Broken Rockstar Part 2

Chapter 222

Steven's medical diagnosis came as a surprise to Meredith and Derek...they didn't realize just how bad it was...each day that passed took away from his ailing heart...he would have to remain in the hospital until a new one became available. Life wasn't fair. Steven had already gone through so much in his short life. He was way over due for some happily ever after. Everyone tried to remain optimistic...a new heart could become available any day...but despite Derek and Meredith's many connections and money, all they could do was wait.

And then there was the big mess with the label and the rumors. The media continued to hype up the false accusations regarding Derek's supposed questionable behavior. Things were not looking good. He met with the band members for the first time after the new year.

Derek: I called you all here together to let you know that I am trying to start my own label and I want you to be a part of it as members of the Derek Shepherd Band.

The normally rowdy group sat in silence as they soaked in the new information. They knew that Derek had always talked about it but with all the changes in his life...the new babies, Sadie's asthma and growing charity work, they didn't think he would have the time to pursue his dream.

Chief: Well...don't all talk at once.
Derek: What's with the surprised looks?...You know that I've always wanted to do this...

The band continued to sit there speechless...looking back and forth at each other...waiting for one of them to respond. Duff suddenly stood up.

Duff: Look Derek...we should be up front with you before you go any further...(sighs)...we met with the label...they've offered us a pretty good deal...
Derek: What?
Chief: When?
Duff: Yesterday...we all sat down with them together...
Derek: Why didn't you tell me before?
Duff: We were going to meet with you after we got all the details but...
Derek: But what?
Digby: We didn't know you were actually trying to start a new label...we just thought you were taking a break to think things over...
Derek: Wait! Is this about all the rumors because you know that I...
Duff: No...no...of course not...we know what kind of a person you are...none of us believed that shit they were smearing for a second...
Derek: Then what? Why?
Duff: You have to understand man...things are different now...we're not the same band as we were when we started...
Digby: We have responsibilities now...
Derek: Responsibilities?
Duff: Well...I'm married now...Izzie and I will be starting a family some day...I need to think about preparing for their future...families need stability...
Derek: But I though I was your family...
Duff: You are Derek...you...Meredith and the twins will always be a part of our family but as the lead singer, musicican and song writer...you have a lot more opportunities to explore than we have...things are a bit limited for us right now...
Dell: You could go solo tomorrow and you'd be an even bigger success than you already are...
Benjamin: You have what it takes Derek...you have the complete package...we're just musicians trying to make a living...
Derek: But you are so much more than that...you guys inspire me to write and sing the way that I do...we work well together...we always have...
Benjamin: Look Derek...we don't like those assholes any more than you do but we have to set the emotions aside and let it be about business...
Dell: If you sign with them...we'll still be able to play for you...things won't be that different...
Derek: Except you'll be playing for other artists as well...
Benjamin: Right...
Derek: That's bullshit Benny and you know it! You all do! I'm not signing with those lying bastards...end of discussion...

Derek suddenly realized how quiet Callie had been throughout the discussion...she sat there silent the whole time with her head down next to Digby on the love seat...

Derek: Callie? What do you think? You haven't said a word. Do you agree with all of this?
Callie: I'm pregnant Derek...
Chief: You're what?
Derek: Pregnant?
Digby: (takes Callie's hand)...Yeah...she is...and I'm the father...