Chapter One: Starting Over [ATWT/Grey's x-over] PT.2
Chapter One Continued....See Part 1 for disclaimers
Words fail Margo and she decides to show Jess how she feels. She leans in and kisses Jess softly. The pair continues kissing and the kisses quickly become heated.
Margo gently urges Jess down to a lying position and shifts to lie on top of her as they continue kissing. The pair pulls at each other's clothes in order to remove the garments. Gently, the couple makes love until both women are satiated. Then they snuggle into each other's arms and sleep through the night holding each other.
The next evening, 8 o'clock finds Margo nervously scurrying about the house, putting final touches on the dinner table, the couch, etc. How am I going to tell this man that I've been married to for 25 years that I'm now seeing the woman who is our best friend?, she thinks to herself with a flustered shale of her head shake.
Suddenly there's a knock at the door and Margo's breath catches in her throat. She exhales slowly as she makes her way towards the door.
Arriving at the door, Margo looks out the window of the door and sees Tom standing on the other side. She is bewildered at how she feels, or rather how she doesn't feel as she looks at Tom. She realizes that she cares for him, of course, but she no longer feels the attraction she used to feel for him.
She looks at him and sees the father of her sons, but not her husband, not anymore. She realizes that for her, their relationship has shifted to strictly co-parents rather than life partners, married couple.
She opens the door and gives Tom a nervous smile.
MARGO : "Hi."
TOM (just as nervous) : "Hi. How are you doing?"
MARGO : "I'm well. How are you?"
TOM : "I'm good."
MARGO (averting her eyes) : "Are you hungry? Dinner's ready."
TOM (still nervous) : "Yeah, I am hungry, thanks. It smells fantastic."
MARGO : "Great. Let's sit down. What can I get you to drink?"
TOM : "Beer sounds good if you got it."
MARGO : "Sure. Be right back."
Margo goes into the kitchen and quickly returns with a mug full of beer. She hands it to Tom with a tense smile as she takes her seat with her glass of white zinfandel.
Dinner is enjoyed with amiable if not comfortable conversation. Once the meal is over, the two retire to the living room and are seated on the couch with two cups of coffee. They both know they can no longer avoid the topic. The time has come to discuss the status of their relationship.
MARGO (uncomfortably) : "So… I guess… we need to talk… about… us."
TOM (just as uncomfortable) : "Y-yeah. I guess so."
MARGO (somewhat sadly) : "Look, I think we both know that our marriage wasn't working. We hadn't gotten along in a long time. We weren't even spending any time together anymore. We've become strangers. At this point we have to admit that with everything we had… we don't have anything left anymore. We have to do the right thing here, no matter how painful it might be." (takes a deep breath, eyes become moist) "I… think we… need to get… divorced… for both our sakes."
TOM (somewhat sadly, but rather relieved) : "Yes, I have to agree. I think we need to do this."
MARGO : "We both deserve to get on with our lives and to be happy."
TOM (shifts restlessly in his chair, nervous, anxious) : "Y-yeah… you're… I mean, I… uh…"
MARGO (suspiciously) : "Are you ok? What's going on?"
TOM (guiltily) : "Well… I suppose… there is something I should tell you… I mean… I guess I owe you that much…to be honest with you…"
MARGO : "Tom what is it? Listen, no matter what, you and I are still co-parents to our children and, I hope, also friends. You can tell me anything."
TOM (almost wincing as he confesses his secret) : "Well, the fact of the matter is that… I'm… seeing… someone."
MARGO (suppressing a laugh) : "You're… seeing… someone?"
TOM : "Yes. I'm sorry… I…"
MARGO (finding it more and more difficult not to laugh out loud) : "No, no. Please. Don't apologize. You have every right."
TOM : "I'm so glad you're ok. I want you to know that Emily and I…"
MARGO (smiling) : "Emily, huh?"
TOM : "Y-yeah. But we didn't start seeing each other until after I moved out, I swear. We were talking about Daniel and… well, we just started to feel something for each other, and…"
MARGO (sincerely) : "That's great, Tom. I'm happy for you… and Emily. Really."
TOM (exhaling in relief) : "Thanks."
Suddenly Margo averts her eyes uncomfortably.
TOM (suspicious) : "Maaaargooooo? Something you want to tell me?"
MARGO (stumbling through her words) : "Uhhhh, y-yeah… but… I… uh… don't… I mean…"
TOM : "What is it?"
Margo just drops her gaze and shakes her head without a word.
TOM : "Come on. You can tell me. I told you about Emily."
Margo takes a deep breath, gathers her courage, and looks Tom in the eye.
MARGO : "I'm seeing someone, too."
TOM : "Uh-huh. I thought so, the way you were looking a minute ago. So, who's the lucky guy?"
MARGO : "Ummm, Tom… It's… Jess."
TOM (oblivious) : "What's Jess?"
MARGO : "The lucky guy. The person I'm seeing. It's Jess."
Tom's jaw drops and he says nothing for several seconds as the shocked expression remains on his face.
MARGO (getting nervous again) : "Tom, say something, please."
TOM (mouth still agape, still very surprised) : "Are you kidding me?"
MARGO : "No, I'm not kidding."
TOM : "Since when are you into women?"
MARGO : "I don't know. I mean, I never noticed an attraction to women before… except to Jess. I don't know. Jess and I have always had feelings for each other as friends and recently they've turned into something more and so… now we're… dating?"
TOM (slightly flustered) : "Wow. What can I say? I'm shocked. I mean, it's up to you who you see… I'm just shocked. It's not a bad thing. I'm just shocked. I'm just going to need a minute with this, ok?"
MARGO (cautiously) : "Ok."
TOM (suddenly looking at his watch) : "Well, it's getting pretty late. I have to get up early tomorrow. I better get going. I'm glad we had this talk."
MARGO : "Yeah, yeah. Me, too. I'm relieved we were honest with each other."
TOM : "Yeah, yeah. Me, too."
Tom stands and Margo stands with him.
TOM (sincerely) : "Well… I guess we'll talk again about putting in the paperwork. I think we can do this amicably, don't you?"
MARGO (sincerely) : "Of course. We're still friends, right?"
TOM (smiling slightly) : "Of course."
The two embrace.
TOM : "I still think it's weird about you and Jess, but… I'll keep trying to wrap my brain around it, ok? I may not quite be there, yet, but I'm trying, ok?"
MARGO :"I know this is hard. All I ask is that you try, ok?"
TOM : "Ok."
Tom heads for the door and Margo follows him out.
TOM : "I'll call you next week, ok?"
MARGO : "Ok."
As soon as Tom has left, Margo picks up her purse and keys and heads out the door.
Fifteen minutes later, Jess is lying on her couch in the dark, staring blankly into space when there's a knock at her door. The sound doesn't register at first with Jess, but when there's a second knock, and then a third, she's finally brought out of her daze. She shakes her head and groans in frustration as she slowly and deliberately stands and walks over to the door. She looks out the peephole to see Margo standing there.
Her brow furrows as she takes the chain off the door, unlocks it, and opens it. Margo smiles happily upon seeing her lover and reaches out for her.
MARGO (pulling Jess into a hug and kissing her on the cheek) : "Hey, sweetheart. I missed you."
JESS (looking confused) : "Hey."
MARGO (gently) : "Are you ok? What's the matter?"
JESS : "Nothing. I…"
MARGO (brow furrowed) : "You did know I was coming here after my dinner with Tom, didn't you?"
JESS : "Well, I wasn't sure."
MARGO (searching Jess' face) : "Not sure? Baby, you know I can't stand to be away from you for longer than absolutely necessary."
Jess silently drops her gaze to the floor, avoiding Margo's gaze. Margo cups Jess' chin and brings Jess' head up until their eyes meet. Margo reads Jess' thoughts.
MARGO : "Hey, look at me." (putting her hands on either side of Jess' face) "There's nothing left between Tom and me. You know that, right? Baby, I want you. I'm with you. You're the only one for me, I swear, ok?"
JESS (meekly) : "Really?"
MARGO (smiling broadly) : "Of course, silly." (leaning in and kissing Jess softly) "Don't you know that I am absolutely crazy about you?"
Margo slips her arms around Jess' waist, drawing her close and nuzzling her neck, and then planting a gentle kiss there.
She continues kissing her way up Jess' neck and then across her jaw, slowly and gently until she reaches Jess' lips. She lingers on the taller woman's lips and then whispers breathlessly in her ear.
MARGO : "I really missed you, baby."
Margo resumes kissing Jess. Finally, Jess responds by wrapping her arms around the redhead as she closes her eyes. She returns Margo's kiss with passion and clutches the other woman tightly.
Margo begins pulling Jess' shirt over her head as she continues kissing the taller woman. Jess begins unbuttoning Margo's pants and sighs deeply.
Margo pulls back, takes Jess' hand and leads her through the living room, into the bedroom.
Early the next morning, Margo's cell phone rings loudly as she lies sleeping with Jess curled up around her back, holding her from behind. Both women awaken with a groan.
Margo reaches for the phone, sits up, and rubs her eyes before reading the caller id.
MARGO : "Sorry, baby. I have to take this. It's the station." (flipping the phone open) "Hughes." (she stops to listen) "Yes, Hal?" (stops to listen again) "You got him? You're kidding. You're holding him at the station right now? Fantastic. I'm on my way."
Margo puts her cell phone back down on the nightstand and turns to Jess.
MARGO : "I'm sorry, baby. I have to go. We've got a suspect at the station and we need to question him and all that and I need to be there."
JESS (smiling softly) : "It's ok, baby. I understand."
MARGO (looking lovingly into Jess' eyes) : "How did I get this lucky, huh?"
JESS (chuckling lightly) : "Go to work before you blow your case, Hughes."
Both women smile warmly.
MARGO : "Are you going into the office?"
JESS : "Yes."
MARGO : "Soooo, will I see you later tonight?"
JESS : "Yes."
MARGO : "Soooo, will I see you later tonight? If my case doesn't take all night?"
JESS : "Yes. Just call me and let me know when you have some idea of when you'll be leaving the station."
MARGO (smiling) : "Cool."
Margo leans down and kisses Jess.
JESS : "All right. All right. Let's get going."
The couple gets out of bed, shares a quick shower together, gets dressed together, and leaves the house together with the promise to call each other later.
Twenty minutes later Margo arrives at the station to find a lot of activity going on. Margo approaches Hal.
MARGO : "Hey, Hal. What's going on?"
HAL (aggravated) : "This mental giant tried to squirm out of the cuffs and ended up breaking his wrist. We're going to have to take him to Memorial."
MARGO (shaking her head in frustration) : "Oh, man. We've got a real genius here, huh? All right then. Let's get him transported to Memorial and get him looked at then."
HAL : "Right, Chief."
Twenty minutes later, Margo and Hal arrive at Memorial with their suspect. They run into Bob in the halls.
MARGO (hugging Bob) : "Hey, Bob. How are you?"
BOB : "I'm good. How are you?"
MARGO : "I'm fine. Got a suspect here who tried to play Houdini while handcuffed and ended up breaking his wrist we think."
BOB : "Oh, boy. Ok. Well, he's in luck. We recently acquired one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the country. Her name is Callie Torres and she's on duty right now. I'll page her."
MARGO : "Thanks, Bob."
Five minutes later, Dr. Callie Torres shows up at examining room 1.
CALLIE : "You paged me, Bob?"
BOB : "Yes. I have a case for you here. This man tried to get out of his handcuffs and might have broken his wrist, so this falls into your area of expertise."
Five minutes later, Dr. Callie Torres shows up at examining room 1.
CALLIE (enthusiastically) : "I'm all over it."
Callie examines the suspects hand while Tom and Margo stand guard. Once Callie has completed her examination including x-rays and put a cast on the man's hand, she addresses the man while removing her rubber gloves.
CALLIE : "Ok. Like I said, you broke a bone in your wrist and another one a little higher up in your hand and the cast has to stay on for at least six weeks. Then you can look into having it removed."
The suspect says nothing, but maintains a hostile expression.
MARGO : "Thank you very much, Dr. Torres."
CALLIE : "Callie, please, Chief Hughes."
MARGO : "Margo, please, Callie."
The two women smile warmly at each other.
HAL (putting his hand on the suspects shoulder) : "Ok. You're done here. Let's get going."
Hal leads the suspect away. Margo lingers behind momentarily.
MARGO (to Callie) : "Well, thank you again, Callie. Maybe I'll see you around the hospital again sometime. Lyla, the nurse, is my mother, so I come around sometimes."
CALLIE (smiling) : "I look forward to seeing you again, Margo."
MARGO : "Bye."
CALLIE : "Bye."
Five hours later, Margo is walking back into Jess's house..
MARGO (seeing Jess on the couch, smiling) : "Hey, baby. How are you?"
JESS (smiling) : "Good. How are you?"
MARGO (leaning down to kiss Jess and give her a hug) : "Good. Except I missed you a lot."
JESS (still smiling) : "I missed you, too baby."
Jess looks adoringly into Margo's eyes and gently pulls her down until the redhead is seated next to her on the couch. Jess leans towards her and kisses her again. At that moment, Margo's phone rings.
MARGO : "Damn it." (picking up her phone and reading it, getting a confused look on her face) "It's Emily." (answering her phone) "Hello?" (stops to listen) "Emily? What's the matter?" (panicking) "What's the matter with Tom? What? Oh, my God! I'm on my way."
She quickly snaps her phone closed as her eyes become moist with tears.
JESS : "What's the matter?"
MARGO : "Tom had a heart attack. He's in the hospital. I have to go."
Jess is both worried and crestfallen as she believes Margo has forgotten all about her. Margo stands and gathers her purse and keys and starts towards the door when she suddenly turns back to Jess.
MARGO (gently) : "Are you coming?"
Jess brightens at being included.
JESS : "If you want me to. Are you sure?"
MARGO : "Of course I'm sure. Besides you're his friend, too. Come on. Let's go."
Fifteen minutes later Margo and Jess arrive at the hospital and find Bob, Kim, Emily, and Lisa there.
MARGO (approaching Bob, very worried) : "Hey. How is he? What's happened?"
BOB (worried) : "It looks like he had a heart attack, but luckily he got here quickly and doubly luckily we have the best cardiothoracic surgeon on the face of the earth right here at Memorial and she's examining him right now."
MARGO (exhaling deeply) : "Thank God."
The door to Tom's room opens and his blonde, blue-eyed doctor approaches his loved ones.
BOB : "Everyone, this is Dr. Hahn."
ERICA : "Hi. It's nice to meet all of you."
MARGO : "How is he, doctor?"
ERICA : "Well, you know that he was having a heart attack. Right now we're just trying to stabilize him, but we found that he had 50% blockage of both arteries so I'll have to get in there and unblock them as soon as possible."
BOB : "Well, he couldn't be in better hands, so I put all my faith in you, Erica."
ERICA : "Bob, I promise you I'm going to do all I can for your son. I can't tell you not to worry because you're going to do that anyway, but I will tell you that I've seen a hell of a lot worse cases make it just fine. So, take that for what it's worth, ok?"
BOB : "We can't ask for more than that. Thank you."
ERICA (starting to walk away) : "Don't thank me yet. Thank me when Tom walks out of here with a clean bill of health."
BOB : "That's a deal."
Two hours later Margo has been pacing the floor of the waiting room unceasingly while Tom is undergoing surgery to unblock his arteries. Running her hands through her hair and rubbing her face repeatedly, her breathing is erratic and her movements frenetic.
Jess ventures to approach her lover.
JESS (sympathetically putting a hand gently on Margo's back, speaking softly) : "You ok, babe?"
Margo gives Jess an incredulous look.
JESS (raising her hands defensively) : "I know, I know. Stupid question. Sorry. I'm just worried about you, sweetheart."
MARGO (weakly) : "I know, baby. I appreciate it. I just feel like I'm going crazy here. I feel so… so helpless while he's in there fighting for his life…"
Margo's voice trails off as she stops to consider how Jess might be interpreting her comment.
MARGO (pleading) : "Jess, please don't misunderstand me…"
JESS (reassuringly, rubbing Margo's back) : "No, no, baby. I understand. You were married to the man for 25 years and he's the father of your children. He's always going to have a place in your life and there's a part of you that's always going to have love for him. I get that.
MARGO : "Yeah, I mean, my relationship with him was one thing. It's in the past now. My relationship with you is now, my present and my future. Please believe me."
JESS (smiling gently) : "I do, baby."
MARGO (hugging Jess) : "Thank you. You're amazing, do you know that?"
JESS (looking into Margo's eyes) : "You're not so bad yourself there, Red." (pulling back slightly) "You feeling better now?"
MARGO : "A little but…"
JESS (knowingly) : "But you're still wound up."
MARGO : "Yes. I feel like a caged animal. God, I want to get out of here."
JESS : "So, go."
MARGO : "What? I couldn't."
JESS : " Sure you could. The surgery won't be finished for a couple of more hours yet and I'll be here. I'll call you if anything happens. Go get some air. It'll do you good. Make you feel better."
MARGO : "You promise you'll call me if there's any news at all?"
JESS : "Remember who you're talking to. Of course I promise. Go clear your head."
MARGO (pulling Jess into a hug) : "Thank you, sweetheart."
JESS (returning Margo's hug happily) : "Don't mention it."
Margo kisses Jess before releasing her and starting to walk off.
MARGO (calling back as she leaves) : "I'll be back."
Ten minutes later Margo walks into an empty church, eyes moist with tears. She steps into one of the pews and drops to her knees.
MARGO : "Dear Lord, I came here today because I really need you. Tom is really sick and it's pretty serious." (eyes fill with tears and she wipes them away) "He's in surgery right now and his chances of making it are the flip of a coin." (voice cracks) "Even though he and I aren't together anymore and we've each found someone else, he and I still have two sons together and those boys need their dad. I know that Adam's dad is really Hal, but as great as Hall is with him, Tom has always been there in the same house with him every day. And Casey desperately needs his dad, too. So, please don't take him yet, ok? Please? He's still needed down here so please let him stay a while longer. We won't make it without him. So, please, Lord, don't take him yet. Please."
Margo begins to sob uncontrollably as she drops her head and closes her eyes.
Two hours later, Margo walks back into the waiting room of the hospital. Jess is the first to see her and she hurries over to her lover.
JESS (reaching out for Margo) : "Hey, baby. You ok?"
The two women embrace intimately.
MARGO : "I'm trying. I'm trying. No news yet, huh?"
Jess shakes her head sadly.
Margo purses her lips anxiously as she rubs Jess' back. At that moment, Erica comes through the door, removing her scrub cab with a small smile. Everyone's attention immediately turns to the blonde surgeon.
ERICA (as everyone gathers around her) : "Hi, everyone. I'm happy to report that the operation went very well. We were able to unblock his arteries with no complications. He's strong as an ox. He's recuperating right now, resting comfortably. He won't be awake for several hours, so if you want to take some time to rest, go home and shower, change, whatever, now would be a good time. You can come back to see him later."
Everyone breathes a sigh of relief at the good news and hugs are exchanged all around. Erica is thanked profusely by everyone. Memorial's head of cardio graciously and humbly accepts everyone's thanks before promising to keep an eye on Tom, saying her good-bye's and taking her leave.
JESS (turning to Margo) : "Thank God for that. Well, what do you say we go home and get some rest, babe? We can come see Tom later, ok?"
MARGO (wearily) : "Yeah, yeah. Let's go"
Jess and Margo say their good-byes and leave the waiting room with their arms around each other.
Upon turning the first corner, they see a sight that is somewhat surprising to them. Erica is leaning against the wall with one hand on the hip of none other than Callie Torres while the gentle brunette has one hand on Erica's shoulder. The two couples exchange startled glances as they acknowledge one another.
MARGO : "Callie? Hey, how are you?"
Erica gives Callie a confused look. Jess gives Margo a confused look.
CALLIE (to Margo) : "Hey, Margo. How's your suspect?"
MARGO : "In jail."
Both women chuckle.
CALLIE (to Erica) : "I treated a man that Margo had under arrest, honey. He'd broken his wrist trying to get out of his cuffs, the dummy."
ERICA (to Margo, smiling, joking) : "Long time no see."
This time it was Callie's turn to give Erica a confused look.
ERICA (to Callie) : "My last surgery was Margo's ex-husband."
CALLIE : "Wow. Small world. Is he ok?"
MARGO: " Yeah, thanks to God and to Erica." (cautiously) "So…. You two…"
CALLIE (putting her arms around Erica's neck prompting Erica to slip her arms around Callie's waist) : "Six months now." (noting Jess and Margo's embrace) "You two?"
MARGO (smiling) : "Four months."
CALLIE (smiling) : "Wow. Nice."
ERICA : "Hey, we were just going to have some coffee. Care to join us?"
Margo and Jess exchange glances and shrug at each other.
MARGO : "Honey? You want to go have some coffee?"
JESS : "Sure. Sounds good."
ERICA : "Great. Let's go."
Erica puts her arm around Callie's shoulders, Jess mimics the move with Margo, and the two couples head out together.
Ten minutes later all four women are seated in the hospital cafeteria together enjoying their coffee.
MARGO (in the midst of telling the story of her relationship with Jess) : "We've been friends for years while I was married to Tom and Jess was married to Ben." (looks at Jess with a smile) "It turns out that we've always been attracted to each other on some level. So when both of our marriages ended… we couldn't keep our hands off of each other anymore. And here we are. Together and happy."
CALLIE (smiling, with her head propped up on one hand as she attentively listens to the story) : "Aaaaawww. That is so cute!"
ERICA (smiling) : "Very sweet."
JESS : "So, how about you two? What's your story?"
CALLIE : "Us? Well, I had a disaster of a marriage that ended horribly. I was already separated and well on my way to a divorce when Erica came to work at my hospital. We became friends and just kept getting closer and closer until it started becoming more. I, very stupidly, maintained a relationship with another attending, a man, during this time and it almost cost me the love of my life." (takes Erica's hand)
"Thank God Erica forgave me for that, but I still almost lost her when we ended up on opposite sides of a huge controversy at the hospital. She almost left, but I couldn't let her go, so I went after her, we talked things out and I got to understand where she was coming from. In the end, she couldn't stay at that hospital and I couldn't stay in Seattle without her, so we came out here together. And here we are. On cloud 9, right, baby?"
ERICA (chuckling) : "Yes, sweetheart."
Erica brings Callie's hand to her lips and kisses it.
Jess regards the other couple with a smile. Margo smiles for a moment before succumbing to a yawn.
JESS (smiling) : "Sleepy, baby?"
MARGO (meekly) : "A little."
JESS : "Allright, love. You've had a tough day. Let's get you home so you can get some sleep."
MARGO : "Ok." (turning to Callie and Erica) "But hey, we should get together for dinner sometime."
CALLIE : "We'd love to, right, baby?"
ERICA (enthusiastically) : "Absolutely.
ERICA (enthusiastically) : "Absolutely. We haven't been here that long and we haven't had a chance to make many friends yet, so a night out with another couple would be awesome for us."
MARGO : "Great." (taking her wallet out of her purse, extracting a card from it, and handing it to Callie) "Here's my card."
Callie extracts a card from her own wallet.
CALLIE : "Here's mine."
MARGO : "Fantastic." (turning to Erica) "And please let me know if there's anything new with Tom, ok?"
ERICA : "Of course. He should be fine, though. He's just recuperating from the operation right now, but he should steadily start getting stronger from here on out, ok? But if anything changes, I'll call you."
MARGO (smiling gratefully) : "Thanks."
Words fail Margo and she decides to show Jess how she feels. She leans in and kisses Jess softly. The pair continues kissing and the kisses quickly become heated.
Margo gently urges Jess down to a lying position and shifts to lie on top of her as they continue kissing. The pair pulls at each other's clothes in order to remove the garments. Gently, the couple makes love until both women are satiated. Then they snuggle into each other's arms and sleep through the night holding each other.
The next evening, 8 o'clock finds Margo nervously scurrying about the house, putting final touches on the dinner table, the couch, etc. How am I going to tell this man that I've been married to for 25 years that I'm now seeing the woman who is our best friend?, she thinks to herself with a flustered shale of her head shake.
Suddenly there's a knock at the door and Margo's breath catches in her throat. She exhales slowly as she makes her way towards the door.
Arriving at the door, Margo looks out the window of the door and sees Tom standing on the other side. She is bewildered at how she feels, or rather how she doesn't feel as she looks at Tom. She realizes that she cares for him, of course, but she no longer feels the attraction she used to feel for him.
She looks at him and sees the father of her sons, but not her husband, not anymore. She realizes that for her, their relationship has shifted to strictly co-parents rather than life partners, married couple.
She opens the door and gives Tom a nervous smile.
MARGO : "Hi."
TOM (just as nervous) : "Hi. How are you doing?"
MARGO : "I'm well. How are you?"
TOM : "I'm good."
MARGO (averting her eyes) : "Are you hungry? Dinner's ready."
TOM (still nervous) : "Yeah, I am hungry, thanks. It smells fantastic."
MARGO : "Great. Let's sit down. What can I get you to drink?"
TOM : "Beer sounds good if you got it."
MARGO : "Sure. Be right back."
Margo goes into the kitchen and quickly returns with a mug full of beer. She hands it to Tom with a tense smile as she takes her seat with her glass of white zinfandel.
Dinner is enjoyed with amiable if not comfortable conversation. Once the meal is over, the two retire to the living room and are seated on the couch with two cups of coffee. They both know they can no longer avoid the topic. The time has come to discuss the status of their relationship.
MARGO (uncomfortably) : "So… I guess… we need to talk… about… us."
TOM (just as uncomfortable) : "Y-yeah. I guess so."
MARGO (somewhat sadly) : "Look, I think we both know that our marriage wasn't working. We hadn't gotten along in a long time. We weren't even spending any time together anymore. We've become strangers. At this point we have to admit that with everything we had… we don't have anything left anymore. We have to do the right thing here, no matter how painful it might be." (takes a deep breath, eyes become moist) "I… think we… need to get… divorced… for both our sakes."
TOM (somewhat sadly, but rather relieved) : "Yes, I have to agree. I think we need to do this."
MARGO : "We both deserve to get on with our lives and to be happy."
TOM (shifts restlessly in his chair, nervous, anxious) : "Y-yeah… you're… I mean, I… uh…"
MARGO (suspiciously) : "Are you ok? What's going on?"
TOM (guiltily) : "Well… I suppose… there is something I should tell you… I mean… I guess I owe you that much…to be honest with you…"
MARGO : "Tom what is it? Listen, no matter what, you and I are still co-parents to our children and, I hope, also friends. You can tell me anything."
TOM (almost wincing as he confesses his secret) : "Well, the fact of the matter is that… I'm… seeing… someone."
MARGO (suppressing a laugh) : "You're… seeing… someone?"
TOM : "Yes. I'm sorry… I…"
MARGO (finding it more and more difficult not to laugh out loud) : "No, no. Please. Don't apologize. You have every right."
TOM : "I'm so glad you're ok. I want you to know that Emily and I…"
MARGO (smiling) : "Emily, huh?"
TOM : "Y-yeah. But we didn't start seeing each other until after I moved out, I swear. We were talking about Daniel and… well, we just started to feel something for each other, and…"
MARGO (sincerely) : "That's great, Tom. I'm happy for you… and Emily. Really."
TOM (exhaling in relief) : "Thanks."
Suddenly Margo averts her eyes uncomfortably.
TOM (suspicious) : "Maaaargooooo? Something you want to tell me?"
MARGO (stumbling through her words) : "Uhhhh, y-yeah… but… I… uh… don't… I mean…"
TOM : "What is it?"
Margo just drops her gaze and shakes her head without a word.
TOM : "Come on. You can tell me. I told you about Emily."
Margo takes a deep breath, gathers her courage, and looks Tom in the eye.
MARGO : "I'm seeing someone, too."
TOM : "Uh-huh. I thought so, the way you were looking a minute ago. So, who's the lucky guy?"
MARGO : "Ummm, Tom… It's… Jess."
TOM (oblivious) : "What's Jess?"
MARGO : "The lucky guy. The person I'm seeing. It's Jess."
Tom's jaw drops and he says nothing for several seconds as the shocked expression remains on his face.
MARGO (getting nervous again) : "Tom, say something, please."
TOM (mouth still agape, still very surprised) : "Are you kidding me?"
MARGO : "No, I'm not kidding."
TOM : "Since when are you into women?"
MARGO : "I don't know. I mean, I never noticed an attraction to women before… except to Jess. I don't know. Jess and I have always had feelings for each other as friends and recently they've turned into something more and so… now we're… dating?"
TOM (slightly flustered) : "Wow. What can I say? I'm shocked. I mean, it's up to you who you see… I'm just shocked. It's not a bad thing. I'm just shocked. I'm just going to need a minute with this, ok?"
MARGO (cautiously) : "Ok."
TOM (suddenly looking at his watch) : "Well, it's getting pretty late. I have to get up early tomorrow. I better get going. I'm glad we had this talk."
MARGO : "Yeah, yeah. Me, too. I'm relieved we were honest with each other."
TOM : "Yeah, yeah. Me, too."
Tom stands and Margo stands with him.
TOM (sincerely) : "Well… I guess we'll talk again about putting in the paperwork. I think we can do this amicably, don't you?"
MARGO (sincerely) : "Of course. We're still friends, right?"
TOM (smiling slightly) : "Of course."
The two embrace.
TOM : "I still think it's weird about you and Jess, but… I'll keep trying to wrap my brain around it, ok? I may not quite be there, yet, but I'm trying, ok?"
MARGO :"I know this is hard. All I ask is that you try, ok?"
TOM : "Ok."
Tom heads for the door and Margo follows him out.
TOM : "I'll call you next week, ok?"
MARGO : "Ok."
As soon as Tom has left, Margo picks up her purse and keys and heads out the door.
Fifteen minutes later, Jess is lying on her couch in the dark, staring blankly into space when there's a knock at her door. The sound doesn't register at first with Jess, but when there's a second knock, and then a third, she's finally brought out of her daze. She shakes her head and groans in frustration as she slowly and deliberately stands and walks over to the door. She looks out the peephole to see Margo standing there.
Her brow furrows as she takes the chain off the door, unlocks it, and opens it. Margo smiles happily upon seeing her lover and reaches out for her.
MARGO (pulling Jess into a hug and kissing her on the cheek) : "Hey, sweetheart. I missed you."
JESS (looking confused) : "Hey."
MARGO (gently) : "Are you ok? What's the matter?"
JESS : "Nothing. I…"
MARGO (brow furrowed) : "You did know I was coming here after my dinner with Tom, didn't you?"
JESS : "Well, I wasn't sure."
MARGO (searching Jess' face) : "Not sure? Baby, you know I can't stand to be away from you for longer than absolutely necessary."
Jess silently drops her gaze to the floor, avoiding Margo's gaze. Margo cups Jess' chin and brings Jess' head up until their eyes meet. Margo reads Jess' thoughts.
MARGO : "Hey, look at me." (putting her hands on either side of Jess' face) "There's nothing left between Tom and me. You know that, right? Baby, I want you. I'm with you. You're the only one for me, I swear, ok?"
JESS (meekly) : "Really?"
MARGO (smiling broadly) : "Of course, silly." (leaning in and kissing Jess softly) "Don't you know that I am absolutely crazy about you?"
Margo slips her arms around Jess' waist, drawing her close and nuzzling her neck, and then planting a gentle kiss there.
She continues kissing her way up Jess' neck and then across her jaw, slowly and gently until she reaches Jess' lips. She lingers on the taller woman's lips and then whispers breathlessly in her ear.
MARGO : "I really missed you, baby."
Margo resumes kissing Jess. Finally, Jess responds by wrapping her arms around the redhead as she closes her eyes. She returns Margo's kiss with passion and clutches the other woman tightly.
Margo begins pulling Jess' shirt over her head as she continues kissing the taller woman. Jess begins unbuttoning Margo's pants and sighs deeply.
Margo pulls back, takes Jess' hand and leads her through the living room, into the bedroom.
Early the next morning, Margo's cell phone rings loudly as she lies sleeping with Jess curled up around her back, holding her from behind. Both women awaken with a groan.
Margo reaches for the phone, sits up, and rubs her eyes before reading the caller id.
MARGO : "Sorry, baby. I have to take this. It's the station." (flipping the phone open) "Hughes." (she stops to listen) "Yes, Hal?" (stops to listen again) "You got him? You're kidding. You're holding him at the station right now? Fantastic. I'm on my way."
Margo puts her cell phone back down on the nightstand and turns to Jess.
MARGO : "I'm sorry, baby. I have to go. We've got a suspect at the station and we need to question him and all that and I need to be there."
JESS (smiling softly) : "It's ok, baby. I understand."
MARGO (looking lovingly into Jess' eyes) : "How did I get this lucky, huh?"
JESS (chuckling lightly) : "Go to work before you blow your case, Hughes."
Both women smile warmly.
MARGO : "Are you going into the office?"
JESS : "Yes."
MARGO : "Soooo, will I see you later tonight?"
JESS : "Yes."
MARGO : "Soooo, will I see you later tonight? If my case doesn't take all night?"
JESS : "Yes. Just call me and let me know when you have some idea of when you'll be leaving the station."
MARGO (smiling) : "Cool."
Margo leans down and kisses Jess.
JESS : "All right. All right. Let's get going."
The couple gets out of bed, shares a quick shower together, gets dressed together, and leaves the house together with the promise to call each other later.
Twenty minutes later Margo arrives at the station to find a lot of activity going on. Margo approaches Hal.
MARGO : "Hey, Hal. What's going on?"
HAL (aggravated) : "This mental giant tried to squirm out of the cuffs and ended up breaking his wrist. We're going to have to take him to Memorial."
MARGO (shaking her head in frustration) : "Oh, man. We've got a real genius here, huh? All right then. Let's get him transported to Memorial and get him looked at then."
HAL : "Right, Chief."
Twenty minutes later, Margo and Hal arrive at Memorial with their suspect. They run into Bob in the halls.
MARGO (hugging Bob) : "Hey, Bob. How are you?"
BOB : "I'm good. How are you?"
MARGO : "I'm fine. Got a suspect here who tried to play Houdini while handcuffed and ended up breaking his wrist we think."
BOB : "Oh, boy. Ok. Well, he's in luck. We recently acquired one of the best orthopedic surgeons in the country. Her name is Callie Torres and she's on duty right now. I'll page her."
MARGO : "Thanks, Bob."
Five minutes later, Dr. Callie Torres shows up at examining room 1.
CALLIE : "You paged me, Bob?"
BOB : "Yes. I have a case for you here. This man tried to get out of his handcuffs and might have broken his wrist, so this falls into your area of expertise."
Five minutes later, Dr. Callie Torres shows up at examining room 1.
CALLIE (enthusiastically) : "I'm all over it."
Callie examines the suspects hand while Tom and Margo stand guard. Once Callie has completed her examination including x-rays and put a cast on the man's hand, she addresses the man while removing her rubber gloves.
CALLIE : "Ok. Like I said, you broke a bone in your wrist and another one a little higher up in your hand and the cast has to stay on for at least six weeks. Then you can look into having it removed."
The suspect says nothing, but maintains a hostile expression.
MARGO : "Thank you very much, Dr. Torres."
CALLIE : "Callie, please, Chief Hughes."
MARGO : "Margo, please, Callie."
The two women smile warmly at each other.
HAL (putting his hand on the suspects shoulder) : "Ok. You're done here. Let's get going."
Hal leads the suspect away. Margo lingers behind momentarily.
MARGO (to Callie) : "Well, thank you again, Callie. Maybe I'll see you around the hospital again sometime. Lyla, the nurse, is my mother, so I come around sometimes."
CALLIE (smiling) : "I look forward to seeing you again, Margo."
MARGO : "Bye."
CALLIE : "Bye."
Five hours later, Margo is walking back into Jess's house..
MARGO (seeing Jess on the couch, smiling) : "Hey, baby. How are you?"
JESS (smiling) : "Good. How are you?"
MARGO (leaning down to kiss Jess and give her a hug) : "Good. Except I missed you a lot."
JESS (still smiling) : "I missed you, too baby."
Jess looks adoringly into Margo's eyes and gently pulls her down until the redhead is seated next to her on the couch. Jess leans towards her and kisses her again. At that moment, Margo's phone rings.
MARGO : "Damn it." (picking up her phone and reading it, getting a confused look on her face) "It's Emily." (answering her phone) "Hello?" (stops to listen) "Emily? What's the matter?" (panicking) "What's the matter with Tom? What? Oh, my God! I'm on my way."
She quickly snaps her phone closed as her eyes become moist with tears.
JESS : "What's the matter?"
MARGO : "Tom had a heart attack. He's in the hospital. I have to go."
Jess is both worried and crestfallen as she believes Margo has forgotten all about her. Margo stands and gathers her purse and keys and starts towards the door when she suddenly turns back to Jess.
MARGO (gently) : "Are you coming?"
Jess brightens at being included.
JESS : "If you want me to. Are you sure?"
MARGO : "Of course I'm sure. Besides you're his friend, too. Come on. Let's go."
Fifteen minutes later Margo and Jess arrive at the hospital and find Bob, Kim, Emily, and Lisa there.
MARGO (approaching Bob, very worried) : "Hey. How is he? What's happened?"
BOB (worried) : "It looks like he had a heart attack, but luckily he got here quickly and doubly luckily we have the best cardiothoracic surgeon on the face of the earth right here at Memorial and she's examining him right now."
MARGO (exhaling deeply) : "Thank God."
The door to Tom's room opens and his blonde, blue-eyed doctor approaches his loved ones.
BOB : "Everyone, this is Dr. Hahn."
ERICA : "Hi. It's nice to meet all of you."
MARGO : "How is he, doctor?"
ERICA : "Well, you know that he was having a heart attack. Right now we're just trying to stabilize him, but we found that he had 50% blockage of both arteries so I'll have to get in there and unblock them as soon as possible."
BOB : "Well, he couldn't be in better hands, so I put all my faith in you, Erica."
ERICA : "Bob, I promise you I'm going to do all I can for your son. I can't tell you not to worry because you're going to do that anyway, but I will tell you that I've seen a hell of a lot worse cases make it just fine. So, take that for what it's worth, ok?"
BOB : "We can't ask for more than that. Thank you."
ERICA (starting to walk away) : "Don't thank me yet. Thank me when Tom walks out of here with a clean bill of health."
BOB : "That's a deal."
Two hours later Margo has been pacing the floor of the waiting room unceasingly while Tom is undergoing surgery to unblock his arteries. Running her hands through her hair and rubbing her face repeatedly, her breathing is erratic and her movements frenetic.
Jess ventures to approach her lover.
JESS (sympathetically putting a hand gently on Margo's back, speaking softly) : "You ok, babe?"
Margo gives Jess an incredulous look.
JESS (raising her hands defensively) : "I know, I know. Stupid question. Sorry. I'm just worried about you, sweetheart."
MARGO (weakly) : "I know, baby. I appreciate it. I just feel like I'm going crazy here. I feel so… so helpless while he's in there fighting for his life…"
Margo's voice trails off as she stops to consider how Jess might be interpreting her comment.
MARGO (pleading) : "Jess, please don't misunderstand me…"
JESS (reassuringly, rubbing Margo's back) : "No, no, baby. I understand. You were married to the man for 25 years and he's the father of your children. He's always going to have a place in your life and there's a part of you that's always going to have love for him. I get that.
MARGO : "Yeah, I mean, my relationship with him was one thing. It's in the past now. My relationship with you is now, my present and my future. Please believe me."
JESS (smiling gently) : "I do, baby."
MARGO (hugging Jess) : "Thank you. You're amazing, do you know that?"
JESS (looking into Margo's eyes) : "You're not so bad yourself there, Red." (pulling back slightly) "You feeling better now?"
MARGO : "A little but…"
JESS (knowingly) : "But you're still wound up."
MARGO : "Yes. I feel like a caged animal. God, I want to get out of here."
JESS : "So, go."
MARGO : "What? I couldn't."
JESS : " Sure you could. The surgery won't be finished for a couple of more hours yet and I'll be here. I'll call you if anything happens. Go get some air. It'll do you good. Make you feel better."
MARGO : "You promise you'll call me if there's any news at all?"
JESS : "Remember who you're talking to. Of course I promise. Go clear your head."
MARGO (pulling Jess into a hug) : "Thank you, sweetheart."
JESS (returning Margo's hug happily) : "Don't mention it."
Margo kisses Jess before releasing her and starting to walk off.
MARGO (calling back as she leaves) : "I'll be back."
Ten minutes later Margo walks into an empty church, eyes moist with tears. She steps into one of the pews and drops to her knees.
MARGO : "Dear Lord, I came here today because I really need you. Tom is really sick and it's pretty serious." (eyes fill with tears and she wipes them away) "He's in surgery right now and his chances of making it are the flip of a coin." (voice cracks) "Even though he and I aren't together anymore and we've each found someone else, he and I still have two sons together and those boys need their dad. I know that Adam's dad is really Hal, but as great as Hall is with him, Tom has always been there in the same house with him every day. And Casey desperately needs his dad, too. So, please don't take him yet, ok? Please? He's still needed down here so please let him stay a while longer. We won't make it without him. So, please, Lord, don't take him yet. Please."
Margo begins to sob uncontrollably as she drops her head and closes her eyes.
Two hours later, Margo walks back into the waiting room of the hospital. Jess is the first to see her and she hurries over to her lover.
JESS (reaching out for Margo) : "Hey, baby. You ok?"
The two women embrace intimately.
MARGO : "I'm trying. I'm trying. No news yet, huh?"
Jess shakes her head sadly.
Margo purses her lips anxiously as she rubs Jess' back. At that moment, Erica comes through the door, removing her scrub cab with a small smile. Everyone's attention immediately turns to the blonde surgeon.
ERICA (as everyone gathers around her) : "Hi, everyone. I'm happy to report that the operation went very well. We were able to unblock his arteries with no complications. He's strong as an ox. He's recuperating right now, resting comfortably. He won't be awake for several hours, so if you want to take some time to rest, go home and shower, change, whatever, now would be a good time. You can come back to see him later."
Everyone breathes a sigh of relief at the good news and hugs are exchanged all around. Erica is thanked profusely by everyone. Memorial's head of cardio graciously and humbly accepts everyone's thanks before promising to keep an eye on Tom, saying her good-bye's and taking her leave.
JESS (turning to Margo) : "Thank God for that. Well, what do you say we go home and get some rest, babe? We can come see Tom later, ok?"
MARGO (wearily) : "Yeah, yeah. Let's go"
Jess and Margo say their good-byes and leave the waiting room with their arms around each other.
Upon turning the first corner, they see a sight that is somewhat surprising to them. Erica is leaning against the wall with one hand on the hip of none other than Callie Torres while the gentle brunette has one hand on Erica's shoulder. The two couples exchange startled glances as they acknowledge one another.
MARGO : "Callie? Hey, how are you?"
Erica gives Callie a confused look. Jess gives Margo a confused look.
CALLIE (to Margo) : "Hey, Margo. How's your suspect?"
MARGO : "In jail."
Both women chuckle.
CALLIE (to Erica) : "I treated a man that Margo had under arrest, honey. He'd broken his wrist trying to get out of his cuffs, the dummy."
ERICA (to Margo, smiling, joking) : "Long time no see."
This time it was Callie's turn to give Erica a confused look.
ERICA (to Callie) : "My last surgery was Margo's ex-husband."
CALLIE : "Wow. Small world. Is he ok?"
MARGO: " Yeah, thanks to God and to Erica." (cautiously) "So…. You two…"
CALLIE (putting her arms around Erica's neck prompting Erica to slip her arms around Callie's waist) : "Six months now." (noting Jess and Margo's embrace) "You two?"
MARGO (smiling) : "Four months."
CALLIE (smiling) : "Wow. Nice."
ERICA : "Hey, we were just going to have some coffee. Care to join us?"
Margo and Jess exchange glances and shrug at each other.
MARGO : "Honey? You want to go have some coffee?"
JESS : "Sure. Sounds good."
ERICA : "Great. Let's go."
Erica puts her arm around Callie's shoulders, Jess mimics the move with Margo, and the two couples head out together.
Ten minutes later all four women are seated in the hospital cafeteria together enjoying their coffee.
MARGO (in the midst of telling the story of her relationship with Jess) : "We've been friends for years while I was married to Tom and Jess was married to Ben." (looks at Jess with a smile) "It turns out that we've always been attracted to each other on some level. So when both of our marriages ended… we couldn't keep our hands off of each other anymore. And here we are. Together and happy."
CALLIE (smiling, with her head propped up on one hand as she attentively listens to the story) : "Aaaaawww. That is so cute!"
ERICA (smiling) : "Very sweet."
JESS : "So, how about you two? What's your story?"
CALLIE : "Us? Well, I had a disaster of a marriage that ended horribly. I was already separated and well on my way to a divorce when Erica came to work at my hospital. We became friends and just kept getting closer and closer until it started becoming more. I, very stupidly, maintained a relationship with another attending, a man, during this time and it almost cost me the love of my life." (takes Erica's hand)
"Thank God Erica forgave me for that, but I still almost lost her when we ended up on opposite sides of a huge controversy at the hospital. She almost left, but I couldn't let her go, so I went after her, we talked things out and I got to understand where she was coming from. In the end, she couldn't stay at that hospital and I couldn't stay in Seattle without her, so we came out here together. And here we are. On cloud 9, right, baby?"
ERICA (chuckling) : "Yes, sweetheart."
Erica brings Callie's hand to her lips and kisses it.
Jess regards the other couple with a smile. Margo smiles for a moment before succumbing to a yawn.
JESS (smiling) : "Sleepy, baby?"
MARGO (meekly) : "A little."
JESS : "Allright, love. You've had a tough day. Let's get you home so you can get some sleep."
MARGO : "Ok." (turning to Callie and Erica) "But hey, we should get together for dinner sometime."
CALLIE : "We'd love to, right, baby?"
ERICA (enthusiastically) : "Absolutely.
ERICA (enthusiastically) : "Absolutely. We haven't been here that long and we haven't had a chance to make many friends yet, so a night out with another couple would be awesome for us."
MARGO : "Great." (taking her wallet out of her purse, extracting a card from it, and handing it to Callie) "Here's my card."
Callie extracts a card from her own wallet.
CALLIE : "Here's mine."
MARGO : "Fantastic." (turning to Erica) "And please let me know if there's anything new with Tom, ok?"
ERICA : "Of course. He should be fine, though. He's just recuperating from the operation right now, but he should steadily start getting stronger from here on out, ok? But if anything changes, I'll call you."
MARGO (smiling gratefully) : "Thanks."