MERRY CHRISTMAS GUYS! HERE'S THE CHRISTMAS CHAPTER WITH JUST THREE MINUTES UNTIL MIDNIGHT. I HOPE YOU ENJOY IT AND THE FINAL TWO CHAPTERS WILL BE RELEASED ON NEW YEARS EVE SO HANG TIGHT AND REVIEWS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.
Chapter 48: It's a Wonderful Life
DECEMBER 24, 2020
SCENE: PEDS FLOOR
(Amber is wearing a Santa's hat arguing with someone over the phone as Andrew approaches her)
Amber: That excuse is so lame it's wearing scrunchies. I ordered these weeks ago and it's your damn job to hold up your end of the deal…No I will not hold. Roger you transfer me and I will-he just transferred me to an automated service.
Andrew: It's probably a good thing because you were about to verbally traumatize these kids on Christmas eve. What's up, do you need a shipment of medical supplies?
Amber: Action figures, apparently Iron Man is really popular and Hayes wanted to give the patients staying in the hospital for Christmas an action figure for a gift. (Groans) You know normally I would be going downstairs and giving Roger a piece of my mind but I am in too good of a mood to let it get to me.
Andrew: The Christmas spirit is getting to you?
Amber: Heck no the thing that is cheering me up isn't this retail nightmare holiday it's Mike Rivera.
Andrew: (Raises eyebrow) Do I need to remind you that you're engaged. To me.
Amber: It's a patient a teen with aplastic anemia. He's been in and out of Grey Sloan for the last ten years due to infection.
Andrew: (Remembers) Oh yeah Mike Rivera! I used to know him back when he went by Mikey. He's one of the good ones, he recommended a playlist of modern bands that don't as he quoted suck ass.
Amber: (Chuckles) Well today is the day he is finally getting a bone marrow transplant and guess who gets to oversee it.
Andrew: You?
Amber: Yep Hayes is in Ireland visiting family and he left me in charge of everything.
Andrew: Are you gonna make it on Christmas morning at your brother's?
Amber: Don't worry, it's Christmas eve and it's a simple transplant a nurse will monitor him after and I'll make it in time for the presents. Hey, you already wrapped them, right?
Andrew: I got it don't worry and hey maybe we can do our Christmas tradition tonight.
Amber: You mean eating ham and cookies while watching not so Christmasy Christmas movies?
Andrew: (Grins) It's why it's my favorite time of the year.
Amber: (Chuckles) Well it wasn't mine growing up but you inclined me towards it when we got together. (Grabs tablet) I have to go prep Mikey for his transplant.
Andrew: Tell him I said Merry Christmas.
Amber: I will, don't kiss anyone under the mistletoe unless it's me.
Andrew: Same here.
(Amber leaves to go to Mike's room)
LATER
SCENE: MIKE RIVERA'S ROOM
(Amber explains the transplant to Mike and his mother, Alma and his little brother, Omar. Mike is in bed with a nasal cannulas)
Amber: So, Dr. Hayes has already explained to you how the transplant works and that there is no pain when administered. It's a simple process we'll administer the donor stem cells through your central line and you'll be awake the whole time. It's just like a blood transfusion.
Alma: (Emotional) I can't believe this is really happening, is it actually real?
Amber: It is I just spoke to the clinic in Salt Lake and the bags are en route.
Alma: (Cries) Oh my god.
Mike: (Groggy) Mom you promised no tears.
Alma: (Chuckles lightly) I'm sorry I just can't help it.
Amber: (Looks at Omar) Did you ask Santa for a growth spurt for Christmas Omar? I think you grew like three inches since I saw you last, you're almost as tall as me and that's saying something.
Alma: (Chuckles) He has been a very busy little brother. He's got all his friends together and they've been shoveling driveways to raise money.
Omar: Yeah, I wanted to show them thanks for saving my brother by sending them on a vacation, I even made a flyer and everything.
Amber: Well, it's a very sweet gesture, don't you think so Mikey?
Mike: Yeah, but he's also just trying to build up his muscles to impress the girls.
Omar: Am not!
Amber: (Grins) Don't worry Omar big brothers are supposed to make your life difficult I know I've had two. I'll let you know when the stem cells get here and we can transfuse immediately. I'll be back later.
Alma: Thank you so much Dr. Karev. I just wish Dr. Hayes was here so I can thank him too.
Amber: Well, you can thank him when he gets back on the 26th we'll still be monitoring Mike by that time. I'll be back.
(Amber leaves the room)
ONE HOUR LATER
SCENE: PEDS FLOOR
(Amber is taking the Iron Man and Black Widow action figures out of the boxes with Chee by her side)
Amber: Okay Chee gift wrap each of these and give them to the kids that are still here in the morning.
Chee: Um what if the girls like Iron Man and not Black Widow?
Amber: Then give them Iron Man, same thing goes for the boys now go and wrap Christmas is nine hours away!
(Chee walks away immediately with the boxes as Andrew approaches her in his casual wear)
Andrew: It isn't the holidays without you scaring someone to death.
Amber: (Shrugs) Some people have making gingerbread houses and I have terrified interns. Are you headed home?
Andrew: Yeah I'm gonna put the ham in the oven and get some of those cookies from that bakery in Fremont you love so much.
Amber: With Krampus to start with?
Andrew: Yep it's gonna be a good night babe and it'll be even better once we go to bed.
Amber: (Grins) I like the way you think. I just have to sign off on the bags, transplant them and I'll be home soon after before Santa can come.
Andrew: Great I'll be waiting, see you.
Amber: See you.
(Andrew leaves the floor as a medical courier approaches her carrying a cooler)
Courier: Dr. Amber Stevie Karev?
Amber: That's me is that the bone marrow for Mike Rivera?
Courier: (Hands her clipboard with contract) It is I just need you to sign this please.
Amber: (Signs paper) There everything is signed and initialed.
Courier: That's two bags HLA matched bone marrow regenerating stem cells for patient Micheal Rivera.
Amber: (Exhales) Thank you and merry Christmas.
Courier: Merry Christmas.
(The courier leaves as Bailey arrives with a fallen face along with the hospital lawyer Wanda)
Wanda: Dr. Karev, I'm sorry to tell you this, believe me.
Amber: Tell me what? Chief?
Bailey: (Regretful) The board has decided to shut down Mike Rivera's transplant.
Amber: (Taken back) What? Is this some kind of joke?
Wanda: It's really not, have you seen these? (Hands her a flyer)
Amber: Um yeah Mike's brother put them up, he and his friends were raising money.
Wanda: For Mike's donor. And the board is concerned about the appearance of an individual being compensated for donating an organ.
Bailey: Which as we both know violates federal law.
Amber: Okay look no one is being paid with actual money. The donor was contacted and agreed to this months ago before the fundraiser was even created.
Wanda: Even so it still puts the hospital and it's staff at risk for hefty fines, sanctions and maybe even imprisonment.
Bailey: Wanda this is a child doing a good deed and showing gratitude. He's a minor.
Wanda: It doesn't matter these flyers put us in an impossible situation.
Amber: (Irritated) What about Mikey's impossible situation are you thinking about that?
Bailey: (Stern) Amber stand down I got this.
Amber: (Inhales and backs down reluctantly)
Bailey: I looked through his chart and Mike doesn't have much time left. He's gone through five days of chemo and radiation. That child has been through hell in preparation for this transplant. Without it he will die.
Wanda: I'm sorry Dr. Bailey, Dr. Karev but this is out of my hands and yours too.
Amber: The least you can do is try to find some way to fix this a 15-year old's life is hanging in the balance.
Wanda: I will do my best but the law does not give me a lot of room to work around this. You need to look for a new donor.
(Amber and Bailey look at her in shock as she walks away from them)
Bailey: (Sighs) If you want me to I can tell the family what just happened.
Amber: (Inhales) No. Thank you for trying to help Chief Bailey but this is my patient and since Mance isn't here to tell them it's up to me.
Bailey: …I'm sorry Dr. Karev.
Amber: Nobody is gonna be more sorry than that family, excuse me.
(Amber leaves Bailey and takes a deep breath to prepare for delivering bad news)
CUT TO BLACK
SCENE: OUTSIDE MIKE'S ROOM
(Amber explains the bad news to Alma who is devastated)
Alma: I don't understand. They can't just shut the transplant down. They can't do that.
Amber: I am so sorry Alma I tried to fight it and so did the chief but they can and they have.
Alma: (Upset) No there has to be something you can do.
Amber: We're exploring our legal options and we've just contacted UNOS and put your son back on the transplant list. We just have to hope that they can find a new donor soon.
Alma: W-What if we promise not to give any of the proceeds to the donor?
Amber: I asked the lawyers that and they said the intent was to give a financial gift to the donor which unfortunately is enough in the eyes of the law.
Alma: (Frustrated) Intent? Are you telling me that these lawyers think that intent is more important than my son's life? Are they really willing to let him die?
Amber: (Feels bad for her) I'm sorry I know it's frustrating but this is out of my hands and out of yours…do you want me to break the news to Mike?
Alma: (Stern) No…I'm his mother, I'll tell him.
Amber: (Nods sympathetically) I promise I will do everything I can to save your son. I'll let you know if anything changes.
(Amber leaves Alma to tell Mike and pulls her phone out calling Hayes who answers)
Hayes: This had better be good Karev I was just about to have my second glass of pure Irish whiskey.
Amber: I'm sorry sir I know you said no interruptions during the holidays but this is an emergency.
Hayes: (Alert) What is it?
Amber: Mike Rivera's transplant was canceled. His brother raised money to send the donor on a vacation and legal got involved.
Hayes: (Groans) Damn it to hell, how long does he have?
Amber: Not long, maybe a day or two unless the board changes their minds.
Hayes: A child might die and their concerned about legal issues this is why I moved to Switzerland to get away from your country's messed up politics and health care system.
Amber: We'll debate later first we need to find a way to get legal off their asses and approve the transplant, how soon can you get here?
Hayes: From Ireland on Christmas? I really hope you're joking and I didn't make a mistake deciding to teach you.
Amber: (Agitated) There's no need to be a smartass, damn it I'm sorry I'm angry and I'm about two seconds away from throwing things.
Hayes: No don't be sorry. Now look that anger you feel and that rage that's exactly how I feel every time I have some wanker lawyer or bloody chief stopping me from trying to save my patients life when I can.
Amber: Let me guess you're gonna tell me to let it go and accept what's happened.
Hayes: Oh god no, I don't want you to let it go at all I want you to stoke it. I want it to burn hard in you like it does to me.
Amber: This is a very confusing conversation.
Hayes: I need someone as angry as me right now because if I can't be there you have to and I need you to act how I would and try to save our patient. No matter what it takes.
Amber: You want me to annoy the board until they say yes just to get me to leave them alone?
Hayes: Now you're thinking like a peds surgeon. Let me know how it goes, I'll be back by New Years, happy Christmas.
Amber: You too.
(Amber hangs up the phone and calls Andrew to let him know the change in plans)
Andrew: Hey, I just popped the ham in the oven.
Amber: (Cuts to the chase) I can't make it tonight.
Andrew: (Senses trouble) What happened?
Amber: This countries screwed up legal system that's what happened. Omar raised money for the donor and-
Andrew: Legal sees it as compensation for organ donation and can't risk the appearance, damn it. How long does Mikey have?
Amber: Christmas if we're lucky. Look I know we had plans tonight and tomorrow but I can't leave not when I can do something about it. Can you tell the kids I'm sorry for not coming and to tell them not to hate me.
Andrew: They could never hate you but okay, I'll tell them just focus on saving Mikey in time for Christmas.
Amber: I'm hoping for a Christmas miracle or the board gets run down by a reindeer. Bye.
(Amber hangs up and goes to the library to search for a loophole)
TWO HOURS LATER
SCENE: BOARD ROOM
(Amber bursts in the room carrying a folder interrupting Bailey, Catherine Fox and Wanda's conversation)
Bailey: Karev we're talking here you need to go.
Amber: I can't go I have some things to show you.
Catherine: Dr. Karev this is private conversation and-
Amber: I don't have time to argue and neither does my patient I just want to show you evidence on why this is a colossal fuck up of a decision…respectfully.
Bailey: (Taken back but motions for her to continue)
Amber: Your main issue is the compensation for human organs well as most of us know bone marrow is not an organ.
Wanda: According to the National Organ Transplant Act it is.
Amber: If a patient loses a heart or a kidney, they can get it back but a donor's marrow regenerates itself within two weeks. It's just like giving blood.
Wanda: Dr. Karev I've done my homework too. In 2011 the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that bone marrow donors can be compensated because the cells are blood parts not organ parts.
Amber: Okay so what the hell is the problem then?
Wanda: The problem is the donor is from the Tenth Circuit and it hasn't ruled.
Catherine: I'm sorry Dr. Karev but it's too big a risk to promote paying for organs because soon everyone is gonna start doing it and they'll probably sell their own working organs for money.
Amber: (Frustrated) Probably is a pretty vague word to use while a child is dying upstairs as you speak and give me excuses when you can do something.
Catherine: We are doing something we're finding another donor!
Amber: (Yells in anger) There is no time! Mikey doesn't have time! It took us ten years to find a match and now we have it and you're letting it rot in a freezer as we speak! How the hell is that fair?!
Wanda: (Inhales and exhales) God I should've gone into architecture like my sister it's so much less stressful.
Amber: (Scoffs) Well I'm sorry you're suffering Wanda but right now that family is suffering from a pain far worse because of your decision to take away their gift. Find a way to fix this or your gonna face a real problem when that family sues you for killing their son.
(Amber angrily walks out of the room with Catherine looking at Bailey for support)
Bailey: Don't look at me I happen to agree with her.
LATER
SCENE: OUTSIDE MIKE'S ROOM
(Amber is on the phone with Alma waiting anxiously by her. Bailey arrives to check on them)
Amber: Please tell me if there are any changes the second you get them, bye. (Hangs up)
Bailey: Was that UNOS?
Amber: I called them first this was the National Registry no matches so far.
Alma: Oh my god can anything go our way please!
Amber: I am in touch with every donor network in the state. We're not giving up.
(Omar comes out panicking)
Omar: Mom! Something's wrong with Mike!
(Amber quickly goes inside to find Mike crashing and calls a code blue as she does compressions with Alma and Omar crying as Bailey holds them back)
CUT TO BLACK
SCENE: OUTSIDE MIKE'S ROOM
(Amber gets the results back from the lab and curses in anger)
Bailey: What is it?
Amber: Mike developed staph myocarditis; his cardiovascular system is collapsing.
Bailey: Well considering his suppressed immune system and the chemo he's gone through it was just a matter of time. What's his status now?
Amber: The antibiotics are controlling the infection, but it's not long term. The only thing that will help is giving him a new immune system to eradicate the infection. Otherwise…
Bailey: Has UNOS called?
Amber: No they haven't.
Bailey: Then the hope is to wait and see if they find a match soon in the meantime we keep him stable and let the antibiotics do their work.
Amber: …No.
(Amber walks away from Bailey to head to the transplant floor. Bailey looks at her shocked and follows her as she walks)
Bailey: Dr. Karev I understand your frustration but you need to think through this rationally. The board shut it down and-
Amber: (Colds) I'm aware I've been spending the whole night fighting this Dr. Bailey. And I am being rational here. There's a boy who is in dire need of bone marrow and we have a match upstairs and I am transfusing it. Hayes put me in charge and told me to do what he would do and he might act cold and rational but he would make this decision too.
Bailey: Amber they will have your job for this and you could face the possibility of imprisonment.
Amber: My job as a surgeon is to make a life-or-death decision and not let some bull get in my way. I'd rather get fired for doing what's right than wait around and do nothing when I can do something about it. (Goes into elevator) I'll take full responsibility and if you want to arrest me for saving a life, I just have one request. Send me to a place where they have grey jumpsuits, I hate orange.
(The doors close as Bailey exhales at Amber's decision)
THE NEXT MORNING
SCENE: OUTSIDE MIKE'S ROOM
(Alma, Omar and Amber stand outside the door happy to see Mike alive. Amber grins and waves at Mike who is groggy but waves back at her as the bone marrow is still transfusing in him)
Amber: (Smiles) His vitals are improving and the infection is starting to decay. If all goes well, he'll be discharged by New Years Eve.
Bailee: (Goes up to them) Don't worry nothing else is gonna get in the way of that. I wanted to check on your boy but I can see he's doing fine on his own. Omar you'll have to say happy birthday to your brother.
Omar: It's not till April.
Amber: Actually, when a patient receives a transplant, we call that day zero so in a way it's like a second birthday.
Omar: Great something else to brag about.
Alma: We are so grateful Dr. Karev and Bailey, what changed their minds?
Amber: (Looks at Bailey who narrows her eyes at her)
Bailey: Let's just say you three have a guardian angel at your side and leave it at that. Dr. Karev will you walk with me?
(Amber feels chills on her spine but walks with Bailey away from the Rivera's)
Amber: How much trouble am I in?
Bailey: That's for the board to decide, and I am still debating on whether or not to suspend you. Do you regret you either way?
Amber: Truthfully?
Bailey: That's all I want.
Amber: No I don't. This wasn't some crazy episode of mine if that's what you're thinking.
Bailey: I wasn't thinking that.
Amber: Yes, you were let's both be truthful. I was in my right mind and I had a decision to make. I could wait for another donor that would never come and let Mike die or I could use the stem cells we already had and use them like we should've in the first place. This wasn't like when Andrew injected Suzanne with steroids or when Grey committed insurance fraud, I considered all of my options and used all the resources at my disposal and decided a child's life mattered more than a ridiculous legal issue. I know you probably didn't make the same decision when you were in my place.
Bailey: …Believe me I have made reckless decisions and even broke the law on one or more occasions that I will not divulge with you ever. I expect you to find some way to defend yourself in case this turns into something in court.
(Wanda approaches them)
Amber: (Groans) It's like you summoned her here, are you a witch?
Wanda: I am the bearer of good news Dr. Karev. The hospital has decided not to take action against you given the gravity of the situation. 'US prosecutes doctor for saving boy's life' I don't believe the foundation or the justice department want that kind of publicity. I think it's safe to assume that you are in the clear.
Amber: (Sarcastically) Well ain't that a Christmas miracle.
Wanda: I'm sorry?
Bailey: Wanda with respect if a child has to almost die for this hospital to realize that it's actually here to treat patients? I'd suggest looking at it from both ends instead of just yours. Merry Christmas.
(Bailey and Amber walk away with Amber shocked)
Amber: Did you just defend me?
Bailey: Call it a Christmas gift and a wedding gift. Have a merry Christmas.
Amber: I'll try, merry Christmas.
(Amber and Bailey separate to go home)
LATER
SCENE: ALEX AND JO'S HOUSE
(Izzie records the kids opening their gifts with Alex and Jo sitting on the couch cradling the baby with Amber and Andrew next to them watching the kids open their gifts)
Amber: (Hands gift) Okay Alexis this one is from Auntie Amber.
Andrew: And Uncle Andrew.
Amber: No this one is just from Auntie Amber. (Under breath) Sorry babe but I have to make up for missing the gingerbread house making contest.
Alexis: (Pulls out book series set) It's Percy Jackson!
Amber: Yeah it's about Greek gods and it'll move you up a reading level!
Andrew: Yeah that one is definitely from Auntie Amber. Okay Eli open my present next this is one is just from your Uncle Andrew and I have a feeling I'm gonna be your favorite.
(Eli opens his gift and shows that it's a Rogue starter acoustic guitar)
Eli: Whoa! You got me a guitar!
Andrew: (Smiles) Yeah and lucky for you I can teach you how to use it, am I your favorite uncle or what?
Eli: Yeah!
Izzie: (Mutters) Oh goody something to keep me up at night.
Amber: (Whispers to Andrew) Hey let's go over to the patio. I want to give you your present without an audience.
Andrew: Okay.
(They move away from the group and go to the front porch. Amber pulls out a small gift box)
Amber: Merry Christmas.
Andrew: (Grins) Babe you didn't have to get me anything.
Amber: Andrew I just came back from a 15 hour shift and I am especially cranky so just shut up and open it.
Andrew: Okay.
(Andrew opens the gift and finds a dark blue scrub cap with stars constellation print)
Andrew: (Smiles) You got me my very own scrub cap?
Amber: Well, the ones at the hospital are plain and their pretty itchy after not washing it properly so I figured I should save both of us from headlice. Plus you said you liked star gazing as a kid and your favorite color is blue so I wanted to combine the two.
Andrew: (Touched) It's a lot of work for a cap She-Karev. Underneath that hard shell I always knew there was a softie.
Amber: As long as you don't tell the interns they'll walk all over me.
Andrew: (Holds out gold box for Amber)
Amber: (Touched) Andrew you don't have to give me anything. I mean you being here and loving me and having a life with me…what else do you have to give me?
Andrew: (Grins) A massage at the spa and a 100 dollar gift card for Barnes and Noble.
Amber: (Wide eyes) And there's my answer give it to me!
(Andrew chuckles as Amber takes the gift and looks up above them)
Andrew: (Grins) Hey can you make out what that is?
(Amber pauses and looks above them to find a mistletoe tied to the ceiling causing her to narrow her eyes at Andrew who keeps grinning at her)
Amber: Just this once I am going along with this cliché because I love and I really want to kiss you.
Andrew: (Smiles) Merry Christmas.
Amber: (Grins) Merry Christmas.
(Amber and Andrew kiss tenderly under the mistletoe)