Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench

The idea for this story has been swimming around in my head for the past week or so. It revolves around the the courtyard bench located in the center of Westside Medical Center where one Dr. Elenore Bartowski and her husband Dr. Devon work at. You'll be introduced to some familiar faces and new faces along with the way. So sit back and enjoy. Also, this story is separate from my AU timeline story that I'm currently writing.

A New Arrival

XXX

Sarah Walker walks downstairs and into the kitchen of her two story gated condo located in Culver City. A box full of her office supplies being carried in front of her. She's dressed in a stylish greyish pants suit with matching jacket and white bottom top. Black open toed high heels on her feet. Her golden blonde hair is pulled back into a tight bun for absolute professionalism. It's not long before she stops and then drops the box on the counter inevitably standing in front of a boiling coffee pot of ready-made coffee. After briefly staring at what seems like forever of her first morning cup of Joe, she reaches up without looking in order to pull open the cupboard just off to her right. Afterwards, she reaches in and retrieves a coffee cup then places it down in front of her but not before shutting the cupboard door. While standing there, she momentarily becomes lost in thought concerning what's she's wearing.

For her, the assemble put together doesn't necessarily scream trying too hard but at the same time wants to make a great first impression on her first day of work since being transferred from Washington D.C. 3 weeks ago. The move was brutal but she was able to make the transition from the east coast to the west coast fairly easy. Granted, there were a few hiccups with the moving truck getting lost on the way there causing a unfortunately delay in her furniture getting delivered much to her chagrin. However, she was able to take it all in stride as she wasn't alone in dealing with the whole situation. Fortunately for her, her mother Emma and her little 13 year old sister Molly are living with her. The 3 of them were able to make the most of it by simply camping out in the empty living room camp out party until the furniture finally arrived.

Of course, having wifi readily available was considered a God send more so for the young teen than for Sarah and Emma in order to stay connected when it comes to social media, as well as for watching online streaming services. Essentially, it's those aforementioned streaming services that got the 3 females through those 3 weeks until Sarah would eventually make an appointment to have satellite installed for regular television viewing. She nor her mother Emma wouldn't want to miss any episodes of Downtown Abbey, especially since she paid extra for dvr too.

Speaking of Emma and Molly, they emerge out from the stairway with the teenager rolling out first into the kitchen listening to music on her phone. As Molly passes her older sister on the way to the refrigerator, she playfully kicks her in the butt. "Wake up sis!"

"I am awake." retorted Sarah snapping herself into focus after being momentarily zoned out. "Just waiting for the coffee to be done and then I'm off to work."

In that instance, Emma proudly approaches her older daughter and leans in to give Sarah a motherly kiss to the right side of her head. "You excited? It's a big day for you."

"I know. Accepting the position as Chief Operating Officer to the Chief Administrator of Westside Medical Center is a huge deal." she retorted back in somewhat disbelief.

"What's your new boss' name?"

"Diane Beckman."

Emma is momentarily silent as if she's mulling over whether or not she'll like her just be the sound of her daughter's new boss' name. It's not long before she shrugs her shoulders and continues on. "Hopefully, your former boss Langston Graham was able to give you some positive remarks all things considering."

"One can only hope mom. Plus, it's a fresh start for me. I know I really need one."

Upon saying that, thoughts of what related to her much needed fresh start concerning her position at the medial facility she previously worked at begin to swirl within her mind. The unnecessary drama that happened because of it in regards to her personal life would end up affecting her professional life. Rumors would start spreading and that inevitably lead to discourse among the co-workers that work for and alongside her. The way it turned out and the way it was ultimately handled in the end just left a bad taste in everybody's mouth to say the least. Unfortunately, she doesn't have time to dwell in depth as her younger sister snaps her out of thoughts. "Hey, wake up!"

Instead of verbally responding to her youngster sister, she instead reaches over and grabs an apple that's laying in a bowl of assorted fruit within her reach to her left. She then tosses it in one fell swoop with Molly simply catching it with her right hand then taking a big bite of it without even looking at her older sister. "Thanks" nodded the 13 year old. Her attention on shuffling for the next song on her iPhone with her left thumb.

Sarah could only shake her head. "Brat." Sarah breathed out in a chuckle. "Have fun in school. Make smart choices." she added turning and pointing to her younger sister.

The elder Walker sister comfortably leans against the counter as Molly stands approaches her with the apple now locked in her mouth. The two engage in an intricately choreographed secret handshake that is totally amazing and amusing to their mother Emma. It's all over once the two sister bump hips. It's not long before Molly grabs her book bag, purse, and lunch that was prepared by Emma very early in the morning for her. After throwing what's left her apple in the garbage, she disappears out of sight with her mom in tow but not before pointing back at her big sister.

"You too sis!"

Her attention on her mother and younger sister would instantly turn to the sound of a coffee pot that is ready for consumption. After pouring a bit in her coffee cup and drinking it, she pours the rest along with what's left in the coffee pot into her metal coffee mug container that she retrieved from the same cupboard as her coffee cup. Once its done, she places her metal coffee mug container inside the box and then whisks it along with the contents inside to her first day at West Side Medical Center.

XXX

The initial meeting with Sarah's new boss Diane Beckman upon her arrival at Westside Medical Center was a bit nerve racking for her. Fortunately for her, she didn't exude any signs of nervousness whatsoever as she was given the grand tour of the hospital itself. Granted, it was all so immensely overwhelming for her but at the same time felt considerable excitement for what lies ahead of her in regards to her new position. However, when it came to carrying her box it would be left at the information desk where Beckman informed her that her head of security would take it and place it in her new office. In any case, as Beckman continued to give Sarah the guided tour, she would be introduced to 2 of the most well-respected doctors in the facility.

"Sarah Walker..." smiled Beckman. "...I would like to introduce you to Dr. Eleanor Woodcomb and her husband Dr. Devon Woodcomb." she added giving a courteous nod towards all 3 individuals. "She's the new Chief Operating Officer."

"Chief." nodded Devon. "Awesome to meet you Sarah. Welcome to the family." he added extending his hand for a handshake. A smile added as well.

Sarah reciprocates Dr. Woodcomb's handshake. "Thank you, Devon." Her attention is then averted to his wife. "Eleanor."

"Please..." insisted Devon's better half." "...call me Ellie." she smiled softly.

"Okay Ellie." Sarah is left momentarily speechless after taking it all in. She shakes her head and continues on. "It's a lot to take in, especially with how big this place is. It's vastly different where I transferred from in D.C."

"Awesome to have you Sarah. D.C.'s loss is our gain. You're going to enjoy it here."

His attention would be subsequently interrupted by an announcement over the intercom system. "Doctor Woodcomb, you're needed in surgery STAT. You're needed in surgery."

"Duty calls." Devon leans over and gives a quick kiss to his wife then gives a polite nod to his new co-worker. "Sarah." His attention then goes to Beckman. "Chief."

"Dr. Woodcomb."

Once Devon disappears out of sight, the 3 ladies are left standing in the middle of the hallway. It wouldn't last long as Beckman ushers them to walk with her. As they are walking, it's Beckman who continues on with the conversation. "One of the main reasons I hired Sarah is that she comes so highly recommended by her former boss Langston Graham at Langley Memorial Medical. He had nothing but positive praise for someone who he has referred to as his wildcard enforcer."

"Wildcard enforcer?" questioned a bewildered Ellie. A somewhat but not clearly noticeable cringle worthy expression is seen on the blonde woman's face by her as well.

A tight-lipped smile is expressed on Sarah's face upon hearing that. "It's a nickname that Graham gave me. I was considered his right hand. Enforcing rules and policies that tended to be ignored and I would sometimes do it in a way that didn't sit too well with the staff. You could also say I did it in a cold and calculating robotic like way. Distant. No emotion involved."

"Well..." Beckman began a bit thrown off by Sarah's response. However, she quickly recovered and continued on. "...I know the atmosphere in D.C. can be considerably..." It's at that point, Beckman is trying to find the right word or words to use. "...how do you say..."

There is a brief but incredibly awkward moment of silence shared between the 3 ladies. Instantly, Ellie chimes in breaking the silence with what she hopes is what her Chief Administrator is trying to convey. "Competitive. A tremendous amount of playing politics can be absolutely draining both mentally and emotionally I fair to say."

"Yes..." nodded Beckman. "...that's it. Competitive. Thank you Ellie." smiled the Chief Administrator.

After Ellie gives a nod back to Beckman, it's Sarah who gives her response by quickly jumping in and not making the situation even more awkward than it already is. "Which is the reason why I'm here. It gives me a chance to broaden my horizons and do...see things differently under Chief Beckman's leadership." she firmly added nodding in her direction. "I hope I'll be able to gain a whole new perspective on things as your new Chief Operating Officer."

"Excellent." smiled Beckman. Her hands clasped together momentarily giving her the opportunity to signal Ellie in a non-verbal way to ask her any question pertaining to the newest member of the Westside Medical family.

Ellie glances down at her watch and then speaks up. "Have you had lunch?"

"Not yet. I'm starving actually."

"So am I." she replied raising both eyebrows. "My shift doesn't start for another hour and half so let's go to the cafeteria. Chief you're more then welcome to join us."

"Thank you for the invite Ellie but I unfortunately have a 2pm meeting I have to attend to with Roan Montgomery. I don't want to cancel unlike last time." she explained. "Ladies, enjoy your lunch." And with that the Chief Administrator to Westside Medical Center saunters off.

As she does, Sarah leans in clearly noticing the way Chief Beckman demeanor perked up as she was walking off. "Roan Montgomery."

"Account Executive of the Hospital."

"Ah. Corporate Medical Traveler."

"The Chief's off and on again."

Instantly Sarah's eyebrows shoot upward. "Do tell." she requested. This leads Ellie to hook Sarah's arm and lead her to the hospital cafeteria for not only lunch, but also for some 411 on the relationship between Roan and Chief Beckman.

XXX

"That meal sure hit the spot." stated Sarah expressing a satisfied smile. Her stomach full of today's cafeteria lunch special consisting of baked him, mashed potatoes with Gravy, and California Blend Veggies with Steamed rice on the side. Cherry Cheesecake cup for dessert. A diet coke to wash it all done.

"As my husband would so say..." Ellie began with amusement. "...it was indeed an awesome meal." she nodded with a sense of satisfaction in her voice.

Upon saying that, the sound of a rather low and somewhat husky male voice calls out to the newest member of the Westside Medical Center family. "Sarah Walker."

Sarah immediately turns around to look up at a rather large, hulking and not to mention menacing look of a man. She instantly locks eyes with him and his seemingly icy glare causes her to momentarily forget how to breathe let alone remember what she just had for lunch a while ago. Luckily, her frozen stature is able to be freed by the touch of Ellie's hand on her right shoulder.

"Hi John." Ellie turns her attention to Sarah who is apparently now able to return to normal brain function thanks to her. "Sarah Walker, this is our hospital's head of security John Casey. Some people here call him Colonel."

"Retired military?" inquired Sarah still stupefied by the man's massive presence. A man who is present attire is mainly dark colored clothing and clutched in left hand is a walkie talkie. Yet, even though he has a walk talkie in hand, Sarah keenly notices a communication device within his right ear. A man resembling a mafia hit man she thinks to herself. In that instance, she takes a step back so as to not be totally overwhelmed by him and yet that didn't help much.

"You could say that."

"John here has built a reputation for being by the book and no nonsense. Yet, even though he may look like a big, tough, intimidating bear all the time he's just a guy with a big heart." she stated leaning forward to briefly touch him on his forearm. The last part of the sentence for only John and Sarah to hear. It's that point, Beckman's head of security only response is a grunt. "He watches out for all of us and trust me when I say we all feel very protected when he's around. Even when you think he's not."

"Just doing my job." While standing there, Sarah could sense that John Casey was a growing a bit uncomfortable with the compliments that Ellie was giving him. In that instance, she suddenly notices the two fingers on her right hand rubbing together then stop. His voice speaking once again as his line of sight is directed towards her. "I'm here to escort you to your office. The belongings you came with are already there. I made sure of it."

"Oh. Ok thanks." Before Sarah heads off with the head of security, she parts ways with a new found friend Dr. Woodcomb. "Ellie, I'll see you later."

"In this hospital. You will." she remarked with a mixture of amused seriousness. "John, take care of our new girl here." she waved heading off to start her afternoon rounds.

"Roger that." Casey then nods motioning for Sarah to follow him. However, before escorting Sarah to her office his name is called out again "John."

"Yeah."

"Clara wanted me to tell her big buddy hi."

In that moment while standing there next to the man known 3 different names, she keenly notices a faint smirk appear in the corner of his mouth. "Let her know, copy that little buddy."

Ellie waves and disappears out of sight leaving Casey and Sarah standing in the hallway together in momentary awkward silence. This leads Sarah to break it immediately for her own sake and for his knowing the type of guy he is when it involves being personable with each other. "Lead the way then."

Casey simply nods then motions for her to follow him. The walk to Sarah's office would last a total of 10 minutes with an added 5 minutes of an elevator ride to the 3rd floor of the 5 floor building. It wouldn't be long before Sarah would find herself entering into a spacious corner office. There she would find her box of belongings placed on her desk situation by the window. A window that has the full view of the courtyard with a number of blue benches down below that connects all the individual building together that make up Westside Medical Center. After standing there at the window of her office looking down at the courtyard, she hears a faint grunt behind her causing her to turn around.

"Thanks for escorting me to my office..."

It's at that point, Sarah suddenly doesn't know what to call the man with 3 different names. Luckily for Sarah, Chief Beckman's head of security for the hospital pipes up. "Casey will do just fine."

Sarah gives a thankful nod towards him. "I appreciate it Casey."

"No problem Chief."

Instantly, Sarah steps forward with her hand out as if she wants to say something, which Casey keenly notices. "What? What is it?"

"It's nothing."

Again, Sarah hears another grunt coming from the man standing near her office door. "Does it involve sharing your lady feelings?"

Sarah is a bit thrown off after hearing that to the point of nearly chuckling. Instead, she restrains herself from doing so and continues on. "No. it's not that. It's going to be a bit confusing if Chief Beckman and I are standing in the same room for let's say a staff meeting or whatever. If people start asking questions to the both of us..." Sarah begins to get flustered to the point where she just stops and starts over." Listen, I don't know about the other staff but would you mind if you call me by my first name or if not then by my last name?"

Casey stands there in front of her office door for what seems to be forever by Sarah's standards wrapped in absolute silence. Though long it may have seemed, its immediately broken with hospital's head security stepping forward. "Ok...Walker. Good with you?"

"Good with me." smiled Sarah. She then turns around making her way around behind her desk. When she turns around in order to speak with him again, she finds that he's nowhere in sight. A bit perplexed she looks around her barren office that hasn't been given the Sarah Walker touch. "Casey?" She shakes her head then looks down noticing a business card at the base of her box of belongings. She picks it up and reads the following:

John Casey
Head of Security
Westside Medical Center

Cell: ((In Case Of Emergency))
(301) 498-5684
Office Number:
(323) 555-1836 Ext #5

For Sarah, it was the only information printed on the white card. Nothing fancy designed on either side. Just plain, simple, and straight to the point. Exemplifies what John Casey is all about. A growing smile appears on her lips knowing she may have just made a 2nd friend on her 1st day on the job. 3rd friend if she counts Ellie's husband knowing he's a friend by association she thinks to herself. Afterwards, she plops herself down into her desk job exhaling a sign of relief in the process. In doing so, she slowly turns her chair around in a counter clockwise fashion and then raises both her arms in the air inevitably placing them behind her head in a relaxed fashion taking the scenery outside in.

XXX

Across town in Santa Monica, CA in a computer store sits Chuck Bartowski in his office of his place of business called Kessel Run Technologies or K.R. Tech for short. It's in homage to Han Solo's infamous kessel run that took less than 12 parsecs to travel in the Millennium Falcon and it would be a fitting play in words for the slogan for his company that is gradually becoming a successful computer repair/software game business. In any case, the building itself is situated next to a Frozen Yogurt shop named Orange Orange and an assortment of shops, as well as restaurants located within the area itself. As Chuck continues to sit behind his desk working on what appears to be important paperwork, a knock is heard on his heard leading him to lift his head in the direction of his office door.

"What's up Morg?"

"Hey dude..." responded Morgan waving to man sitting his desk. A grape soda clutched in his right hand. "...just wanted to remind you to not forget what's happening tomorrow."

For Chuck, Morgan Grimes is considered to be his best friend since childhood. Loyal to a fault for the last 25 years of their respective lives. Although they've shared a friendship for that long they've had their fair share of arguments that have tested the strong bond established between the two of them. At first glance, 2 seemingly normal guys but when you dig deeper, so to speak, there is a vastness in differences between the two men. Charles Irving Bartowski or Chuck to his friends, graduated 2nd in his class in Stanford with a 3.8 G.P.A. while the little bearded man barely graduated community college. So, it' doesn't phase either of them one bit whenever they talk to people and they share their backgrounds to potential clients who ask they end up getting a reaction of surprised disbelief.

As a matter of fact, they're tickled at the notion of a Stanford and Community college graduate working together in a successful business that's been gaining ground by word of mouth. Chuck's expression perks up after hearing that from his hetero life partner. Its those 3 words that still amuse him to this day since its how Morgan dubbed their strong friendship likened to the life debt that Chewbacca made to Han Solo after saving his life. Granted, as furry as Morgan is he most certainly the Chewbacca to his Han Solo. Plus, the man can impressively do a spot on Chewie growl on command or whenever he feels the need arises. which according to him is every day. His train of thought concerning the matter of his Morgan and Chewie comparison fade away leading him to respond to his best friend.

"I didn't forget buddy. Bash..."

Morgan immediately chimes in. "Bash at the Bench." the two men announced in unison.

"You got everything prepped?" inquired Chuck leaning comfortably back in his desk chair.

"Yep. Camera. Lights if we need it. Costumes. Scripts printed out and checked for typos." he answered happily clapping his hands together. "I also made an announcement on our YouTube Channel that we're also going live on that day. I'm sure we'll get a ton of comments when I check it later."

"Awesome." replied Chuck lifting himself out of his desk chair. He's now standing straight and excitedly hits the top of his desk with his knuckles. "I've been looking forward to this." Chuck is about to make his way around his desk when he notices his left shoelace on his black Chuck Taylor high tops is undone. He takes a quick moment to bend down to tie it then heads towards the office door.

After walking past Morgan, he suddenly turns around only to have his best friend run into him. "Sorry."

Chuck simply steps back and locks eyes with him. "Remember buddy. This is an important cause, so we don't want to mess this up."

"And for Ellie."

"And El. nodded the nerdy business owner.

"And the kids."

"Especially for them." smiled Chuck.

"And our viewers who happily donate to a good cause when they watch the live stream happening Friday on our channel on YouTube." chimed in Morgan once again.

For Chuck, every Friday is an event that he puts his all into knowing full well that he's putting more pressure on himself than anything else. In his mind, he doesn't want to let his older sister, the kids, the hospital and especially himself down when it comes to giving back to a place that means so much. A place that has provided him a way to express his creativity and not to mention establish life long bonds with the kids he has gotten to know, as well as grown to love over the years. He calms his inner thoughts down knowing if he focuses on them more he'll freak himself out. Afterwards, he expresses a soft smile towards his best friend. "Lunch?"

"Sizzling Shrimp?"

"You read my mind buddy." he retorted spinning around on his heels. He heads out his office door with his best friend Morgan Grimes following suit right behind him.

XXX


NOTE: YEAH THIS STORY NEEDED TO WRITTEN OR I WOULD HAVE GONE NUTS THINKING ABOUT IT! HOPE YOU ENJOYED IT AND LEAVE A REVIEW! SHARE YOU THOUGHTS!