Chapter 2: Chasing Amber
SCENE: DOCTORS LOUNGE
(Casey goes inside to get a coffee but instead he finds Amber on the table with flashcards in her hand surrounded by bags of M&Ms in sharing size. Casey looks at her worriedly noticing the bags under her eyes)
Amber: (Unaware of her appearance) What?
Casey: Uh nothing. I'm gonna go over there with the…thing now.
(Casey quickly leaves the room. Amber rolls her eyes and goes back to her cards)
CUT TO THE NURSES STATION
(Casey approaches Andrew who is talking to Taryn and Sam)
Casey: Dr. DeLuca?
Andrew: Yeah?
Casey: I think something's wrong with Amber she's two bags of candy away from going into a diabetic coma.
Andrew: Oh yeah, you guys know how she stress eats? Well, she is super stressed because the intern exams are in six hours.
Casey: But Amber's one of the best interns here.
(Sam glares at Casey for his comment)
Casey: I said one meaning that you are the best we've got honey.
Sam: (Grins) Thank you for clarifying as for Amber just let her do what she's doing. I mean stress binging is like a one on the She-Karev panic scale.
Andrew: Yeah, that's what I thought too but we jumped to level two when I caught her talking to herself in the bathroom on how her life would be over if she has to retake her intern year.
Sam: Was it alarming?
Andrew: She played with the idea of either running away and living in the wild or decide to go into pathology instead.
Casey: (Exhales) She's really bad right now, isn't she?
Taryn: And she just moved in with you so that's like relationship stress added on work stress.
Andrew: (Sarcastically) Yeah thanks Helm. It's a little bit tough right now but I think the worst is behind us.
Amber: (Still in the lounge and angry at the Keurig machine) Why are you taking so long to brew my freaking coffee?!
(Amber hits the coffee machine as it brews causing them to look at her alarmingly until she gets her coffee and sits back down shoving a handful of M&Ms in her mouth)
Andrew: (Tries to convince himself) She'll be okay.
TWO HOURS LATER IN THE LOUNGE
(Andrew slowly walks inside the room to find Amber still sitting looking at her cards with now five of the six bags of candy empty)
Andrew: (Gentle tone) Hey honey, are you okay?
Amber: (Doesn't look at him) No I'm not I only have one bag of candy left can you run to the store and get me like five more bags? No, you know what you better make it seven I still have four hours.
Andrew: Okay I think it's time for an intervention.
(Andrew sits across from Amber. He gently puts her cards down)
Andrew: Amber don't take this the wrong way but you look crazier than half the psych floor. Your gonna ace this test I know you will.
Amber: (Still stressed) No you don't know that you think that because you love me and love makes people stupid as I have just discovered from loving you.
Andrew: (Knows she's mean when she's stressed) I disagree if anything love makes people smarter. Remember last week when I taught you how to make chicken stir fry and you finally got it right on your sixth try?
Amber: (Slightly less stressed) That was really big I was really proud of myself.
Andrew: (Holds her hand) Yes and you are gonna be so proud of yourself again when you pass the exam and I will prove it to you.
(Andrew pulls out a booklet from his lab coat and slaps in on the table in front of Amber)
Amber: What is this?
Andrew: It's a practice test, it's what I took before I went in for the real one. I passed it three times and it helped me get a perfect score and become a resident. You are gonna take this, ace it, relax, you ace the real one and you make grateful love to me in whatever way you want.
Amber: Andrew I appreciate this but practice exams are worthless. It's just gonna let me know I will do half well on the text and the other half I either fail or barely pass.
Andrew: Humor me alright, if you pass this text then you will pass the exam with no problem at all and I should know since I already took it.
(Amber leans back unconvinced)
Andrew: Think of it this way the practice test will have more questions that are gonna be in the exam than these stupid index cards.
Amber: Levi gave me these cards.
Andrew: You do know you just supported my idea more, right?
(Amber inhales and exhales in thought before pushing her cards away and pulling her pen out with Andrew grinning in victory)
Andrew: (Stands up) That's the spirit I will check up on you in an hour which I assume is all the time you need to finish and pass with flying colors.
(Andrew kisses Amber's forehead before leaving the room)
ONE HOUR LATER
(Andrew walks down the hall with a grin on his face as he heads down to check on Amber. Levi grows concerned for Amber and goes to Andrew to check on how she is)
Levi: Hey I heard that Amber had a spat with the Keurig, is she okay?
Andrew: (Gloats) Yep, she is doing just fine and it is all thanks to me. I mean you should have seen her Schmitt she was an absolute wreck but I talked her down and fixed her. (Sighs) Love is a wonderful thing Levi, you should experience it at least once.
Levi: Well, I mean I am with Nico and it's going-
(They both stop at the lounge only to find it empty)
Levi: Where is Amber?
Andrew: I-I don't know she was here an hour ago, where did she go?!
(They find a letter on the table. Andrew reads it)
Levi: What did she say?
Andrew: The practice test freaked her out and she left. She's not taking the exam.
(Andrew and Levi stand there in shock)
CUT TO BLACK
TEN MINUTES LATER
SCENE: LOCKER ROOM
(Sam, Casey, Dahlia, Taryn and Levi circle back to Andrew in the lockers after he sent them out to look for Amber. Andrew hangs up his phone)
Levi: She's not in the lab.
Casey: Or the lounges
Taryn: Library is empty.
Sam: I checked cardio she's not there.
Dahlia: Or the cafeteria.
Andrew: Damn it! She's not with Alex or Jo I called and checked. I'm gonna try her cell again.
(Andrew calls Amber's phone and in an instant, they hear a phone ringing inside Amber's locker. Andrew opens it and finds her purse inside as well as her cellphone)
Andrew: She left her phone and her purse here.
(Andrew looks through her purse)
Andrew: Phone, keys, wallet she didn't take anything with her.
Casey: That means she still close we can still catch her. Uh let's think where would Amber go after failing a practice test that defines the rest of her career?
Levi: A horror movie marathon at home?
Sam: The boxing gym?
Dahlia: Oh! Maybe she went to an all you can eat buffet.
Andrew: (Looks at her wallet) She took her debit card with her, that means she used it! Parker, can you hack into her account and find out where she used it last?
Casey: I can but I don't want to go to jail.
(Sam smacks his arm)
Casey: What?! I feel for her but I can't manipulate computers as per my sentence.
Sam: She's gonna have to retake her intern year! She's gonna be the laughingstock of this hospital, can't you make an exception?
Casey: I can't, maybe that one time when the hospital was hacked but that was it.
Andrew: Wait a minute. (Gets an idea) What convinced you to help Bailey with the hacking?
Casey: Um I used her personal computer so it couldn't be traced back to me why?
Andrew: Schmitt get your laptop out now and hand it to Parker.
(Levi gets his laptop out enters his password)
Levi: Uh by the power vested in me I let you hack into my best friend's bank account using my personal laptop. But uh can you make it so that it can't be traced back to me?
Andrew: (Impatient) Schmitt, we're on a clock here!
(Levi hands Casey his laptop that he takes and gets to work)
TWENTY MINUTES LATER
(Andrew and the others hover over Casey sitting at the bench as he continues to hack)
Andrew: Exams start in two and a half hours, what the hell is taking so long Parker?
Casey: It's not as easy as they show in the movies so if you want to take this laptop and try it then be my-Got it!
(Casey opens her checking account which shows a recent purchase 45 minutes ago)
Andrew: All right lets see, she used her card an hour ago, where did she use it last?
Casey: (Types) Hold on let me check…She used it at the Seattle to Bainbridge ferry.
Sam: What? Did she get like a lifejacket or something?
Casey: No, she bought a ticket to the ferry, it's on route to Bainbridge Island right now.
(Andrew stands back as he realizes where Amber is)
Dahlia: Why would she want to go to Bainbridge? Is she going into the wild like she back up planned?
Andrew: No, I know where she is. Tell Bailey that I have a family emergency, I'm gonna take my bike and get to the ferry hopefully I catch the next trip. Thanks guys!
(Andrew runs out of the room)
Levi: Drive fast!
AN HOUR LATER AT BAINBRIDGE ISLAND
(Amber stands by herself in her scrubs and jacket in the middle of the bridge at Alex and Jo's first venue looking out in thought. Andrew runs out in his casual wear and leather jacket exhaling at the sight of her)
Andrew: There you are, thank God.
Amber: (Turns around) Andrew? How did you find me?
Andrew: I had Casey hack into your bank account and it showed you made a purchase for one ferry rise to Bainbridge Island and only one day came into mind when I heard that island. June 9, 2018.
Amber: (Grins) The day of Alex and Jo's wedding or well what was supposed to be their wedding.
Andrew: (Walks up to Amber on the bridge) That's right and this old, dirty bridge is where we had our first kiss that very eventful day.
Amber: (Gives Andrew a look) Andrew.
Andrew: Fine it was the day I got super drunk and kissed you and you slapped me but then you became obsessed with me. And then later I became way more obsessed with you.
Amber: (Smiles) I'm sorry that I freaked out and ran away, I just…wanted to visit a place that was more chaotic than me.
Andrew: It's okay. Look Amber just because you failed the practice test doesn't mean your gonna fail the real one.
Amber: I didn't fail it I finished it in like 30 minutes, I got a 100%. It was easy because I'm used to answering questions from Pierce whether it's in the O.R. or her house.
Andrew: (Eyes wide) That's great, so why did you leave after?
Amber: Because after I passed the reality hit me. When I pass the exam, I'll actually be a resident…just like you.
Andrew: What's so wrong with the both of us being residents?
Amber: I mean I know it sounds stupid but what if everything changes between us? What if our relationship can't take this?
Andrew: (Catches on) Is that why you came here? To remind yourself of how we started.
Amber: (Sighs) Things are so good between us Andrew, I mean we just moved in for God's sake. I know you only have one year left but a lot can happen I can steal a surgery from you or feel humiliated because you one upped me in the O.R.
Andrew: (Thinks very carefully) I don't know what's gonna happen to us when you pass but I do know one thing. You're gonna be a kickass resident like I've always predicted. This is your dream Amber; it was your dream way before we started dating and I don't want to be the reason you gave that up. If you choose to save your relationship from something you think will happen over furthering your medical career that's what gonna kill us.
(Amber looks at Andrew lovingly)
Andrew: Look things are gonna change a little but for the better, we can both spend more time together in the O.R. and hey we can finally get that air fryer I've been looking at. We can taste what air is like.
Amber: (Chuckles) Are you sure? I need you to be sure.
Andrew: I'm sure of one thing I don't want to be the reason you're not the best surgeon you can be. You and I both know your way too smart for that.
Amber: (Strokes his face) I love you so much.
Andrew: (Holds her hand at his face) I love you more and I'm gonna prove it by having our first actual kiss on this bridge. Just don't slap me after please.
(Amber laughs before pulling Andrew in for a tender kiss)
Amber: (Pulls back as she realizes what's happening) Oh my god the exam!
Andrew: (Freaks out as well) Your exam, it's in an hour and a half. We gotta get you back to the mainland, the next ferry leaves in 10 minutes. Let's go!
(Amber and Andrew run out of the bridge side by side)
Amber: Okay. (Excited) I'm gonna be a resident!
Andrew: Your gonna be a resident!
FIFTY MINUTES LATER
SCENE: FERRY YARD PARKING LOT
(Amber checks the traffic on her phone while Andrew tries to get a Lyft)
Andrew: All right don't worry we've got forty minutes till the exam starts what's the traffic time?
Amber: It's…an hour. Damn it! I thought I left the crazy traffic in Manhattan!
Andrew: It's okay we can take my bike and pass the traffic. Get on.
(Andrew puts his helmet on with Amber taken back as they approach his motorcycle)
Amber: (Apprehensive of motorcycles) I am not getting on that death machine; you only have one helmet!
Andrew: (Pulls out a spare from the side hook) Here, put it on.
Amber: No! You know how I feel about bikes.
Andrew: I know how your gonna feel when you don't show up for your exam and have to retake your internship because you couldn't get on this bike for like twenty minutes. Now come on!
Amber: (Groans) You are lucky I want to be a resident more than I want to preserve my own life.
(Amber straps the helmet on and nervously gets behind Andrew on the bike)
Andrew: All right hold onto to me tightly.
Amber: (Scared as she grips Andrew's torso) No need to tell me.
(Andrew revs up the bike and they ride out of there with Amber screaming as they speed off the parking lot)
THIRTY MINUTES LATER
(Andrew stops at the driveway in front of the lobby with Amber still shaking behind him with her eyes closed)
Amber: Is it over? Are we dead?
Andrew: It's over we're in front of the lobby with ten minutes to spare. Best boyfriend ever am I right?
(Amber quickly gets off the bike and takes her helmet off smoothing her hair)
Amber: You are but if you ever ask me to ride with you again, I might punch your trachea.
Andrew: I will remember that for next time now go! Become an actual surgeon!
(Amber runs to leave but comes back pulling Andrew in for a passionate kiss surprising him. Amber pulls back after ten seconds)
Amber: I love you.
(Amber again runs inside the hospital with Andrew left stunned and, on his bike)
Andrew: (Sighs) Best girlfriend ever.
(Andrew revs his bike again and rides to park it)
LATER THAT NIGHT AT ANDREW AND AMBERS APARTMENT
(Amber refreshes the exam website page every few seconds with Jo by her side also waiting anxiously. Alex and Andrew get the champagne and glasses out to celebrate)
Alex: Is it up yet?
Amber: No. They said 7 but it's 7:01, why do they like to torture us?
Jo: Did you feel like you passed it?
Amber: (Still refreshing) I think so most of the questions were the ones that Pierce asked plus half of them were from the practice test Andrew gave me.
Andrew: I told you it would work.
Amber: (Still refreshing) Yes and now I am just stressed because their taking too damn long!
Alex: How long did you take it?
Amber: I left like two hours before everyone else.
Jo: Did the others give you dirty looks?
Amber: So dirty. And don't take the champagne out I might not pass.
Andrew: (Starts to unscrew it) Not possible and if by some bizarre reason you don't, we can drink it in sorrow.
Amber: (Refreshes) You better have that bottle just for me then. Oh God it's up, everybody shut up! Scrolling down to K and…
(Amber reads the results with a blank expression as everyone waits in anxiety)
Jo: You're killing me! Come on!
Amber: (Smiles) I passed! I passed!
Jo: What?! Oh my god!
(Amber and Jo scream in joy and hug as Andrew pops the champagne while Alex laughs in joy)
Alex: I knew you could do it kid! Come here.
(Alex and Amber hug laughing in joy. Andrew smiles pouring them all a glass)
Andrew: (Hands them all glasses) A toast, to the most brilliant woman in this room who against all odds made it to the exam room and kicked that piece of papers ass.
Amber: (Wraps her arm around Andrew) And a toast to the man who helped me get there even if it was on his death machine, he calls a bike. And who for the past year helped me figure out why authors have made so much money on love stories.
Andrew: (Grins) Congratulations baby.
Amber: Thank you.
(Amber kisses Andrew with Jo and Alex also holding each other in view)
Amber: Cheers.
Alex: Cheers.
Jo: Cheers.
Andrew: Cheers.
(They clink their flutes together and sip the champagne)
Amber: All right who wants a home cooked meal to celebrate?
Jo: (Thinks she cooked it) Um you know what I'm not that hungry-
Alex: (Also afraid she cooked) Yeah, I think the champagne will be-
Amber: (Catches on) Andrew made it.
Jo: Oh, okay then yeah.
Alex: Thank God, cheers.
(Amber rolls her eyes as she and Andrew set up the table to eat)