A/N: Helen Crawford was featured in season 3 ep Scars and Souvenirs.
Derek dug into the greasy paper bag that held his breakfast. A couple of gooey fresh donuts. Quickly he shoved half of one in his mouth, his tongue tingling at the sweetness of the glaze. He washed it down with a big gulp of black coffee.
"Donuts for breakfast?" A familiar voice asked. "That does not seem like the breakfast of an aspiring neurosurgeon."
Derek nervously wiped his sticky fingers on his pants and turned away from the rail. "Dr. Crawford!" He exclaimed at the sight of his mentor.
Helen Crawford was a formidible force at New York Pres. He'd known her now for a year, and to be honest, she intimidated him. With two more years of experience in the field, and a hefty international resume to round out her abilities, she was the one to watch here. He admired her because she was blunt and honest, and knew what she wanted. But what was she doing on the ferry? He thought she lived in a highrise condo a mile from the hospital.
"Dr. Shepherd..." she trailed off as she walked up beside him. "I didn't know you took the Ferry..."
"Parking is too expensive... I take a ten minute bus ride, hop on the ferry, catch the subway, and get off a block away from the hospital." he said, wanting to impress her with his knowledge of the system.
"How...economical." Helen said, obviously unimpressed.
"Hm." Oops that didn't really work.
But he still wondered what she was doing on the ferryboat. "I didn't know you took the ferryboat," he said.
"I don't." she replied as she stared out at the Hudson.
Derek blinked, confused. Not knowing what to do he sighed and gulped some more coffee. He was about to induldge in the other half of his donut when Helen spoke again.
"Parafalcine Meninigioma." She said suddenly.
"What?"
"Treatment, Dr. Shepherd." Helen looked at him sternly.
He straightened up, carefully scrutinizing Helen. She was as elegant as ever, her hair dark and her eyes mysterious. Albeit perhaps she was a little pale. He noted the slight asian style blouse she wore under her longcoat, and the new wedding ring glinting in the early morning light.
This was all so strange and confusing.
"Dr. Shepherd? I'm waiting."
He scratched the back of his head. It was too early for this... "Well, Parafalcine... That's in the middle of the frontal cortex... I suppose it depends on the size of the tumour. If it's small enough, I'd approach sagil sinusly."
"And if the tumour is too big..."
"Well I guess the option would be resection. But that would mean multiple surgeries over the course of... Years. You might not get it all." He popped the donut in his mouth and chewed thoughtfully.
Helen nodded, her dark eyes flashing. "Very good Dr. Shepherd." And she stared out again at the water.
"Helen..." Derek said feeling something was wrong with his friend.
"I'm contemplating life, Derek. That's why I'm here." And with that she reached over and plucked the remaining donut out of his bag and took a huge bite. "Mm. Wonderful." she licked her lips. "You have a long life ahead of you, Derek. Don't waste it on petty indulgences. A good breakfast. Fruit. Fibre." She took another bite of the donut. "I'll see you at rounds." And she turned on her heel and walked away
Derek watched her go... He was contemplating life alright. Like how she had the nerve to steal his very fresh and delicious donut. Then he chuckled and crumpled the bag in his hands. "Fruit and fibre Helen? Really?" but his smile faded as he considered her words.
Ferryboats were places of contemplation.
