Looking at you side ways

38

Meredith spent her two days off catching up. She cleaned the house, did the laundry, went grocery shopping, and went to see Ellis.[i] Her mother had no moments of lucidity. She was totally in her own intern year and told Meredith all sorts of embarrassing things about her and Dr. Webber.[/i] Cristina came over and they watched movies one night.[i] She was disappointed that Derek hadn't called her, but she understood that he was tied up with his family. Mark had sent her a text saying Nancy was awake and that she would be okay. [/i]They were planning on coming back around 10:45 PM and Meredith texted back that she would pick them up.

Meredith pulled up to the terminal and Mark and Derek walked out. Mark got in the back seat and Derek got in the front.

Mark said, "Thanks for picking us up Mer."

"No problem. How is Nancy doing?"

Derek replied, "She is better. She was a broken leg and a broken jaw. Her leg is in a cast and they had to wire her jaw."

Meredith frowned and said, "That doesn't sound like fun."

Mark laughed a little and said, "I think her husband is relieved. If you knew the venom that she can spew; let's just say I think he will be able to get a word in edgewise."

Derek turned around and frowned at Mark.

Mark mumbled, "Sorry. But it's true."

Meredith asked, "Did you eat on the plane? Are you guy's hungry?"

Mark said, "They served us dinner, but it was the size of a deck of cards. I am starving!"

"Um...I picked up Chinese food for you. It's at home. I went grocery shopping too, but I didn't think you wanted me to cook."

Derek said wearily, "Thank you Meredith."

As Meredith drove home, she glanced over at Derek.[i] He looked exhausted and had two plus days worth of stubble on his face.[/i] Meredith pulled into the garage and they all went into the kitchen.

Meredith said, "I can heat up the food for you guys."

Derek replied, "You know, I think I will just go to bed."

Mark said, "Derek. You have to eat. You barely have had anything since we left here."

Meredith said, "It will just take a minute. I got you egg rolls, chicken and rice and shrimp."

Derek smiled a little and sat down. "Okay. I didn't think you liked Chinese food?"

Meredith put the food in the microwave and said, "I don't. I had pizza. I got this for you guys."

Mark pulled out some drinks from the refrigerator and sat down. Meredith served them both and they ate quickly in silence.

Derek stood up and said, "I need to hit the sack. I'll see you guys in the morning." He turned and started walking out of the kitchen.

Meredith chewed her lip and started cleaning up.[i] She didn't know what she expected, but Derek seemed to have forgotten their kiss. Maybe it meant nothing to him. Maybe it was an impulse that he now regretted. [/i]

Mark said, "Mer?"

"Yeah?"

"Family means everything to Derek. He was a wreck thinking that Nancy was seriously hurt. He has hardly had anything to eat and has barely slept since we left. He is completely drained and mentally and physically exhausted. Don't worry. He will be himself again once he gets some sleep."

Meredith smiled sadly and said, "Thanks Mark." [i]She knew she was being a baby. After everything he had been through, she was only thinking about herself.[/i]