Author's Note: "...and here we are. You and me, on the last page." I can't believe this story has finally reached its end. When I began this project, it was really just an experiment to see if I could come up with enough ideas to write a story around a song. Apparently I can. I'm really proud of this story, and I'm honored that so many other people have enjoyed it as well. This last scene returns us to where the prologue left off with Meredith standing at Lexie's grave trying to figure out how to say good-bye. Hopefully it does justice to their relationship in a way the show never did. I also included one of Derek's former patients in this scene - the writer Justine Campbell from 8x08. I loved the parallels between her characters and Lexie's love life, and Justine made a great comment about happy endings versus great stories that I just had to use here. I really think this epilogue pays worthy tribute to Lexie's character, so hopefully it doesn't feel too cheesy or out of character. And since I started this note with a Doctor Who quote, I might as well end it on a variation of another. This is the story of Lexie Grey. And this is how it ends.

Musical Inspiration: "How Far We've Come" cover by Boyce Avenue

Bonus Song: "I Was Here" by Beyonce (This just really strikes me as Lexie's anthem.)

The Funeral (Part II)

Meredith has no idea how long she stands there in front of Lexie's tombstone. It might be hours or it might only be a few seconds. When she finally reopens her eyes, there's a watery film blurring her vision. But there's also a smile on her face.

"When we first met, I told you I didn't want to know you," Meredith says to the stone slab. "But you wouldn't take no for an answer. And I'm glad you didn't. Because having you in my life… There's this saying that only the good die young. But you were more than just good, Lexie. You were one of the best things that's ever happened to me. And you were certainly the best sister I could've ever asked for. So thank you. Thank you for not giving up on me. For forcing your way into my heart. Thank you for being my Little Grey."

Meredith's throat tightens up and she has to stop talking. She puts her hand to her mouth as she waits for her voice to come back. And after a moment it does. But by then she no longer knows what to say.

The sound of footsteps causes her to look over her shoulder. Standing a short distance behind her is a woman that Meredith recognizes as one of Derek's former patients who attended the funeral.

"I'm sorry for interrupting you," the woman says apologetically.

"It's okay," Meredith says.

"I don't believe we've met," the woman says. She takes the few remaining steps forward to Meredith and holds out her hand. "I'm Justine Campbell."

"The writer," Meredith says with a nod. She takes Justine's proffered hand, and they shake. "Lexie loved your books. They were some of her favorites."

"That's quite a compliment," Justine says. "I didn't know your sister very long, but it was long enough to know that she was a very special person."

"She was," Meredith agrees.

"She reminded me a lot of Kate, my main character," Justine says with a smile. "I suppose that's why I liked her so much."

"Kate's story meant a lot to Lexie," Meredith says.

"I'm glad," Justine says. She looks down at the tombstone and shakes her head. "She was so upset with me when she found out how it was going to end."

Meredith's gaze drops down to the stone as well.

"Actually, I think she might have changed her mind about that," she says.

"Really?" Justine asks in interest. "Why?"

"Because in the end, Lexie made the same choice as Kate," Meredith explains. She looks over at Justine with a smile. "She chose her Alexander."

"Did she, now?" Justine asks with a chuckle. A wide smile breaks out across her face. "I knew it! She told me that ending wasn't fair. And maybe it isn't. But it sure makes for one hell of a story."

"It did," Meredith says, and they both know she's not talking about Kate.

Silence falls briefly as they stare down at the grave marker. Then Justine looks over at Meredith.

"Your sister helped me with some of the writing on my next book," she says. "The manuscript isn't finished yet, but I just wanted you to know that when it is, I'm going to dedicate it to her."

"Lexie would've loved that," Meredith manages. Her throat is tightening up again, making it hard to talk.

"She helped save my life," Justine says in a matter-of-fact tone. "If she's half as good a doctor as I think she was, then she probably helped save a lot of lives. The service today made it pretty clear that your sister mattered to a lot of people. She won't be forgotten."

This time Meredith's throat closes up completely. Her eyes are watering as well. Apparently she still has some tears left after all.

"Thank you," she whispers.

"You're welcome," Justine says kindly. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go get Kate on her way to Alexander. But it was wonderful to meet you."

"You too," Meredith says.

She turns her attention back to Lexie's grave as Justine walks back toward the path. Their conversation has given Meredith an idea of what else she needs to say.

"You should know that Mark broke up with Julia," she says to the stone marker. "He told her he's still in love with you. In a way, I think he always was. Maybe he always will be. He just figured it out a little late. And I know that's not fair. But someday you two are going to be together again. And when that day comes, he'll be all yours." She smiles a little in spite of herself. "Maybe Kate and Alexander isn't such a bad ending after all."

Her smile slowly fades as she tries to figure out how she can possibly end this moment.

"I don't know how to do this," she admits softly. "I don't know how to tell you good-bye. So I'm just going to tell you that I miss you and I love you. I love you more than you could ever know. And I can't wait to see you again."

Meredith takes one last look at her sister's name carved into the tombstone before finally turning away. It's a short walk back across the grass to the path where Derek is patiently waiting.

"Ready to go?" he asks when she finally reaches him.

"I think so," Meredith says.

"Do you still want to go to the dinner?" Derek asks. "Because we can skip it if it's too much."

"No, I want to go," Meredith tells him. She slips her left hand into his good one. "We've mourned Lexie's death. Let's go celebrate her life. That's what she would've wanted."

Together they start heading down the path toward the entrance to the cemetery. As they walk, Justine's words continue to echo inside of Meredith's head. She had a point. Lexie's ending may not have been fair or happy, but her life still made for one hell of a story. And when it really comes down to it, Meredith figures that the journey matters far more than the destination anyway.

And there you have it. This story is officially ended. Before you go, please leave a final review letting me know your thoughts on this story. If you enjoyed any part of it at all, please take a few seconds out of your day to let me know that. You have no idea what feedback means to an author. If you enjoy my writing, feel free to go to my profile and see if any of my other works look interesting. For those of you who haven't read it yet, I wrote a "Grey's Anatomy" one-shot a while back about Meredith and Amelia after the end of season eleven. It's called "Picking Up the Pieces" if you're interested. Also, for the Harry Potter fans among you, I have a project in the works that would show the development of Lily's friendship with each of the four Marauders during the decade she knew them. I hope to start posting that within the next few weeks, so if that sounds like something you might want to read or if you just want to keep up with my work in general, make sure to follow me. I think that's everything I wanted to say... This story has been such a pleasure to work on, and I really hope you have all enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. So for the last time, thanks so much for reading. And I hope to see you again on my future projects. :)