Charlotte "Charlie" Shepherd is Derek Shepherd's youngest and favourite sister. After deciding to join him in moving to Seattle, in order to leave her past life behind, she starts her internship at Seattle Grace Hospital, where it eventually catches...
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03x03
It had only been a few days since Denny's death, but the shock of it still lingered in the halls of the hospital. Grief had struck them all, each person processing it differently. Izzie, who had quit in the aftermath, seemed to be coping in the most unexpected way. She spent her days baking endless batches of muffins, making the house overflow with the scent of warm batter and blueberries. The ritual seemed to keep her steady, even as her grief loomed just beneath the surface.
Meanwhile, Addison had discovered something of her own. When she found Meredith's panties tucked inside Derek's tuxedo pocket - a leftover from prom night - she hadn't needed an explanation. The truth was painfully clear. Derek and Meredith had been together, once again, in a way that left no room for misunderstandings.
Now, as Derek sat across from Charlie at breakfast, he didn't seem burdened by the news. Instead, a kind of calm had settled over him, one Charlie hadn't seen in a while.
"I was with Addison last night.", Derek began. "It's done, for good. We're getting divorced."
Charlie's eyes searched his face for a hint of sadness, but instead, she saw relief in his expression, as though the weight of it had lifted. "You don't seem - well, upset about it.", she said cautiously.
Derek shook his head. "I'm not, not really. Mark was there too. Turns out, they're sleeping with each other again."
Charlie's stomach tightened as his words sank in. It wasn't just about Derek's marriage ending. It was about Addison and Mark. Again.
When Addison had first crossed that line with Mark, it nearly destroyed the bond they used to have. And it took months for Addison to apologise, rebuild the trust they'd lost and find their way back to the close bond they've shared. For a while, Charlie had believed they'd managed to move past it.
But now, knowing that Addison had betrayed her once again - it cut deep. The ache settled somewhere beneath her ribs, making her jaw tighten with barely concealed frustration. "I didn't think she'd go back to him.", she said, struggling to keep her voice neutral. "Not after everything."
Derek watched her, a trace of understanding flickering in his eyes. "Neither did I. But maybe - maybe this just makes things clearer." He straightened slightly, as if finally putting down a weight he'd been carrying. "Besides, I love Meredith. And she has a choice to make. Between me and Finn."
Charlie managed a tight smile, raising a brow. "And you're confident she'll pick you?"
Derek's eyes held an unmistakable certainty. "I am. Whatever she has with Finn - it's not like what we have."
Charlie nodded, torn between wanting to support her brother and the sting of her own hurt. "I hope you're right, Derek. But don't underestimate what Finn has given her. He's been steady and there for her when she needed it most."
