Dear Derek

Chapter 86 (Derek)

The crashing thunder startled me. I sat up at looked at the clock. It was still dark out, but the sun would be rising soon.

I slowly got out of bed, trying not to wake Meredith. The lightning lit up the room as I walked out the door and into the hallway. I strolled up and down the hallway, making sure everyone was accounted for. I ended my head count outside of Zola and Ellis's room. I leaned against the door frame as I watched them sleep.

Ellis had been home from the hospital for a few weeks now and the sickness that had drained each and every one of us mentally and emotionally was just a fading memory.

The night light in the corner of the room shined directly on the sleeping girls. The curtains kept lightning from flashing in their room. I smiled as Ellis moved around and yawned in her sleep. After what was probably classified now as stalking, I decided to head downstairs since I knew I wouldn't fall back asleep upstairs.

I headed to the kitchen and tried to search for something to drink. The lights then turned on. I whipped my head back and saw Amelia yawn. "What are you doing up?" she asked.

"May I ask the same thing?"

She rolled her eyes. "Very funny. I couldn't sleep. I love Link, but sometimes he unconsciously sweats so much and makes the bed too warm to sleep in."

"Might I first just say, eww. Also, why don't you just sleep on the floor? It's so much cooler."

"If I sleep on the floor Derek, I won't be able to get up the next morning."

"Oh so I'm gone for five years and suddenly you have turned into an old lady?" I laughed.

She punched my shoulder lightly. Even though it was still storming, I could see a small amount of light try to peep its way through the window. "How about I make some coffee and we can enjoy the quietness." Amelia suggested.

I nodded and she began looking in the cabinets for cups. After she was done making a pot, she handed me a cup. Of course it had to say "Best Mom Ever".

We sat on the couch and drank our coffee as the storm grew bigger and louder. "So..I have a proposition." Amelia blurred out.

"Oh...and what might that be?"

"Well Jackson and April are moving to Boston in a week and Jackson just put in his weeks notice. Also, rumor on the street is Tom is going with Avery to Boston."

"And this effects me how?"

"Derek, you have been home for months now and all you have been doing is sitting around here watching T.V. and sleeping all day. How would you like to come back to work. I know it's been awhile, but I'll be here and I will gladly help you get back." she smiled as she sipped her coffee.

"Come back to work? Wow...ummm...I'm not sure. It feels a little too soon." I replied.

"Derek, it will always be too soon unless you come back. It's time to rip the bandage off. Please will you just think about it? For me?" she pleaded.

I hesitated for a few moments, but then answered her. "Yes I'll think about it."

She stood up and stretched for a bit. "Well as crazy as this sounds, that coffee made me super sleepy. I'm heading back to bed." she laughed.

"Same. I don't think this day is going to get any better weather wise, might as well sleep in."

We walked upstairs together. Before she entered her room, she turned around and asked once more, "Promise you will think about it?"

I replied once again, "I promise."

She shut the door behind her and I headed back to my room. I climbed into bed and Mer turned around "Is it morning already?" she asked in her sleep.