After Derek took the kids to the park, he noticed that it was time to go pick up Edith and Micheal from school. Derek couldn't help but feel a bit nervous. He was planning on telling the kids about Addison. He couldn't help but be anxious, at least with Edith. She is sixteen years old, in high school, she needs a mother more than ever now, and the cruel reality was that she didn't have one. The last thing that he wanted was for his daughter to go down the wrong path. He knew he would have to take Mark's advice and hire a nanny, but that would be something he would have to deal with later.

As he arrived at the kids school he was ready to deal with whatever might happen, all he needed were his children and they weren't going anywhere.

As he waited in the car he saw Edith walk out with Maggie Sloan. As soon as she saw her father's Range Rover she and Maggie both walked over. "Hey dad. This is a surprise"

"Hey uncle Derek. Nice to see you" Maggie and Edith had been inseparable since they were born and had formed a friendship so close that at times, one would think they were sisters.

"Hey Maggie. How are you? Do you need a ride to your moms cafe? I was headed over there to pick up some lunch. We can take you."

"Ok. Thanks. Do you know if my mom will be there? I need to talk to her about something?"

"She should be there. Why? Is it serious? Is she going to have a heart attack? Do I need to call your dad?"

"No Dad. Homecoming is in a month and Dan already asked her. She needs a dress. Relax."

"Oh. Sorry about that Maggie."

"Its ok uncle Derek. By the way Edith needs to go shopping too. Jason asked her to homecoming too. But she hasn't said yes. Tell her to say yes uncle Derek. Say yes Edith. You know you want to."

"Maggie!! Stop! I said I would think about it besides, I don't want to talk about it right now ok. Please stop. Besides your going to wake the twins with all this yelling. Where is Micheal? He should be here by now."

"Relax he will be here. Besides who is this Jason? I have to approve of him. I am not just going to let anyone date my little girl."

"Ok dad. Sure. Whatever. Finally there he is."

As Derek turned to look out the window he saw his son, who reminded him so much of himself. They had always been very close, and he had a feeling that their relationship would only become so much more stronger because of what their family was going through. Derek only hoped he had the strength, love and courage to be everything and more that his children would need.

"Hello everyone. Dad I'm starved can we go?"

"Well we've been trying to leave Micheal, but we couldn't because you weren't here."

"Kids. Relax. We're on our way to your aunts cafe."

"Sweet!"

Sweet. Sweet. Derek couldn't help but think that for his family life was anything but sweet. His children would find out in a matter of hours that they probably never see their mother again. He expected Edith and Micheal to try to be strong and to try and not let it get to them for the sake of the twins. But, he didn't want that. He didn't want them to suppress their feelings. He wanted to be there for them and he would, he only hoped they would let them.

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As Meredith and George arrived at the cafe, Meredith couldn't stop thinking about Derek. She was completely fascinated by him. His eyes were so captivating, she felt like she could see into his soul. She knew it was wrong to think that way, but she just couldn't help it. Completely engulfed by Derek, Meredith didn't notice George calling her name.

"Meredith. Meredith." George couldn't help but wave his hands in Meredith's face to try to get her attention.

"What? Sorry...I just have some things on my mind. I'm sorry George."

"Its ok. Do you want to tell me whats wrong? I'm a really good listener."

"I uh. Ok. Have you ever felt attracted to someone, you know you shouldn't?"

"Wow. Um. Not what I was expecting...Uh...What?"

"Sorry its just. I cant get Derek out of my head. I met him because I bumped into him and then I found out he was Professor Shepherd. And I think hes gorgeous and perfect and gorgeous and perfect. And now I cant get him out of my head. I know hes married and my professor. So I shouldn't think about him, but I cant stop. What do I do?"

"Well..I don't know...I just think that you should...I don't know. He's a really nice guys. I've met him before. My cousin Izzie is married to his brother. He really loves his kids, and from Izzie said hes having a lot of problems with his wife. And..."

"And...don't stop you were going to say something."

"Hes walking in with his children right now and he just saw you and hes coming over."

Ok...so i have been asking this question for three chapters now and i dont seem to have a response, i REALLY need help with this one bcuz it will play a part in the story later on, so plz tell me, how old should Derek be????

thanks to all of u have added me to their story alerts, and to all of u who have reviewed.

brenda