"A Case of the Blues"

Opening Act

Scene opens at the Ross/Hathaway home, interior, daytime, early morning. Focus on Doug Ross standing alone in the nursery at the base of the baby crib ready and waiting for a baby. He is toying with a stuffed animal in his hands as he leans lightly on the rails of the crib. He is lost in thought and does not hear Carol Hathaway enter the room behind him. She is completely obviously pregnant now with a very evident belly. She is wearing a maternity top and stretch jeans with tennis shoes. Doug is wearing jeans and a t-shirt tucked into his jeans and boots. Carol walks in slowly and stops beside him at the crib, leaning lightly on the rail and rubbing his shoulder gently.

Carol (quietly):
Penny for your thoughts?

Doug (snickers):
Nickel for a kiss.

Carol (nods, smiles, plays along):
A dime if you tell me you love me.

Doug (keeps his eyes focused on the crib, grins):
Got a dime?

Carol (reaches into her pocket):
No, all I have is a quarter!

Doug:
Looks like you can buy everything in the song!

Carol (coaxing):
Something wrong?

Doug (shakes his head slowly):
No, nothing's wrong.

Carol:
You just seem really depressed. That's all.

Doug (shrugs his shoulders):
I wouldn't say 'depressed' exactly. I think I just have a lot of things on my mind.

Carol:
Anything you want to talk about?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know. I guess I'm just nervous. I've never been a care person for an infant.

Carol (laughs out loud):
Doug, you're a Pediatrician! Kids are your life!

Doug (nods):
I know...but this is MY child...OUR child...I just have some uneasy feelings about it. That's all.

Carol (sighs, rubs his shoulder):
If it makes you feel any better, I feel the same way.

Doug (looks at her, enthusiastic eyes):
You do?

Carol (nods):
Yeah, sure, I do. I wonder if I'll be a loving and caring Mother...I wonder about things like breast feeding or bottle feeding...I wonder about things like cloth diapers or Pampers... there's lots of things I wish we could talk about together that we haven't yet!

Doug (nods, bites his lip):
Well, then, maybe we need to sit down and talk about some things.

Carol (smiles):
I'd like that...could we?

Doug (nods, wraps his arms around her):
Absolutely! We'll set special time aside and talk about everything we haven't covered up to now, OK?

Carol (sighs):
As soon as you get home from the Clinic?

Doug (grins):
You read my mind...

Carol (sighs, frowns):
I miss working.

Doug:
I miss you being there.

Carol:
What about after the baby is born? Do you think I'll be able to go back?

Doug (shrugs):
Why wouldn't you?

Carol:
God, Doug...think about it...two school age children and an infant!? I think my place might be here for a while.

Doug (thoughtfully):
Are you happy about this baby?

Carol (taken aback):
Of course, I am! Aren't you?
(Doug doesn't answer right away, just gives her a sheepish look)
You don't want this baby?

Doug:
I didn't say that...

Carol:
Then, what ARE you saying, exactly?
(Doug shrugs and looks back into the crib)
Doug, if you weren't ready for us to have a baby, you should have said something WAY before now!

Doug (looks at her quickly):
It's not a matter of whether or not I wanted a baby now. I want us to have children. And I've always sort of felt like the Mother dictates that anyway, since she is the one who has to do all the work. All I know is, I'm scared to death! I'm afraid I'm going to be a terrible father!

Carol (comfortingly):
Oh, Doug! Come on! You can't be a terrible father! You're already a great father to Scott and Tatiana! Those two kids are CRAZY about you!

Doug (in thought):
But, they aren't babies. They're children. They can communicate! They can tell me when something is wrong...

Carol:
Our baby will be the same way in due time. And we'll be there from the beginning to shape his life, Doug. Think about it...someone else did all the early work with Tatiana and Scott...we get to do the work with this one!

Doug (gives her a bewildered look):
Is that good?

Carol (laughs):
Yes! It's very good! You're going to be a great father to this little boy, Doug...I have no doubts.

Doug (sighs):
You don't think I'll turn into Ray Ross?

Carol (rubs his shoulder):
No, I don't think you're going to turn into Ray Ross. Is that what this mood is all about? You're worried about turning into your father?

Doug (shrugs):
I have to think about it, Carol. My Dad really messed up my family. It's something I've never gotten over.

Carol (emphatically):
And something you learned something from...you know that you don't want your family to be like yours was, so, you will work twice as hard to make sure it doesn't happen.

Doug (nods):
I guess...

Carol (assuringly):
I don't 'guess.'..,I know! Everything is going to be fine...you'll see! I have great faith in you.

Doug (turns and looks at her quizzingly):
Why? What do you see that I don't?

Carol (laughs):
If I told you all the things I see in you that you don't see, it would take from now until the baby is born to list them all.
(She reaches up and kisses his cheek)
Just sum it up to say I love you, Douglas Ross.

Doug (hugs her, pats her bottom affectionately):
I love you too, Mrs. Ross...
(lost in thought)
I love you, too...

Focus on Carol snuggled close to Doug's chest with her head resting on him. He lays his head gently against her and focus on the confused and tangled look on his face and fade Opening Act into the Opening Credits of the show...

"Project C.A.R.E."

"A Case of the Blues"

Act One

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center, interior, afternoon. Mark Greene is working over files at the front desk with Eleanor when Doug Ross comes in the staff door.

Doug (taking off his coat):
Hey, Mark.

Mark (waves over his shoulder, does not turn to him):
Hey, Doug!

Doug (hangs his coat on the coat rack):
Anything going on here?

Mark:
Been pretty quiet most of the morning. How's things at your house?

Doug (shakes his head):
OK, I guess.

Mark (chuckles, turns to him now):
You GUESS? Sounds like some uncertainty has crept into the Ross household.

Doug (sighs, leans on the counter and faces Mark):
Did you have any apprehensions when Jen was pregnant with Rachel?

Mark (chuckles):
Every one in the world that you could think of!

Doug (quietly):
Did you worry about whether or not you'd be a good father?

Mark (Nods):
I wouldn't be human if I didn't. Anyone having a baby wonders what kind of a parent they're going to be. But, you and Carol are already parents...you have sort of a head start...I don't know why you'd be so apprehensive about it now.

Doug (shuffles his feet, shifts his weight):
I can't get my Dad out of my head, Mark. I even have dreams about him now and that never used to be anything I experienced.

Mark:
What kind of dreams?

Doug (shrugs):
Weird dreams...some of them don't make any sense....some of them do.

Mark:
Well, have you talked to Nina Pomerantz about them?

Doug (shakes his head slowly):
Not yet.

Mark:
What about Carol? Have you talked to her about them?

Doug (gives Mark a sheepish look):
Carol has enough problems right now without me dumping mine on her.

Mark (shakes his head):
So, that's a 'no', right?
(Doug nods slowly)
I thought you and Carol agreed to communicate with each other through this? No secrets?

Doug (shrugs):
I know, but, I just don't want to bog her down with everything else she has to deal with right now.

Mark (shakes his head):
I think that's a mistake, but, that's your call. I think you'll be a great father, Doug. I honestly don't know what you're worried about. But, if it's eating at you, you should talk to somebody about your feelings.

Doug (nods):
Yeah...I know you're right...just so many things going on in my life right now...

Mark (chuckles):
You're having a baby...your life is upside down...

Cut to show David Morganstern step quickly out of his office. He sees Doug and smiles, motioning to him quickly.

David:
Doug! Good! You're here! Could I speak with you a minute, please?

Doug (lowly as he passes Mark):
What have I done now?

Mark chuckles as Doug passes him. Follow Doug down the hallway to David's office and he follows David into the office. David directs him to a chair and he slides into, uncomfortably shifting in it.

David (folds his hands on his desk):
How are things? Going OK?

Doug (nods):
As well as can be expected with a pregnant wife who's been put off her feet until the baby gets here.

David (grimaces, shakes his head):
That can't be fun...how are the two of you handling that? OK?

Doug (nods, smiles):
We're making the best of things...we're OK.

David:
I wanted to ask you about taking your Paternity Leave...

Doug (confused):
Paternity Leave?

David (nods):
Yes, by the Family Leave Law of Congress several years ago, men are entitled to Paternity Leave same as Women get Maternity Leave...I was wondering when you were planning on starting yours?

Doug (taken aback):
Well, I really hadn't considered it...

David:
Well, you certainly should consider it. You're entitled to it by law. And your wife is going to need all the help she can get once that baby gets here since you already have two children in your house. She's going to need you. And you should surely be there. This is your baby, too.

Doug (thinking):
Well, how long would I be gone?

David:
Six weeks to three months...whatever you need to take.

Doug (shifts his weight in the chair):
Well, uh, OK...I'll talk to Carol and see what she thinks. If she thinks I'll just be in her way, I won't take it, though. Is that OK?

David (smiles):
Whatever you and Carol decide...
(rises in his seat and shakes hands with Doug)
...just let me know.

Doug (rises to his feet to leave):
OK...
(gets to the door and turns back)
Thanks, David.

David (nods):
Anytime, Doug. I just wanted to be sure you were aware of all your options. I wish you and Carol good luck.

Doug (nods, opens the door):
Thanks.

Show Doug nodding as he goes on out the door and returns to the work area with Mark, who is, naturally, curious about the conversation.

Mark (motions to David's door):
So, what was that all about.

Doug (chuckles):
Paternity leave.

Mark (nods quickly):
Yeah, that's a great thing! I wish I'd had that option when Rachel was born.

Doug:
Don't you think I'll just be under Carol's feet and in the way?

Mark (gives him a blank look):
No, I don't think that at all. I think Carol is going to need you...a LOT...and this is a perfect time for you to bond with your son...when he's little...when he needs you.

Doug (shrugs...nods):
I'll have to talk to Carol...

Mark (catches a clue):
Are you OK with this baby?

Doug (laughs nervously):
Yeah! I already told you that...remember?

Mark (nods sarcastically):
Uh huh...

Doug walks away laughing and Mark watches him go with a suspicious look.

Cut to show time lapse. Doug is working over some charts in the lounge when Chuney comes in very quietly.

Chuney (quiet voice):
Are you busy, Dr. Ross?

Doug (puts down his pen and turns to her):
Not too busy for you Chuney...what's up?

Chuney:
Well, I was wondering if it's possible for you to get Carol out of the house for a few hours?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I can take her out, why?

Chuney:
Well, a bunch of us got together and we want to give her a baby shower. We need a couple of hours at the house to get it ready.

Doug (smiles):
When is this shower?

Chuney:
Well, tomorrow night is good for everybody, including Sarah and Helen, so, we'd like to do it then if you can help us out!

Doug (nods, grins):
I think I can handle that. I'll just take the whole family out for ice cream...do either of my kids know anything about this?

Chuney (shakes her head):
No, just adults.

Doug (chuckles):
That's good...because if Tatchie knew everybody on the block would know it by now...OK...what time tomorrow?

Chuney:
We want to start the shower about 7PM? Is that a problem?

Doug (makes a face...shakes his head):
Shouldn't be. Carol will be glad to get out and so will the kids.

Chuney:
That'll be great! Then we can get in and set up and surprise her when you get back!

Doug:
This is a nice thing you're doing, Chuney...thank you.

Chuney (smiles):
It's the least we could do for Carol!

Cut to show Eleanor at the door with a chart in her hand.

Eleanor:
Dr. Ross? I have a three year old out here with a fever of 104ø.

Doug (hands charts he is working on to Chuney):
I'll be right there...

Follow Doug as he leaves the lounge, snatches the chart from Eleanor, and proceeds into the exam area to find a three year old girl sitting nervously on the table held into place with her mother's hand on her shoulders. She gives Doug a fearful look as he comes up to them. He smiles pleasantly at her and works on easing her fears.

Doug (to the little girl):
Hi! I'm Dr. Ross! What's your name?

Child (timidly):
Mandy.

Doug (nods, repeats, and takes out a thermoscan thermometer):
Mandy! That's a pretty name.

Child (quietly):
I'm named after my aunt.

Doug (places thermoscan in child's ear and takes temperature):
Well, that's a very big honor, to be named after someone.
(Turns quietly to child's mother)
How long has she been running this fever?

Mother:
She woke up with it about 4AM this morning.

Doug:
Have you done anything to try and bring it down?

Mother:
Only what I knew to do...cool water...ice...I didn't know what else to do.
(pause, nervous look)
What's wrong with her, Doctor?

Doug (feels glands around the child's throat, Child winces):
That hurts, honey?
(Child nods)
Will you let me look?

The child nods nervously and Doug takes his penlight flashlight, coaxes the child to open her mouth, and looks deep into her throat. Satisfied, he snaps off the light and tucks it back into his scrubs.

Doug (to the Mother, comfortingly):
Your daughter has tonsillitis.

Mother (half relived):
Will she be OK? Will they have to come out?

Doug:
Does she have a lot of problems with colds and sore throats?

Mother (nods):
Yes, all the time...

Doug (nods):
Then, they should come out. But, we can't schedule surgery until the infection goes away, so,
(writes out a prescription)
Get this filled and when the medicine is all gone, I'd like to see her again.

Mother:
How long does she take the medicine?

Doug:
Until it's completely gone...this is a 10 day supply. I want to see her again in ten days. OK?

Mother (nods, picks her child up in her arms):
Yes, Doctor.

Child (over her Mother's shoulder, smiles at Doug):
Good-bye.

Doug (smiles, touches her hair):
Good-bye, Mandy.

Show Doug making notes on the child's chart. He walks over to put it in Eleanor's box and stops short at Eleanor smiling at him.

Doug (confused):
What?

Eleanor:
You're just so good with children. I've never seen a more natural child care person than you.

Doug (chuckles):
Well, thank you, Eleanor. I think I needed to hear that right now.

Focus on Doug's satisfied smile and fade Act One to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens in a YMCA Gymnasium. Doug is playing one on one basketball with his son, Scott. Show them taking several shots against each other...Doug wins a few...Scott wins a few... they are guarding each other and faking each other out, having a really good time. Finally, Doug heads them over to the bleachers.

Scott (cheerfully):
Had enough?

Doug (bounces ball, nods his head):
I need a break.

Doug reaches behind him on the bleachers and takes out a bottle of water. He takes a long drink, then offers the bottle to Scott. Scott takes it quickly and takes a drink as well.

Doug (quietly, toys with ball):
Can we talk, Scott?

Scott (gives him an enthusiastic look):
Sure! What's up?

Doug (focuses on ball, doesn't look at Scott):
I want to know how you feel about this baby Carol and I are about to have.

Scott (sincerely):
I think it's cool!

Doug (looks at him):
You do?

Scott (nods):
Yeah! Babies are really cool, Dad. You get to play with them and dress them up all the time. And I'm going to have a brother! That's something I've never had before! I've always had sisters! Don't get me wrong, sisters are great, too. But, I'm real excited about getting a baby brother. I'm gonna work real hard to be the best big brother I can be!

Doug (grins):
You're already a good big brother. You're great with Tachie. And she's crazy about you.

Scott:
Tatch is cool. I really like her. As long as she doesn't rat me out on anything, we'll do fine.

Doug (chuckles):
So, you don't have any qualms or apprehensions about a new baby?

Scott (shakes his head):
I've already been through that, Dad. I know what to expect.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, maybe that's my problem. I HAVEN'T been through it. And I DON'T know what to expect.

Scott:
You mean you're nervous about the baby?

Doug (nods quietly):
Yeah.
(turns to look at Scott and makes a sad face)
I guess I am.

Scott:
I remember when Shauwna was born. Dennis was really nervous, too.

Doug (encouraged):
Yeah?

Scott (nods):
Yeah...he didn't know what kind of a Dad he was going to be with a baby. I wasn't a baby when he started dating Mom, and by the time the girls came along, I was almost in school. He told me I was easy, because I could walk and talk and tell him where it hurt when something was wrong...a baby wasn't going to be able to do any of those things and was going to depend on him to be there.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, that's pretty much the way I feel, too.

Scott (laughs):
But, Dad! You're a doctor! A KID doctor. Who knows more about babies and kids than you?

Doug (chuckles):
Sounds easy, doesn't it?

Scott:
The way I see, this kid is lucky! It's coming into a great family and is going to get plenty of love and attention from all different angles.

Doug (grins):
Yeah...he sure will.

Scott (puts his hand on Doug's shoulder):
Don't worry, Dad. You're gonna do great. You're a great Dad. And I should know.

Doug (gives him a curious look):
You really think I'm a good Dad?

Scott:
You have been so far...I don't see any reason why you'll change anytime soon.

Doug (roughs Scott's hair and laughs):
Thanks, Buddy! I needed that!
(snaps ball to him and Scott catches it handily)
Come on...we'd better be getting home...I'm sure your Grandmother has other things to do besides baby sit her daughter...

They go across the gym together, Scott bouncing the ball as they go.

Cut scene to the Ross/Hathaway home. Focus on Helen, sitting in a chair and knitting. Pan back to show Carol, sitting on the sofa with her feet up and reading a book.

Helen (quietly):
What's bothering you, Dear?

Carol (looks up, taken aback):
Huh?

Helen (smiles):
What's bothering you? You're been reading that one page for almost a half an hour...obviously something besides that book is on your mind. It is Doug?

Carol:
Doug? No! Why would you pick on him? He's been sensational through all this.

Helen:
I wasn't 'picking' on him...I was just wondering. That's all.

Carol (puts her book down):
Well, actually, I don't think Doug is all too excited about this baby. I'm starting to wonder now if he even wants it.

Helen:
Well, it's a little late now if he doesn't. Nothing he can do about it now.

Carol (sighs):
He just seems so nervous and apprehensive about everything. I don't understand it. Kids are his life. Nobody knows kids better than he does. He just seems to be so hung up on his own family problems...

Carol stops short, realizing she is giving away confidential information. Helen puts her knitting down and gives Carol a confused look.

Helen:
His OWN family problems?

Carol (nods):
Yeah, Doug had it pretty rough as a kid. His Dad used to be slap his Mom around...and beat up on him. It's something that still haunts him sometimes.

Helen:
Well, the poor thing! I can imagine. But, I've never even heard him raise his voice to these children! Surely it isn't a factor for him to deal with!

Carol:
He's great with Scott and Tatchie, Mama. He really is. I just don't understand why a baby is going to be such a threat to him. And he doesn't seem to want to talk about it much, either.

Helen:
What about you and Doug? How are things between the two of you right now?

Carol (nods):
Good. Really. He's always home and does everything he can for me. He takes care of the kids and the house. He takes care of me. He's been wonderful. Sometimes, I can't even believe it. Doug has changed so much...

Helen:
Well, he had plenty of room for improvement. Surely you agree with that!

Carol:
Yeah, I agree. But, Mama, I almost threw away the best thing that ever happened to me just because I was too scared to trust him.

Helen:
Well, nobody would have blamed you. He didn't have a very good track record.

Their talk is interrupted by Scott and Doug banging in the front door, Scott still bouncing the basketball and teasing Doug. Doug stops in the doorway and smiles at Carol and Helen.

Doug (flexes his shirt tail):
Hi, Helen! Good to see you!
(to Carol)
I'm really rank, babe! I better hit the showers!

Carol:
OK, and then you need to go pick up Tatchie. She's with your Mother.

Doug (confused):
Well, can't Mom just bring her home?

Carol:
Yeah, I guess she could, but, I told her you'd pick her up.

Doug (shrugs):
OK. Give me a few...

On his way to the shower, Doug goes through the kitchen and catches Scott drinking Orange Juice out of the bottle from the refrigerator. He playfully bops his son on the back of the head and shakes a warning finger at him.

Scott (quietly):
You do it! All the time!

Doug:
You're not supposed to know that!

Scott (bright look):
You'd be surprised the things I know!

Doug (frowns at him):
Umm....I'm sure I DON'T want to know!

Scott laughs and Doug exits to take his shower.

Cut to show a door being opened and Doug standing on the other side. Cut back to show Sarah smiling on the other side of the door. Off screen, there is a delighted squeal.

Tatiana:
PAPA!

Tatiana comes from out of nowhere to bound into Doug's arms. He hugs her, pats her back, and lifts her back to the floor.

Tatiana (happily):
I missed you, Papa!

Doug (smiles at her):
I missed you too, Punkin. Did you have fun with Nana?

Tatiana:
Yeah!

Doug:
Well, you go gather up your things, OK? I want to talk to your Nana a while.

Tatiana (fearfully):
I didn't do anything.

Doug (laughs):
I'm sure you didn't! We won't be talking about you, OK?

Tatiana (nods...big grin):
OK!

Tatiana scampers off to another room and Doug sits down at the kitchen table with Sarah.

Sarah:
Can I get you anything? Coffee? Beer?

Doug (shakes his head, toys with a salt shaker on the table):
No, thanks. I'm fine.

Sarah (touches his hand knowingly):
Something on your mind?

Doug (sad smile):
It shows, huh?

Sarah:
I just know you. I know when you're thinking about something. What's wrong?

Doug (shrugs):
Nothing wrong exactly. I just feel really nervous about this baby.

Sarah (smiles):
Of course you do, dear. It's your first child. You have two children by proxy, but this is your first baby. It's only natural you would be nervous.

Doug:
So, you don't think there's anything wrong with me?

Sarah (laughs):
Heavens, no! I think what you're feeling is perfectly normal.

Doug (sighs):
Well, that makes me feel a little better.

Sarah (shifts tone to serious, holds his hand in hers):
Doug, I know that things weren't exactly perfect in our house while you were growing up. And I know that you saw a lot of things and heard a lot of things that a child should never have to experience. And I also know that Ray was not exactly a loving father to you. But, don't ever doubt that you were loved and the shining light in both of our lives. I hope you have come to understand that now that you are older...

Doug (smiles, pats her hand):
I've done a lot of soul searching, Mom. I think I've got it all figured out. I'm OK.

Sarah:
I hope you are. Because when that baby gets here, it's going to change your life forever. When you hold that child in your arms for the first time, it's an experience you will never forget. You're going to be a wonderful father, Doug. You are so good with these two children, I couldn't possibly believe anything else.

Doug (sees Tatiana in the doorway, smiles at Sarah):
Thanks, Mom. I needed that.
(turns to Tatiana waiting with her toys and her jacket)
You ready, Punkin?

Tatiana (bouncing):
Ready!

Doug:
Then, let's rock and roll!
(kisses Sarah's cheek)
Thanks, Mom. I'll see you later.

Focus on Sarah watching from the doorway as Doug and Tatiana climb into the Jeep and wave as they drive away.

Fade Act Two to Black.

"Project C.A.R.E."

"A Case of the Blues"

Act Three

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center. Doug is working at a table in the lounge with Mark and they are going over patient files together.

Mark:
OK, I've got that Kipler girl, Adam Deckker, the Branson twins...anybody else?

Doug (taps pencil against his face gently):
I'm thinking...there's bound to be somebody else...

Mark:
What about that little Indian boy? What's his name?

Doug:
Kitler? No, he's not one I'd need to see. You could handle him. Just be careful around his father. I don't think he trusts modern doctors much.

Mark:
OK, I'll pull these files and bone up on them. If you think of anybody else after you leave, you can let me know.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, sounds good.

Mark:
When exactly are you leaving?

Doug:
I thought I would wait until the baby is actually born. Then leave right after and be off the whole time Carol is. I thought that might be best.

Mark (nods):
Sounds good.
(pause)
Are you feeling any better about this yet?

Doug:
Yeah, I think so. I'm OK.

Mark:
Well, if you need to talk...

Doug (grunts):
I got plenty of outlets! Trust me.

They are interrupted by Chuney, who sticks her head in the doorway.

Chuney:
Dr. Ross? I've got a 4 year old with an earache.

Doug:
Be right there, Chuney.

He smiles at Mark and starts out the door behind her. She turns back to him quietly, handing him a chart.

Chuney:
You didn't forget about tonight, did you?

Doug:
I didn't forget...I've already made arrangements to have everybody out of the house by 5:30.

Chuney:
And you'll stay gone until 7?

Doug (nods):
Not a problem.

Chuney:
Thanks, Dr. Ross. We appreciate your help.

Doug (mumbles under his breath):
Glad somebody does...

Doug takes the chart and looks over it, then walks briskly to an exam table where a 4 year old boy sits holding a blanket next to his ear and rocking. The boy's mother stands behind that table, holding him onto it with a hand on his shoulder.

Doug (smiles at both of them):
Hi, are you Kevin?

Mother:
Yes, this is Kevin.

Doug:
I'm Dr. Ross, can you tell me how long his ear has been bothering him?

Mother:
Since sometime yesterday evening. It seems to be giving him quite a bit of pain.

Doug (takes out an earscope):
Can I take a look, Kevin?

Kevin (quiet and shy):
Is it gonna hurt?

Doug:
It shouldn't! Unless I hit something in there. OK?

Kevin (nods slowly):
O-K.

Doug inserts the scope into the child's ear and the child immediately cries out and pulls away.

Doug:
I'm sorry, Buddy.
(turns to Mother)
Can you hold him? I need to see what's in there.

Mother (nods):
Sure.

With the mother holding the child on the table, Doug inserts the scope again. He struggles with a screaming child, put gets a look in his ear anyway. He takes the scope out and the child is sobbing on the table.

Doug (pats his back gently):
I'm really sorry about that, Kevin.
(to Mother)
Let's put him down on the table a minute, OK?

Mother:
What do you have to do?

Doug (takes a ear syringe from the tray):
I'm just going to flush out his ear with warm saline so we can wash out what's stuck in there.

The mother nods and she and Doug gently lay the child down on the table.

Doug (calls across the room):
Dr. Greene! Can you help me over here?

Mark (looks up, nods):
Sure.
(comes up to the table)
What do you need?

Doug:
Just secure the little guy on the table while I flush his ear. He's not going to like it.

Mark (takes child by the shoulders):
OK...

Doug flushes the child's ear with saline and turns his head to one side, with everything running into a bedpan he lays under his head. The child is screaming, and struggling, but Mark has no trouble maintaining him. Doug flushes the ear several times until, finally, the foreign object slides out.

Doug:
Chuney, send this to the lab, please? Have the results sent to me...

Chuney (snatches bedpan):
Right away, Dr. Ross.

Sympathetic to the child crying on the table, Doug reaches down and picks him up, putting him up over his shoulder and patting his back gently.

Doug:
It's OK, Buddy. I'm sorry about all that. But, you can't stick things in your ears, OK?

The child nods into him shoulder, still sobbing. Doug pats him again and then sits him down on the table.

Doug:
Here's a hint my Mom used to tell me, OK? Don't stick anything smaller than your elbow in your ear...OK?

Kevin (nods slowly):
OK.

Doug (to Mother):
OK, he's going to be fine. I'll call you with the lab results as soon as I have them, but, I'm sure it's nothing to worry about. Still, I'm going to give you some eardrops and an antibiodic. He'll be good as new in no time.

Doug writes out the prescriptions and hands them to the mother. She and the child leave together and Doug makes his notes on the chart. He is working at the front desk with the phone rings. Eleanor answers it, and hands the receiver to him.

Eleanor:
Dr. Ross? It's your mother-in-law. She sounds upset...

Doug (frowns, takes receiver):
What's wrong, Helen?

Helen (frantic on other end of phone):
I think Carol is in labor!

Doug (shakes his head, grins):
No, Helen, she's not in labor...she's having false labor.

Helen:
Listen, Doug, I had several children, which is more than YOU'VE ever done, and I think I know labor when I see it.

Doug:
This started up about two weeks ago, Helen. And It will progress until the baby is born. It's called Braxton-Hix and it's false labor pain. It'll stop in about a half an hour.

Helen:
How can you be so sure?

Doug:
Because it's too early for the baby and we're keeping a god eye on this. She'll be fine. Don't worry.
(looks at his watch)
Look, I'll come on home, OK? But, it's really OK.

Helen:
I think I'd feel better if you did come home.

Doug (nods, sighs):
I'm on my way, Helen.
(hangs up the phone and turns to Mark working nearby)
Carter upstairs?

Mark:
Yep! I'll call him down.
(motions over his shoulder)
Go.

Doug (grins, starts across the room):
Thanks, Mark! I owe you...

Mark (laughing):
I'm keeping tabs...we'll settle up one of these days.

Doug laughs lightly as he goes out the door, pulling into his jacket as he goes.

Cut to show Doug going in the front door of his home and Helen standing with an embarrassed look at the door to greet him.

Helen (quietly):
They stopped about five minutes ago.

Doug (grins):
I told you! Where is she?

Helen:
In on the couch.

Doug passes by Helen and goes straight to Carol on the couch. He braces himself with a hand on the armrest and a hand on the back of the sofa, leans down, and kisses her sweetly.

Doug:
How you doing, Hon?

Carol (smiles at him):
I'm fine now. Mama just panicked. She wouldn't listen to anything I was trying to tell her! I told her she didn't need to call you...

Doug (grins):
Well, she didn't listen to me either...that make you feel better?

Carol (sad face):
I'm sorry you had to come home.

Doug (sits on the sofa with her):
I'm not.
(both laugh)
You still going to be up for our family night out tonight?

Carol:
Oh, yes! I really NEED to get out of here for a while.

Doug:
Good! I'll go round up the kids and you can get ready, OK?

Cut to show Doug with Tatiana, exterior in the neighborhood. They are walking back to the house from someplace and Tatiana is pushing her bicycle so she can walk with Doug.

Doug (quietly):
Hey, Tatchie, can I ask you something?

Tatiana (fearful face):
Uh oh! What did I do?

Doug (grins):
You didn't "do" anything. I just want to ask you something. OK?

Tatiana:
OK, Papa.

Doug:
How do you feel about this baby Carol and I going to have? Is it OK with you?

Tatiana:
Sure!

Doug:
You don't have any problems with it at all?

Tatiana (shakes her head):
Nope!

Doug:
Well, you won't be the baby anymore...doesn't that bother you?

Tatiana (scoffs):
Papa, I haven't been a 'baby' for a long time. Besides, you told me I'd always been your little girl. That's enough for me.
(pauses in thought)
Aren't you excited about the baby, Papa?

Doug:
Oh, sure! Of course I am.

Tatiana:
You don't act very excited. Neither does Mama.

Doug (startled):
What do you mean about your Mama?

Tatiana:
She cries sometimes. She thinks I don't know, but, I've heard her. I think Mama is sad.

Doug (nods):
Yeah...maybe I better work on that, OK? Let's step it up a little.
(stops walking and puts her on her bicycle)
Peddle your heart out, Kiddo! I'm right behind you!

Tatiana starts peddling down the street with Doug in a jog behind her all the way back to the house.

As they approach the front porch, Fade Act Three to Black.

"A Case of the Blues"

Act Four

Scene opens at a family ice cream parlor. Doug and Carol are sitting at a table, Carol is eating frozen yogurt on a cone and Doug is eating a monstrous sundae. He looks up to see where Scott and Tatiana are and they are playing in the arcade section of the store. He can hear them both giggling happily.

Carol:
So, how much money did you give them.

Doug (shrugs, takes a spoonful of ice cream):
Five bucks. It won't last long.

Carol (quietly):
Can we talk?

Doug (nods):
Sure! Take advantage of the time we have alone. We don't get much of that anymore...

Carol (sighs):
Or are we ever going to get much of it again!
(rolls her eyes, Doug chuckles)
Doug, you DO want this baby? I mean, how do you feel about it?

Doug (snickers):
Funny...I've been asking the kids that same question.
(pauses, eats a couple of bites of his sundae, then, puts his spoon down and takes her hand in his, looking into her eyes)
Yes, Carol. I want this baby. I want it very much. And I'm sorry I've made you feel like I don't. I've just had so many things on my mind.

Carol:
Like what? Why won't you share your problems with me?

Doug:
I guess I feel like you've got enough to deal with without me dumping my problems on you, too.

Carol:
Doug, you've been so robotic. I'm really worried about you. I wonder if you're even happy.

Doug:
I'm happy. Things are just really hectic right now. Even you have to admit that much.

Carol:
I know...that's why I'm worried about you. You're doing everything...you're taking care of the kids, you're taking care of me...you're doing the shopping...the laundry...working at the clinic...I don't know how you're doing it all.

Doug (grins):
Well, it won't be for much longer. David and I had a discussion about Paternity Leave yesterday.

Carol (surprised):
Paternity Leave? Are you eligible?

Doug (nods, eats more ice cream):
According to David, I am. And he thinks I should take it. I wanted to talk to you first, though, and see what you think.

Carol:
What do you think I think? I think it's great! And I'd feel a lot better knowing you were home with me.

Doug:
So, you want me to do this?

Carol:
Well, not if you don't want to...

Doug (cuts her off quickly):
I want to! There's nothing I want more than the chance to bond with my son from the minute he comes into our house. I just didn't know if I would be in your way or not. I was more concerned about you.

Carol (scoffs):
You are NEVER in my way, Doug. Don't ever feel that way. I love you...and I need you...and I'm so thankful for you being with me right now.

Doug (blushes, changes the subject):
I got out my special files and went over them with Mark, so if any of them come in and he needs to ask me anything, he knows which cases are "priority".

Carol (teasing him with a smile):
Sounds like you had already made up your mind...

Doug (nods, grins):
That or I already knew what your answer was going to be.

Carol (places her hand on her stomach and rolls her eyes):
Oh, boy. Here we go again...

Doug (concerned):
Contractions?

Carol:
No, he's kicking. BIG time.

Doug (chuckles):
He wants out! Wait til he gets here. He'll wish he was back in!

Carol laughs with him and Tatiana and Scott charge up to the table. Doug finishes the last of his sundae and smiles at them.

Doug:
I take it you're broke now?

Scott (nods):
Yep!

Doug:
Well, then that means it's time to go home.
(Reaches to help Carol out of her chair)
Everybody ready?

Tatiana and Scott (in unison):
Ready!

Doug (helps Carol into her jacket):
What about you?
(kisses her cheek gently)
You ready?

Carol (hand on her stomach):
I'm more ready to get this little guy here. But, home is good, too!

Doug (gives her his arm):
Your chariot awakes, Ma'dam.

Doug gathers up his family and they all start out of the ice cream shop together.

Cut to show time lapse. Show Doug pulling the car up in front of the house. Show Carol looking out the window and the rows of cars on the street.

Carol:
Wonder what all these cars are doing here?

Doug (shrugs):
Maybe somebody on the block is having a party.

Carol (nods):
Yeah...I guess.

Doug pulls the car to a stop. The house is dark except for the porch light.

Cut to show everybody coming through the front door. As soon as they are in the clearing to the living room, a light comes on suddenly and people jump out of every corner.

Crowd (in unison):
SURPRISE!

Carol looks around to see the faces of her co-workers, both past and present. She is truly surprised, shocked, and excited. She begins hugging people close to her, still completely taken aback.

Carol:
Oh my gosh! What IS this!?

Chuney:
It's a baby shower!

Carol:
Well, how did you set this up without me knowing about it?

Chuney (smiles):
We got Doug to help and didn't tell the kids!
(takes her by the arm)
Come on...you're the guest of honor...we have a special place for you...

Tatiana:
Do we get to go to the shower, too?

Chuney:
If you want...you're welcome to stay!
(turns to Scott)
What about you, Scott? You want to stay?

Scott (nods):
Yeah...I want to see what the little guy gets!

Carol (looks quickly at Doug):
What about you?

Doug (emphatically):
Oh, no! I'll go upstairs and find a basketball game! You guys have a ball!

Doug darts quickly up the steps. Chuney watches him go with a smile and then goes in to join the shower.

Cut to show Doug reaching the second floor. He starts down the hall and just as he gets to the nursery door, he hears a faint cry of an infant coming from the room. Sure that it is his imagination, he shakes his head and starts on by but the cry comes a little louder so he decides to investigate. He goes to the door and the instant his head is in the door, the light flips on and David, Mark, and Carter surround him.

Mark (roughs Doug's hair):
Surprise!

Doug:
What the hell is this?

David:
Well, we men got together and decided the women shouldn't have all the fun. Besides, there are things they don't think about...like presents fathers are going to need!

Carter (holds up a case of beer):
And we brought the GOOD stuff!

Doug (thumbs up and big smile):
Well, all right! Let's party!

Show back and forth scenes of the two parties...the shower for Carol downstairs with games, and cake, and punch, and upstairs for Doug with beer, and cake. Show Carol opening presents like sleepers, blankets, baby sets with manicure clippers, bottles, baby clothes, booties, soft shoes, and just about everything you can think of for a baby. Show one present she opens is a sleeper made like a doctor's scrub set complete with a tiny embroidered on stethoscope around the shoulders of the top.

Carol (astonished):
Chuney! This is adorable! Where in the world did you find it?

Chuney (smiles):
My sister made it.

Carol (holds it up to the group):
It's adorable!

Chuney:
I'm glad you like it...

Pass scene back to upstairs. Mark opens the closet and starts pulling out boxes. They are not wrapped and he just sets them in the middle of the room.

Doug:
What's all this?

Mark:
This is a baby party, right? These are baby presents!

Carter:
Yeah, we just didn't bother to wrap them!

Doug (rubs his hands together):
Well, let's see what we get for the little guy

He picks up a bundle of Pampers tied together and gives the group a strange look.

David:
Each one of us bought 5...should last you a while considering all the women brought 2.

Mark (touches Doug's shoulder):
Trust me, Buddy...you can NEVER have enough!

The next thing Doug picks up is a big box containing a car seat. He opens the box and takes it out, whistling lowly as he does.

Doug:
Man, that is a really nice one!

David:
That's from me and my wife. That'll take him until he's big enough to sit in a seat by himself. You'll never need another one.

Doug:
Thanks, David! This is really, REALLY nice! Carol and I were just talking about car seats and not sure what was the best choice to make. Thank you for taking that decision away.

The next thing Doug picks up is a box with assorted sizes of baby bottles.

Carter:
That's from me. Every size bottle you need and includes a Toddler Cup for when he can hold it himself.

Doug:
That's cool, Carter! I would never have thought of anything like that!

Carter:
Well, Shawna told me you need every size bottle when they're little because they eat differently so much. I thought it would be something good for you to have!

The next thing Doug picks up is a box which he starts taking cans of Infant Formula out of.

Mark:
That's from me. You said you and Carol were going to do both, breast feed and bottles. I thought that would be good to get you started with.
(pause)
Don't miss the envelope in the bottom.

Doug (takes envelope and opens it):
Oh, My God! Mark? Are you sure?

Mark:
Nothing is too good for a baby of my best friend!

Carter:
What is it?

Doug (shows off the certificate):
It's a gift certificate for $500 at a baby store.

Mark:
That way, whatever the two of you need, you can just go get it.

Doug (taken aback):
Thanks, Mark. Thanks to all of you. I never expected this. This is great.

David:
Well, we just sort of decided that the Father gets left out of a lot of things, so, we decided to alter that for you.

Doug (softly):
You know, you never know how much you need your friends until something pulls you all together.

He reaches out and shakes hands with each one of them, and they go back to their party.

Fade Act Four to black.

"Project C.A.R.E."

"A Case of the Blues"

Closing Act

Scene opens at the Ross/Hathaway home, interior, master bedroom. Carol is already in bed with the covers pulled up to her chest and reading over all the cards she got at her shower. Doug comes in out of the bathroom in his shorts and t-shirt and climbs into bed beside her.

Carol:
I heard the men gave you a party as well...

Doug (nods):
Yes, they did and it was really great. They gave us a car seat, Pampers, blankets, bottles, and Mark gave us a $500 gift certificate at a baby store.

Carol (taken aback):
$500? Oh, my God!

Doug:
Yeah, I was pretty shocked, too.

Carol:
I got so many nice things. He has everything he needs now...

Doug (puts his hand on Carol's stomach):
He just needs to get here.

Carol:
Won't be long now.

Doug (lost in thought):
Seems like he'll be here now before we know it.

Carol:
Well, I'm ready...trust me!

Doug:
You haven't had a really bad time with your pregnancy. The toxemia has been a problem, but, not a serious problem. You're doing OK.

Carol:
Why do I get the feeling you're leading up to something with this?

Doug (shrugs):
I was just wondering if you'd ever want to have another one.

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Oh, please! Let's get this one here first, OK?

Doug (laughs):
Yeah, you're right.

Carol (touches his cheek):
I'd love to have another one, though. In a while. After we get this one at least potty trained...

Doug (groans):
Oh, God! Let's don't skip too far forward! We got enough Pampers to pad the whole house.

Carol:
You'll be surprised how fast we're buying them again, Doctor! He'll go through these like water...

Doug (chuckles):
Or worse.

Carol (hand on her stomach, gazes at Doug):
What kind of dreams do you have for him, Doug? What do you want him to be?

Doug:
Whatever he wants to be. I want him to be happy and healthy. And become whatever he wants to become and hope I'm strong enough to take it if it's something I don't approve of!

Carol (laughs):
Scott already stands you on your ear sometimes. I can't imagine what this little guy is going to do.

Doug:
Well, the good news is, he won't do it right away. I have some time before he starts giving me gray hair.

Carol (plays with his hair):
You already have gray hair.

Doug:
White hair, then.

Carol (laughs):
Oh, Doug! Are you sure we're ready for this?

Doug:
I'm over the blues now. I think this party was just what I needed to lift me out of it. I'm excited now...ready for him to get here.

Carol:
Me too! I can't wait to see the little guy.

Doug (pauses):
We've got a lot of good friends, you know that?

Carol:
We sure do...and I'm going to remember every one of them to baby sit later!

Doug laughs with her, keeps his hand on her stomach, and can't stop smiling.

Carol (softly):
So, you're OK with everything now?

Doug (nods):
Yeah. I really am.

Carol:
And we've got everything ready? We're all set?

Doug:
As far as I know...

Carol:
Then, let's just go to sleep and dream about when he's here with us...

Doug (nods):
Because we won't get any sleep once he is...

Both of them laugh and Carol reaches to turn out the light.

Fade into closing credits of the show.

February 8, 1998