Chapter 14

A smile graced Lucas' face as he watched the latest episode of Carly and Sam's webseries. The show, primarily aimed at children and young teens, offered decent comedy, but Lucas found himself laughing more at the absurdity of the situations rather than Carly and Sam's banter. It was intriguing to consider that the world he inhabited might be a blend of various shows, leaving him wondering if he would ever encounter characters like Jake Peralta or Barney Stinson. The mere thought of it brought a chuckle to Lucas' lips.

"Hi," Lexie Grey suddenly appeared in Meredith's kitchen, interrupting Lucas' daydreaming. In her hands, she held a guitar case.

"Hi. What brings you here?" Lucas asked, promptly muting the iCarly web series.

The moment Lucas was discharged from the hospital, he had caught a glimpse of Lexie in the hallway. At the time, he didn't pay much attention to it, assuming that Lexie was still apprehensive about Meredith. However, he knew that the situation would resolve itself in due time. Eventually, Meredith's defenses would soften, allowing Lexie to enter and become an integral part of her sister's life.

"I just wanted to visit, and I brought you a gift," Lexie said, her face beaming with a smile as she presented the guitar case.

"Cool, a guitar," Lucas exclaimed, eagerly accepting the case. It was exactly what he needed to harness his musical talents. While he could have asked Meredith for one, he didn't want to burden her with such a request.

In Lucas' memories, he did have an inheritance, but he could only access it once he turned 18, so that option was out of the question. Lexie's gift right now was something he truly welcomed.

As Lucas placed the case on the kitchen table, Lexie spoke, "It's nothing much. My mother bought it when I was in high school, but I never really had the chance to learn it. It's been sitting in my room, collecting dust. So, I decided to clean it up and give it to you."

Lucas gingerly picked up the guitar, its classic sunburst color catching his eye.

"Twang, twang," the resonating sounds filled the room as Lucas plucked at the guitar strings.

"Thanks, Lexie," Lucas said, a warm smile spreading across his face.

"It's fine. It's better for you to have it," Lexie replied, taking a seat beside him.

As Lucas placed the guitar back in its case, Lexie's expression turned somber. "Honestly, there's a reason why I came here."

Raising an eyebrow, Lucas asked, "What is it?"

"Would you like to meet your biological father?" Lexie inquired softly, observing Lucas' reaction.

Upon hearing the question, Lucas let out a sigh. He had no desire to meet Lexie's father. Out of respect for the old Lucas, his parents would always be Doug Ross and Carol Hathaway in this world.

Plus it didn't help that everything he knew about Thatcher is what he saw in the Grey's Anatomy tv show.

"Not really. Did you tell him about me?" Lucas asked, curiosity evident in his voice.

Lexie nodded in response. "Right now, my father knows nothing about you. I only confided in our sister, Molly, about your existence," she admitted.

Lucas nodded in understanding. "I don't really care about Thatcher being my biological father. To me, my parents will always be Doug Ross and Carol Hathaway. Blood or not, they are the ones who have been there for me since I was a baby," he stated firmly, his loyalty unwavering.

Lexie couldn't help but agree, realizing that her own relationship with their father had deteriorated over the months, especially after their mother's passing. The once great father had succumbed to alcoholism, drifting further away from the loving figure he used to be.

As Lucas and Lexie conversed in the kitchen, Izzie and Meredith found themselves quietly observing from the stairway, their presence unnoticed. Curiosity got the better of Izzie as she broke the silence.

"Do you really have no intention of having a relationship with Lexie?" Izzie inquired, her voice tinged with curiosity. "George tells me she's a nice girl," she added.

Meredith let out a sigh, feeling conflicted. "I don't even know why I'm going through all of this. Just a month ago, I was content with our close circle, and now I have a half-brother to consider," she expressed. "I can't force a relationship with Lexie; it's not something I can simply decide," she admitted, stealing a glance towards the kitchen.

Initially, Meredith observed a tense conversation between Lucas and Lexie in the kitchen. However, as time passed, she noticed a shift in their dynamic. Their conversation transformed into a more relaxed and comfortable exchange. Meredith's curiosity piqued as she saw them both engrossed in watching the web show that Lucas had initially been enjoying.

Izzie offered a reassuring smile. "Maybe all you need is time. Your half-brother could be the bridge that helps you two sisters bond," she suggested optimistically.

Meredith couldn't help but roll her eyes at Izzie's statement, skeptical about the idea.

*********

LATER IN THE NIGHT:

As Lucas lay in bed, the guitar resting atop him, his fingers gently danced across the strings, eliciting harmonious melodies. In the depths of his mind, a tapestry of grand plans began to unfurl, promising to reshape his life into something extraordinary.

Though his previous identity remained lost to him, the memory of his mundane past as a data entry clerk lingered. Endless hours spent categorizing phone calls —a job he despised but endured in order to earn a living.

But now, a spark ignited within him, igniting the flame of change. Rising from the comfort of his futon, Lucas made his way to the solitary window in the attic, where the midnight sky adorned with stars beckoned. With resolute determination, he made a solemn pledge to himself. This time, his life would transcend mediocrity, brimming with purpose and fulfillment. Equipped with the gifts bestowed upon him, he vowed to persist unwaveringly until he achieved his dreams. A life worth living.