Unexpected Love

Chapter 11

Meredith stirred awake, feeling a warmth she hadn't known in a long time. Her eyes fluttered open to the gentle sensation of soft kisses trailing over her cheeks, her forehead, and down to the tip of her nose. Derek's face hovered close, his eyes bright with a quiet happiness she hadn't seen before.

"Good morning," he murmured, his lips brushing over hers in a sweet kiss.

Meredith grinned sleepily, her hand reaching up to rest on his cheek. "Now that's a wake-up call I could get used to."

He chuckled softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "I'm glad to hear it." He leaned down to press another kiss on her forehead, lingering for a moment before pulling back. "I'd stay here all day, but I do have to go home and change before we head in."

Meredith's smile faded a little, but she nodded, knowing he was right. They both had work to do, and though she would've loved to linger, the reality of the day was already knocking at the door. She reached over to glance at her phone, realizing they still had some time before they needed to be at the hospital.

They spent the next half hour savoring the quiet morning, sharing breakfast and stolen glances, enjoying the rare luxury of starting the day together. As they finished their coffee, Derek glanced over at her, his expression softening.

"Oh, by the way," he said, casually stirring his coffee, "I'll be picking up my daughter after school today. She's with Addison now, but I've got her for the evening."

Ohhh how's Crystal doing, I've been thinking about her.

Ah, Crystal! She's actually recovering really well. Her symptoms have practically disappeared. No more acid reflux, and she's been tolerating food like a champ.

"That sounds nice," Meredith replied warmly. 

"Well, she misses you. Ever since that dinner we had, she keeps talking about how she thought you were 'the coolest doctor ever.' She loved hearing about the surgeries you've done."

"That's sweet of her. I hope I didn't scare her off with all the medical talk." Meredith blushing slightly. Meredith reached over, resting her hand on his. "She's lucky to have you."

Derek's smile grew, a touch of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you. Maybe next week we could all spend time together."

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Meredith finished her coffee with Derek and headed to the hospital, feeling a lightness she hadn't felt in a long time. She went through her morning rounds, her last patient being a young girl named Emma, who'd been admitted after a fall from a tree.

As Meredith walked into Emma's room, she noticed the girl sitting up in bed, her arm in a cast, with a few scrapes and bruises dotting her face. Despite her injuries, Emma's bright eyes showed more curiosity than pain.

"Hey there, Emma! Heard you had a little adventure with a tree," she said, smiling warmly.

"It wasn't supposed to be an adventure... but the branch didn't agree with me," Emma replied, grinning sheepishly.

Meredith laughed softly. "Trees can be tricky like that. Well, let's take a look at how you're healing up. Mind if I check your arm?"

Emma held out her arm, and Meredith gently examined the cast, making sure everything was in place.

"Looks like everything's healing perfectly. You're one tough kid, you know that?"

"Yeah, my mom said the same thing. She keeps telling me I should be more careful, though. I don't think she's happy with me right now," Emma replied, smiling proudly.

"Moms say things like that because they worry about us. But she's just glad you're okay—and so am I."

Emma's gaze drifted to Meredith's white coat and badge, a hint of admiration in her eyes. "Dr. Grey, have you ever fallen out of a tree?"

"Oh, I've fallen out of trees, off my bike, down hills... you name it. Just because we're doctors doesn't mean we're perfect. But each time we get back up, we get a little stronger. Just like you."

Emma seemed to take comfort in that, nodding thoughtfully. "Maybe one day I can be like you. Fixing people up after they fall."

"I'd say you already have the bravery part down. And if you ever need advice on how to start, you know where to find me."

As Meredith finished her examination, Emma looked up, her face brightening. "Can you visit me tomorrow too?"

"I'd love to. Just keep being brave, and I'll be back to check on my favorite adventurer."

As Meredith left the room, she felt a warm sense of purpose, the kind of fulfillment that had drawn her into medicine in the first place. It reminded her that each small interaction, every gentle reassurance, was just as meaningful as the surgeries and technical skills she'd spent years perfecting. She headed to her next patient, already looking forward to checking in on Emma again.