Against the clock

13.

Derek's pov!

I remained curled at her side throughout the night. For hours, she cried, and all I could do was gently cradle her hair, feeling the weight of her pain. Witnessing her in such agony tore at my heart, and I longed to offer more than just my presence. As her sobs gradually subsided, I sensed the quietude that signaled her descent into sleep. In that moment, I yearned for her to stay, nestled in my arms—this sanctuary where she could find solace and safety.

We hadn't eaten the food they provided, reserving it for a breakfast that would mark the beginning of a new day—one we faced together in the wake of the night's harrowing events. Meredith lay peacefully on my chest, a fragile calmness in the stillness of the room. As the first rays of sunlight filtered through, she stirred ever so slightly, a subtle movement that signaled her awakening.

Meredith's eyes fluttered open, meeting mine with a mix of vulnerability and recognition. The reality of the room, its walls stained with the memories of the night, slowly seeped back into our awareness. Yet, in the fragile tranquility of that moment, there was a shared acknowledgment that we had weathered the storm together. 'We have breakfast waiting,' I murmured, my voice a gentle invitation to the prospect of a new day. The untouched food sat nearby, a symbolic offering that marked a tentative step toward reclaiming normalcy in the aftermath.

Meredith nodded, a small, grateful smile playing on her lips. Together, we rose from the cold floor, our movements cautious yet deliberate. The act of sharing a meal, simple as it was, became a ceremony—an affirmation of our shared resilience and the quiet determination to move forward.

As we sat side by side, I felt a need to break the lingering silence that hung over us, to bridge the gap between the unspeakable events of the night and the fragile hope of a new day. 'How about a distraction?' I suggested, my voice carrying a softness that matched the morning's tender ambiance. Meredith looked at me, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes. 'What do you have in mind?' she asked, her voice still carrying the traces of the vulnerability we had shared throughout the night. I replied, 'How about a game where we take turns asking each other questions? Anything goes—no judgment, just honest answers.'

Meredith's eyes brightened with a hint of intrigue, and she nodded in agreement. 'Sounds good. You start,' she said. 'Alright, when is your birthday?' Derek inquired, and I let out an exaggerated sigh. 'For a moment there, I thought you'd come up with something more exciting, especially after promising 'no judgment,' I teased with a laugh.

Derek leaned in, a mischievous glint in his eyes. 'Alright, let's take it up a notch. Ever had a secret crush on someone you've never admitted to?' Meredith's cheeks flushed, and she shot me a playful glare. 'Starting with the tough ones, aren't we?' She paused, then with a sly smile, admitted, 'Yeah, there was this person in college. I never said anything because it seemed too complicated at the time.' I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. 'Spill it,' I encouraged, eager for the juicier details. Meredith chuckled, her eyes dancing. 'Maybe another time. Your turn, Derek.'

Meredith's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as she decided to take the lead. 'Alright, Derek, let's dive into the deep end. When did you lose your v-card?' The playful tone lingered in the air, and I couldn't help but watch as Derek's expression shifted from amusement to a thoughtful pause.

I chuckled, clearly appreciating the unexpected turn. 'Well, Meredith, you sure know how to cut to the chase.' I leaned back, a half-smile playing on my lips. 'Let's see, I was 19, back in my second year of med school. It was a wild night, but I'll spare you the details.'

Meredith's eyebrows shot up, a mix of surprise and amusement painted on her face. 'Oh, the mysterious med school days,' she teased, her tone light. 'Your turn, then. When was your moment?' Meredith leaned back, ready to share her story. 'Well, let's just say it involved a summer camp and a very nervous 18 year old teenager.' she added a dramatic pause for effect The atmosphere lightened, the shared confessions weaving a tapestry of trust and camaraderie between us.