Author's Text

This story has references to an old classic song by a singer named Bobby Goldsboro called "Honey". There will be some lyrics of the song printed in the story where it is relevant but if you have never heard this song, I do suggest you call an oldies radio station and request it to fully understand Doug's feelings in this story...but I'll do my best to relay them even without the song.

There is also reference to the Simon and Garfunkle hit "Bridge Over Troubled Water" but I think most of you will more familiar with that one.

Special thanks in this story to Manuela...she knows why. Special thanks also to Katy for her Mark advice and Marny who sometimes fills me in on "particulars". Others I'd like to thank are Amy, Erica, Sunita, Katherine, and Steph just for always being there.

The characters in this story are not mine and no money is made by me for the use of them in this story.

Robin

"Family Center"
"Don't Play That Song"
Opening Act

Scene opens at the Ross home, interior. Show that the boxes are all unpacked now and the house looks "lived in". Show Carol Ross walking through the master bedroom to the nursery set up in the dressing area off the room. There are three white bassinets set up in the room, a dresser for clothes, and two changing tables. She smiles and runs her hand along the bassinet closest to her. Carol is very pregnant now...and her belly is very large. She walks pigeon toed and almost waddles as she moves along slowly. She goes out the door and down the hall. She opens the door and looks into a room with two white cribs standing in it. The room is decorated gaily for a little girl...everything pink, and white, and yellow with flowers and ballerinas on the wallpaper. Carol smiles and closes the door, going to the next room to look in. Marc is standing up in his crib and he reaches for Carol the instant he sees her.

Carol (smiles):
Hi, sweetheart...did you have a nice nap?
(she goes in and reaches him out of his crib and carries him to the changing table)
Let's get you clean and dry and then you can go downstairs with me.

Carol puts him on the changing table and he fusses with her while she changes him into a clean diaper. She picks him up and starts out of the room with him, looking around the room with a sad smile...

Carol (mumbles):
There should be another crib in here...but we're waiting to see if you get here, Michael.
(she puts her hand on her stomach and sighs)
Come on, Marc...let's go find Daddy...

The minute they are in the hallway, Marc starts to whine and squirm, so, Carol puts him down on the floor. Within a minute, he is on his feet and toddling wobbly behind her. Everytime he falls, he fusses loudly and gets back to his feet.

Carol (laughs):
You just keep that determination, Marc...you're going to need it later!

Carol goes through the house and to the family room, where she finds Doug sitting in a chair and reading a medical journal. She smiles from the doorway as she notices he is wearing a pair of silver, wire rimmed reading glasses.

Carol (goes over to him and sits on the arm of his chair):
Did I ever tell you there was something VERY sexy about a man in glasses?
(reaches and takes them off him)
Especially a man already too sexy for his own good anyway?

Doug (chuckles):
No, I don't think you ever told me that. You don't think they make me look old?

Carol (shakes her head):
Uh uh...not in the least.

Doug:
I have gray hair...I had to get glasses...

Carol (teasing him):
Well, you ARE going to be 40 on your birthday...

Doug (frowns):
Ugh...don't remind me.

Carol:
Oh, come on! You know what they say...life begins at 40!

Doug (grunts):
Huh...begins to what? Deteriorate?
(looks across the room and sees Marc trying to pull Scrubs' tail)
No, no, Marc! Leave Scrubs alone.

Carol:
He won't bite...he just runs away...he's a wuss.

Doug: Well, in view of the fact that we're going to have three more just like him, that's a good thing!

Carol (frowns):
Hopefully have three more. Stephanie told me yesterday Michael only weighs 22 ounces right now...he's really little.

Doug:
That's a pound an a half. I've seen babies smaller than that make it.

Carol:
I know, but...well...I don't know...

Doug:
What about the girls?

Carol:
They weigh three and a half pounds each! They're doing great! Crimey...the three of them together weigh as much as Marc did all by himself.

Doug:
Yeah! And look at him now!
(looks across the room to see Mark toddling by clinging to things in his path)

Carol:
Look at him...ten months old and going anyplace he wants just about, with support.

Doug:
Yeah...he's really something.

Carol (runs her fingers through his hair):
Are you OK? You've been kind of distant lately.
(Doug shrugs)

Doug:
Just some of the things Nina and I have been talking about...bothers me a little a bit.

Carol:
Anything I can help you with?

Doug (shakes his head):
No...we just talked about when I was in JDH recently...

Carol (sighs):
I remember when you told me about that...I think that was the only other time I ever saw you cry before that night in the church.
(Doug nods with a tick of his head)
You've overcome a lot of hardship in your life.

Doug (chuckles):
Still working on some it!

Carol:
You're talking about the assault, right? Are you still having the nightmares about that?

Doug:
Not like I was...
(pauses, frowns)
Something I meant to tell you about all that...but you have to promise me you won't get upset when I tell you.

Carol:
I promise.

Doug:
Greg hired somebody to do it.

Carol (shocked):
Greg? Greg Powell?

Doug:
Yep.

Carol:
Are you sure? I mean, that's a pretty serious accusation and I know how you feel about Greg anyway...

Doug:
I'm very sure...and I confronted him with it. He admitted it.

Carol (shocked again):
He ADMITTED it?

Doug (calmly):
You said you wouldn't get upset!
(Carol frowns and nods)
He hired somebody to do it, but, then he backed out. Only he couldn't stop it by then.

Carol (anger rising):
I can't believe he would do a thing like that! Did he tell you why?

Doug:
He thought it would break us up...

Carol:
I knew he was low, but, I didn't know he was THAT low. He thought he could do something like that to you and then I would just run to him? He must have thought I was an awfully shallow person...

Doug:
Well, look at the source.

Carol:
So, when he knew you knew, that's why he left?

Doug:
No, he left because I told him if he stayed in Chicago I might be tempted to go to the police with everything I remembered.

Carol (satisfied...eyes flashing fire):
Good for you.

Doug (reaches his arm around her):
You OK?

Carol:
He better hope I never see him again...that's all I can say.

Doug:
Honey, look...it's over, OK? I've put all the pieces back together and now I just want to get on with my life and forget about it. That's another reason I wanted Greg gone. Having to see him everyday was just another reminder.

Carol:
Well, Did you at least beat the crap out of him?

Doug:
No...I shoved him around a little, but, I held my temper.

Carol:
Well, I wouldn't have. I think I might have made sure he could never have children, at least.
(Doug chuckles)

Doug:
What would you have done? Kicked him in the nuts?

Carol:
No, I'd rather castrate him! And I'm a PA...I could do it, too!

Doug
Well, then, I guess he should be glad he dealt with me and not you, huh?

Carol:
I guess he should.
(changes her tone quickly)
Well, enough talking about something that's not important...come on with me...I want to show you something!

Doug (pulls himself out of his chair as she takes him by the hand):
Show me what?

Carol (excitedly):
It's a surprise! Come on! Close your eyes!

Doug closes his eyes and lets her lead him by the hand as the Opening Act Fades into the Opening Credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at the old Ross home. Pan in from the door to show that the house is empty except for drop cloths on the floor. Off camera, we can hear audio of Mark Greene and Nina Pomerantz arguing and laughing.

Nina (off camera):
Mark! You don't slap it on like that! You're supposed to brush it gently!

Mark:
What difference does it make? It goes on just the same...I'm sure the wallpaper doesn't mind.

Continue to pan through the empty house towards the voices and find them in an upstairs bedroom, both in coveralls, working with wallpaper.

Mark (grins at her):
Brush it gently, you say?
(slaps her coveralls across the middle with his brush)
Like this?

Nina (surprised look on her face):
Mark Aaron Greene! You take that back!

Mark (taunting smile):
Make me.

Nina:
OK...you asked for it.
(she slaps him playfully in the face with her paste brush)

Mark (spitting paste):
Yuck! Why I oughtta...

Nina (steps playfully away):
But you won't...

Mark (inching towards her):
Oh, I wouldn't bet on that if I were you...

She lets him tackle her and pull her to the floor with him and they roll around on the drop cloth together. She puts her arms around him and stops short when she feels his beeper on his belt.

Nina (frowns):
Oh, Mark...we both agreed to leave the office alone today.

Mark:
It's not for the office...it's for Doug.

Nina (surprised):
For Doug? What for?

Mark:
In case anything happens with Carol.

Nina:
Nothing's going to happen with Carol...they aren't taking the babies until another two weeks yet.

Mark:
I know, but, you never know what can happen and if Doug needs me, I want to be available for him.

Nina (sits up, wraps her arms around her knees):
Can I tell you something confidentially?

Mark (nods, sits up with her):
Sure.

Nina:
I'm a little worried about Doug right now.

Mark:
Worried about him? Worried about him how? That he's going to crack or something?

Nina:
I don't know...I just feel a storm coming with him. He's been very calm in his sessions, yet, he's talking about things that I don't think he should be so calm about.

Mark:
Is there anything you can do?

Nina:
Well, as a therapist, I can only do so much...he seems to be talking about things freely but he seems to be holding the emotion it causes him back.

Mark:
Maybe he's just coping with it? Doug has grown up a lot in the past couple of years.

Nina:
Yeah, but, still...I feel a storm coming.

Mark:
Well, I'm sure you can handle it...and if you need back up...I'm just down the hall.
(kisses her shortly)
(pauses)
Can I ask you something confidentially?

Nina (nods):
Sure.

Mark:
Will you tell me?

Nina:
If I think it's beneficial for you to know, yes.

Mark:
Was Greg Powell the man who assaulted Doug?

Nina (sighs):
Greg was involved in the attack, but, he wasn't the man who actually assaulted Doug...no.

Mark (nods):
OK...
(pause)
He still doesn't know who it was, does he?

Nina (shakes her head):
No...and it's not likely that he ever will. I don't think he wants to know. If he did, he could have asked Greg about before he left town.

Mark:
Something about that guy bugs me now...I just get the feeling this isn't over...

Nina:
Well, for Doug's sake, I hope the biggest part of it is...

Cut back to the Ross home. Carol is leading Doug down the basement steps with a huge smile on her face. His eyes are closed, but, she puts her hand up over them as she gets him to the bottom of the steps. He is carrying Marc in his arms.

Carol:
Keep them closed!

Doug:
They're closed already!

Carol (as they reach the basement):
OK...just a few more steps...
(takes her hand away)
OK! Open them!

Doug opens his eyes and looks around the basement. The room has been transformed into a sitting room or a den. There is a desk, a sofa, a TV, a computer, a bookshelf with books, a stereo system with CD collection, etc all around the room.

Carol (smiles, quiet voice):
Surprise!

Doug (truly surprised, lifts Marc to the floor):
You did all this?

Carol (shrugs):
Mark helped.

Doug:
You paneled the room and everything! How did you do all this without me knowing it?

Carol:
You play golf a lot!

Doug (walks into the room, looking around):
This is GREAT!

Carol:
Well, I wanted you to have a place that was yours...someplace where you could come to when you needed to be alone. I thought this would be a good 'adults only' room...a place where they children aren't allowed when one of us is in it...

Doug (grins devilishly at her):
What about if BOTH of us are in it?

Carol (scolding voice):
Now, Doug...
(he wraps his arms around her with a chuckle)

Doug:
I know that look...what are you thinking about?

Carol:
Well, I know we agreed on names, but, I was thinking about running some more by you...

Doug (shrugs):
Go for it!

Carol:
Well...the names for the girls are OK....it's Michael's name I wanted to talk to you about...

Doug:
You don't like 'Michael'?

Carol:
I like the name 'Michael' very much...but I also love the name of 'Joshua'.

Doug (nods):
Joshua...Joshua Michael...Michael Joshua....I like Joshua...it's OK. Any particular reason?

Carol (shrugs):
I just really like the name.

Doug:
You want to call him 'Josh'?
(Carol nods, Doug smiles)
It's OK with me.

Carol (encouraged):
You really don't mind? Because I know you love the name of 'Michael'.

Doug (smiles):
Honey, we can call him any name you want as long as we call his last name 'Ross'....you know I don't care about things like that!

Carol (kisses him):
Thank you.
(Looks around the room)
So, you like the room?

Doug:
I LOVE the room.

Carol (walks over to the stereo):
I even programmed your favorite radio station into the stereo...

She turns on the radio and a song is playing...we hear the lyrics flow through the room...

Lyrics:
And it would sure embarrass her when I'd come home from working late 'cos I would know...that she'd been sitting there and crying over some sad and silly late, late show...

Doug:
Turn it off...I hate that song.

Carol (surprised):
'Honey'? You hate a song as beautiful as 'Honey'?

Doug;
Its not a beautiful song...it's a sad song...and I don't like it.

Carol (laughs):
It's just a song, Doug...I've never seen you like this.

Doug:
That song never bothered me...until I met you. I don't know what I'd do if anything ever happened to you, Carol...

Carol (laughing):
Doug, NOTHING is going to happen to me...you're more likely the one that something is going to happen to! And I don't worry about it!

Doug:
I didn't say I worried about it...I said I didn't like that song!

Carol:
OK! I turned it off already!

Doug (satisfied):
Thank you.

Carol (moves closer to him):
Other than that song, you like the room?

Doug:
I love the room...
(wraps his arms around her again)
And I love you...

Marc toddles happily across the room and Doug reaches down to grab him and scoop him into his arms.

Doug:
Hey, you heard the lady...no kids allowed, Buddy!

Marc giggles gleefully and Doug and Carol laugh with him as they turn and start back up the steps. About halfway up, Carol reaches out quickly to grab the railing and sits down on a step.

Doug (stops, leans down to her, concerned):
Carol? Hon? You OK?

Carol (hand to her head):
I just got a little bit dizzy. I'm OK.

Doug (sits down on the step with her):
Has this happened before?

Carol:
No...this is the first time.
(closes her eyes)
I'll be OK...I got like this with Marc and it passed...

Doug:
Do you want me to call Stephanie?

Carol (shakes her head):
No, I think it'll be OK. If it happens again, we'll call her, OK?

Doug (nods):
OK.

Doug stands up and helps her to her feet. He keeps his arm around her and supports her back to the top. He takes her into the living room and lets her lay down on the sofa, putting her feet up and putting a pillow under her head.

Carol (smiles):
Thank you.

Doug (sits on the edge of the sofa with her):
Can I get you anything?

Carol (touches his face):
No, I'm fine. Thanks.

Doug:
OK...

Doug doesn't leave the room. He just gets a medical journal magazine and sits in a chair close to Carol.

Cut to show time lapse. Show Carol struggling to get to her feet and Doug getting up to assist her.

Doug:
Honey, don't get up...I'll get whatever it is you need.

Carol:
I have to go to the bathroom, Doug. I don't think you can do that for me.

Doug (grins):
Huh...I guess not! Let me help you...

Carol:
I can make it...

Doug walks along with her anyway and holds her arm until she is inside the bathroom. She closes the door and he starts away. He only gets about two steps when he hears her horrified scream from behind the door.

Carol:
DOUG! DOUG! Are you out there?!

Doug quickly opens the bathroom door and finds Carol sitting on the floor, clutching her stomach with both hands.

Doug (falls to her side on his knees):
Carol! What happened? Are you all right?

Carol (tears choking her voice):
I'm bleeding, Doug...
(she looks at him with tears in her eyes)
Oh, God, Doug...am I losing these babies?

Focus on Doug's pained expression and Carol's fear and Fade Act One to Black.

Act Two

Show Doug driving the van with Carol in the front seat with him and Marc in a car seat behind him. Carol is panting a little and holding her hand to her stomach. Go into Doug's thoughts to hear that he is thinking again about the song 'Honey' and we hear the lyrics in his mind...

Lyrics:
See the tree how big it's grown, but, friends, it hasn't been too long, it wasn't big. And I laughed at her and she got mad the first day that she planted it, was just a twig...
...She wrecked the car and she was sad, and so afraid that I'd be mad, but, what the heck! Though I pretended hard to be, guess you could say she saw through me, and hugged my neck...
...And I surprised her with a puppy...kept me up all Christmas Eve, two years ago...
...I came home unexpectedly and caught her crying needlessly in the middle of the day...

Cut back to show Doug's face with a very concerned look. He reaches over and puts his hand on her stomach.

Doug (softly):
It's going to be OK, Babe...don't worry...everything will be OK.

Carol:
I'm scared, Doug...really, REALLY scared.

Doug:
I know...but we'll get to the hospital and Stephanie will find out what's wrong and everything will be all right.

Carol:
What if it's not? God, I'm wracking my brain trying to think what I've done wrong...

Doug:
Don't DO that to yourself, Carol! You haven't done anything wrong!

Carol:
Then WHY am I bleeding?

Doug:
There's a 101 things that could be wrong in there and none of them are anything you caused!

Carol:
I'm trying not to panic, but, I can't help it.

Doug:
I know...
(nods)
I know...

He pats her stomach carefully and gives her a weak smile. She turns and watches out the window and doesn't say anything else.

Cut back to Nina and Mark, sitting on the drop cloth on the floor. Behind them we can see that they have managed to hang the wallpaper and are taking a break.

Nina (looking at the wall):
Looks good if I do say so myself!

Mark (looks with her):
I have to admit...it's not half bad. Must be all that practice I got doing the nursery with Doug!

Nina:
You're such a good friend to Doug. How did you two ever become such good friends, anyway? You're so opposite of each other.

Mark (grins):
I think that's the biggest part of it...the only thing we had in common was our love for medicine.
(chuckles)
I don't know. Doug was rebellious and obnoxious...he hit everything head on and never buckled to anybody. God, I wanted to be like that!
(Nina laughs)
I didn't know, though, how much he was hurting inside. I think uncovering some of that has just strengthened our relationship.

Nina:
Well, that's good because finding out that kind of thing usually drives most people away.

Mark (shrugs):
I think that's just an excuse people want to use. Doug's no different to me just because he has problems. He's a good friend. He supported me in the ER when nobody else did...I think I'll always remember that.

Nina:
A lot of people supported you...Doug was just the only one who went out of his way to make sure you knew it.

Mark (chuckles):
Well, that counts.

They are interrupted by Mark's beeper going off. He looks quickly at it and makes a concerned face.

Nina:
Doug?

Mark (heading for the phone):
Not sure...that's a County General phone number...
(gets to the phone and calls the number showing on his beeper back, reacts as someone picks up the other line)
Doug?

Doug:
Mark! Yeah! I need you to do me a favor...

Mark:
Are you at County?

Doug:
Yeah...

Mark:
What's wrong?

Doug:
I don't know yet...

Mark:
You need me to come?

Doug:
I need you to go to the school and pick up Scott and Tatchie...can you do that for me? I'll call the school and tell them you're going to pick them up...it'll be OK.

Mark:
Pick them up and take them home?

Doug:
Yeah...I'll have one or the other of the grandmothers there by then...just can't find either one of them right now!

Mark:
You want to tell me what the problem is?

Doug (sighs):
She's bleeding, Mark...

Mark (comforting):
Well, that can be a lot of different things, you know.

Doug (runs his hand through his hair):
Yeah, I know that when it's any other patient...not when it's my wife.

Mark:
I'll get the kids...and take them to the house...then I'll come over and check on things, OK?

Doug (sighs):
Thanks, Mark.

Mark hangs up and goes back over to Nina. She reads the look on his face and gathers the jest of the conversation.

Nina:
Something's wrong?

Mark:
Carol is bleeding...she and Doug are at County. He needs me to pick up the kids at school and take them home. He'll get one of the grandmothers to take over there.

Nina:
Why don't I go get the kids at school? And you go on over to the hospital to Doug?

Mark:
I think he has to clear who picks up the kids with the school...some kind of security measure...and he said he'd tell them I'd be the one getting them.

Nina (nods):
OK...I'll go along behind you...you can go in and get them and I'll take them home so you can go on to Doug. He might need you.

Mark (kisses her):
Always thinking of the patient...

Nina:
I was thinking your friend could use a friend.

Mark (grins):
Same thing.

Mark and Nina head for the door, keys in hand.

Cut to County ER. Doug is watching Stephanie examine Carol. He waits until she is finished and gives her a desperate look.

Doug:
Well?

Stephanie:
The stitches have pulled loose...

Carol (relieved):
Is that all?

Stephanie:
Well, don't think it's just that simple. This far along in the pregnancy, we can't go back in there and stitch you up again. As much weight as you're carrying now with the babies, they will just pop right back out again.

Carol (concerned):
So, what do we do?

Stephanie:
We put you to bed.

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Oh brother...here we go again.

Stephanie:
I want to admit you...

Carol:
Admit me? Can't I just go to bed at home?

Stephanie:
As soon as I'm sure everything is under control. Give me 24 hours here and then we'll talk again...

Carol (protesting):
I can't be in the hospital...I have a husband...and three children at home!

Stephanie:
And that perfectly fine husband of yours can take care of those three children.
(grins at Doug)
My job is to take care of the three that aren't here yet.
(smiles at Carol)
Just do this my way, OK?

Carol (frowns):
Like I have a choice...

Stephanie (smiles sarcastically):
That's right...you don't have a choice. You just rest and we'll get you all taken care of. (She starts out of the room but nods to Doug for him to follow her)

Doug:
I'll be right back, Hon...can I bring you anything?

Carol (pouting):
No...I'm fine...thanks.

Doug goes on out in the hall with Stephanie and they talk quietly together.

Doug:
OK...what's wrong?

Stephanie:
Well, as I told her, the stitches have popped loose and we can't risk going in there and stitching her up again so she's going to have to stay off her feet.

Doug:
But there's something else...I can read it in your face...

Stephanie (sighs):
No fooling a doctor, is there? All right...she's dilating a little and I'm concerned about that.

Doug:
Dilating? Now? But she's just barely 28 weeks...

Stephanie:
I know that, Doug...why do you think I'm so concerned? I want to watch her real close and see what develops. If she goes into labor, I'll try to stop it, but, if I can't, then, I'm going to have to bring those babies now.

Doug (shakes his head):
At 28 weeks? You won't give Josh a chance at that rate...

Stephanie:
He'll have as good a chance as he would have in 2 more weeks anyway. I hope it doesn't come to that decision, but, I wanted you to know about it in case it does.

Doug:
What about Carol? Will she be OK through all this?

Stephanie (nods):
She should be, yes.

Doug:
I know you're doing the deliveries cesarean, but, can I still be in there for the birth?

Stephanie:
As long as you can promise me you will think like a doctor and not like a husband, sure.

Doug:
That shouldn't be a problem.

Stephanie:
OK...why don't you go keep your wife company a while...

Doug (nods):
Yeah...OK...send me back into the lion's den...you coward!

Stephanie laughs as Doug goes back to Carol's room and pulls up a stool to sit with her. He takes hold of her hand and smiles weakly at her. She gives him a knowing look.

Carol:
They're trying to come, aren't they?
(Doug doesn't answer, just gives her a painful look)
I can feel the contractions, Doug...I know they're there. The babies are trying to come aren't they?

Doug:
You're dilating a bit. They're going to give you an IV and try to stop it.

Carol (starting to panic):
Doug, it's only 28 weeks...they aren't ready to come yet!

Doug:
Well, hon, we'll just do the best we can with it and see what happens.

Carol (getting upset):
Oh, God! What did I do! How did I let this happen to my babies...

Doug:
Carol, will you STOP it!? You didn't do anything wrong! Now, come on! You're trained in medicine! You know that!

Carol:
Well, I have to blame somebody for this...

Doug (shakes his head):
There's nobody to blame, Hon...it's just one of those things...

Carol (tears in her eyes):
Stephanie told me these would be the last babies I'd be able to have...I have to get them here, Doug! I just HAVE to!

Doug (pats her hand):
We're all going to do our best, Babe...don't worry...try to stay calm...that'll help...

He looks up and sees Mark coming down the hall trying to find them and he pats her hand.

Doug:
Excuse me just a minute, Babe...Mark is here...I want to be sure he got the kids OK.

Carol (sniffles):
OK.

Doug steps quickly out into the hall to Mark and grins at him.

Doug:
Hey, substitute Dad! Did you get my kids home OK?

Mark (stops):
Oh, there you are! Yeah! I went into the school and got them and then Nina took them to the house. She said she'd stay there until one of the grandmothers got there. What's going on with Carol?

Doug:
Stitches popped loose and she's dilating a little...

Mark (concerned):
Going into labor? She's only 28 weeks...

Doug:
I know...I know it and she knows it. If she goes into labor they'll try and stop it...if not...the babies are coming now.

Mark (shakes his head):
Oh, man...well...28 weeks is good...everything should be developed...it just may not all be working properly but they can fix that...

Doug:
The girls will be fine...it's the little guy we're worried about.

Mark:
Well, if you want, I'd be glad to stay here with you in case you need me for anything.

Doug:
Thanks, Mark...I really appreciate that. Could you hang around for a while?

Mark:
Sure...tell you what...I'll go get us something to eat and come back, OK? What do you want?

Doug (shrugs):
OH, just surprise me. I'll eat anything...you know that.

Mark (nods):
Sure...OK...I'll be back in a bit...

Mark goes on down the hall and Doug goes back into the room with Carol. She has her hand on her stomach and a concerned look on her face.

Carol (as Doug sits back on his stool):
Contractions are getting bigger, Doug...Steph better be doing something fast...

Doug (nods):
I'll go get her...you just sit tight...

Carol (as Doug get to the door):
HURRY!

Doug disappears out the door. Focus on Carol starting to pant with a look of panic in her eyes and Fade Act Two to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens at County ER. Show Stephanie rushing down the hallway to answer Doug's calling request for her to come to Carol. She gets to Doug and they rush into the room together.

Doug:
Contractions started again...I didn't check the dilation...

Stephanie (nods):
OK...
(she goes over to Carol's bed and puts her hand on her stomach):
That shot I gave you before has worn off already?

Carol (nodding quickly):
Oh, yeah!

Stephanie:
OK...let's see what's happening...
(she looks under the sheet while Carol pants and Doug holds her hand and gives her a supportive look)
Only to 4...I'm going to give you another shot and see if we can stop this!
(she comes to Carol's side and prepares the syringe)
But, let me tell you this now...if this shot doesn't work, we WILL have to deliver those babies today.

Carol (panics):
But, you CAN'T! It's only 28 weeks! Josh won't have a chance...

Stephanie (sternly):
You're in the 29th week already, Carol...he'll have the same chance he'd have in another week. It's a chance we're going to have to take if I can't stop this labor.

She injects Carol with the medicine and Carol squeezes Doug's hand and bites her lip. Doug kisses her head sweetly.

Stephanie:
I'm not going to give this much time...I'll be watching you closely.
(Nods for Doug to follow her out)

Doug (kisses Carol's forehead):
I'll be back, Hon.

Carol (grabs his hand to stop him):
And you come back and tell me what she says, OK?

Doug (nods):
OK.

Doug follows Stephanie on out into the hallway where she can speak quietly to him.

Doug:
OK...what's wrong now?

Stephanie:
Not wrong, necessarily, but cause for concern. There is still bleeding in there and I'm not sure it's all from the stitches popping loose...I'm afraid there may be a more serious problem.

Doug:
And you can't find out unless you go in there and deliver the babies, right?

Stephanie:
Well, I can run a few tests, but, run the risk of endangering the babies. Doug, I really think the best thing to do it take those babies today no matter what happens after this shot.

Doug (folds his arms, nods at her):
And that's your professional opinion?

Stephanie (nods slowly):
Yes.

Doug (ticks his head):
Well, then, I'll leave it to you to do what you think is best for Carol and for the babies.

Stephanie (sighs):
Good. And you'll be here in the hospital, right? So I can consult with you if I need to?

Doug (chuckles):
I'm not going anywhere, Steph.

Stephanie:
OK...good. I'll be back in a bit...

Doug nods and goes back into the room with Carol. As soon as he pulls up the stool, Carol grabs his hand.

Carol:
Well? What's going on?

Doug:
Just what she said...she wants to see how this shot effects you and we'll take it from there.

Carol:
She couldn't say that in front of me? Why did she have to call you out for that?

Doug:
She just wanted to be sure I would be here if she needed me.
(Carol gives him a suspicious look)

Carol:
Why don't I believe you?

Doug (chuckles):
Because you're scared. Everything will be OK. Trust me.

Carol (nods slowly):
OK...only because I don't have much other choice.

Cut to show Mark coming into the room carrying fast food bags in his hands.

Doug (looks up):
Ahhh!! Dinner has arrived!

Carol (covers her mouth):
Ugh...just the smell of food makes me nauseous right now. Could you guys please eat that in the cafeteria?

Doug:
Sure, Hon...
(walks across the room to join Mark)
...let's go, Mark!

Mark follows him quickly out the door and once they are in the hall, Doug inspects the bag to see what he's been brought.

Doug (looking in bag):
Cheeseburger?

Mark (nods):
Yeah...and fries...pie...and I got you a milkshake instead of a coke.

Doug:
That's great! I'm starving! Let's go!

Mark (as they walk briskly along):
So, what's the story with Carol?

Doug (winces):
She's bleeding more...Steph thinks it's something more serious than stitches popping loose. They can't run any tests without running risk of hurting the babies. Looks like we're going to end up delivering them today...like it or not.

Mark:
How do you feel about that?

Doug:
Well, I trust Stephanie's judgment and I'll agree to whatever she thinks is best for Carol and the babies.

Mark:
And Carol? How does she feel about it?

Doug:
She doesn't know everything...just that Steph is trying to stop the labor.

He and Mark get to the cafeteria and find a table. Show them cracking open their bags and starting into their food enthusiastically.

Cut back to Carol's room. Show Carol putting her hand on her stomach and counting, panting softly. She relaxes for a second, but, then clutches her stomach again, panting harder. She reaches quickly for the button beside her bed to summon a nurse.

Voice:
Can I help you?

Carol:
Yes, I need Stephanie, please! NOW!

Cut to show Stephanie rushing down the hall and bursting into Carol's room. She gets under the sheet and takes a look. She goes to Carol's bedside and listens to her stomach through her stethoscope.

Carol:
They're too close, Steph!
(pants)
One barely stops before another one starts...
(pants)
...what's happening?

Stephanie:
Those babies are coming, Carol...we've got to get you to delivery! Where's Doug?

Carol:
He's in the cafeteria with Mark...
(pants):
...eating dinner.

Stephanie:
OK...I'm going after Doug and I'm moving you upstairs.
(pats her shoulder)
Everything is going to be OK, Carol...don't worry.

Focus on Carol's unsure look as Stephanie goes out of the room to find Doug.

Cut to show Stephanie going into the cafeteria and looking around until she sees Doug. She goes over to the table quickly and touches his shoulder.

Doug (looks up):
Uh oh...trouble?

Stephanie:
Carol has dilated to 6...I can't stop the labor now...I've sent her up to delivery already...get into your scrubs and meet me there.

Doug (nods):
On my way...
(looks at Mark as he gets up)
Come on, Mark...I want you on the same floor with me, at least!

Mark (nods, swallows one last bite):
Right behind you, Buddy...

Cut to show time lapse. Show Doug coming into the delivery room where Carol is already on the table. Doctors and nurses are all around and Stephanie is getting things ready.

Carol (reaches for him):
Doug!

Doug (goes over and takes hold of her hand):
I'm right here, Hon...

Carol:
Doug, I'm so scared...do you think Josh will be OK?

Doug (squeezes her hand):
He weighs just under two pounds...he'll be small...but I think he'll make it...we just have to hope, OK?

Carol (squeezes his hand tight):
OK...as long as you're here with me...

Stephanie:
OK, Carol...we're going to give you a spinal block, OK? So we don't have to put you to sleep for this. I want these babies as alert as I can get them.

Carol (nods):
OK.

Carol gets on her side for Stephanie to inject her for the block. Doug winces, and holds onto her hand.

Carol (smiles weakly at Doug):
A little different than the last time, huh?

Doug (grins at her):
Yeah...just a little.
(pats her hand)
You're going to do great, Hon...I know you are.

Stephanie:
OK...just give that a few minutes to go to work, and then we'll go to work! Doug! Expectant fathers stand BEHIND the table, please...

Doug (steps back quickly):
Yes, Ma'am!

Stephanie (spreads the sheet over Carol):
OK, Carol...just relax and leave everything to us.

With the help of Lizzie Corday, Stephanie sets up for the Cesarean delivery. Doug watches painfully as the cutting begins. Stephanie gives him a twinkle of her eye beneath her surgeon mask.

Stephanie:
Never wanted to be a surgeon, huh, Doug?

Doug shakes his head...Stephanie grins. Once everything is in place, Stephanie begins the delivery procedures. Nurses are lined up to take the babies as soon as they are born and put them in incubators. Stephanie carefully lifts the first baby out and clears her mouth. The baby starts to cry at once.

Carol (looks up at Doug):
That's Lana, right?

Doug (smiles as they put the baby in an incubator):
It sure is.

Carol:
Is she OK?

Doug (nods):
She looks fine.

Stephanie:
One down...you're doing fine, Carol...ready for #2...

In a short time lapse, Stephanie lifts out the second baby and clears her mouth. She immediately starts to cry and Carol laughs in a relieved tone.

Carol (looks at Doug):
That's Tina, right? Is she OK?
Doug (smiling as he looks):
She's fine! Just fine.

Stephanie:
Last stop, Carol...hang in there...

In another short time lapse, Stephanie reaches in and lifts out the last baby. He is not moving much and is a darker color than the others. She clears his mouth, but she has to slap his bottom to get him to cry, and even then, his cry is weak.

Carol:
Oh, God...Doug? Is he...?

Doug (squeezes her hand):
He's alive...he's just kind of weak...he'll be OK.

Carol (crying):
I'm so sorry, Josh...Mommy did the best she could...

Stephanie:
You did fine, Carol! You got him here alive! That was the most important thing! We'll take care of the rest of it. Let's close you up...

Lizzie starts working on Carol, while Doug goes over to look carefully into each incubator at his new children. The two girls are kicking, punching, and crying, but Josh is laying almost motionless except for an occasional twitch of his muscles.

Lizzie (quietly to Stephanie):
We've got problems...you should get the father out of here.

Stephanie:
What's the problem.

Lizzie:
WAY too much blood...

Stephanie:
She's hemorrhaging?
(Lizzie nods)
OK.
(walks over to Doug and takes him by the arm)
Come on, Doug...it's time for you to leave...

Doug (alarmed):
Something's wrong?

Stephanie:
No, it's just time for you to leave...

Doug (looks over at the table):
Don't hand me that! I'm a doctor! And I know damn well when there's that many other doctors gathered around a patient that something is wrong! What's wrong?

Stephanie:
We just need to close her up...
(she starts pulling him towards the door but he keeps his eyes on Carol)

Doug (tries to pull towards Carol):
I'd rather stay here...

Stephanie:
Doug! You're acting like a husband! You assured me you would act like a doctor...

Doug (desperately):
Well, that was before something went wrong!

Stephanie (pulls him harder):
You're OUT of here, Doug! NOW!

Doug (still looking as he reaches the door):
I love you, Carol!

Carol (panics when she sees Doug is leaving):
Doug? What's happening!? What's going on?

Doug can't answer her...Stephanie has pulled him out the door and into the hallway. Mark is waiting there and he comes down to them quickly.

Stephanie (sternly):
Keep him out here...as soon as I know what to tell you, I'll come back and fill you in...

(Stephanie turns and goes quickly back inside)

Doug (quietly):
Something's wrong, Mark...I don't know what it is yet, but, something is very wrong.

Mark (puts his arm around Doug):
She's in good hands, Buddy. It'll be all right.

Doug:
All three babies are alive. Josh is pretty small, and not moving much, but, he's here...the girls are pretty lively. I don't think they'll have any problems.

Mark:
Well, getting the little guy here alive was the main target. Now that he's here, they should be able to help just about any problems he might have. It'll be OK.

Doug (looks back at the door):
It will be as long as Carol is OK.

Mark:
Carol will be fine...come on over here with me and sit down. Stephanie will let you know as soon as she can.

Doug nods slowly and goes over to a chair and sits down. Mark sits beside him and neither one of them say anything. Doug stares at his feet and Mark just stares straight ahead as Act Three Fades to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens at County General. Show Doug and Mark still sitting together in the waiting area. Doug is still looking down at his feet and Mark is giving him the best support he can. Cut to show Stephanie rushing out of the delivery room and coming over to them. When Doug sees her, he gets quickly and nervously to his feet.

Stephanie:
OK...here's the situation...first of all, your son needs a blood transfusion. We have one pint, we need one more, and I can't take it from you...

Doug (pained):
Why not? I'm his father!

Stephanie (reluctantly):
You're on dialysis...and while that wouldn't matter with a healthy person or a baby a little older, with this little guy, I don't want any risk of any kind of complications. I want him to have every chance I can give him.

Doug:
How bad is he?

Stephanie:
He's not a blue baby, but, he does need some help. He also has some respiratory problems. But, he's fighting and I think he has a good chance as long as he gets this transfusion.

Mark (clears his throat):
I'm an "O" Positive, Stephanie. I'll give the blood.

Stephanie (nods):
OK...go...just go down to the lab...they'll be expecting someone.

Mark (touches Doug's shoulder):
Will you be OK for a few minutes?
(Doug nods slowly)
OK....I'll be right back.
(Mark starts down the hall quickly)

Doug (turns to Stephanie):
What else is wrong?

Stephanie:
Carol is hemorrhaging...badly...and we can't turn it off. There are complications that we didn't expect...

Doug:
Is she going to be all right?

Stephanie:
I think so...but we're going to have to do a hysterectomy. It's the only chance we have. I need you to sign the consent for surgery.

Doug (runs his hand through his hair, turns away):
Oh, God...
(turns back quickly)
What does Carol say?

Stephanie:
She wants to talk to you. Her main concern is how you're going to feel about her once it's over.

Doug:
How I'm going to feel about her? It isn't going to change how I feel about her!

Stephanie:
Then, get in here and tell her that so we can get this done and over with...

Doug nods slowly and follows Stephanie back into the delivery room. As soon as Carol sees him, she reaches for him and she is crying.

Carol:
Doug! Did they tell you? Do you know?

Doug (takes her hand and kisses the back of it):
Stephanie told me...do you want me to sign the papers?

Carol:
Will you still love me? Will you still want me?

Doug (tears in his eyes):
How could you even ask me that, Carol? Don't you know you're the most important thing in the world to me?

Carol:
I won't be able to have anymore children...

Doug (chuckles through his tears):
Don't you think six is plenty?
(kisses her hand again)
Honey, I love you...and nothing is EVER going to change that.

Carol:
But, what about our sex life...will it effect it?

Doug (laughs):
Yeah, it'll make it better! We'll be able to have sex anytime, anywhere, without watching a calendar or worrying about ending up back here!
(kisses her hand again)
I'll go with whatever you want, Carol. It's up to you.

Carol:
I want to live, Doug. I want to see my babies grow up...and I have to take care of you.
(she lays her hand to his cheek)
Sign the papers, Doug...and let's get on with it.

Doug (nods):
OK...
(leans down and kisses her as he rises to leave)
I love you.

Carol (as he slips away from her):
I love you, too!

Stephanie leads Doug back out into the hallway and tells a desk nurse to get everything ready for him to sign. While they wait, he presses her further.

Doug:
She IS going to be OK, isn't she?

Stephanie:
I won't lie to you, Doug...she's lost a lot of blood and she's weak.

Doug (sighs):
In other words...she could die on the table.

Stephanie:
There's always that chance.
(Doug nods and runs his hand through his hair)
I wish I could have given you better news...

The papers are put in front of him and he signs them like a robot. Stephanie goes back into the delivery room just as Mark comes back, rolling his sleeve down.

Mark:
All done...

Doug (listlessly):
Thanks, Mark.

Mark (concerned, takes Doug by the arm):
Something wrong?

Doug (sighs):
You mean beside the fact that I can't help my son and I can't help my wife? Carol is hemorrhaging and they can't stop the bleeding. There are complications...they have to do a hysterectomy...

Mark (pained look):
Oh, God...I'm so sorry...

Doug (continues slowly):
...she's lost a lot of blood and she's weak...
(turns to look at Mark with tears brimming in his eyes)
...I could lose her, Mark. She might not make it through the surgery.

Mark (assuringly):
Carol's strong in here...
(taps his chest)
...she'll make it.

Doug (starting to panic):
What if she doesn't? What if she leaves me? I can't make it without her, Mark! I need her!

Mark (takes him by the arm and leads him to a chair):
Doug, just calm down...everything will be OK...just sit down over here and get a hold of yourself...

Doug (lets Mark lead him and slides into a chair):
I can't help it, Mark...I can't imagine my life without Carol...

Mark:
You won't have to...Carol will be fine...you'll go home and raise that hockey team of kids you've got...

They sit together quietly and music filters over from the nurses station. The song is "Honey"...the very song Doug hates. As soon as he hears the first strand of 'See the tree how big it's grown' he closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger.

Doug (sighs):
Do they HAVE to play that song?

Mark doesn't answer, just sits and listens to the lyrics. When it gets to the part of

Lyrics:
"I came home unexpectedly and caught her crying needlessly in the middle of the day...and it was in the early spring when flowers blood and robins sing, she went away.."

Doug gets up and walks over to the window. He stands and stares blankly out as the song continues...

Lyrics:
"...One day while I was not at home, while she was there, and all alone, the angels came... ...Now all I have are memories of Honey, and I wake up nights, and call her name... Now my life's an empty stage where Honey lived and Honey played and love grew up And a small cloud passes overhead and cries down on the flower bed that Honey loved... And see the tree how big it's grown, but, friends, it hasn't been too long, it wasn't big..."

Mark walks over to Doug and puts his arm around his shoulders.

Mark (quiet voice):
It's just a song, Doug...it doesn't mean anything...

Doug (tears on his cheeks now):
I hate that song...I've always hated that song...and right now, I just can't stand it...

Mark:
It's over now...you won't have to hear it again.

Doug (turns to Mark, tears streaming on his cheeks):
I can't lose her, Mark...it should be me in there...not her...I should be the one in trouble...not her.

Mark (puts both hands on Doug's shoulders):
Listen, Doug, I know that if you could go in there and take all her pain away, that you would do it. And I'm sure Carol knows that, too. But, Buddy, the best thing you can do for Carol and your kids right now is be strong.

Doug (nods...wipes his nose with the back of his hand):
Strong...yeah...OK...I'll be strong.

Mark:
Let's go back over here and sit down.

Doug lets Mark lead him back to the chair and they sit down to wait it out.

Show the clock on the wall and a time of about 4:30PM. Cut to show time lapse and the clock on the wall shows that it is about 6PM. Cut to the doors and show Stephanie and Lizzie Corday both coming out together. When Doug sees them, he stands up quickly and Mark stands up with him.

Doug:
Well?

Lizzie (smiles):
Everything looks pretty good. She's tired. And she's weak. But, she's going and going into recovery.

Doug (encouraged):
She'll be OK, then?

Lizzie:
With time...and rest...and the love of her caring husband...yes...she should be just fine!

Doug (laughs in a relieved tone):
Thank God! And thank YOU! Can I see her?

Lizzie:
Just for a minute...and you might want to see the children first...she's asking about Joshua...

Doug (nods):
OK...come on, Mark! Let's go to the nursery...
(starts away, but reaches back and hugs Stephanie and Lizzie together suddenly)
Thank you both...I owe you a lot.

Stephanie (laughs):
Carol did most of the hard work, Doug...the rest of it is up to you.

Doug (nods):
I can handle it.

He and Mark go down to the nursery and over to where the three Ross babies are in incubators.

Doug (stops at the first one):
This is Lana...*
(they look in at the baby kicking and moving)
Helena Carol...

*author's note...baby's name is pronounced like Lay-na*

Mark (chuckles):
She looks like she's going to be a handful.

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah, just like her mother...we named her right, didn't we?
(Mark chuckles again...Doug smiles at the baby)
Hi, Lana...I'm your Daddy...
(chuckles lightly)
Right now, I think she couldn't care less!
(they move on to the second one)
This is Tina...Sarah Christine...

Mark:
Ah, so both Grandmother's get an honor, huh?

Doug:
Well, Stephanie told us early on these would probably be the last ones, so, we figured we might not have another chance to name them after their Grandmothers...turns out to be a good thing now, I guess.
(smiles at the baby)
Hi, Tina...its Daddy!
(the baby is active and moving around, but not paying any attention to Doug. They move on the third one)
And this is Josh...
(sighs as he looks in at the listless child)
Joshua Michael...poor little guy...he's getting a rough start.

Mark:
His color is better now...the transfusion must have helped.

Doug:
His lungs have problems...he'll probably have asthma...

Mark:
Probably have to keep one of the SIDS machines on him while he's little...

Doug:
Yeah, but, he's got a Ross heart...watch him fight...
(puts his hand to the glass)
Hi, Josh...it's your Daddy.

Mark:

You have a beautiful little family here, Doug...

Doug (nods slowly):
Yeah...I just can't wait to get them home and hold them.
(turns with a smile)
Some on...I want to go see my wife.

Mark puts his arm around Doug and they leave the nursery together.

Cut to show Doug slipping quietly into a recovery room where Carol is resting. He pulls up a stool and sits on it beside her bed, taking her hand in his and kissing her cheek softly.

Doug (quietly):
Hey, sleeping beauty...wake up.

Carol (opens her eyes...weak voice):
Ummmm...has my Prince come?

Doug:
Yeah, but, I chased him away!
(chuckles...she smiles)
How are you doing, Hon?

Carol:
I've been better!
(lays her hand to his cheek)
But, I'm OK. What about you? How are YOU doing?

Doug (smiles):
I'm OK now that I know you're OK.

Carol:
How are the babies?

Doug (nods):
Everybody is doing pretty well...

Carol:
How's Josh?

Doug:
He's holding his own...I think he's gonna make it.

Carol:
I want to see him as soon as I can...

Doug:
As soon as you feel like sitting in a wheelchair, I'll take you down there myself.

Carol:
You need to go home and get Tatchie and Scott...

Doug:
And take Marc home...he's been in the day care center all day!

Stephanie (sticks her head around the corner):
OK. Doug...that's long enough...come on.

Doug (kisses Carol sweetly):
I gotta go, Babe...but, I'll be back, OK? You just rest. I love you.

Carol (kisses him back):
I love you, too.

Doug never takes his eyes off Carol as he inches out of the room. Carol closes her eyes and drifts back to sleep as Act Four Fades to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at County General. Carol is in a room now and the incubators with the babies are in the room with her. Show Tatiana and Scott coming into her room and she smiles brightly when she sees them.

Carol (happily):
Hey! How's my kids!?

Tatiana climbs up onto the bed with her as Doug, Mark, and Nina come in the door and Nina is carrying Marc in her arms.

Doug (scoldingly):
Tatch, be careful getting up there, now...your Mama doesn't feel well...

Carol (stroking Tatiana's hair):
It's all right, Doug...she's OK.
(reaches for Marc and Nina hands him over)
How's my big boy, huh? You've got a birthday coming up before much longer...

Doug (chuckles):
At least you didn't go into labor on his birthday...

Carol (puts her hand on Scott's face):
How's my little man, huh?

Scott (shyly):
I'm fine, Mom. Are you OK?

Carol (smiles):
Right now, I am almost perfect! It's great to see all you guys!

Tatiana:
Can we see the babies?

Carol:
They're right over there...you can look at them but you can't touch them yet, OK?

Doug takes Scott and Tatiana over to see their new siblings and Nina goes too, as she has not seen them yet either. Mark stays beside Carol.

Carol (looks up at Mark):
How is he? Is he OK?

Mark (nods):
He's fine...really. Nina and I are staying at the house with him and he's just fine.

Carol (squeezes Mark's hand):
Thanks, Mark...I don't know what we'd do without you.

Tatiana (looks around from across the room):
Mama, they're LITTLE!

Carol (laughs):
Yes, they're little...but they're gonna get bigger...just like Marc did!

Scott:
When do we get to take them home?

Carol:
Well, it looks like Lana will get to come home with me in a few days. Tina will be here about another week, and Josh will be here several more weeks. But, it won't be long until we'll ALL be home together!

Doug (chuckles):
And then the FUN starts!
(looks at Mark with a nod)
Hey, who wants to go with Uncle Mark and Aunt Nina and get some ice cream?

Tatiana (bounces):
I do!!!

Scott (grins):
Yeah...me too.

Nina reaches and takes Marc and she and Mark take Tatiana and Scott with them, leaving Doug and Carol alone in the room together. Doug eases himself carefully onto the bed with Carol, supports his body weight overtop her with his arms on the bed, and leans in to kiss her tenderly.

Carol (kissing him back):
Ummmm....I have really missed that!
(runs her hand through his hair)
Are you behaving yourself at the house all alone?

Doug (chuckles):
All alone? With Mark and Nina there? And three kids? I hardly think I'm alone...

Carol (giggles):
Don't forget Scrubs...he keeps you company too!

Doug:
Sure he does...so much so that I put a doggie door in so he can let himself in and out all day!
(Carol chuckles)
Something I wanted to talk to you about, though. With you needing recovery time and all...and six kids now...I was thinking about getting a Nanny...what do you think of that idea?

Carol (thinking):
A Nanny, huh?

Doug;
Yeah...we've got room for them to live in. I was thinking somebody to help you with the kids and the housework...just for a while...until you get back on your feet.

Carol (nodding):
I think it might be a good idea. I know a couple of agencies...I'll give them a call before I even leave here...will you let me do the interviews?

Doug (smiles):
I was counting on it.

Carol (wraps her arms around his neck):
So sweet of you to be thinking of me like that...
(pause)
I have something for you.

Doug (surprised):
For me?

Carol (reaches into a drawer and takes out a cassette tape):
Mark told me the trouble you had with the song you hate so much, so, I made a tape for you of a song I want you think about everytime you feel like that other song made you feel, OK?

Doug (takes tape, chuckles):
OK...what song is it?

Carol:
You just play it when you get a chance...you'll recognize it.

Doug (kisses her again):
OK...whatever you say...

Tatiana (comes back through the door eating an ice cream bar):
So THAT'S why they wanted to get rid of us!

Doug (teasing her):
Yes...exactly...no children allowed!

Mark (laughs):
I think you're gonna have some REAL problems with that in your house now!
(all laugh)

Cut to show time lapse. Doug is alone in his 'adult room' at the house in the basement and remembers he has the tape from Carol. He takes it over and puts it in the tape deck of the stereo and lets it start. As soon as the music begins he smiles a smile of recognition and nods his head as the lyrics flow through the room...

Lyrics:
When you're weary, feeling small...when tears are in your eyes I will dry them all...I'm on your side when times get rough and friends just can't be found...like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down..."

Doug (softly, aloud to no one):
Right back at you, Babe...right back at you.

He smiles and lets the rest of the song play...focus on the lyrics of "Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down" and Fade Closing Act into the Closing Credits of the show.

April 7, 1998