In the week since Derek's return a routine had formed. Every morning Meredith would bring the kids to eat Breakfast with Derek before taking Zola and Bailey to school leaving Ellis with Derek for a little longer. When she got back, she would take Ellis up to day care before starting work to let Derek get some rest. Meredith and Derek would then eat lunch together during her break and after school she would drop the kids with Derek while she finished work then they would all eat dinner together before she took them home for the night.
It was Thursday lunchtime and Derek had just been cleared to leave his room and go to the cafeteria for lunch. Meredith's surgery was running late so it was 2:00 by the time she got to his room to pick him up. Her usually neat braids had pieces sticking out and her scrub cap was still in her hand as she ran in.
Derek smiled and looked up as he heard her come in asking "long surgery?"
Meredith's face lit up going from tired to happy in a split second "complicated, a young boy came in after falling off one of those bike bridges on the mountain buke paths. Massive internal injuries, Jo and I have done as much as he can, he is doing better but now we play the waiting game" she said as she leaned down to greet him.
"Ready for lunch?"
"An hour ago" Derek replied with a laugh.
Meredith laughed grinning as she helped him into a wheelchair as they made their way to the cafeteria
The room was still busy despite the late hour. They looked around for a minute before spotting an empty table outside by the trees.
After getting Derek set at the table Meredith headed back inside to get them some food. As she approached the line she saw Jackson looking for somewhere to sit and pointed him in Derek's direction them made her way to the line to get Derek's kale, quinoa, roast veggies an goats cheese salad and her usual chicken salad sandwich and fruit salad.
"Hey Derek, great to see you out and about! Meredith suggested I come sit with you guys, if that's of with you."
"Great to see you again Jackson! Sit, please. I wanted to thank you again for coming with Meredith to get me and for everything you have done for my family while I have been gone." Derek said while smiling at Jackson as he sat down across from him.
They continued to chat about Harriet and Jacksons research until Meredith returned.
"Here is your salad Derek, I still don't understand how you can eat this though I guess it is good because both you and bailey can't get enough of it. "She said with a giggle handing him his salad as she took a seat beside him.
Jackson grinned seeing Meredith and Derek together again, remembering why their love is legendary and their relationship meant to be. Meredith's left hand lay resting on Derek's arm as they ate, their eyes meeting every so often as they continued to chat with Jackson. He didn't feel like he was intruding, he just felt glad to see them reconnecting, their love as strong as ever.
"So Derek, what are your plans after you are discharged?" Jackson asked
Derek turned to Meredith before starting to respond "well we haven't really discussed our plans for when Archer and the others let me go" "you are coming home with the kids and I" Meredith cut him off indignantly.
Jackson smiled "of course, that makes sense. Have they given you any indication of timing?"
"I'm starting with a physio and personal trainer tomorrow to start regaining more movement and muscle mass. Five years in a bed will really throw a wrench in your physical capabilities" Derek said sarcastically.
"Archer has said that he is going to do some more tests but as long as Derek's brain seems to be getting better and I take some time off work to keep him company he should be able to come home in about a week!" Meredith finished, her face lighting up at the prospect of having Derek home. "I will make the office into a bedroom for the time being so Derek doesn't have to climb the stairs and we will go from there" she said as she took his hand in hers, giving it a comforting squeeze.
"I am truly so happy for you guys. Let me know if you ever need me to take the kids, or just have Ellis over for a night, I'm sure she and Harriet would enjoy a sleep over. This is all incredible but with the new baby Scout at home it will be busy so if you ever want a few less tiny humans just let me know." Jackson offered, knowing how much change was happening in the Grey-Shepherd household.
"Thank you, Jackson, I'm sure we will take you up on that offer sometime soon." Meredith responded with a thankful smile.
"Well, I have a surgery to get to but thanks for a great lunch" Jackson said as he picked up his tray and headed back inside.
"So I'm coming home?" Derek asked turning to Meredith.
"Of course. We missed you, and our home is your home." Meredith got nervous at this point, fiddling with her hands as she turned towards Derek before continuing. "So, um, I uh kind of um, Isoldthedreamhouse, I'm sorry" Derek looked towards her worried and confused "slow down Meredith, I'm sure it is nothing bad" "I sold the dream house, it just had too many memories of you, and I couldn't stop crying looking at all the little features you put in for our family, so I sold it. I bought back the frat house, we are living there with Amelia, Link, Scout and Maggie." She went silent looking for his reaction.
"Meredith! Don't worry. Wherever you and the kids are is home. The dream house was just a building and the frat house is where our love blossomed. We have so many beautiful memories there, I am glad you have lived there with the kids. I am glad we will be there as a family. You have done what you always do, you have filled it with your family creating a village for our children. Most of all, I am glad you and the children haven't been alone." As he finished his speech Derek reached over giving Meredith a hug as their worries dissolved.
Hope you are enjoying this!! I am so happy people are reading me story. Please let me know what you think! Xx