"Building On Blocks of Stone"

Opening Act

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. center...interior...early morning. Focus on Carol Hathaway busy at work at the front desk, going over the checklist to be sure everything is together and in order. She counts something in a box and then counts something on a sheet she is working from. She does this with several different lists and several different boxes.

Cut to show Mark Greene coming into the center from the back door employee entrance. Right behind him is Cynthia Hooper. Both are dressed for the Chicago weather in jackets and dressed for work with Mark in a shirt, tie, and slacks, Cynthia in a pants jumpsuit. Mark pulls into a lab coat and Cynthia tugs into a scrub jacket. They walk over together and join Carol at the front desk.

Mark (picks up a stuffed animal from a nearby box):
So, are we all geared up for this?

He shakes the toy in Cynthia's face. She laughs and pushes his hand away. Carol smiles at them.

Carol (sighs):
God, I hope so! I've never done anything like this before!

Mark:
Well, neither have I! What does Doug say about it?

Carol (rolls her eyes):
He doesn't quite know what to make of it either...I don't think he's ever participated in anything like this either!

Mark:
Well, where IS the good doctor this morning?

Carol:
He's having breakfast with Tatiana and Scott...he had to break the bad news to them that they are both due Tetanus boosters according to our records.

Mark (chuckles):
HE has to tell them? What'd he do? Lose a bet?

Carol (grins):
It was either come in here early and count all this stuff or be the bad guy with the kids...his pick.

Cynthia:
Why do they have to come in here to get their shots? Can't you just give them to them at home?

Mark (shakes his head):
No, there's a medical code of ethics that doesn't allow family members to treat other family members unless it's a life and death situation.

Cynthia:
So, they have to take their own kids to another doctor?

Mark (nods):
Yep! That's about the size of it.

Cynthia:
I guess I have a lot to learn about this business.

Carol (touches her arm):
You're doing great. Really.

Pan to show Mark going on across the room and getting into the file cabinet to pull some files. The girls have time to talk between them out of his earshot.

Cynthia (excited):
We went out for breakfast this morning. He picked me up early.

Carol (smiles):
That's GREAT!

Cynthia:
I think he's really nice!

Carol (nods):
Mark's a pretty great guy most of the time. I hope things keep going forward for you.

Cynthia (leans on the counter...helps Carol open boxes):
I think your husband is really nice, too. Is he always so calm?

Carol (surprised):
Calm? Doug?

Cynthia (shrugs):
Well, yeah, he never gets upset and he never yells or anything...he seems to always be in complete control.

Carol (nods with a grin):
You were right, Cynthia...there's still a lot of things you need to learn yet!

She giggles at her joke...Cynthia gives her a strange look, but, smiles. Show Mark walking over to them reading an open file and looking bewildered. Cynthia goes over to another area and starts opening more boxes.

Carol (quiet voice):
By the way, Mark, I wanted to ask you about getting an inoculation for Rubella...do you think I should?

Mark (shrugs):
I don't know...why? You think you might come into contact with it here?

Carol (leans on the counter...faces Mark):
Doug and I are thinking about having a baby...I was just thinking about down the line...I know that's something I have to be careful of when I get pregnant. I'd rather take the shot now and have one less thing for Doug and I to argue about later. I just don't want to take a chance with this and I've had everything else.

Mark (chuckles):
Argue about? Doug doesn't want to have a baby?

Carol (shrugs):
We just started thinking about it. We haven't really discussed all the pros and cons yet. But, I'd just like to arm him with a little less ammunition.

Mark:
Well, in that case, yeah...you should go ahead and have it now. I'm sure we have plenty of them here...

Carol:
Well, could you just go ahead and give it to me before Doug gets here? He doesn't need to know about this just yet.

Mark (nods):
Sure, no problem.

Carol goes over and sits on the table and rolls up her sleeve for the injection while Mark prepares it. He swabs her skin and plunges the needle in sharply. Carol bites her lip and groans softly, then rolls her sleeve down and hops back off the table.

Carol:
Thanks, Mark.

Mark:
No problem. I hope Doug takes it that well...

Carol (confused):
Huh?

Mark:
I was just going over Doug's records...he keeps his boosters updated pretty routinely, but, they've all run out now. He's going to need everything today.

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Oh, man! He's just gonna LOVE that!

Mark (smiles lightly):
Well, it'll give him a chance to see if he believes everything he tells these kids today!

Carol (nods):
Yeah...starting with whatever he's telling ours right now...

Cut across town to a House of Pancakes. Pull into the shop slowly to show Doug Ross sitting in a booth with Tatiana and Scott. The children are devouring pancakes and drinking milk. Doug is having toast and tea and watching them with a grin.

Doug:
I would guess from your faces this must be pretty good?

Tatiana (between mouthfuls):
Uh huh!

Scott (knowingly):
I'm just waiting for the bomb to drop.

Doug (chuckles):
What's that supposed to mean?

Scott:
You're taking us out to breakfast on a school day...something HAS to be up with that.

Doug (grins):
No fooling you, is there, Buddy?
(Scott gives him a look, Doug nods)
OK, here's the deal. We're having free Vaccination Day down at the Clinic today and I was hoping I could get you two to give me a hand with some of the kids. Other kids around sometimes eases the fears of younger children.

Tatiana (happily):
Like Mama's helpers?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, you'll be helping out.

Scott (knowing grin):
So, what's the catch?

Doug (trying to act annoyed):
Does everything good have to have a catch with you? Couldn't you just be helping out and that be all there is to it?

Scott:
Sure, but, it's not, is it?

Doug (sighs):
OK, I checked your records and both of you are due for a Tetanus shot...

Scott (scoffs, to Tatiana):
See? I knew there was something else involved!

Tatiana (sad face):
I gotta get a owie?

Doug (nods):
I'm afraid so, Sweetheart. But, it won't be so bad. And then you can help us out the rest of the day.

Scott (devilishly):
OK, so, would you be willing to make a trade deal with me?

Doug (gives him a suspicious look):
What kind of a 'trade deal'? You're already getting the day off from school...what more do you want?

Scott:
Well, back during the summer, before everything that happened, Mom and Dennis and I had talked about me going into Motorcross Racing this year...do you think you and Carol could maybe talk about that now?

Doug (nods carefully):
I think we could discuss that, yes.

Scott:
Do you think Carol would say yes?

Doug (carefully):
I'm not sure what Carol will say...but I promise to talk to her about it. Deal?

Scott:
Just one shot, right?

Doug (motions with his hands):
Just one. I promise.

Scott (nods):
OK. I can handle that.

Tatiana (nods slowly):
Me too.

Doug (grins):
There, see! I knew I could count on my kids to come through!

The kids only roll their eyes between them and all of them go back to eating.

Fade into opening credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at the C.A.R.E. center, interior, still morning. Pan into the front desk area where everybody is assembled and getting things in order to start the day. Chuney and Malik are there now, Carol and Cynthia have all the boxes open and Mark is setting all the vaccines up in groups and taking them in orderly fashion to each of the three curtains they have set up for dispensing them...one curtain for each doctor.

Pan to the back door and show Doug coming in with Tatiana and Scott running in front of him. Carol greets both kids with a hug.

Doug (as they come all the way in...points over his shoulder with his thumb):
There's a guy out on the parking lot in a clown suit?

Cynthia:

Yeah! The County sent him...he's for the kids. Mark:
Yeah, he makes balloon animals and everything!

Doug (picks up a stuffed animal out of box and waves it around):
What the hell is this for?

Cynthia:
The County sent them, too! We give them to the little ones after they get their shot.

Doug:
A stuffed animal and a clown that makes balloon animals is supposed to take their mind off a needle?

Carol (nods):
Actually, it's a proven winner. I read something about it recently when I knew we were gonna be doing this. Children have a very short attention span and if their attention can be diverted quickly, it cuts down on the tears.

Doug (nonchalantly):
Probably easier for the parents, at least...
(shrugs, returns the toy to the box):
Well, I guess we shall see, huh?

Carol (brightly...to the kids):
Hey! There's my troop! So, how was breakfast? You went to The House of Pancakes, right?

Scott (smirks):
Pretty good until Dad told us the REAL reason we were there...executioner's breakfast!

Carol:
Well, it won't be so bad! What do you guys say we get it over with before the day even starts?

Tatiana (fearfully):
Is Papa gonna give me the owie?

Carol (picks her up and sets her on the desk almost eye level with her):
No, he can't do that...Dr. Greene will give it to you.

Tatiana (matter-of-factly):
Why can't Papa give it to me?

Carol:
Because he's your Papa! There are rules about that and you wouldn't want him to get into trouble would you?
(Tatiana shakes her head)

Tatiana (bites her lip):
Then, I want Uncle John to give it to me!

Doug (chuckles, sifts through the mail at the desk, doesn't look up):
She musta heard about your bed side manner, Mark!

Cut to show John Carter come down the back steps and stroll into the clinic. He is wearing a shirt and a tie and slacks, and he takes a lab coat off a coat hanger on his way in. Doug is wearing jeans and a t-shirt and tugs into a scrub top to join the group.

Carter (cheerfully):
Who wants Uncle John to do what?

Doug:
The kids are due for a Tetanus booster...Tatiana wants you to give her hers.

Carter (grins):
Sure! I can do that?
(turns to Scott)
What about you, Sport? Want me to give your yours, too?

Scott (rolls his eyes):
Yeah, sure...might as well.

Carter:
Well, OK, you two! Let's get this over with! Hop up here on the table!

Tatiana and Scott trudge carefully to the exam table and hop up on it with Doug's help. Doug stands behind them but Carol can't look. She stays over by the desk away from the area.

Carter (picks up a syringe and moves closer to the table):
This won't hurt a bit...

Doug (chuckles lightly):
Carter, exactly how much experience do you have injecting children?

Carter (shyly):
Well, not a whole lot yet...

Doug (smiles at him):
First rule of the road...don't tell them it's not going to hurt...they already know better than that. Most kids have already had enough experience with needles to know not to believe a line like that.

Carter:
So, what should I say?

Doug:
Tell them the truth. Kids are just little people. Does a needle hurt you when you get a shot?

Carter (nods):
A little.

Doug:
Then tell them that. Be honest with them. Tell them what to expect. How can we get kids to trust doctors if we lie to them?

Carter (nods):
OK...that's a good point...I guess I didn't think of it that way...

Scott (sighs):
You're gonna feel a sharp little pain...

Tatiana (nods, joins in with Scott):
Like a bee sting...

Scott (continues Tatiana's thought):
Or a pinch...

Tatiana (giggling):
But, it'll be over in just a minute...

Scott:
And then your arm will just be a little sore for a while...

Tatiana:
And then it'll all be over!

Doug (chuckles):
Don't worry, Carter! They won't ALL be smart alic know it-alls like these two!

Scott (matter-of-factly):
Well, we've heard it a million times!

Carter (smiles...shyly...Doug chuckles):
Right. So, who's first?

Scott (pushes up his sleeve bravely):
I'll go first...I'm the oldest.
(leans over to Tatiana teasingly and whispers to her)
That'll give you time to make a run for it!

Tatiana giggles. Carter is a little nervous. He swabs Scott's arm with alcohol and makes an attempt to stick him with the needle, but, he pulls back just at the last second. Scott gives him a perturbed look.

Scott:
Well, come ON already! I was all tensed up and ready!

Carter:
Sorry...let's try that again.

Doug (places his hand over Carter's ):
Word of advice...with kids...squeeze the skin up a little...makes it a little easier...

Carter (nervously):
Easier for him?

Doug (grins):
And the parents...

Carter nods and edges again with the needle...Scott bites his lip and looks away quickly as the needle plunges into his skin. Carter winces...then he swabs the area again and lays the syringe on the tray. Scott makes a silent "ow" to Doug.

Tatiana (fearfully to Scott):
Did it hurt?

Scott (pushes his sleeve down):
Nah, not much.
(Doug reaches around him with a stuffed animal in mock seriousness...Scott rolls his eyes at Doug as he jumps off the table)
Get real, Dad.

Doug (teases him):
Oh, sorry, Mr. Ross...I forgot how grown up we are now. You could take it and give it to your girlfriend.

Scott (turns back quickly):
I don't have a girlfriend!

Doug (grins devilishly):
You don't? Then who were you necking with out on the playground the other day when I picked you up at school?

Scott (defensively):
I wasn't necking!

Doug:
Well, what would YOU call it, then?

Scott (flustered):
I was getting my button out of her hair!

Doug:
And how did your button GET in her hair?

Scott:
I was trying to steal the book she was reading out of her hands and she moved.

Doug:
Uh huh!

Carol (sternly):
Doug! Don't tease him!

Doug (roughs Scott's hair):v OK, Sport! I'm sorry! Truce, OK?

Scott nods and steps away from him quickly. He picks up a basketball and heads out the back door.

Scott:
I'm gonna go shoot some hoops!

Mark (quietly...to Carol):
Do ALL the Ross men blow off steam with a basketball?

Carol (nods):
I think so.

Carter (to Tatiana...picks up another syringe):
OK, Honey...your turn.

Tatiana lifts her tiny arm to him fearfully and Carter takes it gently in his hand. She squeezes her eyes shut tightly and bites her lip, turning her head completely away. Carter injects the needle and Tatiana never even flinches. Doug takes the stuffed animal and reaches around his daughter to place the toy in her hands and hug her shoulders tightly.

Doug (whispers in her ear):
You can open your eyes, now, Sweetie. It's all over.
(he kisses her cheek quickly)

Tatiana (opens her eyes...surprised):
It is?

Carter (lays the syringe on the tray):
Yep! And you were an excellent patient.

Doug lifts Tatiana off the table and she goes off, happily playing with her toy. Doug goes over the Carol and rubs her shoulders comfortingly.

Doug:
You OK, 'Mom'?

Carol:
Well, you certainly handled that better than I would have.

Doug (grins at her):
I know.

Mark (clears his throat carefully):
Well, let's see how you handle this, Doug.

Mark places Doug's medical file in front his friend and taps lightly at something on the page. Doug looks at it once and can hardly believe his eyes. He takes the file and looks at it closer.

Doug:
This can't be right! ALL of them?

Mark:
Yep!

Doug (sighs):
Ah, MAN! Well, OK! Do you have a gun?

Mark:
All loaded and ready.

Doug (rolls his eyes):
OK...let's get this over with.

Reluctantly, Doug goes behind a curtain with Mark. He sees the needle gun already loaded with the multiple inoculations.

Mark (picks up the gun...cannot resist teasing his friend):
So, where do you want this? And DON'T say 'in someone else' like you always do!

Doug (truthfully):
Well, I'm going to need my arms all day, so, I guess you're gonna have to shoot me in the ass.

Mark (nods):
Your choice, Pal. Drop your drawers and lean across the table.

Reluctantly, Doug unzips his jeans and tugs them down across his hips to expose his underwear. Mark pulls down one side of them to expose one buttock and swabs it quickly with alcohol.

Doug (nervously grips the table for support):
Take it easy back there, Mark...

Mark:
Relax, Doug! Don't you trust me?

Mark lays the gun next to Doug's skin and squeezes the trigger quickly. Doug braces himself against the table and groans in pain letting out a solid 'ouch' but not very loud. Mark swabs the skin again and lets go of the underwear to let it snap back around Doug's waist and pats his back gently.

Mark:
There you go! All done!

Mark cannot resist teasing his friend and as Doug zips his jeans back up, Mark hands him a stuffed animal. Doug gives him a smirk.

Doug:
Very funny!

Mark (teasing):
Well, you could always give it to your girlfriend.

Doug (chuckles):
Huh! I think she already has one!
(places his hand in his back pocket, gently rubbing the area where he got the shots)
Oh, man! That hurts!

Mark (grins):
Well, you could go down to the men's room and scream if that would make you feel better.

Doug (gives Mark a wounded look):
Don't think I'm not thinking about it!

Mark and Doug come out from behind the curtain and join the rest of the crew. Doug leans carefully on the desk behind him, being careful where the desk touches him.

Carol (teasing Doug):
Was he a brave little soldier, Mark?

Mark (chuckles):
Well, he didn't slug me and he didn't bite me...I guess he did OK.

Carol touches Doug's cheek gently and gives him a light kiss on the forehead. He smirks at her.

Doug (turns to Carter):
By the way, Carter, I wanted to ask you, exactly how much experience do you have injecting infants?

Carter:
Counting today?
(Doug nods)
However many I do today!

Doug (nods):
Yeah, that's about what I thought. OK. A couple of things to remember. With babies and toddlers...
(Doug pats his thigh carefully)
...goes in the thigh...four years and over...everything but Tetanus goes in the butt...eight years and over, everything goes in the shoulder...

Carter (nods):
OK...I can remember that!

Doug (continues):
And don't let a parent help you no matter WHAT they say. Get a nurse. If you can, get the parent to stand on the other side of the room so the child can't see them. It'll be easier for everybody that way...

Carter (nods again chuckles):
Yeah, I think I saw that much with Carol...

Doug:
...and the most important thing I can tell you?
(Carter gives him a coaxing look)
Keep your hands and your fingers AWAY from their mouth...or YOU'LL be the one getting a Tetanus shot!

Carter (smiles and nods):
I've already had one...

Mark (chuckles):
May turn out to be a good thing before the day is over!

Doug (looking over notes on a clipboard):
OK, we'll be doing this in shifts...each one of us takes a different age group and we'll rotate every hour...that way none of us gets stuck with the same group of kids all day. I'll start with infants...Mark, you take the toddlers, and John, we'll start you with the school age...anybody have any idea what we should expect number wise?

Carol:
Well, Morganstern said Carman told him the last time the County did this they had about 200 turn out...we should expect at least that many...and the school system is lending a hand this time, too, so, probably more. We have about 800 vaccines for everything...Carman says if we run out, he can send more.

Doug:
If we run out, I'll be a candidate for the funny farm!

The group around him laughs lightly. Cut to focus on David Morganstern coming quickly out of his office to address his crew.

David (Looks at his watch):
OK, gang! I see the clown is out on the parking lot...people are already at the door waiting...do we have everything in order in here?

Mark:
Everything is ready to go!

David (nods):
OK...good luck, team!

Mark (confused):
You aren't helping us?

David (shakes his head with a smile):
Oh, no...I've got meetings to attend!

Doug (nods sarcastically):
Planned that well, didn't he?
(sighs...pitches a stuffed animal back into the box)
Cynthia, you have that flyer ready to hand out to all the parents?

Cynthia (holds one up):
Right here!

Doug (nods):
OK, please see that every parent gets one...it'll take care of a few questions later...especially for some of the mothers of infants who may be going through this for the first time. Please have them sign the register and note how many kids they brought with them...

Cynthia(nods...points to register book):
This one?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, that one! That's about the only way we'll be able to keep track of how many kids we see!

Cynthia (nods):
All set!

Doug (ticks his head):
Well, OK, Boys and Girls! Let's Rock and Roll!

David gives them a nod and a smile as he disappears out the back door. Chuney heads for the front door and waits until Cynthia is in place behind the front desk and everybody else is ready to begin and she opens the door wide, letting people filter in...adults with fearful children by the hand and a clown in the middle of all of it.

Fade Act One to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens inside the C.A.R.E. center. Children cling to their parents' hands but are amused and distracted by the clown in the center of the room waving, honking a horn, and working to make balloon animals. Cynthia is all smiles at the desk with parents, letting them sign the register book, and directing children in groups by ages to different tables with a doctor and nurse ready to take over. The desk is approached by Carla Reese, carrying her infant son, Reese Benton, in her arm and Cynthia greets her warmly.

Cynthia (smiles):
Hi! Would you sign the register, please?

Carla (picks up the pen, shifts Reese in her arms):
Sure.

Cynthia (looks to check the name):
The doctor will be right with you, Mrs...

Carla (quickly):
MISS Reese.

Cynthia (carefully):
Oh, I'm sorry.

Carla (grins nonchalantly):
It's OK.

Cynthia directs her attention to other parents, keeping an eye on the situation with the doctors at the same time. When the table is free, she smiles at Carla.

Cynthia (directs Carla to the table with Doug):
Right this way, Miss. Reese.

At the mention of the name 'Reese', Doug looks up quickly. He sees Carla and reaches to take Reese from her arms, smiling as he does.

Doug (holds Reese in his arms and looks down at him with a smile):
Well, look at this little guy!
(looks up at Carla)
How you doing, Carla? You're looking good!

Carla (grins):
We're both doing really well, Dr. Ross.

Doug (places Reese on the table and unwraps his blanket):
Well, let's have a look at this little guy!

Carla (stands beside the table):
He's eatin' like a horse...but he sleeps all night now, so, that helps.

Doug (lifts Reese out of the blanket and puts him on the table):
I would have thought Peter would have taken care of these inoculations over at County...

Carla (rolls her eyes):
Well, Peter isn't the only parents Reese has...there are some things I prefer to take care of my own way.

Doug (gives her a confused look):
I'm sorry...I didn't mean anything...

Carla (scoffs):
Oh, I know you didn't! It's just me.

Doug:
Well, OK, has he had any vaccinations at all yet?

Carla (shakes her head):
No, this is his first time.

Doug:
You didn't want to schedule with your own Pediatrician?

Carla:
I was kind of hoping YOU would be Reese's Pediatrician, Dr. Ross. This Clinic isn't far from where I live and I keep hearing how you're the best in this area...are you taking new patients?

Doug (grins):
Doesn't work that way here...we're a public facility...you want me to see Reese, you just bring him right on in.

Carla (nods):
Great...that'll be fine...thanks.

Doug (to Reese):
OK, Buddy...let's get you taken care of!

The baby coos and kicks on the table. Doug take his leg into his own hand and grasps it firmly near the knee, extending the leg all the way out. Chuney is his assistant and she simply presses gently on Reese's shoulders to secure him onto the table. Doug rubs alcohol and on the baby's thigh and leans over him...Carla looks away as the needle pierces Reese's skin. The baby howls instantly and Doug picks him up, patting his bottom and rocking him on his shoulder.

Doug (soothingly):
It's OK, Buddy! You're OK!

Chuney quickly waves a stuffed animal in front of Reese's face and his attention is instantly diverted. He stops crying and focuses his eyes on the toy. Doug wraps him back in his blanket and hands him back to Carla.

Doug:
There you go, 'Mom'!

Carla:
So, when should you see him again?

Doug:
Well, unless he has problems or something I'd say I should see him every three months for the first year.

Carla (nods, rocks Reese in her arms):
So, do I make an appointment or what?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, just check with Cynthia there, she'll help you, OK?

(Carla nods):
Give my best to Peter, OK?

Carla:
I will. Thanks, Dr. Ross.

Carla takes Reese and goes over to the desk with Cynthia. We see them converse but hear no audio...Cynthia hands Carla a flyer and then they are gone.

Carol's attention is distracted from her work station with Carter to the crackling sounds of the MICN radio in the corner of the room. She goes over to it quickly and grabs the microphone.

Paramedic:
Blue Badge Three for C.A.R.E. One...

Carol (into Mic):
This is C.A.R.E. One...go ahead, please.

Paramedic:
Requesting permission to dispatch a 16 year old victim from a one car accident...

Mark (looks up):
I can take it, Carol...tell them it's OK.

Carol (nods):
Yeah, we can take it...

Doug (looks over at her quickly):
Tell them to come around the back way...they'll never get through out front.

Carol (nods):
Blue Badge, you better swing around the back way with that accident victim...we have a Kiddy City here today.

Paramedic:
Roger, C.A.R.E. One...arrival time is estimated in three minutes...

Carol:
C.A.R.E. One out.

Mark (steps away from his table):
I'll get the trauma room ready...
(looks over)
Carter, you'll have to fill in for me for a few rounds...I'll make it up to you later!

Carter (nods):
Sure thing, Dr. Greene!

Doug (working with another baby, doesn't look around):
Mark, if you need help back there once they get here, just let us know!

Mark:
I will!

Mark dashes off to ready himself and the trauma room for the arrival of his patient.

Doug (to Cynthia):
Hey, Cynthia, just try and split the toddlers between John Carter and me until Mark gets back, OK? Shouldn't be a problem.

Cynthia nods that she understands. Focus on the center at work for just a minute with children and parents all around, the clown in the center of the room, Cynthia handing out flyers, and the doctors and nurses working to move children as quickly as possible but with compassion.

Focus on the back door banging open and the paramedic crew rushing in with a gurney. On the gurney is a 16 year old girl, bleeding from the forehead and moaning in agony as she writhes back and forth. Mark meets them at the door and rushes her quickly into the trauma room so as not to alarm the children.

Mark (calling):
Chuney! I need a nurse back here, please!

Chuney (darts quickly away from Doug's table):
Coming!
Chuney and Mark go to work quickly on their patient, Mark working over her and Chuney taking his orders for IVs. etc. quickly.

Chuney (looking at monitor):
BP is 115/75...respiration low...pulse is rapid...

Mark:
She's going into shock...

Mark keeps working but the heart monitor suddenly goes flat...

Mark (directs Chuney to the Defibulator):
Charge up 200...
(Chuney charges the machine, Mark rubs the paddles together quickly)
Clear!
(Mark zaps his patient once and watches the monitor...the line blips slightly, but, doesn't hold)
Charging 300...
(Chuney charges the machine again)
Clear!
(Marks zaps his patient again and this time the line starts bouncing on the monitor and holds)
Ok, we got her...let's bag her! Is she carrying any ID?

Chuney (sifting through the victim's jacket, hold up a wallet):
Got it!

Mark:
Call her parents...and let's keep an eye on things in here.

Mark takes a breather but stays there with his patient...Chuney takes the wallet and goes to a quiet corner to make her phone call.

Cut back out to the front desk and Cynthia. A young woman who looks to be about 27 or 28 years old is holding a 2 year old boy in her arms as she signs the register.

Cynthia (promising):
The doctor will be right with you...

Carter (comes up behind Cynthia slowly):
I can take it.

Cynthia (turns to him):
Oh! Ok! This is Ms. Murphy and Daylin.

Carter (grins at the little boy):
Hello, Daylin! Right this way, Ms. Murphy...

Shawna:
It's Shawna...please.

Carter (nods...smiles at her):
Shawna it is, then.

He carries the little boy to the table and sits him on it. The toddler flings his arms and fidgets instantly. Carter reads from the checklist Cynthia handed him.

Carter:
I see he's due for Tetanus only?

Shawna (nods):
Yeah...he had everything else the last time, but, we missed the Tetanus somehow.

Carter (nervously):
Ummm. yeah...OK...excuse me just one second, Please?

Shawna (confused, but, smiles):
Sure.

Carter steps quickly over to Doug and confers with him in a very low voice.

Carter:
Kid is 26 months old and only needs Tetanus...

Doug (knowing the next part of the sentence, answers him without even looking up from the infant he is working with):
That's what all the padding in his tush is for, Carter.

Carter (nods):
Thanks!

Carter steps quickly back to this own table and smiles at Shawna nervously.

Shawna (knowingly):
You're not a Pediatrician, are you?

Carter (grins):
No, I'm not...Dr. Ross is.

Shawna:
I like a doctor who's not ashamed to ask about something he's not sure of...makes me feel a little more human, I think.

Carter (laughs lightly):
Well, we're all human, aren't we?

Shawna:
Well, we're supposed to be, but, I've seen a few I wondered about.

Carter (snickers):
Haven't we all .

Carter works quickly. He stands the little boy up and tugs him out of his sweat pants. Then, he lays him across his arm to lift him down the table where he places him on his belly. He then removes his training pants and toddler diaper and swabs his little bottom with alcohol. Carol looks over to see if he needs help, but, he gives her a 'no' motion with his eyes to indicate he has everything under control. The little boy begins to squirm and whine, reaching desperately for this mother.

Carter (to Shawna):
Could you just kind of stand over here behind me where he can't see you for just a second, please?

Shawna (nods and steps around the table):
Sure.

Once his mother is out of his sight, the little boy begins to openly cry. Carter figures he won't be any worse off and quickly jabs the needle into the toddler's skin, causing him to howl even louder. Carter takes the needle out, swabs the skin again, and picks the toddler up all in almost one motion, comfortingly him on his shoulder and letting him see his mother, who is holding his toy for him and waving it at him for his attention, which he gives her quickly by reaching for the toy. Carter gets the little boy dressed and hands him gently to his mother, who puts him on her shoulder and pats him lovingly.

Carter (grins):
You're all ready to go!

Shawna:
Thank you, Dr....Dr?

Carter (quickly):
Carter...John Carter.

Shawna (smiles):
Well, thank you, Dr. John Carter.

She goes on across the room with her child, stopping at the desk with Cynthia and picking up the flyer there, but, she keeps looking over her shoulder at Carter, who can't take his eyes off her. She goes on towards the door, stopping one last time to smile back at him. She takes Daylin's hand and waves good bye before she disappears out the door.

Cut to show Doug suddenly beside Carter, popping his trance.

Doug (sharply):
Earth to Dr. Carter! Come in, John!

Carter (looks around quickly):
Huh?

Doug (snickers):
We have a lobby full of kids...you can fantasize about the lady later...let's MOVE it!

Carter (embarrassed):
Sure thing, Dr. Ross!

Carter goes to take the next child from Cynthia and get back on track with vaccinations.

Cut to show two people come rushing into the center and approach the desk in a panic.

Woman:
Where is my daughter?

Cynthia (confused):
Excuse me?

Woman:
I'm Mrs. Watkins...someone called and said my daughter was here...

Cynthia (picks it up quickly):
Just one moment, Mrs. Watkins...I'll get the doctor for you...

Cynthia steps back to the trauma room to get Mark, who comes out quickly, shakes hands with both parents, and takes them to where he has their daughter. Cut to show Doug watching over his shoulder and smiling that things are connecting so well.

Cut to show time lapse. There is a slight break in the flow of things and the doctors are leaning on a back counter conversing between themselves.

Doug (motions to the trauma room):
How'd it go back there?

Mark (nods):
She's resting...she's gonna be fine...she was going into shock when she got here, though...two more minutes and I don't even want to think about it...

Doug (over Carter's shoulder as Carter is going over the day's register skimminly):
Looking for something, Carter?

Carter (nonchalantly):
Uh huh.

Doug (knowingly and teasing smile):
An address or a phone number, perhaps?

Carter (doesn't let it get to him):
Perhaps.

Doug (continues to tease him):
With a little boy, perhaps?

Carter (grins):
Could be!

Before Doug can tease him further, his attention is diverted by Tatiana and Scott racing quickly through the middle of the room, squirting water at each other with empty syringe cylinders, laughing and shouting at each other. In the excitement of their playing, the come close to knocking over a tray of vaccines and it's only Chuney's quick reflexes that saves it. Carol looks up quickly from her files to see what is going on, but Doug wastes no time reacting.

Doug (anger in his voice):
Hey! Hey! This is not a playground here!
(he goes quickly across the room and rounds his children up by grasping an arm of each of them and leading them to a private area of the room)
You two know better than that!
(he stoops down to get on eye level with them and keeps his voice stern and firm)
You two are supposed to be helping...you almost caused a disaster! If you don't want to help, I'll call your Nanna to come down here and get you...is that what you want?

Scott (shakes his head, voice quiet):
No, Sir.

Tatiana (timid voice):
No, Papa.

Doug (still sternly):
OK, now, I've told you once...you know what happens if I have to tell you again, right?
(Both children nod quickly)
So, we have an understanding here, right?
(Both children nod again)
I didn't hear you...

Scott (quickly):
Yes, Sir!

Tatiana (nods her head):
Yes, Sir.

Doug (reaches a hand around each child and swats each of them one time lightly on the bottom):
Five minutes...watch the clock.

Scott takes Tatiana by the hand and both of them find a chair and sit down in it. Doug walks back over to Mark and Carter shaking his head.

Doug (quietly to Carter):
Better think carefully about pursuing a woman with a child, Carter.
(rubs his hand across the back of his neck)
I'm gonna take a break and get a Coke. I'll be back.

Doug disappears into the back of the center...Mark slips quietly over to Carol in amazement of what he has just witnessed.

Mark (quiet voice):
Exactly when did you turn him into a 'Dad'?

Carol (grins nervously):
He takes this whole parenting thing pretty seriously.

Mark (amazed):
They call him 'Sir'?!

Carol (nods):
He has his own view of how kids should behave. We talked about it...and I agreed with him...they're never too young to learn respect.

Mark (chuckles):
I was wrong, Carol...you ARE only raising two kids after all!

Mark goes back across the room and rejoins Carter at the desk as they go over the register together. Their attention is distracted by more children coming in. Cynthia returns to her post and the cycle starts back up again.

Focus on Carol seeming lost in thought as she looks down the hall in Doug's direction with a frown and a look of concern in her eyes and fade Act Two to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens inside the C.A.R.E. center with children being entertained by the clown and they are laughing gleefully. Focus on Mark Greene standing outside the trauma room with the parents of the 16 year old accident victim conversing with them.

Mark (explaining):
She is conscious, and stable, but, the ultrasound shows a tear in her spleen. It isn't going to close on it's own, so, I'm going to have to transport her over to County for surgery.

Mother:
You can't do that here?

Mark (shakes his head):
We're equipped, but, our surgeon only comes for schedules things...he's not on call for emergency surgery. I've already talked to Dr. Elizabeth Corday, and she will be doing your daughter's surgery.

Father:
She's going to be all right?

Mark (nods):
She should be just fine, but, please, if you have questions about the surgery, ask Dr. Corday.
(parents nod)
OK, I'm going to send you on over and I will be over later to check and see how things are going. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to ask, and if I can be of any further help to you, please just call me, OK?

Mother (shakes his hand):
Thank you, Dr. Greene.

Mark (shrugs):
No problem....that's my job.

Mark stays with them until the ambulance team arrives for transport, then he goes back into the clinic room to resume his rotation with the vaccinations. Show Scott and Tatiana helping parents with children, both explaining in ad libs that they have already had a shot and what it was like for children who seem afraid. Cut to focus on table with Doug working...he looks up to see what his children are doing and smiles at them. He is working with school age children now and has a little girl on his table about six or seven years old with her Father standing with her.

Doug (to the father):
What has she had?

Father:
Well, she's had shots for Whooping Cough and Diptheria... she had Chicken Pox, so, I guess she doesn't need that now...I was concerned about Polio...does she need a shot for that?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, she should have one.

Father:
Then, that's what she needs. She had a Tetanus shot over the summer when they took stitches.

Doug (smiles at little girl):
Took stitches, did they? What did you do?

Girl:
Climbed a tree and fell.

Doug (nods...humors his young patient):
Oh, well, that's not good!
(he rubs her arm to prepare her for the injection...she gives him a nervous look)
OK, this is just gonna sting, OK?
(she nods, still nervous, and Doug gives her the needle. Her eyes open wide and she lets out an audible 'ouch' but that is her only reaction. Doug swabs her skin again and smiles at her)
That wasn't too bad, was it?
(she shakes her head and rubs her arm...Doug turns back to the father)
Be sure you pick up a flyer at the desk on your way out...there's a few things on there about the polio vaccine you might need to know.

Father (reaches his hand to shake):
Thank you, Doctor.

Doug (shakes his hand):
No, thank YOU for caring enough about your child's health to get her down here.

The man picks his daughter up and lifts her to the ground, taking her by the hand to lead her away with him. Focus on Doug looking at his hand he just used to shake with this man. Show a flashback in his mind of a time in the ER at County when he was working with a patient there and the man grasped his arm quickly. Show his reaction at that time as being disturbed or surprised. Flash back to present and show him watching this man as he leaves with the little girl. Doug shakes his head and motions Cynthia to send him the next child.

Cut to show Mark and Carol working at a table together. Carol is quiet and keeps looking over at Doug working across the room from them. Mark picks up her vibes and gives her a cautious look.

Mark (quietly):
Everything OK?

Carol (her attention distracted now she turns to look at Mark):
Huh? Oh, yeah! Sure!
(reaches to hold an infant on the table for him)

Mark:
You aren't still thinking about that display of father authority he displayed a while ago, are you? I think he and the kids are all over that now.

Carol (shakes her head):
No, everything's fine.

Mark:
You want to talk about it?

Carol:
Talk about what?

Mark:
Whatever it is that's bothering you.
(Carol shrugs)
I'll listen. I might not be able to offer you much in return, but, I can at least listen.

Carol (shakes her head):
It's crazy.

Mark:
Try me.

Carol:
Does Doug talk to you much about things?

Mark:
What kind of things?

Carol:
Any kind of things...being married...the kids...anything like that?

Mark (shakes his head):
Not lately.
(Carol frowns)
Why? Is something wrong at home?

Carol:
I don't know so much that anything is wrong necessarily...I just wonder sometimes if Doug is happy.

Mark:
You have any reason to think he's not happy?

Carol (shrugs):
I don't know. I think the kids get on his nerves sometimes...

Mark:
ALL kids get on their parents' nerves sometimes! Don't they get on YOUR nerves sometimes?

Carol (nods):
Well, yeah, I guess they do.

Mark (smiles):
That's natural...part of being a parent...you guys just haven't been at it very long.

Carol (half grin):
I guess. Well, OK, like the other night Doug wanted us to go out and where he wanted to go wasn't compatible with the kids and we ended up going to ShowBiz Pizza so the kids could play games...I think he was disappointed he had to compromise.
(Mark doesn't interrupt...just listens)
Where he wanted to go would have been fine for just the two of us...but it wasn't good for the kids...so we had to do something different.

Mark (nods):
Did he say anything about it?

Carol:
No, but, I could tell he was a little disappointed.

Mark:
Did he play games with the kids?

Carol:
Oh yeah! The whole time practically.

Mark (grins):
Then, he wasn't put out by it. Look, Carol, you and I both know Doug well enough to know that if he REALLY wants to do something, he's going to do it no matter what. If he had REALLY wanted to go where ever it was he first suggested, he would have gotten a sitter for the kids and the 2 of you would have gone. Obviously, he WANTED to spend time with his family, which is why he compromised.

Carol:
I wish I was as sure of that as you are. I wish I knew if he is happy with his life the way it is.

Mark:
Then you need to talk to him about it.

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

Cut to show time lapse. Doug is standing by the front desk with Cynthia when Mark comes over during a break in the flow of children. Doug is going over the register carefully and not paying much attention to Cynthia and Mark, but, he can still hear their conversation.

Mark:
How about dinner tonight after we close up shop? I can probably get us reservations someplace really nice.

Cynthia (smiles and nods):
I'd love to!

Mark (pleased):
Great! I'll book us someplace nice and we'll have time to go home and change clothes before we go out.

Cynthia:
That'll be great.

Doug smiles to himself as Mark steps away. He hands the register back to Cynthia and winks at her before going his own way. Cynthia just laughs at him as he steps away.

Cut to show Doug taking a break in the lunch room of the clinic. He is sitting with a can of soda but he isn't eating anything. He is lost in thought. Show him thinking hard about the man in the ER that shook him up a while back. His focuses on the hand on his arm and reaches out to touch his arm now in lost wonder. Flashback in his mind to being held against the wall during his attack. He focus on the hand that is holding him by the arm and the neck, pinning him face first against the wall. Again, he returns to present and rubs his arm, lost in his thoughts. Pan back to show Mark standing in the doorway watching him. For one instant, Mark starts to enter the room and say something to him, but, thinks better of it and simply turns and walks away. Doug's attention is diverted by the sounds of more children in the waiting room and he quickly downs the rest of his soda and goes quickly back to work.

Cut to show another time lapse. Focus on Doug taking a break up on the roof of the center. He is standing letting the wind tousle his hair and looking out over the city in thought. Cut to show John Carter coming out of the doorway and onto the roof slowly. He approaches Doug slowly, not sure he wants to interrupt him.

Carter (Casually):

So, this is how you and Dr. Greene unwind, huh? Come up here where the air is clearer?

Doug (chuckles):

Well, I don't know if it's any clearer up here, but, at least it's quiet.

Carter (cautiously):

Can I bother you a minute, Dr. Ross?

Doug (turns to Carter and grins):

Sure, Carter! Something wrong? You need me downstairs?

Carter (shakes his head):
No, it's tapered off a bit right now and Dr. Greene said he can handle it for a while.

Doug (nods):
Oh? OK! So, what's on your mind?

Carter:
I wanted to know if we could just talk?

Doug:
Talk about what?

Carter:
Talk about anything...talk about life...talk about...

Doug (grins, knowingly):
Talk about women?

Carter (half smile):
You read me pretty well, don't you?

Doug (shrugs):
I saw you looking at that woman today. I could tell you were thinking about asking her out.

Carter:
I never felt that way just from meeting someone, you know?

Doug (nods with a grin):
Oh, Yeah! I know!

Carter:
Is that they way it was with you and Nurse Hathaway?

Doug (chuckles...lost in thought):
Carol and I were magnetic the first time we met. We were just instantly drawn to each other.

Carter:
Yeah, but, she didn't have any kids then.

Doug:
Wouldn't have made any difference to me...I don't think. Is that what's bothering you with this woman? The fact that she has a child?

Carter:
I love kids! I really do! I just don't know if I'm ready to be a father yet.

Doug:
What kind of information did you find out from the register?

Carter:
Well, she lives in an average neighborhood. Her occupation is listed as Pharmasuedical Sales...so, I'm hoping that means she'll be coming around to see us on some kind of a regular basis!
(Doug chuckles)
She's single and Daylin is her only child.

Doug:
So, if it weren't for the child, you wouldn't be having any second thoughts at all?
(Carter shrugs)
Well, Carter, there are things to be said about a woman carrying excess baggage in the form of a child. But, you know about it up front, so, it's not like she's trying to hide it from you or anything. Besides, all you're really wanting to do is take her to dinner...am I right?

Carter:
Well, that's a start! But, what if dinner goes well and I want to see her again? Doug:
You pick up the phone and call her again…problem?

Carter:
What's it like to have a ready-made family? You and Nurse Hathaway both did that with your kids...how was that for you?

Doug (smiles):
Well, we didn't start out with kids. For a while it was just the two of us. Then we got Tatchie and then it wasn't long after Scott came full time. Up til then, we only had him for a weekend a couple of times a month. And neither one of them were babies...so we missed all the diapers and bottles and walking the floor at night with them. This little guy this woman has is two, so, you're essentially bypassing the rough stuff and getting one that can already walk and talk and tell you when it hurts. which is good and bad, depending.

Carter:
Which way is better?

Doug:
Both situations have their pros and cons.

Carter:
Well, what's it like to suddenly be around kids when you've never been used to it before?

Doug:
I won't beat around the bush with you, Carter. I wouldn't trade my life right now for any other life in the world. I can't even imagine what my life would be like now without those two kids. No matter how bad my day is or no matter what happens at work, I can go home and those kids will come to me with those looks of trust and that unconditional love and everything bad in my life disappears. I love being married...I love the feeling that Carol is always going to be there for me.. (Carter listens quietly as Doug continues to ramble) I love knowing I can lean on her and be there for her at the same time. I never imagined at any time in my life that I could ever be as happy as I am right now. If you're getting vibes from this woman, Carter, and you're letting the fact that she has a child hold you back, you might be missing out on the greatest experience of your life if you let it pass.

Carter:
So, you think I should call her up?

Doug (shrugs):
I think that's up to you. I'm just saying you shouldn't let the child stop you. You're great with kids. You're great with MY kids. But, that choice is up to you.

Carter:
Ah, she might not even be interested! I'm sure being a single Mom and holding down a full time job is bound to take up most of her time.

Doug:
Carter, you're a good doctor. You're kind, and caring, and compassionate...but you are LOUSY at reading people!

Carter (confused look):
Huh?

Doug (grins):
I saw the way she was looking at you...just the same way you were looking at her. She's probably thinking some of the same things about you...

Carter (brightens):
You think?

Doug:
And she's probably wondering if you would be more interested if she didn't have the child.

Carter (grins):
So, basically, what you're really saying is that the child shouldn't make any difference in how we feel?
(Doug doesn't answer...only grins at him)
And I can just learn to be a father one step at a time?

Doug:
Trust me, Carter...if I can learn to be a father, ANYBODY can!

Carter:
My relationship with my own father wasn't all that good. Seemed to me that no matter what I did, it was never good enough for him. I don't want to be like that.

Doug:
Then don't be. I didn't have much of a relationship with my father either. He took off when I was 12. And I knew I wanted better than that for these kids. I knew I wanted them to have a father they could count on to be there for them if they needed it...give them a hug if they need it...or whatever they need at the time...
(Carter grins)
I know there's times somebody is bound to be neglected...Carol most likely since she puts her needs after the kids...but on the whole, I think it all balances out OK.

Carter (nods...smiles):
Well, you'll have to excuse me, Dr. Ross. I have a phone call to make.

Doug (as Carter starts away):
Good luck, Carter.

Carter goes on across the roof and disappears through the doorway. Doug stays alone for a minute, reflecting on his conversation and his events of the day with the kids...he shakes his head and chuckles to himself...then he starts off the roof to return to work as well.

Focus on Doug going across the roof and fade Act Three to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens on the basketball court behind the C.A.R.E. center. Focus on Scott bouncing the ball and dashing around the court. He drives for the basket and shoots, but misses. Pan back to show Doug standing in the doorway and leaning on the door facing watching him with his arms folded across his chest and a smile on his face. Scott turns his back to start his lane drive again and Doug steps quickly on court to cut him off when he turns around.

Doug (imitating sports announcer):
And Armstrong is cut off in the lane...the clock is down to five seconds...four...three...

Scott fakes one side and goes the other way around Doug to take the shot...this time he makes it.

Doug (imitating announcer):
He shoots and Scores! And the Bulls win it!
(Scott laughs at him and dribbles the ball back toward him)
Way to go, Sport! You're gettin' better!

Scott:
I wish we had a basket at home! Think Carol would let us get one?

Doug (brightens):
Hey, THERE'S an idea! There's plenty of room for one in the back...I'll have to talk to her about that.

Scott (grins):
Speaking of talking to Carol about something...

Doug (cuts him off):
I haven't had a chance to bring up the motorcross racing with her yet! Been kind of busy all day!

Scott:
But, you WILL talk to her about it, right?

Doug (nods):
A deal is a deal. I gave you my word. I can't promise you how it will go, but, I DO promise to talk to her.

Scott (sighs):
In other words, you think she won't go for it.

Doug:
Well, I didn't say that!

Scott:
No, but, that's what you think, right?

Doug:
Well, she make take a little convincing, but, she might come around with time.
(Scott frowns)
Well, what did your Mom think about it the first time she heard about it?

Scott:
Oh, she hated it! When Dennis and I talked to her about, she said 'absolutely not'. But, she and Dennis talked it over and then she changed her mind. I hope you're that good.

Doug (chuckles...lost in thought):
I was into Motorcross, too...did you know that?

Scott (brightens):
You were?!

Doug:
Yeah, I was just about your age, too. I bet my Mom still had my old leathers...probably fit you right about now...she still has my bike, too.

Scott (excited now):
Really?

Doug (grins):
Yeah...probably wouldn't take much to get it running again, either. Listen, I can't make you any promises with Carol, but, you gotta give me some time on this things, OK? Maybe by Christmas we can get you the things you need to be ready in the spring...how does that sound?

Scott (nods happily):
Sounds OK!
(he pauses, carefully, looks at his feet and then back at Doug)
Something else I wanted to talk to you about...

Doug:
OK...

Scott:
About Carol...something I've been thinking about, but, I wasn't sure how to bring it up.

Doug (concerned):
Something wrong?

Scott (shakes his head quickly):
No, it's nothing like that!

Doug (coaxing look):
Well, what then?

Scott:
Well, how well did you know my Mom?

Doug (confused now):
Samantha? Well, we were pretty close for a while...why?

Scott:
My Mom and I had a lot of talks about you and about Carol after you showed up...she told me once that she was glad you had found me because she felt like if anything ever happened to her that you would take care of me...

Doug (sadly):
Well, I wish I didn't have to know she was right about that...

Scott (continues):
She liked Carol a lot, too. She told me she thought Carol would be a good wife for you because she was strong and independent in a way she never was...is that right?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I guess to some extent, it is.

Scott:
I like Carol...I like her a lot. She's been really good to me to help me fit in, and help me with school, and just everything. She really makes me feel like family...like I'm part of HER family!

Doug (concerned):
Scott, you ARE part of our family...

Scott (nods):
I know...because I'm YOUR son. But, Carol doesn't make me feel like YOUR son...she makes me feel like HER son, too. Does that make sense?

Doug (smiles, nods, puts his hand on the back of Scott's affectionately):
Yeah, Sport...that makes good sense.

Scott:
You knew my Mom well enough to know the answer to this question...do you think my Mom would mind if I called Carol 'Mom' too?
(Doug is surprised and this registered on his face, but, he smiles)
Do you think Carol would let me?

Doug (taken aback):
I think Carol would be VERY pleased if you wanted to call her 'Mom'.

Scott:
So, you think it's OK for me to ask her about it?

Doug (teasing him):
Just so I know, this isn't a plan to butter her up before you have me hit her up about the motorcross thing, is it?

Scott (laughing):
No! And even if she says 'no' I'll still want to call her 'Mom'.

Doug:
Well, then, you talk to her about it, OK?

Scott (nods):
OK.

Doug (walks him towards the door):
Come on...we better get back to work!

Scott and Doug go back inside and head back to work...Scott in the waiting room with the kids and Doug at the table now working with toddlers.

Cut to show Shawna Murphy coming back into the center. She is carrying Daylin, who is crying loudly, and she is looking flustered as she approaches Cynthia at the desk.

Shawna (frantically):
Is Dr. Carter still here?

Cynthia:
Yes, Ma'am...let me get him for you.

Carter (steps up the desk quickly as he overheard the conversation from his table):
Is there a problem, Shawna?

Shawna:
He's running a fever and he's just really cranky! Is that normal?

Carter (smiles):
Well, we gave you a flyer when you left...that was one of the things on there to watch out for.

Shawna (desperately):
Could you take a look at him anyway? Please?

Carter (looks over his shoulder):
Well, Dr. Ross is the Pediatrician...

Doug (steps up to the desk, gives Carter a wry and knowing grin):
Something wrong here, Dr. Carter?

Carter:
Daylin is running a fever and he's really cranky.

Doug (winces against the wailing child's screams):
So I see.
(reaches for the baby)
May I?

Shawna (reaching the baby to him):
Of course!

Doug takes Daylin over to a vacant table and stands him up on it. The little boy keeps sobbing and reaches his arms up for Doug to pick him back up. Doug smiles at him but doesn't pick him up.

Doug (comforting voice):
Just want to take a look at you here, Buddy...

Carol stops her work at the table she's at to observe Doug with a soft smile as she watches him with the toddler.

Doug (braces Daylin close to him with his hand on his back):
Let's just see here, Buddy...
(he pulls the toddlers pants down to examine the injected area. He places his hand over the red mark and winces a little. He pulls the toddlers pants back up and picks him up, holding him on his shoulder and patting his back)
It's OK! I know! That hurts! It's OK.

Shawna (concerned):
Is he OK?

Doug (nods, walks the baby back to her):
He's fine...just a mild reaction...making him a little uncomfortable right now...
(Hands the child to his mother)

Shawna (kisses her son's forehead):
Poor baby. Is there anything I can do for him?

Doug (nods):
Take him home...sit in the rocking chair with an ice pack on his diaper...that'll help a lot. It'll be fine by morning. He may just have a little bit of a rough night.

Carter:
I'd be glad to stop by later and see how he's doing if you'd want me to.

Shawna:
Would you? Would you really do that?

Carter (grins):
Sure.

Shawna:
OK...let me give you my address...

Carter (nervously):
Actually, I have it already!

Shawna (coy smile):
Well, OK, then...we'll see you later?

Carter (nods):
I'll be there as soon as we close up here.

Shawna nods, takes her son, and starts on out of the center. Carter stands and watches her go...Doug shakes his head with a chuckle before turning back to work.

Cut to show time lapse. The center is almost deserted now and the crew is busy picking things up to get ready to close down.

Cynthia:
I called the cleaning crew and told them they'd need a little more time tonight!

Mark (nods):
Good idea! This place looks like a tornado went through!

Cynthia:
I'm going on home and change clothes...you'll pick me up later?

Mark (looks at his watch):
Yeah, about a half hour or so.

Cynthia (smiles):
OK. I'll see you then.
(she exits slowly and Mark watches her go)

Carol (with Tatiana and Scott in tow, Tatchie in her arms almost asleep on her shoulder...she directs her words to Doug):
I'm going on home, too...it's past her bedtime. You won't be late, will you?

Doug:
I'll be right behind you, I promise!
(kisses her cheek)

Carol (nods):
OK...

Carter (keys in hand, tugging into his jacket):
I'll see you both tomorrow!

Doug (grins):
Good luck tonight, Carter!

Carter:
Lucky thing the little guy had a reaction, huh? Gave me the perfect chance.

Doug (almost laughing):
Get real, Carter. She's been a mother long enough to know that was going to happen. It's probably happened before. She wanted an excuse as bad as you did. Go for it!

Carter nods with a smile and disappears out the door. Doug shakes his head with a chuckle.

Mark (serious tone):
What's going on with you? You've been acting weird all day?

Doug (hand on his hip):
You mean aside from the fact that my ass has been on fire half the day from all those needles you jammed into it earlier?
(Mark chuckles)
You know that guy that was here with the little girl in the yellow jumpsuit?
(Mark nods)
He was one of the guys who held onto me the night I was assaulted.

Mark (shocked):
What?!

Doug (nods):
Yeah. He was in the ER a while back, you remember? He grabbed hold of my arm and it shook me up then?

Mark (nods):
Yeah, I think I do remember something about that.

Doug (shrugs):
It's been bugging me every since...I finally figured it out today when I shook hands with him.

Mark:
You're sure?

Doug:
Have no doubts. I know that touch.

Mark (shrugs):
Are you gonna do anything about it?

Doug (shakes his head):
No. What good would it do? I read the register...he lives in a nice house...nice section of town...got three other kids besides the one he brought in here today...a wife...good job...

Mark (insistantly):
Doug, this man participated in a very violent violation of your body!

Doug:
It doesn't fit, you know? He just doesn't seem like the kind of guy who DOES this sort of thing!

Mark (bewildered):
But, you said you were sure about this?

Doug:
I am...but, I just don't think this is something this guy does every night, you know? I think there's more to it than what happened that night. And he wasn't the only one there, anyway.

Mark (shakes his head):
Well, that's all up to you. I don't know what I'd do about it either, but, it doesn't seem fair to let him get away with it.

Doug:
What am I gonna do, Mark? Go to the police? And tell them what? I was sexually assaulted eight months ago and now I want to point fingers and someone I think was in on it because I know his touch and I've felt it again? I don't think so...

Mark (nods...understands):
I guess you have a point.

Doug (flexes his back and groans):
Right now, I could care less about any of it. I just want to go home and go to bed! Can you drop me off? Will that be too much trouble?

Mark:
No, no trouble at all! I'm picking up Cynthia and you're right on the way.

Doug (as they start out of the center):
You and Cynthia seem to be getting along pretty well...

Mark (nods):
Yeah, we're going OK.

Doug:
Good...I'm real happy for you, Mark...it's about time!

Mark (as they start out the back door):
We both seem to be a little careful...don't know if that's good or not...
(Mark locks the door and he and Doug walk towards his car)
...but, for now, it's OK. Neither one of us wants to get real serious yet.

Doug (as he climbs in the passenger's seat):
Well, good luck. You and Carter are both building for a future, I guess!
(chuckles)
I guess I am, too. Carol told me she had you give her an inoculation for Rubella today.

Mark (starts the engine):
Well, we both thought it was a good idea...

Doug:
Yeah...she wants to have a baby.

Mark:
Do I detect that you don't?

Doug:
I don't know yet...we haven't talked about it yet...I'll let you know later.

Mark (as they drive...quiet voice):
You know the best thing about my relationship with Cynthia?
(Doug shakes his head...gives him his attention)
She doesn't know anything about me or my life. She can't judge the person I used to be because she doesn't know that person. She only knows the person I am now...and she likes that person...so I can't be all bad...right?

Doug:
Nobody ever said you were bad, Mark!

Mark:
You know what I mean...

Doug (nods):
Yeah...I know. I think it's great about Cynthia and you. I wish you all the best.

Mark (nods):
Thanks.
(Smiles)
You'll keep me posted on the happenings in the Ross household, right?

Doug (chuckles):
Oh, absolutely! You'll be the first to know!
(pauses
Doug (continues):
Scott asked me today about asking Carol if he can call her 'Mom'...we must be doing something right...maybe it's time we expanded ourselves with a child.

Mark:
That's a big honor...wanting to call his stepmother 'Mom'.

Doug (grins):
Yeah...I know.

Mark:
And that's not all Carol, you know...that means you're doing something right, too.

Doug:
I do OK, Mark...nothing special...just OK.

Mark:
What I saw today was more than 'OK'...what I saw today was a good father.

Doug (chuckles):
Huh! Who would ever have believed that!?

He and Mark chuckle between them and drive on off into the night and the city.

Fade Act Four to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at the Ross/Hathaway home, exterior. Show the porch light on and Mark Greene pulls up to the curb. Show Doug get out of the car and head for the house. When he gets to the porch, he gives Mark a short wave and disappears into the house as Mark drives on away. Doug gets two steps into the house and before he can hang his jacket up, Carol comes and wraps her arms around his waist from behind him and squeezes him tight.

Doug (pats her hands):
Ummmm....that's nice.
(turns to face her, wraps his arms around her)
What a day!

Carol:
It was a long one, wasn't it?
(she takes him by the hand and they start up the steps together)

Doug:
Kids OK?

Carol:
Tatchie was asleep before I even got her home. She's completely wasted now. Scott's in bed but I don't think he's asleep yet.

They get to the top of the steps and Doug opens the door to Tatiana's room to look in on her. She is sound asleep and Scrubs the dog is asleep on the foot of her bed. He closes the door. Then he goes down to Scott's room and opens his door. He is also asleep and Doug closes his door carefully. Then he and Carol continue down to their room. Doug goes into the bathroom to get ready for bed. By the time he comes back out, Carol is changed into her nightgown, has peeled the covers on the bed back, and she is in bed waiting for him. He comes to bed in his t-shirt and a pair of sweat pants. He eases himself VERY carefully onto the bed, being very careful not to put any pressure on his hip if he can help it.

Carol:
Having some pain now, huh?

Doug (groans):
I've been having pain most of the day. Made me remember why I never let them all run out at once!
(chuckles)

Carol:
Ben Carman estimates we inoculated close to 400 kids today. The county is estatic. The school district is thrilled.

Doug (groans as he crawls into bed and leans his back on the headboard behind him):
Well, good. I'm glad. And I'm also glad it's OVER.

Carol:
You were really good with some of those kids today. Doug.

Doug (grins):
That's my job, Carol...

Carol (shakes her head):
No, not all of it. Not the caring part. Not the holding and patting part.

Doug (nonchalantly):
All in the line of duty.

Carol (short pause):
Scott talked to me tonight about something...

Doug:
Did he?

Carol (nods):
Uh huh...he wants to call me 'Mom'.

Doug:
And what did you tell him?

Carol:
After I recovered from the shock, I told him I thought that would be fine. What do you think?

Doug (kisses her cheek):
I think you earned it. Wear it in good health.

Carol:
He told me he knew I would never be his real Mom, but, he thought I acted like a good one and he would proud to have me as his Mom.

Doug (knowing smirk):
Did you cry?

Carol:
Well, not in FRONT of him!
(Doug chuckles)
We must be doing something right, Doug. We're got two pretty good kids.

Doug (nods):
Yes, we do.

Carol:
Mark give you a ride home?

Doug:
Yeah...lucky for me I live between the center and Cynthia's apartment.

Carol:
They seem to be seeing quiet a bit of each other lately...I hope it works out for them.

Doug (nods):
So do I. Carter may be off on a romantic adventure, too...

Carol:
That Irish woman, right? With the little boy?

Doug:
Yep! That's the one!

Carol (grins):
I saw the way they were looking at each other. Good for Carter...maybe he'll be lucky in love for once.

Doug (puts his arm around her shoulders):
No one could be luckier than I am.
(Carol absent mindedly puts a pillow under her nightgown on her stomach...Doug snickers)
What are you doing?

Carol:
Just wondering what I'd look like if I were pregnant.

Doug (truthfully):
You'd be beautiful.

Carol (rolls her eyes):
I'd look like a cow.

Doug (reaches down and puts his hand on the pillow):
A beautiful cow.

Carol (socks him in the arm):
Doug!

Doug (rubs his arm):
Hey! I was just trying to help!

Carol:
Doug, how do you REALLY feel about us having a baby?

Doug:
I think it would be luckiest little baby in the whole world. It would come into a house with two parents who are hopelessly in love with each other...
(kisses her cheek...Carol smiles)
...it would have a big brother and a big sister...

Carol:
But, it wouldn't be like with Tatchie and Scott...this would be a baby...an infant...there's a big difference.

Doug (nods):
Yes, there is.

Carol:
Well, give me some VIEWS on this, Doug...what are you thinking? What are your feelings?

Doug:
OK...I think we both have full time careers right now...I'm not sure where or how a baby fits into that...but most of that is your decision since you would be the one giving up the most with it. But, I am willing to do my part with diapers, walking the floor, and all that other stuff that I can do. If you think we're ready for this...really truly ready for this...then I think we should work on it.

Carol (smiles):
You do? Really?

Doug (nods, smiles):
I do. Really. I missed all that with Scott...neither one of us had a chance with that with Tatchie...I'd love to have a child with you, Carol. I love Scott with all my heart. He's a great kid. But, he wasn't conceived in the kind of love I have for you...this child would be...I'd like that.

Carol:
That's a beautiful thing to say...especially since I sometimes wonder if you're happy with your life the way it is right now.

Doug (flabbergasted):
How could you think I'm not happy?

Carol (shrugs):
I don't know...just sometimes things that happen...like the other night when you wanted to go one place and we ended up doing a family thing...I wonder if it bothers you to have to share your life...share me...with the kids.

Doug (laughing):
That's the craziest thing I ever heard of!

Carol:
Well, Doug, everything happened in our lives so fast. One day we were dating...the next day we were engaged...then we got married on the spur of the moment...then we got Tatchie... then Scott came to live with us...we've had more in six months than most couples have in ten years!
(Doug chuckles)
I just sometimes wonder if it doesn't get you down...like today when the kids acted up at the center.

Doug (scoffs):
They were just being kids...kids do those things...I understand that. I wasn't upset...just didn't want any disasters in there!
(assuring in his voice)
Carol, you and those two kids are the most important things in the world to me. No matter what I ever say or do, don't EVER think I'm not happy with my life. I never imagined in even my wildest dreams I could ever be this lucky.

Carol (sighs):
You know what? I'm wondering if an ice pack on your butt might not help you enough that we can work on that baby tonight?

Doug (chuckles):
Ummm....well....I'm too big for the rocking chair! I'll let you have your way if you promise not to smack me around back there tonight!

Carol:
It's a deal! Turn out the light!

Doug reaches and turns out the light...Carol pulls him under the covers with her and fade into the closing credits of the show.

October 22, 1997