Eliza just told me she got fired and now I'm standing here shocked. I don't know if I should give her time to process what just happened or run after her. Or should I got figure out why the hell my girlfriend just got fired. All the doctors were finally warming up to her and giving her program a chance. She was making a positive difference and she gets fired out of the blue? I just don't get it. Deciding I need to talk to her and be here for her I run up the stairs she just took moments before. I find her in her office boxing things up and it breaks my heart. Slowly walking in I knock on the door making myself noticed but she doesn't acknowledge my presence, she just keeps packing. Clearing my throat, I get closer and can finally see her face. Her tear stained face. She still won't look at me but all I want to do is hold her. "Eliza, please talk to me. What happened? What can I do to help you" I say trying to get her to look at me. She takes a moment and finally looks at me in the eyes and says, "Bailey thinks I'm insensitive and build robots. She fired me because I followed protocol and there is no longer room for me in HER hospital."
"Bailey couldn't be further from the truth, you know that! You care more than any other attending here. You make them the better version of themselves, you make them confident and not it a cocky way, in an actual intelectual way that is furthering their abilities as surgeons."
"Well Bailey doesn't see that and I'm not staying to fight for a job where I constantly get questioned and have to prove myself. That's not what I came here for. There is no reason to fight."
"So that's it, you're leaving just like that? What about us? I can't lose you. Not now that... never mind." I turn to walk away but turn back to face Eliza as I reach the door. "You know, I'm part owner of the hospital. If you wanted to fight and stay here, we could make it happen. You know where to find me if you change your mind."
"Wait, what else where you going to say? Why can't you lose me?"
"Forget It, it's nothing."
"But it is, please tell me. Give me a reason to stay. I know I said there's no reason to fight but if you give me one reason... I just need a reason."
I can see Eliza's eyes shining from the tears threatening to fall. Stepping close to her again, I take her hand, "oh Eliza, can't you see, I'm falling in love with you. I hadn't said anything because I didn't think we were there yet, but now that you're leaving, I can't keep it to myself. Please don't leave. Stay with me. Just stay and we will figure this out. I'll get your job back and we can continue this." Giving her a smile, I bat away tears that's have now started to form. I can see she's shocked by what I've just said. "You don't have to say anything now, not yet. Take some time and think about it. I'll be at joe's tonight, stop by if you feel the same."
" I...I'm..." Eliza studded still not being able to form a complete sentence. I kiss her cheek and walk out her office.