Chapter Twenty-One
Meredith opened her eyes to the sun streaming through her blinds. She grabbed her phone off of the nightstand and checked the time, shocked to discover it was after 7. It was Saturday and they were both off today. She saw that Alex and Ellis were gone, and she got up in search of them. She checked in the nursery and saw Bailey was no longer in there, either. Suddenly, she could hear the children laughing downstairs, and followed the sound.
Alex was in the kitchen with all three children. Ellis was in her high chair, eating a waffle. Zola and Bailey had chairs pushed up to the counter while Alex helped them mix and pour batter.
Meredith went to Ellis, who was all smiles. "Good morning! Are you feeling better?" she asked, feeling her forehead.
"Morning, Mer. Yeah, her fever broke around 4. I just gave her the next dose of Amoxicillin. And now, we're having waffles!" He announced the last part excitedly, with the older kids giggling.
"Mommy, Uncle Alex is helping us make waffles…with chocolate chips!" exclaimed Zola.
"I help, too!" Bailey chimed in.
"You do?!" Meredith exclaimed, tousling his hair. She kissed both older children on the head. "And did Uncle Alex get any sleep last night?" she asked him in a sing song voice, gently caressing his arm.
"Careful, Zo, don't pour too much," he warned before answering Meredith. "I closed my eyes for a bit. I'm fine."
"Seriously, thank you for last night. You were amazing."
"Woah, what did I walk into?!" exclaimed Amelia.
Meredith turned, surprised by Amelia's entrance. "I thought you were staying at the hospital last night?" she said, attempting to dodge the question.
"Yeah, I can see you weren't expecting me!" inferred Amelia.
Meredith was exasperated. "The baby was sick. Alex took care of her all night." She saw her sister-in-law's worried expression. "She's fine. Double ear infection, again." She offered, by way of explanation.
Relieved, Amelia studied the scene in front of her. They were back to playing happy family again, it seemed. She felt a momentary pang of sadness as she thought it should be Derek here, helping make breakfast. She tried to push the thought aside, but the pain bubbled up regardless. She felt herself grow angry at the Rockwell-like scene before her. She knew it was irrational, but something had set her off. Meredith had called Alex amazing. Why? He took care of sick kids all the time, it was his job. What made this time so amazing? She grabbed a cup and poured out some coffee.
Alex stiffened. He could feel the anger coming off of Amelia. He needed to diffuse the situation. He didn't want the sisters to fight, especially in front of the kids. He leaned over and whispered something to Zola.
"Aunt Amelia, would you like a waffle?" the eldest child asked her.
Amelia sighed. "No thanks, Zo zo. I actually have to get back to the hospital."
"But they have chocolate chips!" chirped Bailey.
Once again, she regarded the picture perfect scene before her. Settling her gaze on Meredith, she quipped, "I bet they're amazing." She then quickly left the room.
Alex and Meredith stared at each other for a beat. "What's with her?" Alex asked.
She shrugged. " I'm not sure. Let me go talk to her."
Alex returned his attention to the waffles and the children, while Meredith went off in search of Amelia.