Chapter 12: "But I Started Drifting"

Lila and Rachel weren't matches. Lucy sighed with relief and Addison burst into tears. In the past few days Emerson's condition had steadily deteriorated, and while UNOS had elevated her status on the recipient list unfortunately for Emerson eight year old livers were hard to come across. She was given a special bed at Seattle Grace courtesy of Dr. Webber who watched on as Addison grew more and more helpless, and Emerson more and more sick. She hadn't eaten anything for days, anything she ate she threw back up.

"Derek," said Meredith as they stood outside the OR board making mental notes of their surgeries. "Why don't you ever go and see Emerson? Is it because of Cassy? Or me?"

"No," he shook his head. "It's because she doesn't know me. I don't want to get attached and I don't want her to get attached to me." Meredith nodded, though she wasn't happy with the response.

"I'm off," she smiled. "Have a good day." He leant down and kissed her cheek, his stubble grazing it slightly, and she returned the kiss. Then she went upstairs and sat beside Emerson. She whimpered in acknowledgement of Meredith's presence.

"Cassy's mom," she said, her voice hoarse, he throat dry. Meredith nodded and reached for a cool damp cloth. She dabbed Emerson's forehead gently. "Does it hurt?" Meredith asked it quietly, looking searchingly into Emerson's deep green eyes.

"It doesn't hurt," said Emerson. "It aches. It doesn't stop; It feels like someone has tied a belt above my hips so tight I can't breathe. And every now and then it feels like some is sticking pins me. All over me. Which, sometimes they are. But mostly they aren't. Meredith. I can't tell mom this but I think this is the end for me. I actually think I'm dying. Properly this time."

Emerson grabbed Meredith's hand and held it tightly. "I really love my mom, Meredith. She's busy and sometimes she loses her temper. She's at the hospital so much but I don't resent her for it. I've had a good life. But…I don't know how mom is going to be without me."

"Emerson, you mustn't speak like that," said Meredith. "Please don't."

"And I know Derek is my dad. Mom told me. So I guess that means that you're my step-mom, almost. And Cassy…Cassy is my…"

- - -

"Half-sister," said Meredith. Derek nodded.

Meredith had pulled him aside and they sat on the couch in the tearoom, looking at each other almost blankly.

"What is your point?" Derek asked. "Mer, it's just…"

"I know Derek, I know, okay?"

"But Cassy – she's my dau…"

"I KNOW, Derek, I know! But SO.IS.EMERSON. We are obliged to try, okay? If Emerson was our daughter, Derek, yours and mine, you would have no hesitation in getting Cassy tested. She might match. She might not. But we have to try. We're surgeons, and we're parents and we're in the exact same position as Addison, you see?"

Derek nodded. He saw it clearly.

A/N: Guys, this is the second last chapter, albeit a shorty! So please…review your little hearts out!