Endless Summer Nights

16.

Meredith sighs as they approach the brownstone. The perfect house for what she assumes is the perfect family. Dr. Shepherd looks over at her with a worried expression.

Dr. Shepherd: Are you okay?

Meredith looks over at him and plasters a smile on her face.

Meredith: I'm fine. I just, well, I really don't do the family thing very well.

Dr. Shepherd smiles at her as they pull into the driveway.

Dr. Shepherd: Don't worry, Meredith. They will love you.

Meredith smiles weakly at him as he turns the ignition off. She runs her hand over her growing abdomen as she feels a tiny flutter. A real smile curves her lips as Dr. Shepherd opens the door and gets out, she follows suit.

The snow begins to fall even heavier as a shiver travels through Meredith's body. Dr. Shepherd notices this and smiles at her.

Dr. Shepherd: Let's go inside. The fire is probably roaring and my wife will probably make some hot chocolate.

Meredith smiles at the older man, unsure of why he is being so nice to her. She doesn't get it, but she doesn't argue as a loud rumble resonates from her stomach. She wishes that Derek was here. She wishes that she could curl up with him in front of the fire and drink hot chocolate with tons of marshmallows as they just bask in the enjoyment of the other's company.

She sighs as she walks towards the front door behind Dr. Shepherd, her heart feeling very heavy as the loneliness of the holiday season finally begins to set in. What she wouldn't give to have a family like the Shepherds. What she wouldn't give to have a home instead of a dingy apartment. What she wouldn't give to not be alone. What she wouldn't give to have Derek back.

The front door opens and an elder woman steps out onto the front porch. She smiles warmly at them before ushering them into the warm house. Meredith immediately feels the warmth not only from the fireplace, but from the complete homeliness offered by the immaculate brownstone.

Mrs. Shepherd: Hello, dear. My husband has told me so many great things about you.

She sticks out her hand.

Mrs. Shepherd: I'm Mrs. Shepherd, but you can call me Carol.

Meredith smiles warmly.

Meredith: It's nice to meet you Carol. I'm Meredith.

Meredith blushes as Mrs. Shepherd drops her hand and envelops her in a hug, becoming self-conscious as her growing belly presses against the older woman. Mrs. Shepherd smiles down at her after she hugs her.

Mrs. Shepherd: How far along are you?

Meredith (as she runs her hand over her abdomen): Sixteen weeks.

Mrs. Shepherd smiles broadly as she places a hand on her shoulder.

Mrs. Shepherd: Do you know the sex yet?

Meredith bites down on her bottom lip to keep the tears from falling. She blames the hormones. She denies that her tears are prompted by the fact that he isn't there. He isn't there to share in her joy. Their joy. He doesn't even know about that joy.

Meredith: It's a boy.

Mrs. Shepherd's face lights up.

Mrs. Shepherd: Congratulations!

Meredith tries to hide the sad expression that she knows crosses her face, but Mrs. Shepherd notices is and places her palm on Meredith's back. She looks at her husband.