New Beginnings

Chapter 23

MEREDITH'S PERSPECTIVE
"It's your choice, Derek." Addison tells my husband. He looks at me. I shrug, because I don't know which to pick.
"Derek, just let Addison do it. She knows that to do. She's trained in this. You can't rationally operate on little Katie. " I tell him.
He nods and gives Addi permission to operate on Katie.
Addi nods and puts Katie in the baby crib, and pulls the side up to lock it and wheels her down to CT and the operating rooms.
Derek pulls me into his arms, and I my neck feels wet, as Derek puts his head to rest on my shoulder to cry. I hug him back, and run my hand up and down his broad back.
"Katie'll be just fine Derek. We have nothing to worry about. You know Addison Montgomery is the best surgeon for Katie in the country. " I say, partly to comfort him, but also to comfort me.

About an hour later, Addison comes back with a worried look on her face.
"So guys. Turns out Katie will need a small surgery. Nothing big, but most surgeries for a baby tend to be much larger. The risks of this surgery are very high, but without it she probably won't live past five. And those years will probably be spent part time in the hospital. And that's not what a childhood should be. So I'll let you guys talk about it, and come back when you're ready. " Addison said, and left us sitting in the chairs outside the room.
I look at Derek, who was trying so hard not to cry, and rubbed his back. He was nodding like crazy. "So we're going to have Addison do Katie's surgery then. " I state. He continues to nod.
I have a nurse page Addison back to tell her what we've decided.
"Addison, can you and I go talk where it's sound proof? I have something to ask you. "
"Of course Meredith. Lead the way. "
So I bring her to the nearest on call room, and don't lock the door.
"How long can we wait until the surgery has to happen. " I ask.
"Well, the sooner the better. But if you want to wait, I guess the latest we can wait is until tonight, in about six hours.". Addison says.
"Alright. How long will the surgery take?"
"Around four hours or so. I'll need another attending to help. It's going to be complicated. Can you recommend anyone?"
I think for a minute. "Yeah, Amelia. She's a neurosurgeon, and she's just flying in in about two hours. I'm to pick her up from the airport. Can she operate on Katie too. " I ask.
"Of course. " Addison says.
"Oh my gosh. Thank you so much Addi.". I need to get going to pick Amy up. The ride is like an hour away, and I need coffee. Want anything from the store?"
"No thanks. But do you want me to look after Derek until you come back so he doesn't hurt himself. " Addison asks, just a loud crash sounds in the hallway.
I wrench open the door, and see three nurses standing around trying to help a person-Derek- on the ground. In a pool of red. Blood. I black out and don't remember the rest of the day, until someone was shaking me awake. I felt soft but thin blankets beneath me, and I open my eyes and see two women with long dark hair standing over me. Addison and Amy.
"Hey. What'd I miss?" I ask.
"Well, Derek tried to launch himself into the wall. He got a pretty bad concussion. And a broken nose. But he'll be fine. Katie needs surgery now, so if you'd like to be in the gallery, we need to know that you won't faint again. " Amy said, giving me the rundown.
"How are Zola, Bailey and Mia doing?" I ask.
"They are doing just fine. I put them all in the daycare so sleep during this. " Addi said.  

"Thanks Addi.  When is Katie going into surgery?"  I ask.  

Addison and Amy look at eachother, and back at me.  

"Well, she's actually going down to the OR now."  Amy told me.