My Dad the Brain Surgeon

Chapter 10

Derek was gone for what seemed like hours.  I didn't want to move Taylor so I just let her sleep and tried to watch TV.  I couldn't get interested in a sappy soap opera love triangle.  Thankfully, Derek got back before the predictable over-dramatic ending. He had changed from his scrubs into a navy blue t-shirt and dark jeans that were cuffed at the bottom.   He stopped in the doorway for a moment, just staring at us.  As he moved to the chair beside the bed, I could see his eyes starting to water.

"What's wrong?  You still work here right?!"

He grinned and wiped his eyes, "Yes.  I have the rest of the day off and my schedule will be light while she recovers.  Nothing's wrong."

"I can see the tears in your eyes?"

"Mer, nothing's wrong.  I've just never seen her so comfortable with someone."

"She's still extremely out of it, she might have just settled for me."

"She was around Addison for years, but when something was wrong, I was the one who had to do the comforting.  I bandaged the cuts, gave the hugs, and wiped the tears.  If Addison tried, she got pushed away.  You're good with her!"  I could see the pride in his eyes and honestly, it made me nervous.  I can tell he's picturing the perfect mother/daughter relationship for her.  That's a high standard to live up to!  

I guess he saw the worry in my eyes because he got up and sat on the edge of the bed beside me and took my hand.

"She's 16, she gets a little moody sometimes, she doesn't always do things the first time she's asked to, but she's fairly easy to parent.  She may be sedated, but she likes you.  I saw you studying with her last night, she was happy, very happy.  You aren't going to screw her up.  I've met a lot of women, but out of all of those women, you are the only one that I truly believe can be a mother to my child."

"I think she's doing pretty good. I gave her a few sips of water because she was having trouble talking from the intubation."  I was about to tell him that she called me mom when Izzie walked in.

"Dr. Shepherd, there's someone here to see Taylor."

"If it's one of her friends from school can you tell them she's sleeping and to come back tomorrow?"

"It's not.  She said she was a relative.  Her name is Sarah."

Derek's face dropped and both of his hands clenched into tight fists. "Don't let her in this room.  I'll be out there in a second."  He turned to me once Izzie walked out.

"I didn't call her, and I told Karev not to!"
"I know you wouldn't call her.  I'll be right back.  If Tay wakes up, don't tell her that her mother is here."

I nodded and gave him a look that said, 'duh!'  "Derek... Take a deep breath before you go talk to her.  The Chief is not so happy with you today.  Finding you yelling at someone in the middle of the hospital won't help."   He just kept walking, not even acknowledging that I just spoke.  Who am I kidding?  After everything that has happened today, there is no way he can face her calmly.