What if

Early may (part 5)

(Derek POV)

I woke up to a blaring alarm. I hastily looked over to Merediths monitor, Indictating that her blood pressure was rising. I saw her eyes were opened and I walked over. "It's okay. You're okay." I said. Her blood pressure instantly went back to normal.

"You're in the icu still. Just relax." I said as I held a cup of water to her lips. She graciously took the straw and started drinking.

"How you feeling?" I asked. "Like I have covid and had a heart transplant." She said with a weak smile. I smiled at her attempt of humor and grabbed her hand. "Mer!" A voice called from the door. We looked up and saw Amelia standing at the doorway. "You're awake!" She said happily as she came over and pushed me out of the way.

Meredith nodded. "How are...kids?" Meredith asked. "Hmm, Bailey wants to play a new sport everyday, Ellis is leaving dishes all around the house, and Zola's teacher has asked that she stop correcting her. They all really miss you and they were happy to say hi last night." Amelia replied. 

"What about Scout?" I asked. I've met my newest nephew a few times, and he's beautiful. "He's doing very well. Link and I are totally in love with him." Amelia said with a smile. "Hey, look who's calling!" Amelia exclaimed as she held her phone out.

"Hey guys, look who's up!" Amelia said as she turned the phone to Meredith. "Mommy!" The kids exclaimed. "Hi babies!" Meredith exclaimed as best as she could. "Mama are you okay?" Ellis asked. "I'm...okay." Meredith replied slowly. "You look sick mama." Bailey pointed out as tears came to his eyes. Bailey was totally a mamas boy. "I'm....okay Bails. I...promise." Meredith said as she fought to breath. I saw the struggle and placed an oxygen mask on her face, much to Merediths chagrin. I knew She didn't want to be weak in front of the kids, but she needed it.

"What's that mom?" Zola asked. "It's a little mask that helps mama breath." I replied. The kids nodded.

(Carolyn POV)

On the phone with Meredith, Derek, and Amy I could tell that Meredith was in a lot of pain but she was trying to hold it together for the kids. Derek put the oxygen mask on her face, and I could see the annoyance in her eyes. Every mother wants to be strong for her kids.

"How about we say bye to mama and let her get some rest?" I suggested to the kids. They didn't want to leave, but I got them to say goodbye. "Guys, you wanna make some cards for mommy? Maybe auntie Amelia can drop them off at the hsotpail." I asked. They all nodded eagerly. I led them over to their little table in the playroom and they went to work.

"These are so sweet! I bet mommy will love those!" I exclaimed as they all finished and I looked at them. "When's mama coming home?" Bailey asked. "I domt know bails. Mama has to get better first." I replied. "Grandma?" Zola asked. "Yes honey?" I replied. "Do you have a husband?" She asked. "My husband passed away a long time ago when your daddy was a little boy." I replied with a sad smile.

"When we were doing remote learning, Tyler talked about his grandpa." Zola said. "Ohhh. Does mommy talk to her dad?" I asked softly. "I don't think she did because I've never met him, but I do know that he died a few years ago." Zola replied. "Mommy's mom died a long time ago too. She was telling me about her surgeries a little while ago." Zola added.

I nodded. It was a little sad to hear that my son and Merediths kids only had one grandparent, but I was glad that had at least me.

(Meredith POV)

After the kids hung up, I talked to Derek and Amelia for a while. "Domt go trying to be superwoman again." Amelia joked. "Is...that patient...alive?" I asked. "She actually went home a few days ago." Derek said with a smile. I smiled and nodded. At least I was able to save one patient.

"Are....you okay?" I asked Derek after Amelia left. "I'm fine Mer." Derek said. "Are you....taking care... of yourself?" I asked, wheezing a little. Derek turned up my oxygen. "I am." He said. "When I sleep....go home. Shower." I said. He was about to argue but I gave him my most firm look and he just nodded.

"Go to sleep. I'll go home for a little bit, like you said, and I'll be back later, okay?" Derek asked. I nodded. "I love you." He said. "I love you too." I replied before shutting my eyes.

(Bailey POV)

Covid is exhausting. And now that it's hit my favorite former intern, it's even more devastating. Derek asked me to watch over her when he left, so I made my way to her room and entered. She was sleeping, oxygen mask still held across her face. I sat down next to the chair and grabbed her hand and said a quick prayer.

"Grey, do not end up like O'Malley or I will kill you and bring you back to life." I said sternly.

"I won't." She said sleepily. "I didn't mean to wake you. Go back to sleep." I said apologetically. "How...are you...dealing?" She asked. I sighed. "I miss my boys more than anything. Ben is working and tuck and Joey are remote schooling." I replied. "I...understand." Meredith said. "Missing your kids too, huh?" I asked. She nodded. "More than...anything." Meredith replied. "And dereks being all overprotective, isn't he?" I asked. She nodded again.

"He's always....overprotective." Meredith said. "I know. I've seen it for the past 17 years." I said with a chuckle. Meredith cracked a smile. "Get some rest. One of us will be here when you wake up." I said. Meredith nodded and I watched her drift off to sleep once again.

Quick update!! Hope you guys enjoyed it!! ❤️