Call Me Mom

Meredith crept out of bed, trying not to wake up her little family. It was Christmas Day and she was restless. She couldn't sleep. She hated waking Derek up, because she knew that he worried about her all the time. After grabbing a robe and slippers, she quietly opened the door and went into the hall. The stairs were a lot harder, being wooden and creaky.

Thankfully, she made it with no loud noises. The tree was beautiful. That is one thing she loved about Sarah. The woman knew how to decorate for Christmas. That was something Meredith never had. Most of her Christmases were spent in the hospital or alone. She passed the mountain of presents and straight into the kitchen to make some coffee. It was about 5:30 A.M. and she knew the little ones would be up soon. Just as she was pouring a cup of coffee, she heard a noise behind her. Out of reflex, she dropped her cup, causing it to shatter to pieces on the floor.

"Meredith, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to startle you dear." Sarah said as she grabbed some wash cloths from the drawer. Meredith held her hand to her chest, trying to calm down.

"Its ok, It just scared me. I didn't know anyone else was awake. I'm so sorry about the cup. I'll buy you a new one." Meredith said, getting the broom from the pantry.

"There will be no such thing. Why are you so jumpy?" She said with a laugh, somewhat joking with Meredith.

"I've just had some things going on lately. I can't sleep well." Meredith replied, throwing the remainders of the cup into the trashcan. Sarah walked over to Meredith and touched her arm, in a loving, motherly way. Meredith instantly relaxed.

"You know you can tell me anything. You are like one of my own daughters. I won't judge. I will always be here for you Meredith. I love you dearly." Sarah said smiling at her. Meredith looked up into her eyes, letting a single tear fall, and Sarah quickly pulled her into a hug. Sarah walked Meredith into the living room, and they sat on the couch together. Meredith wiped her tears and took a deep breath. It was time to open up.

"Derek and I are involved in a trial right now. A doctor at the hospital was harassing me and broke into our home and tried to attack me. Derek came home and found him there and they started fighting, so I grabbed the gun Derek had for protection and shot him, because he was nearly about to kill Derek. The police know that he broke in, but we still have to testify against him because of the gun. I'm so scared to see him. He haunts my dreams. I don't want to worry Derek anymore, but I don't know how to get through this. I can't do it alone." Meredith explained, tears running freely down her cheeks at this point. Sarah reached over and grabbed her hand.

"Oh honey. That is terrible. I don't know what to say. Maybe you should go to see someone, to talk to, you know? It might help you. It's not good to bottle up your emotions." Sarah responded.

"I know, it just seems like one bad thing happens after the last. I don't know how to be happy anymore. Derek was the only thing I had until he left me. And now I have Delia. I love her more than anything, and I let Derek back in, but it's been hard. I love him very much, but the things we went through were tough. I want him to be in my life, and I want Delia to have a family. I don't want her to grow up like me." Meredith replied.

"Your daughter will grow up perfectly fine Meredith. She has you as a mother, and that is one indication. You think the world of her and I know she will think the same of you. Derek didn't have his head on straight, obviously, but I think having a child has made him grow up. He understands the importance of family and what it should mean to you more than he did before. You just need to come visit me more often." She said with a chuckle.

Meredith smiled. She could she the morning light creeping through the blinds. "Sarah, how about I help you get breakfast ready for everyone."

"Meredith, that sounds perfect. But only if you just call me mom from now on." She replied with a smile.

"Okay mom." She said laughing and following Sarah into the kitchen.