Author's Note: It's on to the high school years.

Disclaimer: Don't own Grey's Anatomy.

Chapter Thirty Five

The Freshman

"Thank you for inviting us along," Rachel told Meredith. It was an another back-to-school shopping day. This time, Meredith allowed Sam to invite two friends. She picked Rachel and Alyson.

Over the last few months, Derek and Meredith got a chance to know Rachel. After that, Rachel, Sam and Alyson had been inseparable. So Meredith couldn't resist telling Sam to invite them along. Mackenzie and Abby were feeling a little left out so Sam did the right thing. She invited them along as well. Derek was going to do something with Noah and Jake that day.

"Where shall we go first?" Meredith asked as they arrived.

"I saw that Sears have some great sales," Rachel replied.

"Alright, we'll go there first," Meredith said. As Sam and her friends looked around the store, Meredith realized that her daughter was entering high school. It was the next step in becoming independent from her parents. She wasn't sure if she liked that. After all, Sam had gotten into all that trouble last year.

Meredith got that out of her mind instantly. High school was a clean slate. Sam was starting over. Even though they trusted Rachel now, it still didn't mean that they would get into trouble.

"Mom, we picked out what we wanted. Can I have your credit card real quick?" Sam asked, snapping Meredith out of her thoughts.

Meredith handed her the card. "I'll be waiting outside with your sisters." She noticed that they were getting restless. Sam nodded and hurried in line with Rachel and Alyson. Meredith went outside the store and tried to entertain Mackenzie and Abby.

After they came out, they went to a few more stores before Sam took Mackenzie and Abby into Build-A-Bear and the toy store. "She's a great big sister, isn't she?" Rachel asked as she and Alyson waited outside the store with Meredith. Meredith nodded, lost in thought.

The first day of school came. Meredith was a wreck. It was always challenging to get the kids up again because they have been so used to sleeping late. Luckily, Sam and Noah were experts in getting up early. They helped their brother and sisters out with getting up early and everything.

Meredith then pulled out her camera from her hiding spot. Sam turned to her. "Mom, what are you doing?"

"This is the first time all of my children are going to school. I want a few pictures," Meredith replied. It was Abby's turn to attend preschool. Mackenzie was now in kindergarten. Jake was in second grade and Noah was in fifth grade.

Her children groaned but lined up from oldest to youngest on the stairs. Meredith was able to take a few pictures before Sam finally stopped her. "Mom, we're going to be late for the bus."

"I can't believe you're a freshman. You're really growing up," Meredith told her.

"I know," Sam said. She then sighed. "Well, I think I should head to the bus stop."

"Have a great first day," Meredith replied. She then looked at the rest of her kids. "All of you have a great first day." She then kissed them one by one.

"You're not coming with us?" Noah asked surprised.

Meredith shook her head. "I think you guys are old enough to walk by yourselves. I trust you will watch over the younger ones," she told them. Sam and Noah then gathered them up and they said good-bye to their mother one more time.

She couldn't believe that all of her children were now in school. It took nearly fifteen years to accomplish that. After she got ready, she went to work. At lunch, she sat down by Christina and Izzie once again. "Well, all of my children are now in school."

"Wow, how long did that take?" Christina asked.

"It took nearly fifteen years. Now, the work has just begun," Meredith said.

Izzie and Christina looked at her. "Well, I still have about eleven more years of field trips, chicken pox and school functions to go to," Meredith explained.

"Oh come on. You know you love it," Izzie replied.

"Ok, I do. It's nice to be needed," Meredith admitted. "I don't think I will have that with Sam much longer. After all, she's a freshman in high school this year."

"Are you kidding? She will always need her mom. After all, she and you are close," Izzie replied.

Once the children got home, Meredith went to greet them. She didn't even have a chance to say hello to Sam. She just went right past her. "She told me that she hates high school," Noah told Meredith.

"Go play. I'll come and check on you guys later," Meredith instructed. The children hurried off to different rooms.

Meredith went to the TV room where Sam was on the couch. "Can I go back to junior high?" she asked.

"Did you have a bad first day?" Meredith asked, sitting next to her.

Sam nodded. "Rachel, Alyson and I only have lunch together. I hate PE class because of the teacher. I even have homework on the first day."

"Is there anything good?" Meredith asked.

"The only class I think I will like is Home Ec.," Sam replied.

"I'm sorry you had a bad day. But it will get better. Besides, this is just your first day."

"I know. I just wish it was today," Sam said, groaning.

Meredith giggled. She then smiled. "I think I know how to cheer you up. Why don't we watch one of our old mother-daughter movies tonight in my bedroom, just you and me?"

Sam smiled. "Alright."

Meredith smiled to herself. Izzie was right. Even Sam was growing up, she still needed her mom. Meredith knew that would never change. They were too close for that.