Unexpected Love

Chapter 28

Two weeks had flown by in a blur of chaos for Meredith and Derek. The hospital was overwhelmed, with an influx of motor vehicle accidents filling nearly every floor. Meredith, despite being seven months pregnant, had stayed on her feet, moving from case to case, barely resting. She could feel the toll of the intense schedule, her belly heavier and her movements slower as each day passed, but she hadn't thought much of it—this was the life she loved.

One morning, she felt off from the start. Her head pounded, and waves of nausea swept over her as she tried to power through paperwork in her office. She'd barely touched her breakfast, and now, a stabbing pain seemed to press against her upper belly, making it difficult to focus. The room spun slightly, and she clutched her desk, trying to steady herself. Just then, Maddie opened the door to drop off a patient file and froze, instantly noticing her sister's pale face and labored breathing.

"Mer, you don't look good," Maddie said, rushing to her side. "What's going on? Are you feeling sick?"

Meredith managed to shake her head weakly but couldn't form the words. Maddie noticed her sister clutching her stomach and didn't waste another second—she stepped into the hallway, calling for a gurney. Within minutes, she had Meredith lying down, surrounded by concerned colleagues who were already taking her vitals.

"Page Derek," Maddie said firmly, her voice laced with worry. "And get her OB on the line. Now."

Derek arrived minutes later, looking alarmed as he rushed to Meredith's side. He took her hand, his face etched with worry as he watched her in pain. "Mer, what's happening? Talk to me."

"It's just... everything hurts," Meredith whispered, wincing as the pain intensified. "Headache, nausea, my belly... it's sharp."

Dr. Arizona Robbins entered, her usual cheerful demeanor replaced with serious focus. She ran a quick assessment, checking Meredith's blood pressure and carefully examining her abdomen.

"Meredith, it looks like you're experiencing preeclampsia," Arizona said, her voice calm but firm. "Your blood pressure's dangerously high, and the symptoms you're describing match it. We're going to need to keep you here for monitoring for at least a week to make sure everything is stable. And I'll be honest with you—we need to consider starting your maternity leave now. You've been pushing yourself too hard."

Meredith's expression softened as the news settled in, and she nodded reluctantly. She'd known deep down that her workload had been more than she could handle, but she hadn't wanted to admit it, even to herself.

Dr. Webber arrived soon after hearing the news, his face full of concern. He approached her with a gentle smile, holding her hand. "You need to focus on your health now, Meredith. We can manage things here. The hospital isn't going anywhere."

Meredith nodded, grateful for his support. "Thank you, Richard."

"I also spoke with your mom," he continued softly. "She'll be checking in on you soon."

As the day went on, Meredith's condition remained under close watch. Derek rarely left her side, holding her hand and reminding her she was his priority now. When Crystal arrived to visit her mom, her small face full of worry, Meredith's heart melted.

"Hey, sweetheart," Meredith said, reaching out her hand. "I'm okay. Just here for a little rest."

Crystal climbed onto the hospital bed beside her, hugging her tightly. "Are you sure, Mommy? You look so tired."

Meredith brushed her daughter's hair back with a soft smile. "I am tired, but I'll be alright. Just need to take a break."

Mark and Lexie also stopped by, Lexie bringing some of Meredith's favorite books and Mark cracking jokes to lighten the mood. "Hey, if you wanted a week off, Mer, you could have just told us, you know?" he teased, flashing a grin.