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- It’s Dr. Shepherd; this is important!
– Whatever it is, it can wait.
– It’s Dr. Adams.
At that moment, the ground seemed to give way beneath her feet. Amelia left Winston and the interns with the patient and rushed to the ER.
– What happened? How is he?
– He was shot in a store. The bullet hit his liver.
God, that’s how her father died.
– Dr. Shepherd, we need your consent for surgery.
The voice snapped Amelia out of her trance.
– Yes, yes, of course.
Dr. Webber immediately took Lucas to the OR. Amelia stood frozen in the middle of the ER, watching them leave. She didn’t know how long she had been standing there until she felt a soft touch on her shoulder.
– Amelia, are you okay? - Monica asked.
– Huh? Yeah, I’m fine.
With quick steps, Amelia walked outside, leaving Monica to stand and watch her retreat.
Amelia didn’t know where her feet were taking her until she found herself on a bench not far from the hospital. Her thoughts were filled with memories of that day. God, how she missed her father. She barely remembered him, but she always imagined Derek instead. She missed him so much too.
Meanwhile, Monica finished her main tasks for the day and decided to take a break. She had been thinking about Amelia the whole time, worrying about her. The neurosurgeon had seemed so broken and vulnerable.
On her way to grab a snack from a food cart, Monica spotted a small figure sitting alone on a bench in the distance. Recognizing Amelia, she bought two portions instead of one and approached her.
– Hey, this time I won’t ask if you’re okay; it’s clear you’re not. What happened?
– Lucas is in surgery.
– Are you afraid he made a mistake?
– He’s not the surgeon. He’s the patient.
It felt like someone had dumped a bucket of cold water over Monica. She knew Lucas was Amelia’s nephew and how close they were.
– What happened to him?
– He was shot in a store. His liver is injured. That’s all I know. They’re not telling me anything else.
– I’m so sorry this happened. I hope everything will be okay.
– Me too.
– How are you holding up? Have you eaten anything? I brought food.
Monica smiled warmly as she pulled the food from her bag. Amelia let out a small laugh at the gesture.
– Thank you.
They began eating in comfortable silence.
– You know, earlier today I was asking Winston about you. I thought you two were together, and he was cheating on you. - Amelia chuckled.
– Oh, come on. We only hooked up once; there’s nothing serious between us. - Monica laughed in response.
– And then a few hours later my nephew gets shot just like my father, in a store. - Amelia kept laughing, but Monica’s smile faded. Slowly, the laughter turned into tears. Monica set her food aside and pulled Amelia into a hug. She held her close, stroking her hair and whispering comforting words. After a few minutes, Amelia calmed down.
– Sorry about that. - She mumbled, still leaning into Monica.
– You have nothing to apologize for, really.
They sat like that for a while until Amelia’s phone buzzed. It was a message saying Link hadn’t picked up Scout and Luna from daycare. Checking her messages further, she realized Jo was in trouble, and neither of them could get to the kids.
– I need to pick up Scout and Luna. Jo’s bleeding, and she and Link have to stay at the hospital for a while.
– Want me to come with you? You could use some company and help with two kids.
– That would be nice if it weren’t so awkward. - Amelia chuckled.
– Oh, come on, relax. I love kids, and I’ve heard so much about Scout. I’ve been dying to meet him.
– In that case, I’d be glad for the company. - Amelia smiled.
*****************************
– Hi, Scout!
– Mom! - The boy ran into her arms.
– I’m taking you and Luna home today. But I’m not alone. This is Dr. Monica; she’s my friend.
– Hi, buddy!
– Hi. - The child replied shyly.
– Hey, Luna, you’re coming with us today. - Amelia said, helping the little girl.
Monica helped Scout get ready while Amelia dressed Luna. They got the kids into the car and drove to the neurosurgeon’s home.
At home, the kids played and quickly grew comfortable with Monica. Meanwhile, Amelia kept checking her phone, waiting for updates on Lucas.
– Okay, you know your phone’s not on silent. You’ll hear it ring or buzz. Checking it for the hundredth time won’t make a message come faster. - Monica gently took the phone from Amelia’s hands.
– Yeah, you’re right. I need to feed the kids.
Amelia rummaged through her fridge, found something kid-friendly, and started heating it. Monica wiped Scout’s mouth when he got messy, and Amelia couldn’t help but smile at the sight of them interacting so naturally. Monica had a way with kids, and soon they were all laughing and playing after dinner.
Once the kids were asleep, Amelia received a call from the hospital. Lucas’s surgery had gone well, and Griffith would stay with him overnight. She finally felt like she could breathe again.
– Hey, is Lucas okay?
– Yes, everything went well.
– Oh, that’s great.
– Yeah. Thank you so much for being here for me.
– Of course. That’s what friends are for.
Friends. Sure.
– It’s getting late. I should probably head out. - Monica said, only to notice the storm raging outside.
– Wow, the weather really escalated. - She laughed.
– Yeah, no way am I letting you leave in this. You’re staying here tonight, no arguments. - Amelia insisted playfully yet firmly.
– Well, alright, you’ve convinced me. - Monica replied with equal humor.
Amelia handed Monica some clothes to change into and showed her to the guest room.
– I’ll take the couch. You sleep here.
– What? No way. I can sleep on the couch. You don’t need to give up your comfort for me.
– Well, there’s always a compromise: we both sleep in the bed. - Amelia smirked.
– Deal.
Monica quickly closed the distance between them, capturing Amelia’s lips in a kiss. She pulled back after a few seconds.
– So, shall we go to bed? - Monica teased, leaving Amelia speechless.
That wasn’t the last kiss that night—just the first of many, as the two women found comfort in each other’s arms.