From: fburgess@awinc.com (Frank Burgess) Subject: Marc's Aug. RotSoap (Part 1) "GUIDING LIGHT" ROTSOAPS ENTRY August 1996 Hey again, fellow "GL" fans! Here's Part 3 of my latest story (which will now be four parts). Please note that I took a little creative license with "GL" continuity again...but not *too* much. Hope you like this one! (As usual, all the characters and situations in this story are copyrights of Procter & Gamble.) Keep watching the Light, Marc Wilkofsky "STARTING OVER AGAIN" (PART 3) by MarcEditor@aol.com *RECAP*: After finding an uncredited photo and scandalous report of his clandestine dance with Reva in the Springfield Journal, Josh cuts into Fletcher and the new society columnist Dinah, and then has an emotional talk with Harley. At the diner, Reva is surprised by her mother Sarah and son Dylan, but her joy is cut short when she a mysterious caller asks her to choose between her current husband Buzz and ex-husband Josh, both of whom he--or she--has trapped somewhere; one will live, and one will die. Meanwhile, Blake and Annie have teamed up to match Abby with Rick, but are unpleasantly surprised to find that he isn't alone at the Towers Club. And that's where we pick this story up! SCENE: Towers Club. Blake and Annie (who's holding a folded-up newspaper) are standing at a fairly distraught Abby's sides near the entrance, as they all look at Rick (whose back is towards them) sitting with his dinner date Mindy. BLAKE: Well, that's just wonderful...the perfect girl gets the perfect guy. ANNIE: What's so perfect about her? (pauses) Or him, for that matter? ABBY (signing as she speaks): Yeah, what's so great about that woman? BLAKE: Oh, everyone likes Mindy...even me. She's had a fling with almost every man in this town, including my father. ABBY (depressed): Maybe they're just reuniting as friends. BLAKE: No, I think they were once more than that...Philip told me they were a couple while he was heavily into Beth...and by the looks of their hands... ANNIE: Forget about their hands--look at their *feet*! (Shot of Rick and Mindy, holding each other's hands, panning to under the table, showing Mindy's feet all over Rick's legs. Back to Annie, looking at Abby) I'm sorry, Abigail. ABBY (looking highly despondent): No, that's...all right. Really, it is. I didn't expect anything... BLAKE: Well, I certainly didn't expect *this*! (focussing her eyes on the table) I'm going over there to figure this out! ABBY (grabbing Blake's arm): No, please--please don't do that to me. (Blake stares at her.) CUT TO: SCENE: The diner. Hawk, Rusty and Dylan are standing around Reva, who's nervously holding the public phone in her hand, tears brimming in her eyes. REVA: You...cannot...do this to me. OMINOUS VOICE: Oh, but I can, Miss Shayne--or is that Cooper? You have five seconds to decide if you're going to be *Widow* Cooper... RUSTY: Hey, Reva--what's wrong? REVA: You bastard-- (Dylan looks shocked) VOICE: Four...three... REVA: --I can't-- (Hawk nears her, tries to listen in) VOICE: TWO...ONE... REVA (with tears flowing): Joshua! I choose Josh-- VOICE: Thank you. (the line suddenly goes dead, and Reva, dropping the phone, falls to the floor, a complete emotional wreck) HAWK (trying to pick her up): Dear Lord, sister, who was that? What just happened there? (Reva continues to sob, as her father slowly picks her up) REVA: It c-can't be true...it just can't...oh, Buzz... RUSTY (picking up the dangling phone and hanging it up): Did something happen to Mr. Cooper? And what was that about choosing Josh? HAWK (with one arm around Reva, pointing angrily to the phone): Was that Spaulding? REVA (trying to compose herself, as Dylan slowly brings her a glass of water): N-no...it wasn't...I don't know w-who it was, Pop...I just hope... HAWK: Hope what? REVA: (nervously sipping some water)...that is was just a game...and Buzz is still *alive.* (Everyone stares at her, shocked. Suddenly, Sarah comes in, holding a wrapped gift and her car keys.) SARAH: Hey, everyone, what'd I miss? Oh, Hawk, did you get Reva to crying again? (approaching her daughter) Honey, what's wrong? REVA (breaking away from Hawk and the group): I've got to find him! DYLAN: Who? REVA (running towards the door): Buzz! I've got to find Buzz! RUSTY: Wait, Reva, let me help you...I'll drive you 'round the town...we'll find him... (She's still holding the glass of water, which Rusty takes from her and places on the counter. He speaks softly to her as they near the door.) You're much stronger than this, Reva. Hold yourself together, girl...everything will be fine... SARAH (looking bewildered, as Reva and Rusty rush out): Should someone call the police? (she puts the gift on a table) HAWK: And say what? Our daughter just went loony and thinks her husband is dead? SARAH (picking up the phone): Ain't a bad idea, buster--and I'll raise heck with them if they give me that "24 hour rule" business! DYLAN (as Sarah dials): Just ask for Frank or Harley, Grandma. SARAH: Good thinking, Dylan! That'll work...hello? Yes, this is an emergency... (suddenly, they hear a booming voice from near the door) JOSH: Hey, folks! Is Reva around? (the trio stares at him, confounded) CUT TO: SCENE: In Harley's car, on the road. HARLEY (driving): I tell you, Sam, I can't believe the nerve of Josh storming into the Journal and ripping apart Fletcher and Dinah like that! SAMANTHA: Was he ever that brusque when you were involved with him? HARLEY (smiles): Come to think of it, no. And trust me, we were much more than *involved*. (trying to change the subject) Now, what were you talking about before? Finding out who the "mystery photographer" is? SAM: Yes--don't you think it'll be incredibly exciting? HARLEY: What part? The part where we sit at the Journal for hours waiting for the next photo package to show up, or the part where we completely give up? SAM: Oh, come on, Harley--don't you think we have a chance? We were always a super detective team...remember when we had to search through Daniel's apartment? HARLEY: Sam, back then, the stakes were higher and our maturity levels much lower. But tell you what--you want to play Sam Marler, P.I. in your off-hours? Call Frank at the police department--he'll give you a little case to plunge into. SAM: Harley, you know very well he wouldn't do that. Besides, this might be a very interesting case...don't you want to know who took that picture of Josh and Reva, and who's been getting their photos anonymously published in the Journal? HARLEY: Well, do you think it's the same person? And why would they submit them anonymously? SAM (grinning): Oh, so you're interested in this after all. HARLEY: No, I'm interested in the *movie* we're seeing tonight--anything to keep my mind off my little dialogue with Josh, and to avoid the haystack you want me to crawl through. SAM (pointing to the clock under the dashboard): But look at the time--we've missed the first showing. Let's squeeze in a quick dinner before we hit the 10:00 showing. HARLEY: Okay, we're right near Company... (turns on the right-hand turn signal) SAM: No, I was thinking something fancier...like the Towers Club. HARLEY: Sure, I guess so... (turns off the signal) I just got paid, so I can afford i--wait a minute, you're not planning what I hope you're not planning? SAM: That's *exactly* what I'm planning. I just hope Hamp has a good memory! HARLEY: And a bottle of aspirin... (sighs) Boy, am I glad to be back in *this* town... CUT TO: SCENE: The Towers Club. Rick and Mindy are still dining and staring into each others' eyes, oblivious to the six female eyes upon them. [VOICEOVER: The part of Mindy Lewis will now be played by Kimberley Simms.] RICK: Did Nick ever mention you have excellent timing? MINDY: No...but why are you mentioning Nick? RICK: I'm trying to figure out if was ever envious of him or not. MINDY: Like you were of Phillip when we were together? RICK (smiles): I've *never* been envious of Phillip. MINDY: Oh, really? Does the name "Beth" ring any jealousy bells? RICK (picks up his drink): Okay, you've got me there...but I'll gladly settle for my amazing family and friends, and beneficent career, over his amazingly cutthroat family and self-serving company. (takes a sip) I'm fine just the way I am. MINDY: I believe you there...and totally agree...so what's this about my timing? RICK (puts down his drink): Oh, right...it's just that you popped up right when I was looking for something to make my life a little more interesting, instead of just stressful. (sighs) With my job and taking care of Michelle and helping Phillip... MINDY (grimacing): So I would be just a break for you between emergency operations and late-night lectures? Try a cappuccino instead--it would be cheaper, it's almost as fashionable and it'd keep you more awake. RICK: Oh, please, Mindy--you've always been more than that. You've been a rock in my life, and all kidding aside, you're one of the reasons I am the way I am. MINDY: Yeah, if not for me you'd be hanging onto a tree outside Beth's bedroom window right now, tongue wagging. RICK (laughs): No chance of that--I'd have to take Michelle with me, or at least a cel phone. No, really--when we were together, I not only had a great time... MINDY: A *wild* time. RICK: Right...but you also helped make me feel more confident about myself. Imagine--me, with a beautiful, always entertaining woman at my side, one who actually thinks the world of me. MINDY: Well, I just couldn't stand to unleash an unconfident doctor on the world. I had to make sure to maintain the true you. RICK (smiles): Oh, so I was just a project to you? MINDY (taking his hand in hers again): You still are...one I have yet to fully complete. RICK: And what might that mean, Ms. Lewis? MINDY (grins widely): You'll see, Mr. Bauer. There's a few things we haven't done yet. But I promise you...you won't have to climb any trees. CUT TO: The Towers restaurant foyer. The trio of women are still looking on. Hamp, holding three menus, approaches them. BLAKE: Imagine...the nerve of him...fondling her like that. She's only been separated from Nick for a few months! ANNIE: The nerve of *her*! ABBY (looking increasingly upset, but trying to stay strong): They have a right to do whatever they want to with each other. We shouldn't... HAMP: Can I escort you lovely ladies to a table? BLAKE (points towards Rick and Mindy): You can escort us to a spot right near that little love-duo (glances at Abby)--that couple over there! HAMP (turns around to look at the area Blake's pointing to): Rick and Mindy? Are they expecting you? BLAKE: No, we'd like to surprise them... (looks to her companions) it's only right, right? ANNIE: Blake...let's not do this. Let's leave them alone. Hamp, could you wait a few minutes, please? (Hamp nods and walks away.) BLAKE: As alone as Abby feels right now? Please! Don't you want to hear what they're saying? Maybe Abby's right--maybe they're just still friends. ABBY (her eyes squinting): No, they're more than that, Blake, from what Mindy's saying. ANNIE: Oh...that's right...you can read lips...and? ABBY: She's been complimenting him...and she said something about climbing trees... BLAKE: Trees?! ABBY: And now... (her jaw trembles and drops a little) You girls stay here...I've got to go... (she grasps her pocketbook with both hands and starts walking away) ANNIE: Wait! Abby, please! At least have dinner with us... (Shot of Abby, holding back tears, running toward the stairwell. Annie mumbles to herself:) Or at least use the elevator. BLAKE: Let her go...there's no way we're going to salvage this night, or her emotional state...I could *kill* Rick. ANNIE: Oh, Blake...you know it's not his fault...Mindy obviously feels the same way about him as we both once did...and how can he possibly escape her sultry, sequined snare? BLAKE: Oh, it's at least *half* his fault...just like this little situation I've been struggling with. (puts her hands on her belly) But listen, he's just one man... (turns her head towards Hamp) Hamp! We're ready!... (back to Annie) and there's no man--other than Ross--I plan to devote an excessive amount of time, talking or tears to. ANNIE: Same with me and Josh... (suddenly remembers the paper in her hand, becomes sullen) Oh, Blake...I don't know what to do about this... (opens up the paper to the page with the photo, as Hamp approaches) BLAKE: Annie, you can't obsess yourself over this. Talk about a waste of time...that would be like Madonna suing every tabloid that suggests her baby's an alien... HAMP: So it'll be just the two of you tonight? BLAKE: Looks that way, Hamp. The two wacky wives of Springfield. (Hamp smiles, and is about to escort them, when Sam--with Harley right behind her--runs over to him and breaks into the group) SAM: Hamp, I need your help. Do you remember... ANNIE (ignoring the interruption, holding the paper in front of Blake): Blake, I can't help myself from worrying...what if this is absolutely true? (Harley, standing right behind them, notices what Annie's holding, and frowns) BLAKE: Honey, the only thing that's absolutely true is Josh's love for you...he's gotta be one of the most faithful guys I've ever known...hasn't he proved that to you by now? HARLEY (breaking in): Oh, buy a clue, Blake. (to a surprised Annie) So *you're* the new one...Annie, is it? (Annie, mouth agape, nods, and Harley shakes her hand) Very pleased to meetcha. I think we'd better have a little talk. (she leads her away) SAM (to Hamp): Yes, I *was* here that night...so was Harley...but just for a few minutes, to talk on the terrace... HAMP (humoring her): Well, I don't keep a patron list, but I might be able to ask one of that night's waiters if they saw anyone with a camera...you said it was Saturday night? SAM: Oh, that would be spectacular! I'll wait here, with Harley. (looks around) Harley? Har--where'd she go, Blake? BLAKE: She whisked away Annie, but where they went? Search me, kid. HAMP: Sam, those waiters aren't working tonight--I'll have to call them. (Sam frowns, and is about to reply, when Hamp puts his hands on her shoulders) And I'll get back to you to-morr-ow, young lady. Have a good night. SAM: Oh, thanks, but I was planning to dine here tonight...with Harley, whenever she comes back. BLAKE: Hey, would you like to join me for a few minutes while you're waiting? (glances over to Rick and Mindy) I could use the company. SAM: Why, sure, Blake. I'd love to hear about how you and Uncle Ross--and your babies!--are doing, and maybe you could help me figure out a little mystery I've got going. Lead the way. HAMP: Oh, *I'll* lead the way...I've been waiting to do that for 10 minutes now. (the women laugh, and follow Hamp) SAM (turns her head around as she walks): I hope Harley's all right. BLAKE (sighs): I hope *Abby's* all right. From: fburgess@awinc.com (Frank Burgess) Subject: Marc's Aug. RotSoap (Part 2)) CUT TO: SCENE: The parking garage below the Towers Club. Under a pair of dim lights, Buzz is holding a public phone with one hand, and a slightly dirty newspaper--a copy of The Journal--with the other. BUZZ (slamming the phone down): Damn! Busy!! I knew I should've gotten the diner's private phone fixed... (pauses) Listen to me...my wife may be on the edge of dumping me, and I'm talking to myself about telephone repair... (looks at the paper) I have had... (angrily crumples it up) just about *enough*! (tosses it to the ground) I thought that woman was just going to drive me nuts...now I realize...she's made me a blind, stupid fool. Stupid, stupid, stupid... But not as stupid as whoever took that picture and had it published! (Suddenly, he hears a door slam, and sees Abby emerge from the shadows, running in tears from the stairwell.) Abby? Is that you? ABBY (three crumpled-up tissues in her hand, her pocketbook dangling from her shoulder): Y-yes. BUZZ (walks over to her, puts a hand on her shoulder to console her): Oh, honey, what's wrong? ABBY: Nothing...nothing at all. I have nothing...to worry about. BUZZ: Oh, come on, Abby--I can tell you...wait a minute--It's Rick, isn't? That louse--that *loser*--did this to you? ABBY: He didn't do this to me, Mr. Cooper...I did this to *myself.* BUZZ: I don't believe that for a second. ABBY: I loved him, Buzz...I love him...so much...and not only will he never know how much I care, but he loves someone *else.* BUZZ (beginning to relate): And how do you know this? ABBY (starts angrily pointing to her still-wet eyes): I saw it--I saw it with my own two *eyes!* The same eyes *he* will never look into like he looked into that woman's... BUZZ: Which woman? ABBY: Her name is Mindy...Mindy Lewis. BUZZ: Ha! Figures... (stops himself) Sorry, honey...those Lewises are just so damn wonderful, aren't they? They just get whatever they want... (glances at the remains of the paper on the ground a few feet away) Well, I wish I could help...actually, I was supposed to watch out for you tonight... ABBY (not sure how to take this): Really? BUZZ: Yeah, Reva asked me t--Reva. She's probably out flirting with Josh right now--or worse! Wanted me out of the way, I guess...she's one smart cookie! ABBY: Well, she told me I was making a big mistake going after Rick...she was right about that. I just wish I'd listened to her. BUZZ: I wish I'd watched her and Josh more carefully! ABBY: Is that what you're upset about? Her and Josh? Annie showed me the photo in the paper...I'm really sorry. BUZZ: Not as sorry as she's going to be...or Josh, for that matter! Come on! (He takes her hand, and they walk away. As they get into his car, a female figure is revealed in the shadows. The sound of heels clicking on the pavement is heard, and we see a hand pick up the crumpled-up paper. The woman opens it up to the society page, and we see a finger make a circling motion around the side of the photo with Reva.) CUT TO: Scene: The diner. Sarah's still on the phone, as Hawk stands by her as Dylan and Josh sit at a booth. HAWK: What's taking them so long? SARAH: They put me on hold...can you believe that? HAWK: Give me the phone...I'll get through to them! (grabs the phone) Hello? HELLO?? SARAH (smirks at him): Hawk, I'm on hold...don't you hear the music? HAWK (waves his arm at her): Hush! Just hush, already! SARAH: I can't believe this... DYLAN (listening to the scene): I have no idea what's going on with Reva, Josh. JOSH: You said she mentioned my name while she was on the phone? DYLAN: Is that a surprise to you? You're probably the subject of her every other thought. But for some reason, she's just about flipped, and she's out looking for Buzz. JOSH: Right, her new husband. DYLAN: Oh, I've gotten the score, Josh. He's the one who called me at the school, and suggested I visit her. JOSH: Well, it's great to see you again...even under these circumstances. DYLAN: Thanks, man. You know, Buzz and Sarah even told me the story of how Reva came back. I have my mother again, and I cannot believe it. JOSH: Oh, my sentiments exactly, Dylan...I still find it hard to believe...we both saw her crash into that ocean...I thought I would never see her again. DYLAN: But you have, thanks to God. I wish *I* could actually *see* her, but I'll settle for knowing she's alive--one miracle at a time's enough for me. (smiles, cusps his hands under his chin) The question is, have *you* settled for that? *Can* you? JOSH: Absolutely, Dylan...I will always love her, but our time together has past. DYLAN: What is this, a romance novel? You two were soulmates, but now you've just turned the page? That's a totally different chapter? JOSH: That's a whole different *book*, Dylan. I've remarried...did either Buzz or Sarah tell you that? DYLAN: Buzz mentioned it...he seemed sarcastic about it...said her name's Anna? JOSH: Annie...and I love her. DYLAN: Yeah, that's what he said--that you "really, really love her" and that you spend all your time with her. JOSH: Oh, really? How kind of him. DYLAN: He's obviously not your biggest fan. JOSH: Actually, I didn't realize he felt that way about me. I should have, of course. Well, that just makes my day. Wonder what else he's said about me...and what else could possibly happen tonight? (Suddenly, Buzz storms into the diner, with Abby trailing behind him.) BUZZ (to a shocked Josh): Where is she? (Josh tries to reply) Where *is* she, and why are you here? JOSH: Buzz, calm down...and shut up for a minute. DYLAN (walking over to Abby, who's taken a seat at the counter and started sobbing again): Is that you, Abby? I can tell you're crying...are you all right? (touches her shoulder) ABBY (surprised): What? Oh, yes, yes...I'm fine. I've just had a rough night. DYLAN (grinning): Haven't we all. Here, let me get you a glass of water. ABBY: Thank you...thank you. What's your name, again? DYLAN (feeling around for the glasses and sink behind the counter): Oh, it's Dylan. And you're Abby? (picks up a glass) ABBY (begins to smile faintly): Yes...did someone else tell you? DYLAN (finds the faucet and turns it on, putting the glass under it): Well, I just heard someone mention you earlier...during the party. By the way, can you hear me all right? I can't help but notice your speech impediment...are you deaf? ABBY: Oh, I can read lips very well, Dylan. Don't worry. (Dylan smiles) That was a nice party...Reva was so happy. DYLAN: Yeah, the operative word there is *was*. You should've seen her run out of her earlier. I've never seen my mom that way. (gives her the drink) ABBY: Thank you. Oh, that's right--she's your mom--I saw you two hugging before. You seem so attached to her...I'm so glad you have her back in your life. DYLAN: Well, thanks...she's done a lot for me. ABBY (sipping the water): She helped me a great deal, also--I'll always be grateful to her. She's obviously taught you some very good manners...did she help you with your blindness? DYLAN: No, I became blind after she die--disappeared. (Abby frowns) But yes, I feel that much of the strength that's got me through this period comes from my time with her. And if you think I'm kind...well, I wasn't always this way, but my discovering a whole family--a super father, a wonderful sister--gave me a fresh start, and made me want to be as good and loving as they are. ABBY: You found your parents and your sister here? DYLAN: Yeah, but after my mom disappeared, my father went to prison, and my sister and I don't keep in touch that often. You know, I miss her...I wonder where she is now. SARAH (running over to Dylan and Abby, with Hawk, Buzz and Josh right behind): We're off to the police station, Dylan--the operator told me that Reva and Rusty called, and are on the way there! ABBY (getting up from her seat, suddenly completely lit up): Well, if I had a brother like you, Dylan, I wouldn't be more than five miles away. (They smile at each other.) CUT TO: SCENE: The Towers Club, in the parking garage. Rick and Mindy are walking towards her car. MINDY: So I'll meet you at your place? RICK: Sounds good, Mi--wait, do you have an apartment yet? MINDY (opening her car door):: No, I'm staying at a hotel...I plan to start looking soon; I just had bigger priorities. RICK: Like leaving epiphany-filled love notes in doctors' lockers, right? MINDY (laughs): Hey, to each her own! Hope it wasn't embarrassing for you. RICK: Oh, no--Phillip happened to be right there when I opened it, but I avoided the topic...no one has any idea about you...about us. MINDY: Well, let's keep it that way. See you in a few, cutie! (gets in her car) RICK: Okay--see ya...baby! (Chuckles, walks away. We hear the sound of her car starting, and then suddenly an enormous blast resounds through the garage, as a flash of light surrounds Rick. He whirls around to see Mindy's car completely engulfed in flames.) MIIIINNNDYYYYY!!!! CUT TO: SCENE: The Springfield Police Department. Rusty is consoling Reva, who's sitting--and trembling--in a seat next to the police chief's desk. RUSTY (his hands firmly on her shoulders): Reva, calm down...we'll find Buzz...don't worry... REVA (whirls around): And what about J-Josh? Do you think this person's going to just l-let him go free?! We're dealing with a very sick mind here...I don't know what to do! RUSTY: Don't think so negative, Reva...try to figure this out. Okay, tell me about this mysterious caller again... (Suddenly, Frank walks in.) FRANK: Reva? You all right? RUSTY: No, Frank, she's not--some detective you are. FRANK (showing him his badge): I've been a cop for almost a year now, Rusty--giving me almost as much experience as you. (Rusty sneers.) Reva, Eleni beeped me and told me you called her right after I dropped her at home...you said my dad's missing? REVA: Y-yes...or worse... FRANK (incredulous): This can't be happening...we just saw him tonight at the party...do you think Spaulding's involved in this? REVA: No...no... RUSTY: She told me before it's not Alan! REVA: Rusty, please...he's trying to help...you should... (Suddenly, she hears a commotion behind her, and turns around to see Buzz and Josh walking toward her, with her family and Abby behind them.) Oh, my God... (She runs over to Buzz and embraces him.) Buzz! Oh, Buzz, you're alive!! BUZZ (surprised): Why wouldn't I be? JOSH: What's going on, Reva? REVA (stares at Josh): And you're here, too! (takes a few steps back) You both weren't trapped somewhere? Held prisoner? JOSH: Trapped? What are you talking about? BUZZ: I was just where you told me to be, Reva--watching Abby. REVA: So...it *was* just a game...how could I be so *stupid*? BUZZ: Hey, it's a hot season for that... JOSH (walks over to Reva, now more angry than upset: What game, Reva? RUSTY: There was some crank caller who... REVA: It was more than a crank caller--someone knew I was at the diner, and called me there...asked me to make a choice between... BUZZ: Between who? JOSH: Let her speak, Buzz! Go on, Reva... REVA (looking at both men, hesitating for as long as she can): Between...the two of you. JOSH: WHAT?! Who would do such a thing? BUZZ: Who knows...what *I'd* like to know is...who did you choose? (The men--along with everyone else--stare at Reva, who slumps into her chair, looking back at both of them, as her tears well up again.) ***END OF PART 3*** To be *concluded* (I promise) in Part 4--next month!