A/N: I'm watching New Amsterdam season 3 and I need Lauren and Leyla to have a story. So after 3x04, I start writting this. It's a one shot for now, and just friendly, but I hope I can continue it later with a romantic vibe. Although it's based on the facts up to chapter 3×05, it might start to drift a bit afterward, if continued.
PS: English isn't my first language so forgive my grammar and spelling mistakes. All reviews are welcome. Hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing, obviously, except my imagination. No profits or copyright violation intended. This is just for fun.
I protect my people
1.
"I protect my people".
As she made herself comfortable in her new room, the words kept playing inside Leyla's head. Since the first time she arrived at the New Amsterdam a few days ago, everything had turned upside down in an unexpected way. She had wished for something good finally happening to her, but she certainly hadn't expected this. She turned off the lights, adjusted the pillow on the bed on the Supply closet and lay down thinking that maybe flying to the States hadn't been such a bad decision after all.
2.
As soon as she closed the Supply Closet door, Lauren felt the urge to face-palmed herself. Where that phrase had come from? She shook her head and walked down the hall. It had been a very long shift and so many things had happened, with the aggression and the police officers in the ER and Brunstetter having surgery, so she really couldn't blame herself. The phrase just split out of her mouth.
Once outside, Lauren headed to the bus stop but stopped on her tracks after a few steps. The city was moving in slow motion outside the New Amsterdam and she felt ok for the first time since the pandemic had started.
She smiled to herself and resumed her way. She didn't like her house that much but it was warm and comfortable and today she felt grateful she had a place to go.
3.
The first night Leyla had asked "Why do this for me" and Dr. Bloom had answered "I protect my people".
The second night she had asked if she could be sure nobody was going to break in and Dr. Bloom had firmly answered "Yes". Then the American had said that she had changed the access code just in case and written it down for her with no words but a little smile on her tired face.
The third night, Leyla had asked "Can I know your name" and Dr. Bloom had smiled at her, this time bigger and brighter than the previous night. "My name is Lauren" she had said, and extended her hand foolishly for her to shake.
Now was the fourth night. There's been a situation with Leyla's backpack and somehow they ended up eating pineapple pizza in a place around the corner from the Hospital. It was a small dinner frequented by doctors, nurses and patients relatives, with old yellow walls and weird music. Lauren didn't even look at the menu, just ordered the pizza, two beers and a bottle of water. Leyla hoped it wasn't too expensive.
"So…" Lauren began after the waitress left the table "Pakistani, huh?"
"That's correct" was all Leyla answered.
"Com'on girl…" Lauren leaned back in her chair, "you have to give me more than that" She smiled mischievously. "I think I deserve it, since I'm inviting you pizza".
Leyla guessed the American doctor was right, so she started speaking reluctantly, her eyes fixed at her hands on her lap.
"I was born in Islamabad. My parents were teachers and tried very hard for me to have a good future. I went to Med school and became a pediatrician. I was top of my class and was a very good doctor, but was having some issues with my male coworkers so I made the decision to leave… It wasn't my plan but I ended up here" she looked up and found Lauren's warm gaze on her. "It's not easy because I don't have a visa… but I think I'm managing just fine".
"Yeah, I think you are..."
Leyla could tell Lauren wanted to know more, but was polite enough not to ask.
They stared at each other for a second, until the waitress arrived with the drinks and they had something else to entertain themselves.
"What about you?" Leyla asked tentatively after a few minutes of silence. Lauren shook her head dismissively.
"You know… Drunken mother, difficult childhood, try to do something for myself… Go to Med school, obviously, end up in the ER 'cause being busy is good for me. The usual" Lauren smiled but Leyla could tell it was ironic. She chose not to ask, thought, because the American hadn't pushed her to get more answers.
The pizza arrived and they ate quietly for a while, other people's voices and old pop music filling the air, before Lauren spoke again, more cheerful this time.
"So why pineapple?"
She looked sincerely curious about it and Leyla let out a small laugh.
"I'd never tried this pizza until I got here. It was my second day after I arrived. I have some money so I went to this little restaurant near the bus station. The waiter didn't understand my English and I ended up ordering pineapple pizza by mistake. But I couldn't afford ordering another one, so I had to eat it and surprisingly it tasted so different and sooooo good" Leyla blushed a little, realizing how it must have sounded.
Lauren smirked but her eyes were still soft and kind. "I get it" she said laughing "It's my favourite pizza too".
Two hours later, they were back at the Hospital. Lauren had insisted on accompanying her, although Leyla knew the way and the access code to the closet.
"Night" Lauren whispered once Leyla was safely inside. "See you tomorrow".
"Good night" Leyla said back "and thank you, for everything".
She felt shy all of sudden. Lauren flashed a small warm smile at her and left her alone.