The end of the calm and easy stuff and business side of Doug...now I can go back to beating up on him again!!
Robin
------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------
Author's Text
Continuing the story line of Doug working on taking the Chief of Pediatrics position, this story offers a new twist to that idea (Thanks to Steph (PedsER4884) for that idea).
Tensions begin to climb between Doug and Carol with Carol trying to decide about going back to work and Doug trying to get everything lined up to make his decision as well.
This story is the last in the deciding mode...and the last of the business side of Doug Ross...starting with the next story everything will be in order.
The characters in this story are not mine and no money is made by me for the use of them in this story.
Robin
"ER"
"Always For The Children"
Opening Act
Scene opens at the Greene home. Show Mark Greene sitting at his computer entering things he is picking up from a notebook beside him. Show Nina Pomerantz-Greene come into the room with him and stand behind him to see what he is doing.
Nina (looking over his notes):
A resume?
Mark (nods):
Yeah!
Nina:
You have a private practice and you're looking for a new job?
Mark:
I wasn't looking for one, but, this was a chance I couldn't pass up. Besides, you know
Doug is going back to County anyway, don't you?
Nina:
I didn't think he had decided yet.
Mark (laughs):
Oh, I think he's decided! He just hasn't given County the official word yet! He's waiting
to hear from his backers to see if they will help him build that Pedes wing he wants
before he says anything.
Nina:
So, if he goes back you want to just give up the practice?
Mark (puts last thing in computer and smiles up at her):
I'm hoping to go back with him.
Nina (surprised, delighted):
Doing what?
Mark:
Donald Anspaugh is leaving County...I'm applying for the Chief of Staff position he's
leaving open when he leaves.
Nina (nods, still surprised):
Chief of Staff, huh?
Mark:
Yeah, I have the experience and the know how...I ran the ER for a while before Kerry
Weaver came and took it away from me...I think it's worth a shot.
Nina:
Have you talked to Doug about this?
Mark:
No, I thought I'd see if I'm even in the running for the job and then surprise him with
it.
Nina:
Oh, I think he'll be surprised all right...he'd go back to you being his boss again...
Mark:
You think that would be a problem?
Nina:
I don't know...but it always was before.
Mark:
Well, that was just because Doug was a cowboy before...he's grown up a lot now...
Nina:
Grown up, yes, but, he's still the same Doug he ever was...and he's still going to do
whatever it takes in the best interest of the children who are patients in that
hospital...whether it's within your guidelines or not.
Mark:
Well, I think it'll be OK...
Nina:
And I think you should talk to Doug about it.
Mark:
I will...
(nods)
...when it's time.
Nina just ticks her head and makes an 'O-K' silent gesture with her mouth as she walks away. Mark studies the computer screen to be sure everything is just like he wants it.
Cut to show Carol Ross in a toy store with Tatiana somewhere in a mall.
Tatiana (swinging her hand in Carol's):
I like 'Girls Day', Mama!
Carol (smiles down at her):
I do too...I like us to just have time together.
Tatiana:
Can I ask you for something REALLY special?
Carol:
Hey, it's Girl's Day! You can have anything you want!
Tatiana:
Can I have a poster for my room?
Carol (laughs):
A poster?
Tatiana:
Yeah! Scott and Raoul have sports posters up in their room, can I have a poster too?
Carol (nods):
Well, sure, I don't see why not. What kind of a poster do you want? A ballerina?
Tatiana (starts pulling her with her):
No, here! I'll show you!
(she takes her to a poster display rack and runs through them until she stops at one)
THIS one! I want THIS one!
Carol (looks at poster):
Zac Hanson? You want to put Zac Hanson on your wall?
Tatiana (bouncing excitedly):
Oh, yes, Mama! Please??
Carol (stoops down to check the bin):
OK...let's see if they've got one...
(rummages through until she finds it)
Ah, here it is! OK! If you're sure...
Tatiana (smiles happily):
I'm sure! Oh, Thank you, Mama! Thank You!
Carol (laughs):
You're welcome, I'm sure...
As they head for the counter to pay for the poster Carol shakes her head and silently mouths 'Hanson?' as they go.
Cut to the Ross home. Show Doug Ross coming through the house in his cut off jean shorts and a t-shirt with paint all over it, carrying a squalling Josh and being followed by a bawling toddling Marc as he hurries to answer the ringing phone.
Doug (picks up receiver, bounces Josh trying to quiet him down):
Ross Residence, this is Dr. Ross!
Abby Keaton is on the other end. Split screen to show both sides of the conversation.
Abby:
Doug, this is Abby Keaton...
(smiles and pauses as she hears the children crying)
Is this a bad time?
Doug (chuckles):
Carol is at the mall with Tatchie for Girls Day, it's the Nanny's day off, and I'm here
alone with 4 babies...yeah! I'd say this might be a bad time! How are you, Abby?
Abby:
I'm fine, Doug, thanks. I got a message here that you wanted to talk to me?
Doug (nods):
Yeah! I do! Can you come to Chicago? Will your schedule allow that? I'll pay for the
trip...
Abby:
You don't need to do that, I can handle it. Sure, I'd love to talk to you...can you give
me a hint what this is about?
Doug:
It's about a Pedes ER unit for County Hospital...I'd love for you to get involved.
Abby: Well, I'd really like to hear more about it. I can be in Chicago...
(looks at her schedule)
...day after tomorrow? Is that too late?
Doug (bounces Josh, reaches down and pats Marc on the back, Marc is clinging to his leg and crying): No, that should be great! I'll see you then!
Abby (smiles):
Yes, Doug, I'll see you then. And good luck with those kids...
Doug (chuckles):
Thanks...I'm gonna need it.
Doug hangs up the phone and puts Josh up on his shoulder. He reaches down and scoops Marc up into his other arm. Both boys are crying loudly and tearfully.
Doug (as he goes back through the house with them):
You know, Guys, crying really doesn't help...if I thought it did, I'd be joining you by
now...
He carries the babies on through the house with them still crying as Opening Act Fades into Opening Credits of the show.
Act One
Scene opens still at the Ross home. Show Doug coming through the house with Marc in his arms...he no longer has Josh. Marc is still crying but not as violently as before. Audio plays a ringing doorbell and Doug is heading to open the door.
Doug (grumbling as he goes):
I swear, Carol leaves for ONE hour and all hell breaks loose...
(pats his son on the back)
Marc, you are all right now, you can turn off the water works...
He gets to the doors and rips it open to find a uniformed mailman standing on the other side.
Mailman:
Registered letter for Dr. Douglas Ross?
Doug (nods):
That's me.
Mailman (hands Doug a clipboard and a pen):
Sign on line four, please...
Doug (signs the sheet and is handed the letter):
Thanks.
Doug bounces Marc gently and carries him back into the house. He takes him to the sofa and sits him down on his lap. Marc has a red welt on his forehead and Doug looks at it carefully.
Doug (looks at welt):
You've got a pretty nasty bump, there, Pal. You gotta be more careful running after
Scrubs...
(kisses his bump gently and pulls Marc back against him)
Let's see what we got, here, OK?
(rips open the letter and a check falls out)
What's this?
(Looks at it and smiles, reads over letter)
"Dear Dr. Ross, please count the Carter Foundation in on your project and accept my
ground breaking offering"
(looks at check and nods)
Very generous of you, Mrs. Carter...
(nods and smiles)
Very generous, indeed.
(toys check at Marc)
Hey, Marcus...look what we got...
Cut to show time lapse. Show Carol home now and working in the kitchen when she is alerted by Tatiana.
Tatiana (shouting and running through the house): Papa's home!
Carol smiles and dries her hands on a towel to go through the house and greet Doug. She goes out the door and down the driveway with him to help him get four babies out of the van.
Carol:
Exactly what was so important that you had to go out and take all these kids with you?
Doug (smiles, hands her Tina):
I had to get to the bank before it closed!
(Lifts out Josh and Lana and carries them with him...Marc toddles along beside him)
I got a check from Mrs. Carter for the Pedes wing...
Carol (delighted):
Oh, Doug! That's Great!
Doug (as they head up the walk):
Yeah, we're off the ground at least...I'm still waiting to hear from Clark. I got a call
from Abby Keaton today, too... things are starting to roll...
Carol (smiles):
You sound excited...
Doug (nods):
Yeah, I guess I do! And I am...
Carol:
But you haven't even told County you'd accept the position yet...
Doug:
I know...I have time for that...I have a couple of people I need to talk to tomorrow, and
then Abby will be here the next day. I should know what to tell County by the end of the
week.
Carol (as Doug follows her into the nursery):
Did you have any trouble with the kids while I was gone?
Doug:
Marc was chasing Scrubs and fell and bonked his head...and Josh took another one of those
crying fits of his, but the girls were good! What time are the boys supposed to be home?
Carol:
Six I think...I hope they both make the team...
Doug (chuckles):
I guess we'll be going to baseball games, huh?
Carol:
Something I wanted to tell you about…your daughter has her first crush...on an older
man!
Doug:
Crush? Tatchie?
(Carol nods)
Well, I guess it had to happen sooner or later...an older man? How much older?
Carol:
I think he's 12...
Doug (chuckles):
12? Scotty is 12! Do I know this kid?
Carol:
Oh, he's not a local boy...he's famous...
Doug:
Famous? Oh no...don't tell me...
Carol (nods, grins):
Zac Hanson. I bought her a poster and we put it up in her room...she hasn't come out of it
since.
Doug (chuckles, shakes his head):
Oh, boy! Here we go...
Carol:
Yep...your little girl is growing up, Doug!
Cut to show time lapse. Doug is lounging on the deck, drinking beer and watching Tatiana play with Marc and Scrubs in the back yard when Carol alerts him quickly.
Carol (calling from inside the house):
Doug! Come here! Quick!
Doug (as he jumps up):
Tatchie, you guys stay in the yard, OK?
Tatiana (calls back):
Ok, Papa!
Doug runs into the house. Carol is standing in the hallway outside Scott and Raoul's room. Raoul is inside the room, sitting in the floor, banging his head against the wall and repeating 'stupid, stupid, stupid' over and over again.
Doug:
What happened?
Carol (shakes her head):
I don't know! He came home like that...
Doug (heading into the room)
Where's Scott?
Carol:
I don't know...he wasn't with him...
Doug goes into the room with Raoul and sits in the floor with him, pulling him away from the wall and pinning his arms to his side by holding onto him and rocking him.
Doug (softly):
Raoul? Hey, Buddy, take it easy...I love you...
(rocks him and kisses his head, Raoul keeps repeating 'stupid, stupid, stupid' still in
Doug's arms)
No, you're not stupid...take it easy, Buddy...I love you...
(kisses his head)
I love you...
(Raoul stops babbling but continues to rock in Doug's arms)
Talk to me, Buddy...tell me what happened...
Raoul (sobbing):
I'm stupid!
Doug (kisses his head but doesn't turn him loose):
No, you're not stupid...now just calm down, and tell me what happened, OK? I can't help if
I don't know what's wrong.
Raoul (sniffling):
I'm stupid!
Doug:
You are NOT stupid! And I don't want to hear you say that again! Now, just tell me what
happened, OK?
Raoul:
He told me I'm stupid...
Doug:
Who told you you're stupid?
Raoul:
Father Thomas.
Doug:
Why did he tell you that?
Raoul:
I couldn't hit the ball...only a stupid boy can't hit a ball...
Doug (kisses his head, rocks him, glares at Carol standing in the doorway...Carol
returns his look):
Well, that's not true. Hitting a ball is not important. And you are NOT stupid...and I
love you very much...
Raoul (looks up at Doug suddenly):
Am I going away?
Doug (surprised):
Going away? No! You're not going anywhere, why?
Raoul:
Because Father Thomas says I'm just a temporary here...that sooner or later I'll have to
go back where I belong.
Doug (eyes showing his temper is boiling but stays calm):
Well, Father Thomas doesn't know what he's talking about. You're not going anywhere!
You're staying right here...
(kisses his head and rocks him)
Nobody is going anywhere, OK?
Raoul (sniffling):
OK.
Doug (smiles down at him):
You gonna be OK now?
Raoul (nods):
Yeah.
Doug:
I'm sorry you didn't make the team.
Raoul:
It's OK...as long as I'm still on your team.
Doug (hugs him tight):
You are always going to be on my team, Buddy!
Raoul:
I'm OK now.
Doug kisses his head and pats his back, releasing his arms and getting up out of the floor. Raoul gets up out of the floor and goes over to watch his pet mice playing in their cage. Doug goes out in the hallway and he and Carol go through the house together.
Doug (grumbling):
Son of a bitch! I wonder if I'll go to hell for punching out a Priest...
Carol:
Why would he put so much emphasis on hitting a stupid baseball?
Doug:
I don't know...but you can bet I'm going to find out...
Cut to show Scott coming in the front door, dressed for baseball, and carrying a bat and glove. He slams the door and throws his bat and glove on the floor in the living room.
Doug (as he and Carol start towards Scott):
NOW what?
(goes into the living room to see Scott take off his hat and throw it in the floor as
well)
What's wrong, Scotty?
Scott (angry):
Is Raoul home yet?
Doug:
Yeah, he's in his room, why?
Scott:
Is he OK?
Doug:
He was a little bit upset, but, I got him calmed down...
Scott:
I quit the team. I'm not playing for a hypocrite!
Doug:
What happened?
Scott:
He said Raoul didn't make the team, but kids who couldn't catch or run made his stupid
team! He just doesn't like Raoul...
Doug:
Do you know why?
Scott (slumps on the sofa):
He calls him a misfit...says he doesn't 'belong' anyplace! Is it true that somebody can
come and take him out of here at anytime?
Doug:
Is that what he told you?
Scott:
That's what he said...he said Raoul is a ward of the state and doesn't 'belong' to
anybody! Is that true?
Doug (nods sadly):
Yeah, Son...that's true.
Scott:
Well, I'm sorry, Dad, but that sucks!
Doug (sits on the sofa with him):
It's just the way things are, Scott...but nobody is going to take him away...he can live
here as long as he wants to.
Scott:
Or until his mother decides she wants him back...
Doug:
Well, I don't think anything like that is going to happen...
Scott (gives him a look):
But, you don't KNOW do you?
Doug (sighs):
No, son...I don't.
Scott:
You'll fight for kids that come into your clinic but you won't fight for one that lives in
your own house?
(scoffs)
That's really good, Dad!
Scott picks up his stuff and stalks out of the room. Carol slips onto the sofa beside Doug.
Doug (sighs):
I guess he told me, didn't he?
Carol:
He's right, you know...I've been thinking a lot about that, too. I really think it's time
to start adoption proceedings...
(looks at him)
Don't you?
Doug:
There's a lot of paperwork involved in that...
Carol:
I don't care about that...I just care about that little boy...and nobody is taking him out
of this house! I want us to make sure of that.
Doug (looks at her and grins slightly):
You're really serious?
Carol (nods):
I'll call Beverly myself.
Doug (nods):
OK...you call Beverly...and we'll start adoption proceedings...
(kisses her lightly)
Are you real sure about this?
Carol:
I'm sure...I love that little boy, Doug...just like all the other kids in this house...and
I want him to have every opportunity available to him...and I want us to give it to him...
Doug (pulls her into his arms and kisses her):
I love you...do you know that?
Carol (grins):
Why? Because I'm giving you what you wanted with him all along?
Doug (grins):
You knew that, didn't you?
Carol:
I knew your plan from the start...why do you think I went along with everything?
Doug:
But it has to be what you want, too...
Carol:
Do you think that if it wasn't what I wanted too that we'd be this far now?
Doug just chuckles and pulls her to him as Act One Fades to Black.
Act Two
Scene opens at the Family Center. Mark and Doug are there going through files...not actually working. They are sitting at the front counter, their feet on the desk, pitching things in front of them as they sort through it.
Doug (nonchalantly, out of no where):
Tatiana has a crush on Zac Hanson...
Mark (chuckles):
Welcome to the real world, Pal...Emma and Rachel both like Hanson, too.
(Doug chuckles)
You know the group is coming to Chicago, don't you?
Doug:
Nope! Didn't know a thing about it! When does this take place?
Mark:
In about two weeks. Been sold out forever...I was gonna take Rachel and Emma but I
couldn't get any tickets.
Doug (chuckles):
I hope they don't tell Tatchie!
Mark (clears his throat):
Something I wanted to talk to you about...
(Doug stops working and gives him his attention)
Do you know anything about Don Anspaugh leaving County?
Doug (shrugs):
I heard something about it but I didn't check it out...why?
Mark:
Because I applied for the position.
Doug (amused):
Of Chief of Staff? At County?
(Mark nods)
Well, I'd think you certainly should! You have the experience...and the knowledge...better
you than Kerry Weaver...
Mark:
Yeah, but, if I get this position, which I don't even know yet if I would even be
considered, I'd be your boss again.
Doug (shrugs):
You've been my boss for years, Mark...that's not a problem.
Mark:
I'm glad to hear you feel that way...
Doug:
What would we do with this place?
Mark:
Well, you paid off the lease when you got all that money, so it's ours for the next three
years at least. I thought we could keep it that long and Nina could use it to expand her
practice...
Doug (nods):
Yeah, that would work...
Mark:
Unless you want to keep it as a private practice and refer pedes patients here...
Doug:
You won't be practicing medicine anymore? Even Anspaugh still does surgery!
Mark:
Yeah, I'll still be practicing...but only at the hospital...I won't be referring people
out to here.
Doug (shrugs):
I doubt I will either...I'll be too busy, I'm sure.
Mark:
So, you're pretty sure you're taking this position?
Doug:
I got a check this morning from the Carter Foundation for 2.5 million dollars...if Clark
matches that and I match it, they have more than they need to build that wing...and that
means I'm in.
Mark:
I think you can do good things with that program...
Doug (grins, coaxes him):
But?
Mark:
Well, I just worry about hospital policies, I guess.
Doug (chuckles):
Don't you think you should get the Chief of Staff position before you start worrying about
me breaking hospital policies? It isn't your headache yet...
Mark (nods):
No, but it might become my headache...that's what worries me...
Doug:
You should have thought of that before you applied for the position...
Mark (chuckles):
Maybe I just don't want anybody else keeping you in line.
The are interrupted by someone pecking at the office door. Doug reaches over and flips on the intercom at the desk.
Doug:
We're closed.
Carter:
It's John Carter...I wanted to talk to you, Dr. Ross.
Doug (hits electronic lock release):
Come on in, Carter...
Carter comes in and stops at the desk. He smiles at the sight of Mark and Doug, both in jeans and t-shirts, with their feet on the desk, pitching charts in front of them as they sign them.
Carter (grins):
And you want to give up this kind of life to come back to the hospital?
Doug (grins):
Well, you know, Carter, some guys are just a glutton for punishment!
Carter:
Gamma told me she sent you a check.
Doug:
Yes, a very generous one...I've already sent your Grandmother my thanks. I'm two thirds of
the way there...just waiting for the last backer to get back to me.
Carter:
Well, I've given our conversation a lot of thought...and I wanted to let you know I've
made my decision.
Doug:
And that decision would be?
Carter (nods):
I'm in. I'd like to make Pedes my specialty...working with children is something I really
enjoy and I'd love to be into this project from the ground up.
Doug (reaches his hand to shake):
Glad to have you on my team, Dr. Carter! I think you're making a wise decision, John...I
won't let you down.
Carter (smiles):
I don't think you will, either.
(pause)
So when does all this start to happen?
Doug:
Well, I have an appointment tomorrow with a surgeon I want to bring in...my backer I'm
waiting to hear from should be back in touch with me either today or tomorrow...I should
have my word for the hospital by the end of the week.
Carter:
Well, Dr. Anspaugh is leaving, so, I'll wait until they name a new Chief of Staff to give
them my transfer request. I hope there's room in the budget for me...
Doug:
No problem, John...you'll fit in...
Carter (nods):
OK, well, that's all I wanted...I called your house and one of the kids told me you were
here...
Mark (chuckles):
One of the kids...you've got so many kids at that house you'd never have a chance to miss
a message!
Doug:
Don't kid yourself...OK, Carter! Thanks! I'll be getting in touch with you the closer it
gets to time
Carter nods and turns to leave, Doug opens the electronic lock for him and he disappears out the door.
Mark:
Carter was a good choice...I didn't know you had talked to him.
Doug (nods):
He's good with kids and he has the kind of bedside manner I need in Pedes.
Mark:
So, who's this surgeon you want to bring in?
Doug:
Abby Keaton...
Mark (whistles, shakes his head):
Only the best this side of the country! You think you can afford her?
Doug:
I don't know...but I'm going to take a chance at finding out.
(pause)
So, how are things at your house? We really haven't had much of a chance to talk since
Rachel moved in...
Mark:
Things are going pretty well...we have conflicts and problems, but, all parents have
that...
Doug (chuckles):
Amen to that...
Mark:
But on the whole, things are going pretty well. She and Emma get along great. And I think
everything is working out really well.
Doug:
What about Jennifer?
Mark:
She's not giving up...that's for sure...not that I would expect her to...I just hope
Rachel doesn't get put in the middle too much.
Doug:
Well, she told a judge she wanted to live with you...that should carry some kind of clout.
Mark (sighs):
I hope so...
Cut to show Carol going into Beverly Watters' office at Social Services. She sits in a chair across from Beverly's desk. Beverly has a folder in front of her and smiles across at her.
Beverly:
OK, Carol...what can I do for you? Are you having problems?
Carol (shakes her head):
No, just the opposite...we want to petition to adopt Raoul.
Beverly:
I thought Doug was pretty adamant that he didn't want to do that?
Carol (shrugs):
He changed his mind.
Beverly (smiles):
Well, I'd love to set up an appointment to talk to both of you...Raoul is a ward of the
State...his biological mother has signed over all parental rights to him...adopting him
shouldn't be a complicated procedure for the two of you at all. I will file the
preliminary papers for you and get things started and then to two of you can come in and
sign things when it's time for you to.
Carol (nods, smiles):
How long do you think this will take?
Beverly (shakes her head):
Shouldn't take long at all...we'll get the ball rolling and by the time Doug is Chief of
Pediatrics at County, Raoul should be a Ross.
Carol (grins):
Doug hasn't said for sure he's taking that position yet, you know...
Beverly (smiles):
He's taking it...we both know he's taking it...and he knows he's taking it...County is the
only one that doesn't know yet.
Carol laughs and nods her head.
Cut to show time lapse. Carol is coming into the Ross home to find Doug walking the floor with Joshua, who is bawling his lungs out. As soon as Carol is in the door, he turns on her quickly.
Doug (demanding):
Where the HELL have YOU been?
Carol (taken aback):
I went to Beverly Watters' office...
Doug:
I thought you said you were going to call her?
Carol:
Well, I thought this procedure might be better started in person...
(goes to him and touches Josh on the back)
What's wrong with him?
Doug:
He's got a stomach ache...I came home and your Mom had him, walking the floor with
him...you knew he wasn't feeling well, Carol, don't you think you could have stayed home
with him?
Carol (agitated):
Doug, it was perfectly fine to leave him with my Mother for a little while...
Doug (defensively):
Not when he's sick! When he's sick one of his parents should take care of him!
Carol:
So, what are we gonna do with him when I go back to work and he's sick Doug? Take him with
me? Or do you want to take him to the hospital with you?
Doug:
I thought you weren't going back to work?
Carol:
I got the nod from Mrs. Carter for the Administration position with the clinic...I'll be
working two days a week...
Doug:
Why didn't you tell me about this?
Carol:
We discussed it, Doug...you just didn't listen...
Doug:
I listened...I heard the words 'think about it'...not 'I'm gonna do it'...
Carol (shrugs):
So, I made up my mind...
Doug:
But you didn't bother to tell ME about it, huh?
Carol:
I was going to tell you...
Doug:
When? On your way out the door for your first day?
Carol:
Doug, you're being unreasonable right now...give me the baby and you go cool off...
Doug (turns away from her with Josh):
I can take care of my son myself...
Carol (angry now):
Fine, Doug...you do whatever you want...
Doug (as she goes out of the room):
Yeah, like YOU do.
Carol ignores him and goes on off through the house. She goes into the master bedroom and slams the door, letting out a vent scream of anger as she does.
Cut back to Doug, rocking the baby and shaking his head.
Doug (mumbles aloud to himself):
Real good, Doug...you handled that SO well...
He puts the crying baby on his shoulder and goes back through the house as Act Two Fades to Black.
Act Three
Scene opens at County Hospital. Show Kerry Weaver coming down the hall with Donald Anspaugh and he is going through a folder of mail as he walks.
Kerry:
Have you heard anymore from Doug Ross about the Pediatrics position?
Anspaugh:
No, I haven't heard anything from him yet, but, he is working on getting funding for the
wing so it may be a while before he gives us a decision.
Kerry:
Don, do you really think it's a good idea to have Doug Ross in charge after some of the
problems we had while he was on staff here? I mean, I really don't think the hospital
needs those kind of problems...
Anspaugh:
Well, Kerry, they won't be my problems anymore anyway.
Kerry (confused):
Excuse me?
Anspaugh:
I'm leaving, Kerry. My resignation is effective as soon as they find a replacement for me.
Kerry (surprised):
Leaving? Leaving County?
Anspaugh:
Leaving Chicago. I'm taking my wife and we're going to travel for a while. This whole
thing with Scott took a lot out of us and we've never taken time to recover from it. So,
now we are.
Kerry:
Could I apply for the position?
Anspaugh (smiles):
Of course you could...and you'd be a good candidate. I wish you well with the attempt.
Kerry:
Getting back to Doug Ross...
Anspaugh:
Kerry, I know that you had problems with Doug Ross' methods of operation when he was on
staff here before. And I know that there were a lot of times he was totally in the wrong.
But he is always there for his patients. This Pediatrics wing he wants for this hospital
would make it the top Children's care facility in this area...in the midwest even...and
I'm afraid that no matter what methods he uses, I can't fault a Pediatrician who is always
there for the children.
Kerry:
But, Don, he's wild and he causes so many problems...
Anspaugh (nods):
And he pays the penalties for that, but, it doesn't erase the fact that parents still ask
for him because he is willing to go out on a limb for their child...every parent wants
that. The care he gave Scotty while he was sick is something I'll remember forever. He
never treated Scotty like a "case number"...always like a person. I appreciated
that. Whatever problems you have working with Doug Ross, I suggest you try and work them
out...and for his sake, I hope you are never Chief of Staff.
Anspaugh turns sharply and walks away, leaving Kerry in the hallway with a dumbfounded expression.
Cut back to the Ross home. Doug carries a still screaming Josh into the master bedroom where Carol is working off her frustration over their argument by folding clothes.
Doug:
Carol...we need to talk.
(Carol ignores him and keeps folding clothes)
Carol...
(he winces against Josh screaming in his ear and lifts the baby to her)
Well you at least take him and see if you can shut him up for ten seconds?
Carol (takes baby, puts him on her shoulder and starts patting him):
What’s wrong with him, Doug? Why does he just cry all the time?
(her voice is quiet now, and concerned for her child)
Doug (sits on the bed with her and pats Josh as well):
Nothing agrees with him except breast milk. I wonder if we shouldn't just start him on
cereal. He's almost five months old...Marc was eating cereal by the time he was this
age...
Carol:
I'm starting to get concerned that maybe he has a stomach disorder or something...
Doug:
Maybe you should take him and have that checked out...
Carol (nods):
Maybe I should...
(pause)
Doug, I'm so confused right now. I want to work because I miss the contact with people,
but I don't want to leave the kids, either. I don't know what to do.
Doug:
I thought you had already made your decision about this?
Carol (frowns):
Well, it's not written in stone or anything. I can still change my mind. I'd only being
going into the clinic twice a week, and yet, that seems like a lot of time away from the
kids.
Doug:
Amy would be here with them...they'd be OK...
Carol:
I know, but, school's going to be out soon and there's so many things we can all do
together...be my husband for once, Doug...
(looks him in the eye)
...tell me what to do.
Doug (smiles, shakes his head):
I can't do that, Hon. If I tell you what to do, you can hold that over me later and it
will just cause problem between us. It would always be "well you told me to" and
I don't want that hanging over our marriage. You're a smart lady...
(kisses her forehead)
...you'll figure out what's the right thing to do.
(pats Josh who is still crying)
Right now, I think you might try feeding him and see if that helps his stomach ache any...
Doug goes on out of the room and Carol cradles Josh in her arms. She looks lovingly down at the baby, kicking his feet and batting his arms and crying so hard he is red in the face.
Carol (opening her blouse):
What do you think I should do, Josh?
(the baby latches onto her breast and begins nursing quickly)
Yeah...
(smiles and runs her fingers over her peach fuzz of hair on his head)
...that's what I thought you'd say.
(she reaches over and picks up the phone and dials a number)
Mrs. Carter? It's Carol Ross...about that position we talked about for the clinic...
Cut to show time lapse. Show Doug in a conference room at County Hospital with John Carter, Anna Del Amico, and Max Rocher.
Doug (smiles as he folds his hands on the desk):
Thank you all for coming...I wanted to talk to all of you in preparation for something
that is most likely going to be coming and I'd like all of you to be a part of it. Max,
you especially.
Max (leans back, smiles):
This sounds serious.
Doug:
I have been offered the position of Chief of Pediatrics here at County...Neil Bernstien is
leaving at the end of the fiscal year, which is coming up soon...
Anna (delighted):
Doug, that's great! Congratulations!
Doug (nods, smiles):
Thank you. Now, part of the agreement for me to take this position, which I have not yet
accepted, is that this hospital will build a Pediatric wing for the ER...
Max (delighted):
Good for you!
Doug:
The hospital has agreed to my plans and proposal if I can get the funding for it, which
I'm working on as we speak. I would like to retain all of you for the start of my staff
and if you agree, to ask you for your recommendations for other Pedes doctors who might
want to come into this project.
Anna:
I don't understand...we're already on staff here...at least John and I are...
Doug (nods):
Yes, you are...but I want to take you out of ER medicine and put you exclusively in Pedes
ER Medicine.
Anna:
You mean, I'd only be working Pedes cases?
Doug:
No, you would still be working ER medicine just like you have been, but, when a Pedes case
comes in and you were on call, you would be pulled off what you were working on and sent
to Pedes while another ER resident took over your case.
Anna:
I wouldn't have a problem with that.
Doug:
The idea is to have someone from Pedes on call at all times in the ER so that children get
the best care available to them.
Max:
Where do I come in? I'm not on staff here?
Doug:
That's what I'd like to change. I'd like you to come on staff here. I'd like you to be my
Chief of ER-Pedes. I need someone with your know how to help me run things. And I'd be
honored to work along side with someone who cares as much about children as I've seen you
do.
Max (flattered):
I'll certainly consider it...and I'd love to read your proposal...
Doug:
That's all I'm asking...and I have copies of the proposal for each other you.
(passes them out)
I have an appointment with one more person I'm hoping to involve tomorrow...she's a
surgeon...a Pedes Surgeon...and one of the top ones in the country...
Max (smiles, looks up from the proposal):
Abby Keaton?
Doug (nods):
You know her...
Max:
Know her? I worked along side her at CHOP for a while until Pittsburgh lured her away!
Carter:
I worked with Abby in surgery here...she has a lot of passion for children.
Doug (nods):
Yes, she does. And I don't know that we can get her here but I'm sure going to try.
Max:
Well, I wish you well with that...and I'd like to hear the outcome of this meeting you're
having tomorrow.
Doug:
I'll be keeping all of you informed. All I'm asking right now is that you read this
proposal and give it some thought and consider becoming a part of my team, because I want
the best...and that's why I've asked all of you first.
Anna (looks at Carter):
What are you doing here, John? You're not in Pedes...
Carter (smiles):
I will be if this project goes through...I still have time to pick a specialty and I'd
love to dedicate my work to helping children...
Doug:
That's why I picked all of you...because you are always for the children in everything you
do. I need people who truly care about Pedes working with kids.
Max (looks over proposal):
You have some good ideas here, Doug...some very good ideas...I'd love for us to discuss
them in more detail...
Doug (nods):
Anytime, Max...just give me a call.
The meeting breaks up and all the doctors go out the door conversing with each other excitedly.
Cut to the Ross home. Show Doug coming in the door and the house is very quiet. He starts through the hallway to the bedroom level and Carol grabs him as he passes by the master bedroom and reels him into the room with her, pinning him quickly to the wall.
Carol (slithers up the front of him):
I wanted you to know how sorry I am about our little fight.
Doug (slowly...carefully):
OK...
Carol:
I hate fighting with you, Doug...it makes me feel so rotten inside...
Doug (smiles):
Yeah, but, we have to fight sometimes because it's so much fun to make up!
Carol (grins devilishly):
Yeah...let's make up right now...
Doug:
Where are the kids?
Carol:
The babies are sleeping and my Mama has the big kids...even Marc...
Doug (grins):
So, we're all alone?
Carol (nods):
Uh huh...
Doug:
And Josh isn't crying?
Carol:
Not right now...
Doug kisses her sweetly, then he scoops her up in his arms and carries her over to the bed, laying her down on it gently and easing his body carefully over hers. Carol giggles and pulls him down to her as Act Three Fades to Black.
Act Four
Scene opens at a breakfast shop where Anna and Max are having coffee and donuts. They are sitting on a stool at the counter side by side.
Anna:
What did you think of Doug's proposal?
Max:
I think it's excellent! And well thought out. He has some great ideas and I sincerely hope
he gets the nod of approval to put them through.
Anna:
It would do a lot for County, wouldn't it?
Max:
It would make County the top Children's hospital in the midwest...it has a level one
trauma unit and his proposal enhances that. If Abby Keaton comes on for surgery coupled
with the care County already offers, it would put this hospital on the map.
Anna:
I guess funding is going to be his big problem...
Max (shakes his head):
If a guy like Doug has these kind of dreams and ideas, I imagine he has a way to reach
them or he wouldn't even be dreaming.
Anna (looks at him):
So, are you going to stay? Are you going to accept his position?
Max (smiles at her):
Do you want me to?
Anna (shakes her head):
It's not about what I want, Max. It's about you and what you want.
Max (ticks his head):
This is an excellent project. And Doug's offer to me is a great opportunity. I think I
could be persuaded to stay...if the staff doesn't oppose that idea.
(puts his arm around Anna)
Anna (sighs, smiles, puts her head on his shoulder):
I know one person that wants you to stay...
Max (kisses her head):
Then that's all I need...
Cut to the Ross home. Carol is opening the door to silence the door bell and finds Clark Adams standing on the other side.
Carol (surprised):
Clark!?
Clark (smiles):
Hello, Carol. I'm sorry to bother you at home but I'm going out of town for a few weeks
and I wondered if I could speak with Doug before I leave? Is he home?
Carol (opens door):
Sure, come on in.
(as she leads him to the living room)
He's getting ready to leave for an appointment...
Clark:
Well, this will only take a minute.
Show Doug coming into the room and he stops short to see Clark waiting for him.
Doug (surprised):
Clark! I wasn't expecting you!
Clark:
I know...I'm leaving town for a few weeks and I just wanted to drop this off to you before
I left...
(holds up a check)
I trust this will be sufficient.
Doug (looks at check, surprised look):
Clark, are you sure? That's twice as much as I needed...
(shows check to Carol, who is also surprised at the numbers)
Clark (smiles):
Well, good! Then, you're in business, aren't you?
Doug (still surprised):
Clark, I was planning on matching a smaller offer so that the three of us in this project
were equals in the financing of it...
Clark (shrugs):
I know...I had a meeting with Mrs. Carter myself about this. We agreed that it would be
best if you saved your money for your family and invested your knowledge into this project
instead.
Doug (still recovering from shock):
You mean the two of you decided to finance this whole thing?
Clark:
It's for charity, Doug. There's nothing we like better than giving out money to worthwhile
causes...and this one surely is...
Doug:
Yes, but, Clark, five million dollars?
Clark:
For the Children, Doug...nothing can ever be enough for the children.
Doug:
I don't know what to say!
Clark:
Say thanks.
(reaches his hand to shake and Doug shakes hands with him)
Doug (nods):
Thanks...
Clark:
You have your wing financed...may I be the first to congratulate you on your new
position...
Doug:
Thanks, Clark...I really appreciate this...
Clark (nods):
I'll show myself out...good luck.
He turns and starts out of the house. As soon as he is out the door, Carol turns to Doug with a huge smile.
Carol:
I'm going to be married to the Chief of Pediatrics of County Hospital?
Doug (staring blankly at the check):
Kind of looks that way right now, doesn't it?
Carol (pats him on the back):
You better hurry or you'll be late for your lunch date with Abby Keaton...
Doug (nods):
Yeah...I'll just stop by the bank on the way...
Carol (as he starts away):
Good luck!
Cut to show Doug having lunch in a nice Chicago restaurant with Abby Keaton. Abby is
eating salad and looking over his proposal.
Abby:
All of this looks excellent, Doug. Did you do all this yourself?
Doug (nods):
Yes, these are all my own ideas based on my observations when I was on staff at County.
Abby:
I would never have taken you for such a shrewd business man.
Doug (shakes his head):
I wouldn't have either.
(chuckles)
And you say you have the funding for this? This is a sure thing?
Doug (nods):
Yes, I got the final funds just this morning. All I have to do now is accept the position
and pick my staff.
Abby:
Where do I fit in?
Doug:
I'd like you to head up the Pedes surgery unit. You are absolutely the best Pedes Surgeon
I know. You can pick your staff or pick from the County surgeons available...
Abby:
Elizabeth Corday is at County now, isn't she?
Doug (nods):
Yes, she is.
Abby:
I would surely want her...she's wonderful...
Doug:
I'll leave the recruiting to you...but I would almost assuredly approve anyone you
recommended.
Abby:
What about John Carter? Is he still on staff there?
Doug:
Yes, but, he transferred to ER Medicine some time ago. He's no longer in surgery. But he
is going to specialize in Pedes and he will be involved in the ER part of this program.
Abby:
It's a shame he's no longer in surgery...he's a very skilled surgeon. But it's good he'll
be involved in this program because John is very good with children.
Doug (nods):
Yes, he is. And I'm proud to have him come into this program. I think he can really shine
there.
Abby:
This proposal is wonderful. Of course, I'd have to resign at Pittsburgh and it would take
some time before I could come...
Doug:
I don't even take over for another two months...
Abby (nods):
Then that's plenty of time for me to get things set up...
Doug (surprised):
You'll come?
Abby (nods):
Absolutely...
Doug:
But, we haven't even discussed salary yet...
Abby:
Whatever you can afford to pay me, I'll accept. I can't turn down a chance to be in a
ground up program like this. I'm in.
Doug smiles and chuckles as they leave business aside to enjoy lunch.
Cut to show time lapse. Show Abby Keaton going into the ER at County and she sees John Carter working at the desk. She strolls up to him casually and stops in front of him.
Abby:
Hello, Dr. Carter...
Carter (looks up):
Abby!
(smiles)
It's good to see you!
Abby (smiles):
It's good to see you, too. I understand you're naming a specialty?
Carter (nods) :
Yeah, I'm going to work with Dr. Ross.
Abby:
Then you best be putting in your transfer...
Carter (smiles):
You're coming back?
Abby (smiles):
And I hope I'm coming back to more than just the hospital (touches his hand)
I've really missed you, John.
Cut to the Ross home. Show Doug getting out of his business clothes and into his jeans in the bedroom when Carol come in and sits on the bed with him.
Carol:
How'd it go with Abby Keaton?
Doug (smiles, nods):
She's in.
Carol:
Max Rocher called...he said he and Anna are in, too.
Doug:
Then I have everybody I need to start with...I guess I better be calling Anspaugh...
Carol:
I wanted to talk to you, too...about the clinic...
Doug:
Did you decide what to do about that?
Carol:
Yeah...I'm going to administrate it, but I'm going to name somebody to oversee it for me
and report everything going on to me. I'll study the books, and I'll do it from here like
I did for you and Mark when I did it for the center...that way I can work, but still be
here for the kids.
Doug (nods):
If that's what you want to do...
Carol (nods):
That's what I want to do.
Doug (smiles):
Then, that's your decision...
(kisses her sweetly)
...and I support you 100%.
Carol (gives him a knowing look):
Something on your mind?
Doug (shrugs):
Just thinking about all this.
Carol:
Scared?
Doug (nods):
Scared...nervous...excited...I've got a good team to start out with, though. If anything
happens that I can't see all this through, I have people who will.
Carol:
What do you mean, 'if you can't see it through'? Why wouldn't you see it through?
Doug:
My physical condition is good right now, but, it could change at any time...I worry about
that sometimes...
Carol (wraps her arms around him and lays her head against him):
You'll be fine...
Doug:
I'll go back to training medical students...
Carol:
You'll be Chief of Pediatrics...
Doug:
I'll go back to working nights sometimes...
Carol:
You'll be Chief of Pediatrics...
Doug:
I'll go back to battling with Kerry Weaver all the time...
Carol (looks at him, takes his face in her hands):
You'll be Chief of Pediatrics...
Doug (smiles, kisses her):
Yeah...
Carol (kisses him):
And I'll be the wife of the Chief of Pediatrics...
Doug (smiles again, kisses her):
Yeah...
He pulls her back onto the bed with him and continues to kiss her as Act Four Fades to Black.
Closing Act
Scene opens at the Ross home. Doug and Carol are sitting on the deck sipping lemonade and watching the older kids play in the back yard.
Carol:
So, did you turn in your forms at the hospital?
Doug (nods):
Yep! In six weeks, I will be Chief of Pediatrics. I get an office with a BIG desk and
everything...
Carol (chuckles):
A big desk to filter through all those big headaches you're going to be handling.
Doug:
Don't I know it.
Carol:
Did I tell you Beverly called?
Doug (gives her a look):
No...what did she say?
Carol (smiles):
She said everything is in order and the fact that we EACH have an adoption on file is in
our favor...she doesn't see any reason this one wouldn't go through.
Doug (nods):
Did she say how long?
Carol:
By the time school starts...
Doug (nods):
Good...good...but I'm going to wait until it's final before we say anything to Raoul. I
don't want him to get his hopes up for nothing.
Carol (nods):
I agree.
Doug:
Did you get an appointment for Josh?
Carol (nods):
Yeah, a week from yesterday...
Doug:
He's settled down some...
Carol:
That's because I'm nursing him and not feeding him anything else until we can find out
what's wrong..
Cut to show Mark coming around the side of the house and stepping up onto the porch.
Mark:
I didn't want to ring the bell...I was afraid the babies might be asleep.
Doug (smiles):
Hey, Mark! Come on up!
Carol:
Can I get you anything? Lemonade? Beer?
Mark (shakes his head):
No, I just wanted to come over and tell you the big news...
Doug (grins):
You got the job?
Carol (stunned):
What job?
Mark:
You are looking at the new Chief of Staff at County Hospital.
Carol (excited):
Oh, My God! Mark! That's great! Congratulations...
(stops short in realization)
Then that means...?
Mark (nods):
Yep...we're together...again...
Doug (lifts his glass, mimmicks Paul Newman in BUTCH CASSIDY):
Back in Business, Boys and Girls...Just like the old days!
The three of them laugh and share the excitement together.
Cut to County hospital where Donald Anspaugh is clearing things out of his office when Kerry Weaver comes to the door way.
Kerry:
I'll miss you, Don.
Anspaugh (looks up...smiles):
Well, thank you, Kerry. That's always a nice thing for a boss to hear.
Kerry:
Mark Greene was the choice, huh?
Anspaugh (nods):
Yes, and I think Mark will do a fine job. He did a good job in the ER when he handled
things.
Kerry:
He'll favor Doug Ross...they're buddies, you know.
Anspaugh:
Mark is a 'by the books' man the same as you go by the rules. If Doug steps out of line,
Mark will be the first one to let him know it. He doesn't play favorites.
Kerry (ticks her head):
If you say so, Don.
Anspaugh:
Kerry, I know you're concerned about Doug Ross coming back here...and I would be a fool if
I told you it would be without conflicts, but, know this above everything
else...regardless of what you think of Doug Ross as a person, as a doctor, there's not a
finer pediatrician in this area.
Kerry:
I just worry...
Anspaugh:
And that's good...because we need to have people who do worry to keep people like Doug
from going completely overboard.
Kerry:
And now with Mark Greene in control...
(she trails off, unfinished)
Anspaugh:
Things will work out fine for the hospital, Kerry...they just may be a little more
difficult for you. You have your hands full as Chief of the ER. You handle your
department...and you let Doug and Mark handle their own...and you'll be fine.
Focus on Kerry's perplexed look as she shakes her head in wonder and Fade Closing Act into the Closing Credits of the Show.
May 18, 1998