MerDer; The Book

Chapter 25

It was later that evening that they found themselves sitting at the dining table in the kitchen, dinner had been served and eaten, the youngest kids were up to bed and the older kids were watching a movie on Disney+© in the living room. His oldest sister Kathleen, her husband Robert and their children, his younger sister Liz, her husband Steve and their children, and his youngest sister Amelia had all arrived during the day. It was a full house but the atmosphere was relaxed and happy.

Meredith wasn't used to these kinds of holidays, normally she had to entertain herself. She had learned to keep herself busy, as long as she had a full agenda with work or studying, she was able to live through the days and then soon everything was back to the everyday fuss. But now it was all different, she felt like she was part of the family, they all took her in as one of their own. They were interested, asked several questions and were sincerely interested in her answers. Meredith had felt more at home in a home full of people she barely knew then she would feel at her own mother's home.

The shared stories about their youth at the Shepherd house, which gave her new insights in to Derek, were really entertaining to listen to. Some were funny, others weird but overall, the love they held for each other was clear in every told story.

'So.. Has Derek ever told you he almost set the house on fire?' Kathleen asked Meredith.

'What? No! Do tell me..' Meredith almost clapped with glee, while she gave Derek a wide smirk. Oh, how she loved to hear all the stories about young Derek. He sounded cute and kind of dorky when he was younger, nothing like the suave gentleman he was these days.

'Oh, yes, this story is so good.' Liz chimed in.

'Derek was around the age of 16 and he just found himself a first girlfriend, some girl of the school band he was in. He was always looking for ways to impress her. You know, he would make her these little cards or he would buy her some of her favourite candies, these kinds of things. Then one day he decides he wants to cook her a meal, that boy couldn't even bake an omelette, let alone cook a complete meal.' Kathleen let out a small laugh before she continued. 'But we all know how determent Derek can be. So, he thinks he has it all figured out, he cuts all veggies and puts them in to the pan. Only thing he forgets is some oil, once he remembers he has to put in oil most veggies are already turning black, then he manages to put in so much the whole pan sets on fire.'

Meredith was laughing while she looked next to her at an embarrassed Derek, he was trying to hide it but she could see right through him.

'Mom, do you hear how they are speaking about your boy?' Derek mocked, trying to get the sympathy and help of his mother. His sisters always knew how to tease him

'He tried to save his ass, puts the pan in the sink and adds water which only made the matter worse. He was lucky mom was just arriving home just in time, she quickly put the lid over the pan and saves the house from a visit of the fire department. Girl didn't know how quickly she had to leave. Practically ran out of the house.' Nancy added to the story.

After they finished laughing Liz added; 'The smell was horrible for weeks. Mom decided to give him some cooking lessons immediately after the disastrous event.'

'And that worked out perfectly fine, Derek is an Accelent cook.' Michael focussed on Meredith. 'But you already know that, he must have made you some good meals.'

Meredith's cheeks turned slightly pink. 'Actually, Derek hasn't really cooked anything for me.. yet.'

'That's not true!' Derek defended himself. 'That morning in my kitchen, when mom came to visit, I made you pancakes!'

'Pancakes aren't real food, that isn't cooking..' she teased him.

'Says the woman who eats left over grilled cheese for breakfast..' he was teasing her back with the same force.