I Will Follow You Into the Dark

CHAPTER 50

Saturday about three in the afternoon, Meredith called, "Hey."

"Hey," he answered trying not to sound as petrified as he really was.

"I'm here at the airport. I'll be over soon, OK?"

"Great."

The conversation ended as quickly as it had begun. Derek was nervous. He went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on his face. That didn't really help. He poured a glass of Scotch and ended up downing it like a shot. Still nervous. He knew he couldn't get his hopes up. He couldn't stand that. Still......

Before he was ready, there was a knock on his door. After trying to exhale and rubbing his sweaty palms on his jeans, he answered the door, "Hey."

"Hey," she responded uncertainly.

"Come in," he said, gesturing for her to enter his home. They sat on the sofa. "Do you want a drink or something?" he asked.

"No. Thanks. But you can have one," Meredith added, knowing he must be nervous about her trip out.

"Already did," Derek said, and they both chuckled.

"Derek," Meredith cut right to the chase. "I almost didn't come because we both need more time. What happened.......what happened in Boston....can't happen again. As much as me might want.......," her voice trailed off as both of them mentally noted how much they did indeed want what they had left in Boston.

"I know," Derek said softly.

"Well it would have been easier to stay away—for us to have no contact and make a clean break. I mean, you know I'd do anything for you......."

"Me, too. You don't have to explain," he said, trying to reassure her.

"Actually," Meredith said, "I do. I have many things to explain. I told Steve. He was angry, but he understands. We're OK. We'll be OK."

Derek nodded.

"But this is extra hard for him."

"It is?" Derek asked.

"Yeah."

"I'm sorry. If you need to cut all ties, Mer, it's OK."

"No. It's not."

"Mer, I need for you to be happy......."

"You're too perfect. You are unselfishness and love personified."

"No," Derek said smiling, "but I can fake it."

She smiled back at him, but then her smile faded. She began fidgeting with her hands.

"Mer.......what's wrong? Just tell me."

"There's a reason that Steve took news of our time in Boston so hard. He was angry, jealous, concerned—all the things you'd expect, but this hits him at an even more vulnerable place."

Meredith paused as she choked back tears and gulped hard. Derek reached over and held her hand. She squeezed it tightly and turned more toward him.

"Derek," Meredith began, her voice shaky, "Trent is not Steve's son. I met Steve when we were in medical school. I was already pregnant. We became friends and roommates—eventually more. He was there for all of it—the delivery, late nights, milestones. He's been like a father to him, but he's not his father..........






















You are his father, Derek."