From llhalbl@indirect.com Wed Feb 21 23:22:42 1996 Received: from soda.CSUA.Berkeley.EDU (soda.CSUA.Berkeley.EDU [128.32.43.52]) by shellx.best.com (8.6.12/8.6.5) with ESMTP id XAA23281 for ; Wed, 21 Feb 1996 23:22:33 -0800 Received: from ns2.indirect.com (ns2.indirect.com [165.247.1.17]) by soda.CSUA.Berkeley.EDU (8.6.12/8.6.12) with ESMTP id XAA18299 for ; Wed, 21 Feb 1996 23:21:06 -0800 Received: from Laura.hollyberry.com (s19.abq-dialin2.hollyberry.com [165.247.25.19]) by ns2.indirect.com (8.6.12/8.6.6) with SMTP id RAA22046; Wed, 21 Feb 1996 17:20:17 -0700 Date: Wed, 21 Feb 1996 17:20:17 -0700 Message-Id: <199602220020.RAA22046@ns2.indirect.com> X-Sender: llhalbl@mail.indirect.com X-Mailer: Windows Eudora Version 1.4.3 Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" To: patricia@epix.net, Raymond_Prososki@notes.pw.com, jhood@lib.law.du.edu, wheless@sunchem.chem.uga.edu, bsmith@raven.cybercomm.net, Dame_Myra_Hess@msn.com, spring@levy.bard.edu, perrys@server.iadfw.net, 103107.220@compuserve.com, sheffler@connect.net, amurphy1@shrike.depaul.edu, llhalbl@indirect.com, trish@swsmail.atlanta.com, smarcel@utk.edu, doody@u.washington.edu, nnakova@direct.ca, anne@knowles.com, dawndra@metronet.com, MarcEditor@aol.com, cdaveb@csua.berkeley.edu, agilbert@mi.net, U6F1C@WVNVM.WVNET.EDU, fburgess@mail.awinc.com, harpo@bora.dacom.co.kr, stoney@dialin.ind.net, JCLOUTI@mtl.unisysgsg.com, esnyder@leland.Stanford.EDU, waltersm@gusun.acc.georgetown.edu, Lindafff@aol.com, Alan.Hench@mail.utexas.edu, bodacia@tdl.com, JohnsonCR@GANDLF.UINDY.EDU, satw01@interserv.com, sylvi@iglou.com, passalcq@IS2.NYU.EDU, amatthew@gtd.eds.com, Sclaney@aol.com, MLuba@gnn.com, ekeller@ycp.edu, Lilpeste@aol.com, Heather.Blair@netserver.ConnRiver.net, frank@cpi.computerpower.com, MOONC@LOKI.AGECON.KSU.EDU, Patti415@aol.com, GPurdy3507@aol.com, nmnsfld@www.signalsoft.com, longstrs@GVSU.EDU, sstrake@ycp.edu, jfleming@mnsinc.com, 102752.1303@compuserve.com, rjabour@eagle.liunet.edu From: llhalbl@indirect.com (Laura ) Subject: GL Marc's Conclusion Part 1 of 2 Status: RO RotSoapers... The end of Marc's Feb RotSoap > >MARC'S GL ROTISSERIE SOAPS STORY CONCLUSION-FEBRUARY 1996 > >Everyone, >Here's part 3 of the episode--the conclusion. Hope you like it--I definitely >had fun writing it! One note, though--you'll be reading at least one risque >scene--maybe even too raunchy for GL! (But it *had* to happen...) >As usual, all the characters and situations in this story are copyrights of >Procter & Gamble. Thanks again for reading this story! > >Keep turning on the Light, >Marc > >FOR THE CHILD >PART 3: THE CONCLUSION >by Marc Wilkofsky (MarcEditor@aol.com) >completed: February 21, 1996 > > >****ACT FIVE**** > >Scene 1: THE TOWERS CLUB. Holly is on the floor, in the process of trying to >calm down Roger--whose head is bleeding as he flails his arms--and get help. >The glass of ginger ale he knocked out of her hand is on the carpet, next to >them. Vanessa is still sitting at the bar, while Marcus is still on stage, >holding his sax--they are both transfixed at the scene. > >HOLLY: Easy, Roger, easy...someone bring me a chair! >ROGER: I w-want...kiiill him... >HOLLY: Roger, stop--you're not making any sense--can someone PLEASE call >Cedars? Now?!? >(One of the diners lugs over a chair, while the bartender runs to the phone >at the end of his counter.) >BARTENDER: I will! (starts dialing the number) >ROGER: N-nooo...no h-hospital... >HOLLY (rubs his head again): You've got to go to the hospital, Roger...you're >in trouble... (two powerful-looking diners help Holly lift Roger onto the >chair, and she notices them staring at her belly) Don't worry, fellas, I can >still handle this... >(Vanessa, who's finally risen from her chair, overhears this.) >VANESSA: Cedars...oh my God. But he can't be...he just *can't*... (runs >toward the lobby; camera goes back to Holly & Roger) >ROGER: Why...h-helping m-me...? >HOLLY (smiles): Oh, you know why, Roger--because I care. >ROGER (lifts up hand): Don't...d-drink...b-bad for...child... >HOLLY: What? (looks at drink on the floor and chuckles) Oh, Roger, that was >only ginger ale... (Roger falls unconscious) Oh, no... (the bartender >approaches the group) >BARTENDER: Sorry, miss, the ambulance dispatcher says the roads are too >rough, and they've got too many major accidents to deal with--it'll take 'em >at least an hour to get here... >HOLLY: An *hour*?!? Then...there's only one thing to do... > >(cut to shot of Vanessa on the phone) >VAN: Come on...come *on*... >(shot of nurse picking up phone at Cedars) >NURSE: Cedars Hospital Emergency Room, Nurse Winheim speaking. Can I-- (split >screen begins) >VAN (quickly): Nurse--please tell me if you've admitted a Matthew Reardon >anytime today. >NURSE: Miss, I'm not sure if we can give out that kind of information... >VAN: Of *course* you can! I need to know if my husband is in your hospital! >(calming down) Please tell me...please. >NURSE (rolls her eyes): All right... (places phone between her shoulder and >ear, as she types a few keys on the computer keyboard in front of her) one >moment, please...it's *very* busy right now, you know... (she looks at all >the patients being rolled in) >VAN: Yes, I understand...thank you... >NURSE: You said, "Reardon"? >VAN: Yes--R-E-A-- >NURSE: OK, I've got one Reardon showing up-- (Vanessa gasps) oh, no, that's a >*Peter* Reardon, in Pediatrics... (Vanessa sighs) nope, sorry, no Matthew >Reardon, miss. Looks like your hubby's OK. >VAN: Oh, thank you, nurse. >NURSE: No problem...and it's Maria. Good night, and good luck finding him. I >don't know how I know this, but he sounds like a real catch. >VAN (pleasantly surprised): Yes, he is...thanks again. Good night. (hangs up, >walks over to the main dining room, where she bangs into Marcus, who's >quickly taking off his tie) Oh! Marcus, what's your hurry? (Marcus doesn't >answer, and runs off towards the stairs) That's strange... (she approaches >the main dining room, where she sees Holly and a burly man transferring Roger >into a wheelchair, as the bartender looks on) >BARTENDER: Glad we had this handy...man, what a night for Hamp to be off and >leave me in charge. >HOLLY (about to push Roger towards the elevators): You're doing fine, >uh...what's your name? >BARTENDER: Buddy...Buddy Winheim. >HOLLY: Well, thanks, Buddy. I'm Holly Lindsey-Reade. So did you find a cab? >BUDDY: Sure did, after trying a few numbers--it should be here any minute. >They'll call me when it gets-- (phone rings) That must be it! >HOLLY: All right, Mr. Thorpe, let's move it! (she leads the way as the burly >man pushes Roger, who's waking up; she spots Vanessa) Vanessa, I'm taking >Roger to Cedars in a taxi...you can wait here for Matt...maybe talk with >Marcus for a while... >ROGER: Marrr--cuuusss... (grows furious, as Holly tries to rub his head) >VAN: Marcus took off--he nearly knocked me down! >HOLLY: That's...funny... >BUDDY (running around the corner): Holly, the cab's downstairs and waiting! >HOLLY: Okay, let's go! You'll be all right, honey...don't worry... (She joins >Buddy and the burly guy in rushing Roger--who's grunting, screaming and >trying to get out of the wheelchair--to the elevator, as Vanessa stands a few >feet away, staring with much interest.) Don't worry... (The elevator doors >open, the group enters, and Roger finally calms down again, as Holly bends >over the chair and places both arms around him from behind. Buddy looks at >her action and frowns.) Ssshhh...don't worry... (the elevator doors close, as >Vanessa turns around and smiles) >VAN: Careful, Holly...careful... (walking away) Remember, he's a Thorpe. > >CUT TO: >Scene 2: THE FARMHOUSE. Hart is pacing in the kitchen nervously. Suddenly, >there's a faint knock at the door, startling him. He notices the photo on the >counter and stuffs it into his jeans pocket, then runs over to the door and >opens it. Bridget's standing there, with Peter in front of her. > >HART (immediately taking Bridget's wet coat): Bridget! Glad you--both of >you--made it. (places her coat on a wooden rack in the foyer) >BRIDGET (chuckles a bit): Ha--well, we almost didn't...we practically came >here sideways! (takes off Peter's coat, places it on top of hers) >PETER: Sidewayz... (to Hart) Do you have any cookies? >BRIDGET: Peter! (laughs, then sniffles a bit) >HART (bends down and pats Peter's head): Sorry, little guy, no cookies...but >I have some hot cocoa you both can have! >BRIDGET: Hey, that sounds good...but only a little for Peter, okay? He can be >a bit hyperactive... >HART (Opens up cupboard, grabs box of cocoa packets): Takes after his father, >I guess... (realizes what he just said, tries to change the subject) So, >who's up for marshmallows? >PETER: I am! I am! >BRIDGET: See? He's not shy, either...he usually says what he feels... >(pauses) just like his mother. (they stare at each other) >HART (places box on counter): Bridget, I have something important to ask >you...and it can't wait. (motions to table) Can we sit down? >BRIDGET (surprised): Sure, Hart. (they sit across from each other, as Peter >walks around the kitchen staring up at everything with widely opened eyes) >What is it? >HART (puts his hands on the table): Bridget, it's been a...wild...few months >for me since I came back. I thought it somehow get easier, but life is never >what you expect. Especially *my* life. (Bridget looks entranced) Okay, here's >the deal...I've been thinking a lot about Peter...and you...and Peter... >(they both laugh a little, as Bridget looks like she's about to cry) and I'd >like to know if you...what you would think about... >BRIDGET (tears forming in her eyes): Hart, we--we can't move in with you. I >have to share Peter with Vanessa, and she's letting me stay at her place and >t-take care of Peter whenever I'd like to. Hart, I--I-- >HART (not wanting to interrupt her): Yes, Bridget? >BRIDGET: I love you *so much*, but I...can't do this. >HART (smiles, stands up): Bridget, I was *going* to ask you if you would let >me see Peter every other night for a while...maybe go out with us when you >can, and give Peter a real family...but this is more than I expected...*much* >more...whew. >BRIDGET (stands up, and walks towards Peter, incredibly embarrassed): Oh, >God...oh, no...I'm *so sorry*... >HART (stops her, as he grabs her arms and stares lovingly into her eyes, and >Peter follows him): Bridget, Bridget...you're so wonderful... (runs his hand >slowly through her hair, then holds it by the side of her head)...so >beautiful...and you've made this so easy for me... (a tear falls from her >eye, and she smiles and looks up at him as he wipes it away with his free >hand) I love you, too, Bridget. I love you, too. (He kisses her gently, with >his hands on each side of her head. Peter walks over and puts his arms around >one leg of each person, as Hart and Bridget embrace each other.) > >CUT TO: >Scene 3: INSIDE THE TAXI. Holly is holding Roger--whose eyes are closed--to >her shoulder, and looking out the window into the steady snow outside. > >HOLLY (to female driver): So...do you think we can make it? >DRIVER (turns head around): No hablo ingles, senorita. >HOLLY: Oh...lo siento...no problemo. (sighs, as Roger opens his eyes) >ROGER: Holly? Wh--what's happening? Where are we? >HOLLY (laughs): Ha ha...back to your old self, Roger? *That* didn't take >long. >ROGER: What...do you mean? (suddenly winces with pain and touches his head) >Owww! (he sits up) >HOLLY: Pronto, senorita, por favor...pronto. (driver nods her head) Well, I'm >glad you can at least *talk*. (touches his shoulder) So, between groans, >would you mind telling me who did this to you? >ROGER (quickly looking into her eyes, then looking away): N-no one...I >fell...I slipped and fell... >HOLLY: Oh, really? Then why was Marcus in such a hurry to leave the Towers? >ROGER: Marcus--? Why do you think it's Marcus who punched--I mean... >HOLLY: Roger, you're doing it again! I don't care if it's your fear of him or >your damn pride, but you're lying to me, and I will *not* stand for it! >ROGER: I am not...afraid...of Marcus. His supposedly "anti-violence" father >apparently taught him a mean punch, but I... >HOLLY: Finally, the truth comes out. Follow it by an apology, and I won't >give you another...even more painful...injury. >ROGER: Sorry, Holly...I'm sorry for not telling you... Of all people, I trust >*you* the most... >HOLLY: Well, *that's* saying a lot. Wait--don't tell me--your amnesia's >returned, and you've forgotten how many times you've lied to me through the >years! >ROGER (sorrowfully): Holly...I'm so sorry...I want to make it up to >you...*all* of it... (winces again) I don't want you to think of me this >way...I love no one on this *planet* more than you...I swear to God that's >true...please believe me...please... >HOLLY (steels herself): Roger, I can never...ever...honestly love you again. >(Roger is taken aback by this, but continues to look at her, as she stares >back without blinking. We can only see her eyes in the shadows.) Never again. >ROGER (able to whisper only one word): Why? >HOLLY: Why, Roger? You want to know why... Roger, I've thought about this so >many times, and I finally *know* why, although you've probably known for some >time now. Because I can never completely trust you, Roger. And because of >what happened in the past (Roger turns away, and angrily bangs his fist on >the window) ...no, Roger, I forgive you for it all. (she touches his back, >and he slowly turns to her again, as she smiles at him) I do...really. But >you just demonstrated the second reason...your innate, uncontrollable temper. >Don't say you can hold it back, Roger...because I know you too well...your >temper is part of the fire that drew me to you when I was younger and much >more foolish...and for years, even as I grew smarter and stronger, I was >willing to walk through that fire to reach the real you...the warm, loving >you...but I can't do it anymore. I refuse to be burned again. It's just not >worth it. >ROGER (touches her leg softly): But I can *make* it worth it...I mean, I can >make it up to you...I *love* you, Holly...I love you enough to try *so hard* >(raises his fist a bit, then quickly puts it down) to be the man you need, >and help you forget the past... >HOLLY: ...and that's the third reason, Roger. You will always feel like you >have to "make it up" to me. A relationship isn't built on painting over the >hardships of the past...it's built on a fresh start, a new beginning with the >one you love. And keeping love strong--holding it together--is enough of a >struggle, without old struggles getting in the way. >ROGER: Or a baby--isn't that a struggle between you and Fletcher? >HOLLY: Yes, but it's one that will take us into the future...and the future >is all that matters to us. Nothing else...especially not old lovers. >ROGER: So I... (winces) don't matter anymore? I'm just an "old lover"? >HOLLY: You're more than that, Roger...you're still a good friend. And that's >important to me, believe me. I need all the friends I can get these days. >ROGER: But you can't say you love me, can you? You can't say it...after all >we've been through... >HOLLY (stroking his shoulder, looking solemn): Roger, I...please, you have to >understand... >DRIVER: !Estamos aqui! !El hospital! >HOLLY (peers out the window as the car stops): We're here, Roger--the ER. I'm >going to have to run out for a wheelchair--you wait for me, all right? >ROGER: I don't need a wheelchair...but I do understand. And I *won't* wait >for you...anymore. (He opens the door, and slowly gets out and starts >trudging towards the automatic doors, holding his head. Holly swings open her >door, and runs in front of the car and over to him.) >HOLLY: Roger, you stubborn man...let me at least keep you warm. (She puts her >gloves on his hands, then puts her hands on his shoulders and stares into his >suddenly childlike eyes.) I love you, Roger. I always, *always* will. (His >eyes light up and he smiles. She smiles back, and they hug each other, as the >snow falls around them.) > > CUT TO: Scene 4: VANESSA'S HOME. Dinah is taking Matt's coat off slowly in the living room. DINAH: So...how was *your* day? (hangs the coat up, grabs the note from under the phone and places it in her pocket while Matt isn't looking) MATT: Thanks for asking--just lousy. But I'd rather discuss it with Vanessa--is she upstairs? DINAH (looks slightly angry, then smiles) Oh, she's gone--she left a while ago. MATT: What?!? Where did she go?!? DINAH: I'm not sure...all I know is that I was watching little Peter upstairs for a while, and when I came down, Bridget told me my mother went out with Holly...and that she was very upset that you "stood her up." MATT: WHAT?! "Stood her up"?? Did she even *try* to look for me? DINAH: Oh, I'm sure she did... (smiles again) no, actually, she told Bridget to make a few calls while she put on her makeup. And Holly helped a bit, too, before the two of 'em took off. MATT (dumbfounded): Is...is Bridget still here? DINAH: No, she took Peter over to see Hart-- MATT: Well, of *course* she did! What next? DINAH: Well, I suppose you can go out and look for her...Vanessa, I mean. (mumbles) Bridget shouldn't be too hard to find...just listen for the groans of ecstasy... MATT: What? DINAH: Nothing. So, wanna give it a whirl? I think she *might* be at the... MATT: Yeah, the Towers, I know. No, I'm way too tired...and furious...to even call there, much less talk to her. (walks toward kitchen) I'm going for a beer...want one? DINAH: Oh...sure! Thanks. (Matt enters kitchen, as the phone rings) MATT (through kitchen door): I *don't* want to speak to her! DINAH: Gotcha! (picks up phone) Hello? (shot of Rick in Cedars) RICK (fairly shouting above the noise in the ER waiting room): Hello, Dinah? Is your mother there? DINAH: No, she's out--and I'm not sure where--can I take a message? RICK: All right...a nurse here (looks at Nurse Winheim, who's smiling with a look of immense pride) just told me that a woman called looking for her husband--a "Matthew Reardon"--and I wanted to let Vanessa know that he's okay. He was just helping out an injured employee--he should be home by now. DINAH: Yes, he is, but she's not. I'll get the message to her, though--promise. RICK: Okay, thanks. Gotta run--'bye. DINAH: 'Bye now. (Matt comes out with the beers) MATT: So who was that? DINAH: It was Rick--he just wanted to see if you got home all right. MATT: Ha--well, at least *he* cares. I'll try to call him sometime tonight. (sits down, hands her a beer bottle) Here you go. DINAH: Oh, Matt, I'm sorry--I changed my mind--could I just have a glass of water? And the tap water, please--just let it run for a while. MATT (gets up): No problem--be back in two secs. DINAH: Thanks--gotta keep my girlish figure, you know. (Matt enters the kitchen again, while Dinah rushes to the phone, and quickly dials) Hi, could you please see if a Vanessa Reardon is there, please? Thanks. (moves around nervously as she waits) Vanessa? Vanessa, it's me--yes, I'm still at home, although Bridget took Peter to visit Hart. Calm down, calm down, I've got good news--Matt's here. No, he...was stuck in traffic for a while. No, that's the problem--he's too tired to go out. No, really, he is. You do? Okay, fine...hold on... (yells) Matt, Vanessa wants to speak with you! MATT (peeks his head through the door, and yells angrily as Dinah holds the receiver in the air towards him): Not tonight! I'll speak to her in the morning!! DINAH: Mother, are you all right? No, he only *sounds* angry...he'll be all right...like he said, you can work this out in the morning. Tell him what? Well...okay...hello? Hello? Humph. (She hangs up, and Matt comes out with her glass of water.) She says she'll *definitely* talk to you in the morning--'cause you won't see her till then! MATT (sighs, gives her the water): Where is she now? DINAH: I found her at the Towers Club-- MATT: Right, I guess she's been waiting for me...maybe I should call her back. DINAH: Hey, it's as simple as hitting redial! Oh, wait, you guys don't have call waiting--does your phone even *have* redial? MATT (laughs, drinks his beer) Never mind...so did Rick tell you about Nelson, and his wild mother and girlfriend? DINAH (takes a sip): No, he just mentioned an injured employee of yours...so what *were* you doing tonight? MATT (chuckles): No, no, it's nothing like that--Nelson had an accident, and even though I helped him through it, Senora Cavallo and Nelson's main squeeze Kathy wanted to kill me! DINAH: And that was because...? MATT: Because they blamed me for keeping him at work on a day like today...can you imagine that? DINAH: Well, did you force him to stay? (Matt takes a sizable sip) 'Cause I remember reading in one of my daddy's--um, father's books that if you force an employee to work and they have an accident, they can sue you! MATT: Oh, no--it was totally his decision. But I *should've* stopped him. DINAH: Oh, spare me--you were kind enough to help save his life, Matt. Is he all right now? MATT: Yes, he's safe in the hands of Dr. Rick Bauer...which is more than I can say for my sister. What, is she *crazy*? (swallows some more beer) Especially in this weather! DINAH: No, just in love...but she might've lost a few marbles when I walloped her earlier in our little snow battle! MATT: Your little what? Did you two... DINAH: Yes, we did, and I *crushed* her like (jiggles her glass) an ice cube! MATT: Well, no one does that to my sister and gets away with it... (takes another huge swig) DINAH (puts her glass on the table): Oh, so do you want to spend some of that fury on a little tussle in the tundra with me? Or are you too *tired*? (gets up, grabs her coat and walks toward the door) MATT: You're on, Dinah! (Glances at the coat rack, and decides to just go with the sweater he has on. Both of them laughing, he chases her out the door into the cold. Matt picks up a ready-made snowball and throws it. Shot of snowball flying through the air surrounded by darkness, fading into:) Scene 5. CEDARS ER. Roger's sitting in a wheelchair next to a couch in the waiting room, in the middle of mass chaos and confusion, as several patients--mostly accident victims--are being brought into the lobby on stretchers, then each rolled through one of two sets of doors. ROGER (fuming): Can someone *please* help me? (furiously points to his head, which he's holding with the other hand) I'm in *pain* here! What kind of place is this? (Nurse Winheim notices him and approaches) MARIA: Sir, they left me with the odds and ends. We *are* obviously swamped, but maybe I can be of some assistance. ROGER: Thank you, nurse. I injured my head in a fall...could you please do something about it? Some pills, maybe? MARIA: Well, first, did you fill out any forms? ROGER (getting truly exasperated): My *wife*--I mean, a friend of mine did--can you look me up in those files? (points to basket on main desk) I'm Roger Thorpe. MARIA: Sure... (pats his shoulder) Be right back, Mr. Thorpe. (She walks over to the desk and starts ruffling through the folders, when suddenly Rick runs through the ER doors and over to her.) RICK: Nurse, we need you in the OR--STAT! MARIA: But... (looks over to Roger) I have a patient... RICK (glances at Roger): He can wait. They've got two breeches going--they called me to grab people--come on! MARIA (turns her head towards Roger as she rushes behind Rick) Sorry... (Roger glares at her, then Rick, then the basket of files. As Rick and Maria slam through the doors, he slowly forces himself up, walks two painful steps, and falls over, onto his arm.) ROGER: AAAAGH!! (Dinah, her hair getting wet and coat half-covered with snow, produces a large snowball and tosses it. Shot of snowball flying through the darkness, fading into:) Scene 6. TOWERS PARKING DECK. Marcus is sitting in the front seat of his car, literally frozen with fear. MARCUS: He knows...he knows...and he can send me back... (hits the steering wheel with both his arms three times) And he *will*, after what I did to him. What...am I going to do? Maybe my father can help me again...maybe... Someone's *gotta* help me... (opens his eyes widely for a second) Maybe someone who knows this deal...being forever on the run. Always running... (Shot of Matt, soaking wet from the neck down, running away from Dinah, then turning around and making childish faces at her, and getting walloped in the face with a semi-boulder of snow. Shot of him falling down, fading into:) Scene 7: FLETCHER AND HOLLY'S PLACE. Fletcher's inside, staring at the clock on the wall, when he hears a loud honk. FLETCHER: Holly? Holly! (runs outside, sees a car's headlights) Oh, thank God...wait a minute...whose car is that? (The lights turn off, and we hear a door slam, and the beep-beep of a locking mechanism.) Oh, it's *you*. Where is my wife??!!?? (Shot of Dinah, anxiously running over to Matt, who's motionless in the snow. She quickly runs her gloved fingers through his hair and tries to roll him over, when he suddenly grabs her and rolls on top of her, wildly. She uses all her might to push herself back on top of him, and they start rolling around giddily as the falling snow and ground snow covers them, fading into:) Scene 8: INSIDE THE TAXI. Holly's staring through the front window at the increasing snowfall. HOLLY: It's getting worse... (notices the car's going fairly fast) senorita, vaya despacio, por favor... DRIVER: Si, si...despacio. HOLLY: Gracias... (eyes open wide) LOOK OUT!!! Scene 9: THE FARMHOUSE. While Peter sits at the kitchen table and happily drinks from a mug of hot chocolate, Bridget and Hart are right beside him, dancing slowly to music playing on a portable radio. The song is "This is Love," by Mary Chapin Carpenter. Hart smiles at Bridget and is about to kiss her, when suddenly: BRIDGET: Aaaa-chooo! (wipes her nose lightly) HART: God bless you. BRIDGET (blushing, taking a tissue out of her pocket): Thanks... Sorry...I guess Vanessa was right...I might be catching a--oh, God. (looks over at Peter) Oh no. HART: What? What? BRIDGET: I left Peter's medicine at Vanessa's! He has a cold, but he's been so quiet... HART: Well, let's go get it then! I'll drive! BRIDGET: Uh...Dinah might be there, Hart. HART: Oh, come on, I care much more for you and my son than her--put on his coat and let's go! Come on, peter, we're going for a ride! (Bridget, smiling, quickly puts on Peter's coat, then hers, and the three of them rush out the door.) Scene 10: INSIDE VANESSA'S HOME. The door opens, and the totally drenched Matt and Dinah rush in, laughing; Dinah tears off her coat and Matt his sweater and the T-shirt under it. MATT (obviously a trifle inebriated): We've gotta get outta these clothes--but-- DINAH (taking off her sweater, stops to look at him): But what? We're soaking wet! We'll die of pneumonia! MATT (hesitant to take off his pants): ...but we've got to put something else on--wait! (Runs over to and opens closet, pulls out two large, full-length fur coats, and throws one at Dinah) Here! DINAH: What? This? You want me to put on my mother's fur, and get it all we-- MATT (putting it on): Just take your wet clothes off and put it *on* already--she has several more! DINAH (Puts it on) Apparently... (starts unbuttoning her blouse) since she keeps two in the downstairs closet-- (notices that Matt's taking oof his pants under the coat, with his back to her) MATT: Oh, God...I'm a mess... DINAH (mumbles to herself, as she quickly takes off her blouse, leaving her bra on): Oh, God is right...but you're far from a mess... (she sees his underwear drop to the floor) Uh...do you want some tea? Hot...chocolate, maybe? MATT (wraps the front of the coat around himself, turns around, and sits on a chair) That...sounds...incredible. DINAH (taking off her jeans): What? Tea? Or hot... MATT (relaxing in the chair): chocolate. But make it extra-hot. (Dinah gulps a bit) I...am...*freezing*. DINAH (having a little trouble breathing, she places her jeans on a couch and runs towards the stairs) Tell you what...you make the drinks, I'll get some towels! And then we'll take a shower or something...I mean...separately... MATT: Sure...you got it, Dinah. Whatever you say. (Dinah runs upstairs, as Matt lets his head go back against the back of the chair) Just...have to...rest for a second... (closes his eyes, drifts right off to sleep) DINAH (running downstairs with two huge towels) Wow, I'll bet you and Vanessa never do this kind of stuff, huh, Matt? Matt? (notices he's sleeping) Oh, Matt... why are you doing this to me? (starts wiping his forehead with one of the towels) Why... MATT (wakes up): Doing what? DINAH (so startled, she practically drops the towels): What? What'd I say? (hands him a towel, then sits down in a chair across from him) I mean...I meant...why did we do this? MATT (knows exactly what she meant, but plays along, as he starts wiping his head, then his feet): What--our little snow war? (Dinah nods her head, as she watches his coat open to show part of his chest as he bends down, and she lets hers open a bit. Matt notices this.) Because we've both had tough days--or at least *I* did--and we needed a rest. (he starts drying off his chest) That's all, plain and simple. DINAH: Well, you certainly deserve a rest, after saving that poor man's life. (daintily drying each of her arms) MATT: Hey...it's my job. DINAH (smiles, looks a bit longingly at him, puts her arm under her coat to dry the opposite shoulder): Right. Matt, do you know how good you are? I--I mean, as a human being? MATT (can't keep himself from staring at her breasts): No...how good am I? DINAH (starts wiping her neck): You're...just amazing. (pauses) Just like my hot chocolate! Let me run and make a cup for you, okay? MATT: Sure! I'll be right here... DINAH (still holding the towel, she runs toward kitchen, letting her coat fly where it may): Right...trust me, I'm going to make you forget your lousy day! MATT (smiles): You already have, Dinah...you already have. DINAH (as soon as she enters the kitchen, to herself): What are you doing, Dinah? What...are...you...doing? (pauses for a second) Exactly what you want to, for once. It's time to make Matt Reardon happy... (grabs a box of hot chocolate packets next to the microwave) and hot! ****END OF ACT FIVE**** ****ACT SIX**** Scene 1: INSIDE VANESSA'S HOME. Shot of the living room, as the camera pans to two white cups on the coffee table, then two towels on top of each other on the couch, then up the stairs. Going into Matt and Vanessa's bedroom, we find Matt asleep in bed, breathing slowly and peacefully, still wrapped in the fur, on top of the covers. Then there's a shot of Dinah standing by the door, still wearing her fur. She slowly walks over to Matt, using the light from the hallway to see. DINAH (standing by the bed): Matt? You awake? Matt? (she strokes his hair very gently) Guess not...I thought we'd talk some more, though... (touching his cheek) Like about how I've really fallen for you...and I really... (stroking his neck with the tips of her fingers) really...can't help myself. (sighs) Oh, well...good night. (Very slowly, she sits down by his side, and leans over to kiss him on the lips. Their lips barely touch, so she kisses him again, a little more forcefully, and she puts her hand on top of his collar bone. He stirs, but instead of getting up, she puts her hand on top of his chest, and then leans over and kisses him passionately, while rubbing his chest slightly.) I love you, Matt--I really do. Good night. (He stirs again.) MATT (still asleep): Dinah...Di...nah... (Dinah, totally stunned, starts rubbing his chest more fervently, then suddenly she notices that his coat is open. She runs her eyes down his body, near his legs.) DINAH: Oh, so you like this, huh? (Without hesitation, she gets up, throws off her fur, opens up his coat, places her whole body on top of him and starts kissing him on the cheeks and lips, then on his chest and shoulders, over and over, until...) MATT (Waking up, he grabs her as if she's Vanessa, then rubs her shoulders, and embraces and kisses her for a few seconds. Finally, he opens his eyes.): Dinah? Dinah! Dinah, stop! DINAH: No... (kisses him on each cheek) No, I *can't*. MATT: Dinah, this is *wrong*...we have to stop this right now... DINAH (wraps her arms around him) Oh, can't we be wrong for just one more minute? MATT (pushes her off) NO!! (gets up, and turns on the light) Get out of here...NOW!! DINAH (sits up in the bed; close-up of her face) Make me. CUT TO: Scene 2: ON THE SNOW-COVERED ROAD, IN FRONT OF THE TAXI. The snow falling around her heavier than before, Holly is slowly helping an obviously pregnant woman out of her car, which is stopped sideways in the middle of the road. HOLLY: Don't worry...I can do this...what's your name? BARBARA: It's Barbara...thank you very much...I couldn't control the car...think the shock knocked me motionless... HOLLY (almost done pulling her out): That's okay, I'm here...my name's Holly...but we've gotta get this car out of here. (yells to the driver in Spanish) Conductor! CONDUCTOR! LAURA (running out of the car): What? HOLLY: Could you have your dispatcher call a towing service for this car? LAURA: Already did--does she need an ambulance? BARBARA: No, I'm fine...I just want to go home to my husband... HOLLY (walking slowly toward the taxi with Barbara): Well, we can take you-- (looks at Laura) Wait, aren't you supposed to be Spanish? LAURA (laughs, closes Barbara's car door): No, I just pretend to be--that way, I get to hear my passengers' stories. I just love hearing other people's stories--especially ones like yours! And I used to teach Spanish, so... HOLLY (embarrassed, but amused): All right... (helps Barbara into the cab) BARBARA (getting into the back seat): Thanks again, I'm glad this isn't a van...they're so hard to get into... (to Laura) you know, I'm an English teacher! My name's Barbara, by the way. (Holly closes the door and runs around to the other side) LAURA (as Holly gets in): Hi--Laura. (puts the car in gear, and they take off) HOLLY: So, Barbara, why are you out driving on a night like this? BARBARA: School play--and it couldn't be rescheduled. Plus, they're giving me overtime for running it...and anything helps with this little guy on the way. (touches her belly) HOLLY: Well, it looks like he's practically here! BARBARA: You have to turn right here, Laura--I'm two houses down on the left! Yes, I'm due next month...and my husband is furious about it. But I'm not doing any of this to please him...it's all for the child, so we can afford to give him what he needs. HOLLY (mumbles): All...for the child... But you do fight about this? BARBARA: Oh, yes, Aaron gets mighty miffed sometimes...but we've both realized that little Michael is what's important...as important as our other son, Andrew. He's all that matters right now. (looks at Holly's belly) I'm sure that's how you and your husband feel...you are married, right? HOLLY: Oh, yes--yes, I am. BARBARA (looks out the window): Oh! We're here! LAURA (pulls into the driveway): Great! Just call Friedlander Towing Service for the car, okay? And this one's on me! BARBARA: Oh, thanks...thank you both so much... HOLLY: Do you need help getting out? BARBARA: Oh, no, you helped me enough--my full name's Barbara Stadler, if you want to call me--I'm in the book! (puts out her hand) HOLLY (leans over and shakes it): Holly Lindsey-Reade...and I will call you...good luck. BARBARA: You too! Good night! (closes the door) HOLLY: Okay, Laura--vamonos! LAURA (smiles): Si! (pulls out of the driveway) HOLLY: Oh, Fletcher...it's true...our child is what matters...I've been so petty and stubborn...thank God for Barbara...thank God for *you*... (stares out the window, as the snowfall eases up) Laura, we're almost there. CUT TO: Scene 3: FLETCHER'S HOME. Fletcher and Vanessa are sitting on the couch in the living room. FLETCHER: You *what*? You left Holly with Roger? VANESSA: No, she *went* with Roger to the hospital...and there was just no stopping her--just like a certain ace reporter I know who *had* to see a certain young man this afternoon... FLETCH: Touche. And she must be *reeeally* upset that I went to see Hart. VAN: I'd say she was. She just doesn't understand *why* you did that... FLETCH: I had a few reasons, Vanessa, the main one being my need to make sure Hart's child grows up happy and untouched by Roger! VANESSA: Peter is *my* child too! FLETCH: And Bridget's...but you're right...I should have discussed my plan with you first...especially before telling him to call Bridget and meet up with her... VAN: You did *what*? How could you? How could you bring those two together? FLETCH: What's wrong with that? They are the parents of a child--and parents need to be together! Simple as that. VAN: Just as a man and his wife need to be together... (pauses) I'm sorry, Fletcher. It's been a particularly rough day. FLETCH: What? Problems with Matt or something? VAN: Yes, problems with Matt! How does everyone know this? Why is everyone asking me about it? (Fletcher stares at her with caring eyes.) Can't they just leave me...alone...? FLETCH: You're not alone, Vanessa...our spouses may not always be with us... (mumbles) they may even be in others' arms...but you will never be alone...I'll see to that. (He embraces her, and she hugs him back with true fervor, as Holly appears in the window and angrily watches them.) CUT TO: Scene 4: VANESSA'S HOME. Dinah runs downstairs in just her bra and panties, crying her eyes out. DINAH: You don't care for me...no one cares for me... (she falls onto the couch and keeps sobbing) All I want is some real love...that's all... I'm so alone...so scared... (Suddenly, Bridget, Hart and Peter come out of the kitchen.) HART (leaning over to pat Peter on his head): You're going to be all better now, Peter. (looks over to Bridget) Right, Brid--Bridget? BRIDGET: Dinah? Are...you all right? (Dinah swings around, sees the trio and gasps, when suddenly:) MATT (running down the stairs, wearing only Vanessa's fur coat): Dinah! Dinah, I care for you--but we can't ever do that... (notices the crowd) ...again. (Everyone stares at each other, then the camera focuses on Peter looking up at Bridget and Hart) PETER: Mommy? Daddy? Can I have some more hot chocolate? (Freeze frame of the trio, with Bridget stunned and Hart smiling.) ****END OF EPISODE**** "It does not necessarily follow that a deep, intricate character is more or less estimable than such a one as yours.....but intricate characters are the most amusing. They have at least that advantage." Lizzy speaking to Mr. Bingley, Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen