A/N:
Sorry for the long wait guys! I know I promised weekly updates and I'm doing my best but this is a very critical time of the year. Everything is squished into one month - prom, school events, finals, SAT trials. It's so tiring, but I'm trying my best to keep my updates regular. I already have a couple of ideas in mind for future chapters! I am SO excited! *evil laugh*
Enjoy this chapter - it's a big step for Lexie! I hope you like it~
Lexie stood at the building entrance, watching as Mark loaded up the car – putting in their belongings. They would stay a whole day in New York, so they decided they may as well need some clothes. Mark knew very well she was not going to be flying on her own, so he wasn't planning on letting her go on her own. Meredith was standing beside Lexie, one arm wrapped around her sister, the other holding Zola's hand a she glanced around curiously. Lexie was shaking, the idea of going to airport striking a fear to her heart.
"It'll be fine. I flew. You'll be fine." Meredith muttered quietly, trying to sound plausible to her sister, but Lexie wouldn't yield her wooden stance. Meredith sighed and just stood beside her sister. She could see the bus that would take the other residents from the hospital take off, and as it did, Derek ran across the street over to them in his navy scrubs. "So are you ready to go?" He asked Mark as he shut the trunk.
"Yeah, we're set." Mark exhaled once and placed his hands over his waist. Derek eyed him carefully and Mark nodded once. Derek couldn't help his concern as his eyes flickered between both Mark & Lexie. He wasn't sure whether it was time for them to fly again, but it was inevitable. Lexie had spent the past six months, half of which she spent bed ridden – or wheel chair ridden before she even managed to stand up, studying for her boards. She didn't want to waste a whole year and not be a doctor certified by the medical board, and Derek understood that. She wanted something to hold onto.
Lexie groaned a little and bent down a little, placing a hand over her mouth. Mark, Derek, and Meredith frowned as their eyes focused on her, concerning lighting up immediately as Mark stepped forward, "Lex." He frowned as he placed a hand over her back. She swallowed thickly and shook her head once as she reached to grab Mark's hand before she stood up again and took a deep breath. "I'm fine." She breathed out heavily and swallowed the lump in her throat thickly.
Lexie glanced around once she managed to get the nausea under control and sighed, shaking her head slowly. "I'm fine. I'm nervous." She huffed and shook her head. Mark and Meredith exchanged quizzical looks. This has been going on for days now. The nausea, the pallor, the fatigue – she didn't even eat much anymore. At the mention of the flight, she'd try to get to the bathroom as fast as she possibly could. Meredith sent Mark a sharp look and he nodded once; of course, he'd be taking care of her. Of course he would. "Come on, Lex. We don't want to miss the flight." He muttered as he held his hand out for her.
Lexie stared down at his hand and took a deep, heavy breath before she nodded once and wrapped her sister in a one-armed hug and Derek as well, "I'll see you in a couple of days." She said with a smile, but her voice was still dark. Would she see them in a couple of days?
Meredith and Derek nodded, and Lexie placed her hand in Mark's hand, letting him lead her as she limped her way into the car. Once they were in the car, Lexie immediately brought out Callie's flashcards from her bag and started reading them over and over again. Mark sighed once, "Lexie, you need to relax." He muttered as he drove through the sound highway, the only sounds around them being the cars rushing by their windows. In no time, they'd caught up with the airport bus that was transferring the residents. Lexie's eyes shot up to Mark's face and she swallowed thickly.
She was reminded with Sara's words – sharing what she felt with Mark during the trip was essential. "I'm scared." She muttered and frowned as she looked at him. Mark nodded slowly and reached over to take her hand, "Don't be." He muttered, "We'll be fine." He said and smiled at her briefly, his eye flickering between her and the road before she eventually caved and nodded slowly, looking down at the flash cards again.
In no time they'd arrived at the Sea-Tac International Airport. After all, SeaTac wasn't that much outside of Seattle; it took them only twenty minutes, add an extra twenty since the traffic was harsh that evening. Mark parked his car in the parking lot, in his mind already calculating the time and money he'd pay for keeping the car there. As he helped Lexie out of the car, a worker rushed with the trolley and nodded once at Mark. They both unloaded the bags, and Lexie held onto her purse dearly. Mark then moved to her side, wrapping an arm around her to help her move – a frown apparent on his face. The limp was recurrent now – it was worrying him, but Lexie brushed it off. Callie told him that if it got painful, she should rest in a wheelchair again for a while.
They saw the crowd of residents, easily recognized them by the red hair that clad the back of April Kepner's head. "Kepner!" Mark called, and April whirled around. "Did you figure out where the gate is?" He asked, and April nodded quickly, "Yes! It's the eighth terminal." She said and pointed towards the direction of it. Mark nodded once, "Okay, I'll go get the baggage in." Mark sent the exact same look Meredith had sent him earlier to April and she nodded quickly with wide eyes, replacing his place at Lexie's side as the man pushed the trolley away past the security.
April glanced sideways and Lexie and frowned a little when she saw how pale Lexie's face seemed to be before she took a deep breath, "Relax. You'll be fine. American Airlines are the best, so you don't have to worry." April said softly and Lexie glanced sideways at the redhead, pursing her lips. Lexie had always taken an interest in annoying the hell out of April, and then she started liking her, a little– now she just liked her. She nodded slowly and looked down, grunting a little as she stretched her leg. "Do you want to sit down?" April offered, concerned and Lexie shook her head.
Lexie looked up when Mark came back and smiled at him, shifting her weight from April's petite body to Mark's sturdy one, sighing a little as she let herself relax. Mark walked them towards the terminal and eased her down on the chair, "Maybe you should have let Callie run a couple of tests." Mark complained a little as he noticed the wince she made when she sat down. Lexie shot him a glare and shook her head, "You heard what Jared said. If I give in to the pain now, I will never walk on my own." She complained and Mark sighed. Lexie nodded once at him and then smiled, "Relax. I am the one who should be freaking out here."
"Well, I've never been an examiner for the medical boards before." Mark mused loudly and shrugged – it was true. The plastics colleague that had been arranged to examine the residents couldn't make it for some reasons that were still veiled to Mark – however, when he was offered the position, he couldn't say no. After all, it was all the more reason why he should go to New York with Lexie. It was just like things were working out for him just right. Owen had refused letting Mark go, until the offer came up.
"Calling for passengers of The American Airlines flight 5566 heading to the JFK airport in New York City Airlines to terminal eight." The intercom announced and Lexie looked up, her face losing color again. Mark noticed the change of color and wrapped his arm around her, "Relax." He whispered, and Lexie took a deep breath, closing her eyes. Six hours – she can do six hours, right?
The couple rose and started towards the gate as people moved towards it to start boarding. Lexie tried to daze off, letting Mark handle all the paper work and whatnot. In no time, she was settled in her seat, and her hands fumbled helplessly with the belt before she shakily clicked it in and turned away from the window to lean her head down on Mark's shoulder, which was as tense as Mark was.
"Welcome aboard the American Airlines flight 5566 on a B767-300 aircraft, commencing from the SeaTac International Airport in Seattle to final destination, the JFK International Airport in New York. The trip will be six hours long and we will be flying …."
Lexie blocked out everything. How high they were flying, what the temperature was going to be…she didn't care. Lexie shut her eyes tightly, her fingers lacing through Mark's as she felt the plane turn into the run. Her fingers held on Mark's tightly when it sped up and tilted up into the air. Her breathing hitched at every jostle, a soft whimper sounding off her lips as the plane remained tilted up wards. Lexie felt Mark's arm wound around her, holding her close in his side. Lexie buried her face into his chest and kept her eyes shut as Mark rubbed her back. The hum of the plane faded as the flight attendants started going around, telling that seatbelts can be removed now.
Lexie lifted her head a little when the people's chatters rose and the babies in the plane started whimpering, her eyes then drifting to Mark's who smiled at her encouragingly. Lexie swallowed thickly and nodded slowly as she sat straight up, leaning back into the seat and tilted her head back as her eyes stared out of the window. She'd marveled on how beautiful the sight was on her flight from Boston to Seattle. Before she could even think of the other trip, Lexie took a deep breath to clear her mind and look forward again as the tiny television screens came to life.
The flight was quiet, Lexie curled up into Mark's arm, and her eyes shut as were his. At least it was quiet for the two of them. People around them acted so normally, like they had no idea that the plane they were on may do away with their lives. But of course, the odds for someone to be in one crash in a lifetime were barely past one percent – so how would they know?
The flight attendant was distributing meals on First Class when suddenly the plane jostled, and Lexie's eyes snapped open wide as she glanced around. The plane jostled for three more minutes continuously, before the pilot's voice echoed above them, "We are experience some air turbulence and request all passengers to remain seated and secure their seat belts. Thank you."
Air turbulence, that's how it all started. Lexie's blood ran cold and her skin itched at her. Mark saw the horror-stricken expression of her face and rubbed her back gently, "Lexie, relax. It's not happening again." Mark frowned as he undid his seat belt to sit at the edge of his seat to get a direct view of her face. When Lexie saw he undid the seatbelt, she shook her head quickly, "Put it back on. Put it back on!" She said quickly, her voice too terrified to rise above a hoarse whisper.
The plane jostled again, and the lights flickered. Lexie's heart rate picked up; she could feel her heart hammering against her chest, the lump rising to the base of her throat. Mark, too, glanced around with a tense look in his eyes. The jostling slowly turned to shaking; the once calm plane was filled with people shrieking and babies crying.
Lexie felt her head spin suddenly, and when the pilot's voice explained the pressure in the cabins had decreased and when the oxygen masks dropped from the ceiling above them – it was very clear why. Lexie's hand shot up to strap the mask on her face, glancing sideways to make sure Mark had his mask on as well. Their wide eyes met – and it was almost like they knew what will happen next. Lexie almost muttered the words the pilot said next.
"One of the main engines has bailed and we are forced to perform a crash landing. All passengers and staff are required to remain seated and secure their seatbelts on."
Lexie felt a sudden moment of serenity down on her and she closed her eyes. The world was mocking her – it was.
"Lexie…" She heard Mark whisper, but couldn't bring herself to open her eyes.
"Lexie…" His voice became louder just as the hustle around them blended into a deafening crescendo.
"Lexie!"
Her eyes snapped open and she sat up quickly, glancing around. She was still in the plane, still in Mark's arms. The plane was quiet, the lights dimmed. Her eyes drifted up to Mark's face and remained fixed on his worried gaze. "Wh-what?" She eventually managed to croak out, blinking furiously. Mark frowned and tilted his head as he reached to brush the hair matted against her cheek back, caressing it gently, "We're going to land." He answered her hesitantly and lifted a brow.
"It was dream." Lexie whispered, her shoulders slumping as she leaned forward to bury her face into her hands. Mark sighed – he could tell what exactly she'd dreamt about. His hand moved to her back and started rubbing it slowly, "It was just a dream." He repeated, his voice soothing.
"I slept for six hours." Lexie scowled and looked up at Mark, who nodded slowly, "That's good; you won't be so jet lagged when we get there." He approved once and gave her a reassuring smile. She nodded slowly and sat up, leaning back into the comfortable first class seats.
The seatbelts signs lit up again, and sooner than later did the plan start slowly losing its height. When the wheels touched the ground, Lexie's hand gripped Mark's as she shut her eyes tightly. The plane eased into a slow roll, changing direction to adjust with the boarding gate attached to the terminal.
"Ladies and gentlemen, American Airlines Flight 5566 landed successfully in the John. F. Kennedy Airport on six pm, three pm in Seattle's timing. Passengers are kindly required to remain seated as the plane is in motion. Thank you for boarding American Airlines and we wish you board American Airlines again. American Airlines, the new American is arriving. This was Pilot Jonathan Price, signing off. The first class passengers may begin to disembark the plane."
Mark rose to his feet as the plane stopped moving, and Lexie pursed her lips as he got their light luggage and her crutches from the compartments above their heads. He helped her up and let her lead the way through to the gate. "Thank you for boarding American Airlines." The flight attendant offered with a smile, and the couple nodded at her with a sincere smile as they stepped out into the New York air.
It was lighter than Seattle, and despite the sun already beginning to set, the sky was beautifully clear. Lexie smiled broadly as she started around before Mark wrapped an arm around her waist and they descended the stairs slowly, towards the shuttle that was waiting to transfer them to the airport. Of course, none of the residents were to be found because they were on the business class, so they still hadn't disembarked the plane yet.
However, past the visa works as Lexie paced around a little to stretch her feet while waiting for Mark to get their bags, she heard April's shrill voice call out to her and despite how ebullient that girl's voice was, Lexie couldn't mask the proud grin that stretched on her face. "You made it!" April exclaimed loudly and threw her arms around the brunette, who laughed and nodded once. "I did." She answered and smiled. The two girls chatted for two long minutes until Mark showed up, pushing the trolley with their bags.
"I'll go get my bags now." April said and gave Lexie a quick one armed hug, "I'll see you at the hotel." April waved once as she hurried towards the baggage recovery. Lexie turned back to Mark, who smiled at her broadly, "You did it." He said and Lexie exhaled, feeling the heavy load on her heart lift. She hobbled alongside Mark, stepping out into the fresh New York air. The shuttle outside with the huge red 'H' was waiting outside for them. Mark would have rented a car and towed Lexie around, but that was why they were staying a couple more days.
Mark & Lexie conquered the seats at the very front and she sighed as she rested her head against his shoulder, her eyes gazing outside of the window curiously. Slowly, the residents and the red-headed attending got into the shuttle, and when the number was complete – the doors were shut and they took off into the vast streets of New York City. Lexie stared at Mark's face most of the time, and she smiled when she saw the recognition light in his blue eyes. This was his home; it must feel good to be back, even if temporarily.
The amount of people that Lexie saw in what – an hour? – surpassed the amount of people she'd seen in Boston & Seattle. Lexie marveled at the people and how different they looked, walking, riding bicycles – wearing all colors and whatnot. What she'd seen in TV wasn't a lie, surprisingly so. Mark smiled at the interest she had in the city where he grew up. That was only the exterior to the City That Never Sleeps. There were the quieter avenues, the ones with the townhouses that were his home - the Shepherd townhouse in Upstate, that is.
The shuttle eased into a stop in front of the main gates of none other than the Hilton New York, and the residents got off the shuttle, towing their duffels with them on their way. Mark helped Lexie off the step and then went to get their bags, a little more bloated than others because they had a secret vacation all planned for themselves. The bell boy came along and took their bags, following them to the reception. Mark had had Lexie's reservation canceled, and took a better room for both of them to stay at, even if for only one night. He was planning on taking her to his place after – and he was grateful he hadn't sold it yet. Mark received the key card and signed down his name, and then led Lexie to the lobby where the names would be registered for the examination. As soon as they walked into said hall, Lexie stared agape at the amounts of residents – who seemed to pile up over each other in every corner. "Woah."
"Woah, indeed." Mark mused and blinked once as he toward Lexie towards the registration counter, which was beneath the huge 'ANNUAL MEDICAL BOARDS EXAMINATION' sign. Lexie smiled at Mark as she stood in line, and she waited very patiently as it moved at least one little inch once a person was done. Finally, she'd arrived, and she wrote down her name, her position, and her place of occupation. Mark too went to sign his arrival as examiner. The two of them met at the elevators, and instinctively, Mark's arm fell to her waist to hold up most of her weight again. It was like he could simply tell that walking had become tiring. Lexie smiled as she leaned into Mark's arms when they walked into the elevator – however, a little surprised when they saw a couple kissing when the doors opened. As soon as the couple scurried out and the two walked in, they burst into laughter. Neither of them understood the sexual dynamic of an elevator, but as it seemed – it wasn't just a Seattle Grace Mercy West thing.
Lexie sighed softly as she trudged into the room and set her crutches aside, easing herself down on the bed. "I'm tired." She sighed heavily and shut her eyes tightly. She felt the bed dip beneath her as Mark sat down, and reached to stroke her hair out of her face. "Let's take a shower and sleep. You'll need it for tomorrow." He offered with a smile, and Lexie frowned as she opened her eyes and moved her gaze towards his nervously. Mark laughed, "Lexie – you will do fine. You are the smartest resident I have met so far. You're going to blow them away with your brains. Plus, they can't fail a girl with crutches." He joked once and leaned down to peck her lips as Lexie laughed.
The matter of her 'incapability' was handled so lightly now – Lexie wanted that. It wasn't a big deal and she wouldn't need the crutches in a few months. Jokes were cracked to make the air lighter, and Lexie was glad it had so easily been believed. They all had faith in her, and that made her even strong than ever.
Mark helped Lexie sit up slowly and picked her up, rendering her into a giggle fit as he carried her to the bathroom – the rather majestic one that is. He set her down and stripped out of his clothes slowly just as she did, and they both got into the shower. The hot water dribbled over their tense muscles, and Lexie could feel the goose bumps rising on her skin as she leaned her head against Mark's chest - in return, he wrapped his arms around her and held her close. Lexie smiled, her eyes fluttering upon, shielded beneath the wet bangs that matted against her forehead as her eyes lingered on the ring that was resting on her ring finger. They still didn't discuss the wedding – After Thatcher's funeral, Lexie had thrown herself into getting ready for the boards that had to reluctantly leave the wedding planning for later. Mark though, always worked on distressing her…in his own ways.
Mark used the shower gel to rub her back and shoulders gently, pressing against the knots to straighten them away. She wrapped herself in a towel once they were done and Mark gave her one of his shirts – as Lexie busied herself into going through her bag to find the suite she was going to wear the next morning just as Mark hung his out. They both clambered into the bed, and Lexie sighed loudly as she curled up into his chest. Mark smiled, "You'll be great." He whispered as he planted a kiss on her forehead and Lexie smiled once as she nodded slowly. "I love you." He muttered, feeling the need to remind her, just like he said when he proposed.
"I love you too." Lexie whispered, and let her body finally relax into his, a peaceful wave slumber sucking her in.