Subject: GL: Rot Soaps: Brent Ties, PART 1 > >Everyone, >I hope you enjoy this story. I put my all into it, and am extremely proud of >how it turned out. In case I have to mention this, all the characters and >situations in this story are copyrights of Procter & Gamble. >Well, have fun, and thanks very much for reading this. >Keep turning on the Light, >Marc > > >BRENT TIES IT ALL UP >by MarcEditor (Marc Wilkofsky) > >The first episode in this storyline, set a week or so before Christmas, opens >with Brent sitting up in bed, screaming wildly as he awakens from a horrible >dream. It featured Lucy giving Brent, as Marian, a gift, ornately wrapped in >completely red packaging, saying, "You tried to give this to me, Marian, but >I really think you should have it." Marian turns and sees Alan-Michael >pleading, "Open it. Open it." Marian unwraps the red bow and opens it, and >sees a beautiful white blouse. "Thank you...thank you very much..." she says, >and then she opens the blouse up fully to find three large letters written in >a deep red over the chest: HIV. >Awakening immediately, Brent holds his stomach tightly. > >BRENT: No...no...it can't be...I was extra-careful to clean all the blood >off...they won't get me...IT won't get me... (suddenly smiling) I have too >much work to do. I have too much of a wonderful life to live, after I get rid >of those bastards who hate me. (pauses, clutches at his chest even tighter) >There's no way anyone--ESPECIALLY me--can live with that damn disease. No >way...just no way... > >CUT TO: >Nick and Susan are standing by his desk at Spaulding, locked in an impulsive >kiss. When they come up for air, she hugs him tightly. > >SUSAN: Nick, with you, I have everything I've ever wanted. >NICK: Oh, really? I can't be that great... >SUSAN: Great? You're amazing, Nick. I never thought I could find someone who >loves me the way I am. My disease doesn't seem to affect you one bit; it only >makes you care for me more. >NICK: Well, that's me in a head-over-heels nutshell--no arguments there. But >isn't there anything else you really want? >SUSAN: (Smiles, pauses) No, can't think of anything. >NICK: (Still holding her) Tell ya what--you think of something you want, and >I'll do it for you, somehow--no questions asked, no compromises. >SUSAN: Really? >NICK: Really. Oh, so there IS something, huh? (Holds her tighter and laughs, >as Susan nods her head) >SUSAN: A memo. >NICK: (Taken aback) A memo? Am I hearing you right? >SUSAN: A memo, Nick. Remember, you said anything... >Nick stares at her, puzzled. > >CUT TO: >Rick and Annie are filing various pieces of paper behind the main desk in the >Cedars emergency ward. >RICK (smiling): You know, Annie, I seem to remember you once calling me >incorrigible...maybe twice. >ANNIE: Um...I might have...what made you think of this now? >RICK: Oh, I don't know...I suppose your choice for a date tonight. >ANNIE: Uh huh. Figured as much, Rick. Well, I'd say, "Get over it," but you >seem to have a problem dealing with any romantic situation, let alone >forgetting about it. >RICK: (Smirks, holds a folder against his waist, bending it slightly) Oh, >very funny...wait, what's THAT supposed to mean? >ANNIE: I've seen your flirtatious glances at me while you're dancing with >Abigail. >RICK: (Laughs out loud) Flirtatious glances? Maybe they're PUZZLED glances, >because I have no IDEA why you're dating that man! >ANNIE: And I suppose you deserve a reason or two? An explanation? Well, I >find him interesting, intelligent, and unbelievably intriguing...and what's >more, I think I'm slowly falli-- >[Suddenly, HAWK comes up to the couple.] >HAWK: Sorry to interrupt--Annie, do you know how my wife is doing? >ANNIE: Oh, Sarah? Just fine, Hawk...the coma's a faraway memory by now. >HAWK: (shocked) What? She remembers her coma? >ANNIE: No, no, I mean, she's almost like new. You can even take her home >tomorrow morning. >HAWK: (Grabs Annie's arms, and shakes her.) Praise the Lord, praise the Lord. >RICK: Good for you, Hawk. (Hawk shakes him a bit as well, and pats his back a >couple of times.) >HAWK: (Waves goodbye. Walking toward Sarah's room, mumbling) Should've told >her on the phone...or in a letter...knew this was going to happen... >RICK: So what were Sarah's first words, anyway? >ANNIE: (Laughs) She just started yelling, "Did I miss the wedding? Did I miss >the wedding??" Looks like she's taken the news that her daughter's alive >pretty well. >RICK: Almost as well as Josh, I'd say. >ANNIE: Don't you DARE get me started, Rick Bauer. (Finishes her work) >RICK: Gotcha... So you're on for tonight? You and your new, uh, beau? >ANNIE: The Towers, right? You bet! (Rick smiles, raises his thumb, and walks >away. Annie stares at him dreamily for a couple of seconds, then shakes her >head walks towards the elevators.) > >LATER IN THE EPISODE: >Alan-Michael, Lucy, Nick, Susan, Maribrent, Stavros, Amanda and Hart are >sitting together at the Towers restaurant, watching couples like Rick and >Abigail, and Ross and Blake, dance. Maribrent is watching Rick intently; she >still doubts whether she should trust him. Suddenly, a gorgeously dressed >Annie walks in, on the arm of...Alan Spaulding! Rick fumes, while half the >Spaulding table gasps in shock. > >NICK: That's his new...um...girlfriend? >AMANDA: I never would've guessed it... >ALAN-MICHAEL: Well, he's always been excellent on the rebound. >MARI: I think she's lovely... >STAVROS: Love is love--what should it matter who is doing it with who? >MARI: Exactly, Stavros. (strokes his arm) >LUCY: I agree...maybe she'll be good for your father, Alan-Michael. >HART (Who's recently been hired by new co-president Amanda as her assistant): >Huh--I've heard she's been good for at least two other men in this town. >AMANDA: Hart! (slaps his arm, smiling) >NICK: Everybody, forget about them...I have an announcement to make. >MARIAN: You're getting married? >LUCY: Oh, Susan! >SUSAN: No, no, listen... >NICK: It's not that big, but it's important...tomorrow morning, you'll all >receive a memo... >MARI: (sips her wine) A memo? >SUSAN: Yes, a memo--asking every employee to take an AIDS test. >MARI: (spits out her wine) An AIDS test?? >NICK: It's just going to be a suggestion, folks. Susan suggested this to me, >and I believe it's an inspired idea. >HART: Sure, people should know the truth about their lives as soon as >possible. >LUCY: I think it's a wonderful idea; don't you? (turning to A-M) >A-M: Well, Lucy, it's obviously very important, and yes, I think it's a fine >idea. >STAVROS: Marian, why are you so shook up? >MARI: Oh, nothing...I just can't stand diseases... >AMANDA: Well, this disease is unavoidable, in many ways. But these tests will >be private, right, Nick? And, by the way, I'm SO glad you discussed this with >me and Alan-Michael. >A-M: It's all right, Amanda. >NICK: Yes, it'll be private, but we'll bring in a doctor to help people out, >with no cost at all. >MARI (mumbling): No cost...no cost but their peace of mind... >HART: What, Mari? >MARI: Oh, nothing, nothing, Hart. (sips her wine slowly, glancing towards the >dance floor) > >CUT TO: >Annie is sitting with Alan at their table, watching Rick and Abigail dance. >ANNIE: Look at them, Alan. (raises her pointing finger a bit) Look at Rick >and Abigail. >ALAN: (tears his eyes away from his son's table) What? Rick and...? >ANNIE: ...Abigail. They're so beautiful together. She can't hear, you >know--she can only feel the vibrations of the music through the floor--so >they have no reason to "talk." (motions as if using sign language) He just >holds her in his arms, and they slowly glide along the floor. (sighs) >ALAN: Is that where you want to be, Annie? In Rick's strong, loving arms, on >the dance floor? I seem to recall hearing that you had an intimate history >with the young doctor... >ANNIE: Alan! Damn, does everyone feel a need to remind me of my romantic >travails today? No, I'd honestly rather be here, talking with you. Rick and I >are...a faraway memory...and besides, you're a much better conversationalist >than he ever was. (Smiles at him with sincerity) >ALAN: (Pushing it) Now, Annie, is that all I am to you--a good conversation? >ANNIE: Geez, all these questions. No wonder you've bounced from woma--come >on, Alan, what you are to me is fun. Excitement. Life. >ALAN: A NEW life, I hope, Annie. >ANNIE: Sounds good to me. Speaking of sounding good...this song's half over >already! (Grabs his hand, and whirls him onto the dance floor. They start >dancing, between Rick and Abigail, and Stavros and a very distracted >Maribrent. Rick is slightly distracted himself, and he secretly frowns at >Mari, but then turns his head and attention back to his new love.) > >Here's what happens from this point on, spanning a few episodes: >MARIBRENT discovers, after Lucy and Susan plead with him to take the >Spaulding-sponsored HIV test, that he's absolutely...POSITIVE! > >Brent's reaction? >BRENT (as he finds out from the doctor): NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!! > >After several late-night beers, he spills the beans to a surprised Nick, >Susan, Alan-Michael and Lucy, the latter of whom fears for Stavros. > >ALAN-MICHAEL (as Maribrent pukes in the bathroom, helped by Susan): Oh, I >doubt Stavros should worry at all...they haven't been seeing each other for >more than two weeks. >LUCY: Right, I know...wait, wait--who did she get this from, then? When? How? >A-M: It could've been anyone from her past...who knows if he's still >alive...who knows if he'd ever want to see her again anyway, let alone hear >her news... >LUCY: Oh, this is terrible... >NICK: Somehow I knew Susan's plan wouldn't work out... >LUCY: Well, no one at work should find out about this. NO ONE. > >No one ever does, but unfortunately, Maribrent--the serial killer without any >conscience or remorse--becomes ultraparanoid, thinking everyone in the >building knows (s)he's HIV-positive. He starts little arguments with several >employees, including Susan. One of these arguments disrupts an important >executive meeting that he and Susan are invited to, embarrassing >Alan-Michael, Amanda and Alex. >During one episode, when he hears two female accountants whispering to each >other and looking his way, he explodes in fury and topples one of their >computers onto the floor. Amanda walks in. > >AMANDA (seeing the accountants cowering in fear on the floor and Mari >practically standing on one accountant's desk): All right...that's >it...you're through, Marian. Please pack up your insignificant personal >material and leave...now. >MARIBRENT: (attempting to calm down) But, Ms. Spaulding, these people are >mocking me! >AMANDA: These people are trying to work, and now one of them can't, thanks to >you. We can afford a new computer, but we cannot afford to have you around >here anymore. >MARI: (growing furious) Well, can YOU afford half a HEART, you sickening >bitch? >AMANDA: (incredulous) Get out of here, dammit! You...are...FIRED! >MARI: (finding it hard to stay feminine, already formulating a plan) All >right, honey. You win. Give me 10 minutes. >AMANDA: You've got FIVE, or I'LL get SECURITY! >(Mari steams away, as Amanda immediately picks up the employees, and tries to >calm them down, glancing at Mari thundering down the hall all the while) > >Brent immediately begins planning revenge against Amanda, but one day, as >he's scanning the classifieds for a new job to keep the money coming in, he >realizes who he really wants to pay, and not just for causing him to lose a >job, but for "killing" him: Reva Shayne. (She caused him to accidentally >spill the HIV-infected blood on himself in Cedars.) Her name leaps out of a >fairly large ad in the paper: > >WANTED: A full-time nanny. >We need a little peace and quiet, and you need a job! Take care of two >lovable, well-behaved children, and we'll take care of you in our gorgeously >large home. For an opportunity you can't pass up, please call Reva at >555-7333. (Experience a plus, caring a must.) > >Brent calls for the job, and before he knows it, he has it, and is living >with the Lewises-Josh, Reva, Marah and Shayne-as their new nanny. But why did >he get the job so quickly, without any tricks or murdering of applicants? And >with no experience whatsoever? Listen to a private conversation between >mother and daughter... > >SARAH: So you hired this Marian woman already? >REVA: Yes, Mama. She's the one for us. >SARAH: I see...well, far be it from me to give you advice. I'm just glad >you're back with us, my baby. >REVA: I never left, Mama. >SARAH: I know, I know...(they hug) Yes, far be it from me to ask you if >you've at all noticed how downright homely that woman looks. >REVA: (smiles) Think about it, Mama. Why would I pick her, out of all those >beautiful applicants that would turn any man's eye? >SARAH: Any man's eye...even a faithful man like Joshua! I understand now, >Reva. Very clever of ya, I must say. >REVA: No more Harleys in this house, Mama. Marian starts tomorrow, by the >way. >SARAH: And Hawk and I can finally rest. >REVA: Don't say rest, Mama. >SARAH: (smiles) Sorry, honey. > >Everything is going well for at least two days in the Lewis household--except >for the fact that Shayne is jealous of how much time Marian spends with Marah >(who quickly becomes very fond of Marian), and begins to hate his nanny. He's >overjoyed when one morning, he hears Marian tell his parents that she needs >the night off. Unfortunately, they have plans and can't find a replacement >for him, but Reva--who is surprised by the one-afternoon notice--suggests >that she find someone to watch the kids that night. So he makes a phone call, >to Spaulding. > >LUCY: Frank! Eleni! Glad you're here! Come on in! (Lucy walks around the desk >of her office as the couple strolls in. Her phone suddenly rings.) One sec, >guys. (picks up the receiver) Yes, Ethel? Oh, all right...no, don't >worry...I'll take it. >MARIBRENT: Hello, Lucy. >LUCY: Hi, Marian. (Frank and Eleni glance at each other, knowing Marian's >history.) How's the job going? >MARI: Oh, splendidly. How about you, Mrs. Junior Vice President Spaulding? >LUCY: Oh, Marian, please. So can I help you with something? >MARI: Yes, you can--I desperately need you to watch little Marah and Shayne >tonight. I need a night off--tonight. I really hope you can do it, Lucy. I >saved so much money for tonight, and I want to spend it. >LUCY: Oh, I'm sorry--Alan-Michael and I were planning a night on the yacht. I >hope you understand. I'd watch them any other night, of course. I'm really >sorry... >MARIBRENT: Oh, no, that's all right...really. Goodbye, Lucy. >LUCY: See ya. 'Bye. (Hangs up) She gets weirder every day... >ELENI: Great to see you, Lucy! (they hug) What a lovely office you have. >LUCY: Yeah, it's pretty cool. >ELENI: What did Marian want, Lucy? >LUCY: Oh, she needs someone to watch the kids tonight. >FRANK: That's funny...so do we...we were hoping you could babysit Marina, so >we could do something different for a change. But I heard about your plans >with Alan-Michael. Oh, well... >LUCY: Wait--how 'bout you guys bringing Marina over to the Lewises, so that >the kids can play upstairs, and you can just sit on the couch and relax or >something? >FRANK: Hey, that's a compromise...Eleni? >ELENI: Sure, why not? >LUCY: Excellent...I'll call Marian right now. > >After Maribrent talks to Lucy, he goes upstairs and records his plan for the >night. >BRENT: (speaking into hand-held tape recorder) I hope Lucy doesn't meet her >hubby at Spaulding tonight...or she'll get a little surprise. It's gonna be a >hot time in old Springfield tonight. I may be HIV-positive, but no one in >this town is going to keep me from living the way I want to! > >LATER IN THE EPISODE: >Brent is creeping down a stairwell at Spaulding, unaware that someone's >storming up the same stairwell. > >AMANDA: Damn elevators...I thought they'd be repaired by now...I'll be >busting a few heads tomorr-- (Gasps, sees Maribrent--in a dress, but without >her wig!) >BRENT: Hi, Ms. Spaulding. Did you miss me? >AMANDA: You're a man! A man!! >(He attacks her, punching her in her stomach, and kicking her down the flight >of stairs, at the bottom of which she bangs her head with a loud thud.) >BRENT: I'm ALL man, honey. (Picks her up, attempts to take her down the >stairs) Something you've never known, and never WILL know, you lousy--(she >faints) Oh, well...nice knowing you. > >Meanwhile, Ross, Blake, Vanessa and Matt are in the middle of a new >tradition--an occasional walk through their town right after dusk. They're >right near the Spaulding building. >BLAKE: Ross, can you believe I once worked here? >ROSS: You did more than work here, I have to mention. You married half the >employees! >BLAKE: Ho, ho, ho. >MATT: Exactly. >VANESSA: Matthew Reardon! >MATT: I couldn't help myself, Vanessa...sorry, Blake--I really didn't mean >it. >BLAKE: No, that's okay, Matt. Actually, I have to remember to use that if I >hear a certain vampiress repeat what I said. (laughs) >ROSS: You don't mean...? >BLAKE: Oh, Ross, I've got a ton of fun planned for Miss Amanda...just you >wait. >(Ross rolls his eyes as the quartet walks on, approaching Spaulding, which >Brent is leaving, alone) > >CUT TO: >Nick and Susan are dancing to soft music on the Spaulding Yacht, which is >docked by the river as they wait for Alan-M and Lucy to arrive. It's a >simple, romantic scene of them staring into each other's eyes, completely in >love, with no problems, and absolutely no distractions. Until...they hear a >bumping sound. > >SUSAN: What's that? >NICK: What, sweetie? >SUSAN: That thumping noise...and don't say it's your heart! >NICK: No, no, I hear it too...it's coming from...outside? > >They walk outside, and pinpoint the sound to the side of the yacht, near the >water. Nick and Susan begin looking for the noise's source, and are about to >give up, when Susan screams. Nick asks her what she found, and she points >toward the water to a large mass which the waves are slowly hitting against >the boat. > >CUT TO: >The quartet is about to pass by Spaulding. >MATT: Hey, do you guys hear that screaming? >VANESSA: You're GOING to hear some screaming tonight, Matt, after what you >said to Blake! (Blushes, realizes what she just said, which could've be >misconstrued) >ROSS: Wait, Vanessa, I hear it myself--it sounds like a woman, and it's >coming from the Spaulding building! >MATT: Let's check it out, Ross--quick! >BLAKE: Oh, geez, be careful, Ross! Hey, Vanessa--who's that running down the >street down there? >VANESSA: I don't see anyone! Who CARES? Our husbands might be in danger! >BLAKE: I'm going to chase after that person--you wait here! >VANESSA: BLAKE!! Come back!! > >CUT TO: >Alan-Michael and Lucy are strolling towards the docks, when they spot a >veritable platoon of police cars and an ambulance by the Spaulding yacht. >They run over to find Susan crying, as she talks to a policeman. >LUCY: Susan, what happened? >A-M: Where's Nick? >SUSAN: O-officer, one moment, p-please. Lucy, I'm so sorry... >LUCY: What--what is it?? (Nick comes over) >NICK: They've placed her in the ambulance; the cops will take over from here. >I'm sorry...I have to call Holly to make sure the paper has the story, and >gets the facts straight. >LUCY: What story? What's going on? >NICK: You didn't tell her, Susan? (Susan shakes her head, still sobbing) Oh, >no... >A-M: Tell us NOW, Nick. >NICK: It's Nadine...we found her in the water, tied up in a bag. >LUCY: No. No. >A-M: Oh, God. >NICK: She's gone...she was murdered... >LUCY: Please, God, noooo! > >As she cries out, suddenly a large booming noise is heard from a short >distance away--and while Lucy and Susan hardly notice it, Alan-Michael and >Nick immediately realize where it's coming from. >A-M: Spaulding! >NICK: Oh, my God! > >>From a nearby sidewalk, Vanessa watches in terror as a series of bombs rocks >Spaulding Enterprises. >VANESSA: Ross! MATT!!! >Suddenly, through a wall of smoke by the entrance, Matt storms out. >VANESSA: Oh, thank God... >MATT: Ross...is helping Amanda out... >VANESSA: Amanda?? >MATT: (breathless, his shirt and jeans black and torn to shreds) He thinks >the bombs are on several floors...starting from the top... >BLAKE: (just returned from her chase) Ross is up there?? Please say you're >kidding! >(Sirens are heard, flashing red lights seen.) >VANESSA: The fire trucks... (she yells and waves flails her arms) HURRY! >MATT: Says he knows the building...very well...he's going to try to disarm >one...if he can... >BLAKE: What, is he crazy? ROSS! ROOOOSSSS!! >MATT: Couldn't take it...had to escape... >VANESSA: I'm glad you did... (hugging him) Ross told me he read some books on >bomb disarming, after living through a few events in this town--but I never >expected-- > >Suddenly, a bomb on the second floor goes off. > >BLAKE: Oh, no...Ross... > > > > > > >CUT TO: >Frank and Shayne are watching a detective show on TV, while Eleni, Marah and >Marina are playing with Barbie dolls. >FRANK: Are you learning anything here, kid? About being a detective, I mean? >SHAYNE: Yeah--you have to keep your eyes open all the time, Mr. Cooper! >(Eleni smiles at her husband, glad they decided to sit with the kids instead >of placing them in a room upstairs.) >FRANK: Yes, you're right! Good, Shayne. And this show tells you something >else: You can put someone in jail if you can prove they did something bad. >You know what that proof is called? >SHAYNE: Ev--ee--dents! >FRANK: Evidence--right! And you'll never know where you can find that >evidence--it might hit you when you least expect it! >(Suddenly, the phone rings.) >ELENI: I'll get it! Keep fighting over Ken, kids! (Picks up the phone) Hello? >Sure, Lucy...Lucy? What's wrong? All right... (hands phone to Frank) Frank, >it's your sister. >FRANK: Why's she calling me here? If Alan-Michael hurt her... (takes the >phone) Hey, sis. Calm down...they found who? (listens for a while) >Where...are you? Where is she? The coroner? (drops the phone, in utter >despair) >ELENI: (watches Frank storm out the door) Frankie, what's wrong? Please, >answer me! (Grabs the phone and speaks to Lucy) What happened, Lucy?? >(listens for a while) Oh, no... No, it can't be... >MARI: (banging into Frank outside, as he runs toward his car) Hey, Frank, >where's the fire? Frank? Humph! (approaches Eleni, who's standing with the >three kids by the door) What's up with the big guy? >ELENI: His sister just called...they found his mother's dead body...this is >so terrible...she was...murdered... >MARI: His mother? Nadine? Oh no... (looking very upset by this news) Poor >Frank...poor Lucy... >ELENI: Who could possibly do such a horrible thing? >MARI: Who, indeed? > >CUT TO: >Spaulding is completely engulfed in flames, on the verge of collapsing. >BLAKE: (by the main entrance; the doors have been wedged open by a fireman) >Ross! Ross!! >A bomb on the first floor suddenly goes off, and Ross--holding Amanda over >his shoulder--is thrown out through the doorway, right past Blake, onto the >hard concrete in front of it. The seemingly lifeless Amanda somehow breaks >his fall. >BLAKE: (runs over to the sprawled bodies) Oh, honey... >MATT: (wearing a spare fireman's jacket) Come on, Blake--let the paramedics >help them! >VANESSA: Please, Blake! >Several paramedics approach the unconscious pair and place them on >stretchers. As they're carried away, Amanda wakes up for a brief moment, and >whispers, "A man...a man...fired...fired..." Blake hears this, as she walks >along Ross' stretcher and grabs his hand. >BLAKE: You'll be all right, sweetheart...I love you... >Ross can't hear anything, as he and Amanda are placed in the ambulance and >taken away. A paramedic asks Matt if he needs help, and at Vanessa's >insistence, he accompanies them. Blake and Vanessa solemnly watch as the van >pulls away. >VANESSA: (reaching out to Blake) Everything will be all right, Blake. >(wrapping her arm around her) Hush, now. (trying to distract her) Now, what >was Amanda saying? >BLAKE: Sh-she was trying to say her name, I think..."Aman--Aman--" and then >she said "Fired" a couple of times. >VANESSA: Fire? >BLAKE: No, "fired"...but who cares? Now, she's riding in an ambulance with my >too-damn-brave husband! >VANESSA: And mine, dear. >BLAKE: Well, maybe Matt will keep them from consoling each other! >VANESSA: (smiles) I'm glad you still have your sense of humor. >BLAKE: Forget that, Vanessa--I need Ross!! > >CUT TO: >Frank, Lucy, Buzz, Alan-Michael and several others are at the coroner's >office, standing over Nadine's body. >BUZZ: This can't be happening...it just isn't happening... >FRANK: (holding back a flood of tears) Dad, get a hold of yourself--Mom >wouldn't like to see you like this... >LUCY: Why did this happen? Who could kill my mo--I mean... >A-M: Lucy, we all know you saw her as your mother...I even felt that way >about her myself...I loved her too...I'm so sorry... (embraces her) >FRANK: (amazed by A-M's statement) Michael, thank you for helping my sister >through all this. You've been so good to her. >BUZZ: (filled with fury and sadness) Yes, thanks, son. I mean it. >(Lucy hugs Buzz with all her might, while Alan-Michael shakes Frank's hand. >Frank, lost in despair and near-insanity, suddenly hugs A-M, and starts to >cry. A-M hugs back, surprised.) I'm sorry I was ever cruel to you, >Michael...Nadine would want me to apologize...I never get to thank anyone for >what they do for me or for my family... I just take them for granted...I'm so >sorry... (pulls away) >LUCY: D-do you mean like Cutter, Frank? (Still holding Buzz, who is somewhat >calmer now) >FRANK: Not just Cutter, Lucy...Dana, Pops, and now...my mom... > >A receptionist rushes into the room. > >RECEPTIONIST: Is there a Frank Cooper here? >FRANK: Yes...that's me... >RECEP: Police Chief Levy just called...they need you at Spaulding Enterprises >right now...there's been a bombing. >LUCY: Oh, no--that's right! We heard those explosions! You should be there, >Alan-Michael! >A-M: No, don't worry, Lucy--remember, Nick said he'd drive there--all I care >about is you right now. >FRANK: I love you, Lucy. Take care of Dad, please. Gotta run. >LUCY: Goodbye, Frank. Be careful, please. >BUZZ: Yeah, watch out, son--I beg you. >FRANK: I will, I will--meet me at the diner later--so long. > >Here's what happens next: >Amanda slips into a solid coma from her massive injuries (Brent had tied her >to a bomb in the middle of the second floor, which Ross had no time to >disarm), there are no suspects in the case (Blake's spotting of the >mysterious person is no help), and Maribrent goes off scot-free. > >It's the morning of Christmas Eve, the day of the funeral, and the Lewises >and the Shaynes, along with Vanessa, Matt, Peter, Blake and a recovering Ross >are waiting at the Lewis home for the cars to take them in the funeral >procession for Nadine. >ROSS: (wearing a cast on both his right arm and left leg) This has been an >awful week... >BLAKE: You said it, honey. At least one woman's out of our lives for a while. >Uh...I mean Amanda. >VANESSA: Ahem--you knew Nadine, didn't you, Ross? >ROSS: Yes, we had a fling during her first year here...right after she dated >Alan, I think. Or was it before? >JOSH: Oh, that's right--she dated Alan. >BLAKE: Covered for him when he faked being physically challenged, I seem to >recall. Wonder if he'll show up today? >JOSH: Annie told me she'll be coming, so I suppose he will, too. >REVA: Y'know, that little romantic combo scares me to death...oops, sorry. I >mean, do you think they're still trying to split us up, Joshua? >JOSH: No, that's how they got to know each other, Reva...I'd say our >particular coast is very clear. >MARIBRENT: I think Annie and Alan make a perfect couple, myself. >SARAH: Oh, do you know them, Marian? >MARIBRENT: I've seen them around...and I'm friends with Lucy, Alan's >daughter-in-law. >HAWK: I feel sorry for her, marrying into that family. Hope she knows what >she's gettin' into. >MARI: Who, Lucy? Oh, no...she's doing just fine... (A few people stare at >him/her) I mean, aside from Nadine dying and all... >SHAYNE: Daddy! Daddy! (running over to his father with a tape recorder) Look >what I found! >JOSH: What's that, Shayne? >SHAYNE: I played 'tective and I found this in Marian's room! >MARI: My tape recorder! Shayne!! >MARAH: Shayne, you know not to look in other people's private things! >REVA: Marah's right, Shayne; now, please give it back to your nanny. >SHAYNE: No! I hate her! I HATE MARIAN!! (runs up the stairs) >MARAH: (running after her brother) Well, I think she's a lot of fun, so give >me that now! >Shayne walks up a few steps and presses Play. Marian jumps over a couch, >kicking poor Ross in the head, and flies toward Shayne. Too late! >BRENT'S VOICE (ON TAPE, BUT IN QUICK MOTION, SO BRENT'S DEEP VOICE DOESN'T >COME THROUGH): >ImaybeHIVpositive,butnooneinthistownisgoingtokeepmefromlivingthewayI-- >Mari grabs the recorder and presses Stop. >SARAH (who heard it all): You're HIV-positive?!? You've got AIDS? >REVA: Mama... >JOSH: Sarah, please... >MARI: Y-yes... (putting the tape in her pocket, actually glad that no other >section of the tape was played) ...I'm HIV-positive, but that doesn't mean I >have AIDS. (everyone's watching him/her, astounded but saddened) Please don't >hate me for not telling you, Reva, Josh. >REVA: No, I understand. (Josh nods his head.) >SARAH: Well, I don't! I can't BELIEVE... >REVA: Mama, it's safe! >SARAH: For the children? A diseased woman living in the household? >REVA: YES, Mama! Please...! >Suddenly, the doorbell rings. >VANESSA: (thankful for the interruption) I'll get it! >MATT: It's probably one of the drivers. >ROSS: (a bit dazed) You know...the Lewises' paying for the funeral was a >wonderful gesture...you know. >BLAKE: Please don't say the word funeral...just don't say it, Ross, okay? >ROSS: Sure, honey. (rubs her shoulder) > >Vanessa opens the door...it's Billy! >BILLY: Hey, 'nessa. Surprise! >VANESSA: Billy!! Why didn't you tell me you were coming? I thought you still >had half a year to go in... >BILLY: ...Prison? Well, they let me out extra-early for extra-good behavior. >Got out this morning, and just got dressed, showered, and ran over here. Not >the best timing, though... (looks at everyone in their all-black attire) I >read about Nadine in the paper, 'nessa. (Josh approaches) Josh! (they shake >hands, and hug, then Vanessa breaks in) >VANESSA: Oh, Billy...I'm so sorry...I meant to call you about her... (hugs >him lightly) >BILLY: (hugs a bit tighter) It's all right, Vanessa...I'll get through this >like I get through everything... >VANESSA: (As Matt approaches and clears his throat loudly) Oh, uh, Billy, >this is Matt, my new husband. Matt, this is Billy, my ex-husband...and >Nadine's ex-husband. >MATT: Pleased to meet you, sir. (shakes Billy's hand) >BILLY: Sir?? Hey, Vanessa, you married yourself one polite young man here! >VANESSA: Billy...! >BILLY: I'm sorry...y'know, I read about the wedding...you're younger in >person, Matthew! >MATT: It's just Matt, sir--uh, Billy. >BILLY: OK, fine, Matt, whatever you say. But if you don't mind, I have one >question I've been meaning to ask you: do you make love to Vanessa before or >after she helps you with your homework? >VANESSA: BILLY!!! >BILLY: I'm sorry--I just can't handle the stress of coming back to the real >world to find one ex-wife married to a someone younger than anyone she ever >even DATED, and the other one just dead. I ask you, what's a man to do? >REVA: I've got a suggestion...come here, Billy! >BILLY: REVA??!!?? You ARE alive??? >JOSH: (with his hand on Billy's shoulder) Yes, she is, Billy--like I told you >in the letters I sent you. I wanted to call you, but they took away your >phone and visitation privileges after some sort of gambling problem... >BILLY: Oh, God... (hugs Reva) this is a dream come true, Reva. I knew you >couldn't be gone...I knew it... >HAWK: That's what I kept saying! >SARAH: I believed it too, Lord knows. He didn't need her just yet, so we got >the time with her we truly deserve. Praise the Lord... (everyone's hugging >everyone) > >The doorbell rings again; Marian opens the door. It's one of the drivers; >everyone walks over and enters their assigned cars (with Billy sitting on the >side of Vanessa and Matt). The cars rejoin their fellow all-black vehicles, >and the funeral procession down Fifth Street begins. > >Highlights of Nadine's funeral: >As five cars (the front one with Nadine in it) roll down Fifth Street, an >immense crowd has silently gathered on each side of the street. Every citizen >stays silent, except for some sobbing and whimpering, until a child (who >thinks he's at a parade) starts clapping. Soon, a few others join in with >him, until the throngs of people are all applauding, to the surprise of the >passengers in the cars. >Holly is standing next to Fletcher and Gilly on the street, as their >respective media people cover the event. >HOLLY: Well, she finally got what she always wanted. >FLETCHER: What's that, Red? >HOLLY: An enormous crowd of adoring fans. >GILLY: You know, everything Nadine did, she did because she cared. Even that >love show of hers--she wanted to put people together, and she certainly did >it. >HOLLY: I'm going to miss her...she really brightened this town...and livened >it up quite a bit, as well! >FLETCHER: Yeah, she was a regular tornado. It's true, huh? You never know >what you've got till it's gone. > >At the gravesite, Buzz, Harley, Lucy and Frank have some touching parting >words. >BUZZ: You helped me make it through this roller coaster life of mine, Deenie. >And then you put me on an even tougher ride--loneliness--and said, "Don't >worry--you can make it--I know you can." Now how am I going to make it? I'll >have to somehow. Please know that I'll always love you, Deenie. You're part >of me--my spirit, my body, my life. Goodbye... >HARLEY: Mom, I promised myself I wouldn't cry (starts crying)...and now look >at me...I know you're happy wherever you are. You always told me that Heaven >was a very special place. Please say hi to Pops, and let him win a few games >of Parcheesi, okay? I'll always be with you, Mom, and I know you'll always be >with me. I love you... >LUCY: I can't speak for too long...Nadine, I may be able to speak to you >again (Maribrent smiles), but all I can say today is that I'll miss you so >very dearly, and that I thank you for all your beautiful support of me, and >my dad, and Frank. Thank you...I love you so very, very much...Mom. >FRANK: I know you're listening, Mom...you never really left me alone...so I >know you'll understand that even though I didn't say it enough, I love you so >very much. For all you've done for me over the years...I can never repay you. >Except by saying I've learned so much from you--to be strong, to help others, >and to love. 'Bye, Mom... > >Suddenly, Maribrent--who became visibly emotional after hearing Frank's >speech--walks over to him, pats him on the back, and takes his place. >MARI: I never knew Nadine that well, although we had a long talk once. All I >have to say is that she always seemed to me to be a very sweet, caring, >lovable person. I couldn't imagine the type of person who would do such a >terrible thing to her. But I'll bet she even forgives that person...that's >the type of woman she is. Good luck in Heaven, Nadine. > >Everyone, especially Lucy, is shocked by this, but the funeral goes on, and >all the spectators hold hands as Eleni sings a Grecian funereal hymn. All of >them, that is, except for Rick, who signed something to Abigail during >Marian's speech, and has walked away with her, surprising some onlookers. >LILLIAN: (whispering) That's strange...it looks like he couldn't handle this >emotionally. >ANNIE: (also whispering) Well, he got broken up over Cutter, who he didn't >even know, but...this is weird. I'll go run after them--see what's up. >When Annie reaches the top of a fairly short, but steep, hill that Rick and >Abigail are at the bottom of, she sees Abigail behind Rick, with her arms >around his chest, and her head against the back of his neck. She's about to >leave, full of jealousy, when she hears Rick scream, just within her hearing >range >RICK: Marian is a GUY! That cross-dressing sicko is a MAN!!! >Annie, after picking up her shocked jaw, runs back to the gravesite, taking >in what she, and only she, just heard (she realizes Abigail couldn't hear >it). The funeral goes on, amidst much tears and many tributes. Harley--who >has divorced Mallet--is reunited with Josh and Reva (she hugs them both), and >Alan-Michael asks Lucy when Marian had a "long talk" with Nadine; Lucy had no >clue. > >That night, Annie (along with Alan) finds Rick and Abigail at the Towers >Club, and Annie takes Rick aside, while Alan and Abby catch up. >ANNIE: Tell me right now, Rick: is Marian a man? >RICK: WHAT? Wh--what are you talking about? >ANNIE: I heard what you yelled out at the funeral today! Is it true or not? >Did Josh and Reva hire a transvestite to watch over their kids? >RICK: Annie...I can't tell you anything...please... >ANNIE: Oh, so it is true! Has Josh gone completely nuts?!? >RICK: Annie, he doesn't know...neither does Reva...I'm the only one who >knows...and no one was supposed to find out... >ANNIE: So how did YOU find out? >RICK: When I treated her...him...uh, it. And thanks to the Hippocratic oath, >I've had to keep this bottled up inside me like a-- >ANNIE: Blast the Hippocratic oath! This is NOT a secret to hide from Josh and >Reva! They deserve to know that a very strange man is living in their house, >and teaching their children God knows what! >RICK: I can't tell them--and neither can you. I even promised the guy that I >wouldn't...I didn't know he would shack up with an entire family! >ANNIE: Well, what can we do about this, Rick? What do you suggest, then? >RICK: Absolutely nothing--wait a minute! Where are you going?? >ANNIE: I'm gonna call Josh right now, and tell him to simply ask Marian--or >Marty, whatever his name is--to reveal the whole truth about himself! (runs >off) >RICK: You can't! Stop!! >Annie calls the Lewis home, and Marian picks up. >ANNIE: (fumbling for words) Th-this is Annie. P--put Josh on the line, >please. >MARIAN: (yelling towards the upstairs) Josh, it's Annie. She sounds like >she's in trouble. >REVA: (who's downstairs) Let me talk to her, Josh--you get ready! (takes the >phone) Hello? >ANNIE: Hello, Reva? Is Josh there? >REVA: Yes, but he's busy, Annie. We're on our way to Company. Can I take a >message? >ANNIE: Reva, please--listen to me--your nanny isn't what she seems to be. >Please ask her to tell you the truth about herself. I--it's important. >REVA: What are you talking about? >ANNIE: Please--you have to-- (Rick grabs the phone from her, and hangs it up) > >JOSH: I didn't hear what Marian yelled--who was that? >REVA: Oh, no one important--just a saleswoman. I didn't buy what she was >selling. >JOSH: Good for you, Reva. Ready to go? >REVA: Sure am--Marian, you got everything under control? >MARIAN: Absolutely, Reva--you can count on me to take the very best care of >your kids. >REVA: Okay, Marian...good night. Have a fun time. (kisses and hugs Marah and >Shayne, Josh does the same) >JOSH: 'Bye, guys. (Shayne hugs his dad again, looking a little scared.) >KIDS: Goodbye, daddy! 'Bye, mommy! (the parents leave) >MARIAN (the second the door closes): Okay, kids, how would you like to go on >a trip? I've got a duffle bag--right here! (shows them the bag) >SHAYNE: (angrily) I don't wanna go anywhere with you!! >MARAH: (sweetly) Where do you want to take us, Marian? >MARI: To your favorite forest, kids--you know, the faraway one you keep >telling me about? >MARAH: Cross Creek? Oh, wow! But we can't go anywhere tonight. >SHAYNE: Yeah, we can't go! >MARI: But I asked your dad for permission...it's a surprise for your mom, so >that your parents can have the house to themselves tonight! We'll be there by >early next morning--Christmas morning!--and then they'll meet us at Cross >Creek tomorrow! >SHAYNE: Really...? >MARI: Sure! C'mon--I have your bags all packed--see? (Shows them their little >suitcases) So...are you ready? >MARAH: Yeah, I guess so... >SHAYNE: I...think I am ready...I don't know... >MARIAN: OK, let's go! >The trio and their bags walk out the door, only to find...Lucy! She came to >visit Marian and ask her when Nadine had a talk with her. >LUCY: Marian? What in the world are you doing? >MARI: LUCY!! Uh...the kids and I are going on a little trip! Right, kids? >MARAH: Yeah, to Cross Creek! >LUCY: But what about Josh and Reva? Where are they? >SHAYNE: They went dancing--this is a surprise for my mommy--she'll come back >with Daddy and find us gone! Then they'll meet us tomorrow... >MARI: Shut up, kid... >LUCY: (gasps) Marian, you're kidnapping them!! (trying to keep her calm) >Why?? >MARIAN: (whips out a gun, points it at Lucy, as the kids--standing next to >him--scream) Because THEY are Reva's children, and Reva KILLED me! So I'm >taking away her LIFE! (He accidentally uses his regular voice, and Lucy >freaks.) >LUCY: Noooo...it can't be you...noooooo! >BRENT: (ripping off his wig and smiling maniacally) Oh, yes, it is! I'm back, >Lucy! Your man is HERE! >LUCY: What--how--you-- >BRENT: (waving the gun at her) Shut up, and get in this car! NOW! (motions to >his station wagon, which has a bag of equipment in the back) >LUCY: Nooooo... >Suddenly, Shayne bites Brent's hand! >BRENT: AAAAGH! >LUCY: (yelling) Go, Shayne! Find your parents! Go!! (Marah cries, as Shayne >runs away into the darkness) >BRENT: (grabbing Lucy and Marah and throwing them into the car, Lucy in the >driver's seat, Marah in the backseat) Damn it! (gives Lucy the keys) All >right, Lucy dear, drive!! NOW!! >LUCY: (trembling, starting the car) Oh, God...Oh, God... >MARAH: Just do what Marian says, Lucy...please... >BRENT: Listen to the little girl and DRIVE! We're taking a trip, girls! > >They slowly pull out of the driveway and speed down the road. >Meanwhile, Shayne, after running in the dark and crying his eyes out, has >found Annie and Rick at the Towers, and explains everything he can to them. >Alan-Michael, Frank, Buzz and Billy--who were there to play cards and >drink--listen to Shayne, stunned. Shayne mentions that Marian has a gun, >making matters worse. Rick still keeps his mouth shut about Marian's true >identity, but Annie blurts out the truth. >ANNIE: Marian is a MAN, guys--he's one of those transvestites! >ALAN-MICHAEL: You've got to be kidding... >ANNIE: I'm dead serious. (A-M is speechless.) >BILLY: C'mon, guys--who cares who or what the kidnapper is--if they're going >to Cross Creek, we've gotta start chasin' 'em! I know how to get there--I'll >drive! > >The four men run towards the parking garage, where they pile into Billy's >car. A shocked Alan calls the police, while Rick drives Annie and a >frightened Shayne to Company (the phone there isn't working). At Company, >Reva has a fit when she sees Annie come in holding little Shayne, but after >Rick tells Josh and Reva--and Vanessa, Matt, and half of Springfield, who all >happen to be there--the whole story, several of them pile into Rick's car, in >which he has some medical supplies if necessary. A frantic Josh lets Rick >drive--he'll give directions. Several other Springfielders jump in their >cars, making sure people like Sarah and Hawk are in each car to direct them, >and start the trek to Cross Creek. > >On the way there, Brent has explained to a shaking Lucy everything that's >happened to him since he was "killed," and she can barely drive. They finally >arrive in Cross Creek after only 10 hours. The gun-toting Brent forces the >girls out of the car, takes some equipment out of the trunk, and motions them >to start walking. > >In the backseat of Billy's car, Alan-Michael and Frank are going bonkers, >knowing a psycho transvestite has Lucy in his clutches. Buzz tries to calm >them down, but suddenly says something that sparks each guy's mind. >BUZZ: Hasn't Lucy had enough? First Brent, then the whole AIDS problem, then >Nadine being murdered--now this? >A-M and Frank look at each other, and each puts two and two together--A-M >remembers Marian's speech ("a long talk") and how Brent hated Lucy, and Frank >thinks about how Marian was a suspect in the Cutter killing--and they yell >this to Billy in unison: >A-M & FRANK: FASTER!!! >A-M: Drive as FAST as you can! >BUZZ: What? WHAT? >FRANK: He's gonna KILL her! He's gonna kill Lucy! >BUZZ: How do you know??? >A-M: We just know... >BILLY: What about Marah? >BUZZ: Just DRIVE!! > >(The conclusion's in Part 3...I promise...) > > > >PART 3 (The Conclusion) > >In the woods, the camera focuses on a picnic basket; next to it is a >tablecloth with some half-eaten food and empty soda bottles. Brent has told >Marah to pick a tree and sit at the foot of it; the girl complies. >LUCY: Help! HELP!!! >BRENT: (pointing the gun at her forehead) That's not going to help you, Luce. >So stifle yourself. You should behave after I fed you both so nicely. (Lucy >suddenly tries to use the skills she learned to wrest the gun from him, but >he moves quicker than her, and knocks her out with the weapon. Lucy falls to >the ground.) Sorry I had to do that, hon. (He takes the rope he brought and >begins to tie Marah to the tree) Well, this is it, Marah. I'm just gonna >leave you all alone like my mommy left me. >MARAH: (holding back frightened tears, but hearing what Brent is saying) >She--she left you, Marian? (She continues to call him Marian, even though she >knows he's a guy-he's still dressed up in his female garb--everything but the >wig.) >[There's a quick scene of the last time Brent saw his mom, who looks >amazingly like Marian. She places him on a small chair, waves goodbye to him, >his sister and their babysitter, smiles, and walks out the door.] >BRENT: She died when I was 7 years old...I loved her, Marah, and she loved >me...I know she did because she always told me, like your mom. >MARAH: My mom died when I w-was a little girl, Marian. She drove off a >b-bridge. >BRENT: (Surprised) Th-that's how my mom died. (Quick scene of a car crashing >through the barrier of a high bridge far over a body of water.) But your mom >came back... (Almost through tying her, finishing slowly) >MARAH: Y-yeah...but Marian, my dad and I were alone for a long, long time. >BRENT: Well--(getting angry) I've been alone all my LIFE! And women like HER >(points to Lucy on the ground) want to KEEP me alone--they won't love me. >MARAH: (Listening intently, still scared) I'm sorry...I love you, Marian... >BRENT: (surprised) But...THEY won't love me, no matter what I do. The older >women, the ones my age. Only my mommy loved me. And I won't...see her ever >again until I...till I... >MARAH: D-die? >BRENT: Yes--(he's done tying her up) and now it'll be the same for you >and...Reva! Goodbye, Marah. Goodbye forever... (Tapes her mouth shut with a >large piece of duct tape, grabs Lucy and puts her on his shoulder, then runs >away into the darkness) > >A few hours later, Billy's crew arrives in Cross Creek, and it takes them >only an hour to find little Marah, tied to the tree. >BILLY: (untying Marah) It's a miracle we found you, sweet thing. >MARAH: (still in control of her wits) It's...Christmas... >BUZZ: Yeah, it is... >FRANK: Where's Lucy, Marah? >A-M: And Brent?? >BUZZ: BRENT?? What do you mean, Brent?? >MARAH: He took her... >Suddenly, there's a gunshot! >A-M: NOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! >He runs in the direction of the shot, only to find...Lucy holding the gun in >front of a dying, half-female Brent, who has a gaping, bloody hole in his >chest and is slouched against a tree. She was able to wrest the gun from him >after all. She fires again, and hits Brent dead-on in the chest again. >A-M: Lucy--Lucy!! Stop--stop... >Before she can fire a third time, she drops the gun, and embraces A-M. Buzz >picks up the gun, and fires at Brent, but misses, due to his understandably >messed-up mindset. Frank grabs the gun from him. > >LUCY: (shaking and sobbing, and holding A-M like she never has before) >It's...finally over...it's...over... >A-M: (stroking her hair, embracing her tightly) Yes, Lucy...it's over... > >Everyone else--including Rick, Annie, Josh, Reva, Alan, Eleni, Stavros, >Holly, Gilly, Fletcher, Bridget, Dinah, Marcus and many others--arrive, and >crowd around the dying Brent--now sitting on the ground by the tree--shocked >beyond belief. They realize that their town's serial killer is Marian, and >Marian's a man--the same man who raped Lucy. Suddenly, Marah--standing with >her totally stunned parents after reuniting with them and Shayne--notices him >mumbling... > >BRENT: Mommy...mommy... > >Marah breaks out of Josh's hand and runs over to Brent, who looks up at her >slightly. Reva puts her arm out, preventing Josh from stopping her. > >MARAH: Do you see your mommy, Marian? (Takes Brent's hand) >BRENT: Mommy...I missed you... >(Shot of Reva looking on, in tears) >MARAH: (Smiling) Go to your mommy, Marian. Go to the light. Go to your >mommy...she forgives you... > >Everyone watches as Brent dies, eyes wide open, with a slight smile on his >face. Marah pats his head a couple times. Some of the other Springfielders >start crying. Lucy and Alan-Michael take one last look, then slowly walk >away. > >MARAH: Goodbye, Marian. Goodbye forever... > >Rick walks over to Brent, and without hesitation or disgust, closes his eyes, >one at a time. He then walks away, leaving Brent and Marah alone by the tree. >The camera pans around to all the onlookers, then back to Brent and Marah, >then up the tree, and into the darkness of its ever-twisting branches. > > *** > > >