Derek was thankful that Owen and Mark stepped out of the room. He needed a minute to collect the thoughts that were scattered throughout his head. Merediths words kept replaying over and over in his mind. She was right when she warned him that he wouldn't be able to concentrate clearly. All he kept thinking was that the woman who was laying in front of him was his soul mate. The one woman who could give him the happiness that he wanted.
In a few minutes that woman would be in trusting him to save her life. A life that was full of potential.
"Dr. Shepherd", Chief Webber cleared his throat, "that is a very special woman on that bed. Are you going to be able to think clearly in that operating room?"
Derek didn't bother turning around to face Richard. Knowing that if he turned around Richard would see the tears collecting in his eyes.
"Dr. Parker is a simple page away."
Derek shook his head.
"I was getting ready to speak with her friends." Derek pulled himself together.
"The gossip mill is about to explode with information about you and Meredith."
"We are only friends, Richard."
"Friends huh?"
"Yes friends"
It wasn't a complete lie. Derek wanted to have more than friendship with her. Right now, standing in this room, they were only friends. When he finished the surgery he would support her throughout the rest of her treatments. He would show her that he could be the man of her dreams.
"You should get ready for the surgery. I'll talk to her friends after I spend a couple minutes alone with her."
Derek nodded his head in agreement. "Okay"
He took one last look and turned and left the room.
Richard walked over beside the bed. He gently picked up her hand and closed his eyes.
"Meredith, you have to fight this with every ounce of strength that you have in your body. I know that you can hear me and I also know that you are a fighter. A fighter that deserves more than anything a chance at happiness. Why didn't you come to me when you found out about this disease? I would have been there for you. Instead I had to find out through hospital gossip. I know that you have spent a lot of time with Derek. Judging by the sadness in his eyes I can tell that he has fallen for you. Who can blame him you are a rare jewel. So, when they take you in a couple minutes you are going to fight. You are going to fight not only for me but for that man who will be standing above you. Do you hear me?"
Richard kissed her hand and gently placed her hand back on the bed. He bent down and kissed the top of her head. "You are the daughter that I never had."
He said a little prayer as he turned and left the room.
Richard walked over to the group standing by the door. He noticed the collection of tears that they all had in their eyes.
"Meredith has to have the surgery. I have already signed the consent papers and Dr. Shepherd went to get ready. You can all go and see her before she goes. The reason that she collapsed was from the position of the tumor. We don't expect that she will regain consciousness before the surgery."
Christina listened to the information flying out at a face pace. She was a smart woman yet she couldn't get her mind to wrap around the words. All she could think about were the complications that could arise.
"Sir, can I assist?" Christina asked although, she already knew the answer.
"No"
Izzy felt the tears welling up in her eyes. She knew that one or two things could happen. She would either start crying or burst out in laughter. Judging by the look on Richards face laughter would not be the best course of action. She held her mouth shut hoping that the latter would not happen.
Alex knew he had to get away from this spot. He needed something to hit and was afraid that one wrong word and his career would be over. He could feel the tension pulling at his fists. He had to see Meredith first. He needed a minute alone with her.
"Who would like to see her first?" Izzy asked.
"I do", Alex blurted out the words, "if that is okay with all of you." he quickly added.
"Go ahead." Richard said.
Alex wasted little time as he walked toward the door.