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.
Meredith woke with the first hints of dawn, the soft light just beginning to seep into the room. Her body had grown used to early wake-ups since she'd hit her sixth month, and today was no different. But this morning was special—today was Crystal's first day of third grade, and Meredith wanted everything to be perfect.
She quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Derek or Crystal. Heading to the kitchen, she set to work, chopping vegetables, frying eggs, and shaping the sandwich into rocket for Crystal's bento box. Crystal's new backpack, decorated with stars and planets, had inspired Meredith to make her lunch a little more fun. Smiling, she closed the bento box, placing it beside Crystal's breakfast plate.
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With the food prepared, Meredith took a quick shower, the warm water soothing her as she thought about the day ahead. Afterward, she slipped into a comfortable but polished dress, her baby bump prominent but making her feel a sense of pride. She brushed her hair, applied a light layer of makeup, and, with one last glance at the mirror, felt ready.
Returning to the bedroom, Meredith leaned down and gently kissed Derek. "Wake up, sleepyhead," she whispered, smiling as he stirred and opened his eyes.
He smiled, still half-asleep, reaching up to pull her in for a hug. "Morning, beautiful."
"Good morning," she said, smiling as she brushed a hand through his hair. "Crystal's big day is here. I made breakfast, so come on down once you're ready."
Derek sat up, stretching. "You're amazing, you know that?" He leaned forward to kiss her forehead. "I'll get dressed, then come help."
With Derek up, Meredith moved to Crystal's room, opening the door quietly. Crystal was curled up in bed, her unicorn stuffie tucked under her arm, and her little face serene and peaceful. Meredith knelt beside the bed, gently stroking her hair.
"Good morning, sweetheart," she whispered. "It's time to wake up. Today's a special day—your first day of school!"
Crystal's eyes fluttered open, and as the words sank in, she sat up quickly, excitement lighting up her face. "My first day!" she exclaimed, practically bouncing out of bed.
Meredith laughed, giving her a quick hug. "Let's get you ready. Do you want to wear your new dress?"
Crystal nodded eagerly, running to her closet. With Meredith's help, she slipped into a dark navy blue, short-sleeved, A-line dress with a flared skirt. Meredith brushed out Crystal's hair and tied it back with little ribbons that matched her dress, making Crystal giggle with excitement.
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"Look at you," Meredith said, holding her shoulders and giving her a warm smile. "You look like a real third-grader."
Crystal grinned, her excitement contagious. "I can't wait to meet my new teacher and friends!"
They made their way downstairs, and as soon as Crystal saw her plate, her face lit up. "Mommy! My bento looks like my backpack!"
Meredith laughed, loving the joy in her daughter's eyes. "I thought you might like that. Now go ahead and eat—don't want to be late on your first day."
As they ate together, Derek joined them at the table, sipping his coffee and admiring Meredith's hard work. "This looks fantastic, Mer," he said, giving her a proud look.
After breakfast, they gathered Crystal's things and headed out together. The ride to school was filled with Crystal's excited chatter as she imagined what her new classroom would look like and wondered what kinds of stories her teacher might tell.
When they arrived, Meredith and Derek took Crystal's hands, walking her up the front steps of the school. It was buzzing with excitement as students, parents, and teachers filled the halls. Crystal's eyes were wide, taking it all in as they made their way to her classroom.
At the door, they were greeted by her new teacher, Ms. Mary Elson, a warm, friendly woman with a gentle smile. She knelt down to Crystal's level, welcoming her. "Good morning, Crystal! We're so excited to have you in our class this year."
Crystal smiled shyly, glancing up at her parents. "Thank you, Ms. Elson," she replied, her excitement now mixed with a touch of nervousness.
Meredith bent down to give Crystal a quick hug. "You're going to do great, sweetheart," she whispered. "Just be yourself and have fun."
Derek ruffled Crystal's hair gently. "We'll be right here to pick you up at the end of the day. And you have your special lunch to look forward to," he added with a wink.
Crystal took a deep breath, her little hand clutching her new backpack. "Okay, Mommy, Daddy. I love you," she said, giving each of them a quick hug.
They watched as she stepped into her new classroom, waving goodbye with a big, brave smile. Meredith felt a small pang in her chest, both proud and a little emotional as they let her go.
Derek took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. "She's going to have an amazing day."
Meredith nodded, smiling softly. "I know. It just feels like she's growing up so fast."
As they walked back to the car, Meredith couldn't shake the mix of pride and nostalgia in her heart. They drove to the hospital, sharing a comfortable silence as they reflected on the big moment.
In the hospital parking lot, Derek turned to her. "We're doing this, you know. We're really building something amazing here, Mer."
Meredith leaned over, resting her head on his shoulder for a moment. "We really are. Crystal, the new baby... it's everything I never thought I could have. And it feels so right."
They sat quietly for a moment, savoring the stillness before heading into the busy day ahead. Meredith couldn't help but feel that this was just the beginning of something wonderful—a future filled with love, growth, and all the beautiful moments she'd never dared to dream of.
