Jump Then Fall

26.

"Do you want something to drink buddy?" Derek asked his son as he took a seat across from him at the kitchen table, a cup of coffee in his hands and a medical journal in front of him. Trevor had homework to do and Derek had research for an upcoming surgery and it was one way for them to spend a little bit of time together. "I can make you some hot chocolate."

"No thanks." Trevor mumbled, his hand on his head as he read what he had just written back in his mind. At the same time Leighton walked in with a doll and she was wearing a green princess dress.

"Hey princess." Derek smiled, looking up from his book. "Thirsty?"

"I want coffee." Leighton answered, sitting her doll on the table as her brother began to erase a few lines of writing.

"You can't have coffee, goofball." Derek laughed.

"Only older kids like me can have coffee." Trevor smirked at his little sister before turning back to his work.

"One day I'm gonna be big!" Leighton shouted, punching her fist in the air at her brother.

"Shut up Leighton." Trevor groaned. "I'm trying to do something!"

"Please you two....no fighting." Derek sighed. "Why don't I make some lunch?"

"Mac and cheese Dad!" Trevor said quickly before writing again.

"And hot dogs!" Leighton jumped on her Dad's leg.

"One order of mac and cheese and one hot dog coming up." Derek stood up from the kitchen table.

"I want both." Leighton followed her Daddy.

"And then she's going to be sick and complain. Don't let her have both." Trevor turned around.

"I can really eat both of them Daddy." Leighton nodded. Normally it wouldn't be a big deal to give her a serving of a hot dog and a little mac and cheese on the side, but she was notorious for only taking a few bites and then being done.

"Why don't you go play and I'll tell you when it's ready, okay?" He leaned over and pressed a kiss on his little girl's head.

"And then can I play with Meredith?" Leighton asked in front of her brother.

"No. Go play." He said quickly.

"But...."

"She's busy today, Leigh."

"Is Meredith a kid in your class?" Trevor asked as he reached for a new piece of paper.

"No! She's..." Leighton began until Derek cut her off.

"Leighton, go play okay? I need to talk to your brother and I think your dolly needs a new outfit."

"I just changed her Daddy."

"Just go away." Trevor raised his voice.

"Stop it Trevor!" Leighton shouted.

"Guys..." Derek groaned.

"Leighton Mommy left because you were annoying now go away!" Trevor snapped, pushing his little sister.

"Trevor!" Derek raised his voice, as his daughter began to cry.

"Mommy left because of me?" Leighton whimpered.

"No she didn't leave because of you." He whispered, picking her up and kissing her cheek. "Mommy loved you."

"Okay...." Leighton wiped at her eyes and Derek bit the inside of his cheek, hoping she wouldn't ask more because right now he couldn't do it. He couldn't explain it to her.