Chapter 24: People Like Us Part 2
SCENE: ANDREWS APARTMENT
(Andrew gets out of the shower wearing his black track pants when he hears the door knocking. He opens it to find Amber on the other side numb from the evens of that day)
Amber: (Numb) Hey.
Andrew: (Concerned) Hey, are you okay?
Amber: (Gets inside) No I am far from okay; I feel like I got hit by a truck again only this time the glass is in my brain giving me a splitting headache.
Andrew: Okay do you want to talk about it?
Amber: (Immediately) No.
Andrew: Okay, what do you want me to do?
Amber: Just being here is enough I…I need space from my family and even though I hate this damn apartment it's better than that house and…I just need to sleep this freaking day away. Can you let me do that? Can we save the 'who gets to live where' debate for when I don't feel like crap run over?
Andrew: (Sees she's in pain) Yeah of course, bathroom is where you left it, I just used the shower.
Amber: Thanks.
(Amber numbly walks to the bathroom with Andrew left worried over her)
TWENTY MINUTES LATER
(Amber comes out with her hair wet wearing Andrew's shirt only and lies down on her side in the bed with Andrew laying on his back across from her. Andrew spoons Amber who is numb but appreciative as she holds his hand around her ribcage)
Andrew: Look I don't know what this is or what happened, but I just need you to know that no matter what happens, I'm here okay? I'm not going anywhere this time.
(Amber nods and holds Andrew's hand tighter)
THE NEXT MORNING
SCENE: ANDREWS KITCHEN
(Andrew is in the kitchen making avocado cheese omelet with bread in the toaster. Amber comes out wearing Andrew's shirt rubbing her eyes tiredly)
Amber: Morning.
Andrew: Morning, I was just about to wake you up. I already served you coffee, it's at the table.
Amber: (Grabs the mug) Thank you, (Sniffs) Is that an omelet?
Andrew: With cheese and avocados, there's also toast.
Amber: (Touched) I forgot how much I loved waking up to breakfast you made. By now I'm used to donuts via door dash and Keurig coffee with a filter I always forget to replace.
Andrew: (Grins) Well we've got work in two hours so bon appetit.
(Amber and Andrew sit at the table where they split the omelet and eat it with toast)
Amber: (Drinks coffee) I owe you an explanation for last night. Before I came here, I was…I was given new information about my family that I'm still processing.
Andrew: What is it? Does your brother have more kids from another state?
Amber: (Snickers) No it's not kids from another state, it's a half-brother from another state.
Andrew: (Tries to keep a calm face)
Amber: I can tell you're trying to keep calm so I can be calm and I appreciate it. You know how my dad left? Well shortly after that he had another kid with another woman he married. And then he left that family as if he wanted to set a record. And now the son that he got clean for is here and he works as a first responder at 19.
Andrew: Are you sure it's him? I mean how do you know?
Amber: Because he told me last night before I saw my brother. I thought he was a psycho so I told him to go to hell and after that I talked to Alex who told me about our half brother that lives here and now, I am here trying to process all of this as are you.
Andrew: Your father is dead; did he mention another family before or is that what this kid claimed himself?
Amber: Before he died, he ran into Alex and he told him about Nick. Do you really think some guy wants to claim to have Jimmy Evans for a father? My brothers agree no good comes from being that bastard's son.
Andrew: Well maybe he thinks there's money to inherit.
Amber: (Groans) The only thing you inherit in my family is schizophrenia or addiction.
Andrew: Dark.
Amber: Well, it's true.
Andrew: Okay so you met him, he told you and you blew him off. What do you want to do now?
Amber: …I don't know, I left my brothers pretty quickly when I told him about my meeting with Nick. (Groans) And now I have to go to work in OB where he's probably in charge of the NICU.
Andrew: Look not that I don't enjoy this shocking after school special but why aren't you talking about this to Levi? I mean you go to him before me I know that and I grudgingly accept it.
Amber: I can't talk to him because if I do, I am going to sucker punch him. He knew about this Andrew he knew about this for days and he didn't tell me.
Andrew: How would he know? (Sips coffee)
Amber: Because he's been sleeping with my half-brother.
Andrew: (Chokes back coffee into mug)
Amber: Yeah, that firefighter you pointed him out to turns out to be the half-brother I'm here bitching about.
Andrew: …I'm sorry?
Amber: You didn't know, Levi did and he still kept me in the dark for days. After everything I have done for that kid, you think he would tell me that I have another brother!
Andrew: I'm sure this was as big of a shock to him as it was for you.
Amber: I have another brother from my son of a bitch father and he's been screwing my best friend for weeks! How is he more shocked than I am?
Andrew: I know. I know you're upset; we'll figure this out somehow.
Amber: What is there to figure out? (Shakes her head) You know what I can't deal with this right now I need to go. I'll see you at the hospital.
(Amber gets up to get dressed leaving Andrew to sigh and finish his breakfast)
LATER
SCENE: STATION 19
(Nick enters the beanery tired in his uniform ready for the day where he finds Ben sitting at the table talking to someone across with his back towards Nick)
Nick: (Heads to the counter and pulls out coffee grounds) You guys got any of that army coffee? It tastes terrible but it wakes you like you're drinking cocaine. I had a rough night and I don't need a rough morning.
(Nick turns and freezes as he sees the man Ben is talking to in face view revealing it to be Alex)
Ben: (Clears throat) Nick Evans I want to introduce you to your brother Alex Karev. I'll leave you two alone.
(Ben leaves them. Nick turns to continue making coffee barely acknowledging Alex who has an uncomfortable face)
Alex: Look man I know you don't need me barging into your workspace.
Nick: Why not? I barged into your workspace all the time, back when I checked up on your sister. Warren called you down here? Thought it was past due for a family reunion?
Alex: No, I came myself. I wanted to come personally and apologize for what Amber said to you the other night and to let you know I understand your reservations. I didn't reach out to you for 7 years why should I expect you to.
Nick: For the record I didn't come up here for you I came up here on a road trip. It was just crap luck I ended up quarantining in Seattle. I needed a different workplace and Captain Bishop offered me a job here and I took it. It's got nothing to do with you or your family so you don't have to worry about me coming after your premium packages.
Alex: I wasn't worried about that.
Nick: (Sips coffee) Your sister was, why shouldn't you?
Alex: Because I knew about you beforehand unlike her who has slight trust issues and possible paranoia. I told her and she feels really bad man.
Nick: Did she tell you that?
Alex: …Not in so many words but she does, I know she does. I've been worried about how she feels about this and she hasn't said much yet. So, until then how do you feel about this…strange new family dynamic?
Nick: (Sighs and chuckles darkly) You know you look more like dad than I do. How old were you when he left you?
Alex: I was 15, Amber was 2 and he didn't leave I kicked him out of the house until his ribs cracked.
Nick: I was five when he abandoned us. Yeah, he just left no beating necessary so I think you were lucky to get a punch in at the jackass. He never told me about you when I was a kid but my mom did when she found out I was living here. I guess she didn't want to risk me bringing a girl home who happens to be my half-sister. God knows we don't need any more cuckoos in this nest.
Alex: (Smirks) Yeah you got the sarcastic humor that's trademark for this family. And the good looks.
Nick: (Sips coffee) So what do you want? Did you just come here to apologize for someone?
Alex: …Honestly man I don't know what I'm doing here. I guess I'm just trying to reach out to family for once instead of letting them reach out to me.
Nick: What do you mean?
Alex: I left my brother and sister with my mom so I could go to medical school and after that it was residency. I had to take care of everything so when the opportunity came, I left. I left again when my sister was attacked and I have felt guilty about it since. Three years ago, I wouldn't be doing this, I would just go about my business. But when my sister came here after not seeing each other for 8 years I realized I can do more if I just try. So, I'm trying.
Nick: You're wasting your time, I'm fine.
Alex: Yeah, I know you are, you, me, Aaron and Amber, we're doing great because Jimmy left. If he stayed longer with either of us, we'd probably be selling beer or hell follow his footsteps but we're not.
Nick: I know that I got here because of my mom not because of him. I didn't reach out to you guys, I don't want to know you, your sister made that bed. I don't want any part of this family so just go back to your apple pie life with your sister.
Alex: (Sighs) I know what it's like to push people away because you expect the worst out of them. Or you're afraid they'll leave you; I get it. We had the same dad bro. (Nick inhales and looks away) I know I'm not your brother, we barely know each other but maybe we can fix that. Maybe we can find a way to make the best out of Jimmy's mistakes. I can't make your decisions for you, that's up to you, but if at any time you feel like getting to know us the door is open. I want you to know that.
(The Klaxons ring)
Dispatch: Aid car requested to 178 Glenn Street.
Nick: (Puts coffee away) I gotta go.
(Nick walks away from Alex tensely)
LATER AT OB
(Amber walks down the hall with Carina as they go meet their patients Ashley Hendricks who is eight months pregnant. Her husband Louis is next to her playing games on his phone)
Carina: (Smiles) Hi Ashley, how are you?
Ashley: (Smiles) I'm hanging on Dr. DeLuca; the pandemic is keeping the boys inside so I pretty much have heartburn 24/7.
Carina: Ashley and Louis have three sons this is their first girl.
Amber: (Shocked) Wow three boys what's that like?
Ashley: (Groans) You could give them each their own bathroom and they would still hog all of them at the same time. Who are you?
Carina: This is Dr. Karev. She is my resident and she will be helping us with your checkup.
Louis: Yeah, not to rush but can we make this quick? The boys want to play soccer and three kids during a pandemic, it's like fireworks inside a lead box.
Carina: Well, her due date is soon and we need to make sure everything is fine. We had to reschedule her checkup so we shouldn't rush this. Let's go, I'll take you to the exam room.
CUT TO EXAM ROOM
(Carina is checking the fetal heartbeat doppler with Amber on the side going over Ashley's birth plan. Louis is sitting in the chair still on the phone)
Amber: So, you two want to deliver at a hospital with Dr. DeLuca present, is that right?
Ashley: Yes, that's right. This is my fourth baby so I should know the drill by now but you know covid is a bitch.
Amber: That it is.
(Carina notices something on the doppler and feels around Ashley's belly)
Louis: Are you almost done? The boys are getting angsty.
Amber: We're almost done here, don't worry.
Carina: Actually, we may be here longer than we think. You're in labor. (The others look up in shock) You're having this baby now.
LATER
SCENE: NICU
(Alex checks Luna's vital as Jo goes inside to check on her)
Jo: Hey, how is she?
Alex: She's strong, her lungs sound good and her scans were clear this morning. Did you get in contact with the father? Is he willing to change his mind and take Luna?
Jo: No, we reached him but he is adamant, he says he doesn't want to take care of a sick baby that he signed over his parental rights to Val before she died.
Alex: (Shakes his head) He's a coward, he's worse. What about grandparents, aunts, uncles?
Jo: None, she had no one but Val and she's dead. And now her daughter is in an incubator waiting to go into the foster care system.
Alex: She's young so she might have a chance at a good home.
Jo: I was her age when my mom gave me up and look at where my life went. God, it makes you feel worse when you have kids of your own.
Alex: Yeah, God what's gonna happen to this little girl?
Jo: (Sad as well) I don't know.
Alex: (Inhales) Let's talk about something else. I visited Nick today at the station.
Jo: (Surprised) Oh how did it go?
Alex: He's reluctant, it's a family trait but I told him the door is open. Do you think I'm pushing too hard? That I'm reaching out to him because I didn't reach out to my other siblings?
Jo: I think you learned from your mistakes and you want to do things differently this time, it's admirable. How's Amber taking this?
Alex: She's avoiding me, I think she's just processing this whole thing, kind of like me with her when she first got here.
Jo: Yeah, give her time she'll come around. I can check on her if you want.
(Alex nods and looks down at Luna)
CUT TO OB
SCENE: ASHLEY'S BIRTHING ROOM
(Amber and Carina lay Ashley on the bed as she breathes heavily)
Ashley: She's not due for four weeks, is she okay?
Carina: It's perfectly normal for babies to come out a little early. There's no sign of birth defects or pre-eclampsia so it should be a smooth vaginal delivery. I see your at four centimeters dilated, contractions are at 3, Louis do you want to call a babysitter to watch your kids while you're here with your wife?
Louis: Oh no I get queasy during these things.
Ashley: (Annoyed) Trust me he'll be more trouble than good. Can you keep the boys at home in case they call you?
Louis: What am I supposed to do with them?
Ashley: I don't know honey, just occupy them.
(Louis leaves the room)
Amber: (Chuckles) I know how you feel I grew up with two brothers and they were a handful.
Ashley: Yeah? Try changing diapers for three boys.
Amber: Okay you win.
(A nurse enters the room)
Nurse: Dr. DeLuca? We need you for a breach, Dr. Lachman isn't answering and you're the next OB on call.
Carina: Okay, Ashley I need to go. I don't know how long I will be gone but Dr. Karev will be here to monitor your contractions and help you deliver.
Amber: (Shocked) I am?
Carina: (Glares at her)
Amber: I mean I am, don't worry Ashley I'll be here every step of the way. I'll page you when she's at 10 centimeters.
Carina: Thank you, I will see you both later.
(Carina leaves the room. Amber and Ashley are left alone in awkward silence)
Amber: Don't worry Ashley everything is gonna be fine. Do you have any questions or concerns?
Ashley: Pfft oh no I've done three of these. I just say a little prayer and go, and you just sit there and catch the baby like it's a football, okay?
Amber: …Okay.
(Amber sits in a chair next to Ashley monitoring her vitals)
TWO HOURS LATER
(Amber exhales as she exits the room with Ashley breathing heavily behind her with two labor nurses in the room. She goes out to chart when Andrew and Levi approach her)
Amber: What do you two want?
Levi: Well-
Amber: I'm talking to him, you're lucky you're still standing.
Andrew: Which is why I am here to mediate, you two need to talk.
Amber: (Groans) Oh for Christ's sake.
Andrew: Look you two have this bond that I don't entirely understand but you need each other that I do understand. You can't let miscommunication be the end of this because now is not the time to cut the important people out of your life. So Schmitt will explain what happened and you will listen and decide if you're still angry with him.
Amber: I have a patient who's 8 centimeters dilated.
Andrew: Good then we've got two centimeters to go, Schmitt.
Levi: (Sighs) Okay, look when I found out I was shocked okay, I mean I was scarred beyond belief. I found out the guy I slept with was my best friend's brother, that kind of revelation can shake anyone.
Amber: Oh, goodie I wasn't entirely sure you slept with him but now I do so thank you for crapping on my life once again Levi.
Levi: I have been wrestling with myself trying to figure out if I should tell you or not.
Amber: You shouldn't have wrestled at all. After everything we have been through, after all I have done for you, I deserve the courtesy of being informed immediately that my long-lost brother is in town.
Levi: (Exaggerated) How do you put that out there? How do you ease a conversation into that family secret? 'Hey Amber, did you see the season 4 finale of Gilmore Girls? Oh, by the way the guy I just had sex with he's your brother from your junkie dad that left you.'
Amber: I would think after the trial you would learn I don't like secrets but I guess it takes more than one kick in the ass to get it through your head.
Andrew: Okay I see we're going south here let's take a step back.
Amber: Yeah, you know what I am taking a step back I'm taking a million steps back.
Levi: (Plays hardball) Okay when you sent Alex into the locker rooms the first weeks we worked here to fake fire me for looking at adult websites on my phone I forgave you.
Amber: (Rolls eyes) Oh Levi that was a prank this was-
Levi: When you told Annie Mersel, who I was chatting with at the bar mitzvah, that I lived in my mom's basement and pictured me still there in 20 years I forgave you.
Andrew: Schmitt maybe we should-
Levi: Or how about when you cut me out of your life because I didn't agree with your reprehensible actions towards Izzie and the twins in Kansas? I forgave you I helped carry you after DeLuca dumped you.
Andrew: Okay maybe let's not bring that-
Levi: (Ignores him) Puking on my bike, puking on my shoes or using the 1920 silver dollar my grandfather gave me for my bar mitzvah to pay the pizza guy.
Amber: (Frustrated) Oh my god me finding out you knew from the beginning that you were dating my brother I didn't know about is not the same as some tiny fucked up mistakes!
Levi: I found out three days ago and by then I went after him because I thought he was here to hurt you!
Amber: (Inhales and taps her fingers on the station in conflict)
Levi: I accused him of going after me to get to you because I wanted to protect you, I wanted to make sure you were safe. In spite of what you think I was thinking about your feelings only. I thought about how to approach this since then and how to make sure you don't end up hurt again. I wanted to protect you in spite of all those tiny fucked up mistakes because I forgave you for those just like you forgave me for the trial because that's what friends do. They screw up, they take too long to tell them important details about their family and sometimes they hurt each other…and you forgive them. If the friendship is for the long run, you forgive them because that's what friendship is. That's what love is.
(Levi exhales as Andrew looks at him in awe and Amber looks away still conflicted)
Levi: I am going to leave you now, but I will leave you with this. After the trial you told Taryn and Casey that Jo told you I have a very small nightstick.
Andrew: (Looks at Amber shocked by her actions back then)
Amber: (Purses lips and doesn't look at him)
Levi: That was unforgivable and also…a lie. And I let it slide.
(Levi leaves them. Amber exhales as she continues charting)
Andrew: Well, that didn't go how I expected it to.
Amber: I'm guessing this mediator trait is something you learned in therapy?
Andrew: I thought it would be useful now. How are you?
Amber: (Sighs) He had to bring up the night stick thing. Damn it. I have to forgive him, don't I?
Andrew: I know I'm supposed to say no but…yeah, I say so.
Amber: (Grins) Why do you have to be my conscience? Couldn't you have been a bad boy? You have the motorcycle.
Andrew: True but I don't have a record.
Amber: It was expunged.
Ashley: (Screaming) Get this baby out of me!
Amber: (Wide eyes) I gotta go.
(Amber runs inside the room where she finds Ashley getting ready to push with a nurse by her side)
Amber: (Gets gowned) What the hell happened? She was at 8 five minutes ago.
Nurse: And now she's at 10.
Amber: Did you page Dr. DeLuca?
Nurse: We just did she's headed over here now, you're gonna deliver this baby until then.
Amber: O-Okay, Ashley, I need you to breathe slowly and deeply. Carina will be here any minute.
Ashley: This baby is gonna be here any second! I've had three of these kids trust me she's coming now!
Amber: (Gasps and crouches in front of Ashley's cervix) Okay Ashley on the count of three I need you to really start bearing down for me okay?
Ashley: I can't wait she's- (Screams as she pushes)
Amber: (Quickly inserts her hand into the cervix) Oh my god! Okay like a football.
(Ten seconds later Amber's hands appear out of the view as she holds a crying baby. Carina arrives gowned up)
Carina: Amber?
Amber: (Smiles) Oh my god, it just happened I swear it just happened. It was the fastest delivery I've ever seen.
Carina: Okay how is the baby?
Amber: No cord around the neck, lungs sound good.
Carina: Okay I'm gonna cut the umbilical cord, keep the baby low for me.
(Carina cuts the umbilical cord and Ashley smiles tiredly at the baby)
Ashley: How is she?
Carina: Oh, she is great, she's healthy, she's loud and oh! She's a boy.
Ashley: (Frowns)
Amber: (Chuckles) Congratulations, you have a son.
Ashley: (Disappointed) No! You shove that boy back up there and pull out a girl!
(Amber and Carina look at each other in surprise as the baby continues crying)
CUT TO BLACK
BACK TO ASHLEY'S ROOM
(Carina gives Ashley a pelvic exam while Amber cleans the baby putting him inside the bassinet as he continues to cry)
Ashley: (Sad) One girl, is that too much to ask?
Carina: Well Ashley, your ultrasound was quite a while ago and misinterpretations can happen that early on in the pregnancy.
Ashley: (Still sad) I bought a little pink dress with some little pink shoes for a little pink girl. (Yells) And I'm not leaving until I get some pinkness!
(Amber and Carina look at each other as Amber calms the baby boy down)
LATER
SCENE: TWO STORY HOUSE
(Jack, Andy, Travis and Nick exit the aid car and engine)
Nick: What did the dispatch say?
Andy: Someone is in need of medical attention and they can't get out. Apparently, it's booby trapped so we need to saw down the door.
Nick: (Gets saw) Got it.
(They enter the porch and approach the door where Nick hands the saw to Jack who uses it to make a hole in the door. He takes it out carefully when a pile of books and junk fall out)
Travis: What the hell?
Nick: Oh man look.
(They look and see stacks of newspapers and junk blocking the entrance. Andy accesses it)
Travis: Can we get past it?
Jack: Not unless we have a bulldozer in the truck. (Picks up newspaper) Look at this, this paper is dated back to 1987.
Nick: (Helps Andy take the piles out one by one) Hey look at that.
Andy: (Flashes light) I see it.
Jack: What is it?
Nick: It looks like a tunnel. It's small but it looks like we can reach the access point.
Jack: Okay let's check around the house to see if there are any other entrances that won't break us like pretzels. Montgomery, and Evans take the windows, Herrera and I will take the doors.
(The four of them disperse to do their tasks)
MEANWHILE AT THE NURSERY
(Amber looks down at the baby she helped deliver in awe. Jo enters the room sanitizing her hands)
Jo: Hey I heard you helped deliver a baby.
Amber: (Grins) Yeah, I did, this one right here. Look at him, isn't he the most beautiful thing you've seen since this year started?
Jo: (Grins) He really is, I imagine the mom thinks so too.
Amber: Yeah, you think wrong. Ashley Hendricks won't bond with this baby she won't even look at him.
Jo: Neglect?
Amber: No, she's a good mom. It's just that she was expecting a girl in a house full of three boys and a husband. That coupled with her hormones she's at risk for postpartum depression so me and Carina are gonna talk to her. I never really understood the whole gender reveal thing. It's not like you can tell a baby's gender through an ultrasound.
Jo: Well, you can.
Amber: No, you can know the sex the gender is up to the kid as it grows up. Pink or blue sprinkles inside a cake are just parents' hopes. What about you? Do you have a preference?
Jo: Yeah, healthy. (Rubs her belly) Well maybe just one preference, as long as there's only one in here, I'm okay if it's a goat.
Amber: (Chuckles) Well hey if it's another set of twin's you guys can start your own little league team. I'll be the pitcher.
Jo: (Smiles and laughs) …Alex told me he talked to you about Nick. How are you feeling?
Amber: (Sighs) Great, I mean with everything that's going on in my life a mysterious half-brother shouldn't be that impactful.
Jo: What do you want to do?
Amber: …Nothing.
Jo: What do you mean?
Amber: I mean I'm not gonna do anything about this, I'm not gonna reach out and hug him like we've known each other for years. He doesn't know me and I don't know him. I think it's best if we keep it that way.
Jo: Amber-
Amber: Don't okay I made my decision and you can't talk me out of it. I already have enough brothers Jo; I don't need another one especially when I called him a liar and psycho last night. The damage is done and now…we can both go on with our lives separately like we're supposed to.
(Jo looks at Amber worriedly but doesn't respond as they focus back on the baby)
BACK AT THE HOUSE
(Andy talks to a neighbor as Travis and Nick check the windows on the second floor hanging on to the ladders)
Betsey: They're total kooks, they're hoarders on steroids.
Andy: Do you know how many live in this house?
Betsey: Two I think, one never leaves the house I've never seen him except by the window. He never leaves the house, the other one comes out occasionally, for groceries and newspapers. And he circles the block three times before disappearing into the house. It's like he's afraid someone is following him. (Chuckles) Trust me no one's following him.
Jack: (Comes out the back) It's the same thing around back, piles of crap. Windows are our best choice.
Travis: (From the right side of the second story) I wouldn't be so sure, I see crap in here too. It's gonna take a howitzer to get past this.
Nick: (Looks inside) Damn this is insane! Hey Montogomery call The Hoarders I think their ratings are gonna skyrocket with this!
(Suddenly a bowling ball swings down on the window hitting Nick in the head causing him to lose his balance)
Andy: Nick!
Jack: Evans! Are you okay?
Nick: (Grips the window and gets back on the ladder) I'm good! It hit the helmet so no brain damage!
Andy: Was that a booby trap?
Betsey: I told you. Kooks!
(They head to the patio by the front door. Andy is on the radio with Jerry from inside the house)
Andy: Okay dispatch put me through with the caller. His name is Jerry and his brother Vincent is the one injured inside. Jerry, my name is Andy. My team and I are outside your place, and I'm gonna help find your brother. We need to pick a window, and you need to disarm the traps.
Jerry: I can't.
Andy: Why not?
Jerry: I'm blind.
Andy: Okay, well, Jerry, what's the best way into the house?
Jerry: Through the back tunnel, b-but I think that's totally collapsed. So there's only one way in: the-the front tunnel.
(They look at the front tunnel in conflict)
Andy: How far back does this tunnel go?
Jerry: Maybe…25 feet. Stay to the right. Just about halfway down, there's-there's a trap.
Andy: What happens if I trip it?
Jerry: Uh, Vincent rigged a-a circular saw blade to-to fall through one of the cracks. It would cut you right in two. (They look at each other in worry) You disarm that, you disarm all the booby traps. I can talk you through it. Just please, please hurry.
Andy: (Turns radio off) Okay I could fit in there but I'm gonna need someone with me to tend to Jerry while I get Vincent.
Jack: I'd go but I'm not certified. Montgomery?
Travis: (Looks at the tunnel) No I can't fit in there, should we call Hughes?
Andy: No, it'll take too long, who knows what kind of shape Vincent is in.
Nick: I'll go. I was a dual function FD-medic in Florida, all of my certifications are up to date. I can fit in there, let me do this.
Jack: Okay as long as you're not claustrophobic.
Nick: I'm good, come on.
CUT TO TUNNEL
(Andy is leading the way crawling inside the tunnel with Nick behind her)
Andy: (Imitates Bruce Willis) Come out to the coast, we'll get together, have a few laughs.
Nick: What?
Andy: (Sighs) Die Hard 1988 come on Evans keep up.
Nick: As far as I'm concerned, the world began the day I was born. I was thinking more The Descent, hopefully we don't run into man eating mutants on the way.
Andy: (Disturbed) You got problems dude.
(Andy stops and sees the saw above them on with a trip wire in front of her)
Nick: (Hears the saw sounds) I'm guessing we've reached the trap, now what?
Andy: (To radio) Okay Jerry I'm at the saw what now?
Jerry: There's a small clock on your left it triggers the saw.
Andy: (Sees the small cuckoo clock) Okay I see it.
Jerry: Is it set for midnight?
Andy: Copy, it's set to midnight.
Jerry: Move it to 11:11.
Andy: Copy.
Jerry: Turn the clock to ease the tension on the trip wire. Remember, that clock can set off other traps in the house.
(Andy does that meanwhile behind her a book springs out in front of Nick intending to hit him)
Andy: Evans? Are you okay?
Nick: I'm good Herrara, just keep going.
Andy: Okay setting the clock to 11:11.
(Andy set the clock to 11:11 causing the bird to pop out chirping. The saw turns off)
Andy: (Exhales relieved) All clear come on.
(They crawl further down until they finally reach the living room exiting the tunnel)
Andy: Jerry can you hear me!
Jerry: (Frightened) Y-Yes I'm here!
(Andy and Nick turn on their flashlights and find Jerry in the middle of the living room. Nick is astonished by the junk that surrounds them)
Nick: Oh, dear god.
Andy: (Approaches Jerry) Okay Jerry we're right here, we're here to help you.
Jerry: Good. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much. Now-now you have to help me find my brother.
Andy: Okay, I will I promise you I will. We just need to put some light in here to see. Evans pull down the boards and open the windows. I'm gonna check his vitals.
Nick: On it. (Pulls the boards away) How long have you guys been living like this?
Jerry: (Andy checks his vitals) Not sure what you mean. Uh Vincent and me...we took the house after Mom and Dad died. So, 1986, and…Well, we had to protect the house, you know? We-we wanted to make sure that nobody stole anything. It's our house.
(Nick coughs at the dust gathering in the air as he opens the blinds)
Jerry: (Agitated) It's our house, and we had to protect it, and I can't do this by myself, so I need you to help me find him right now. I need you to stop what you're doing and help me find him right now!
Andy: I will, I promise I will but I need you to stay right here so I can go get him, all right? Evans stay with him make sure he's stable I'm gonna move all this so we can get better visual for Vincent. The others are gonna do the same from the outside.
(Nick nods and checks Jerry's vitals)
LATER AT ASHLEYS ROOM
(Carina and Amber talk to Ashley as she walks around the room)
Ashley: (Sad) I can't raise four boys on my own.
Carina: (Sits Ashley down on the couch) Well you have your husband. He can help.
Ashley: (Scoffs) Yeah sure yesterday he taught the boys how to burp Highway to Hell.
Amber: Not the right kind of help.
Ashley: I'm the only one who puts the batteries in the smoke alarm, the one who puts the salt on the driveway during winter. I have to take care of everything.
Amber: Have you talked to Louis about this?
Ashley: Oh, he says I'm just being silly because nothing bad ever happens. But that's only because I make sure nothing bad ever happens.
Carina: Ashley you are a great mom, you don't need to justify it to us.
Ashley: (Sighs) The boys like him better than me because he plays with them. I just wanted one girl so she could be mine. And then I wouldn't care so much about having to do it all myself.
Amber: Well…maybe you had another boy for a reason. (Ashley looks at her) Look I grew up with two brothers and I didn't have a mom like you so they raised me, they took care of everything. They screwed up from time to time but in the end, they turned out to be great men, the greatest men I know. Even without parents they turned into hardworking, strong, caring men who don't turn their backs on their families. You're a great mom Ashley, and it's because you're a great mom that you're going to raise those boys to be great men and the world needs great men.
Carina: (Nods impressed at Amber)
Ashley: (Sighs) …I want a girl!
(Carina and Amber look at each other in annoyance)
Carina: How about we help you talk to your husband? Explain that he needs to help out more?
Amber: And I can get some help from one of my brothers who can give advice on how to be a better dad and spouse.
(Carina nods in agreement with Amber)
MEANWHILE BACK AT THE HOUSE
SCENE: JERRYS LIVING ROOM
(After clearing out most of the junk at the front entrance. Andy and Nick help move the stuff inside the living room performing a triage for Travis and Jack to take the junk outside. Nick stops when he sees a foot moving by the couch)
Nick: Over here! He's here! Vincent!
(Andy and Nick bend down to check on Vincent who is lying on his stomach groaning in pain)
Andy: We've got you sir you're gonna be okay. Get the board and the lifepak!
(Travis and Jack get the stuff inside)
Vincent: Is my brother, okay?
Nick: Jerry's okay Vincent, we're gonna take care of you now so stay still.
Andy: (Puts the board beside him) Okay Ready?
Nick: (Grabs Vincent's shoulders) Ready.
Andy: One, two, three! Flip!
(Andy and Nick flip Vincent on the board where he yells out in pain and they see blood coming from pants on his left calf)
Andy: Okay I see blood, (Cuts the pants exposing the tibia broken with the bone penetrating the skin) We got a compound fractured tibia, penetrated to the skin.
Travis: A slight discoloration below the break. No blood flow?
Nick: I got the dorsalis pedis pulse. (Checks) Nothing. He could lose his leg.
Travis: All right, we have to realign it, reestablish blood flow.
Andy: Okay, Nick, you and I stabilize. Montgomery, Gibson hold him.
Jack: (Holds Vincent) Sorry Vincent this is gonna hurt.
Andy: All right, hold him still. Evans, on three. One, two, three!
(They ralign the broken tibia causing Vincent to shout in pain)
Nick: All right. All right. Keep your leg still!
Travis: Hard part's over. Now we got to get you to the hospital.
Jack: Okay, guys, strap him in.
Vincent: (Frantic) No, no, no! I-I can't leave my brother!
Nick: We'll get your brother but we have to move you.
Andy: He's right get ready guys and lift!
(Travis, Jack, and Andy lift the gurney and walk toward the entrance)
Andy: Evans grab my gear on the way out!
Vincent: (Sees Jerry at the living room) No! No! I can't leave. Please, I can't leave my brother behind.
Jerry: I'm here. I'm here, Vinvent. I'm here. Just let them take care of you.
Vincent: I won't leave you, Jerry.
Nick: (Approaches Jerry) I can guide you to the ambulance if you want, you can ride with your brother.
Jerry: (Nods and reaches up grabbing Nick's hand and stands up) You don't have to. You don't have to leave Vincent. I'm-I'm coming with you.
(Nick puts his arm around Jerry and slowly walks him toward the front where he is taken back by the sunlight before chuckling)
Nick: Come on let's go there are three steps down let's go.
(Nick continues guiding Jerry)
LATER AT ASHLEYS ROOM
(Louis enters the room smiling. Carina and Amber are standing by Ashley on the bed while Alex is also in the room)
Louis: (Happy) Time to see my new boy? How awesome is that? Another little dude!
Carina: He's with the nurse right now getting cleaned up.
Louis: (Senses the tension) Is something wrong?
(Ashley tries to find the words until Amber steps in)
Amber: (Blunt) You need to grow up.
Alex: (Snorts in amusement)
Louis: (Taken back) I'm sorry?
Carina: (Stern) Dr. Karev.
Amber: What? Getting straight to the hard talk works with my brothers. And believe me those two were more immature than all of their kids combined.
Carina: Stop it.
Alex: No, it's true we really were. Louis, she, uh, she's right. Um you need to help out around the house.
Louis: I help! I hang with the boys!
Ashley: Upside down! Out the windows! That's not any help!
Louis: (Shocked) Honey?
Amber: Okay look I'm sorry it's just that Ashley really needs you to not play so much. Do more parenting.
Louis: (Looks at Ashley in thought)
Carina: (Decides to be blunt to Ashley) You know what? You need to grow up too.
Ashley: (Surprised) Me? What did I do?
Carina: You knew that the odds of having a girl were 50-50. You decided to populate, and that boy is yours. You get what you get and you don't get upset. You want to expand your family you need to be there for them and find the good in all this darkness we're in because that is what a true family does.
Amber: (Looks down at the ground in thought)
Alex: (Notices her look)
Carina: (Continues) Or I can introduce you to one of the many families I treat who can't even have a child. All right?
Ashley: …All right.
Louis: (Feels bad) I'm sorry.
(Alex and Amber look at each other as they healed a broken family)
LATER THAT NIGHT
SCENE: STATION 19
(Andy is helping prep for dinner when Nick walks in)
Nick: Hey what are you making?
Andy: I'm making birria.
Nick: (Exhales) Awesome I love birria.
Andy: (Looks at him strange)
Nick: What?
Andy: Nothing it's just usually I have to explain what I'm making to the others so it's a nice surprise you know Mexican beef stew when you see it.
Nick: Well I grew up in a mostly Latinx neighborhood so pinchos, birria and fajitas were the party treats. (Samples the stew) Mmm! But they didn't make I like this damn that is good!
Andy: (Chuckles) Thanks it's my tio Johnny's recipe, he shared it with me at our last barbeque.
Nick: Well tell your uncle thanks. Do you need some help?
Andy: Uh yeah do you know how to make tortillas?
Nick: (Plays hurt) You insult me Andy and here I thought we were friends.
Andy: (Grins) Okay well make about a dozen the others will be back from their call.
(Nick starts to flip the tortillas on the pan while Andy mends the pot)
Andy: That call it was something else.
Nick: Yeah, I'll say, I mean what kind of people live like that? I know I'm not supposed to judge but still. How could two brothers live like hermits?
Andy: Well maybe they felt the only thing they could rely on in this world was each other. It was sad that they didn't do much to make each other better but at least they were there for each other. I mean it says something.
Nick: (Scoffs) Yeah not much though.
Andy: …Did you know my mom left me when I was 9?
Nick: No, I didn't sorry about that.
Andy: Yeah, and that's not all, she left and she let my dad tell me that she was dead. I met her two months ago where she revealed herself to me.
Nick: (Shocked) Are you serious right now? Are you just recapping some telenovela?
Andy: (Chuckles) No I wish she uh…she told me that she was depressed after I was born. She blamed me for ending her career so soon and she resented me so she left. She went to another state to fight fires and my dad thought it would be better to think I had a dead mother than a mother who choose to leave me.
Nick: (Shakes his head)
Andy: I don't blame him I did a little bit but now I know that he did the best he could at the time. He was faced with an impossible choice during a difficult time in his life and he thought about what was best for me. He did everything he could to make sure I grew up feeling loved instead of abandoned. After my mom left, he made sure I felt like I was loved by two parents instead of just one. I don't know you that well but I'm guessing your mom did the same for you after your dad left.
Nick: (Inhales and flips tortillas) She did.
Andy: Yeah…and I got past my resentment for the parent that abandoned me and reached out to the rest of her family. My tia Sandra sent me birthday cards every year which was more than my mom ever did. And now I have Sunday barbeques with my tia, tio and sister cousin and I love it.
Nick: (Exhales) Are you sharing your life story so I could be inspired to mend bridges with my extended family?
Andy: Maybe.
Nick: (Sighs) Andy-
Andy: What your father did was awful but they are not him, your as much a part of him as they are and your great. I mean you put your arm around a blind man to guide him so he could be with his brother, it takes a good person to do that. Maybe the same could be said for them but you'll never know unless you try as hard as they are. Meet them halfway and if you don't like where it's going…you have a family here to put their arms around you and pick you up.
(Nick sighs and continues flipping the tortillas)
MEANWHILE
SCENE: NURSES STATION
(Alex and Andrew meet up to discuss Amber)
Alex: Hey, has she talked to you?
Andrew: She told me what happened but she hasn't said much beyond that. How goes it on your front?
Alex: We worked together today but we haven't talked about what happened last night. God, I feel guilty for not telling her sooner.
Andrew: Alex come on this is far from being your fault and Amber's. It's just…a mess. A mess that your bastard of a father started no offense.
Alex: Hey none taken, I've cursed at him beyond the grave for years now.
Andrew: Yeah, it's amazing how one man can ruin so many lives which explains why my girlfriend is holed up in the resident's bathroom watching Handmaids Tale on her phone.
Alex: (Grins slightly) Do you want me to talk to her?
Andrew: Sure, it's your life.
CUT TO RESIDENTS LOUNGE
(Alex is outside the bathroom door and finds it locked. Alex knocks)
Amber: (From inside) Occupied.
Alex: It's me I wanted to check on you.
Amber: Occupied.
Alex: (Sighs and knocks again) Amber? Can you tell me if you're okay in there?
Amber: I don't feel like talking to anyone right now.
Alex: I know I…I was hoping we could talk about Nick. I saw him this morning.
Amber: …Is he okay?
Alex: He's a part of our family he's tough but deep down he's pretty far from okay, but I guess it depends.
Amber: Depends on what?
Alex: …On whether or not he figures out from both of us that he's part of a family that's a little chaotic but pretty good at letting in new members.
(Alex waits a silent beat. Amber unlocks the door and pops her head out the door with a conflicted look on her face)
Amber: Good line.
Alex: Thanks.
Amber: Just don't tell Andrew I came out for you, okay?
Andrew: (Approaches them) Yeah because he wouldn't want to hear that.
Amber: (Glares at Alex)
Alex: (Shrugs at secretly letting Andrew listen in)
Andrew: Are you ready to meet your brother?
Amber: (Sighs) I'm not sure I'm ready to start referring to him as that.
Andrew: That's fine you guys can take it slow, nobody expects tight knit siblings on day one.
Amber: (Sniffles) I ruined that chance because of my father. (Groans) God even when he's dead that son of a bitch is making all our lives miserable.
Alex: You could apologize.
Amber: No, it's too late for that, way too late.
Alex: I did worse to you and I knew back then that you were my sister. It took almost a decade but we made up. If he's even half as forgiving as you, I think he'll accept whatever apology you have planned and move forward.
(Amber looks at Alex touched and thinks for a moment before coming up with a decision)
LATER
SCENE: STATION 19
(Nick is leaving after clocking out when he sees Amber sitting on the cement rail by the entrance)
Nick: (Sighs) Look I stayed away from your family so if you're looking for a reason to arrest me-
Amber: I'm not that's not what this is I swear. Can we sit here and talk please? Five minutes?
Nick: (Nods stiffly)
(They both sit on the rail)
Amber: First I want to say that I'm sorry for what I said the other night. I'm sorry for accusing you of all those things. And I'm sorry that our dad left you too, I know what that's like.
Nick: You don't have to apologize; I get it you don't know me.
Amber: No, I don't but I would like to.
Nick: (Scoffs in disbelief) Sure.
Amber: …When Alex told me who you were I…I froze. I tried to convince myself all day that I don't need another brother. I've been trying to pass you off as another mistake our dad made that I didn't need in my life and that wasn't fair to you.
Nick: (Looks at her) Is that why you're here? To make yourself feel better?
Amber: No…I'm here to make sure you know I am more than willing for us to get to know each other and that there's room in our lives for you too. Maybe we can find some good in all of this mess. I'll start by thanking God…that we never dated.
Nick: (Chuckles darkly) Oh yeah because that would have been wrong on so many levels and then there's the chromosomally challenged children.
Amber: Hey, there you go that's what I'm talking about making dark jokes during traumatic events. You really are a part of the chaotic but tight knit Karev family.
Nick: (Sightly grins)
Amber: Okay look we don't have to jump on the sibling train right now. Maybe…Maybe we can start by being friends.
Nick: …Why? You already have brothers; you have a family. Why would you want me in your lives?
Amber: Because you seem wonderful, funny, brave, you're a fighter so many reasons. I just think that maybe we can fill that void our father left us just a little bit if we're in each other's lives. Please give us a chance and if you don't want to, I'll walk away and you won't hear from us if that's what you want.
(They sit there for a silent moment as Nick contemplates an answer)
Nick: (Sighs) …Okay.
Amber: (Relieved) Okay.
Nick: So where do you want to start?
Amber: Well, how about this? (Holds elbow out) Hi, I'm Amber Karev. You're the new firefighter, right?
Nick: (Chuckles lightly and elbow bumps her) I'm Nick Evans you're the surgeon that dated my captain yeah?
Amber: Yes, and I am dating her girlfriend's brother, true story.
(They chuckle)
LATER
SCENE: ANDREWS APARTMENT
(Amber knocks on the door and Andrew lets her in)
Andrew: (Teases) Hey I'm sorry I can't meet up tonight I have to have sex with my girlfriend but come back tomorrow and I'll leave a tip on the nightstand.
Amber: (Grins and shakes her head) Funny because if you were serious, I would hit you with the meat cleaver.
(Amber heads inside and sits on the couch. Andrew closes the door and sits next to her)
Andrew: How did it go?
Amber: Well, we're not exactly BFF's but we agreed to start over. I don't know how but we'll figure it out.
Andrew: I'm glad so I take it you're staying tonight?
Amber: Yeah, maybe we can spend the night looking at apartment listings and see what's in our budget. Can you give me a number?
Andrew: …Okay now that the family drama is over can we get to why you don't want to move back in with me?
Amber: I do want to move back in with you just not here.
Andrew: Okay but why?
Amber: I told you I need space.
Andrew: Since when? You're not the high maintenance type and you can go to a yoga studio if you want to. I don't want to look for a place when we have a perfectly good apartment we lived in before.
Amber: Need I remind you we have a three-legged child to consider here? Jazz has lost enough, and I want to make sure he has a good home to live in with people who love him.
Andrew: I can pay the pet fee to let him be here. All of those issues can easily be resolved and you know that. What's really going on? Why don't you want to live here with me again?
Amber: (Sighs and leans her head back)
Andrew: Amber this relationship won't last again unless you tell me what is wrong and what we need to do to make this better. Okay? So, tell me.
Amber: You want to know? You really want to know why I don't want to move back in here?
Andrew: Yes.
Amber: Okay I hate this place because it reminds me of all the things that we screwed up, all the fights that we had.
Andrew: (Looks at her confused)
Amber: This couch that we're sitting on is where you told me that you were in love with Jo and we spent the night arguing after I broke my ankle. This couch is where I made you sleep after you pissed me off in the O.R. and I kicked you out of bed. (Swallows) That kitchen right there is where I told you I couldn't have kids after you told me you would love to be the father of my children. I remember crying on your shoulder for ten minutes and ruining your shirt.
Andrew: (Wants to calm her) Amber-
Amber: This apartment is where I argued with you over what happened with Suzanne and… (Sighs and voice breaks) you compared me to my father and I ended up in bed listening to depressing rock for five hours crying myself to sleep. I was alone in this apartment because you shut me out and hurt me.
Andrew: (Closes his eyes as his guilt over that comes back)
Amber: (Crying) And the night you compared me to my mother and kicked me out of your room I went to our bedroom and spent an hour screaming into the pillows. And the next day you punched that wall during the intervention and I was faced with officially having another loved one go through mental illness.
Andrew: (Looks at her in sympathy with a sad look)
Amber: (Continues) You broke up with me that week and showed me the ring you were gonna propose with and I spent the next four hours staring at the ring like an idiot. I then spent the rest of that night crying on Levi's shoulder. After you got back, we talked here and I tried to push you away after you wanted to get back together. I told you I slept with my ex to keep you away and…we ended up in bed and I left right after the deed was done. (Voice breaking) And then I ran back here to get my stuff after you admitted you lied about taking your meds.
(Amber stands up and grabs a beer from the fridge chugging half of it down in seconds. Andrew looks at her worriedly)
Amber: (Sighs) This place is hell for me Andrew, and the longer I'm here the more I'm reminded of every bad moment in our relationship. (Voice breaking) We can't move forward if all our mistakes are staring me in the face every day. I-I can't move back here Andrew I just can't.
(Amber exhales and wipes her tears away. Andrew sits there taking a beat before speaking)
Andrew: I'm sorry for everything I put you through.
Amber: (Sniffles) I know you are.
Andrew: (Continues) It wasn't fair what I did to you months ago when all you were trying to do was help me. I'm sorry I didn't listen to you that night and I'm sorry for causing you more pain.
(Andrew stands up and stands in front of Amber with a remorseful face as he pulls her in for a hug with her face against his shoulder)
Amber: (Doctor mode) Six feet.
Andrew: (Rubs her back) You get covid I get covid. I know that I let my illness get in the way of our happiness. I know that I hurt you the same way your mom and brother hurt you. I know that I did to you what my father did to my mother and that thought is the main reason I am trying to do what he can't. I'm trying to be better for me and for you, I'm trying to rebuild us so we can be stronger and better. And if your unhappy here…then we'll move.
(Amber pulls back and looks at him gratefully)
Andrew: But you should know I don't see what you see because every time I walk through that door, I remember the first time I brought you here and we had our first kiss. I remember knowing in that moment I had to ask you out on a proper date. And the bedroom doesn't remind me of depressing rock and screaming it reminds me of the first time we made love.
Amber: (Groans in disgust)
Andrew: I know you don't like the phrase making love but that's what it was for me that night. and for me moving you in here felt right like you were meant to live here with me. That's what this apartment means to me but if you don't see it that way and if you feel like we can't move on then we'll move. Let's leave the worst moments of your life behind and make some good ones.
Amber: (Grins at him) I love you.
Andrew: I love you.
(Amber and Andrew kiss)
I HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOYED THIS CHAPTER. I'M IN A BIT OF A CONFLICT ABOUT THE STORYLINE. I'M TRYING TO DECIDE IF I SHOULD LET JOLEX ADOPT LUNA WHEN THEY'RE ALREADY PREGNANT AND RAISING TWO KIDS. WHAT DO YOU GUYS THINK? LEAVE COMMENTS IF FOUR KIDS IS TOO MUCH OR JUST RIGHT FOR THEM.