Amelia finally snaps back to reality around three o'clock. She has two choices: one, to blow off work completely—it's already so late in the day; there would be no point to show. Or, two, make an appearance. This would benefit her in more ways than one. Not only would she give peace of mind to Charlotte but she would also gain back her respect. However, Amelia doesn't really care about the respect part. She wants to get Charlotte off her back once and for all. Showing up would at least help her case a little. She also has a third choice—take another pill and continue on her path of euphoria.
"I should probably go to work" Amelia randomly blurts out.
"Yeah," replies Chase, "You should. I guess."
Amelia gets out of bed and heads to the bathroom to get ready for work.
She gracefully kicks Chase out of bed and gathers all her things. "Well, good-bye for real this time." She says with a laugh.
"Anything I can do to get you to not go in?"
"I wish. But I really need to make an appearance."
"Sure, sure. Call me later if you want."
Chase walks Amelia out and opens her car door. "You really are beautiful."
Amelia is slightly embarrassed and replies with a giggle, "I'll call ya later."
Amelia walks in the hospital and immediately spots Addison. "Hey Addie. Have you seen Charlotte? She's not in her office or at the practice."
"I saw her earlier. She was looking for you. But haven't seen her since. Where you been all day?"
"I was catching up with Chase all afternoon. I lost track of time."
"How was that?"
"Good. It was really nice to see him. I should probably go find Charlotte. I'll talk to you later."
Amelia is hoping that Addison doesn't realize she's itching to leave the conversation. It's not that Amelia doesn't want to talk to Addison, she really wants to find Charlotte then get back home. She already has a plan in her mind to call Chase back. She likes Chase. Or maybe she likes the oxycodone. Who cares?
She finally spots Charlotte at the nurses' station. She takes a deep breath then approaches her. "Hey. Sorry it took so long to come in. I met up with an old friend last night and lost track of time and—"
Charlotte interrupts her. "There's really no excuse to blow off work. Even if you were "catching up" with an old friend. Do you think I'm an idiot, Amelia? I know the signs and blowing off work like you did today isn't a good one."
"I said I was sorry. I don't know what else you want me to say, Charlotte."
"I want you to show me you're sorry. I want you to show me you're serious. I'm tired of doing this with you Amelia. It's becoming redundant."
"You think I like doing this? You think I want you breathing down my neck? You think I'm skipping work to watch you squirm?"
"No, I think you're being selfish."
"Right. Coming from the person who told me I couldn't operate because you have a sneaking suspicion I'm drinking again. Would you be acting like this to anyone else? Why me? Because you're an addict, too? I don't know, Charlotte, I find it unfair."
"Understandable. I can see where you're coming from. Can you see where I'm coming from?"
"No. I don't."
"That's unfortunate."
"Yeah. Well, do you still need a consult or what?"
"No. I needed a consult earlier today. There's nothing else here for ya. Go home, Amelia. Get some sleep. You look tired. Enjoy your weekend and your old friend. Take the weekend off. I'll see you Monday."
"Monday? So now you're forcing me to take the weekend off?"
"Not forcin', tellin'. Suggesting' even."
"Riggghhhht. I'll see ya later, Charlotte."
Amelia walks away and heads out of the hospital. She should have opted to stay in bed all day. Anything would have been better than seeing Charlotte. Now she's getting a little paranoid. What was she supposed to do ALL weekend? Maybe Charlotte is testing her. Maybe Charlotte wants Amelia to come in this weekend. Or maybe she was serious? It is hurting her to think so much. She wants to escape her mind. How? How can she free herself from this trapped cycle her mind is in? She gets in the car, pulls out her phone and calls Chase.
"Hey, you. So work sucks. Nothing here for me. What are you doing?"
"I'm in my hotel room. I was kicked out of bed by a beautiful girl this afternoon, I'm just getting home now."
She laughs and says, "What hotel are you staying at? Want some company?"
"I would love that." He replies.
