DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GREY'S ANATOMY, I wish I did.

John kept pacing back and forth in the waiting area while Meredith sat in the chair. They had discussed Lois' cancer. John was very upset that she wasn't planning on fighting anymore, but he did understand her thinking. Lois had always been the type of person who was always healthy and active. She couldn't stand being in the hospital, and she hated surgeries.

Meredith: She will be fine. An appendectomy is a simple surgery. Don't worry.

John: She is my mother, I can't not worry!

Meredith: I know honey, I know. I just knew something was wrong with her when she got off of the plane, she looked terrible.

John: I did too. In my gut, I knew it wasn't the flu. I just didn't want to admit it. I will miss her so much.

Meredith: You can't mourn someone before they are gone, John. Let's just enjoy the time she has.

John: It's just so hard... (Dr. Bailey walks in.)

Bailey: The surgery went well. She is in recovery.

John: Can we see her?

Bailey: You need to give in an hour, let her wake up. Thompson, you can have the rest of the week off.

Meredith: I'm fine, I can work.

Bailey: Take off the rest of the day, and come in tomorrow. If I see you off just at all, you are going home.

Meredith: That's fine. I can handle it. (Bailey walks out.) Do you want to get something to eat, you look pale?

John: I haven't eaten since this morning. I want to see her the minute she wakes up.

Meredith: We will only be a while, she won't be up before we get back. Bailey will page me if we aren't here.

John: Oh all right.

John and Meredith walked down to the cafeteria together. Everyone was watching, waiting for them to fight again. She knew everyone would be talking about this for awhile. Poor Derek, she thought, he didn't do anything to deserve what was coming. Meredith could hear them talking as they walked.

Nurse Betty: Did you know she was married?

Nurse Sally: No. The way here and McDreamy were making eyes at each other. Can you believe it?

Nurse Georgina: He's hot, her husband. Maybe I can snag him when he leaves her for cheating. I heard he is lawyer.

Addison: So what are we talking about? (She knew.)

Nurse Betty: Oh, nothing.

Addison: Well, I suggest you mind your own damn business and do your job. (They weren't nurses from her floor so she wasn't worried about talking to them like this.)

Nurse Georgina: Geez. (Addison stood there until they all walked away. Poor Meredith, she thought.)

When Meredith and John got down to the cafeteria the chief was sitting there eating a sandwich. Meredith was hoping he didn't see her, she really didn't want him to meet John. She was already feeling bad enough about Derek. She figured everyone would assume Derek didn't know she was married.

John: You call this shit food?

Meredith: After a 6 hour surgery, yes. The P,B &J is safe. The salads are good. (John ordered a salad and a ham sandwich. Meredith just had a chocolate chip muffin, and a candy bar.)

John: You need to start eating healthier.

Meredith: What's wrong with how I eat.

John: Seriously? You are a doctor?

Meredith: Funny. (Dr. Webber walks up.)

Chief: I heard your mother-in-law had an appendectomy?

Meredith: Yes, we are waiting for her to wake up. Chief, I'd like you to meet my husband, John. John this is the Chief of Surgery, Dr. Webber.

Chief: (Shakes John's hand.) Nice to meet you.

John: You too.

Chief: Meredith is a wonderful doctor, you should be proud.

John: (Flashes a big smile.) I am.

Chief: Meredith, I thought I would warn you, your mother is here for a consult.

Meredith: Great, thanks for the warning.

Chief: See you later. Again, nice to meet you. (He walks away.)

Meredith: Should we invite her to dinner?

John: Funny.

They finished their food and headed up to the waiting area. Soon after arriving, Izzie informed her that Lois was awake. When they got in the room, Lois looked very tired. She was on a morphine drip, so she wasn't feeling any pain.

Meredith: How are you feeling?

Lois: I'm OK, but tired.

John: (He didn't know what to say.) Mom, I love you.

Lois: I love you too, both of you. (She closed her eyes to sleep.)

Meredith and John both slept in the room that night. John refused to leave the hospital. He called the office and informed them that he needed a week off. It was no problem, the partners could easily take over his cases. He was staying for the long haul. Meredith took a shower at the hospital. Luckily she had an extra pair of scrubs in her locker. During rounds she got to see Lois. John was there.

Bailey: Who's presenting?

Meredith: I will. Lois Thompson recovering from an appendectomy. She also has liver cancer, which is slowing her recovery time. She is receiving Morphine every hour.

Bailey: Good. Mrs. Thompson, how are you feeling?

Lois: I feel pretty good. I'm ready to go home.

Bailey: I'm afraid that will be a few more days. (Lois closed her eyes.)

Meredith: (Whispering loudly to John.) You need to go home and take a shower!

John: I don't want to leave my mother.

Meredith: The staff doesn't want to smell you. She will be fine. Go home. (Everyone is snickering.)

Bailey: Next patient. (They walk out.) Well aren't you the nagging wife! (Meredith just smiled.)

Meredith kept herself busy. She checked on Lois every chance she got. Lois finally told her to quite worrying and leave her the hell alone. She wasn't mad, she was just kidding. Meredith had a craniotomy to do with Derek. She couldn't find him, finally she spotted him in his office. She knocks on the door.

Derek: Come in!

Meredith: I have been looking for you.

Derek: I've been looking for you. How is your mother-in-law?

Meredith: She's doing well. Why were you looking for me?

Derek: He smiled. To give you this. (He handed her a small box.)

Meredith: What's this?

Derek: Open it! (Meredith opens the box and gasps. It contained a ring with a beautiful ruby setting. Derek comes around the desk and gets on his knees so he can look her in the eyes.) It's a promise ring.

Meredith: Like promise to marry you? Derek, I can't, I don't know...

Derek: No, silly. It's a promise ring. I want you to promise me something.

Meredith: I can't accept it. It's beautiful, but too expensive.

Derek: I want you to promise me that no matter what, no matter who you pick, you will do what makes you happy. If you pick John, or if you pick me. As long as you have that ring on, you have to keep that promise to me. I love you Meredith, I love you enough to want you to be happy even if I am not. Did you know he ruby is considered to be the most powerful gem in the universe? It is said to give contentment and peace and is a symbol of friendship and love. You have to wear it on your left hand. (He places it on her finger.) So Meredith, will you keep this promise for me?

Meredith: (Had tears in her eyes.) Yes, I will.

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OK, so not a long chapter, but a meaningful one. The story is beginning to wind down, and I am getting sad. I will miss it when it's over. Thanks again for the reviews!