Domestic Life

Opening Act

Scene opens at the Ross home, interior, night time. Focus on Doug and Carol Ross in bed together and both sound asleep. Pan back to show a home dialysis machine lit up and a tube leading from the machine to Doug. Pan across to focus on the baby monitor on the night stand beside Carol and we hear Marc crying through it. Show Doug wake up and sit up in bed. He reaches over and shakes Carol gently by the shoulders.

Doug (softly):
Carol? Wake up, Hon. Marc's crying.

Carol (rousing awake):
Huh?

Doug:
Marc's crying...hear him? You better go to him.

Carol:
OK...I'm on my way.

Carol drags herself out of bed and stumbles into a robe as she heads out to the nursery. Doug sighs and looks disgruntled over at the dialysis machine.

Doug (aloud, to machine):
It's your fault I can't take care of my kid at night anymore...

Cut to show Carol coming back into the room with Marc in her arms. He is still crying. She comes over to the bed and gets back in beside Doug, cradling Marc in her arms.

Carol (smiles):
He's hungry...I can fix that.

Doug watches mesmerized as Carol opens her gown and allows Marc to nurse at her breast.

Doug (quietly):
What does that feel like?

Carol (snickers):
I'll show you later.

Doug (sighs):
I'm sorry I have to wake you up now.

Carol:
It's OK. This is really better. It gives us good family time together with him...we don't get much of that.

Doug (ticks his head):
Yeah...I guess.

Carol and Doug both gaze at Marc, who continues to nurse while gazing back up at Carol.

Doug:
So, what are you going to do today?

Carol:
I'm going to spend some time with the kids! That's something I don't usually get to do.

Doug:
I hope you enjoy your day off. You deserve it.

Carol:
Yeah, and with the kids on spring break, I'll get to spend some time with them, too. That's a real treat. I'll even fix dinner...what would you like?

Doug:
Oh, you can surprise me.

Carol:
I'll fix you something with protein...you need some protein...you haven't had enough this week. What would you prefer? Chicken? Or Pork?

Doug:
Oh, let's have chicken...the kids like it too.

Carol (nods):
OK...I'll fix something we'll all enjoy.
(looks down at Marc who has stopped nursing and is sleeping in her arms)
Looks like he's had enough...I'll put him back to bed...

Doug (reaches for the baby):
Don't...leave him in here with us...I never get to see him much at night anymore.

Carol:
I thought you could get an extension for that thing?

Doug:
Well, I can, but, it's only about 15 feet...that won't get me to the nursery.

Carol:
Well, cheer up...in about six months we'll have the bassinet back in here and you can take care of that one!

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah...I guess so!

Carol:
It's OK with you that we're having another baby this soon, isn't it, Doug?

Doug:
If it wasn't, I would have used protection. I told you when we talked about it before that this decision is strictly up to you. You're the one that has to do all the work.

Carol:
I like the idea of having children close together. Of course, our family is already spread out age wise, but, that's OK too. Big brothers and sisters are good to have, too. What do you want us to have?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't care...as long as it's healthy and you're OK. That's the most important things to me.

Carol:
I want another boy...it would be great for Marc.

Doug:
Do you realize you could go into labor on Marc's first birthday?

Carol (thinking):
You know, you're right! I hadn't thought about that! God! Wouldn't that be incredible! They'd be like twins born a year apart!

Doug:
There's no chance of us having a multiple birth, is there? Do you have twins or anything in your family?

Carol:
Yeah, a couple of generations back...I remember my Mama talking about it...why?

Doug (groans):
Just wondering.

Carol:
I take it there are no multiple births in your family?

Doug (shakes his head):
Not that I know of.

Carol:
Well, would it be a problem for you if we had twins?

Doug:
No...but if we find out you're having twins, we better start looking for a bigger house!

Carol:
Oh, we'll be OK here for a while...
(pause, thinking)
Hey...didn't you say you had today off, too? This is your Wednesday off?

Doug (nods):
Yep!

Carol:
Well, great! We can spend the day together as a family! That's something we NEVER get to do!

Doug:
Except for the appointment I have at 2 o'clock, I'm free all day.

Carol (concerned):
You have an appointment?

Doug:
Yes, I do.

Carol:
Who with? A doctor?

Doug (nods):
Uh huh.

Carol:
Nothing wrong, is there?

Doug:
No...just routine stuff.
(kisses her forehead)
Don't worry. It's OK.

Carol:
You'd tell me if something was wrong, wouldn't you? Are you feeling OK?

Doug:
I'm fine and nothing is wrong. Don't worry. It's just routine. And yes, I would tell you if I thought something was wrong.

Carol (smiles):
OK.

She snuggles down in bed facing Marc and Doug, Doug lays facing her and Marc...both of them have a hand on the baby. Focus on Doug watching both of them sleep. His face has a concerned and serious look and he is deep in thought.

Focus on Doug's deep set eyes and Fade into the Opening Credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at the Ross home, interior, early morning. Carol is in the kitchen spoon feeding Marc cereal as he bangs his toy on the tray of his high chair. Carol is dressed casual for the day in jeans and a t-shirt, tennis shoes, and her hair pulled back in a pony tail. Cut to show Scott come into the kitchen, also dressed in jeans and some kind of a sports team t-shirt. He comes over to the table and slides into a chair.

Carol:
What do you want for breakfast?

Scott (shrugs):
I'll just have some cereal...I'll fix it!

Carol (smiles at him):
Thank you.

Scott (looks over his shoulder as he goes to the cabinet to get the cereal):
He looks like he's enjoying his.

Carol (grunts):
When he gets it all over the place, I think that's the sign he's having fun, yes!

Scott (pouring cereal into a bowl):
Mom, can I talk to you?

Carol (looks around at him and smiles):
Sure!

Scott (sits down at the table and pours milk on his cereal):
Well, you're a girl, right?

Carol (playfully looks down the front of her t-shirt):
Last I checked, yes.

Scott (shakes his head with a sarcastic smile):
Well, what kind of presents do girls like from guys?

Carol:
Well, let me know what we're talking about here, and I'll be able to get a better idea what to tell you.

Scott:
Veronica's birthday is next Saturday...and I want to get her something really special...but I don't know what kind of things girls like.

Carol:
You and Veronica are quite an item, aren't you?
(Scott nods his head)
Well, she's going to be 12? Or 13?

Scott:
13.

Carol:
Ah, the older woman!
(Scott snickers)
Well, you want to give her something that will be completely identified with you, right? Something nobody else will give her?

Scott (nods):
Right!

Carol:
Wouldn't you rather ask your Dad about this?

Scott:
He's not a girl! How would he know what girls like?

Carol:
Oh! OK! I get it now...well...what about a nice ID bracelet? That's always nice. You can have both your names engraved on it and it won't cost you very much. Or just have her name engraved on it and a message from you on the back. Either way, it won't cost you much. And that's really nice. And something she can keep with her all the time.

Scott:
What about a ring?

Carol (shakes her head):
You guys are too young for rings. If you're still crazy about each other when you get to high school. THEN you can talk to me about rings.

Scott:
Start small, in other words.

Carol:
Veronica is your first girlfriend, Scotty. Go slow. I think there's a good chance there's going to be a lot of girls in your life before you find the one you want to marry.

Scott:
Dad says it hits you like a lightning bolt.

Carol (nods with a smile):
He's right.
(picks Marc up out of his high chair and puts him on her lap)

Scott:
Are you going to have another baby?

Carol:
Why would you ask me that?

Scott (shrugs):
I don't know...just a feeling I have.

Carol:
You must get that from your Dad...he gets "feelings" about things, too. I'm sure Doug and I will have more children...

Scott:
Good...because I like the idea of a big family!

Carol (grins):
You know, I do, too!

Scott (gets up from the table):
Can I dress him?

Carol (reaches him the baby):
Sure! Thanks! I appreciate that.

Scott:
Can we go to the mall today since you're off? Would you help me pick out a bracelet?

Carol (nods):
Sure! We can go this afternoon while you're Dad is at his appointment.

Scott (smiles wide):
Great! Thanks, Mom!

He takes Marc and goes on out of the room. Carol goes through the house, following the sound of music blasting from a radio in the living room. She goes in and stands in the doorway watching Doug dance with Tatiana and singing along with the song, BAD TO THE BONE. Tatiana is giggling insanely as Doug holds her hands and dances with her.

Lyrics:
On the day I was born...all the nurses gathered round...to gaze in wide wonder...at the joy they had found...head nurse stepped up...said 'let that one alone'...she could tell right away...I was Bad to the Bone!

Carol (arms folded across her chest in the doorway):
Yeah, that's you all right!

Doug looks up and grins at her, but, doesn't stop his routine.

Doug (to Carol):
This part's for you, Babe...

Lyrics:
I make a rich woman beg...I make a poor woman steal...I make a strong woman weak...I make the young girls squeal...

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Oh brother...what an ego!

Lyrics:
I wanna be yours pretty baby...yours and yours alone...but I'll tell you right now...that I'm bad to the bone!

Carol:
So, did they write that song about you, by some chance?

Doug (laughing):
I guess we'll never know!

Carol:
Did you have breakfast?

Doug:
Yeah...Tatch and I had pancakes. Scott wasn't downstairs yet...

Carol:
He just had cereal. We're going to the mall this afternoon while you're at your appointment...do you need anything?

Doug (shakes his head):
Can't think of anything...but thanks for asking!

Tatiana:
I'm gonna play upstairs a while, Papa.

Doug:
OK, Sweetie! I'll see you later.

Carol (as Tatiana scampers out of the room):
Did you call your order in?

Doug (nods):
Yes, I did. It'll be here one day next week.

Carol:
Are you sure storing it in the basement is a good idea?

Doug:
Yeah, it's not damp down there or anything. In fact, I was thinking, we could renovate it into another bedroom if we needed to.

Carol:
I don't think we'll need to do that right away...but I guess it would work later if we had to.

Doug (wraps his arms around her waist):
How pregnant are we? Six weeks?

Carol (wraps her arms around him and smiles up at him):
Something like that. Close enough.

Doug (thinking):
And Mark is four months old?

Carol (ticks her head):
Four and half. Close enough.

Doug (sighs):
OK...five months then...we'll give him the edge. So, you're due in seven and a half more months...
(counting in his head)
Yep! I was right! That puts it just about his first birthday.

Carol (laughing):
With the luck we have, I'll probably go into labor at the party!

Doug (winces):
Don't even think such a thing!

Carol:
I'm sure everything will work out...don't worry. Between you and Stephanie keeping hawk eyes on me, I'm sure you two will know my every move!

Doug (grins):
And that's OK with you?

Carol:
I wouldn't have it any other way...

Doug pulls her to her and kisses her sweetly. They are so lost in their kiss that they don't notice Scott and Tatiana have come back downstairs with Marc and are standing in the doorway.

Tatiana (quietly to Scott):
They're are it again...isn't that how they got Marc?

Scott (nods):
Yep! Better watch out, Tatch! I think they're working for another one!

Tatiana (hands on her hips to Doug and Carol):
Well, I want a sister this time if you are!

Doug (laughs and goes over to tickle her):
Well, we don't have any choice, Sweetie! You have to take what God gives you!

Tatiana (laughing, trying to get away from him):
Then, I'm gonna talk to God 'cos I want a sister this time!

Doug (lets her go):
Well, we'll see what happens!
(turns to Carol)
I'm going down to the office a few minutes and see how Mark is doing...I was snowed under last week and I want to see if he's OK.

Carol (nods):
OK...will you be home in time for dinner?

Doug;
Long before...
(kisses her cheek)
I'll see you later...have a good day with the kids.

Carol:
Thanks! I'm sure we will!

She walks him to the door and stands watching him go. He is on foot walking towards the El platform, leaving the car for her and the kids. He waves from the corner and disappears. Carol closes the door and turns back to the kids with a smile.

Cut to show Doug standing on the El platform waiting for the train to come and pick him up. Focus on his face. He his deep in thought and his expression is troubled. Distort picture to let us into his thoughts. Focus on the parking garage where he was attacked a long time before. Flash image of two men holding him on the ground. Flash image of someone leaning over him. Flash back to present. Show Doug trying hard to visualize what he was thinking about just as the EL comes up to the station. He shakes his head and climbs aboard the train.

Fade Act One to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens at Family Center, interior. Show Mark Greene listening to the heartbeat of a patient in an exam room. The patient is an elderly woman and her husband is standing nearby watching.

Mark (takes stethoscope away):
Your heart is fine, Mrs. Calligan.

Woman:
Why am I dizzy, Dr. Greene?

Mark (ticks his head):
Could be a number of reason. I can refer you over to County and let them run some tests, if that would make you feel better.

Woman (nods):
Yes...I think that would be fine.

Mark (nods):
OK...I'll arrange that for you...just give me a couple of minutes.

Mark goes out to head for the phone at the front desk and sees Doug coming in when he gets into the hallway.

Mark (smiles):
Hey! What are you doing here?

Doug:
I have an appointment with Nina, and I thought I'd see how you were getting along by yourself.

Mark (chuckles):
Huh! Well, it's slacked of some since I came in, but, I've got a full schedule this afternoon.

Doug:
Need any help?

Mark (shakes his head):
No...no, I'm fine! Just enjoy your day off. I can handle it.

Doug:
Is Powell here?

Mark:
Yeah, but, I sent him on an errand right now...why?

Doug (shrugs):
Oh, nothing! I just wanted to be sure he showed up. He didn't come in last week when I was here.

Mark:
You think that might have been personal?

Doug:
I don't know...but I do want to talk to him when he comes back, so, when I get through with Nina, tell him I want to see him in my office, OK?

Mark (nods):
Sure thing.
(pause)
Something wrong?
(Doug gives him a confused look)
You said you were going to talk to Nina...something wrong?

Doug:
Not wrong...just on my mind...and I want to talk to her before it festers into something big.

Mark:
Good idea!

Doug:
Before I go, can I get you to draw some blood for my lab work? We can read it here and then I'll take it over the Dr. Craig when I go over there this afternoon.

Mark:
Sure...go on back to four and have a seat...I'll be right with you!

Doug nods and takes his jacket off as he goes down the hall. He goes into an exam room and sits on the table. He is wearing a short sleeved polo shirt, so he doesn't need to roll up his sleeves for Mark. As he waits, he seems deep in thought again, but his thoughts are broken by Mark coming in quickly.

Mark (picks up a needle):
OK...what am I taking?

Doug:
CBC and CBP...I need to know the readings, OK?

Mark (nods):
You got it!

Mark inserts the needle to a vien and draws two vials of blood, labels them and put them on a rack.

Mark:
Be about an hour...you won't be back before then.

Doug (starts out the door):
Thanks, Mark! Later, Bud!

Doug goes on out of the clinic area and goes down the hallway to Nina's office. Before he opens the door, he pauses, collecting his thoughts. Then, he opens the door and goes into the waiting area. He paces nervously for a minute, then he knocks on Nina's door.

Nina's voice (from behind the door):
Come in, Doug!

Doug (laughs as he opens the door):
I guess you don't need a secretary yet, huh?

Nina (smiles):
Not yet...but before long I will! Have a seat! I haven't seen you for a while...what's up?

Doug (slides into a chair...sighs):
Everything.

Nina (nods):
OK...one thing at a time...

Doug:
I'm having nightmares again.

Nina:
And the content of them?

Doug:
I'm back in the parking garage.

Nina:
You're still thinking about the attack?

Doug:
Something's happening. I keep seeing the men who were there but they're in a cloud. I can't see their faces good yet except the one man that I know was there.

Nina:
So, you're still trying to visualize the other two men?

Doug:
No...just the one...the one that attacked me. I can see him leaning over me now and just about the time I can see his face, I wake up. And touch won't help me with him, because he never really touched me. So, I guess I'm still at square one.

Nina:
Do you want me to induce hypnosis?

Doug (shakes his head):
Not at this point. It's not really bothering me that much, just creeps into my thoughts sometimes.

Nina:
So, that's not your major worry?

Doug:
Not right now.

Nina:
OK...what IS your major concern right now?

Doug (sighs):
Carol is pregnant again.

Nina (surprised):
So soon? Marc is only what...?

Doug:
Not quite five months old. I already figured out that this new baby could be born right around his first birthday!
(sighs)
I really didn't intend for Carol to get pregnant again so soon. I should have used protection in Pennsylvania.

Nina:
You're pretty sure that's when it happened, huh?

Doug:
I'm POSITIVE that's when it happened.
(chuckles)
Isn't that what honeymoons are for?

Nina (smiles):
Yes, I suppose so. But, this is bothering you now?

Doug:
Not bothering me...I'm thrilled that we're going to have another child...it's just that Carol had so much trouble having Marc...and I'm not sure she's fully recovered from all that and his delivery yet...for her to be starting over again just really concerns me.

Nina:
Have you talked to Carol about it?

Doug (shakes his head):
No...I don't want her to think I don't want this child. We had enough communication problems when she was pregnant with Marc...I don't want to rock the boat any.

Nina:
Well, you know that I will tell you to discuss what you're feeling with Carol.

Doug (nods):
Yeah...I figured that's what you were going to tell me.

Nina (coaxing):
Something else about this pregnancy bothering you?

Doug:
Something Carol told me this morning...there are twins in her family...that gives us a gene possibility for multiple births.

Nina:
And that's a problem?

Doug:
Carol had enough trouble having one. I don't even want to think about the complications of more than one.

Nina:
Those kind of things can be detected very early. I'm sure her doctor would be able to handle it.

Doug:
Her doctor would, yes. Me, on the other hand...I don't know. And taking care of more than one? With Marc only a year old? I don't know, Nina...it all sounds like a nightmare.

Nina:
You and Carol are about the best two people with kids I think I've seen in a long time. I'm sure you would figure out a way to handle it.

Doug:
Yeah, Carol would want to quit work. She's talked about that before and that would just be a trigger point for her. And then what? With my future uncertain? I have to think about things like that, Nina...

Nina:
Yes, exactly how ARE you getting along with all this you've had leveled on you lately?

Doug:
I'm OK.

Nina:
How 'OK' is OK? Have you adjusted well? Are you OK with all of it?

Doug:
I'm doing as well as can be expected. I don't know too many people who can have their life ripped out from under them and just tally on with no problems. But, I think on the whole, I'm fine.

Nina:
So, you've had an adjustment period?

Doug:
I think I'm still adjusting. Like, last night, Marc started crying, but, I was already hooked up, so, I couldn't go get him and I had to wake up Carol. That kind of thing bothers me sometimes.

Nina:
You stay hooked to the machine all night?
(Doug nods)
Isn't there any other alternative?

Doug:
Sure, I can do manual exchanges and have to take a half hour break 4 times a day. That's a hassle for me, so, it's really easier to do it at night. But, sometimes it's a real bother for me. I'm not settled into it yet.

Nina:
So, you really have a lot of things to cope with right now...nightmares that may be remembering something you'd really rather forget...your wife is pregnant again inside a year...and all this dialysis business?
(Doug nods)
I think we better concentrate on one thing at a time. Now, with Carol, I can't help you much. You need to talk to her and her doctor to calm your fears about all that. And I can't help much with the dialysis except to refer you to a support group...

Doug:
No, I think I can handle all that on my own. I just need a little time to get everything into place.

Nina:
OK, so, your main concern is your nightmares and what they are trying to tell you, correct?
(Doug nods)
You know the only thing I can suggest for that.

Doug:
Then, I'll try and work it out on my own...because I don't want hypnosis...not until it's the last resort.

Nina (nods):
That's your choice.

Doug:
I'd like us to schedule regular appointments for a while. Sometimes I just need a neutral third party to bounce things off of.

Nina (nods, looks into her book):
I can see you every Thursday...I know that's your day off...would that be OK with you?

Doug:
Fine...afternoon appointments are good for me...OK with you?

Nina:
Two o'clock on Thursdays...

Doug (stands up to leave):
I'll be here. Thanks, Nina.

Nina:
And if you need me any other time, just call me.

Doug:
I will...thanks again.

He goes out of her office and starts back to the clinic, but, he stops with his hand on the door, thinking. Show him deep in thought and fade Act Two to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens at a shopping mall. Show Carol going down the walk way Tatiana by the hand and Marc in a chest pouch. Scott is walking nearby.

Carol (to Scott):
OK...do you want me to help you look? Or do you want to look on your own and then come and get me?

Scott:
I'd rather look on my own and then come for you.

Carol:
OK...I'll either be at the toy store or the baby shop, OK? I want to see you inside of an hour.

Scott (nods):
It's a deal!

Scott goes a different direction and disappears into the sea of people.

Carol (looks down at Tatiana):
OK...what is it you wanted me to see at the toy store?

Tatiana (takes her by the hand):
Come on! I'll show you!

Show Tatiana leading Carol away quickly.

Cut back to the center. Doug is coming away from his meeting with Nina and heading back to his office. Mark is working in his own office and catches him as he passes the open door.

Mark:
I put your lab results on your desk for you!

Doug (stops at the door):
Hey, thanks! I appreciate that. How do they look?

Mark:
You're looking good. Dr. Craig should be really pleased. Better watch the red cell count, though...you've got so much now I'd recommend you give a pint of blood to get rid of some of it!

Doug:
Uh oh...too much Epogen! Thanks, Mark!

Doug goes on to his office and picks up the lab results. He stands looking over them nodding his head in approval at each result. He is so wrapped up in this he doesn't hear Greg Powell come into the office behind him.

Greg (reaches out, touches Doug's shoulder):
Dr. Ross?

Doug is obviously startled. He jumps slightly and steps forward away from Greg's grasp. Greg gives him a confused look as Doug turns back to him.

Doug:
Greg! I didn't hear you come in.

Greg (apologetically):
I'm sorry, Dr. Ross... didn't mean to startle you.

Doug:
That's OK...

Greg:
Dr. Greene said you wanted to seen me?

Doug:
Yes, I wanted us to talk about why you didn't show up last Wednesday?

Greg:
I thought I cleared that with Nurse Hathaway...

Doug (cuts him off quickly):
First of all, her name is Ross now...and she's no longer a Nurse...she's a Physicians Assistant.

Greg:
My mistake...forgive me...I thought I cleared that with her where I was and why I wasn't here.

Doug;
Well, that may be all well and good, but, you didn't explain anything to me. And I'd like to hear it.

Greg:
I had an emergency at home...my mother was ill.

Doug:
You forgot, during this crisis, how to use a telephone? You didn't have the courtesy to call me and tell me you wouldn't be here? Did you realize you were leaving me completely alone here?

Greg:
No, Sir...I wasn't aware of that fact.

Doug (nods):
OK...well...henceforth you DO know that every Wednesday, a doctor is here alone and you are very needed?

Greg:
Yes, Dr. Ross. I understand that now.

Doug:
OK...well...that's about all I have to say. I trust we will not have to have this conversation again?

Greg:
No, sir.

Doug:
OK, Greg...that's all. Thank you.

Greg nods and turns quickly to leave Doug's office. Doug reaches up and touches his shoulder where Greg had his hand on him and rubs it gently, lost in thought.

Cut to Carol and Tatiana in the toy store. Tatiana is showing Carol several different Barbie dolls.

Carol:
OK...you can have ONE of them...so pick out the one you want, OK? And I'll buy it for you.

Tatiana (pouting):
But, I want them all!

Carol:
Well, you can't have them all, Honey. You have to leave us something to get you for your birthday!

Tatiana (picks out one doll):
OK, then...this one!

Carol (nods):
OK, bring it and come on!

Carol and Tatiana head for the counter and just as they get there, Marc starts to cry.

Carol (frowns):
Oh, now what?
(she puts her hand inside the pouch)
OK, Marc...give me a few minutes...

Carol pays for the doll and the clerk puts it in a bag.

Carol:
Come on, Tatch...we have to find a rest room so I can change him.

Tatiana (grumping):
When will he not need diapers anymore?

Carol (grunts):
Not for a long time yet. Come on, it won't take long!

Tatiana (sighs):
OK...

Carol takes Tatiana by the hand and they head off to find a rest room.

Cut to show Doug stopping at Mark's office door again at the center.

Doug:
Hey, Mark, I'm leaving, OK? I've got an appointment with Dr. Craig and then I'm going home. Are we playing golf tomorrow?

Mark (looks up from his desk):
It's up to you...if you feel up to it, I'm game.

Doug (nods):
I'll meet you in the clubhouse about 9:30?

Mark:
Sounds good to me, I'll be there, Bud!

Doug nods and goes on out of the center. He starts to go around back to the EL, but, he looks across the street and sees the parking garage in front of him. He cannot resist the curiosity driving him to it and starts walking that direction.

Cut back to the mall. Show Carol walking into the center clearing with Marc and Tatiana, looking around. She looks one direction, but, he attention is called in another one.

Scott (coming into the clearing):
Mom! Over here!

Carol turns to the sound of Scott's voice and smiles when she sees him coming towards them.

Scott:
I found one that's perfect! Will you come see?

Carol:
Sure! I told you I would.

Scott (as they start with him, to Tatiana):
Which Barbie did you get?

Tatiana:
I got Ocean Pearls Barbie!

Scott (looks into her bag):
Cool.
(pause...points)
It's right up here, Mom!

Scott leads them over to a jewelry shack and points at an ID bracelet in a case for Carol to look at.

Scott:
That's it...what do you think?

Carol (looking into the case):
Oh, Scott, it's very nice. I love the little heart clasp it has...I think Veronica will be proud to wear that.

Scott (to clerk):
OK...that's the one...and I wrote down the engraving. When will it be ready?

Clerk:
I can have it ready for you tomorrow.
(Scott looks at Carol for approval)

Carol (nods):
It's your Dad's day off...he can come by and pick it up for you or bring you to get it. It's OK.

Scott (nods to clerk):
That'll be fine. Do I pay for it now?

Clerk:
No, you pay for it when you pick it up in case there's a problem.

Scott:
OK...thank you.
(turns to Carol)
Now where?

Carol:
Well, you got something and Tatchie got something...let's go see if we can get Marc something.

Scott (as they walk away):
What about you? Don't you get something?

Carol (smiles):
I get the day with you kids...I couldn't want anything else!

Tatiana:
I could think of plenty of things...

Carol laughs and the three of them head into a baby shop. Cut to show Doug sitting in a doctor's office chair waiting for a doctor. Show Dr. Craig come into the room carrying a file and sit down at his desk.

Craig:
Your lab reports were very good...I guess you already knew that?

Doug:
Yes, I did. Mark gave them to me at the center and I read them there. What do we do about this through the ceiling red blood count?

Craig (chuckles):
Stop taking Epogen for starters. And don't worry about it. It'll be all right.
(pause)
You're doing very well, Doug. How are you feeling?

Doug:
Fine so far.

Craig:
Well, I have no complaints with anything. Just keep doing what you're doing and I'll see you again in a month unless you need me before then.

Doug (stands up to leave):
OK...thanks a lot.

Doug gets up and goes on out the door, heading for the EL track and home.

Stay with Doug as he boards the train and sits down. Focus on him thinking about his trip to the parking garage. In a flashback, show him going into the garage and looking around inside where he was taken. He walks slowly over to a concrete pillar in one end of the garage. He touches it carefully and rubs his hand up and down on it. Then, he reaches back and touches his shoulder much the same way he did in his office earlier.

Flash back to present with Doug getting off the EL and heading for home. Just as he starts down the platform, he looks fearfully over his shoulder...shakes it off...and heads on home.

Fade Act Three to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens at the Ross home, interior, evening. Carol is in the kitchen fixing dinner and we see her working at the stove. Pan back to show the coffee table in the living room where a board game is in progress. Doug is playing SORRY with Scott, Veronica, and Tatiana. Everyone is on the floor around the table, there is laughter and shouting as they play.

Veronica (moves her piece around the board and bumps off Scott, smiles sweetly at him):
Sorry!

Scott (scoffs):
Oh, I know you are.

Doug:
Veronica, I understand you have a birthday next week?

Veronica:
That's right, Dr. Ross.

Doug:
And that you'll be going into your teenage years?

Veronica (laughs):
I'll be 13, yes, Sir.

Doug (smiles):
Is there anything special you want for your birthday?

Veronica (quietly):
Nothing anyone can give me.

Veronica's mood shifts quickly and she becomes very quiet. Doug gives her a puzzled look, but, doesn't pry. He looks over at Scott, who simply shakes his head at him. Doug nods and they go back to their game.

Carol (comes into the door way):
Veronica, are you staying for dinner?

Veronica:
Oh, I wish I could, Mrs. Ross, but, I have to be home by six. Thank you anyway.

Tatiana (grumping):
I don't like this game!

Doug (teases her):
That's because you can't win!

Tatiana (nods):
That's right! I like Candy Land MUCH better!

Doug:
Well, I promise, you and I will play that together later, OK?

Tatiana (nods with a big smile):
Yeah! I like to play with you! You're a terrible player and I can beat you!
(everybody laughs)

Veronica (looks at her watch):
I guess I better be going, Scotty. Thank you for my visit, Dr. Ross. I had a real nice time.

Doug (nods, grins):
You're very welcome, Veronica. You're welcome in our home anytime.

Doug stays with Tatiana and they start picking up the game while Scott walks Veronica to the door.

Scott (at the door):
I'll see you at school tomorrow.

Veronica:
Yeah. I'll meet you at our usual place.

Scott:
OK...Bye!

Veronica (steps onto the porch):
Bye.

Scott closes the door and goes back to the living room to help pick up the game and put it away. Tatiana goes off to help Carol in the kitchen.

Doug (quietly to Scott):
So, what's going on with Veronica?

Scott:
Her parents are getting a divorce. She's really upset about it.

Doug:
I can understand that. Divorce is a hard thing for a kid.

Scott:
She's worried about getting a stepfather later on, too.

Doug:
If you'd like me to talk to her, I'd be glad to. My parents got divorced when I was just about her age. And I got a stepfather later, too. I would be somebody that understands what she's feeling about all of it.

Scott (nods):
I'll tell her...and then if she wants to talk to you, she can. Thanks, Dad.

Doug:
No problem.

Carol (from the dining room door):
Dinner's ready...Scott, will you set the table for me, please?

Scott (nods):
Sure, Mom.

Scott goes to set the table and Doug goes into the kitchen with Carol. He can't resist sampling from the pot, which draws a look of disapproval from Carol.

Carol (smacks his hand):
Get OUT of there!

Doug (puts the lid back on quickly):
I can't help it! I'm hungry!

Carol (starts getting the food ready to take to the table):
Did you eat today?

Doug (helps her):
Yes, I did. I had lunch...I'm just hungry now!

Carol:
How was your appointment? Everything OK?

Doug (nods):
Mark took the blood and we ran the labs...everything looks really good. My red blood cell count was so high, Dr. Craig told me to stop taking the Epogen! So, I'm in good shape right now.

Carol:
Good...that's really good news.

Doug and Carol carry the dinner to the table and set it down. Tatiana and Scott are already sitting in their places and Marc is banging his hands on the tray of his high chair sitting close to Carol. They take their places at the table and dinner begins.

Cut to show time lapse. Dinner is pretty much over for the big people, but, Doug is spoon feeding Marc something from a baby jar.

Doug:
Come on, big guy...open up...
(Marc turns his head away)

Carol:
I think he's had all he wants.

Doug (lifts Marc out of his chair):
OK, Buddy...let's clean you up.
(takes a wet wipe and starts cleaning the baby's face)

Tatiana (looking on):
He sure is messy.

Doug:
Well, that's because he's a baby. When he's big, like you, he won't be quite as messy...although I have seen you makes some pretty good messes, too!
(Tatiana giggles)

Tatiana:
I kind of like babies. They're cute.

Carol:
Well, I'm really glad to hear that...while all of us are still here together, I guess this as good a time as any to tell you kids that your father and I are going to have another baby.

Tatiana:
Another one?

Scott:
When will this baby come?

Carol:
Well, as near as we can figure it, just about in time for Marc's first birthday.

Tatiana:
I want a sister this time, OK?

Doug:
I already told you, Sweetie...it's not like a candy machine where you pick what you want...you take what you get.

Tatiana:
Did you take what you get with me?

Carol (smiles):
Oh, no...we hand picked you!

Scott (scoffs):
With ME, they took what they got!

Doug (winks at him):
And we lucked out, too.
(Scott smiles)

Carol:
OK...time to do your homework!

Scott and Tatiana both groan, but, head out to get their books and get started.

Doug:
Want me to help you clean up?

Carol:
No, I can handle it. Why don't you take Marc up to bed and spend some time up there with him?

Doug (nods):
OK...if you're sure...

Carol (smiles at him):
I'm sure...

Doug cradles Marc in his arms and starts away while Carol is clearing the table. Follow Doug up the steps and into the nursery. He lays Marc on the changing table and reaches underneath to get a fresh sleeper to put him in. Marc kicks and punches all the while Doug puts him in a fresh diaper and his sleeper. Then, Doug picks him up and carries him over to the rocker. He sits down and starts rocking him. Marc keeps gazing up at him and waving his hands.

Doug:
You want a bottle?

He reaches behind him and put the bottle in a warmer on the table top. In a minute or so, he reaches back for it, feeling it for warmth, and puts the nipple in Marc's mouth. The baby responds by happily sucking and wrapping his tiny hands around the bottle.

Doug (smiles down at him):
Yeah...you want your bottle.
(Doug keeps rocking and gazing down lovingly at Marc...while he rocks, he can't resist singing)
Hush, little baby, don't say a word...
Daddy's gonna buy you a mockingbird...
If that mockingbird won't sing...
Daddy's gonna buy you a diamond ring...

Distort the picture to show Doug thinking of his past...in his vision he sees himself as a baby about Marc's age, maybe a little older, and his own father, Ray, rocking him and singing that same song. Pull back to present time and show Doug smiling and looking down at Marc...he chuckles...and continues his song.

Cut to show time lapse. Show Doug coming into the living room where Tatiana and Scott are finishing their homework and Carol is reading a book.

Doug (goes over and sits beside Carol):
He's asleep.

Carol:
Good...did you give him a bottle?

Doug:
Yes, and he took almost all of it.

Carol (looks at the clock on the wall):
Almost time for you to hook up, isn't it?

Doug (looks at the clock):
Pretty close.
(Looks across the room)
Come on, Tatch! Bedtime!

Tatiana:
OK, Papa!

Doug (kisses Carol on the cheek):
I'll tuck her in...and then I'll go hook up. You'll be up later?

Carol:
Pretty soon...

Show Doug and Tatiana going out of the room and heading for the steps. Halfway up the steps, Tatiana slips her hand in Doug's, but he reaches down and picks her up to carry her on up the steps.

Fade Act Four to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens still at the Ross home. Show Carol reaching the top of the steps to the second floor. She opens the door to Tatiana's bedroom and goes in. Tatiana is sleeping, curled on her side, with her arms around a doll and Scrubs the dog at her feet. Carol gently pulls the covers around her shoulders and kisses her daughter's head carefully. She goes back out of the room and closes the door. Then she climbs the steps to Scott's attic bedroom. He is still awake and has a light on, reading a comic book.

Carol (from the top of the stairs):
Lights out, Scotty.

Scott (looks over the top of the comic book at her):
Just a few more minutes? I'm almost finished!

Carol:
As soon as you're finished, then, OK?

Scott (nods):
OK! Thanks, Mom!

She smiles at him and goes on back down the steps. She goes to the nursery and walks over to the crib to look in on Marc. The baby is awake and staring up into space.

Carol (smiles down at him):
Go to sleep, little one!

Marc coos at her and she touches him lovingly. Then, she goes to turn on the baby monitor and goes on out of his room, closing the door behind her. Her last stop is the master bedroom. She goes in and Doug is in bed, but, he is sitting up and reading a medical journal magazine. Show a tube from the bed to a table beside him, connecting him to the dialysis machine.

Doug (looks up as she comes in):
Everybody OK?

Carol (heads for the bathroom to change):
Everybody's fine...what about you? You OK?

Doug;
No problems here!
(she comes out in her nightgown and starts brushing her hair)
Did you enjoy your day with them?

Carol:
I really did. It was really good.
(pause)
How many games of Candy Land did you lose to Tatchie before you put her to bed?

Doug (chuckles):
The usual...two.
(pause...thinking)
I think I probably should tell you I went to see Nina Pomerantz today.

Carol (stops brushing, looks at him):
Something wrong?

Doug:
Not really, but, I think I want to curb it before it gets to be something wrong. I just need a neutral third party for a few things.

Carol:
Anything you want to talk to me about?

Doug (points to the machine):
Part of it is this. I know on the surface I'm adapting very well to all this, but, sometimes, if I sit and think about it, it gets me a little down.

Carol:
Well, I can understand that. You had a lot leveled on you pretty suddenly. I think just about anybody might have problems adjusting to that.

Doug:
Well, anyway, Nina and I are going to see each other every Thursday for a while. I wanted you to know.

Carol (gets into bed beside him):
Well, thank you for sharing that. I appreciate knowing what's going on with you!

Doug (touches her stomach):
Likewise...I want us to keep a real close watch on this baby. You had a lot of problems having Marc...I want us to try and prevent that again if we can.

Carol:
I'll stay in close contact with Stephanie, I promise. And you're welcome to go to any or all of my appointments if it will make you feel better.

Doug:
I think it might...and I probably will.

Carol:
You're worried about multiple births, aren't you?

Doug:
I think it's something we have to think about. You have twins in your family, so, we do carry a gene for it.

Carol:
Would that be terrible?

Doug:
Twins? I don't know. I guess we could probably handle it. For Tatchie's sake, we better hope if we have twins that they're both girls as bad as she wants a sister!

Carol (laughs):
I don't think we'll have twins. There hasn't been any multiple births in our family in two generations.

Doug:
Yeah, that's what scares me. The family is due.

Carol:
Well, just like you told Tatchie, we'll take whatever God gives us.

Doug (nods):
Yeah.

Carol (gently brushes his hair with her hand):
What about you, Love? I've taken care of everybody but you today.

Doug (chuckles):
I'm fine.

Carol:
Are you? Are you really? Are you feeling all right? Have you eaten enough? Do you have any idea how much I worry about you now?

Doug:
You don't need to worry. I'm taking real good care of myself.

Carol:
Doesn't keep me from worrying.

Doug (puts his arm around her):
Oh, man...what a pair we are! It's a wonder we ever get anything else done!

Carol:
It's good to care that much about someone else.

Doug (kisses her hair):
I know...there was a time when I wondered if I ever could. And now, look at me...I'm like that song I heard on the radio...living the domestic life!

Carol (grins):
I know that song...Scrubs isn't a cocker spaniel, though...and he doesn't have puppies!

Doug:
No, but the rest of us fits us. Brownie meetings, Cub Scout meeting, PTA meetings, ball games...we do all of that and more.

Carol (laughs):
Yeah...and just think...
(pats her belly)
We're going to add to it.

Doug:
Don't you think we're too old to be doing this? You should have kids like this when you're in your 20s...not 30s.

Carol:
We'll manage! I have no fears!

Doug (slips down into bed and pulls the covers over him):
That's good...let's hope both of us keep that attitude!

Carol slips down in bed beside him and the lay facing each other.

Carol:
Did I tell you today that I love you?

Doug:
Not in those words, but, you told me, yes.

Carol smiles a satisfied smile and closes her eyes. Doug lays looking at her and he chuckles a bit. Then he closes his eyes to try and drift off with her.

Fade into Closing Credits of the show.

March 17, 1998