Keeping up with McFamily

Miss Dartmouth

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It was a rare lazy Sunday morning at the Grey-Shepherd household. The sun peeked through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the living room where Zola and Bailey were playing with their toys. Derek Shepherd was in the kitchen, preparing pancakes, while Meredith Grey sat at the dining table, sifting through an old box of memorabilia that had been unearthed during their recent attic cleaning.

"Hey, Derek," Meredith called, her voice tinged with curiosity. "You won't believe what I just found."

Derek looked up from the stove, a smile spreading across his face. "What is it?"

Meredith held up a small, tarnished tiara and a faded sash that read "Miss Dartmouth." Derek's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Wait a minute," he said, turning off the stove and walking over to her. "You won Miss Dartmouth?"

Meredith laughed, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. "Yeah, I guess I did."

Derek took the tiara from her hands, examining it closely. "How did I not know this about you? Miss Dartmouth, huh? That's impressive."

Meredith shrugged, trying to play it down. "It was just a silly college thing. My friends signed me up as a joke, and somehow, I ended up winning."

Derek shook his head in amazement, a grin stretching across his face. "Meredith Grey, beauty queen. I never would have guessed."

Zola, hearing the commotion, looked up from her toys. "Mommy, what's a beauty queen?"

Meredith glanced at Derek, who was still holding the tiara, and then back at Zola. "It's when you win a contest for being really pretty and talented," she explained.

Zola's eyes widened. "Mommy, you won that?"

Meredith nodded, smiling. "A long time ago, yes."

Bailey toddled over, curiosity piqued by the conversation. "Can I see, Mommy?"

Meredith handed the tiara to Bailey, who placed it on his own head, looking up at his parents with a proud grin. Derek chuckled and picked Bailey up, giving him a kiss on the cheek.

"Well, I think we have another winner here," Derek said, making Bailey giggle.

Meredith watched them, her heart swelling with love. She never thought much about her brief stint as Miss Dartmouth, but seeing Derek's reaction and their children's curiosity made her appreciate the memory a little more.

Derek sat down beside her, still holding Bailey. "You never told me why you entered," he said, his tone gentle.

Meredith sighed, looking at the tiara and sash. "It was a tough time in college. My mom was always so critical, and I felt like I had to prove myself in some way. My friends thought it would be fun, and I guess I just went along with it. It turned out to be a good distraction."

Derek reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently. "You didn't need to prove anything, Mer. You're amazing just the way you are."

Meredith smiled, leaning her head against his shoulder. "I know that now. But back then, it was a big deal for me."

Zola climbed onto Meredith's lap, looking up at her with wide eyes. "Can we see pictures, Mommy?"

Meredith chuckled, ruffling Zola's hair. "I think there might be some in here," she said, pointing to the box.

Together, they sifted through the box, finding old photographs of Meredith during her college years. There were pictures of her in the Miss Dartmouth pageant, looking radiant and confident in her gown. Zola and Bailey were fascinated, asking questions and pointing out their favorite pictures.

"Mommy, you look so beautiful," Zola said, her voice filled with awe.

Meredith blushed, her heart warming at her daughter's words. "Thank you, Zola."

Derek wrapped an arm around Meredith, his eyes twinkling with pride. "You still look beautiful, Mer. Inside and out."

They spent the rest of the morning reminiscing, sharing stories, and laughing together. It was a reminder of how far they had come, from their individual struggles to building a life and family together. The old tiara and sash, once just remnants of a past chapter, now held a new significance as symbols of resilience and growth.

As the day went on, Meredith found herself reflecting on her journey. She had gone from a young woman trying to find her place in the world to a loving wife and mother, surrounded by a family who cherished her. And in that moment, she felt a deep sense of gratitude for the life they had built together.

Later that evening, as they tucked Zola and Bailey into bed, Derek turned to Meredith, a soft smile on his face. "You know, I think we should frame that tiara and sash. It's part of your story, and it's something to be proud of."

Meredith nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. "I think you're right."

As they lay in bed that night, Derek held her close, and Meredith knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, stronger and more united than ever. And that, she realized, was the greatest prize of all.
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Part 2 coming, where Zola makes Meredith model😭
~Q🌼