"I talked to him." She sighed and looked up at Mark who had sat across from her.
"That's a start."
"It's not even close to a start. I haven't even brought up the fact that I'm madly in love with him or the fact that he has children. What kind of screwed up person am I?"
"Nothing that can't be fixed."
She sighed. "Well, Sloan, I believe you have more faith in fate than I do." She stood up. "Once you've burned as many bridges as I have, it's hard to get back to where you started."
"Then you just have to find another way back, don't you?"
"If only it were that easy." With that she walked off.
--
"Dr. Shepherd." Meredith said when she saw Derek walk in.
"Meredith." He replied with a "McDreamy" grin playing his lips. "Good morning, Madi."
"Good morning, Dr. Shepherd." She answered.
"You seem to be more awake today."
"I napped."
"Good." Derek chuckled.
"How is she?" Meredith asked.
"In perfect health from what I can tell."
"Besides the whole resent surgery thing." Meredith said sarcastically.
"Of course." He chuckled again. "Besides that, her CT says the tumor is gone. And as far as I can tell, her motor, memory, speech, vision, and so on are all perfectly fine. But I'd still like to keep her a few days to be sure. Then she'll be released into your care. Though, I suggest you get her checked out again in six months to be sure."
"You think it won't come back?"
"I'm nearly positive. It was small, localized, and there wasn't much proof of it being aggressive enough to come back. But, protocol…"
"I understand." Meredith smiled. "Thank you, Dr. Shepherd."
"Your welcome."
"Can she leave the room?" She asked before he walked out.
"With a wheelchair? Yes."
"Thank you, again, Dr. Shepherd."
"Your welcome, Meredith." With that he walked out.
"You hear that, Baby? You're going to be just fine."
"Good, I don't like being in the hospital."
"How about we get your brother from Grandpa and get you some lunch in the cafeteria?"
Smiling happily, Madi slowly sat up. Meredith helped move her IV around the bed and lifted her into the wheelchair.
--
It was fairly warm outside when they walked out onto the outdoor patio. She carried some food in one hand and pushed her daughter in the other. Owen walked along side Madi with his hand on the armrest to help push. Meredith found a table and moved a chair away so the wheelchair would fit. She lifted the tray of food and set it and the tray she was holding on the table.
"Are you okay?" She asked Madi. Madi nodded and gave her mother a small smile. "Okay." She kissed her nose before moving to help Owen into his seat. "Need anything, Bud?" She asked once she set his chicken tenders and soda in front of him.
He shook his head sticking a piece of chicken from into his mouth. She got Madi her chicken and soda too and sat it in front of her.
"Thank you, Mommy." They both chirped at the same time.
"Your welcome." She smiled as she sat down and opened her salad. She hadn't eaten that much since Madi was admitted to the hospital, so she was hungry now that the food sat in front of her.
"Hey, guys." George said as he stood in front of them.
"Hey, George." All three said at the same time.
He chuckled at their unison. "How are you feeling, Madi?"
"Okay." She shrugged.
"Good." He smiled. "How are you doing, Mer? I heard you went over, but Alex won't tell us what happened."
"It didn't go great." She sighed sadly.
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Later."
He nodded. "I'll be around…"
"George!" Izzie called from across the cafeteria as they walked in with Christina and Alex. Alex eyes met her practically pleading with her. She stared at him for a few seconds before dropping her eyes to her salad.
"You better go." Meredith said.
"I can stay." George protested.
Shaking her head, she forced a sad smile. "You shouldn't lose them for me. You deserve more than to pay for my mistakes."
"Things will get better."
"I keep telling myself that." She said giving him another forced smile. "But, things are yet to have changed."
"Give it time. Talk to him. He loves you. Even if it's hard to see now."
"I'll see you later, George."
He nodded. "I'll see you guys later." He smiled before walking away.