her about her mother. She looked at her grandmother and then turned back to me and said straight up 'she is the most beautiful woman on this earth'.
'Savannah told me about her mother and how good of a singer she was and how she thought that she was better than daddy before telling me not to repeat it. She confined in me like her best friend and told me her favourite things. 'My Mommy's speeches and her kind heart and love she has for me and Jack. Her kind heart towards everyone in this town and how she never had a bad word to say.' She then told me something her mother always told her. 'I won't judge anyone, ever. I'm not perfect enough to judge anyone. Look at your life and see if it's perfect before you judge someone.' Wise words coming from the mouth of a 5 year old.
'Savannah told me about how she had been with her Daddy the week prior to the shooting and how got to go up on stage and sing in front of people. She told me how she got to spend time travelling the world with her daddy and that once everything settles down and Aria and Meredith are healthy they are going to start fulfilling their wishes and doing the things she wanted to do. Like moving to California for a fresh start as a family and to be a married couple.
'She then told me as her father came and joined us that in her mothers' sleeping state that she has all you can eat buffets with all the foods in the world and how she will still watch us while she gets better.
'but I know that she is in that room watching over us. She is happy because she is imagining the foods she will demand when she wakens. I'm being happy because I know she is happy even if she is asleep'. She showed me that you can be happy after a tragedy as such, even if it means almost losing your mother.
'I don't know how many people at any age would have the presence of mind that Savannah has, or the courage that Dr Neil Frankston showed. And so, as tragic as the circumstances of what we've seen today are, as heartbreaking as it is for the families, it's worth us spending most of our time reflecting on young Americans like Savannah or Dr Frankston, because they represent what's best in us, and they assure us that out of this darkness a brighter day is going to come.
'To the entire community of Lakeview, the country is thinking of you. I know that there's going to be a vigil and an opportunity for everybody to come together. And I hope that all those who are in attendance understand that the entire country will be there in prayer and reflection today.
'To remember Mark, a beloved father and husband and businessmen of this town, described as a humble family man who wouldn't hurt a fly. Preston Myers, only 19 years old on a basketball scholarship at college. Described as a kind hearted boy who would do anything for his family and friends.
'To little Aria in the NICU and the actions those did to save Aria and to all those other victims recovering from home or who are still in hospital. Time is precious. Life is short make most of your life, count your blessings and fulfil your dreams. Become honorary amongst the tragedy and tell those around you how much you love them and how grateful you are.
'Meredith Grey said on her way to the hospital 'to not dwell on death', and 'that it is goodbye for now but not forever'.
'I though am going to do whatever I can in my power to make sure another tragedy like this happens never happens again. I don't want another baby to be left fighting for their life again. I don't want another mother to lose her child. I don't want anything like this to happen. In my power I will talk with many personal to make a change for the better. A change that will save many lives and many families from such a terrible tragedy.
So thank you. God bless you. God bless all who helped to respond to this tragedy. And I hope that over the next several days, next several weeks, and next several months, we all reflect on how we can do something about some of the senseless violence that ends up marring this country, but also reflect on all the wonderful people who make this the greatest country on Earth.
Thank you very much, everybody."
Derek looked up at the man on the podium and clapped for him. He looked around as the people of Lakeview felt somewhat relieved and stood to their feet cheering. He turned back and kissed Savannah's head before she got up, walked to the stage and went and hugged President Locker. He was taken aback by this gesture but picked Savannah up and hugged her. He stood on the stage and then turned back to the people of Lakeview and he and Savannah waved to the crowd with a big smile on her face.
"Thank you Jerry." She says turning back to him and smiling.
"No thank you Miss Savannah." He says before placing a kiss on her cheek.
Derek sat on the couch late that night and saw Savannah on the front of the news article and on the television screen. Savannah was the next face of change.
Savannah, New Face of Change
'It's time for change', victims daughter voice heard.
'As long as Mommy is happy, then so am I'. Changing Future
Local girl says 'thank you'.
Derek smiled as he saw his Savannah on the TV and her embrace with President Locker. He looked to his phone to his wallpaper of Meredith.
"This is for you Mer, you're going to be proud of her when you see this."
He stares at his wallpaper and watches as a call comes through from the hospital. He quickly fumbles to answer the call and places it to his ear.
"Hello?" He says. "What? No I'll be there right away!" He says getting up off the lounge to gather his things.
He ran across to his mother's home and knocked on the door.
"Derek what's wrong?"
"The hospital called. It's Meredith."
Yeah I had to leave it there and I really don't know where I'm going to go from here, I'm just going to see what happens.
And as a note the flashbacks and the ever changing times are for the purpose of telling the backstory. Some may be huge chunks but others are small ones to just fill in the blanks.
Anyway thoughts would be great and I'll try and update when I get the chance.