Chapter 12: Birthday…Watch…Crash….

"Happy Birthday!" Sofia laughed and clapped as Callie and Mark blew out her candle. Everyone clapped and Arizona took their picture. It was a small party. Meredith, Derek, Zola, Cristina, Owen, April, Alex, Bailey, Tuck, Jackson, Lexie, Masen, and Anna were all there. Ok it wasn't a small party, but it's better than saying it was an adult party. It's not like they were all drinking. It's just that most of the people there were adults.

"Happy Birthday Baby Girl," Callie said and kissed Sofia's cheek, causing her to giggle.

"Here," Mark said while setting a piece of cake in front of Sofia. She looked at it a minute before getting a handful and stuffing her mouth.

"Oh great," Cristina said. "Another reason for everyone to get all puppy eyed."

"It's cute," April said. "And you have a lot more puppy eyed parties to go to so get used to it." Cristina rolled her eyes and sat next to Meredith.

"So when are we opening presents?" Alex asked.

"After cake," Callie answered. "Where are Masen and Anna?"

"Lexie took Anna to the bathroom," Jackson answered while picking up Masen.

"Well here's a piece for Masen." Jackson sat Masen in front of the coffee table were the cake was. Masen instantly grabbed a handful and shoved it in his mouth.

"Is it good Masen?" Mark asked while sitting next to his son. The toddler just laughed and clapped his hands.

"Glad to see you guys getting along," Lexie said while walking over to them. She sat Anna next to her brother and bit her lip. "Can we talk?"

"Sure." Mark kissed Masen's forehead before following Lexie out into the hallway outside the apartment. Lexie crossed her arms and looked at the ground.

"Mark-"

"If this is about what happened, I swear it won't happen again."

"Mark-"

"I mean it. I won't step out of line again."

"Mark, it's not about that. I just wanted to know if you could watch the twins this weekend." Mark just stared at her. "Look I know its last minute and I'd be dropping them off literally tomorrow so if you can't-"

"No it's fine."

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"Ok then I'll drop them off tomorrow morning." Mark looked at her questionably. Lexie just nodded and hurried back inside.

"Tomorrow morning? Where the hell are you going?"

After cake everyone sat around the living room while Sofia, with Callie's help, opened her presents. There was a teddy bear from Owen and Cristina, dresses from Derek and Meredith, dolls from Baily, blocks from Alex, stickers from April, and some toys Teddy and the Chief had sent over.

"What's next?" Mark asked. Callie picked up a bag and handed it to him.

"It's from Uncle Jackson and Aunt Lexie," Callie said while walking oven to Arizona. Mark was about to help Sofia open it when someone knocked on the door. He all but jumped up and ran to the answer it.

"Five guesses it's Julia," Jackson whispered to Alex, who snorted in agreement. Mark opened the door and helped Julia inside.

"Hey," Julia greeted. "I'm sorry. My surgery ran late with a few complications, but I wouldn't have missed this for the world." She walked over and kneeled next to Sofia. "Happy Birthday." She opened the bag she had been holding and pulled out a little toy doctor kit. "Now you can be like just your mommys and daddy." Sofia laughed and looked at the toy with delight, while everyone else, even Cristina, smiled. Well, everyone but Lexie. She nervously glanced at her unopened present. Julia's present was perfect and she could already tell that Sofia loved it. She wouldn't understand Lexie's as much. Callie noticed and sat next to Sofia.

"Hey Baby Girl," she said while sitting Sofia on her lap. "How about we open Uncle Jackson and Aunt Lexie's present now?" Mark handed them the present and sat next to Julia. Let's see. They got you a…" Everyone stopped and stared at the soft, pick blanket. Mark's name decorated the top, with lines stitched in opposite directions where Lexie and Callie along with Arizona's names were. Under the line that had Mark, Callie, and Arizona's name was Sofia, and under Mark and Lexie's were Masen and Anna.

"Wow," Arizona breathed. Callie looked up at Lexie and smiled.

"Lexie," she started. "This is… Wow this is…"

"Perfect." Lexie glanced up at Mark. The look of appreciation, and a hint of something she couldn't put her finger on, told her that it really was perfect.

"I should've had them put Julia's name on it. If you want I can have them out it on the other side or-"

"It's fine." Julia nodded in agreement, causing Lexie to let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks Lexie."

"Good. Well, I think we need to go. I need to get Anna and Masen ready for tomorrow, so we need to go."

"Yeah we do," Jackson said while standing. He picked up Masen and helped up Lexie with Anna. After kissing Sofia goodnight and saying their good byes and see you laters, they made their way out and down to the car.

The drive home was silent with the exception of Anna and Masen's babbling. Lexie was exhausted and still had to get the twins ready for bed. Jackson had the same thought running threw his mind over and over again. When they pulled up to the house Lexie quickly got out and grabbed Anna before walking up the drive through. Jackson got Masen and followed her.

"What'd you mean?" He asked once inside.

"What?" She asked while helping the twins out their jackets.

"I asked what you meant when said you had to get them ready for tomorrow."

"I mean I asked Mark if he could watch them and he said yes. So I'm going to drop them off before-"

"Wait why?" Lexie sighed and headed up stair. "Lexie why?"

"Jackson I don't feel good and I really don't feel like talking about this. So ask me later."

"Later? There isn't any later with you. Lately you've been moody and bossy, and I don't want to have to deal with it anymore. So tell me why they're staying with Sloan and not me. Tell me please why I'm not spending the weekend with my kids." Lexie stared at him for a minute before turning and heading towards the bathroom. "Damn it Lexie!"

Mark slept good. Mark was really sleeping good. He had spent the day, not only with his happy birthday girl, but with all his kids. He had spent the day with his best friends. He had spent the night with his girlfriend. So yeah, Mark slept amazingly. That was, until, someone rang the doorbell. He slowly opened his eyes and looked at the clock. It was only 3 A.M. Who the hell needed him this early? Not the hospital. They would've paged him. Unable to think of anyone he just closed his eyes and tried to go back to sleep. And then he felt Julia's elbow in his back.

"Mark…" she groaned. It wasn't until then that he heard the doorbell again. He groaned and got up before pulling on some pants and making his way towards the door. He opened it and there stood Lexie, one hand on a stroller and the other holding on to the doorframe.

"Hey," she greeted quietly.

"Hey," he said with a yawn. "You do know what time it is, right?"

"Yeah, it's just I have somewhere to be in two hours and I thought I drop the twins off a little early just to walk through some things with you." He nodded and steeped aside. She pulled the stroller inside before doing the same with the other. Mark looked inside the strollers and smiled. Both babies were fast asleep. Masen snored quietly, occasionally stretching a little. Anna sucked on her hand and kept wrinkling her nose.

"So what do I need to know?"

"Masen is a heavy sleeper. To wake him up you have to pick him up and bounce him a little. He might get a little fussy, but after a while he'll be fine. Anna wakes up early. She'll probably wake up in an hour or two, so keep her close. Bath time, always bathe Masen first because he'll be asleep by the time Anna's first with her bath. She likes long, warm bathes and might try to crawl into the shower with you."

"What?"

"She'll think it's bath time and she really likes it. Just put her in a crib or something with some toys. Masen is almost potty trained. Anna isn't. And I think that's it…" Mark listened carefully, not wanting to miss a thing no matter how tired he was.

"Alright then." Lexie nodded and, while Mark looked back down at the twins, looked around. There were toys, diapers, and Sippy cups on the table and by the couch. There were also two brand new cribs with blankets and stuffed animals. While Lexie looked around, Mark looked up and got a closer look at her. She had bags under her eyes, and looked pale and clammy. She barely looked like she could stand up straight. "Lexie?" She looked over at him, exhausted and biting her lip.

"Yeah?"

"Are you ok? You look a little sick."

"I'm fine."

"Lex-"

"I'm fine. I'll see them on Monday." She kissed each of the twins' foreheads before heading out the door. Mark thought for a minute and before running out after her.

"Lexie!" She turned, about to get on the elevator. "I just…" Mark sighed. "I just wanted to say I'm sorry for the kiss. I know it was months ago and I didn't say anything, but I'm sorry."

"Mark it's… It's fine."

"No it's not. That's why I'm telling you, promising you, I'm done and it won't happen again."

"Ok." She turned and got on the elevator. "See you Monday." The doors closed and Mark let out a sigh before making his way back inside. Julia was standing there bouncing a half asleep Anna.

"She woke up and started crying but I got her," Julia said. Mark closed the door and leaned back against it.

"You heard didn't you?"

"About the kiss? Yeah, but it's ok. I know you were emotional. Your daughter was in surgery and two were probably arguing about something. I get it. Things happen, but it's what you do after that that matters. You chose to stay with me. So it's ok."

"I love you." She looked up at him and smiled

"I love you too. Now bring the cribs in our room." Ha nodded and did as she asked. He carefully took Masen out of his stroller and placed him in his crib. When Julia tried to place Anna in hers, she cried and held onto the older woman's shirt. "I think she wants to stay with us. Hmm? You want to sleep with Daddy and Aunt Julia?" The nine month old just stared at her before looking over at Mark with teary eyes.

"She can sleep with us, if you don't mind." Julia shook her head and got in bed next to Mark. Anna crawled out of her arms and over to Mark before laying her head on his chest. Mark rubbed her back and pulled Julia closer. "Night girls." Julia kissed him before laying her head on his shoulder.

"Good night."

"I don't like this," Jackson said while walking off the elevator.

"Dude," Alex said. "Get over it. Lexie's got the weekend off and is spending it the way she wants."

"I don't care about that. I care that she dropped the twins off Friday morning with Sloan."

"Their dad…"

"It's as if she doesn't trust me with them."

"Or she wanted them to spend more time with him before-"

"That has not been decided on."

"Yeah, well she's still thinking about it." Alex picked up his chart and headed towards the NICU.

"I hate you!"

"I know!" Jackson shook his head and went back to filling out charts.

"What was that about?" Callie asked while handing a nurse her chart.

"Nothing," Jackson answered. "We were just talking about Lexie."

"Oh yeah, where is Little Grey? She wasn't here all weekend. Actually she hasn't been here for like five days."

"She had the weekend off. Plus, she wasn't feeling good so she probably took some more time off." Callie looked at him confused.

"Probably? Wouldn't you know?" Jackson stopped and looked at her.

"Well I-"

"Avery." Mark said while walking over to them.

"Yeah?"

"I need you to make sure Mrs. Johnson is prepped within the next hour."

"Ok."

"And have you seen Lexie? Cause I either need more clothes or I need to know when she's coming to get Masen and Anna. Not that I don't want them here. I just want to stay on her good side."

"I haven't seen her, but I'll bring over some more clothes." He turned and quickly walked away.

"Something's going on," Callie said while watching Jackson's retreating form.

"Yeah," Mark agreed. "Lexie would've called or something."

"Plus, Jackson lives with Lexie and hasn't seen her." Mark looked at her and frowned.

"What?"

"Yeah, I'm starting to think Lexie left."

"That'd explain why she dropped the twins off so early, but where'd she go?" Callie shrugged and shook her head.

"Did you try calling her?"

"Twenty times a day and it just goes straight to voicemail."

"Maybe she just wants someone alone time."

"Maybe." Their pagers went off and they headed towards the pit. They were focused on their job, but they still had a bad feeling.

"Damn it," April muttered to herself. She was on Callie's service and had lost a chart. This wasn't April, but a lot had been on her mind lately and she was easily distracted. She made her way through the lobby, and what'd know, she was distracted again. She stopped and looked at two women, no older than twenty, sitting by the stairs. One's hair was thick, blood red. She looked frustrated and kept checking her watch. The other one, who April had really been curious about, had long, golden hair and soft, deep blue eyes. She kept looking at the other woman reassuringly. April knew somehow that they weren't waiting for a loved one and approached them. "Excuse me? My name is Dr. Kepner and-"

"No we don't need your help," said the red head quite aggravated.

"Be nice," said the blond with a slight country accent. "She's just tryin' to help."

"I didn't ask for her help."

"But maybe she can help." The blonde stood and shook April's hand. "Hi. My name is Sarah and this is my dear friend, Sally. I'm so sorry for the way she's actin'. She hates waitin' and all."

"It's fine," April replied. "What can I help you with?"

"We're lookin' for Dr. Grey."

"Are you looking for Meredith or Lexie Grey?"

"Lexie Grey. Have you seen her?"

"No, I'm sorry I haven't."

"I knew she was useless," Sally said while standing. "When you do see her, tell her to stop wasting our time. We're very busy so the next time she says she's coming, she better come. Sarah I'll be in the car if you need me." Sally huffed away to the elevator.

"If you don't mind me asking, why are you looking for Lexie?"

"She was supposed to come see us in Boston," Sarah answered.

"Boston?"

"Yes, for the possible resident opening. She didn't tell you?" April shook her head. "Well she was supposed to fly out Friday, but she never came." April thought for a minute before her eyes widened.

"Come with me." She pulled Sarah with her down the hall. "Please let me be wrong. Please let me be wrong."

"How's it looking Avery?" Mark asked. They were in OR 3 with Callie. They had a twenty-seven year old accident victim who had a broken arm and leg, as well some large gashes and a few burns.

"All good over here," Jackson replied. "How's that leg coming along?"

"It's set and all I need to do is sew her up," Callie said. They were almost finished when Meredith came in.

"Jackson," Meredith started. "What time did Lexie leave?" Jackson stopped and looked at up at her, eyes wide in confusion.

"What are you-?"

"I'm asking you when she left, or really, what time her plane left. And I need to know. I need to know right now."

"What's going on?" Callie asked.

"Jackson…" Jackson glanced nervously at Mark and Callie, who were both staring at him. He sighed and looked back at Meredith.

"Her flight left around six."

"Where was it going?"

"I really don't think-"

"Jackson!"

"Calm down. It was a direct flight to Boston." Meredith took a shaky breath and gripped the doorframe.

"Grey?" Callie asked. "Meredith what is it?"

"I…I…" Meredith choked out.

"Someone help Dr. Grey!" A nurse came and helped Meredith out the OR. "What was that about?"

"I'll find out," Jackson said.

"Callie and I'll go with you. We're finished here."

"I got it."

"We can all go," Callie said.

"Sorry, but this has nothing to do with you."

"Ok, you might be Lexie's boyfriend, but Mark's the father of her children and I'm their half-sister's mom. So we're going."

After informing the patient's family that she would be fine, they went out in search of Meredith. They check the resident locker room and the on call rooms, but she wasn't there. A nurse told them that she had gone over half an hour ago.

"Ok then," Mark stated while turning to Jackson. "She was upset about Lexie going to Boston. So…Why is Lexie in Boston?"

"Lexie's not in Boston," Derek said coming up next to them.

"How do you know?" Jackson asked.

"We should take this somewhere private."

"Why?" Callie asked.

"It's just better if we-"

"Derek."

"Mark."

"Derek where's Lexie?" Derek sighed and pointed towards his office. Callie and Jackson exchanged a look before following Derek and Mark inside the office.

"Have a seat." The three sat and looked at Derek as he closed the door and sat down in front of them. "Lexie was going to Boston for a possible resident opening. Today, April met two girls who are Lexie's old friends and also residents at the same hospital. They're here because Lexie never made it to Boston."

"What do you mean 'never made it'?" Callie asked.

"I mean…. Lexie's plane crashed and she's still missing."