The First Time

16.

Friday morning, Derek was sitting in class lost in his thoughts ... of Meredith of course. He hadn't seen her since the fateful dinner on Wednesday night and even though he'd spoken to her briefly on the phone to organize to meet her for lunch and plan their evening, it just wasn't enough. He missed her. And he still had no idea how he could get them back on track. He was concerned that Meredith really did think that all that was between them was the commitment to 'do the deed' ... when he was pretty sure that it was a whole lot more ... or at least he thought so.

But was that all just wishful thinking on his part?

He had just over a week until her birthday and he knew that he would have to finalize things by then. They had an agreement. Plus the fact was that he knew that he would have trouble hanging out that long anyhow, he wanted her so much it was eating at him. It seemed that she filled every waking thought. But now he was scared that once the deed had been done that she wouldn't need him around anymore. Her problem would be solved. Maybe she would then just see him as a complication in her life that she didn't need. He frowned. He hated the thought that she may not be as emotionally invested in this as he was.

He realized that he'd held back at the start because he'd wanted it to mean something to her. Not just be a physical act. He didn't want her to come to regret it. But now it was a whole lot more. He wanted her to want him.

He was trying to think of someway of finding out just how she really felt about him when his phone began to vibrate. Hoping that it may have been a message from Meredith he quickly pulled it from his pocket and flipped it open. He read the message and then smiled. It wasn't from Meredith but just maybe this could be his answer. He waited until he got out of class and then returned the call.

GAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGAGA

Kathleen was just cleaning up in the kitchen when the phone rang. She smiled as she looked at the caller id.

"Hello there my handsome man." She answered.

Derek smiled. "You'd better not let Alexandra hear you say that."

Kathleen laughed. "Do you think I have a death wish? She's outside playing so I'm safe. Those jealous daggers that she has for anyone that shows any interest in you have scared me off completely from saying anything in front of her."

"I see. So it's not that she's lost interest and that I've been replaced by someone new?" Derek asked.

"No. You're still her favorite uncle, well favorite anything really. Although it has been so long since we've seen you that I couldn't blame her if she'd forgotten what you even look like."

"It's only been a few weeks." Derek laughed.

"Four. It's been four whole weeks. And that's much too long. For her and for me. Much as I like the sound of your voice, seeing you in person is a whole lot better. Plus, if you have the time, David could really use some help with the tree house. I have suggested getting a contractor in but he seems to think that he's capable of doing it on his own and let me assure you that he isn't. At least not if he hopes to have it finished before Alexandra goes to college."

Derek laughed. "I'm sure that it's not that bad."

"You haven't seen it yet. I swear he had the plans upside down the other day. He may be a great attorney but he is definitely not good with his hands." Kathleen stressed and then added. "Except maybe in the bedroom."

"Okay too much information there." Derek laughed. "Impressionable little brother here."

Kathleen laughed. "Don't bother playing the blushing virgin on me. I have too much dirt on you." Kathleen teased thinking about Addison's very vocal appreciation of Derek's talents. It may have been a while ago but it had left lasting memories with them all.