Back to Basics

Author's Text

Changes...sometimes that can be a good thing...if you are reading this you have survived the most drastic change I've ever done. If you are reading this, you are counted as my most trusted internet friends and story readers. Everyone else will wait several months to read anything written between now and September 1st. Please do not discuss my stories with anyone else unless you know they are on my list and have also read them. And please bear with me...I have reasons for what I'm doing.

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"
"Back To Basics"
Opening Act

Scene opens at the Ross home, interior, early morning. Show Carol Ross opening her eyes in bed. She reaches her hand over and feels for Doug, who is sleeping soundly beside her. She looks over at him and smiles slightly. She touches his hair and runs her finger along his night's growth of beard. Then, she leans over, takes his face in both her hands, and kisses him sweetly to wake him. He makes a happy noise in response and kisses her back. Then he opens his eyes and smiles at her.

Carol (smiles):
Good morning.

Doug (smiles and chuckles):
Yes, it is.

Carol:
I missed you.

Doug:
I missed you, too.

Carol:
I want us to promise never to fight like that again.

Doug (chuckles):
You know we can't make a promise like that...neither one of us has any way of knowing what the future holds for us.

Carol (frowns):
Then we have to keep our promise to talk to each other about it! I don't ever want to feel the kind of distance between us that we just came through.

Doug (nods):
I agree. It was, without a doubt, one of the worst times of my life!

Carol (laughs):
ONE of the worst?

Doug:
Well, all my worst times are connected to you!

Carol:
Is that supposed to be GOOD?

Doug (shrugs):
Well, I don't know...I just know you're the only one I care enough about to feel hurt by.

Carol (touches his face):
What a beautiful thing to say.

Doug (chuckles, shifts the mood):
Yeah, I thought you might like that!
(pause)
You ready to go back to work today?

Carol (sighs):
I hope so.

Doug:
Well, we better start by getting out of this bed...I have Kerry Weaver's board review meeting today, too.

Carol (rolls her eyes):
How do you think that will go?

Doug:
Same way it always goes. Kerry leads a charmed life...why should I expect anything less today.
(pulls himself out of bed and disconnects from the dialysis machine)
I just hope Mark doesn't let me down...

Cut to show time lapse. Carol is standing in front of the full length mirror in her bra and panties, looking at her reflection. She catches sight of Doug in the mirror as he comes from the shower, a towel around his neck, rubbing his hair dry. He is wearing a pair of red silk boxer shorts with yellow hearts all over them and Carol laughs when she sees them.

Carol:
I didn't know you ever wore those!

Doug (smiles, comes over to the mirror):
They were a gift from my wife...why wouldn't I wear them? Besides, they're comfortable!
(wraps his arms around her waist)

Carol:
Doug? Do you think I'm fat?

Doug (chuckles, nuzzles her neck):
No, I do NOT think you're fat.

Carol (pulls up rolls around her stomach):
But look at this...I didn't have this before...

Doug:
Before you had four children? No, I'm sure you didn't. Carol, please...
(turns her to look at him)
Let's don't start this again. We've been all through this. I love you...YOU...just the way you are. I don't care if you have a roll around your stomach...
(pulls one up on himself)
I've got one too! Does it bother you?

Carol (smiles, wraps her arms around his waist)
No...it doesn't...
(kisses him)
OK...I promise...I won't say another word about it.

Doug chuckles and pulls her with him back to the bed. She goes with him willingly and they lock into each other's arms, both of them making happy sounds as they kiss.

Tatiana's voice (outside the door):
Mama!?

Carol (rolls her eyes):
What is it, Sweetie?

Tatiana's voice:
Time for breakfast!

Carol:
You go on down, Sweetie...Papa and I will be down in a few minutes!

Tatiana's voice:
OK, Mama...

Doug (chuckles, kisses her):
Good move...one of our rules upheld...'don't let the children spoil the mood'...

Carol (takes his face in her hands):
Nothing is taking you away from me again...
(kisses him hard and he reacts favorably)

Cut to show Tatiana going downstairs to the kitchen table. She sits down at it and rests her chin on her hands.

Scott (laughs):
What's wrong with you?

Tatiana:
I hope you don't need Mama and Papa for anything this morning! They sound kind of busy!

Scott (grins):
Yeah? Well, come on...I'll fix your cereal for you...let the grown-ups have some grown up time together.

Tatiana (grins):
Oh, is THAT what they're doing?

Scott (laughs):
Yeah...

Tatiana giggles as Scott gets into the cabinet to get the bowls for their cereal.

Cut back to Doug and Carol, locked in each other's arms and lost in each other's eyes. Doug kisses her sweetly and they make happy noises as they close their eyes.

Carol (mumbles between kisses):
We're both going to be late for work...

Doug:
I'm your boss...I don't care if you're late...and Mark will be in late today so he'll never know if I'm late...

Carol giggles and pulls him closer to her as opening act fades into opening credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at the Ross family breakfast table. Show Carol putting pancakes on the table with Scott and Tatiana diving into them quickly. Show Doug come in and slide into his chair, smiling at his troop. Carol has Marc in a high chair and he is banging his toddler cup loudly on his tray.

Carol (setting the glass down in front of Doug:
Got your juice...
(touches his head and he looks up at her)

Doug (smiles):
Thanks.
(pause)
Is this a good time to run an idea by you guys?

Carol (nods, smiles):
Sure.

Doug:
I was thinking of a vacation...
(Scott and Tatiana give him their full attention with wide eyes)
School's out now...neither one of us work weekends...I was thinking of a getaway for the four of us...

Carol (laughs):
What about the babies?

Doug:
Well, we have two wonderful grandmothers who could come to the house and stay here with them...I don't think that would be much of a problem, would it?

Scott (excited):
Where are we going, Dad?

Tatiana (bouncing):
DisneyLand!!!?

Doug (chuckles):
Oh no...not a LONG vacation...a short one. Clark has a fishing cabin up on Lake Winnetka...I was thinking we could rent an RV and go up there.

Carol:
A fishing cabin?

Doug (nods, pours syrup on his pancakes):
Yeah, a real nice one...electricity and running water and everything...right on the lake and it's all private...we'd have the place to ourselves.

Carol:
And you could take your machine with you?

Doug:

Wouldn't be a problem at all.

Scott:
We could fish?

Doug (smiles):
All we want!

Tatiana:
And I can swim?

Doug:
And learn to fish, too!

Tatiana (makes a face):
With yucky old worms? No thanks, Papa! I'll just swim!

Doug (looks up):
Carol? What about you? You game?

Carol (smiles, nods):
Sure...I think it would be really nice for the four of us to get away together!

Scott (triumphantly):
All right! Family vacation!
(he and Tatiana 'high five' each other)

Doug (downs his orange juice):
I'll tell Mark when I get to work...
(he gets up from the table and kisses the head of each child there)

Carol (walks him to the door):
I guess it'll be the last vacation I get before I start back.

Doug (kisses her cheek):
Yeah...you still coming in today to once things over?

Carol (nods):
Yeah, I think so...

Doug (smiles at her):
Then, I guess I'll see you there!

Carol kisses his cheek and lets him go on out the door, watching until he backs the car out of the driveway and is gone. Then she goes back into the house and picks up the phone.

Carol (into receiver):
Hi, this is Carol Ross...I was wondering if I could drive out there today and have a look at what's been done so far? Great! I'll be out sometime today.
(she hangs up and dials another number)
Kilmore Agency? Yes...this is Carol Ross...I need to place a search for a housekeeper, please? I want a mature lady at least 40 years old with lots of experience with babies. Yes, please call me when you have some candidates for me to interview. Thanks!
(hangs up the phone and goes back into the kitchen)

Tatiana:
Mama, what's an RV?

Scott (matter-of-factly):
It's a camper truck, Tatch! You've seen them! Bob Barker gives them away...

Tatiana (thinking):
Oh, yeah!

The kids go off chattering excitedly between them and Carol shakes her head as she puts Marc's cereal down in front of him. He puts his spoon down on the tray and dives into his cereal with his hands.

Cut to show Doug opening the door to Mark Greene's office. Mark is working behind his desk and looks up when he hears Doug come in.

Doug (quietly):
Busy?

Mark:
Just going over the things I need for the review board this afternoon...come on in.

Doug (comes into the office):
How do you think that's going to go?

Mark (shakes his head):
I don't know. Kerry is very close to David and he's going to have more pull than anyone else. We'll just have to see. You ARE coming aren't you?

Doug (chuckles):
Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss this for the world. Besides, I have to come...I filed the complaint and I have to present my view.

Mark (sighs):
You want some advice?

Doug (nods):
Sure.

Mark:
Present your views rationally and calmly...present them like you had filed it against me and not Kerry Weaver, OK? Because if you go at it in a hostile way, it's not going to get you anywhere.

Doug (nods, thinking):
OK...I don't make any promises, but, I'll do my best. You know Kerry attacks everything connected to me.

Mark:
Well, then let HER look bad, OK? You try and keep yourself in order.

Doug:
Carol and I are taking the kids to Lake Winnetka this weekend...you won't need me for anything will you?

Mark:
No...I'm working this weekend, though, so, I'll be here if you need anything.

Doug (confused):
You're working? On a weekend? How come?

Mark:
Trying to keep my mind off this custody hearing. It's in the hands of the Judge now and everytime the phone rings, I jump. I'd rather be here where the only person that will call me is Nina.

Doug (sits on the edge of Mark's desk):
How's Rachel with it?

Mark:
Holding up better than I am!
(pager goes off...Doug and Mark both look)

Doug:
It's me...they need me in the ER...
(starts for the door)
I'll talk to you later, OK?

Mark (nods):
Yeah...OK...

Doug heads for the elevator and dives into a car just as the door starts to close.

Cut to show him running down the hall of the ER heading for the front desk.

Doug:
You paged me, Jerry?

Jerry (motions to a room):
Dr. Rocher needs you in three...

Doug goes into the trauma room to find Max Rocher working over a screaming infant boy. The child is about 9 months old, his face red from his crying. He is kicking his feet and waving his arms while lying on his back.

Doug (heads for the table):
What have you got?

Rocher:
Eight month old in severe abdominal pain...x-rays for appendicitis are negative...

Doug:
Any bloating?

Rocher (shakes his head):
None.

Doug (looks at the mother):
Has he eaten today?

Mother (nods):
Yes, he had some cereal this morning.

Doug:
What kind of cereal?

Mother (shrugs):
I don't know...baby cereal...

Doug (listens to the child's stomach with his stethoscope):
Is this anything new or something he's had before?

Mother:
Something new...it just came on the market...did I do something wrong?

Doug:
You give it to him with milk or water?

Mother:
Milk...

Rocher (looks at Doug):
What are you thinking? Allergic reaction?

Doug (nods):
Possibly...run a CBC and a profile...see what you get and let me know, OK?

Rocher (nods):
Sure.

Doug (touches the mother's shoulder):
He'll be fine...don't worry...

Doug goes back into the hall and runs into Kerry Weaver coming the other way.

Doug (apologetic):
Sorry, Kerry...I didn't see you.

Kerry:
Actually, Doug, I'm glad we ran into each other...I wanted to talk to you about this board review today...

Doug (starts for the elevator):
You'll get your chance there, Kerry...I really have to run right now...

Kerry (follows him to the elevator):
I was just hoping we might talk this thing over before we bother the board with it...it's really rather silly anyway...

Doug (turns to her):
Silly? You think it's 'silly' that a kid had to go through emergency surgery because YOU made a mistake?

Kerry (annoyed):
It was an honest mistake, Doug...

Doug:
It was an unnecessary mistake! It was a mistake a trained Pedes doctor would not have made...that's the point I've been trying to drive home since I came back here and now you've opened me up with perfect ammunition for my cause.

Kerry:
I don't see why your cause has to be fueled at my expense.

Doug:
Why not? You fueled plenty of your causes at my expense when I was here before...
(elevator opens and he steps in)
You reap what you sow, Kerry...
(punches button and the door closes them off)

Kerry (mumbles to herself):
I know that is the most exasperating man I have ever known...
(Kerry turns around and comes face to face with Carol, who is standing right behind her)

Carol (smiles):
Talking about my husband, Kerry?

The smile Carol gives her is not friendly. Focus on Kerry's perplexed expression as Act One Fades to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens in Doug's office. Doug is there working at his desk when there is a knock at his door.

Doug (doesn't look up from his work):
Come in.

The door opens and John Carter comes into the office.

Carter:
You wanted to see me?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, Carter, come on in...I wanted to give you your three month review.
(Carter slides into a chair, Doug grins at him)
So, how do you like working in Pedes?

Carter (nods):
I like it a lot. The patients don't complain as much.
(Doug chuckles)

Doug (smiles):
You're doing very well, John...are you having any problems with anything that you want to talk to me about?

Carter (shakes his head):
Not that I can think of.

Doug:
How are you getting along with Max?

Carter:
Dr. Rocher? He's fine! We don't have any problems.

Doug:
What about Kerry Weaver? Having any problems with her?

Carter:
No more than usual...

Doug (nods):
Yeah, that's about what I figured. Well, don't worry...I think after this afternoon you won't have anymore problems with her.

Carter:
I've have to say I'm very happy with the move...

Doug (nods):
I think it's working out well, John...you seem to be adapting nicely.

Carter (nods):
Thank you.

Doug (hands him paper):
This is the review I'm giving to Mark Greene today...I thought you might like to see it.

Show Carter looking over the review with a smile and nodding.

Cut to the ER where Carol and Kerry are standing face to face.

Carol (smirks):
Talking about my husband, Kerry?

Kerry (nonchalantly):
I see you recognize the tone!

Carol:
Doug is a wonderful husband, Kerry...

Kerry (pushes past her, walks away):
I can't imagine Doug being 'wonderful' at anything...nor can I imagine anyone living with him more than ten minutes...

Carol (sarcastically):
Three years this weekend...and at least I have a husband, Kerry...that's more than you'll ever have.

Kerry (turns, perturbed look):
Is there something you needed, Carol? I'm sure Doug is up in his office...

Carol:
Oh, I came to go over some things with Jeannie Boulet...
(Kerry gives her a confused look)
You didn't know, did you? I'm coming back to work here as a PA in Pedes ER.

Kerry:
Well, that's great news, Carol...it'll be good to have you back.

Carol (smiles, nods):
Yeah...it'll be good to be back...

Cut to show a mother coming into the ER with a teenaged daughter. The girl is Scott's girlfriend, Veronica. She is on her feet and walking, but, holding her stomach and bent over slightly.

Kerry (turns to them):
What's the problem, here?

Mother:
She's having severe pain...I'm afraid it might be her appendix.

Kerry:
Let's take her on down to four and someone page Dr. Rocher or Dr. Ross, please.

Veronica (looks up and sees Carol):
Mrs. Ross!

Carol (turns to her):
Hey, Veronica...don't worry, sweetie! Everything will be OK.

Veronica goes with her mother to exam room four and Carol follows along with them as John Carter comes in.

Carter (smiles, looks at chart):
Hi, Veronica! I'm Dr. Carter...you want to just lie back on the table, please?
(Veronica lays back and Carter pushes gently on her stomach)
That hurt?
(Veronica shakes her head. Carter pushes in another place)
What about that?
(Veronica shakes her head again, Carter looks at the mother)
Well, that rules out the appendix.

Veronica (timidly):
Could I talk to Mrs. Ross, please? In private?

Carol:
Well, I'm not officially working here again yet...

Carter (nods):
It's OK...I think she just prefers to talk to a woman.

Carter and the Mother step into the hallway and close the door. Carol moves closer to the table and Veronica sits up a little to talk to her.

Veronica:
I think I'm in real trouble.

Carol (grins):
Well, I've always known there's no trouble so bad you can't get out of it...wanna tell me about it?

Veronica:
Before I tell you, you have to promise you won't get mad at Scotty.

Carol (surprised):
Scotty? What does he have to do with this!?

Veronica:
Nothing...that's why I don't want you to get mad at him.

Carol:
OK...I promise...what's going on?

Veronica:
I think my diaphragm slipped.

Carol (tries to cover her shock):
Your diaphragm?

Veronica (nods):
Yeah! I tried to get it out, but, I can't reach it! And it hurts...really bad!

Carol:
Does your Mother know you're wearing a diaphragm?
(Veronica shakes her head slowly)
Well, if she didn't take you to be fitted for it, how did you get it?

Veronica:
It belongs to a friend of mine...she doesn't need it anymore...

Carol (confused):
Oh no? Why not?

Veronica (slowly...painfully):
She's pregnant.

Carol:
I'm guessing your friend is older than you?

Veronica:
All of my friends are older than me...except for Scotty...

Carol:
What's going on, Veronica?

Veronica:
I like Scotty, Mrs. Ross...I really do...he's the nicest boy in my school...

Carol:
But?

Veronica:
But, there's another boy...

Carol (carefully, almost relieved):
Another boy?

Veronica (nods):
Jeremy Darst...he's 16...my Mother doesn't know because the only boy she ever sees is Scotty...and he's my age...

Carol:
And he's the reason you thought you needed a diaphragm?
(Veronica nods)
So you were just using Scotty as a cover with your Mom?

Veronica (painfully):
I bet you hate me now, don't you?

Carol:
Well, no, I don't hate you...
(Carol looks up and sees Doug in the hallway
I'll be right back, Veronica, OK? Let me talk to Dr. Ross...

Veronica (grabs her hand quickly):
NO!

Carol (comfortingly):
It'll be OK...and you know a doctor is going to have to take that out...
(Veronica nods)
Let me talk to Dr. Ross, OK?

Veronica nods and turns loose of Carol's hand, Carol goes out into the hallway.

Carol (quietly to Doug):
Can I talk to you, please? Privately?

Mother (concerned):
Is Ronnie going to be all right?

Carol (nods):
Veronica will be fine, don't worry.

Carol and Doug go off to a private corner where they can talk between them without anyone else around.

Doug:
What's going on?

Carol:
Veronica has a diaphragm lodged inside her.

Doug (can't control his reaction):
A WHAT?

Carol:
Now, before you go off the deep end and go home to yell at Scotty, this has nothing to do with him...

Doug:
My not yet thirteen year old son's girlfriend is wearing a diaphragm and you're telling me he has nothing to DO with that?

Carol (sighs):
Veronica is leading a double life...

Doug (Confused):
A double life?

Carol (nods):
She's using Scotty as a cover while she's seeing a 16 year old boy...

Doug (nods):
And HE'S the reason for the diaphragm?
(Carol nods)
What a relief!

Carol:
Well, I'm relieved that Scotty isn't having sex with her, but, Doug, this will crush him as crazy as he is about Veronica!

Doug (thinking):
Yeah...I guess so...OK...I better talk to her Mother and somebody page Anna Del Amico to take that thing out...I think Veronica might be more comfortable with a woman...

Carol (nods):
I'll tell Jerry...

Doug:
I'll find a way to talk to Scotty tonight when I get home...
(as he walks away):
Kids...

Show Doug going back down the hallway, shaking his head, as Act Two Fades to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens in the ER. Show Anna Del Amico coming out of the exam room and Doug meets up with her in the hall way.

Doug:
Did you get it?

Anna (nods):
Yeah...I left it in there with her...

Doug:
She OK?

Anna:
Yeah...just a little scared.

Anna goes on through the ER and Doug goes into Veronica's room. He pulls up a stool and sits beside her. No one else is the room...just the two of them.

Doug:
Veronica, I know you've been going through a bad time recently, what with your parents' divorce and all...

Veronica:
I guess you hate me now, huh, Dr. Ross?

Doug:
Hate is a very strong word...right now I'm very concerned about you. What you've done is very serious...you know that don't you?

Veronica:
I do now...

Doug:
You used a diaphragm that wasn't even prescribed for you...it could have been much more dangerous than it was.

Veronica:
I know.

Doug:
Are you having sex with this other boy?

Veronica:
Mrs. Ross told you about that, huh?

Doug:
Mrs. Ross and I tell each other everything...especially when it concerns the emotions and feelings of one of our own children...

Veronica:
I'm sorry about Scotty...I really am! He's a nice boy and I really like him...but only for a friend.

Doug:
Well, I think Scotty thinks there's more to it than that, don't you?
(Veronica nods)
So, I think you better be talking to him and telling him the truth.

Veronica:
What am I going to say to him, Dr. Ross? I don't want to hurt him...

Doug:
Well, you should have thought about that before you used him.
(Veronica looks down)

Veronica:
What about my Mother? Are you going to tell her about this?
(motions to the diaphragm)

Doug (shakes his head):
You're a minor...I don't have a lot of choice...

Veronica:
If you knew how mad she'd get, you'd try to think of something else!

Doug:
Tell you what...I'll let you tell her, OK? But you have to tell her and you have to tell Scotty the truth...and if you don't, then I will. Is that a deal?

Veronica (frowns):
Yes, sir.

Doug (pats her shoulder):
Everything will work out...you'll see.
(Doug starts for the door)

Veronica (calls out to him):
Dr. Ross?

Doug (turns back):
Yes?

Veronica:
I really am sorry about Scotty.

Doug:
Scott's been through tougher things, Honey...he'll be hurt, but he'll be fine.

He smiles at her and goes on our the door to Carol.

Doug:
I'm going to let her tell her mother about it. If she doesn't, she'll find out when the bill comes what this was all about. She's also going to tell Scotty about this other boy.

Carol (rolls her eyes):
I guess I better get home and be there for him. He's going to be crushed.

Doug (touches her shoulder):
He'll get over it...I've got to get to a board meeting but I'll be home early, OK?

Carol (kisses his cheek):
OK...

Doug goes on down the hall and Carol goes out of the ER.

Cut to show Doug coming into the meeting room. Mark is there with David Morganstern, Kerry Weaver, and several other doctors seated at a table.

Doug (slides into a chair):
Am I late?

Kerry (sarcastically):
Aren't you always?

David (ignores Kerry's remark):
We haven't even started yet, Doug. You're fine.
(clears his throat)
We'll bring this meeting to order...order of business is to discuss a policy violation filed against Dr. Weaver by Dr Ross...
(turns to Doug)
Doug? You want to tell us what the problem is?

Doug:
Sure...when I came back to County and took over as Chief of Pedes, I issued a policy that only Pediatric doctors would treat Pediatric patients in the ER...a policy which was signed and approved by Mark Greene...
(David looks at Mark, Mark nods)
Dr. Weaver is insistent that this policy is needless, yet this case is only one of several in which a doctor not trained in Pedes has made a mistake with a patient.

Kerry (defensively):
I did NOT make a mistake...the patient wasn't even bleeding...

David (cuts her off):
Not your turn yet, Kerry...you'll get your chance.
(turns back to Doug)
Please continue, Doug...

Doug (smug look):
Basically what happened in this case was that Dr. Weaver failed to run proper tests to insure that the injury was only minor.

Kerry (protesting):
The kid had a bump on the head...he wasn't even bleeding...

Doug:
Before a child is two years old their skull remains very soft!

Kerry:
Don't you think I KNOW that! I went to medical school, too...

Doug:
Well, if you KNEW it WHY didn't you take precautions to be SURE the injury wasn't more severe than it appeared on the surface!

David (shouts above them both):
Excuse me! This is a hearing! Not a trail!

Kerry:
Well, I'm sorry, David, but, he is WAY out of line with this! I did everything exactly as I should have and he just wants to make a federal issue out of it because I'm not a Pedes doctor...

Doug:
With GOOD reason! It is a hospital policy! And you broke it! Not only that, but, you break it every chance you get trying to play SuperWoman down there in the ER...

Kerry:
I do NOT play SuperWoman...

Doug:
Yes, you do! You don't think anybody knows as much as you do about anything! You act like we're all interns and you're the Chief Instructor!

David (bangs the table):
THAT is ENOUGH! Please! Let's conduct this in a civilized manner...

Kerry (scoffs under her breath):
Kind of hard when you're dealing with a Neanderthal...

David:
Kerry! That's enough, now, come on. Personal feelings aside in this, it IS a hospital policy...one that was approved by the Chief of Staff
(looks at Mark)
Which would indicate he agrees with Doug's proposal?

Mark (nods):
Yes, I do. Having worked with Doug here in the ER and also in private practice, I've seen more than one occasion where I would have made a mistake if I hadn't listened to him. I think he's right that only people trained to work on children should handle them.

David (nods):
Why is this so difficult for you to go along with, Kerry?

Kerry (sighs):
As residents in ER medicine, we are trained to handle every case that comes through those doors, regardless of the age of the patient.

David:
While I agree with that, I also agree that there is a need for specialists in the ER as well.

Kerry:
Well, then, let's just toss everybody out and have nothing but specialists down there! David! Come ON! That's absurd and you know it. We got along fine without a Pedes unit before Doug came back...I fail to see the need for one now...

Doug:
Because of asinine mistakes made mostly by YOU!

David (sighs):
Doug! Please!
(Doug nods, relenting)
Regardless of your personal feelings for the policy, Kerry, it IS a Hospital policy. And I will expect you to abide by it.

Kerry:
So, you're saying that a Pedes doctor has to be paged every time a child comes into the ER?

David (nods):
That's correct.

Kerry:
That's crazy! There aren't enough of them working down there to cover a major emergency.

David:
In the case of a major emergency, other doctors can treat children, but, only under the consult of a Pedes doctor. We can't afford to make these kind of mistakes, Kerry. This child was released and then bounced back. And ended up having to have emergency surgery for a blood clot. The results could have been very grim. We were lucky.

Kerry (scoffs):
It was an honest mistake.

David:
Honest mistake or not, it was preventable. I'm going to pass this case into the hands of the Chief of Staff...
(looks at Mark)
...he can decide whether or not to suspend you. Meeting is adjourned.

The other doctors get up to leave. Doug remains sitting with Kerry and Mark. Doug gives Mark a look. Kerry gives Mark a different look. Mark sighs heavily.

Mark:
Oh boy...I knew sooner or later I was going to end up hating this job!

Kerry:
Surely you're not thinking of suspending me?

Mark:
Suspension? No...but I am going to put you on probation. If I get another complaint of this same policy violation anytime in the next six months, then I will suspend you. You have to play by the same rules that everybody else does, Kerry...I don't care how perfect your record is. I'm also writing this up for your personnel file.

Kerry (gets up, angry):
You do what you have to do, Mark.

She stalks out and slams the door. Doug remains sitting and looking at Mark, who sighs and looks back over at him.

Mark:
Happy now?

Doug:
No, I'm not happy. I'm not happy that a little boy had to suffer more than necessary over something that could have been prevented.

Mark:
I meant that you got your revenge.

Doug:
This wasn't about revenge, Mark. It's about upholding policies and rules. As you said, Kerry should have to abide by the same rules as the rest of us.

Mark (stands up to leave):
Well, it's a good thing you two already hate each other, because if you didn't, I'd be sure you just made a new enemy.

Mark goes on out of the room. Doug gathers up his things and starts out with a faint smile on his face as Act Three Fades to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens at County Hospital. Show Doug walking down the hall towards the elevator and passing Mark's office along the way. He stops outside the door and knocks quietly.

Mark (from behind the door):
Come in, Doug!

Doug (opens door):
How'd you know it was me?

Mark (chuckles):
I'm learning your knock!

Doug:
Well, uh, I just wanted to say thanks for backing me up today...I really appreciated it.

Mark (nods):
I told you I would.

Doug:
Yeah, I know, but, I was still kind of surprised when you did...

Mark:
I will always back you up when you're right, Doug...you're just not right that often!
(both chuckle)
So, you're going on vacation for a few days, huh?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...I think it'll be good...we haven't had a lot of time for Tatchie and Scott lately and this will be good for all of us.

Mark:
Well, I hope you have a great time.

Doug (nods):
Yeah...now I gotta go home and see what's left of my son's broken heart...

Mark (confused):
Something going on?

Doug:
Veronica, Scott's little girlfriend, was in the ER with a diaphragm lodged inside her...seems she's been using Scott as a cover for a relationship with a 16 year old boy...

Mark (whistles):
Whoa!

Doug (nods):
Yeah...she was supposed to go and tell Scott the truth. I think he's going to be a little hurt.

Mark:
I would think so, yes. And I don't want to hear stuff like this, since I'm raising two girls...

Doug:
Yeah, any news on the custody decision yet?

Mark (shakes his head):
Not yet.

Doug:
Well, hang in there...it won't be long...
(starts back out the door)
Take care of things, Mark! I'll see you in a few days.

Mark (nods):
Have a good one, Doug.

Doug closes the door and disappears. Cut to show him leaving through the halls of the ER and to be chased through the hall by Kerry Weaver.

Kerry:
Doug! I was wondering if we could talk?

Doug (keeps walking):
I don't think we have much to talk about, do we, Kerry?

Kerry:
You may have won today, but, it's only one battle...

Doug:
I'm sure of that much!
(chuckles, then turns to her)
You know, Kerry, whether you like it or not, you're just going to have to find a way to work with me.

Kerry (shakes her head):
Not going to happen...we're on opposite sides of the fence.

Doug (shakes his head):
Now, that's funny, Kerry...I thought we were both doctors, committed to saving lives...
(gets to the door)
That should put us on the same side of the fence.

He goes on out and leaves Kerry standing alone to think about what he said.

Cut to the Ross home. Show Scott sitting at the kitchen table very dejected with his chin resting on his propped elbows and fists. Show Tatiana come over to the table carrying a glass of chocolate milk.

Tatiana (brightly):
I made you milk!

Scott (expression doesn't change):
No thanks.

Tatiana:
It has three spoons of chocolate in it...just like you like it!

Scott:
Thanks, Tatch...just leave it there.

Tatiana:
Wanna play checkers? I'll let you win!

Scott (shakes his head):
No thanks.

Tatiana (sadly):
Scotty, please smile. I hate to see you so sad.

Scott:
I don't feel much like smiling right now, Tatch.

Tatiana:
Cos of Veronica, huh?
(Scott gives her a look)
Well, I think she's stupid! If she didn't know what a great guy she had in you, she doesn't deserve you anyway!

Scott (frowns):
Thanks, Tatch, but, somehow, coming from my little sister, that doesn't help much.

Tatiana:
But, Scotty, I think you're SUPER! If I wasn't your sister, I'd wanna be your girlfriend!

Scott (smiles slightly now):
Thanks, Tatch...
(hugs her)
I needed that.

Tatiana (nods):
I know!
(pushes the glass to him)
Will you drink your milk now?

Scott (takes glass):
Yeah...

Cut to show Doug coming through the front door to an empty living room.

Doug (calls out):
Hey? Anybody home??

Tatiana (runs through the house):
PAPA'S HOME!
(she runs to him and he scoops her up in his arms)

Doug (smiles):
Hey, Punkin!

Tatiana (arms around his neck):
Hi, Papa! I'm glad you're home!

Doug:
I'm glad I'm home, too!

Carol (comes through the house):
Hey! How'd the board meeting go?

Doug (nods, lifts Tatiana to the floor):
Better than I expected, actually.

Carol:
Mark back you up?

Doug:
Surprisingly, yeah.

Carol:
So, is Miss Perfect suspended?

Doug (ticks his head):
On probation. She wasn't happy about it but it was good enough for me.
(pause)
How's Scott?

Tatiana:
Very sad...

Carol:
Veronica and her mother were here a little while ago. I didn't listen in on the conversation, but, apparently, she told him everything.

Tatiana:
He even turned down chocolate milk and checkers with ME!

Doug (laughs at her):
He really IS depressed, huh?
(chuckles)
I better go talk to him...is he in his room?

Carol (shakes her head):
Kitchen.

Doug (nods):
OK...

Doug goes through the house and into the kitchen. He sees Scott sitting at the table looking lost and alone with one or two sips taken from his glass of milk Tatiana gave him. Doug goes in, gets into the refrigerator, cuts two pieces of pie and pours himself a glass of milk as well. He sits down at the table across from Scott.

Doug:
You know, my Dad always used to tell me, the bigger the hurt the more you have to eat for it...
(shoves the pie to Scott)
...this looks about right for what you're feeling right now.

Scott (scoffs):
How do you know what I'm feeling?

Doug:
Well, first of all I know about Veronica...

Scott:
Yeah, she said you told her to tell me.

Doug:
And second of all, I know what it feels like to be dumped by a woman you love. Your Mom blew me off a lot of times before she married me.

Scott:
You mean Carol, right?

Doug (nods, thinking):
Yeah, Carol...right...

Scott (starts eating the pie):
Why would Veronica do that to me, Dad? I thought she really liked me!

Doug (also starts eating pie):
She did like you...she still does...she just wasn't completely honest with you.

Scott:
Is that the way girls are?

Doug (nods):
Some of them, yeah. But not all of them. And somewhere out there, there's a girl who will only have eyes for you.

Scott (shakes his head):
I'm all done with girls.

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah...OK...but you're awfully young to be through with girls already! You're not even thirteen yet!

Scott (sighs):
So, you're telling me my problems with girls are just beginning?

Doug (grins):
This is only the tip of the iceberg!

Scott:
I guess that's why I feel sunk like the TITANIC, huh?
(Doug chuckles...Scott pauses)
Does it get worse?

Doug:
It might...but it might also get a lot better! Don't you think it's worth taking a chance to find out?

Scott (grins):
Yeah... guess so!
(pause)
Right now, I don't even want to think about girls...I want to go on this cabin trip!

Doug:
Yeah, I think that's gonna be a lot of fun!

Scott:
Just one question, Dad...
(grins)
Are there any girls gonna be up there?

Doug (chuckles):
Oh, I imagine there might be one or two...
(chuckles again)
You're gonna be OK, Buddy...

Scott (shrugs):
I'm a Ross!

Doug:
Yes, you are...and don't you forget it, either!

Cut to show Carol and Tatiana coming into the room. Scott is happily putting the pie away now.

Carol:
Are we OK in here?

Scott (nods):
Yeah...I guess so.

Tatiana (hands on hips, demanding voice):
Hey! Where's MY pie?

Doug (teasing her):
Looks like I'm eating it, doesn't it?

Tatiana (scolding):
There better be more!

Doug:
And what will you do about it if there's not?

Tatiana (laughing):
I'll come in your mouth after it!

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah, you probably will, too!

Carol gets into the refrigerator to get more pie as Tatiana pulls a chair up to the table and Act Four Fades to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens with Doug and Carol in Doug's jeep. Carol is driving and Doug is gazing out the window.

Doug (as they turn a corner):
Hey! I thought you said we were going to get gas?

Carol (nods):
We will...on the way back.

Doug:
On the way back from where?

Carol (smiles):
You'll see.

Doug (grins):
What are you up to?

Carol (grins wider):
You'll see.

Doug (as they go along):
What do you want for our anniversary?

Carol:
Just you.

Doug:
But, you get that everyday.

Carol:
After everything we've been through, Doug, there isn't anything in the world I want more than what I've already got.

Doug (shrugs):
Sure...make it hard for me.
(chuckles...pauses)
Any hints about where we're going?

Carol (shakes her head):
Nope.

Doug (confused):
What are you being so secretive about?

Carol (grins):
You'll see!
(pause)
You think Scott will be OK?

Doug:
I think he will be, yeah. He asked if there would be any girls at the lake...I think that's start enough.

Carol:
Do boys do anything special when they turn 13?

Doug (chuckles):
Not unless they're Jewish!

Carol:
Well, I just know 13 is a big thing for a girl...13 and 16...I just wondered if it was the same for boys.

Doug (shakes his head):
Boys don't make a big deal out of things the way girls do...but we could let him have a party, I guess.

Carol (sighs):
He's growing up so fast.

Doug (nods):
That he is...

Carol:
What about you? How are you feeling?

Doug:
Me? I'm fine.

Carol:
Did you get built back up from your setback?

Doug (chuckles):
You mean from my stupidity? Yes. I'm fine now.

Carol turns the jeep again and they start down a wooded area. It's not dark yet, just twilight. So there is light enough to see but the trees hide everything from view. Doug watches the trees whiz by and chuckles.

Doug:
You taking me someplace where you can seduce me?

Carol (grins):
Um, not that I think that's not a good idea, but, no...not right now...

Doug (puzzled):
What's out here? We're miles from town...

Carol (nods):
Yes, we are...

She pulls the jeep around a turn and they head into a clearing. They pass a sign that reads POSTED...PRIVATE PROPERTY...NO TRESPASSING.

Doug:
Are you sure this is OK?

Carol (nods):
I'm sure.

She pulls them to a stop. There ahead of them is the construction of their new home. It's only a frame at this point, but the ground is broken and the foundation is poured. Carol stops the jeep and she and Doug get out. He looks at this in amazement.

Doug:
You went ahead and started this?

Carol (smiles):
Yeah...Happy Anniversary, Doug! We should be able to move in by Christmas.

Doug (wraps his arms around her):
When did you start this?

Carol:
Before all the trouble, actually! Are you surprised?

Doug:
Shocked is more like it! We never really even talked about this!

Carol:
Well, you gave me the plans...I called the contractors...we decided on a design...and I just put it in motion!

Doug (chuckles):
I love you, do you know that?

Carol (giggles, leans close to him):
I love you, too.

Doug (looks at the house):
This is going to be great...it'll be great to be moved in here.

Carol:
I thought it might be a good start...the old house is great and I love it, but, after everything with Raoul and all, I think a new start might be good for all of us.
(Looks up at him)
What do you think?

Doug (nods):
I think you might be right.

Carol:
I thought we could use the time on this trip to talk to Scott and Tatchie about Raoul...
(kisses him)
...which might be good for you, too.

Doug (nods):
Yeah...it might be.
(puts his arm around her shoulder and starts back for the car)
Come on...let's go home...

Carol (rolls her eyes):
And get packed...

Doug (grins wide):
Yeah!

They go back to the jeep together and drive off. Focus on the frame of the house fading into the background behind them as the Closing Act fades into the Closing Credits of the show.

June 10, 1998