From: wesley Hartfix By Jo Burgess fburgess@mail.awinc.com Dates and circumstances: *This story kicked off right after the New Year's Ball on the alt-gl list when it became apparent to me that Hart's story was going to totally suck. So I decided, may as well write the damn thing myself! If you recall, last year at the time of the ball, Hart was hanging around Dinah all the time, Hart was ignoring everyone he ever had any history with, the scenes where he found out about Peter were overcrowded, and so bad I wanted to cry, and Amanda was trying to make trouble for Bloss, while Hart and Blake were ignoring each other. Like I said, his story sucked then, and it still does now, but that's another RotSoap! :) Well I've decided to move this story to RotSoaps where I hope it'll flow a little better than it has been on alt-gl, and now I can have a little more time to actually finish this story. In Springfield time, this story departed from the mainstream realGL stuff the day after the ball, January 1, 1996. Enjoy!* **Scene 1 - Hart's hotel room Hart steps out of his bathroom, still damp from his shower, and starts dressing for his big day. It's his first day of being with his son. His son. The very words make a mix of emotions surge in him. He can't help but playback the day he learned about Peter and his confrontation with what felt like half the town afterward when it should have been between just him and Bridget. Hart shakes his head free of the harsh memories. "Today," Hart thinks to himself, "today is the day that I get to ask Bridget all the questions I have and I start being a father to Peter." "I swear I'll do right by him," Hart mutters outloud, "I won't ever hurt, betray, or lie to him like my father did me. I swear on my mother's grave I'll be the best father in the world to Peter or die trying." Hart sighs as he finishes dressing and leans over to put his shoes on. "I can't believe all this is even happening," he thinks, "it was supposed to be so simple when I got here. I knew what to do, I was ready to do it and then all this.....Damn! And Dinah says Roger is going out of town for a few days, that's going to throw me off even more." Hart groans "What am I going to do about....." the ringing of his phone interrupts him. Hart glares irritably at the phone before crossing the small hotel room to answer it. Hart: Hello? Man's voice: What do you have to report? Hart is clearly startled when he hears this voice. "What are you doing calling me here? I thought....." Man's voice: Spare me your pathetic questions! I sent you there nearly three months ago with a job to do and haven't heard a word out of you since. Now I've warned you what would happen id you didn't do what you were told, so I'll ask only once again, what do you have to report? Hart's expression changes from startled to miserable and scared. Hart: I came back and spent time with only his wife for a few days, but then I got a bit sidetracked. Man's voice: Sidetracked? Hart: Yeah, it's a little complicated you see.... Man's voice: Shut up! I don't want to hear it! Did you contact him as well? Hart: Yes. Man's voice: Have you gained their trust? Hart: I'm starting to with her, but I told you before how hard it was going to be with him. Man's voice: Yes, yes, so you did. But I an not a patient man and I want some results and I want them soon understand? Hart: Yes, I understand, but things have changed for me and I'm not sure I can do exactly what was originally planned. Man's voice: You'd better hope I didn't just hear you right boy. Hart: I know we had an agreement, but I can't.... Man's voice (shouting): Do not tell me you can't! You can and you will. You will follow the instructions you were given right down to the last letter with no arguments! Hart: But I.... Man's voice: I grow weary of your sputtering. We have a deal. Need I remind you that I'm the one who pulled you out of the gutter and got your life back of track for you? Hart: I know. Man's voice: I've done a lot for you kid, all I've ever asked in return is that you go back to Springfield and do this one thing for me. I don't think it's too much, do you? Hart: No. Man's voice: Good. Get in touch with me in a week, I'll want a progress report. Hart: I thought you didn't want any communication while I was here? Man's voice: I've changed my mind. I suspected you might falter and I was right, so obviously I need to supervise you a little more than expected. One week. Call to my private line. Hart: Okay. The man hangs up abruptly. As Hart puts the reciever down he notices his hand is shaking. "Get a grip Hart. You can still handle this," he mutters. Hart takes a deep breath as he absentmindedly pushes up the sleeves of his sweater and then catches a glimpse of his watch. "Dammit! I'm going to be late meeting Peter and Bridget."Hart grabs his coat and heads out the door. He pauses only slightly in the doorway as he puls his sleeves back down, covering the pale pink scars on his wrists. **Scene 2 - Jessup farm "Hang on!" Hart hollers as he, Bridget and Peter go flying down the hill on their sled. Near the bottom of the hill, they hit a bump and Bridget and Hart get bounced off of the sled into the snow, leaving Peter to finish the ride solo. As Peter comes to a complete stop, he turns to look at his parents tripping though the deep snow toward him and bursts into a fit of giggles. Hart reaches Peter first and scoops him up in his arms. Hart: You think this is funny do you champ? Peter: Yes! Look at mommmy! Peter points at Bridget and starts giggling again. Hart turns to see Bridget flat on her face in the snow and tries to stifle his laughter, but fails. Hart: Looks like mommy's having a hard time. Let's go give her a hand. Hart and Peter get to Bridget just as she's making it to her knees. Hart offers her his hand and pulls her up. Bridget: Thanks. Hart: No problem. Bridget reaches over to give Peter a kiss. Bridget: You having fun Peanut? Peter: Yes! Let's sled more! Bridget: Oh honey, we've been sledding for hours. I think that's enough for one day. Hart: Are you as sore and tired as I am? Bridget: Yes, and am also as cold and wet. Peter: Ahhhhh... Hart: Tell you what buddy, we'll do this again in a few days okay? Peter: Yay! Hart: If that's okay with you Bridget. Bridget: Yes, it's fine with me. Hart: Great! Let's go into the house to warm up. Bridget: Do you want me to take Peter? Hart: No, I've got him, but you can grab the sled when we pass it. Hart, Peter, and Bridget enter into the Jessup farmhouse and start pulling off their coats and boots. While Bridget is pulling off her boots and then fishing around in them for her socks, Hart is struggling to get Peter's snowsuit off of him. Hart: Bridget how do you work this thing? Bridget laughs and leans over to help him. Once Peter is freed, Hart makes a fire and lines their wet things in front of it to dry. Hart: Who wants hot cocoa? Bridget and Peter in unison: Me! Hart goes into the kitchen and returns in a few minutes with three cups of cocoa. They sit next to the fire drinking with Bridget looking at Hart, Hart looking at Peter and Peter looking at everything in the room. Hart is the first to notice Peter yawning. Hart: Hey there little guy, you getting tired? Bridget: What time is it? Hart: Almost four. Why? Bridget: Oh gosh, he's way past his naptime. I guess it's time to go home. Peter: No, I don't want to go. Hart: You don't have to leave, he can take his nap here. Bridget: Are you sure? Hart: Absolutely. There's a warm quilt on the bed in the next room, he'll be fine there. Bridget: Okay I'll go put him down then. Bridget puts Peter to bed and then sits back down next to Hart. The pair sit in silence for a minute watching the fire. Hart: Bridget. Bridget: Yes? Hart: Can we talk? Bridget: Yes. Hart: I have some questions. Bridget: I know. They both turn to look at each other. Hart: Why didn't you ever tell me about Peter? Bridget: I tried many times, I really did.... Hart interrupting: But you never did. Bridget: No, but I did try.... Hart interrupting again: Like when? Bridget: Like the first day you came back, after I'd told you about Maureen's death, but you were in such a rush to find Julie and I just decided it wasn't a good time. Hart: Please tell me you didn't tell me I had a son because you still hated Julie and I was still in love with her. Bridget: No! That wasn't it. I just.... I mean each time I tried to tell you, one of us would get sidetracked and the opportunity was lost. And then the longer I waited, the harder it got, and when I was finally ready to tell you, that was the day you lost your farm to Dylan and left. Hart: Did you find the letter I left you? Bridget: Yes I did, and I cried on and off for days afterward for your having lost your farm, for me having lost the chance to tell you about our son, and for Peter having lost his father. Hart: All those times you had me hold Peter, and conned me into helping you take care of him when I thought he was Nadine and Billy's kid and you were his nanny, what the hell were you doing? Bridget: What do you mean? Hart: I mean were you testing me or what? Were you trying to judge my paternal skills? Bridget: No of course not, I just wanted us to be like a real family every once in a while. I wanted to know what it felt like for the three of us to be together in case we weren't later on. Hart: Did you think if you told me the truth I'd abandon you and Peter? Bridget: Would you've? Hart: No. Never. I would've been there for the both of you a much as you would've let me. And I thought you knew me well enough to answer this question for yourself. Bridget: I thought I did, no, I did know you, but I was still afraid. Hart: Of me? Bridget: Of everything. And everyone. I was so scared of how everyone I knew would react if I told them you were Peter's father and I was his mother. I was even more afraid of the reaction if I told them I wanted Peter back. Hart: But you did get him back. Bridget: Yes. Hart: Did you always want to keep him? Bridget: I did after he was born, but I convinced myself that I wouldn't be a good mother. Hart: What changed your mind? Bridget: Billy finding out Peter was my son, not his and Nadine's, Billy and Nadine getting divorced, Billy and Vanessa getting married, Billy shooting your father, Billy going to prison and leaving Peter with Vanessa. Shall I go on? Hart: Nope, I get the picture. (he sighs) What a wheel o'parents. So if you didn't want to leave Peter with Vanessa, why in the world are you sharing custody with her? Bridget: Because she loves him as much as I do and it's best for him to have us both in his life. Hart: Is it really best for him? It sounds more like its better for the both of you than for him. Bridget: What's that supposed to mean? Hart: It means that that child must be pretty confused as to why he has two mothers who ship him back and forth between them all the time, and if he's not confused now, he's sure gonna be when he gets older. Bridget: He's not being shipped Hart! He's being shared by the two mothers who love him! Hart: Vanessa is not his mother. Bridget: Vanessa is his adoptive mother. Hart: No she's not. Bridget: Excuse me? Hart: Have you not noticed that nowhere on any of the adoption papers you signed trying to give our son away to half of Springfield was my signature saying that I agreed to give him up as well? Therefore Vanessa is not in any way related to him because I never gave consent for her to be. Bridget: (jumping to her feet) You bastard! How dare you say that to me! All I did, all I've ever done was try to do what's best for him! How dare you waltz back into all our lives and judge me for the decisions I had to make for our son all by myself while you were off God only knows where doing God only knows what! Hart: (gets to his feet to face Bridget) At least I wasn't off auctioning my child to the highest bidder! Bridget stares at Hart in shock for a second before she slaps him across the face. Bridget turns her back on him before she starts to cry. Hart stands there for a minute looking at the floor before reaching out to put a hand on Bridget's shoulder, which she immediately shrugs off. Bridget: Don't you touch me! Hart: Bridget I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. Bridget: Damn right! Hart: (sighs) Well, I'd say we have a long way to go. Bridget: I guess we do. (pauses to wipe her tears and then turns in his direction) I want to go home now. Hart: Fine. Get Peter and I'll drive you. Bridget moves swiftly out of the room as Hart turns to the fireplace to collect their coats. **Scene 3 - Boarding House Bridget and Hart ride back to the boarding house in silence with Peter dozing in the backseat. When they pull up to the house, Bridget jumps out of the car, grabs Peter, slams the car door behind them and strides swiftly up the walk without a word to Hart. He sits and watches her until she enters her home before reaching to start the ignition. He jumps at the sound of a sharp rap at his window. He turns to see a familiar face and gets out of the car to talk to her. Hart: Hi Blake. Blake: Hey little brother! (she gives him a quick hug) I was just leaving Company when I saw you pull in. Was that Bridget and Peter I saw with you? Hart: Yes. Blake: She looked kind of upset, is everything okay? Hart: (sighs) Blake it's a long, messy story I don't want to get into. I'm cold, tired and hungry, and just want to go home. Blake: Home? You mean that rat-trap hotel room you're staying in, you call that home? Hart: Blake don't start please, I've had a long day and it's not even six o'clock yet. Blake: Okay I won't if you agree to come with me right now. Hart: Where? Blake: To my house. Hart: Why? Blake: For dinner silly. We can eat, be warm and talk with more privacy than we had at the diner. How's that sound? Hart: Well that depends on how many cooking lessons you've had since the last time I was at your house for dinner. Blake: (gives Hart a playful swat on the arm) You brat! That was over two years ago, it wasn't my fault the timer broke and so I overcooked the roast a little. Hart: That small, black lump of coal was a roast? Blake: (swats him again) Watch it you mouthy little turkey, I know where you live! Hart: Okay, okay, sorry! So what time is dinner? Blake: As soon as I get home and reheat the take-out food I just got from Company. (Hart laughs) Shut up. Will you follow me in your car? Hart: Lead the way dear sister. **Scene 4 - House of Bloss Minutes later Hart is pulling into the Marler driveway right behind Blake. He helps her carry the food into the house. Blake: Ross honey I'm home! (pauses) Ross? (pauses, then shrugs) Of well, guess he's stuck at the office. Come on in Hart, make yourself at home. (she takes the food he's carrying) I'll just pop this in the oven and be right back. Hart sits on the couch and looks over the room carefully. His eyes fall on one of Ross and Blake's wedding pictures. Hart picks up the photo and smiles, putting it down as he notices he's no longer alone on the couch. Hart: Well hello there Morgan Fairclaws! How are you doing kittycat? Fairclaws: Meow, meow. Meow, meow. (Translation: Hello Hart, long time no see. I'm glad you're back, you may pet me now.) Hart: You've certainly grown, you were still a baby kitty the last time I saw you. Fairclaws: Meow, meow. (Translation: Yah, yah, whatever, I insist that you pet me right now!) Hart: (starts stroking Morgan's fur) Gosh you've got a great life cat, I don't suppose you want to trade? Fairclaws: Meow, meow. (Translation: Not really, scratch behind the ears please.) Hart: I didn't think so, can't say I blame you. I sure as hell wouldn't want my life either seeing as how I've made such a mess of it. Blake: How so? Hart turns sharply at the sound of her voice as Blake re-enters the room. Morgan, displeased at the loss of attention, wanders away. Hart: Wh..what? Blake: (sitting next to him) You said you made a mess out of your life, how so? Hart: Oh I just meant that, well you know, I just always seem to be screwing up. Blake: Uh-huh. (pauses) Guess that's those messed up Thorpe genes we have. Hart: Yeah I guess, they don't seem to be bothering you much anymore. Blake: Oh sure they're not. Listen up baby brother, I may have gotten married and settled down a bit, but I still get into my fair share of trouble. Hart: You mean like beating up bellydancers at mascarade balls? Who was that chick you were decking with desserts anyway? Blake: The chick was Amanda Spaulding, Vampira of the Night. She's been trying to sink her fangs into my husband ever since she blew into town on her broomstick and I'll be damned if I'm just going to sit back and watch! Hart: In that case, good for you. Blake: Thanks you, I'm glad someone isn't mad at me for what I did. Hart: Was Ross mad? Blake: Yes! Can you believe that? I mean here is a woman who's been throwing herself at him months and not only doesn't he seem to notice, but he gets mad at me for not only noticing, but for doing something about it! What is it about men that makes them so stupid about women? Hart: Oh gee thanks Blake! Blake: Oops! Well you know what I mean. Hart: Yes, all men are suckers. Blake: Well you make it sound bad when you put it like that! Hart: Blake I don't think you need to worry about this Amanda person. Blake: But Hart you don't know what she'd been up to. Hart: It doesn't matter, look, you love Ross right? Blake: Of course I do. Hart: And you trust him? Blake: Absolutely. Hart: And Ross loves and trusts you? Blake: Yes. Hart: Then you've got a good marriage and Amanda is no threat to it. Let her do whatever it is that she's going to do to try to break you two up, but as long as you both have your love and your trust she doesn't stand a chance. Blake: Yeah I guess you're right. Yes you are right! Thanks Hart, I think all I really needed was just to hear someone say that. Hart: Anytime. Blake: Listen to you, my little brother the advice giver. You should have your own column. Hart: (laughs) Oh sure, now if I could only learn to give myself good advice I'd be all set. Blake: How are things going for you? Hart: Okay. Blake: You are such a bad liar, are you sure Roger is your father? Hart: Quite positive unfortunately, but at least it means I've got you for a sister. Blake: Oh yeah if you're so happy about it how come you left town and dropped off the face of the earth for two years without a word to me? Hart:I don't know, it just seemed easier not to stay in touch. I did try to call you a few times after I left. Blake: You did? What happened? Hart: I hung up as soon as you or Ross answered the phone. Blake: Why? Hart: (shrugs) I just didn't know what to say. After a couple of months I just stopped calling and started writing letters. Blake: I never got any. Hart: I never mailed them. It just made me feel better sometimes to write you a letter, even though I knew I wasn't going to send it. Blake: Where were you? I know you were in Canada for awhile, how'd you end up there and where did you go after that? Hart: The night I left I just wanted to get as far away as fast as I could, so I headed east and wound up in the northwest. I spent a month in Seattle before I decided to get out of the country altogether and move to Vancouver B.C. I stayed there for a few months before Roger showed up. How'd he find me anyway? Did Jenna tell him? Blake: Yes, it's actaully a long and confusing story starting with the letter you sent her putting the screws to her for money, good for you by the way, and ended with the second letter you sent which she gave to Roger becasue he promised her money which he didn't give her....(waves her hands in the air) No forget it, it's too hard to explain, things were too weird around here at the time. Roger got your address and took off after you and then came home all dejected bacuse you skipped out on him before he could get to you. Hart: He got to my girlfriend's house, that was way too close and I wasn't ready to deal with him on any level. Blake: Your girlfriend huh? Hart: Yeah, it wasn't working out with her, the night before Roger came she and I had a huge fight I knew we weren't going to get past. Blake: Sorry. Hart: Hey don't worry about it. Blake: Where'd you go after Vancouver? Hart: Back to the States. I went from city to city, job to job all over the midwest and the west coast. Blake: Must've been hard on you. Hart: Sometimes, but here I am, I made it. Back to life in good old Springfield where I found out that the one true friend I ever had was not only a liar, but also the mother of my son, I get to fight with Roger every other day, and practically the whole town hates the sight of me. "Well that's just not true!" Blake and Hart turn towards the door in surprise as neither of them had heard Ross entering the house. Blake jumps up to greet him with a kiss. Ross: Hi honey, sorry I'm late. Well hello there long lost brother-in-law! How are you Hart? It's great to see you! Hart: (stands and shakes Ross' hand) Hey Ross, it's good to see you too. By the way, welcome to the most dysfunctional family on the planet. Blake: Well I wouldn't say we're the most dysfunctional, I think the Spauldings hold that title. Hart: Okay second most dysfunctional family. Ross: Thanks, I think. (pulls Hart into a brief hug) Welcome home Hart, I'm glad you're back and you're safe. Hart: Thank you Ross. I'm glad someone besides Blake is happy to see me. Ross: Don't sell yourself short. A lot more people care about you than you think. Hart: (laughs bitterly) I doubt that, but it's nice of you to say. Ross: I meant every word. So, what brought you home after all this time? Blake: That was going to be my next question. Hart: (looks at Blake in surprise) You mean Roger didn't tell you about the hunt for Hart? Blake: Well Dad doesn't tell me much these days, but I did know he had people looking for you. Hart: And I knew it too, but this past summer he turned the heat up tenfold and I got curious, not to mention tired of being made to feel like a fugitive. Ross: So you went to go see him? Hart: Not at first. I sort of lurked around town for a couple of weeks trying to figure out what he was up to and boy did I. Dinah telling me I had a son nearly knocked me flat on my butt. Ross: Wait, Dinah told you? I thought Bridget and Vanessa did that? Hart: Bridget and Vanessa weren't going to tell me squat before Dinah and Matt came in and....(Hart sighs and puts his hand on his forehead, covering his eyes) Blake: Hart are you okay? Hart: Yeah, I don't want to talk about this anymore. Ross: Perhaps we shouldn't have brought it up, Hart I'm sorry. Hart: It's all right Ross, let's just drop it. Blake: No problem. Well, I don't know about you guys but I'm starved. Ross: Me too, let's eat! Hart: Good, and you two can fill me in on everything that's been going on around here while I was away. You can start by telling me what in the world happened to Jenna? Blake: (laughs) It'll be my pleasure! Ross: Oh Blake can't I tell him about the battle for Spaulding, please?!?! Blake: Oh all right! You were right in the middle of the action. Ross: Well Hart things started getting interesting right about when....... Ross, Blake and Hart leave the living room deep in conversation. **Scene 5 - Hart's hotel room Hart comes into his hotel room after his evening with Blake and Ross. He begins to strip down, preparing to go to bed when there's a knock at the door. Hart swings the door open to find the desk clerk standing there. Clerk: Sorry to disturb you sir, but there was a phone message at the desk for you. Hart: (takes the message) Thanks. Clerk: You're welcome. Good night. Hart: Night. Hart shuts the door and reads the message outloud. "You missed another appointment. Please call me. Terry." Hart: Damn. Hart looks in his wallet and picks out a business card. He lifts up the phone and dials a long-distance number. After three rings a man's voice, not the one from this morning, answers, "Hello." Hart: Hi Terry, it's Hart Jessup returning your call. Terry: Hart! Where are you? I've been calling and calling your apartment not getting an answer until today when a man who said he was your landlord answered and gave me this number. And why the hell have you missed all of our apppointments since December? Hart: I had to go out of town for awhile. I'm sorry I haven't been in touch, but I've been really busy. Terry: Doing what? Hart: Um, I had some matters to attend to. Terry: Aren't you going to tell me what they are? Hart: No. Terry: Why not? What's going on? Are you all right? Hart: Nothing is going on, I'm fine, everything is fine. Terry: Are you in trouble again? Hart: No I'm not! I told you everything is fine. I just had to put a few things from my past to rest once and for all, that's it. Terry: Your past? You wouldn't be in Springfield by any chance? Hart: Yes I am. Terry: I see. How are you handling it? Hart: Fine, everything is fine. Terry: You keep saying that, but I'd like to know what brought on this urge to go to Springfield and why you didn't talk about it with me. Hart: It was spur of the moment, I didn't even think about talking it over with you first. Terry: When are you planning to return home? Hart: I don't know yet, but I'll call you as soon as I get back. Terry: Have you been taking care of yourself? Hart: Yeah, still following the routine daily. Terry: Excellent. I trust if you have any problems at all you will call me immediately. Hart: Of course. I know it's still early on the coast, but it's getting late here, I've had a long day and I'm bushed. Terry: Okay and seeing as how you won't be gracing my office with your presence anytime soon I'm going to insist that we start having our regularly scheduled appointments over the phone, and I don't want any arguements from you young man. Hart: Not a one, this sounds good to me. Terry: I'll call you day after tomorrow at noon your time okay? Hart: Okay. Terry: Good night Mr. Jessup, take care. Hart: I will, good night Dr. McCluskey. Hart hangs up the phone and walks over to his nightstand. He opens a drawer, takes out a bottle of pills, dumps some of the medication in his hand and swallows it down with some water. Hart replaces the bottle in the drawer, finishes undressing and climbs into bed. He quickly falls into a deep, but restless sleep. He tosses and turns as he begins to dream. Hart dreams of himself and the people he knows in a different place and time. He sees himself and these people from the point of view of a bystander looking at them through a haze. The images appear distorted and surreal. He see himself in a nightclub dancing aggresively with a beautiful young woman with long red hair. They seem to be enjoying themselves, the music and each other. He sees himself sitting at a bar talking and drinking with another pretty young female, this time with short blond hair. They look serious and engrossed in their conversation. He sees himself pacing the floor of an office speaking to a man in his late thirties with longish, messy brown hair seated behind a large desk. The man wears a serious, but kind expression while Hart's is sad. He sees himself in a small room sitting at a table with two men circling him. One man is fortish with greying brown hair, the other is a blond in his late twenties. They both wear stern expressions and badges. Hart cannot see his own face, his head is down. He sees himself standing in another office, a dark one, with a man seated in a far corner. Hart looks afraid and alone. He cannot see the other man, only a shadowy figure. The different events begin replaying themselves over and over, going by faster and faster until they are first overlapping, then just a blur that resembles a spinning room. Soon there are just flashes of the faces of the people other than Hart, and their voices. Redhead: Do you love me? Blond woman: I love you too. Messy haired man: How do you feel about all of this? Older cop: Why did you do it? Younger cop: Admit what you did! Shadow: You have no other options. Redhead: I need you. Blond woman: What are you going to do about her? Messy haired man: How do you feel about all of this? Older cop: You won't get away with this. Younger cop: We're going to nail you. Shadow: It'll all go away. Redhead: I can't imagine my life without you. Blond woman: You can't be with her. Messy haired man: How do you feel about all of this? Older cop: You got something to say? Younger cop: Why? Shadow: I can do it. Redhead: What are you doing? Blond woman: I believe you. Messy haired man: How do you feel about all of this? Older cop: What happened? Younger cop: Answer me! Shadow: I suggest you cooperate. Redhead: There has to be another way. Blond woman: What choice do you have? Messy haired man: How do you feel about all of this? Older cop: You are such a coward. Younger cop: You're pathetic. Shadow: Your choice seems clear. Redhead: No! Don't! Blond woman: Hart no! Messy haired man: How do you feel about all of this? Older cop: Admit it! Younger cop: Confess! Shadow: Do it! "NO!" Hart screams as he bolts upright in bed. His face is pale, his skin sweaty, hand shaking and he's breathing hard and fast. He puts his head in his hands and jumps at the sudden ringing of the telephone. He gets up to answer it. Hart: Hello? Matt: You planning on coming in to work today? Hart glances at his bedside clock, sees the time 7:15am, and swears under his breath. Matt: Pardon? Hart: Nothing. Sorry, I must've forgotten to set the alarm. I'll be right over. Matt: You'd better, or you'll be looking for another job. Matt hangs up and Hart follows suit. He pauses for a moment to take a couple of deep breaths before heading into the bathroom. From: wesley Subject: RotSoap - Hartfix Part 1 2/2 **Scene 6 - Boarding House Late in the afternoon Hart knocks at the door of the boarding house and waits. After a minute Bridget flings the doop open, upon seeing him she stiffens. Bridget: What do you want? Hart: I'd like to talk to you. Bridget: I think you said enough yesterday. (starts to close the door, but Hart puts his hand on it) Hart: Bridget please, we need to talk about this. Please let me in, just for a few minutes. Bridget: Fine come in then and close the door behind you. Hart: Bridget I.....(pauses) Bridget: Well? What? Spit it out! Hart: Bridget I said some things yesterday I shouldn't have, things that hurt you and I am so sorry. I was angry and I didn't think before opening my mouth. Bridget: I'll say. Hart: Bridget please, I am really sorry. All this isn't easy for me. Bridget: Isn't easy? You want to know what isn't easy? I'll tell you what isn't easy! Running two businesses and raising a three year old, that's what isn't easy! Hart: Yeah, well raising a kid might've been easier if you'd told his father about him so he could've helped you! Bridget: I couldn't tell you, I tried but I couldn't! Hart: Why! You keep saying you couldn't! Why! Was someone threatening you? Holding a gun to your head? What? Why Bridget? Bridget: I...I...don't know. Hart: You don't know? Bridget: No I don't okay? I don't know! Hart: Alright fine! (lowers his voice) Look Bridget, I came here to apologize to you for what I said, not start another fight. I'm sorry. Bridget: I know, I'm sorry too. It's just you're the first person to ask why I never told you about Peter and insist on a real answer, and I guess this is the first time I've realized I don't have one. Hart: I wish you'd told me about him. Bridget: I know, I'm sorry. Hart: (sighs) This is awkward isn't it? I used to be able to talk to you so easily but now...... Bridget: Yes, I don't know what to say either. Hart: How is Peter today? Bridget: Oh he's fine. He had such a good time yesterday, he keeps asking when we're going sledding with you again. Hart: I promised soon and I meant it, just as soon as I have another day off. Bridget:That sounds good. In the meantime, how about you come over and have lunch with him tomorrow? Hart: Great! Oh wait I can't, I forgot I have something to do. Bridget: Can't you change it? Hart: No, it's....I can't change it. Sorry. Bridget: What is it? Hart: (pauses) I have a doctor's appointment. Bridget: Is something wrong? Are you sick? Hart: No, I'm fine. It's just a check-up and those noon appointments are hard to get. Bridget: Oh, I understand, another time then. Hart: How about the day after tomorrow? Bridget: Um, no, that won't work. Hart: Why not? Bridget: Well because Vanessa has him then. Hart: Am I going to need a timetable to know when it's okay for me to see Peter? Bridget: Of course not, we can work this out. How about now? Hart: Now what? Bridget: Spend time with Peter now. Hart: It's a little past lunch. Bridget: Yes, but Nola will be bringing Peter back from his playgroup any minute and you two can spend a couple hours together, if you want that is. Hart: I'd like that, thanks. Bridget: Sure. Sit down, get comfortable, do you want some coffee? Hart: Yes I would. Bridget: So, how was work today? Hart: Oh great, slept in, arrived late, got yelled at by Matt, perfect day. Bridget: Slept in? You? Hart: I didn't sleep well last night. Bridget: I can relate. Bridget brings two cups of coffee to the table and sits down while she and Hart continue to chat while awaiting Peter. **Scene 7 - Hart's hotel room Hart comes bursting through his door at exactly 12:01pm out of breath and greeted by a ringing phone. He shuts the door, picks up the reciever and gasps, "Hello," all in one swift motion. Dr. Terry McCluskey: (chuckling) You certainly sound winded, forget our appointment? Hart sits down on the floor and starts catching his breath."No I just couldn't get away from work early enough and had to run all the way to my hotel." Terry: Work? You're working in Springfield? Hart: Yeah, I have to keep a roof over my head don't I? Terry: For how long? Hart: Told you Doc, don't know. Terry: All right. How are things going in Springfield? Hart: Okay. Terry: That's it? Hart: What do you want me to say Terry? Terry: Let's start with your family. Have you seen your sister or father? Hart: Yup, saw both of them. Terry: And how is Blake? Hart: Blake is fine, never better in fact. She's married and totally happy. Terry: How did she react to seeing you? Hart: She seemed happy to see me, said she missed me. Terry: You two getting along? Hart: Yes, things are pretty cool between us. Terry: That's excellent. What about your father? Hart: He's exactle the same, a lying manipulator who's obsessed with control and gets a kick out of hurting people. Terry: Have you spoken with him? Hart: Yes. Terry: Argue? Hart: Of course. Terry: How'd you handle it? Hart: Fine. Everything is going good here Terry, really. Terry: Okay. So, how are you feeling? Hart: Good, I'm not having any problems. Terry: None at all? No episodes? Hart: Nope, not a one. Terry: Excellent! How about with your meds, any problems there? Hart: No, I'm feeling fine. Terry: How's your appetite? Hart: It's normal. Terry: Any trouble sleeping? Hart: Well, I've had a few restless nights, but that's all. Terry: When was the last time you had your blood checked? Hart: I had it done last week and it was okay. Terry: So you are getting tested regularly in Springfield? Hart: Tested yes, but I'm getting my blood work done in Clayton as well as my prescription refills, by the way I'm down to my last refill so can you call in some to the pharmacy at Clayton Memorial for me? Terry: Sure I'll do that this afternoon and you call and tell them I'll be wanting to see all your blood results. Hart: Can do. Terry: Now how come you're going to this out of town hospital and not the one in Springfield? I've heard wonderful things about Cedars Hospital. Hart: Cedars is great, but I just prefer to go somewhere less busy. Terry: Hart you haven't told anyone about your condition have you? Hart begins to shift uncomfortably on the floor as he mumbles his response, "No." Terry's calm voice takes on the slightest tone of exasperation, "Well for heaven sake's why not? Hart: I don't know, I don't want to. Terry: Your illness is nothing to be ashamed of Hart. You aren't alone, why in just the U.S.... Hart cuts him off irritably, "Yeah, yeah I know the numbers Terry, spare me the pep talk okay? I'm not in the mood. I haven't told anybody because I don't want to and that's all the reason I need alright? Terry sighs and his tone softens, "Alright, it's your decision." Hart: Thank you. I didn't mean to snap, sorry. Terry: Don't worry about it, but Hart I must remind you that keeping your condition a secret is only going to add stress to your life, which is the last thing you need. I think you should give some serious thought to telling people there. Be open and honest and let the people who care about you give you some support. Hart: You just had to get the pep talk in there didn't you? Terry: Yes, that's part of my job. Hart: What else did they teach you at medical school besides pep talking and golf playing? Terry: (laughing) Well I vaguely remember countless courses relating to psychiatry that taught me how to keep people like you in line Mr. Jessup! Hart: You are the wind beneath my wings Doc! My psychiatrist, my hero! Terry: (groans) Give me a break! Hart: (laughing) You started it! Terry: That's debatable, but I can finish it because my next appointment has just arrived. Hart: Okay I should be heading back to work anyway. Terry: I'll get your prescription renewed out there for you. I will call you again next week, same time, same place? Hart: Sounds good. Terry: You have any problems at all you give me a call unless it's something major and then get yourself to a hospital first, then call me, and by hospital I mean the nearest one, got it? Hart: Yes sir Dr. McCluskey sir! Terry: Smart-aleck. Hart: I try. Terry : I know you do. So take care and I'll talk to you next week. Hart: Will do. Bye. Terry: Goodbye. Hart leans over to open the drawer in his nightstand and pulls out a handfull of papers, some of which we see have the letterhead of Clayton Memorial Hospital. Hart picks one of those out and starts dialing the number of Clayton Hospital. **Scene 8 - Hart's hotel room, later in the day After work, a shower and change Hart places a call to his father's penthouse. Clerk: Front desk. Hart: Hi can you put me through to Roger Thorpe's penthouse please? Clerk: I'm sorry sir, but Mr. and Mrs. Thorpe are away at the moment. May I take a message? Hart: No thanks, do you know when Mrs. Thorpe is expected back this evening? Clerk: Oh she isn't sir, Mrs. Thorpe left this morning to join her husband in New York. Hart: What! She's gone? Clerk: Yes sir, but the Thorpes are due back in two days. Would you like to leave a message now? "No! I don't want to leave a damn message!" Hart shouts as he slams the phone down and then picks it up and throws it at the wall. "Dammit!" Hart starts pacing back and forth across the room with his hands folded behind his head babbling to himself. "No, no, no, no. This can't be happening to me. They're both gone. I can't believe they're both gone. What am I going to do? He's going to get me! Oh God, I'm dead!" Hart is shocked out of his self-torment by a sharp knock at the door. He freezes and stares wide-eyed at the door until there is another round of knocking. Hart opens his mouth to speak, but can only force out a hoarse and shaky whisper, "Who's there?" "Hart? Hart are you in there? It's me, let me in." Hart visible relaxes at the sound of his sister's voice and he steps over to the door. As soon as the door opens, Blake breezes right in, "Finally! I thought I heard voices, what took you so long?" Blake misses Hart looking up and down the hall before shutting and locking the door. "I...I had the TV on and didn't really hear you." "Oh, okay. Hey! What happened here?" Blake asks pointing at the telephone on the floor. Hart hastily bends down to scoops up the phone and hide his reddening cheeks. "I knocked it over." Blake: Right, whatever. Oh well it doesn't matter, what does matter is why I'm here. Hart looks at her curiously, "I was wondering myself." Blake: I came to move you out of this hole and take you home with me. Hart: Huh? Blake: I want you to come live with me and Ross. Hart: Live with you? What are you kidding? Blake: No silly I'm serious. I was talking to Ross and we decided that since you're staying in town for the time being we can't let you live out of a duffel bag. We want you to come stay with us. So where's all your stuff? We should be able to get you out of here and settled into our guest room within an hour. Well why are you just standing there? Let's get moving! On this note Blake spots Hart's duffel bag in a corner and grabs it. Hart moves to intercept the beeline she's making for his dresser and grabs ahold of one end of the bag to stop her. Hart: Blake wait a second, this is nuts! I can't pick up and move in with you and Ross. Blake: Why not? Hart: Becuase you don't need me hanging around all the time, I'd be imposing and in the way. I'm fine where I am. I'll stay here. Blake: Hart that's ridiculous, you're my brother, of course you should be staying with your family while you're in town. Hart: But Blake I don't know how long I'm staying. Blake: So? I hope you stay forever. Hart: I can't live at your house forever! Blake: No, but you can stay until you're ready to move into your own place and a hotel doesn't count. Let's get packing! Blake gives Hart's bag a pull, but he doesn't let go and pulls back. "I'm not going Blake!" Blake yanks on the bag again, but Hart still won't give it up and soon the two are pulling it back and forth between them with each sentence. Blake: Yes you are going! Hart: No I'm not! Blake: Yes you are! Hart: No I'm not! Blake: Yes! Hart: No! Hart and Blake both suddenly stop and burst into laughter, realizing the absurdity of their tug-of-war. "This is so stupid!" Blake giggles and Hart nods in agreement. Hart: Blake I'm really touched you're offering me your home to stay in, but I just can't go barging into your life like that. Blake reaches over and puts a hand on her brother's face and looks him right in the eyes. "Oh Hart you came barging into my life years ago and I resented you for it for the longest time. When I finally realized what a great brother I had you were gone. I never really got to know you or be your big sister. I've, we've got that chance now, please let's give this sibling thing a shot okay? Hart sighs and puts his hand over Blake's. "Blake I'd like to but..." Blake cuts him off, "No. No buts. Please come home with me little brother." Hart lowers his head for a moment and then raises ip up again with a smile on his face. "Okay, why not? Worst thing that could happen is we drive each other crazy, or Ross." Blake giggles as she gives Hart a hug. "Great! Let's get your stuff together. I've got a couples of boxes in my car if we need them." Hart: Damn you came prepared didn't you? Blake: Yes and very determined. Hart: Well all I'll need is my bag, I don't have much. Blake: Okay I'll start cleaning out all your drawers then. Blake walks over to the nightstand and puts her hand on the drawer before Hart stops her. "No! Blake don't go in there!" Blake: What? Why not? Hart: Um, there's nothing in there, uh the drawer sticks so I never bothered to open it. Can you go grab my razor, shaving cream and stuff out of the bathroom for me? Blake: Oh sure, no problem. As soon as Blake's back is to him, Hart darts across the room, tears the drawer open, and stuffs all the paper and pills into his duffel bag without Blake noticing. Within minutes Hart's packed his few belongings and he and Blake are standing in the doorway. Blake: Ready? Hart: Yeah. Blake: Great, let's go home. Blake links her arm through Hart's as he closes the door behind them. **Scene 9 - House of Bloss Two days later Hart and Blake are sitting in the Marler living room drinking coffee and talking. Hart is busy filling Blake in on absolutely every single cute thing Peter did when Hart had taken him sledding for the second time the day before. Blake is smiling and giggling, eating up every word Hart says about Peter when the doorbell rings. "I'll get it," Blake says already halfway to the door. She throws it open with her usual flourish and blinks in surprise at her visitor. "Dad!" "Oh Chrissy I'm so glad you're home. I'm looking for Hart. I went to see him and they said he checked out." Roger starts walking into the house, "I don't know where he could..." He stops in mid-sentence and stride when he sees Hart sitting on the sofa. "Well there you are, I was beginning to worry about you." "Nice to see you too Dad." Blake says dryly as she closes the door and stands near her brother. Roger: I'm sorry honey, but when I found out your brother'd left his hotel I was afraid... Hart: (cuts in) That I'd left town? Roger: Actually yes. I'm very glad I was wrong. Where are you living now? Blake: Right here with me and Ross. Roger: You've moved in with your sister? Hart: Yup. Roger: Why? I mean, why here and not the farm? I could arrange for you to be all moved in by the end of the day. Hart: I don't want to. Roger: But Hart it would be... Hart: (harshly) I don't want to, at least not now. Roger: Okay whenever you want is fine. As soon as you're ready just let me know. Hart: Whatever. What do you want? Roger: Pardon? Hart: You said you were looking for me. Roger: Yes, well Dinah and I just got back from New York and I wanted to see how you were and ask if you'd consider having dinner with us at the Towers tonight. Catching a quick flash of anger and hurt on Blake's face Roger adds hastily, "And you too of course Chrissy." Blake: And Ross? Roger's smile tightens before he answers, "Absolutely. We'll all go out for a family dinner, what do you say?" Roger looks at his kids hopefully. Blake and Hart exchange a look and as Blake begins to say, "I don't think.." Hart interrupts with, "I'll go if you go." "What?" Blake asks in amazement. Roger immediately zeros in on his daughter, "Come on honey, let's all go out tonight. Your brother's finally home after all these years, I think it's time we put aside the bitterness and hurt feelings and start anew. Hart: (sarcastically) It's only dinner Roger. Roger: It's a dinner that could be the first step in making us a real family again. Hart: (muttering just loud enough to be heard) We were never one of those. Roger: (ignoring Hart's comment, looking at Blake) Will you come? Blake: I guess so. Roger: Great! I'll see you both at the Towers at 7 o'clock. Blake: And Ross. Roger: And Ross. Roger practically sails out the door, grinning ear to ear. As soon as he's gone, Blake picks up a cushion and wacks Hart over the head with it. Hart: Ow! What's I do? Blake: What did you do?! Why did you do what you did? Hart: What? Blake: Throw the dinner decision at me! Hart: You could've said no. Blake: Oh yeah right! Then I'd be to blame for Dad having lost out on a shot to get close to you. Hart: He asked you too. Blake: That was an afterthought and you know it! You could've said no yourself. I was expecting you to say no. Why didn't you say no? What are you up to Hart Jessup? Hart: Gee sis you sure know to jump to conclusions. Blake: Oh come on Hart, this is me you're talking to. I know how you are with Dad. Whenever you're around him you get stiff, withdrawn and defensive. Hart: I do not! Blake: You do to! Hart: Well so what? Blake studies him for a moment before answering, "Do you really want to go to dinner with Dad and Dinah?" Hart shrugs. Blake hits him with the pillow again. Hart gets up and stand out of striking range before he starts yelling at his sister. "Well what do you want me to say? That I hate the man and I hope he dies an agonizing death and burns in hell for all eternity? Come on, it's a lousy dinner alright? So bloody what?! If you don't want to go, don't go! But Roger is never going to stop hassling us and you know it! I just thought if we spent time with him, then he's leave us the hell alone, and if we went together it'd be easier to make it through the night without killing him! I'm sorry if you don't see it the same way!" Blake stares at Hart in open-mouthed shock at his outburst trying to stammer out a response, "Hart I... I'm sorry, I...I didn't mean to piss you off. Really I didn't. I was...I was just trying..." Hart cuts her off, "Look forget it okay? I don't want to talk about it anymore. I'm going out." Grabbing his coat, he storms out of the house, slamming the door behind him, and leaving Blake bewildered and upset. Blake: (throwing up her hands) What did I do? **Scene 10 - Jessup Farm Shorty after storming out on Blake, Hart finds himself walking across his farm to a familiar spot, his grandfather's grave. He drops to his knees on the frozen ground beside the grave and sits staring at the headstone. After almost a half hour of sitting perfectly still and quiet, Hart starts to cry. Hart: (sobbing) Grandfather I'm so sorry. I never meant for any of this to happen. I tried to stay out of trouble, I swear I did but...(Hart starts shouting) Oh God this isn't fair! Why are you doing this to me? I didn't do anything to deserve it. Did I? Hart stops crying and brushes his fingers gently across the gravestone before he starts speaking in a hushed voice that at one time only his grandfather could hear. "Grandpa I'm in so much trouble, I don't know what to do. You're the only one I can talk to. I wish you were here so you could give me some advice because I really need it. I feel like I'm being forced to sell my soul a piece at a time. I guess you already know all the gory details huh?" Hart sighs, leaning closer to the grave. "You know I didn't do anything wrong. I loved Katy. She meant everything to me. She helped me so much when I was sick, I don't think I would've survived without her. I still can't believe what happened. I mean I was there and all, but it seems so unreal. I keep hoping this is all a bad dream and I'm gonna wake up soon." Hart straightens up while letting out a short and bitter laugh. "But I guess that's not going to happen is it? I don't even have a choice. I have to do what I'm told or my life is over and I can't let it turn out that way. I have a son now, his name is Peter and he's amazing! Oh wait, you already know about him right? You probably knew about him before I did. Anyway he need me, he needs his father and I'll do whatever I have to to make sure he has me in his life, but it's not going to be easy. I'm going to have to make nice with the man who put you here." Hart slowly gets to his feet without taking his eyes off his grandfather's resting place. "Looks like I have to align myself with one devil just so I can satisfy another. I'm sorry I have to get involved with your killer Grandpa, please forgive me. If I thought I could run and hide from this I would, but everything is different now, I can't abandon my son. I'm sorry if I let you down. I love you, and I miss you." Hart starts to walk away, but he stops and turns to the grave. "Grandfather please do me a favor, take care of Katy for me and tell her I still love her." With that Hart walks off towards his car. End of Hartfix Part 1.