Code Blue • Jackson Avery

Chapter Eighty Two

I walked down the stairs to find Jackson sipping on his coffee as he played with the kids.

"I am loving this open floor plan. Your dad was a genius for building this house like this" Jackson explained. I looked around marveling at the design. Meredith had asked for the old house back and reassured us we could move into her's.

The house was slightly cramped for us anyways with the kids and Catherine who sometimes stayed over. The big space with a nice yard was the best choice for us.

"Morning" I sung as I walked into the kitchen to pour myself a cup. Just as I was about to take a sip a page went off from Webber.

"Webber paging me? Do you know anything about this?" I asked. Jackson looked funny when I asked my question.

"What's going on?" I asked. Jackson continued to sip his coffee and play with the kids. "Fine. I'll see you later" I said planting a kiss on his lips before grabbing my bag and car keys.

The drive from the new house was a nice one. The forests and the bridge was something my dad must have loved every single drive.

I walked into the hospital taking my final sip of coffee before heading to the meeting room I was paged to.

"Webber?" I asked as I opened the door. Inside was Webber, Bailey, Catherine and a few of the foundation members.

"You Dr. Shepherd are the foundations pick for Chief of Surgery. Dr. Webber here as has selected Bailey. The foundation will observe today and at four you can make your final presentation" Catherine explained. I weakly smiled having not been prepared for this kind of news.

I thanked the foundation members before holding back to talk with Webber and Catherine.

"Catherine will all due respect I don't think I am ready for this" I said.

"I agree" Webber interrupted.

"Nonsense, you are the perfect candidate. I hope Jackson didn't spoil the surprise?"

"No, not at all. The way you took command when Jackson and I said no. That shows true leadership"

"I have two young children who need me at home. It's bad enough Jackson and I are both extremely busy most days. I don't think our babysitter will be able to stay any longer than she already does"

"Don't worry. I'll find you a live in nanny if you need. Now get ready. The foundation is watching you during your first surgery today" Catherine said pushing me out the door. I sighed knowing I had a lot of stress on my plate today.

I headed to the scrub in room and was half way done when Jackson walked in.

"So you excited? My wife is going to be the chief of surgery. That's so hot" he whispered kissing my neck.

"Jackson. You thought this was a good idea?" I asked shutting the water off and drying my hands.

"Yeah why?"

"We have children. We are married. I want to have a life outside of the hospital at least one day a week. Being chief means never being home" I explained. He looked at me.

"My damn mother did it again. She convinced me this was a great opportunity for you. Uh, remind me to stop listening to her rants"

"I'm turning down the position" I said.

"That's what you want right. Kids and our marriage aside. I'll support you either way" Jackson said making me turning around.

"It's not about what I want. Chief would be amazing but I don't think I can handle that, handle raising the kids, being married to you. It's just not the right time. Plus Bailey deserves it" I said walking into the OR. Jackson stood in the scrub room watching the foundation members file into the gallery.

I looked back at Jackson once more, smiling, before turning to the nurse. "Scalpel"
———
"That was fabulous" Catherine said to me as I exited the patient's room.

"Thank you. Post Op is still critical. I'll have Edwards monitor him overnight" I explained. Catherine smiled looking at the foundation members who look pleased as well.

"Ready for your presentation?" Catherine asked.

I shook my head yes and followed them to a meeting room. Bailey came in right as they sat down.

"I'm here" she said taking a seat in the corner to present second.

"I just want to start off by saying I'm so grateful for this consideration. Being appointed by the foundation has shown my hard work has paid off. I, however, am turning it down" I could see Catherine's smile shift to a frown. "This has shown me that my hard work needs to be distributed to my family, my marriage now. Maybe in the future I can commit myself to this position but right now Bailey is the only candidate worthy" I finished. The foundation looked at each other.

"Bella" Catherine muttered but I walked out letting Bailey give her presentation.

"So how did it go?" Webber asked. He was waiting by the nurses station.

"I turned it down. I am not ready to commit myself like that to this hospital" I said. Webber smiled knowing that I wasn't ready myself. "She's going to be mad tonight"

"Don't worry about it, I'll talk to her. After all she's my wife now" Webber said reassuring me I made the right choice. I gave him a smile before heading to the lounge room to change and clock out.