TRIGGER WARNING: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS THEMES OF SEX TRAFFICKING AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
Chapter 22: 1 (888) 373-7888
SCENE: THE PIT
(Levi approaches Blake who is charting)
Levi: Has Jared Goldstein checked in here? He hasn't shown up so I thought he came to the pit by accident.
Blake: Haven't heard that name you could check the clinic.
(Blake looks at the clinic and something catches his eye)
Blake: (Impressed) Whoa who is the brunette?
(Levi looks and sees a brunette woman with a great body in light blue scrubs standing outside the clinic doors looking over a tablet)
Levi: Um I don't know.
Blake: (Grins) Well I am about to find out.
(Blake approaches the woman with her back to him)
Blake: I didn't know there was a new batch of interns I don't believe we've met.
(The woman turns and is revealed to be Amber whose long blonde hair is now dark brown)
Blake: (Horrified) Aah! What did you do to your hair?!
Amber: (Confused) I changed it, I colored it. I just… (Realizes) Oh my god, you thought I was someone else, didn't you? You didn't recognize me and you decided to hit on me?
Blake: (Tries to save face) No, nope. I knew who you were I just thought you were some brunette.
Amber: (Scoffs) Men. Walk away from me right now you idiot.
Blake: I'm the idiot? I'm not the one who thinks I'm a brunette. (Amber glares at Blake) You can't pull that off if you tried, you look like you have a dirty mop on your head.
Amber: (Offended) The only dirty thing here is you! Get out before I break this tablet over your misogynistic head.
(Blake leaves her to it and Levi approaches Amber mesmerized by her new hair)
Amber: Oh, quit staring I'm probably gonna change it back anyway.
Levi: No, I like it, it's…new and you could use new after DeLuca. It's normal to get a makeover after getting dumped.
Amber: I did not get dumped and I did not do this for Andrew. I just…I wanted to change something in my miserable life and this I could change.
Levi: (Looks at Amber) …I'm pretty sure that's what I just said.
Amber: (Agitated) Do you need something?
Levi: Um Jared Goldstein, has he checked into the clinic by accident?
Amber: (Looks over the tablet) Um nobody by that name came in, why? Did you lose another patient?
Levi: Ha ha, it's Grey's pro bono surgery day and Bailey is giving him a lap chole. For free, isn't that great?
Amber: Levi I know that pro bono indicates free. I will give you a heads up if I see him today.
Levi: Why aren't you scrubbing in? I thought you would be given how it's a day full of free surgeries.
Amber: Yeah, so is everyone else but Bailey put me in the clinic because I snapped at her the other day and she is punishing me. It's kind of like how Nico treats you lately.
Levi: Okay that is not the same thing and you know it.
Amber: Your right it's worse. Levi the guy shamed you for being in the closet when he hasn't even come out to his parents. He doesn't talk to you about it or about anything because he doesn't think that talking is required in a committed relationship.
Levi: Nico says he accepts my talking about feelings why shouldn't I accept his not talking about his feelings too?
Amber: Because he wants to avoid talking all together and distract you with the great sex. You know that you only complain to me this much when there's something seriously wrong with your so-called relationship.
Levi: (Groans) Fine your right but I don't know what to do or how to fix this, how do I fix this?
Amber: (Sighs) Levi I am the last person to get relationship advice from right now.
Levi: I guess I was hoping brunette Amber was wiser about this stuff than blonde Amber.
Amber: Well, you thought wrong both Amber's are bitter and they don't want to hear about how your boyfriend doesn't treat you like an equal and your too blinded by the amazing sex to see it. Now if you will excuse me, I have to get back to my punishment.
(Amber goes back to the clinic and goes to a teenage girl lying in bed with a woman beside her)
Amber: Okay, Cindy Wright. I'm Dr. Karev. How can I help you?
Opal: She has a bulge in her stomach.
Andrew: And you are…?
Opal: Uh, her aunt, Opal.
Amber: Okay, Cindy, I'm gonna take a look and feel what's wrong. (Amber feels Cindy's stomach) All right. Does that hurt, Cindy?
Opal: She said that she's a six on a-
Amber: Um miss, I asked Cindy. Cindy?
Cindy: A little.
Amber: Okay well did you do anything strenuous lately? Maybe you lifted something heavy?
Opal: We moved a refrigerator. She helps me clean houses. It's kind of a family business.
Amber: On the count of three, I want you to hold your breath and bear down for me, okay? One, two, three. (Cindy whimpers in pain) Okay, it's okay. I believe you have a hernia here but the good news is that we can repair it easily. But before we do I need to ask if you have any other symptoms I should know about.
Opal: It also burns when she pees. She's embarrassed, but I told her it's probably just a UTI.
Amber: Your right it could be but I'll need to do a more thorough exam. You're welcome to wait in the family area right over here.
Opal: Um, she has some abandonment issues. Her-Her parents left her when she was 4. Is it okay if I just stay?
(Amber looks at Cindy who looks away)
Amber: Sure. Um, you know what? Cindy, why don't you put this gown on for me? And I'll be right back.
(Amber walks away and gets an alarming feeling about this)
MEANWHILE AT THE ATTENDINGS LOUNGE
(Alex and Jo drink their coffee and discuss what their plan for the afternoon is)
Alex: So, our relator set us up with a house recently in the market. She wants us to check it out this afternoon and see what we think.
Jo: Okay has she told you anything about it? Like if the owners left of their own free will or if they left in body bags.
Alex: They're an elderly couple who want to leave and go to Florida.
Jo: (Groans in disgust) I could never move to Florida, the beach, the alligators, the crazy party people.
Alex: (Chuckles) Yeah and I get sunburned when I walk from my car to the pit. I'd probably be roasted down there. Do you have any plans this afternoon? Like after 3?
Jo: Um I have two pro bono surgeries but I can ask Grey or Bailey to cover me I'm sure they won't mind.
Alex: Ha, they'll probably snake it away from you without asking. Meet me in the lobby at 3?
Jo: Sure, I'll meet you there and it better not have a white picket fence or the twins are gonna have to stay in our loft after all.
Alex: No white and no fence I made sure the realtor knew that otherwise I wasted my money on her.
(Jo chuckles and kisses Alex before heading out)
LATER IN THE CLINIC
(Amber checks a gowned Cindy with Opal still at her side)
Amber: Okay, Cindy, do you have a history of hernias in your family? That might be a good one for you to answer, Aunt Opal.
Opal: No. I don't think so.
Amber: Okay, what about, uh, fevers, headaches, things like that?
(Cindy stays quiet)
Opal: She's not used to meeting cute doctors. No. No fevers.
Amber: (More alarmed) Okay, well, it's likely the UTI, along with the hernia, but I'll need a urine sample and some other tests, okay?
Opal: How long is that gonna take? (Amber looks at Opal) It's just that I have to arrange childcare for my other kids, so…
Amber: I will send a nurse right over you two just sit tight.
(Amber calmly approaches nurse Olivia with her back to the patient)
Amber: Nurse Olivia, I want you to look at me and act completely normal no matter what I tell you. Can you do that?
Olivia: Okay.
Amber: Page Chief Bailey and get a full set of labs for the girl in bed 3.
Olivia: Why? What happened?
Amber: The girl is reluctant to answer my questions not that she does with the aunt doing most of the talking. She has trouble peeing which could indicate a sexually transmitted disease of some kind. I know what the warning signs are and their right here.
Olivia: Signs for what?
Amber: Human trafficking.
CUT TO BLACK
LATER AT THE CLINIC
(Amber asks Cindy some personal questions with Opal still at her side)
Amber: Okay, Cindy, do you have any brothers or sister?
Cindy: (Quietly) Just my cousins.
Opal: Is this gonna help you figure out what she's got?
Amber: Oh well this is just a little doctor trick. You know, hospitals can be intimidating, surgery can be scary so we make small talk as a distraction. Just helps everybody relax.
Cindy: (To Opal) Can I go to the bathroom?
Amber: You know what Cindy Nurse Olivia can take you to the bathroom, she can help get you in the wheelchair.
Opal: Oh, no, I can help her.
Amber: No, no it's okay nurse Olivia can take her. You can wait here. Uh, Nurse Olivia, would you mind helping Cindy to the bathroom? Thank you so much.
(Amber approaches Olivia with her fear for Cindy's safety increasing)
Amber: (Whispering) Where the hell is Bailey?
Olivia: She's heading into surgery.
Amber: (Sighs) Okay then tell her she can't, that this is an emergency. I need her here right now.
Olivia: (Not believing her) You want me to tell the chief of surgery that she can't go into s-
Amber: (Whispering) I have a human-trafficking victim, Olivia. I know it, I know it in my gut.
Olivia: Dr. Karev, I understand that you're concerned, but teenagers are moody. Maybe the kid is just-
Amber: I did my med school rotation at the largest city in America, I volunteered at a women's clinic in Harlem. I know the signs like the back of my hand and the behavior of someone who has a child hostage. So just-You know what? Forget it. I'll do it. Just take her to the bathroom.
Olivia: Dr. Karev.
Amber: Olivia please just do it please.
(Olivia goes to Cindy and Amber pages Bailey 911)
LATER
(Amber waits outside the clinic and is relieved to see Bailey walking towards her)
Amber: Bailey, thank god. Okay um I have a teenager who isn't talking to me alone, her aunt, if she even is her aunt, is doing the talking for her and won't let her out of her sight. Now I tried to check her previous records but there aren't any it's like Cindy Wright never got a check up. I have a strong feeling that that girl is being-
Bailey: (Distracted by her frantic state) Karev, you assured me that you were ready to come back after your panic attack. I trusted you, now please do not make me reconsider.
Amber: What? No-No this isn't a panic attack. I have serious reason to believe that-
Bailey: I know you think you know something, but I'm telling you to stop and take a deep breath.
Amber: I am telling you-
Bailey: (Stops her) Listen to yourself. What, is that the family that you suspect of human trafficking?
Amber: Chief trust me on this. If you just go in there and talk to her, you'll get a bad feeling too, okay?
Bailey: Shh, shh, shh! Stay right here.
(Bailey goes inside the clinic with Amber left there in anxiety. She gets a text from Alex saying, 'going 2 an open house want to come?' a few moments later Bailey comes back)
Amber: (Exhales) And?
Bailey: (Too angry to believe her) That is a minor in pain that you are keeping from getting the care that she needs. Page another resident to take care of her. She is no longer your patient.
Amber: (Incredulous) What? Bailey, did you even try to-
Bailey: Unless you'd rather I suspend you? Karev, go home. Rest. And be in my office tomorrow, 9 a.m. sharp.
(Bailey leaves Amber in a huff. Desperate she pulls out her phone and calls someone)
Amber: (Ringing tone) Pick up, pick up, please pick up. (Phone is answered) Hey I need you at the clinic right now, it's an emergency.
CUT TO BLACK
LATER OUTSIDE THE CLINIC
(Amber is relieved to see Alex approaching her in his suit)
Alex: Hey you sounded like you were freaking out on the phone, is everything okay?
Amber: I know your already clocked out and you have a house to look at but I need your help to get me alone with a patient to make sure she's safe.
Alex: What? Please explain as best as you can.
Amber: (Glances at Opal and Cindy) Okay do you see the couple on bed 3?
Alex: Yeah.
Amber: She has an abdominal hernia that needs to be checked out but my main concern right now is her safety. That woman says she's her aunt and she keeps answering all of my questions, it's like she's trying to keep the girl from talking to me. And she has trouble peeing which could indicate an STD.
Alex: (Catches on) And she hovers. Doesn't leave her side for a second.
Amber: Yes, and I tried to check Cindy's records in the database but there aren't any.
Alex: (Inhales) You think she's being trafficked.
Amber: (Sighs) Look I tried to get Bailey to see it but she was just pissed off. And all of our other surgeons are busy and…they all think that I'm crazy because I had a panic attack in the pit a few weeks ago. I am not crazy Alex I know what-
Alex: (Doesn't hesitate) Hand me her chart, I'll get her alone with us.
Amber: (Shocked but hands him the tablet) Really? Just like that?
Alex: Follow my lead and stay calm, okay? We'll get her alone and make sure she's safe.
Amber: Yes, thank you, thank you so much.
(Alex and Amber enter the clinic and go to Cindy)
Alex: Hey Cindy I'm Alex I'm gonna be your primary surgeon.
Opal: (Confused) Um I-I'm sorry I thought that other doctor was gonna do the surgery?
Amber: Dr. Bailey got unexpectedly pulled into another surgery but Dr. Karev here was gracious enough to check on you since his surgery got cancelled.
Opal: Karev? Related?
Alex: Brother, I'm a cardio surgeon and I want to take a listen to her heart before we go in for surgery.
Opal: Her heart? It's her stomach that hurts that's what the others said.
Amber: (Follows lead) I know but sometimes in cases of a hernia the bacteria can travel up to the heart causing it to be infected. I heard a little abnormality in my exam and I just want to make extra sure by having Alex check and confirm.
Alex: Yep, do you mind if I listen to your heart Cindy?
Cindy: (Timid) No.
(Alex listens to her heart and hears it beating rapidly indicating she is afraid)
Amber: Do you hear it?
Alex: Yeah, I do, good catch.
Opal: W-What's happening?
Alex: I'm very certain that it sounds like endocarditis but we need a chest x ray just to rule it out. Cindy, do you want to come with us and get an x ray? It doesn't hurt one bit.
Cindy: …Yeah.
Amber: Okay let's get you in a wheelchair and we'll take you up right now.
Opal: (Visibly distressed but calm) Um how long is this gonna take?
Amber: (Gets Cindy in a wheelchair) It won't take long we'll have a nurse update you when we're done.
Opal: I can come with her.
Alex: I'm sorry but only doctors and patients are allowed in the room, it's hospital rules. But you can wait in the family area and we'll have an update as soon as we can. Amber lets get her to radiology.
(Alex wheels Cindy out of the clinic with Amber following her. Amber spots Levi in the hall and gets an idea)
Amber: I'll catch up with you guys.
(Amber stays back and goes to Levi)
Levi: Hey you are never going to believe what-
Amber: (Grabs Levi's arm) Come with me right now.
(Amber takes Levi to the clinic doors)
Amber: Do you see the red headed woman in the cardigan in the family area?
Levi: Um yes.
Amber: Okay I want you to go inside pretend to be working but keep a close eye on her.
Levi: Why? What's going on?
Amber: I don't have time to explain but I just need you to make sure she does not leave this hospital. If she goes anywhere else you follow discretely and if she runs you tackle her.
Levi: What? Why?
Amber: Do you trust me?
Levi: Of course, but-
Amber: Then trust me on this please Levi just trust me, a little girls life might be at stake here. Please.
Levi: (Sees that she is desperate and decides to help) Okay I'll chart and keep an eye on her. I'll follow too and tackle.
Amber: (Grateful) Thank you, text me with any updates.
(Levi nods and goes inside. Amber runs back to Alex and Cindy as they get in an elevator)
CUT TO THE PEDS FLOOR
(Alex wheels Cindy inside an exam room. Amber closes the door behind her and turns to Cindy who looks at both of them confused)
Cindy: What's going on? What happened to the x ray?
Alex: You don't need it actually, there's nothing wrong with your heart.
Amber: (Faces Cindy with kindness in her eyes) We just wanted to have a private conversation with you.
Cindy: Did I do something wrong?
Amber: Oh nothing, you did absolutely nothing wrong it's just…I can't help but get the feeling that there's something you want to tell us but you don't feel like you can.
Cindy: (Freaks out) N-No I-I'm fine.
Amber: (Gentle tone) Are you sure? Because we've seen people like you in hospitals all the time. They…they stay quiet and let someone else talk for them because they're afraid of what might happen if they speak up. Often times those people are in a situation where they're in immediate danger so…I just wanted to have a conversation with you and make sure you're not one of them.
Cindy: (Reluctant) I…I'm fine, my aunt Opal is gonna get worried and I need to go.
(Amber turns to Alex who gestures her to keep her talking)
Amber: (Kneels down to talk to Cindy face to face) Cindy my brother here is a pediatric surgeon do you know what that is? (Cindy shakes her head) Okay it means that he works to treat kids and teenagers like you. He is someone kids trust with their lives and he is someone who will help kids like you no matter what. I'm not a peds surgeon but I care about you Cindy, I'm going against my boss's orders so I can make sure your okay. We want you to know that you can trust us and we can help you.
Alex: Look, Opal doesn't need to know about any of this. It's your choice, we're not gonna force you to tell us what you want to tell us we just…we want you to know that you can.
(The scene hits Cindy as she looks down at her hands and begins to tear up not feeling like she can trust anyone)
Alex: Cindy, if that's your real name, your totally in control here. Opal isn't here to stop you, it's just us, okay? Your safe to tell us what's wrong, okay?
(Cindy begins to sob in front of Amber who holds her hand to comfort her. A few moments pass with Cindy crying until she pulls her gown down from the top revealing her shoulder blade. Alex looks at her back and blanches at the barcode tattoo on the back of Cindy's shoulder and looks to Amber who knows what his eyes are telling her)
Amber: (Holds both of her hands) It's okay, it's okay you don't have to be afraid anymore, your free. Your safe now do you hear me? Your safe.
(Cindy continues to cry and sob at finally being safe)
CUT TO BLACK
LATER ON THE PEDS FLOOR
(Levi discretely follows Opal to the peds floor where she talks to someone on the phone looking around frantically)
CUT TO THE PATIENT ROOM
(When Cindy calms down Alex and Amber sit in front of her)
Alex: Are you okay Cindy? Do you want us to get you anything food or water?
Cindy: …Erin. My name isn't Cindy it's Erin, Erin Banks, I'm from Scottsdale, Arizona.
Amber: Can you tell us how you met Opal? It would really help to know so we can find your family and let them know where you are and that your safe.
Erin: …This photographer followed me on Snapchat. He said that he had a modeling agency and that I was beautiful. He wanted to meet, but my parents said no. My sister said it was sketchy. But I snuck out to meet him. That was two years ago.
Alex: (Disgusted) You were 14 when this happened?
Erin: (Nods) My parents tried to warn me but I didn't listen. (Voice breaking) I'm so stupid.
Amber: No, you are not stupid sweetie, none of this is your fault, okay? None of it, it's Opal and people like her, it's their fault.
Alex: And your safe now, Opal can't hurt you anymore.
Erin: I hate it, I hate all of it but Opal said that she would kill me if I ran and take my sister too.
Alex: (Stands up) We're gonna make sure that doesn't happen. Amber?
Amber: (Nods) I will be right back, okay?
(Erin nods and Amber follows Alex when he goes outside the door trying to contain his anger)
Alex: I've already notified the police of what's going on and gave them Opal's description. Cops should be here soon.
Amber: I asked Schmitt to keep an eye on her, make sure she doesn't flee.
Alex: Okay I'm gonna issue a code violet and lock the building down make sure she doesn't escape a well-deserved jail cell.
Amber: I'll stay with Erin.
(Alex nods and walks a few feet away from the door when a burly white man goes up to him and pushes him against the wall. Opal stands by and watches her guard attack Alex)
Guard: (Pins Alex against the wall) Where the hell is she?!
(Alex reacts by twisting his arms away and punching him in the face. He then tackles the guard to the ground, the guard punches Alex but he doesn't back down. Alex has a look of fury as he punches the guard repeatedly causing the onlookers to gasp. Amber hears the commotion and opens the door to find Alex turning the guard around and putting him in a chokehold)
Erin: (Gasps) Oh my god.
Amber: (Goes to Erin) It's okay, it's okay.
(Two security guards break them apart and take the guard away as he yells and thrashes around)
Amber: (Kneels beside Erin) It's okay, it's okay, they've got him now, your safe.
(Erin cries again. Levi turns back to Opal who walks away from the scene at first before speeding up. Levi then runs to her and tackles her to the ground)
Opal: Get off me!
(Alex walks over and is pleased by Levi successfully capturing her. Two police officers arrive at the floor)
Alex: (Points to Opal) Arrest this woman for human trafficking.
(Levi gets off Opal and the cops pull her up and handcuff her taking her away from the scene)
Alex: (Exhales) Nice work Schmitt.
Levi: (Shocked) Oh my god she…oh my god!
Alex: Yeah, page Bailey tell her what happened and to come here to help me with Erin's surgery.
(Levi nods and pulls out his phone. Alex goes back to the room and finds Amber hugging Erin who cries in relief tugging his heart strings at what the girl has gone through)
CUT TO BLACK
AN HOUR LATER IN CT
(Amber is in the room with Erin who is inside the MRI machine getting an abdominal CT)
Amber: You're doing great Erin; we're almost done here and we'll take you to surgery.
(Erin nods and Amber looks out the window to see Alex and Bailey on the other side. Alex has a look of anger on his face while Bailey has a look of guilt)
Bailey: …I told her to switch off with another resident. I told her to go home and instead she called you and you both found out…
(Bailey slams her palm on the table angry with herself)
Bailey: (Voice breaking) I should've seen it, why didn't I see it?
Alex: (Sighs) A lot of us don't want to believe that this is happening right under our noses. Sometimes we ignore it and…take it as someone being paranoid. And you were distracted because Amber had a panic attack and you thought she was exaggerating.
Bailey: But she wasn't, she wasn't exaggerating she saw what I should've seen. And that will follow me for the rest of my life.
Alex: If this is too hard for you, I can get Mer or Hunt to help.
Bailey: I betrayed her once I'm not doing that again. I looked her in the eye and told Karev to leave her alone. With a monster.
Alex: (Sighs) Look she's safe now and that's what matters.
Bailey: How many times does this happen? How many times has this happened and we were too blind to see it? I…I don't want this to happen again. I don't want Karev to be the only one who recognizes this because there are other residents who can see this and just ignore it. Like I did.
Alex: Well maybe that's how you can make it up to Erin. Make sure Amber's not the only one who knows when a patient needs more than physical care.
(Bailey and Alex look at the scans in silence)
LATER IN THE RESIDENCY LOUNGE
(Amber sit on the table hanging up the phone. Levi approaches her)
Levi: Hey, who were you on the phone with?
Amber: (Sniffles) Missing persons, I gave them Erin's name and description they found her family.
Levi: That's great.
Amber: Yeah, her parents are still in Arizona so they won't get here till the morning but her sister is in Portland. They said she's been notified and is driving down here right now.
(Amber exhales and her left hand shakes until she gets a grip. Levi sits with her)
Levi: You know you're not acting like someone who just got a teenage girl away from her kidnappers and rapists. This is a good thing, she's safe because of you.
Amber: Yeah, but she'll never be the same…these last two years will haunt her for the rest of her life. Eventually she'll live her life, she'll smile maybe even laugh but…she can never have her innocence back. And it kills me that even in jail Opal still wins that way.
Lev: (Shakes his head) God, I know it sounds stupid but its easier to imagine a man doing this. I mean you hear on the news about men doing this and I'm not saying I understand it but…but what I can't get my head around is how a woman could help do this to a little girl.
Amber: I get that and in some sick way I understand why a woman can do this.
Levi: I don't, why?
Amber: (Sighs) Women like Opal know that people overlook them because they think the same thing you do. They use it to their advantage, not to hurt kids like Erin for enjoyment but to make money out of others hurting them. They know people never suspect the woman to do this.
Levi: And it's easier for a doctor to overlook their strange behavior.
Amber: Exactly. I mean nobody believed me except Alex hell Bailey brushed me off.
Levi: Which was beyond appalling I mean how does the chief of surgery with years of experience miss what a resident saw? I mean that is just-
(Amber clears her throat and Levi turns seeing Bailey behind him with an angry look on her face)
Levi: D-Dr. Bailey I was just-
Bailey: Don't Schmitt I have said worse to myself than you have just now. Karev, your brother and I are gonna fix Erin's hernia, tell me you got something from the family.
Amber: Parents are still in Arizona but her sister is in Portland and driving here as we speak.
Bailey: Good. And I've also set the residents, attendings and nurses for a training seminar tomorrow morning. It's a human trafficking course that I have just been too busy to set up…until now. Karev you won't attend since-
Amber: I know I have that meeting with you.
Bailey: No, you won't attend since you clearly know the signs of human trafficking and don't need training. As for the meeting forget about it and just focus on work. Now if you both will excuse me.
(Bailey leaves them in the lounge. Amber sighs and leans back against her chair)
Levi: What do you want me to do?
Amber: Talk to me about something mundane so I can distract myself from this nightmare just a little bit.
Levi: Okay well uh Nico is getting Link's old job with the Mariners and-
Amber: (Whimpers) Oh my god not this again.
Levi: What? You said to talk about something mundane.
Amber: Yeah, mundane not aggravating because this is beyond aggravating.
Levi: How?
Amber: How?! Levi, you have talked to me nonstop about this whole thing with Nico something that you should talk to him about but you can't because the guy refuses to which…I am telling you to get a freaking grip and work on your problems before it eats you up.
Levi: (Sighs) What do you think it says if he gets this job?
Amber: (Groans) No, no Levi. You gotta talk to him about this I'm done.
Levi: What do you mean your done?
Amber: (Exhales) I mean I'm done with this I am serious I am out.
(Amber stands up and Levi does as well irritated by her response)
Levi: Oh, you're out? You're out.
Amber: (Surprised by his angry tone) Y-Yes.
Levi: You don't get to be out! How many times, how many times have I listened to you go on and on and on about Maya or Link or X or, oh my god, Andrew!? It's been Andrew this and Andrew that for the last year and a half Amber!
Amber: And look how well that turned out for me! Look how healthy I am! Yay me I am the poster girl for a good life!
Levi: …Point taken.
Amber: Thank you…look just talk to him don't talk to me. Work it out or not. You love each other or not just figure it out…with Nico. There now I am done.
(Amber walks out of the lounge and Levi takes her advice to heart)
LATER AT THE LOBBY
(Levi goes up and meets Nico against the railing)
Nico: Hey.
Levi: Hi.
Nico: I heard what you did, great job. I was wondering, uh, if we should skip the bar tonight. Maybe go somewhere without as many windows?
Levi: (Resists) I need somewhere with windows because every time I try to talk to you about something, you distract me.
Nico: Great. What now?
Levi: 'What now'? That's your response to me wanting to talk?
Nico: Well, yeah, because it's usually something you're pissed about.
Levi: I'm not pissed, but…I-If you get that job, it's going to affect us. I think that at least warrants a conversation.
Nico: It hasn't even happened yet.
Levi: A-And what if it does?
Nico: What? So you want me to feel bad about it? It's my dream job, Levi.
Levi: Nico, a relationship requires sacrifice and compromise. And I'm the only one who ever does either of those. Your way always goes, and I'm tired of telling you that I want more.
Nico: All right.
Levi: 'All right,' what?
Nico: All right, I…I hope you find someone who will give that to you.
(Nico leaves Levi devastated along the railing)
LATER THAT NIGHT IN THE ICU
(After surgery Alex and Bailey walk with Abby Banks to Erin's room who is shell shocked and crying from the news)
Bailey: So, Dr. Karev and I were able to repair Erin's hernia, but there was a great deal of inflammation in her abdomen. So, we are giving her a course of IV antibiotics.
Abby: (Sniffles) You're going to have to say all this again for my parents when they get here. I still can't believe any of this. We-We looked for her forever. We looked for her everywhere. You said a resident was able to tell she was being trafficked?
Alex: Yes, my sister, she's with Erin now monitoring her. Look, we can't stress enough how much she's been through. She's going to need years of support and therapy.
Abby: Of course, whatever she needs. I'm not sure I'm gonna let her out of my sight ag-
(Abby gasps as she sees Erin in bed with Amber checking her stats beside her. Amber sees Abby and respectfully gives them space)
Erin: Abby?
Abby: (Overjoyed) I'm here, Erin. I'm here. Oh, my God
(Abby and Erin hug and cry)
Erin: (Crying) I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry.
Abby: (Crying) It's not your fault. It's not your fault. It's not your fault.
(Abby turns and goes to Amber hugging her tightly surprising her)
Abby: (Voice breaking) Thank you, thank you so much for finding her. I will always be grateful, I won't forget this.
Amber: (Tears up and hugs back) I did what I would want someone to do for me.
(Abby keeps hugging her and crying and pulls back. Erin cries and smiles)
Erin: Thank you, thank you for saving me.
Amber: Of course, you just focus on getting better and living your life again Erin. I'll be back to check on you later.
(Amber turns and leaves the room to give the sisters time to reunite)
LATER THAT NIGHT IN THE PARKING LOT
(Alex and Amber walk side by side to their respective cars)
Alex: (Sighs) Jo wants to meet me by the house we were supposed to look at today she says that there's something-
Amber: I'm sorry.
Alex: (Stops to face her) What? Sorry for what? For keeping me away from the open house? Do not apologize for that, I'm glad you called me and Jo will more than understand.
Amber: (Shakes her head) I'm not sorry for that I'm sorry for what I did in Kansas. I'm sorry that I didn't trust you, I'm sorry that I did that awful thing and almost cost you getting to know your kids I-I-I-
Alex: (Rubs her arm) Hey, hey it's okay I know your sorry and I forgive you. I forgave you the minute I found out because I know you did it to protect me, I know that.
Amber: That's what I convinced myself but I didn't take your kids into…
(Amber covers her mouth and begins to cry)
Amber: You need to know I would never hurt your kids Alex; I would sooner scoop out my own eye than hurt them. I… (Voice breaking) I only got them for two days and I already love them, I really love them so much.
Alex: And they love you.
Amber: (Crying) I-I lied in there to Abby when I told her it's what I would want someone to do for me. I…I wanted to say it's what I would want someone to do for the twins.
(Alex tears up as well knowing the feeling too well)
Amber: (Still crying) Two months ago, I probably would've brushed them off and be done with it but…instead I thought of Eli and Alexis and…and how it could be them in that bed. Taken by someone like Opal so easily because they're so small and fragile. I acted like the doctor I would want them to have if it was them that was taken and beaten and…
(Amber sobs at the thought of the twins in that situation. Alex inhales and exhales as he rubs Amber's back)
Amber: (Voice breaking) If something happens to those two, I would die. I'm not kidding I would shoot myself in the head because the pain would be too much to take. I don't know how you do it Alex. I don't know how you sleep at night knowing there are so many people like Opal out there who can hurt them. I don't know how your heart isn't shattering into a million pieces. I don't know how you live like this. I don't-
(Alex stops Amber by hugging her allowing her to continue crying on his shoulder)
Alex: Shh I know, I know it's awful it's really awful.
(Amber calms down and pulls back wiping her tears away and leans against Alex who helps her walk)
Alex: From what I've learned from being a dad for exactly a month…you just push through it. You push through the pain and fear and remember that there are good people in this world too. People like you who save little girls and reunite them with their family. Keep that in your head and you might just keep your sanity.
(Amber sniffles and nods feeling a little bit better)
Alex: Are you coming to the loft?
Amber: Um I'm gonna go to Joe's and meet you at the loft later.
Alex: Okay, don't drive if you don't feel up to it, okay?
Amber: Okay.
(Amber walks away from Alex who wipes his tears away out of her view and inhales deeply before going to his car)
LATER AT CAPITOL HILL
(Alex pulls up in front of the blue two-story house with a metal gate. He then goes inside and sees Jo standing there looking at the empty house)
Alex Hey.
Jo: Hey, how's the girl you and Amber saved? Is she okay?
Alex: Um as okay as she can be. Her sister is with her at the hospital and her parents are on a plane right now.
Jo: That's good I'm glad you decided to help Amber over going to some stupid open house.
Alex: Yeah me too, is the realtor still here?
Jo: (Smiles) No.
Alex: (Confused) Okay if she's not here why are we inside this house?
Jo: I think you mean why are we inside our house?
Alex: …I'm sorry what?
Jo: I wanted to wait for you I really did but the moment I stepped inside this house I realized immediately that this is our house. This is the house we're meant to live in and raise the kids in. I knew it the moment I saw it and I know you so I knew this is the house you would want to live in too.
Alex: …Jo did you buy this house?
Jo: Yes, and before you get mad, I want you to use your imagination about what the future is gonna be. Come on take a look.
(Jo leads Alex to the u-shaped kitchen with an island in the middle)
Jo: This is where the kids are gonna bake cookies and cakes and pies and we'll teach them how to make them healthier. Amber will try to bake but let's be honest she's gonna fail miserably about 25 times until she gets it half right.
Alex: (Chuckles) Yeah.
Jo: And right this way.
(Jo leads him to the empty space down the hall from the kitchen)
Jo: This is where the kids will watch Doc McStuffins until they go to school or bed and we can watch what we want. You and Amber will alternate between sports and movies or just end up fighting over who gets the TV. This can also be where the kids will read because the lighting is so good and there's hardwood floors so they can do their arts and crafts here and make a mess.
(Jo leads Alex to stairs leading down a basement)
Jo: And this is the basement. I figured that DeLuca will get the apartment and Amber will have to move back in with us. (Alex groans) But it's okay because the basement will be her room, hell it'll be her own space. It has a kitchen and bathroom so we probably won't ever see her. I checked and it's soundproofed so if she has…company (Alex groans in disgust) we won't hear her and the kids won't hear her. The second floor has three rooms in case the twins outgrow sharing a room, my bet is that Alexis will be first.
Alex: Yeah, it's my bet too.
Jo: Exactly and in case that happens she will have her own room. There's an attic with a room so in case we have guests or we want roommates-
Alex: Which we don't let me be clear.
Jo: But just in case we have that option and…and just in case we decide to expand the family further. We can use the attic as a nursery.
(Alex's eyes widen at the prospect of more kids and he steps back from Jo. He silently observes the house before making a decision)
Alex: It's perfect.
Jo: Really? You're not mad I already put in an offer?
Alex: Oh no I am mad but I'm also glad you thought this through and…I can see what you see and our future is going to be wonderful here.
Jo: (Smiles) You mean that?
Alex: Yeah. This feels right, this feels like the start to the rest of our lives together. You were right, this is the house I want to live in with my wife and kids and however many more kids that we have. It's…it's perfect.
(Jo smiles and she and Alex kiss for the first time in their new home)
Alex: Your sure the basement is soundproof?
Jo: (Chuckles) Positive.
MEANWHILE AT JOES
(Amber goes to the bar where she sees Levi sadly picking at peanuts)
Amber: Geez and I thought I could pull off the brooding angry look.
Levi: I think I dumped myself. Is that even possible? Oh, wait. Of course, it is. I'm me.
Amber: I take it the talk with Kim didn't go well huh?
Levi: Yep, I tried to work through my problems but now I created a new one. I left all my stuff at Nico's place because you two convinced me to move out of my mom's house. And I haven't found an apartment yet. So, I'm homeless!
Amber: Ouch sorry, do you want to stay with me while you look for a place?
Levi: You mean at the apartment you're sharing with Andrew? I think that's sadder than my current situation right now.
Amber: No, I mean at Alex and Jo's new house. Jo bought a house for them with enough room for the both of us. They need to get everything in order and you'd have to crash at my boy-my ex-boyfriends place with me but hopefully soon we have a huge house to live in later.
Levi: You're not gonna fight for the apartment that has your name on the lease when DeLuca gets back?
Amber: Oh, hell no, I haven't even been staying in it since he left. My place is too empty and too sad and everywhere I look there's something to remind me of Andrew and…I would feel better living with my family and that includes you.
Levi: I don't want to impose.
Amber: Oh, don't be an idiot. It's sort of kind of my fault your homeless so it's the least I can do. Plus, it'll be fun, us living together and wallowing in our own misery since being dumped by the men we love. We both need a change and this is a start.
Levi: Then definitely yes. We can be super sad together.
(Amber chuckles and clinks her beer with Levi's starting their lives together as single people)
FLASHBACK TO 2014
SCENE: NYU LANGONE HEALTH HOSPITAL PATIENT ROOM
(Ximena Rojas frowns as she applies betadine on an unseen patients wounded lip)
Patient: You made sure no one saw me, right?
Ximena: Yes, even though I think you should tell someone preferably a police officer because your appearance is enough evidence as it is.
(The scene reveals the patient to be a 20-year-old Amber who has a superficial laceration on her forehead, a broken and bleeding nose, a split lip that is bruising, a black eye on her right side and her left wrist is in a splint)
Amber: (Looks at Ximena) I think he made it pretty clear what would happen if I did. Besides it's not like he can't buy his way out of it.
Ximena: Maybe your brother can help you.
Amber: (Immediately) No.
Ximena: (Worried) Amber-
Amber: (Voice breaking) I said no. Alex can't know nobody can know, so promise me you won't tell anyone.
Ximena: Are you sure about this?
Amber: (Tears up) I am sure that I can get through this on my own. I've survived through worse and a trial that's just gonna be a circus is not something I need…ever. Promise me you will not say anything.
Ximena: (Sighs and reluctantly says) Okay I promise.
Amber: (Exhales in relief) Thank you, now clean these wounds before they infect and-
Ximena: I know what to do so lie still and let me work.
(Amber nods and stares at the wall blankly trying to get through the physical and emotional trauma she just experienced)
CUT TO BLACK
I DECIDED TO SWITCH AMBER WITH DELUCA IN THIS STORYLINE BECAUSE I FOUND HIS DEATH IN THE SHOW TO BE COMPLETELY UNFAIR AND WANTED TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT WOULD NOT HAPPEN IN THIS STORY. THE ENDING ONCE AGAIN FORESHADOWS A FUTURE STORYLINE I WILL WRITE IN THE NEXT SEASON, SO BE PATIENT.