AN: HEY GUYS SO QUICK NOTE THIS CHAPTER IS SET DURING SEASON 4 EPISODE 4 OF STATION 19. I LOVE THAT SHOW AND IF ANY OF YOU READ AMBER KAREV SEASON 1 YOU KNOW THAT SHE USED TO DATE MAYA BISHOP. THERE'S NO LOVE TRIANGLE COMING, I'M A BIG MARINA SHIPPER AND I WOULDNT JEOPARDIZE THAT EVEN IN FANFIC. I JUST FEEL THIS PARTICULAR EPISODE WOULD BE A GOOD STORY FOR AMBER AND RESONATE WITH HER DIFFICULTIES WITH ANDREW. FOR A RECAP ON THE AMAYA RELATIONSHIP READ CHAPTER 7 TO 17 FROM SEASON 1, ENJOY AND REVIEWS ARE WELCOME!
Chapter 14: First Responder
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S LIVING ROOM
(Amber is getting her stuff together in her backpack for the day. Alex and Jo walk in ready for the day)
Alex: Hey are you carpooling with us? It's good for the environment.
Amber: I can't, I'm going somewhere else.
Jo: Somewhere else? Besides the hospital and boxing gym where do you go?
Amber: Well today I am headed to a firehouse. I signed up to be a resident ride along with the paramedics a few months ago and they called requesting me. I submitted my negative covid test last night and now I'm a temporary first responder.
Jo: But that's for people who want to get into emergency medicine your cardio.
Amber: Yeah I know but I wanted to get some hours in the emergency department and a ride along is more fun than a stuffy pit.
Alex: (Nods) I can see that. I mean your quick and you've been in dumpster fires before of course those were foster homes but still you've got the makings of a firefighter.
Amber: (Chuckles) It's just for the day, I'll be back to hour long sutures and calling time of death by tomorrow.
Alex: All right well I'm gonna get the car started, Jo be sure to leave a pee pad for the dog. Stay safe kid, don't go running into burning buildings.
Amber: Bye.
(Alex leaves the house)
Jo: (Senses other motives) Is uh there any particular reason you don't feel like going to the hospital today?
(Amber glares at Jo who raises an eyebrow at her)
Amber: You mean besides the burnout from working non stop at a hospital during covid?
Jo: Yes, like say trying to avoid your ex-boyfriend who you have feelings for again.
Amber: (Scoffs) Feelings? I have feelings for everyone, I have feelings for you, I have feelings for Alex, I even have feelings for Bitchy Stevens. I would switch to firefighting like Warren if it meant avoiding everyone I have some form of affection towards. Is it really so concerning that I have love for everyone in my life?
Jo: No, but you don't sleep with everyone you have feelings for.
Amber: (Groans) I know! I need you to say the thing to me again and make sure it sticks come on.
Jo: Okay. Andrew told you he was gonna propose to you before breaking up with you. He has a mental illness you fear will trigger you repeatedly. He came back, bedded you and lied to you about taking his meds. Do not set yourself up for something you're sure is gonna hurt you, keep in mind what is good for you and your sanity.
Amber: (Processing) …I think it's sinking in a little say it again.
Jo: (Sighs) Andrew told you he was gonna propose to you before breaking up with you. He has a mental illness you fear will trigger you repeatedly. He came back, bedded you and lied to you about taking his meds. Do not set yourself up for something you're sure is gonna hurt you, keep in mind what is good for you and your sanity.
Amber: Okay thanks.
(Amber slings the backpack on)
Jo: Hey what station are you volunteering at?
Amber: 19.
Jo: (Recognizes it) …19?
Amber: Yeah, that's what I said 19.
Jo: As in the station where your ex-girlfriend Maya works, that's the station you're spending the day at?
Amber: (Casual) She's a captain there last I checked.
Jo: …Okay let me get this straight you're trying to avoid your ex who you are lusting for by being a resident ride along at the station your other ex works at, is that right?
Amber: (Still casual) Yep, you got that right.
Jo: You have to see how crazy that is, please tell me you see that.
Amber: (Rolls eyes) I'll see you tonight. Keep that mantra memorized.
(Amber and Jo leave the house to go to their respective tasks for the day)
AN HOUR LATER
SCENE: STATION 19
(Amber gingerly walks inside the station in her scrubs and hospital fleece jacket. She spots Andy and Sullivan by the corner)
Amber: Excuse me?
Andy: (Pulls away from Sullivan) Hi, can I help you?
Amber: I'm Amber Karev I'm the resident ride along for the day. I was supposed to-
Maya: Report to me.
(Maya approaches Amber who nods awkwardly)
Amber: Right yeah sorry I just uh I didn't know where you were so I uh…hi.
Maya: (Grins awkwardly) Hi…so uh how have you been? What's it been a year two years?
Amber: That would be the estimate. I've been good just trying to help out as much as I can with covid and everything. I thought some fresh air might do me good. Although I don't need to ask how you've been fire captain, congrats.
Maya: Thanks.
Sullivan: (Whispers to Andy) Did they-
Andy: (Whispers) For a bit yeah.
Maya: Uh well let me introduce you to the team, lineup is soon, come on.
(Maya leads Amber to the bay where multiple firefighters line up)
Maya: 19! I want you to meet Dr. Amber Karev, she is gonna be our paramedic ride along for the day. Some of you have already met her.
Ben: Hey Amber you have no idea how happy I am that I'm not the only one in the house with an MD.
Vic: What, are you expecting us to call her doc now dad?
Travis: (Laughs)
Amber: (Chuckles) Hey guys you probably don't really remember me it's been a while but I'm happy to be here and happy to work with you guys.
Jack: Hey I don't know if you remember me, I'm-
Amber: Stop don't tell me let me do this uh…Jack?
Jack: (Impressed) Nice doc.
Amber: (Smiles) And Travis.
Travis: (Nods)
Amber: Andy.
Andy: (Looks at her impressed)
Amber: Warren, hi.
Ben: Hey She-Karev.
Amber: Oh, didn't miss that title. Dean.
Dean: (Nods)
Amber: And…
Vic: (Waits for it)
Amber: Vicky?
(The gang laughs as Vic grins sarcastically)
Vic: It's uh it's Vic.
Amber: Right! Vic sorry it's been a long time.
Vic: Yeah, I'm not gonna hang on to the fact that I'm the only one you got wrong so…
Amber: Anyways don't worry about any germs I brought from the hospital my last shift was two days ago and I tested negative yesterday. And these scrubs are new so your bubble is still impenetrable.
Maya: Yep I can attest to that, Dr. Karev is here to help and we are very lucky to have her here with us.
Dean: (Chuckles) Careful Bishop, I know you have a type but still.
Maya: (Glares at Dean)
Amber: (Confused) What do you mean a type?
Dean: (Grin falls as he realizes his mistake)
Vic: (Steps in) Oh uh it's nothing ignore him he has a new baby at home plus working at a place like this. He's a little wonky in the head from the crying and vomiting and pooping so uh just don't read too much into it.
Amber: (Eyebrow raised) You know what I do remember you now.
(The gang chuckles)
Amber: Uh where do you want me, Captain?
Travis: (Chuckles) Uh your with me and Hughes in the aid car, when we get a call your riding along hence uh…resident ride along.
Maya: Yeah she got that Montgomery, why don't you stock up the supplies and sanitize the aid car before then.
Amber: I can do that. It's nice seeing you guys again.
(Amber leaves them to go to the aid car)
Jack: (Whispers to Dean) Man she is still smoking.
Dean: (Exhales) Right? You think she's single?
Jack: (Chuckles) You think you got a shot?
Dean: (Pfft) You think I don't?
Maya: (Hears them) Yeah no she's gonna eat you two alive. Okay! Moving on!
CUT TO AID CAR
(Amber is inside sanitizing the aid car when Jack comes rushing inside with Ben at the wheel)
Amber: Whoa, I didn't hear the thing, what's-
Jack: Sorry I need the aid car.
Amber: What's going on?
Ben: Marsha collapsed we need to get to her she's living in an apartment with a woman and her little boy.
Amber: Oh god, okay yeah do you need me to come?
Jack: We good with just Warren and we don't want too many people exposed. Just hang back till then.
Ben: Gibson come on!
Jack: Coming!
(Amber gets out of the aid car and they immediately drive away. She looks at Vic confused)
Vic: They grow on you.
(Dean spots her alone and approaches her)
Dean: (Smiles) Dr. Karev hey.
Amber: Hey, sorry for wondering around here it's just Gibson and Warren took the aid car and uh…I don't really know what to do here.
(Amber chuckles with Dean)
Dean: Well, hey how about I show you around? Have you ever been here before?
Amber: Never dated Bishop long enough for that particular step and I was a sleep deprived intern at the time.
Dean: Well let me show you, mi casa es su casa, it's cleaning day. I got the beanery but I can take the long way with you, how does that sound?
Amber: Sure I'm settled into housemaid mode since there are deadly germs 24/7 so maybe I can help too.
Dean: (Smiles) Yeah that would be great, follow me.
(Amber follows Dean with Vic rolling her eyes at Dean's obvious attempt at flirting)
LATER AT THE BEANERY
(Amber wipes the fridge and pantries with Dean wiping the counter)
Amber: (Grins) You know when you said beanery, I imagined a personal barista heck maybe even some fresh pastries but no it's just a nickname for a kitchen.
Dean: (Chuckles) Well uh what do you call the kitchen at your work?
Amber: We call them lounges, although residents don't get a kitchen attendings do. I just get burnt coffee and cubbies open for people to look at my personal items.
Dean: Sounds like you get more budget cuts than we do.
Amber: (Chuckles) Yeah, I think the city is more gracious than the hospital board, don't tell chief Bailey I said that.
Dean: Cross my heart and hope to die. I bet this place is a lot different than the hospital.
Amber: Yeah, for one thing we can actually breathe. I think my PPE weighs as much as your gear.
Dean: Depends do you carry an axe?
Amber: Damn I forgot how badass you guys are.
Dean: Hey come on with all that's going on, the title goes to you guys. I'm serious, doing what you do isn't easy but you're still there.
Amber: (Sighs) Yeah, I wish I wasn't. I'm questioning if my life would be better if I just graduated high school and settled. There would be a lot less bodies that's for sure. How about you? Are things bad on your front?
Dean: We're managing, can't say the same for people out there though. Cabin fever can cause you to do all kinds of crazy things.
Amber: Yeah? Like what?
Dean: Like a group of teenagers who snuck out to go to a party in April and ended up blowing an engine trying to cool it down.
Amber: (Realizes) Wait a minute was one of those kids suffering from full thickness burns and the other had a part of his kidney removed after being impaled by a branch?
Dean: Yeah, I was on the scene I kept the fire contained when it was spreading to the woods. We're you the one that operated?
Amber: God I wish my sister-in-law did, it was the uh 18-year-old who died.
Dean: I'm sorry to hear that.
Amber: Yeah…he was just a kid, a stupid kid but still, it makes me worry more.
Dean: Do you have kids?
Amber: No, I'm talking about my brothers, he's got these adorable six-year-old twins and they just…they just light up my world. Here's a picture.
(Amber grins and pulls out a selfie she took with them)
Dean: Aww, what are their names?
Amber: The girl is Alexis her brother is Eli; they live in Kansas with their mom but their moving down here thank God. I don't think a plane ride back and forth is the best thing for them, especially now.
Dean: Kansas? Did their mom move there after divorcing your brother? Did they do the whole back and forth thing with the kids?
Amber: (Curls lips in distaste) Not exactly. What about you? you got kids?
Dean: One, a baby girl here I have a picture.
(Dean shows a photo or baby Pru)
Amber: Aww! She's so cute! What's her name?
Dean: Her name is Pru, it's short for Pruitt.
Amber: Is she with her mom while you work?
Dean: Um no my sister takes care of her, her mom's not in the picture.
Amber: Oh, I'm so sorry I didn't mean to bring it up.
Dean: No, your fine, it's just me and this little girl and uh I guess I'm secretly hoping the right woman comes along and she gets to have a mom in her life.
Amber: (Grins) Well don't worry a single dad firefighter, you're gonna need a hose to keep the ladies at bay. Saving lives is sexy but also taking care of one on your own is cuteness overload.
Dean: (Chuckles) Good to know, hey uh maybe-
(They stop talking when Sullivan comes by with a mop bucket)
Amber: Hey, Amber Karev.
Sullivan: Hey, Robert Sullivan.
Dean: (Cold tone) Still working. Come back in 30.
Sullivan: Alright. Hey, uh, is there a problem between us, Miller?
Dean: (Cold tone) I said come back in 30, probie.
(Klaxons sound)
Dispatch: Aid Car 19. Suspected head injury, struck by a baseball.
Travis: (Running out) Come on doc it's your time to shine!
Amber: I'll catch up with you later.
(Amber runs out with Travis. The aid car parks with Jack and Ben exiting)
Travis: Marsha?
Ben: Covid.
Travis: No.
Amber: Oh god
Vic: Aw, damn it.
Ben: I'm gonna go burn this uniform.
Vic: Keys, Warren.
Ben: (Tosses the keys) You might want to sanitize those.
(Amber gets in the back buckling up with Vic and Travis driving. They drive for a minute before Amber speaks)
Amber: Can I ask who Marsha is? Is she a firefighter too?
Vic: No, she's a friend, she helps us out on occasion. We had a battered woman whose son caused a gas leak to get away from her abusive husband. She's letting them hide out in her apartment and now she's in the hospital with covid.
Amber: I'm sorry.
Vic: (Bitter) Yeah just what we need a sick mother figure.
Amber: I know what you mean. My mom came all the way out here from Iowa and the second she walked through the door I thought 'oh god am I gonna be an orphan?'
Vic: Your mom came here from Iowa? I'm guessing you guys are close.
Amber: Ish, it's uh it's complicated, what about you? Are you close with your parents?
Vic: (Scoffs) Not in the least they uh they fed me and clothed me and made sure I was alive but nothing else beyond that.
Amber: What about you Travis? Are you a part of the children of horrible parent's club?
Travis: (Chuckles sarcastically) Well uh since you asked, my mom's at the grocery store. And my dad is golfing!
Vic: Oh. And you're yelling at us because...?
Travis: Because my dad's not golfing.
Vic: (Knowing tome) Oh. Right.
Amber: (Confused) I feel like I'm missing something here.
Vic: (Ignores her) Honestly, I don't know what makes me more mad. The closeted gay sеx, (Amber's eyes widen) the cheating on my mom, or the putting others at risk.
Amber: …Got it your also part of the club.
Vic: Do you…You think your mom knows?
Travis: That my dad's cruising for guys online and calling it golfing? I-Dear God, I hope not.
Amber: It wouldn't be that shocking. I mean beards were all the rage back then, just look at the Roosevelts.
Travis: (Agitated) Yeah no one is talking to you now.
Amber: I'm just saying.
Vic: Are you gonna tell her?
Travis: Why would I tell her?
Vic: If my husband were screwing around, I would want to know.
Travis: (Plays it out) "Hey, Mom, how you doing? (Sniffs) Smells good in here. Uh, quick FYI. Dad's been secretly playing with penises outside of your marriage, and-" Oh, my God, why would I say "playing with penises" in referencing my father?!
Vic: I-I don't know why you would ever say that.
(Travis and Vic quiet down while Amber grins)
Amber: I'm loving this ride along; it makes me feel like I'm not the only screwed up person.
LATER AT A HOUSE
(They stop in front of a house where they see a pregnant woman with a bat thrashing around. They exit the aid car in PPE)
Gina: Do unto your neighbors as you would have them do unto you!
Travis: Oh, fun. Church.
Vic: Ma'am, are you alright? We received a call about someone being struck by a-by a baseball.
Gina: (Yelling) You want me to call the cops every time you get in a fight with your ugly husband, huh?!
Travis: Hey, ma'am! Ma'am! We're not the police.
Gina: I still don't want you here!
Vic: Okay, we're actually from the Seattle Fire Department. (Holds out a mask) Can you please put this on?
Gina: God protects us!
Travis: Yep, God protects us with masks!
Vic: Ma'am, we got a call about a head injury. Can you tell us what happened?
Gina: Yeah, I got drunk nine months ago and had sеx with my loser husband! That's what happened! Eddie, try not to be such a bitch baby your whole life!
Vic: (To Radio) Alright, Bishop, this is Aid Car 19. We're gonna need some backup here.
(Gina continues hitting things with the bat)
Amber: Should I sedate her?
Travis: I think your gonna need a horse tranquilizer.
Maya: (On radio) Copy. Do we need PD?
Vic: No. I'd prefer to de-escalate if we can. Ma'am-
Gina: Stay away from me!
Vic: (Stays back) O-Okay, okay. Okay.
Gina: I'm pregnant!
Travis: Yep, we can see that. Did you want another cigarette and beer, or are you good?
Amber: (Steps forward) Listen ma'am I'm a doctor, let me take a-
(Gina swings bat at Amber which she narrowly misses)
Amber: Whoa!
Travis: (Gets Amber behind him) Hey!
Gina: Stay away from me! I don't know want any of your germs near me!
Amber: Ma'am I don't have any germs I just want to-
Gina: (Yells) Stay away from me!
Amber: Okay, okay, I will. (Whispers to Travis) How far along do you think she is? Like forty weeks?
Travis: I highly doubt office visits are a priority for her or her baby.
(Gina continues hitting things when a fire engine comes)
Travis: Hey, ma'am! Ma'am, we're here to-
Gina: (Singing) Jesus loves me, this, I know.
Travis: We're here to help you, so if you could just calm down, we can check you out.
Gina: (Ignores them) For the Bible tells me so!
Neighbor: Shut up, Gina, you crazy bitch!
Travis: Hey, that's not helping!
Gina: (Pulls out phone) I-I-I am calling my husband and I am telling him what you called me!
Travis: Please don't do that.
Amber: God I really hope she's not the sane one in this relationship. What do we do?
Travis: Let's just talk to her and get to her husband. Based on what we're seeing here we'll be lucky if he has all his limbs.
Amber: Are crazy ladies like this a regular for you or is today just my lucky day?
Maya: Montgomery, can you stand by the door, make sure she doesn't go back inside? Karev if she gives birth be here to help.
Travis: Copy.
Amber: I guess it's my lucky day.
Gina: (Holds phone) Eddie, answer your damn phone!
(Gina throws the phone at Travis's face)
Amber: (Shocked) Oh my god!
Travis: (Holds nose) Ohh!
Vic: (Runs to them) Hey! Hey, hey, hey!
Amber: (Helps Travis) Let me look, let me look at it.
(Amber pulls the mask down revealing his nose to be broken as Gina cackles)
Amber: Yeah, it's broken.
Travis: (In pain) Ah yeah that's broken.
Amber: I'll get the kit.
Travis: Yes please.
(Amber runs to the aid car and grabs the first aid kit running back to Travis)
Amber: All right let me feel it I need to make sure nothing is out of place.
(Amber feels Travis's nose as he winces in pain)
Amber: It's not too bad, it's just a mild fracture. It could've been a lot worse.
Travis: (Sarcastic) Right because I was hoping for a phone to the face today.
Amber: Can you still breathe?
Travis: Yeah.
Amber: (Hands a gauze) Okay just lean your head forward on this and I'll reset it when we're done with the rejected pilot of Married with Children.
Travis: Funny I like that.
(Amber and Maya stand back as Gina continues singing)
Gina: (Off key) Amazing grace How sweet the song That saved a wench like me.
Maya: (To radio) Herrera, what's the status on PD?
Andy: Stand by.
Gina: Hey, you can't arrest me. I'm pregnant. My baby is innocent.
Maya: You should've thought of that before you assaulted a first responder.
(Gina suddenly groans and holds her belly. Amber notices)
Amber: Gina? Are you okay?
Maya: Gina?
Gina: Son of a...
Maya: Gina, are you in pain?
Gina: God, does it sound like I'm singing?
Travis: Honestly, it's hard to tell the difference.
Maya: Karev is she in labor?
Amber: It's hard to tell from here it could be Braxton hicks or possibly a stomach rupture from the drugs and alcohol. We have to get her to Seattle Pres for a close examination.
Maya: Okay, Gina, you should really get in the ambulance so we can help you.
Gina: No, I'm not getting in there. You drive sick people in there.
Maya: It's sanitized.
Gina: (Yells) I'm not getting in there! I'm going in my house!
Travis: Well, ma'am-
Gina: (Hits table with bat) Move!
Travis: I'm not gonna move! I'm not gonna move, because I don't want to see you hit your husband with that bat and your innocent child of God baby be born in jail. Please calm down. Please.
(The three of them stand by as Gina stops for a second before running to the backyard)
Travis: (Frustrated) Oh, come on!
Amber: (Frustrated) Are you kidding me?
Travis: Honestly, I hate her guts.
Maya: I might even hate her baby.
(They head to the back where they find Gina inside the garage)
Amber: (Gags) Oh god what is that awful smell?
Travis: Drugs mixed with alcohol and depression from a hellish marriage.
Amber: Gina we really need to get you to the hospital, we need to make sure your baby is okay.
Gina: I ain't going anywhere especially that death trap of yours. A fancy doctor like you, you probably made this whole thing up to get paid.
Amber: (Exhales) You have no idea how lucky you are that your pregnant.
Gina: Those who spare the prod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
Amber: It's rod, rod of discipline.
Maya: I didn't know you go to church.
Amber: I don't, private catholic school, we had to learn bible verses if we wanted to keep our scholarships. some of them were half as crazy as her believe it or not.
Travis: I believe it.
(Andy enters the space)
Andy: Ooh. PD is sick of this couple.
Maya: What?
Andy: Yeah, these folks are frequent fliers. PD's coming, but they don't seem to be in any kind of hurry.
Maya: Okay, can you guard the front? Just direct them this way when they get here.
Andy: I would argue, but it stinks in here.
Travis: Right?
Andy: Yeah.
(Andy leaves the room. Travis takes his gloves and gauze off)
Gina: Hey, stop bleeding on my stuff, man!
Travis: (Sarcastic) Ah, how very Christian of you, Gina.
Gina: God helps those who help themselves. We're in a pandemic. I don't need your germs in here.
Amber: Right because it's so sanitary.
Gina: (Groans)
Amber: What's going on? Are you having contractions?
Gina: It-It's just those Toni Braxton thingies.
Maya: Braxton Hicks?
Gina: Yeah. Or she's just kicking a lot.
Maya: Oh, so you're having a girl?
Gina: (Groans) Ohh, yeah, my third, God help me.
(Maya and Amber look at Travis horrified)
Travis: Where are your other kids?
Gina: My bitch mother took 'em. She's a real piece of work.
Travis: (Chuckles sarcastically) I bet.
Gina: Ohh! Son of a-
Maya: What's happening?
Amber: I think this is a contraction.
Maya: Gina.
Gina: No, no, no, no, not right now.
Maya: Gina?
Gina: Ugh! My stupid water just broke!
(Amber looks down and sees the puddle of water under Gina)
Amber: Yep, she's having a baby.
Maya: Hey, Gina, I think it's time to take you to the hospital.
Gina: (Angry) Get off of me! I labored for 15 hours when my water broke last time! I'm Wonder Woman!
Travis: Hey, even Wonder Woman rides in an ambulance once in a while, Gina. Come on.
Gina: (Pushes Travis away) No, get away from me!
Travis: Okay, you can't have a baby in here. There's nothing clean in here.
Maya: (To radio) Herrera, we're gonna need clean blankets and a gurney in the garage now.
Herrera: Copy.
Gina: Ooh! Okay, okay, I'll go.
Maya: Okay. Thank you.
Travis: Oh, thank God!
Amber: Come on ambulance is outside.
(Gina stops and so do they. They see the constricted look on her face)
Amber: Gina don't!
Maya: No. No! Don't push. Don't push, Gina!
(Gina ignores them and pushes)
Travis: (Gina squeezes his hand) Holy crap! Oh! Ow!
(Amber moves fast between Gina's leg and is startled when a newborn baby comes out and lands on her hands)
Amber: (Shocked) Oh my god! Baby in my hands!
Travis and Maya: What?!
Amber: There is a baby in my hands.
(Amber stands up and holds the crying baby. Andy enters the garage with the gurney shocked by what she walked into)
Andy: Oh wow.
Amber: (Holds baby) Baby is female, breathing is good and lungs sound good. Do you have a blanket because she just came out of a vagina and she's very slippery.
Andy: Yeah I got the stuff don't worry.
(They put Gina on the gurney. Amber grabs two clamps from the kit and places them on the umbilical cord)
Gina: Hey you can't do that, my husband is supposed to cut that!
Amber: Well he's not here but I am, just lie back and relax.
(Amber cuts the umbilical cord and wraps the baby in a blanket)
Maya: Lets get her on the gurney and take the baby with us. Karev you good to ride back with both of them?
Amber: Yes ma'am.
Gina: Where the hell is her bastard father. (Yells) Eddie where the hell are you!
Amber: Okay Gina we're just gonna take you to the hospital and we'll have-
Gina: (Yells out) Eddie!
(The baby cries louder and Amber rocks her gently)
Amber: I know, I know kid, I feel you.
Gina: Give me my baby you dirty skank.
Amber: Maybe don't call people skanks when you ask them for something. It''ll do you wonders.
(Amber gives Gina her baby. The door bursts open and Eddie comes in with Vic and Ben chasing him)
Vic: Eddie!
Eddie: That's my kid!
Vic: (Holds him back) Eddie, Eddie, Eddie, stop, stop, stop, stop, stop!
Maya: Stop.
Vic: Stop!
(Eddie elbow punches Vic in the face causing her to fall back)
Amber: Hughes!
Ben: (Holds Eddie back) Hey, hey!
Eddie: Get off me! That's my kid! That's my kid!
Gina: (Yells) Eddie!
(Amber stays by Gina and the baby as the others work to restrain Eddie)
CUT TO BLACK
SCENE: EDDIE AND GINAS GARAGE
(Amber and Travis get Gina on a gurney while police talk to a calm Eddie)
Eddie: I'm sorry. I-I didn't mean to hit her.
Ben: Whether you meant to or not, you're going to jail.
Vic: He needs rehab, not jail.
Gina: He's too stupid for jail. He'll never survive.
Amber: (Sighs at the couple)
Eddie: I just want to hold my baby.
Ben: Not happening.
Amber: Over my dead body.
Gina: (Happy) I'm not letting anyone take this one. Not my mom. Not that fool I married.
Travis: Gina, that sounds like the start to some excellent parenting.
Maya: Montgomery, you and Karev take the aid car. Get her to Seattle Pres.
Amber: Best news I've heard today cap.
(Amber and Travis wheel Gina out of the garage)
LATER
SCENE: AID CAR
(Amber is in the back holding the baby with Gina on the gurney passed out. Travis drives them to the hospital)
Amber: (Crooning) Eddie used to work on the docks, union's been on strike, He's down on his luck, it's tough, so tough Gina works the diner all day, working for her man. She brings home her pay, for love, mmm, for love.
Travis: (Amused) Is that Livin on a Prayer? Are you singing Bon Jovi to a baby you just helped deliver?
Amber: Back off Bon Jovi calms me I figured it could calm her too and it did.
Travis: Yeah, that kid is gonna need all the love she can get with parents like those. Poor little girl, as soon as the hospital checks her out she goes back to that hell house. I mean a crazy drunk mom and a crazy high father. And then there's the grandma who made Gina into the sparkling citizen she is. Can you imagine the kind of childhood she's gonna have?
Amber: (Sad) You can get over a crappy childhood even when you have all the worst kind of crap happen to you. All the pain and misery becomes background noise and you just do whatever it takes to survive. And who knows maybe you'll get better than what you were given.
Travis: (Sighs) …Saddest club ever.
Amber: Amen to that…is this crazy lady really gonna keep this baby Travis?
Travis: (Sad) Yeah. Yeah, she probably does.
(Amber looks down at the baby in sadness)
LATER AT SEATTLE PRES
(Amber hands the baby to a pediatrician while Travis wheels Gina inside)
Amber: Baby is female, I estimate Apgar at 2 and she weighs 10 ounces. I would check for FASD as well as any other birth defects mom and dad were using at the time.
Doctor: God I hope this kid does better than her parents when she grows up. Thank you, Dr. Karev, we'll take it from here.
(The doctor leaves with the baby and his words hit Amber who stands there frozen for a bit. Travis comes back)
Travis: Ready to go? I still got a nose you said you would reset.
(Amber sniffles and turns around leaning against the aid car with Travis looking concerned)
Travis: Whoa hey are you okay?
Amber: (Starts sobbing)
Travis: Hey, hey are you okay? I know the call was pretty intense but you came through with gold stars I might say. I mean if anything you should probably consider emergency services as a specialty and-
(Amber turns around revealing tears streaming down her face)
Amber: (Voice breaking) Am I an idiot?
Travis: (Looks at her confused)
Amber: I'm serious right now am I being straight up stupid?
Travis: Uh well uh no I mean you have a medical degree and you're a doctor so no I don't-
Amber: (Hiccups) I'm that baby.
Travis: (Even more confused) What?
Amber: (Crying) That baby I delivered or caught I guess I'm that baby. I'm that baby girl 26 years later. I had parents twice as crazy as hers and it nearly destroyed me. I mean drugs, alcohol, bats and cops I used to call that Tuesday! That kind of crap gets you a 5150 but not me, not me I tried to move past it. I worked my ass off in school I worked two dead end jobs during the summer so I can pay the bills and save enough to get the hell out. I even webcammed for tips so I could go to med school! I have done everything right and everything my parents wouldn't do but that just ended up being for nothing.
Travis: (Stays silent as he looks at Amber concerned)
Amber: (Rants) I-I-I'm not that baby anymore, I'm my mom because I am still in love with the guy who is ten kinds of wrong for me. O-o-or maybe I'm my dad because the guy I fell in love with is an actual mental case. I don't know which of my screwed up as hell parents I am taking the path to become but it is not good! One of those paths is either gonna get me hallucinations while I raise three kids on my own after my bastard ex left or a death bed after a crazy surgeon butchers my heart! I don't-
Travis: Amber, Amber breathe okay just breathe.
(Amber stops and gasps taking deep breathes calming down a bit)
Amber: (Voice breaking) …I left this behind, I can't do it again.
Travis: Look uh I don't know you that well and I don't really have sage advice to give that's Warren's department but uh…what would you do if I was your patient?
Amber: (Sniffles) What?
Travis: I haven't been through the stuff you have but I know what it's like to be screwed up because of your parents. My dad, he shamed me for being gay since the moment I came out. I mean the guy didn't even come to my wedding. At first, I thought it was just the usual homophobia but now I think it's because he's jealous of how proud and out I am. I found out he's been in the closet for years after swiping on a gay dating app and finding his profile pic of him wearing only chinos and a belt I gave him and his profile said, 'let me be your daddy'.
Amber: (Looks up thinking he's kidding)
Travis: Believe me, I wish I was making that up. Anyways if I was a patient and I was torn up about this and just a mess because of it, what would you have me do?
Amber: …I guess I'd tell you to confront the problem head on and…get answers straight from the source of your anger.
Travis: Yeah…maybe that is what I need to do. Maybe it's time we both stop being so afraid to ask and just do it. It's not like the answers are gonna screw us up more.
Amber: (Grins slightly) Sadly that's probably true.
Travis: Yeah…how about we do that kid? Stop bottling all this anger up and just confront where it came from. I'll do mine and you'll do yours, what do you say?
Amber: …Okay.
Travis: Okay. Now can we go please? I feel like traffic is gonna get bad soon and I still have a nose you need to reset. It's starting to hurt again.
Amber: (Chuckles) Yeah, we can go. Can I drive at least?
Travis: No.
(Amber and Travis get inside the aid car)
THAT NIGHT AT STATION 19
(Amber walks out of the lounge in her mask carrying her backpack exhausted after the day)
Dean: Hey are you headed out?
(Amber turns and sees Dean at the desk)
Amber: Hey, yeah, I'm done it's uh its back to overcrowded hospitals and ice truck full of dead bodies tomorrow, can't wait.
Dean: Well maybe I can help you take your mind off it till then. Restaurants aren't open but we have a kitchen and I have been told I am an excellent cook.
Amber: (Grins) I appreciate it but I've been around your team long enough and I don't feel like seeing them in the nighttime.
Dean: Actually, I was uh thinking it could just be the two of us tonight.
Amber: (Wide eyes) …The two of us? Alone all night?
Dean: Don't worry if the oven catches fire there's plenty of firefighters who are asleep next door. Do you like chicken? Maybe green beans on the side?
Amber: Um…I'm sorry are you asking me out?
Dean: I was hoping I was being coy.
Amber: You weren't at all.
Dean: My flirting skills are rusty due to cabin fever but that aside what do you say?
Amber: …Um wow uh-
Dean: Don't feel pressured or anything I just want you to-
Amber: (Softly) No.
Dean: No?
Amber: (Clearly) No, I'm sorry it's just…I am so messed up right now. I just had a nervous breakdown in the middle of an ambulance bay, I'm trying to wrap my head around my bitch ex sister-in-law moving to town and…I'm still hung up on the guy I was in love with so that's a big no.
Dean: sounds like it, look it's okay I get it. I was hoping you would say yes but I get it, you need to work on you.
Amber: Yeah thanks. I hope you find someone to be a mom to your little girl though, I can tell she'll be lucky to have a guy like you love her that much.
Dean: Thanks, have a good night.
Amber: Good night.
(Amber leaves the station anxious over what she has to do)
CUT TO BLACK
NEXT MORNING
SCENE: TRAVIS'S OLD HOUSE
(Travis gets out of his car and sees his dad walking the dog)
Travis: (Runs to him) Dad!
Paul: Travis. (Notices Travis's nose) Well, that looks painful. You okay?
Travis: Yeah, I-I'll live.
Paul: Your mom's inside. Come on.
Travis: (Stays put) Dad. 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.' Galatians 3:28. I saw your profile, Dad. I know.
Paul: (Shocked but composed) I h- (Chuckling uneasily) I don't know-
Travis: Yeah. Actually, I'm…too tired to have this conversation today. I just made a promise to a girl to get to the root of our anger. I'm just gonna get some spicy tofu.
(Travis walks inside the house)
LATER
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S KITCHEN
(Amber sits on a barstool calmly waiting for her mom to wake up. Helen yawns as she comes downstairs and enters the kitchen)
Helen: Oh, good morning honey, what are you doing up so early?
Amber: I got up an hour ago I just wanted to talk to you at a time when everyone is still asleep. I made a fresh pot.
Helen: Okay, do you still take yours black?
Amber: With about ten sugars yeah.
(Helen pours them both coffee and puts the sugar and cream between them. Helen sits across from Amber feeling uneasy)
Helen: So, what is so important that you had to talk to me alone?
Amber: Um…I wanted… (Scoffs) God what I'm about to tell you it's something I have felt for years now and I always chickened myself out. I never told you anything because I was afraid it would break your already fragile mind. But I have to do this because if I don't all this rage and confusion inside me is just gonna get worse.
Helen: Honey, whatever you want to tell me I can handle it. I've heard worse from your father, believe me.
Amber: (Clears throat) Okay here it goes…I blamed you. Growing up I had friends and teammates I would have sleepovers with mostly at their houses because mine was a crap shack. I watched their parents being concerned and checking on us every hour and it made me jealous that I didn't have that. It also hurt when they asked me about you and dad and I would have to recount that sad tale over and over again. I would get so angry every time I had to explain that dad left because Alex had no other choice but to beat him before he beat you. (Helen looks at her coffee ashamed) I mean obviously I directed that anger towards dad and I blamed him because he was an abusive prick but if I'm being really honest…I blamed you too.
Helen: (Looks at Amber)
Amber: I blamed you for ignoring all of the problems in your marriage and not doing more to protect us. I didn't exactly have a good example of a stable marriage growing up and you had to have known that. I mean you were in love with a guy who hurt you in every way imaginable and now I…am still in love with the guy who hurt me and I don't know why because I swore to god I would never make the same mistakes that you did.
(Amber inhales as she feels tears in her eyes. Helen reaches across and holds Amber's hand)
Amber: (Voice breaking) Why do we do this mom? What's wrong with us?
Helen: …Deep down I think I've always known that your father wasn't the right guy for me. I knew for a little bit that I didn't deserve what he did to me and that he was poison for you and your brothers.
Amber: So why did you stay then? Why didn't you leave?
Helen: I was 20 when I met Jimmy, he was all I had, he was all I knew, he was there my entire adulthood. I didn't know how to walk away from that, and I told myself that it was the drugs that caused his outbursts but even when he was sober, I knew he wasn't good for me. (Amber sips her coffee) Look I don't fully understand why I stayed. I think it was because of my illness or because I was too caught up in your dad's charm or maybe I thought it was best for you and your brothers to have a dad.
Amber: (Chuckles drily)
Helen: Listen to me, what I know is that I have spent years being miserable. And you're smarter than me Amber.
Amber: (Scoffs in disbelief)
Helen: You're here, you are questioning if Andrew is what you want and need in your life. I never did that with your father.
Amber: We hurt each other mom, not physically but in other ways we have. It was when Andrew had mania but you excused dad's behavior with his addiction, what if I'm doing the same thing too? What if I end up doing what you did with Jimmy?
Helen: Honey…your dad's problems were a factor but the fact of the matter is even when he was sober, he was a bitter old man who blamed me and you guys for a life of glamour he could've had. I know that and that is why I didn't spend my days and nights looking for him when he left. I knew he wasn't good for me, sober or not. Can you say the same for Andrew when he's in a stable mindset?
Amber: …No, before the mania he was…he made me feel seen, he made me feel less worthless…he made feel loved.
Helen: It's more than I ever felt with your father and it's a good sign. It means you're not gonna end up like me.
Amber: (Sniffles) I…I don't know if I can be with Andrew with his mania. I know he's taking his meds and doing therapy but how do I go back to that after the lifetime of crazy I have had? How do I move past that?
Helen: …I think you should ask yourself this, is your life better with him or without him?
(Amber looks at Helen in thought as she ponders her question)
AND SCENE! SORRY TO LEAVE IT ON A CLIFFHANGER GUYS BUT I FIGURED IT WOULD GIVE YOU HOPE FOR AMBER AND DELUCA. STAY TUNED NEXT WEEK FOR ANSWERS.