Chapter 23: Rage
SCENE: PACIFIC PLACE
(Amber and the rest of the interns sit in the theater watching Us as it ends)
Amber: I didn't see that twist coming but on the other hand I kind of saw it, you know?
Levi: I didn't see that coming at all! I mean who else thought that the main lead was actually a tether?
Taryn: I did.
Dahlia: I kind of suspected it a little.
Sam and Casey: Same.
Levi: Great so I guess I'm the only one who doesn't get horror movie logic.
Amber: Pretty much. I definitely liked the fight scenes and the stabbings. I really understood Red's rage when she narrated, you know? Like I felt the need to just murder everyone in my sight. Do you guys get that?
(Levi and Taryn look at each other in fear with the other trying to change the subject)
Sam: Maybe we should see a comedy next time.
Casey: Yeah, I think laughter is the best way to get through life instead of killing, don't you think Amber?
Amber: Oh, I scared you all didn't I? I'm sorry I'm just…especially angry but I can still see horror movies. It's not like I'm gonna come to your houses with a pair of sharp scissors wearing a red jumpsuit. I'm not mental, I'm very emotionally stable.
Dahlia: No of course you are. Let's get out of here.
(The interns leave the theater and head outside on the fourth floor of the mall)
Sam: Okay, so what now?
Levi: Whatever Amber wants to do.
Dahlia: Yeah, what do you want to do?
Amber: (Eyebrow's furrow) Um I don't know. I'm pretty hungry to be honest.
Casey: Great! You get to pick where we eat.
Taryn: What? Why?
Sam: (Stern) Because she can and we want her to.
Taryn: I don't, you guys let her pick the movie and now I'm gonna have nightmares about the government and clones. Why does she have control of what happens tonight?
Dahlia: (Whispering) Stop talking.
Sam: Ignore her Amber, what do you want to eat?
Amber: Um sushi?
Casey: (Grins) Sushi sounds good.
Dahlia: (Grins) Yeah, it sounds great.
Levi: Totally and you don't have to pay.
Taryn: Okay seriously what's going on? You guys are acting weird.
Sam: No one's acting weird except for you.
Amber: Look you guys I'm fine okay, you don't have to treat me like I'm made of glass.
Taryn: Why are they?
Levi: (Whispering) Will you please shut up!
Amber: (Sarcastically) Gee, I don't know Hellmouth maybe because the guy that I've been sleeping with was in love with my sister.
(Taryn and the others stand in awkward silence over Amber's outburst)
Levi: (Nervous) Oh yeah, I forgot about that.
Sam: (To Taryn) You see what you did.
Taryn: Yeah, I'll shut up now.
Dahlia: There's a first time for everything.
Amber: Guy's I appreciate what you're doing but I'm okay. Andrew and I are taking some time apart and I don't want to be pitied so can we just go back to normal please?
Sam: Yeah sure. Let's start by going for sushi, there's a sushi bar about two floors down let's walk there and back. Any objections?
All of them: No.
(Amber rolls her eyes and walks with them through the mall)
MEANWHILE AT THE BOOKSTORE
(Andrew looks over medical books and journals when he sees Jo looking at the same thing next to him)
Jo: Hi um can we talk?
Andrew: (Harsh tone) I think you said enough don't you think?
(Andrew turns to leave but Jo follows him to the fiction section)
Jo: (Remorseful) Andrew please I'm sorry.
Andrew: Sorry? You dropped a bomb on your sister's relationship because what you suddenly have feelings for me?
Jo: I-I-I don't, that's not what it was.
Andrew: Then what was it?
Jo: I was just upset and I-I said things that I didn't think through.
Andrew: (Angry) You didn't think through letting your sister think that her boyfriend was into you? Do you know what you did? Because of you, Amber and I aren't even talking.
Jo: She isn't talking to me either okay. I-I was hoping that you could tell her how sorry I am and maybe get her to talk to me.
Andrew: (Scoffs) Jo next to me you're the very last person she wants to see right now. You made your bed now you have to lay in it.
(Andrew turns to leave but Jo grabs his arm desperately)
Jo: (Voice breaking) Please, Andrew. I feel horrible about what I did not just to you but to her, I just-I need her to know that. Do you know how hard it is to have your sister, the only sister you'll ever have, look at you like you're a walking famine? I do and I know I caused that but I didn't want it to be this way. Please if you talk to Amber just let her know that please.
Andrew: Jo-
(Amber and the others walk by the bookstore and stop when Amber sees Jo holding onto Andrew's arm. Andrew notices her and freezes in shock. Amber starts to fume and runs past the store heading to the parking lot with Andrew following her and calling her)
Andrew: Amber wait!
Amber: Go away!
Andrew: Please, it's not what-
Amber: (Turns around) Let me guess "It's not what it looks like." It doesn't look like you were having an intimate moment with my sister? My sister who you were madly in love with who you swore you didn't have feelings for anymore!
Andrew: I don't! She was upset about you not talking to her, we were in the same store it was a coincidence I swear to God. I tried to brush her off but she wouldn't let me.
Amber: Really?! Is that why she was holding onto you for dear life and you just stood there and let her! Do you not care how that makes me feel?!
Andrew: You know you're not the only one in pain here, right?
Amber: (Scoffs) Really? Did the two people you thought you could trust betray you? Did you stand around thinking you had a great sister and boyfriend only for them to make you feel like an idiot?! Because that's how I feel! You and Jo think that you're in pain but that pain does not compare to mine!
Andrew: You left me! You haven't talked to me in days and now the first time we're talking we're fighting! I see you at work every day and my heart aches a little bit more because someone I care about left me for something that happened years ago despite my pleas and apologies. Maybe you should think about that instead of thinking about yourself.
Amber: (Venomously) Screw you Andrew!
(Amber turns to leave with Andrew following her again)
Andrew: Amber, can we at least discuss this?
Amber: (Turns to face him with a scowl) No! There is nothing to discuss. Stop following me or the only discussion your gonna hear in the next ten minutes is Hunt and Altman discussing a surgical plan after I mow you down with my car!
(Amber leaves Andrew who stops following her. Levi catches up to her)
Levi: Give me your keys.
Amber: (Angry) I'm fine!
Levi: Amber, your angry and angry people shouldn't drive so give me your keys and I'll take you home.
(Amber groans in frustration but gives Levi her keys and he drives her home)
THE NEXT MORNING
(Amber, Sam and Casey walk to the park to get coffee from outside)
Sam: Are you sure you're okay to work today? I mean your covering the clinic and Andrew's covering the pit, that's like twenty steps away from each other.
Casey: I have scut, I can switch with you if you want.
Amber: (Sighs) Thanks but I'll be okay. I think I made it more than clear that he should steer clear of me unless he craves bodily harm.
Sam: Yeah, I think you made that clear for half the mall.
Casey: I was kind of worried you'd use Schmitt as a punching bag when he was driving you.
Amber: I almost did. Where is Levi? I didn't see him in the lockers, is he sick?
Sam: No, he's just getting flowers for Nico.
Amber: (Looks at Sam) He's giving Nico flowers? Why?
Casey: To be supportive? I mean the guy did make a mistake that killed a man.
Amber: And then he lashed out at Levi who tried to comfort him calling him a failure and nothing more. He's a more forgiving person than I am, I'll give him that.
(The three of them stop a few feet from the cart when they spot Jo talking to Amelia and Link)
Link: (Tries to mend the conflict) Hey! You guy want some coffee? I can buy.
Amelia: Since when do you buy interns coffee?
Link: Since now. Come on, Amber, I'll even stir the cream and sugar if you want.
(Amber glares at Jo who looks at her with sad eyes making Amber irritated)
Amber: (Bluntly) No thanks. I'm skipping coffee.
(Amber turns to leave when Jo speaks)
Jo: (Inhales and exhales) It's fine I got my coffee so I'll get out of your way.
(Amber turns around as Jo walks away)
Link: Very subtle.
Amber: I wasn't trying to be. Americano extra shot.
Amelia: I grew up with three sisters so I know sisterly trouble when I see it. What did Jo do? Whatever it is I have experienced it.
Amber: Really? Did any of your sisters tell you at point blank that your boyfriend was in love with them and neither of them told you the entire time you were dating said boyfriend?
Amelia: …I'm gonna stop talking now and go fix peoples brains.
(Amelia leaves Amber and Link at the cart)
Link: Look she feels awful, can't you just give her a break?
Amber: She feels awful? How do you think I feel? You weren't there when she told me. She was cold and emotionless like…she didn't care about my feelings at all. Well guess what I don't care about her feelings now and I don't give a crap how sorry she is after she imploded one of-no the best relationship I've ever had.
Link: Amber come on.
Amber: No, you know what I have to go to the clinic, tell Jo that unless she wants to look worse than she already does that she needs to stay away from me.
(Amber grabs her coffee and heads back inside)
MEANWHILE AT LATE BLOOMERS
(Andrew stares at the roses trying to decide what to get and notices a man next to him browsing as well)
Andrew: Can't decide?
Ripley: Yeah.
Andrew: Same.
(Ripley coughs and wheezes causing Levi on the other side of the section to be concerned)
Levi: You okay?
Ripley: Uh, yeah. I could use an opinion. Which one of these says, 'I want to spend the rest of my life with you'?
Levi: That seems like a lot of pressure to put on some flowers.
Ripley: Maybe I should just go with roses. But I mean, are-are roses-are roses enough? Maybe I should get roses and something else.
Levi: I've been standing here for five minutes, trying to decide the same thing. Do you think that these say, 'I'm really sorry you killed someone'?
(Ripley looks at Levi worriedly)
Andrew: Might want to be more specific Schmitt.
Levi: No, it's-It's not-I'm a doctor. They're for another doctor who, uh...It's-It's a long story.
Andrew: You should count yourself lucky man I have to buy flowers for my girlfriend that say, 'Sorry I didn't tell you I was in love with your sister-in-law and made you more mad at me than you already are, please give me another chance'.
Ripley: …You should add chocolates to that and maybe a car. So, my problem?
Levi: I think the roses, and maybe some of these big, fancy ones would be great.
Ripley: Smart guy. Thanks.
(Ripley turns to pay but groans)
Ripley: And I forgot my wallet. Genius.
Levi: Here, I got it.
Ripley: No, no. You don't have to.
Levi: Today seems special. It should be special. I hope it goes great.
Ripley: Thank you. I hope your thing goes well, too.
(Ripley leaves the flower shop)
Andrew: All right since you're the flower expert and her best friend I could use your help. Which of these would Amber like?
Levi: Um Amber doesn't really like roses or flowers for that matter.
Andrew: Really? She liked the roses I gave her on Valentine's Day.
Levi: Yeah, she told me she wished you had given her chocolates with it or just chocolates. She threw away the roses the second they started to wilt.
Andrew: Okay, I'll just get her chocolates then.
Levi: Oh! Get her gummy bears the sour kind those are her favorite.
Andrew: Great, thanks.
Levi: Make sure that it's gummy bears not gummy worms she loves the bears but doesn't eat the worms.
Andrew: Why? Aren't they the same thing?
Levi: Do you want your girlfriend back or not?
Andrew: Right sour gummy bears got it.
(Andrew leaves the store and sees Ripley lying flat on the sidewalk a few feet away. He rushes to him)
Andrew: Hey, can you hear me? Are you okay?
(Andrew checks his airway when Levi comes out with flowers)
Levi: (Rushes over) What happened?
Andrew: I don't know call 911 tell them we need an ambulance right now.
(Levi pulls out his phone to call 911 while Andrew checks on Ripley)
LATER AT THE CLINIC
(Amber finishes on a hand lac and approaches a man and his four-year-old daughter)
Amber: Hi, I'm Dr. Karev what's your name?
Luis: I'm Luis this is my daughter Gabby.
Amber: Hi Gabby, how are we feeling today?
Gabby: (In Spanish) My tummy hurts.
Luis: She doesn't speak a lot of English, we're from San Pedro Sula. She was vomiting a lot this past week and she curls up in bed in pain.
Amber: Okay, can you tell me her history? Does she get tummy aches a lot?
Luis: I'm not really sure. I haven't been around Gabby these last few months. I came here last year so that I could give a better life for my wife and daughter. I came on a visa and applied for asylum for my wife and Gabby. When I started to settle, I sent for my family but…they were detained at the border. They finally released Gabby when she was in pain but my little Dani is still there.
Amber: (Sympathetic) So you don't know if this is recurrent or new?
Luis: No, they didn't pay attention to her until she started screaming and that's when they released her to me.
Amber: I'm-I'm so sorry…okay um I'm going to page my brother, he's the chief of pediatric surgery and he's gonna find out what's wrong with Gabby. I'll be right back.
Luis: Uh how much?
Amber: What?
Luis: I don't have insurance but I have a little bit saved up so how much will it be?
Amber: You don't have to worry about that, my brother is the best there is and he does it for the kids not for the money. I'll be right back.
(Amber approaches a nurse)
Amber: Page Alex Karev tell him we need a peds consult in bed 5.
(Amber is taken back by Levi and Andrew entering the pit in casual wear wheeling a man in trauma 1. Curious she goes to them next to Bailey)
Amber: What happened?
Teddy: John Doe, syncopal episode. Schmitt and DeLuca found him and brought him in the rig.
Bailey: Well, somebody's got a lot of free time on his hands. So, you're a paramedic now?
Andrew: I was one if you remember. I was able to do the ABCs and depress the scalp lac, Schmitt did the rest.
(Andrew joins the others in the room with Levi explaining to Amber and Bailey)
Levi: I just happened to be there when the guy dropped. I knew to stabilize the neck, monitor respiration-
Amber: We get it you're a badass.
Bailey: Mm, got it, your heroes.
Levi: Eh, "hero's" a big word. Right place, right time, maybe.
Teddy: On my count. 1, 2, 3.
Levi: Maybe quick-thinking.
Owen: Let's do a syncope work-up. Uh, EKG, CBC, and a BNP.
Teddy: Let's get a head CT. Page Shepherd.
Bailey: (Recognizes Ripley) Wait, that's no John Doe. That's Lucas Ripley. Ben's boss. No, Ben's boss's boss. Schmitt, you and DeLuca just saved the Fire Chief of the City of Seattle.
(Amber and the others look at Andrew and Levi who stand there shocked)
Levi: (Shocked) I am a hero.
(Amber grins and pats Levi on the back going back to the clinic where she sees Alex by Gabby's bed)
Amber: Hey sorry I was distracted but I'm here now.
Alex: It's fine what do we got?
Amber: Gabriella Rivera, age 4, history of recurrent abdominal pain, increased pain and vomiting today.
Alex: Okay, Gabriella.
Luis: Uh, Gabby. She likes Gabby.
Alex: Hey, Gabby. Do you know when the pain first started?
Gabby: (In Spanish) I don't know.
Luis: She's not sure.
Amber: There's no detailed history.
Luis: In San Pedro Sula, I knew everything, her blood type, vaccinations, uh, allergies. But these last few months are a blank. I know nothing.
Amber: Luis has been here for a year. He came on a visa, stayed, and applied for asylum.
Luis: I waited to send for my family until I had an apartment and a job. But they were detained at the border. Separated. Caged like animals. My wife, my little Dani, is still there.
Amber: When Gabby got sick over there, did they treat her with anything, or...?
Luis: (Disgusted) They gave her antacid. Nothing more.
Alex: Uh, page Dr. Grey to consult.
Amber: Yeah.
(Amber went to the station to page Meredith)
LATER AT TRAUMA 1
(Andy, Sullivan and Warren look for Ripley when Maggie calls to them while Andrew, Owen and Levi work on Ripley)
Maggie: Warren! Warren, here.
(They enter the trauma room)
Ben: Dr. Maggie Pierce. This is our captain, Robert Sullivan.
Robert: Just tell us how Chief Ripley is.
Maggie: He's still confused. On exam, he has a systolic crescendo/decrescendo murmur consistent with aortic stenosis. Passing out is pretty classic.
Robert: (To Ripley) Hey, it's Sully. I'm here, buddy.
Owen: He may have had the condition for years. You never know when or why you're gonna go down. It just happens.
Andy: Mm. Buying flowers. Is he a-a flowers type of guy? I mean, is he seeing someone?
Robert: Why are you asking me?
Andy: 'Cause you guys are BFFs.
Robert: Uh, that's not a…that's not a term we use.
Andrew: I talked to him a little he said he was gonna meet someone.
Levi: We were there. At Late Bloomers. First responder. He was buying roses and I want to say peonies for a guy named Vic.
Andy: (Eyes wide) Vic? What?
Ben: Damn.
Andy: Vic? Get out.
Levi: Oh, no. Oh, no. Did I just out someone?
Robert: No. Vic...is Victoria.
Levi: Oh, thank God. I'm kind of new at this, and my gaydar is, uh, not great.
Andy: I don't believe it. She would have said something. She wouldn't keep-What? Wait, why aren't you surprised?
Robert: …I'd like to hear more from the doctors.
Maggie: I'd like to do a T.E.E. to get a closer look at the aorta, and I'll-I'll do a stress test at the same time. DeLuca get a private room ready.
Andrew: Yep.
(Andrew leaves to get a room for Ripley but stops and sees Amber at the station. Sam notices him heading to her and steps in front of him)
Sam: Turn around. Right now.
Andrew: (Sighs) You know I think I liked it better when you and my girlfriend weren't friends. Just move I want to talk to her.
Sam: Yeah well, she doesn't want to talk to you, take a hint.
Andrew: I just want to see how she is that's all, I think I deserve that much.
Sam: Andrew I am saying this to you as someone who's known you for years, you need to leave her alone so she can process.
Andrew: It was two years ago. I don't know why she's making such a big deal out of this.
Sam: It doesn't matter if it was a two centuries ago you were in love with her sister and failed to mention it in the months you were seeing each other. Would you be okay if Amber had feelings for your sister before you met?
Andrew: …Yeah.
Sam: (Narrows eyes) You would be okay with knowing that your girlfriend was in love with your sister? You would be okay knowing that the woman you shared a bed with wanted to be naked with your big sister and make love to her?
Andrew: (Groans in disgust) Fine I wouldn't be okay but I would still want to be with her, I just need her to know that.
Sam: Well, your gonna have to tell her that when she's calmed down enough because let's be honest in a fight between her and a lion I would be scared for the lion. Now turn around and walk away.
(Andrew shakes his head and reluctantly turns and walks away from the pit with Amber glancing at him)
LATER IN EXAM ROOM A
(Meredith performs a physical on Gabby who screams in pain)
Meredith: Okay, sorry. Sorry. You know, I have a little girl just like you at home. Her name is Ellis. Can I see the K.U.B., please?
Amber: Yeah, right here.
(Amber hands the KUB to Meredith who holds it up to the light)
Gabby: (In Spanish) Is that mine?
Meredith: It is. It's a picture of the inside of your tummy. So, I think she has intestinal blockage, which we can usually correct with an air enema. If that doesn't work, we can do some more scans and maybe surgery to reduce it.
Luis: Surgery? I have no way to…Maybe we should wait until I can find a second job.
Alex: Uh, you can apply for state coverage. It kicks in immediately. Takes minutes. Dr. Karev can take you to fill out the forms.
(Luis and Gabby look uneasy at the idea of being separated)
Alex: It's right outside that door. It's okay.
(Luis goes to Gabby to reassure her)
Luis: (In Spanish) My love…Don't be afraid. I'm not leaving. I'll be right back.
(Amber takes Luis to fill out the forms)
LATER ON THE CARDIO FLOOR
(Andrew sits next to Ripley after being given instructions to keep a close eye on Ripley who wants to leave)
Ripley: You know a fire chief makes more money than you think, not as much as a doctor but still. If you let me out for half an hour an hour tops I could-
Andrew: Make me lose my license if I let you leave and have a stroke. I know it's hard but you just have to relax, your friends are trying to reach Vic now. I'm sure she's gonna come and you get to say yes.
Ripley: Believe me, Vic isn't quite the forgiving type if she thinks she was stood up. I'm guessing your girl isn't either if you have to buy flowers.
Andrew: Yeah, I don't think flowers are gonna cut it. I want to talk to her and just apologize and beg her to take me back but she doesn't want to hear it.
Ripley: So, she broke up with you?
Andrew: No um not exactly. She uh she said she wants time to process and to figure out if we can go back to the way we were.
Ripley: Dude you fell in love with her sister I think that was code for 'get the hell out of my life'.
Andrew: I didn't fall in love with her I was in love with her but I'm not anymore. It was before we dated hell it was before we even met but she's acting like it just happened.
Ripley: Well, she just found out so for her it did just happen. Did you give her the flowers at least?
Andrew: I was gonna get her candy but then you fainted so I turned from boyfriend to doctor thank you very much.
Ripley: (Chuckles and then coughs)
(Andrew stands up and listens to his chest. Ripley stops coughing)
Ripley: I'm fine.
Andrew: You're not fine and you can't leave here, your chest sounds stable.
(Andrew puts his stethoscope around his neck and looks at Amber through the blinds who talks to someone on the phone. Ripley notices)
Ripley: Is that her?
Andrew: Yep.
Ripley: (Impressed) Wow, I can see why your desperate to get back together.
Andrew: Easy, aren't you engaged?
Ripley: At the moment I have no idea, I'm probably at the same place you are.
Andrew: (Sighs) Its crazy. I mean I rejected her last year and now…now I just want to be with her again.
Amber: (Angry and yelling on the phone) Your sorry?! Well, you can take your sorry and shove it up your ass!
(Amber slams the phone down in anger with Andrew and Ripley looking on)
Ripley: She seems sweet.
(Andrew chuckles)
Ripley: Wait you rejected her? Why the hell would you reject that angry, beautiful woman?
Andrew: …Its complicated.
Ripley: Dude I proposed to my girlfriend so that we would still see each other and keep our jobs then she proposed for real and I just stood there frozen like an idiot. Whatever you say I'm sure it won't be crazier than that.
Andrew: …Her oldest brother put me in the ICU because he thought I was assaulting his girlfriend at his loft.
Ripley: …Explain yourself.
CUT TO OUTSIDE THE ROOM
(Levi hears Amber's outburst and follows her as she storms off)
Levi: I'd ask if you're okay but I think-
Amber: What kind of a system is it that a man can work as hard as he can to provide for his family but his daughter can't get the treatment she needs because he doesn't fit one tiny box on the list? I hate our freaking government!
Levi: (Hushed) Whoa quiet down they can hear everything. What is wrong?
Amber: I'll explain on the way, I need to tell Grey and Alex.
(Amber and Levi arrive at CT where Alex and Meredith wait for Gabby's scans)
Amber: Hey, are you ready for this? Luis doesn't qualify for the state insurance because he makes too much money.
Meredith: (Incredulous) Are you kidding? Cleaning offices?
Amber: (Angry) Yeah, I gave them an earful don't worry.
Meredith: So, he makes too much for insurance and not enough to get treatment?
(Amber shrugs in disbelief)
Levi: That's crazy.
Amber: No that's life.
(Scans appear on the screen)
Alex: Mer look at this.
(Four of them look at the computer)
Amber: Is that a mass?
Meredith: It is, it's an ileocecal mass. We should book an O.R. and prep her for and ex-lap.
Amber: (Sighs) I'll go.
(Amber walks to the O.R. floor and is surprised by Levi walking beside her)
Amber: Why are you following me? I'm fine, I'm just…filled with rage.
Levi: Yeah, you're not the only one. Nico is still negative zero with me and everybody else.
Amber: Flowers didn't work?
Levi: He completely blew me off…again and insulted me again.
Amber: Whoa wait.
(Amber stops Levi to face him in the middle of the hallway)
Amber: (Concerned) What's happening? I know he snapped at you after it happened but I didn't know he was still doing it, he's still doing it?
Levi: (Sighs) I'm trying to be there for him but he doesn't listen and when he listens, he tries to tear me down. (Voice breaking) It's like he doesn't see how he hurts me or he does but he just doesn't care.
(Amber frowns at Levi's anguish and impulsively hugs him surprising Levi)
Levi: You've never hugged me, we've never hugged. This feels weird.
Amber: I know right?
(They both chuckle and pull apart)
Amber: I'm so sorry.
Levi: You don't have to-
Amber: No, I do. I've been so wrapped in my own disastrous love life I haven't even noticed your own. Look you know that even if things with Nico don't work out, you've still got me, okay?
Levi: I appreciate that…but I can't have sex with you.
Amber: (Laughs) No you can't but I can listen and let you bitch about your boyfriend. God knows I've done it with you about Andrew. That's something Nico can't do.
Levi: Thanks.
Amber: I gotta prep an O.R. let me know if you need anything.
(Amber puts her hand on Levi's shoulder and walks away)
LATER AT THE CARDIO FLOOR
(Andrew sits in a chair next to Ripley's bed who recaps Andrew's history with the Karev's)
Ripley: So, your boss misread a scene, beat you up and almost blinded you?
Andrew: Yep.
Ripley: Then while you were trying to send him to jail you fell for his ex and tried to tell her how you felt and she rejected you before you could?
Andrew: Mm-hm.
Ripley: And a little while later his sister showed up, got a job here, asked you out and you rejected her twice?
Andrew: Yep again.
Ripley: But you kissed her at the wedding, realized you had feelings for each other and started dating?
Andrew: Correct.
Ripley: And now your girlfriend found out about you being in love with her sister-in-law through said sister and is now ignoring you?
Andrew: Correctamundo.
Ripley: (Chuckles) Wow and I thought the station had messy romances. Forget the chocolates and car you should give her a house with a patio and a hot tub.
Andrew: I think you're the last person to judge considering you proposed to your girlfriend to keep your job and blacked out when she proposed for real.
Ripley: True.
(Maggie enters the room)
Maggie: Hi, is everything okay in here?
Andrew: Yep, we we're just talking.
Ripley: Turns out he's more of a mess than I am. Please tell me you're here to discharge me for one hour. Hell, I could probably say yes in like ten minutes if I drive really fast.
Maggie: I'm just here to switch off with Andrew since he's needed in the pit today. DeLuca.
Andrew: Yeah, good luck man.
(Andrew leaves the room)
LATER IN O.R. 4
(Link and Nico are in the O.R. for a hip replacement with Sam assisting when Amber walks in with angry eyes)
Link: She-Karev, what brings you to ortho? I thought you were on-
Amber: (To Nico) Why are you being such a prick to Levi?
Link: (Thinking she asked him) I'm sorry what?
Amber: I'm not talking to you; I'm talking to you, so I'll clarify. Kim why are you being such a prick to your boyfriend slash my friend?
Link: Karev, I don't think this is the right place.
Amber: Trust me it is. I have a surgery in a bit and he can't walk away from me because if he does, he could lose his job. Answer me.
Nico: (Rude) I think that qualifies as none of your business.
Amber: It does when I have to comfort him after you tell him off and call him a failure when he's trying to help.
Sam: Amber maybe you should-
Nico: Look he is always on me, asking how I am and trying to get me to talk about happened with him.
Amber: So, he wants to help you that's not a crime.
Nico: He's not my husband, okay?
Amber: No, he's a genuinely good person who wants to help you in your time of need even when you don't deserve it.
Nico: What are you, his lawyer?
Amber: (Angry) No, I'm his best friend shit for brains and you're acting like an ass. If you want to end it then end it but if you don't then stop treating him like garbage. Just because you made a colossal mistake doesn't give you the right to shit on Levi.
(Nico stays silent as he glares at Amber who leaves the room. Link and Sam look at each other awkwardly)
Sam: That was painfully awkward.
Link: (Clears throat) Lets finish this repair.
(Amber heads to the scrub room where Alex and Meredith wait for her)
Alex: Where were you? We're gonna start.
Amber: I was trying to knock some sense into a block of wood, hopefully I left a dent. Are Gabby and her father covered? Did your plan work?
Meredith: Lets scrub.
(They each grab a bar of soap when Richard burst in)
Richard: (Worried) Meredith, what happened? Is she all right? I-I-Is Ellis alright?
Alex: Ellis? What's wrong with Ellis?
Meredith: Nothing.
Richard: Well, she's been scheduled for an ex-lap.
Maredith: Richard-
Amber: What? Why is she scheduled for this surgery? Why is her name on the- (Realizes) …Oh my god.
Richard: (Realizes) Tell me you didn't.
Alex: (Catching on) Amber go inside and make sure that Gabby is unconscious.
Amber: Alex-
Alex: Now.
(Amber takes a shaky breath and heads to the O.R. she sees but doesn't hear the argument through the window)
Amber: (Shaky breath) Oh my god.
LATER ON THE CARDIO FLOOR
(Andrew sits next to Ripley as they wait for the pre op labs)
Ripley: Just give me twenty minutes, I can't stroke out if I walk for twenty minutes.
Andrew: Nope.
Ripley: Is there any chance you can call an ambulance and request a Vic Hughes in here?
Andrew: Nope.
Ripley: (Groans) I can see why you doctors are hated so much.
Andrew: Sorry if we can't all run into fires. You just have to be patient.
Ripley: Right because you're such a role model for patience. Your girlfriend has to have her guard dogs keep you away from her. Your just as bad as I am.
Andrew: (Scoffs) I'm trying to have an actual conversation with my girlfriend you can't see that you'll probably die trying to tell your girlfriend something you can tell her over the phone. It's not the same thing.
Ripley: I have my reasons for not waiting, what about you? How come you can't give your girlfriend space?
Andrew: …It's complicated.
Ripley: It really isn't, I mean you didn't fight for this Jo person after she rejected you but when Amber did your trying to get her back. What makes her different from Jo? Why can't you give space for one Karev but not the other?
Andrew: …I'm gonna page Dr. Pierce so that she can switch-
Ripley: Come on it's a simple question.
Andrew: It really isn't.
Ripley: Even so you should know the answer. I froze because I married for love twice and got divorced twice. I was afraid of making the same mistake again but I'm not now. I'm fighting to get out of this damn bed and yell yes at the top of my lungs to the woman I love just like you're fighting for your girl even when she tells you to piss off. What makes her so different? Why are so persistent for a stubborn and angry woman?
Andrew: (Breaks) Because I think I am in love with her! Okay! I-I don't fully know if I love her but I do know that even when she is being stubborn and just plain rude, I want to be with her. I want her to know that and I want her to know that I've never felt this way not with her sister or anyone else. (Sighs) I want to tell her so that she doesn't need to worry about me leaving because I am not going anywhere.
(Andrew breaths in and out and Ripley grins at him)
Ripley: See? Now you get it. Tell her, just get out of here and get your girl.
Andrew: Nice try. I'm still your doctor and I'm not gonna leave you so that you can escape.
Ripley: (Groans) Damn, you saw through my cunning ruse. Seriously though you should tell her before it's too late, otherwise your gonna end up like me.
(Andrew nods and goes through the chart)
MEANWHILE IN O.R. 3
(Amber, Alex and Meredith are halfway through the surgery while Webber watches from the gallery)
Meredith: Segments in the ascending colon were gangrenous.
Alex: We got to her just in time.
Meredith: Lymph nodes don't look great.
Lab tech: Dr. Grey. The first specimen's path is back.
Amber: Frozen section's positive for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Meredith: I can see that, She-Karev.
Alex: Which means multiple rounds of chemotherapy, repeat scans. Oncology will have to get involved. We're looking at years of treatment.
Meredith: Okay, well, let's just focus on reconnecting this colon to the small intestine, and then we'll come up with a long-term plan. Suture, Bokhee.
(Amber looks at Meredith who notices)
Meredith: Anything else you'd like to add, Dr. Karev?
Amber: No.
Webber: When you're done, I want to see you in my office.
Amber: (Scared) Sir, for the record, I just want you to know I was not-
Webber: Not you, She-Karev. Grey.
LATER IN THE O.R.
(Meredith immediately leaves the O.R. while Alex and Amber stand there in silence)
Alex: Look I know you think-
Amber: Insurance fraud?! Seriously Alex?!
Alex: Okay let's keep our voices down before we attract attention.
Amber: (Angry) Dude I knew there was some stupid genes in our family but you must have gotten them all! Did you give any thought to your career or mine?!
Alex: Amber-
Amber: Even if you didn't know in the beginning, you still performed that surgery knowing and so did I! We're accomplices! We could go to jail!
Alex: No, we won't.
Amber: I was there! I heard you guys say-
Alex: You didn't hear Meredith confirm or deny anything, you insinuated. You think she did something that's all. We discussed it with Dr. Webber and we think that there was a lab error or a computer glitch. Meredith was able to find another plan for Gabby to get this surgery without committing any crimes.
Amber: (Knows what he's saying) Alex you can't-
Alex: You didn't hear our discussion because I sent you to check on Gabby, did you hear anything at all?
Amber: …No.
Alex: Then this doesn't concern you. You're an intern and this was something between attendings, it's not your concern and you shouldn't have to worry about it.
(Amber looks at Alex who subtly tells her to go with the lie)
Alex: There is nothing for you to worry about. There's no problem at all that concerns you and you still have your job and your license.
Amber: (Voice breaking) I don't care about me; I care about you. I can't watch you go down for this.
Alex: You won't.
Amber: (Crying) No I can't Alex I can't. Jo is gone and Andrew is…I mean it's not like I can talk to mom or Aaron. Your all I have left. I can't lose you.
Alex: You won't. I promise, you'll always have me no matter what. Your stuck with me kid and I'm stuck with you.
(Alex hugs Amber who cries into his shoulder in anguish over the possibility of her brother going to jail)
LATER
(After crying all her tears Amber leaves the O.R. sniffling. Sam notices her red eyes and nose and goes to her)
Sam: Hey, are you okay? You look like you've been crying.
Amber: Um I'm okay it's just allergies. I'm allergic to…the special drapes we use that's all.
Sam: Did Andrew do something? I try to keep the guy away and he-
Nico: (Angry) Hey! Why aren't you monitoring Mr. Harris?
Sam: I switched with Helm. I had to help Shepherd with her stem cell project and-
Nico: And you decided to bail? Are you incapable of following simple instructions?!
Sam: (Intimidated) I didn't bail I left him with a very capable-
Nico: Are you stupid?! Honestly tell me do you have anything resembling a brain cell that freaking skull of yours?!
Sam: I was-
Nico: No, you know what I was an idiot to leave a man in the care of a barely out of med school child!
Amber: (Defensive) You can't talk to her like that.
Sam: Amber-
Nico: (Angry) What did you say?
Amber: You heard me. What now that Levi isn't around you decide to use the rest of the intern populace as your punching bag?
Nico: I'm trying to keep a stupid intern in line. It's my job.
(Andrew notices the fight and walks over to investigate)
Amber: Is it your job to abuse interns when you see fit? Because that's what you're doing and honestly, I don't even know why Link tells us to put up with it.
Nico: At least I'm not the one barging in and ambushing O.R.'s because my friend told me to.
Andrew: Is there a problem here?
Nico and Amber: (Angry) No!
Sam: (Nervous from the fight) Very much so yes.
Amber: Nice work Sam, better save the fellow who screwed up before I kick his bullying ass all the way to Canada.
Nico: (Amused) Really?
Amber: Yeah.
Nico: Make sense you would think that since you got the crazy mom who stood by and let your crazy brother stab you.
Andrew: (Protective) Hey!
(Amber doesn't hear what Andrew says because his voice fades out. She feels her anger reaching beyond the boiling point as she slowly curls her right fist. Before Nico could react, Amber quickly grabs his shirt and brings him down to face level. Amber knocks him out with one punch to the face. Sam and Andrew stand by her side and Amber realizes what she did looking at Nico unconscious on the floor)
Sam: (Shocked) Oh my god.
Andrew: (Shocked) Oh my god.
Amber: Oh my god!
LATER IN A PATIENT ROOM
Jackson: Kim can you hear me?
Link: Nico, are you okay?
(Nico slowly wakes up on a bed and sees Link and Jackson standing above them with Amber glaring at him from behind)
Nico: I'm fine. Ouch. (Feels more pain in his black eye) Wow. Ouch.
(Amber maliciously grins at him)
Link: Karev get out of here now and go to the chief.
Amber: (Angry) Do you have any idea what he said to-
Link: Now!
(Amber leaves the room in a huff. Sam and Andrew enter the room)
Andrew: How is he?
Jackson: Visual is clear and he follows commands so there's no neural injury. Although he's gonna have a black eye for a few weeks.
Sam: (Looks at his eye) Oh my god. I just thought she was all bark and no bite.
Nico: (Groans) You and me both.
Link: I've seen this kind of injury from capable boxers. She knocked you out with one punch?
Andrew: Yeah, Amber took boxing for two years when she moved to New York, she thought it was a waste of money.
Nico: It wasn't trust me. I swear she is like a human wrecking ball. She wrecks things for no reason.
Andrew: (Narrows eyes at Nico) You made fun of her being attacked by her own brother. I think she had a pretty good reason to leave you that shiner.
(Andrew and Sam turn to leave Nico who applies an ice pack to his eye)
LATER IN BAILEYS OFFICE
(Amber waits on the couch for Alex and Bailey to finish discussing Jo after her breakdown)
Alex: What the hell, Bailey? What do I do?
Bailey: Well, I-I was hoping you could help me answer that.
Alex: I don't know. She went-She went to Pittsburgh to look up her birth mom, and she came back a totally different person. And-And I have no clue of what happened, and I'm not allowed to ask. We're not allowed to help her! She won't talk, and I can't ask! She's my wife, and I'm not allowed to ask?! I just-I-I-I need to break something.
(Amber and Bailey look at Alex in sympathy. Bailey empties a mug and offers it to Alex who scoffs in amusement. He sighs and sits next to Amber who puts her hand on his shoulder comfortingly)
Amber: Um chief? What about me?
Bailey: What about you? You punched a fellow in the middle of the surgical floor.
Amber: (Sighs) Suspended or fired?
Bailey: …I'll let you off with a warning but you better not assault anybody else in my hospital again.
Amber: (Shocked) What?
Bailey: You heard me you're off the hook now leave. I think you and your family are going through enough as it is without having your career in balance.
(Amber looks at Bailey shocked but stands up)
Bailey: Add ice to that hand, it's starting to swell up.
(Amber nods and puts a comforting hand on Alex's shoulder before leaving)
LATER IN THE LOCKERS
(Amber enters the lockers holding an ice pack to her bruised hand. Sam, Levi and Casey are also in the room)
Casey: Are you okay?
Amber: In movies they never show how much punching hurts the puncher. I swear that guy's got blades for cheekbones.
Levi: Maybe you should have thought of that before punching him in front of everyone. Did you punch him because of me? Because I don't need you assaulting anyone for me.
Amber: It wasn't about you it was just Nico being a total piece of shit.
Levi: Come on what did he do to make you punch him back to Kingdom Come?
Sam: He was yelling at me and calling me stupid for switching off with Helm. Amber was defending me until he made fun of Amber being stabbed which caused her to go all She-Hulk.
Levi: Oh…yeah, I don't think I'm gonna chastise you for punching my boyfriend.
Amber: (Sarcastic) I'm so relieved.
Casey: What did the chief say?
Amber: She left me off with a warning because she thinks I give a crap about my sister who had a nervous breakdown on the peds floor.
Sam: You Karev's really feel your emotions deeply, don't you?
Amber: Hell no, we just bottle them up until the dam bursts.
(Jo enters the locker room disheveled with red eyes)
Casey: (Scared of a potential fight) Dam is about to burst.
Jo: (Desperate) Please just give me five minutes.
Amber: (Harsh) No.
(Amber tries to leave the room but Jo stands in front of her)
Jo: Please I'm begging you. I can't just let you continue thinking-
Amber: (Angry) Thinking what?! That you have feelings for my boyfriend!
(Sam, Casey and Levi stand by as they watch the intense scene)
Jo: Amber-
Amber: Why now Jo? Why did you have to tell me that you have feelings for Andrew now? When things were going so good between us, you suddenly decided that you wanted him?! And what about my brother?! Do you suddenly not give a crap about him too?!
Jo: I-I-I don't have feelings for him. I told you he-he had feelings for me.
Amber: (Scoffs) And that makes it better? It wasn't what you told it was the way you told me like you didn't care that I was in a good place with someone I care about a lot, you just wanted to take me down with you.
(Jo looks at her feet in guilt)
Amber: (Darkly chuckles) God, it's happening again only this time my own sister is in this fucking triangle.
Jo: I'm not, okay? There is no triangle, it's just…I felt like being honest with-
Amber: (Incredulous) Honest with me? Do you hear yourself right now? You felt like being honest with me about how my boyfriend was in love with you? I have been through a lot Jo, you know that, and the moment I was happy you decided to wreck it!
Jo: … (Voice breaking) I don't want him, okay?
Amber: (Venously) It sure as hell didn't seem like it when you told me.
(Jo gapes at Amber who goes to her locker to pack her stuff)
Jo: Amber I'm not gonna anything about it okay? Let's just bury it.
Amber: You can't, okay? It's out it's like the Harper Avery scandal. You could've buried it and not said anything to me so what the hell is that about?
Jo: (Crying) I don't know! I was out of it when I told you, I'm-I'm going through something right now and I-I felt like unloading on you since we were talking about our problems. And you know you even told me that day that you didn't trust the relationship.
(Amber's rage hits a boiling point causing her to slap Jo on the cheek so hard her head snaps back and she shrieks in pain. The others look on in shock. Jo looks at Amber with a broken look while Amber quivers in anger)
Amber: (Voice shaking in rage) Don't you dare…don't you dare twist my words around to make yourself feel like you are not a backstabbing, two-faced bitch Jo, because you are and you know it.
(Amber grabs her purse and leaves the locker room in a huff with Jo crying in anguish. The others leave the room after the intense scene)
LATER AT THE CARDIO FLOOR
(Andrew goes to Maggie to find out what happened to Ripley after he ran)
Andrew: Hey I heard you found the chief at Seattle Pres, how is he?
Maggie: Station 19 was exposed to potent chemicals on their last job and…his calcium levels dropped significantly and his lungs filled with fluid.
Andrew: Okay uh did you try extra O2?
Maggie: I did and it didn't work his organs are deteriorating fast and now all we can do is make him comfortable. Vic and his sister are with him now.
(Andrew sighs and leans on the station saddened over the news)
Maggie: Are you okay?
Andrew: Yeah, I just…I knew him for a little bit and only talked to him for like two hours but I really liked him.
Maggie: (Nods) Me too even when he was being a romantic idiot, I couldn't not like him. Are you gonna be, okay?
Andrew: Yeah, I'll be fine I just…
(Andrew finally realizes his true feelings and stands up straight)
Andrew: Is Amber still here?
Maggie: Um yeah, she's charting before she leaves why?
Andrew: Because I have to do something before it's too late.
(Andrew leaves to find Amber while Maggie stays behind knowing full well what he wants to do)
Maggie: Don't mess this up!
Andrew: I won't!
LATER THAT NIGHT AT THE LOBBY
(Amber is at the desk filling out the last chart when Andrew walks up to her)
Andrew: I was never in love with Jo.
Amber: (Exhausted) Andrew I have had a long day which consisted of me punching a fellow and slapping my sister so unless you want a kick to the groin, I suggest you leave with your lies.
Andrew: It's not a lie, it's the truth.
Amber: (Groans) Andrew-
Andrew: No listen to me, okay? I thought I was in love with Jo at the time but now I realize that I loved she was there. I-I-I was alone and angry at everyone and everything, I was trying to send one of my bosses to jail after he beat me up. I didn't have anything or anyone until Jo walked in. She came to me in my hour of need and I was grateful, I was grateful that I could share my pain with the one person who could understand it.
Amber: (Turns to scowl at him) You know what I don't want to hear this again so-
Andrew: She was perfect, okay? She was sweet, she was funny and she was beautiful. After spending so much time with someone like that and enjoying it I was convinced that I was in love with her.
Amber: (Gets angry) This is not making me feel better.
Andrew: But I wasn't. I wasn't in love with her I loved that she was there. I loved that talking to her was the only thing that kept me sane that year. I loved that I wasn't lonely. She was perfect to me but I didn't fall in love with her.
Amber: (Rubs eyes frustratingly) You cannot know that.
Andrew: I do because you are not perfect, you are less than perfect. Your stubborn and angry and judgmental. You hit me with gauze wraps thinking I did something awful to you. You punch people in the face with little provocation and there are moments where you make me want to pull my hair out.
Amber: (Offended) You're really stinking at whatever the hell this is, you know that right? Now I suggest you get out of the way before I get in my car.
(Amber digs for her keys in her purse while Andrew continues)
Andrew: I'm saying that in spite of all of that I am in love with you.
(Amber stops moving and looks up at Andrew with wide eyes)
Andrew: I am in love with you because I love all of you Amber. And yes, I know that it's crazy odds for me to fall in love with the sister of the guy who beat me up but I don't care. This past year I have gotten to know you and I am completely in awe of the good, the bad, and the crazy parts of you. I don't think when I'm around you I just enjoy being with you I want to fight for us more than I've ever fought before. I need you to know that I love you and only you. Amber Stevie Karev I-I…I love you.
(Amber stands in front of Andrew with a blank look on her face shocked by his confession)
Amber: Oh…um…t-thank you.
(Andrew frowns at Amber's two words)
Amber: I uh I-I need to go.
(Amber walks to the door with Andrew watching her from the same spot)