What if

Late april (part 6)

(Carolyn Shepherd)

I was on a mission. After Amelia called, I knew I had to fly out to help. I also know it's not safe considering my age, but I can't help it. My daughter in law and the mother of my sons 3 kids isn't doing well, and my son has 3 kids to take care of. From what Amelia told me, Derek is a wreck.

I like Meredith. I've only met her once, but she seems like a nice woman. I booked the soonest flight out to Seattle, which was tonight at 8. I have 4 hours to pack and get to the airport.

I quickly threw together a suitcase and hurried out the door to the car.

When I arrived at the airport, I put on one of my N-95 masks, and a protective shield. I also put on gloves as well, not wanting to risk anything. I hurried out to the terminal and boarded the flight that was leaving in a few minutes.

(Derek POV)

As I was sitting with Meredith, memories of our relationship came flooding back. The prom, the proposal, our post it wedding, Zola, Bailey, Ellis. Just thinking about losing Mer made me physically sick to my stomach.

She's been my life for the past 17 years. My whole world. I can't imagine living in a world without her, nonetheless raising 3 kids without her. Losing my father at a young age really put things into perspective for me, taught me how I shouldn't take family for granted. Now all of the bad memories are flooding back. Staying with Addison, calling here a whore, going off into the woods and getting drunk. I regret everything I did to hurt her. Everything.

(Carolyn POV)

When my plane landed, I hurried out of the airport and I called a cab, which probably wasn't the safest thing to do, but I had to get there somewhere. Derek sent me pictures of the house online, so I found the address and told the driver to take me there.

After I lost chris, I was lost for a while. I know how Derek is feeling right now.

The driver pulled up to the house and left after I paid him. I gasped at the size of the house and the beauty of it.

I took a deep breath and knocked on the door. "Coming!" I heard dereks voice yell. He opened the door and his eyes widened in surprise. "Mom!" He exclaimed. "Derek!" I said. I threw my arms around him and squeezed him tightly. "Ma..." he muttered as he reciprocated the hug.

After a moment, I pulled away and he stepped in to the house to let me in. "Derek this is gorgeous." I said in shock as I looked around the house. "Uh, yeah Mer picked out most of it. Ma, what are you doing here? It's not safe for you to come here." Derek scolded. "Amelia called me and I got the next flight out. I heard about Meredith dear, I'm so sorry." I explained. "Ma, you shouldn't have flown out here. I appreciate it but it's really not safe." Derek repeated. "I know Derek but I'm here and I'm not leaving. My daughter in law is in trouble and I'm here to help her and her family. End of discussion." I said sternly. Derek sighed and nodded.

"Where are my grand babies?" I asked. "Their in the play room. Ma, I hate to ask but can you take a shower before you see them? You were just on a plane and in the airport and-." Derek started. "Yes Derek I will. It's for the best." I cut in. Derek nodded. "I'll bring you to the guest room." He said. He took my luggage and we walked up the steps.

"Derek seriously, this house is gorgeous." I exclaimed. "Thanks. Mer actually designed most of it." He explained. I nodded. "Here it is." He said as he led me to a room. "The bathroom should be fully stocked with towels and stuff. Make yourself at home." Derek said with a smile. "Okay. After I shower, tell me all about what happened and I want to see my grand babies." I said firmly. Derek nodded and chuckled, leaving the room.

(Derek POV)

I'm honestly really glad my mother came, but it was very stupid of her.

I went into the kids playroom and found them all sitting in a circle, teddy bears on their laps. "Whatcha guys doing?" I asked. "Doing surgery." Bailey said simply. I nodded and came to sit down next to them. Ellis stumbled over and plopped himself down on my lap. I snuggled the baby and kissed her head. "So guys, remember Nana?" I asked, directing my question to Bailey and Zola. Zola nodded and Bailey shook his head. "Well Bailey, nana came and visited when you were born. And zo, you met her when she visited. She's my mommy." I explained. "My mommy came and visited today. She's just gonna help out with you guys while mommy is getting better." I said. "Where is she?" Zola asked. "She's showering and then she'll be down to say hi." I said. Zola nodded. "Let's go out to the living room and wait." I instructed. The bigger kids nodded and got up, while I lifted Ellie into my arms and carried her out.

Mom came down 30 minutes later and smiled when she saw the kids. "Mom, this is Zola, Bailey, and Ellis. Guys, this is my mom, your nana." I said softly. Zola and Bailey ran over and gave her a hug, while Ellis was still clinging to my shirt. "My god Derek, Bailey and Ellis look just like Meredith." Mom gasped. "They do. I love it." I said with a chuckle. The kids let go and Mom made her way over to me and Ellis. "Now who is this little girl?" She asked. Ellis turned away and buried her face into my neck. "She's like Mer the most. Gets a little nervous when meeting new people." I explained. Mom nodded in understanding. "Let's sit on the couch and you can tell me what happened." Mom said. I nodded and led her over to the large couch.

"So, start from the beginning." She said. "Well, the day before Mer was planning to go home to see the kids, I found her collapsed in the parking lot. Her o2 levels were down and she could hardly breath. I brought her into the hospital and she tested positive. She slept for a long time, and spiked a few fevers. She even coded. She began dreaming about Lexie, the sister who died and the plane crash and George, her friend that died. That's when I made the decision to get her into a clinical trial that had really good success rates. She was doing good until he decided to play super woman and save a patient from across the hall. The strain was just too much and she collapsed again. Her o2 requirements went way down again, and we decided it was time to place her on the vent. After a week or two, nothing changed so Bailey suggested we put her in a coma. I agreed and now we are here." I explained sadly. "Here's a picture." I said as showed her my phone and showed a picture of Meredith unconscious and on a vent.

"Oh Derek." Mom murmered as she put an arm around my shoulder. "She has to be okay." I whispered, tears coming to my eyes. "She will be. Meredith is a strong woman, she won't leave you or the kids." She said. I nodded and gave a sad smile.

"Mom?" Amelia exclaimed as she opened the door.