HEY GUYS SORRY FOR THE LATE SUBMISSION I WAS BUSY BUT HERES THE CHAPTER OF THE WEEK, ENJOY AND REVIEWS ARE WELCOME.
Chapter 26: May 25, 2020
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S BASEMENT
(Amber slowly wakes up on the couch and begins to regret it as her hangover kicks in with a big headache and muscle pain. She groans and closes her eyes to go back to sleep until she realizes it's Monday and wakes up alarmed)
Amber: Babysitting day, oh my god!
(Amber gets out of bed quickly and puts on her clothes quickly. She runs upstairs looking for her shoes oblivious to the twin's eating cereal at the table. She continues to look around the kitchen frantically)
Amber: Eli, Alexis, have you seen my sneakers? I have to look nice when your mom drops you off and-
(Amber stops when she realizes the twins are there)
Amber: Eli? Alexis? (Runs to them) What are you doing here?
Eli: Mom brought us over; dad told us not to wake you and for you to call him when you wake up.
Amber: (Exhales in relief) Right. (Rubs temples) Have you two ever had a vodka hangover?
Alexis: Is vodka a grownup drink dad told us about?
Amber: Yes, and never drink it unless they invent a cure for a headache. Okay I'm gonna call your dad right now.
(Amber dials Alex)
CUT TO ATTENDINGS LOUNGE
(Alex and Izzie are getting ready when Alex's phone rings. Alex chuckles at Amber calling him and answers)
Alex: You live.
Amber: Barely, I'm okay though, I just woke up. The twins are still here eating cereal.
Alex: Yeah, I told them to stay put until you came up, are you good to watch them today?
Amber: (Groans) Yeah, I just need to pop open a bottle of ibuprofen. Don't the kids have school today?
Alex: School ended last week so now it's summer and you get to spend their first day of freedom with them.
Amber: (Chuckles darkly) Better me than you guys huh? I gotta go. I'll call if anything happens, bye.
Alex: Bye. (Hangs up)
Izzie: Is she good? Or did she asphyxiate on her own vomit?
Alex: Yeah, she's good, she's just wishing she let me have that whole bottle of vodka instead.
Izzie: Are you sure it's a good idea to leave the twins with her? I mean if she's not feeling good, we can get someone else.
Alex: Amber's survived through worse trust me and I think a day with the twins might lift up her spirits right now. She needs it.
Izzie: Why? What's going on?
Alex: (Sighs) It's complicated.
Izzie: How complicated does it need to be for a whole bottle of hard liquor?
Andrew: (Walks in) Oh I don't know it could have something to do with my sister getting deported and me having to go with her to Italy where covid is the highest. Does that sound complicated enough?
Izzie: Oh…well now I'm glad I skipped our daily insulting this morning.
(Andrew numbly goes to the coffee station with Alex looking concerned)
Alex: How are you holding up man?
Andrew: (Chuckles darkly) How am I holding up? Well let's see my sister and I are gonna talk to Bailey about being forced to relocate back to our home country where our family members died of this virus. I have to practice my speech and check in on my girlfriend who almost died and has to handle this with me too. And all of this is happening because the immigration system is so messed up that even in a pandemic, good doctors are getting kicked out of the country they've lived in for the past 3 years. But other than that, and the mania I'm trying to keep in check, I am holding up great.
(Izzie and Alex look at Andrew concerned as he sips his coffee)
Izzie: You know I have a chocolate muffins recipe that can take your mind off whatever troubles you have. I can have the twins and Amber make them if you want.
Alex: Yeah no just the twins. Amber baking will cause more problems for him trust me.
Izzie: (Chuckles)
Andrew: No, it's true she just learned you have to preheat the oven. I take it she's alive I was worried about her after what I said two nights ago.
Alex: Yeah, she's walking with a liter of vodka in her system. She's babysitting today.
Andrew: Okay good.
(Levi walks in carrying two cups of coffee)
Levi: (Smiles awkwardly) Hey Dr. Karev, I just came by and wanted to give you this, (Hands the cup) fancy coffee.
Alex: (Raises an eyebrow) It's gonna take more than a latte for me to get past what I saw the other day Schmitt.
Levi: Look I wanted to tell you about Nick.
Alex: Oh, you found an interesting way to tell me all right.
Izzie: Who's Nick and why do you care?
Alex: He's my brother, my half-brother that I just discovered lives and works here as a firefighter.
Izzie: What? Why didn't you tell me?
Alex: Because we agreed to start as friends and I needed to test this out with him first but then I caught him and Schmitt here testing things out at the station.
Andrew: Ah I take it that it wasn't a covid test.
Alex: Not unless you test for covid shirtless and with your tongues tied to each other.
Levi: Have I told you how incredibly sorry I am? Because I am really really sorry. Look when I found out about Nick and how you guys were related, I was shocked and I thought about you guys first. I thought about how uncomfortable it would make all of us.
Alex: (Narrows eyes)
Levi: A-And yes, I realize I made things worse the other night but it doesn't mean we're getting back together. Although I don't know if we were really together, we were just talking and we barely had a first date before I found out and it was a lot. I mean it's one thing to sleep with someone but to find out they're your friend's half-brother it's-
Andrew: (Tries to save him) Schmitt.
Levi: (Exhales) Yeah?
Andrew: I uh I think you should leave and come back when things are more settled, capisce?
Levi: (Sighs) Yeah. (Puts the coffee on the table in front of Alex) Sorry again.
(Levi leaves the lounge. Alex leans back and exhales in exhaustion)
Andrew: Come on Alex. Do you know how many times I've walked in on my sister sleeping with my friends? I mean Carina's first night here she spent it with Dr. Robbins and I walked right in the middle.
Alex: (Raises an eyebrow) Yeah? And how did that make you feel?
Andrew: Good point. (Looks at watch) Speaking of Carina she should be here now so I'm gonna go with her to talk to Bailey. Wish us luck.
Izzie: Good luck.
Alex: Good luck.
(Andrew leaves the room. Izzie and Alex are left alone to drink their coffee)
THREE HOURS LATER
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S KITCHEN
(Amber is searching for things to make for the twins for lunch. Alexis is sitting on the counter drawing in her coloring book while Eli is sleeping on the couch)
Amber: Okay let's see what I can make you guys. Do you like mac and cheese out of a box?
Alexis: Sometimes but we made cookies with mommy last night and she wants us to eat healthy today.
Amber: (Sighs) Okay healthy, healthy lunch. (Searches and groans) How about I just chop up a bunch of vegetables, put it in a bowl and serve it to you, does that sound good?
Alexis: Shouldn't a woman your age know how to cook already?
Amber: I should but I don't have time to learn.
Alexis: Mommy is busy too and she still cooks for us. Daddy too and Jo.
Amber: Yes, I know everybody in the world is a grown up except for me. Even you two who barely learned the alphabet can make gourmet recipes, it speaks very highly of my developmental skills. (Pulls out package from freezer) Ah! Dinosaur chicken nuggets! How about that?
Alexis: Can I eat mine with apple slices?
Amber: Sure, I can slice apples and hey if I cut my finger off you can stitch it up for me.
(Amber preheats the oven when her phone rings. She looks and sees that it's Andrew causing her breath to hitch)
Amber: Um I'm gonna take this, can you put the nuggets on the pan?
Alexis: (Nods)
Amber: Thanks. (Answers phone) Hey, how did it go?
CUT TO OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL
Andrew: Hey it went good or as good as it could be.
Amber: Yeah? Was she pissed?
Andrew: (Sighs) No she was more sad, she cried. I don't know if she cried for me or for Carina but it was nice. I already did what I had to do, now Carina is visiting Maya and I have the rest of the day off. Where are you now?
Amber: I'm babysitting.
Andrew: Okay how about I come over? Maybe give you a hand?
Amber: (Wants to avoid him) That's not necessary Eli has a headache and he's sleeping it away, it's just me and Alexis.
Andrew: Right but maybe a tag team can come in handy in case you run out of stuff to do with them.
Amber: (Casual tone) No that's fine we'll be fine.
Andrew: (Sighs) Amber…I'm trying to ask if we can talk about what I asked you the other night and if you have an answer right now. Because I agreed to give you a day and it's been two days so…
Amber: This isn't the kind of decision you can make on a deadline. This is a lot for me and its way more than a lot for you too it's just… (Sees Alexis listening and speaks in Italian) I love you and I want to be with you but I don't know if I can move to another country right now.
Andrew: (Grins) You know you're making this more painful for me when you speak Italian which I gotta admit is very hot right now. Would it help if I talked to Bailey for you about keeping your spot open?
Amber: (Italian) It's not just the job it's the kids and my brothers and my sister and this country is suffering too. I was born here not in Italy so I feel the need to help here just like you do with your home. I just feel… (English) wrecked.
(Amber walks away from Alexis to talk on the phone privately)
Andrew: Okay well would you want to know that Maya is coming with us? She's coming to Italy with me and Carina.
Amber: (Sighs) Are you trying to make me feel bad?
Andrew: No, I'm not I'm just-
Amber: (Clipped tone) Telling me that your sister is willing to let her girlfriend move with her to a dangerous country but not marry her to avoid it all together.
Andrew: Okay you know what you're making it sound like she wants this to happen which honestly is harsh and I feel a need to defend her even to you.
Amber: No, I know it's not something she wants but it's not what any of us want and if she's stops being so stubborn-
Andrew: (Angry) Do you honestly think this is just something she wants to be stubborn about? Do you think she and I are happy to go back to our home where our relatives are dead and our manic father lives? Do you understand the predicament she and I are in right now even a little?
Amber: Look I can't even imagine what this is doing to you guys but I have been a wreck about this too. I just-I hate this so freaking much that if the kids weren't in this space, I would trash everything in this house.
Andrew: Yeah, I know, I know you're angry and you think this affects you the most but you know what it doesn't because you're not the one who is being deported. You are not the one who has to send a paper every year determining if you can stay in this country. You are not the one who had to live in fear that ICE would barge into your classroom and take you away in front of your friends and teachers. Do you know what that is like? Because I do and believe me it sucked.
Amber: Yeah well, I have my own childhood scars too Andrew.
Andrew: (Frustrated) Oh my god this- (Inhales sharply) I know you had a troubled past Amber I know that better than pretty much anyone but this isn't about you. I am sorry to tell you but this situation right now does not revolve around you, it's about my sister who has to leave the country she settled down in and go back home where it's a pandemic hot zone. Carina and I have to do that not you; you have a choice because you were born here. You act like I'm giving you an ultimatum but I'm not. And you acting like my sister has a choice is one of the most self-centered things you've said and that is saying something and-you know what I am gonna stop myself right now and end this conversation.
Amber: (Mad) No come on your on a roll, keep going.
Andrew: I am not gonna keep going because I don't want to say something I am gonna regret again God knows I have enough of that. I am saving this for when I am in a calmer state and when I've slept away me and my sister quitting and preparing to go back to Italy. Because I love you Amber but there are times when you make me so mad, I can't see straight and this is one of those times so yes, I am hanging up. I'll call you later.
(Andrew hangs up. Amber growls under her breath and goes back to the kitchen with Alexis looking at her concerned)
Alexis: What's going on Auntie Amber?
Amber: (Exhales) Nothing that needs to taint your innocent little mind. Is the oven ready?
Alexis: (Nods)
Amber: Okay then wake up your brother and we can slice the apples together.
(Alexis heads to the living room while Amber puts the nuggets in the oven and gets the apples out of the fridge)
Alexis: Auntie Amber come here! Eli is sick!
(Amber rushes over to find Alexis crouching down Eli who is lying on his side on the couch sweating and groaning)
Amber: Hey sweetie, is your head still hurting you?
Eli: (Groaning) And my stomach.
(Eli vomits on the floor with Amber gasping and Alexis stepping back)
Amber: (Grabs cloth and wipes his mouth) It's okay sweetie, it's gonna be okay. Alexis get a bucket, the medical bag and some masks for us.
Alexis: (Scared) Is he sick? Does he have covid?
Amber: (Stern) Right now please. (Alexis runs off) Okay Eli do you feel hot or do you feel cold?
Eli: (Wraps blanket) Cold.
Amber: It's gonna be okay Eli, we'll get you some help okay? I'm gonna get you some help.
(Amber strokes Eli's hair back as he lies back on the couch still in pain. Amber calls Andrew)
CUT TO PARKING LOT
(Andrew gets on his bike ready to leave when he sees Amber calling. He sighs and reluctantly answers it)
Andrew: When I said later, I meant-
CUT TO LIVING ROOM
(Alexis comes down with a bucket and medical bag wearing a mask)
Amber: (Puts mask on) Eli is sick. He has a headache, he's vomiting, he has a high fever to the touch and he feels chills.
Andrew: (Concerned) Does he have shortness of breath? Difficulty breathing?
Amber: (Checks Eli's lungs with her stethoscope) No he's breathing normally, his lungs sound normal. Eli, when you ate your cereal this morning did you taste it?
Eli: (Nods and shivers)
Amber: No loss of taste. I-I know you're out today but I really need a test for him and your closest to the hospital so please-
Andrew: (Gets off his bike) I'll get a kit from the tent and ride to your house as fast as I can. Get Alexis to take a shower and go outside. Call Alex and Izzie, they need to know what's going on. Do you have a blood collection kit?
Amber: (Searches in the bag) Yeah.
Andrew: Okay draw labs, I'm gonna get them and the kit back to the hospital we can kill two birds with one stone this way. I'll get there on my bike it'll be faster.
Amber: Thank you please hurry.
(Andrew hangs up)
TWO MINUTES LATER
SCENE: TESTING TENT
(Andrew runs up to Webber)
Andrew: (Pants) I need a test.
Webber: Did you get one this morning?
Andrew: No, it's not for me it's for a friend he's at home and I need to test him and come back here to get the results.
Webber: DeLuca, we don't make those kinds of exceptions even for our friends. He needs to come here like everyone else and get tested.
Andrew: It's Eli Stevens, it's Alex and Izzie's son. Ambers with him and he has a high fever and vomiting and chills. I would take him here but we can't risk him getting exposed so I need a test now.
Webber: (Quickly grabs kit) Come back quick.
Andrew: (Relieved) Thank you.
(Andrew runs back to his bike)
MEANWHILE
SCENE: PEDS FLOOR
(Izzie is walking down the hall after checking her 11-year-old patient with stage 2 leukemia going through chemo. She approaches Alex)
Izzie: Hey, Mary is doing great, she's taking her IL 2 like a champ. I think based on the scans we can do a resection in a month.
Alex: Good then she can just be a kid in a pandemic instead of a cancer kid in a pandemic. How's the oncology job so far?
Izzie: Uh it's busier than what I'm used to but the pay grade is a bonus. I'm already looking at houses and I have my eye on this little 3 bedroom in Fremont. Hopefully the kids like it as much as they like your palace.
Alex: I think they'll like it better than the hotel. It all sounds great and here I was afraid you were gonna punish me for making you come here.
Izzie: I think your sister punished you enough for that. Hey heads up.
(Alex turns and sees Nick walking towards him stiffly)
Izzie: Is that the half-brother?
Alex: Yep.
Izzie: Good luck.
(Izzie walks away just as Nick stands six feet from Alex)
Nick: Hey.
Alex: Hey, are you working today?
Nick: No, it's my day off I just thought I'd come by and check up on you after…that.
Alex: (Inhales) Yeah…that.
Nick: I'm sorry. Levi and I started seeing each other before I found out he was your friend and he found out about me and it all happened so fast and it was a lot. I know you reached out to me and I appreciate it and I never wanted to upset you.
Alex: I know. And I probably overreacted.
Nick: No it…it was embarrassing on godly proportions.
Alex: (Sighs) Look if you want to keep seeing Levi that's fine it's just something I'm gonna have to get used to.
Nick: And what about us?
Alex: …I-
Izzie: (Frantic) Alex!
(Alex turns to find Izzie panicking on the phone with Amber. Izzie runs to him)
Alex: Whoa hey what is it?
Izzie: Amber's on the phone, she says Eli is sick he has a high fever, he's vomiting and he's cold.
Nick: Eli? Is that your son?
Alex: (Panicking) Does he have abdominal pain? Are his lungs congested?
Izzie: No, his lungs sound good. (To Amber) Okay get him down here so he can get tested and…you did okay. (To Alex) She's sending DeLuca to get the kit, he's driving back and forth with the labs and swab. (To Amber) Amber, where's Alexis? …She's in the shower? Good okay.
Alex: Put her on speaker.
Amber: (On Speaker) Hey I got the medical kit here; I already got his labs drawn I'm just waiting for Andrew to get here.
Alex: Okay take him to basement, set up a saline drip, it's in the closet. Check his vitals continuously, I have surgery in ten minutes so I have to wait to be there but call me with all updates, okay?
Izzie: Tell him that we love him and that everything is gonna be okay.
Amber: I will, I got this, don't worry.
(Amber hangs up)
Izzie: (Groans) Damn it I have to do chemo rounds; I can't be there. Can we get Jo to go and help her?
Alex: We can but she needs to get the PPE off, shower and then there's the traffic it could take a while. Um…is there anyone off that can help her?
Izzie: There's Amelia and Link but they live half an hour away they'll never get there in time. Damn it, what if he has pneumopericardium or a pulmonary edema? We need to get him here right now.
Nick: (Crosses arms getting worried for Eli)
Alex: Okay let's relax, we don't know if it's serious or if it's even covid. It could be a number of things.
Izzie: Yeah, and not all of them are good. She can't do this alone Alex she needs someone there in case something happens, come on there's gotta be someone.
Alex: (Inhales as he tries to think)
Nick: I can go.
Alex: What?
Izzie: What?
Nick: I-I'm not a surgeon but I've had medical training so whatever she needs help with I can do it. I'm already here so I can get there fast, just text me the address.
Alex: (Sighs) Okay yeah, I'll text it to you.
Izzie: Are you sure? Can you handle this?
Nick: Yeah, I've run towards burning buildings I can handle a sick kid, don't worry.
Izzie: Okay thank you so much.
Alex: Call us when you get there, okay?
Nick: Yeah.
(Nick runs out of the floor)
Alex: Who did she say is getting the test and the labs?
Izzie: (Exhales) DeLuca, he's riding a bike so traffic shouldn't be a problem.
Alex: Okay good.
Izzie: (Treads carefully) Hey um Andrew…I've heard stories and I need to ask is he-
Alex: He's stable. He's been on his meds for months and he's been getting sleep he's good. Amber wouldn't call him if she didn't trust him. He's a good guy and a good doctor.
Izzie: (Nods) Okay, I'll finish my rounds as fast as I can.
Alex: I'll have an intern keep my phone and text Amber for updates.
(Alex and Izzie split to do their tasks despite feeling stressed)
TEN MINUTES LATER
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S BASEMENT
(Amber sets up the saline drip next to Eli's bed as he vomits inside the bucket for a third time)
Amber: (Rubs his back) Just let it out honey, the saline will kick in any minute. You're okay.
Eli: (Groans) I feel like I'm gonna die.
Amber: What? You're not gonna die, not for a long, long time, okay? You're gonna live to see this pandemic end and then your life will really begin. You're gonna have friends, you're gonna have girlfriends or boyfriends, you're gonna play sports and you're gonna go to school to become the best surgeon in the world. Don't you want that?
Eli: …Do I have corona?
Amber: (Sighs) I don't know little man but if you do, you're gonna fight it and beat it. Do you know how I know?
Eli: How?
Amber: Because everybody is this family kicks ass and takes names. That's on our emblem.
Eli: What's an emblem?
Amber: (Strokes hair) I'll explain it later.
(The door opens and Andrew comes down)
Andrew: Hey how is he?
Amber: He won't stop vomiting. I already set up a saline drip.
Andrew: (Sits by Eli's side) Hey Eli, I hear you're not feeling well, can you describe what your feeling?
Eli: (Nods) I feel like that time mom got the flu. She was coughing a lot and she vomited too, could I have the flu?
Andrew: Well, that's one possibility but right now I have to get a swab up your nose so I can rule out covid. We'll check your labs if it's anything else, can lean back for me?
Eli: (Leans head back)
Andrew: Okay good job now just let me (Swabs nostrils) And there all done.
Eli: That's it?
Andrew: That's it. I'll run this back to the testing tent and we should have your results soon. (To Amber) Do you have his labs?
Amber: (Hands back) Here.
(Andrew gets the kit and the blood and stands up)
Andrew: I'll get the test and the blood to the front of the line and get back to you with the results as soon as they're in.
Amber: Okay thank you, go. I got this.
Andrew: Yeah, I'll call you guys. Hang on Eli.
(Andrew quickly heads upstairs as Amber tends to Eli who stops vomiting)
Amber: Are you feeling better?
Eli: A little bit.
Amber: That's good. Don't worry honey we're gonna figure out what's wrong with you in a little bit, okay?
Eli: Can you do me a favor?
Amber: Anything.
Eli: Can you not call me honey? I don't like the taste of honey.
Amber: (Chuckles) Sure thing little man, is that a good nickname for you?
Eli: (Nods) I like it.
Amber: Okay, how about we watch some tv huh? How does Avengers sound?
Eli: (Nods) I like that, can we skip to the part where they fight the aliens in New York? I like that part.
Amber: (Grins) I like that part too, especially when Hulk shows Loki who's boss. Okay, one superhero movie coming up.
Eli: You should go.
Amber: What? Why would I miss a spectacular movie full of guys and girls in skintight costumes?
Eli: I don't want you to get sick, if this is covid you could be sick right now.
Amber: (Touched) How old are you again?
Eli: (Counts with his fingers) 6.
Amber: (Grins) Well sorry to tell you this little man but not even covid can keep me away from you. I will be here for as long as you need me. And there's nothing you can do about it.
(Amber sits next to Eli and gets the remote out. The door opens and Nick comes down)
Nick: Hey, I just heard what happened.
Amber: Hey, what are you doing here?
Eli: Who is he?
Nick: (Looks at Amber startled)
Amber: Um this is Nick he's uh he's a family friend. Nick, this is Eli.
Nick: (Grins) Hi Eli it's nice to meet you. I'm here to help your aunt take care of you. Your mom and dad were busy but they'll be here as soon as they can. And until then the both of us are your primary caregivers. Is there anything you need help with?
Amber: Um no his symptoms are subsiding, the saline is working but you can go upstairs just in case. Alexis is in the backyard; I've been so busy with him she's probably freaking out. Can you stay with her and keep her company till the others get here?
Nick: Yeah of course, I'll be right outside.
(Nick heads upstairs. Amber curls up with Eli on the bed and streams The Avengers)
CUT TO BACKYARD
(Nick opens the backdoor and finds Alexis sitting at the table staring at her hands in sadness)
Nick: Hey Alexis, I'm Nick. I'm a friend of your dad's, he sent me here to help.
Alexis: Are mommy and daddy coming?
Nick: They're really busy but don't worry they'll be here as soon as they can, until then your aunt is taking care of Eli and I'm here to keep you company. Do you mind if I sit?
Alexis: (Shrugs)
Nick: (Sits down) So what are you doing?
Alexis: (Quietly) Nothing.
Nick: Nothing? Well, how about we go play with your dog or we can play on the swing sets. I'll let you push me.
Alexis: (Grins slightly) No thank you.
Nick: …I know how scary it is to worry about someone you love when they're so far away from you. I know that the worry and the not knowing, it makes it more difficult.
Alexis: Do you have a brother?
Nick: …Um not exactly but I do have a mom back home in Florida. She lives in Miami and she runs a store downtown. She's careful and she uses sanitizer every chance she gets but she's in the age group that is most affected by covid. I worry about her a lot; I act like I don't but I do. She's my mom, she's the reason I am where I am today so of course I worry. I worry about as much as she worries about me, I think.
Alexis: Why would she be worried? You're young.
Nick: Yeah, I know but it's more my job than my age. I'm a first responder, a firefighter so I'm at the frontline of danger every day.
Alexis: My family works at a hospital every day.
Nick: I know and it's very brave of them to do that. They're trying to help people in there and I'm trying to help people out there. I mean that's why I'm here; I want to help you guys. I know it's scary but all we can do is wait and see what's causing your brother to be sick it's sucks but it's the only thing we can do.
Alexis: (Sniffles) I don't want to be here. (Crying) I want to help Eli; I want to be down there with Auntie Amber.
Nick: I know sweetie but you can't, it's too risky. I know you want to help but the two of you getting sick is gonna add more for your family and you don't want that do you?
Alexis: (Shakes her head) I just hope Eli's okay.
Nick: (Feels bad) Me too. (Has an idea) Hey how about I show you the coolest place in the city? It's sanitized daily so you won't get sick and as long as you wear a mask your good to go.
Alexis: Mommy says that if a stranger offers to give me a ride, I should scream bloody murder.
Nick: (Chuckles) Your mommy is right, how about I call them and ask for their permission? Would that make you feel safe and trust me?
Alexis: Uh-huh.
Nick: Okay give me a second.
(Nick calls Alex)
TEN MINUTES LATER
SCENE: STATION 19
(Nick gets out of his car just as the engine parks in the driveway. Sullivan, Maya, Vic and Travis get out surprised to see Nick)
Maya: Evans? What are you doing here? It's your day off.
Nick: Yeah, not really.
(Nick opens the door allowing Alexis to come out to the others shock)
Vic: Oh uh hi, who are you?
Alexis: I'm Alexis.
Travis: Okay Alexis and what are you doing here and in Nick's car? (Whispers) Blink twice if you're in imminent danger.
Nick: (Chuckles) Shut up, she's Alex's daughter and I brought her here to show her around. Is that okay captain?
Maya: Uh depends what's the occasion?
Nick: (Comes closer to talk quietly) Her brother is sick, it might be covid. She's not exhibiting symptoms but she's worried sick and I thought a day here would get her mind off of it until we know what it is. Her parents said it was okay.
Maya: Oh okay, yeah, she can come inside, just give me a heads up next time okay? This isn't a playground.
Nick: Thank you. Okay did you hear that the big boss says it's okay. Let's go.
(They all go to the front door)
Vic: (Whispers to Nick) Does she know about you and them?
Nick: (Whispers) As far as she knows I'm a family friend and that's it so not a word got it?
Vic: Got it. (Normal voice) Hey Alexis, have you ever tried pierogi?
Alexis: No, is that a pie?
Vic: (Chuckles) Nope but your taste buds are gonna love my dad's dish.
(They go inside where they hear heavy breathing coming from the barn. They go in to find Ben and Carina helping Nancy deliver her baby. Nick and Alexis look on in shock as do the others)
Sullivan: What the-
Nick: Oh! I did not expect this. (Covers Alexis's eyes)
Maya: Did Bailey kick you out of the hospital mid-delivery?
Carina: Maya, I need you and everybody else to clear the area and stand by.
Nancy: Is Wayne, okay?
Travis: Who's Wayne?
Ben: The husband.
Maya: And where is he?
Ben: Hospital.
Vic: Shouldn't she be there?
Carina: Okay if you're not gonna help get the hell out of here!
(Nick, Alexis, Sullivan, Vic and Travis leave the barn)
Nick: Wow did you guys suddenly open the barn for pregnant women?
Vic: Uh no but surprisingly it's not the first time someone had a baby in this station.
Alexis: (Intrigued) Really?
Vic: Oh yeah in fact Miller's baby was born right here in the showers. True story.
Alexis: Wow.
Nick: Yeah and of course you had to find out tagging along with me that the cabbage patch story was made up. Which isn't gonna win me favorite points with your parents.
Alexis: I know where babies come from, mommy told me and Eli about how she got pregnant in the doctor's office using daddy's DNA.
Nick: Ooh fun!
Vic: (Chuckles) See I had to find out from my grandma when she gave me brochures from the clinic. It was the most awkward ten minutes of my life.
(They head to the beanery to eat)
FORTY MINUTES LATER
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S BACKYARD
(Izzie is sitting at the table in tense silence over Eli. Amber comes outside in a mask)
Izzie: How is he?
Amber: He's asleep, he stopped vomiting and his fever has gone down a little. Alex is with him checking his vitals.
Izzie: Any word from DeLuca?
Amber: No but you know how it is these tests take time, he'll call as soon as he has something.
Izzie: And how's Alexis?
Amber: She's still with Nick, apparently the crew is having a blast with her swapping recipes. (Chuckles)
Izzie: (Grins) Are you sure we can trust Nick with her?
Amber: Yes, he can take care of a six-year-old and there are plenty of experienced firefighters around in case he doesn't including a doctor. It's safer for her to be there than here, okay?
Izzie: Yeah.
Amber: (See's she's in agony) Okay what do I do? I don't know you well enough to know how to make you feel better so I need some help.
Izzie: Tell me about the youngest case of covid you had and how it went.
Amber: (Sighs) Are you sure that's a good idea?
Izzie: I need to know the worst-case scenario if this is covid, so tell me.
Amber: …Okay. April 1st, I had a 16-year-old come in with covid that developed glass opacities around the lungs and chronic bacterial infection of the lower airways. He had cystic fibrosis diagnosed at 10 so of course this only added to it. One of his lungs was failing and would reach to the other organs so we took him to an O.R. for a lobectomy. We had him on the table and we were just about to remove the lung when…he crashed on us due to a clot and we performed CPR for 45 minutes. He didn't make it and I had to tell his parents downstairs where they screamed and cried. That was the youngest case I had.
Izzie: …God this can't be happening to him. I can't lose him; Alexis can't lose him.
Amber: Look his lungs sound good and he can taste so it's probably not covid. DeLuca is running CBC on the blood so if it's anything else we will know and we will treat it.
Izzie: (Sighs and stands up to pace)
(Jo enters the backyard worried)
Jo: How is he?
Amber: He's downstairs, his symptoms are subsiding with the saline but other than that we don't know how serious it is.
Izzie: (Freaks out) We don't know if it's covid and we don't know if my daughter is infected too. She might be because they sleep in the same room and eat everything together so of course it's possible that both of my kids have covid.
Amber: (To Jo) Yeah, she's a little neurotic.
Izzie: You know what you are not a mother so you don't get to judge me.
Jo: Okay girls this is not helping, we're supposed to be there for each other not bring each other down. Where's Alexis?
Amber: She's with Nick at the station. I thought a change of scenery might help.
Izzie: Which it won't. I'm sorry that was bitchy, I appreciate the two of you being here (To Amber) even you but I don't need the distraction so unless you have some big life event to keep me from going insane there's the door.
Jo: Uh well I'm 11 weeks pregnant with Alex's baby and I'm currently raising two kids with him that he didn't know he had with his ex-wife because she used his special juice without telling him. Does that help?
Izzie: (Sighs) Your nice and sweet, most stepmoms would just make lunch and mumble 'I love you' but instead your being a second mom and I appreciate it so much. Thank you.
Amber: (Freaked out) I got a feeling that my ex-sister-in-law has mania too.
Izzie: Oh, shut up, my son is sick and I'm working in a pandemic so forgive me for feeling generous while I still can. I also appreciate you being an aunt to my kids, they love you and I love having someone do the sex talk instead.
Amber: Do I have to? I mean you're the mom you're supposed to know these things and how to talk about it.
Izzie: Yeah, well you know what boys and girls want so it'll come in handy when both of them start dating.
Jo: Okay we'll flip a coin when the time comes.
Izzie: If the time comes, with Eli and Meredith I'm feeling like the world is gonna explode. I mean the one person I feel can relate to what I am going through is in a covid ward! God, I hate this year when is it going to freaking end!
Amber: 221 days.
(Izzie and Jo look at Amber confused)
Amber: What? I'm keeping track, you're not the only one who hates 2020.
Izzie: God this year has barely started and it's the worst. I mean I had to move back to the city where everything bad happened to me and I left everything behind because I love my kids and I want them to have the family I never got as a kid.
(Amber rolls her eyes at Izzie's complaining)
Jo: Yeah, well try finding out your husband lied to you and moved to another state to visit his kids from his ex-wife. And then you find out you're pregnant without your husband present because he was stuck in said state so you have to resort to visits with your sister.
Amber: (Annoyed) Try finding out the sister-in-law you hate had your niece and nephew behind your back and then later find out that the man you love has mania. Get dumped by him even though he wanted to propose. Move into your brother's new place a day before a pandemic starts. Fall back in love with ex-boyfriend only to end up in a car accident that almost kills you and face the sister-in-law you hate that week.
Jo: (Guilty) Sorry.
Izzie: We'll shut up now.
Amber: (Cranky) Oh wow that's a first and here I thought it would take a stapler to shut you up.
Jo: Okay ignore her, she is being extra cranky today.
Izzie: Yeah I heard about the boyfriend going back to Italy, I'm sorry.
Amber: Yeah, he's going back to Italy to help his sister who has to be deported. Never mind that the country is a death zone let's just send hardworking doctors there while we tidy up the ICE offices.
(Amber laughs from the stress of it cackling loudly to Jo's concern who looks at Izzie who knows this too well)
Izzie: Laughter helps relief tension. People laugh at funerals all the time it's-it's okay, she's okay.
Amber: (Calms down and inhales) And Andrew asked me to come with him to Italy so we can stay together and so I can help too.
Jo: I mean he's trying to find a good solution for this, it's kind.
Amber: The good solution would be if Carina would go to the courthouse and marry her American girlfriend she's living with. All of this can be avoided and we won't have to be separated from the people we love because of bureaucracy. I mean it's not like Green Card or The Proposal.
Jo: Except it is.
Amber: No because they love each other and they know each other and they want to be together. I mean who cares if it's to avoid deportation if it's for love then it's worth it right?
Izzie: Okay I get where you're coming from but speaking as someone who got married at the drop of a hat in the middle of a crisis, it's not something you want to get into unless you want to in normal circumstances.
Amber: (Sighs) Well when you say it like that I sound like an ass.
Izzie: (Lies) No.
Jo: (Lies) Not at all.
Amber: (Shakes her head) He says I'm self-centered and that I'm making this about me and he's right. I just…I just got him back and we are good, he is my light in this dark as hell year and I don't want to lose that.
Izzie: So don't, go with him.
Amber: I can't go to Italy not now especially now.
Jo: Why not?
Amber: Because as bad as it is there, it's almost the same here and I have a job to do.
Izzie: You're a resident, you barely did surgeries last year and you're not doing any right now. It's gonna be the same over there so what's stopping you?
Amber: I have family here; I have a niece and nephew I'm starting to know. I have an elderly mother in Iowa who has me on her speed dial. I have-
Jo: Excuses that you can stop using.
Amber: It's not an excuse I have too much here to leave behind. I can't do that not to you, not to Alex.
Jo: Amber you're not your father, I know you and I know that's the reason you don't want to go right now.
Amber: (Sighs) He left us when we needed help, you're pregnant and working in a hospital during covid. I can't just leave when you guys were by my side during the accident.
Jo: Amber it's not like you're gonna be gone forever, and we'll still be here. Izzie is right, your job is pretty much on pause now, at least there you can help out a bit and they need the help. Look you took him back even with all the mania, I mean that from you shows how special Andrew is and how much you love him. Alex and I would rather you leave to go help him out if that's what you want than to stay and wallow. I mean the complaints and crying would be endless.
Izzie: Preach.
Jo: The point is to go and help him settle in, eat gelato, fill your suitcase with PPE to help out if that's what you want. We will support you no matter what and you and Andrew will make it through this either way. If this year has taught us anything it's to not let something good get away from us.
(Amber sighs and leans back when she gets a phone call)
Amber: (Stands up) It's Andrew!
Izzie: Put him on speaker!
Amber: (Answers) Hi you're on speaker, Jo and Izzie are here, did the test come back?
Andrew: It came back negative, thank God.
Izzie: (Exhales in relief) Do you know what it was?
Andrew: Yeah it was salmonella poisoning. We think he caught it in the last few days but it could've been a month. Did he touch or taste raw eggs or meat?
Amber: No, I just fed them cereal this morning.
Jo: And we never let them taste stuff before it's cooked.
Izzie: (Gasps) Oh my god! I turned my back for five seconds last night and he ate the cookie dough. We made oatmeal raisin last night and I told them not to taste it until it was done but I guess he sampled it.
Andrew: These poisonings are more common than you'd think, especially in the elderly and young. Salmonella is notoriously hard to find inside the yolk and you'd have to boil it for 8 minutes to kill it all.
Jo: Yeah, he's right I mean anyone could have gotten it if it was scrambled instead.
Amber: Yeah, so don't go giving yourself worst parent award yet. What are the next steps?
Andrew: Normally we'd just let the illness run its course but he's got a fever, so we're giving him some antibiotics just in case. Between that and the fluids he should be okay by tonight and then keep him under observation at home for a day or two. I'll stop by with the medicine right now.
Amber: (Grateful) Thank you so much I-I mean it truly.
Andrew: Of course, I'll be by in ten minutes.
Amber: Thank you.
(Andrew hangs up and Amber takes off her mask relieved and exhaling along with Izzie and Jo)
Amber: Oh dear god I will give up my entire funko collection if it means never going through this again.
Jo: Same.
Izzie: (Sniffles) I need to hug someone because I am so grateful right now and I need to hug.
(Amber hugs Izzie along with Jo as they are overcome with joy and relief)
CUT TO BLACK
LATER THAT NIGHT
SCENE: STATION 19
(Nick is inside the aid car getting the supplies in order with Alexis holding the clipboard)
Alexis: Activated charcoal?
Nick: Check.
Alexis: (Checks it off) Nitroglycerin?
Nick: Check.
Alexis: (Checks it off) Gauze?
Nick: Double check.
Alex: (Comes by chuckling) Hey kiddo, when did you graduate from the fire academy?
Alexis: Daddy! (Runs over) Is Eli okay?
Alex: He's fine honey, it's not covid it was salmonella. He probably got it from that cookie batter last night but he's gonna be okay.
Alexis: Mommy told us not to eat it raw but he wouldn't listen.
Alex: Yeah, I was like that at his age too. (Looks up and sees Nick approaching) Hey Nick thanks for doing this, I know she was really scared.
Nick: Yeah, no problem, she was a big help here. She helped us count the hoses and keep track of our aid car supplies.
Alexis: Vic let me eat pierogi from her dad's restaurant.
Alex: Really? And how was it?
Alexis: So good.
Alex: Yeah, I guess I missed out, why don't you get your stuff while I talk to Nick here and then we can leave in a bit.
(Alexis leaves to go to the lounge. Nick and Alex walk to the aid car)
Nick: So don't worry about any information coming out man. I told her I was a family friend and the others followed.
Alex: No I know I'm not upset I just wanted to finish our talk from earlier. Look Nick what happens in your personal life is your life and I am the very last person to judge believe me.
Nick: Yeah? Did you sleep with your sister's best friend too?
Alex: (Awkward silence)
Nick: No way, did you?
Alex: It was my best friend's sister and she walked in on us too. I was still married at the time and she just broke up with her boyfriend. I wasn't the best person back then and I was hypocritical that night I caught you.
Nick: Well, come on I didn't expect you to high five me or anything.
Alex: Yeah, but the point is I want us to get to continue to know each other. That hasn't changed for me or Amber and I thought you should know. If you want to keep seeing Levi that's fine, I won't let it get in the way of us.
Nick: Well I'm not exactly sure it's gonna happen. He kind of dumped me after what happened.
Alex: (Surprised) Kind of or did?
Nick: (Sighs) Did, and he used the let's still be friends bullshit, like I haven't heard that one before.
Alex: I'm sorry man.
Nick: Thanks, I appreciate that. I'm still working through this whole friend's thing despite the fact that we share DNA so…how do you officially want to start?
Alex: Well, we're having a barbeque in a few days with the kids and Amelia and Link. Why don't you come over and we can start there. What do you say?
Nick: Is Levi gonna be there?
Alex: No.
Nick: Then yeah, I'll check my schedule and I'll let you know.
Alex: Sure, thanks again really.
(Alexis comes by with her backpack)
Alex: Okay let's go, say goodbye to Nick.
Alexis: (Waves) Bye Nick.
Nick: (Grins) Bye Alexis.
(Alex and Alexis leave. Nick goes back to the aid car)
MEANWHILE
SCENE: ANDREWS APARTMENT
(Amber is in the kitchen making mac and cheese on the stove. Andrew comes out of his bedroom yawning surprised to see her)
Andrew: Hey.
Amber: Hey, I used the key you gave me. I showered before I got here, don't worry.
Andrew: (Goes up to her) What are you doing here?
Amber: I wanted to make you something to thank you for what you did today. You always said I make the best macaroni and cheese in the world.
Andrew: (Grins) It's the only thing you know how to make.
Amber: Okay do you want dinner or not?
Andrew: Please, I am starving.
Amber: (Stirs the pasta) …I'm sorry, you were right I was being self-centered about this.
Andrew: No, I didn't mean to put it like that it's just…this whole thing is stressing me out and maybe its residual mania coming back but I want you to know I didn't mean to upset you more. I appreciate the way you've been there for me through all of this and I know with everything you went through you're allowed to feel pain.
Amber: Yeah, but you've been through this pain longer than I have. I complain a lot about my past but I don't understand your experiences with growing up an immigrant. I've never lived in fear of ICE or filled out a form so I can stay in the US. I guess I was lucky that way, that my mom gave birth to me in a country I can call my home. I know it's not the same for you guys and I didn't help to make it seem like Carina is causing this.
Andrew: Yeah, but I could've said that just a little less mean. (Sighs) I have to go back Amber.
Amber: I know you do; I know you want to help your sister and you want to help your home.
Andrew: Italy is where I was born but this is my home. It's where I spent my formative years and where I fell in love with you. But I can't help if I feel guilty while everybody else over there is dying, and I can't help feeling the need to help. It might not be much and it might not make a dent but I have to try.
Amber: I know you do and it's another reason I love you.
Andrew: Look we'll make it work, okay? We'll have daily video chats and dinners; I don't care what time it is I will make time to see you on a screen.
Amber: No that won't do, we're not doing that.
Andrew: (Thinks the worst) I know long distance hardly works but that doesn't mean we should call it quits. I mean we can do this and it probably won't be for long, I'll be back before you know it. I love you and I know we can get through this even in separate countries.
Amber: I mean we're not doing video chats because I am coming with you.
Andrew: (Wide eyes) What? Y-You're coming with us? To Italy?
Amber: (Smiles) Yes, I am. I love you and I don't want stupid red tape to keep us apart. I can do work over there and it's risky but it's the same here. I would rather take that risk with you by my side in another country than to do it here alone and wallowing.
Andrew: (Smiles) Yeah?
Amber: Yeah, I might need to pack at least three suitcases full of smuggled PPE and-
(Andrew kisses Amber suddenly who grunts in surprise. She gives in and they make out. Andrew leads her away from the kitchen)
Amber: Mmm (Pauses) What about dinner?
Andrew: (Exhales) Let's skip right to dessert.
(Amber cackles as her back hits the couch while Andrew takes his shirt off and resumes kissing her)
LATER
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S BASEMENT
(Jo stands over Eli's bed as he sleeps peacefully with the IV. Alex comes and stands by her)
Jo: (Sniffles) I'm shocked.
Alex: By what?
Jo: By how much I love him. I never thought I could feel this concern and genuine shock because I thought…with how my mom felt after I was born, I would feel that too but I don't. When I heard he was sick I was gutted like someone came and ripped my heart out. I just wanted to come down here and take his pain away…and I know I couldn't. And it killed me Alex, it just killed me.
Alex: (Rubs her back) You take my pain away.
(Jo looks at Alex touched and holds his hand)
CUT TO KITCHEN
(Alex is putting the burnt chicken nuggets away while Jo does the dishes. Her phone is chiming non stop with texts)
Jo: Hey can you check my phone? It's probably the hospital.
Alex: Yeah.
(Alex reads the notification and looks at it with concern. Jo stops washing and turns around noticing his face)
Jo: What is it?
Alex: It's Bailey, she's saying watch the news.
(Jo's eyebrows narrow and they head to the tv room and turn on the news)
MEANWHILE
SCENE: ANDREWS APARTMENT
(Andrew and Amber lie on the floor by the fireplace naked covered by a blanket. Amber is stroking Andrew' chest as he strokes her back with them in content)
Amber: (Strokes chest) Okay so before we move, I need to prepare myself for when we meet your family so I have to ask, should I expect helicopter aunts interrogating me?
Andrew: (Chuckles) Oh most definitely but not the kind of interrogating where they ask where you're from and how many guys you dated. It's more…how many babies can you give me?
Amber: What?!
Andrew: (Laughs) Yeah, my Zia Elena is 56 and she has been riding mine and Carina's asses over giving her babies to spoil since we turned 13. She has five kids and yet we're the ones who suffer the 'I'm getting older, don't you love me bambinas?' speech.
Amber: (Laughs)
Andrew: I'm serious she is all over me and Carina over not having kids yet. I mean when she first met Sam in med school, she said her gain was just right to bear my children.
Amber: (Chuckles) Oh my god, I am gonna be drowning myself in the Trevi fountain, aren't I?
Andrew: Hey don't worry we probably won't even get to see her we'll practically be living in the hospital.
Amber: Oh, that's comforting. (Groans) The mac and cheese is ruined because you ambushed me thank you very much.
Andrew: (Grins) I didn't hear you complain once. (Strokes her back) How about another round?
Amber: After we eat. (Sits up) Come on, get dressed we're getting takeout and you're driving.
Andrew: (Tries to pull her down) Come on we can order in; we'll be ready to go by then.
Amber: No, delivery is expensive and I need to save up for a trip to another country with my boyfriend. (Stands up and covers herself with the blanket) Put your pants on come on.
Andrew: (Sits up naked) So bossy.
Amber: (Smirks) You know it.
(Amber walks away to go to the bedroom while Andrew puts his boxers on)
Andrew: Hey.
Amber: (Stops to face him)
Andrew: (Grins) I love you.
Amber: (Grins) I love you.
Andrew: (Smoldering look)
Amber: (Inhales and resists) Stop it!
Andrew: (Laughs)
(Amber leaves Andrew to put his shirt on. He stands up and looks at his phone noticing the texts he's received saying, 'turn on the news' Andrew turns the news on the tv and an anchor lady appears)
Reporter: …custody of Minneapolis law enforcement. Bystanders captured the disturbing moment on camera. We warn you that the footage you are about to see is graphic.
Amber: (Comes out in her clothes) Okay you're ready to go?
(Amber stops when she see's the footage shocking her and Andrew who crosses his arm and cover his mouth with his hand)
Reporter: The man can be seen calling for help, saying he can't breathe. The officer continued to press his knee for 8 minutes and 46 seconds.
(Andrew and Amber watch in silent shock at George Floyd's murder)