Jackson

Jackson Avery felt the spring breeze blow past him, a reminder of how quickly time passed. But, of course, he already knew that. Jackson was comfortable with time, more so than most. Aging never fazed him, time was a global factor, something no one could every change. Every day could be a new beginning, and with each New Year came new surprises.

"Ja-Jackson" April stammered "I'm… I…I'm pregnant"

The childs small hands felt warm engulfed in Jacksons large ones. He skipped merrily, taking the extra minute to splash in each puddle he found. His innocence protected him from his surroundings. Jackson smiled as he let go of his sons hand, the little boy running ahead of him.

The child ran ahead of Jackson, splashing in puddles, and running around a large oak tree. It was almost fully grown, leaves spilling out from every side of it.

"Try and find me, Dad! Try and find me!" The boy cooed from behind the tree.

Jackson laughed, "Alright, just give me a minute!" he said, sitting down beside the tombstone underneath the mighty tree. Some old flower vases remained by the grave, but the flowers had come and gone. Jackson leaned against the grave, looking up at the vast blue sky above. The only noise in the graveyard was that from his son, hunting for more puddles to splash in, and tree's to climb.

"Its been awhile" Jackson began. 'I- I didn't think I could do it. I didn't want to do it. To accept that your…gone, or whatever. For a while, I didn't think it was right. That I could of done something, done more. But then I remembered I'm a plastic surgeon and there's not much I can do in Cardio. So, sorry about that" Jackson sighed, which eventually turned into a small laugh.

"Thank you, Mark. For…well, everything. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be who I am. I wouldn't be what I am. I told her. I told her I loved her. And I was scared, and nervous. But I did it. And she loves me too. And were happy. And I thank you, for that."

Jackson could feel tears growing in his eyes, but he didn't care.

"I love her, Mark. I really do, and…."

Before he could continue, the little boy came running back to Jackson.

"Dad, I'm tired!" he whined "Can we go home, please?"

"Just a minute" Jackson said, engulfing the child in a hug. He picked him up and placed him on his lap. "I want you to know someone" he rested his chin on the little boys head. "This is Mark Sloan."

"That's my name!" said the child.

"That's right" began Jackson, "Your named after him. He was a good man, a great man. He's the reason Mommy and I fell in love. He's the reason I'm the surgeon that I am".

"I wanna be a surgeon when I grow up!" Mark said proudly.

"You'll be a great one," Jackson said "Just like Mark was"

"Bu-but, where is he?" he asked tentatively.

"He's In heaven, Mark. He passed away a few years ago"

"oh" Mark said quietly.

Jackson and his son sat in silence for a few minutes before Mark let out a very audible yawn.

"Your tired huh?" Jackson asked, picking his son up and he himself stood up. "We can get going"

Mark was already asleep in his arms by the time he got his things together and began to go. But before he could leave, Jackson turned back and faced the tombstone once more. Using his one free hand, he curled his fingers into a tight fist and gently bumped his fist against the tombstone.

"Plastics posse lives on, Sloan" he said, turning his back away once more.