Meredith's POV

Feeling more comfortable with talking about Lexie, has made me realise how many people didn't know she existed. Not many people who knew her are here anymore. It occurred to me that people who I'd known for years didn't know I even had a sister. And now that I was talking about her to people other than my kids and Alex, people had questions.

'What was she like? Considering Alex dated her and all?' Jo had asked.

'She was a lot like you actually. You two would have been best friends.' I say laughing. 'Her and Alex got together for a while when she first joined, but then she got with, you remember Mark? Yeah, they were soulmates. But after they broke up, for the first time, she and Alex had this weird exclusive thing going on. Cristina and I both told her that it wouldn't work, that her heart was in her vagina. But they later became serious until Alex messed up.'

'How did he mess up?'

'You'll have to ask him. But she was caring, like you. You both care an awful lot, and have gone through some horrific experiences. But you both came out the other side being wonderful people. I really wish you two had been able to meet.'

'I think I would have liked her.'

'You would have loved her.' I look down at my hands, then back at Jo, with my eyes twinkling.

'Would you like to go somewhere after work? I want to take you somewhere.'

'I would love to.'

I ran up to Alex's side, grabbing his arm.

'Alex! I need to borrow your girlfriend after work.'

'You can have her, what are you guys doing?'

'Jo was asking about Lexie. I remembered she used to love this place in the woods near our house, so I wanted to take her.'

'Sure, you sure you're up for this?'

'Meredith! Get your slow butt up here! It's amazing!'

'Slow down, Lex. What have you found?'

'Nothing really, it's just a forest. But it's so pretty. I love it.'

I came up to the top of the rock to find a beautiful view of a clear, flowing lake, and bright green trees everywhere. Lexie was looking up and smiling like a maniac. I quickly took out my camera and snapped a quick shot of her, grin and all.

Lexie was adamant about showing Zola at least the outskirts of her favourite place, as soon as she put her down, Zola ran straight into a bush, trying to pick the leaves of the small branches.

'Slow down, little lady. What have you found?'

I smiled, remembering when I'd said that to her, when we'd first found this place. Derek put his arm around my shoulders, kissing my cheek before exclaiming,

'What a pair they make, huh? She's going to be an amazing mother.'

I raised my voice a little bit before replying, making sure Lexie could hear.

'And anyway, I want some nieces and nephews.'

Lexie looks up from her place on the floor, a small smile playing on her lips.

'As I've said before, I wouldn't count on any anytime soon.'

'I wouldn't be so sure, I caught Mark staring at you the other day.'

'Meredith...you know that's over. And I'm pretty sure you're lying. Derek, is that true?'

Derek put both hands up in the air, as if he was being caught red handed.

'Oh no, I am not getting caught up in your ex drama. Or between you and Meredith for that matter.'

As I was leading Jo into the woods, I felt a few tears come up in my eyes. Oh no, I thought, maybe I wasn't as ready for this as I thought I was. I couldn't have a breakdown here. Not now. Not in front of Jo.

'So, why are we here?'

'It was Lexie's favourite place. Kinda ironic seeing as she died in a forest. But yeah, everytime we came she had a constant smile on her face. She loves it here. Loved it.'

Even though it had been a good couple of years since my sister had passed away, it hit me like a train that I hadn't been here since. I'd never been to these woods without my sister.

'I can see why. It's so beautiful.'

'I have a picture if you'd like to see?'

'Oh, I would love to see a picture.'

I pulled out my phone, and quickly found the picture of her staring up at the trees, beaming at the sky.

'She looks so happy, thank you for sharing this with me, Meredith.'

'I needed to get out anyway. And I don't think I could have come by myself.'

We stayed in a comfortable silence for a bit, before a slight gust of wind blew through the trees around us. Jo slowly towards me, with a light sparkle in her eyes.

'Do you think she's here?'

'What?'

'Do you think she's here with us, right now?'

'I think if she was going to be anywhere, it would be here. Or on a beach. Both her and I love the beach. If I dream long enough, then I can see everyone I lost on a beach somewhere. Happy. I just hope they're happy.'

I looked up at the sky, and tried to smile, despite the tears that were pooling in my eyes, and I spun around a little, just as Lexie had down all those years ago.

I'm so so sorry. I know it's been months, and I'm surprised if you're still reading this story, but I promise to try harder. I had surgery last week, so I have a lot of free time. It's honestly just finding the motivation. Anyway, I love you all so very much, and comments (positive ones) mean the world to me. Tell me what you want to see next because I'm running out of ideas. I'm like a Riverdale writer, I'll take anything. See you all on the next one x