Adjustments

Opening Act

Scene opens inside the new Ross home. Doug and Mark are walking through the empty house and Mark is looking around at the high ceilings and rich hard wood floors in awe.

Mark:
This place is something else, Doug...I can see why you guys wanted it.

Doug:
It'll be a good house for six kids...

Mark:
And you got it fast...that's a good thing, too.

Doug:
The owner was such a sweet lady. When she found out we were having triplets, she knocked another $5,000 off the cost. Very sweet.

Mark:
Well, you said she had a big family...maybe she knows you guys need all the help you can get!
(both laugh)
Carol had another check up yesterday, didn't she?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...

Mark:
How did it go?

Doug:
She's doing OK...but Stephanie told me no sex now until after the babies are born...or else be very careful...no penetration...and with me that would be 'why bother'?
(Mark chuckles)

Mark (winces):
Ouch...she's only what? Five months now?

Doug:
The no-sex doesn't bother me...it's Carol I'm worried about. She also told Carol she can't work now. She's OK...no problems with Blood Pressure or anything like with Marc, but, her feet swell real bad and she gets tired pretty easy. Stephanie thinks it's best if she just doesn't work now. Carol will help us interview for a temporary replacement but I'd really like to get Jeanne Boulet to come and fill in for a while.

Mark:
I get the feeling there's something underlying here...

Doug:
Carol is talking about not working after the kids are born. She thinks she wants to be a wife and a mother full time.

Mark:
And you have a problem with that?

Doug:
It's not Carol, you know? She loves what she does and she's really good at it. I can't imagine her not working because it's just what she does, you know?

Mark:
Doug, be serious...do you really think you can drop six kids at your Mothers?

Doug:
I was thinking of hiring a Nanny. We have room in the house for one...a Nanny who does light housekeeping and cooking?

Mark (nods):
Well, yeah, that would probably work...have you talked to Carol about it?

Doug:
No, but, I'm going to.

Mark:
Well, just don't ever see a movie called HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE...
(laughs)

Doug (laughs):
Saw one called THE GUARDIAN on TV not long ago, too. Must be a lot of them out there.

Mark (walking through the house with Doug):
So, am I drafted to help you guys move?

Doug:
No...neither Carol nor I needs to be lifting a lot of heavy things, so, I'm hiring a moving service to move us.

Mark (nods):
Another good idea...you'll have a garage for your Harley...and Scott's dirt bike...that'll be good.

Doug:
Yeah, it's a two car garage, but, you could probably get three cars in it...it's huge! I'll show it to you...

Mark:
Everything about this house is huge. This place is incredible!

Doug:
It's a dream come true...we never would have been able to afford anything like this under normal circumstances.
(they go out on the patio to view the back yard)

Mark:
LOTS of grass to cut!
(laughs)

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah...I'll get a riding lawn mower...might as well have a little fun.

Mark:
Yeah, but, there's room for the kids to play badminton and volleyball...you can put up one of those above ground pools if you wanted...you got lots of room here, Doug...this is really nice.

Doug (eyes twinkle):
And room for a basketball hoop in the driveway!

Mark (chuckles):
Well, I thought that went without saying!
(Doug chuckles with him)
I hope there'll be a house warming Bar B Que out here...this will be a perfect place for your grill.

Doug:
Yeah, and the smoke won't filter back into the house here!
(laughs)
Wait until you see the basement...completely finished with a half bath and fire place!

Mark:
How do the kids feel about moving?

Doug:
They don't seem to mind. I know Tatchie will miss a couple of her friends on the block, but, this neighborhood is full of kids...she'll make new friends.

Mark:
What about Scott?

Doug:
He doesn't mind...as long as he can still see Veronica, he's fine.

Mark (chuckles):
Really serious about that little girl, huh?

Doug:
Your day is coming, Pal.

Mark (grunts):
Huh! Don't remind me!

Doug:
So, do you still want the house?

Mark:
Absolutely! What I want you to do is have your Real Estate friend appraise it. And whatever she appraises it at, that's what I'll pay you.

Doug:
Well, that's not really fair! You'll pay more than we did for the house!

Mark:
You've done some things to it and it's worth more now...I should pay more...

Doug:
Yeah, but, you helped with most of those improvements! You shouldn't have to pay for that.
(pause)
Come on, Mark...we're friends! We can do this privately and be fair to both of us...

Mark:
Whatever you think, Doug...and I want this to be OK with Carol, too...

Doug:
Carol and I have already talked it over and we think we have a figure for you...
(hands him a piece of paper and Mark looks at it in shock)

Mark:
Are you guys sure about this?

Doug:
That's the figure we agreed on...take it or leave it...

Mark:
I'll take it...I can't pass up this price!
(reaches over and claps Doug on the shoulder)
Thanks, Buddy!

Doug (smiles, claps Mark's shoulder):
It's the least I could do...it'll give me a chance to pay you back for everything you've done for me.

Mark:
Ah, hey, I would have done it anyway...

Doug (nods, grins):
I know...that's why I want to do something for you. I really appreciate your friendship, Mark. I hope you've always known that. You're the best, Man.

Mark:
You know, when I was kid we moved around a lot, and I never had the chance to have a best friend. I didn't even know what one was...but I do now.

In the seriousness of the conversation, neither of them says anything else. They just lean on the rail and look out over the yard, ad libbing and pointing out things of interest as the Opening Act fades into the Opening Credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at the Ross home, exterior, daytime. Show Doug sitting on the ground working a wrench on his Harley motorcycle. Show Carol come out of the house with Marc and come over to stand close to where he's working.

Carol:
What's wrong with it now?

Doug (sarcastically):
There's nothing 'wrong' with it. It just needs a few minor adjustments.

Carol:
You know, you never did take me a ride on it!

Doug:
That's because you've been pregnant every since I got it running!

Carol:
Well, who's fault is that?

Doug:
Hey, I'm not taking all the blame! You seduced me more than once!

Carol (leans down and wraps her arms around him from behind):
And you were a willing victim!

Doug (kisses her hands quickly and chuckles):
Yes, I was.
(he pulls her around to be in his lap and she squeals delightedly)

Carol (giggling):
Doug! Really! What will the neighbors thing?

Doug (kissing her madly):
Who cares? We're moving! Let them think what they want!

Carol laughs wildly and Marc reaches out to take hold of Doug's nose. Doug grabs his hand and kisses his palm.

Doug:
You know something, Marc...you really know how to kill a mood.

Carol:
You can't do anything anyway...Stephanie said no.

Doug:
Ummm, well, I guess it's too late to put a chastity belt on you, huh?

Carol:
You'd find a way to break it, anyway!
(pause)
Doug, seriously, are you going to be all right with this?

Doug:
I'll be fine. I can live without sex...

Carol (scoffs):
Since WHEN?

Doug (chuckles):
Huh! Since I don't have any choice!
(pushes her off his lap)
Would you get off me, please, so I can finish this?

Carol (pretends to be indignant):
Well...I never...

Doug:
Oh, yes, you have! You're already knocked up!
(she playfully reaches out to punch him and he dodges her)

Carol:
I was thinking we're going to need a stroller for quadruplets after the triplets come...we'll still need room for Marc, too.

Doug (nods, listening):
Yeah, you're probably right. We also need three more bassinets, three cribs, and three car seats!
(chuckles)
Know where I can rob a bank without getting caught?

Carol:
We'll be OK...the center is making money and you'll get extra income now from this eye doctor moving in...

Doug:
Yeah, I have an appointment with him for him to check my eyes. I can't even remember the last eye exam I had.

Carol:
We probably should have the kids done, too.

Doug:
Well, he said he'd do staff and family for free!

Carol (nods):
I'll take Marc too...he's not too young...

Doug:
I recommend babies at six months have a coordination eye exam...he's eight months old...he's ready.

Scott (from the doorway):
Hey, Dad! Dr. Greene is on the phone!

Doug:
Thanks, Scott! Tell him I'll be right there...
(gets up and rubs oil off his hands with a rag)
NOW what?

Carol (as she follows him into the house):
Can we go looking at Vans today?

Doug (opening the door, going into the house):
If you feel like it...

Carol:
I feel fine...

Doug (picks up phone and we hear his side of the conversation):
Yeah, Mark? Uh huh...OK...sure! I'll get right on it!
(hangs up and smiles at Carol)
Mark needs me to go down to the office...there's a supply shipment coming in and somebody needs to be there.

Carol:
He can't go?

Doug (grins):
No...he's busy.

Carol (grins):
Nina's day off, huh?

Doug (laughs):
Yeah, I guess so!

Carol (wraps her arms around him):
They're acting just like us before we got married...

Doug (laughs, wraps his arms around her):
Before we got married? I didn't know we ever stopped...

Carol (kissing him):
Ummmmm...and I hope we never do!

Doug (returns her kisses):
I promise to do my part...

Carol (still holding onto him):
Doug, are you happy? I mean, are you really happy?

Doug:
Of course! Why do you ask?

Carol:
I don't know...it just seems like an awful lot is being asked of you...

Doug:
I am fine with it...don't worry about me! What was it you told me just recently? Whatever is in front of us, we'll get through it together?
(Carol nods, Doug lifts her chin with his fingers)
Then, we'll get through it together!
(kisses her)
I gotta go, OK?

Carol (starts walking him to the door):
OK...and when you come back we'll go look at Vans, OK?

Doug (nods, heading out the door):
OK...
(calls over his shoulder)
Hey, Scotty!

Scott (calls off camera):
Yes, Sir?

Doug:
Put my bike back for me, will you, please? I have to go down to the office for a while!

Scott:
Sure, Dad!

Doug:
Thank you!
(kisses Carol one more time)
I'll be back...

As Doug starts down the walk, he passes Veronica coming up the walk.

Veronica (smiles):
Hi, Dr. Ross!

Doug (nods to her):
Hello, Veronica...yes...he's home!

Veronica laughs as she goes up onto the porch. Carol smiles and stands in the doorway until Doug is gone, greeting Veronica as she come to the door.

Carol:
Hi, Veronica...he's in the family room...go on in!

Veronica (smiles):
Thank you, Mrs. Ross!

Veronica smiles and goes on through the house. Carol jostles Marc and carries him to the living room and sets him down. Then, she sits on the couch to read a book but keeps an eye on Marc, watching him pull himself up by clinging to furniture and trying desperately to walk without success.

Carol (looking at Marc):
Don't you DARE walk without your Daddy home...it'll break his heart if he misses that!

Marc looks at her and laughs, babbling baby talk at her.

Cut to the center and show Doug coming through the downstairs lobby. Dr. Aja Valstropidos is working on getting his eye center set up and he greets Doug heartily.

Aja:
Hello, Dr. Ross!

Doug (smiles):
Dr. Valstropidos! Good afternoon!
(stops and looks around at the progress being made)
Looks like you'll be ready for your Grand Opening pretty soon.

Aja:
Yes, I think so...

Doug (laughing, heading for the elevator):
Be sure I get to come...and I like chocolate cake!
(Aja laughs and waves to him as he gets into the elevator)
Oh, Aja, I'm expecting a shipment of medical supplies and they'll ring the bell out front. When they come, just tell them it's on the second floor, OK?

Aja:
Will do, Doug!

Doug lets the elevator close and disappears.

Cut back to the Ross home. We hear the doorbell ring and see Carol going through the house.

Carol (as the doorbell rings again):
OK! OK! I'm coming!
(she rips open the door to find Greg Powell standing on the front porch looking back at her) Greg?! What are you doing here?

Greg:
I have to talk to you, Carol...it's really important...

Focus on Carol's shocked expression and cut scene.

Cut back to the center. Show Linda Ferrell getting off the elevator with a shipment order in her hands.

Linda (doesn't see anyone and calls out):
Anyone here?

Doug (stepping out of his office):
Yeah! I'm here!

Linda (waving shipment order):
You want my man to bring these up here? Or put them down in the storage room?

Doug:
Can he put them downstairs? Because I'm not sure where to put them up here...

Linda (nods):
Sure!
(puts two way radio up to her mouth)
Stanley, just load those up downstairs like you usually do...thanks.

Voice (on speaker):
Right away, Miss Ferrell.

Linda (puts radio down):
You'll sign this for me?

Doug (nods):
Sure.
(he edges over to the counter and gropes for a pen while Linda gives him a once over with her eyes)
What are you looking at?

Linda:
You...

Doug:
What about me?

Linda:
You look needy...

Doug (scoffs):
You don't know what you're talking about...

Linda:
I don't?
(smiles)
Doug...I know you, remember? We were very close for quite a while. I know when you're needy...and you're needy now...

She reaches out and touches his hand and he looks at her blankly.

Cut to show Mark and Nina at a department store. Nina is showing drapes to Mark and Mark is looking bored.

Nina:
What do you think about these?

Mark (nodding):
They're fine.

Nina (holding them out):
Do you like them?

Mark (nods again):
Yeah, I like them...they're fine.

Nina (getting annoyed):
Listen, Mark, this is going to be OUR house so we are decorating it TOGETHER and you agreed to help!

Mark:
I'm here, aren't I?

Nina:
Your body's here...I'm not so sure about your mind.

Mark:
I'm afraid I'm not much of an expert on drapes.

Nina:
I'm guessing Jennifer did most of the decorating?

Mark:
Oh, yeah!

Nina:
Mark, I'm asking for your opinion, OK? I want this to be a duel project!
(Mark nods with a frown)
You know what you LIKE don't you? You can give me your opinion...

Mark (shifting his weight):
My opinion is that I'm tired and I'm hungry...

Nina (sighs):
All right, Mark...we'll get something to eat.
(she starts out of the department grumbling, with Mark falling in behind her)

Nina (continued):
I swear, shopping with you is like shopping with a two year old...

Mark follows her with his head ducked, but, with a smile on his face.

Cut back to the Ross home. Carol is still standing at the door looking through the screen at Greg, still standing on the porch.

Greg:
I need to talk to you...can I come in?

Carol:
No...but, I'll come out on the porch. Hang on a minute while I leave the baby with my son...

She carries Marc through the house and goes into the family room and just as she starts through the door she sees Scott and Veronica lean toward each other to kiss.

Carol (suddenly from the doorway):
Hey! Exactly what is going on here?!

Focus on Scott and Veronica stopping short with a horrified look on their faces looking back at Carol and Fade Act One to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens back at the center. Linda is walking towards Doug in a sultry walk and Doug is backing up to the wall.

Linda:
Come on, Doug...you need it and I'm offering it...

Doug (backing up, finally pressed against the wall):
Come on, Linda...you know I'm married now.

Linda:
Well, Carol must not be taking very good care of you for you to be like you are now...

Doug (presses his hands back against the wall):
It's not Carol's fault...she's pregnant.

Linda (smiles, takes hold of his shirt and pulls herself closer to him):
Well, then, you have an excuse...

Doug (looks to verify that he can't go any further back, turns nervously back to Linda):
That wouldn't make it right...

Linda (coyly):
Oh, come on, Doug! There's nobody here but us! We can go back to one of the exam rooms and I can take care of you. Who's going to know?

Dog (taps his chest):
Me...I'll know.
(pushes her back away from him)
I can't, Linda...I really can't.
(Linda pushes closer, but, Doug pushes her back quickly)
Linda, don't! I can't do that to Carol...I wouldn't do that do her even if I could.

Linda (smiles, steps back):
You're really married, huh?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...I really am.

Linda:
Put that ring on your finger and it cut off your circulation, huh?

Doug (grins):
For everybody but my wife...yeah.

Linda (gathers up her thing):
Well, OK...but if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me...

Doug (as she starts away):
I won't change my mind...

Linda (as she starts into the elevator and waves to him):
The sad thing is...I know.

She waves shortly to him and disappears as the elevator closes. Doug stands at the counter recovering, but, then is very proud of himself and gathers up his things to leave as well.

Cut back to the Ross home with Carol standing shell shocked in the door way and Scott and Veronica looking embarrassed on the loveseat.

Carol (coming into the room):
Excuse me for interrupting...although I don't think there should have been anything going on for me to interrupt.

Scott (looks at his feet):
Sorry, Mom.

Carol (scoffs):
'Sorry, Mom'? That's the best you can offer me?

Scott:
Well, we weren't doing anything...

Carol (nods):
No, not YET!

Scott (looks at her sheepishly):
Did you need something?

Carol:
Yes, I need you to watch your brother while I take care of something else...

Scott:
We can do that...

Carol:
I think that's a full time project...I think Veronica better go home now.

Scott (protesting):
But, Mom...

Carol:
We'll discuss it with your father later, Scott. Right now, you do as I say.

Scott (nods):
Yes, Ma'am.
(frowns at Veronica)
I guess you better go.

Veronica (nods):
Yeah...I guess so. Will you call me later?

Scott (rolls his eyes):
If I'm still alive...

Veronica smiles at him and gets up to leave. As she passes by Carol, Carol leans over and quietly tells her

Carol:
He will be.

Veronica smiles as she goes on out of the room. Carol walks over and hands Marc to Scott.

Carol:
Just watch him for a few minutes...I'll be on the front porch if you need me.

Scott (takes Marc):
OK, Mom...

Carol goes back through the house and onto the porch where Greg is still waiting. He smiles when she comes out.

Greg (truthfully):
I wasn't sure you'd come back!

Carol (folds her arms across her chest and walks over to the steps):
I told you I would...I keep my word.
(sits on the steps)
What did you want to talk to me about?

Greg (goes over and sits on the steps with her):
I wanted to talk to you about something very important...

Focus on Carol's blank expression as Greg sits beside her and stares into her eyes.

Cut to Mark and Nina having lunch at a department store restaurant.

Nina:
What should we look at next?

Mark (shrugs):
I don't know...we've looked at mini blinds, drapes, carpet, and wallpaper...what else is left?

Nina (frowns):
You really don't want to do this, do you?

Mark:
It's not that I don't want to do it, it's just that it doesn't matter that much to me how you decorate the house. I'm not really into things like that.

Nina (sighs):
I know...I guess most men aren't. I just wanted this house to be ours...and to be ours, I wanted us to work on it together.

Mark:
I'm good for painting, and storm windows, and mowing the lawn, and raking leaves, and shoveling snow, and things like that...but decorating? Those things just don't matter that much to me! So, whatever you want, will be fine with me.

Nina (smiles slightly):
I guess that'll have to do. I guess I was hoping you might be different.

Mark:
Well, sorry if I disappointed you.

Nina:
You could never disappoint me.
(pause)
You seem to have a lot of things on your mind...is something bothering you?

Mark:
Oh, just some stuff I was reading in one of your books.

Nina (delighted):
You were reading one of my books? Which one?

Mark:
One of your psychology books...I was reading about abuse.

Nina:
You're concerned about abuse?

Mark:
I'm concerned about Doug...

Nina:
Oh, Doug's OK...he's been coming to his sessions regularly and he's making good progress...

Mark:
Yeah, but, when I read in that book some of the effects of sexual abuse, I got concerned about him.

Nina:
You're talking about the attack, right?

Mark:
No, I'm talking about the things that happened to him when he was in JDH!

Nina (shocked expression):
Doug was in Juvenile Hall?

Mark (returns her shocked look):
Yeah...you mean he's never talked to you about that?
(Nina shakes her head, still looking shocked)
Oh boy...me and my big mouth...

Cut back to the Ross home where Greg and Carol are sitting on the steps together.

Carol:
What did you want to talk to me about, Greg?

Greg:
I wanted to talk to you about us...

Carol:
Us?
(laughs)
There is no 'us', Greg...

Greg:
Well, that's what I want to talk to you about...there could be an 'us' if you'd let me show you!

Carol (holds up her hand):
So you see this wedding ring on my finger? Do you know what kind of vows I made when I took that ring from my husband?

Greg:
But do you love him? I mean, I know what kind of things he did to you before...how do you know he won't do it again?

Carol:
To answer your second question, Doug has changed. He's not beginning to be the same man I met five years ago. I know I can count on him and I know he's always going to be here for me. Greg, I have three children...and in case you didn't notice, I'm pregnant again. I have far too much going for me in my life to throw it away over a fling.

Greg:
It doesn't have to be a fling! I can give you anything Doug Ross can...

Carol:
You think you can, Greg? Can you promise me love and security? Can you promise to support me no matter what and to compromise in situations where we don't agree?

Greg:
I'm in love with you, Carol...

Carol (smiles, shakes her head):
I don't think you're in love with me. I think you're in love with wanting to be in love.

Greg:
We could have a great life together, Carol...

Carol:
I already have a great life, Greg. And I'm not willing to risk losing it for anything else in the world.
(smiles, pauses)
I didn't answer your first question, though, did I? The answer is yes...I am VERY much in love with my husband.

Greg:
Well, if you're ever not, will you look me up?

Carol:
I don't think so, Greg. It was something that happened between you and me that nearly cost me being with Doug in the first place. That kiss could have cost me everything I have now if Doug hadn't been so understanding. I'm very happy with my life, Greg. I'm flattered you feel the way you do, but, you're going to have to get over it. We don't have any future together.

Greg:
OK...but if he ever hurts you, you let me know. I know how to take care of him...

Carol:
Don't throw threats at me, Greg. If anything would ever happen to Doug I would point the police in your direction first if you do that...so don't tell me things like that, OK?

Greg (smiles): You DO care about me!

Carol:
I care what happens to you because I've been trained to care about people. But, if you ever hurt my husband and I find out about, all that caring will vanish.
(Greg looks at her and she gives him a serious tone)
I mean it, Greg. You would never have any kind of a chance with me if you ever did anything to hurt Doug.

Cut to show Doug coming up the walk towards the house. He stops when he sees Greg and Carol on the porch, but, Carol smiles at him.

Carol:
Hi, Babe! Get all the supplies in?

Doug (keeps walking slowly):
Yeah...

Greg (stands up):
Well, thanks for your help, Carol...I appreciate it.
(he starts down the walk and nods as he passes Doug, but, he gets a few steps past him and turns back, taking a cigarette out his pocket)
Hey, Dr. Ross...you got a light?

Doug (stares blankly at him):
No, Greg...I don't smoke.

Greg (shrugs):
Oh...OK...I'm sorry!

Greg goes on down the walk and Doug stands watching him until he disappears around the corner. Show a flash in Doug's mind of the voice in the parking garage...

Voice (distorted):
Hey, Buddy...got a light?

Pull back to present and show Doug still watching where Greg was walking away. He shakes his head and goes on up onto the porch to sit beside Carol on the steps.

Carol:
Something wrong?

Doug (ticks his head):
I got a headache I can't get rid of.

Carol:
Did you take something for it?

Doug:
Yeah, and so far it hasn't done any good.

Carol:
I'm sorry...maybe you should go take a nap?

Doug:
Nah...I'll be OK. I thought you wanted to go look at vans.

Carol:
Well, I do, but, I wanted to talk to you about that, too. I don't think you should have to get rid of the jeep.

Doug (laughs):
We're going to have six kids, Carol. There's NO WAY we can do anything as a family in the jeep.

Carol:
The house we're moving into has a two car garage...why can't we put two cars in it? Think about it, Doug...it won't be long until Scott will be driving and the jeep would be perfect for him when he starts and boys love those kind of cars anyway. You left the Cadillac at your Mother's and you could still have it. We can park the jeep or the van in the driveway.

Doug (chuckles):
Got this all thought out, have you?

Carol:
I just don't think you should have to give up something you love as much as the jeep...

Doug:
It's just a car, Carol...

Carol:
And I think we need to keep it.

Doug:
Are you sure we can afford it?

Carol:
I think we'll be OK...why are you so worried about money all the sudden?

Doug:
A private practice...a new house...you're having triplets...a van...it all adds up, Hon.

Carol (smiles):
We'll be OK.

Doug (chuckles):
If you say so...
(kisses her)
What were you and Greg talking about?

Carol (shrugs):
Oh, just things...nothing important.
(pause)
Carol (continued):
Something I wanted to talk to you about, though...I caught Scott and Veronica making out in the family room today.

Doug (chuckles):
Making out?

Carol:
Well, not yet, but, they would have been if I hadn't gotten there when I did.

Doug:
They were kissing, in other words.

Carol (nods):
Close enough.

Doug:
Well, I knew when Scott and I had that talk down by the lake that day we were heading for this...I guess I'd better talk to him again, huh?

Carol:
They're just so young...

Doug (nods):
I'll talk to him.

Doug gets to his feet and reaches down to help Carol up on hers. Just as they start for the front door, a man in a suit with a briefcase comes down the walk to the steps.

Man:
Excuse me, but could you tell me where I might find a...
(reaches into his pocket and takes out a letter)
...Douglas Stephen Ross?

Doug:
I'm Doug Ross...can I help you?

Man:
May I come in a moment, Dr. Ross?

Doug (nods):
Sure...
(quietly to Carol)
Everytime someone wants 'Douglas Stephen Ross' it's always bad news...

Carol laughs as they open the door and allow the stranger into their home as Act Two Fades to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens at the Ross home. Carol and Doug are directing the stranger with the briefcase into their living room.

Man:
Allow me to introduce myself...my name is Peter O'Riley. I was your father's attorney...

Doug (surprised):
I didn't know he had one!

Man:
Oh, yes...
(opens briefcase)
Now, Douglas Stephen Ross, you are his son, correct?

Doug (nods):
Yes.

Man:
He named you as the executor of his estate.

Doug:
What estate? I thought that was all already taken care of out in California months ago...

Man:
But, what about the assets here in Chicago?

Doug:
What assets here in Chicago?

Man (reaches Doug a deed):
The Drake Hotel? You weren't aware that your Father owned it?

Doug:
I thought that was a complicated procedure and that he was actually in cahoots with someone else?

Man:
Oh, no. He was the owner. And now, you are the owner.

Doug (looks up at him quickly):
Me?

Man (shows him a will):
That's what it says right here...everything is to go to you.

Doug:
Me? I own a hotel now?

Man:
Yes, you do. There is also a car...

Doug:
I have the car already. It was in California and I brought it home. My mother has it in her garage.

Man (smiles):
And there it shall stay!
(hands Doug a form)
If you'll just sign here...I'll be on my way.

Doug (signing form):
Anything else I should know about?

Man (pockets form):
No! That's about the size of it! Thank you for your time...I'll show myself out.

He turns and walks quickly out of the house, leaving Doug holding the deed to the hotel and Carol looking on with a big smile on her face.

Carol:
We own a hotel?

Doug:
That's what the man says.
(turns to her)
What are we gonna do with a hotel?

Carol:
Sell it! Unless you want to keep it!

Doug:
Oh no! I got enough headaches as it is I don't need a hotel on top of all of it!

Carol:
Then, we'll sell it! And we'll use the money to pay off the house or set up trust funds for the kids or something like that.

Doug:
Who will we sell it to? I don't know much about selling a hotel.

Carol:
Sell it to someone who will let you keep controlling interest...someone who will just run it for you and you still get the income from it!

Doug (eyes twinkle):
Then when we want a night alone, we just take the Presidential Suite and put a Do Not Disturb sign on the door!

Carol (brightly):
Yeah!

Doug (nods):
OK...we'll look into that...right now...let's go look at vans!

Carol:
Tatchie is at a meeting to play t-ball...I'll go get Marc and see if Scott wants to go...

Carol goes into the family room where Scott is still watching TV. He has put Marc in his walker and the baby is exploring the room happily.

Carol (from the doorway):
Hey, your Dad and I are going to look at Vans...you want to go with us?

Scott (flips off the TV with the remote):
Sure!

Carol smiles at him and reaches down to lift Marc out of his walker.

Carol (as they start out of the room):
Hey, Scotty, I wasn't mad at you earlier...I hope you knew that.

Scott (grins):
I know.

Carol (roughs his hair):
OK...just wanted to be sure about that.

Cut to Mark and Nina loading Mark's car with packages. Mark loads the last one in and then opens the passenger door for Nina.

Mark:
We're not even in the house yet...why do we need all this stuff?

Nina:
So we'll be ready to start decorating as soon as we ARE in, silly!

Mark (rolls his eyes):
How could I be so dense?
(pause)
Listen, Nina, I'd appreciate it if you didn't mention our previous conversation to Doug. What he told me, he told me in confidence and he might not be too happy with me breaking it.

Nina:
Mark, you are a doctor as well as Doug's friend. I am a doctor as well. What you told me would be regarded as professional consultation if I believe it could be something that would help Doug emotionally.

Mark (nods):
I know...and I understand that...but he told me all this stuff in confidence and I think it would just really bother him that I broke it.

Nina:
I'll respect that, Mark. And I won't ask you anything about it.

Mark (starts the car):
No, but you'll start plotting a way to get Doug to tell you about it, won't you?

Nina (smiles at him):
What I do with my patient is not your concern, Dr. Greene. You let me handle it. I have very subtle ways.

Mark (grins):
Yeah, and don't I know it...

Mark pulls the car away and merges into traffic.

Cut to a car lot and show Doug, Carol, and Scott (Doug is carrying Marc) looking into a van with a salesman standing with them.

Doug:
This thing comes equipped with child car seats, right?

Salesman:
Yes, sir. It does.

Carol:
How many?

Salesman:
Well, the standard is one...but we can put in more if you need it...

Doug:
Can you put in three?

Carol (explaining):
We're having triplets...
(pats her stomach)

Salesman (not sure):
Congratulations?

Doug (nods, smiles):
Yes...thank you.

Salesman:
We can put three car seats in the back, yes, sir.

Carol (looks at Doug):
What do you think?

Scott (sitting inside the van):
I think it's cool! You can take my whole hockey team in this thing!

Doug (laughs):
So, your vote is yes?

Scott (nods):
Sure!

Doug (to Carol):
I thought it drove better than the others...what did you think?

Carol:
Handles great...I thought it would be like a bus, but, it's not. I like it.

Doug (to Salesman):
OK...we'll take it.

Salesman (delighted):
Very good, Sir! If you'll just step into an office with me...

Doug (following him, grumbling):
Yeah, yeah, and sign my life away...I know the drill.

Carol laughs as Doug follows the salesman. She and Scott stay at the van, looking around in it and playing with things in it. Very shortly, Doug comes back and pitches a set of keys at Carol.

Doug:
There you go, Carol! Drive it home!

Scott (scrambling for the front seat):
I'm riding with Mom!

Doug (laughing):
I figured as much...

Doug laughs as he watches Carol pull the van off the car lot and disappear into traffic.

Cut to show time lapse. Pan from the street of the Ross home and show both the jeep and the van parked in front of the house. Show a car pull up to the house and Tatiana gets out of it. She is wearing a number jersey baseball shirt, jeans, tennis shoes, and a baseball cap. She slams the car door and starts up the walk. When we pull closer, we see she is forcing back tears. But, once inside the house, she doesn't hold them back anymore...she lets them fall free with a bellowing summons.

Tatiana (shouting, crying):
MAMA! PAPA! Where ARE you?!

Doug (running through the house):
I'm right here, Punkin! What's wrong!

Tatiana (reaching for him):
Oh, Papa! They won't let me play!

Doug (picks her up and starts through the house with her, Carol comes up the hallway to see what's going on as well):
What do you mean they won't let you play?

Carol:
What happened?

Doug:
I don't know...that's what I'm trying to find out...

Tatiana (sobbing):
Miss Martin said I can't play on the team!

Doug (sits on the couch and puts Tatiana on his lap and Carol sits beside him):
What do you mean you can't play on the team? What happened, Sweetheart?

Tatiana (trying to control her sobs, tears streaming down her cheeks):
Because I'm sick I can't play!

Carol:
Uh oh...

Doug:
It's OK, Punkin.
(he starts drying her eyes with his fingers)
Everything will be OK...

Tatiana (sniffling):
I wanna play too!

Carol:
Oh, I know you do, Sweetie. We'll see what we can find out, OK?

Tatiana (sniffs, nods):
OK.

Carol:
OK...there's some chocolate cake out in the kitchen, why don't you go get you a piece and a big glass of milk, OK?

Tatiana (sniffs again, climbs off Doug's lap):
OK.

Carol (sighs once Tatiana is gone):
I was afraid something like this would happen sooner or later. You want to go talk to the teacher? Or do you want me to?

Doug:
Your call...whichever you want.

Carol:
I'll go...I can stay calmer about these things than you can.

Doug (smirks at her):
You just want to take the van...

Carol (smiles...picks up her keys):
That too!

Doug:
You're wasting your time, you know. We both already know why they won't let her play.

Carol:
I know...but I want to hear their side of it and then I want them to hear mine! I'll be back.

Carol goes on out the door and Doug goes to the kitchen where Tatiana is sitting at the table devouring a HUGE piece of chocolate cake and a glass of milk. He sits down at the table with her and chuckles at her with cake all over her mouth.

Doug:
Did you save any cake for anybody else?

Tatiana (nods):
You always say the piece reflects the hurt...and I got a BIG hurt!

Doug (smiles sadly):
I know you do, Sweetie, but, don't be mad at Miss Martin, OK? She's just following the rules.

Tatiana:
It's because I'm sick, isn't it?

Doug:
Yeah, I imagine it is.
(Tatiana frowns)
It's not your fault, Punkin. It's just rules the school has to follow.

Tatiana:
How can I be sick if I don't feel sick?

Doug:
Because what's sick is your blood and as long as you take your medicine, you don't feel sick. It's like me with my kidneys...as long as I do dialysis, I don't feel sick. That's why we keep doing it.

Tatiana:
Papa, can I ask you something?

Doug:
Sure, Punkin...you know you can always ask me anything!

Tatiana:
Do you promise to tell me the truth?

Doug:
I promise.

Tatiana:
I am going to grow up? Or I am going to die before I get that far?

Show Doug look at her, her innocent look and big brown eyes peering out from under her baseball cap and he gets a lump in his throat. He quickly clears his throat, though, to answer her.

Doug:
I can't answer that, Sweetie. Because I don't know. There's no way to know. That's why we just take everything one day at a time.

Tatiana:
Will I know when I'm going to die?

Doug (choking back his emotions):
I don't know...maybe.

Tatiana:
Will you tell me if I'm going to die? Because I want to know when it comes time to happen.

Doug (nods, swallows the lump in his throat):
Yes...absolutely...I will tell you if I know you're going to die.

Tatiana (sternly):
You promise?

Doug (makes an "x" on his chest):
Cross my heart....I promise.

Tatiana (smiles happily):
You want a bite of my cake, Papa?

Doug (nods):
Yes, I would...

He leans across the table and Tatiana happily lifts a fork full of cake and puts it in his mouth. He smiles at her but his eyes reflect the sadness of the conversation as Act Three Fades to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens on a softball field. Show parents picking up children and in the background we can hear children laughing and excitedly relaying events of the day to parents. Show Carol walking along the fence until she comes to a young woman picking up gloves and bats and loading them into a box in the back of a station wagon. She goes up to the woman slowly and stops close by her.

Carol:
Miss Martin?

Woman (turns around):
Yes? I'm Miss Martin.

Carol (reaches her hand to shake with her):
I'm Carol Ross...my daughter Tatiana came to a team meeting today...

Woman:
Oh, Mrs. Ross! It's nice to meet you.

Carol:
I wanted to talk to about Tatiana...

Woman:
I hope you know it was nothing personal. Tatiana is a wonderful little girl. I just have to go by the rules.

Carol:
Miss Martin, please know, I'm not criticizing you, but, my husband and I go to great lengths to try and give Tatiana as normal a childhood as possible. But, when we run into roadblocks like this, it makes it very hard for us to explain to her why she's so different. She's only eight years old!

Woman:
I understand what you're saying, Mrs. Ross. And I sympathize with you, but my hands are tied.

Carol:
It's just rookie ball, Miss Martin! And Tatiana has been taught exactly what to do if blood is involved. There really wouldn't be any problem...

Woman:
Not for you, but, it would be for me...you have to understand, Mrs. Ross. There are other parents with children on the team as well and they have influence too.

Carol (confused):
Influence?

Woman:
Yeah...influence.
(rubs her fingers together to indicate money)

Carol (nods with understanding):
So, sponsorship to the school is more important than the children?

Woman:
To the school, yes. To me, no. I understand how you feel, Mrs. Ross...really, I do...

Carol (growing annoyed):
Do you? Do you have to go home and face an eight year old daughter who doesn't understand why she doesn't get to play rookie ball with all her friends? Because I do. And I'm not looking forward to it.

Woman:
I wish there was something I could tell you...

Carol (nods):
Yeah, I do, too.
(Carol turns sharply and starts walking away)

Woman (calls after her):
Mrs. Ross! I do have one other suggestion...Tatiana could be our mascot...she would be part of the team but she wouldn't get to play.

Carol:
And that's going to pacify her? She sits on the bench and watches all her friends play?

Woman:
I know it doesn't sound very good, but, she would still be part of the team.

Carol:
I'll talk to her about it and see what she thinks. It'll have to be her decision.

Woman (nods):
I understand...I really wish there was something more I could tell you.

Carol:
Well, thank you for your time, Miss Martin. I do appreciate that much.

Carol goes on across the field heading back for the van. Miss Martin stands and watches her go with a sorry look on her face.

Cut to show Mark sitting alone in a chair by a window, probably at Nina's apartment. He is supposedly watching TV but he is lost in thought. Show his thoughts as a flashback...

*****Flashback*****

Show Doug coming into County ER in a bad way. He has been drinking and is heavily intoxicated. Mark is coming down the hall and sees him when he comes in and goes to him to help him walk in his staggering condition.

Doug (weakly):
I need help...

Mark (annoyed):
Yeah, I can see that...come on....
(passes by front desk)
Jerry...what's open?

Jerry (looks at board):
Five is open...

Mark (nods):
Thanks...
(tightens his grip on Doug)
Come on, Doug...

Mark carts Doug down the hall with his arm tightly around him. Doug is having trouble staying upright and putting one foot in front of the other and Mark is practically carrying him. He gets into to room five and helps him ease onto the table.

Doug:
So why do you drink so much, Doug...that's what you're thinking!
(Mark gives him a confused look, but, lets him talk)
To forget...that's why!

Mark (softly):
Forget what?

Doug doesn't answer him, just reaches out and takes hold of Mark in a compromising way. Mark is shocked...and surprised...and backs up immediately.

Doug (realizes what he's done):
I'm sorry...I didn't mean that...

Mark (stands back away from him):
It's OK...you don't know what you're doing...

Doug:
You're wrong, you see! I DO know what I'm doing! It's why I drink...to forget about those kind of things!

Mark (pulls up a chair to sit by his table):
What kind of things, Doug? What are you talking about?

Doug:
I never told anybody about this before...

Mark:
You don't have to tell me if you don't want to...

Doug:
I WANT to! I don't want you to think I'm a pervert or anything...

Mark:
I wouldn't think that, anyway...

Doug:
I tell you this, OK? It's in strict confidence...

Mark:
You can trust me, Doug...I don't kiss and tell.
(Mark grins at the joke...Doug ignores it)

Doug:
When I was a kid, I got sent up the river...

Mark (confused):
Up the river?

Doug:
I was 13...I got sent to JDH for a year...I raped a girl...or they said it was rape. I didn't think it was...it just got a little rough, that's all.
(Mark doesn't interrupt, just listens)
...but her Dad, you know...it couldn't be that way so it had to be my fault...

Mark:
You were having sex with girls when you were 13?

Doug:
I was having sex with girls when I was 11! Anyway, they said it was rape and they sent me to JDH for a year...you know what it's like in one of those places?
(Mark shakes his head)
The guards get to have their way with you if they want. And I was a troublemaker...so I got it all the time.

Mark:
Couldn't somebody help you?

Doug (laughs):
Who? Who was going to help? Who was going to care?

Mark:
Your parents, maybe...

Doug (scoffs):
My parents! Right! My Dad ran off while I was in there...I didn't even know anything about it until I got out...haven't seen him since...my Mom...she was too upset to be much good...she would come to see me and just cry until I finally told her not to come back.
(serious tone)
I thought I was going to die in that place.

Mark:
But, you didn't...you made it out.

Doug:
Yeah...and for what? It wrecked my life. It made me so I can't care about anyone or anything. I'll never be right again...

Mark:
Sure you will...just takes time.

Doug:
You gonna turn me in?

Mark:
Turn you in for what?

Doug:
I have a record...

Mark:
Nobody knows that but me and besides...that shouldn't count...you were a minor. Don't worry about it. Your secret is safe with me...

*****End Of Flashback*****

Come back to present with Mark thinking hard on the words 'your secret is safe with me'.

Mark (aloud to no one):
Well, at least it WAS until today...

Cut to the Ross home. Show Scott sitting at a table with a book and Doug comes into the room and sits down at the table with him.

Doug:
Busy?

Scott:
Uh oh...I know that look...that's your 'we have to talk' look.

Doug:
Carol told me what happened today with Veronica...

Scott:
Dad, we weren't doing anything, HONEST!

Doug:
Whether you were actually doing anything yet or not is irrelevant. You were at least thinking about it.
(Scott ducks his head with a nod)
So, let me ask you point blank and I want you to tell me the truth...are you and Veronica sexually active?

Scott (shocked):
DAD!

Doug:
Don't 'Dad' me...are you or aren't you?

Scott:
We aren't!

Doug:
You're sure?

Scott:
I'm sure.

Doug;
Are you thinking about becoming sexually active anytime in the near future?

Scott (shrugs):
I don't know.

Doug:
All right, just listen to me, OK? I can't make that decision for you...that's one you'll have to make on your own. We've had this part of this conversation before. But if you DO make the decision to do this, I don't want you doing it in this house, OK? Tatiana is very young and I don't want to have to start explaining this to her yet.

Scott:
Dad, we're not going to have sex! We were just kissing...

Doug:
Kissing can lead to a lot of things...unless you think you're ready for it, you should be careful.

Scott:
I think you and Mom are getting upset over nothing...

Doug:
Your Mom and I just know that emotions can carry you away and things can happen before you even know it. Sex is a big responsibility...and you shouldn't attempt it until you're old enough to handle it. That's all I'm saying.

Scott:
I understand, Dad.

Doug (pats his shoulder):
OK...as long as we understand each other.

Doug gets up and goes out of the room, meeting Carol as she comes back home in the hallway.

Doug:
So, how did it go with Miss Martin?

Carol:
Money sponsors from the parents are more important to the school than the children. It's not the school that says Tatiana can't play....it's the Parents!
(slams her keys down)
Makes me so mad I could spit!

Doug:
Well, we expected about as much, didn't we?

Carol:
Miss Martin says she can be the team mascot...

Doug:
Well, that wouldn't be too bad...she'd still be part of the team...

Carol:
Well, yeah, but she'd never get to play!

Doug:
Honey, she's eight years old. She probably doesn't care if she plays or not...she just wants to be on the team.

Carol:
Well, I told Miss Martin I'd talk to her about it...if she wants to do it that way, it's OK but it still makes me mad.

Doug (puts his arms around her):
That's because you're a good mother...

Carol:
Well, doesn't it make you mad?

Doug (nods):
Yes it does, but, I already know I can't win if I fight so we just have to accept it.

Carol:
I just feel so bad for her...

Doug:
We have to let her fight her own battles sometimes, Hon.

Their talk is stopped by Marc, who has been crawling around on the floor where they are. He stops when he sees them and reaches out to grab onto something to pull himself up by. He lets go of his support and raises his tiny arms above his head for balance and takes two wobbling, toddling steps towards Doug before he falls on his tush. Doug and Carol are elated.

Carol:
Omigod! Doug! Did you see him!?

Doug (rushes over and scoops Marc up in his arms):
I sure did! He's not even nine months old yet and he's walking?

Carol:
I just KNEW he was going to be intelligent! I could just tell it to look at him!
(she hugs Marc who is babbling baby talk)
I bet he's going to be an athlete...I bet you anything...

Doug (hoists Marc in the air):
Gold Medalist in the Baby Olympics...2000!

Marc laughs gleefully and Doug and Carol bath in the excitement of this event as Act Four Fades to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at the Ross home, interior, night time. Show Doug and Carol mounting the stairs to go up to the second floor and they look in to see Scott heavily involved in a video game in the living room.

Carol:
One more hour, Scotty...OK?

Scott (doesn't take his eyes off the video game):
OK, Mom!

She and Doug go on upstairs and go to Tatiana's room. The little girl is getting ready to jump into bed and is her night gown.

Doug (imitates a story voice):
To bed...to bed I said!

Tatiana giggles and jumps into bed for them to tuck her in. Carol sits on the bed with her and Doug stands beside her.

Carol:
Tatchie, honey, I talked to Miss Martin about rookie ball...

Tatiana:
Oh, it doesn't matter anymore. I don't want to play anyway.

Carol:
Well, she said you could be the team mascot! You'd still be on the team...but you wouldn't get to play.

Tatiana:
If I can't play, why bother?

Carol:
Best I could do, honey. I'm sorry.

Tatiana:
It's OK...I don't want to play now anyway. I want to dance! It's what I really love! Can I take another dance class instead?

Carol (looks up at Doug who nods an approval):
Well, sure, Honey, if that's what you really want.

Tatiana:
I want to take Modern Jazz dancing like Kiesha! Can I? Can I PLEASE?

Carol (smiles):
We'll look into it, OK? Let's get into the new house first and then we'll see...

Tatiana:
OK!

Carol gives her a hug and a kiss and tucks the covers around her. Doug leans down and kisses her too. They go out of the room closing the door behind them.

Carol:
I hope she's OK...

Doug:
She's fine...she LOVES to dance!

Carol:
I just hope she's not too disappointed...

Doug:
I don't think she is...I think she really wants to dance.

Carol:
Well, at least that's something she can do.
(she frowns at the sight of Doug rubbing his temples)
You still have a headache?
(Doug nods)
You never got rid of it?
(Doug shakes his head)
Did you take anything else for it?
(Doug nods his head)
Well, maybe when you go to bed it'll get better.

Doug:
I sure hope so...it's really getting on my nerves.

They go into the nursery to check on Marc. He is standing up in his crib and he laughs when he sees them come in, reaching his hands to them.

Carol:
Oh, no...you've been changed...you've been fed...it is time for BED, Mister!
(she lays him down in his crib but he gets right back up)

Doug (chuckles):
Just leave him alone...he'll go to bed when he gets sleepy.

Carol:
OK...if you say so.

Both of them back out of the room with Marc waving at them when his hand turned backwards and smiling.

They go down to the master bedroom and Doug starts gathering his supplies for this hook up while Carol stretches out on the bed.

Doug:
Something I wanted to tell you about...I called that lawyer back about the hotel...I wanted some advice about what we should do to sell it.

Carol:
And?

Doug (sits on the bed to look her in the eye):
He told me the hotel is a valuable asset. The books are WAY in the black.

Carol:
Yeah? Well, that's GREAT! What does he say about selling it?

Doug:
He says we should retain 51% of the hotel and turn it into a corporation if we don't want to run it ourselves.

Carol:
A corporation? You mean like a partnership?

Doug (nods):
Right, with us retaining ownership control.

Carol:
So, would you want to do it that way?

Doug:
I want to talk to Karen...she's been managing things for a long time...I want to see what she says about all this.

Carol:
That probably would be wise.

Doug:
Peter says if we sell 49% for anything less than 3.5 million dollars, we're fools.

Carol (shocked):
3.5 MILLION? Is he serious?

Doug (nods):
Very serious...

Carol:
Well, what's the hotel worth then? If 49% is worth 3.5 million dollars, what's the whole thing valued at?

Doug (wry smile speaks VERY slowly):
7.2 Million dollars.

Carol (drops her jaw):
Are you serious?

Doug:
I guess Ray finally found something he was good at, huh?

Carol:
You mean, when we sell 49% of that hotel we're going to be millionaires?

Doug:
That's the way it looks right now...

Carol (grabs him around the neck and hugs him, kisses him):
Oh, Doug! I can't believe it!

Focus on both of them laughing excitedly, locked in each other's arms, as Closing Act Fades into Closing Credits of the show.

March 30, 1998