Come Away With Me

A.N: So, I'd sincerely like to apologize for the lack of updates. Between school, work, and planning a wedding, things got a little out of control. Luckily, I think I've found the time again… so updates should be coming more regularly.

This is the sequel to "The World Spins Madly On," if you haven't read that... I would have to say it might be beneficial for you to read that before reading this story.

Same rules apply here though. None of the episodes that aired after "As We Know It" apply here, and in these stories Dr. Bailey was never pregnant.

This is a Derek/Meredith fanfic, and while other characters will be involved, I've decided to just label it as that.

Also, just want to thank everyone who reviewed the first story. You guys are the reason why I am writing this one. So thanks!

Oh and please review!! On with the show….

Disclaimer: I do not any part of Grey's Anatomy... even though I really wish I did.

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Chapter 14: Falling Down

The silence engulfed me. All eyes were on me, eagerly awaiting any type of movement from my legs. Derek stood behind me, his hand gently brushing my lower back in a reassuring way. I stared at my legs, willing them to move, but not just any movement, I wanted my whole foot to move. I was tired of seeing just my toes move. I needed more. I needed more for my sanity, for my hope.

"Meredith?"

Derek's soft voice interrupted my thoughts. "Yeah?"

"Are you trying to move your legs?" His voice quivered with fear.

I shook my head. "Not yet."

He sighed. "Take your time."

"I know. I'm ready."

Derek moved his hand from the small of my back to my hands, squeezing hard. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, trying to relax.

Derek's grip on my hand tightened. "You're doing it."

I didn't want to respond to him. I didn't want to break the already good thing I had going with my leg.

"Meredith! Your foot, it's moving."

I tried to ignore him, I wanted more. I wanted my leg to move. I wanted to bend my knee.

"Stop, please, Meredith." Dr. Jones said as she placed her hand on my moving leg.

I opened my eyes. "Why did you stop me?"

"You don't want to strain yourself. It takes baby steps."

Derek leaned over and kissed me on the cheek. "You did good."

"I wanted to move my entire leg."

"I understand, Meredith," Dr. Jones smiled obnoxiously, "but this will take some time."

"I don't – "

" – What do you suggest then?" Derek interrupted me, stopping me before I could yell at Dr. Jones

"Well, I think Meredith could benefit from daily physical therapy at this point. I think we should start Meredith with stretching and bending of the legs and see how we progress from there."

"So, there is hope?" Derek asked the question for me because he knew I would never ask myself.

"Given what I've seen today, I think you have a great chance of walking again, Meredith. But, it will take time. This isn't something that is going to change over night."

"I'm well aware of that."

"Can you give us any type of time frame here?" Derek asked.

"We should know more within the next few weeks. Keep your head up, Meredith."

"Are we done here today?" Derek asked, sensing my growing need to leave.

"Well, I'd like to have one of our therapists stretch you out before you leave, Meredith. Do you have time?"

"I'm actually feeling pretty tired, could we just schedule an appointment for next week?" I just wanted to get out of here.

"That's fine. The scheduling desk is right near the exit. Please make sure to schedule a few physical therapy appointments before leaving. Thank you Dr. Shepherd and Dr. Grey. I look forward to seeing you again."

Dr. Jones walked away, leaving Derek and I alone. A few minutes passed before Derek decided to lift me into my wheelchair.

"Ready to go?" He whispered into my ear as he placed me into my chair.

"Please."

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After leaving Seattle Grace, Derek and I returned to my house, which was becoming our typical routine. I was tired. Tired of the same old things. Tired of never leaving my house except to go back to Seattle Grace. I wanted to my old life back. Sometimes I found myself looking at Derek, wondering if he too was tired of the same old routine; wondering if he wanted out.

"What are you thinking about?" Derek asked as we watched some ridiculous daytime television.

"Nothing."

"Mer…"

"Are you happy?"

"Of course I'm happy. What kind of a question is that?"

"It's just… I can't imagine you being happy being inside, never doing anything you love. All because of me."

"I love being with you."

I smiled. He had walked this road with me before. He knew exactly what to say to calm me down, but I just could not believe that he was actually happy. "Maybe you should think about going back to work."

"Meredith, I don't need to be at work right now."

"Derek, I just can't believe that you're happy."

Derek grabbed my hands and kissed my forehead. "Don't worry about me. Worry about getting better, about trying your hardest to start walking again. That's all I'm worried about."

"You need to start living again, Derek."

"You make me feel alive."

"That is an awful line."

"It's the truth."

"You sound like you are from some cheesy romance movie."

"But it's true, Meredith. I just want to help you. You're all I need in life."

"I can't take it anymore. I feel like a child. I don't need you to baby me."

"I'm not babying you."

"You are whether you choose to believe it or not."

Derek sat there silently, and I could only hope that I had finally gotten through to him; that I had finally made him realize how unhappy he truly was.

"Meredith, I'm not going to do this with you," Derek sighed, "I'm not letting you push me away because you're feeling sorry for yourself. I will be here. Always."

"I'm not trying to push you away. I'm trying to make you realize what you're missing out on because of me."

"I'm not missing out on anything."

"You're missing out on your life."

"Stop it! Just stop." Derek yelled for the first time in weeks, and it finally felt normal again. "I can't listen to this anymore."

Derek got up off of the sofa and walked out of the room, leaving me sitting on the sofa. Alone. He did exactly what I wanted. I was finally alone, but I didn't feel any better. I wanted to chase after him. I wanted to fight. I wanted to be normal. I wanted to at least try to be normal, and so I decided it was time to try this on my own. I used my arms to push down on the sofa to swivel my body so that my feet were resting on the floor. I rocked back and forth, trying to gain enough momentum to stand up. With one final push, I was able to land on my feet. I stood still for a few minutes before I tried to take my first step. I dragged my right foot out in front of me, but before I could find stable ground, I found myself falling forward without anyone there to catch me.

As my head collided with coffee table the last words I heard came from Derek's mouth, "Meredith!"

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