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Disclaimer: Don't own Grey's
Chapter Forty Three
Good bye Rachel
"Do you really think driving over to the place will convince her?" Derek asked. Meredith had the crazy idea to drive to Ms. Hall's house and talk to her. Ms. Hall still wasn't willing to give her daughter away. Mrs. Jackson told them that they couldn't really do anything unless Ms. Hall changed her mind.
Meredith nodded. "It's better than sitting by and doing nothing," she replied as she started to pack.
"What are you going to say to her?" Derek asked.
Meredith hadn't really thought about it. "I don't know. But I'll figure something out," she replied.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Derek asked. He looked at her hard.
Meredith nodded. "Yes, I do."
"Then I will wish you good luck," Derek replied.
"We do too," added another voice. It was Rachel and Sam.
"Do you really think you can convince my mom?" Rachel asked.
"I will do my best," Meredith replied.
Meredith knocked on the door. A woman opened it. Meredith knew it was Rachel's mom. She had the same blonde hair and blue eyes. "You must be Dr. Grey," she said.
Meredith nodded. "Yes, I need to talk to you about Rachel," she replied.
"Forget it. I'm not signing her over to you," Ms. Hall said.
Meredith stopped the door as it started to close. "I drove all the way from Seattle to talk to you. The least you can do is hear me out," she said.
Ms. Hall sighed. "Come on in," she said finally. "Do you want anything to drink?"
Meredith shook her head as she came into the small trailer. "No thank you."
Ms. Hall laughed. "Don't worry. I don't have any beer."
"Water, then," Meredith answered. She was surprised that Ms. Hall knew what she was thinking. "So Mrs. Jackson told you I was coming?"
Ms. Hall nodded as she poured the glass of water. She gestured Meredith to sit down on the couch. She did before Ms. Hall sat down next to her, giving her the glass of water.
"I suppose you want my story. Well, I guess it started with me. I ran away when I was fifteen. The reason why is not important. I then met my future husband. He was the one who introduced me into drugs. I stopped for awhile once I found out I was pregnant with Rachel."
"What happened after that?" Meredith asked.
"Unfortunately, I couldn't stop. Of course, that was when Rachel was taken out of our home. My husband and I both had to go to rehab. As you probably know, Rachel was back and forth for years."
Meredith nodded. "She mentioned that," she replied.
"I was in rehab again for the thousandth time when I found out my husband died of an drug overdose. I then realized that I didn't want to end my life like that. I don't want to lose Rachel like I lost my husband. I knew I would if I continue doing this. So I decided right then and there that I would never again drink alcohol. I have been sober for the last three years. The reason I didn't ask for Rachel back until now was I wanted to make sure that I could stick with it," Ms. Hall explained.
"I don't know quite what to say," Meredith said.
Ms. Hall went over and wrote a phone number down. "You or Rachel can call my sponsor. He will be happy to confirm my story."
"No, I believe you. I'll have Rachel call, though," Meredith replied.
"Dr. Grey, I want you to know that I do love my daughter. That's why I stopped. I didn't want to put her through this any longer. I also want to thank you and your family for taking care of her the last few months. I know it's probably hasn't been easy especially since you have a teenager in the house of your own."
Meredith nodded. "There are a few things that I think Rachel would want you to know." Ms. Hall looked confused. "It's nothing about you. It's more about school and such."
"Fire away," Ms. Hall replied.
Meredith arrived home and her family came to greet her. After a few minutes, she, Derek and Rachel went to the kitchen to talk. Meredith was nervous since she didn't know how to react. She told her about the conversation that she had with Rachel's mom.
"She did it for me?" Rachel asked, surprised.
Meredith nodded. "She realized the damage that she had done to you. She didn't want to do it anymore."
"My mom has never lied to me ever except when it's my birthday or Christmas. I don't need to call her sponsor. I know that she has changed."
Derek and Meredith noticed the sad look on her face. "What is it?" Meredith asked.
"I don't want to move," Rachel replied.
Meredith smiled. "You won't have to. I told her all about much you wanted to stay in Seattle. So she's moving to the city so you can finish up your high school years here."
Rachel looked surprised. "Really? She would do that for me?"
Meredith nodded. "Yep, she's already looking for an apartment for the two of you."
"I guess that means that I won't be staying here much longer," Rachel said.
"True, but you will always be part of this family," Derek replied. Meredith turned to her husband, surprised. Then her surprise look went into a smile. Derek had finally admitted that Rachel was a part of the family. Meredith took his hand and squeezed it. Derek shot a quick smile at her.
Rachel smiled. "Thanks, Chief Shepherd."
