MERRY CHRISTMAS! IN HONOR OF THE SEASON OF GIVING I'M GONNA GIVE YOU GUYS TWO CHAPTERS TODAY HOEPFULLY I FINISH THE ENXT CHAPTER, THE CHRISTMAS CHAPTER, BY MIDNIGHT SO PRAY FOR ME. IN THE MEANTIME ENJOY THIS CHAPTER WHERE ALEX AND JO FINALLY HAVE THEIR BABY AND ANDREW AND AMBER BABYSIT THE TWINS. ENJOY AND REVIEWS ARE WELCOME.
Chapter 47: A New Life
NOVEMBER 10, 2020
SCENE: BREAK TENT OUTSIDE THE HOSPITAL
(During their lunch break Andrew and Amber go over potential wedding bakeries on Amber's laptop while Izzie is at the end of the table eating her salad)
Andrew: Are you really okay with doing the millefoglie for the centerpiece? I mean my dad and sister insist we go with the classic Italian cake tradition but I can talk them out of it.
Amber: (Eyebrow raised) It's a thousand-layer cake filled with crème and topped with powdered sugar, what makes you think I would say no to that?
Andrew: (Chuckles) I don't know aversion to tradition maybe?
Amber: Well, I love it and look here's Princi's their Italian and maybe we can get cannoli's from them too.
Izzie: (Shakes her head) Princi's is just bells and whistles. A wedding cake is supposed to taste as good as it looks otherwise the guests will regret accepting your invite.
Andrew: Okay not Princi's then, how about Le Panier?
Izzie: Oh no Le Panier is really expensive and they don't make enough for the guests.
Amber: (Groans) We suck at this, let's just spend the rest of our lunch break getting eloped at city hall.
Andrew: And hear both of our families giving us grief for the rest of our lives? Are you really willing to do that to me?
Amber: Come on, we'll survive and they'll get over it.
Andrew: Are you still pissed at Alex for not inviting you to his first wedding?
Izzie: (Chimes on) Well to be fair I was dying and I didn't even know she existed.
Andrew: Even so, she never stops bringing it up. Look we got this we're both surgeons we save lives this shouldn't be so hard. Let's just hire a wedding planner like I suggested.
Amber: The closest wedding boutique that's open is Tacoma and I am way too busy to drive an hour there and an hour back. (Sighs) Do you think our families would be okay with a drive by chapel and wine at our house after?
Izzie: I can do it.
(Andrew and Amber stop and look at Izzie confused)
Andrew and Amber: What?
Izzie: (Stands up and goes to them) I can plan your wedding if you want me to and I'll be free of charge and close for discussion.
Amber: Aren't you busy with your job and the kids?
Izzie: The kids spend half their time with Alex and Jo and the oncology floor is thin on patients. I have plenty of time.
Andrew: Um…thanks Izzie but this is something for professionals and your-
Izzie: The woman who planned the Grey-Shepherd turned Karev-Stevens wedding of the century that I planned on my own in bed while I was undergoing high dose I-L 2. Ask anyone Bailey, Webber they will tell you it was magical. And if I did that while I was basically dead imagine what I can do right now with your wedding.
(Amber and Andrew look at each thinking over Izzie's offer)
Izzie: You don't have to decide anything right now just let me know if it's a yes and give me a date and a budget and we'll get started.
(Izzie leaves them to go back to work)
Andrew: Okay I know what you're thinking but hear me out, we suck at planning and Izzie's already done this before and-
Amber: Let's do it.
Andrew: Come on don't throw this opportunity away, how many chances are we gonna get a free wedding planner and… (Realizes what she said) Wait did you just say yes?
Amber: Yeah, we're stumped and google isn't much help you make it seem like I would immediately say no.
Andrew: Well honey it's Izzie and you've always called her the bane of your existence.
Amber: Well the bane of my existence just offered to plan our wedding and I'm not stupid. If I promise not to give her our wedding, can we just let her, do it?
Andrew: (Relieved) Oh god I think I just fell in love with you all over again.
(Amber grins at Andrew)
LATER
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S HOUSE
(Nick gets back from the night shift exhausted and plops face down on the couch ready to sleep when a 35-weeks pregnant Jo walks in and spots him)
Jo: (Panicking voice) Nick?
Nick: (Tired) What is it?
Jo: It's time!
Nick: (Wide awake) Huh?
(Nick gets up and runs to Jo tripping along the way)
Nick: It's time? Like it's time time?
Jo: Well, I feel a cramping sensation and my water broke yeah I'd say it's time time.
Nick: (Shocked in place) Okay, okay just breath, breath.
Jo: I am breathing, I didn't pack my birthing bag cam.
Nick: (Groans) Okay stay here I'm gonna pack the stuff.
Jo: Where would I possibly go?
(Nick runs upstairs and frantically grabs a garbage bag from the closet. He goes to Alex and Jo's room and gets spare clothes and toiletries in a hurry before heading downstairs. Eli and Alexis watch him from their room viewing the show in amusement)
Nick: (Panicking) Okay I got all the stuff now I just need to find the keys to my truck. (Checks key bowl and groans) Where are the keys?!
Jo: (Calm) Isn't your jeep in the shop?
Nick: Right and I carpooled with Herrera. Okay think, think think oh! Uber, well take an uber!
Jo: Nick we can't take an uber it collects germs on a daily basis, and I am in labor!
Nick: (Frustrated) We don't have a choice because your having the baby!
Jo: (Stops acting) Actually I'm not.
Nick: (Looks at her confused) …What?
(Jo grins mischievously at Nick who looks and sees the twins coming down grinning at him)
Eli: I told you he would crack.
Jo: (Chuckles) Yeah you did I owe you five bucks.
(Nick looks at all three of them in anger as he understands what's happening)
FIVE MINUTES LATER
(After putting the stuff away Nick comes downstairs and glares at Jo who grins at him from the armchair)
Nick: (Sits on the couch) That was a dirty trick.
Jo: It was a test because you need to be ready in case the baby comes and Alex isn't here.
Nick: (Still mad) I knew it was a bad idea to move in with my brother and his pregnant wife.
Jo: (Chuckles) Okay I'll make it up to you by making you a tea and not testing you while you sleep like I planned.
(Jo stands up to make the tea and laughs)
Nick: What's so funny?
Jo: You tried to put me in an uber and you didn't think of the twins who you would've left behind if this was real.
Nick: (Frustrated) I had a night shift and I'm tired.
Jo: Dude you need to be ready. (Leaves the room)
Nick: Oh I'll be ready!
NOVEMBER 25, 2020
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S HOUSE
(Nick yawns as he walks downstairs to get coffee. He fills his mug full of coffee when Jo rushes in 37 weeks pregnant appearing disheveled)
Jo: (Panting) Nick it's time!
(Nick calmly puts his mug down and goes to the closet grabbing their birthing bag)
Jo: (Impressed) Excellent.
Nick: (Calm) And I borrowed this from the station.
(Nick goes out in the hall and gets a wheelchair out)
Jo: (Chuckles) Now that is very good.
Nick: Have a seat. I have my very roomy jeep parked out front.
Jo: (Sits in the wheelchair) Wow I gotta say you're doing better than you did the last time my 'water broke'.
Nick: (Wheels her) Well I learned my lesson the last time when I tried to get you a uber and a bunch of clothes in a plastic bag. So just we're clear are you actually in labor?
Jo: No this was another test and you aced it.
Nick: (Stops the wheelchair) Thank you.
(Jo stands up to go to the kitchen when Nick realizes something)
Nick: Wait a minute, what happens if you go into labor and Alex isn't here and I'm not here?
(Jo has an inquiring look on her face and grins as she comes up with another test)
LATER
SCENE: ANDREW AND AMBER'S HOUSE
(Andrew and Amber plop their king mattress on their new bedframe in their mostly empty house filled with dozens of boxes and scattered furniture)
Andrew: (Exhales) Okay we got the bed that's good now we just have…everything else we need to unpack to make this our home.
Amber: (Chuckles) Babe at this point a bed is all I need to survive. And wine. (Lays down on the bed) Oooh that is so good, feel this it's like a cloud.
Andrew: (Lays down next to her and moans) Oh yeah that is nice, remind me to let you pick the mattress from now on.
Amber: (Moves to lie on top of him) Now it's time for us to break it in.
Andrew: Not too much though it's very expensive.
(They start to kiss when Amber's phone rings causing them to pause)
Andrew: (Sighs) Alex?
Amber: (Annoyed) Going by the timing I'd say so. (Answers phone) Yeah? …What? You need me right now? …O-Okay I'll be there in ten minutes bye. (Hangs up and stands up) Jo needs me. She says it's an emergency and Alex is in surgery. Don't break in the new bed without me.
Andrew: No promises.
(Amber chuckles and kisses Andrew before heading out of the house)
TEN MINUTES LATER
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S HOUSE
(Amber walks inside the house to find Jo breathing heavily on the couch)
Amber: This better be good Andrew and I were about to christen our new bed.
Jo: (Clutching her stomach) It's time.
Amber: (Confused) Time for what?
Jo: (Glares at Amber and widens her eyes)
Amber: (Realizes and her eyes widen) Oh, oh! It's time! Oh my god, okay let's get you to the hospital.
(Amber helps Jo stands up as she pants)
Amber: Come on, my car is out front, how are you feeling?
Jo: Uh fine my water broke.
Amber: (Stops them) Okay no leather seats let me get a towel.
(Amber runs to the hallway closet scattering the objects inside frantically looking for a towel)
Jo: Amber, I don't think there's time.
Amber: There is time!
Jo: The baby is coming!
Amber: (Still searching) The baby is not coming! Just cross your legs!
Jo: (Grins amused out of her view) Cross my legs?
Amber: (Closes closet door) Yeah like you should've done eight months ago, where are the towels?!
Jo: Did you check the bathroom?
Amber: Bathroom!
(Amber runs to the bathroom not seeing Jo look at Nick and the twins viewing the disaster from the stairs trying not to laugh and give themselves away. Amber runs out with a towel and grabs her purse)
Amber: I got it! Okay I have a towel; I have my car keys let's go-
(Amber trips and falls on the floor with a shriek. She drops her keys that skid across the floor and end up down the heating vent on the floor)
Amber: (Gasps and crawls to the vent) No, no, no!
(Amber looks down in the vent in shock as Nick and the twins come down. Jo laughs hysterically at the scene with Alexis next to her smiling)
Jo: (To Alexis) Wow you totally called it.
Alexis: Auntie Amber isn't good under pressure.
(Amber looks at Jo confused and looks to Nick and Eli who chuckle and fist bump)
FIVE MINUTES LATER
(Amber tries to get her keys out of the vent with the snake tongs mad at Nick and Jo for tricking her)
Amber: (Angry) That was a dirty trick.
Nick: That's what I said when she did this to me the first time.
Jo: Yeah, but you can see why I did this, she was a disaster.
Amber: (Glares at Jo) I was not that bad.
Jo: (Grins) You dropped your keys down the drain. You're lucky I tested you otherwise I would've had a home birth by now.
Nick: She's got a point.
Amber: (Grabs keys and pulls them out) Ha ha success!
(Amber puts her keys inside her pocket and stands up to leave)
Amber: Now if you two will excuse me I have to break in my new house with my fiancé. (To Jo) If you're not actually in labor the next time you call me, I will be responsible for your kid's first traumatic event.
(Jo rolls her eyes and suddenly gasps clutching her stomach causing Nick and Amber to move quickly toward her)
Jo: (Smiles and composes herself) No I'm kidding, gotcha!
Nick: Please don't do that again I don't think my stress level can take it.
Amber: (Frustrated) Good luck with the pregnant wife who cried wolf, it looks like your gonna need it.
(Amber leaves them to go back to her new house)
December 12, 2020
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S KITCHEN
(Nick is washing the dishes wearing an apron when Alex and Jo walk in surprised by the scene)
Alex: Jo did you get us a housewife?
Jo: If I did it would be someone less pretty otherwise, I would worry you'd be seduced.
Nick: (Rolls his eyes) I try to do something nice and you guys make fun of for it, you should have that looked at. Also the laundry is folded and I dropped the kids off at that Jake Henderson's birthday party, I made sure they were in a bubble and guests are at 6 all of them with masks.
Alex: (Impressed) Wow I might never ask him to leave.
Jo: I know right. Come on get us a bottle of wine and some sushi.
Nick: You can't drink or eat raw when your expecting.
Alex: She knows that she is a doctor but she wants me to eat and drink stuff she can't so she cant live vicariously through me. Although with all this forbidden drinking and food I'm starting to feel bloated.
Jo: (Glares at Alex) Say that again in my presence and I will punch you.
Alex: Sorry I'll get the stuff just hang tight.
(Alex goes to the fridge to get the food when Jo feels a sudden burst in her and her eyes widen in shock)
Jo: Um guys?
Alex: (Busy with the fridge) Yeah?
Jo: (Pants) It's time!
Alex: (Doesn't believe her) Yeah okay just let me find the soy sauce for the spicy crab roll.
Jo: (Taken back) Guys the baby is coming right now.
Nick: (Still washing) I'm getting to the pans Jo just press your knees together and hang in there I'm almost done.
Jo: (Wide eyes) Guys I am not kidding, this isn't a test I'm actually having a baby come out of my vagina while his father and uncle stand around doing nothing about it!
Alex: (Realizes she's serious) Oh god you're not joking are you?
Jo: (Yells) No I'm not now get the freaking car!
Alex: (Panics) Right! (Runs out the kitchen) Where the hell are my keys?!
Nick: (Drops the pan on the floor) I'll get your bag.
(Jo breathes heavily as the guys try to get ready to take Jo to the hospital)
TWO HOURS LATER
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S HOUSE
(Nick grabs his keys and gets ready to pick up Eli and Alexis when he gets a call and groans seeing that it's Captain Sean Beckett)
Nick: (Answers) Yeah Cap?
Beckett: Evans, Hudson tested positive and he can't make it to the night shift tonight you're the only one on call.
Nick: Um sir I would love to help but I'm kind of busy at the moment.
Beckett: Are you sick?
Nick: (Rolls eyes) No.
Beckett: Is a family member in the hospital?
Nick: Actually, yes my sister in law is at the hospital giving birth and I'm left babysitting my 6 year old niece and nephew while their dad is at the hospital and their mom is somewhere else.
Beckett: Then get a babysitter and come down here your shift starts in an hour.
Nick: (Grips phone irritated) Sir with all due respect it's Saturday night and I highly doubt I can find someone to watch the kids in the next-
Beckett: Evans I am being as sympathetic as I can here.
Nick: (Under his breath) You call this sympathetic?
Beckett: But right now I need you here and giving us your full attention. Drop the bats off someone responsible you can think of and get your ass down here or I'm gonna write you up, is that clear?
Nick: (Voice even) Yes sir. (Hangs up) Would you like kiss in the ass with that too?
(Nick groans and exits the house)
LATER
SCENE: ANDREW AND AMBER'S HOUSE
(Amber collapses on top of Andrew both of them breathing heavily from having sex on a blanket in one of the empty bedrooms)
Amber: (Chuckles) Okay we have officially christened every part of our new house.
Andrew: (Pants) Yeah, and in one day I didn't think I was gonna make it past the second bathroom.
Amber: Well I did most of the work after that so that helped.
Andrew: (Chuckles and kisses Amber) Are you sure your okay for us to stay here and not go to the hospital?
Amber: (Strokes his chest) No don't worry Alex said he would call if anything changes and facetime me for me to meet my new nephew.
Andrew: Speaking of which I bet on early December and you got end of November I win the bet.
Amber: Uh no it's the 12th and it's mid-December not early it's null and void.
Andrew: We didn't specify a date or establish rules so I win, you gotta pay up bella.
Amber: (Groans) Damn it I hate it when you're right, fine but you better pick a good honeymoon spot not Niagara Falls or some hiking trail I'll fall and die in leaving you a widow.
Andrew: (Strokes her back) I don't think we're gonna do much outside of the honeymoon suite.
Amber: Assuming you won't let me do most of the work when you get tired.
Andrew: (Smoldering eyes) Is that a challenge She-Karev? Because I'm feeling pretty good for another round and I can add the garage just to show you what your getting on our honeymoon.
Amber: (Chuckles mischievously) Oh no I'm gonna show you what your getting on our honeymoon. Now shut up and kiss me.
(Andrew stops talking and wraps his arms around Amber kissing her tenderly. They hear the door knocking causing them to break apart looking at each other confused)
Amber: Did you invite anyone for a game and beer?
Andrew: I reserved this day to spend time with you do you think I would watch a game with Link while I was busy?
Amber: Then who is it? I didn't invite anyone.
Andrew: …Assume it's a Jehovah's Witness and ignore it.
Amber: Great idea.
(They start to kiss again when Amber gets a text)
Amber: (Sighs and pulls back) It could be Alex or Jo and I am not risking pissing off my heavily pregnant sister who is having her vagina ripped open as we speak.
Andrew: You really know how to kill the mood you know that?
Amber: (Reads text) It's Nick he's outside and he says to get dressed.
Andrew: (Groans) And I was just gonna start again.
Amber: (Sits up) come on put your pants on and help me find my underwear.
CUT TO FRONT DOOR
(Amber opens the door to find Nick on the other side wearing a mask looking in a hurry)
Amber: This had better be good I was just about to pounce a very sexy Italian again.
Nick: Look I know I said I would watch the kids while Jo is in labor but Beckett called me to the station and said their short one man for the night shift. I told him I was busy and explained the situation but he told me to get my ass down there or he would mark me and it took everything in me not to go down there and punch the guy.
Amber: Do you want me to punch him? Is that why you're here?
Nick: No, I wish Izzie is visiting her mom in Chehalis and won't be back till tonight. I was gonna call Alex and Jo but I didn't want to risk pissing her off while she's extremely hormonal and in pain so-
Amber: (Understands) Do you want us to babysit until Izzie gets here?
Nick: Would you? That would be great and I'll owe you big time.
(Andrew walks behind Amber bucking his pants)
Andrew: What is it?
Amber: Nick is going to work, Jo and Alex are in labor and Izzie's out of town so we're babysitting. Is that okay?
Andrew: (Taken back) Um yeah sure we would be okay with that we can give them the bed and we can sleep on the couch. It's no problem just bring them in here and head to work.
Nick: (Exhales in relief) I swear if she wasn't marrying you I would.
Amber: Don't worry we got this just text us where the party is and we'll pick them up.
Nick: Actually, they're already here. (Yells out in the front porch where the twins are doing cartwheels) Okay guys come on in!
(Eli and Alexis run to the front door and past Amber and Andrew quickly and energetically. Amber looks at Nick confused)
Nick: Yeah, they gave out cake and candy and soda at the party so their blood sugar level is through the roof causing…well anyway I gotta get to work thanks a lot guys and good luck.
Amber: I'll text Izzie and let her know what's happening. You should go.
Nick: Yeah…seriously though good luck.
(Nick heads to his Jeep as Amber closes the door looking at Andrew anxiously)
Amber: We're good to watch them for the night right? I mean we got this.
Andrew: (Rubs her arms) We got this don't worry and who knows it might be good practice for the future when we have kids of our own.
Amber: Yeah, only let's not feed them so much sugar.
Andrew: Babe we're gonna be okay you've watched them before and they love you.
Amber: No, I know but what about you?
Andrew: (Surprised) What about me?
Amber: This is your first time babysitting them, do you know how kids work?
Andrew: (Amused) I have 16 first cousins age 4 to 17. The 16-year-old Tony always calls me about girls he's been doing that since he was 9. The 7-year-old Sonia, she attaches herself to my leg if she sees me and I basically wear her like a leg brace. The 4 year old Nicholas likes to put things in my hair and dig them out.
Amber: Okay I guess you know a thing or two about looking after tiny humans.
Andrew: Look your problems not gonna be that I don't like the kids Amber. Your problems gonna be that the kids might like me more than they like you.
Amber: (Raised eyebrow) Oh you think?
(They hear a glass breaking catching their attention as they run out to find that the twins knocked over the bowl of fruit in their kitchen)
Eli and Alexis: (Point to each other) He/she did it!
(Amber chuckles uneasily as she looks at Andrew wondering what they go themselves into)
ONE HOUR LATER
SCENE: JO'S DELIVERY ROOM
(Jo is walking around the room panting as her contractions get closer together. Alex hangs up the phone)
Alex: Okay so the twins are good Nick dropped them off at Amber's and she and DeLuca are gonna watch them until Izzie gets here.
Jo: (Groans) Great at least when things went off the rails we still managed. (Yells out in pain) Another contraction!
(Jo yells out as Alex holds her close to him trying to keep her steady. Her contraction finally passes after a few moments)
Jo: (Pants) God it's like a sword that was lit on fire is passing through my uterus as we speak, how do women do this? How do they deal with this pain and not end up dead?
Alex: Okay lets get you to the bed.
Jo: No, I hate lying down because then I'll just be waiting for the next fireball of pain. I need to walk around and I need to talk, so talk to me and tell me stuff.
Alex: Um okay the vending machine on the third floor just put in salt and vinegar kettle chips.
Jo: I hate salt and vinegar.
Alex: Okay well me and Eli are finally caught up in Star Wars he says he wants us to go as Darth Vader, Luke and Leia next Halloween assuming this pandemic ends.
Jo: (Pants) That would be cute and maybe I can be Yoda or Han Solo.
Alex: (Chuckles) Yeah you'd look good in a leather vest.
(Carina enters the room)
Carina: Hello. I'm here to check your progress and I see your walking around despite my explicit instructions to stay in bed for the next hour.
Jo: (Groans) Yeah well you try following orders when you've been in pain for five hours and trying to bring a human life into this mess of a world. (Lies down in bed) Please tell me good news I am anxious to get out of here and never see you again in this capacity.
Carina: (Examines her) You're at five centimeters.
Jo: (Groans) I hate you.
Carina: Well, if you would like to we can switch your holistic birth plan and give you an epidural to relive the pain.
Alex: (Comforts her) Yeah how about it Jo?
Jo: No I want to do this naturally I know you're gonna give me medical advice on how an epidural isn't harmful to the baby but I'm not risking it. Ow!
Carina: Okay you're having another contraction, Dr. Karev help breathe her through it.
Alex: Shh, breathe through the pain okay? Breathe through it.
Jo: (Agitated) Do not tell me what to do!
(Jo yells out in pain for a few moments before laying back with a thud)
Carina: Jo if you'd like to masturbate it can alleviate the-
Jo: (Angry) Carina, I like you but if you suggest I get off while I have a baby coming out of me, I will punch you.
Carina: (Stands back up) Okay then just wait. And remember Jo you know everything you need to know to have this baby. And what you forget your husband will remind you I'll be back to check on you later.
(Carina leaves Jo and Alex in the room)
Alex: Okay do you want me to coach you like we practiced?
Jo: Just keep your mouth shut and leave me to have a moment of peace before I go through the ring of pain that you started nine months ago.
(Alex keeps quiet and fears for his life as Jo takes a quick moment to relax)
LATER
SCENE: ANDREW AND AMBER'S HOUSE
(Andrew walks down the hall to get the twins and finds them laughing and jumping on the bed)
Andrew: Hey! You guys break that box spring it's coming out of your salary.
(The twins stop bouncing and look at Andrew)
Andrew: (Chuckles) Follow me guys.
(The twins follow Andrew to the living room where Amber is by the coffee table with board games on the table. The twins sit at the couch and Andrew stands next to Amber)
Amber: (Smiles) Oh you guys are in luck tonight we have all kinds of crazy fun planned!
Eli: Why are you talking funny?
Andrew: Uh well your auntie Amber is excited to introduce you guys to (Holds up tin box) Jenga!
Amber: (Chuckles) That's right and we have (Holds up boardgame) Twister!
Alexis: I don't think we're big enough to stretch that far.
Andrew: (Taken back) Uh well don't worry because we also got (Holds up box) Operation! I mean come on who doesn't love this game? I used to steal it from my sister all the time.
Eli: It's a baby game and not anatomically accurate.
Andrew: (Looks at game) Well…when you put it like that.
Amber: (Chuckles uneasily) So do you guys want to play these games or what do you have in mind?
TWO MINUTES LATER
(Amber and Andrew are sitting by the coffee table with the twins who have dealer visors on with Eli shuffling the cards. Their currency is pudding cups)
Eli: The game is five card draw, one eyed jacks are wild.
Amber: (Narrows eyes) How did you learn this game? I'm still teaching you 21.
Alexis: Google, Auntie Amber and the way you talk it's gonna be like taking candy from a six-year-old.
(Andrew chuckles at Alexis's comment and Amber grins as she grabs her cards ready to play)
LATER
SCENE: JO'S DELIVERY ROOM
(Jo is laying in bed agitated with Alex by her side as Carina checks how far along she is)
Carina: You are now at 7 centimeters.
Alex: Hey, we're getting closer, that's good right Jo?
Jo: (Agitated) Shut up. Carina, can't you charm him out or something. He's a boy I mean your accent is enough to drop a man on his knees can't you talk closer to the opening and see if he comes out?
Carina: (Chuckles)
Jo: (Looks outside and finds Maya by the station with a coffee for Carina) Your wife is outside lurking.
Carina: (Sees her) I am at work don't worry I'll be here to help you.
Jo: (Groans) Oh go but be back in 15 minutes got it?
Carina: (Surprised) Are you sure? It's no trouble if I stay.
Jo: If you stay, I'll have an audience of four for the birth of my son and you and this idiot are enough. Go and kiss your wife or whatever is allowed during a pandemic.
Carina: (Grins) I'll be back in ten minutes.
(Carina walks out the door to go to Maya who smiles at her. Alex looks at Jo with an impressed look)
Alex: Even when your going through a fireball of pain your still caring about others huh?
Jo: Shh, (Lowered voice) If he hears you, he'll never come out.
(Alex chuckles and Jo exhales)
LATER
SCENE: ANDREW AND AMBER'S HOUSE
(Eli takes all of his winning in victory with Andrew looking at him amused and Amber giving him the stink eye)
Eli: (To Amber) I think we had a deal.
Amber: (Narrows her eyes and takes off her Pandora bracelet and places it in front of Eli)
Andrew: You know I gave you that for your birthday I think it was 200 bucks.
Amber: Hey, be glad I didn't bet on this. (Holds up right hand with the engagement ring)
Eli: Never try to bluff and bluffer Auntie Amber.
Amber: (Rolls her eyes) I blame myself for this.
Andrew: (Grins) You should.
Amber: Okay this game was fun; are you guys tired yet?
Alexis: (Chuckles) Your funny.
Eli: What else you got?
(Amber and Andrew look at each other worriedly as they are stumped out of games)
TWO HOURS LATER
SCENE: JO'S DELIVERY ROOM
(Jo is going through a big contraction with Alex trying to help her through it)
Alex: Breathe okay breathe.
Jo: (Yells out in pain as she grips his hand) I'm sorry, I'm sorry.
Alex: (Feels pain in his hand but plays it cool) It's fine it doesn't hurt.
Jo: (Chuckles) You know your face tells a different story and I can tell this is very painful for you, not as much as me but still.
Alex: Don't worry just focus on getting through the next contraction and soon we'll have a baby to love and care for until he goes off to college and then we can relax by a beach house for the rest of our natural lives.
Jo: (Tears up and cries)
Alex: Oh, oh no what is it? Is it something I said? Look don't worry we'll still be in touch with the kids even when they become doctors. I mean chances are they'll have kids of their own that we'll spoil and raise right when they can't. And that's a long, long time to go don't worry we have plenty of time and-
Jo: (Tears up) What if I leave him?
Alex: (Confused) What? Why would you think that?
Jo: (Sniffles) Because my mom when I visited her she said that when she had me she loved me. She loved me like any mother would love her child after giving birth to them. I mean she loved me even though I came from the worst moment of her life and… (Voice breaking) She still left me. She left me and she never thought about me again and had a family of her own that she actually wanted. I mean if she can do that after falling in love with me and having her heart cracked open what's to say it won't happen with me and-
Alex: Jo listen to me, you are not gonna do that.
Jo: Alex-
Alex: No now is the time for you to shut up. Your mother…she couldn't take care of you and it pisses me off that she blamed you for something that was out of your control and took it out on you. That was her problem not yours, she couldn't be strong enough to love you and take care of you but that is not gonna be you. You are not your mother and you are not gonna make the same mistakes she did. You're Jo Karev, you're the most caring and compassionate person I have ever met in my life. I mean you could've left me when I told you about Izzie and the kids but you didn't and now those kids love you and they think of you as a second mom. And Amber you've been more of a mother to her these last few years than her mom ever was and she said it herself. And you love me and you take care of me and you give me your strength every day and I am so lucky to have you in my life and so is this baby. This baby is gonna love you and you are gonna love him and take care of him like the amazing person and mom you are. Don't think for one second you think your gonna leave this kid because I know you and I know your gonna be great. We're gonna be great, you and I because that's what we do.
Jo: (Sniffles) …I'm sorry I've been awful to you today.
Alex: (Chuckles) I think you've earned the right today don't worry I'm not gonna hold it against you as long as you don't hold my future screw ups against me.
Jo: No promises.
Alex: (Grins and laughs lightly) …Look don't worry we're gonna adopt Luna soon I promise you.
Jo: (Shakes her head) Don't make promises you can't keep.
Alex: I'm making this one and I'm gonna keep it. We're smart we're capable and we have survived through worse than CPS rejecting us including a crazy mom and drunk dad on my end and homelessness on yours. We're fighters and we're gonna fight for Luna and get a lawyer if we have to.
Jo: (Sighs) We're gonna have our third kid and we're not exactly rich enough for a Ruth Bader Ginsberg type attorney.
Alex: Well technically I am rich Yang gave me her shares of the hospital and I'm gonna sell them so we can find a lawyer to beat CPS and adopt that little girl.
Jo: Who is gonna buy hospital shares in the middle of a pandemic?!
Alex: I'll figure it out don't worry in the meantime just hold my hand and scream because the next contraction is coming in five seconds.
Jo: (Whimpers and holds his hand) Oh god!
(Jo yells out in pain and squeezes Alex's hand as her next contraction comes)
LATER
SCENE: ANDREW AND AMBER'S HOUSE
(Amber and Andrew play attack the giant with the twins. The twins are dogpiling on Andrew on the bed and yelling out playfully. Amber laughs at the sight and decides to save a struggling Andrew)
Amber: Okay, okay guys get off him! It's time for a new game!
(The twins get off Andrew who groans as he's face down on the bed exhausted)
Amber: Okay how about we play hide and seek? You guys hide and we're gonna count to 100 let's go.
The twins: Yay!
(The twins run out to hide as Andrew lays on his back exhausted)
Amber: Okay I'm gonna start counting! 100, 99, 98…
(Amber plops on her back in the bed next to Andrew exhausted too)
Andrew: What time is it? 2 am 3?
Amber: (Checks phone) 9:30.
Andrew: (Shocked) Oh god, how could time possibly be moving so slowly?
Amber: Their kids Andrew and they're in the middle of a pandemic. They don't have school or friends to give their energy to, they need to be entertained every single second of every single day.
Andrew: (Frightened) Do you think you'd be able to do another paternity test behind your brother's back?
Amber: (Smacks Andrew's chest offended)
Andrew: Sorry.
Amber: Okay it's your first time with them so I'll tell you what. Why don't you go to the store get some coffee while I play hide and seek?
Andrew: (Shocked) You want to give those little monsters coffee?
Amber: No you idiot the coffee is for us because the way this is going we're gonna need plenty of it so we don't pass out.
Andrew: (Nods and stands up) Yeah that works for me.
(Andrew walks away)
Amber: Two sugars.
Andrew: (Keeps walking) I know what to do.
(Andrew walks out the house and Amber counts to 100)
Amber: (Yells) Alright here I come! You better have really good hiding spots!
(Amber stands up)
LATER
SCENE: JO'S DELIVERY ROOM
(Jo is screaming as she contracts again with Alex holding her and Carina examining her)
Alex: Carina, please tell me good news because my ears and hand can only take so much pain.
Carina: Good news your at 10 centimeters and ready to push.
Jo: Really? You're not just saying that?
Carina: No I am not I'll get you ready and you can start pushing when I tell you okay?
Jo: (Scared) Okay.
Alex: (Strokes her head) Hey, I love you.
Jo: I love you now let's have a baby.
Alex: Let's have a baby.
LATER
SCENE: ANDREW AND AMBER'S BEDROOM
(Eli and Alexis are already in their pajamas laying under the covers in bed, Amber tucks them in with Andrew behind her drinking the last of his coffee)
Amber: (Exhales) Okay you guys ate dinner, you guys are clean, you brushed your teeth, and now your in your PJ's are you ready for bed?
Eli: No.
Alexis: No.
Andrew: (Rubs his tired eyes trying to stay calm) Okay do you want us to read you guys a bedtime story? How about Robin Hood? Maybe a man in tights stealing from the poor and giving to the rich is just what you need to go to bed huh?
Amber: Babe it's the other way around the rich and poor thing.
Andrew: (Slightly grouchy tone) I don't think it is. (Amber glares at him) What? I'm tired.
Amber: (Ignores him) Okay guys what will it take for you to fall asleep?
Alexis: …Are mom and the baby gonna be okay?
Amber: (Looks at her sympathetically) Oh honey of course she's gonna be okay and so is the baby. I know it's really scary, childbirth is scary enough without a pandemic over our heads but if anyone can make it through it it's your parents.
Andrew: That's right I mean those two have been through it all thick and thin and came out the other side stronger.
Amber: Yep that's right, and their at the best hospital in the world with the best people taking care of them. By the time you wake up you'll have a little brother for you guys to look after especially you Alexis, you'll be a big help in that.
Eli: Why? I'm the big brother I'm supposed to be the biggest help.
Andrew: (Chuckles) Yeah you are but trust me as someone who grew up with a big sister, women are the best when it comes to looking after siblings. My sister was there for me when mom and dad weren't and I am so grateful to her. There are times when we fight and there are times when she can the living he-
Amber: (Clears throat loudly)
Andrew: The living heck out of me but I wouldn't have anyone else be my sister if given a chance. She wasn't that much younger than you when our parents had me so maybe you can take some lessons from her growing up and taking care of your baby brother.
Eli: Like what?
Andrew: Um well before our parents divorced I would have trouble falling asleep at night and I was afraid to ask my dad for help so I asked my sister. Do you know what she did?
Alexis: What?
Andrew: Well she sang to me until I fell asleep and it worked everytime. It made me feel safe and loved even when our parents were fighting and that was because of her. (Gets an idea) In fact I can sing you that song now and see what you think.
(Andrew searches the closet and finds his acoustic guitar and pulls it out before taking a seat by the foot of the bed and tuning it)
Alexis: You play guitar?
Andrew: Yeah I don't play a lot because I'm busy.
Eli: Is you playing guitar how you got auntie Amber to date you?
Andrew: (Grins smugly) Yes as a matter of fact it is and don't let her convince you otherwise.
Amber: (Grins and rolls her eyes at Andrew who ignores her)
Andrew: Okay the lyrics are Italian and it's been a while so bear with me and don't expect Bon Jovi.
Eli: Who's Bon Jovi?
Andrew: (Sighs) I have so much to teach you, okay. (Strums strings and sings) Avrai sorrisi sul tuo viso come ad agosto grilli e stelle, storie fotografate dentro un album rilegato in pelle, tuoni d'aerei supersonici che fanno alzar la testa e il buio all'alba che si fa d'argento alla finestra.
Amber: (Looks at Andrew lovingly as he sings)
Andrew: (Sings in Italian) Avrai un telefono vicino che vuol dire già aspettare, schiuma di cavalloni pazzi che si inseguono nel mare, e pantaloni bianchi da tirare fuori che è già estate, un treno per l'America senza fermate.
(Amber looks over at the twins and is shocked by them already being asleep. She waves to Andrew who notices and stops singing. They both tiptoe out of the room and close the door a creak)
ONE HOUR LATER
SCENE: JO'S DELIVERY ROOM
(Jo is screaming in pain getting to the final push as Alex holds her)
Carina: Okay Jo one more big push. Push, push, push.
(Jo pushes big and screams out loud)
Carina: Here he is!
(Silence falls and only a shrieking infants scream is heard causing Jo to chuckle and cry in joy as Alex smiles too. Carina puts the baby boy on Jo's chest after cleaning him)
Jo: (Sniffles) Oh my god look at this, look at him.
Amber: (Chuckles in joy) That's our son.
Carina: (Grins for them) What's his name?
Jo and Alex: Richard.
(Jo and Alex look at each other happy by them being in sync as they hold their baby son, Richard Alexander Karev)
MEANWHILE
SCENE: ANDREW AND AMBER'S HOUSE
(Andrew is sitting on the chaise tired and trying to sleep. Amber enters the room after taking a shower and sits next to him)
Amber: (Grins) Are you asleep?
Andrew: (Groggy) Yes.
Amber: (Chuckles) Well I just wanted to say that you knocked it out of the park today. I'm serious I was lucky to get the kids to sleep by 3 am but you got them tucked in before midnight I should've asked you to babysit ages ago.
Andrew: (Eyes still closed) It's a gift.
Amber: (Grins as she comes to a decision) I love you and I love how good you are with the kids. Watching you today and hearing you sing them to sleep makes me more willing to have kids with you. And that's why I decided that when we get married, I want to take your last name.
Andrew: (Opens eyes in shock) Really?
Amber: Yeah if that's okay with you.
Andrew: (Strokes her head) It is more than okay with me; I just didn't think you'd be willing to do that. I mean changing your name is big and I imagines you'd thought it was cliché and anti feminist.
Amber: Normally I would but…you know I took my mom's name to disassociate myself from my father. I didn't want to be connected to a man who did nothing but hurt me. But now I want everyone to know that I am connected to a man who loves me and takes care of me.
Andrew: (Tries it out) Huh Amber DeLuca…it kind of has a nice ring to it.
Amber: (Clarifies her status) Dr. Amber DeLuca.
Andrew: Yep, it sounds right like it was your name all along.
(Amber chuckles and kisses Andrew before curling up against him sleeping the day away)
LATER
SCENE: JO'S DELIVERY ROOM
(Jo is sleeping in bed while the baby is in a carriage beside her bed wrapped in a blanket. Alex looks at the baby in awe before facetiming Amber who answers)
Amber: Hey how did it go?
Alex: It was rough but we pulled through, what about you guys?
Amber: Same. Can I see the baby?
Alex: Yeah he's sleeping so don't make a lot of noise okay?
(Alex moves the phone so Amber can view the sleeping baby face to face. Amber gasps at the sight of her new nephew and laughs in joy)
Amber: Oh my god Alex he's beautiful. (Lowered voice) Hi baby boy I'm auntie Amber and I am going to spoil you so much. Does he have a name?
Alex: (Grins) Yeah Richard Alexander Karev, after the man who shaped me into a great surgeon and great man and yours truly.
Amber: (Sniffles) Oh that's such a good name, finally a Karev that doesn't have a drunk rockstar for a middle name.
Alex: (Chuckles) Yeah. Welcome to the world Richard Karev.