Story 2 - New Beginnings
Alex stood surveying his image in the mirror. The pale cream shirt he was wearing providing a smart counter-point to his dark blue suit and tie. Lifting a hand he nervously jiggled the knot that nestled in his throat, trying to loosen it a little without spoiling how it looked. He very rarely wore a suit, in fact this one was brand new bought with some of the money that his mom had sent him to celebrate his graduation as a doctor which his father had set aside. His throat felt constricted and it had nothing to do with the tightness of his tie. He still felt guilty that he hadn't flown home to see his dad when he had had his heart attack. It had never occurred to him that he would never get the chance to see him ever again. Swallowing a few times Alex lifted his arm and, pulling back the cuff of his sleeve and looked at his watch; it was nearly time to leave. He had to go to the hotel to pick up his mother and sister and then drive on to Community General.
Like all graduating students he had only been allocated two tickets for the ceremony but he knew that there would be many more people there than that in the room supporting him. Amanda, Jack and Jesse would be there as they were all on staff at the hospital and had to one degree or another, had a hand in the training of all those graduating students. Steve and Cheryl would also be there Jesse having managed to wangle them seats by less than subtle means to the organising committee. He had said that as Mark had played a large part in the students training it was only fair that, as he couldn't be there, that the Sloan family be represented in the form of Steve and Cheryl. His suggestion had been taken up with great enthusiasm. In fact, it was taken up to such an extent that Steve had been asked to present each student with their diplomas. It had taken all of Jesses, not to mention Jack and Amanda's, powers of persuasion to get Steve to go along with that but he eventually agreed. When the graduating students heard the news they were thrilled.
Alex smiled to himself. He knew that the ceremony would be memorable not only for the students but for Steve and Cheryl as well. All the students had decided, even before they knew about Steve presenting their awards, that each of them would contribute to and buy a trophy that they would hand over to the hospital in memory of Mark Sloan. They wanted a memorial to Mark and had voted, in a secret ballot, for the student in their year who most closely embodied the principles that Mark had taught them and he (or she) would be the inaugural recipient of the Mark Sloan 'Selflessness' Trophy. Only the chairman of the hospital board currently knew the winner, which would be announced at the end of the ceremony.
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Shona moved cautiously for she had had a backache on and off for most of the morning. One minute it ached and then the next it had gone. Normally she would not have thought twice about it but at this point in time it gave her pause for Shona was in the final stages of her third trimester. Still, she thought, she had absolutely no intention of saying anything to Jack for there was no power on earth that was going to keep her from Alex's graduation ceremony. Over the time she had been working as Jacks secretary and particularly since they had married, she had become very fond of Alex. She was one of the few people who could empathise totally about how guilty Alex still felt about his dad. She, too, had missed being able to say a proper goodbye to her father. Although in her case the circumstances were different. Her father had been a foreign correspondent in one of the world's many hot spots and had, one day, been in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was off duty, accompanying a friend to dinner, when a car bomb had exploded and killed them both instantly. Her back twinged again and she rubbed it absentmindedly whilst slipping on her low heeled court shoes that beautifully matched her outfit. Exiting her bedroom she went in search of her husband who, as she suspected was sat in front of the TV with Steve and Cheryl watching a football game.
"Come in guys," she encouraged, "if we don't leave soon we will be late."
"Okay hon, we're coming," Jack answered, standing up and switching off the TV.
They arrived at Community General in plenty of time. Steve, as the guest of honour, was greeted like royalty by the Chairman of the hospital board, Jonathan Appleby, much to Steve's amusement for he vividly remembered the number of run ins that his dad had had with the man. Still, he conceded, both his dad and the chairman were only ever defending their positions and each had a great deal of respect for the other.
Steve and Cheryl were whisked away to meet the members of the board prior to taking their seats on the stage, leaving Jack and Shona to make their own way to their seats. Jesse and Amanda were already there and, on seeing them enter, Jesse waved them enthusiastically towards where he stood. However easy it had been for Shona to keep how she was feeling from Jack it was impossible to hide it from Amanda. Jack and Jesse had immediately begun a conversation about a mutual patient, which gave Amanda the chance to take Shona to one side and say to her, "What's up?"
"Nothing's up," Shona initially denied, at which point her body betrayed her and she grimaced a little.
"You're in labour!" Amanda exclaimed intuitively, "What is Jack thinking of dragging you here today?"
"Jack didn't drag me here Amanda," Shona replied, a little stung at the implied criticism of her beloved husband, "I want to be here for Alex. Besides, he doesn't know yet. So far it's only been an intermittent backache. It will be hours yet before things really get going."
"You're not going to be able to keep it quiet for long," Amanda cautioned.
"I know," Shona agreed, "just as long as I can stay here until Alex receives his diploma."
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The room began to fill, gradually the empty seats had people sitting on them and the noise level in the room increased until it was difficult to have a private conversation. A door at the side of the stage opened and in filed the board members, along with Steve and Cheryl. Steve followed the board members onto the stage whilst Cheryl moved to the seat that had been allocated to her, next to Amanda. Jack grinned as he saw his friends face. Steve's expression was a mixture of pride and apprehension. Jack bet that Steve was wishing he was still in the LAPD and his bleeper would go calling him to investigate a homicide. The conversation in the room gradually died away as the board members took their seats so that, by the time the chairman stood to officially begin proceedings, the room was silent.
"Good afternoon ladies, gentleman and 'soon to be no longer'... students." He was rewarded for his joke by a ripple of laughter, more polite than genuine, before he continued, "This afternoons ceremony is tinged with a little melancholy because this is the first year in my memory that we are not graced by the presence of Dr. Mark Sloan. However, we are thrilled to have his son here today to present your diplomas to you. Please welcome Steve Sloan."
The applause rang out around the room, as much for Steve as for the memory of his dad, for everyone there was very fond of Steve for himself and not just for his connection to Mark. Usually the guest of honour gave a short speech before the diplomas were actually handed out, but Steve had refused point blank and it had been left to the chairman to do the honours. Fortunately he was a man of few words and it was, therefore, not long before Steve was being called upon to hand out the diplomas.
He nervously stood and walked forward stand behind the table where all the diplomas were laid out in neat rows, as well as a beautiful trophy, and took his place next to the chairman who was going to hand them to him as the students filed past. For the next forty five minutes face after face filed past him until they all seemed to blend into one. Then he heard the chairman read out the final name, "Alex Martin."
Steve refocused his vision and looked into the eyes of the young man he had come to respect and had Alex been okay Steve would have been able to keep it together. As it was Alex's eyes had filled with tears of emotion and it was seeing that which unblocked the wellspring of emotion that Steve had worked so hard to keep tapped. The tears overflowed and, unheeding of anyone else, Steve moved round the table and enveloped Alex in a huge hug. Even the chairman wasn't immune to the emotion emanating from the two men and when they emerged from their embrace even he had tears in his eyes. Steve was a little surprised when Alex didn't immediately leave the stage like the rest of the students but went to stand next to the chairman.
"The students, pardon me doctors, which you have applauded today wish to make a special presentation. Dr. Martin, if you please," the chairman handed over to Alex.
Alex had to clear his throat a few times and wipe his eyes with a hastily found tissue before he was able to carry on.
"I think, no I know, that I speak for everyone here today when I say that the training we have had here at Community General has been second to none. Every single person who has crossed our path during the last four years has had a lasting effect on all out lives. However no-one has had a more lasting effect on us, myself in particular, than Mark Sloan and I think it fair to say that since his disappearance things have not been the same. My fellow doctors and I wanted to do something to keep the memory of Mark, and all that he stood for, alive. To that end we would like to present this trophy, which we hope will be known as the Mark Sloan 'Selflessness' Trophy to be presented, each year, to the student who most closely embodies those qualities that made Mark Sloan the man we know and love. It will be voted for by each cohort of students."
It was then that Jonathan Appleby stepped forward and spoke, "In this envelope I have the name of the student who will be this year's recipient. Would you care to announce the winner Dr. Martin?"
Taking the envelope from the chairman Alex opened it, pulled out a sheet of paper and looked down. As he read the name enclosed, Alex's face drained of colour and he looked uncomprehendingly at Jonathan Appleby who gently removed the paper from Alex's shaking hand and said, "The reason that Dr. Martin is temporarily bereft of speech is that it is his name on this piece of paper. He was voted, almost unanimously, by his peers as the person who most closely embodies those qualities which made Mark Sloan stand out from the rest of us."
Turning to Steve he said, "Steve, would you be kind enough to present the trophy to Dr. Martin?"
Steve stepped out from behind the table bringing the trophy with him.
"Alex I am very proud to be able to present you with this trophy. It is very well deserved and I know just how proud my dad would have been of you today," he turned to face the rest of the new doctors, "how proud he would have been of all of you."
Taking the trophy Alex looked down at it and said quietly, "I am thrilled beyond words to receive this trophy and can only hope that I can, in any way, live up to the ideals which Mark instilled in us all. Thank you."
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Throughout the ceremony Shona was aware that the intermittent niggles in her back had slowly acquired a regularity and were gradually increasing in intensity. She tried, unobtrusively, to rub her back but was spotted by Jack.
"Are you alright sweetheart?" he asked, moving to stand next to her.
"I'm fine love," she assured him, "it's just that those seats are not made for someone who is thirty eight weeks pregnant. My back is aching a little."
"If you're sure," he said.
"I am, so give over," Shona said, "We need to make sure we are back at the beach house for Alex's party."
"Emm..," Jack sounded a little guilty.
"Jack...," Shona asked, trying to ignore another wave of discomfort that was, by now, spreading around to her stomach, "what are you up to?"
"Jesse was talking to me, before the presentations started, about a patient that he'd like a consult on. I think it would be a good idea if I took a look at her now."
Throwing him a look that was a mixture of resignation and humour Shona said, "Okay, I'll go with Alex."
Leaning forward to plant a kiss on her face Jack said, "You are one in a million Shona. I promise that we won't be long."
Parting from Jack and Jesse at the elevator doors Steve, Cheryl, Amanda, Shona, Alex and his family rode it down to the parking levels. Steve and Cheryl got into their cars, whilst Alex's mother and sister, Jenna went with Amanda. Jenna's eyes had lit up when Amanda had mentioned her brand new 4x4 and had begged for a ride in it, which left Alex to escort Shona to the beach house.
Pulling out of the car park Alex turned his car in the direction of the beach house. As they drove along the built up area Alex was aware of Shona's periodic intakes of breath.
"Are you alright Shona?" he asked, without taking his eyes off the road.
"Yes Alex I'm fine," she began then another contraction, and she had finally admitted to herself that she was in labour, hit her and she moaned in pain.
"No you are not fine Shona," he said, "so, come on, give."
"I think I'm in labour," she admitted.
"What!"
"I'm in labour," Shona repeated then, as if to make totally sure that Alex knew what she meant, "the baby is coming, I'm having contractions."
"I understand what you mean," Alex said, "so how long have you been in labour?"
"Since this morning," Shona admitted and before Alex could respond she continued, "and before you ask I was determined to be at your graduation, so don't give me any doctor spiel about being sensible. If anything had happened I was in the only place I needed to be, in a hospital surrounded by keen, eager new doctors. What could have been safer?"
"Okay, I'll give you that one Shona," Alex answered, "but why are you here now?"
"I didn't want to spoil your celebration," Shona replied, "The contractions are still quite a way apart and I can deal with them. Honestly Alex, keep going I will be fine."
Alex wasn't sure, but he saw how confident Shona was and Mark had always taught them that, in labour, a woman knows her body and that they, as doctors, should listen to and respect that knowledge.
They arrived at the beach house just after Steve and Amanda had pulled up. They all went inside and Cheryl began pouring everyone a drink. Alex took the opportunity to draw Amanda to one side to tell her about Shona.
"I knew that she was in the early stages at your graduation ceremony but obviously things have moved on since then. Don't worry Alex," she laid a reassuring hand on his arm, "I'll speak to Shona."
As she finished speaking Amanda saw Shona move out onto the decking and she followed her.
"Okay Stewart," she said without any preamble, "how far apart are these contractions of yours?"
"They are every twenty minutes at the moment," Shona admitted, "but at the moment I am still able to walk about and still talk to other people."
"Okay," responded Amanda, "All I ask is that you don't hang on here too long before you go back to the hospital and tell Jack when he arrives."
Relieved that Amanda wasn't going to make her go straight back to Community General she agreed to both Amanda's requests.
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The sun was just disappearing below the waterline when the quiet, even tenor of the day changed. Shona who had, as soon as Jack arrived, told him that she was in labour. Jack wanted to rush her back to the hospital at once and it wasn't until Amanda weighed in behind Shona that he gave in and agreed to her staying for a while. Her contractions had gradually increased in frequency and intensity, but Shona was still able to cope very well in them.
Shona, who had gone to the bathroom came back and said, in a very breathless tone, "I think that my waters have broken."
Jack leapt up and rushed to his wife's side.
"I think that it's time we went back to the hospital sweetheart. I really don't want our child to be born in the back of a car."
"I don't see why not," snorted Amanda, "it didn't do CJ any harm."
Despite his concern Jack grinned and replied, "Perhaps not Amanda, but it's not something you would have done by choice now is it?"
"No, I'll grant you that," she conceded.
Shona, whose temperament, up until that moment, had been even snapped at them, "Excuse me but I'M the one giving birth here."
The four doctors in the room looked at each other and it was left to Amanda to say, "I don't think that you are going to be going anywhere soon guys."
It was left to Steve to ask, "Why not?"
"Because," Amanda explained, "it is often at the transition phase of labour that a woman gets very tetchy and tends to have a go at the people around her. It means that the second stage is not far off, which makes it a BAD idea to be moving Shona anywhere."
"I guess that means the baby is going be born here. Is that okay guys?" Jack asked, although the question was slightly redundant.
"What can we do?" Cheryl wanted to know.
"Can I use the spa?" Shona asked suddenly.
"What?!?!" the response came from Jack and Steve as one voice.
"I want to give birth in the water," Shona responded, "I've read about it and it is supposed to be less traumatic on the baby."
"But the water needs to be clean and warm honey," Jack desperately tried to persuade Shona out of a water birth.
"We can easily heat the water up and the spa was cleaned this morning," Cheryl said, oblivious to her husbands shaking head.
"Great," Shona responded, "lead the way. Alex, can you come too? I want you to deliver the baby."
"Me?" Alex didn't know whether to be thrilled at the honour or horrified at the thought of his first act as a qualified doctor would be to deliver his superiors wife's baby. If, God forbid, anything went wrong he could kiss his any return to CG after his military service goodbye.
"Yes you Alex," Shona insisted, "I trust you. Cheryl, could I have one of Steve's large t-shirts? Jack, you'll need to borrow some shorts from Steve."
"I will?" her bemused husband replied.
"Yes, you're getting in the tub with me."
By this time Cheryl had returned with a t-shirt and shorts and Jack, Shona and Alex moved towards the door. As Alex walked through it he looked back and Amanda said, "Don't worry Alex, Jesse and I will be here. Don't forget Jesse has delivered a baby in far more difficult circumstances than this." Alex's mother and sister decided to go back to their hotel and wait for Alex to get in touch. Steve called for a cab and when it arrived gave the driver enough money to cover the fare, including a very generous tip.
Contrary to Steve's every expectation they did not have to wait too long for a successful outcome. Amanda had been right and Shona's burst of temper had been the herald of the second stage and it was barely ninety minutes later when they heard the welcome sound of footsteps running up the stairs.
"It's a boy," he announced.
"Is Shona alright?" Cheryl wanted to know.
"She's fine." Alex looked across at Amanda and Jesse, "That was an amazing experience guys. The baby came out and simply floated to the surface. He just looked at his mom as if he had always known her. There were no tears, no trauma. It was the calmest, most beautiful thing that I have ever seen."
Having finished his speech Alex turned and went back down to his patient.
A couple of hours later and Shona was safely tucked up in the spare bedroom at the beach house, her son next to her and her husband the other side.
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A few days later the group were all together again, although this time they were together to say a farewell to Alex.
A couple of years earlier Alex had been running himself ragged trying to hold down two or three jobs in order to finance his training and he had been near to collapse. It was only after a bizarre murder enquiry which centred on BBQ Bobs that another option revealed itself to him. The US military would finance his training if he signed up and served in the military for four years. After much thought Alex had decided that this was the route he would follow.
The party had been a short one, partly because Shona was still tired from the delivery and partly because that is what Alex wanted. They were all gathered in the living area of the beach house and Steve had just finished re-filling everyone's glasses and called for silence.
"I just wanted to say a few words on this occasion. Everyone here is your friend and we wanted to be here today to wish you well. You have worked very hard to qualify as a doctor, sometimes under very difficult circumstances and we are all very proud of you. We know that you will distinguish your military service with the same grace and diligence that we have come to know over the last four years." he raised his glass and said, "To Alex and new beginnings."
Alex stood surveying his image in the mirror. The pale cream shirt he was wearing providing a smart counter-point to his dark blue suit and tie. Lifting a hand he nervously jiggled the knot that nestled in his throat, trying to loosen it a little without spoiling how it looked. He very rarely wore a suit, in fact this one was brand new bought with some of the money that his mom had sent him to celebrate his graduation as a doctor which his father had set aside. His throat felt constricted and it had nothing to do with the tightness of his tie. He still felt guilty that he hadn't flown home to see his dad when he had had his heart attack. It had never occurred to him that he would never get the chance to see him ever again. Swallowing a few times Alex lifted his arm and, pulling back the cuff of his sleeve and looked at his watch; it was nearly time to leave. He had to go to the hotel to pick up his mother and sister and then drive on to Community General.
Like all graduating students he had only been allocated two tickets for the ceremony but he knew that there would be many more people there than that in the room supporting him. Amanda, Jack and Jesse would be there as they were all on staff at the hospital and had to one degree or another, had a hand in the training of all those graduating students. Steve and Cheryl would also be there Jesse having managed to wangle them seats by less than subtle means to the organising committee. He had said that as Mark had played a large part in the students training it was only fair that, as he couldn't be there, that the Sloan family be represented in the form of Steve and Cheryl. His suggestion had been taken up with great enthusiasm. In fact, it was taken up to such an extent that Steve had been asked to present each student with their diplomas. It had taken all of Jesses, not to mention Jack and Amanda's, powers of persuasion to get Steve to go along with that but he eventually agreed. When the graduating students heard the news they were thrilled.
Alex smiled to himself. He knew that the ceremony would be memorable not only for the students but for Steve and Cheryl as well. All the students had decided, even before they knew about Steve presenting their awards, that each of them would contribute to and buy a trophy that they would hand over to the hospital in memory of Mark Sloan. They wanted a memorial to Mark and had voted, in a secret ballot, for the student in their year who most closely embodied the principles that Mark had taught them and he (or she) would be the inaugural recipient of the Mark Sloan 'Selflessness' Trophy. Only the chairman of the hospital board currently knew the winner, which would be announced at the end of the ceremony.
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Shona moved cautiously for she had had a backache on and off for most of the morning. One minute it ached and then the next it had gone. Normally she would not have thought twice about it but at this point in time it gave her pause for Shona was in the final stages of her third trimester. Still, she thought, she had absolutely no intention of saying anything to Jack for there was no power on earth that was going to keep her from Alex's graduation ceremony. Over the time she had been working as Jacks secretary and particularly since they had married, she had become very fond of Alex. She was one of the few people who could empathise totally about how guilty Alex still felt about his dad. She, too, had missed being able to say a proper goodbye to her father. Although in her case the circumstances were different. Her father had been a foreign correspondent in one of the world's many hot spots and had, one day, been in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was off duty, accompanying a friend to dinner, when a car bomb had exploded and killed them both instantly. Her back twinged again and she rubbed it absentmindedly whilst slipping on her low heeled court shoes that beautifully matched her outfit. Exiting her bedroom she went in search of her husband who, as she suspected was sat in front of the TV with Steve and Cheryl watching a football game.
"Come in guys," she encouraged, "if we don't leave soon we will be late."
"Okay hon, we're coming," Jack answered, standing up and switching off the TV.
They arrived at Community General in plenty of time. Steve, as the guest of honour, was greeted like royalty by the Chairman of the hospital board, Jonathan Appleby, much to Steve's amusement for he vividly remembered the number of run ins that his dad had had with the man. Still, he conceded, both his dad and the chairman were only ever defending their positions and each had a great deal of respect for the other.
Steve and Cheryl were whisked away to meet the members of the board prior to taking their seats on the stage, leaving Jack and Shona to make their own way to their seats. Jesse and Amanda were already there and, on seeing them enter, Jesse waved them enthusiastically towards where he stood. However easy it had been for Shona to keep how she was feeling from Jack it was impossible to hide it from Amanda. Jack and Jesse had immediately begun a conversation about a mutual patient, which gave Amanda the chance to take Shona to one side and say to her, "What's up?"
"Nothing's up," Shona initially denied, at which point her body betrayed her and she grimaced a little.
"You're in labour!" Amanda exclaimed intuitively, "What is Jack thinking of dragging you here today?"
"Jack didn't drag me here Amanda," Shona replied, a little stung at the implied criticism of her beloved husband, "I want to be here for Alex. Besides, he doesn't know yet. So far it's only been an intermittent backache. It will be hours yet before things really get going."
"You're not going to be able to keep it quiet for long," Amanda cautioned.
"I know," Shona agreed, "just as long as I can stay here until Alex receives his diploma."
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The room began to fill, gradually the empty seats had people sitting on them and the noise level in the room increased until it was difficult to have a private conversation. A door at the side of the stage opened and in filed the board members, along with Steve and Cheryl. Steve followed the board members onto the stage whilst Cheryl moved to the seat that had been allocated to her, next to Amanda. Jack grinned as he saw his friends face. Steve's expression was a mixture of pride and apprehension. Jack bet that Steve was wishing he was still in the LAPD and his bleeper would go calling him to investigate a homicide. The conversation in the room gradually died away as the board members took their seats so that, by the time the chairman stood to officially begin proceedings, the room was silent.
"Good afternoon ladies, gentleman and 'soon to be no longer'... students." He was rewarded for his joke by a ripple of laughter, more polite than genuine, before he continued, "This afternoons ceremony is tinged with a little melancholy because this is the first year in my memory that we are not graced by the presence of Dr. Mark Sloan. However, we are thrilled to have his son here today to present your diplomas to you. Please welcome Steve Sloan."
The applause rang out around the room, as much for Steve as for the memory of his dad, for everyone there was very fond of Steve for himself and not just for his connection to Mark. Usually the guest of honour gave a short speech before the diplomas were actually handed out, but Steve had refused point blank and it had been left to the chairman to do the honours. Fortunately he was a man of few words and it was, therefore, not long before Steve was being called upon to hand out the diplomas.
He nervously stood and walked forward stand behind the table where all the diplomas were laid out in neat rows, as well as a beautiful trophy, and took his place next to the chairman who was going to hand them to him as the students filed past. For the next forty five minutes face after face filed past him until they all seemed to blend into one. Then he heard the chairman read out the final name, "Alex Martin."
Steve refocused his vision and looked into the eyes of the young man he had come to respect and had Alex been okay Steve would have been able to keep it together. As it was Alex's eyes had filled with tears of emotion and it was seeing that which unblocked the wellspring of emotion that Steve had worked so hard to keep tapped. The tears overflowed and, unheeding of anyone else, Steve moved round the table and enveloped Alex in a huge hug. Even the chairman wasn't immune to the emotion emanating from the two men and when they emerged from their embrace even he had tears in his eyes. Steve was a little surprised when Alex didn't immediately leave the stage like the rest of the students but went to stand next to the chairman.
"The students, pardon me doctors, which you have applauded today wish to make a special presentation. Dr. Martin, if you please," the chairman handed over to Alex.
Alex had to clear his throat a few times and wipe his eyes with a hastily found tissue before he was able to carry on.
"I think, no I know, that I speak for everyone here today when I say that the training we have had here at Community General has been second to none. Every single person who has crossed our path during the last four years has had a lasting effect on all out lives. However no-one has had a more lasting effect on us, myself in particular, than Mark Sloan and I think it fair to say that since his disappearance things have not been the same. My fellow doctors and I wanted to do something to keep the memory of Mark, and all that he stood for, alive. To that end we would like to present this trophy, which we hope will be known as the Mark Sloan 'Selflessness' Trophy to be presented, each year, to the student who most closely embodies those qualities that made Mark Sloan the man we know and love. It will be voted for by each cohort of students."
It was then that Jonathan Appleby stepped forward and spoke, "In this envelope I have the name of the student who will be this year's recipient. Would you care to announce the winner Dr. Martin?"
Taking the envelope from the chairman Alex opened it, pulled out a sheet of paper and looked down. As he read the name enclosed, Alex's face drained of colour and he looked uncomprehendingly at Jonathan Appleby who gently removed the paper from Alex's shaking hand and said, "The reason that Dr. Martin is temporarily bereft of speech is that it is his name on this piece of paper. He was voted, almost unanimously, by his peers as the person who most closely embodies those qualities which made Mark Sloan stand out from the rest of us."
Turning to Steve he said, "Steve, would you be kind enough to present the trophy to Dr. Martin?"
Steve stepped out from behind the table bringing the trophy with him.
"Alex I am very proud to be able to present you with this trophy. It is very well deserved and I know just how proud my dad would have been of you today," he turned to face the rest of the new doctors, "how proud he would have been of all of you."
Taking the trophy Alex looked down at it and said quietly, "I am thrilled beyond words to receive this trophy and can only hope that I can, in any way, live up to the ideals which Mark instilled in us all. Thank you."
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Throughout the ceremony Shona was aware that the intermittent niggles in her back had slowly acquired a regularity and were gradually increasing in intensity. She tried, unobtrusively, to rub her back but was spotted by Jack.
"Are you alright sweetheart?" he asked, moving to stand next to her.
"I'm fine love," she assured him, "it's just that those seats are not made for someone who is thirty eight weeks pregnant. My back is aching a little."
"If you're sure," he said.
"I am, so give over," Shona said, "We need to make sure we are back at the beach house for Alex's party."
"Emm..," Jack sounded a little guilty.
"Jack...," Shona asked, trying to ignore another wave of discomfort that was, by now, spreading around to her stomach, "what are you up to?"
"Jesse was talking to me, before the presentations started, about a patient that he'd like a consult on. I think it would be a good idea if I took a look at her now."
Throwing him a look that was a mixture of resignation and humour Shona said, "Okay, I'll go with Alex."
Leaning forward to plant a kiss on her face Jack said, "You are one in a million Shona. I promise that we won't be long."
Parting from Jack and Jesse at the elevator doors Steve, Cheryl, Amanda, Shona, Alex and his family rode it down to the parking levels. Steve and Cheryl got into their cars, whilst Alex's mother and sister, Jenna went with Amanda. Jenna's eyes had lit up when Amanda had mentioned her brand new 4x4 and had begged for a ride in it, which left Alex to escort Shona to the beach house.
Pulling out of the car park Alex turned his car in the direction of the beach house. As they drove along the built up area Alex was aware of Shona's periodic intakes of breath.
"Are you alright Shona?" he asked, without taking his eyes off the road.
"Yes Alex I'm fine," she began then another contraction, and she had finally admitted to herself that she was in labour, hit her and she moaned in pain.
"No you are not fine Shona," he said, "so, come on, give."
"I think I'm in labour," she admitted.
"What!"
"I'm in labour," Shona repeated then, as if to make totally sure that Alex knew what she meant, "the baby is coming, I'm having contractions."
"I understand what you mean," Alex said, "so how long have you been in labour?"
"Since this morning," Shona admitted and before Alex could respond she continued, "and before you ask I was determined to be at your graduation, so don't give me any doctor spiel about being sensible. If anything had happened I was in the only place I needed to be, in a hospital surrounded by keen, eager new doctors. What could have been safer?"
"Okay, I'll give you that one Shona," Alex answered, "but why are you here now?"
"I didn't want to spoil your celebration," Shona replied, "The contractions are still quite a way apart and I can deal with them. Honestly Alex, keep going I will be fine."
Alex wasn't sure, but he saw how confident Shona was and Mark had always taught them that, in labour, a woman knows her body and that they, as doctors, should listen to and respect that knowledge.
They arrived at the beach house just after Steve and Amanda had pulled up. They all went inside and Cheryl began pouring everyone a drink. Alex took the opportunity to draw Amanda to one side to tell her about Shona.
"I knew that she was in the early stages at your graduation ceremony but obviously things have moved on since then. Don't worry Alex," she laid a reassuring hand on his arm, "I'll speak to Shona."
As she finished speaking Amanda saw Shona move out onto the decking and she followed her.
"Okay Stewart," she said without any preamble, "how far apart are these contractions of yours?"
"They are every twenty minutes at the moment," Shona admitted, "but at the moment I am still able to walk about and still talk to other people."
"Okay," responded Amanda, "All I ask is that you don't hang on here too long before you go back to the hospital and tell Jack when he arrives."
Relieved that Amanda wasn't going to make her go straight back to Community General she agreed to both Amanda's requests.
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The sun was just disappearing below the waterline when the quiet, even tenor of the day changed. Shona who had, as soon as Jack arrived, told him that she was in labour. Jack wanted to rush her back to the hospital at once and it wasn't until Amanda weighed in behind Shona that he gave in and agreed to her staying for a while. Her contractions had gradually increased in frequency and intensity, but Shona was still able to cope very well in them.
Shona, who had gone to the bathroom came back and said, in a very breathless tone, "I think that my waters have broken."
Jack leapt up and rushed to his wife's side.
"I think that it's time we went back to the hospital sweetheart. I really don't want our child to be born in the back of a car."
"I don't see why not," snorted Amanda, "it didn't do CJ any harm."
Despite his concern Jack grinned and replied, "Perhaps not Amanda, but it's not something you would have done by choice now is it?"
"No, I'll grant you that," she conceded.
Shona, whose temperament, up until that moment, had been even snapped at them, "Excuse me but I'M the one giving birth here."
The four doctors in the room looked at each other and it was left to Amanda to say, "I don't think that you are going to be going anywhere soon guys."
It was left to Steve to ask, "Why not?"
"Because," Amanda explained, "it is often at the transition phase of labour that a woman gets very tetchy and tends to have a go at the people around her. It means that the second stage is not far off, which makes it a BAD idea to be moving Shona anywhere."
"I guess that means the baby is going be born here. Is that okay guys?" Jack asked, although the question was slightly redundant.
"What can we do?" Cheryl wanted to know.
"Can I use the spa?" Shona asked suddenly.
"What?!?!" the response came from Jack and Steve as one voice.
"I want to give birth in the water," Shona responded, "I've read about it and it is supposed to be less traumatic on the baby."
"But the water needs to be clean and warm honey," Jack desperately tried to persuade Shona out of a water birth.
"We can easily heat the water up and the spa was cleaned this morning," Cheryl said, oblivious to her husbands shaking head.
"Great," Shona responded, "lead the way. Alex, can you come too? I want you to deliver the baby."
"Me?" Alex didn't know whether to be thrilled at the honour or horrified at the thought of his first act as a qualified doctor would be to deliver his superiors wife's baby. If, God forbid, anything went wrong he could kiss his any return to CG after his military service goodbye.
"Yes you Alex," Shona insisted, "I trust you. Cheryl, could I have one of Steve's large t-shirts? Jack, you'll need to borrow some shorts from Steve."
"I will?" her bemused husband replied.
"Yes, you're getting in the tub with me."
By this time Cheryl had returned with a t-shirt and shorts and Jack, Shona and Alex moved towards the door. As Alex walked through it he looked back and Amanda said, "Don't worry Alex, Jesse and I will be here. Don't forget Jesse has delivered a baby in far more difficult circumstances than this." Alex's mother and sister decided to go back to their hotel and wait for Alex to get in touch. Steve called for a cab and when it arrived gave the driver enough money to cover the fare, including a very generous tip.
Contrary to Steve's every expectation they did not have to wait too long for a successful outcome. Amanda had been right and Shona's burst of temper had been the herald of the second stage and it was barely ninety minutes later when they heard the welcome sound of footsteps running up the stairs.
"It's a boy," he announced.
"Is Shona alright?" Cheryl wanted to know.
"She's fine." Alex looked across at Amanda and Jesse, "That was an amazing experience guys. The baby came out and simply floated to the surface. He just looked at his mom as if he had always known her. There were no tears, no trauma. It was the calmest, most beautiful thing that I have ever seen."
Having finished his speech Alex turned and went back down to his patient.
A couple of hours later and Shona was safely tucked up in the spare bedroom at the beach house, her son next to her and her husband the other side.
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A few days later the group were all together again, although this time they were together to say a farewell to Alex.
A couple of years earlier Alex had been running himself ragged trying to hold down two or three jobs in order to finance his training and he had been near to collapse. It was only after a bizarre murder enquiry which centred on BBQ Bobs that another option revealed itself to him. The US military would finance his training if he signed up and served in the military for four years. After much thought Alex had decided that this was the route he would follow.
The party had been a short one, partly because Shona was still tired from the delivery and partly because that is what Alex wanted. They were all gathered in the living area of the beach house and Steve had just finished re-filling everyone's glasses and called for silence.
"I just wanted to say a few words on this occasion. Everyone here is your friend and we wanted to be here today to wish you well. You have worked very hard to qualify as a doctor, sometimes under very difficult circumstances and we are all very proud of you. We know that you will distinguish your military service with the same grace and diligence that we have come to know over the last four years." he raised his glass and said, "To Alex and new beginnings."