Chapter 15

Present time

Derek meet with Mark and Addison for a drink at Joe's during Sunday evening and they speak about his plans on their way there. Derek knew that Mark and Addison would not say anything.

"When are you leaving the plant and throwing her out of your apartment?"

"I tried earlier today to set up a meeting with her when she called me, but she hang up on me. I'll try tomorrow morning at work."

Izzy, Cristina and Meredith spent a couple of hours at the mall since Cristina and Mer wanted to pick up some American stuff to bring back to Darfur. It was things that their co-workers were longing for and some of their own favorites. They met the others at Joe's for a late drink, and it ended up as a party with lots of laughs, bantering, dancing and drinking. They were joined by others who also worked at the hospital.

Rose is sitting together with some nurses across the room. They are not happy when they see other nurses joining the party. The door opens and Derek together with Mark and Addison enters the bar. Derek's eyes are immediately drawn to the corner where Meredith is sitting. He doesn't even notice Rose. Mark asks him if he wants his regular drink and he only has time to nod before walking over to Meredith. He leans over her and breaths her in.

"Hi, you smell so intoxicating that I'm going to need CPR soon. She giggles and slaps his hand that is resting on her shoulder but she leans back and smiles at him. He squeezes down between Meredith and Cristina. They sit there pressed together. Mark brings his drink and Derek salutes Meredith who lifts her beer and takes a sip. He slowly strokes her leg under the table and grabs her hand. She leaves her hand in his and they sit there and listen to their friends very, very aware of each other. Rose gets more agitated since he doesn't see her and she is his fiancée. Her friends make her drive them home to cool off. She drops them off and returns to Joe's. Derek's car is still there so she parks on the other side of the road and waits.

Derek leans into Meredith and whispers.

"I have to be at work at 7 am and I need to leave. Can I drive you home first?"

"Yeah, that would be nice."

Derek holds her hand while they climb the steps and walk to his car. He opens the door for her and she leans as always over to unlock his door. That little habit of her makes his hearth swell a little more each time. He hurries around and slides into his seat. They sit there for a couple of minutes just looking at each other before he reaches over and caresses her cheek. He starts the car and drives towards her house. Neither sees that Rose is following them. Derek parks the car in the driveway and walks around to open Meredith's door. He helps her out and catches her between the car and his body. Their eyes are locked in each other when he leans in and slowly kisses her. His tongue asks for permission to enter and she sucks it in, they are not aware that they moan. Time stands still. Rose does not have a clear view but can see so much as that they are not talking. Not with Derek's body pressed up against Meredith's. Rose gets angry and speeds by them with her engine roaring but they don't look up, they only have eyes for each other. Finally they break apart and Derek rests his forehead against Meredith's.

"What about Rose?"

"It is over, as over as it has been the last couple of months. I just need to make her understand that the pause I asked for is a break up. I tried to talk to her earlier today when she called but she hung up on me. I will use my chief card and call her into my office tomorrow morning at 7 am. Can you meet me for lunch tomorrow?"

"I don't want to be the reason for you to break up. I'm not a home wrecker."

"You coming here have made me aware of my true feelings. I have been in limbo for the last couple of years. I have avoided her for months. You are the reason of the break up since you are the love of my life. I have thought that I would have to settle with someone that I truly don't love. Just by being here have you given me the strength to break away from Rose and I know that I can live without you, but I rather live and work with you where ever you want to live and work."

"Do you want to have lunch with me even if I haven't made up my mind?"

"I want to be with you forever and right now I take as much as you can give me. Yes, I want to have lunch with you."

He walks her to her door, takes her key and opens the door and hands the key back with a soft kiss.

"Good night Meredith, see you tomorrow."

Meredith changes into her PJ and crawls into her bed. Her thoughts whirl around in her head. Derek is standing on the ferryboat watching the silhouette of Seattle and feels like he is 15 years old and in high school again. Everything feels fresh, new and exciting.

Owen is lying awake in bed with Cristina wrapped in his arms. His hand is resting on her abdomen and he tries to picture their baby growing in there.

Rose is sitting with a photo album she made of her and Derek's first year together. Many of the pictures will be in a power point at the party. She will be the future Mrs. Shepherd in 5 days. The only thing, well person, in the way is the slutty intern.