So I can promise you that however far I get with this story I will not butcher Alex's character like Shonda did...still not over that!


"Derek…Meredith." Croaking out "No, no this has to be wrong. This, this can't be real Mr. Clark." Shaking my stubborn head.

"It's not wrong Charlie and it is going to happen." Mr. Clark replied.

"When is it going to happen?" Questioning him.

"I don't know."

I threw my hands up in frustration.

"You don't know!" Screeching at him "All this time with the goddamn visions and you don't know!"

"I have been given the opportunity to see the future. Not able to pinpoint the exact date." Mr. Clark tried to explain.

"I am so confused." Rubbing my eyes "So according to you there is going to be a plane crash involving six people from the hospital and an innocent pilot. They are all going to die in the woods, and you don't know when. Am I getting that all correct?"

"Yes. That is all correct." He nodded.

"Why are you telling me this? How do you even know that this is going to happen?" Asking.

"I am telling you because I need you to try and stop this." Mr. Clark simply replied, "As for the how, this is my chance at atonement."

"What?"

"I took twelve lives that day I walked into Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital. I didn't think about the consequences until after I was dead. I told Derek and Meredith that I didn't think there would be a way to make it up to them, but there is. This is it."

"Maybe if I help you save them then I won't feel so guilty. The other side is giving me this chance." He spoke in stern finality.

I was quiet for a long moment before speaking "And you don't know when this going to happen? Soon? In a few months? A year?"

Mr. Clark shook his head.

"Super. Now the fate of seven lives hangs on my shoulders." Sighing out "My friends' lives. My family."

"What if I just told them not to get on any planes? What if I told them about what was going to happen?" The idea popping into my head.

Mr. Clark shook his head again "It doesn't work like that. If you tell them what will happen it will happen in just another scenario. Seven individuals will be involved in a situation that, if nothing is done, will cost them their lives. This way with you know we have the chance to prevent it with a scenario we can work out. The plane crash."

"Basically it's a damned if you do, damned if you don't situation?" Hating every minute of this.

"Yes." He responded.

"I have to go." Mr. Clark said out of nowhere.

"Go? We have a lot of ground to cover! You can't just drop this bomb and leave." Raising my voice.

"I know but my time is coming to an end. We will have to speak more tomorrow. Remember there is much for you to know. Most of the future has been written. These people will die unless you stop it from happening. I will show you all I know."

That was all he could say before it felt like I was being pulled backward through space and time.

Blinking my eyes open a scream pushed past my lips as I felt the cold ground beneath me.

"What?" Panting, trying to catch my breath.

"Breathe honey, breathe." Mama Dee hovered over me as she clasped my hands "You're back in the present with us."

"I'm going to be sick." Stating as I pushed myself off the floor.

Delia handed me a bowl and I threw up until I started to dry-heave.

"What happened?" Mama asked me when I put the bowl down as she continued to rub my back.

"There is definitely going to be a plane crash involving my friends. My family." Shuddering as I let a violent shiver run over my body "Seven." Panting as I remembered Mr. Clarks' information.

"Seven what?" Delia asked me enthralled.

"Seven lives." Croaking out as my breathing sped up, trying to keep the panic attack away "Seven lives rest on my back. If I don't save them they will all die."


It took me a while to calm down. When I did I was able to fully explain what had happened in the in-between with Mr. Clark and myself.

That information was put on our detective wall in Mama's study.

After all that Delia still managed to drag us out to the French Quarter for dinner. Even though I had upchucked my entire breakfast.

It wasn't like I had a choice though. Once Mama Dee insisted that I get out of the house and out of my head, I couldn't back down.

Plus I really wanted to see New Orleans.

So the three of us piled on down to Clesi's to share an enormous bowl of boiled crawfish with sides of Seafood Gumbo. My mouth began to water instantly.

Afterward, we walked around the Quarter. It was loud but exciting. I didn't know if I was able to absorb it all but I took pictures of whatever I could for George and everyone back home.

He liked the picture I had sent him that Delia had taken of me marveling at the huge bowl of crawfish. While in the Quarter I was even able to pick up some souvenirs for everyone.

"Tomorrow we'll have to go to Café du Monde for some beignets." Delia smiled as we walked back into the house.

"Yes! Please!" Exclaiming as I sat down on the couch.

"And before you leave to go back home, we will go to the cemetery and pay respects to Miss Marie," Mama said plopping down next to me.

"I'd like that." Giving her a small smile.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

Meredith wanted to facetime.

"It's Meredith." Saying as my throat began to close. The revelation from this afternoon came running back into my veins.

"I don't think I can face them. Not now. Not after all I know. All I still need to know." My chest rising in rapid bursts.

"Charlie please just breathe." Delia rubbed my back.

"How? Their fate rests on my shoulders and I don't even have the full picture." Gripping my phone tighter as it continued to buzz in my hand.

"Honey you have to face this. What is going to happen when you go home?" Mama stated, "We will figure all this out so that you can protect your family but for right now you need to answer that phone so they don't worry." Mama soothed.

"We'll be right here the whole time." She said to me.

I looked to Delia who squeezed my shoulder with a smile.

Letting out a shaky breath I plastered a fake smile on my face before turning the phone to me and answering it.

"Hey guys!" Forcing the cheeriness into my voice as I observed Meredith and Derek.

Thank God for small miracles that Mark and Lexie weren't there. I don't think I could have handled it.

"Hi Charlie!" Meredith grinned at me then she panned the phone to Derek who only pouted.

"Well, I see that we are still upset." Smirking and trying very hard not to laugh.

Derek's response was to glare at me.

"I did say that it was an emergency." Sheepishly shrugging.

Suddenly the weight of Mr. Clark's words hit me.

The panic that had been subdued started rising again.

"Derek." Speaking quietly.

The tone in my voice must have caused him to soften in concern.

"I-you know I love you a lot right? You're family to me."

Everyone went quiet.

"I just wanted you to know." Whispering as my lip trembled.

Derek stared at me through the phone.

"Yes Charlie I know. I know." He responded softly, but I could hear the concern.

It was my turn to be quiet. My head swirled with thoughts swinging from one way to another.

Fear, panic, death.

Why was I always surrounded by death?

"Charlie are you okay?" Derek asked gently breaking me out of my head.

"It's just this…being here. It's taking a toll more than I thought it would." Partly confessing to them.

"I would like to say hello to these people." Mama spoke up surprising Delia and me.

"God not this again." Rolling my eyes.

"Child you do not roll your eyes at me do you understand. Now give me the phone." Mama sternly stared straight into my eyes.

If looks could kill…

"Okay." Meekly replying.

"Guys, uh Mama Dee wants to introduce herself." Saying to them before I handed her my phone.

"Well hello there!" She beamed into the camera. Delia and I scooted closer to try and get into the picture.

"Hi." Meredith responded politely but I could tell she was a bit turned around.

"I'm Delfina, but everyone calls me Mama Dee. It's such a pleasure to meet the family that our Charlie has formed for herself. She talks about y'all the time." Mama said.

I saw Derek and Meredith smile "Well we are blessed to have Charlie in our lives." Meredith commented.

Tears began to form in my eyes which I hastily wiped away.

"It's such a pleasure to meet you as well. Charlie has told us so much about both of you." Derek said.

"Oh, my manners!" Mama exclaimed, "This is my daughter, Delia." Mama smiled at Delia "She is the brightest girl. She is going to work for NASA." Mama beamed and I couldn't help but smirk as Delia turned pink.

"Mama!" She scolded her before turning back to Mer and Derek "It's a pleasure to meet you as well Dr. Grey and Dr. Shepherd."

"Anyway, we were so thrilled that Charlie could get down here so quick! The things that have been happening!" Mama stated in over-exaggeration as she got back to Derek and Mer "But we can't say too much right now! There are still things we need to sort out but don't worry, we'll look after Charlie."

"You always do." A small smile pricking my lips.

Mama kissed the top of my head.

"As long as Charlie is being safe." Derek fathered and it tugged at my heart.

"I am." My smile growing.

"How much longer do you think you'll be down there?" Mer questioned, "George is driving everyone up the wall." She joked.

"Oh, that beau she has!" Mama gushed and I hid my face in my hands "I must say she picked a good one."

"Mama!" Groaning out in embarrassment as Delia chuckled.

"I'm just stating facts sugar." She replied.

"Yes, George is amazing to her. We are happy that they are happy." Meredith grinned.

"Though some people are still getting used to it." Smirking as I caught eyes with Derek.

He was about to speak when I interrupted him "I know, I know you were just looking out for me."

That shut his mouth.

"Anyway as for how long I'll still be here, I don't know. It's a play by ear situation." Glancing at Mama and Delia "But as soon as I can come home I will."

"I miss you guys." Commenting softly.

Meredith and Derek softened at my words "We miss you too Charlie." Derek said.

Silence followed before I interrupted "I need to get to bed it's been a long day." Telling them and not having to lie about it.

"Right we understand. We should also get back to work." Meredith laughed and it made me smile.

"I'll talk to you guys tomorrow. Love you both." Waving to them before the screen went black.

"Oh man." Collapsing into myself as soon as the call ended.

"Don't worry sugar." Mama rubbed my back "We'll get this sorted out one way or another."

"You ready?" Delia asked me from my spot on the floor.

Once again, I found myself on the floor of Mama Dee's basement getting ready to contact the other side to reach Mr. Clark to try and figure out what the hell was going to happen.

"Ready as I'll ever be." Giving a sad smile, dejected sigh to both of them.

"Let's get to it then." Mama said.

She and Delia repeated the ceremony from the previous day and soon I opened my eyes and found myself back in the white abyss with Mr. Clark.

"Alright let's get down to business because I can't keep getting pulled here every day." Speaking first as I cut right to it "Tell me everything."

"It will be better if I show you." He reached out his hand.

I hesitated.

This might kill me.

But I had to do it.

"Show me." Saying out as I grabbed his hand so I wouldn't second guess myself again.

The knowledge that flooded, no barreled into my head, brought me to my knees. The only support I had was Mr. Clark's hand in mine.

I wanted to pull away and stop the wicked information, but I don't think I would have been able to even if I tried.

I saw everything.

I saw the crash.

The woods.

Everyone. All their deaths.

I was now privileged to know how they died. How all of them died. And how help arrived too late for any of them.

A scream ripped through my body as Mr. Clark let go of my hand.

"Oh God." Panting as I crumpled on the floor in a ball with my head tucked in my hands.

"I'm sorry you had to experience it all at once, but I thought it was better to show you rather than drag it out." Mr. Clark said in a sort of an apology.

"Gee thanks." I wheezed out still curled on the floor. Every time I shut my eyes a jolt of pain shot into my skull as I kept reliving the death of my friends.

After a moment I was able to collect myself. There was no time to be hysterical. Lives had to be saved.

"Okay, okay…" Trailing off I slowly got up, "So there is going to be a plane crash in the future. No idea when and if I can't stop it everyone will die. Have I got it right so far?"

Mr. Clark nodded "And now you have all of the information to try and prevent the deaths."

"Well not all of the information." Narrowing my eyes at him "A date and time would help immensely."

"Right." He sheepishly replied.

"Okay…." Drawing out "Okay." Trying to wrap my head around this.

"What do I do when the time comes? What…how will I know what to do?" Asking him.

"You will know. I'll make sure to tell you." He told me.

"Right." Breathing out "Whenever that will be."

Mr. Clark nodded again "For now my time is coming to an end. You have all I can give you right now. When the time comes I will come back to you."

My body shook but I managed to nod my head, then the universe sucked me back to the present.

Blinking back to the now I slowly made my way back to Mama Dee's floor. The smell of sage helped to ground me to the now.

"How did it go?" Delia asked me as she gently helped me up off the floor to sit up.

"He showed me everything. All of it. My family's deaths." My voice broke off as tears slipped from my eyes "I know everything, well everything but the freaking date and time."

"How will you know when it happens?" Mama asked me.

"Mr. Clark said he will let me know." I paused "And if I don't save them…" Trailing off as I began to cry into my hands.

Mama pulled me to her and rocked me back and forth.

"I can't stop seeing it. Seeing them." Crying loudly "Lexie dies first, then-then Mark." Sobbing into her "That's not how it's supposed to happen for them. They tell each other they love each other and then she dies. No! That's not is how it's going to happen." Shaking my head.

"And Meredith and Derek. They-they just got Zola back." Hiccupping "They can't leave her an orphan again."

"Then you gotta make sure that none of this happens." Mama pulled me back to look at her "This is something that should have never been placed on your shoulders, but it has. No changing that now. What you can do is to prevent it." Mama wiped my tears before steadying her hands on my shoulders with a gentle squeeze.

"She's right, Charlie. You might not be able to stop this but you have to try." Delia said, "But no matter what happens you need to remember that you did everything in your power that you could."

"She's smart for a reason my girl." Mama smiled at Delia then to me "And we'll be here to help you no matter what."

Wiping my face I nodded and tried to smile at both of them. The fate of my family rested in my hands. Keeping this secret was going to be difficult and this might end up killing me, but it was something I was just going to have to deal with.

It would be utter hell lying to everyone, but I knew I had to do it. To put up with it. Plus, it shouldn't be that difficult.

I had been an expert at lying for eight years.

What was one more lie?


My mom used to say that God put certain things in our lives to make us ready for whatever came next. I thought about this a lot on the plane ride home. Evermore so as I picked up my car from parking and set out to drive home.

Now that I was back in Seattle I had to pretend things were okay when they weren't. Not even close. Death was going to blast down my family's door and it was up to me to stop it.

It shook me to my core, but whenever I felt my doubt creep back into my body, I tried to shake it from me. I couldn't afford to be doubtful. To be scared.

Though that didn't mean I was eager to leave Mama Dee and Delia. To leave New Orleans and go back to normal life. To the facade, I would have to be playing when I went back home. I wouldn't be able to tell anyone. Mr. Clark had stressed that to me. If I told anyone then it might change things which could lead to a more unknown future than the one I was already given.

I tried to stay in New Orleans as much as my conscience and my schoolwork would allow. Mama Dee and Delia spent two days taking me around the city seeing and eating as much as humanely possible. I am sure I gained at least two pounds but, according to Mama Dee, it was worth it.

"You're too skinny." She kept chastising me for.

Right before Mama Dee and Delia dropped me off at the airport, we went to the St. Louis Cemetery to pay our respects to Marie Laveau, the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans.

Mama Dee and Delia followed her spiritually as did I in my own way small way. We all looked to her for guidance.

As the three of us knelt with our offerings, I clasped my hands together.

"Miss Marie please I need your strength more than ever now. Please help guide me through this and help me protect my family. Please don't let me be too late." Praying softly to the tomb.

As I neared home, I hoped that Miss Marie's strength filled me so that I was able to get through whatever would come. More I hoped she would help me to lie my way through this.

I probably should have told someone that I was coming home today, even George, but I wanted to prolong the questions and inevitable conversations as long as I could.

So I opted for the cowards way out and would just tell everyone that I wanted to surprise them.

Luckily my flight landed in the early afternoon so by the time I pulled into the driveway it was almost four and thankfully no one was home yet.

"Thank you." Whispering out as I turned the car off. Grabbing my suitcase which now weighed a ton because of all the presents I took back home with me I hefted it into the house as I breathed a sigh of relief at the quiet that engulfed me.

Going up to my room I did a quick unpack of my things before heading down to the kitchen to see if I could whip up some dinner for everyone. Maybe that would lessen the barrage of disappointment and fury that was sure to come from Derek.

Deciding on a shrimp scampi with pasta, because I was still missing the taste of shrimp, though I would have preferred a nice pot of gumbo, I got to work making dinner. By the time I was done and setting the table I was still alone in the house.

I went upstairs to change and get everyone's gifts ready when I heard bellowing up the stairs.

"Charlie?" Unmistakably hearing Lexie's voice.

My heart sped up then it clenched so tightly my chest ached.

Closing my eyes, I took a few deep breaths. I could do this. I could do this. I had to do this.

Letting out all my anxiety in one final breathe I made my way from my room and went downstairs.

"Lexie!" Putting a huge grin on my face as I saw her in the living room "It's so good to see you." Pulling her into a hug.

"Oh, it's good to see you too." Her tone told me she was a bit stunned at my sudden affectionate display. After a brief second, she hugged me back.

The action made my throat closed but I willed it back to open.

"Sorry." Apologizing with a smile as I stepped back from her "I guess I was just excited to see you."

"I'm excited to see you too." Lexie smiled back at me "But I didn't know you were coming back today."

"Oh, I decided to surprise everyone." Laughing "Come on get comfortable I'm sure the others will be here soon. I made dinner." Telling her as I went back into the kitchen.

Picking up a plate and scooping on a generous portion of pasta for Lexie I heard the front door open.

"What is the kid back? I see her car. I didn't have time to rent out her room." Alex's voice joked from the front hall.

"Ha ha ha very funny." Rolling my eyes as I made my way from the kitchen hall to the living room.

"Nice to see you to ass." Smirking at him as I took him completely by surprise and gave him a great big hug. Inside I was laughing because I could feel how uncomfortable he was.

"I missed you too you jerk." Ending his torment as I broke off the hug. I could have sworn I saw a teeny bit of pink on Alex's cheeks as I stepped back from him.

He coughed and tried to shift away from his awkwardness "So what did you get me."

"Presents later. For now, I made dinner."

His eyes lit up.

"Sweet I know I missed you for a reason." He set down his stuff and ran into the kitchen.

I grin played at my lips as my heart warmed at Alex's version of telling me 'Hey I missed you too. I'm glad to have you home.'

The door opened behind me and I heard a soft "Charlotte."

Swinging around I was face to face with George.

In a blink, I was in his arms.

"Hi, babe." Breathing him in as I burrowed into his chest.

We were quiet for some long moments until Lexie came into the living room.

"Oh..oh sorry." She blushed in apology as she stumbled upon us.

"You're fine Lexie." Trying to hide my smirk. She was acting like she had caught us doing something else.

Turning back to George a similar smile was on his face and it wasn't until Lexie went into the kitchen did I finally absolve into giggles.

"Do you think they will ever get used to this?" George laughed with me.

"I don't know? Doesn't that make it normal if they did? Come on love, we don't do normal." Smirking up at him as I raised myself on my tiptoes and brought him in for a long kiss.

After a satisfying extended minute, George broke away "How are you?" He asked me.

"I'm good. Everything is okay now. Though I prefer to explain the whole thing when everyone gets home."

"I wish you had told me you were coming home today," George said with sad, puppy eyes.

"I wanted to surprise everyone." Smiling as I pecked his cheek.

He looked at me for a long minute.

"Hey." Staring back at him "I'm okay." Lying straight to his face.

Far from it.

Seven people were going to die.

But I couldn't tell him that.

The relief that flashed through his eyes made me sick to my stomach. He trusted me. He believed me.

Even though I lied to him. Even though I was breaking his trust in me.

I hated myself but this is what I had to do.

George leaned down for another kiss, though this one not so long for a specific reason.

"Charlie!" Meredith exclaimed.

Sheepishly George and I broke apart to find Derek and Meredith with Zola standing in the doorway.

"Hey, guys." Grinning and moving away from George before Derek could kill us. One by one I wrapped both of them in lengthy hugs.

"I missed you guys!" Exclaiming "And you my baby girl." Cooing at Zola as she grinned at me.

"We didn't know you were coming home today," Meredith said as she put down her things. Smartly, George had scampered into the kitchen.

"I wanted to surprise you guys!" Smiling at them "It really does feel great to be back." Meaning it.

"Come on I made dinner, shrimp scampi, I would have preferred gumbo, but we didn't have all the ingredients." Laughing out "Once you've had New Orleans food everything else just tastes different."

"We want to hear all about your trip." Derek said as we went into the kitchen "And by everything and I mean everything. Like why you suddenly had to pick up and leave without telling any of us."

"Yes, I will get to that." Guilty replying "But first how is Holly? Was she discharged?" Asking Meredith as I took Zola from her so she could grab food.

"Yes, she was discharged two days ago. It went a lot better than I thought it would. She said to tell you goodbye and to thank you for everything you did for her." Meredith told me.

My eyes welled just a tad "Well it was nothing." Waving my hand, "I think in time she will be okay." Looking at her.

Meredith's lips twitched into a smile "I think so too." She said and we shared a moment and it made me happy.

"Oh before I forget I spoke with Liam." Telling everyone as we sat down to dinner "He booked his ticket for Easter and will be here for five days." Nervously telling them.

"Aren't you excited?" Lexie caught onto my tone.

"I am, but I'm just really nervous too. Having him come here and seeing my life is different than us seeing him in Italy." Glancing at George who squeezed my knee.

"Is he going to be staying here? We don't mind." Derek said.

I shook my head "No he is going to be staying at the Loews Hotel 1000 in Seattle."

Alex snorted "Man he's really roughing it."

Ignoring the comment, I added "But I took the morning off to pick him up from the airport. He is flying in two days before Easter. I thought I could show him around before the big lunch. Plus, my performance class has one performance before the holiday, and I thought it would be fun if he went. If he wanted to, I mean. I haven't asked him yet." Chewing my lip.

"Charlie?" Meredith asked gently.

"Sorry." Blushing "It's just going to be…I hope it will go well." I was quiet for a second "But I'm so excited for him to meet everyone." Smiling to all of them.

"As long as someone is on their best behavior." Rolling my eyes over to Alex.

"What? I didn't even do anything!" He spoke in exasperation.

"And you won't." Grinning sweetly as everyone else chuckled.

After a few minutes of idle small talk and catch up gossip Derek broke the conversation.

"So are you going to explain why you needed to dash off to New Orleans."

"Wow going straight for the elephant in the room, and people say I have no tact." Smirking at him but the serious look in his eyes made the smirk fade fast.

"I told you. There was a situation that Mama Dee and Delia needed help with and so I had to get down there immediately." Telling them as I ate more of my dinner.

"Which was." Derek gestured with his hands waiting for further explanation.

Ah now for the crazy bit.

I had been worried about how I could lie to everyone without having to explain too much on a fake, elaborate story as to why I was New Orleans.

Mama, being Mama, said that usually if you go with such a wacked out, ridiculous answer people will naturally be inclined to believe it.

So, she told me what to say and how to be aloof about it. Reassuring me it would be the perfect lie for my trip without having to explain. And if that didn't work and Derek and Meredith still poked and didn't believe me to have them call her and have her further lie for me.

"Well you see here's the thing…" Pausing for dramatics "I can't really tell you." Beginning the lie.

"What do you mean you can't tell us?" Derek and Meredith both questioned.

"I mean-" Drawing it out "As per the New Orleans Police Department I can't tell you."

"The police department!" Meredith's voice rose a few octaves and I winced.

"We did nothing wrong." Trying to pacify her "We were helping them."

"Still why can't you tell us?" Derek demanded.

"Because I signed a legal release. Legally Mama, Delia, and I can't speak about what we helped with down there." Grimacing as I attempted to act this out.

Everyone was silent for a moment before Alex broke it with "Dude what the hell?" Questioning in total confusion.

"Look I can only give you one insight and that's it." Sighing in a tired way in what I hoped was dramatic.

Everyone waited for me to speak.

"Graverobbing." Firmly speaking.

Again, all of them went silent. I eyed each of them, my insides sweating.

"Graverobbing?" Lexie repeated.

I nodded my head "And that's all I can speak about it."

Once again silence. I attempted to play cool and continued to eat my dinner even though I could feel everyone's eyes on me.

Finally, George broke the silence.

"Uh, babe." He spoke and I turned towards him with a small smile "Yes?"

"You really can't tell us anything else?" George questioned in utter confusion.

"I'm sorry I can't as per the legal order. Truthfully I'm not all that surprised considering the location." Feeding into the lie more.

"The location?" Derek puzzled "What does the location have to do with anything?"

Putting my fork down I sighed "New Orleans has always been a half city. Half filled with life; the other half filled with the dead. Things were balanced and then Hurricane Katrina happened. Everything went upside, let loose. It took a long time for people like Mama Dee to help bring the city's balance back to normal. Well, almost normal considering this was happening for a while. Poor Mama Dee didn't even realize the full extent of what was going on until almost two weeks ago. That's when she called me."

"Now obviously I wasn't there for Hurricane Katrina, but Mama spent months trying to put the city back to normal, spiritually of course. She attributes a lot of her strength to Miss Marie."

"Who is Miss Marie?" Lexie inquired.

"Marie Laveau is the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. Her tomb is in the St. Louis Cemetery in the city. She is one of the most prominent and powerful figures in voodooism." Explaining to them.

"Wasn't she featured on American Horror Story?" Derek asked.

"Oh, don't even get me started on that clap-trap of a storyline. Very little to no historical accuracy at all. It was all for TV." Scoffing as I rolled my eyes.

"But she was a real person, right?" Meredith questioned to me.

"Yes, she was. Revered in life and in death. Mama Dee and Delia both see her as…sort of like a Jesus type figure to compare it to other religions. I follow her as well but not to the religious extent Mama Dee and Delia do."

"Wait…what?" Alex was completely lost "Voodoo is a religion?"

"Yes?" Looking at him like he had two heads "However as I said I don't follow the practice as much as Delia and Mama Dee, but it does bring comfort especially with my abilities."

"Please tell me you don't summon zombies or crap like that." Alex snorted.

"That is a gravely ignorant thought!" Banging my fork down in anger "No we don't summon zombies or stick pins in dolls. In fact, the first 'zombies' mentioned in voodoo were considered more of victims than of villains. Brought back to life to be controlled or possessed by priests, or bokors." Heatedly getting in Alex's face.

"Charlotte." I felt George's hand on my arm gently pulling me back. Calming down I looked at Alex's face and saw the looks of uneasiness as he regarded me.

"Sorry, I'm sorry Alex." Backing away from him "It's not you. I just get so worked up about the stereotypes. Like with all religions people use it for good and for evil. People like me, Delia, and Mama use what we can do in order to bring peace and find answers to those who seek them."

"Sorry for jumping on you." Apologizing with a small dose of shame and a full measure of embarrassment.

"It's cool kid let's just keep theology off the table for the future." He gave a small smile and I smiled in return.

"Thank you." Mouthing to him as we all settled back down.

"Can we please drop the topic of why I had to go to New Orleans now. I doubt that any of you, especially you," Glancing at Derek, "Are satisfied but legally it's the best I can do. You are free to talk to Mama but unfortunately, she and Delia are under the same constraints as I am." Methodically telling all of them "But I can provide you with her number if you'd prefer."

Derek and Meredith stared at each other for a moment before Derek spoke "No that won't be necessary. But please let this be your last adventure for a while." Derek said in a pleading tone.

"From your lips to God's ears." I sighed and my chest constricted at the time bomb of information that was going to go off. When I did not know. But I hoped it wouldn't be too soon.


Owen was currently trying to calm down a sobbing April.

Again.

This was the third time that this happened this morning.

Outside, many of us had gathered to see off the residents who were on their way to San Francisco to take their boards. Basically, the biggest test of their careers.

To say that people were on edge was a major understatement.

Hence April's third breakdown of the morning.

George and I milled about saying goodbye to everyone and tried to offer words of encouragement.

Normally I would hate to see my friends under such distress, but it brought me comfort and an easiness to my breath.

If I knew that three out of the seven people that were going to be involved in the crash, I knew that it wouldn't be today. All seven had to be together and since Derek, Mark, and Lexie were going that meant everyone was safe for a few more days.

Glancing over I saw Mark shove a handful of bills into Jackson's face.

"You're giving him enough to go to multiple strip clubs you know." Laughing as I made my way over to the old, married couple.

"Hey, he needs to be prepared for anything." Mark defended.

"Don't worry I'm sure he already knows how to stuff some bills into a G-string." Smirking at Jackson who grimaced.

"Ew, ew can we please move on?" He pleaded to me and I giggled.

"Hey." Holding up my fist "Make sure to kick ass okay." Smiling warmly.

He grinned and bumped my fist "Course because I am Iron Man."

"Love you 3000." Pulling him into a hug.

"Love you 3000." He chuckled as he hugged me.

"Barton!" Dr. Bailey bellowed scaring the crap out of me as I jumped away from Jackson.

"Yes ma'am." Squeaking out.

"Where is Grey have you seen her?" She demanded.

"I think she is just saying goodbye to Zola." Fumbling over my words.

God this woman was terrifying.

Loving and wonderful.

But terrifying.

"M'hmm." She boasted and went inside.

My eyes wide I turned back to George as he chuckled.

"You are sure she has a soft side right?" Asking him.

"She does. Mostly she's all bluff with the threats." He grinned and kissed my cheek.

"Charlie!" Another voice called me. Turning around I saw Arizona jogging up to me.

"Have you seen Karev?" She questioned in unease.

"No, I haven't, have you?" Glancing at George who shook his head.

"Damn." She cursed.

"Come on I'll help you track him down."

"I think I already know where he is." She sighed but I still followed her into the hospital to the pediatric intensive care unit.

He was in Tommy's room checking his stats and arguing with his mom.

"Karev." Arizona called to him and he looked up "Outside. Now." She smiled a deathly smile at him.

Alex sighed and put the chart down and left the room.

Alex tried to get answers to Tommy's condition, but Arizona shushed him and handed him his bag and suitcase and began to get him to walk out of the pediatric unit. All the while she was plying him with information on how to act during the test. But I could tell he wasn't listening. His mind was still in Tommy's room.

"Arizona before you guys go can I have a quick moment with Alex. Just to wish him luck." Smiling gently to her.

"Of course, but make it quick you guys should have left fifteen minutes ago!" She said stepping to the side.

"Look I know telling you to focus on your test is a waste because I can plainly see that your head is still back in the room with Tommy but I'm not going to chide you for that." Telling him.

"You doing that makes you an amazing doctor and you are an amazing doctor Alex. Now go to San Francisco take this stupid test and show them that. Show them how good you are. Just do this and then you can come back and help Tommy. Okay?" Seriously speaking to him.

It took a moment, but he nodded but he didn't look too thrilled about it.

"Go crush it like I know you will." My lips moving into a smile as I squeezed his arm in reassure.

He tried to muster a smile for me before Arizona pulled him away.

"When you pass, I might even buy you that Porsche." Cupping my hands and yelling down the hall at him.

Alex turned back around, and I finally got a smile out of him.

Giving him a wink and a thumbs up I turned and walked back when my phone started to ring.

"Hey, Derek." Answering the call as I saw the ID.

"Hey Charlie, are you still here?" He asked me.

"Yeah what's up?"

"Can you come to the nursery Meredith just left but I need someone to stay with Zola for a few minutes while I make some calls."

"No problem I'll be there in a minute." Hanging up and going to the nursey.

"Thank you." He sighed when he saw me.

"No problem, what's going on?" Asking him.

"Zola has a fever and she just threw up." He said as I took her from him.

"Please tell me Meredith got on that bus." Looking at him as I rocked Zola back and forth.

"She finally did but she wanted to stay."

"A true momma." Smiling as I felt Zola's head.

"Oh, baby girl you are warm." Soothing we should get you home "I can take her back to the house and watch her."

"Are you sure? I don't want you getting sick." He said to me.

"Derek, I talk to the dead. I think I can handle getting a stomach bug." Deadpanning "Plus I finally installed that car seat I bought in my car." One of the perks of coming into money.

"Alright let me just make some calls and I'll get her things. You're the best." Derek kissed my head.

"Yeah yeah." Waving him off.

While I was waiting with Zola my phone rang again.

"I'm sure popular this morning." Mumbling as I looked to see Lexie calling.

"Hey, Lex, what's up?" As I balanced Zola on one hip as I hugged my phone to my ear.

"Fresh! I said fresh!" She exclaimed.

"Uh…you're going to have to give me a little more Lexie." Replying.

"Mark came and said that he needed me to help with a surgery, but I made an excuse of having to help Derek catch up on notes and I told him about the new Nine Inch Nails album. I said it was fresh Charlie!" She yelled into the phone.

"Oh, Lex." Groaning as I closed my eyes in embarrassment for her.

"Why did I do that? Why? I could have said anything. Hell, nothing would have been better than fresh. He looked at me like I was a moron."

"Maybe it wasn't as bad as you think?" Trying to be optimistic.

"You're just saying that to make me feel better." She huffed into the phone.

"Well, maybe but you know things wouldn't be so awkward if you'd just come out and tell him that you still love him." Casually slipping that in.

"How would that make things any less awkward!" She shouted into the phone.

"For one thing you'd finally stop dancing around everything and then you could stop using words like fresh." Grinning into the phone "Second it's better to just rip off the band-aid."

"Thanks, but I prefer to keep this band-aid." She replied.

"Alright, but in the meantime keep away from that hip slang all the young kids are using." Chuckling into the phone.

"Goodbye." She hung up in frustration causing me to laugh.

"Oh, aunt Lexie could make things so much easier if she just told the truth." Rocking Zola back and forth on my hip.


"Please stay asleep." Whispering to Zola as I tiptoed out of her room before I grabbed the monitor and shut the door.

In the few hours, I had been home Zola had thrown up twice but at least her fever was down to 100*. Picking up the soiled clothes I dumped them into the washing machine and began a load. I had just put the machine on when my phone rang.

Sighing I picked up the call "Yes Lexie."

"I need your help." She pleaded.

"What? What is it what's wrong?" Beginning to panic.

"It's Mark." She said and I put a hand over my heart to get it to slow down.

"Jesus Lexie you almost gave me a heart attack." Puffing to her.

"Sorry. I'm sorry but I don't know what to do!" She exclaimed.

"Okay, what's going on?" Asking as I checked the monitor to see Zola still asleep.

"I was having lunch and Mark comes by all friendly and he's chatting with me as a normal friend would." She began to explain.

"Hmm." Nodding along as I pulled out my homework from the classes I missed.

"And we're talking, and he starts talking about Jackson."

"You mean his wife?" Joking.

I could hear her laugh over the phone "Right yes. Anyway. So we're talking about Jackson and he asks me what happened between us and why we broke up."

That made me pause "Wait what?" Getting confused.

"He shouldn't need to ask you that. I'm the one who told him why you two broke up. Why is he asking you that?" Rambling.

"I don't know but it's freaking me out! He had to run because his pager went off, but he said to be continued."

"What the hell is he trying to play?" Trying to think what Mark could be getting at "I know he wouldn't be cruel enough to put dirt onto old wounds but…" Trailing off thinking.

"What do I do?" She asked me.

"For now, just play it cool. Pretend that you don't know that he knows about why you guys broke up. If he keeps pressing you just say you don't want to talk about it. Maybe he'll get the hint." Telling her.

"Or you could always just tell him…." Leaving it off.

"Nice try." She said before hanging up the phone.


Derek and I were eating dinner at the table. Something small I made for the two of us. I had no idea when Lexie would be home.

I was filling him in on the rest of Zola's day when my phone rang.

"Jesus Christ!" Exclaiming "What is it all of a sudden I'm popular today?" Angrily pulling out my phone.

"Oh no, it's George." Suddenly softening into a smile.

Derek rolled his eyes.

"Hi, babe." Answering the phone as I stuck my tongue out at Derek.

"Oh real mature." He commented.

"You're the one that left me with your kid all day." Chuckling.

"What's up?" Turning my attention back to George.

"Uh, you might want to come to the hospital." He said.

"What? Is everyone okay? Are you okay?" My heart racing.

Derek's interest was rapidly captured.

"No, no everyone is fine but uh someone is here," George said vaguely.

"Who?" Attempting to figure this out.

"Well see…" He told me and I paused for a second.

"He did what!" Shouting into the phone.