Reluctantly, Derek left and found himself back at home in his empty trailer.

Just a few days ago, he had a wife to go home to and just a couple of hours ago he had found out his ex-girlfriend bore him a child without his knowledge. He poured himself a glass of water, opened his medicine cabinet, grabbed a bottle of aspirin and swallowed two pills.

If someone had predicted his future on the outcome of his life, he would have probably laughed it off. Afterall, he was a brilliant surgeon who had been happily married and who was in love with his beautiful wife. What more could he had wanted. His life changed drastically without being forewarned. It's been days since he'd seen Meredith and Jesse. It pained him to think of them. He was alone and his tormented heart yearned for them.

Meredith hadn't realized how much she missed Seattle until George, Izzie and Alex appeared at Burke's and Christina's doorstep. George walked in with a handful of baby gifts. Izzie immediately hugged her and excitedly reached her hand out for the baby. Carefully, Meredith placed her son in her arms. Alex looked on, shrugged and just smiled.

"You miss him, don't you? You still love him?" Christina queried later on as Meredith placed Jesse in his crib for the night and kept silent.

"Meredith?" She still had not answered.

"So, we got our first pregnant male patient this morning! Can you believe that? Six months pregnant! Technology, today! Isn't it great?" Christina stood with her arms crossed in front of her and leaned her weight on one leg.

"Uh-huh."

"Mer! Did you just hear what I said?" Christina hollered.

"Shhhhhh, the baby's asleep. Lower your voice, Christina. Were you talking to me?"

Christina shook her head and walked away.

Meredith sat alone on the sofa as she stared into an empty fireplace. Her best friend stood behind her and gently stroked her hair.

"I've been thinking." Her voice was soft and almost child-like.

"I know. You've been doing a lot of that for the last several days, since you saw him. He's been on edged since you've been back. I--I actually feel for the guy. He really does love you. I can see it in his eyes. His McDreamy eyes."

Meredith turned to Christina and sighed. "McDreamy eyes?

She ignored her comment. "Meredith, you and the baby are welcomed here to stay with us for as long as you want. But, what are your plans? With the baby? With Derek?"

"I don't know. It's just that, I don't have the time or energy to see what happens from here. Everything's at a standstill right now when it comes to Derek. My only main concern is my son."

"I'd better do a jump start on your heart, Mer. I know you. I know how you feel about him. Is your life complete now that you have a child? Or is there one teeny, weeny thing missing in your life? Namely...Derek Shepherd? Hey, stop me if I'm wrong. And I truly know he does love you. Maybe it's possible for someone to love two people at the same time. He's in love with you, not Addison. I can feel it in his heart."

"Were you talking to him or something? Since when have your heart softened for him? Why the sudden change of opinion? You never had anything nice to say about him before. But, now..."

Christina interrupted. "Hey, if it wasn't for him, you wouldn't have your baby and I wouldn't be his godmother. So, I thank you, Derek, for my godson!"

Meredith sniffled. "Christina, it's time to go home. It's time to be where we belong. Thank you for your hospitality." She then stood up and headed to the bedroom.

"Home where, Meredith?" Christina called out to her. "To jump back on that plane or back to Derek? Tell me!"

Meredith closed the door behind her, leaned against it and cried painfully.

TBC - Chapter 11 (last chapter)