Remember Your Worth | Jackson Avery

twenty-seven

The new interns were sitting together at lunch, reminding me of my intern days. I walked over, smiling at them once I reached their table. They stopped eating, giving me their full attention.

"Parker, you're on a biliary atresia with me today."

"Are you serious, ma'am?" He asked, dropping his fork.

"Yes, and I've told you, it's Sage."

"Thank you, Sage." He smiled.

Helm nudged his arm while the others congratulated him.

"Schmitt, you're with Owen. Helm, you're with Meredith.."

"Yeah!" She shouted.

I left the cafeteria, going to do my rounds. Once I was done, I found Aunt Mir sitting in the lounge, enjoying the peace.

"Hey. You look peaceful." I sat next to her, she smiled.

"Why thank you. Just trying to keep my heart rate steady."

After a few moments, she looked at me, grabbing my hand.

"I just wanted to let you know that your father has woken up. Your mother, however, does not want you in the room."

"You're kidding me.. she can't do that."

"Actually, she can. You would think her mind would change over two months but it hasn't. I'm sorry, sweetie." I nodded, wiping a tear before it could fall.

"Do you have time for me now?" Alex whined like a child as he came in, sitting next to me.

"Yes, Karev. I have time for you. We can go out tonight, if you'd like."

"I had a date with Jo but I can cancel."

"No way, go on your date."

"I wanna hang out with you."

"Alex Karev! Get out of here with that mess, I'm trying to relax!" She yelled at him.

"We both will leave." I said then kissed her cheek, leaving behind Alex.

We went back to peds; I helped him with one of his cases then we made small talk at one of the nurse's stations.

"Hello, beautiful. Dr. Karev." Nick greeted as he walked up.

"This isn't your floor." Alex spat.

"You mean to tell me that you guys don't wander with the plastic surgery patients or hang out in the ICU.."

"Dude, that's weird."

"Is there something I can help you with?" I asked, hiding the fear in my voice. He smirked.

"Actually, yes there is."

"What's your deal? She's married to your friend, back off." Alex stood in front of me.

"We're all good here." Nick threw his hands up, glancing at me as he walked around Alex to leave.

"Something's not right with that guy."

"Right.. Jackson just doesn't seem to understand."

"What about me?" Jackson asked, kissing my cheek.

"Your friend made a pass at my bestfriend. If he tries anything else, I'm gonna punch him." Alex told him before walking off.

~

Rae sat on my lap, munching on the graham cracker and making a mess.
Jackson burst through the door, laughing. He stopped, looking at me with red eyes.

"Where have you been?"

"I was with the guys. I was gonna invite 'em over but I thought about Rae."

"Good. Don't give them our address."

"Alright, alright. I won't." He got comfortable.

"Hi, Rae! Daddy missed you." He kissed her cheek, picking her up.

"Hey, how long have you known that Nick guy?!" I shouted. Jackson had walked away.

"Couple years.. he's a great guy."

"You sound like you're in love."

"He's just, honestly, the nicest person. He does have a temper, I would not push him.. overall, Nick's the man."

He smiled, walking back down the hall. My fingers tore at the lining of the teddy bear, pulling the string.

"Babe?!" Jackson yelled, his voice cracking.

"Yes?"

It was quiet for a minute before he came in with her in his arms facing me. I tilted my head, waiting for the man to respond.

"My daughter's wearing a shirt that says "Big Sisters Rule". Why?" I stared at him, shaking my head and laughing.

"We are having another baby, smartness."

It took him about five minutes of standing there to register what I said. Joy spread across his face, him doing a quick spin.

"Can you not drop my daughter?"

"I got her."

He smiled, sitting next to me. He placed his free hand on my stomach, widely smiling before kissing me.

"Let's watch a movie. This is our family night, remember.."

"You pick." I handed him the remote.

He shrugged, playing Maleficent. About five minutes into the movie, Rae's eyes were locked on the screen while Jackson's eyes kept falling.

"Go to bed." I told him, sitting Rae on my lap.

"No, I said we were gonna watch a movie. I'm not cancelling family time, it's important."

"Well, you went out and got high with your friends, and can barely keep your eyes open. I don't need you snoring throughout the movie, goodnight, Jackson.." I shook my head.

He huffed, looking at me before standing up.

"Babe, come on, don't tell me you're mad.."

I looked at him with disappointment.. I was unaware as to why I was feeling it but that's all he was to me right now. He dropped his head then nodded, going to the room. 

Rae sat in her own spot, keeping her eyes on the movie. I went to answer the door, letting Alex in.

"I got chips." He held up two bags and a jar of salsa.