It was Mrs. Shepherd's Birthday so Mr. Shepherd had organized a family dinner. Mark, Meredith, Derek, and the four girls were all sitting around the table for dinner. Conversation was light. Everyone was talking about school starting the next week. There was a moment of silence and Beth decided to change the topic of conversation. "So Meredith when are you going to have your boyfriend over for dinner?"

Derek seemed to choke on his food while everyone else in the room starred at Meredith in shock. Meredith looked wide eyed at Beth and was about to say something when Mrs. Shepherd cut her off. "What is his name Meredith?"

"No name Mrs. Shepherd, I don't have a boyfriend."

"Yes you do, I saw you kiss him yesterday."

"What's his name Meredith?" Nancy asked.

Meredith didn't want to answer but she felt everyone's eyes on her. "Curt."

Mr. Shepherd was now more interested since Meredith had answered with a name he wondered if this boy was really someone he should be concerned by. "So how old is this boy, where did you meet him, and what is his full name Meredith?" Mr. Shepherd asked as he raised his eyebrow to Meredith.

Derek and Mark shared a look as small smiles appeared on their faces knowing that if Mr. Shepherd was asking questions Meredith was more than just a house guest and they also knew that he wouldn't let just anyone date Meredith.

Meredith was a little nervous. She hadn't had anyone ever question her about anyone she was seeing and there was a part of her that was glad. She looked at Mr. Shepherd in the eyes. "He will be a senior this year, he's a lifeguard at the Y, and his name is Curtis Spink."

Once they heard his name both Derek and Mark dropped their forks. "Spink!"

All eyes went to Derek and Mark who now had their mouths open. "So you know him boys?"

Derek looked to Mark asking him with his eyes to answer so that he wouldn't have to be the bad guy. Mark understood and answered. "Yes Mr. Shepherd he just moved from Florida. He's on the football team so we know him from practice."

"That must be hard leaving school right before your senior year."

"That's what I thought Mrs. Shepherd but he told me his mother got a promotion so she moved the family. He said he knew it was best for the family so it didn't bother him much. And he has an older brother and a little sister."

Mr. Shepherd had been watching Meredith and also watching Derek and Mark. He knew that there was something that they were not telling. He made it a point to speak to them after dinner. "Well I expect to meet him. I think next Saturday will be a good time. What do you think Cindy?"

"I can make dinner for everyone. Mer?"

"OK…I'll ask him."

"No asking Meredith. If he is serious about seeing you he will be here for dinner next Saturday." Mr. Shepherd said and after he saw the nod from Meredith he looked at the others around the table. "Time for presents. You kids clean up and I'll take your mom into the living room. Come join us when you are done." Everyone got up as Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd made their way to the living room while Derek, Mark, and the girls all cleaned up.

Everyone was joined in the living room and Mrs. Shepherd started opening her presents. Meredith tried to stay in the background and once all the presents were opened Mr. Shepherd announced it was time for cake and ice cream. The kids all got up right away and made their way back to the dining room with Mr. Shepherd following.

Mrs. Shepherd got up and was going to follow when Meredith grabbed her arm. "Mrs. Shepherd?"

Mrs. Shepherd turned around. "Yes dear."

Meredith handed her a small box and a card. "I was hoping you could open my gift."

"Of course. Why didn't you want me to open it in front of the others?"

"Because I couldn't afford anything and…" Meredith trailed off not wanting to finish.

"Gifts are not about money Meredith." Mrs. Shepherd said as she opened the card and read it. After reading it she quickly opened the box and gasped when she saw the necklace. It was a sterling silver heart pendant with two aquamarine stones going up on the left side of the heart. She smiled and lifted it from the box. "It's beautiful Meredith. Can you help me put it on?"

Meredith took the necklace and put it on Mrs. Shepherd. Mrs. Shepherd turned around and Meredith adjusted it so the heart was hanging just right. "I think it looks perfect on you."

Mrs. Shepherd pulled Meredith into a hug. "I will be honored to wear this and please call me Cindy, Mrs. Shepherd makes me feel old and I'm not ready to be old yet."

They pulled apart and each had a smile on their faces. "Thank-you Mrs…Cindy."

"Good. Now you better get going or you will miss your movie. Be home by midnight. And don't forget about dinner Saturday." She gave Meredith a hug and a kiss on the check before turning back to the dining room and Meredith left the house.

Mrs. Shepherd made her way to the dining room and found everyone waiting for her. "Sorry, I said goodbye to Mer." She turned to her husband. "She will be home by midnight and I reminded her about next Saturday."

Nancy was about to light the candles on the cake when she saw the necklace. "Where did you get the necklace mom, is it new?"

Mrs. Shepherds hand caressed it and she smiled. "It was a gift from Meredith."

When she heard Nancy, Beth turned to inspect what had caught Nancy's attention. She did a double take and then got out of her chair and approached her mother. "Mom can I see it?"

"Sure honey." Mrs. Shepherd said as she raised her chin to allow Beth to get a better look.

Beth lightly lifted the heart and turned it over. When she did this she put her hand over her mouth. "Oh."

Everyone was now looking at Beth. "What is it Beth?"

"That was Meredith's necklace."

"I know it was honey, I told you it was her gift."

"No mom that WAS her necklace. Her brother gave that to her."

"How do you know that?" Nancy asked as Mrs. Shepherd took the necklace off.

Beth grabbed it and turned it over. She pointed to the back. "He had it engraved for her; it was the last gift he gave her before the accident. See it says 'Love Jay'. She said he told her it was to always remind her that she was loved even if Ellis and his father told her differently."

The room was silent. They all knew how much Jason had meant to her and they never thought she would give anything away that he had given her. Mrs. Shepherd got up and entered the living room with Mr. Shepherd following her. Derek stood by the doorway with Mark and Beth close by.

"Michael I can't keep this, it means too much to her."

"Cindy she wouldn't have given it to you if she didn't want to. You know she doesn't do anything she doesn't want to do."

"I know but…"

"What did she say to you?"

"She gave me this card." Cindy handed him the card.

Michael took the card and read it out loud.

Mrs. Shepherd, You have opened your heart and your home to me and I can't even express how much that means to me. I know I'm not related to you by blood but my brother always told me that mothers should have a birthstone for each of their children. I would be honored if you would wear the enclosed and remember how much you have helped me and know how much I think of you. Love Meredith

"Well for someone who likes to avoid everything and not talk, she sure has a way with words doesn't she?" Michael asked as he looked to his wife.

Cindy nodded. "I told her to call me Cindy. That girl is amazing Michael, she keeps getting thrown lemons and she doesn't complain. I wish Derek and Mark had met her sooner so that she could have come into our lives before all the bad stuff."

Michael smiled. "At least we have her around now. So what are you going to do about the necklace?"

"I'm going to wear it like she asked until March."

"What is March?"

"Her birthday. I know what we are going to get her for her birthday." Cindy said with a smile.

"What?"

"I'll tell you later dear, there are too many ears around."

"Then we will talk later. Let's go get some cake and ice cream before it melts." Michael said as he helped her put the necklace back on and grabbed Cindy's hand. They then made their way back into the dining room.

GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA GAGAGAGAGAGAGA

Cindy had a rare day off and had just finished her last load of laundry and finally delivered the clothing to the correct rooms. She was in Meredith's, after putting the clothes on the bed she looked around and noticed some magazines and papers that were sticking out from under the bed. Cindy sighed and decided to straighten up for Meredith before leaving so she bent down to pick them up. She pulled them out and put them on the bed before taking a seat and she started stacking them up then she looked at the papers. She saw some of them were old tests and other school work that she stacked up. What was left after being unburied from the rest caught Cindy's eyes.

She reached forward and grabbed the few pieces of papers and pamphlets that were left and pulled them to her as she started to read through them. As she was reading she heard the phone ring. She let the answering machine pick up as she continued reading.

'You've reached Meredith Grey; sorry I can't answer right now I'm studying. Please leave your name and number and I'll get back to you eventually…Beep'

'Ms. Grey this is Dr. Smith's office calling. Dr. Smith wanted me to set up another appointment for your surgery. Please call us back so we can set up a time for you to come in. You can reach us at 555-5555, thank-you.'

As soon as the message was over Cindy grabbed her basket and left the room with the papers still in her hand. She made her way downstairs and paged her husband. Once she had sent the page she went into the living room and took a seat on the couch to wait for her husband.

After a few minutes the phone rang and Cindy almost jumped out of her skin before answering. "Hello."

"Cindy are you ok? You paged, you never page unless there's something wrong with the kids. What's wrong?"

"Do you know a Dr. Smith?"

"Yes I've met her once. She works at Mercy West. Why are you asking?"

"When do you get off tonight?"

"I just finished. I thought we could all go out to eat tonight. Cindy what's wrong?"

"I…can you come home now?"

"Is it one of the kids?"

"Yes…no…Michael can you come home now?"

Michael was already in the car. As soon as he heard Cindy's voice he knew something was wrong and left the hospital knowing he was done for the night. "I'm on my way now ok?"

"Good, that's good. We can talk before the kids get home."

"Ok, I'll be there in about 5 minutes. I love you."

"I love you too." Cindy replied as she hung up the phone and went back to looking at what she was holding.

Michael entered the house and after not seeing Cindy in the kitchen he went to the living room. He found her on the couch deep in thought. As he made his way around to the front of her he saw the tears that were rolling down her cheeks. He immediately sat down and wrapped his arms around her. "Cindy what happened?"

Cindy pulled back and without saying a word she gave the papers she was holding to her husband.

Michael took what was handed to him and he started looking through them. Once he had looked through them he looked back to his wife with sad eyes. "Why didn't she tell us?"

"She's with Derek and Beth. They were going for ice cream after school to celebrate Beth doing well on a test."

Michael was a little confused. "Did she tell you?"

Cindy shook her head no. "I took her laundry up and was straightening up for her when I found those. Dr. Smith's office called to set up an appointment for the surg…surgery. What are we going to do Michael?"

Michael kept looking from Cindy to the papers in his hand. Meredith had been living with them for six months and she had worked her way into all of their hearts. He saw the way Derek looked at her and he knew that Derek would be heartbroken if anything happened to her but the truth was so would he because she was like a daughter to him and he wanted to protect her just like he would Beth or any one of his daughters. He also saw the worry in his wife's eyes and he knew for all their sakes Meredith would be ok. "I'm going to call Dr. Smith." Michael pulled out his cell phone and called the number. He knew he wasn't her father but somehow he managed to get all his questions answered and he let the office know that Meredith would be calling to confirm her appointment. When he was done he turned back to Cindy. "Call Derek and tell him he needs to come home. We need to talk to Meredith."

Cindy grabbed the phone and quickly called Derek. She tried to act like nothing was wrong. "Derek."

Derek, Meredith, and Beth were sitting at the ice cream parlor enjoying their ice cream. Derek felt his phone vibrate and quickly answered it after looking at the caller id. "Hi mom, did you change your mind about us bringing you something back?" Derek said with a smile.

"No, no Derek I called because I need you, Meredith, and Beth to come home now."

"We're almost done mom."

"Derek! You need to come home now."

Derek could tell something was wrong. He had heard his mother upset before but this was different. "Ok mom we'll leave right now."

"Good, drive safe."

"Goodbye mom."

"Goodbye Derek, I love you."

"I love you too. I'll see you in a few minutes." Derek said as he hung up. He looked between Meredith and Beth. "We need to go. Mom said we need to get home and she didn't sound…something's wrong." Meredith and Beth stood with him and then went out to the car. After everyone was in and had their seatbelts on, Derek drove towards home.

Cindy hung up the phone and looked back to Michael. "They are on their way. What did Dr. Smith say?"

"She needs surgery; they want to cut out the tumor and then, chemo therapy."

Cindy's eyes began to tear up again. "Chemo?"

Michael grabbed Cindy's hands and squeezed. "Cindy, the tumor is small and Dr. Smith thinks that it hasn't spread yet. The chemo is to make sure they get it all. She is only suggesting 4-5 treatments."

"Will she get sick or lose her hair?"

"She may, it is chemo. Look I know it's scary but they caught it early. Meredith has said she didn't want the surgery and Dr. Smith was concerned because of how early it is she didn't want Meredith to keep putting this off which is why she has been calling Meredith for the last 2 weeks. I just don't understand why she didn't tell us."

Cindy was silent for a moment and then looked back to her husband. "You know how she is; she's always so worried that she is going to burden us."

"That is just plain stupid!" Michael exclaimed.

Cindy looked at him with wide eyes. She was surprised by his choice of words and his outburst.

Michael saw her shocked expression. "She is part of this family and when you are part of our family, it is not a burden to lean on others."

"I know that however you know Meredith was raised well maybe raised isn't the right word. Meredith was conditioned by Ellis and Ray to be independent and not to lean or ask for others help because that's a sign of weakness. You just said she is part of our family."

Michael smiled at his wife. "Yes I did say our family. She has worked her way into my heart just like she has yours, Derek's, and the girls. And like you said a few months ago she will be a Shepherd eventually."

Cindy still had tears in her eyes after listening to her husband. "I'm worried Michael. This is cancer, she can't…"

Michael pulled her into a hug as he spoke. "Meredith will be ok, she will beat this."

"What if it's not ok, what if she can't beat this?"

Michael continued to hold her. "Ssh, Cindy we can't think about the what if's. Dr. Smith is very optimistic about Meredith's prognosis. We just have to be there for Meredith and help her fight this. Meredith is stubborn and strong, she's a fighter but it sounded like she didn't want to fight this. We need to get her to fight so we don't have time for what if's Cindy."

"I love you."

"That's good to know since we are still married." Michael smiled.

Cindy smiled back at him as she heard the door open.

Derek, Meredith, and Beth all entered through the kitchen. They didn't see Cindy so they made their way to the living room. Beth was the first one to enter. "Daddy you're home early." She said as she gave him a hug.

Derek saw Cindy who had tear stains still on her cheeks and Michael had a worried expression. Derek stepped away from Meredith and closer to his mom. "What is it mom?"

Cindy didn't want to worry Derek but she knew that she and Michael needed to talk to Meredith on their own. She looked back to Derek as she spoke. "It's ok Derek, your father and I just need to speak with Meredith alone. Can you and Beth go up to your rooms?"

Derek looked to Meredith and couldn't see her face since it was turned down. He looked back to his father who nodded. He didn't want to defy his father but something told him he shouldn't leave Meredith alone. "I think it would be better if I stayed with Mer."

Michael looked to Cindy and knew that she was right and they needed to talk to Meredith by themselves so he addressed Derek with a tone that left no room for argument. "Derek, your mother asked you to go upstairs. We will call you both down for dinner when it is time to eat." Michael watched Beth head towards the stairs while Derek stared at Meredith wanting her to look at him. "Derek I don't want to tell you again. Upstairs now." Michael watched his son reluctantly head to the stairs. He then turned back to Meredith and Cindy. "Meredith will you please come sit down, Cindy and I need to speak to you."

Meredith walked over to a chair that was next to the couch and she sat. Cindy and Michael sat on the couch. "Ok."

After a few moments of silence Michael started the conversation. "I spoke to Dr. Smith today. Why didn't you come to us Meredith?"

Meredith was shocked that they knew. She had decided she didn't want anyone knowing so she wasn't ready to face it. She looked at both their faces and realized she couldn't push them away. They had opened their home to her and Cindy had helped her when she asked for help. She decided she would talk to them as long as they didn't push her on doing anything. "I am fine, I can handle this…you both have so much going on with your jobs and Derek and Beth, I didn't want to burden you with my problems." Meredith said as she looked to the door trying to figure out her escape route.

Cindy and Michael shared a look and Cindy turned back to Meredith. She placed her hand on Meredith's knee. "You are not a burden Meredith. You have never been a burden and you never will be. This is something serious; you need to talk about this. Michael and I will help you."

Meredith saw the look in Cindy's eyes and wanted to accept any help they would offer but she couldn't she wouldn't bring her burdens into this family. She stood and started for the door. "I…I have to go, I need to go study." Meredith said as she started towards the door.

Derek made his way to the stairs however when he started up them he met Beth just around the turn of the stairs. She was sitting there. He made his way up to her and sat down next to her as he whispered. "What are you doing here; I thought dad told you to go to your room?"

"He said to go upstairs and I am; besides I want to know what is going on. Mom was crying when we came home and now they want to talk to Meredith." Beth whispered back.

Derek put his arm around her shoulder. "I'm worried too." Derek pulled his phone out that was vibrating. He saw it was Mark and debated ignoring it but he decided to answer in a whisper. He told Mark what had happened when they got home and how his father had raised his voice. He hushed Mark when he heard Meredith's panicked voice and he handed the phone to Beth as he moved down a few stairs so he was closer. He peaked around the corner so he could see into the living room.

"You are not walking out that door Meredith." Michael said as he grabbed Meredith's arm. He had stood as she went to walk past him and then he turned part of his body back to see his wife.

Meredith was panicking and she didn't know how to get out of there but she knew she didn't want to talk about this any longer. She heard Michael and when he grabbed her arm she remembered Ray. She pulled herself free from him. "You are not my father." As soon as the words left her mouth she regretted them. She watched Michael turn and she immediately fell to the floor covering her head. "I'm sorry. Please don't hurt me, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything."

Derek and Beth were now both watching. Neither of them knew what this was all about but both knew that their father would never hurt anyone. When Derek saw Meredith on the ground he knew that had to do with Ray. He was frozen. Derek looked over at his sister and saw tears coming down her face.

Cindy had seen what happened and quickly walked to Meredith. She looked at her husband. "It's ok Michael." She watched as he stepped back and then she knelt down by Meredith. "Meredith sweetheart?" Cindy placed her hands on Meredith's wrists and pulled her hands down. "Meredith please look at me."

Meredith looked up with tears streaming down her cheeks. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. I'll just leave, I'll go..."

Cindy helped Meredith stand up. "I know you don't want to talk about this but you need to."

Meredith had wiped her face. "I'm fine, there's nothing to talk about Cindy really, and I'm fine."

Cindy led Meredith to the couch and sat beside her. Michael followed but kept his distance when he sat on the couch. "I know you avoid but Meredith, we need to talk about this."

There was silence until Michael spoke. "Dr. Smith is a good doctor Meredith…"

Meredith turned to Michael and looked him in the eyes. "I'm sorry I said that, I just…I'm sorry."

Michael knew she was sorry and he also knew she didn't mean to hurt him just by looking in her eyes. "Don't be sorry Meredith; I'm not your father. Just forget about it. I do want you to know that I would never hurt you."

Meredith nodded as she felt some relief. "I just don't want to talk about this. There is nothing to worry about. I am fine."

"Meredith, I saw the notes from Dr. Smith, and Michael talked to her. You have to have this surgery."

Derek's heart stopped for a second when he heard his mother say that Meredith needed a surgery. Beth had the phone in her hands and she told Mark what had happened but she didn't wait for an answer as she closed the phone so she could concentrate on the conversation going on in the living room.

"It's nothing; I'm not going to have surgery."

"Meredith, you can't not do anything, and you can't keep going on as though nothing is wrong, it could get worse."

"Cindy I appreciate your concern but I am fine."

"Meredith we won't just let you do nothing. You need the surgery and treatment."

"I can't." Meredith said as she dropped her eyes to the table.

Cindy rubbed Meredith's back. "Why can't you?"

"Because."

"Meredith use your words, why can't you?" Michael asked.

"Because it's my body and I want to…I don't want…I can't let…I don't want to be alone." Meredith finished looking down.

"What are you talking about?"

Meredith looked up to Cindy avoiding Michael's eyes. She had tears in her eyes. "I haven't…Curt and I haven't…Dr. Smith said they would cut it out and I'll have a scar and I won't be me anymore and Curt he said…"

Michael was getting more and more upset each time she said his name. "What did he say Meredith?" He asked clearly upset.

"We were talking about a month ago and he said his sister-in-law, his brother told him about his wife. He said he told him the scar is ugly and her clothes all look different on her. He said he couldn't imagine a woman allowing that to happen to themselves and he would never want a woman who had it done."

"That…" Michael started but Cindy cut him off. "Was that when you found out about the surgery?"

Meredith nodded. "I knew that he was right. No man would ever want someone who was damaged like that and she said it wasn't bad. So I called them and told them I wasn't going to do the surgery."

"He's wrong Meredith. There are many men out there that are with women who have had to go through this. The important thing is for you to be healthy. Dr. Smith said it's not that bad because you caught it early enough, if you don't do anything now Meredith you could…you can't just ignore this, it's not going to go away." Cindy said with a pleading look in her eyes.

"Thank-you Cindy but no, I just want to forget about this."

Michael was angry after hearing what Curt had said to her. He couldn't believe someone would say something so cruel about women who had survived this horrible disease. "You have to have the surgery Meredith."

Meredith still had a set jaw and shook her head no.

"Meredith." Cindy pleaded again.

They were pleading with her and she couldn't take it anymore. She had made up her mind and she wasn't going to change it but then she saw their faces. She couldn't understand why they were pushing so hard, why did they care? She had tears in her eyes and when she looked at Cindy she saw her tears as well. She stood up quickly and this time she ran for the door calling out as she reached the door and pulled it open ready to run. "Why are you all pushing so hard?"

Cindy and Michael stood to go after her. Michael took a few quick steps to follow after her hoping the door was locked so she would have to stop. He saw her with her hand on the door and as if in slow motion she turned the handle. He knew he needed to stop her and the only way he knew to do that was to be honest with her. Because of that he raised his voice as he called after her. "Because we love you!" Meredith turned to him and Michael saw Mark standing in the doorway however his eyes went back to Meredith. "That's right Meredith we love you. You have found your way into our family and our hearts. We are not going to let you ignore this."

There was silence in the room. Meredith blinked more tears as she looked at Michael. "You…you love me?" She watched him nod. "But what I said, and my mother, and my past, and…"

Michael cut her off. "Meredith Grey, I told you to forget about what you said and you are not your mother. Your past, I don't know everything about it but I do believe that everything that you have been through has made you who you are today and I am looking at a very strong, independent, stubborn young woman. You are also very caring and extremely smart. You have made your way into each of our hearts how could we not love you? Jason was right about you Meredith, you do deserve love and you are going to make an amazing surgeon but to do that Meredith you need to be around so you need to have this surgery and the treatment."

Meredith had listened to Michael and saw Cindy now standing next to him. She looked at Cindy as if questioning what he was saying.

"He's right Meredith. We love you like a daughter. We know you have only been with us a few months so I will just tell you; being part of our family means we support each other especially in times like this."

Meredith still couldn't bring herself to say anything. She heard both Michael and Cindy talking but all that was repeating in her head was 'we love you'.

Michael stepped closer to her and put his hand under her chin. With one finger he slowly lifted her chin so she was looking him in the eyes. "Meredith we love you. Cindy loves you, Derek and the girls love you, and…I love you. You have cancer. I know this is scary, I'm even a little scarred but Meredith you can't just ignore it."

Meredith was looking into Michael's eyes even though they were hard to see through her tears. The more he spoke the more the tears came. He had always been nice to her but this was different. His words were like hammers to the wall she had built around her heart. When he was done, she knew what she needed to do. "Ok." She whispered.

Michael bent his knees so that they were eye level. "What was that?"

Meredith looked up to him. "I'll have the surgery and do the chemo."

Michael didn't say anything he just embraced her in a hug. He felt her tense up at first and then she relaxed and wrapped her arms around him. "We'll be there for you; you won't be alone through this."

Meredith let all her defenses down and cried while Michael's embrace became tighter.

Cindy walked over to her husband and put her hand on his shoulder. She reached up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Thank-you." She then put a hand on Meredith's shoulder to let her know she was still there. She then turned to Mark who was still standing at the door. Cindy motioned him in and watched him close the door behind him. When Michael had said the word cancer she heard the quick intakes of breathe and she knew that Derek and Beth were on the stairs, listening just like their other three girls had always done. They listened at the spot that turns because it hid them well. She turned to the stairs and motioned for them to come down.

Derek saw his mom motion them down. He followed Beth down as his mother went back to stand by Meredith and his father. He watched his parents with Meredith and felt some relief knowing they were there to help take care of her and when his father said they all loved her he got a big smile on his face. He saw Beth crying so he pulled her in for a hug. "It's going to be ok Beth. Everything is going to be ok."

After Meredith's sobs turned to hiccups she pulled away from Michael and wiped her tears. "I'm ok." She gave Cindy a hug and when Cindy released her she looked back to Michael. "I think I need to make that appointment."

Michael smiled. "I think that would be a good idea."

Meredith walked to the phone and dialed the number. When someone answered she let them know why she was calling and after a couple minutes she had an appointment. "Next Friday at 1pm."

Michael stepped closer. "Meredith is there anything sooner?"

"Ok can you hold for just a minute? Thank-you." Meredith looked Michael in the eyes. "I don't want to miss school."

"And while I applaud you for that honey, this is something that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. Do they have anything before Friday?"

"Wednesday?" Meredith asked with a small smile.

"Anything else?"

"Tuesday?" Meredith asked a little disappointed.

Michael knew from his conversation earlier that there was an opening for the next day. He smiled at Meredith's attempt of negotiation. He knew Cindy and Derek could never say no to her and if it was under different circumstances he would have given in but this was too important so he stood his ground. "Meredith."

"Mon…" Meredith started to say but she saw the look on his face and decided she didn't want to push her luck so she gave in. "Tomorrow at 12pm."

Michael nodded and smiled. "That's better."

Meredith went back to the phone and set up the appointment. She asked the nurse to give Michael the instructions so she gave him the phone.

Michael looked at his watch and agreed with everything the nurse was telling him. Finally he hung up the phone and turned to his family. "It's early enough let's go out to eat for dinner tonight…" Michael stopped as he spotted Mark. "Are you ok?"

"Um, why do you ask?" Mark asked a little uncomfortable at what he had come across when the door opened.

Michael smiled wanting to lighten the conversation. He patted Mark on the back. "You have been coming to our house for 12 years now and this is the first time you haven't had something to say as soon as you enter the room. And it seems you are speechless. I think this is truly a first for you Mark."

Mark smiled back to Michael. "I can share the spotlight if it is appropriate."

"What is that suppose to mean?"

"Well seeing as you were professing your love and all I thought it best to keep my mouth shut." Mark leaned into Michael and lowered his voice. "Personally I always thought Derek would be the first to tell her. And for the record dad you are too old for her."

Michael chuckled at what Mark said to begin with however the last part of what he said stopped the chuckle. "Mark Sloan…Did you forget what a doorbell is or how to knock?" Michael asked.

"Sorry dad if you want I can go back out and knock."

Meredith smiled a true smile as she looked between Michael, Mark, Derek, Beth, and Cindy. "I think if you did that he would lock the door Mark." Everyone chuckled except for Michael.

Derek saw his father's face and decided to step in just like he always did when Mark pushed his luck. "Mark what brings you by?"

"Well your sister said something about Meredith and surgery before she hung up on me so I came over as fast as I could since you never called me back."

"Oh." Derek said hoping his father didn't hear.

Too late. "Derek and Elizabeth Shepherd, you were listening on the stairs weren't you?"

Mark leaned into Derek who was now standing next to him. "Sorry man."

Derek looked back to Mark. "You never know when to keep your mouth shut do you?"

Mark gave him an apologetic look while they were listening to his father lecture them about listening on the stairs. Derek tried not to laugh knowing this was probably the millionth time he had heard this lecture. All the times he got caught with his other sisters and it was the same lecture. He then heard Meredith's voice draw him out of his memories.

"Is it ok if I go freshen up before we get going?"

"Of course. Beth why don't you and I go get ready as well?" Cindy said as she led Beth up the stairs.

Meredith left to go freshen up and change clothes. She had to admit knowing the Shepherds loved her meant more to her than she thought and that made her smile. For the first time since she met with Dr. Smith she felt some hope that maybe she would be ok.

Once Cindy, Beth, and Meredith were out of the room Michael motioned for Derek and Mark to have a seat. While waiting for the women Michael answered Derek and Mark's questions about what was going on with Meredith. He also answered Derek's questions about Curt.

"I knew he wasn't good enough for her." Derek said clearly upset. "I have a few things I want to say to his sorry ass."

Michael smiled at Derek's words knowing that he really meant it but also knowing that the only man that would ever be good enough for Meredith in his eyes would be his son himself. "Just don't do anything to upset Meredith boys."

Mark nodded his understanding to Michael and then asked. "Is she going to be ok?"

"We won't know for sure until after the chemo but it was caught very early and Dr. Smith is very optimistic."

Mark looked to Derek. "Does Alex know?"

"No we just found out when we got home." Derek answered. He then turned to his father. "Dad would it be ok if I call Alex and Izzie to join us for dinner?"

Michael nodded. "I think that would be nice for Meredith. Go ahead."

"Mark call Izzie and I'll call Alex. Tell them to meet us at that Mexican restaurant she loves in half an hour." Derek said as he got up and Mark followed. They both made their calls and soon were back in the living room waiting.

GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA GAGAGAGAGAGA

Giving Jason's necklace away really wasn't that difficult because it was going to someone special to me. Cindy had opened her heart and house to me and I wanted to give her something special to show her how much I appreciated it. I got the necklace back on my birthday or rather a version of it. She and Dr. Shepherd had gone to the jeweler and had them recreate the necklace and added another heart to it to symbolize the Shepherds. It is absolutely beautiful.

Since I never had a mother figure I didn't realize that she would be going into my room. Cindy wasn't someone who snooped as some would say so really them finding out about the cancer was my fault. At the time when Dr. Smith told me about what she found I was shocked. I was young and didn't think those things happened to teenagers. I suppose I could have just agreed to the surgery and not told the Shepherds but I was scared of what would happen after the surgery so I decided to avoid which is what I do best.

When Dr. Shepherd said they loved me I was shocked. The only other person that had ever said that was Jason. That was when the walls came down and agreeing to the surgery was my way to say that I knew they loved me so I would do whatever it took to stay around. I know there was a part of me that knew there were more hard times to come and that there was still some doubt of their love but I still agreed knowing that I would deal with it when it came time.

Telling them about what Curt had said was the hardest. Looking back now I'm disappointed in myself that I would let a boy compromise my health like that but since I didn't know what real love was at the time I believed he loved me and would not do anything to hurt me. Thankfully Cindy found the papers so I will never know what would have happened if I didn't have the surgery.