Chapter 1: Come What May
SCENE: JOES BAR
(Amber and Andrew sit across from Alex and Link drinking their drinks after Alex tells them what happened with Jo)
Andrew: (Shocked) Her mother was raped? That's how she was-
Alex: (Numb from the events) Yeah and according to her mom Jo looks like him so that's the icing on the crap cake.
Andrew: (Feeling bad for Jo) Oh my god. I can't blame her for reacting the way she did.
Link: Frankly it's a miracle she's still standing. What happens now?
Alex: (Sips beer) She asked Bailey for some time off. She's in the psych ward now getting a mental assessment and then…I don't know what's gonna happen after that. I'm not sure if I did the right thing letting her go to a place like that.
Link: Well, this is good, man. This is a good thing. She's getting the help she needs.
Alex: Yeah, well, it's just…I have a history with some people who had that kind of help, and it doesn't help.
Amber: (I know what you mean) I had that history too.
Link: Jo's not those people, and she isn't just a fighter. She's Rocky. She's Ali. She'll get better.
Alex: (Wanting to change the subject) Let's talk about something else.
Link: (Sighs) I think Amelia dumped me.
Alex: You think?
Link: (Doesn't know) Little hard to tell.
Alex: What about you two? Are you back together or just tolerating each other so I don't witness a bloodbath after I sent my wife to the loony bin?
Andrew: Uh yeah, we're back together, we even said I love you to each other.
Alex: (Can't believe it) Really? She said it back? You said it back?
Amber: (Feeling guilty but nods) Yeah, we love each other and…whatever happened back then doesn't really matter anymore…especially now.
(Amber looks at her drink with a guilty look on her face. Alex takes notice)
Alex: Are you okay? I mean I know a lot happened today but you seem more…I don't know what you are but it's more than the normal amount. What's wrong?
Amber: (Wants to talk to Alex alone) Can you guys give us a minute?
Link: (Confused but complies) Uh yeah come on DeLuca let's play some pool.
(Andrew and Link leave the table. Amber inhales and exhales before she says what she needs to say)
Alex: (Sensing bad news) Okay, what is it?
Amber: (Tries finding the right words) Um…did you know that…Andrew was in love with Jo?
Alex: (Shocked but calm) No I suspected but I thought it was just a crush, the guy was in love with her?
Amber: (Thinking he wants to hurt Andrew) It was when you two were broken up and he assured me that nothing happened. I would not be back with the guy if he still had feelings for her, you know that.
Alex: I know that I'm just…surprised and find the whole thing-
Amber: Inappropriate? A little incestuous?
Alex: I was gonna say weird, why are you telling me this? It was a long time ago and both of them moved on to the two of us.
Amber: Yeah, I know it's just…I found out about it a little after me and Andrew started dating. I found out about it from…Jo. She told me about it without emotion or remorse, I thought she was…off so I didn't believe her. But then Andrew told me about what happened and I…I broke up with him. Jo tried to explain it to me one night but I was… (Voice breaking) I was mad at her. I was so unbelievably mad at her because I was convinced, she told me out of spite and out of selfishness. I-I-I said some things to her when she tried to explain and…
Alex: (Sensing a bad outcome from this story) And what?
Amber: (Guilty for what she did) And I slapped her and-and called her a bitch and left.
(Alex's expression morphs from concern to mild anger)
Alex: (Angry) You slapped my wife?
Amber: (More guilty) I feel awful for what I-
(Alex abruptly stands up and leaves the bar. Amber calls out to him as she follows him)
Amber: Alex I'm sorry, I am so sorry. I never meant to-
Alex: (Turns around with fury on his face) Never meant to what?! Hit my wife after she had a breakdown in the middle of the peds floor? Because she told you something that happened a million years ago?!
Amber: I-I was upset and I was hurt, I just…I reacted.
(Alex shakes his head in disbelief over Amber)
Amber: I didn't mean to cause her more pain, you have to know that. I didn't know that she found out she was a product of…I thought she wanted to hurt me like everyone else in my life has. I didn't realize that I was the one who hurt her in the end. I'm sorry.
(Amber moves to hug Alex who steps back with a bitter look on his face causing her pain)
Alex: You, me and Aaron had each other growing up, even when we were in separate homes, we still had each other. Jo didn't have that; she was all alone the moment her mom dropped her off at a fire station and then she was alone again after Paul. When she and I married she was so happy to finally have a sister, she told me that about how she wasn't alone anymore she had a family she could count on and who wouldn't hurt her like her other one did.
(Amber feels tears in her eyes as her guilt worsens)
Alex: She was drunk the day she told you, she was drunk and she was upset after her entire world turned upside down. You didn't even consider that, you just thought she would hurt the only sister she would ever have. And you slapped her and left her crying…just like Paul did.
Amber: (Crying) I'm sorry, I'm sorry for what I did to her, if I could take it back I would. Tell me what I need to do to fix this, what do I need to do?
Alex: (Hails a cab) I think you've done enough.
Amber: (Desperate for her brother's forgiveness) Alex, please…we're all we've got.
Alex: (Sad that it ends this way) Not anymore.
(Alex gets in a cab and drives away while Amber continues crying. Andrew steps out of the doorway after hearing the conversation and hugs her, Amber cries into his shoulder over her ruined relationship with Alex)
ONE WEEK LATER
SCENE: JAI AND MARIS ROOM
(The interns are in the room for rounds watching Link adjusting Jai's leg screws)
Link: And we're good to go.
Jai: He wanted to cut off my leg.
Link: I didn't want to, I suggested that it was the safest course of action.
Jai: But then you were wrong.
Link: But then I was a miracle worker.
Mari: After he begged you and cried.
Jai: You love me because I'm a sensitive guy.
(The interns laugh)
Link: All right, can we let our interns do their job now, please?
Jackson: Qadri?
Dahlia: Mari Prishna, 34, seven days post-op after she was a warrior goddess and saved her husband's life.
Mari: Dr. Avery was the warrior. He saved Jai. I mean, if he hadn't come along-
Jackson: No, Mari, you caught the rope, and you held it for hours on a broken, shredded arm. You saved his life.
Dahlia: We did a debridement of her wound and then put in a right humeral plate. So, today will be her brachial plexus surgery for definitive nerve repair.
(After rounds Amber heads to cardio with Jackson walking next to her)
Jackson: Hey uh have you talked to Maggie?
Amber: I talk to Maggie every day; we live together and she's, my mentor. There your question is answered now I have to go.
Jackson: Okay let me be more specific has she talked to you about me? About where we stand?
Amber: (Doesn't care) No.
Jackson: (Taken back by her numb tone) Okay um can you ask her and tell me? I just-It's been a week and she won't talk to me; she says she wants our tempers to settle before we…discuss that. If you could just ask her, I would really appreciate it, can you do that?
Amber: (Still doesn't care) No.
Jackson: (Sighs) Look I know she said things that make you angry at me but-
Amber: I'm not angry.
Jackson: (Confused at her tone) Okay…if you're not angry then it won't be a problem to do this small favor for me.
Amber: (Flat tone) Dr. Avery with all due respect, I don't care about your relationship and I don't feel like playing cupid.
Jackson: What are you saying? You don't care about me or Maggie?
Amber: (Numb) No I don't. I don't care about anything anymore not you, not Maggie, not your stupid relationship I just…don't care anymore.
Jackson: (Concerned about her misanthropic words) Should I be concerned?
Amber: (Sighs) No I'm not suicidal or anything I just…feel drained that's all.
Jackson: (Unconvinced) That's all? I think your being a little dramatic, don't you think?
Amber: (Glares at Jackson with a little bit of anger) Dr. Avery my brother was indirectly involved in Meredith Grey's insurance fraud crime. During that time my boyfriend and I hit a road bump in our relationship because of what I assumed was my sister's selfishness. We recently rekindled the day my brother was fired and my sister-in-law was admitted to the psych ward. All was crappy enough but I felt guilty for slapping Jo and making things worse for her. I told my brother while he was moping about his wife possibly leaving like all the other women in his life have and he walked out and said we were done. Now I am working here taking orders from the woman who fired my favorite brother while my only sister is talking about her feelings in a mental hospital.
Jackson: (Understanding) Okay yeah, I get all that can…make you feel angry and-
Amber: (Numb) I'm not, I just don't care. I'm done caring because everything that I care about has blown up in my face. I'm just-I'm done.
Jackson: (Sympathetic) You don't mean that.
Amber: I do, I don't care anymore. I'm like you the night you left Maggie alone in the middle of a fog.
Jackson: (Taken back) What-
Amber: (Numb) I have to go.
(Amber walks away from Jackson who looks at her confused. She meets with Maggie on the cardio floor)
Maggie: Where have you been? I've been waiting for like ten minutes.
Amber: Sorry I got distracted by something.
Maggie: Distracted by what?
Amber: It doesn't matter. What do we have?
LATER IN THE DOCTORS LOUNGE
(Jackson talks to Andrew about what Amber said to him)
Andrew: Did she seem sad or depressed?
Jackson: No, she just looked…detached, like she wasn't really there. Look I thought you should know since Alex and Jo aren't here to look out for her. There are no warning signs or anything at home?
Andrew: (Thinks and sighs) I mean she leaves the house before I wake up and is in bed when I get back. I just thought she was…sad that's all. I mean maybe you haven't noticed but Amber hasn't exactly had it easy the last couple of months. I just thought I'd let her brood and support her when she needs it.
Jackson: Well clearly, she needs it. I think you should talk to her and make sure this is just a phase. I mean we thought Jo was just a phase and look at her now.
Andrew: (Sighs) No offense dude but I'm gonna take relationship advice from someone other than you given the fact that Maggie is at Defcon 1 with you.
Jackson: (Offended but understands) Why would I possibly be offended by that?
(Andrew leaves the awkward room)
LATER ON THE CARDIO FLOOR
(Maggie and Amber sit next to each other getting ready for surgery)
Maggie: How's Alex doing? I tried calling but it goes to voicemail.
Amber: (Numb) No idea. He and I kind of had a falling out.
Maggie: What? When did this happen?
Amber: (Shrugs) Last week.
Maggie: Why didn't you tell me?
Amber: A lot happened to the both of us that day, I didn't want to bother you.
Maggie: (Feeling guilty) I'm sorry, I've just…been so wrapped up in my problems. Don't worry Mer and I have had our falling outs but we always make up, I'm sure this is only temporary.
Amber: (Wanting to avoid the subject) Can we just get to work?
(Maggie looks at her concerned but nods. Jackson approaches Maggie)
Jackson: Hey. Shepherd was able to do a complete repair of Mari's nerves.
Maggie: That's good. That's good. How's Jai?
Jackson: He's improving, actually. How's that ankle?
Maggie: It's a little better.
Jackson: Good. How about us? How are we?
Maggie: (Feigning curiosity) Hmm?
Jackson: It's been a week, Maggie. Karev, can you give us a minute?
Amber: (Shrugs) Fine I don't care.
(Amber walks to the station where she meets with Andrew)
Andrew: Hey.
Amber: Hey, I got a mitral valve replacement with Pierce later. I might come home late.
Andrew: (Looks at Amber worriedly) Are you okay? I know it's a stupid question-
Amber: (Flatly) If you know then why do you ask?
Andrew: Because it's what a good boyfriend does. Baby, I know things are hard right now but I just want to know-
Maggie: (Yelling at Jackson) None that we could see but I could hear them!
(Amber and Andrew stop talking to look at Maggie and Jackson with everyone else)
Maggie: She-Karev, let's go.
Amber: I'll see you later.
Andrew: Yeah.
(Amber leaves to go with Maggie to the O.R.)
LATER IN THE LOCKER ROOMS
(Amber puts her stuff in her locker getting ready to leave last when Andrew walks in and wraps his arms around Amber's waist drawing her back against him)
Andrew: I think I might have something to cheer you up.
Amber: A time machine?
Andrew: (Chuckles) A quiet night at my place, you, me, and Jim Beam and…whatever Jim makes us do. You know Jim has always been kind to us in the past. What do you say?
Amber: (Skeptical) You told me you never wanted to drink Jim again. I think you said the headache was radiating to your knees.
Andrew: (Shrugs) I…did, but I'm willing to do anything to cheer up the woman I love. I know that things have been hard but I need you to know that I'm here, okay? I'm not going anywhere and neither is Jim.
Amber: (Lightly chuckles) I appreciate that honey but I'm fine.
Andrew: (Unconvinced) Amber your quiet and when your talking it's usually in robot tone with depressing words. I just…I need to know if this is just a phase or…
Amber: (Turns to face Andrew) Or what?
Andrew: Or something Jo went through before she got committed. I know you think your alone and that there's no one around to give a crap about you but your wrong because I'm still here and I'm worried.
Amber: (Sighs) I know you are its just…Andrew my entire life changed after that one day. Even if Jo does get out of the wacky shack, she's never gonna be the same Jo, and Alex…I don't know if things between us are ever gonna be okay. I'm sad about it and I'm pissed but I'm not depressed, I'm not Jo.
Andrew: (Still concerned) Amber-
Amber: Jo brought a water bottle full of vodka to work, she didn't do surgery but it was still an incredibly stupid and reckless thing. After that she had a nervous breakdown in the peds floor where the parents are the ones who should have those. Have I done anything that's half as concerning as either of those events?
Andrew: (Exhales) …No.
Amber: No because I am not depressed, I am just…tired and numb from all the crap that is happening but it's temporary.
Andrew: How do you know that?
Amber: Because it's what I do, it's how I've survived the crap in my past. I shut down for a little while so that the pain doesn't break me down and then the pain slowly but surely becomes less and I allow myself to feel again. It's my process, it's just a way for me to get through this I promise there is nothing for you to worry about.
Andrew: Are you sure?
Amber: Yes, honestly, I am fine I just need some head space after last week. Can you give me that?
Andrew: (Sighs) Fine, you seem to know what you're doing so I will let you go through this…however many stages there are when you get crapped on.
Amber: There are three stages, one is dead feelings, the second is gorging on junk food and the third is acceptance…after vigorous sex.
Andrew: (Suddenly feels hopeful) Really? Is there any chance I'm in the third stage? If so when will this happen like tonight or tomorrow? I want to know if I should clear my schedule.
Amber: (Chuckles) Baby trust me when I'm at that stage you will know it.
(Andrew grins and kisses Amber)
ONE WEEK LATER
SCENE: AMELIA AND AMBERS ROOM
(Amber pushes a startled Andrew on the bed before landing on top of him and starts kissing him)
Andrew: (While kissing her) I see you reached the third stage.
Amber: (Pulls back to unbutton his shirt) If your too busy we can-
Andrew: No, no, no I have about…ten minutes before I have to leave.
Amber: (Lustfully) Ten minutes is more than enough.
(Amber kisses Andrew and pulls back to take off her t shirt revealing her black bralette)
Andrew: (Turned on) I can um call in if you want more than ten-
Amber: (Impatient) Andrew.
Andrew: (Takes the hint) Got it, shutting up now.
(Andrew sits up and kisses Amber passionately before Amelia and Link barge inside the room causing Amber to shriek. Andrew holds her t shirt to her chest to cover her)
Link: (Covers his eyes) Whoa! Sorry!
Amelia: Yeah, sorry but uh get out!
Amber: (Taken back) What? You get out we were here first.
Andrew: (Embarrassed as he lies beneath Amber) Yes please go so I can have vigorous sex with my girlfriend.
Amelia: (Chuckles sarcastically) Okay 1. I lived here before you did so I have full rights to this room aka my room and 2. We're both your bosses so we can tell you to get out so that I can have vigorous sex with my boyfriend. Now get out!
Amber: Wha- You can't do that!
Amelia: Actually, I can because I am the head of neuro and he's the head of ortho so we have more say than either of you. Now I tried asking nicely so I'll tell you, I will assign you both scut for the next week if you don't get the hell out of here. Your choice.
(Amber stammers and looks to Link for help who shrugs)
Link: Sorry guys but I'm a man and I have needs.
(Amber and Andrew groan. They pull apart and dress themselves before leaving the room as they glare at Amelia and Link who slam the door behind them. Amber and Andrew look at each other)
Andrew: (Pick up where they left off) Bathroom?
Amber: (Grins) You read my mind.
(Amber and Andrew rush to the bathroom but find it locked)
Amber: (Knocks) Can you hurry up in there? This is kind of an emergency!
Maggie: (In the shower) So is this! I just got my hair done and I haven't washed it in 4 days. Just wait it out.
(Amber groans and Andrew looks to the ceiling in despair over another roadblock and gets an idea)
Andrew: Your car come on.
(Andrew leads Amber to her car)
CUT TO THE DRIVEWAY
(Amber straddles Andrew in the passenger's seat. They kiss and as Andrew snakes his hands under her shirt, they hear a knock from the window making them jump and stop. Meredith appears outside the window; Amber awkwardly rolls down the window)
Amber: Hi.
Meredith: Hi, my kids are gonna be down here in about five minutes and I would prefer it if they didn't watch a live porn scene so…
(Amber groans and jumps to the driver's seat and Andrew rolls up the window with a pained look on his face)
Meredith: (Grins) Thank you.
(Meredith leaves them in the awkward silence)
Andrew: So, uh-
Amber: (Giving up) Let's just go to work.
Andrew: Yep, good idea.
(Amber starts her car)
LATER IN THE HOSPITAL
(Maggie and Amber walk down the hall talking about Jai)
Maggie: He just threw a stroke? Were there any indicators?
Amber: None, he's in radiology right now but there wasn't anything that could cause this. I mean the guy climbed mountains and had a diet plan consisting of meat and plants it makes no sense. Could it be cardio? Or maybe neuro?
Maggie: We'll know when Avery comes back with the results, keep me posted on my post ops I have to talk to Avery.
Amber: (Knowing bad things will happen) Good luck.
Maggie: Yeah thanks.
(Maggie leaves Amber to go through the charts when she hears yelling come from the conference room. Amber stands outside the closed-door recognizing Bailey and Catherine's voices)
Catherine: My husband is working for an app! He's making house calls like it's 1965. He leaves the house before I wake, he goes to sleep at night before I get home, and if our paths happen to cross in the daytime, he avoids eye contact. That's what standing by you cost me…my marriage.
Bailey: So, Tom Koracick is my punishment.
Catherine: I am living with cancer. I don't have the energy I once did. And all the things you used to bring to me, you will now bring to Tom. Tom is a world-class surgeon-
Bailey: (Annoyed) I know what he is.
(Catherine leaves the room and passes Amber who gets noticed by Bailey)
Bailey: (Harsh) Can I help you Dr. Karev or are you going to continue eavesdropping?
Amber: It's not eavesdropping if your voices are heard in Spokane.
Bailey: Just get to work.
(Amber turns and leaves. She starts to grin at Bailey's misery)
LATER IN THE CARDIO FLOOR
(Amber finishes her post ops with a smile on her face and Andrew notices and approaches her)
Andrew: You look happy.
Amber: (Sighs satisfied) I am and I didn't need to have sex.
Andrew: Bummer. What happened? Did Bailey rehire Alex?
Amber: Of course not, it's Bailey. I'm just happy because she is now miserable after Dr. Fox made Dr. Koracick the boss of her.
Andrew: Wait what?
Amber: (Grins) Oh yeah. Koracick is now Bailey's boss and Bailey is gonna be miserable having to answer to that egomaniac who now holds power over her. I am so happy.
Andrew: (Notices the cruel irony) You do know that if Koracick has power over Bailey then he has power over all of us, right?
Amber: (Frowns as she realizes the truth) You just ruined my happy.
(Amber's phone dings and she looks at it)
Andrew: Tom Koracick is our boss now; it really is the end times.
Amber: You little bitch.
Andrew: (Thinking she's talking about him) Excuse me?
Amber: Not you look.
(Amber shows an Instagram post from Gia saying she got tickets to Camp Anarchy)
Andrew: Camp Anarchy? What is that? Is that a rebellious group or something?
Amber: It is a rebellious group. It's a rebellious group that gather around for the weekend and listen to some of the most hardcore and ear shattering bands that don't make the billboard top ten because American's don't know good music. I was gonna buy tickets but then…you know. Now Gia who I hate more than ever is gonna go to Ohio while I wallow here in my own self-pity. I officially hate everything now.
Andrew: Can't you buy the tickets now? I can talk to Bailey get her to give you some time off.
Amber: It's in two weeks, I tried to get tickets a week ago and their sold out. It's okay I'll just listen to NOFX in my car, it won't be as cool as the real one but you know, what are you gonna do?
(Amber leaves to go back to her charts leaving Andrew at the nurse's station where he brainstorms and grabs his phone dialing a number)
Andrew: (To the phone) Hey Eric it's Andrew DeLuca from high school, I was wondering if you could do me a favor…
ONE WEEK LATER
SCENE: MEREDITHS HOUSE
(Amber and Andrew drink their coffee at the kitchen island while Amelia, Meredith and Maggie talk about Maggie's breakup)
Amelia: So, you're still broken up? That's sticking?
Maggie: It's very, very sticking. I think I deserve better than someone who regularly abandons me for, you know, trees. So, yeah, it's sticking.
Meredith: You're okay, right? I mean…
Amber: If you want, I can kick his ass for you.
Maggie: Thanks, but we're fine. I mean, we're friends. Our parents are married to one another. So, yeah. Friends.
Andrew: (Feeling quippy) Or like siblings.
(Amber chuckles and smacks Andrew's arm while Maggie clarifies)
Maggie: We're definitely not like siblings.
Amber: Yeah, if they were I think they'd be arrested.
(Amelia and Meredith chuckle and Bailey appears in the kitchen wearing Meredith's volunteer jacket)
Bailey: Mommy, can I wear this to school?
(Amber and Andrew look at each other in amusement)
Meredith: No. Because Mommy needs that for…work.
(Amber and Maggie chuckle but stop when Meredith glares at them)
Amber: (Clears throat) I uh should go to pre rounds, Andrew?
Andrew: Yeah, I'll drive come on.
(They go outside and stand outside the car)
Andrew: So, uh have you talked to Alex at all?
Amber: I tried calling but he won't answer, same with texts too. He's visiting Jo this Saturday and I highly doubt he would take me and…honestly, I don't feel like I deserve it.
Andrew: Amber, you couldn't have known what Jo was going through and you reacted in anger. I think Jo would understand if you just talked to her and apologize.
Amber: (Feeling guilt) Apologize? How do I apologize? "Hi Jo, it's good to see you again in the whacky shack I'm sorry for slapping you"? or "Hi Jo I'm sorry for calling you a cold-hearted bitch and leaving you crying in the locker room"? or how about this? "Hi Jo, I'm sorry for making you feel like crap just like your mom and Paul did"? Which one of those apology's sound good huh?
Andrew: (Thinks carefully) …Amber, I think if you just say I'm sorry to her the rest won't matter if Jo knows you feel awful about what happened. Trust me, it's practically a sister's job to forgive you for every dumb or cruel thing you do.
Amber: (Exhales) I want to, just…not now, not when she's in a mental institute. I think crazies and yelling kind of spoils sister bonding time.
Andrew: Yeah, that's what I've heard. Come on we're gonna be late for work.
(Amber and Andrew get in the car with Andrew behind the wheel)
Andrew: Hey uh could you check the glove box? I think I left my ID in there.
Amber: (Really?) I keep telling you to leave it in your cubby. Honestly, I don't know what I see in you.
(Amber looks in the glove box but only finds two tickets. Andrew grins as she pulls them out)
Amber: What are these?
Andrew: (Grins) Those are tickets to Camp Anarchy this weekend.
Amber: (Unconvinced) Your funny.
Andrew: I'm serious look at them, the evidence is in your hands.
Amber: (Skeptical) How did you get the tickets? Their sold out.
Andrew: They were but I called a high school buddy of mine who manages concerts at the Chicago Theater. He pulled some strings and got us two tickets for the whole weekend.
Amber: (Chuckles) No you didn't.
Andrew: (Serious tone) I did, go ahead, and ask Bailey. I convinced her to give us the week off starting tomorrow so we can drive over there and back. Come on I'm a good boyfriend admit it.
Amber: (Realizing he's serious) You're not kidding.
(Amber stares at the tickets in shock and then squeals and smiles making Andrew grin)
Andrew: There it is. I didn't even know you could squeal.
Amber: (Excited) Neither did I! Oh my god! I can't believe you did this, this is amazing you are amazing!
Andrew: (Smiles) Well I thought you should have at least one good thing happen to you and a weekend with loud bands and craft beer tastings is Disneyland for you so I figured why not?
Amber: (Grateful for Andrew) Thank you, I love this and I love you. When we get home, you are so getting the good loving.
Andrew: (Shocked at her words) There's a good loving? What have you been doing this whole time we've been dating?
Amber: (Teasing) Taking it easy on you.
Andrew: (Grins) Really? Well by all means don't, I will gladly take it.
(Amber kisses Andrew passionately until she realizes what he just said)
Amber: What do you mean when you say drive to and back? Are we flying over there or going on a road trip? Please say flying.
Andrew: (Oh no) Uh…I tried to get plane tickets but there weren't any, I think all the other rockstar enthusiasts got them. So now we're gonna drive over there.
Amber: (Eyes wide) That's a 40-hour drive.
Andrew: 36 I checked and hear me out please. We'll drive nonstop except for bathrooms when we really need it and we'll only eat burgers and Cheetos on the road. I know that doesn't sound ideal but you know what does. NOFX, Suicidal Tendencies, X and all the other anger inducing bands in one spot. I think it'll all be worth it; don't you think?
Amber: (Exhales and still worried) What if we break down?
Andrew: Baby your car is a machine. It's been alive longer than our parents and it's still a badass on wheels, I think she can handle a road trip across the northern states. Come on you need this, don't think about why you can't and just say yes. Okay?
Amber: (Sighs) …Yes.
Andrew: (Smiles triumphantly) Yes! We'll pack our bags when we get back and leave at dawn.
(Andrew starts the car and Amber sighs)
Amber: (Still worried and whispers to herself) NOFX, Wilhelm Scream, and Rancid. NOFX…
ONE WEEK LATER
(Sam and Levi are outside Jai's room)
Levi: Was the fat embolus reversed?
Sam: Shepherd and Link put him on an experimental drug that's shown to reduce the fat in the bloodstream, their hoping it's gonna reach the brain.
Levi: (Hopeful) I hope so too.
Sam: (Sympathetic to Levi's sadness) Have you heard back from Amber?
Levi: No not yet. She and DeLuca left Ohio four days ago, at this rate their probably-
Andrew: Standing behind you?
(Sam and Levi turn around and see Andrew standing there grinning holding two paper bags)
Sam: (Grins and hugs Andrew) Hey! How was the trip? Did you meet any rockstars?
Andrew: Not the ones I follow but Amber met a bunch that she followed and was extremely happy about it.
Levi: (Chuckles) I'll bet, what are those?
Andrew: Oh, right souvenirs for you guys, Amber bought them.
Sam and Levi: Aww.
(Sam pulls out a Camp Anarchy keychain and NOFX t shirt. Levi pulls out The Offspring hoodie and a small ball of twine)
Levi: Cool hoodie but what's with the twine?
Andrew: We visited the largest ball of twine and Amber thought you would like that.
Levi: Oh that's…nice.
Andrew: I tried to talk her out of it but you know how she is.
Sam: Where is Amber?
(Bailey approaches them with a stank look)
Bailey: Yes, DeLuca where is she? She was supposed to come in with you, we agreed one week off and it's been a week so where is she?
Andrew: Uh she's taking care of some family business.
Levi: In Iowa?
Andrew: Here.
(Sam and Levi look at him as they understand who he means. Bailey understands as well)
Bailey: Just tell her to come back as soon as she can. We don't want to be short all three of our Karev's here.
LATER IN ALEXS LOFT
(Alex hears knocking on the door and gets out of bed and stands outside it)
Alex: Who is it?
Amber: The very last person you want to see.
(Alex recognizes the voice and closes his eyes before opening the door revealing Amber in a Bad Religion t shirt)
Amber: …Hi, can I come in?
Alex: (Moves away from the door) Knock yourself out.
(Amber enters the loft and is disgusted by the trash and dirty laundry all over the place)
Amber: I see you've been taking care of yourself.
Alex: Don't do that, you don't live here anymore so you don't get an opinion on how I clean my place.
Amber: (Mutters) Not that there's any cleaning. (Normal voice) Look I'm not here to judge you I'm just…here to talk. Can we do that?
(Alex shrugs and heads to the kitchen to make coffee, Amber follows and sits on the table)
Amber: So, um…how are you?
Alex: That's the first question you're asking after I got fired and had my wife sent to a treatment center?
Amber: I don't know what to ask. I mean it's not like we've talked a lot these past few weeks after you left me out in the street crying.
Alex: Yeah, after you told me that you hit my wife, how did you expect me to react?
Amber: I don't know! I just…I never thought it would be me who would piss you off you know? I never thought I would be the one who made you so upset that you stopped talking to me. Usually, I'm the one who get's upset at my idiot siblings so this is kind of…new for me.
Alex: (Sighs) Yeah, it's new for me too. Do you want advice from the idiot sibling you were pissed at? It might help with this.
Amber: (Shrugs) Why not? I'm desperate.
Alex: Okay, try telling me in as many words as you can, how awful you feel and why you did what you did. It might make the apology afterwards a lot more meaningful.
Amber: Okay um…I've never had a serious relationship. I've been on dates and I've slept around but I never…I never stuck around long enough to get to know the person or…fall in love with that person. Last year I shut myself down to any serious relationships, I made up with you I had Jo so I felt content at that time. I had convinced myself I didn't need anyone else or the hassle of a relationship to distract me from my internship but then Andrew happened. He came in and opened me up in ways I didn't know I could. He made me feel things no other person has ever made me feel. I felt…loved and slowly I started to fall in love with him. I couldn't believe something this good and peaceful was happening to me, me! You know?
Alex: I do, more than you think.
Amber: Yeah…when Jo told me that she ruined what could've been a relationship with the man I was falling for I felt angry but I also felt afraid. (Voice breaking) I was afraid that I would lose the only good relationship I've ever had to someone I came to consider my family. I lash out when I'm angry but I also do it when I am terrified. I lashed out because it was the only thing I know how to do when I'm faced with potential heart ache. I hurt them before they hurt me. Only this time Jo was already hurt and I…I shattered her. I never wanted to do that, not to you and not to Jo, I didn't want to be a reason you guys were hurting but I did. And I feel more awful about it then you can imagine. I am so sorry for hurting you and for hurting the love of your life. You can hate me for as long as you want but-
Alex: I don't hate you; I was angry at you but I could never hate you. To be honest I've been a mess not just because Jo isn't here but also because my annoying sister hasn't been bugging me. (Sighs) Maybe getting my sister back will fix me a little bit or at the very least clean up this place.
Amber: (Chuckles) Yeah, I would say you live in a pigsty but I don't want to insult the pigs…are we good?
Alex: (Considers for a moment) Yeah, we're good.
Amber: (Exhales in relief) Thank you.
Alex: But if you hit my wife again, I'll kill you.
Amber: (Understanding) Got it.
Alex: Do you want to hug?
Amber: (Disgusted) Not until you've had like ten showers buddy. I've met rockstars that smell better than you.
Alex: (Sarcastically) Ha-Ha.
Amber: No seriously I have. Andrew and I went to Camp Anarchy last weekend. I would think you'd be worried about why I haven't called you this past week.
Alex: To be fair I haven't been out of this loft except to visit Jo. How was the trip? Are your ears, okay?
Amber: Their fine, Andrew's not so much. I think it was too much on my rockstar virgin boyfriend. I should've taken him to a Rolling Stones concert first, that's good training wheels.
Alex: I didn't even know they were still alive.
Amber: Oh yeah, those folks will never die. Enough about me, how's Jo? Did the visit go good?
Alex: (Sighs) Honestly, I don't know. We talked about how we were feeling with Jo's therapist as a mediator.
Amber: (Feels bad for Alex) That must have been fun.
Alex: It wasn't.
Amber: But she's okay right? I mean did she seem better than she was before?
Alex: Uh I mean she was talking to me and trying to communicate so yeah, a little bit…She gave me an out.
Amber: (Confused) An out? An out to what?
Alex: To us, to…our marriage. She thinks that she's gonna be another woman in my life who went crazy or left or both and she wanted to spare me that pain and told me that she would understand especially since we're not even actually married.
Amber: Wait what? What do you mean your not married? I was there I saw you two promise to love each other and blah blah blah.
Alex: Yeah, that was all real but we forgot to file in the marriage license before that very crappy turned very romantic day.
Amber: (Incredulous over Alex and Jo stupidity) You idiots didn't send in the license? Do either of you have half a brain cell?
Alex: Okay easy it's not a big deal.
Amber: (Angry) Not a big deal! I ate Kind bars and did keto for two months so I could fit in that damn dress! Now you're telling me that it was all for nothing, it is a big deal!
Alex: (Annoyed) Excuse me? Can we get back to what might be the end of my marriage? Again.
(Amber quiets and sits back)
Amber: (Calm) She gave you an out?
Alex: Yeah. She say's I deserve someone who doesn't have an emotional breakdown whenever their faced with the smallest problem.
Amber: Alex her problem was not small, you know that. I mean she found out her mother got pregnant after her father raped her and that her mom wanted nothing to do with her because she reminds her of that horrific act. That kind of revelation can shake anyone at their core. And with everything she went through after she was born-
Alex: (Understands) I know. I know that she's in pain and I understand why. I know that she needs help but she also knows my history and gave me an out because she loves me that much.
Amber: …Are you gonna take it?
(Before Alex can answer a knock on the door distracts them)
Alex: (Annoyed at the company) Did you invite a party or something?
Amber: No, I swear I came alone.
Alex: (Goes to the door) What do you want?
Webber: Well, that's a nice way to greet your mentor.
(Alex opens the door for Webber)
Alex: Coffee?
Webber: I'd love a cup.
Amber: Hi Dr. Webber. How's life after being fired?
Webber: Lousy. I applied for a job last week with Pacific Northwest General. Did they call you? Put you down as one of my references.
Alex: I don't know.
Webber: You don't know?
Alex: I don't answer the phone if I don't recognize the number.
Webber: You don't check your messages?
Amber: Nobody does.
Webber: You know, I hate your generation. I hate any generation other than my own.
Alex: Same.
Amber: Ditto.
Webber: Eh, I'm not gonna get that job. The woman doing the hiring is a child. She practically called me grandpa.
Amber: (Chuckles) She sounds charming.
Alex: Well, can't you get your wife to do something for you?
Webber: (Stubbornly) No. Where is your wife? Does she let you live like this?
(Alex and Amber look at each other)
Alex: Eh, she's out of town.
Webber: Is she coming back?
Alex: I don't know.
Webber: (Taking the hint) You know, so you got to get it.
Alex: What?
Webber: The job at Pac-North. I mean, it's still open. I just checked this morning.
Alex: Wait, the job's at Pac-North? Of course, it's still open. Nobody wants to work there.
Webber: No, you want to work there.
Amber: Trust me he doesn't, that place is only highly ranked in mortality rates.
Alex: Exactly, why would I want to work there?
Webber: Because you could turn it around. And if you get the job, you can hire me.
Amber: (Now getting it) And there it is.
Alex: (Looks at Amber) Look, Dr. Webber, I really want to help you, but-
Webber: Oh, look at yourself, Karev! You're drowning in your own filth! I'm not asking you to help me. I'm asking you to help yourself.
Alex: All right, stop yelling at me. This is my house, and I don't work for you anymore.
(Amber sits in the middle feeling awkward)
Alex: (Hands Webber his coffee) Here.
Webber: (Understanding Alex's problem) You're worried about your marriage? Give your wife a reason to come back home.
(Alex looks at Webber as he thinks about his offer)
Amber: (Chiming in) I think you should take it.
Alex and Webber: (Surprised) You do?
Amber: Yeah, I mean you were the chief once. I didn't think you'd be a good one.
Alex: (Sarcastically) Gee thanks.
Amber: But you surprised me, you surprised all of us. I mean you ran one of the best hospitals this side of the coast so this should be cake.
Alex: It's not cake, it's a…sewer system that's backed up so much crap is flowing everywhere. Pac-North is a deathtrap wrapped in a bow, why would I want to run it?
Amber: Because at this point you two have nothing to lose.
Webber: She's right about that.
Amber: Look I'm not saying it's gonna be easy, it's gonna be a challenge but maybe that will cheer you up. I mean for as long as I've known you, you have never turned away from a challenge. It was a challenge for you to become a doctor and you did it. Same when you started your residency, and when decided to go to peds and then when you became interim chief. It wasn't easy but you did all of those things spectacularly because you like a challenge. If you can do all of those things, then why can't you do this?
(Alex looks at Webber who shrugs at her suggestion)
Amber: Think of it this way. If you turn that place into an actual hospital, imagine how pissed Chief Bailey will be. I mean that's got to be motivation enough, right? I got to get to work, let me know what you decide I am very interested in how this plays out.
(Amber leaves Alex and Webber)
LATER AT RADIOLOGY
(Andrew helps Tom and Amelia with getting Jai in the CT when Mari knock on the window yelling. Andrew goes inside to calm her)
Andrew: What is going on?
Levi: I don't know what to say.
Mari: (Hysterical) What if this makes him just better enough that he can't die? What if-What if this makes him just better enough that he is just stuck in this body for another 20 years? My husband is living his worst nightmare!
Andrew: Mari, Mari, Mari, look at me, okay? I know it's easier to imagine worst-case scenarios than it is to hold onto hope, all right? But we are not there yet. Do you understand me? It is not the time to give up on him.
Mari: (Sniffles) …Will you tell me when it's time?
Andrew: Yes. I promise I will.
(Mari looks at Jai before leaving the room)
LATER THAT NIGHT IN THE JUNGLE ROOM
(Andrew walks in to find Amber lying back on the recliner looking at the trees)
Andrew: Mind if I join you?
Amber: Go ahead.
(Andrew sits next to Amber exhaling in exhaustion)
Amber: Bad day?
Andrew: Yeah, Jai still isn't awake and Mari is…I promised to tell her if Jai is too far gone.
(Amber holds Andrew's hand in comfort. Andrew kisses her knuckles in appreciation)
Andrew: How did it go with Alex?
Amber: It went well, we talked, I apologized and he forgave me.
Andrew: That's good. I'm glad things are looking up for you.
Amber: Yeah, now I just have to worry about apologizing to my sister who probably complained and bitched about me to her therapists. Honestly, I just feel like going to your place and drinking until the day me and Alex pick her up. If I'm lucky you might have to pump my stomach and deter the awful moment even further.
Andrew: (Looks at Amber lovingly) Move in with me.
Amber: (Suddenly awake and looking at Andrew in shock) What?
Andrew: I want you to move in with me.
Amber: (Assuming) Is this about Amelia and the kids? Because I am looking for a new place, I just need a little bit of time to get money and-
Andrew: Don't take time. I want you to move in with me Amber.
Amber: (Realizes he's serious) Oh my god, your serious.
Andrew: I am. I'm in love with you Amber. I don't want to wake up one day and feel like I didn't get to spend enough time with you. I want you to be the first thing I see when I wake up and the last thing I see before I go to sleep. I mean we survived a week crammed in a car together and you basically live at my place. I want us to take the next step, I want you to live with me. What do you say?
(Amber looks at Andrew as she considers her answer)
ONE WEEK LATER
SCENE: TREATMENT CENTER
(Alex drives him and Amber into the parking lot where they see Jo exiting the building with her suitcases)
Amber: (Exhales) Here we go. I'll let you know when the coast is clear.
(Amber gets out of the car and slowly approaches Jo who is shocked at the sight of her)
Jo: You're here.
Amber: (Nods) Yeah, I am…I know I'm probably the last person you want to see right now and I know I don't deserve to be here but I just need you to know I'm sorry. (Voice breaking) I am so sorry for what I did and what I said to you I was-
(Jo interrupts her with a hug that shocks Amber)
Jo: It's okay. I was afraid that I'd lost you after that day but seeing you here…there's nothing to forgive.
(Amber pulls back and tears form in her eyes)
Amber: (Guilty) No there is, there's a lot to forgive. I hurt you, I hurt you like Paul and like your mom and I am so ashamed of-
Jo: Amber, Paul hurt me because he wanted to without provocation. My mother…she hurt me because she was so absorbed in her own pain that she didn't give any consideration to mine. I made you think that I was gonna take away the man that you love and you were rightfully angry about that. And I get why you did what you did, I probably would've done the same if I was in your shoes. I know why you did what you did that day I was there and I understood even when I came home in tears.
Amber: If I had any idea of what happened to you, I wouldn't have done that.
Jo: I know. I'm new to this whole sister thing but I know that no matter what crappy things happen or what we do to each other, we will always be sisters. And we will always forgive each other because that's what family does. So, I forgive you because I love you.
Amber: (Touched) I love you too.
(Amber hugs Jo and signals for Alex to come out from behind the tree surprising Jo again)
Jo: You came. You're here.
Alex: There's something I have to do. It's a little cheesy, but I'm gonna…
(Alex gets down on one knee causing Amber and Jo to chuckle)
Amber: (Amused at Alex) Dude you are such a stupid romantic.
Alex: Shut up you're ruining the moment. (To Jo) I don't want an out. You hear me? You offered me an out, and you were right. I was scared. So, I thought about it, and what I know for sure now is I'm a better man with you. I want to be your husband. I want you to be my wife.
(Amber holds her hand against her chest touched at the scene)
Jo: I did the work here, but I'm not magically fixed. I can't promise that it won't happen again.
Alex: I don't care. I love you. I want to grow old with you, no matter what. For better or for worse. In sickness and health. Marry me again, please.
Jo: (Touched) Yes.
Alex: Yes?
Jo: Yes. (Chuckles) Yes.
(Alex smiles and stands up to kiss Jo with reignited passion with Amber as a witness)
Amber: Just in case, you better give me the license so we don't do this a third time.
(Alex and Jo break apart chuckling)
LATER IN ANDREWS APARTMENT
(Amber goes inside the apartment and carefully steps around the boxes on the floor. Andrew comes out of the bedroom holding a box full of Amber's vinyl records)
Amber: Hey.
Andrew: Hey I already put your clothes in my-I mean our closet and drawers. How did it go?
Amber: It went good actually. Jo forgave me and she and Alex are now engaged again.
Andrew: Oh, they're renewing their vows?
Amber: No, their making it happen officially and legally since they never mailed in the license to begin with.
Andrew: (Chuckles) Seriously? How does that happen?
Amber: (Shrugs) Because their each half a brain cell that makes one when they got together? Then again Alex may have less than half since he's gonna work at Pac-North with Webber.
Andrew: Their gonna work at Pac-North? Why?
Amber: Because Alex wants to give his wife a reason to come home and Webber wants to give his wife a reason not to. How's Jai?
Andrew: He's awake, he's still groggy but things are looking up for him and Mari.
Amber: That's good.
(Amber exhales and sits on the couch. Andrew joins her)
Amber: I still cannot believe we live together. I mean I never lived with anyone before, or at least not one I'm sleeping with but here I am.
Andrew: Are you having second thoughts? Because I already put your name on the lease so there's no backing out now.
Amber: No, I'm not having second thoughts I'm just trying to grasp the bizarreness. Are you having second thoughts?
Andrew: (Grins) Not even a little bit. I mean I like having you here and I want us to have a place to ourselves. Come on you have to admit you'd prefer me in bed instead of Amelia.
Amber: … (Screwing with him) Well-
Andrew: (Scoffs in amusement) Wow, why don't you just take those boxes and smash them over my head?
Amber: (Playfully shoves Andrew) Come on I'm kidding. Of course, I want to sleep beside you, for starters you don't heat up. Anytime Amelia spoons me she's like a radiator that makes me feel hot and not in a good way.
Andrew: I think that sounds like a compliment but I'm not sure.
Amber: Hey speaking of boxes how many did you put away?
Andrew: Well, I emptied one while you were out so that makes…one.
Amber: (Groans) Can't you get Dahlia or Levi to do it while their still interns and under your rule?
Andrew: Nope because if I did that then I would be accused of intern abuse and they would look to you as an example.
(Andrew stands up and pulls Amber off the couch)
Andrew: Come on we've still got a gazillion boxes to go, divide and conquer.
Amber: (Groans) Fine, but I'm putting my vinyl's up first. Trusting you with my car is one thing but trusting you with my music is a process my friend.
Andrew: (Chuckles) Well I will be honored to have your head bashing alternative bands with my classic well known artists.
Amber: (Chuckles) Yeah, I'm sure Into This Moment will get along with Aerosmith. They say opposites attract.
Andrew: Yeah, I mean look at us we're different and we still got together.
(Amber grins and kisses Andrew before going back to unpacking)