Hello Everyone! I know it's been a while since my last update but here is Chapter Five. I hope you enjoy and like always thanks for your support and your reviews.

April nervously looped her engagement ring around her finger as she stared across the dinner table at Matthew who had given her the silent treatment for most of the evening. She was surprised he had even agreed to dinner with her after she had stomped all over his heart just weeks ago, but he still loved her. That was the only comfort she had after all the hurt she had caused him. She had sent him through an emotional roller coaster; loving him one minute and loving someone else the next. She hated herself for it, but she couldn't help it that her feelings for Jackson had somehow resurfaced. She wasn't sure if they had ever left deciding that she had been subconsciously hiding her feelings for Jackson from herself and everyone else that mattered to her.

"Do you plan on not talking to me the whole evening?" April regretfully asked eyeing her glass of wine wanting desperately to take another sip. Matthew glared at her as if her words had somehow offended him and wiped his mouth after just taking a bite of steak.

"There's not a lot I want to say to you. I'm just trying to enjoy a pleasant meal and not focus on the fact that sitting across from you is literally making me sick."

"Matthew I didn't ask you to dinner to be insulted and I know you didn't agree to join me tonight just so you could bash me for all the wrong I've done. We are in a relationship that needs repairing and I'm here to fix it." She felt her face warming up and she knew she had about thirty seconds before her emotions got the best of her. "I need to make things right between us."

"Why? So that you can feel better about yourself?" He peered into her warm chocolate eyes hating that every time he looked at her he got sucked back in. She was so god damn beautiful and he couldn't remember the last time he had ever felt such a strong connection with another woman. "If you're expecting me to just forgive and forget then you're delusional."

"Matthew I'm not fooling myself; I know that you are hurt and that you are going to need time to move past what happened. I love you and I just hope that one day my love will be enough to earn your forgiveness."

"You love me?" he said sarcastically gripping both of his hands on the sides of the table they were seated at. "But you love him too, right?"

April narrowed her eyebrows, "That's not fair. We've talked about this and you know that Jackson is out of the picture."

"She loves me," he yelled while standing up from the table so that his audience could get a better look at him. He looked down at April who looked utterly embarrassed and smiled to himself feeling justified in his actions.

April turned uncomfortably in her seat disappointed that this dinner had not gone the way she had hoped it would. She thought that somehow the sensitive caring man she had fallen in love with and had agreed to marry would show up tonight. She had been wrong, because the man who was standing across from her was bitter and cold and had no sympathy for their relationship that hung in the balance. "Sit down, you're making a scene," she said tugging on the end of his shirt sleeve.

"Clearly," he huffed taking a seat at the table. "I think we're kidding ourselves here, you're not in love with me April. So let's just rip the band-aid off now before either of us says or does something that we'll both regret."

"You couldn't be more wrong. I wouldn't be here if I didn't love you; you're still my dream guy and I want to marry you like we planned. I want to be married back home in Moline in my father's church with all of my friends and family there to support us. I want to put on my white dress and have my father give me away to you, no one else. I want to be Mrs. Matthew Taylor, please don't deprive me of that dream."

"April I want so badly to believe you, but how can I when your heart belongs to another man. I've waited my whole life to find you, and if I'm honest I don't want to give up on us."

April felt her voice catch in her throat; she was so pleased to hear him say those words. It gave her comfort that he wasn't ready to end things between them. She hurt him so badly on the offset that she and Jackson could resolve their relationship and have something more than they ever expected to. The reality of that happening was clearly a long shot since he was now going to be a father in just thirty-two weeks; Stephanie had just entered into her 8th week of pregnancy.

"I am so happy you said that Matt; we can make this work if we both try," she said reaching for his hand and giving it a comforting squeeze. "It can be our fresh start- it'd be like getting to know each other all over again. I can move in with you and we can start planning the wedding together like we talked about."

"Wait," he interrupted her his voice taking a more serious tone. "You are not moving in with me nor are we planning a wedding when we don't even know if we are going to work out."

"I'm sorry; I just thought you would want to pick up where we left off. It wasn't that long ago when you asked me to move in with you."

"Come on April, that was weeks ago and you never even gave me a real answer. Besides, you just told me you had feelings for your ex not even a month ago and you expect us to pick up where we left off; I can't do that."

April took a deep breath exhaling slowly as she made the conscious decision that Matthew was right. She was rushing things-wanting to keep everything as it was prior to their breakup. She was being exceptionally naive to think that they could continue forward with their wedding plans as if she hadn't told him that she had feelings for another man. She smiled at him briefly holding on to the possibility that tonight they had made some progress towards the mending of their estranged relationship.

"I really wanted a fresh start a do over. Do you think we can start over?" she pleaded her eyes begging him to say yes and agree to give them another shot.

"If you're willing to take things slow, I'll consider it.

"Yes, of course," She screamed before leaning over the table to give him a tender kiss on the lips. He accepted her advance deepening the kiss and taking her by surprise.

"And no more talk of wedding bells and white dresses, not until we're ready to recommit ourselves to the idea of spending the rest of our lives together, understood?"

"Yea I understand, no wedding talk," she agreed unable to hide the wide-spread grin that shown on her face. "So what do you think about chocolate truffle cakes, delicious right?"

"April what on earth am I going to do with you."

"Love me," she answered back feeling a lot better about her relationship than she had when she first arrived at the restaurant.

"I think that can be arranged."

"Perfect."

Three Weeks Earlier

"Matthew wait," April called out to him as he stalked down the corridor towards the direction of the fire escape. Jackson pulled her arm and turned her around so that she was facing him. He couldn't just let her go not when things between them had not been resolved.

"Let him go, he needs time to cool off, and besides we're not done here."

"Jackson I can't just let him leave without an explanation. He's hurting because of me and that doesn't sit well with me," April calmly stated peeking over her shoulder at the exit Matthew had just gone through. She nervously clasped her hands together in an attempt to keep them from trembling, but was unsuccessful as her fingers continued to twitch.

"Matthew's an adult; he doesn't need you to cover his wounded heart with a band-aid that could just as easily be ripped off. He's furious right now; I don't know what he saw but if I had walked in on my fiance kissing her estranged best friend, talking to her would be the furthest thing from my mind. Personally I would have probably beaten the guy's ass and asked questions later."

"That's not a very nice thing to say and Matthew's not the violent type. He's kind and selfless and he would never physically harm another person no matter how mad he might be."

"Maybe I'm wrong, but talking to him now will only make things worse for you."

"Jackson I have to"

"Do you even know what you're going to say," he interrupted her-his emotions getting the best of him. "I mean come on, you just told me you loved me; did you mean that or were you just trying to make me feel better?"

"I shouldn't have said that, I'm sorry."

"OK and I'm guessing you shouldn't have kissed me either."

"No, I shouldn't have. I'm engaged and you're going to be a father. We could never work even if we both wanted us to," she admitted taking a step backwards to put some distance between them. She had made a mistake by foolishly blurting out her feelings for him, as much as she cared for him, there was just too much happening in their lives for them to be together.

"I don't believe that. I love you April. I never stopped and you expect me to forget what just happened here."

"Yes." She agreed. "I don't know." Jackson grabbed both of her hands and held them above her head against the wall they were standing in front of. He listened to her breathe as he stared into her eyes unable to drop his gaze. He needed her and he was tired of going back and forth with his feelings for her. He didn't want to hide how he felt any longer.

"Be with me," he breathed while admiring the sudden look of desire on her face. It was obvious she wanted him too whether she admitted it or not. She stared at him in silence finding it hard to speak. She didn't know how to respond to his proposal; a part of her wanted nothing more than to say yes and succumb to her desires, but her conscience wouldn't let her forget that she had a heartbroken fiance who she also cared deeply for.

"Jackson this isn't right," she whispered back unable to lose sight of his lips. She had stared at them for a while wanting to taste the sweetness of his lips once more. She just hadn't had the courage to kiss him again considering her fiance had only just walked in on them minutes ago.

"Why are you fighting this? I want this so badly April I can taste it." He squeezed her hands firmly balling them up in a fist and positioned his head on her bare shoulder. He breathed softly against the nape of her neck sending shivers down the small of April's back.

"Stephanie's pregnant," she said wishing it not to be true. He had gotten an intern pregnant and it wouldn't be long before every resident, nurse, attending, or staff member found out just how dirty Jackson had been. It was a lot for her to think about and being with him would definitely be challenging now that Stephanie would be permanently in the picture. How exactly was she supposed to compete with the mother of his unborn child, she was no match for the bond that they will obviously have with each other now that they would be sharing a little life.

"Yes she is, and believe me I'm going to talk to her and make sure that she knows that I want to keep this baby. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I just stood by and watched her end such an innocent life. I don't want you to worry about Stephanie, I love you and I am committed to starting over with you if you'll have me."

April struggled with the words she wanted to say rendering her speechless. She found it hard to focus when Jackson was standing so close to her staring at her as if she meant everything to him. She was engaged to one of the most honorable men she had ever had the privilege of meeting yet now she questioned if he was even the man she wanted to spend the longevity of her life with. She cared for him; she even loved him, but she could admit that she never felt emotionally attached to him. She didn't feel the intensity the undeniable pull that she felt towards Jackson, it was simply blah, routine and incredibly boring. With Jackson she felt invigorating, alive, spontaneous and care free and she didn't know how to turn it off even now that they were no longer together.

"Are you going to say something," Jackson filled the silence unintentionally interrupting her thoughts.

"I need some time to figure things out. I care for you so much Jackson but I can't make a decision like this on a whim; I have to think things through."

He released her hands from his grasp unpinning her from the wall. She was right; this was not something that should be decided at a moment's notice. She was engaged whether he liked it or not and if she was going to choose him then he wanted it to be for all the right reasons. "Take your time April, I am in no rush. I told you how I felt and now I'm leaving my heart in your hands."

"Thank you Jackson," she replied with an affectionate smile. "I should probably go and find Matthew; we have a lot to talk about."

"Yeah, go ahead. I'm sure he's probably cooled off by now."

"OK we'll talk later," she said walking off in the direction of the fire escape. She had made it half way down the hall when she realized she had to turn back. "Jackson," she screamed chasing behind him determined to catch up to the plastic surgeon.

"April what's wrong?" He wasn't able to say anything further because her lips were on his ravaging him as if it was their last rendezvous. He welcomed her lips graciously indulging in the moment because he never knew when he'd get another chance to have her close to him.

"I meant what I said before," she declared between kisses. "I love you Jackson, I always have, probably always will." He was relieved to hear those words especially since they were coming from the perky red-head he adored so much. She smiled at him holding her arms around his neck with a certain twinkle in her eye. "I have to go," she said releasing her arms from around his neck.

He nodded before giving her a tender smile as she turned to walk away. Although she didn't confirm that she was choosing him, after what had just transpired he was very optimistic that he'd be seeing more of the trauma surgeon. He smiled to himself as he walked the opposite direction down the corridor towards the east wing of the hospital. He was going to be ok after all, he thought now that April was going to be a large part of his life and nothing was going to get in their way after tonight.

"Can you believe he has the audacity to walk around this hospital as if he's some kind of plastics god. Who cares if he represents three-fourths of the board, or that he's the best damn plastic surgeon Seattle's had since Sloan died. He's still that pompous man whore who got an intern pregnant if you ask me," Christina complained to Meredith while shuffling through the fifty pages of hospital chatter that was her patient's chart.

Meredith leaned against the counter of the nurse's station a little overwhelmed by the day she had had. She found it difficult to agree with the cardiothoracic surgeon because she had seen Jackson grow into a very confident capable surgeon, leaving behind the days of indecision and inexperience. Sure he had gotten Stephanie pregnant but really how was that any different from when Burke, Christina's superior, had gotten her pregnant her intern year. "Christina don't you think you're being a tad bit of a hypocrite."

"No. Absolutely not. The man thinks he can just flaunt his good looks all over this hospital and get every woman to spread eagle for him. It's sick. He's worse than Karev Mer only he's much easier on the eyes."

"OK Christina why are you so determined to belittle Avery's character when you yourself are no better? Weren't you the girl who got pregnant by the head of Cardiothoracic Surgery her intern year?" Meredith pointed out not willing to spare the surgeon's feelings if she even had any. She loved Christina; she was her best friend, but even she could admit that Christina could be a bitch.

"Wow Meredith are you Avery's little cheerleader or are you still calling yourself my friend," Christina countered barely looking over her patients chart as she gave Meredith a stern look.

"Christina now you know that isn't true. You are my person and I'm always on your side, but I can't understand what Jackson could have done to get you this upset."

"Easy," Jackson said interrupting Meredith after overhearing most of their conversation. "Christina's upset with me because her outlandish proposal for a new cardiothoracic wing is still sitting on my desk and has not been brought to the board." He turned to face the Vietnamese surgeon who was trying her best not to divulge her position. "Right, Christina."

Christina placed the chart she had gone over on the counter top and folded her arms in one another. "It's a great plan Avery. Cardiothoracic surgery makes up nearly half of this hospital's patient count and my god, just think how much a new wing could benefit this hospital. More room means more patients. More patients means more surgeries and I can keep going if you want me too."

"Christina I get it. Really, I do, but what you're proposing would cost way more than this hospital can withstand. It's not worth potentially decimating what little revenue we have to keep our doors open, so let's table this until we're in a better position to consider this new wing." Jackson looked at both surgeons amazed by how completely opposite both women were but yet they were each other's best friends. Meredith had discovered that a family was what she wanted after all marrying Derek and adopting baby Zola. Christina however would prefer to be the distant aunt than to be somebody's mom a sentiment that didn't always work for her relationship with the chief of surgery.

"I can agree with that," Meredith replied avoiding eye contact with Christina who she knew was reeling over Avery's decision to pull the plug on her proposal.

Jackson smiled at Meredith noticing how doting she looked as an expecting mom to be. He couldn't help but think of Stephanie who before he knew it would be wearing her baby bump proudly. "Thanks Dr. Grey," he said graciously before turning to face Christina who was beside herself with fury. "Christina."

"Fine, I guess it's for the best for now," she answered back feeling defeated.

"Good," he stated firmly and looked down at his pager. "I have a consult in just a few minutes so I will see you two later."

Meredith acknowledged his departure with a solemn nod of her head while Christina mumbled obscenities under her breath.

"What an ass, Christina proclaimed after she was sure Dr. Avery was far enough away from them that he wouldn't hear her insulting him.

"Christina will you just let this go," Meredith begged gathering her charts as she prepared to make her departure.

"Not a chance."

Jackson dashed through the PED's hall glancing at his watch in fear of being late for his consult. He had a bad habit of being tardy at the worst possible time and today was no different; his only regret was that he had stopped to talk to Christina and Meredith instead of heading straight for the PED's wing. He spotted his destination relieved that he was only just a few minutes behind schedule and quickly moved in its direction; however he didn't anticipate bulldozing his colleague along the way.

"I'm sorry, are you OK?" he asked extending a hand to the red-head that had landed on her bottom.

"Yea I'm fine." She accepted his hand and allowed him to help her up, taking note of the firmness in his grip. He had strong hands, hands that were made for a surgeon of his caliber.
"I'm sorry I should have paid attention to where I was going instead of burying myself in my notes," she offered bending down to pick up her things.

He joined her on the floor unable to resist his natural desire to be chivalrous towards the trauma surgeon he knew so well. "You don't have to be sorry April," he said placing his hand on hers. He felt her hand twinge underneath his as if she was fighting with the notion to withdraw her hand from his; he wouldn't blame her if she did. He had been the one to hurt her this time by giving up the fight for her. He had told himself that she wasn't worth it, the heartache, the indecisiveness; he had a pregnant girlfriend that was going to need him around and that didn't exactly leave room for his relationship with April. "I was rushing and I wasn't paying attention so if anyone deserves an apology it's you."

'Dr. Avery that's not necessary, really I'm fine," she replied gathering up the last of her things. She couldn't believe that just a few weeks ago she had been ready to break things off with Matthew and be with Jackson. It pained her to think about that period in her life when she had been stupid and weak. Really she should have known better than to trade in something so simple and stress free for a man with more problems than he could count. But, she loved him and that was the only thing that made sense to her.

"Dr. Avery huh, so when did we stop addressing each other by a first name basis?" he rightfully asked.

"We're colleagues, I was just being respectable."

"April but given our history, I would say that we're a lot more than colleagues."

" Don't you dare pull me back in Jackson, you made a choice and according to you we just work together," April declared feeling the urge to just scream at him and let him in on the shame and hurt she felt.

"You know how I feel about you so being coworkers isn't going to work for me. I want you in my life and right now being friends is all I that I can handle."

April felt her cheeks flush revealing a bit of rose on each side of her face. She was embarrassed by her reaction to Jackson's request but she could never keep her emotions in check when she was around him. "I don't know if that's such a good idea. We have a way of screwing things up Jackson and I can't handle another screw up between us, and neither can my relationship with Matt."

"Think about it Apes, we were friends before any of this happened between us and we were good at it. We can do this again even if it means I have to endure girl talks, chick flicks, and painting each other's toe nails to get you to trust me." April couldn't help smiling at that last statement, imagining Jackson with Blue nail polish on his toes to match his eyes. "And she smiles," he said while playfully pinching her chin.

"So Friends?" he asked batting his eyes for more effect.

"Friends." Jackson couldn't stop himself from grabbing her and twirling her around in his arms after hearing such exciting news. They were going to try being friends and to him that was the best news he'd heard all day.

"Now that we're officially friends, how about we go out tomorrow night to celebrate, just the two of us?"

April reluctantly shook her head, "I don't know maybe we should wait a while before we're alone together."

"April don't worry, we'll be fine and besides Joe's is going to be packed tomorrow night and I'm sure there will be other members of the hospital there."

"Why are you so sure about that?"

"Because it's Karaoke night on Fridays thanks to your little sexy number you put on a while back. So you should definitely come if you don't want to disappoint your fans."

"Fine I'll meet you there after my shift tomorrow, but no funny business," she said slapping the back of his shoulder with her patient file before turning to walk away.

"You have my word," he confirmed as they both walked off in opposite directions of the hospital. He checked his watch once more mortified at just how much time had passed since he had run into April. "Shit." he mumbled under his breath as he continued down the hall until he was standing right in front of the exam room. He took a deep breath before entering taking notice of the monitors that revealed such a terrifying image for the young plastic surgeon.

"Sorry I'm late Dr. Montgomery; how's my baby?"

So What'd you think? April and Jackson Friends? How long can that last? Chapter Six will be out soon I promise, I have to make up for taking so long to update this chapter. Thanks so much for your friendly responses. I am so humbled.