>Everyone, >Here's my second Guiding Light RotSoaps entry! This time, I've decided to >write the story like a screenplay to an actual episode. This is Part 1; Part >2 (ACTS 3 through 6) will be my February submission. Hope you all enjoy it! >Take care. >Keep turning on the Light, >Marc > >------------------------------ >FOR THE CHILD >PART 1 >by Marc Wilkofsky (MarcEditor@aol.com) >completed: January 19, 1995 > >****ACT ONE**** >CUT TO: >Scene: VANESSA'S HOME. Dinah and Marcus are at the door, and Dinah rings the >bell a couple of times. > >DINAH (noticing the door's ajar): That's funny...the door's open, Marcus. >MARCUS: Maybe Vanessa and Matt are getting set to leave. >DINAH (opening the door, then yelling): Anyone here?!? Well, Mr. Holmes, it >looks like you're wrong. Looks like everyone left in a hurry, though--the >lights are all on. >MARCUS (playing along with the detective bit): A correct assumption, Dinah. >Right again. >DINAH: As always. But my mother told me that Bridget and I could watch Peter >here tonight. >MARCUS (sitting down on the couch): Hope nothing serious happened. I wouldn't >worry, though. >DINAH (sitting on the arm of a recliner): Well, I would, Marcus...remember, >this is Springfield. ANYTHING can happen in this crazy town. > >CUT TO: >Scene: CEDARS, main floor. Vanessa and Fletcher are each pacing in opposite >directions in front of Rick, who's filling out charts at the main desk. Rick, >getting annoyed, slams the charts down on the counter. > >RICK: That's enough, people--can you both sit down? Please? (They both stop >in their tracks.) >VANESSA: What? (Smiles, looks at Fletcher) Oh, sorry, Rick. >FLETCHER: (To Rick) Guess we both would fail any patience test, huh? >RICK: It's all right...but I don't think I've ever seen any expectant fathers >who are more nervous than you two! What's going on? >FLETCH: I'm just waiting for Holly and Dr. Sedwick. Red--uh, Holly's been >having these sharp stomach pains, and we've been coming here every day to >check out the baby. Today, she had a bonus round of nausea, so we ran over >here. >VANESSA: Oh, I'm so sorry, Fletcher...I guess my problem isn't too serious >compared to yours. (To both) Right after lunch, Peter started coughing like >there's no tomorrow, and we were afraid he was choking. >RICK: So you brought him HERE? >VAN: No, silly...we realized he just had some form of congestion when he >started sniffling as well. It could be just a fever, but Bridget and I had to >be sure. >FLETCH: That's right, you've been sharing little Petey with Bridget. How's >that going? >VAN: Oh, fine, fine...although sharing a child is not something you can just >nonchalantly do, like splitting a pizza. For me, it's like motherhood times >two, because I find myself taking care of Bridget as much as my...our child. >RICK: Is she getting to be a pain? >VAN: Oh, no, no, no--she's been just wonderful. Except when we fight about >whose child he really is, and if she should let Hart see him. >FLETCH: Oh, Lord. How much worse could it get? Peter'll be the next innocent >person ol' Thorpe wraps his merciless hands around--and he'll use his own son >to do it! >VAN: Oh, that's where you're wrong, Fletcher. Hart wants nothing to do with >his father...if he does decide to fight for Peter, it'll be of his own >volition, not Roger's. >FLETCH: Really? Peter has a chance of a normal, Rogerless life? >VAN: I certainly hope so... >RICK: May be the only person in this town who does! >FLETCH: Vanessa, believe it or don't, you've just inspired me! Do you have >Hart's address? >(Vanessa and Rick look at each other, puzzled.) >VAN: Well, Dinah told me he's spending a lot of time at his grandfather's >farmxdo you know where-- >FLETCH: Sure do. (walking backwards, towards the elevators) Could you please >tell Holly where I went, and drive her home, Vanessa? >VAN: Uh...sure, Fletcher. But shouldn't you-- >FLETCH (stepping into an open elevator): Tell her I'm sorry--I'll meet her at >home! (The doors shut.) >RICK (perplexed): What's with him? >VAN: I don't know...Holly's going to kill him, but that's how Fletcher is >sometimes, as impulsive as a child. >RICK: Maybe that's why Holly likes him...he's totally the opposite of >Roger--kind, fun-loving... >VAN: Yes, he is...Rick, tell me, do you think it's okay to still have loving >feelings for an old flame, even if they're no longer yours? >RICK: Well, sure...I still care for Roxie and Rae, even though they may be >too crazy to recognize me... >VAN: Oh, those poor girls. >RICK: ...and I'll always love Beth and Annie. I'm actually glad they found >such good men, but I miss being with them. And sometimes, remembering the >good times with old loves... >VAN: ...is more comforting than moving on to new ones. Yes, I remember Ed >telling me that about Maureen. You know, if you ever need to talk to me about >anything, Rick... > >(Suddenly, a booming voice goes over the P.A.:) >Voice: Dr. Rick Bauer, to the ER, stat. Dr. Rick Bauer, to the ER, stat. >(Bridget, holding Peter's hand, and a doctor come through the nearby doors >and approach Vanessa from behind.) >RICK: Sounds good, Vanessa--but I've gotta run! Hope everything's all right >with Peter! (runs off towards the stairs) >VAN (calling out): Okay, thanks! >Bridget: Vanessa, we're done. >VAN (turning around): Oh, dear...I didn't see you! (walking over to the trio, >looking at Peter and then the doc) How is he, Dr. Solomon? >DR. SOLOMON: He'll be just fine...it's just the simple common cold. >Bridget (showing Vanessa a piece of paper): He gave me a prescription for >him... >VAN (bending down to Peter and hugging him joyfully): Oh, thank God...I knew >you'd be all right, my little boy! (Bridget angrily stares at Vanessa.) >(Holly and Dr. Sedwick approach the group) >DR. SEDWICK: So you have nothing to worry about...oh, I wonder where Fletcher >went... (pauses) Holly? >(Holly sorrowfully stares at Vanessa, who's holding Peter tight and kissing >him, as Bridget fumes) > >CUT TO: >Scene: THE EMERGENCY ROOM LOBBY. Rick runs toward a nurse. > >RICK: What's the story? >NURSE: Construction accident, Dr. Bauer. They're bringing in one guy now. >Room B's being prepped. >RICK (looking out the doors): Wait--is that Matt? >Nurse: What? >(A stretcher holding a half-conscious man with a leg in a cast and a >bandaged-up, blood-soaked head and slams through the doorway, accompanied by >paramedics. Some snow blows into the lobby. Matt runs by his employee's >side.) >MATT (his hair and coat wet with snow, bending over to talk with the man, >who's trying to mumble something): Don't worry, Nelson...I'll help you get >through this. I'm so sorry, man... (looks up, sees Rick) Please help him... >RICK (running over to the stretcher) Will do, Matt--calm down. Okay, people, >let's get him in Room B! (runs along with the stretcher as it's rolled >through a set of doors) >MATT (watching the scene): Please... >***END OF ACT ONE*** >[LIGHTHOUSE] > > >****ACT TWO**** >Scene: HART'S GRANDFATHER'S FARMHOUSE. Hart is sitting in the kitchen; his >wallet's on the table, and he's holding a small picture of Bridget holding >Peter in her lap. > >HART (smiling at the picture): Matt, you may be a complete jerk, but you sure >know how to take a picture. (There's a loud knocking at the door. Hart places >the picture on the table.) Yeah? (Another set of noisy knocks.) All right, >hold your hormones! Who is it? >FLETCHER: It's Fletcher...Fletcher Reade. PLEASE let me in...it's a little >chilly out here. >HART (opens the screen door, a slightly snow-covered Fletch steps in): >Fletcher...sure, I remember you...what are you doing here? >FLETCH (takes off his gloves, puts his hand on Hart's shoulder): I'm here to >help you...that is, if you would like some help making sure that someone you >love doesn't end up in your father's hands. >Hart: What are you talking about? You hardly even know me... >FLETCH: Oh, but I know your situation, kid...all too well. Now, I've gotta >rush home to Holly soon, so-is there somewhere we can sit? >HART (motioning towards the kitchen): Yeah, sure, come on. (Fletch takes off >his coat, and they walk over to the kitchen table, and both pull out a chair >and sit; Fletch places his coat on a seat next to him, and Hart straddles his >chair.) Okay, now, is this about Dinah? >FLETCH (smiles): No, but you're not too way off... (notices the photo, and >points to Peter) ...it's about Dinah's BROTHER, and your son, Peter. >HART (surprised): Peter?!? Why should YOU care? >FLETCH: Oh, I have enough reasons...first of all, since I'm your >half-sister's stepfather, you could say I'm your...uh...one-eighth father. >HART (laughs): Ha ha...that's more than Roger's been to me, Fletcher. You >know, I come back to Springfield, and not only do I find out I have a son, >and a new mother who's younger than me, but everyone in this town's related >to each other! >HART (chuckles): You forgot the return of a woman who was dead for five >years, and the appearance of a serial killer transvestite. >HART (smiles): Right...but go on... >FLETCH: Okay, and the other reason is, I've seen one woman I care for snared >by Roger's clever traps, and I constantly worry about losing another one the >same way... >HART: Wait--let me guess--that'd be Alexandra Spaulding, and your wife, >Holly? >FLETCH: Bingo. And I'll do whatever it takes to keep Peter far from the >woods, let alone the wolf. >HART: Well, I'm all for that. >FLETCH: Which I just found out...so let's get down to business. (picks up the >picture and holds it up, towards Hart) We have a child to save. > >CUT TO: >Scene: VANESSA'S HOME. Shot of Peter, bundled up, coughing a little, and >smiling up at Bridget, who's holding his hand as they walk behind Vanessa and >Holly up the sidewalk towards Vanessa's door. The snow is coming down >lightly, but continually. > >BRIDGET (holding up a small bag with her free hand): Don't worry, >Peter...you'll be taking your medicine very soon, and you'll get all better. >(to Vanessa, begrudgingly) Thanks for buying this syrup, Vanessa...I didn't >think it'd be so expensive. >VANESSA (setting her car alarm with her little remote control mechanism): Oh, >I'm glad to help, honey. But, Holly, I'm so sorry you had to accompany us to >the pharmacy...and now here... >HOLLY (smiles): Oh, please, Vanessa, I desperately needed the change of pace. >And I have to figure what "medicine" I'll be giving my dear HUSBAND tonight >for his little surprise... >VAN: Right--sorry about that, too. Now, would you mind it terribly if I asked >Dinah to drive you home? She's supposed to be here, and Matt and I have a >date planned... (they're at the door, Vanessa searches through her pocketbook >for the keys) Oh, I must've left the house keys inside when we rushed out. >BRIDGET (taking a keychain out of her pocket, shows it to Vanessa) I've got >mine...you know, it helps to have your house keys on the same chain as your >car keys, Vanessa. And I thought Dinah and I were supposed to watch Peter >tonight. (opens the door) >VAN: Oh, you still can, right after Dinah drops off Holly... >DINAH (sitting on the couch with Marcus): WHAT I am supposed to be doing, >mother? >VAN: Can you please drive Holly home while I hit the town with Matt? >DINAH: I would help dear Holly (gives her husband's ex a quick, stern look) >if I could, but I came in Marcus' car--plus, Matt's not even here. >VAN: What? That's strange...his shift ended an hour ago. >BRIDGET: Vanessa, I know my brother is your chief concern right now, but >would you mind telling Dinah how HER brother's doing? >MARCUS (who's gotten up to help Peter with his coat, noticing no one would): >Oh, was that the problem? You left the door open... >DINAH (looking worried, standing up to join Marcus and Peter) Is he all >right? >VAN (hanging up her coat): Yes, honey...don't worry--he just has a bad head >cold. >HOLLY: Listen, Vanessa, if you want me to leave while you take care of >Peter... >BRIDGET (on a chair, unlacing her boots): No, Holly, I'LL be taking care of >Peter--as I was supposed to with Dinah tonight--and Vanessa will be "hitting >the town" with her hubby. Unless he's trapped in a snow drift somewhere... >(stops unlacing, looks up towards Vanessa) but that would just ruin YOUR >NIGHT, huh? >VANESSA: Now, listen here, young lady... >MARCUS (trying to diffuse the situation): Maybe Matt got tied up at work... >DINAH (sarcastically): ...or just couldn't take another exciting night with >you. >VAN: Now what's that supposed to mean? >DINAH: Never mind...I'm didn't mean to suggest that you and Matt are... >VAN: What? WHAT? Having problems? And how would YOU know? >DINAH: I am your DAUGHTER, Vanessa! I may have missed growing up with you, >but believe it or not, I do care about your problems...like your lousy temper >these days, for one! >MARCUS: Dinah...calm down... >BRIDGET: No, let her talk! I've gotta hear this one... >VAN: All right, that's it! Both of you, leave!! (pointing towards the door) >Now!! >BRIDGET (who's almost done unlacing one boot): What?! >VAN: Dinah, I want you out of this house...Bridget, go to my bedroom >upstairs--I need to have a talk with you. Marcus, you might as well leave >too. >BRIDGET: How dare you treat me like this?! After all I've done for Peter?!? >Damn it!! >MARCUS (upset for the girls--who both look furious--but glad to get out of >there): Well, I do have to get to my job at the Towers soon...Holly, do you >want me to drive you home on my way? >HOLLY: Well, I... >DINAH (angry as ever): You can drive us both to the Towers, Marcus. >VAN (trying to calm down, but failing): No--Bridget, I want you to stay here >so that she can take care of Peter once Matt gets here--as planned. (the >girls are stunned) And Holly, I'd like to talk to you for a while, please. >HOLLY (uncomfortably): Sure... (looks down at her chest and touches it, then >mumbles) Um, I'll just be in the bathroom for a sec... >DINAH: Maybe I should stay, too, mother--AS PLANNED--so you can tell Matt >about my being a bad girl. >BRIDGET (to Dinah, sarcastically): Yeah, just wait till your father gets >home! >VAN: Out, Dinah!! NOW!! >BRIDGET (quickly re-tying her boot): I'm walking them out! >MARCUS (walking towards the door): Well, uh, so long, Vanessa. >VAN (eyes focused on Dinah, as she storms out in front of Marcus): Good >night, Marcus. (Marcus exits, leaving the door open. Bridget, her boot fully >tied, walks calmly toward the doorway, turns around and gives Vanessa a >brief, but piercing look, and exits, slamming the door with ferocity.) >VAN (thinking Holly's still there): Children! They're still children!! (turns >around, notices that Holly's gone) Holly? HOLLY? >HOLLY (from a distance): I'm in the bathroom!! >VAN: Oh, sorry...I hope you're...all right (all that just happened just hits >her; a tear falls from her eye, and she whispers out loud to no one) I care >for you, Bridget. I love you, Dinah. But you just don't know what's happening >in my life...how I feel... (Wipes her eye with her hand, and picks up a >picture of her and Matt from a table) Oh, Matt...where are you? > >CUT TO: >Scene: CEDARS. Matt's sitting in the ER waiting room, his hands clasped >firmly together in prayer. >MATT: God, I hope you can hear me...please help my employ--my friend, Nelson. >I know I'm to blame for his falling...his accident...because I couldn't stop >him from working today. But please...please try to help him....not for >me...but for him. He's a good man--a good, caring man. Thank you, God, thank >you...very much...amen. (puts his hands firmly on his lap, takes a deep >breath, lifts his head toward the ceiling, and exhales) Oh, Vanessa, do I >ever need you now. >RICK (taking off his gloves, approaching from behind Matt): Matt? Matt? >MATT (whirling around in his seat): Rick? How is he? How's Nelson? >(Shot of Rick, looking exhausted, then of Matt, going from a serious look to >one of depression) > >***END OF ACT TWO*** > >Part 2 of "For the Child"...next month! Thanks for reading this, people! > > > > > > YEEAAAHHHH STTEEEEEEELLLLLEEEEEERRRRRRRSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!! YEEAAAHHHHH STTEEEEEEELLLLLEEEEEERRRRRRRSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!! YEEAAAHHHHHH STTEEEEEEELLLLLEEEEEERRRRRRRSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!! YEEAAAHHHHHHH STTEEEEEEELLLLLEEEEEERRRRRRRSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!! YEEAAAHHHHHHHH STTEEEEEEELLLLLEEEEEERRRRRRRSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEEAAAHHHHHHHHH STTEEEEEEELLLLLEEEEEERRRRRRRSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEEAAAHHHHHHHHHH STTEEEEEEELLLLLEEEEEERRRRRRRS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!