Against the clock

22.

Derek walked over to my side and extended his hand. I took his hand in mine and place the other one on the table to pull myself up. 'Jump,' he said with a slight smile. I looked at him in confusion, asking, 'What?' The unexpected request left me puzzled, unsure of his intentions. 'I am going to carry you upstairs,' Derek declared, motioning towards the stairs. His unexpected proposal caught me off guard, and I couldn't help but laugh. However, I decided to accept the offer, realizing it would be better for my leg. I placed one hand over his shoulder, and jumped, allowing him to carry me bridal style.

As Derek carefully ascended the stairs, we eventually arrived at a closed door. Intrigued by the light seeping through the edges, I decided to take the initiative. With a determined push using my good leg, I swung the door open, revealing soft light. 'Oh my god' I said as Derek managed to push the door fully open. The realization that we were outside washed over us, and I couldn't help but speak his name, a mix of relief and uncertainty in my voice. 'Derek,' I said, my gaze fixed on him, as if seeking confirmation that we had truly escaped the confines that had held us captive. The open space before us symbolized a fresh beginning. 'We're free,' he whispered in my ear.

The sight of us, emerging from the unknown, must have conveyed the toll our experiences had taken. A passing car promptly pulled over, and a concerned voice asked if we were okay. Seizing the opportunity for assistance, Derek approached the driver and requested a ride to Seattle Grace, the hospital where he once worked. The compassionate stranger willingly agreed, and with his help, I was carefully assisted into the car. As Derek settled into the backseat next to me, his concern shifted to a pressing question. 'Have we been on the news?' he inquired, directing the question to the driver. The driver confirmed our appearance in the media but added a perplexing detail, 'Yeah, you were, but the investigation had stopped.'

Derek's expression turned to a frown, a mixture of confusion and frustration etched on his face. 'Why did they stop?' he demanded, his voice tinged with anger. The driver responded with an explanation that only deepened our bewilderment. 'They thought it was a love affair,' he revealed, leaving us to grapple with the realization. 'So they just stopped looking for us?' I asked, a mix of disbelief and frustration coloring my words. 'Pretty much, yeah. I am glad you are okay, though,' the driver remarked, offering a semblance of relief amid the unsettling revelations.

'We're not okay,' Derek countered, his words a stark reminder that the visible wounds were only part of the toll our ordeal had taken. 'Derek' I said, trying to calm him down. The rhythmic hum of the car's engine and the comforting presence of Derek's shoulder provided a momentary solace, lulling me into a much-needed slumber. The gentle nudge on my shoulder stirred me awake, and as I opened my eyes, the sight of medical professionals surrounding the car greeted me. 'Hello, Miss. My name is Dr. Bailey. Could you please step out of the car and lie on the gurney so we can get you inside and examine you?' Dr. Bailey's authoritative yet reassuring voice cut through the haze of sleep. I hesitated, glancing at Derek for support. 'Uhm,' I mumbled, uncertain, 'can you come with me?' The request, a plea for familiarity and comfort in the face of the unknown, lingered in the air as I sought reassurance from the person who had become my anchor in the storm.

The doctor's response, though disappointing, acknowledged the necessity of examining both of us. With a nod, I acquiesced to the medical team's guidance, recognizing the importance of ensuring both Derek and I received the necessary care.

The echo of my name, accompanied by the stark label of 'kidnapping victim,' resonated through the bustling emergency room. The disorienting atmosphere was heightened as I overheard another announcement, this time for Derek Shepherd, the age difference suddenly stark as his name and age were broadcasted – 'Derek Shepherd, 37, kidnapping victim.' In the midst of the medical staff's urgent movements and the surrounding chaos, a realization struck me – the stark contrast in our ages that had never crossed my mind during the ordeal. I was 25.