Chapter 15: The Wizard of Oz Part 1
THREE DAYS LATER
SCENE: AMBER AND ANDREWS APARTMENT
(Amber opens the closet and pulls out Andrew's golf clubs comparing them. Andrew observes from the table he is using to study)
Andrew: What are you doing?
Amber: (Holds up a club) Trying to decide which of your clubs are gonna leave a bigger dent in my brother's thick skull when I get to Kansas. What do you think? Five iron or eight?
Andrew: (Stands up and takes the club) It might not be anything that requires blunt force trauma.
Amber: (Glares at Andrew) My brother is visiting his ex-wife after lying to his current one about where he was headed, does that sound like nothing to you?
Andrew: Look maybe he is visiting her but maybe it's to catch up with an old friend after talking to her on the phone, did you consider that?
Amber: He was married to the woman there's only one way you catch up with someone you had sex with care to guess?
Andrew: I know your pissed but Alex loves Jo you know that.
Amber: If he loves her so much why did he lie to her?
Andrew: I mean how do you tell your wife that you're visiting your ex alone? And Jo is especially fragile now maybe he thought about her mental health first and lied to make sure she wouldn't fall apart.
Amber: (Sarcastically) Yeah cause she's gonna take it so well when she finds out the love of her life cheated on her with his first big love. Now which club?
Andrew: (Sighs and gives up trying to convince her) 7 iron it's big enough to put more weight on the target but just thin enough for a harder swing.
Amber: (Takes the club) Thank you.
(Amber puts the club inside her suitcase on the couch)
Andrew: What time is your flight?
Amber: It leaves in five hours but I want a head start and get past security and get some snacks on the way.
Andrew: And how exactly are you gonna cover your absence from Jo who still doesn't know her husband is in the same state as Izzie?
Amber: I told her Webber is sending me to a medical conference on nondestructive tissue analysis in Austin to put the final touches on his path pen. It's perfect because Webber doesn't work there anymore so he won't tell Jo he didn't send me but I'm still loyal to him and the pen so it raises no questions from Jo.
Andrew: (Eyes smolder) It is odd that I find you so sexy when you're being a deviant mastermind.
Amber: (Teases) Really? Maybe I should be evil more often if it gets me that sexy look from you.
(Andrew chuckles and pulls Amber in for a kiss that turns to a make out. Amber groans and pulls back. She checks her suitcase)
Amber: I can't I need to go if we continue, I'll miss my flight by half a day.
Andrew: (Sighs) When do you get back?
Amber: I fly back in four days, that way I have enough time to find my brother and that bitch ex wife of his and torture them both. Which is more excruciating? Bamboo under the nails or clipping them until I get to the root?
Andrew: Please promise me you won't get arrested because if you do, you're across state lines and the statutes won't apply.
Amber: I promise I won't get caught.
Andrew: I suppose that's the best I'm gonna get from you, do you want me to drive you? I have to be at the hospital in a little bit to check on Suzanne but I can drop you off on the way.
Amber: No, you should spend that time trying to find a diagnosis so that her kids don't loose another parent. Nothing from the labs or chromatographs?
Andrew: No nothing and it is killing me, if I don't find out what's wrong with her soon, I might kill myself before Bailey does.
Amber: That's dark and I know dark I have an encyclopedic knowledge of all things bleak. You'll find something I know you will.
Andrew: Thanks, I needed that.
(Amber zips up her suitcase ready to leave when her phone rings. She pulls it out surprised by the caller id)
Andrew: What is it? Is it Alex?
Amber: No, it's Kim. (Answers the phone) Hello?
Nico: Hey are you busy?
Amber: Um I'm actually going somewhere why? Is it Levi? Is something wrong?
Nico: He's down in the basement getting ready to leave. His mom told him that his uncle Saul is in hospice and he's gonna pass away soon and…I want to be supportive of course but you're his best friend I thought it would be good for him if the two important people in his life were there to help him through this. Do you think you can meet us at Olympia Meadows in an hour?
Amber: Oh my god um…I want to go I do its just…
(Amber pauses when she sees the framed photo of her and Levi at his cousin's bar mitzvah smiling and having the time of their lives reminding her of all that Levi helped her through causing her to change her mind)
Amber: (Sighs) You know what never mind, I can reschedule my trip and meet you at Olympia Meadows in a bit. Tell Levi I'll meet him there soon.
Nico: I will, thanks.
Amber: No problem. (Hangs up) Levi's uncle is in hospice and he needs me, I'm gonna reschedule my flight for tomorrow at the soonest, hopefully I can leave by then.
(Amber goes to the airline website on her phone sees Andrew looking at her surprised)
Amber: What?
Andrew: Nothing. I just find it amazing that your delaying killing your brother so that you can be there for your friend in his time of need.
Amber: Yeah, well that's the kind of person I am, I give cheating bastards one more day to live so I can help those who are worth my time. I'll be back tonight for another last night in town sex.
Andrew: (Grins) Can't wait, bring a jacket those hospice places are like the tundra.
(Amber grabs her jacket and kisses Andrew goodbye before heading out)
AN HOUR LATER AT OLYMPIA MEADOWS
(Amber, Levi, and Nico walk through the halls trying to find Saul's room)
Levi: You know you didn't have to do this; I know you have your flight so I'm good with just Nico here.
Amber: Don't be silly, you've helped me with all my family problems it's my turn now although I wish it was at a different place.
Nico: Not a fan of hospice homes?
Amber: (Shudders) Hell no they reek of death.
(They pass by an elderly woman who looks offended by her comment)
Amber: (Tries to save face) Oh not you ma'am, you reek of life.
(Nico and Levi snicker at her as they continue walking and finally reach Saul's room finding him in bed with a doctor assisting him)
Levi: Uncle Saul.
Saul: Boy, do you look like a steaming pile of crap, kid.
Levi: Same to you, Uncle Saul.
Nico: Thought you were his favorite.
Levi: Insults is how we show love.
Amber: Ha, maybe our families aren't that different after all.
Dr. Marks: I'm assuming you're Levi, the doctor. I've heard a lot about you.
Levi: How is he?
Dr. Marks: He's in end-stage heart failure, so we're doing our best to keep him comfortable.
Saul: Which, I've learned, does not include an all-expense paid trip to Maui.
Dr. Marks: I'm afraid not, Saul, no. I'll come back to check on you later.
Saul: (Groggy) Meh.
(Dr. Marks leaves the room)
Saul: Boychick.
Levi: Da.
(Levi hugs Saul)
Saul: We had Shabbat dinner last week and I snuck a few hard-boiled eggs in my pocket, thinking you'd show up, but the nurse sniffed 'em out and trashed 'em.
Levi: He always knew they were my favorite. (Amber grins) Where's Aunt Gertie?
Saul: Eh, Gertie makes it when she can. I tell her don't bother, but she says, 'That's what you do for the man you love.'
Levi: Saul, this is Nico. I wanted you to meet him-
Saul: What's this I hear about you living in your mother's basement? I thought you were a hot-shot doctor.
Amber: (Chuckles) I know right? I thought I was pathetic for sleeping in my brothers couch for a year.
Saul: Ah I remember you from that bar mitzvah which one was it? You brought her as a date.
Levi: This is Amber, I brought her to Cousin Keith's bar mitzvah and as for me living with mom, I was hoping that we would iron a few things out before I just up and left. I hate to move out on bad terms.
Saul: My nephew, King of Vague. Spill. I don't have time to play guessing games.
Levi: Mom learned some new information about me, which was all well and good as long as I kept it in house.
Saul: You think I'm getting on a roof with a bugle horn anytime soon?
Levi: Excellent point. Well, Uncle Saul. Amber only came to the party as my friend and…Nico here is more than my friend. H-He's my boyfriend. And he has been for a while now, and I love him.
Nico: (Holds his hand out) It's an honor to meet you, sir.
(Suddenly Saul flatlines)
Levi: Oh, God. Dr. Marks!
(Dr. Marks checks his pulse and turns off the monitor)
Dr. Marks: I'm so sorry but your uncle has passed.
(Dr. Marks puts a sheet over Saul as the three of them look on in shock over the timing)
Levi: I killed him. I killed him with my gayness.
(Amber puts her hand of Levi's shoulder to try to comfort him)
CUT TO BLACK
LATER AT SAULS ROOM
(Amber and Nico stand in the room while Levi paces looking at his phone)
Amber: (Tries to find the right words) …Okay…I know the timing was…odd but you did not kill your uncle.
Levi: (Doesn't believe her) Really? Because he flatlined after I came out, what would you say killed him?
Nico: He was in end stage heart failure, we're all doctors here so we know he could've died at any time. Look let's take a step back and clear your head. Should we grab a coffee? Sandwich? Your aunt may not be here for a while.
Levi: I can't. Jewish tradition says a friend or family member or designated shomer cannot leave the body of a loved one unattended from the moment they die until they're buried in the ground. Otherwise, their spirit just sort of…like, lingers around, confused.
Amber: …Okay.
Nico: You're getting that off the Internet?
Levi: It's tradition. And yes. I-I-I'm what they call culturally Jewish. I, you know, eat the bagels and know the five big prayers, and went to first base with Shira Levenstein at sleep-away camp. But this…this I know. I am keeping Shemirah until the Chevra Kaddisha arrive or my Aunt Gertie or, you know, literally anyone else. And now I want a sandwich.
(Aunt Gertie enters the room)
Gertie: Saul-y.
Levi: (Hugs her as she cries) I'm so sorry, Aunt Gertie.
(Gertie pulls the sheet back and sobs at the sight of his body)
Gertie: (Turns around) You look good, my boy. Really good. I'm sorry you have to see him this way.
Levi: Gertie, this is my best friend Amber and my f-friend Nico.
Amber: Hi I am so sorry for your loss.
Nico: Hi.
Gertie: W-Why aren't they taking his body?
Levi: Apparently, it's been a big day here, so I've been watching him. But I understand that you'll want to take over, so…
Gertie: (Hesitates) Uh, I can't do that. Saul-y and I promised that when the end was the end, that was the end.
Levi: The end of?
Gertie: (Stands there silently for a moment) Hmm. He was a good man. (Kisses Saul's head) Love you, buddy. (Goes to leave) And you are a good man, too, you hear me?
Levi: Um, are you going? D-Does that mean I-I'm supposed to just stay here, or…?
(Gertie ignores him and leaves the room shocking Levi and Amber)
Amber: (Mouth agape) Okay no offense but I kind of hate your aunt…so does that mean we have to stay here or-
(Amber stops talking as Levi glares at her)
Amber: It's fine I don't have plans today. (Pulls out a deck of cards from her purse) Do you boys play poker?
(Nico and Levi sigh and sit at the table with Amber as she deals)
SIX HOURS LATER
(Amber and the boys play goldfish as they still wait for someone to come in)
Amber: (Sighs) At this point I'm gonna miss my flight tomorrow.
Levi: Still no word from him huh?
Amber: Not a peep.
Levi: (Keeps it vague so Nico doesn't catch on) And are you sure that they who will not be named is there?
Amber: It's too much of a coincidence so yes, they are there.
Nico: You know it's getting harder trying to figure out what secret you two are hiding if you keep talking in riddles.
Amber: That's the point, I can't risk you or anyone else finding out and making this mess even more of a disaster. Lives could be ruined, people could die.
(Levi looks at Amber over her use of the word die at the scene)
Amber: (Heard it) Sorry, too soon.
Levi: Way too soon.
Nico: (After a silent moment) Maybe we can just-
Levi: Nope.
Nico: I'm saying just a little something to eat.
Levi: You're sounding like my mom now.
Amber: (Stifled laughter) I'm hoping that's the grief talking.
(A man knocks and enters the room shocking the three of them as he slowly walks to Saul)
Daniel: (Cries) They said he was sick. Didn't say…
Levi: I'm so sorry. I'm-I'm Levi.
Daniel: I know exactly who you are. Doctor. They used to call you 'Glasses.' (Amber grins at the memory) But now you've made a-a real name for yourself, right?
Levi: Saul talked about me?
Daniel: All the time. And you, you must be Levi's boyfriend. Right?
(Amber and Nico stand shocked as well as Levi)
Levi: You knew? Saul-Saul knew?
Daniel: Of course, he knew. Excellent gaydar.
Levi: I'm sorry, what?
Daniel: It takes one to know one, son. (Holds his hand out to Nico and Amber) I'm Daniel Schwartz.
Nico: (Shakes his hand) Nico.
Amber: (Shakes his hand) Amber, designated best friend and pansexual in the room.
Levi: (Still shocked) Uh, but Gertie was his wife.
Daniel: Gertie and Saul took each other for who they were. They lived their lives, never asked any questions, and they never told a soul.
Levi: (Realizes) So, you're-
Daniel: Saul was the love of my life. And I was his. And I guess we still are.
(Levi looks at Amber and Nico in shock over this revelation)
AN HOUR LATER IN SAULS ROOM
(After getting over the shock Levi tells a story from his childhood with Saul to Amber, Nico and Daniel)
Levi: So, Saul says that there's this huge emergency at the bank. They're willing to pay three times per roll for anyone who can bring in the most pennies in an hour. So, I scramble around all the couch cushions, he's helping me pack 'em in like sardines. 10 minutes later, he comes back with a $50 bill. And I feel like I saved the freakin' world.
Daniel: From…a penny shortage?
Levi: I was 6.
Nico: But you realize there's no such thing, right?
Levi: (Laughs) Wait, really?
(Amber, Nico and Daniel look at each other before laughing at Levi's naivety)
Levi: (Chuckles) Oh, oh, we shouldn't be laughing like this.
Amber: Eh the dead body kind of adds to the comedy in a sick sort of way.
Daniel: It's okay, son. The only people Saul would want to make miserable are your mom and a few ex-boyfriends.
Levi: (Laughs) Oh, he really hated my mom.
Daniel: He never trusted her. She learned from her parents about who is supposed to lie with whom. And she bought into it. My family never cared. Thought I was exotic, told every neighbor or postman who'd listen.
Levi: (Looks at Saul's body) The Chevra Kaddisha should be here by now. I-I-I don't like leaving him like this.
Daniel: We don't have to if you don't want to. I've been trained. I can teach you how to prepare his body.
Levi: I wouldn't want you to have to…
Daniel: (Puts his hand on Levi's shoulder) It would be my honor.
Amber: (Sees what's about to happen) We'll give you two some space, just let us know when your done. Nico?
Nico: (Nods) Yeah well be right outside.
Levi: Thank you, both of you.
(Amber and Nico leave the room and sit in the waiting room)
Amber: (Exhales) What a day huh?
Nico: Yeah, I know…you've surprised me you know.
Amber: (Confused) What do you mean?
Nico: I mean, no offense but most of the time you seem…
Amber: Insensitive? Immature?
Nico: I was gonna say ridiculous but you've stepped up today and helped Levi through all of this even when you had a way out.
Amber: (Shrugs) Levi is my best friend in this whole world and when I think of him losing someone close to him and finding out what his mom really must think of him…being with him so he's not alone with a dead body is all I can think to do to help.
AN HOUR LATER
(Amber and Nico are still in the waiting room on their phones when Levi comes out with red rimmed eyes)
Levi: (Voice breaking) He's gone, he's at peace now thanks to Daniel.
(Amber stands up and hugs Levi and Nico joins in. Levi sniffles and pulls back)
Amber: I'm so sorry.
Levi: (Nods) There was something that Daniel said that struck me, he said that Saul would be okay with me having the freedom he never gave himself.
Nico: What do you mean?
Levi: I mean that Saul hated himself and took it out on everyone else except me because he knew before I did that, we were alike. I…We all take for granted the fact that we can marry whoever we want unlike Saul and Daniel who never had that chance before. I know that now but my mom doesn't, she says she accepts me but only wants me to be gay inside the house that's…that's not acceptance.
Amber: Maybe if you talk to her, she will see that and-
Levi: Amber your mom of all people accepted you being pan without condition, my mom should do the same. She should do the same because she loves me but she can't and that's why Saul hated her and why…why he didn't want me to live with her anymore.
Amber: (Sighs) Your right, we grew up differently but our moms should love us for who we are because it's their job to. You shouldn't feel obligated to hide all the best parts of yourself for someone who can't see them.
Nico: (Sympathetic) What do you want to do?
Levi: (Exhales) …I need some boxes.
LATER AT LEVIS BASEMENT
(Amber and Nico help Levi pack up his stuff when his mom comes down)
Myrna: Levi? When did you get home? I didn't hear you come in.
Levi: He's gone. Uncle Saul is gone. (Myrna doesn't say anything) I believe the proper response is, 'May his memory be for a blessing.'
Myrna: One day with Saul, and you're Super Jewish now?
Levi: No, but I am Super Gay. And you telling me that you accept me yet refusing to tell any member of our family That's not accepting me. That's not being proud of me. And I can't do it anymore. I won't.
Myrna: I know you loved Uncle Saul and you're upset right now-
Levi: Uncle Saul is free now. Finally free. I'm not going to wait until I'm in an old-age home with crochet blankets, surrounded by people who never got to love me the way I deserved.
Myrna: (To Amber and Nico) Did you two put him up to this?
Amber: It was his choice, Myrna.
Nico: Yeah, and I agree with every word he said.
Levi: I love you, Mom. And I thank you. For the food and the laundry and…I'm moving out.
(Levi kisses Myrna's cheek and grabs his bags and heads out with Amber and Nico behind him carrying his boxes)
THE NEXT MORNING
(Amber drinks her coffee and eats her oatmeal at the table with Andrew across from her still on his computer)
Amber: Anything yet?
Andrew: No.
Amber: You look tired, did you sleep at all last night?
Andrew: I got about three hours which is more than I need. What time is your flight?
Amber: It leaves in four hours; it helps that I don't need to pack up because I did it yesterday so…
(Amber finishes her breakfast and gets up to leave when someone knocks on the door)
Amber: Are you expecting someone?
Andrew: No.
(Amber opens the door and finds Levi on the other side with a duffle bag in his hand. Levi enters the apartment)
Levi: Good morning, Amber, morning DeLuca.
Andrew: (Still on his computer) Morning man.
(Amber walks to Levi in the living room confused by his presence)
Levi: All right I have got a few days' worth of clothes and hygiene stuff, some extra underwear in case I lose one and I got a travel guide for the state of Kansas which is bigger than I thought it would be for Kansas.
Amber: (Confused) What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be settling in with Nico?
Levi: I was but I decided to come with you.
Amber: (Surprised) You want to come with me?
Levi: (Unfazed) Yeah.
Amber: To Kansas?
Levi: Yeah.
Amber: To help me find and possibly kill my brother and his whore of an ex-wife?
Levi: I am hoping that there will be no murder involved but yeah.
Amber: (Still confused) …Levi I know your very new to this whole independent lifestyle thing but you need to buy a plane ticket to Kansas to actually accompany me to the state.
Levi: (Pulls out his phone and shows his ticket) Yeah, I got it right here, I figured you would take something in the mid-morning so you can get some sleep. I got the same flight as you right?
Amber: (Looks at the ticket) Yes you did. (To Andrew) Did you put him up to this? Are you trying to make sure I don't kill Alex by having my best friend there because it is not gonna stop me.
Andrew: (Still on his computer) I didn't put him up to anything, I'm not a scheming mastermind like you.
Levi: Yeah, he didn't. I bought a ticket last night after you dropped me off, apparently a lot of people don't want to go to Kansas, you would be surprised.
Amber: I don't think I would be, what about work?
Levi: I told the chief that I need a few extra days to rest up on account of my favorite uncle passing and she gave me the rest of the week off which I am spending with you in the wheat state.
Amber: You don't have to do this Levi I'm fine being on my own in this trip and-
Levi: Amber you dropped everything to help me yesterday when I needed you. It's only fair I do the same thing for you so I am going with you and you can't stop me. So, do you want to leave now and get ahead of security?
(Amber is touched by Levi's gesture and smiles. She then hugs him and kisses his cheek)
Amber: You are the best friend anyone could have and I am still shocked it's with me.
Levi: I pick the in-flight movie though.
Amber: (Chuckles) That's fair, now let's go we don't want to miss our flight.
(Amber and Levi grab their bags and head to the door when Amber remembers Andrew is still there)
Amber: Hold on.
(Amber goes to Andrew and turns his head away from his computer and kisses him)
Amber: I'll be back in a few days try not to kill yourself saving Suzanne's life while I'm gone.
Andrew: Only if you promise me, you won't kill your brother and his ex.
Amber: You know I can't make that promise. (Pulls back) I have to go, I love you.
Andrew: I love you, text me when you land.
Amber: I will bye.
Andrew: (Turns to his computer) Bye.
Amber: (Goes to Levi) Shall we Toto?
Levi: Let's do this Dorothy.
(Amber and Levi link their arms together and skip out of the apartment)
TO BE CONTINUED
NEXT STOP KANSAS! THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES IN THE NEXT CHAPTER SO STAY TUNED.