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Chapter 36: One Day at a Time

SCENE: ANDREWS APARTMENT

(Amber is in the kitchen making herself coffee when Andrew walks in happy as he dips her and kisses her to her surprise)

Andrew: (Smiles) Good morning. (Brings her back up)

Amber: (Surprised) Morning, you're in a good mood for 6:30 in the morning. What's up?

Andrew: (Happy) Maya and Carina got engaged yesterday.

Amber: (Shocked) What?! Oh my god are you serious, that's amazing!

Andrew: (Chuckles) Yeah it is and the best part is that it was Carina who proposed so you know it's real and not a way to go around ICE.

Amber: Well, that's great and hey I can even come to the wedding with you, it won't be weird at all seeing your sister marrying my ex as long as we're all in the same country.

Andrew: Yeah, well that's gonna have to wait till Carina and I come back from Italy.

Amber: (Disappointed) Wait what? She still has to leave?

Andrew: Yeah, but only for six weeks now until the marriage visa comes through.

Amber: (Groans) Damn you ICE.

Andrew: Yeah I know, I was gonna fill you in last night but it was your first session with that PTSD doc, how did that go by the way?

Amber: Um good we got started on my triggers and breathing exercises I can do when I feel panicked. I have an appointment with that counselor at nine and I want to impress her with the new zen me so I can get back to the fold.

Andrew: Well, hey don't worry there's plenty of work to do over at Italy and the good news is that it won't be indefinitely like we thought.

Amber: (Clears throat) Yeah that's great for you guys. (Door knocks) I'll get it.

(Amber goes to the door and is handed a pink box from a doordash delivery guy)

Amber: (Brings out Tupperware) Okay hopefully these will do the trick, I'll put these in here and carry them to work.

Andrew: (Sees donuts) What's the occasion?

Amber: Well, I told my talk therapist about my guilt over snaping at you and everyone and she suggested that handing out food with an apology could alleviate it.

Andrew: Well, why didn't you ask the twins to help, I mean their muffins easily beat that sugary crap you're packing.

Amber: It would but when I was in full blown breakdown mode, I called Izzie a disease who ruins the lives of everyone she touches and she told me to stay away from the kids. So, I am spending the day walking around the hospital bribing my friends and family with sugary crap so they can love and forgive me again. Izzie is my first stop and I'm hoping the sight of me won't make her slam the door in my face.

Andrew: (Grabs donut) Right well I hope it goes well and I forgive you and love you as I always have.

Amber: (Grins and kisses Andrew) Love you.

Andrew: Love you, call me if you need me.

Amber: I will.

(Amber leaves the apartment with Tupperware. Andrew takes a bite out of the donut and instantly regrets it as he spits it out on a napkin)

TEN MINUTES LATER

SCENE: IZZIE'S HOUSE

(Amber stands in front of the 4-bedroom house in Central District taking a deep breath before putting her mask on and walking to the door. She knocks on it and Eli and Alexis answer the door grinning at seeing her)

Amber: (Happy to see them) Hey you two!

Eli and Alexis: (Smiling) Hi auntie Amber.

Amber: How are you guys? I feel like I haven't seen you in forever.

Alexis: We're good, we just moved in here and our rooms are really big.

Eli: I can make a lego castle in it so big I can sleep inside it.

Amber: (Gasps) Really? Well make room for two then little man. Hey is your mom here? I kind of need to talk to her about something.

Alexis: She's upstairs getting ready to see Aunt Meredith at the hospital with daddy she's getting out today.

Amber: Yeah here's hoping okay I need to talk to her alone so why don't you guys stay down here and wait for me.

CUT TO IZZIE'S BEDROOM

(Izzie paces the room practicing how she's going to greet Meredith)

Izzie: (Grins nervously) Hey Mer remember me? It's Izzie your friend you know the one who's life you saved and who left you a month later without so much as a hug. (Groans) No okay not that one. Hey Mer, it's Izzie first I want to say I'm sorry for not coming to your sister's or your husbands funeral and for not letting Alex know that I used his embryos. Damn it no. Mer…I know you hate me but please don't hate me forever even if you deserve to and-

Amber: (Clears throat)

(Izzie stops and turns around to find Amber in the doorway holding the Tupperware but Izzie is too nervous to care)

Izzie: (Indifferent) Oh it's you, come in and shut the door.

Amber: (Closes door) If you hate me I get it, the things I said the other day were vicious and cruel and unforgivable. You were right when you said that I needed help and I'm getting it and now I am here to fix what I broke and tell you that I am sorry and to ask you to forgive me.

Izzie: (Exhales anxiously and nodding at Amber)

Amber: (Opens Tupperware) I brought donuts…not just as a bribe but as an olive branch towards peace or our versions of peace. What do you say?

Izzie: (Sighs and looks at Amber in sympathy taking a donut) You know you were really mean to me the other day; I mean I've taken swings from Alex but not like that. You've said things that were incredibly hurtful but…I'm forgiving you.

Amber: (Skeptical) Because…?

Izzie: Because unlike me you had a reason to snap at your friends unlike me who left a month after they saved my life. And I only returned at the behest of my ex-husband and not because one of my closest friends was dying of covid. Unlike me you were there and I wasn't and that alone makes you a better person than me.

Amber: I take it you haven't talked to Mer? Say hi?

Izzie: What do you think I was doing when you walked in? I'm trying to find the right words to this reunion after I left and basically said she wasn't enough for me to stay. It's been a decade she probably doesn't even remember me.

Amber: (Smirks) Izzie you could've been gone ten decades and they wouldn't forget you. I mean hell that story of how you went into the locker room filled with your modeling catalogs and stripped telling off all those catcallers is legendary. Have I apologized for my ass of a brother doing that? I'd like to.

Izzie: (Chuckles) We can't choose our family believe me I tried.

Amber: Look just go see her and say your piece hoping she forgives you. I mean look at it this way, my brother forgave you after you left him, nearly bankrupt him and used his embryos behind his back. Why he did I will never know but I'm sure Meredith will do the same.

Izzie: Thanks, I think I might just do that. (Takes a bite out of the donut and groans in disgust) Where did you get this from the garbage?

Amber: I was in a hurry. I chose a donut shop that was closest and open.

Izzie: Well, these aren't gonna get you forgiveness if anything their gonna get you more reasons to hate you. Throw those out and come with me we're making you olive branches that don't taste like actual olive branches.

Amber: I don't want to impose plus I don't want to work the twins like labor workers.

Izzie: No please this keeps them busy plus they miss you and want to hang out with you.

Amber: (Pleased) Yeah sure I'd love to but I have an appointment with the counselor and Bailey in a little bit and I can't be late.

Izzie: Ooh in that case we need to pull out all the stops with Bailey and make her something that'll turn her mood around. Let's go, you can whisk the eggs you can manage that right?

Amber: I whisk with the whisker thing and not the fork.

Izzie: Good girl come on.

(Amber and Izzie leave the room to go to the kitchen)

LATER

SCENE: BREAK TENT

(Andrew walks up to Alex to give him an update on Meredith)

Andrew: Hey, I have Mer's latest spirometry results.

Alex: Please tell me it's good because I have had the worst two weeks of my life and I need something good.

Andrew: (Smiles) Not only is it good but her lung capacity is higher than we'd expect and her sats are consistently in the high 90's.

Alex: (Exhales in relief) Thank God, so is this it? Is she finally going home?

Andrew: As soon as her labs check out she'll be good to go, Perez is already arranging a clap out.

Alex: (Chuckles) Yeah, she's gonna hate that don't tell anyone.

Andrew: (Grins) Got it.

Alex: (Stern) I mean it.

Andrew: I said I got it don't worry she'll be wheeled out with fans screeching like it's an Imagine Dragon's concert. (Starts to walk away)

Alex: DeLuca. (Andrew stops and turns) Thank you for taking care of her, if it wasn't for you, I don't know where she would be.

Andrew: I was just doing my job.

Alex: Bullshit you helped save her life and your gonna take the compliment and not be so modest.

Andrew: (Exhales) Yeah, I guess it's just hard to remember what good news feels like so I don't know how to react. Hopefully this is just the beginning.

Alex: Don't jinx it. Hey, since we're talking about taking care of my family how's Amber been? How's therapy going?

Andrew: Uh she's good, better I think it's just the start so we'll see. Look I want you to know I'm not gonna let her stop going to therapy even when she's in Italy it's virtual so it'll be like it is here. I'm not gonna let my problems interfere with her progress.

Alex: I know she would do the same if it was you, hell she did do the same. Send postcards and maybe some Italian roast, did you get a timeline yet?

Andrew: (Grins) Yeah, it's a month it would've been indefinite but that was before Carina proposed to Maya and she accepted.

Alex: (Eyes wide and grins) Really? Tell them I said congrats and that I'll look into the registry. I take it Amber was happy.

Andrew: Yep, I think she's more overjoyed than one would be finding out their ex got engaged.

Alex: Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that. Wait a minute, why are you still leaving? Maya is an American, isn't she?

Andrew: She is but the marriage visa isn't going through for another six weeks so Carina is flying out next week and me and Amber will follow the next day.

Alex: Well, I'm sure Amber will be ecstatic to take a break from this hellhole and follow you to the covid hotspot.

Andrew: Saddest sentence ever. I gotta go man see you.

Alex: See you.

(Andrew leaves just as Amber comes in wearing her blue blouse, jeans, ankle boots and Andrew's leather jacket carrying the Tupperware with cookies inside it)

Amber: Hey.

Alex: (Grins) Hey good news.

Amber: (Surprised) There's news that's good or news that's not so bad?

Alex: Trust me this is good; Mer is getting discharged tonight. She's finally going home!

Amber: (Smiles) What?! Oh my god that's fantastic I'm so happy for her. Is this happening like really happening?

Alex: Yeah it is finally some good came this year. (Sees Tupperware) What are you carrying?

Amber: Bribes or olive branches I guess it depends on the person. I'm going to see the counselor to get signed off and after I am going around apologizing to people, I have hurt during my breakdown. I brought pumpkin spice snickerdoodles the twins made hoping baked goods will win me back my friends and family. (Opens cover) Here try one see if it'll get me approval points with the chief and not make her fire me.

Alex: (Takes one out and tastes it to his pleasure) Mmm! Only someone with no taste buds would reject this apology train.

Amber: Okay thanks, wish me luck.

Alex: Good luck.

Amber: (Stops) Oh hey talk to Izzie she's nervous about Mer getting out today.

Alex: Why?

Amber: Because she thinks Mer will damn her for life if she walks into that room after walking out on her ten years ago.

Alex: (Nods) Got it, can I have another cookie?

Amber: No these are for people I owe apologies to I did nothing to you.

(Amber leaves Alex disappointed at not having another cookie)

SCENE: MEREDITHS ROOM

(Meredith comes out of the bathroom cautiously startled by Maggie by the door. Bailey, Webber and Alex are in the room too)

Maggie: You still have laps to do.

(Bailey and Webber chuckle)

Meredith: I want to talk about something else. You're all making me feel as if I'm going to drop dead.

(They look at her annoyed by the dark statement)

Meredith: Not that I blame you.

Webber: So, Maggie, uh, when's the big day?

Maggie: Oh, you know, we're still considering our options. 'Cause there's just a lot to plan. We don't want to do anything without his grandma and my dad.

Webber: Oh, right, right. Of course. Mm-hmm.

Bailey: Wait, have you even met Winston?

Meredith: Well, apparently, we've been in the same room together. Yes. Mm-hmm. But only on the phone, so…

Bailey: Pierce locked that down. (They laugh) Well, so did we. He signed a five-year contract.

Meredith: Well, Zola cannot stop talking about his dance moves, so I think he's in. So, what else?

Webber: Um…Jackson's moving to Boston to…run the Fox Foundation.

Alex: (Surprised) Wait seriously? Are we talking about Avery here? The guy hates corporate crap.

Meredith: And what about Catherine?

Webber: It should be interesting.

Bailey: It's sad, is what it is.

Alex: Sad that he's leaving or sad that he's now our boss?

Bailey: Yes.

Meredith: (Chuckles) Okay. Any other tragedies I should know about?

(They all stay silent for a moment until Alex speaks up)

Alex: Can you guys give us a minute?

(Bailey, Webber and Maggie nod and follow suit closing the door and leaving them there)

Alex: (Exhales and sits in a chair next to her) No one died while you were asleep that's not what this is.

Meredith: Okay so what is it?

Alex: (Grim look) I don't know if this is the place I want to tell you.

Meredith: (Stands up) Okay well I still have laps to do, do you want to join me?

(Alex nods and helps her to the door with Bailey and Webber watching)

Bailey: Do you think he'll be okay to tell her? And not ask her how to get away with murder?

Webber: Well it's his sister and he has a right to be angry but he's not that angry kid we had to muzzle anymore. He'll be okay Bailey and so will Amber, I know it those kids have nerves of steel.

Bailey: Amen.

(Bailey gets a page from Amber saying, 'can we talk?')

LATER

SCENE: BAILEY'S OFFICE

(Amber is sitting across from Bailey's desk looking down at her hands rubbing them together trying to find the right words to say. Bailey looks at her patiently as she waits for her to speak)

Amber: (Sighs) …I wish I could say that I didn't mean some of what I said to you. I was angry at you for what you did when I came to you about Erin and you ignored me. I thought in that moment you condemned a girl to suffer what I went through and that made me hate you. I hated you and everyone else I thought worthy of my rage and…I wanted to hurt you; I was trying to hurt you. I did to you what I wanted to do to Mance and that was not fair to you because unlike him you have remorse for what happened. You tried to repent and you did and because of that girls like Erin won't be overlooked again. I told you what happened to me, what Mance did to me and you did everything in your power to get him out and I am grateful to you for that. If I could go back and take back what I said I would but I can't. All I can do is look at you and tell you that I am sorry and that I am doing my best to get out of that dark place I almost lost myself in. I have quiet borderline personality disorder and PTSD and what you saw that day that was the disease it was not me. This thing that I have brought out all that hate and cruelty that has festered in my mind since I was two and that is not me. They're not the real me. The real me is the person that you hired, the real me is the person sitting here now. And that person is here to tell you…I'm sorry, please forgive me. Please believe me and please give me a chance to show you that I am facing my problems and not running from them…or bringing anyone else down with me.

Bailey: (Inhales and exhales) …You're going to therapy?

Amber: (Nods) Twice a week.

Bailey: Good, I'm not firing you for what this thing told me. And as long as your taking care of yourself and stopping it from happening again…you can start back at work tomorrow. And I forgive you.

Amber: (Exhales in relief) Thank you.

(Amber stands up and turns to walk away but remembers something and turns to face Bailey)

Bailey: Anything else?

Amber: (Swallows) I uh…I want you to pull my request for a transfer to Paolo Calvino in Italy.

Bailey: (Looks up surprised) You changed your mind about leaving?

Amber: (Sighs) I need to work my program and part of that is stopping my pattern of running from my trauma. Me going to Italy will disrupt that so…I'm staying.

Bailey: (Nods) Does DeLuca know?

Amber: (Looks down in guilt and shakes her head)

Bailey: I'm not gonna stick my nose in your bedroom but I am gonna tell you to be honest with him about what you need and hope he supports your decision like you supported him during his mental crisis. That's all Karev, thanks for the cookies.

(Amber nods and leaves the office with the Tupperware. Bailey eats the cookies in satisfaction)

LATER

SCENE: SURGICAL FLOOR

(Alex helps Meredith walk around the floor explaining what happened while she was asleep)

Meredith: She was there when he came to the hospital?

Alex: (Nods sadly) Yeah he talked to her, he threatened her like he didn't make her life hell enough. After that she told us and…I reacted.

Meredith: (Sighs) How?

Alex: I beat him up in the middle of the hospital in front of everyone and told him I would kill him.

Meredith: Well this certainly brings back memories I'm not fond of.

Alex: DeLuca was innocent this guy…he knew my sister didn't have a family back then and he saw an opportunity. This son of a bitch walked around like he owned the place and my sister excuse me for wanting to set his fucked up head straight.

Meredith: Or rip his head off all together. At least tell me you're not going to trial again.

Alex: Telling the cops would mean asking questions and more specifically asking why I punched him and he wouldn't want his starling image to be tainted. But Amber took care of that, she told some journalists what happened and they published an article calling Mance out and hopefully get an investigation going. By the time that happened Mance would incriminate himself further by pressing charges on the brother of one of his victims.

Meredith: How many are there?

Alex: So far 7 women came forward and the higher the number goes the more I get sick. And the more I feel ashamed that I made some decisions back then that put me at the same level as Mance.

Meredith: (Stern) Alex Karev you are 100 times the man that stain of humanity will ever be. You care about people and you've never raped anyone.

Alex: (Guilty) No I just pressed myself against you in my intern year like a dog trying to hump a small poodle. And two weeks later I put pictures of Izzie in her underwear all over the hospital. And I gave a nurse syphilis. And during those Evil Spawn misogynistic days I had a 10-year-old little sister back home no doubt trying to avoid the harassment I inflicted on other women. Are you gonna tell me I'm any better than Mance?

Meredith: Yes, and so would Amber, she and I were around during those points in your life and we see how hard you worked to change yourself and be the person you've always been. You've always been this person Alex you just put a façade for an audience, Mance on the other hand is a bastard through and through. So don't you even dare compare yourself to him because you couldn't be more wrong and stupid.

Alex: (Grins) God, I missed you. You have no idea how good it feels to hear your voice and to tell you all the things wrong with my life.

Meredith: Well, that's what I'm here for, anything good happen while I was under?

Alex: Yeah actually, the twins are here…and Izzie.

Meredith: (Surprised) Izzie? Izzie is here?

Alex: Yep, here in the state and the hospital. I told her with covid and everything I wanted us to be closer together so we can be a family and she said yes. She's a surgical oncologist now and she just got a house.

Meredith: Wow, you two are really serious about this. What does Jo think about this?

Alex: Uh she's good with it actually. The twins love her and she loves them and she and Izzie are actually getting along…it's weird.

Meredith: (Grins) We're you expecting them to fight over you in a pool of mud?

Alex: Well-

Meredith: Nope don't answer that Evil Spawn.

Alex: (Chuckles) No I'm glad that things are going smooth, even with all that's going on with Amber I feel like things are looking up family wise and with you finally getting out.

Meredith: Everything's coming up Karev. Where is Izzie, is she here?

Alex: No, she's back home she was here when you woke up though and she was so happy. I think it was the first time I've seen her that happy since she started working here.

Meredith: Okay and when is she coming by?

Alex: …She's nervous over what your gonna say and thinks she doesn't deserve to be back in your life. She's worried you're gonna call her out and blame her for leaving in the first place.

(Meredith looks at Alex surprised as they stand in the middle of the hallway)

LATER

SCENE: OB FLOOR

(Amber looks around and finally finds Carina by the station and approaches her)

Amber: Hey, I heard the good news congratulations. I still can't believe you proposed to Maya. I mean I thought I would be more likely to get married first than you.

Carina: (Smiles) Grazie mille, I didn't think I would get married either but I love Maya and I would rather do something I don't want to than lose her. Are you gonna come to the wedding? I know Andrea would want to come with you but if you don't feel comfortable that's fine too.

Amber: (Sarcastic) Why wouldn't I feel comfortable watching my ex-girlfriend marry my boyfriend's sister? Seriously though I'm happy for you and Maya and if you set a date send me an invite and I'll RSVP.

Carina: Okay thank you. Is there anything else you need from me?

Amber: Um actually I came by to apologize to you over what I said the other day when you came to check up on me.

Carina: It's okay you don't have to apologize.

Amber: No I do, not just as a step for my therapy but as a way to mend what I tried to break. You were trying to help me and instead I opened old wounds and used them against you and for that I am so sorry. I hope you can forgive me for being horrible and I hope we can move on from that low point in my life.

Carina: (Grins gratefully) Bella I'm marrying your ex-girlfriend I think we're even now.

Amber: (Chuckles) Well when you put it like that, I don't know why I should apologize. Are we good now? I brought cookies to help you with that.

Carina: (Interested) Ooh bring two to my office and I'll fully forgive you, thank you.

Amber: Okay great I'll do just that, congratulations again.

LATER

SCENE: MEREDITH'S ROOM

(Meredith and Alex wait patiently on the bed)

Alex: Don't you think this is just a little bit cruel?

Meredith: I almost died I'm allowed to be a bit cruel and in any case this might ease her guilt. You texted what I told you?

Alex: Yep even though it's probably gonna get me killed.

(Izzie bursts in through the door in her casual clothes and mask)

Izzie: (Frantic) I got your text what happ-

(Izzie freezes on the spot as she sees Meredith awake and waving at her with a grin on her face)

Meredith: Hi Izzie.

Izzie: (Wide eyed) Meredith y-your okay but I thought-Alex texted me that your sats dropped and…Mer I know your angry about how I left and I don't blame you. I just want you to know first of all that I'm so-

(Izzie doesn't finish her sentence as Meredith quickly rushes over and gives her a hug startling her. Izzie feels tears in her eyes before wrapping her arms around Meredith and hugging her back)

Alex: Uh six feet?

Meredith: No.

Alex: Okay.

(Alex looks on as they continue to hug with the three of them reunited at last)

LATER

SCENE: SURGICAL FLOOR

(Amber spots Sara Ortiz by the station and approaches her)

Amber: Ortiz, can I talk to you for a minute?

Sara: (Scared) Dr. Karev, I am very sorry for what I did last week, it was stupid and reckless and I will do better next time.

Amber: I'm glad to hear that but I'm not here to admonish you again I'm here to apologize. (Sara is taken back) You needed a kick in the ass not an assault and I overreacted that day. I was angry and it had nothing to do with you and I took it out on you and you did not deserve that. I am trying to be better so I'm here to say that I am sorry and I hope we can move forward.

Sara: Does this mean you're not gonna yell at us anymore?

Amber: Only if you really deserve it.

Sara: So…does that mean we're friends?

Amber: (Stern) Don't push it, take a cookie and forgive me.

Sara: (Scared) Yes ma'am. And I forgive you ma'am.

(Sara takes a cookie and eats it to her pleasure. Amber walks away from her and runs into Andrew who grins at her)

Andrew: Are you going soft on the interns now?

Amber: Only the ones I verbally abused.

Andrew: Your gonna need more cookies then.

Amber: Oh shut up do you want a cookie or not? I owe you a real bribe and not a stale donut.

Andrew: (Shrugs and takes a cookie and bites it) Mmm! Oh my god these are amazing!

Amber: Thank you Eli and Alexis made them. Izzie figured that I needed an upgrade and she offered to make some for me.

Andrew: So, I take it you two made up then?

Amber: Yeah, I mean it helps that she's worried about what Meredith will do when she sees her. I mean those three have a history I don't fully know about. I wonder if it's the same with me and Levi and Helm.

Andrew: I wouldn't know since I was in college when those three were kicking ass back then. Hey uh is it true that Izzie cut an LVAD wire for her boyfriend so he could get a transplant?

Amber: Yeah, definitely as bad as you made it sound worse in fact since Mer and Alex were in on it. And back when I hated her guts I would've reported her but then that would get this hospital under scrutiny with UNOS and branding me a hateful psycho forever.

Andrew: Well, reporting it is one thing but doing it is another story.

Amber: True (Groans) let's stop talking about the past, talk about something else.

Andrew: Okay well I was thinking that when we get to Italy, we could take a road trip just the two of us. I could take you to the beach, my mom took me and Carina before we left or maybe Venice, the water is cleaner than ever that's an upside to this pandemic.

Amber: Um yeah maybe, I-I have to go I have more cookies and more people to apologize to. I'll see you tonight bye.

Andrew: Okay bye.

(Amber turns around and leaves with a frown agonizing over avoiding the touchy topic of going to Italy with Andrew)

LATER

SCENE: MEREDITH'S ROOM

(Meredith and Izzie sit across from each other on the bed catching up as they drink water with Alex standing by them)

Izzie: Meredith I am so sorry about Derek. I know how hard it is to lose the man you love so suddenly. How are you?

Meredith: I miss him every day…but I try to move forward and be there for the kids it's what he would want me to do.

Izzie: (Grins) Oh my god the kids, I can't even believe that you are a mom now. I mean back then I pictured you as the last person out of all of us to have kids well, next to Cristina that is. How is she by the way? Is she here?

Alex: No, she's in Switzerland. She's running the top cardiothoracic research center in the world.

Izzie: (Chuckles) Of course she is although I find it odd a chaotic person like her is in a peaceful country like Switzerland.

Meredith: Well, I'm sure it's turned chaotic with her there.

(They laugh)

Izzie: Wow I guess I missed a lot huh? I mean when Alex called he told me you went to jail.

Alex: It's been a decade you practically missed everything, not just including Mer turning into a criminal.

Meredith: Well, you saw the inside of a cell before I did hypocrite.

Izzie: (Shocked) What?! You got arrested? For what?

Alex: (Wants to avoid it) It doesn't matter it was years ago.

Izzie: (To Meredith) Quick tell me.

Meredith: Felony assault he beat up an intern after he walked in on him on top of Jo when she was passed out. Let's just say he let his fists do the talking and DeLuca looked worse for wear that night.

Izzie: (Chokes on her water) What? DeLuca? As in Andrew? As in your sister's boyfriend? You beat him up?

Alex: (Pinches the bridge of his nose) He wasn't her boyfriend then, hell it was before she even came here. It was the wrong place and wrong time.

Izzie: It was wrong regardless, Jesus your sister must be really good in the sack to get him to handle her being related to you.

Meredith: (Chuckles) I know right? I mean you slept with him even after he cheated so it could be genetic.

Alex: (Disgusted) Can we stop comparing my skills in bed to my baby sisters? I used to give her baths for God sakes.

Izzie: Not recently, I hope. Okay, so jail time for both of you what else did I miss?

Meredith: Um Bailey became chief as you know. Webber married Jackson Avery's mom, Alex and I became head of general and peds, the hospital went through a civil war, we almost went under after the plane crash Derek, Cristina and I survived…Mark and Lexie didn't survive, that's why we renamed the hospital Grey Sloan.

Izzie: (Sad) I'm so sorry you guys I…I can't even imagine what that was like.

Meredith: Well, you lost George so I think you can.

Izzie: We all lost him…I miss them.

Meredith: Me too.

Alex: (Nostalgic) Yeah, they would have found some way to find some joy in this dark as hell world.

Meredith: (Nods) They really would. I missed this too, the three of us here. It feels like old times.

Izzie: (Chuckles nostalgically) Right old times back when we had eating contests and we had sex all over the hospital and our panties were hung up like they were Christmas trees.

Meredith: (Chuckles) Oh god, back when times were simpler.

Alex: And joyful, now we'll be lucky to see the end of this year. (Groans) Sorry I'm being the downer aren't I?

Izzie: It wouldn't feel like old times if you weren't.

(They all chuckle before Jackson comes in wearing a mask)

Jackson: Hey I heard there was an OG party in here. I know I came a little late but I figured I could come.

Izzie: Sure why not, I mean I don't really know you but you were technically here longer than me so I guess that earns you points.

Meredith: (Chuckles and stands up) Okay all of you help me pack and you tell me where you've been the last week.

Jackson: Okay well it started last week.

LATER

SCENE: RESIDENTS LOUNGE

(Amber sits on the couch eating a cookie when Levi walks in after his surgery)

Levi: Hey, how did the counselor go?

Amber: Good it was good I'm signed off and I'm going back to work tomorrow. I still have to do therapy but it's not as bad as I thought it would be.

Levi: (Sits next to her) That's great, well I had a good day too I think. I assisted Koracick on a thrombectomy. How I got it was not so good.

Amber: Why is that?

Levi: Helm is…it's like she's using all her energy just to stand let alone work. Have you talked to her lately?

Amber: No, I've been pretty busy with my own problems and apologizing to people and giving them cookies. That reminds me (Holds Tupperware to Levi) I'm sorry for lashing out at you please take this cookie and forgive me.

Levi: (Takes cookie) How many of these did you give out?

Amber: So much that I'm sure I'm sorry is my new catchphrase. It's a good thing my ex-sister-in-law has a lot of ingredients at home otherwise I would run out of bribes by morning. What's up with Taryn?

Levi: She is having a hard time I think she's burnt out.

Amber: It's to be expected, I mean we didn't expect to be doing this during the prime of our residency.

Levi: Same. I was so ready to start doing surgeries or at the very least do more than suction.

Amber: Please Pierce promised to let me do a solo ICD but now I'm lucky to have a beating heart in the ward at all. I'm thinking of taking my boyfriend's lithium just because I feel like I am losing my mind.

Levi: Do you mind sharing? (Amber grins) What are we gonna do? I mean we're all suffering but Taryn…it's bad.

Amber: (Nods sympathetically) You know Meredith, Alex and Izzie were like us. They were in the same class, the same group and under the same resident. I hear stories of how those three and Yang and O'Malley were always competing for the best surgeries and just trying to survive their first year. They all practically took turns sleeping with attendings and then marrying them.

Levi: (Grins nostalgically) They sound just like us.

Amber: Yeah, they were…minus the whole cutting an LVAD wire and covering it up.

Levi: Well, you covered up Grey's insurance fraud.

Amber: I didn't know at the time you idiot…they were there for each other through thick and thin, illegal or legal, through losing friends to promotion or buses. They were there for each other and we need to do the same now, especially now.

Levi: What do you have in mind?

Amber: (Sighs) I'll let you know when I think of it, come on we need to get ready for Grey's clap out.

(Levi and Amber stand up and walk out of the room)

LATER

SCENE: MEREDITH'S ROOM

(Alex and Izzie help Meredith pack while Jackson explains why he's leaving to them)

Meredith: So, you're ditching us?

Jackson: Well, I mean, in fairness, I saved you. So anything after this is really gonna feel like a letdown anyway.

Izzie: (Chuckles) Right, because that was all you.

Jackson: I mean, Altman kind of helped out. I think I recall Bailey and Richard being there now and then.

Alex: Plus DeLuca and Amber who both went out of their way when I was MIA.

Jackson: Yeah those two too but I did-I did the heavy lifting, mostly.

Meredith: Do you know how cold it gets in Boston?

Jackson: Yes, Meredith. I did spend the first 18 years of my life there.

Alex: What is it with you and the weather in Boston?

Meredith: I'm just making sure he knows what he's in for. Well, good luck finding any racism. (They chuckle) So, what's first on the agenda?

Jackson: Making sure the girls are settled in, happy.

Meredith: And then change the world?

Jackson: And then change the world.

Alex: I give you a month.

Izzie: (Slaps his arm) Alex!

Alex: What? I'm happy for him I'm just finding it hard to see him as the big boss. I mean he's been denying his last name since I met him. We didn't even know about his crown till his bastard, rapist, piece of shit grandfather came by the hospital. (Jackson looks at Alex with a raised eyebrow) What, I'm calling it like I see it.

Jackson: It's fine, I have a daughter so I know what it's like to detest men like that who did that to other girls. I heard about your sister, I'm really sorry. How is she doing?

Alex: She's okay, she's going to therapy and she's better I think.

Izzie: It's true she apologized for calling me every awful name in the book and I even made her cookies for bribes. I made enough for the whole hospital just in case.

Meredith: That's probably a good call…so we win.

Izzie: What?

Alex: Come again?

Jackson: (Confused) How's that?

Meredith: (Points at the three of them) We're the last ones left standing. We were the only ones left from our residency class. Everyone else has either abandoned us or died. We're the only one's left.

Jackson: You think they're giving out a medal for that? I could-I could stick around.

Meredith: (Chuckles) They probably should, because it sucks.

Izzie: It sounds like it does.

Alex: It does you came back late so you don't know what it was like for the three of us.

Jackson: Yeah, that is true you're a last minute candidate so you don't count.

Izzie: (Rolls eyes) I think I'm gonna miss you least of all.

Meredith: (Grins) Did I ever tell you what I thought the first time I met you?

Jackson: Oh, God. Um…"legacy hire," probably. Or "Is he single?" maybe?

Meredith: No.

Alex: Dude come on.

Jackson: No. No, no, no, "legacy hire" is what I... Is what I meant, yeah.

Meredith: I thought, "That's a big name to live up to."

Izzie: I mean, you would know, that's what I thought the first time I met you.

Jackson: I honestly can't imagine a time when the name wasn't ruined.

Alex: Well it's always been ruined in my opinion.

Meredith: It isn't ruined. It took some well-deserved hits, and you are making it your own. You're reinventing it. I'm impressed.

Alex: (Sighs) I guess if anyone's gonna make that name a god status again it would be you.

Jackson: (Teasing) Well, don't give up hope. There's still plenty of time for you to make something of your life, kid.

Alex: Oh shut up.

Meredith: (Chuckles) Okay, now you can go.

Jackson: I guess this is, uh…the real thing, huh? This is it.

Meredith: You're not gonna come to my clap-out?

Izzie: (Wide eyes) Wh-What clap out?

Jackson: How do you know about the clap-out?

Meredith: Are you two new here? No one can keep a secret. I mean, I know it's become a tradition, but it really feels-

Alex: It's a little too much. I know.

Meredith: Yeah. I mean, I survived, and so many people haven't and won't. And not because I did anything special. Just because I'm lucky and I have the privilege of great health care. I should be applauding the people who took care of me.

Alex: You know this last month has been hell for me without you.

Izzie: Me too. I mean the least you deserve is some applause for beating the impossible.

Jackson: This place almost broke with you sick, so maybe let them celebrate a win, huh?

Meredith: Yeah. It just feels…

Jackson: I feel you, but none of them are gonna stop. They're all gonna be there. I'll be there. I just didn't want that to be our, uh…I-I didn't want it to be our goodbye.

Meredith: I don't want this to be our big goodbye.

Jackson: (Stands up with nostalgic sadness)

Alex: Give them hell man.

Meredith: For all of our sakes and not just the Avery name.

Izzie: Promise me you'll cure cancer.

Jackson: (Chuckles) Yeah, I will…thanks for showing me how to give them hell.

(Jackson leaves the room with the three of them looking at him proudly. Amber walks inside and grins at Amber)

Amber: Hey, how are you?

Meredith: I'm great, I'm better than great but you should stay away from me if you've been in the covid ward.

Amber: No I'm clean I swear I just…

Izzie: What is it?

Amber: (Sighs) My friends and I are burning out from covid and you three have survived the residency turmoil with your sanity intact…I need to know how you did that, please.

Meredith: …Let me see your playlists.

(Alex and Izzie grin nostalgically at Meredith while Amber looks at them confused)

LATER THAT NIGHT

SCENE: BREEZEWAY

(Amber and Andrew stand by the entrance with the other attendings, residents, nurses and friends ready to clap out Meredith. Bailey comes out)

Bailey: Okay, okay. Okay. Folks, I know we're excited, but you're gonna spoil the surprise. So let's keep it down until Perez wheels her out. Okay? (Sneaks a peek and quickly comes back) Okay, here she is. Get ready, get ready!

(They all clap and cheer as Perez comes out with an empty wheelchair causing the applause to die down)

Perez: Fair. Fair.

Bailey: What happened?

Perez: Uh, Dr. Grey is not in her room, and all of her things are gone.

(Amber and Andrew look at each other in amusement while Hayes laughs)

Hayes: Nice one, Grey. Brilliant. Evening, everybody.

Bailey: Where the hell is she?

CUT TO PARKING LOT

(Meredith is being wheeled out laughing with Alex steering)

Alex: (Chuckles) I'm pretty sure we're supposed to leave these chairs by the entrance.

Meredith: This is so much more fun.

(Izzie parks the car by them with Jackson at the driver seat)

Izzie: (Smiles) Your chariot.

Jackson: We figured we'd be here to drive you instead of letting Karev do all the work.

Alex: (Chuckles) Okay come on let's get you the hell out of here.

(Alex helps Meredith get in the backseat with Izzie driving and Jackson in the passenger seat. Alex gets in the other side of the backseat and closes the door)

Izzie: You good?

Meredith: Take me home.

(Izzie smiles and drives them out)

LATER

SCENE: PARKING LOT

(Amber and Andrew walk side by side ready to leave)

Andrew: Well, that's one clap out we won't forget, that's for sure.

Amber: Yeah, Dr. Grey is not one to celebrate in a traditional way. But at least we get credit where credit is due for saving her life so that's something. We should get a trophy or something.

Andrew: (Chuckles) I'll settle for a vaccine if that's the prize. For now we can settle for a quiet night in, watching The Godfather and me telling you what's accurate and not accurate about that movie when we get to Italy.

Amber: (Stops walking) Andrew…we need to talk.

Andrew: (Stops and turns to face her) Okay, talk about what?

Amber: …I love you, I love you so much…but-no not but, and I can't go to Italy with you.

Andrew: (Confused) What? Why?

Amber: (Swallows) …I ran from my home when I was 20 because I couldn't face what my family did to me. I ran from New York three years ago because I couldn't face what Mance did to me. And now…I'm doing it again only this time it's to another country. I wanted to go so I could support you but now it's an escape and I can't run again. I can't keep doing this, I need to stop it and face it; I need to get better. And the only way that can happen is if I stay here and work my program so I don't go back in that hole again.

Andrew: (Sad but understands) …Okay, yeah I get it more than get it, I've been there and I understand that you need to do this. We can do this, we can do long distance, I mean Zoom is popular and I'm sure we can do those online games from two different countries. It's only six weeks and I'll be back and we can face this together again.

Amber: (Looks at him touched) …You don't have to do that if you don't want to.

Andrew: What are you talking about?

Amber: (Sniffles) Andrew when you were sick my first instinct was to run and if Carina hadn't caught me I would be in Ohio or some other far away place. I ran because I didn't want to burden myself with your problems and I made that perfectly clear when I didn't visit you when you were in treatment.

Andrew: I never held that against you, I mean with all the crap your mom and brother threw at you it's a wonder you're still standing.

Amber: Yeah, and your dad did the same and here you are trying to fix me despite me being awful to you. I think…I think maybe some time apart might be good for you and you can figure out if this is what you want.

Andrew: (Frustrated) What have I ever said or done that would make you think otherwise? How many times do I have to tell you I want to be with you? How many times are we gonna push each other away?

Amber: (Voice breaks) I'm not pushing you away I'm giving you time to consider that maybe there's something better for you out there something that's not gonna drag you down. Even if I get better this will always hang over my head and be a part of me and I have to learn to live with that. Andrew, you've barely had enough time to breathe let alone consider if I am what you want in your life like I considered what I always knew for weeks.

Andrew: (Sad) Why are you doing this to me?

Amber: I'm not doing anything to you, I'm doing something for you, I'm giving you a chance here. Andrew we're not married, we don't have kids, there's nothing tying you to me for the rest of your life. You have a choice to not be in my life and…I guess I'm saying I love you enough to understand if when you come back you would take it. I don't want to be an anchor drowning you and you can't be my salvation either, I have to be that for me from now on. If we have even a little bit of a chance this is the only way, I'm sorry.

(Amber kisses Andrew's cheek and walks away from him as they are both saddened by what happened)

LATER

SCENE: LEVI AND TARYN'S LOFT

(Amber enters the loft exhausted and heartbroken. She finds Taryn lying on her side on the couch with Levi next to her worriedly)

Amber: (Sighs) What's wrong?

Taryn: (Sad) I used to pretend my, uh, stuffed animals were sick and bandage them up. I never wanted to be a singer or a superhero. It was always this. And now all I think about is leaving and never coming back…I don't know what happened to me.

Levi: It was more death than we thought it would be.

Amber: (Sighs as she realizes she needs to do it) Damn it.

(Amber gets her boots off, pulls out her phone and connects it to the Bluetooth speaker)

Amber: I can't believe I'm doing this.

(Amber plays I Lived by OneRepublic and starts to dance with Levi looking at her confused and Taryn sits up looking at her strangely as well)

Levi: What is this?

Amber: (Keeps dancing) Get up we're dancing it out come on.

Taryn: Oh god really?

Amber: Yes really it's either this or we cry now get up!

(Taryn groans and Levi helps her get up as they start to dance in the middle of the loft with Amber starting to get the hang of it grinning)

Taryn: (Still grumpy as she dances) This is stupid.

Amber: (Dancing) So let it be stupid come on put your back into it Helm!

(Taryn starts to grin as she dances more vigorously as does Levi and soon the three of them end up dancing it out together)


I HOPE THIS CHAPTER WAS NOSTALGIC FOR YOU GUYS. DONT WORRY THE BREAK WON'T LAST I SWEAR THERE WILL BE A HAPPY ENDING FOR AMBREW JUST WAIT AND SEE.