"Broken Circles Never Mend"

Opening Act

Scene opens at the Ross/Hathaway home, interior, night time. Show that the house is dark and quiet with no real signs of activity in it. Cut to show the front door open slowly and carefully. Doug Ross steps into the hallway and closes the door behind him quietly. Focus on his face and show that he is very tired. He pulls his arms slowly out of his jacket and hangs it on the coat tree in the hallway at the bottom of the stairs. He smiles softly as he goes into the living room to turn out the light Carol left turned on for him before starting up the steps to the second floor. Reaching the second floor he starts for the master bedroom, but, his attention is diverted by the nursery as he walks by the room. the door is open just a bit and he looks in carefully. Then, he pushes the door back and walks on into the room, looking around at how far the decorating has come. All of the painting is done and the Teddy Bear border runs all the way around the center of the room. There are curtains and valances on the windows. There is a changing table and a chest of drawers but no crib yet. Doug walks around the room looking, smiling softly to himself, when his attention is caught by a music box on the chest of drawers. It is blue and white and is a Teddy Bear riding a Carousel Horse. He walks over to the chest and picks up the music box, winding it carefully with the key on the bottom of the box. He sits it back down and the horse begins to bob up and down while the box plays a joyful tune. Focus on Doug watching the music box, his eyes lost in thought.

Cut to show Carol Hathaway standing in the doorway of the room in what looks like one of Doug's shirts and a pair of knee socks. She looks sleepily into the nursery, then goes slowly into the room.

Carol (touches Doug's arm gently):
Hey.

Doug (pops his trance...turns to look at her):
Hey.

Carol (wraps her arms around his waist and leans against him...he reaches to put his arm around her and hold her to him):
I tried to wait up for you.

Doug (kisses her head):
It's OK...I'm sorry I'm so late.

Carol (concerned):
Everything OK?

Doug (shrugs):
OK enough for me to leave, yes.

Carol:
Did you ever find out what happened?

Doug:
Not exactly, no...just that a bus and semi were involved somewhere.

Carol (cringes):
Fatalities?

Doug (nods):
A four year old boy. Kerry and I both worked on him. She finally made me give it up after seven minutes...

Carol (shakes her head):
I'm so sorry.

Doug (shrugs):
It's OK.
(grins softly at her)
It's been a rough day...I just want to get some sleep.

Carol (arm around his waist as they start out of the room):
Did you eat anything tonight at all?

Doug (reaches to pull the door behind him):
No, but, it's OK...I don't feel much like eating...

Doug starts to pull the door shut but just as he does, he looks back into the room at the music box. He looks at it for just a minute and in his mind he sees the box smash against the wall and break into pieces on the floor. He looks again, shaking his head a bit in wonder, but the music box is fine and sitting on the chest just where it was before.

Carol (looks up at his strange look):
You OK?

Doug (shakes his head quickly:
Yeah...just been a long day...

The go down to their bedroom and Carol gets back in bed, pulling the covers on his side down for him. He sits on the edge of the bed to take off his shoes and jeans, tossing the jeans over the back of a nearby chair and leaving his shoes on the floor beside the bed. He crawls into bed beside her and rolls on his side to face her, vigorously rubbing her shoulders with the palms of his hands.

Doug:
Everything OK here tonight? Kids OK?

Carol (smiles):
Everybody's fine...

Doug (reaches to place his hand on her stomach):
What about this one? This one OK too?

Carol (pats his hand gently):
None of my jeans fit now...my scrubs are the only thing I can wear comfortably now...

Doug (grins):
We need to get you some maternity clothes now...

Carol (rolls her eyes):
That or a sign that says 'Wide Load' for my butt...

Doug (kisses her forehead):
Your butt is just fine...trust me.

Carol chuckles and lays her head against Doug's. He casts his eyes down and she senses there is something heavy on his mind. She tilts her head to peer into his eyes carefully.

Carol:
You OK?

Doug (shrugs):
Yeah, I'm just really tired...it was a long day and then when Kerry needed help at County, it made for a long night. I'm fine.

Carol:
It was good of you to go, though...I'm sure Kerry appreciated your help...

Doug:
Yeah...

Doug sighs lightly and glances up across the room. His attention is caught by the curtain blowing by the window.

Doug (softly):
Should I close the window? Do you think it might rain?

Carol (snuggles close to him):
I don't think so...and if it does, we'll close it later. Come on...
(she puts his head on her shoulder and strokes it gently)
try and get some rest...

Focus on Doug closing his eyes slowly with his head titled next to Carol's. In his mind, show the music box smashing into the wall over and over and over again. Show Doug jerk his eyes open quickly and look around the room confused.

Man's Voice:
Dougie? Where are you, Boy?

Focus on Doug sitting slowly up on the bed, looking around the room with a confused look on his face. He looks down at Carol, who is sleeping soundly beside him, and undisturbed. He looks around the room and sees nothing but the window curtain blowing with the rustling breeze from outside. He starts to lay back down on the bed and he sees the music box smash against the wall several times in a row, the pieces falling to the floor.

Man's Voice:
Dougie?

Slowly, Doug eases himself out of bed and starts across the floor. He goes out into the hallway and goes back towards the nursery, feeling his way along the wall in the dim light. He gets to the nursery and looks in. The music box is in place on top of the chest. He shakes his head slowly and almost smiles as he starts back out of the room. Just as he starts out the door, show the action moving in slow motion. Show the music box being hurled across the room to smash into pieces on the wall and fall to the floor. Show a door moving slightly back and forth and a small pair of eyes peering out from behind a crack in it. Show a shadow on the wall of a man and a woman arguing. Focus on the child's eyes, wide with fear and wonder at the sound of a distant slap and muffled yelling. Focus on the music box smashing again...and again...and again.

Carol (suddenly beside Doug in the hallway):
Doug? Are you OK?

Doug (startled):
I thought I heard something...
(turns to her with a nervous smile)
I guess it was the wind.

Carol (as they start back down the hallway):
Did something happen tonight? Something besides a fatality?

Doug (sadly):
I let a little boy down, Carol...a long time ago...I let a little boy down really bad...

It is evident Doug doesn't want to talk about it. He and Carol go back to bed and lay down together. He puts his hand on her belly and she holds him in her arms next to her. Focus on him laying wide awake in her arms and fade into the opening credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center, interior, morning. Show Mark Greene and Eleanor working at the front desk with files when Doug and Carol come in the back staff entrance together. They are laughing between themselves and they attract Mark and Eleanor's attention quickly.

Mark (looks up):
Here comes more of the crew...'morning!

Doug (laughing):
Good morning, Mark!

Mark:
Care to let me in on this joke?

Doug (chuckles):
We were laughing at the kids...Scott has a girlfriend...and a tormenting little sister that knows it!

Mark (brightens):
Ah! The normal family life finally kicks into the Ross home...
(Doug chuckles)
So, Scotty has a girlfriend, does he?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...her name is Veronica Pruett...she's a really cute little girl...

Carol (offering into the conversation):
Dark hair...green eyes...

Mark:
And how serious would your son be about this little girl?

Doug (raises an eyebrow):
Serious enough to ask his old man how to ask a girl to a sweetheart dance

Mark:
Uh oh!

Doug (nods):
Yeah...here we go...only the beginning, I'm sure!

Mark:
Well, I'm sure you had good fatherly advice for him...

Doug (chuckles):
Well, I don't know how GOOD it was...

Carol (working beside them now):
So, which one of us gets to teach him to dance?

Doug (gives her a numb look):
Dance?

Carol (nods):
Yeah...dance...you know...one...two...three...

Doug:
About all I can teach him in the box step...I guess you better teach him...

Carol:
We'll teach him together...he can watch you with me...

Mark (snickers):
I thought you said you wanted to TEACH him how to dance...

Doug (smirks at him):
Ummmm, thanks a lot, PAL...

Mark (quietly to Carol):
So, how are you doing? 'Mom'?

Carol (smiles wide):
Feeling great! Doug is the one with all the morning sickness!

Mark (enlightened):
You don't say!
(Doug rolls his eyes...Carol laughs)

Carol:
Yeah! He does! It's so wild because I haven't been sick once yet!

Mark (teases Doug):
You know, I've heard that men who have morning sickness with their wives tend to also have labor pains with them as well...

Doug (sarcastically):
Very funny...

Mark (assuringly):
I'm totally serious...

Carol (laughing):
I guess I better order an extra epidural, huh, honey?
(pats his bottom playfully)

Doug (aggravated...amid laughter from his co-workers):
Can we just get to work? Please?

The crew breaks up their play to get started with working. Cut to show a time lapse. Focus on a small boy, about six or seven years old, sitting on an exam table, his mother standing close beside the table. Show Doug looking into the boys eyes with a penlight flashlight.

Doug (as he looks into the other eye):
OK, Adam, what happened this time?
(Child shrugs)

Mother (offers):
He was running through the house and he tripped.

Doug (repeats...looks at child):
Running through the house...doesn't sound like a very smart thing to do, does it, Adam?
(child shrugs)
You hit the wall with your head?
(Child nods...Doug tilts the child's head to get a better look at the bump)
Did you get hurt anyplace else?
(child shakes his head)
You sure?
(lifts his arms and feels his ribs...checks his back for marks)
OK, Adam...
(pats his back)
That's good.

Mother:
He'll be all right, won't he?

Doug (nods):
Ah, yeah...he's a good strong kid...he should be able to take a lot more than that...

Mark glances up and gives a concerned look in Doug's direction. Doug continues to check the little boy for marks he is looking for in other places on his body.

Mark:
Uh, Doug? Could I speak to you? Please?

Doug (looks up, nods):
Sure.
(smiles shortly at mother)
Would you excuse me, please? I'll be right back...

The mother smiles and nods as Doug steps away quickly to join Mark at the end of the hallway. They are out of earshot of the patient, but not out of view.

Mark (quietly):
What's going on, Doug?

Doug (nonchalantly):
What do you mean?

Mark:
You're giving this kid a third degree over a simple head bump...

Doug (matter-of-factly):
Adam Clerek has been in this clinic five times in the past month for various bumps and assorted bruises...I'm on the lookout...

Mark (shakes his head):
No, you're on a witch hunt. You know that Mrs. Clerek does not abuse her son...

Doug (defensively):
I don't know any such thing! I see a kid in this clinic five times in a month, what am I supposed to think?

Mark:
Exactly what it IS maybe? That the kid is just accident prone?

Doug (shakes his head):
I don't think so...I think it's time to call Child Services...

Mark (cuts him off quickly):
Doug, you know that Mrs. Clerek does not fit the criteria of an abusive parent...

Doug (shrugs):
So, she hides it well...so what? You think she's the first one that ever did?

Mark:
All I'm saying is what if you're wrong? You call Child Services and rip this family apart on a false charge? I don't think you want to do that, Doug...

Doug:
And if I don't report it and something IS going on, then what? Adam ends up like the Brenmyer kid? I don't think I want to take that chance, Mark...

Mark (confused):
What Brenmyer kid? Is that the case you were working on at County last night?
(Doug doesn't answer...shifts his weights anxiously)
I just don't think the grounds are there, Doug. And I won't back up this decision. You call Child Services, you're acting on your own.

Doug (appalled):
What? You won't back me up? That's crazy, Mark!

Doug has now raised his voice a notch and Mark does not want him to attract the patient's attention, so, he quickly grabs him by the arm and directs him into their office, closing the door behind them.

Mark:
It is not crazy! It's logical. The parents don't fit the mold. And none of the injuries back up your theory. There is no addition injury other than the one he's been brought in for! There is no physical or mental evidence of abuse, Doug!

Doug (protesting):
Mark, I think I have just a little more experience dealing with abuse cases than you do...

Cut to show David Morganstern suddenly open the door to the office and sticking his head in to see what all the yelling is about.

David:
Hey, hey! What's going on in here?

Doug (aggravated):
Nothing...Dr. Greene is just questioning my judgment...that's all...

David (concerned):
What's going on, Mark?

Mark (explaining):
Adam Clerek has a bump on his head...

Doug (defensively):
Adam Clerek has been in this clinic five times inside a month for various minor injuries...

Mark (raising his voice a bit):
Adam Clerek is a klutz, Doug! Pure and simple! The kid is a walking disaster!

David (trying to calm both doctors down):
Is there cause to suspect abuse?

Mark (shakes his head):
No.

Doug (nods his head):
Yes, I think so.

Mark (turns to Doug):
Not when you think it out rationally, Doug! Come on!

David (to Mark):
Have you treated the boy?

Mark (nods):
I've seen him a couple of times, yeah.

David:
And your professional evaluation is that this is not an abuse case?

Mark (nods):
Yeah, I would feel pretty safe in saying that.

David (coaxing):
Based on?

Mark:
Based on the parents don't fit the mold...

Doug (scoffs):
Parents don't fit the mold...what 'mold' is that, Mark?

Mark:
They are not overbearing parents...their relationship with the child is good and stable...there is no cause for alarm between them...there is just nothing that suggests to me that either one of these parents is beating on this kid. I think this kid just has two left feet...I think he's a klutz...and I think to call Child Services into this situation is going to cause a lot of unneeded pain and suffering from people who don't deserve to go through this!

David (to Doug):
He has a point, Doug...you could do more harm than good if your assumption is not correct...

Doug (sighs):
And what if I am right and we don't report it? And it leads to something worse? Something like the Brenmyer kid? Which one of you plans to back me up if that happens?

David:
I trust Mark's judgment...

Doug (taken aback):
Trust Mark's? But you don't trust mine?

David (defensively):
I didn't say that! I trust you as well, but, I think sometimes you go a little overboard with some of your Pedes patients...

Doug (nods sarcastically):
Overboard, huh?

David:
Sometimes, I think it doesn't hurt to throw a little caution to the wind.

Doug (still nodding sarcastically):
I see what this is...this is a hostile take over, isn't it? Mark's over mine? Mark's decision over mine?

David (sees what he is driving at):
This has nothing to do with authority, Doug...there are no 'superiors' here...you know that...

Doug (hand on the doorknob ready to leave):
Sure...no 'superiors'...just Mark's word over mine...

David (offers explanation):
You're been under a lot of stress lately, Doug...you have a lot going on in your private life right now as well...

Doug (emphatically):
There is NOTHING going on in my private life that interferes with the well being of one of my patients. I would not EVER lose sight of what's important.
(opens door quickly)
How long did it take the two of you to orchestrate this take over? I'm sure this arrangement was what you had in mind for this place all along...

Doug steps quickly into the hall...David and Mark exchange glances and sighs and Mark starts down the hall behind him quickly.

Doug (cheerfully to Adam):
Well, Adam, Dr. Greene will be wrapping things up with you.
(turns to look cold at Mark)
I have a patient at County I need to check on.

Doug gives Mark a cold stare as he grabs his jacket and heads quickly out the door. Carol gives Mark a confused stare and Mark shrugs his shoulders at her with a heavy sigh.

Fade Act One to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center. Show Carol move closer to Mark with a concerned look on her face as she stares at the door Doug just quickly walked out of.

Carol:
What was THAT all about?

Mark:
I'm not sure, exactly...
(turns cheerfully to Adam)
You're all set, Adam! Not even hard enough for a concussion.
(boy hops off the table...Mark turns to the Mother)
He's fine...really...

Mother (smiles):
Thank you, Dr. Greene. Please tell Dr. Ross thank you as well...

Adam (grins from the doorway and waves to Mark):
Tell Dr. Ross I'll see him soon!

Mark nods and waves good bye to the child, then he and Carol go about cleaning up the exam area.

Mark:
Doug was babbling about a case...Brenmyer...are you familiar with that case at all?

Carol (thinking...shakes her head):
Not right off, no...why?

Mark (shrugs):
I'm not sure...I'm guessing that must be the little boy he worked on at County last night...

Carol (frowns):
The fatality?

Mark (nods):
I'm assuming, yes...I have to go over to County in a bit...I'll check with Kerry Weaver about that...maybe she can tell me a little more...

Carol:
He did mention he let a little boy down...maybe that was the Brenmyer kid?

Mark (shrugs):
I don't know...I just know Doug has been really uptight lately...has he been that way at home, too?

Carol:
Not really...at least I haven't noticed anything out of the ordinary anyway...

Mark:
Well, maybe he's just a little overbearing when it comes to kids...

Carol:
He always had been...always been his specialty...every since I've known him...

Mark:
Well, this time, I think he's wrong...

Carol (shrugs...nods):
Let's hope you're right.
(add quick after thought)
I have a doctor's appointment this afternoon...Doug is supposed to meet me there...if he would happen to come back here and forget about it, would you remind him for me, please? It's at two o'clock...and this could be a big day for us...

Mark (smiles):
Ultrasound?

Carol (shakes her head):
Not that far yet...but I'm hoping to hear the heartbeat today! I want Doug to be there...I want to us to share every minute of this together that we possibly can!

Mark:
We'll get him there...don't worry...

Fade scene out showing Mark, Carol, and Eleanor picking up files and charts and getting things in order for the next patient.

Cut to County General Hospital ER entrance. Show Mark come through the doors and start through, looking at he goes and passing personnel along the way.

Mark (taps shoulder):
Anna...I'm looking for Doug, is he here?

Anna Del Amico (shakes her heed quickly):
Haven't seen him, Mark...sorry...

Finally, Mark sees who he is looking for...Kerry Weaver...working at the front desk...and he makes his way to her quickly.

Mark (taps her shoulder):
Kerry! Hey! I was wondering if I could have a word with you...

Kerry (looks up, grins at Mark):
Sure, Mark! Good to see you!
(finishes her file and slaps it shut)
What can I do for you?

Mark (motions her to a private corner):
You were working with Doug Ross last night, weren't you? The accident victims from the interstate were brought here, right?

Kerry (nods):
Yeah, Doug was a big help...I really appreciated him being here...

Mark:
The case you guys worked on last night...anything out of the ordinary?

Kerry (shakes her head):
No...not really...why?

Mark:
Was the kid's name Brenmyer by any chance?

Kerry (shakes her head...gives Mark a cautious look):
No...the little boy's name was David Tuckner...he was four years old and we worked on him for almost an half hour before I convinced Doug to give it up...

Mark (tugs at his chin):
Wasn't named Brenmyer, huh?

Kerry:
Not last night...no...

Mark (sighs):
Well, Doug was upset today about something else and he brought this case up...I'm not familiar with it and was hoping I could find out some more about it so I could talk to him about it...

Kerry:
Are you talking about Justin Brenmyer?

Mark (shrugs):
I don't know...maybe! Do you know something about a case like that?
(Kerry rolls her eyes and looks at her watch...Mark gives her a coaxing look)
If you know something, I'd appreciate your help.

Kerry:
I have to meet Dr. Anspaugh upstairs in a few minutes for staff meeting...can you hang around the hospital for a little while? I can talk to you then...

Mark (nods):
Sure...great!

Kerry goes one way and Mark slips down the hall and into an elevator. Follow him as he goes up to another floor and knocks on the office door of Nina Pomerantz.

Nina (from behind the door):
Come in.

Mark opens the door and sticks his head in, giving Nina a nod and a smile as he walks on into the room.

Nina (looking up, smiles):
Hey, you! It's good to see you! What are you doing here!?

Mark:
Oh, I was in the neighborhood...can I buy you some coffee?

Nina:
I'd love some...is this social or professional?

Mark (rolls his eyes):
Could be both, I guess...
(he holds the door for her as they go out together)
I guess I was kind of wondering if you're scheduled to see Doug Ross today...

Nina (gives Mark a coy smile):
Now, Mark...you promised to stop checking up on him so much...

Mark (as they wait for the elevator):
I know...and I've been keeping with that...but something has happened...

Nina (cuts him off with a scolding stare):
Now, Mark...that's Doug's job to tell me...not yours.

Mark (sighs):
I know.

Nina (leans on the wall...smiles at Mark):
Someday, I want to hear the story of how the two of you got to be such close friends because you two are just about the most unlikely pair I've ever come across in my life to be so close.
(Mark chuckles)
Have you always been so overprotective of him?

Mark (shrugs):
I'll have to tell you all about it sometime...

Nina (as they get into the elevator):
Now there's a story I want to hear...

Cut to show a time lapse. Show Mark sitting alone now at a table reading over a file. Show a folder being pitched into the middle of the table in front of him. He looks over at the folder and reaches for it, looking up to see where it came from. Show Kerry Weaver pulling a chair around the table to join him there.

Mark (reaching for file):
What’s this?

Kerry:
That's the file you wanted...the one on Justin Brenmyer?

Mark picks up the file and looks at it carefully. He has a confused look on his face. The file is worn and not labeled with anything familiar to Mark. A tab on the top of it clearly reads 1987-1991 DECEASED.

Mark (confused look):
I don't get it.

Kerry:
I had to get the file from Chief of Staff at Mercy...it was one of their cases.

Mark:
So, what does this have to do with Doug?

Kerry (sighs):
I really shouldn't be the one telling you about this, Mark...you really should get Doug to tell you about it...

Mark:
Yeah, well, he's probably not going to, so, why don't you just fill me in? What's going on?

Kerry:
Justin Brenmyer was a frequent patient in the ER when Doug and I were both doing a Residency at Mercy. Doug suspected Child Abuse and he wanted to call in Child Services, but, the Chief of Pediatrics wouldn't let him.

Mark (confused):
Why not?

Kerry (rolls her eyes):
Because the Chief of Pediatrics name was also Brenmyer...this child was his Grandson...

Mark (winces):
Ouch.

Kerry (nods):
You got it...he didn't want his family dragged through the mud of a child abuse scandal, so, he wouldn't let Doug report the case. But that's not the end of the situation. When the child died in his care, the family tried to say Doug was negligent and they filed malpractice against him...to make matters worse, the past records on file backed up the abuse not reported theory against Doug...it was a pretty harried case for a while.

Mark:
Well, obviously it ended well...

Kerry (sighs):
It ended with Dr. Brenmyer making a deal with Doug...that he would exonerate him of all wrong doing if he would agree to leave Mercy and not talk about the case.

Mark (makes a face):
Well, that hardly seems fair.

Kerry (shrugs):
I guess to Doug it was an easy way out. He never did talk to me about that case. As far as I know, he never talked to anyone about it. But, after all that, he became almost a personal advocate against child abuse...even the slightest hint of it seemed to get a real rise out of him.

Mark (nods...scoffs):
Still does, I'm afraid.

Kerry:
What I always wondered about Doug though is how he seemed to always know every sign. Even kids who didn't quite fit the mold, he could scope it out if they were abused or not. I never saw him guess wrong. His knack was really amazing. I always wondered how he did it because he surely saw things the average person didn't see.

Mark:
I think Doug may have had a rough upbringing...I've heard him mention it a few times.

Kerry:
Well, whatever method he used, I hope he never loses his touch.

Mark (nods):
I'm sure he won't.
(looks at his watch)
But, I do know John Carter is going to come over here and drag me back to County C.A.R.E. if I don't get back over there pretty soon...
(stands up to leave)
Thanks for all this information, Kerry...I really appreciate your help...if Doug happens to turn up around here, would you please send him back to C.A.R.E.?

Kerry (as they start out of the room together):
He's supposed to be over here?

Mark (nods):
He mentioned coming here to check on a patient...Carol has a doctor appointment at two o'clock and he's supposed to meet her there...they're supposed to hear the baby's heartbeat today...so I don't want him to miss that...I just need to find him first.

Kerry (chuckles):
Sounds like things haven't changed over at C.A.R.E. very much from what they were around here!

Mark (chuckles):
Only the hours, Kerry...only the hours!

Show Mark give a short wave on his wave out of the County ER and disappear into the Chicago traffic.

Fade Act Two to Black.

"Project C.A.R.E."

"Broken Circles Never Mend"

Act Three

Scene opens focused on the window of restaurant someplace in Chicago. Pull close to show Doug Ross looking blankly out the window from a booth on the other side. He is drinking coffee and sitting alone. He is there with only his thoughts and they are wandering...go deep into his mind and hear the words rolling around in his head.

Mans Voice:
Dougie? Where are you, Boy? You in here?

Focus tight on Doug's dark eyes as he scans the corners of his mind. Show in his mind the music box being hurled through the air to smash against the wall and fall in pieces on the floor. Show in his mind a door swinging gently on a hinge. Show in his mind a small pair of eyes peering timidly through a crack in the door.

Man's voice:
Dougie?

Stay focused tight on Doug's eyes as he recollects things from his past. We don't see anymore pictures, but, hear the audio of distant slaps and muffled shouting and shuffling. Show in his mind the door being ripped open and light spilling in to meet the wide eyes of a young child...

Waitress (suddenly at his table):
More coffee, sir?

Doug looks up at her blankly, his attention span completely broken from the train of thought he was just on. He looks up at her completely dumbfounded, but she stands smiling and holding a pot of coffee to him.

Waitress (smiles again):
More coffee?

Doug (trying to collect his thoughts, nods):
Yes, thank you.

She pours the coffee for him and walks away. Doug turns his attention to stare blankly back out the window, still hearing voices in his mind.

Man's voice:
Dougie? Come on, Boy...come to me...don't be afraid...

Doug stares out the window and again hears faint sounds of slaps and shuffling. He closes his eyes and shakes his head, opening his eyes and reaching for his coffee. He sips the coffee slowly and continues to stare out the window.

Cut to show Doug paying the check at the register and leaving the restaurant to venture into the Chicago streets. He pulls his scarf around his throat and turns his collar to the wind as he walks slowly alone. He reaches into his pocket at the corner to take out a throat drop to put in his mouth. When he takes his hand out of his pocket, he has the throat drop, but he also has a small silver bracelet in his hand. He holds the bracelet carefully and smiles, thinking back on the conversation with Tatiana that led to the bracelet being in his pocket.

*****Flashback*****

Doug and Tatiana are together at a shopping mall, walking along together, and she is holding his hand. The come to the center fountain area and sit down together close to the edge of the waterfall.

Tatiana (watching the water fall):
Where does the water go?

Doug:
It's filtered in through a pipe and it just keeps cycling back through over and over again.

Tatiana (looking closely):
Cool!

Doug (scoffs):
Cool? Where'd you get this 'cool' business from? Sounds like you've been spending too much time with your brother...

Tatiana (matter-of-factly):
Scotty has a girl friend! Did you know that?

Doug:
I heard the rumor...Ms. Bigmouth...if you had a boyfriend, would you want him telling me about it?

Tatiana (laughs):
I wouldn't care...

Doug:
Well, Scott is a boy and boys are funny about those kind of things, so, you be careful teasing him about it, OK?

Tatiana (nods quietly):
OK, Papa.

Doug:
Hey, I have something important for you...you and I have an appointment to see Judge Whittaker next week about changing your name to Ross...what do you think about that?

Tatiana (smiles happily):
I'm gonna be a Ross?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...that is what you wanted, isn't it?

Tatiana:
I want to be a Ross like everybody else! Yes, Yes!
(she hugs him happily, then thinks for a second, cocking her head to look him)
Why wasn't I already a Ross?

Doug (nods):
OK...I'm glad you asked about that. Do you remember a long time ago when you first met Carol at the hospital?

Tatiana (nods):
Oh, yes! She was really nice to me! She gave me candy!

Doug (nods):
Right, and she used to bring you around the hospital to the staff and everything? Well, back then, Carol filed a petition to adopt you...do you know what that means?

Tatiana (nods):
She wanted me to come live with her and be her little girl...

Doug (nods):
Right...well, you know that didn't happen, right?
(Tatiana nods with a soft frown)
And then you went to live someplace else for a while.

Tatiana (sadly):
At the home...

Doug:
Right...well, while you were there, I filed a paper to ask the people to reopen Carol's original request to adopt you, but those kind of things can take a long time to follow through. In the time it took the committee to re-read the petition, Carol and I had gotten married! But, it was important to me that Carol's original petition be honored...that if the adoption was to go through it would be the way it was originally planned. Does that make sense to you?

Tatiana (nods):
You wanted me to belong to Carol?

Doug (nods):
Right! You see, a lot of things happened in Carol's life and she felt like maybe she wasn't good enough to be your Mama. But, I knew better than that. And I wanted her to feel good about herself. And I knew that if she got you all her own she would know this. So, I asked that my name and my connection be kept out of the adoption procedure.

Tatiana (understands):
And that's why I'm a Hathaway and not a Ross.

Doug (nods):
Right. But, now, we're all one family and, I agree, that we should all have the same name. I think it's very important for you to be a Ross.

Tatiana (makes a soft face):
I was afraid you didn't want me to be a Ross...

Doug (hugs her tight):
Oh, Sweetie...of course I want you to be a Ross! I love you very VERY much...

Tatiana (kisses him quickly):
I love you, too, Papa...
(she pulls her arm around quickly and her bracelet on her arm releases and falls to the floor. She reaches over to pick it up quickly, giving Doug a sad look as she turns back to him)
Papa, look! Can you fix it?

Doug (takes the bracelet and looks at it carefully):
Oh, honey, I don't know...once a circle is broken, it never quite goes back together again the same way as before.

Tatiana (confused):
So, you should never break a circle, huh?

Doug:
Well, it's just very hard to fix one if you do.

Tatiana (shrugs):
Why?

Doug (showing her):
Well, because a circle just goes around forever, see?
(Holds the bracelet so she can see the continued ring)
But, when it breaks...
(pulls the bracelet apart again)
...it makes it weak...if you put it back together again, it won't be as strong as it was before it broke and it'll probably just break again.

Tatiana:
Is it like that song? Will the circle be not broken?

Doug (smiles):
Something like that.

Tatiana (smiles):
It's OK you can't fix it, Papa...I love you anyway.

Focus on Doug back in the present, looking at the bracelet, and hearing himself say the words 'once a circle is broken, it never quite goes together the same way again' and he smiles softly to himself and puts the bracelet back in his pocket and continues on his way.

Cut to a doctor's office somewhere across town. Show a woman doctor in scrubs and a lab coat in an exam room with Carol, who is lounging on the exam table. Carol glances at the clock on the wall and frowns softly.

Carol:
I guess he's not going to make it after all...he said something about checking on a patient...I guess he got tied up somewhere...

Doctor:
Well, I'm sure he would have been here if he could have been. Doug seems to be very 'into' this pregnancy.

Carol (nods enthusiastically):
Oh, he is, really...he's just got a lot of things on his mind right now.

Doctor (smiles...nods):
You're very lucky to have such a supportive husband, Carol.

Carol (grins):
I know...got two great kids, too...they've both been a big help.

Doctor:
The further along you get the more they'll be able to help you with. I think it's great that this baby is getting to be a family affair from the word go.

Carol:
So, how am I doing this time?

Doctor:
You're doing great...
(puts the stethoscope on Carol's stomach and smiles)
So, you want to hear your baby's heartbeat?

Carol looks up at her with a surprised look and then takes the earpieces of the stethoscope to listen to the sounds in her stomach. She closes her eyes and shakes her head shortly.

Carol (softly):
Oh, God, Doug, I can't believe you're missing this!

Doctor (smiles):
We'll make a recording of it for him...you can take it home...the two of you should be able to hear it yourselves now anyway at home as well. You are, after all, both medically trained.

Carol (wondering):
Do you think that's good?

Doctor:
I think it works both ways. I think you would both know the very earlier sign that something might be wrong. I think you might also both tend to go overboard with normal aches and pains that might not be any concern to someone else. I think the two of you will just need to find a healthy balance somewhere.

Focus on Carol nodding, lost in thought, and show he going back to listening to the heartbeat of the baby and smiling.

Cut scene to C.A.R.E. Center and show Doug coming in the back door. No one is in the clinic except David Morganstern and he is going over a report at the front desk.

Doug (shyly):
Where is everybody?

David (motions):
They're devouring pizza in back...there's plenty more back there if you're hungry.

Doug (shakes his head):
No, thanks. I'm fine.

David:
I was hoping we might get a minute to talk...

Doug (shifts his weight):
I'm sorry I blew up...I didnt mean anything by it...

David:
Doug, listen, I understand. I think you're the one who doesn't understand. Can you just listen to me a minute without getting critical?
(Doug nods shortly)
A doctor in an administrative position has to be able to think rationally at all times and in all situations. That's not something that's easily done by men who have been doing it for years, much less someone who's never had any experience with it before. I don't want you to think that Mark and I don't trust your judgement. Surely you know better than that. You wouldn't be working in this clinic if Mark and I didn't trust your judgement as a doctor. The only thing Mark and I were questioning was your ability to judge the situation. Sometimes where kids are concerned you have a tendency to go overboard...and that's usually a good thing...because kids need every helping hand they can get. They need teachers and doctors watching out for them because there are a lot of bad parents out there. But, sometimes, we have to give the parents the benefit of the doubt until we have cause for justification.

Doug (nods, understands):
And then just pray we aren't too late, right?

David:
More or less, that's right. We gamble just the same as everybody else does, but, we can calculate our stakes a little better than the average person most of the time. The decision to have Mark in charge here for a while has nothing to do with your hot headed attitude...
(Doug chuckles)
...I've come to expect that much out of you by now. I just think you need to give more attention to your family right now. You have two children at home. And a pregnant wife. The needs of your family are going to change on almost a daily basis for the next few months and adjustments are not going to come overnight.

Doug (protesting):
My patients are important to me...

David (nods):
I know that...and I appreciate the time and devotion you give to this clinic. But, Doug, don't make the same kind of mistake with your family that Mark and I both made when we were placed in authority positions. Don't put this clinic and these patients ahead of the needs of your family. Don't ever lose sight of what's really important in your life. The patients that come through this door have other options...your family only has you.

Doug (confused):
You think you did that? And Mark?

David (nods):
I know I did...and if Mark didn't, he'd still be married maybe or at least still have some kind of decent contact with his child. It takes a lot of hard work to keep a family together under normal circumstances, Doug...don't make it harder than it already is.

Doug (nods shortly):
I understand.

David (reaches his hand):
So, we understand each other? You'll turn some of this operation over to Mark? And stop putting in so much time here for a while?

Doug (shakes hands with him, smiles):
Yeah, OK...you got it.

David (nods, satisfied):
Good...glad to hear it...I want you to keep making those appointments with Carol and be with her...it's important for you guys to go through this together as much as possible...

Doug (looks at David completely shocked):
Oh, my God!
(looks at his watch quickly)
Carol had an appointment today...
(he scrambles for the register book at the desk and looks at him, then pounds the table in disgust)
Damn!

David (shakes his head, knows):
You missed it, huh?

Doug (starts for the door):
Maybe I can still make it...I'll see you later, David!

David (calls after him as the door closes):
Drive carefully!

His words fall on deaf ears as Doug is already gone. Focus on David shaking his head with a soft laugh as he goes back to work.

Fade Act Three to Black.

"Project C.A.R.E."

"Broken Circles Never Mend"

Act Four

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center as things are drawing to a close for the day. Show John Carter giving Mark a short wave as he starts up the inside steps to his apartment. Mark is pretty much left alone to get things ready to lock up and is busy putting things in order when Doug comes in the back door. Mark turns to see him come in and gives him a confused look.

Mark:
Thought you went home hours ago.

Doug (shakes his head):
No...not yet.

Mark (senses something wrong):
Everything OK?

Doug (sighs):
I missed Carol's appointment today.

Mark (nods):
I'm sorry.

Doug (shrugs):
Wasn't your fault.

Mark (coaxing):
You want to talk about it?

Doug:
I don't know what's wrong with me, Mark. I'm acting weird even by my own standards...

Mark (chuckles):
You're an expectant parent! You have a right to be acting 'weird' right now.

Doug:
What were you like? What was it like for you when Jen was pregnant with Rachel?

Mark:
Well, first of all, there's a big difference between my marriage and your marriage, so, it really wouldn't be fair to compare...

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I guess all pregnant woman aren't alike, are they?

Mark:
In some ways they are, but, different women react different ways to different things. And how her mate reacts plays a big part in everything too. None of it is simple.

Doug (coaxing):
So, you can't offer me any help at all?

Mark (sighs):
When Jen was pregnant with Rachel, I was on eggshells almost the whole nine months. She was exactly thrilled about being pregnant. And everything seemed like it was my fault. It wasn't a memorable time for either one of us.

Doug (truthfully):
I'm sorry.

Mark (shrugs):
Not your fault...you just asked.
(grins)
I also didn't have a good friend to share it with. I didn't have someone to help me paint a nursery or put a crib together with...I really appreciate that you're sharing this whole thing with me...sort of makes me envy what I missed.
(Doug chuckles)

Doug (serious tone):
Did you ever get scared? Was there ever a point in Jen's pregnancy where you just plain got scared?

Mark (nods):
Yeah...they day Jen looked me in the eye and said 'Mark, I'm pregnant'...I was scared from the word go.

Doug:
See, that's what I don't understand! You're a doctor. You were a doctor when Jen got pregnant. You knew everything to do and everything to watch for...why would you be afraid? Why am I afraid?

Mark (laughs):
Why are you afraid? Why WOULDN'T you be afraid? Your wife is having a baby, Doug! The changes that are fixing to occur in your life for the rest of your life are only just beginning. You have years of uncertainty ahead of you. What's NOT to be afraid of? You're responsible for a life coming into this world that it's going to be up to you and Carol to shape it and mold it into a productive human being...that's not a responsibility to be taken lightly by anyone...

Doug:
That's just it...we already have kids...it's not like we don't know anything about having children around...

Mark:
You have children...you don't have a baby. This is an infant, Doug...a child that you will have to learn which cry means what and when you should go pick them up and when you can leave them and let them cry...they aren't big enough yet to tell you what's wrong or where it hurts...you have to figure those things out for yourself and you have LOTS less room for error in a baby...

Doug (almost laughing):
Kids are my life, Mark! It's what I DO...

Mark:
OTHER people's kids is what you do...and let me tell you from experience that it is a hell of a lot easier to diagnose a stranger's kid than it is your own.

Doug (sadly):
I'm gonna make mistakes...

Mark (nods):
Part of being a parent. We all make mistakes. You just do the best you can and hope for the best.

Doug (sighs):
I let a little kid down, Mark...a long time ago...I don't know if I can ever let myself get over that or not.

Mark (grins almost knowing):
Justin Brenmyer?
(Doug gives him a look)
You didn't let Justin Brenmyer down...his grandfather did.

Doug (in thought):
No, there's another kid I let down a long time ago...a little boy in a closet in Kentucky...

Mark (gives him a look):
You?
(Doug nods)
How did you let that little boy down?

Doug:
Because I never let him out of the closet. He's still hiding in there...still afraid to come out...Mark, I'm terrified I'm going to pass this cycle on my own child. This child Carol is carrying is my child. It's my flesh and blood and I'm going to be there to raise it. I didn't have that with Scott and that's probably why he turned out so well...because Samantha raised him...but when this child comes, am I going to turn into my Dad?

Mark (laughs):
Is that what you're afraid of?
(Doug gives him a careful nod)
You think you're gonna turn in Ray Ross?
(Doug gives him another careful nod...Mark shakes his head with a wide smile)
I think you're worried about nothing.

Doug (encouraged):
Yeah?

Mark (nods his head):
If you were gonna turn into Ray Ross, don't you think you'd be exhibiting some signs of it by now? I mean, you've been a father for going on a year now between the time you put in with Scott before he came to live with you and after, not to mention the one to one time with Tatiana in between all that. I've never even heard you raise your VOICE to those kids, much less ever see you raise a hand to them...

Doug (appalled):
I don't WANT to raise a hand to them! Not EVER. I remember all too well what it was like to be on the other end of that.

Mark:
Well, then, as long as you remember that, your kids will probably always have the benefit of it.

Doug
Besides, you don't have to yell at kids to get them to do what you want them to...do you?

Mark (smiles):
You shouldn't...but most people do. Just hang in there, Doug...you're doing great.
(pause)
Have you discussed any of these fears with Carol?

Doug (shakes his head):
I don't want her to know I'm afraid. I don't want her to think I'm not happy about the baby, because I really am...I just get afraid thinking about it sometimes...

Mark (assuringly):
Perfectly normal, Doug...I'm sure Carol is experiencing some of the very same fears. It might really help you both for you to talk it over together.

Doug (unsure):
You think?

Mark (nods):
Trust me on this one, OK? What you are experiencing here is norma an it's something every expecting parent goes through.

Doug:
What happened to me, Mark? I used to be the kind of guy who stayed out all night and if I ended up at home usually couldn't remember how I got there...now I can't wait to just GO home and stay there.

Mark (grins):
You're a family man now, Doug...you've changed.

Doug (unsure):
This is a good thing, right?

Mark:
You've got a great family that seems to be crazy about you...you've got a wife you're so in tune with you're experiencing morning sickness with her...you're a lucky, LUCKY man, Doug. Any man would envy you right now.
(looks at his watch)
Go on...go home...I'll see you tomorrow.

Doug (reaches his hand to shake with Mark):
Thanks, Mark...

Mark (shakes his hand, laughs):
Thanks? Thanks for what?

Doug (grins...shrugs):
Just, thanks.

Mark doesn't try and figure it out, just shakes his head and waves Doug on away.

Cut scene to show time lapse. Show Doug come through the front door and into the hallway of the house. The downstairs in deserted but Carol has left a light on for him. He goes into the living room to turn the light out and finds a cassette tape with a note taped to it lying near a cassette tape player. He picks up the note and hears Carol's voice at he reads the words...

Carol's voice:
Doug, please listen to this if you get a chance...Carol

He smiles slightly and slides the tape into the player, placing the headset over his ears. He pushes play and begins to listen. His face softens as he listens to the heartbeat of the baby on the tape. He smiles wider and pushes the STOP button, taking the headset off and laying the player back down on the table. He goes up the steps slowly and opens the door to Tatiana's bedroom to gaze in at his daughter, sleeping soundly in her bed, and closes the door quietly. He ventures a few steps up to the attic bedroom and gazes over the railing top at Scott, also asleep in his bed, and slips back down the steps. He goes to the nursery and pushes the door open slowly, walking into the empty room. He is standing in the room just looking around when Carol is suddenly behind him, slipping her arms around his waist and squeezing him.

Doug (reaches around and pulls her in front of him):
Hey.

Carol (gives him a gentle hug):
Hey...you OK?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...I'm real sorry I missed your appointment.

Carol (shrugs):
That's OK...did you find the tape?

Doug:
Yeah, but, I want to give it a listen of my own too if that's OK?

Carol (nods, excited):
It's OK! I've heard it three times since I came home!

Doug (takes her by the hand and turns to face her):
Some things we need to talk about, though...if we can?

Carol (nods):
Of course, Doug! You can always talk to me...you know that.

Doug (shyly):
I'm scared...scared to death actually...that I'm going to turn into my Dad once the baby gets here. I don't know why I feel that way! I don't know why the presence of a baby would be so much different than Scott and Tatchie, but, I just keep this feeling...

Carol:
Ray hit you a lot, huh?

Doug (shrugs):
Not a lot, I guess. To a little kid, once is a lot. I've talked to Nina Pomerantz about this so many times...she's given me brochures and everything...I've covered it from every angle and I know I've broken the cycle...I'm a survivor...but I don't understand why I can't seem to put it all behind me. I look for signs of it in every kid I treat...I suspect almost every parent of being an abuser even when I know better in my heart than to think that...its something I just can't seem to get into my past.

Carol (rubs his shoulder comfortingly):
Then, you need to keep talking to Nina until she can help you find the answer to that. There's obviously something still bothering you about it. You need to find out what it is.

Doug (sighs):
I know what it is...
(he walks over and picks up the music box, looking at it carefully)
There's still a little boy hiding in a closet in a house someplace in Kentucky...until I find a way for that little boy to walk out and face his fear, I'm never gonna have this completely behind me.

Carol (shrugs):
Maybe you need to go back to Kentucky? Maybe you need to go find that little boy again...

Doug (shakes his head):
No...I think I just need to forgive the man that caused him to retreat into the closet to begin with.
(sighs)
I need to talk about my Dad...

Carol (supportively):
You know I'll always listen...

Doug (nods):
I know...and when I'm ready, I promise to come to you with all this.
(sighs)
God, Carol...how do you put up with me sometimes?

Carol (grins at him):
I love you, Doug...there's no other explanation I can offer you...

Doug (wraps his arms around her and holds her close to him):
I'm not sure I deserve to be so loved...

Carol (takes him by the hand):
Come on...back down to our room...we can listen to the baby together...

Carol just pats his back in a supportive and comforting fashion. Doug sets the music box back on the dresser and the two of them turn out the nursery light and leave the room together.

Fade Act Four to Black.

"Project C.A.R.E."

"Broken Circles Never Mend"

Closing Act

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center. Doug is working there with Mark when Carol comes in through the staff door with Tatiana by the hand. Carol has on a nice maternity dress and Tatiana is dressed up in a pretty dress and ribbons in her hair.

Mark (cheerfully):
My goodness! Don't we look pretty!

Tatiana (sort of curtsies to Mark):
Thank you!

Mark:
Going someplace special, are we?

Tatiana:
We're gonna go see a Judge!

Mark (nods, understands):
Oh, today is the 'big' day, huh?

Carol (nods at Mark):
Yeah, this is it.
(Hands Doug a shirt and tie she brought with her)
Here you go, Doug...

Doug (takes them from her):
Thanks...I'll be right with you!

Mark (as Doug exits the room):
Nice dress, Carol...you're looking very 'conditional' now.

Carol (looks down at herself):
Oh, well, thanks...I think! Doug bought me this dress...I kind of liked it too! It's nice. And it's LOOSE. That's the name of the game right now.

Tatiana (matter of factly):
You should've seen the one he WANTED to get you!
(giggles)
The lady at the shop talked him out of it.

Carol (smiling):
Oh, really?

Tatiana (nods, dancing about the room):
Yeah...she told him if SHE was his wife and he brought HER something that big so early for her baby, he would sleep on the couch until she was big enough to wear it!

Mark (laughing):
I guess Doug has a lot to learn about maternity clothes, huh?

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Doug isn't the only one.

Doug comes out to join his girls now wearing his shirt, tie, and a suit coat, carrying a topcoat over his arm.

Doug:
OK...we ready?

Mark (to Tatiana):
Well, may I be the first to congratulate you. Miss Ross?

Tatiana (nods and smiles):
Yes, you may! Thank you!

Doug:
Thanks, Mark...I'll see you tomorrow...

Mark gives a laugh and a wave to the happy family as they start out the back door together.

Cut to a courthouse lobby and show Doug, Carol, and Tatiana sitting on a bench outside a door waiting.

Tatiana (quickly to Carol):
Did you tell him I want a dash!?

Doug (confused):
A dash?

Carol (nods):
She wants the name hyphenated...remember? We talked about that? She wants to have both our names...

Doug:
So, all we're really doing here is adding a hyphen and the name Ross to her name, right?

Carol (nods):
Right.

Doug (to Tatiana):
You're real sure this is how you want it?
(Tatiana nods insistantly)
OK, I just want you to please be sure, OK? Because I'm not paying $500 later to change it again, so let's be sure we get it right the first time, OK?

Tatiana (insisting):
I want a dash.

Doug (nods):
Then that's what you'll have...

The door opens and a uniformed gentleman directs them into the room. They are met by a Judge seated behind his desk with an open file in front of him.

Judge:
This is the Ross case, correct?

Doug (nods):
Yes, Your Honor...that's us.

Judge (looks at Doug carefully):
Don't I know you?

Doug (confused...doesn't know the judge):
I don't think so...

Judge:
You used to work at County ER didn't you?

Doug (nods):
Yes, Sir...

Judge:
Weren't you in front of my bench once? A few years back? Some wild bar raid over on Landrin Way?

Doug (nods in remembrance):
Oh yeah...well...your Honor, that was a long time ago...a lot of things have changed since then.

Judge (puts on his glasses, picks up paper in front of him):
Yes, obviously...
(clears his throat)
I have reviewed the situation for your adoption petition and find everything to be in proper order...I suppose the last two questions are left for these two lovely ladies in your presence.
(turns to Carol)
Mrs. Ross...the minor child in question is your sole responsibility at this point. Do you have any qualms or have any just cause why Dr. Ross should not adopt your daughter?

Carol (shakes her head emphatically):
Absolutely none. Doug has been there for Tatchie since the beginning. In fact, I probably wouldn't even have her if it weren't for him filing the petition to review my case. He's a wonderful father to her and I honestly feel this procedure will only further cement their relationship.

Judge (nods, reads over paper):
All righty...that having been said...
(turns to Tatiana)
What about you, Young Lady?
(Tatiana looks at him carefully)
How do you feel about this Man being your father?

Tatiana:
It's OK with me!

Judge (smiles at her):
Is he a Good Daddy?

Tatiana (nods):
Oh, yes! The best!

Judge:
Tell me, Tatiana, what does he do that makes him a Good Daddy?

Tatiana (thinking):
Well, he takes good care of me, and my brother, and my Mama...he let us have a dog even though Mama didn't want us to get one...
(everybody chuckles)
...he tucks me into bed at night and reads me stories...and he tells me he loves me EVERY day!

Judge:
Well, those are all good things. Aren't there any bad things?

Tatiana (confused):
Bad things?

Judge:
Yes, how does he handle things when things go wrong?

Tatiana (not sure):
Like, if I'm bad?

Judge (nods):
Yes, like that.

Tatiana (thinking):
He gives me time out and then we talk about it.

Judge (smiles):
Well, it sounds to me like he really is an awfully good Daddy for you. Do you understand what a name change means?

Tatiana (nods happily):
It means I'm a Ross like everybody else that lives in the house...until I get married, of course!

Judge (laughing):
Of course!
(picks up his pen and signs form)
Can you sign your name, Honey?
(Tatiana nods)
Well, then you just print your whole full name, including your new name, right here on this line for me, OK?

Tatiana (looks at the paper):
Do I get a dash?

The Judge looks at Doug quickly and Doug mouths the word 'hyphen' to him. He nods that he understands.

Judge:
Yes, you will henceforth be known as Tatiana Elizabeth Hathaway-Ross.

Doug (low voice):
Name's bigger than she is!

Doug and Carol stand nearby and watch as Tatiana carefully prints out every letter of her very long new name. Once her name is in place on the line, Doug and Carol both sign the form and everybody shakes hands with the judge.

Last scene is Doug carrying Tatiana in his arms down the steps of courthouse, holding Carol's hand in his as they go.

Fade into closing credits of the show.

December 24, 1997