Chapter 23: Love of My Life
2019
SCENE: AMELIA AND AMBERS BEDROOM
(Amber zips up her suitcase with Andrew in the room with his own bag as well that is half the size of her case)
Amber: Okay how is it you have all you need in that little duffle bag but I need to carry 80 pounds to survive a week on the road?
Andrew: (Chuckles) I don't know, I guess your taking extra clothes so you can decide what to wear to the concert.
Amber: Hmm that could be it. You uh filled up the gas, right?
Andrew: Yep.
Amber: Checked the oil?
Andrew: Yep, got it changed last night.
Amber: Tires are pumped?
Andrew: As pumped up as you are for this rebel concert.
Amber: Okay…did you-
Andrew: Honey I did everything right so we can make it to Ohio and back within a week. I swear now stop worrying that we're gonna…break down and get picked up by some murderous truck driver.
Amber: Oh no my mind wasn't going there at all.
Andrew: (Relieved) Oh good.
Amber: See I was imagining we'd take a wrong turn all together and end up going through woods where cannibalistic mutants attack us and serve us up to the devil.
Andrew: I'm pretty sure you combined at least three movies in that sentence. I knew there was a downside to watching as many horror movies as you do.
Amber: Or an upside. I mean I am prepared for anything and I know what not to do so I don't end up killed or worse.
Andrew: Including taking a road trip?
Amber: Exactly, you get it.
Andrew: (Sighs) Okay. Everything is going to be fine, we're gonna get in your car, only take necessary pits stops and have the most awesomest week ever.
Amber: (Chuckles) Awesomest isn't a word, dummy.
Andrew: It is in my world now please calm down and help me get our cases in the car and let's have the most awesomest time of our lives.
Amber: (Grins) You are such a dork, you know that?
Andrew: Hey you're the one who fell in love with a dork.
Amber: (Teases) I did and it still puzzles me to this day.
(Andrew chuckles and kisses Amber)
Andrew: Come on, we'll make a stop at Portland if we leave now.
Amber: (Sighs) Why do I get the feeling I am going to regret this?
(Amber and Andrew grab their suitcases and head to the car to get started on their road trip)
PRESENT DAY
SCENE: LOS ANGELES HOTEL
(Amber enters the hotel in her medium gray pantsuit with a white tie neck blouse and black strappy heels. Amber sees signs welcoming her to the Los Angeles Surgical Innovation Conference. She walks in wheeling her suitcase and spots Maggie and Webber at the center)
Amber: (Smiles) Hey guys.
Webber: Hey! I'm glad you could make it.
Amber: (Scoffs) Are you kidding? I helped you make this thing, the least I could do is see you present it to the world.
Maggie: (Grins) And the sun and beach is an added bonus, right?
Amber: Oh yeah once this conference is done, I'm gonna head down to the beach, swim and get a killer sunburn. Oh! And get something for the twins when I get back, their birthdays are in three days.
Webber: Oh, wow first birthday with them, are you nervous?
Amber: Are you nervous about your presentation?
Webber: Not by a long shot, after the year I've had this is the kind of uplift I need.
Amber: (Exhales) I know what you mean.
Maggie: So, do I.
(They all walk to the front desk to check in)
Maggie: You seem good. Chipper.
Webber: Ah, I put my blood, sweat, and tears into this PATH pen. I can't wait to share it with the world.
Amber: You put me on the paper, right? I mean an intern who assisted in this groundbreaking device is bound to get me fellowships as soon as I apply for boards.
Webber: (Chuckles) Don't worry about it, I put your name on the paper.
Amber: Okay thanks.
(Amber looks around the area admiring the scenery when something catches her eye across the lobby. She sees Ximena Rojas in a black sheath dress with her long black hair straight and down talking to someone. Amber's breath hitches and she looks away when Ximena looks over in her direction almost recognizing Amber with her hair dark brown instead of blonde.
2019
SCENE: AMBERS CAR
(Amber looks at herself in the mirror citing the fading pink and blue strands with Andrew driving)
Andrew: All right we've made only two pit stops in six hours, I think we're making progress. As long as we only pee outside in the fields we should arrive in Ohio on Thursday. (Notices her looking in the mirror) What is it?
Amber: (Tsks) The colors are fading; I mean they look dull already.
Andrew: Okay so get it retouched or just go back to blonde.
Amber: (Considers) What do you think of brunette?
Andrew: (Chuckles) What? You want to go brunette now?
Amber: I mean I've been a blonde for almost 25 years now, why not? Do you think I could pull it off?
Andrew: (Carefully considers) Um do you want me to be the supportive boyfriend or honest friend now?
Amber: Honest friend.
Andrew: No, you would not pull off brunette. Red head maybe and that is in the strawberry blonde category but no you won't pull off brown hair.
Amber: (Scoffs) And why not? You didn't seem to mind the pan colors.
Andrew: That's because they go with your blonde hair because you are a blonde. I'm not saying it to be possessive I'm saying it because it's the truth. I like your blonde hair; I love it in fact.
Amber: (Rolls her eyes) God you are such a guy. Of course, you like the blonde hair, it's every guys dream to land a blonde bombshell.
Andrew: (Chuckles) No that's not it, it's just…why do you even want brown hair to begin with?
Amber: (Shrugs) Maybe I want a change. But I guess I'll just start with getting these colors washed out and maybe going for a darker shade than this. Ooh maybe I should cut it.
Andrew: (Confused) What? First you wanted to color now you want to cut.
Amber: Um yeah, my hair is long and it's exhausting to keep it in a ponytail at work. What do you think of the whole pixie style?
Andrew: Babe the way you're talking about hair may as well in Czech to me.
Amber: Super short, almost shaved, is that something you understand?
Andrew: Yes, and maybe. What about a bob? I mean that's a good start, it's easy to manage and you don't have to put it up.
Amber: (Imagines herself with a bob) I can work with that, yeah, I mean if I'm gonna be a resident-
Andrew: When you become a resident.
Amber: If, let's not jinx it please, if I become a resident, I'm gonna need to put in more hours and be less distracted. I'm mean keeping my hair up and tidy is a challenge. Plus, the amount of time it takes to curl it or straighten it…eh we'll being it up later. (Looks at the map on her phone) All right let's see what it says here…
(Amber looks at the map but fails to understand the directions to take)
Andrew: (Amused) Can't read it can you?
Amber: I'm an MD, and I can't read a freaking map.
Andrew: (Chuckles) Look Thornville is just straight ahead down 212 East and we take a left on 34 then we go to I-90 and it's 8 hours away.
Amber: (Scoffs) Showoff. Did they teach you map reading in Harvard or was it something you picked up as a first responder?
Andrew: Uh EMT's are required to read maps so we can head in the right direction of a call. I mean you spent four years in New York I would think maps would be your second language.
Amber: Yeah, subway maps and I got lost like 8 times before getting the hang of it.
Andrew: (Chuckles) Really?
Amber: Yeah, one time I slept on a subway ride to SoHo and woke up in Queens.
Andrew: (Chuckles) How did you ride from NYC to Seattle without getting lost?
Amber: I just let Lola get me in the right direction.
Andrew: Lola?
Amber: (Holds up her phone showing the map app) Yep, she guided me on my journey for 43 hours. I'm alive thanks to her. Sorry if not all of us learned expert mapping and directions from being an EMT.
Andrew: Yeah, I guess I was lucky to forgo college for a few years.
Amber: Mm hm. (Grabs chips from the backseat) Hey speaking of a few years, your uh your gonna start your fifth year when we get back.
Andrew: Yeah, I am.
Amber: (Eats chips) And your still declaring general surgery?
Andrew: Yeah.
Amber: So…that means your gonna apply for fellowships soon?
Andrew: (Confused) Um that's usually the way it goes yeah, why are you asking?
Amber: I mean…I guess I'm asking…are you gonna look for jobs outside Seattle and have to move away from the city and…us?
Andrew: (Looks at Amber) Um-
(Andrew's sentence is stopped when a tire burst stopping them and forcing them to pull over in a patch of fields along the interstate)
PRESENT DAY
SCENE: LOS ANGELES HOTEL HALLWAY
(Amber walks the hall with her suitcase behind her and stops at her room getting ready to go in)
Ximena: Well, I'll be, Amber Karev.
(Amber recognizes the voice and looks to her right seeing Ximena Rojas next to her revealing that they are booked next to each other. Ximena grins at the sight of Amber who grins back)
Amber: Hey.
Ximena: Hey, I thought it was you in the lobby, even with that new hair I recognize you anywhere.
Amber: (Touches her hair) You saw through my disguise. I didn't think you come to these places I mean their basically sales pitches with good drinks.
Ximena: Yeah, it's my first time here. My plastics attending wants me to attend this Skin-Deep presentation thinks it'll advance our skin grafts research. And what about you? What brings you to the sunny skies and corny sales?
Amber: I'm here to support my boss Richard Webber, he's presenting his PATH pen and I helped develop it my intern year, it's…it's pretty much the coolest thing I've done in my career so far.
Ximena: (Scoffs) Are you kidding me? You're all over the medical community right now. I mean your viral after catching that sex trafficker and helping that teenager.
Amber: (Hears this for the first time) Seriously? I mean I-I didn't think I would matter that much.
Ximena: Honey you do, people are calling you a badass demon slayer.
Amber: (Pleased) Hmm, I like that maybe I should get that embroidered in my coat.
Ximena: (Chuckles) You totally should. Hey uh drinks aren't being served in like two hours do you want to come over and raid the mini bar till then?
Amber: (Taken back) Um I don't know.
Ximena: Come on it's just a drink to catch up between old friends. I'm sure your Italian boyfriend will understand when you get back home.
Amber: (Suddenly wants a drink after the mention of Andrew) Yeah okay one drink no you know what make it two.
Ximena: (Looks at Amber surprised)
Amber: (Smiles) We're on vacation, right?
2019
SCENE: INTERSTATE FIELD
(Amber opens her trunk taking out a tire iron with Andrew taking out the spare tire)
Amber: I knew this would happen, I just knew it and now children from a cornfield are gonna come and serve us up to the devil.
Andrew: (Sets the tools up by the flat tire) I thought you were worried about cannibalistic mutants?
Amber: I was but my mind just shifted to worse scenarios when that tire got flat. How long will it take to fix it?
Andrew: Um shouldn't be long so just relax or try to freak out less. We'll back in the road in no time.
(Amber sighs and sits on the ground leaning against her car next to Andrew while he works)
Amber: You do know how to change a tire right? Because I don't want you to cause more problems for us, I am just saying.
Andrew: Of course, I do, I change the tires in my bike all the time.
Amber: (Still worried) Bikes are just a little bit different than cars. For one thing cars protect you when you get in an accident but with a bike you just fly off and are either paralyzed or decapitated.
Andrew: (Raises jack to lift car) I get it you hate motorcycles more than anything.
Amber: No, I know the facts and the statistics as both a doctor and pedestrian, the only question is why you don't seem to. Seriously though why the bike at all? Are you going through an early life crisis or something?
Andrew: (Removes hubcap) Um I want to tell you but I'm afraid your gonna think it's stupid.
Amber: (Narrows eyes) I already think that it's stupid you got a motorcycle period so whatever you say won't change that spill.
Andrew: (Lifts tire off ground) All right, do you remember the day after the wedding?
Amber: You mean the day after my brother got married on a ferry because he missed his first venue because he was too busy having sex with his fiancé in a shack next to a dead body. And while they were I got kissed by a drunk and sad Italian man on a dirty bridge. Was it the day after that wedding you're talking about?
Andrew: (Chuckles and removes flat tire) Yeah well, the morning after I saved Pierce and Avery from being roadkill and I don't know I felt…better. I mean I was a mess I was a disaster like you wouldn't believe. But saving Pierce and Avery awakened me somehow and after that fire in the O.R. and saving Roy's life the same day I felt more alive than I did.
Amber: You know a part of me wishes that you let Roy get his dumbass burned right there in the O.R. I actually delayed my feelings for you because of that.
Andrew: Still I saved three lives in that one day and I…I got better after Sam left. The day after I had a patient who needed brain surgery when he rode a bike without a helmet-
Amber: Yet another statistic of my distaste for those machines.
Andrew: (Places spare tire on hub) After the surgery he decided he didn't want the bike anymore and I was in the room. I told you my dad taught me how to ride and I didn't have a car at the time so…I bought it off him. I bought the bike because I wanted to live my life again after Sam left and I did. The bike got me to live my life to the fullest and I felt bolder in both my personal life and professional. If anything, that bike is probably the reason I decided to make a go of us so…maybe you should think less on facts and more on sentiment.
Amber: (Blank face) …Yep, your right it is stupid.
Andrew: (Puts nuts on hub) And there it is.
Amber: (Chuckles) I'm sorry I think it's sweet you think that thing got you to love me but…maybe don't because that bike doesn't make you more romantic. I know it because I know you.
Andrew: (Tightens nuts with tire iron) Really?
Amber: Yeah, it just makes you more stupid that's all.
(Amber grins at Andrew who chuckles at her comment)
Andrew: (Lowers car slowly) Your ability to shift from endearing to snarky impresses me. Since we're talking about our vehicles, how does a broke med student on scholarship and financial aid afford a classic like this? Did you win it in a boxing match or something?
Amber: No actually my brother gave it to me as a graduation gift after med school. I was into Keanu and he found out and gave me the same car from John Wick.
Andrew: (Finally gets car on ground) I thought you and Alex weren't talking then?
Amber: No um…I meant Aaron my other brother.
(Andrew looks at Amber surprised but removes the jack with a composed face)
Andrew: It's a good car he got you.
Amber: Yeah, it is.
Andrew: (Stands up) You never really do talk about him.
Amber: You saw what happened last time I talked about my messed-up family; you know what that's like right?
Andrew: (Puts jack and flat tire in trunk) I do which is why I am not gonna push.
Amber: (Stands up) Thanks. All done?
Andrew: Yep, you want me to drive?
Amber: Nah I'll do it; I think the road will help me clear my head.
(Andrew nods and hands her the keys)
PRESENT DAY
SCENE: XIMENAS HOTEL ROOM
(Amber and Ximena are on the bed drinking their alcohol bottles from the mini bar catching up)
Ximena: (Laughs) Wait so you and Jo went around town looking for her ring only your brother, had it?
Amber: (Chuckles) Yeah! I know it was like life decided to punish us for what we did that night by slapping us on the face with a diamond!
(Amber and Ximena laugh and calm down looking at each other)
Amber: (Blurts out) I'm an aunt now.
Ximena: (Taken back) What?
Amber: (Realizes what she said) Oh god um…that was not the way it was supposed to come out but since it did. Yeah, I'm an aunt now, auntie Amber is what I am.
Ximena: (Chuckles) Wow congratulations, pictures please.
Amber: (Takes out her phone) Oh yeah.
(Amber shows Ximena the pictures of her with Eli and Alexis in Kansas smiling with them)
Ximena: (Surprised) Wow, when you said you were a new aunt, I was expecting a chubby cheeked baby.
Amber: Yeah um…it's a long story but basically my brother just found out his ex-wife used their embryos six years ago after she went into remission for late life cancer.
Ximena: (Wide eyes) That is a very short sentence for what I assume is a long story.
Amber: Yeah well, I'm exhausted explaining it at this point so I figured out a short way to do it.
Ximena: Hmm, isn't this the ex-wife who walked out on your brother?
Amber: Yeah and…well she hates me and I think, I think she's right to but I don't want to admit it because I hate her more.
Ximena: Why the hate? Aside from the whole leaving Alex thing.
Amber: Um…I followed him to her place and didn't believe her on account of her being of suspicious character so I…took a piece of hair from my niece's brush and tested it against my DNA. (Ximena's eyes widen) Yeah safe to say it wasn't my greatest moment. Anyway, Izzie kicked me out after she found the results and until my brother convinces her I only have these photos to remember those adorable twins by.
Ximena: That's insane.
Amber: Yeah, I told you it wasn't my greatest moment and I'm not proud but-
Ximena: No, I mean it's insane she thinks she can earn your trust after you just met her. I mean she left your brother that's all you know she can't expect you to not be suspicious of her.
Amber: (Scoffs) Yeah well that's not what she thinks. But thank you for taking my side you're the only person who has.
Ximena: Italian took her side as well?
Amber: (Inhales sharply) Um he doesn't know actually we uh…we broke up after I found out.
Ximena: (Shocked) What? What happened?
Amber: Um would you believe me if I just said it didn't work out?
Ximena: Well not if you say it like that. Was it bad?
Amber: (Chuckles darkly) Horrific is what it was.
Ximena: Did he cheat?
Amber: (Sighs) I wish.
Ximena: Did you cheat? I won't judge.
Amber: I wish.
Ximena: …Okay did an asteroid hit you both because that's more horrifying than cheating.
Amber: (Chuckles) No um…
Ximena: (Can see she's struggling and rubs her shoulder) Hey it's me Am, you can tell me. I'll try not to react.
Amber: It's kind of hard to explain.
Ximena: (Snorts) You just explained that your brother has kids with his ex-wife who had cancer in one sentence I think you can do this. Try me.
Amber: (Exhales and drinks a whole mini bottle of vodka for courage) Andrew has bipolar disorder. It happened when I was in Kansas and it got worse when I came back. He did some pretty reckless things to save patients' lives which alarmed me even more. Every time I tried to open his eyes, he snapped at me and said things that are specifically targeted at my old battle scars. I finally got him to get treatment and he felt guilty for how he treated me and I wanted to break up with him because I didn't want to be involved in that shit again. He broke up with me first he said I didn't deserve this and that he loved me and wanted to marry me but he had to leave. It's 29 days later he gets out of treatment tomorrow and I've been so nervous that I dyed my hair. And now I'm hoping a tsunami comes and delays my reunion with my boyfriend who I still share an apartment with so there's the possibility I might become homeless again.
Ximena: (Shocked but keeps a composed face) Holy shit.
Amber: (Sighs and leans back on the bed) Yeah holy shit is the right reaction. And the worst part is I still love him and I don't know what to do. And I kind of hate him for telling me about the ring and making this so much worse.
Ximena: Well, I'm sure he didn't mean for that to happen.
Amber: (Agitated) Do not take his side.
Ximena: (Holds hands up in defense) I'm sorry, I'm not.
Amber: (Lies on the bed) It sucks, my love life sucks, my living situation sucks, my whole life sucks.
Ximena: (Sympathetic) Yeah, it sounds like it does.
Amber: (Exhales) God I wish I did heroin.
Ximena: (Stern) Amber Stevie Karev-
Amber: No, I mean I wish I did a little bit of drugs in college not a lot not like my dad. I mean I have enough self-control not to end up in a church talking about my feelings to a group of strangers. I just wish I knew the feeling of being away from the world at least just for a second so I can use that memory and get through this crappy time in my crappy life. Why did my brothers dare me to stay off drugs?
Ximena: Okay I know things are hard now but you can't go down that road.
Amber: What other roads are there, X?
Ximena: Well, there's the road where you can drive away from your problems and enjoy what's right in front of you.
Amber: Your philosophy is easier said than done.
Ximena: (Scoffs) Okay look you know that the best way to get through a hard time is to start with a good time. You have been through worse and come out on the other side by having a good time and start getting your happy back.
(Amber sits up from the bed as she gets an idea and grabs the empty bottles while Ximena talks)
Ximena: If you keep going on like this your gonna end up alone and bitter and you'll let Andrew win that way. If you see something good in front of you enjoy it and don't let the past stop you- (Notices Amber putting the bottles away) Amber, what are you doing? I'm trying to give you advice.
Amber: (Turns to Ximena) And I hear you (Takes her blazer off) get my happy back.
Ximena: (Taken back as Amber removes her shoes) What?
Amber: (Removes her tie neck blouse revealing her white lace bra) Take the road away from the pain and enjoy what's right in front of you.
Ximena: (See's what she's suggesting) Okay I said enjoy what's right in front of you not enjoy me.
Amber: (Pulls her pants down revealing her white lace panties) My life is crumbling; it is a mess. The man I love left me and I am standing in front of a woman from my past who I had excellent sex with. It's not a coincidence I run into her in a completely different city after my life came tumbling down. It's a sign for me to get my happy back and this is a good start.
(Amber removes her bra causing Ximena to look at her in shock and lust)
Amber: (Smoldering eyes) Now do you want to help me or not?
(Ximena takes a beat and submits to her lust causing her to get out of bed and approach Amber. They kiss passionately and moan, Amber zips Ximena's dress down and leads her to the bed where they continue)
2019
SCENE: AMBERS CAR
(Amber is lying on top of Andrew post coital in the backseat with a blanket covering them while it's raining outside in the night)
Amber: What time do you want to drive?
Andrew: (Checks watch) Five hours? Hopefully we get some sleep in that short amount of time.
Amber: We probably won't.
(Andrew chuckles and kisses Amber)
Andrew: (Sighs in content) This is nice.
Amber: (Snorts) It's always nice, why do you think we're still together.
Andrew: No, I mean this is nice, the whole scene. It's just the two of us in here, it's quiet, peaceful, cozy. I like our life when it's like this.
Amber: (Hums in approval and kisses Andrew's chest) But it is our life, which means we have horny bedmates, kids, and prudish homeowners when we get back home. So, enjoy this moment while it lasts.
Andrew: (Strokes Amber's back) No luck on the apartment hunt? What's it been like two years now?
Amber: Hey! Finding a place on your own is a lot harder than it looks. You should know you spent half a year in an on-call room.
Andrew: Hmm true and you know what's even sadder?
Amber: What?
Andrew: This backseat is actually more comfortable than the beds in there.
Amber: (Laughs) Well maybe I should move in here then. I mean it's private, I've got heat, AC, I could put my undies in the glove compartment.
Andrew: I am not even gonna ask where you use the restroom…you know I um…I could make room for you at my place maybe give you a drawer.
Amber: (Looks at Andrew) A drawer? At your place? My, my what a big step.
Andrew: (Shrugs) It's a start unless you want to risk being kicked out by Link and Amelia again.
Amber: (Groans) I still can't believe they did that. I swear if I didn't need ortho or neuro hours I would've strangled the both of them.
Andrew: (Chuckles) The hours are what stopped you?
Amber: Well yeah, I'm not dead inside.
Andrew: (Grins) So uh…about the drawer?
Amber: (Thinks about it) Yes, I would like it if you made a drawer so I don't have to pack up to stay over and not have my horny bedmate stop my sex.
Andrew: (Chuckles) Okay, I'll see what I can clear when we get back. Now let's enjoy the scene while we can.
Amber: Best idea you've had since this road trip.
(Amber snuggles up against Andrew enjoying the intimate scene)
PRESENT DAY
SCENE: XIMENAS HOTEL ROOM
(Amber and Ximena are on the floor beside the bed after falling off. They are both naked and sweaty and out of breath)
Ximena: (Panting) Oh my god.
Amber: (Panting) Yeah same.
Ximena: (Panting) I… (Chuckling) I can't catch my breath.
Amber: (Grins) Well we can call up a doctor to check you out, they're a dime a dozen in the building.
(They both laugh loudly)
Amber: (Smiles and exhales) God I forgot how much fun you were.
Ximena: (Smiles) I'm the fun one? I'm not the one who proposed sex like it was candy.
Amber: (Turns over to face her) Oh well this is better than candy and I didn't hear you say no.
Ximena: (Chuckles) Well I'm not the only one who found this arrangement beyond satiable.
(Amber sighs and kisses Ximena again)
Ximena: (Pulls back) Don't we have the conference downstairs?
Amber: Yeah…but ask me again in two hours.
Ximena: (Lust reignited) Done.
(Ximena kisses Amber and straddles her to continue)
2019
SCENE: DINER IN MINNESOTA
(Amber and Andrew sit across from each other in a booth enjoying their lunch. A waitress comes by and takes Amber's plate)
Amber: Hey can I try some of that apple pie?
Waitress: Sure thing.
Amber: Thank you.
(Andrew gives Amber a look as the waitress leaves)
Amber: What?
Andrew: Nothing, it still amazes me how much you can eat. It's kind of like you're eating for two. (Gets suspicious) Are you eating for two?
Amber: (Chuckles) Trust me if I was pregnant that pie would only be the tip of the iceberg.
Andrew: Really?
Amber: Oh yeah if I was pregnant my vagina would tear up because the food, I ate fattened up the baby.
Andrew: (Snorts) Hot.
Amber: Okay while we're waiting for my pie lets play a game. It's called the trade game, have you heard it?
Andrew: Um no what is that?
Amber: It's a people watching game, my brother and I played it when we would get bored.
Andrew: Okay how do you play?
Amber: Well, what you do is casually scan the crowd, scope out the people around you.
Andrew: Okay.
Amber: And then without telling me you pick a person you would trade lives with. Go.
(Andrew leans back and casually scans around him picking the person)
Andrew: Okay I got it.
Amber: Okay now I get two guesses on who you picked and why you would trade places with them.
Andrew: (Grins) Okay well good luck.
(Amber scans around the diner and spots a bodybuilder outside lifting his own weights from his truck)
Amber: (Points to him) That guy.
Andrew: (Raises eyebrow) You mean George Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger's son?
Amber: (Laughs) Okay I have one more guess so don't dismiss me yet.
(Amber scans around again and spots a young man making out with a pretty skinny brunette in shorts and a tube top by another booth)
Amber: (Grins) Him.
Andrew: Nope wrong again.
Amber: (Exhales) Okay then who did you pick?
Andrew: (Points to a couple feeding their toddler son in a highchair) Him.
Amber: The dad?
Andrew: No, the son. And the reason I picked it because that kid has his whole life ahead of him.
Amber: (Snorts) Come on it's not like your old, older yes but not geriatric.
Andrew: True but he gets to be fed everyday by people without getting scolded. Plus, he gets to go to the bathroom anytime he wants.
Amber: (Grins) True he's probably taking a shit right now; I could never get away with that.
Andrew: (Laughs) …Do you want one?
(The waitress brings over Amber's pie)
Amber: (Eats the pie) One what?
Andrew: Kids, do you want them?
Amber: (Chuckles darkly) Hell no, I would be a horrible mother. Mmm this is some damn good pie.
(Andrew looks at Amber with uncertainty over her comment who is oblivious as she eats her pie)
PRESENT DAY
SCENE: XIMENAS HOTEL ROOM
(Amber and Ximena are in bed wearing bathrobes and enjoying the room service they got)
Amber: (Leaning back against the headboard) You know until tonight I've never even heard of lobster thermidor. I don't even know what thermidor is and yet it tastes so good.
Ximena: (Sitting across from her enjoying her dinner) Same I mean lobster pappardelle should sound bad but yet it tastes so good.
Amber: I would think a Manhattan girl like you ate it up in luxury every night.
Ximena: (Chuckles) Well that's where you're wrong. The most luxurious meal I've had in seven years is lasagna from the hospital cafeteria.
Amber: (Scoffs) Well enjoy this and order a tiramisu on me. Vacation is when money is not problem for a while.
Ximena: (Orders dessert on the website) True, tiramisu for you then?
Amber: Um no get me a baked Alaska I want to know what dessert tastes like after you burned it.
Ximena: (Chuckles) Only as long as you share it with me.
Amber: (Grins and considers an awful thing) Are…Are you seeing someone back home?
Ximena: What?
Amber: Well, it's just we've talked about my love life but not yours and so I want to know if I just became the other woman due to my selfish need for endorphins…so, did I?
Ximena: (Chuckles) No you did not, there has been nobody serious ever. Your pretty much the longest non relationship I have ever had.
Amber: Seriously? Nobody has come barking?
Ximena: Oh, they have but I don't give in unless it's short term. I mean how do I propose a lifelong commitment? Do I just up and say, 'hey do you want to hang out with me till I'm in a diaper in my forties?'
(Amber gives Ximena a look who continues)
Ximena: Oh, maybe I should tell them about the crazy facial tics or the dementia that's a good conversation starter. (Amber looks at Ximena in pity) No watching my dad die of Huntington's disease has made it clear that nobody wants to be a part of it.
Amber: Have you tested for it?
Ximena: No and I want to keep it that way.
Amber: You're a doctor, you should want to know instead of living like you already have the disease.
Ximena: Call me old fashioned but I prefer if the tremors gave it away first. Besides living like your gonna die is sort of refreshing your determined to achieve your goals early.
Amber: What goals could you achieve at 30?
Ximena: Be a part of a groundbreaking surgery, I did that a few months ago with a throat transplant. And the sex (Moans) the sex is even better when you think it's your last.
Amber: (Chuckles) Well I am glad to be a part of your bucket list, I guess.
Ximena: (Grins) As you should.
(They clink their alcohol bottles and drink)
Amber: You know you'd think someone as free spirited as you would toss out labels instead of identifying as bi.
Ximena: (Scoffs) Well I have some standards and so do you even though your pan.
Amber: (Eats lobster) True.
Ximena: Besides the bi colors are prettier than yours.
Amber: Yeah, I think we should hold a petition to change it so it fits all our color basics.
Ximena: (Sips vodka) Maybe that could be in my bucket list. Of course, it'll probably be considered when I'm drooling in a nursing home.
Amber: (Rolls eyes) Sometimes I forget how dark you are when you talk about the disease.
Ximena: (Scoffs) That's because the disease is nothing but darkness from a bystander and probably soon to be participants point of view.
(Amber sighs and eats the lobster in silence with Ximena who sips vodka)
2019
SCENE: HOLIDAY INN AT NEWARK, OHIO
(Amber and Andrew lie in bed cuddling)
Andrew: (Hold her against him) You excited about tomorrow?
Amber: Oh yeah, I would squeal with joy if I was capable of it.
Andrew: I think you did when I gave you the tickets and ten minutes ago in the shower.
Amber: (Grins) Yeah well that's all the joy you're getting out of me until tomorrow when I'm screaming for my favorite bands that you've never even heard of.
Andrew: How do you know I haven't heard of them?
Amber: Because I've seen your vinyl's and I only have about two of the same on your shelves.
Andrew: I've heard of NOFX.
Amber: Anybody with good taste has heard of NOFX, but don't worry I'll protect you from my fellow angry rockheads.
Andrew: (Kisses her head) I'm holding you to that.
(Amber exhales and snuggles up against Andrew)
Andrew: So, uh…back in Minnesota what did you mean when you said you'd be a terrible mother?
Amber: Um where is this coming from? And why are you asking four states later?
Andrew: I don't know, I just…wanted to tread carefully because it's an uneasy subject and I realized there's no way to work around it so I'm asking. What's the problem? Do you hate kids or something?
Amber: (Scoffs) No I like kids just fine not as much as my brother but still. I just…I just know I would be a horrible mother.
Andrew: How do you know that?
Amber: Because people who shouldn't have children shouldn't have children. I mean my parents are a good example and your dad if you can recall.
Andrew: (Doesn't see it) Come on you would never do that to your kids, I mean your insane if you think-
Amber: Well, who knows I don't think anybody who had a child ever thought, 'oh look now I have something I can hit.' Maybe Jimmy was decent at first until…
Andrew: (Strokes her back) Amber, you are the most caring, strong, forgiving person I know.
Amber: (Doubts him) And the most neurotic and volatile and self-involved individual.
Andrew: Amber…just because you had horrible parents doesn't mean your gonna become one. I know when a woman has what it takes to be a good mom because I was raised by one and trust me…you have what it takes. You just have to see that for yourself and maybe the idea of kids won't be so scary.
Amber: (Touched) Let's go to bed, I want to get to Thornville in the morning.
(Amber kisses Andrew good night before turning to sleep on her side with Andrew spooning her fast asleep as well)
PRESENT DAY
SCENE: XIMENAS HOTEL ROOM
(Amber and Ximena are in bed naked lying face to face with a blanket covering them)
Amber: (Strokes Ximena's arm) You know when I thought about asking an OB nurse to be my wedding date, Alex asked if it would be weird dating someone who's up in women's vaginas as a profession.
Ximena: (Chuckles) Alex would ask something like that, stupido.
Amber: (Chuckles) Yeah you know it's weird I sort of thought that after having sex with a man for over a year I would be less inclined to have sex with women but oddly it hasn't. If anything, it's like riding a bike.
Ximena: (Grins) Well you're riding something all right. Oh man I think we're missing the conference downstairs. What time should we be there?
Amber: (Checks her phone) Uh it ends in…three hours ago.
Ximena: (Chuckles) Wow, you are a bad influence on me.
Amber: Oh, whatever the real fun starts tomorrow…the conference I mean not this unless you want it to be this.
Ximena: I think we've reached our quota for the day or the year.
Amber: Yeah, sorry about that it's been a while for me.
Ximena: How long?
Amber: 38 days which in our terms is like decades ago and I guess I went a little crazy.
Ximena: Yeah, I say you went a little overboard and that's coming from me.
Amber: (Grins) …Do you ever wonder where your life would be if you made a different decision?
Ximena: Um…Sometimes, not all the time or I'd go insane, why?
Amber: (Shrugs) I'm just thinking…what would have happened if I took that job at Mount Sinai when I was getting matched? I mean what would happen if I was only a subway ride away from you? Would we…make a go of this? Like for real?
Ximena: (Lays back and inhales) I don't know nobody knows what their lives would be like in another scenario, that's why their called scenarios.
Amber: (Imploring eyes) But what if we could? What if we could know what this would be like if we were in the same city?
Ximena: (Wide awake and sitting up) Okay your emotional and high on endorphins so-
Amber: (Holds her hand) We are good together, you know that.
Ximena: We're good at this together but the other stuff-
Amber: (Stubborn) You know things about me that would take me years to tell someone. You know my flaws and insecurities. I know about your freeing lifestyle and why you lead it. We know each other so well and we talk to each other so easily we wouldn't have worked in med school but maybe now we can.
Ximena: So, what? You want to move back to New York to see if we can actually become a real thing? Is that what you're thinking?
Amber: (Scoffs) Maybe I am so what if I am? What is so wrong with that?
Ximena: You have a life in Seattle, you live there, your family lives there.
Amber: Seattle is where I have been mugged, gay bashed, and left by someone I loved. My family is great but I can still visit and be the auntie just long distance and on holidays. There's nothing really keeping me there, X. I mean don't you see? Maybe this isn't a coincidence. Maybe this is our second chance at a life together and we need to take it.
Ximena: That is not true and you know it. (Amber tries to argue) Okay let me ask you this, would you ask me if DeLuca wasn't in the picture?
Amber: What do you mean?
Ximena: I mean…What if DeLuca didn't break your heart or he wasn't involved in this in anyway? Would you still want to move to New York, leave Grey Sloan, be with me?
(Amber looks at Ximena with uncertain eyes)
Ximena: Because you're painting a queer rom com here and I'm asking if you'll still feel this way in the morning? I'm 50% certain that I have a short life ahead of me and I…I don't want to waste it on someone who is still in love with someone else. I have no energy for it I have no time for it and you know that. So please if the morning comes and your still in love with the Italian then go back to Seattle and save this night in your memories. But if you're not…and you still want me and only me then ask me out on a real date and I might just consider it.
Amber: (Looks at Ximena) …I guess we'll find out in the morning then.
Ximena: (Lays back in bed) I guess we will. Now please let's go to bed so we have some energy in the morning.
(Amber turns to her side and Ximena spoons her as they both fall into a deep sleep)
2019
SCENE: HOLIDAY INN AT NEWARK OHIO
(Andrew puts his leather jacket on with his black shirt. Amber comes out with her hair in a layered ponytail and her makeup consisting of heavy eyeliner and dark red lipstick. Her outfits include black leather pants, a black crop top and black leather jacket with studs)
Andrew: (Stunned by her appearance) Wow that's…wow.
Amber: (Smiles) Good wow or bad wow?
Andrew: Wow like I should take you on a road trip more wow.
Amber: It's good right? I pulled this out of the back of my closet from my grunge phase and it still fits. So, shall we go?
Andrew: Um wait I have something to say.
Amber: Are you backing out? Because I don't think I can control myself around those rockstars so you should probably come to hold me back for the sake of our relationship.
Andrew: (Chuckles) No I'm still going it's just…I wanted to give you my answer to the question you asked when we started this trip.
Amber: What question?
Andrew: About whether or not I'm gonna stay in Seattle after I'm done with my residency.
Amber: (Breathing hitches) We don't have to talk about this now.
Andrew: I'm staying.
Amber: (Shocked) What?
Andrew: I'm staying in Seattle, I'm gonna work at Grey Sloan as a general surgeon after I'm done with my residency.
Amber: (Treads carefully) …Okay I…I'm happy that you want to stay but I don't want to be those girls that makes a guy feel he has to give up great opportunities to make her happy. I don't want you to resent me or-
Andrew: No, I'm not Amber, I have decided to stay in Seattle even before we got together. I want to advance medicine and be one of the greats at Grey Sloan like Grey and Webber and Bailey. And I feel like I can do that by staying. And the added bonus of being close to my girlfriend is great too or fantastic if great isn't sufficient for you.
Amber: (Chuckles) So you really want to stay? You're not saying you want to for your career so I don't feel bad? You actually want to stay in Seattle and Grey Sloan? That's what you're telling me?
Andrew: (Cradles her face) Yes that's what I am telling you. I want to stay of my own free will, I won't resent you or feel like I missed something because I won't. I want to stay in Seattle, I want to stay with you, is that enough to convince you?
Amber: Hmm maybe a little bit.
(Andrew grins and leans forward kissing Amber tenderly for a few moments before pulling away)
Andrew: Does that convince you?
Amber: (Flustered) Y-Yeah it did okay let's get going I want to get good seats.
Andrew: (Grins) Okay.
Amber: (Grabs her purse) Best road trip ever.
Andrew: Oh yeah.
(Andrew holds Amber's hand and walks out of the room with her)
PRESENT DAY
SCENE: XIMENAS HOTEL ROOM
(Amber wakes up on her stomach in bed to find Ximena next to her sitting up in her bathrobe)
Ximena: (Grins) Good morning.
Amber: (Groans) Good morning, you. What time is it?
Ximena: Don't worry the conference doesn't start in two hours, in the meantime I got us coffee.
(Amber turns over and sits up seeing the coffee from room service next to the bed)
Amber: (Sighs) You are a saint, you remember how I take mine right?
Ximena: (Stands up) Of course.
(Ximena makes them both a cup of coffee and gives Amber hers as she leans back on the headboard)
Amber: Which talks are you going to beside the skin-deep thing?
Ximena: Um I'm gonna go to one after that and then I'm jetting back, it's Innovations in Pathology: Presenting-
Amber: The PATH pen? That's the device I helped with.
Ximena: (Impressed) Really? Wow you did something that beneficial for the medical community your intern year and I had to wait till I was 30 to do mine. Is it wrong that I'm jealous?
Amber: (Chuckles) Not at all you should be jealous so be jelly.
Ximena: (Sips coffee) …So about last night? I told you to take time and clear your head till the morning and to tell me if you still feel like uprooting your life for us…so, do you?
Amber: … (Sad) I'm so sorry.
Ximena: (Nods understandingly)
Amber: I'm sorry, X.
Ximena: (Sighs) Yeah, me too.
(Amber finishes her coffee and stands up grabbing her clothes from yesterday and heads to the bathroom)
LATER AT AMBERS ROOM
(Amber lies in bed talking to Jo on the phone recapping her day and night with Ximena)
Jo: (Stocking up the kitchen) You actually asked her to be with you when you move to New York?
Amber: Yeah, it's bust though I'm staying in Seattle lucky for you and Alex.
Jo: And you too even if you can't see it. Are you okay?
Amber: (Sighs) I will be I mean it was a great distraction from all the crap in my life and it'll help prepare me for the future crap that will inevitably come.
Jo: (Grins) Yeah, I bet it was. Was it as good as it was in the past?
Amber: (Chuckles) Better actually which I didn't think was possible. I mean it was so…amazing like we just went back in time and we were those med students taking a well-deserved break. God Jo it was the first time in a long time I felt like I wasn't me like just for a second, I was someone else.
Jo: And that's why you decided against moving back to New York?
Amber: (Whimpers) No I wish I…I said no because X was right. I was high on endorphins and I didn't want to be alone and she was there and it was the perfect storm. I saw it as a way out of my misery.
Jo: (Sympathetic) Amber you're not alone. I mean your single but you're not alone, not by a long shot.
Amber: (Sniffles) I know I have you, and Alex and Levi and the twins but…God I am alone. And I don't know if its me or if my dad secretly had a wiccan put a curse on me, but every potential life partner that I meet is either the wrong person, or the wrong time or the wrong genes.
Jo: Amber do you know who you're talking to? I'm the woman who got married to an abuser and then shortly after dated an abuser. I felt like you do I felt like…my vagina was a magnet for horrible men.
Amber: (Laughs)
Jo: (Grins) Yeah, I felt like that…until I met Alex. I'm not saying it's perfect or it started out perfect but we work. We made it through all the obstacles in our lives and came out stronger, I mean I am assembling a kitchen for my husbands recently discovered kids from his ex-wife who had cancer.
Amber: …That is a scary sentence.
Jo: (Heads to the basement) Yeah well, it's scarier on the person speaking it but the point is, you will find someone else. It may take a while for you to get over DeLuca but you will and you will find the one person you would assemble a kitchen with. You just have to get back out there, date a little.
Amber: (Groans) I can't Jo, I can't date new people. I'm a mess, I'm too screwed up to date, how do I do that after being with Andrew for a year? How do I go back to who I was before him?
Jo: (Sighs and goes inside Amber's room) You take it one step at a time. And I'm gonna be there to help you out, okay?
Amber: …Okay I guess I can try after I let Andrew take the apartment back that I am now referring to as Azkaban because it's where I get the little joy, I have left sucked out of me.
Jo: (Goes to Amber's junk food stash in one of the boxes) Okay we can start with you heading to Webber's conference because it starts in like twenty minutes.
Amber: (Stands up) Right, how's my room coming along?
Jo: (Pulls out a snickers bar) Um it's good the bed is set up, bathroom is stocked, so is the kitchen and where do you want your geek stuff?
Amber: You let me worry about that. (Jo takes a bite) Just stay away from my stash I need as much carbs as I can eat when I get back.
Jo: (Pauses chewing and stays silent for a moment)
Amber: (Figures it out) What did you get?
Jo: (Mouth full) Snickers bar. I deserve to stress eat I am setting up a house and am about to meet my new stepchildren so I deserve chocolate just like you!
Amber: (Sighs) Fine I will let you take three candy bars of your choice but stay away from the gummy bears those are mine got it?
Jo: (Grabs three more bars) Got it, I'll live stream the presentation with Alex maybe we can see you in the crowd.
Amber: I'll let you know when I get to the airport and land back home, bye.
Jo: (Eating a candy bar) Bye.
(Amber hangs up)
CUT TO THE CONFERENCE STAGE
(Amber takes a seat next to Hayes, Maggie and Teddy)
Hayes: Hey where were you? We missed you last night and this morning.
Amber: Um I just stayed in my room streaming the free cable and raiding the mini bar.
Hayes: Ah looking to make a good vacation out of this then?
Amber: (Looks and finds Ximena on the other side of the audience) Yeah you could say that.
MEANWHILE AT SEATTLE
(Alex sit on the couch waiting for Levi to stream the talk from the laptop to the tv)
Alex: Hurry up Schmitt it's about to start.
Levi: I'm going as fast as I can.
Alex: Go faster you're staying at my house and eating my food so I have you at my disposal now go.
Jo: (Arrives and sits next to Alex) Hey did I miss it?
Alex: I don't know because Schmitt is taking forever.
Levi: Got it!
(The conference appears on the tv)
Jo: (Holds up four candy bars) Candy?
Alex: (Grabs a Hershey's bar) I thought my sister said no more than three bars?
Jo: Whatever I'll pay her back, Schmitt?
Levi: (Grabs a Butterfinger) Thanks.
(The host Cynthia speaks)
Cynthia: Over three decades as a surgeon, teacher, and chief of surgery at Seattle's Grey-Sloan Memorial Hospital. Our next speaker has built a sterling reputation. In Washington and abroad and his medical judgment is second to none. Please join me in welcoming my colleague and friend Dr. Richard Webber.
CUT TO LOS ANGELES
(Amber claps along with the audience)
Maggie: Whoo-hoo!
(Amber chuckles as Webber goes on the stage)
Webber: Thank you so much, Cynthia. I can't tell you what an honor it is to be here. Also, I can't tell you how many times I've rewritten this presentation. (Audience laughs) I've worked hard to develop the PATH pen but... that's not why I'm here anymore. Because this morning, with my brilliant wife's help I have figured out how to cure cancer.
(Amber's smile falls as the audience murmurs)
Webber: Now, good cells need favorable conditions, nurturing and loving conditions. Think of everything in-in your life. Every moment, every cell, every atom as having a simple positive or negative charge, which is just…you know…good or bad, right?
Amber: (Worried) What is he doing?
Maggie: Something is wrong.
Webber: Um…Okay, uh…let's see. Um…Uh-huh. Ah. Okay. So, um, now, it's not fair to blame the environment or toxins o-or-or family history. Um…cells need apologies.
CUT TO SEATTLE
(Alex, Jo and Levi look at the conference in confusion and worry)
Levi: Is he having a stroke or something?
Alex: (Worried) I-I don't know, Jo?
Jo: I'll get our phones and I'll call Amber.
(Jo quickly heads out to get their phones)
CUT TO LOS ANGELES
Webber: They need to know on an elemental level that we are sorry. Um…Okay. Um…Uh…Circle! I-I need the circle!
(The projector shows a heart with the name Catherine crossed off it shocking Amber and the others)
Webber: Here we go…where…Okay, I'm…I need a…circle. (Projector shows circle) Ah. So, um, if we divide a circle into fourths and then we remove one of those fourths.
Maggie: We have to get him down from there.
Teddy: I'll call for a gurney and oxygen.
Amber: I'll call for an ambulance.
(Amber takes out her phone and dials 911 looking at Ximena across the stage who looks back at her with confusion as Webber is taken away from the stage by Maggie and Hayes)
TO BE CONTINUED