Chapter 5: Written in the Sky
"Mer?" Izzie spoke up cautiously behind her, clearly wondering if her friend and boss didn't go a little insane.
"Yup?" asked Meredith sticking a piece of paper saying "Ask at the vet" onto the door.
"Why are you putting that up?"
"So that everyone would know to come through the back entrance," Meredith smiled with satisfaction. Thank God in heavens she forgot to tell Derek about the existence of another room in the practice. She usually drove to the place herself when an animal required medical attention but from time to time people came over with smaller ones. That was what the room was for. The vet office had even its own entrance which could also lead to the main part of the building. But only the locals knew it. And if a non-local needed help they would be directed straight to the right place without a problem. Except Derek…
"But the main entrance is fine," argued Izzie with wide eyes.
"Iz, I don't want Shepherd breathing down my neck," she said honestly. "He thinks he's a godsend to women and, heck, the whole humanity. I just want one peaceful day. Is that too much to ask?"
"Nope," shrugged Izzie. "You're the boss, Meredith."
"Come on," Meredith beckoned her inside. "It's almost nine, I'm sure he'll be here soon enough."
It was almost nine. Thank God, the practice wasn't too far from his uncle's house. The chances of recovering his Lexus were very slim for the time being. The road service promised to be here in two days. He preferred to avoid Sheriff Rigsby and he didn't know anyone here. People were openly staring at him as he walked through the town, some of them holding hostile expressions. He wondered if this was Mrs. Hodge's doing and protectiveness of Meredith or the general fact that he was not from here.
He finally reached the steps of the practice and… took a double take. "Ask at the vet". What the hell did that mean? There was supposed to be no vet in Rachel. He tried the door. Locked. He took out his cell phone from his briefcase… Damn, he didn't know the number. He took a few steps back and swept over the building's façade. No sign of life. Meredith's car wasn't in the driveway. With a sigh, he decided to have a walk around the town. Maybe there was a veterinary clinic, a small scale one of course. There could be, there were a lot of ranchers around the town. Rachel was tiny, he would find the place eventually.
Little he knew, a keen devilish pair of eyes followed his every move from a crack in the blinds.
"Sucker!" she clenched her fist triumphantly.
"He took the bait?" asked Izzie with a half-smile bringing Meredith a cup of coffee.
"Course he did," she laughed. "It's gonna be a good day. I can feel it."
Derek reached the end of the town. He didn't reach his goal though. There was clearly no vet in this part of town. Why Meredith would put up that notice was beyond his understanding. He abandoned the hope of getting information from the locals a long time ago. Whenever he tried to approach someone, they hastily went away or answered that they didn't know.
Upon returning to the center, if there was one in Rachel, he decided to step inside the inn. Cristina Yang was Meredith's friend but she was clearly a nonnative. Maybe that was his chance.
"Ms. Yang," he sighed stopping at the reception.
"Dr. Shepherd," she answered mimicking his tone.
"I was wondering if you could point me the way to the vet."
He watched one of her eyebrows ride up. "There's no vet in Rachel."
"Really?" he snorted. "Because there's a note at the door of the practice telling patients to ask at the vet."
"Seriously?" asked Cristina.
"Yeah, seriously," he answered sarcastically.
"Well, sorry. I couldn't help you out anyway if there was a vet," shrugged the Asian.
"And why not?" he gritted out.
"I don't keep animals. Why would I care for a vet?"
Derek rolled his eyes. Smartass.
"Fine, can you give me Meredith's number?" he tried again.
"Sorry," she shook her head making a sad face.
"What again?" he dropped his hands to his sides.
"I'm not a pimp," she quipped.
"I want… I need to talk to her as a doctor," he stated clearly, his patience running thin.
"That's weird. Everyone knows the number to the doctor."
"I don't know the number," he spat out. He was running in circles.
"Then you don't need a doctor."
"Why is this my morning…" he muttered irritated, walking out of the inn with an angry thud.
Cristina picked up a number on her phone grinning from ear to ear. "Mer? You evil mastermind…"
Derek was simply exhausted. He just roamed the other side of Rachel, without achieving anything else than a pain in his legs. Being relatively small, the town was quite stretched out. He was in a good physical condition, he really was. He worked out regularly at the gym. He wanted to feel and look good. His job required him to be constantly on his feet. But he was never much of a tourist or a hiker and that was a slightly different type of activity.
It was also worth to be mentioned that he didn't have anything in his mouth since morning. Soon he wouldn't have anything to eat at the house anyway. Of course, they wouldn't accept his credit card at the local store. He didn't starve to death thanks to the souvenir shops sprouted all around like mushrooms. But he wouldn't get real healthy food in there, only stale sandwiches and confectionary. Life was a bitch.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't little Derek Shepherd!"
Derek jumped to his feet hearing his name called by a voice he didn't recognize. What he recognized was her appearance. The woman didn't look much different than over twenty-five years ago, with the exception of the number of lines of her face and the color of her hair that went from black to white.
He liked to call Meredith a witch in order to vent some of his anger. However, the woman who was standing in front of him was a real witch, or at least he believed so when he was a kid. Surely, the population of Rachel, including its adult part, still did, treating her with careful respect.
"Mrs... Fallon," he managed to recover. When he was a kid, it was never Mrs. Fallon, it was always the witch. "You remember me?"
"Of course, I do," she laughed. "Who would forget that wild mane of hair? It's the Shepherd hair."
"Shepherd hair?" he chuckled. "There are no more Shepherds in Rachel."
"When I was young the Shepherds were the largest family in here," she recollected with a wistful smile. "And now you are here."
"I'm just…" he hesitated looking around. "I'm just passing through, so to speak. I do what I need to do and I'm out of here."
"So, you say." He felt as though she was seeing right through him. She had that effect on people, which was probably the reason for her notoriety. "So, they all say."
"I'm sorry? All?"
"There are folk who come and stay. Forever."
"Really?" he chuckled leniently.
"She did," Mrs. Fallon pointed with her head at the practice.
"Meredith? Knew she wasn't local. Why did she move here?" he inquired curiously with a hint of fascination. "Does she have family here?"
"Not my story to tell," she shrugged. "And I believe you have a more burning question for the time being?"
He frowned at her quizzically.
"Don't look at me like that. You should know I know everything by now. Just like I knew who was stealing apples from my garden."
"Um, sorry?"
She shook her head laughing at him.
"So where should I go?" he sighed pleadingly.
"Occam's razor," she answered simply.
"Occam's razor?" he repeated, his eyebrows going up in surprise.
"I may not have a university degree and I have spent all my life in Rachel but as I said, I know things. Apparently, you are the one who doesn't," she remarked lightly.
"Okay, my bad," he admitted. "But what's with the Occam's razor."
"I really couldn't have been more precise," she grinned.
"The best solution is the simplest," Derek thought aloud and then looked sharply at the practice. "Don't tell me…" he muttered as humiliation coursed in his veins. "She did it on purpose, didn't she? I should have known… thanks by the way," he nodded and walked back up to the practice. The main door was still closed but this time, he took his time to search for another.
"Derek Shepherd?" Mrs. Fallon called after him.
"Yeah?"
"You need to be careful what you chase after," she stated, her eyes looking especially bright.
"Careful? I don't think anything worse can happen to me."
"Men tend to lose their hearts in pursuit of their goals."
"What… does that mean?" he frowned at her.
"I'm just saying, it's hard to live without a heart."
"Okay," he nodded though he didn't understand at all what she was getting at. "By the way, why did you help me?"
She shrugged a little. "You should not hold it against the people, they just want to protect what they see as theirs."
"Which is what? I don't even know them!"
"Hopefully, when we talk in a few months' time, you'll be wiser."
"I won't be here in a few month's time," he denied decidedly. "I'm gonna sell the house, sell the practice, and be back in New York next week."
"Well, then you should hurry," she smiled mysteriously and turned to walk away.
Meredith saw her patient off to learn with a slight surprise that she had one more patient waiting. Weird, Izzie didn't bring her any more charts before she left. They had a patient requiring daily injections and it was usually the blonde nurse that took care of it.
"Sir? Are you waiting for me?" Meredith addressed the man who was sitting in the lobby, almost completely hidden by a broadsheet paper, held upside down… Wait a minute, she knew that expansive shoes, the slacks…
"Yes, I am waiting for you," he said crisply, angrily throwing the paper onto the seat beside.
"Dr. Shepherd," Meredith raised her eyebrows in a mock surprise. The idiot somehow managed to make his way into the practice. Well, at least she spent a peaceful quiet day. "I honestly didn't expect to see you today… despite your yesterday's declaration."
"You," he chuckled shaking his head and got to his feet approaching her like a snake ready to strike. "You are a piece of work!"
"You look quite flushed, Dr. Shepherd. What's the matter?"
"You think you're so smart. You think you can play me. You're sadly mistaken," he gritted out.
"Oh," she smiled from ear to ear. "How was your trip around town? Entertaining I hope?"
"That was a battle," he gritted through his teeth. "I'll win the war. You can't take me." He said threateningly, his voice steady.
"Bring it on," she challenged him, mimicking his stance.
"With pleasure," his stormy expression transformed into a vicious smirk. "My keys, please." He extended his hand towards her.
She frowned at him as though he had lost it.
"Don't you understand English? I'm talking about my keys to the practice."
"That's out of the question," she snorted loudly.
"No, it actually is what the law says. I am the co-owner, whether you like it or not. I have the right to be here anytime I want. I still haven't received my set and I'd like to have it now. Right now," he underlined.
"No way," she shook her head. "I'm not going along with this. This is my work, my world, my life. You're not gonna screw it up for me!"
"Why do you hate me so much?" he asked curiously. "Not that I care, I'm just intrigued. What exactly don't you like about me?"
"That would be epic to explain," she riposted.
"Really? I think you have some serious issues. You hate men that are attractive to women," he squinted at her.
"Oh, don't flatter yourself. You're not that good looking."
"I actually am. But maybe it's the fact that I'm a neurosurgeon-"
"Okay, I swear I'm gonna puke all over your shoes if you make me listen to your I'm-a-self-important-badass-surgeon talk!"
Suddenly, the sound of someone clearing their throat made them jump apart from each other.
"Uhm, I don't wanna interrupt anything," Cristina Yang was standing at the door with a knowing smirk on her lips, "but, you know, Mer, we were supposed to have a drink. Alex just got back."
"You're not interrupting anything!" Meredith's voice rose to a shriek.
"If you say so," shrugged Derek.
"I do say so. We're going, Cristina. I'll just take my jacket."
"And you'll give me my keys," he reminded. "Suffering from short term memory disorder?"
"Are you suffering from compulsive asshole disorder?" she quipped.
"You sure you don't want me to leave?" cut in Cristina, highly entertained. "So, you can continue the foreplay alone, lovebirds?"
"It's not foreplay," Meredith growled at her best friend traitorous act that was making Derek all gloat in hilarity. "I'd call it a prelude to murder."
"You think you're gonna scare me with your ineffectual fists?" he laughed, casually leaning back against the counter.
"I'm pretty sure a blind squirrel could kick your ass."
"Okay, that is my cue to leave," Cristina rolled her eyes and paraded out of the building. "Just remember, no glove no love!"
"Ugh," grimaced Meredith and dived her hand across the counter. "Take your damn keys and leave the hell out of here!"
The inn Under the Alien was bustling as usual on Friday night. Locals and tourists alike besieged every table inside and on the patio. Friday night was the time of relaxation over a friendly drink.
"Izzie's been telling me there's a new dude in town," said Alex Karev sitting down with Meredith, Cristina and Izzie who was his girlfriend. Alex who was a truck driver and he just got back from his usual route which went along the states of the west coast. He wasn't in Rachel for two weeks and was willing to hear some newest gossip.
"He's Shepherd's…" trailed off Cristina. "Who is he to Shepherd anyway? A nephew?"
"No, I don't think so," Meredith shook her head. "William didn't have a brother. And can we please not talk about him? I really have enough."
"So, it doesn't matter who he is anyway, daughter, mother or sister; what matters is that he got the share of the practice and Mer's dream home," Cristina continued despite her best friend's protests.
"So, what's the deal with the guy?" asked Alex. "I could hear Iz bouncing on her seat over the phone."
"He's hot!" giggled Izzie, drinking her tequila shot too quickly.
"Not cool," Alex eyed her with reproach and a hint of jealousy.
"Easy there, Karev," snorted Cristina. "He has no interest in Barbie anyway. He's got a thing for Mer."
"He does not have a thing for me," stated Meredith, her voice strained. "And how many times do I have to repeat, he's not that hot! He only tries. Too much, I think. And he's a total dick."
"He's been making problems for you?" asked Alex seriously. "You want me to talk to this guy?"
"Thanks, Alex, but don't bother. He's an uptight suit with a God complex. He might take your ass to court or something if you look at him the bad way."
"Yeah, she's onto something here. He almost landed Mer in jail for theft," snickered Cristina.
"Say what?"
"Yeah, like that would happen," Meredith rolled her eyes.
"And she accused him of trying to stick his needle where it doesn't belong!"
"Meredith! What exactly happened-"
"I told you she was exaggerating. And I can take care of myself perfectly fine, I don't need a guy to breathe for me."
She's just bitchy," went on Cristina, "because in spite of herself, just a teeny tiny bit, she's enjoying all that dancing around-"
"Are you out of your mind? I am not a masochist! I do not-"
"Hey, guys!" Jackson Avery joined them with a smile, shaking hands with Alex. "Meredith- Is everything okay? You look flushed."
"Oh, I… feel hot. It's hot. You know, I think it's time for me," she muttered and got to her feet. She didn't think she could stand any more teasing on Cristina's part.
"Can I walk with you?" offered Jackson, a hope in his eyes.
"I… yeah, sure. Why not," she nodded quickly and trotted out of the inn.
They walked in silence most of the way, neither of them really knowing what to say. But it gave Meredith the time to cool down.
"So, it's been a long time since we were out… just the two of us, I mean," he commenced awkwardly.
"Yeah, it has. It's been… pretty insane lately. And now I have to worry about the practice too. And you've had that business thing to take care off. How… how did that go?" she asked, tucking her hair behind her ear as she peered at him.
A wide smile appeared on his face at how beautiful she looked in that moment, gazing up at him from under her eyelashes, a wind playing with her hair.
"Great actually," he said with enthusiasm. "Me and my father are going to supply a chain of restaurants in Vegas."
"That's wonderful," she smiled for him as they halted before the practice. "You've really earned it."
"Thank you," he said in a softer note. "Meredith…"
He gently took her hand in his and slowly leaned towards her. She reciprocated the movement until they were just inches apart, her heart beating like mad though she couldn't tell if it was out of excitement or pure panic. Just before their lips could meet, she pulled away embarrassedly.
"Jackson," her voice trembled just a tad. "I'm sorry, I just…"
"No, I'm sorry," he assured quickly, still holding her hand. "You're not ready, I get it. We'll go at your pace."
"Thank you," she smiled apologetically. "You're really sweet. I… gotta go."
"Meredith?" he asked as she took the keys out of her bag. "It's not about this guy, is it?"
"What guy?" she asked though she had a feeling she knew.
"Shepherd from New York. He's always following you around-"
"Jackson," Meredith stopped him raising her hand. "Do you honestly want to tell me you believe in gossip? I'd never take interest in a guy like him, you should know that. He's a total tool!"
"Okay, sorry I asked," he smiled, and his face was more relaxed now. "I'll see you?"
"Yeah," she planted a tiny kiss on his cheek. "Call me, we'll go out some night."
She watched his retreating back from the steps of the practice. When he disappeared around the corner, she sat down at the bottom step and gazed up at the sky. It was her favorite thing to do when she was alone and in a melancholic mood. She used to do it in New York every other night. At that time, she wasn't doing it alone though. She was always snuggled into her fiancé's warm embrace as they admired the stars together. That was also the reason why she couldn't bear to look up during the night for several months before her arrival to Rachel. The skies were still the same and were mocking her from their mighty position. Rachel changed everything. The sky was the same yet different. It was soothing.
Meredith sighed as her eyes moved from one twinkling star to another. Jackson Avery was every girl's dream-come-through. He was handsome, he was honest, considerate. And of course, he was Rachel-approved. No other local guy would even approach her (not that there were many of them in general) as she and Jackson came to be regarded almost as a couple. The community, however, didn't know that she had sworn off men. Everyone was of the opinion that she was plain picky. In reality, she had lost all romantic interest in men after… Mitch… there you go, she said his name aloud, well, aloud in her thoughts. And to be honest, it wasn't his real name anyway.
After the fifth guy she was set up with by her new friends, she decided to give it a rest and meet with Jackson. She told him at the start that it didn't mean anything and it would be probably a long way, if ever, before it meant something. He was fine with it.
They became good friends, they went out from time to time, occasionally holding hands. The slow pace suited her. If she was able to choose a guy to fall in love with, it would be him. She enjoyed their time together and thought that maybe, just maybe, when she was whole and healed, they could try something else than friendship. Tonight, she had grave doubts. It was as though something had shifted since she last saw him, but she couldn't pinpoint what…
For the lack of better entertainment, Derek spent his evening playing with the brown dog that had wandered into his house a few days ago. The spaniel lounged out in the porch and refused to leave ever since. Probably because Derek couldn't help feeding him.
Derek set aside the embarrassing feeling that only a stray dog was eager to socialize with him in this town and ruffled his head.
"So, what's your name, buddy?" he reached his hand, and the dog immediately gave him his paw. "Rex?"
The spaniel lied down on his stomach looking at Derek expectantly. "No? Max?" He gave out a little growl.
"No, I guess it's not," chuckled Derek. "Um, Sam? Duke? Rocky? Bert?"
The dog barked appreciatively and wagged his tail.
"Seriously?" frowned Derek. "I was joking… Fine, fine, I'll call you Bert," he promised quickly when the spaniel gritted his teeth.
"You probably want a snack now, don't you?" With a sigh he disappeared into the house to be back outside seconds later with a couple pieces of toasts in his hand.
"It's really all I've got," he sighed. He lived on toasts for the past few days. He was getting a stomachache just by looking at them.
Derek saw his neighbor from across the road return with her little son in the stroller and contemplated asking her for help but… he still vividly remembered the shot gun the woman brought over when she came to help out Meredith. He preferred to be hungry rather than dead. He hated this place.
When Bert busied himself with the toasts, Derek raised his head and let his eyes lingered on the stars that lit up one after one. At least the sky was beautiful here. That he couldn't deny.
