If that's what it takes

59

Derek scooped Zoey's ice cream and settled her in the living room on the floor in front of the television. He turned on a Disney movie and she smiled up at him for just a moment before she was completely mesmerized by the television screen. She ate her ice cream slowly as she watched the story unfold.

"Zoey, I'm going to call my mom back... okay?" He said softly as she glanced to him as if she hadn't heard what he was saying. "I'll be in the kitchen..." He said softly as she nodded and turned her head toward the television screen once again.

"Uh huh..." She whispered.

Derek stepped into the kitchen and glanced back down the hallway to the little girl, watching as she remained mesmerized by the bright colors and the story on the television screen. He reached for the phone and dialed his mother's phone number, her voice answering on the second ring.

"Hello?" She said softly into the line.

"Hey..." Derek said, his voice was anxious, but he had a bit of a smile on his lips as he watched the little girl from down the hallway.

"Derek." She said matter of factly. "Now what's going on over there?" She asked politely as she waited for his explanation.

"I... made a new friend." He said as he took a slow, deep breath. "A couple of months ago... on my way home from New York." He said as he listened to her listening carefully. "She was traveling alone... and... she was living with her grandmother when her grandmother passed away." He explained, deciding not to get into the sordid details of Zoey's case. "She went to live with her Aunt... here in Seattle... and her Aunt had um... an accident and couldn't care for her any longer. She's in the hospital... and so the little one needed a place to stay... and she wanted to stay with me... so I took her in." He explained.

"How old is she?"

"Six." Derek cleared his throat. "She's six... and um... she's been through a lot... a lot of trauma... and I think... um... I think it made her feel better talking to someone other than me, so... so, thank you for being kind to her."

"Derek, I'm not a monster..." Marjorie said, her voice sounding vaguely offended.

"I didn't say that you were a monster." Derek replied, his voice becoming agitated. "Why do you have to make this about you? I said thank you for being nice to her... that was all."

"Yes, and you're assuming that I wouldn't be?" She asked, her voice getting slightly higher as she spoke.

"Not this again... alright? I am not going to argue with you on the phone... its stupid, okay, it's really stupid to argue about it." Derek said, his voice raised slightly as he spoke. He glanced down the hallway and could see those two gray eyes staring back at him as he lowered it quickly. "I was saying thank you... okay?" He whispered softly, as he watched Zoey turn back to her movie.

"It's fine." She said softly into the line. "Are you sure you can handle a child on your own, Derek?"

"We're doing fine." He said softly. "I am on call tomorrow... I need to find a babysitter... but other than that, it's just fine... she's in school for the full day during the week, and I'm able to get the rest of the afternoons off... the hospital has a daycare if I need it, and she likes my cooking... so that's a plus." He said softly.

"Are you still hanging out with... that... what was that fellow's name that thinks he's God's gift to women?"

"Mark?" Derek laughed at her description. "Yes... Mark is around... he's great with Zoey, she loves him... but he can't watch her tomorrow either, he's on call too. I'll be able to find someone." Derek said with a soft sigh. "I should probably go... but I wanted you to know a little about her... and there are other details... but... I'll talk to you about them later... I... have a few things I have to figure out." He said softly.

"Derek." She said with a swallow, her voice sounding anxious.

"Hmm?" He whispered.

"It is a big thing that you've done for that little girl... I'm very proud of you." She whispered.

"Thank you."

"If you need anything. Call me." She said softly.

"I will." Derek replied.

"I do love you, Derek... despite all of our arguments and fights... I love you very much." She said as she listened to his smile over the phone, she could hear the slight curling of his lips.

"I love you too, Mom." He whispered. "I'm sure I'm going to need some advice." He said softly. "Are you thinking about coming for Thanksgiving?" He asked.

"I'll be there." She replied. "I'll make sure everyone else is too." She said quickly.

"Just remember..."

"Your secret is safe with me..."

"Thanks, Mom." He whispered. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, sweetheart." She said softly as he reached to hang up the phone as he peered down the hallway and noticed that the little girl was no longer sitting in front of the television.