HEY GUYS SO AMBER'S SEXUAL ASSAULT STORYLINE WILL CONTINUE FOR ABOUT TEN OR MORE CHAPTERS BUT THIS CHAPTER WILL FOCUS ON ALEX'S REACTION AND HOW AMBER IS DEALING WITH SEEING MANCE AND REPORTING HIM. I HOPE YOU GUYS LIKE THIS CHAPTER.
Chapter 31: Aftermath
JUNE 1, 2020
7:05 AM
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S HOUSE
(Amber rubs her tired eyes trying to stay awake as the Keurig brews her coffee. She hears knocking and groans walking and opening the door to find Andrew on the other side in his brown jacket, red t shirt and black mask)
Andrew: Hey.
Amber: Hey, what are you doing here? I left you a text telling you I'm babysitting today.
Andrew: Yeah, I know I just wanted to check on you before my shift and see how you're doing.
Amber: (Goes back to the kitchen with Andrew following her) I'm fine, the twins are sleeping so I'll have about two hours before Mount Vesuvius erupts again.
Andrew: Well maybe I can help with damage control, I can call in and stay. I have been told I'm a master with kids.
Amber: (Chuckles lightly) I don't think you should advertise that unless you want people to get the wrong idea. I'll be fine they're super easy, they'll probably just color or read all day. I have done this before Andrew and honestly, I need this while…things happen at the hospital.
Andrew: Hey don't worry, Bailey and the board took a vote and they agreed that they would break the contract and let Mance go immediately. Soon he'll be gone and you'll never have to see him in those halls again.
Amber: (Numbly) Great I'll just have to handle seeing him in court and watch a jury of strangers either convict him or let him go.
Andrew: Have you talked to the cops in New York yet?
Amber: Yeah, I talked to them last night.
Andrew: And how did it go?
Amber: Weirdly not terrible, they were actually very helpful. They said that despite the past due date for a kit there's no time stamp for getting out there and getting my story out so other victims can come forward. They gave me some numbers for journalists over at the New York Times, the people who exposed Harvey Weinstein.
Andrew: Hey that's great. (Amber glares at him) that's not great?
Amber: (Sighs) The Times are read all over the US, the world. I mean on the one hand I want justice but on the other hand it's gonna mean getting my name out there and either getting sympathized or hated for the rest of this ordeal.
Andrew: You can ask not to be named; they do that you know. You just give them your story and they'll say it came from an anonymous source.
Amber: It's not gonna take a genius to figure out who the research assistant was in spring 2014, they have records of my work with Mance. And if that gets exposed…my mom is gonna go off her meds and Aaron is gonna drive down with his 18-wheeler and run over Mance. I'm not gonna do that to them.
Andrew: Wait so what are you saying? Are you not gonna come forward?
Amber: (Looks conflicted) I-I don't know. I want to forget this ever happened and move on but if I do that Mance will find another girl to brutalize. God people say coming forward makes women feel empowered but I feel the opposite.
Andrew: Hey you are a strong, powerful and angry woman who can make a difference. I believe that and you should too.
Amber: Right well speaking of women in power shouldn't you head to work before pissing off one of them?
Andrew: And I told you that I am willing to call in if you're too tired to watch the twins. I'm serious, just say the word and I will stay.
Amber: Andrew I am fine, I got plenty of sleep last night and I am ready to babysit my favorite two people in the world…that are under the age of 10. Go I'll be fine.
Andrew: (Exhales) …Call me if you need me and I will come straight here, okay?
Amber: I won't, now go.
(Andrew leaves the kitchen and reluctantly leaves the house. Amber inhales and exhales in exhaustion when Andrew leaves taking a big sip of her coffee)
7:32 AM
SCENE: GREY SLOAN PARKING LOT
(Andrew gets off his bike and walks briskly to the hospital when Levi spots him walking away from the hospital)
Levi: Hey, how did it go?
Andrew: (Sighs) Horrible, or not horrible it was…normal.
Levi: (Walks with him) Okay and normal is bad because…?
Andrew: (Clipped tone) Because she is not normal Schmitt. She's walking around like she didn't spend the past 36 hours with no sleep whatsoever. She stays in the apartment all day and doesn't sleep. She watches Netflix at night when I go to bed and thinks I don't notice. She took up crocheting because she says it's a popular quarantine hobby but I know it's something she's doing to stay awake.
Levi: (Sighs) Yeah that doesn't sound normal.
Jo: (Approaches them) What doesn't sound normal?
Levi: Amber hasn't slept since her meeting with the board.
Jo: (Stunned) At all?
Andrew: No, I'm getting worried a person can only go so long without sleep. I considered sedating her but I'm actually fond of my testicles. Can one of you please talk to her and get her to take melatonin so we can both get a good night's sleep.
Jo: I would but I don't get out until the afternoon. Schmitt you're off the clock, you go first.
Levi: What am I supposed to say?
Andrew: Schmitt I don't care what you say or do just as long as it gets her to a bed with her eyes closed. Has Alex talked to her?
Jo: No, she just sent a text saying I don't want to talk and he's been crabby about it ever since. I'll get him to visit tonight if he can.
Carina: (Approaches them) Ciao, what are we talking about?
Jo: Amber, she hasn't slept since Mance came to the hospital.
Carina: (Worried) Is she okay?
Jo: She's pretending to be okay but she's not. Levi and I are gonna talk to her separately.
Carina: Of course, a woman who went through that kind of trauma needs one on one time not a stampede. I can talk to her after my shift if you want, I have to check up on three of my patients so I should be quick.
Andrew: Fine whichever one of you gets her to sleep I will be eternally grateful and owe you a big one.
Levi: (Alert) Heads up.
(Andrew and Jo look up and see Mance leaving the building with his eye bruised red and his mask covering a broken nose carrying a box of his belongings. He exits and looks at the three of them with contempt as he walks in their direction. Andrew looks at him with a murderous face with Carina taking notice)
Carina: (Whispers in Italian) Andrea stay calm and don't do anything.
(Andrew shakes his head and takes a breath as Mance walks by them. Levi can't resist and puts his foot to the side tripping Mance who falls to the floor with his belongings scattered. Jo and Carina grin slightly as Mance curses)
Mance: (Charges at Levi) …I know it was you who convinced your liar of a friend to do this. When I get acquitted I'm not just coming after her I'm coming after you.
Andrew: (Pushes him away from Levi) Back off, you're lucky it's him and not her brother otherwise you would need a feeding tube for the rest of your life.
Mance: (Smug) Ha pretty boy thinks he has a say because he's screwing a hot resident.
Andrew: (Glares at him) At least I don't have to beat and rape a young girl to get my shriveled-up dick hard.
Mance: (Angry) …What did you just say to me?
(They stand close to each other trying to one up the other with Carina and Jo trying to pull Andrew back and rein in his anger)
Carina: Andrea, look at me, walk away just walk away.
Jo: He's not worth it come on.
(Andrew reluctantly follows suit and starts to walk past him)
Mance: I didn't do anything wrong and she knows it.
(Andrew turns around quickly and punches Mance in the face hard causing him to fall to the ground with his nose bleeding again)
Andrew: (Fumes) Doesn't feel so good, does it? Getting what you dished out for years.
Carina: Andrea come on.
(Andrew walks away from the scene with Jo and Carina as Levi doesn't pass Mance a second glance walking away)
8:05 AM
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S HOUSE
(Amber is sitting at the kids table drawing a butterfly with the twins drawing as well)
Amber: What are you drawing Alexis?
Alexis: I'm drawing Jazz in a field of daisies. I thought he would like that.
Amber: (Grins) And what about you little man?
Eli: I'm drawing a monster truck and I'm driving it.
Amber: (Chuckles lightly) Nice, well I am drawing a butterfly because the thing I love about it is that it can fly away from anything.
Alexis: My teacher says butterflies are less important to the ecosystem than bees and that they hate it when we grab their wings.
Amber: Well yeah, I mean how you feel if someone grabbed your arms and stopped you from moving? Because that's how the butterfly feels.
Eli: Do you wish that you could fly Auntie Amber?
Amber: (Exhales) More than anything. (Doorbell rings) Okay I'm gonna get that you two stay here and make something pretty for your favorite aunt.
(Amber goes to the door and opens it to find Levi on the other side)
Levi: Morning.
Amber: Morning what brings you here? Don't you have work or something?
Levi: My shift ended an hour ago, I just wanted to come by and see if we could have coffee and talk. Do you still have that hazelnut crème I like?
Amber: (Sighs and walks away from Levi)
Levi: I will take that as a yes.
(Levi closes the door and follows Amber to the kitchen and runs into the twins)
Alexis: Hi Dr. Schmitt.
Eli: Hi Dr. Schmitt.
Levi: Hey guys, wow what are you drawing today?
Alexis: I'm drawing Jazz in a field of daisies.
Eli: And I'm drawing myself in a monster truck.
Levi: Ooh both of them sound fun. Well I'm just gonna talk to your aunt for a little bit, how about you draw me something nice while I'm here, can you do that?
(The twins get back to drawing with determination. Levi smiles at them and heads to the kitchen where Amber has made them coffee)
Amber: You've got about five minutes before they come running in, those kids are fast with crayons and glitter especially when they have a challenge.
Levi: Well, I just wanted to come by and see how you are after…everything.
Amber: (Sighs and closes the door so the twins can't hear them) You wanted to see the new exhibit at the zoo and feed me some peanuts because you feel sorry for me?
Levi: No that's not…that's not what this is Amber. I just want to make sure your okay that's all.
Amber: (Sips coffee) I'm fine.
Levi: …I was the first person here that you told and I was there after you confronted Mance I just…I just want you to know those aren't the only times you can come to me. I'm here and if you ever want to talk-
Amber: I don't. I'm trying to move on and get past this like I did last time. Hopefully there won't be any nightmares to keep me up again.
Levi: Is that why you haven't slept in three days?
Amber: (Looks at him coolly)
Levi: DeLuca told me and he knows you've been up while he sleeps, he's not stupid but he is worried about you and so am I.
Amber: (Inhales) I'm fine, I'm still standing aren't I?
Levi: You and I both know that your physical health is in danger the longer you stay awake. Your inflammatory markers get higher which makes you at big risk for cardiovascular disease and you just had major heart surgery.
Amber: I know that Schmitt I am training to be a cardiothoracic surgeon after all. I'm just trying to push through it until I can't anymore.
Levi: (Worried) Okay how about I stay? I can look after the twins and you can rest for an hour, that's all I'm asking for.
Amber: (Scoffs) I don't want to fight with the kids here.
Levi: Me neither.
Amber: Then you should go right now.
Levi: (Surprised) Amber I'm trying to help.
Amber: (Cold) And I told you I don't need it now go and tell Andrew this talk went well so I don't have to suffer through this again. Go.
(Levi sighs and reluctantly stands up and talks to the twins about their drawings. Amber closes her eyes for a few moments and Mance's face flashes in her psyche causing her to jolt awake and rub her tired eyes, forcing herself to stay awake. Levi sees this without her knowledge from outside the door and looks on worriedly)
8:15 AM
SCENE: PEDS FLOOR
(Andrew talks to Levi on the phone frustrated with Izzie by the station)
Andrew: Damn it Schmitt I thought if someone would get her down it would be you…no I didn't want you to tranquilize her I wanted you to get her to sleep damn it! …Yeah, well sorry can only do so much and it certainly isn't helping Amber, is it?
(Andrew hands up and groans)
Izzie: What's going on?
Andrew: (Sighs and contemplates telling her)
Izzie: DeLuca I know we're not friends but if this is about Amber, I feel a need to know given that she used to be my sister and she's taking care of my kids today, spill.
Andrew: …She's not sleeping, Schmitt saw her taking a micronap and you know how bad insomnia has to be to get to that stage. She thinks I don't know but I do and she is walking around like she's okay but she's not!
Izzie: Okay have you talked to her?
Andrew: I tried to talk to her but she blew me off, I got Schmitt to go and talk to her but she blew him off and now…you know what screw it I don't care if she castrates me after I am marching in there and sedating her.
(Andrew goes to the medicine cabinet with Izzie following him)
Izzie: What are you doing?
Andrew: (Sighs and takes out a vial) Lorazepam .05 mg, it should be enough. Where are the syringes?
Izzie: (Takes the vial from him) Stop okay you are not going to hold her down and inject her with sedatives. I know you're worried about her but this is not the answer. If you do this, she will never forgive you and she doesn't need you putting her down against her will not now especially now. She needs you and she doesn't need to be mad at you, take a step back and carefully consider this.
Andrew: (Frustrated) What else am I supposed to do? She had a hole in her heart repaired and you know insomnia is gonna make that worse, so what do I do?
Izzie: Give her a day, let me and Jo talk to her and get her to sleep and if she doesn't by tonight…I will hold her down and put the needle in her. It's better if it's me than you.
Andrew: She's gonna hate you.
Izzie: (Unbothered) She already hates me.
Andrew: …Good point.
Izzie: Thank you. I have my lunch break in two hours. I will go and talk to her, not sedate her, talk to her. I will be back.
Andrew: Thank you, I mean it I think you saved me from making the biggest mistake of my life.
Izzie: You mean I saved your life. I gotta go I have chemo rounds I'll let you know how my break goes. Hang in there.
(Izzie touches Andrew's arm in reassurance and leaves him taking the vials with her)
8:32 AM
SCENE: PEDS FLOOR
(Alex walks down the hall trying to act normal and stops outside the room where Mabel Tsung is waiting outside)
Alex: Hey you ready to present?
Mabel: Yes I am.
Alex: And did Dr. Avery's replacement for this surgery show up?
Mabel: Not yet they'll be here shortly.
Alex: Okay then in the meantime lets go in and you present got it?
Mabel: Got it.
(They enter the room to find a 16 year old boy in the bed with his mom by his side)
Alicia: Dr. Karev, nice to see you again.
Alex: Hey Alicia, I'm sorry that this surgery had to be postponed I know how much Sean was looking forward to it.
Sean: Please it's not like you asked a pandemic to happen, I'm just glad you're able to do it before I start my senior year.
Alex: (To Mabel) Sean is a female to male transgender, March 16th was supposed to be the day we officially start his process but then covid happened and we had to reschedule.
Mabel: Oh I'm so sorry.
Sean: Don't be just tell me you and Dr. Avery can do this today I know mom was looking forward to seeing him again which is why she's wearing extra makeup today.
Alicia: Sean!
Sean: What? It's true you find him hot and I don't blame you he is hot. So where is he?
Alex: (Chuckles) Uh well unfortunately Dr. Avery has taken an unexpected leave of absence all of a sudden but we will do this surgery today just with a different plastic surgeon.
Alicia: Oh who?
Catherine: (Appears at doorway) That would be me, I always love to make a dramatic entrance. Hello everyone I am Dr. Fox.
Alex: (Cold tone) What are you doing here?
Catherine: Well Dr. Karev I am here to remove this boys breasts and help him start his journey to being his true self that's what I'm doing here.
Alex: (Cold) You're a urologist not a plastic surgeon.
Alicia: I'm sorry is this going to be a problem? Should we wait until Dr. Avery comes back?
Sean: Mom.
Alicia: Sean I want this for you honey but if Dr. Karev feels that Dr. Fox isn't right for this then we should listen to him. Dr. Karev?
Catherine: Alicia, I assure you that I am the right person for this job. Dr. Avery is my son and while his skills as a plastic surgeon are commendable, he is not here right now but I am. I am skilled enough to do this fairly simple surgery and your son is in good hands. Do we agree Dr. Karev?
Alex: (Looks at Sean's fallen face and relents) Yes don't worry Alicia, Dr. Fox is who I want for this job next to Dr. Avery. I wouldn't recommend it if it weren't true, this change isn't a problem I assure you.
Alicia: …Okay I trust you, Sean?
Sean: Yeah Alex knows best, let's do this!
Catherin: And in that spirit we move on, Dr. Tsung?
Mabel: Sean Porter, 16 years old, here for a bilateral mastectomy…
(Alex looks away in disdain with Catherine noticing)
11:10 AM
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S HOUSE
(Amber is in the living room crocheting with the twins on the floor playing Legos. Izzie walks in)
Eli: Hi mom.
Alexis: Hi mommy.
Izzie: (Grins) Hey crickets, I'm here for my lunch break, how about you guys go to the kitchen and set some stuff out for sandwiches while Amber and I talk?
(The twins nod and run to the kitchen. Izzie sits across from Amber still crocheting)
Izzie: What are you knitting?
Amber: (Doesn't look at her) I'm not knitting, I'm crocheting.
Izzie: Okay what are you crocheting?
Amber: (Cold) I'm making a baby blanket. I want to take the opportunity to spoil while the baby is still crawling every chance I get. I would've done it with the twins but you didn't seem to think of that six years ago.
Izzie: (Inhales) Okay I get why your pissed at me, I…I shouldn't have believed him when he lied and said you slept together. It was awful and I threw it in your face and that was completely cruel even for me.
Amber: (Still crocheting) It's not like you haven't thought I was a slut before why would now be any different?
Izzie: I didn't think that.
Amber: (Narrows eyes at her)
Izzie: (Sighs) Okay I kind of did but that was when you were barely a person to me. I am so sorry for adding to your pain, I know our relationship is…difficult but I would never cause you pain intentionally. I feel bad and I wanted to make it up to you because we're in each other's lives and-
Amber: We're not friends Izzie. We were never sisters in any way whatsoever because your marriage to my brother might as well have never existed with how short it was and how little you were there as a wife.
Izzie: (Sighs) …I talked to the others and we agreed to give you a day to come to your senses and go to sleep or…we're gonna sedate you even if it's by force.
Amber: (Angry and tired) I took boxing for two years and grew up wrestling with two brothers. I can take a skinny twig like you if you come near me with a syringe.
Izzie: (Stern) Amber… (Gentle) Okay we're not friends and we are definitely not sisters. But we could be, I could be your friend. Right now, I'm one of the only people you told this to and I could I don't know be there for you or whatever.
Amber: (Stops crocheting) I only need one thing from you.
Izzie: Anything, name it.
Amber: (Cold) Keep your damn mouth shut about what happened. (Izzie looks at Amber) I didn't tell you because I wanted another sister to be there for me, I told you so you wouldn't eavesdrop on Alex and Jo and spread it around the hospital.
Izzie: I would never-
Amber: (Cold) Like you would never kill your fiancé or sleep with a married man?
Izzie: (Looks at her surprised) …Wow you really went there?
Amber: Just shut your mouth if you know what's good for you. And if I see a needle on you, I will take it and stab you in the eye, you got it?
Izzie: (Taps fingers on her knee) Fine.
Alexis: (Appears) Mommy we got the stuff out. Is Amber gonna eat with us?
Amber: I'll eat later sweetie; your mom should go with you though.
Izzie: I agree.
(Izzie stands up and walks away from Amber who goes back to crocheting)
11:35 AM
SCENE: SCRUB ROOM
(Alex is inside getting ready to scrub for Sean's surgery when Catherine walks in causing Alex's demeanor to turn cold)
Catherine: Lord it feels like ages since I've been in these scrubs. Covid has made me vigilant as an older woman and immunocompromised cancer survivor but it will not take away my ability to do good for people like Sean.
Alex: (Harsh) Can we just scrub and get this surgery over with so I don't have to look at your face for one more second?
(Catherine is taken back and Mabel enters the room)
Catherine: Come back later.
Mabel: (Surprised) But I was-
Catherine: (Stern) I said come back later.
(Mabel leaves them alone)
Catherine: Dr. Karev, did I do something to you to make you act like this towards me?
Alex: (Ignores her and continues scrubbing)
Catherine: Alex we are going into a four-hour long surgery on a young man who needs our full attention and I need to know what has gotten your knickers in a twist. What is going on?
Alex: (Stops scrubbing and turns his angry glare at her) What is going on is that my baby sister was blackmailed and raped by a predator who has most likely used his position of power over young girls before.
Catherine: Yes I am aware of that and I was at the board meeting with her but I don't see-
Alex: (Cold) And you let your father-in-law use his position of power to harass and assault over thirteen young women on their way to promising careers in their medical fields. And instead of punishing him you enabled him by paying off those women and protecting him. You helped put up the front of him being a surgical legend when behind the scenes he was a disgusting piece of filth who harassed and raped women. He may have committed the crime but you covered it up and in my opinion that makes you worse than him.
Catherine: Alex you don't understand the position I was in or the time period it happened or-
Alex: (Cold) I don't care Catherine; I don't care what excuse you have or what you say to yourself to alleviate your guilt because it's not gonna work on me. All you are to me right now and for the rest of time is someone who let a rapist like Mance walk around and traumatize women like my baby sister. I'm not gonna change my mind but I do need to do this surgery because Sean has waited a long time for this and I care about people unlike you so here's what we will do. We are gonna do this surgery and if you even think of trying to talk to me about anything other than this procedure, I will have Hayes come in and replace me because the sight of you alone is making me sick. Now shut up and scrub.
(Alex scrubs in anger and Catherine abides after a moment and silently scrubs)
3:45 PM
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S HOUSE
(Carina knocks on the door and Eli answers the door)
Carina: (Chuckles) Ciao Eli, how are you doing?
Eli: I'm good, Alexis is taking a nap and auntie Amber is in the living room crocheting.
Carina: Really? Well can I come in?
(Eli nods and Carina walks in and finds Amber sitting on the couch crocheting)
Amber: (Looks up and sighs at Carina) Hey little man, how about you go play with Jazz outside while the grown women talk?
Eli: Can you play with us later?
Amber: Yeah of course anything for my favorite man and dog. I'll be out in ten minutes okay?
Eli: Okay.
(Eli walks outside and leaves the women to their talk)
Carina: So…How are you? Are you okay?
Amber: (Sighs) Who do I expect after you? Andrew or maybe the janitor in the covid ward she's been ogling at me I think she has a crush on me.
Carina: Amber we're just worried about you that's all. Okay I have experience with insomnia not personally but with my papa and Andrea it…it causes worry for the people who love you.
Amber: (Leans back and crochets) Say your piece now and get it over with I'm busy today.
Carina: (Sits next to her) …I've treated victims of rape when I worked at the women's clinic back home in Italy. I…I thought I would stop crying after every consult but I didn't, I didn't stop crying because it was an awful thing that shouldn't have happened to those women.
Amber: (Continues crocheting) So what? Are you here to tell me you get my pain?
Carina: No I don't, I can't understand your pain but I understand that there's no shame in asking for help when you need it. This kind of trauma isn't something you should carry forever and there's no shame in therapy if that's what you need to confront this.
Amber: (Stops crocheting)
Carina: After growing up with my papa who refused treatment for his mania and going through it again with Andrea I…I truly believe in the therapeutic process and I think it could be good for-
Amber: (Harsh) You think because you have a bipolar father and brother that gives you special insight into what makes me tick?
Carina: Amber-
Amber: (Cold) You don't. All you have is a fucked-up horror story and a history of sleeping around because of your fucked up story. Your damaged goods Carina and that is not me so don't think you have the right to tell people how to run their lives. Now I'm going to play with my nephew, be out of here by the time we come back inside.
(Amber stands up and leaves the room. Carina looks away feeling horrible for Amber's state and sighs)
4:47 PM
SCENE: PEDS FLOOR
(Alex is going over his charts in the research room when Webber comes in with an angry face and closes the door)
Webber: I can't imagine the trauma you and your family are going through but that does not give you the right to attack my wife as you see fit.
Alex: I wasn't attacking her I was stating the facts, your wife let her father-in-law walk around raping young women in these hospitals and you think that's okay? Do you think that doesn't trigger me right now?
Webber: I think you need to see it from her point of view and understand the position she was in, the one that Harper Avery put her in. She tried to make the best out of a horrible event and made sure those women had a leg to stand on after the horror they faced.
Alex: (Throws pen away and turns to face Webber fully with a frustrated face) Yeah? She did the best she could? She tried to help those women that she allowed Bastard Avery to assault?
Webber: Yes!
Alex: Yeah, why don't you look up Dina Flores and then you can tell that to my face!
Webber: Who?
Alex: Dina Flores, she was one of the victims listed, she was a second year peds resident. Avery harassed her and got her alone in an on-call room and raped her. Your wife paid her off but that wasn't enough because a year later she overdosed on pills and died in an ICU. She told her brother and he came forward when the dam broke. Do you still think that Dina's brother would be grateful to your wife? Do you think he would feel better knowing your wife didn't do squat to protect his sister? Do you think he would forgive your wife for killing his sister? No!
Webber: Karev-
Alex: I was the first person who held her, I was the one who raised her even though I resented it. I was that girl's father and I am telling you not to waste your time trying to get me to side with your bitch wife over her. Dina Flores's brother would never forgive her and neither will I now get out!
(Webber inhales and walks out of the room. Alex tensely gets back to his charts)
5:55 PM
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S HOUSE
(Amber is making dinner for the twins who are playing goldfish at the table when Jo walks in surprised by the scene)
Jo: Hey guys.
Eli: Hi Jo.
Alexis: Hi Jo.
Jo: What are we making?
Amber: I'm making chicken stir fry because it's the one dish Andrew taught me that I didn't screw up.
Jo: Ooh is there enough for four?
Amber: Yeah sure.
Jo: (To Eli and Alexis) Hey why don't you guys go to the living room and play while I make sure your auntie Amber doesn't burn the house down?
(The twins go to the living room leaving Amber and Jo alone. Amber has her back towards her as she cooks trying to avoid her)
Jo: So are you-
Amber: (Annoyed) If you ask me if I'm okay I swear to God I will make the dish with you as the meat instead.
Jo: (Gently) I wasn't going to ask that. (Amber calms down) I was gonna ask are you seeing things that aren't there or hearing things that no one else hears?
Amber: (Scoffs) Jo I am not schizophrenic I think I would know trust me.
Jo: I wasn't asking because of that I was asking because…women are on high alert after experiencing a violent attack on their body and psyche.
Amber: …No I've been too tired to hear or see things.
Jo: Okay, well if you need to sleep, I'm right here to take care of the kids just say the word and I'll make you a warm glass of milk.
Amber: (Continues cooking) You're not my mother Jo and I don't need any help; I am just fine. I have survived through way worse and when I need help, I will know it and I will let you know it too.
Jo: (Sympathizes with her and takes a deep breath) …You know I didn't sleep for two nights after Paul hurt me. I was afraid to sleep and I tried to stay awake for as long as I could.
Amber: Of course, you did you had an abusive bastard husband you had to sleep with one eyed open afraid he was gonna kill you.
Jo: No that's not it…I didn't sleep for two nights after Paul…after he hurt me.
Amber: (Pauses cooking and turns the stove off turning around to face Jo with sympathetic eyes)
Jo: (Inhales and exhales) It happened a long time ago in college and by then I was already married to him. I was in our bed asleep after studying all night, I was exhausted and I barely noticed Paul getting into bed. He…He kissed me and tried to get me to respond but I was tired and I told him no…and he didn't stop.
Amber: (Looks up and looks at Jo) I'm sorry that happened to you Jo.
Jo: Yeah, it's one of the many things I unpacked in therapy. I told them how I closed my eyes throughout the whole trauma and didn't say anything after. I was convinced at that point that it wasn't rape because husbands don't rape their wives, I mean why would they? But that didn't stop me from staying awake two nights after that and I made sure to be awake when I heard him coming home so I didn't go through that again. I…I told you I couldn't imagine the pain you went through and I can't but that doesn't mean I don't understand a little bit. It doesn't mean I don't understand the fear that you're going through right now and how terrified you are that the moment you go to sleep you're gonna see him in front of you. I understand that and if you want to talk about it, I can lend a very sympathetic ear.
Amber: …You know I would resurrect him if I could just to make him go through a more agonizing death.
Jo: I know you would, I would do the same with your monster. (Stands up and walks to Amber) I am here to talk to you and…if you feel like you need more help than any of us can give you, I have some good therapists to recommend. With that said please get some sleep, just lie down and put a kids show you liked on your phone and imagine the happiest moments of your life. If that doesn't work then with your permission, I will sedate you so you can stop killing yourself, okay?
Amber: (Sniffles) …Okay.
Jo: Thank you.
(Jo squeezes Amber's arm in comfort and takes over the stove)
CUT TO GUEST ROOM
(Amber puts Teen Titans the original series on her phone, lays it on the pillow next to her and lies on her side. She takes a deep breath and tries to will herself to close her eyes but can't and stares at the wallpaper in agony as the kids show blares from her phone behind her)
CUT TO KITCHEN
(After finishing eating Jo picks up the dishes and the twins are at the table)
Jo: Okay guys what else do you feel like doing today? Do you want to play Jenga? Or maybe the grownup game Monopoly? I feel like winning prime real estate tonight what do you say?
Alexis: What's wrong with auntie Amber?
Jo: (Looks up surprised) What do you mean? Your auntie Amber is just fine she's just going to bed early because you guys are so much fun she needs energy for tomorrow.
Eli: Amber looked really tired today and we saw her looking scared this morning after her short nap in the kitchen. Is it something we did?
Jo: No absolutely not you guys are not the reason she is hurting not at all.
Alexis: But auntie Amber is hurt?
Jo: (Sighs) …Yes she is, she…she was hurt a long time ago and she's having trouble sleeping because of it. But that doesn't mean it's gonna be forever, she's tough and she will get through this with our support including yours, can you do that?
The twins: (Nod)
Jo: Okay good.
Eli: When mom has a nightmare, we sleep with her because she says holding her helps keep the monsters away, can that help with auntie Amber too?
Alexis: Can it?
Jo: (Tears up and grins at them) God you two are heaven sent.
CUT TO GUEST ROOM
(Amber is still awake when she hears the door opening and the bed dips when the twins climb in with her. Alexis is in front of Amber with Eli behind her as they hold her)
Amber: (Sniffles) What are you two doing?
Eli: We're trying to help you sleep.
Alexis: Jo says you can't sleep and we wanted to help you. Mommy says our hugs keep the monsters away, can we sleep with you tonight and keep the monsters away for you?
Amber: (Grins) Thank God for you two, get in here.
(Amber snuggles with the twins and finally closes her eyes and immediately falls into a deep sleep. Jo watches from the door and closes it a creek pulling out her phone as she walks away)
6:32 PM
SCENE: ATTENDINGS LOUNGE
(Andrew is getting ready to leave silently with Alex sitting on the table looking at his tablet. Izzie enters the lounge sniffling with tears glistening in her eyes)
Andrew: (Worried) Well?
Izzie: (Exhales) She finally fell asleep.
Andrew: (Sighs in relief) Thank God.
Izzie: No thank Jo and the twins, if it weren't for them we'd have a pissed off Amber. (Tears up)
Andrew: Are you okay?
Izzie: (Shakes her head) You know after what she did in Kansas, I wished for horrible things to happen to her. Not anything to this extent just the standard bird crap on head or tripping on her face. Now…Now I want to go back and smack myself in the face along with Amber. God, I hate him, I hate this…this deplorable, perverted stain of the human race more than anything.
Alex: (Looks at his tablet) This guy is one sick fuck.
Andrew: (Sighs) I'm worried about her Alex; I've never seen her like this. I'm just…he's just…destroyed her.
Alex: (Looks at his tablet) Avery and Mance both deserve a spot in hell for the rest of eternity. Catherine too, she did nothing and she let those women suffer alone. I wish I could make it so she lost everything like they did.
(Izzie looks at Alex in disbelief before walking toward him and snatching the tablet away seeing that he's reading about the Harper Avery scandal. She scoffs and shakes her head before throwing it at a kitchen pantry breaking it startling Alex and Andrew who look at her frightened as her face shifts to fury)
Izzie: (To Andrew) Run.
(Andrew grabs his backpack and quickly walks out of the lounge closing the door on the way. Alex is left with Izzie looking at her with terror and confusion)
Alex: What are you doing?
Izzie: (Baffled) What the f-What are you doing? Why are you here reading about something that happened a million years ago when you should be at that house with your sister who needs your help right now? Do you think blaming Catherine is more important than taking care of Amber? Do you think it's gonna make her better?
Alex: (Furious) No I think what's gonna make her better is a pair of pliers and a blowtorch with Mance tied to a chair, that's what will make me feel better.
CUT TO OUTSIDE THE LOUNGE
(Andrew stands outside the door listening in on the argument)
Izzie: Do you think that will magically cure her and make what he did to her go away? Is that what you think?!
Alex: You know as well as-
(Bailey tries to go in but Andrew stops her)
Andrew: No, you do not want to go in there trust me.
Izzie: God you Karev's always use violence before doing the work to fix your fucked up heads!
Bailey: (Wide eyes) I trust you.
Andrew: Yeah, it's gonna get worse before it gets better.
Bailey: I know…but it will get better, don't worry.
Andrew: (Looks at her touched) Thanks.
BACK TO LOUNGE
Alex: Do you want me to go there and talk to her?! You've tried all of you have tried! She won't fucking talk to us! She-
Izzie: (Frustrated) Shut up! She finally fell asleep. You would fucking know that if you were there with her. (Voice breaking) It's Amber, she's in pain and she needs you. But you're just sitting there doing nothing again!
Alex: (Quiets down as he looks at Izzie in thought)
Izzie: You ignored her when her brother attacked her that was somewhat fine because you were in different states but now…now you have a chance to help her and you're not. Not only does that make you a coward it makes you evil…I have loved you for half of my life and I know that you blame yourself for this more than you blame Mance.
Alex: (Looks at Izzie)
Izzie: You ignored her and Mance was in her life after that and that is not your fault, it's not your fault Alex.
Alex: (Looks away due to his guilt)
Izzie: You blaming everyone except yourself is not gonna fix this. It's not gonna get better until you acknowledge your part in this and get her to forgive you because she will if she knows how in pain you are and how guilty you feel. You need her and she needs you, so get up, wait for her to wake up and be the brother that she needed six years ago.
(Alex sits there in silence looking down on the ground. Izzie sniffles and walks out ignoring Andrew and Bailey still outside. They walk away from the door silently as Alex is still sitting there in silence)
CUT TO BLACK
8:34 AM
SCENE: GUEST ROOM
(Amber wakes up and opens her eyes to find Alexis and Eli sprawled on the bed by her sides. She grins at them gratefully before getting out of bed carefully to not wake them)
CUT TO KITCHEN
(Amber exhales feeling energized for the first time in three days and goes to the sink to fill the Keurig water reservoir. She looks up and looks out the window to find Alex outside in the cold sitting in the Adirondack chair staring out into the yard. Amber is puzzled and puts her robe on)
CUT TO BACKYARD
(Alex is sitting in the chair staring at the yard in thought. Amber stands in front of him looking at him confused)
Amber: Alex? What are you doing out here? It's freezing.
Alex: Sorry I just…I just needed some peace and quiet.
Amber: (Sits across from him in the chair) Are you okay?
Alex: …When…When Jimmy smashed your fingers with a toilet seat I knew, I knew at that point what I had to do. I knew I had to protect you from what he did to me and Aaron while I still could so I-I took up wrestling I bulked up and the next time he laid his hands on mom I was ready. I could still hear your cries in the back when I was beating Jimmy up and I just kept hitting him harder. I landed him in the hospital and as soon as he was discharged, he left and I knew I did it, I protected you. At that point I made it my job to protect you, to take care of you, every scraped knee or bad report card I took care of it for you because it was my job. And then I left, I left because I wanted a life better than that. Aaron was already grown up and mom was somewhat better so that's what I told myself when I felt guilty. I told myself you weren't a little kid anymore and that you could take care of yourself and you did. I mean even at the age of five you had this resilience and this self-assurance that I don't know where it came from because God knows you didn't get it from your parents. I was so sure that you would be okay and you were…until that night.
Amber: (Looks at Alex in thought as he continues)
Alex: You had a knife in your stomach and Aaron was in a jail cell and the only thing I could think was 'I have to get out, just do what you have to and get out.' I showed up, I held your hand for ten minutes, shoved pills down mom's throat and put Aaron in the mental hospital and I drove away as fast as I could. I was so desperate to leave that life again that I left you there. I left you when you needed me and because of that I didn't protect you when you needed protection the most. I failed you.
Amber: (Tears up) Alex, you didn't fail me it-
Alex: No, I did…I wasn't in your life and because of that Mance invaded your life and he…
(Alex tears up and leans forward with his head in his hands and sobs letting his guilt wash over him. Amber feels tears streaming down her cheeks as she watches her brother with sadness over how much he blames himself and kneels in front of him face to face)
Alex: (Still leaning in his hands and voice breaking) I don't know if you can ever forgive me Amber. I really don't know if you should…but I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.
Amber: (Voice breaking) Alex…come here.
(Amber hugs Alex and cries into his shoulder)
Amber: (Voice breaking) It's not your fault, none of it was your fault.
(Alex hugs Amber back and continues crying. They hold each other in that yard consoling each other through their pain)
THIS WAS A TEARJERKING CHAPTER I WROTE BUT I HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT AND REVIEWS ARE WELCOME.