CHAPTER 7

For the two people that are in the apartment, it was a beginning of a new day. They would embark on a journey together where challenges lay ahead for them. No relationship is ever a smooth ride but like a rollercoaster with many loops, turns, and twists. That goes forward or back. You just have to hang on together until the end.

Jackson woke up to an unfamiliar environment. Although feeling very well rested than he has been for a long time, he certainly wasn't in his room with all the décor hanging on the wall. Then he remembered. He and April had talked last night to clear things up between them. He was beyond ecstatic that they are finally here. Together. A grin slowly crept on his face and, feeling like a kid on Christmas, he got up to get ready and start the day.

She was awoken by the aroma of the coffee wafting through her apartment. Glancing at her bedside clock, she found that it was already 7:30 and that she needed to get up before Jackson burns her apartment down. The man just didn't have kitchen prowess.

It was still surreal that he was currently standing inside April's apartment and making himself at home. He didn't know what she had plan for her weekend. He wasn't even sure if she was awake yet so he treaded lightly around her apartment and checked his phone for any missed phone calls. He heard the door to her bedroom opened. Pulling an empty cup, he poured coffee and added a single packet of creamer just how she likes it.

"Good morning. You're up early?"

Good morning to you too. Yeah I woke up around seven and just came to your kitchen and made coffee. And speaking of coffee, here is yours." He pushed the cup towards her and watched her take her first sip.

"You still remembered." To her, it felt like it's been too long since they got coffee together. She was astounded that he still knows how she wants her coffee. It's a small detail that for some they even tend to forget after a short period of time. Heck even Matt didn't know that. "Thank you Jackson."

He was glad that it was still the way she takes her coffee. "Of course I do and you are welcome." What they have now is different. There is a sense of calmness that was absent from before. It probably helped that they are both aware with where they stand. "April, I am hungry. Can we make pancakes please?"

"Oh you mean I make pancakes?" She snickered when she saw him give her a pout. He could be a kid sometimes. "Come on mister, pancakes it is!"

In the end, they had made a variety of two. Of course April would have blueberries in hers and he'd taken chocolate chip. April's cell phone rang as they were finishing the last of the dishes they had used. It was Meredith.

"Good morning Meredith. What's up?"

"Sorry to bother you but if you are free I could use your help with decorating. Derek's not very good at it and he's already putting the crib and baby changing station together today. "

April could hear the stress in her voice. "Mer, I will be there. I'd love to help decorate."

"Are you sure you can come today? Otherwise, you can come on a different day." She felt bad for disturbing
April. She knew that Jackson was probably somewhere close by since she saw both of them leaving together yesterday. She really hoped those two figured it out between them. They were so like her and Derek!

"Meredith Grey-Shepherd I will be there within one hour like I said. I already felt guilty for what happened a few days ago so don't worry about it."

"Hey Grey, I wouldn't go against her if I were you. She can be scary at times!" Jackson piped from behind April only to find her glaring at him.

"Bye Mer! See you in a few!" April hanged up, looked at Jackson before speaking. "You are coming with me."

"Cool!" Jackson changed into his running shoes and waited for April to reappear in the living room.

Half an hour later, April and Jackson arrived at the Grey-Shepherd's humble abode. If you can call it that. It certainly didn't look anything like the usual humble abode he has seen before. He gently grabbed her hand as they waited for either Derek or Meredith to open their front door. He was finding little things that they had missed before. Just a simple touch or holding each other's hand. A peck on her cheek or her hand grazing his arm.

Derek looked through the peephole all the while knowing very well who was on the other side of it. With a cheeky grin, he turned to his wife who was holding Zola and gave her thumbs up. Putting them out of their misery, Derek opened the door and invited the duo inside.

"Hey Zo-Zo! You're gonna be a big sister!" April loved the little girl. She was a delight to all of them.

Meredith smiled at her daughter while tapping her nose. "Yes she is!"

"OK!" April clapped her hands together and looked at the other adults. "We have a nursery to decorate so Jackson you will help put the crib and baby changing station together."

Jackson looked at Derek and both men shrugged. It was hard to go against a very hormonal pregnant lady and a determined April.

As the men walked off, April took Meredith's hand with Zola on her side. "Time to decorate."

Meredith began explaining to the younger woman the layout of the nursery. After modifying the original layout with April's suggestions, both women got to work. With more than half of it done, Meredith excused herself to tend to Zola leaving April in the nursery.

That was where Jackson found her. In the middle of the room there she sat on the floor sorting through all the baby clothes Meredith had bought. He didn't think she was aware of his presence and seemed to be in her own world. So, he remained silent and watched her go through the pile in front of her. She took a momentary pause as she came across one particular piece of clothing and, he watched with interest as she brushed her right hand over it. Deciding to make his presence known, he slowly walked over to her and crouched down.

Upon hearing footsteps, she looked up to find Jackson but Derek nowhere in sight. "You guys done?"

"Yeah, Derek's just tightening up one screw and it's good to go." He finally took a good look at what she was staring at for so long earlier. Daddy's Boy. He knew that they still have a lot to go but he was open to the possibility of a child with April. What happened before threw them off and he wouldn't want that to happen again if he can help it.