Chapter 9

Only after the final note resonated through the air did Lucas become aware of the small crowd that had gathered to watch his performance. Being someone who had never been particularly popular in his former life, the attention bestowed upon him now felt foreign and uncomfortable.

The entire thing made him feel awkward and self-conscious.

Among the spectators, Stevens stepped forward, reaching out to Lucas without hesitation. She embraced him, providing a moment of solace amidst the overwhelming situation. "Let's go back to your room," she said, her voice filled with care and understanding.

Desperate for relief from his current predicament, Lucas swiftly agreed, yearning to escape the confines of the pediatric play lounge. The allure of smoking cigarettes had completely lost its appeal on him, replaced by a deep desire to retreat to the safety of his room. These people, whom he only knew from a show he once watched, had unintentionally taken a glimpse of his vulnerable side, which unsettled him. Even though it was not truly him who controlled his body, but rather the lingering remnants of the old Lucas.

As Stevens and Lucas made their way towards the elevator, the group of Lexie, George, Cristina, and Meredith promptly stepped aside. While the somber expressions and glistening tears were evident on the faces of Lexie, George, and Cristina, Meredith stood apart, her eyes free of tears as she examined Lucas carefully before the elevator door closed.

George took a moment to compose himself and wiped away the tears from his face. "Well, that was something," he managed to say, his voice trembling with emotion.

Lexie, her voice filled with awe and sadness, joined in, wiping the tears from her own face. "That song... It was a masterpiece. He sang it with such raw emotions."

Cristina remained silent but joined in, wiping away her own tears. However, the sight of their tear-stained faces only fueled Meredith's annoyance. She abruptly left the trio and headed towards the stairs.

"Where are you going?!" Cristina called out, her voice tinged with concern.

"I'm going to see Derek!" Meredith retorted, her irritation evident. She left the three bewildered individuals behind, unable to comprehend her sudden departure.

Meanwhile, Derek sat in his office, deep in thought. In his hand was the personal phone number of the Child Protective Services representative. He had been present when the representative spoke to Lucas, and before they could leave, he asked for their personal contact number. He wasn't even sure what he was going to do with the number. In all honesty, Lucas could have been discharged two days earlier, but Derek chose not to do so. He was certain that the hospital room provided a much better environment for the child than wherever CPS would take him.

His contemplation was abruptly interrupted when an irate and angry Meredith stormed into his office. Since he had informed her about Lucas, their conversations had solely revolved around their patients, with Meredith refusing to engage with him outside of work.

"How dare you!" Meredith shouted, her index finger accusingly pointed at Derek.

Caught off guard by Meredith's outburst, Derek could only express his shock as she continued her tirade.

"I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!"

Realizing there was no calming Meredith's anger, Derek swiftly closed the office door and asked, "What is going on? Are you drunk?"

"How dare you bring Lucas into my life! I was raised as an only child, and now suddenly I have two half-siblings to worry about! Two half-siblings I never even had to think about in the first place!" Frustration etched across her face, Meredith locked eyes with Derek. "Sure, Lexie came here because of her mother's death, but I didn't need to know about Lucas. You just had to dig him up because my father mentioned him while he was crying!"

With a sense of remorse washing over him, Derek began to speak, only to be cut off by Meredith once again.

"I don't need you trying to fix my life!" she shouted before storming out of Derek's office, slamming the door behind her. Derek could only let out a sigh, pondering the aftermath of what had just transpired.

LATER THE NEXT DAY:

Multiple interns could be seen changing their clothes in the locker rooms when George spotted Lexie and approached her. He asked, "Are you going to see Lucas today?"

Wearing her hospital ID, Lexie replied meekly, "Yeah, Lucas will be discharged soon. I want to spend some time with him before that happens."

Curiosity piqued, George inquired, "You haven't told your father that his adopted son is here?".

Lexie's weak smile faded as she responded, "No, ever since my mother died, he hasn't been the best father." She paused briefly before adding, "But I think it's better this way."

George raised an eyebrow and questioned, "Not telling the kid that you're his sister? Is that the better solution?"

Lexie let out a sigh and replied with a hint of defeat in her voice, "Perhaps. I honestly don't know, George."

Just as Lexie was about to put on her doctor's coat, Dr. Meredith Grey stormed into the intern's locker room, surprising everyone inside. Upon spotting Lexie, Meredith commanded, "Come with me," and swiftly left.

Initially taken aback, Lexie quickly composed herself and followed the determined Grey. Together the two of them walk in silence as Meredith led the way. Eventually they found themselves in Lucas' room.

As Meredith opened the door and she could see Lucas' eating his breakfast.