HEY GUYS SO QUICK NOTE THIS CHAPTER IS SET IN SEASON 4 EPISODE 7 OF STATION 19
Chapter 20: Recovery Part 3
MAY 4, 2020
SCENE: STATION 19
(Nick enters the barn for work when he spots Vic and Travis getting tested by hospital volunteers)
Nick: Hey guys.
Vic: Hey County finally learned compassion and upped our tests. Are you gonna get your nose picked by a stranger?
Nick: Yeah sure.
Travis: (Getting tested) You have a very gentle touch.
Emmett: Oh. (Chuckles) Well, we finally got the smaller swabs, so…
Vic: (Teasing) Hm. You know, it's not the size, it's how you use it.
Emmett: Okay, guys, this is bordering on inappropriate.
Nick: (Chuckles) Spend a day at my last station and you'll change your mind trust me.
Travis: (To Vic) You saw The Running Guy, didn't you?
Vic: I don't know.
Nick: What are they talking about?
Emmett: It's best to not ask.
Travis: Okay. So, Emmett, Evans here's the thing. Vic has a new crush, and it's a firefighter at another station.
Vic: (Sits down) Uh-huh.
Travis: And she won't tell me who it is.
Vic: I am keeping this one close to the vest. Chest? What's the saying?
Travis: I think it's playing it close to the-Doesn't matter. Who's the guy?
Vic: No! No, there's nothing even to tell. The only thing we've done is make eyes at each other over our masks and some light finger brushing.
Travis: I'm sorry, finger brushing?
Nick: Hey come on she's gotten more lucky than I have in the last three months. Unless you count that elevator thing.
Vic: (Interested) Whoa! Elevator thing? What elevator thing? Is that slang I didn't read up on?
Travis: I don't know but spill Evans come on, enlighten us while you have a swab up your nose.
Nick: (Groans and sits down) It's nothing, it was just some guy from the hospital I was in an elevator with. He asked me out for coffee or at least he tried to it was like some cringe moment from Riverdale.
Vic: Well, that show is always cringe, was it like he wouldn't leave you alone cringe or he pushed you against a wall cringe?
Nick: (Gets swabbed) None of that he was just…I don't know he was awkward and he kept babbling on and on. I think he was a doctor.
Emmett: That makes sense the doctors over there are from Mensa they have no social cues especially when it comes to dating.
Nick: (Chuckles) Yeah clearly the guy was a chatterbox.
Vic: And what did you say? Did you say yes?
Nick: I said no and got out of there.
Travis: What? Why? Was he hideously disfigured?
Nick: No, he was kind of cute from the nose up.
Vic: (Confused) Okay and other than lack of social cues did he have a horrible personality?
Nick: No, he was uh…he was genuine, I think. I kind of feel bad I was a bit of a dick to him that day.
Travis: Yeah, and an idiot as well.
Nick: Excuse me?
Vic: Dude I am trying to take it slow with a guy I occasionally run with, you have an awkward but cute doctor ask you out for coffee out of nowhere and you reject it. Who does that?
Travis: Yeah, I think I might hate you because you looked a gift horse in the mouth.
Nick: (Chuckles) I don't have time for dating. I just moved here and I'm back on the field after a sabbatical year. I need to work on myself and ease myself into this new state and new job before I get into that. Does that sound stupid to you?
Vic: …Yes it sounds stupid.
Travis: Very stupid, you should be examined for brain damage.
Nick: Yeah, okay I'm gonna shower and change see you both out there.
(Nick goes to get changed leaving them)
MEANWHILE AT THE HOSPITAL
SCENE: AMBERS ROOM
(Amber is lying in bed curled up reading American Gods when Alex walks in with breakfast)
Alex: Hey, breakfast is here.
Amber: Thank God, what did you get me? A donut? A cheese omelet?
Alex: Close quiche with spinach and a bran muffin on the side.
Amber: (Makes vomit sound) Yuck!
Alex: Hey it's healthy and I don't want to risk giving you one ounce of sugar that could land you back in that damn bed. Do you want that?
Amber: Did I say yuck? I meant yum.
(Amber digs into her breakfast with Alex sitting in the chair)
Alex: So, I heard rumors that Izzie was here last night, are they true?
Amber: Yes, plus the murder that happened later. I wouldn't look in the bathroom if I were you.
Alex: At this point I can't tell if your being funny or serious which is it?
Amber: Relax she came out safe and sound. We got to talking and…she apologized to me.
Alex: (Exhales in relief) Thank you Jesus, and what happened then?
Amber: I apologized too.
Alex: Finally! So, is this a clean slate?
Amber: No, not clean. I'm not ready to forgive her yet I made that clear to her and she understood. I am however giving her one chance to prove to me that she is not that awful person I am convinced she is so…we'll see.
Alex: Well, I'm proud of you kid, it takes a lot of courage to do what you did. I think maybe that car crash was the wake up call you needed.
Amber: (Chuckles darkly) Yeah I almost died that can make a normal person turn Ghandhi for a rageaholic like me it made me less angry at people who screwed me over in the past.
Alex: Speaking of any word from DeLuca yet?
Amber: (Inhales) No…do you think it's a sign? That I waited too long and missed my chance? Like Izzie did when she ignored you only to come back months later?
Alex: You and Izzie have similarities but your different. She left because she heard a rumor, you left because you needed time to figure out if you can love him with all his baggage. Anyone who went through what you did is allowed a second to reflect alone. Trust me Jo and I have been there. If he can't see that and love you when you are ready to let him in then that's on him.
Amber: (Narrow eyes) Look at you being the insightful one in this family.
Alex: (Snorts) I have my moments. Now eat.
Amber: I'm eating God!
(Amber eats her healthy breakfast)
LATER
SCENE: STATION 19 ENGINE
(Nick is sitting in the back while Vic and Dean are at the front. Vic is quizzing Dean for his exam)
Vic: (Reads from book) The pressure which is normally found on a water distribution system is known-
Dean: Residual pressure. Can-Can we just not do this now?
Vic: You asked me to help you study for the lieutenant's exam.
Dean: I-I did. But that was before Chief Gregory called me. He says, although he does condone what Sullivan and I did for Jada and Shanice, and the charges were technically dropped, brass is concerned with my decision to fight for change.
Vic: (Sighs) You mean your decision to sue the police department.
Dean: Mm-hmm.
Nick: Yeah, I hate to say it but he's got a point. Statistics show that suing the police department hardly ever has good results. I mean all complaints are handled internally by the very departments we press charges against.
Vic: He's right, it sucks but he's right.
Dean: Gregory thinks I have to choose between getting justice for Joyce and applying for a promotion.
Vic: And he won't vouch for you?
Dean: No. And if he did, would they listen?
(They arrive at the scene)
CUT TO SCENE
(Nick and the others come out and are taken back by a large group of people wearing identical clothes and dancing as music is playing)
Vic: What is this place?
Jack: I'm gonna guess, uh, dance academy?
Andy: No. No, I grew up with dance academy kids. This is-
(They hear a voice and look up to find a man dancing at the edge of the building top)
Brother John: Fear is what tethers us to this Earth. I do not subscribe to fear! If I believe I can fly, I can fly!
(The followers cheer)
Dean: Yep. This is a cult.
Maya: (Speaking through bullhorn) Sir, you're not a bird. You're a guy. (Sighs) Alright. Get out the bag we don't want a pancake on our hands.
Sullivan: Shouldn't we wait for PD? (Vic and Dean glare at him and he gets the hint) Copy that.
Brother John: Our society is designed to raise us on fear and shame, on the suppression of our humanity, on our connectedness. But when we come together and unlearn all that poison, anything is possible. I can feel that. The vibration. Do you feel that?! Can you feel that vibration?!
Jack: Oh, it's Marky Mark day at the dance cult. Fun.
Brother John: My children, we have unlearned the weight of shame and fear. Do you feel how powerful we are now? Our collective vibration is what will give me wings.
Maya: I don't care how much energy these people are giving you. If you jump off that roof, there's a good chance you won't survive.
Follower: You don't understand what Brother John's doing here. You don't understand how trapped you are in your own mind. Our minds are free!
Maya: Free or on drսgs?
Follower: We don't do drսgs. Mm. We're high on the freedom of thought. We're high on the magic of humanity that was beaten out of us as children. We're high on breath-
Maya: Okay, let me tell you something. If you don't put your mask back on, you're gonna be high on COVID.
Warren: Can you believe these idiots? Dr. Warren Sterman. I live down the road a bit. I'm the one who called.
Maya: Oh, you called. So, is anyone hurt?
Warren: Not yet. But look at 'em.
Nick: Yeah, I've seen Midsommar and Hereditary this is either gonna end with one of us inside a bear's carcass or a good old fashioned beheading.
(Maya and Jack look at him disturbed by his explanation)
Nick: What? I like horror films.
Jack: Remind me not to let you pick something for movie night.
Maya: Okay. Alright. We need to get someone up there.
(Maya and Jack look at Nick smugly who rolls his eyes)
Nick: I guess it's my lucky day then.
Maya: Try to talk him off the ledge while we set up the bag down here.
Nick: Copy that, Captain.
(Nick goes to the engine to set up the ladder. It takes them five minutes and Nick starts climbing up to the top of the building as PD arrives. Nick lands on the top with a harness on and puts his goggles on)
Nick: Hey, man. I'm Nick.
Brother John: Brother Nick! Welcome! Dance with me.
Nick: I'm good thanks I'm uh not really the dancing type.
Brother John: Ah-ha-ha! Shame! Where does that shame come from? Hey, brother, if that shame is too heavy, just sit down. Absorb this energy.
Nick: Sounds nice but I have a better idea how about you absorb that energy with me away from the ledge.
Buckner: (Megaphone) Sir, you need to come down right now!
Brother John: Or what? You'll shoot me? Aw, man! The systems our world has put into place to instill fear and control. And we eat it up!
Nick: Preaching to the choir man.
Brother John: We've been fed that since childhood. Right.
Nick: (Plays along) Yeah.
Brother John: Fear for breakfast. Fear for lunch. Fear for dinner. Like sugary cereal. Frosted Fear-i-o's!
(The crowd cheers and Brother John turns back to Nick)
Brother John: Brother Nick, you're not dancing.
Nick: I'm good man really I'm just-
Brother John: Come on, shake off some of that shame.
Nick: I don't dance.
Brother John: (Leaps closer to the ledge) Come on!
Nick: (Sees he has no choice) Okay! (Starts dancing slightly) I'm dancing. Okay?
Brother John: Louder.
Nick: (Confused) How do you dance louder?
Brother John: Ask that little boy version of yourself. "How do I dance... louder?!"
Nick: I don't know what you're talking about, man. I don't know how to dance (Brother John stands on the ledge) Okay! Okay! Okay. Okay. (Dances more) I'm dancing louder. Okay? I'm dancing louder. See?
Brother John: I feel a connection to you, Brother Nick.
Nick: Good. Feel it over here right here.
Brother John: (Gets closer to Nick) A soul connection, man. I feel you. I've been you. Alone. Um, okay. Afraid. You're lost. Hey. When was the last time you felt loved? Actually, wait. Better question. When was the last time you felt safe to love?
(Nick continues dancing with Brother John despite feeling embarrassed. The others at the ground look and are amused by the scene)
Travis: This might be the best day of my life.
Vic: (Records with her phone) Yeah, I'm gonna need him to remember this.
BACK ON THE TOP OF THE BUILDING
(Nick gets tired from dancing as Brother John dances by the ledge)
Nick: I'm tired, man. Can we sit?
Brother John: You still haven't answered my question, Brother Nick.
Nick: What was the question? I'm losing focus due to all the dancing.
Brother John: I ask because I see your pain. It's so much better on the other side. You can be on that other side, too.
Nick: (Tries to reach for Brother John who backs away closer to the ledge) No, no. There's no pain. There's no pain, okay? Look, as long as we stay on this side of the edge, I'm good.
Brother John: Why stay on the roof when you can dance in the stars? We must continue harvesting.
Nick: Okay, what are we harvesting, exactly?
Brother John: Energy.
Nick: (Sighs) Of course we are.
Brother John: (Backs away from Nick who tries to grab him) We got to get back to that spiritual self. When we all do, we could fill the air with such high vibration that when I jump, I will fly.
Nick: Please don't jump, man. (John gets away from his grasp) Dude! (To radio) This cuckoo is still playing to fly off the nest so get that bag ready.
LATER
(Nick is still on top of the building trying to talk John off the building. Maya talks to PD and Walter)
Buckner: Okay, we're shutting the music down. What do you want to do?
Maya: I want to let my firefighter try a little longer to get him down.
Dr. Sterman: Watch out for this guy. He may look nuts, but he's a charmer and he's dangerous.
Maya: You don't know this kid. He's made of steel and it's gonna take more than some Charles Manson wannabee to get to him.
CUT TO ROOF
(Nick tiredly dances as John stands by the ledge)
Nick: John, please, just take a step back.
Brother John: The energy is full. It's almost time.
Nick: John, just step back your gonna get hurt.
Brother John: Is that a good reason not to do something? So that you don't get hurt? You run away from danger.
Nick: Dude, I'm a firefighter. I literally walk through fire and danger.
Brother John: But real danger…you run from.
Nick: (Stops dancing as he looks at John quizzically)
Brother John: (Removes headset) Everyone here has learned the same lessons as you, Nick. All my children came to me so bruised and alone from a lifetime of pain. Brother Nick, you have the look in your eye that so many of my followers do. You crave family. You crave stewardship. Love.
Nick: I'm good, man. I have love.
Brother John: You're an orphan. Well, guess what? I'm an orphan, too.
Nick: I have a family man. I have a mom back home I call everyday because she worries I won't come back from a scene alive.
Brother John: And yet you yearn for a family. That's why I built this family. You don't like being alone, do you, Nick? Scary, isn't it? But look at my children. See how full they are.
Nick: (Gets worried) John, please, just take one step back. Please. Just one.
Brother John: I'll take a step if you talk to me.
Nick: Fine, I'll do that.
Brother John: Tell me about your heart. Are you lonely?
Nick: (Tries to keep his wall up) Yeah, some-sometimes. Yeah.
Brother John: You still have your shield. I'm gonna need more than that.
Nick: (Speaks more as John stands on the ledge) Okay, okay, okay! I-I just moved here a few months ago after I got fired in my hometown.
Brother John: Now tell me why you yearn for a family.
Nick: (Sighs as he has no other choice) Okay when I moved here my mom told me that I have this half brother and sister from my dad that left us and they live here but…
Brother John: But you're scared? Scared to open up? Scared to feel? Scared to lose? What are their names?
Nick: Alex and Amber.
Brother John: And you can't fully love Alex and Amber, can you?
Nick: No, I-I can, I just…
Brother John: We all have emotional injuries from our lives that prevent us from loving. If you cut the fear from your heart, you can love them. I want to show you what love looks like. I want you to know what fearlessness feels like.
(John starts running to the ledge)
Nick: No, don't!
(John jumps off the roof and lands on the airbag causing the followers to cheer and Nick to shake his head as he climbs down. Maya approaches him)
Nick: I know I messed up; I didn't get him off the roof.
Maya: Guys like him hardly ever do, that's why we set up the bag.
Nick: (Chuckles) That would have been nice to know before.
Maya: Hey what did he say to you? You looked pretty shaken up near the end.
Nick: (Sighs) Nothing, just some stuff that got under my skin, its what cult leaders do. Hey, do you mind if I ride with him in the aid car? I got to take care of some stuff.
Maya: You're not gonna go all Tom Hanks scientology on us, are you?
Nick: (Grins) No I just want to see this thing through to the end, if that's okay Captain.
Maya: Well don't let me keep you.
(Nick approaches the aid car where Travis examines John)
Nick: Hey. Can I, uh, ride with him?
John: Join me, Brother Nick.
Travis: (Gets off) You two bond up there?
John: We got a lot in common.
(Nick gets in the back as Travis closes the doors. They drive away from the scene)
Travis: Grey-Sloan, this is Aid Car 19. We're headed towards you with a 50-year-old male with abdominal pain, possible internal bleeding.
John: Aren't we all bleeding internally, in many ways?
Nick: (Examines him) Try not to talk okay? (John chuckles and coughs) Were you trying to die?
John: I was trying to fly.
Nick: Unless you got wings you had to know you were gonna fall.
John: But I didn't fall. I leapt. And for that moment of pure freedom, it was worth it. You should try leaping some time it might help you with your family problems.
(Nick leans back as he thinks on John's words)
LATER THAT AFTERNOON
SCENE: AMBERS ROOM
(Amber plays poker with Alex as they wait for her scan results)
Alex: (Shows hand) I got two pair. (Chuckles)
Amber: (Shows hand) Three of a kind.
Alex: (Stumped) Wh-How do you do that?
Amber: Years of practice bro, don't worry you'll get there. You won't beat me but still.
Alex: (Chuckles sarcastically) You know nobody likes a sore winner.
Amber: And nobody likes a bad hand. I'll deal.
Alex: No, I will, maybe I'll get lucky this time.
(Alex stops dealing as Maggie and Winston come inside the room with scans and frowns)
Amber: (Sees their frowns) Just say it I can handle it.
Maggie: (Sighs) …Your scans are clear.
Amber: (Eyes wide) What?! Oh my god you are such a bitch!
(Maggie laughs along with Winston. Alex smiles in joy as Amber laughs relieved to be free)
Maggie: The patch is holding and your results all show you're improving.
Amber: This means I can go home? I can finally go home and be away from you people. I love you and I appreciate all you've done but I think I might stab you if I see you one more time.
Winston: (Chuckles) Yes, you're getting discharged tonight and getting a covid test on the way out. You'll still need to quarantine for two weeks and be on bed rest for five weeks so that leg can stay elevated.
Alex: Don't worry Jo got the basement set up, it's basically a bunker by now.
Amber: When can I come back to work?
Maggie: Once that cast is off and you're good to walk we can talk about putting you back on the surgical board.
Amber: (Exhales) Thank you, thank you, thank you. I wish I could say thank you for infinity.
CUT TO OUTSIDE AMBERS ROOM
(Nick navigates through the hall until he finds Alex and Amber inside elbow bumping to celebrate her release. They all laugh and smile. Nick silently contemplates knocking but after a moment he backs out. He walks down the hall and runs to catch the elevator stopping it from closing. The open door reveals Levi inside who is shocked to see Nick again but stays silent. Nick clears his throat and enters the elevator. They stand there in silence for a few moments until Nick pulls the stop button surprising Levi)
Levi: Um what was that?
Nick: (Sighs) Look I just moved here from another state after getting fired from pretty much the worst place on earth. I was going through something that day so it added to why I was a dick to you when you asked me out. I'm going through that right this second but I'm trying to rise above it and continue this.
Levi: You don't have to do this, it's fine. We have different jobs; we won't see each other much so you don't have to apologize and say let's be friends.
Nick: You're not hearing me. I just brought in a cult leader who jumped off a roof and…he was ten kinds of crazy.
Levi: Yeah, I think you would be to have to jump off a roof.
Nick: Yeah, but he said things that made me realize life is too short to let fear keep you from something that might bring you joy in this dark time. So, if you're still up for it, I'd like to take you to dinner.
Levi: (Shocked but tries to play cool) Maybe. (Pushes the stop button)
Nick: (Confused) Maybe?
Levi: (Walks out of the elevator) I'm crazy busy so I'll get back to you.
(Levi walks away leaving Nick dejected before Levi stops the door from fully closing after running back)
Levi: I'm free tomorrow night, how does that sound?
Nick: (Mouth gapes and laughs at his eagerness) Sure I'll meet you at Bremerton Park I know this great food truck.
Levi: (Exhales) Great I'll see you at 7. I-I'm Levi, Levi Schmitt.
Nick: (Grins) Nick Evans.
(Levi and Nick grin at each other as the doors close)
LATER THAT NIGHT
SCENE: AMBERS ROOM
(Amber is in her casual wear and gets on the wheelchair with Maggie's help)
Maggie: Okay you're so close, are you excited?
Amber: You have no idea.
Maggie: I'm glad not just for my sake some of the nurses were contemplating on quitting when you bit their heads off.
Amber: Tell them I'm sorry.
Maggie: Don't worry they were Mer's nurses so they understand.
Amber: Hey about Winston.
Maggie: What about Winston?
Amber: (Smiles) I approve.
Maggie: (Laughs) I'm so glad I have your permission…and I approve too so much.
Amber: Right? God you lucky cardio god.
Maggie: Yeah I know. Okay I'll be back with Alex and we can finally wheel you out of here.
Amber: Am I getting a clap out?
Maggie: Of course you are, now hang tight and prep your eardrums.
(Maggie leaves the room. Amber goes over her belongings as Andrew walks in wearing casual wear)
Andrew: Hey.
Amber: (Looks up and takes a breath) Hey.
Andrew: You're breaking out?
Amber: Yeah I still got to take this cast home but Link is gonna get it off in five weeks. After pt and checkup I'm good to go to work in six weeks. Until then I will be resting on my bed in my basement trying to pass the long ass wait till my life is back to normal. I think I'll reread Lord of the rings by then. I could use some of Gandalf's wisdom.
Andrew: That's great I'm happy for you. Listen, I know we haven't caught up lately but can we talk?
Amber: (Sighs) …You only said it because I was dying. I was dying and you didn't want me to die feeling like an idiot for professing my love for you the night before a truck crushed me. I get it you had old feelings brought back when you saw me like that and now…now they're gone. I missed my chance about a hundred times and you knew it that night. That's why you froze and walked away and why you've been ignoring me since I got this room. You waited till I was getting discharged to tell me that because that's the kind of standup guy you are. I wouldn't blame you if that was the case.
Andrew: No that's not the case at all… Amber I told you I loved you in that OR because I never stopped. (Amber looks up hopeful) Even with all the crazy crap that happened with us the last year I never stopped loving you. But…you made it clear that this wasn't what you wanted that you didn't want to be a part of my mental health routine and in extension my life. You made it clear that night in our apartment and that night in Target.
Amber: (guilty) I know and I…I meant it then.
Andrew: I know you did; I know you and I know how hard it is for you to change your mind. I'm not blaming you I've played a big part in that massive blow up, but the fact is you told me that night you didn't want to be a part of that lifestyle again that we needed to let each other go. So, what changed?
Amber: …Everything.
Andrew: This pandemic is changing all of us but I need to know that's not the only reason you want to try this again. You've told me for months you don't want to do this and then last week you pull a Nicholas Sparks confessing how you need me and you can't-
Amber: (Clarifies) I don't.
Andrew: You don't what?
Amber: Need you. I don't need you Andrew, I've never needed you I was fine without you and I'll be fine if you reject me.
Andrew: (Taken back) Wow okay thanks for clearing that up.
Amber: I want you in my life. It would be worse if I needed you because then I would be destroyed by needing you in spite of feeling suffocated by your problems. I want you Andrew, I want you and all of you. I want your smile and your laughter. I want your messed up head and mood swings. I want your willingness to love me for all of me the same way that I am going to love you.
Andrew: Amber…those are words you can't just say them you have to mean them. I need to know you're not yearning for familiar comfort because the world is falling apart. I need to know you actually want this. I…I need to know that you're all in this time. Are you?
Amber: I am. If there was a time when I am completely sure of what I want for once in my life it's now.
Andrew: (Sighs) I'm doing the work but I'm not magically cured. I can promise that I'll keep taking my meds and going to therapy but I can't promise I won't trigger you.
Amber: …I was afraid of getting triggered because of what happened with my mom and my brother but that isn't the case. I was mad as hell after Richard's surgery when you lied and I was convinced at that point you were too far gone like my mom and your dad but…we're not our parents. I've seen the work you do and I see you as the man I fell in love with. I'm not triggered when I'm with you I was but not anymore. I want to try again, do you?
Andrew: (Sighs and thinks it over) I do but…if we're gonna do this again we need to do things differently this time. Things have changed so changes have to be made if we want to move forward.
Amber: (Hopeful) Okay what are you proposing?
Andrew: I promise that I'll continue to take my meds and go to therapy. I'm my best self when I'm on them and I know skipping them is a deal breaker for you. I promise to keep doing the work and adjust my meds when I need to.
Amber: Okay I'm glad to hear that and what promises do I have to make?
Andrew: (Sighs) I know I hurt you that night when I told you the truth but…the way you just left my apartment without even talking to me. It almost shattered me.
Amber: (Guilty) I know and I am sorry.
Andrew: You can't do that to me again okay? If you feel like I'm doing something that's triggering you, you talk to me okay? You talk to me and we can figure it out instead of just up and running. If we get back together, I need to know you won't do that again, can you promise me that?
Amber: Yes, I promise. I know I could've handled it better that night and I didn't. I promise I won't leave without talking to you and letting you know what's making me feel that way. I know that wasn't my forte in the past but with you…I don't feel scared to let my guard down.
Andrew: (Nods) Okay.
Amber: (Grins and nods) Okay so…I guess we're back together again.
Andrew: Yeah and the way to start this again is to have a first date again.
Amber: (Sad) Which we can't have until I'm done quarantining for two weeks. And it is killing me even more seeing you here in your leather jacket and your hair tousled up so perfectly. Damn it could you have just one physical flaw so I don't feel the need to dry hump you right now?
Andrew: (Laughs) Sorry and if it makes you feel any better, I feel the same way right now.
Amber: (Scoffs) I haven't showered under pressurized water in six days, I am wearing my baggiest clothes and I have a cast on my leg. I am the opposite of what you look like right now.
Andrew: Not to me.
Amber: (Groans) Okay please walk away before I break so many rules right now. Walk away DeLuca.
Andrew: (Grins and backs away) I'll be counting the days She-Karev. Until then we can pass the time with virtual games and late-night phone calls.
Amber: (Chuckles) I can't wait.
(Andrew walks away from the room pumping his fist in the air as he walks away. Amber snorts and smiles giddy)
LATER
SCENE: AMBERS BASEMENT
(Alex helps get her on the bed and elevates her leg. He puts a pillow behind her back as she goes over her books by the bedside table)
Alex: Okay do you want anything? A sandwich or a salad maybe?
Amber: I'm fine, if I need anything I will call you or Jo.
Alex: Okay but I'm just saying if you need anything don't hesitate.
Amber: I won't I know you'll come if I need help, I know that now.
Alex: (Nods) Yeah, I'm trying to make up for past negligence the last time you were hurt.
Amber: I know and you have. I just spent a week in a bed and you've been there even when I told you I didn't want you there. I know I've needed you a lot lately but I don't need you now. I'm not a kid anymore Alex, I just survived a car crash I think that speaks to my resilience. I'm an adult Alex and so are you the only difference is you have two kids and a pregnant wife who need you now. You can watch over me and be there for the other people that need you, god knows their gonna be lonely while I'm down here for two weeks.
Alex: (Chuckles) Are you sure you don't need me? I know this has gotta be rough for you.
Amber: I'm sure. In fact for the first time in a while I feel great. I'll be fine now go and play with your kids for both of us.
(Alex grins at Amber and heads upstairs. Amber leans back and gets a text message from Andrew that says '14 days till first date' causing Amber to smile)