What if

Chapter 17

"Derek, I really need you to fly out with the others. You’re the only available neurosurgeon." Owen said to Derek who was sitting in front of him. "You do know that I have a wife with Alzheimer's and a daughter to take care of right?" Derek asked in disbelief, he couldn’t leave Meredith all on her own. Even though they have friends who can take care of her this would be too much. "Yes, I do know that, but I need you to do the surgery with the conjoined Twins." Owen said this time louder. "Why can't my Sister go? I need to take care of Meredith, please let me take care of my wife." Derek practically begged. "Dr.Shepherd, I need you for this surgery. That's an order, if you have any other issues with it feel free to talk with me about it but if you complain once more about the flight then I'll fire you." Owen practically yelled at Derek. Derek only nodded and went out of the room on his way out Derek slammed the door shut. He really wanted to take care of Meredith but he also wanted to keep his Job since it was the only thing he could do without being questioned. He felt pretty bad to know that he would have to leave Meredith for 2 days. Especially now when she had trouble remembering him, he wanted to be there for her, he wanted to spend the last moments with her when she could remember him. Only the thought of Meredith not knowing who he is made him want to cry. Derek checked on one of his Patients as Jackson passed him. Derek excused himself and went after Jackson. "Avery, I need to talk to you." Derek whispered trying not to cause a scene. "Yeah what is it?" Jackson asked. "Hunt told me that I have to fly out with the other's for the surgery on the twins and I need someone-" "To help with Meredith." Jackson finished. "Look if you don’t want to do this, that's okay. I have to think about other options then." Derek said quickly. "Derek, I will take care of her. That's no problem, maybe April could help with Zola. If that's okay for you." Jackson replied, Derek smiled. "That would be pretty amazing." Derek whispered. "Thank you." Derek added, Jackson smiled in response.

Day of the flight

Derek felt bad for leaving Meredith, but he was forced to do it. Derek waited at home until Jackson and April arrived at home. As they knocked on the door, Derek went downstairs to open it. "Hey Shepherd." Jackson said and stepped in the room with April. "Hey, thank you for doing this." Derek replied, Jackson gave him a smile. After that Derek went into the living room where Meredith was watching TV. "Hey Mer." "Hey." Meredith replied sweetly, turning her head to Derek. "So I have to fly out for a consult." Derek whispered. "You're coming back right?" Meredith asked, showing her vulnerable side. "I promise that I'm coming home. Jackson and April are staying here. You remember Jackie right?" Derek said and asked, Meredith nodded. "I'll be back soon." Derek whispered. "I know." Meredith replied and leaned forwards to kiss him. After a few seconds Meredith pulled away and smiled. "I love you Derek." She whispered, Derek gave her a big smile. "I love you too, more than you can imagine." Derek whispered as he caressed her cheek. April and Jackson were watching the scene with a sad smile. "Be careful Der." Meredith whispered as she hugged Derek. "I will. You too please." Derek whispered as well, Meredith nodded and kissed him once again. Derek gave her one last kiss before going back to Jackson and April, who had Zola on her arm. "Daddy." Zola cried happily and April handed her to Derek. "Hey baby, you know I love you very much. I have to go on a little trip but I'll be back before you know it." Derek said into his daughter's ear. "Zola loves you too, Daddy." Derek smiled and kissed her cheek before handing her back to April. "It could be that Zola is running into Mer's room. The last time she did that Meredith was zooming out for 30 minutes I think. I don't know if it was because of Zola but it could be. Also maybe April only if you want, so that you could help Mer change. She can put on her Shirt by herself but with her pants it's a bit difficult." Derek rambled. "and if she has any Problems remembering you or Amy then show her the photobook. This will help her." Jackson chuckled. "We can do this Derek. No worries. We are a good Team together right April?" Jackson asked, April nodded. "Thank you." Derek whispered once again. With that Derek left the house and drove to the hospital.