Keeping up with McFamily

Bailey's First day at school

I'M BACK 😘
xxx

The morning sun filtered through the windows of the Grey-Shepherd household, casting a warm glow on the bustling scene inside. Meredith Grey was in the kitchen, packing a lunch for her son Bailey's first day of school. She glanced over at the kitchen table where Bailey sat, his small fingers fidgeting with the strap of his new backpack.

"You excited for your first day, Bailey?" Meredith asked, trying to infuse her voice with as much enthusiasm as possible.

Bailey looked up, his big blue eyes filled with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. "I guess so," he mumbled, not quite convinced.

Zola, Bailey's seven-year-old sister, bounded into the kitchen, her own backpack slung over her shoulder. "Don't worry, Bailey," she said confidently. "I'll be there with you. It's going to be fun!"

Bailey gave her a small, grateful smile, but his grip on his backpack tightened.

Derek Shepherd entered the kitchen, freshly showered and ready for the day. He ruffled Bailey's hair affectionately. "Ready to take on the world, buddy?"

Bailey shrugged, his nervousness palpable. "I don't want to go, Daddy. Can't I just stay with you and Mommy at the hospital?"

Meredith exchanged a look with Derek, her heart aching at her son's apprehension. She knelt down beside Bailey, taking his small hands in hers. "I know it's a big change, sweetheart. But you're going to make so many new friends and learn so many new things. And Zola will be right there with you."

Bailey bit his lip, looking unconvinced. Derek crouched down next to Meredith, his voice gentle. "We'll be there to pick you up right after school, Bailey. And you'll get to tell us all about your day. How does that sound?"

Bailey hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Okay."

The drive to the school was filled with Zola's cheerful chatter and Bailey's quiet contemplation. When they arrived, Meredith and Derek walked their children to the entrance. Zola waved goodbye and ran off to join her friends, leaving Bailey standing next to his parents, his eyes wide with uncertainty.

Meredith knelt down again, her hands resting on Bailey's shoulders. "You're going to be just fine, Bailey. Remember, Zola is just down the hall, and we'll be here to pick you up before you know it."

Bailey's lower lip quivered, and he clung to Meredith, burying his face in her shoulder. "I don't want to go, Mommy. Please don't make me."

Meredith's heart ached as she hugged him tightly, wishing she could take away his fear. Derek stepped in, his voice soothing. "It's okay to be scared, buddy. But you're brave, and you can do this. We'll be thinking about you all day."

Bailey looked up at his father, then back at his mother. "Promise you'll be here when school ends?"

Meredith kissed his forehead. "I promise. And you can tell us all about your day. We can't wait to hear about it."

With one last hug, Bailey reluctantly let go of Meredith and took a deep breath. He turned toward the school entrance, glancing back at his parents for reassurance. They both smiled and waved, their love and support evident in their eyes.
X

The day passed slowly for Meredith and Derek, their thoughts never far from their little boy experiencing his first day of school. When the final bell rang, they were waiting outside the school, eager to see Bailey and hear about his day.

Zola came out first, her face glowing with excitement. "Mommy! Daddy! Bailey did great! He made a new friend named Jack and they played with blocks during recess!"

Meredith and Derek beamed, their hearts swelling with pride. Moments later, Bailey appeared, holding hands with a teacher. When he saw his parents, his face lit up, and he ran to them, his earlier fears forgotten.

"Mommy! Daddy!" Bailey exclaimed, launching himself into their arms. "I had so much fun! Jack and I built a tower, and it was the tallest one in the whole class!"

Meredith hugged him tightly, her heart brimming with joy. "That's amazing, Bailey! I'm so proud of you."

Derek ruffled Bailey's hair, his smile wide. "I knew you could do it, buddy. We're so proud of you."

Bailey beamed, his earlier fears a distant memory. "Can we go get ice cream to celebrate?"

Meredith and Derek exchanged a glance, both of them filled with relief and happiness. "Absolutely," Derek said, scooping Bailey up and holding him high in the air. "Let's go celebrate your big day."

As they walked to the car, Zola chattered about her own day, and Bailey eagerly shared more details about his new friend and the fun they had. Meredith and Derek listened, their hearts full. Their little boy had faced his fears and come out stronger on the other side, and they couldn't be prouder.
XXX
Anyone idea?
~Q🌼