My own version of Merder's fanfic story.
PS. This is my first time writing a story and I'm not really good in medical terms. Thank you and I hope you like it.
The Harrington-Grey siblings' group chat had been buzzing all morning. Meredith smiled as her phone lit up with new messages, each sibling chiming in from their various hospitals across the country.
Maddison: 🔵 Good morning, sibs! So, Meredith is officially settled in NYC now... when are we all getting together??
Michael: 🔵 You mean a whole weekend with all of us? You know that's a dangerous idea, right?
Mellissa: 🔵 Dangerous but overdue! We haven't all been in one place since... what, last Thanksgiving?
Margaret: 🔵 Agreed. We're all surgeons—it's embarrassing how bad we are at planning our schedules.
Maddison: 🔵 Besides, we need to celebrate Mer's new fellowship! 🎉
Meredith: 🔵 Thanks, Maddie! I'd love that. Let's make it happen! I could use some sibling time. 🤗
Michael: 🔵 All right, where do we want to meet? NYC seems obvious, since most of us are closer to it.
Margaret: 🔵 I can do NYC. Quick flight from Boston.
Mellissa: 🔵 I'm in DC, so that works. We'll just need a big enough place to fit all of us.
Maddison: 🔵 How about my place? I'm already here in NYC, and it's only me and my boyfriend lives there.
Meredith: 🔵 Perfect! Maddie's place it is. But what are we actually going to do together?
Michael: 🔵 Don't worry, sis. I'll organize it! Let's keep it simple. Some good food, some downtime, maybe a Broadway show for fun?
Margaret: 🔵 I can't remember the last time I went to a Broadway show! Count me in.
Mellissa: 🔵 And we need to go out for dinner one night—somewhere fancy, on me. It's about time we all actually get dressed up.
Maddison: 🔵 I'll handle brunch! You know I make a killer eggs Benedict.
Meredith: 🔵 I'm so excited. It's a date! Let's pick a weekend, and I'll make sure I'm off-call.
Michael: 🔵 How about two weeks from now? Gives us time to clear schedules.
Maddison: 🔵 Works for me! Meredith, bring Derek too if he's around. 😉
Meredith: 🔵 Maddie! But... maybe. If he's free. 😳
Margaret: 🔵 Ooh, this just got even more interesting!
Mellissa: 🔵 Can't wait to meet him! We'll see you all soon.
The plan set, Meredith leaned back and smiled. She hadn't realized just how much she missed her siblings until now. Their weekend in NYC couldn't come soon enough.
Meredith and Derek had both managed to secure a day off, and Meredith found herself smiling at the thought of spending the entire day with him—and with Crystal. She adored Derek's daughter, whose boundless curiosity and bright personality were a joy to be around.
They met up mid-morning, and Derek arrived with Crystal, who, the moment she saw Meredith, ran up with excitement.
"Meredith!" Crystal grinned, reaching out her arms. "I was hoping you'd be with us today!"
Meredith bent down and hugged her, laughing. "Of course, I wouldn't miss a day with you, Crystal. What are we up to first?"
Derek leaned down, his smile warm. "Mom invited us over for brunch. She's already planned a whole menu and is very excited to have you over, Mer."
"Carolyn's cooking? Say no more, I'm in," Meredith replied, catching Derek's smile as he took her hand, leading them toward the car.
At Derek's mother's home, Carolyn greeted them warmly, pulling Meredith into a hug that was both motherly and welcoming. Meredith felt immediately at ease, finding herself chatting easily with Carolyn as they prepared coffee and set the table together.
During brunch, Carolyn noticed the way Crystal looked up to Meredith, constantly asking her questions and excitedly showing her little drawings and ideas.
"You're so good with her, Meredith," Carolyn said with a smile. "It's clear Crystal adores you. I'm glad you're both here together."
Meredith felt her cheeks warm as she glanced over at Crystal, who was proudly arranging her pancakes in a heart shape on her plate. "She's a sweetheart. I'm lucky to spend time with her."
The morning passed in relaxed conversation, and by the time they said their goodbyes to Carolyn, it felt as though Meredith was already a natural part of the family.
The three of them headed to a nearby park, where they enjoyed the afternoon sun. They strolled through winding paths, with Crystal leading the way, holding Meredith's hand tightly. She chattered about school, her friends, and the latest books she was reading.
At one point, they stopped for ice cream, and Crystal, after a few quiet moments, looked up at Meredith.
"I wish you could be around more," she said softly, a small frown on her face.
Derek glanced over at Meredith with a gentle smile, and Meredith squeezed Crystal's hand. "You know, Crystal, I'd love to see you as much as possible."
As the day wound down, Meredith turned to Derek with a shy smile. "So, my siblings are planning a get-together in a couple of weeks here in New York. They're bringing their partners, and I was wondering... would you want to come?"
Derek's eyes lit up. "You really want me to come? I'd love to. Meeting the famous Harrington-Grey siblings sounds like an adventure."
Meredith laughed. "It's definitely an adventure. They're... a bit overprotective but amazing. I think you'll get along great."
Back at Derek's place, they settled in for a movie night, choosing a family-friendly film that Crystal picked out. As the movie played, Crystal slowly grew sleepier, eventually curling up beside Meredith and drifting off, her head resting gently on Meredith's lap.
Meredith stroked Crystal's hair, watching her peaceful face, feeling a warmth and sense of belonging that surprised her. Derek reached over, his hand resting on Meredith's, their fingers interlocking as they watched the rest of the movie in comfortable silence.
When the credits finally rolled, Derek looked over, his voice barely a whisper. "I think Crystal's found her favorite person."
Meredith looked down at the little girl, her heart swelling. "I think I might've found mine too."
Derek's house:
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