"Double Fault"

Opening Act

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center, early morning, interior. Mark Greene and John Carter are going through the morning mail and getting things ready to open. Show Chuney buzzing about in the background getting things ready as well.

Carter:
Where's Cynthia this morning?

Mark:
She's taking a refresher course at the MedCenter for her Assistant Certificate...she won't be working for a few weeks.

Carter:
So, what do we do for a receptionist?

Mark:
Eleanor Kanasky is going to fill in during the day and Charlie will be here after school.

Carter (nods):
That sounds good.
(pause)
I guess you'll miss Cynthia, huh?

Mark (chuckles):
Well, to tell you the truth, Cynthia and I are not exactly the 'hot item' you and Doug Ross would like to think we are. And I am actually seeing somebody else.

Carter (surprised):
No kidding? Who? Anybody I know?

Mark (nods, but, doesn't give in):
Yes, and that's ALL you're going to get out of me right now so, don't go fishing.

Carter (nods):
Fair enough.

Mark (changes the subject):
So, how was Christmas in Ireland?

Carter (happily):
Oh, it was great. I think Shawna really enjoyed it. I think Gemma did, too.

Mark:
And what about John? Did you enjoy it?

Carter (nods):
I did...I surely did.
(pause)
What about here? Did everybody have a nice Christmas?

Mark (nods):
Oh, I'd say it was better than average...at least at the Ross household, anyway.

Carter:
Did Tatiana like the pony?

Mark (surprised):
You knew about that?

Carter (nods):
Yeah. Dr. Ross asked me about it when he first started looking at it. I guess he must have figured I knew a few things about horses, what with Marigold and all...

Mark (questioning):
Marigold?

Carter:
My Thoroughbred. I had our vet take a look at the pony and advise Dr. Ross whether or not it was a good deal. He told me he was getting it for Tatiana...did she like it?

Mark:
That would probably be the understatement of the year! I don't think I've ever seen one little kid SO happy...unless, of course, it was Doug when Carol threw off the tarp and let him see the classic Harley we got for him...

Carter (whistles):
I bet he was surprised...

Mark:
Yeah, he sure was! I had to help him move it to the garage at his Mom's house, though. He doesn't really have anyplace there to work on it much.

Carter:
So, both Ross men got bikes this year? I knew he wanted to give Scott his old dirt bike...

Mark:
Yeah, and come spring, Doug's gonna teach him how to ride it so he can race it this summer.

Carter (nodding):
That'll be nice. I know Dr. Ross will be looking forward to that.

Mark (nods):
Yeah...I guess it's always good for a father and son to have a common interest...I'm sure I wouldn't know.

Carter (shrugs):
I guess I wouldn't either. Gotta hand it to Dr. Ross. He's really trying to be there for Scott.
(Mark nods, Carter pauses)
What about Carol? I guess she didn't get what she really wanted, huh?

Mark (grins):
No, not yet...but I'm sure they're still working on it.

Carter:
Well, I'm sure Dr. Ross gave her something on Christmas morning, didn't he?

Mark:
Oh, sure! He gave her a Baby Hope chest and it already had a Ross family heirloom in inside it...a quilt that Doug's Great-Great Grandmother made and passed along to the family...it was really beautiful.

Carter:
Well, I'm sure they'll have a baby for it very soon.
(pause)
I hope when the time comes for me to settle down Shawna and I are as perfect a couple as Dr. Ross and Nurse Hathaway are for each other.

Mark (chuckles):
Going to be Shawna now for sure, huh?

Carter (shrugs, and grins):
Kind of looks that way right now...and I hope we things turn out for us just like they have for Dr. Ross and Carol...

Cut scene to across town to the Ross/Hathaway home, interior, master bedroom. Show Doug Ross on his feet and zipping his jeans up, reaching for his shirt and leaning over to get his shoes. Pan back to show Carol Hathaway on the bed, sitting up with her head in her hands and near tears.

Carol (quietly):
Where are you going?

Doug (heading for the door):
I don't know.

Carol:
I don't want you go.

Doug (turns to her from the doorway):
Well, I can't stay. Not right now. I simply can NOT do this right now, Carol.

Doug goes on out the door and Carol gets out of bed to go after him. She is wearing one of his t-shirts and is barefoot as she runs down the steps behind. He gets to the doorway and turns back to her... his face shows anguish and concern. He starts to put his hands on her shoulders, but, pulls them back at the last minute.

Carol (near tears):
Doug, don't go...I don't want you to leave like this...

Doug (opens the door):
I just need to clear my head...
(just before he steps onto the porch, he turns to her one last time)
Don't wait up...I could be late.

Doug goes on out the door and leaves Carol standing there alone. She watches as he climbs into his car and pulls quickly away from the curb. Focus on Carol and she slams the door shut in disgust. She goes into the living room and flops onto the couch, quickly putting her face into her hands in despair.

Carol (aloud to no one):
My, God! What's happening to us?

Frustrated, Carol begins to cry softly into her hands.

Fade into opening credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center, interior. Mark is going over things at the front desk with Eleanor Kanasky. He is showing her where things are and how things work. Cut back to show Doug coming in the back staff door. He slams the door and gets the attention of both Mark and Mrs. Kanasky, who turn to look at him.

Mark:
...and that would be Dr. Ross, who isn't scheduled to work today...what are you doing here, Doug?

Doug (ignores Mark, shakes hands with Eleanor):
You must be the new desk clerk...hi!

Eleanor (shakes his hand and nods):
Pleased to meet you, Dr. Ross.

Mrs. Kanasky is a lady probably in her mid 40's. She is not heavy set but not extremely thin either. When she speaks, she has a slight accent.

Mark (turns one to one with Doug):
What are you doing here? Why aren't you at home? With your wife?

Doug (rolls his eyes):
Trust me when I tell you that's the last place I need to be right now...can't I help you out around here for a while?

Mark (takes him by the shoulder and leads him to someplace more private):
Something going on at home?

Doug (shrugs):
Or not...depends on how you look at it.

Mark:
Do you want to talk about it?

Doug (agitated):
No, Mark, I really DON'T want to talk about it right now.

Mark:
Well, I don't want you working with patients all wound up like this...why don't you go someplace and cool off and then come back and we'll talk about it...

Doug:
You think that's all there is to this? That I'm just going to go away someplace for a while and then everything's going to be fine?
(shakes his head with a chuckle)
Not gonna be that easy, Mark. Not this time.

Before Mark can say or do anything else, Doug is right back out the door as fast as he blew in. Mark stands dumbfounded and watches him go. He turns back to Eleanor, who is also casting a bewildered look.

Eleanor:
Is Dr. Ross always so high strung?

Mark (chuckles):
Only on his good days, Eleanor.
(turns back to help her working)
Only on his good days...

Cut back to the Ross/Hathaway home. Show Carol puttering through the house now. She is dressed in her jeans and sweater and picking things up to straighten the house up a bit. But, he mind is on Doug and she sighs heavily as she slumps into a chair. Show Scott come in the room with her and sit down at the table with her. He is quiet at first, but, then, he clears his throat carefully to start conversation.

Scott (quietly):
Mom?

Carol (looks up and smiles softly at him):
Hey, Scotty...what's up?

Scott:
What's going on?

Carol:
Nothing's going on...

Scott:
Something's going on. I hear you and Dad fighting...Dad storms out...you sit on the couch and cry...something has to be going on for all that to happen.

Carol (frowns):
I'm sorry you had to hear all of that.

Scott:
It's OK. Mom and Dennis used to fight about things. Mom used to tell me that people who love each other always fight about things and as long as they work them out, it's OK. You and Dad are gonna be able to work this out, aren't you?

Carol (tries to reassure him):
Oh, honey! of COURSE we are! You don't need to worry about that...

Scott:
So, you aren't gonna get a divorce or anything?

Carol (scoffs):
Nobody is getting a divorce! Nothing is that serious.
(under her breath)
At least not yet...

Scott:
If you and Dad get a divorce, who will I live with?

Carol:
Scotty! We're not getting a divorce! You're gonna live right here where you always have! Don't worry about it.

Scott:
Can I just say something?

Carol (nods):
Of course, you can! Don't ever be afraid to say something, sweetheart. I'll always listen to what you have to say.

Scott (carefully):
Promise you won't get mad?

Carol:
I'll do my best!

Scott:
You and Dad have been fighting a lot lately...you never used to do that...

Carol (nods, shrugs):
Yeah, well, your Dad and I have been under a lot of pressure lately...a lot of things have happened...

Scott:
I know...Dad got sick and then he couldn't work for a while. But, you guys didn't start fighting until you started trying to have a baby.

Carol (shoots a quick look at him):
That's not something you need to worry about, Scotty...

Scott:
Look, it's OK. I know all about sex and babies, and all that kind of stuff. My Mom had 2 babies after me and I was old enough to remember when both of them were born. It's no big deal. She and Dennis fought about it too.

Carol:
They did?

Scott:
Yeah! They wanted to have a baby and they kept working on it. Finally, GrandMa Kate told my Mom she thought they were trying to hard. They left me in Winetka for a week, Dennis took her to Florida, and badda bing! Jessie came the next year! (Carol rolls her eyes)
I'm just trying to help.

Carol (pats his hand):
I know you are, Sweetie. And you do help. More than you know. You're good to play with Tatiana and keep her busy when we need time alone...you're great to help out around the house... you keep your room picked up...you're a great kid.
(Scott blushes slightly)
But, you don't need to worry about whatever problems you think your Dad and I are having. It's really not your problem. And it'll all be OK. We just have to be patient.

Scott:
But, Dad goes off mad and you sit on the couch and cry...

Carol:
Well, we'll have to work on that, OK?
(smiles at him)
I promise you everything is gonna be OK.
(Scott frowns)
OK?

Scott (nods):
For now. OK.

He gets up from the table and goes on out of the room. Carol softly pounds herself in the head with a magazine.

Carol (aloud to herself):
Real good, Carol...let your kids in on all your marital problems with your husband...

She shakes her head slowly and goes back to her house cleaning.

Cut back to C.A.R.E. Center. Show Doug coming in the back door again and he is a little more calm this time than he was before. Mark is working at a table back there putting supplies on a shelf when he comes in.

Doug (quietly):
Hey.

Mark (turns to him...nods):
Hey. Feeling better?

Doug (shrugs):
A little, maybe.

Mark:
You going home?

Doug (nods):
In a bit.

Mark (notices grease on Doug's cheek):
Been working on the bike, I see.
(motion to his face)

Doug (dabs the grease with his thumb):
Yeah, for a bit. I couldn't keep my mind very on it, though.

Mark:
You want to talk about it?

Doug (shakes his head):
Won't change anything. Just something I have to work out on my own. I'll be OK.

Doug starts handing things to Mark for him to put on the supply shelf. Cut to the front desk to show a man and woman coming in the front door. They are a young couple...in their 20's...and of Spanish decent. The woman is holding her stomach and walking very slowly. The man is helping her as much as he can. They get to the desk and turn to Eleanor for help.

Man (broken English...heavy accent):
My wife....having a baby...

Eleanor answers them in Spanish and the man smiles and nods, pleased to be able to communicate with someone in his time of crisis. Eleanor steps back quickly to where Doug and Mark are working.

Eleanor:
Dr. Greene...there is a young couple out here with a woman in labor...

Mark (drops the supplies he working with to go to her):
Find Dr. Carter for me, Eleanor...

Doug (rips off his jacket):
Don't worry about Carter, Mark...I'm here! I'll help...
(walks slowly with the couple)
What's your name, Ma'am?

Woman:
Teresa Perez.

Doug (nods):
Well, Mrs. Perez, is this your first child?

Woman:
Yes...first baby...

They get to the edge of the exam table and Doug helps her up onto it with the assistance of Mark as well as her husband.

Doug (cheerfully):
Well, don't worry about a thing, Mrs. Perez...

The woman gives her husband quick look and shakes her head. Then, she reaches out and takes Doug tightly by the arm.

Woman:
It is too soon...baby not due yet.

Doug:
How far along are you?

Woman (fearfully):
28 weeks.

Doug (does not show his concern to the patient):
OK...we're gonna take care of it, OK? Just relax.
(he pulls Mark to a private talk)
That's too soon...we need to see if we can stop this labor and hold her off a little longer, but, just to be safe, better alert a transport for standby.

Mark (nods):
You got it...

Doug (turns back to the patient):
OK, we're gonna set you up on an IV...this medicine we'll be giving you will not hurt the baby and should reduce your labor symptoms. Now, if that doesn't happen, then we're going to transport you to County and they will take care of everything there, OK?

Woman:
You can stop the baby?

Doug (smiles):
I'm going to do my best. The important thing here is for you to relax and don't worry about anything, OK?

Woman (nods):
As you say, doctor...

Doug starts and IV and he lets the husband stay with the woman as the medicine starts to drip. Doug (comforting voice):
Just let that work, and let's take it from there, OK?
(woman nods...Doug turns to the husband)
You can stay in here with her if you'd like.

Man (nods):
Thank you, Doctor...

Doug and Mark go back out to the front desk, conversing between themselves.

Mark:
28 weeks is soon, but, if we can't stop this, what kind of odds would you give it?

Doug (shrugs):
50-50...same as any other preemie...everything set up for transport? County on alert?

Mark (nods):
Yeah, everything's ready if we need it.

Doug:
Who's on over there today? Anna?

Mark (nods again):
Yes, I think so...

Doug (nods, satisfied):
Good...

Man (rushing quickly into the room):
Doctor! Come back! Quickly! My wife is bleeding.

Doug drops the file and rushes back to the room, with Mark close behind him. The woman is almost sitting up on the table, pushing against pain and there is blood all over the sheets of the table. Doug takes the woman by the shoulders and tries to ease her back down onto the table, turning quickly to Mark as he does.

Doug:
What happened? Did you push?

Woman (shaking her head):
No...pain...all sudden...

Doug (shouting over his shoulder):
Where the hell is that transport? We gotta get her to County! STAT!

Man (grips Doug's arm quickly):
My wife...will she be all right?

Doug (working quickly with the woman, still looking over his shoulder):
I'm doing the best I can...

Man:
And my baby...?

Doug (trying not to be short):
I don't know right now, OK?
(places a gentle hand on the man's shoulder, calms his voice)
I don't know. We're doing everything we can.

Mark (heading for the back door):
Transport's here, Doug!

Doug (leans over the woman):
OK, Ma'am, we're gonna transport you to County ER. I'm turning you over to Dr. Anna DelAmico. She's very good and she'll take real good care of you, OK? Don't worry about a thing. The best thing for you to do right now is to stay calm.
(takes the husband by the arm and pushes him with her)
You go with her and just try to keep her calm, OK?

Man (shakes Doug's hands quickly):
Thank you, Dr...

Doug (softly):
Good luck to you both.

Doug watches as the paramedics ready the patient for transport. Once the couple is gone, Doug runs his hand through his hair and onto the back of his neck in a tired state and turns away slowly.

Fade Act One to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens at the Ross/Hathaway home, interior. Show Carol sitting at the kitchen table with her mother, Helen, and they are talking over coffee.

Helen (smiles as she puts her cup down on the table):
Is something wrong, Dear?

Carol (stirs her coffee in her cup by swishing it around):
What makes you ask that?

Helen:
Well, possibly that you called me to come over here but now you don't seem to want to talk to me?
(Carol gives her a soft smile)
What's bothering you, Sweetheart? Maybe I can help.

Carol (shakes her head):
I don't think you can help.

Helen:
I don't know how anything could be wrong in this house after that wonderful Christmas everybody had...
(Carol smiles)
But, then, I guess not everybody got what they really wanted, did they?

Carol (sighs):
Did you have any trouble having children, Mama?

Helen (smiles):
Not that I recall...but I never tried to have one as badly as you are, either.
(Carol frowns)
Are you and Doug still trying?

Carol (sighs):
I don't get it, Mama. I checked out...he checked out...two healthy adults can't make a baby...what's wrong?

Helen (smiles, pats her hand):
Oh, Honey! There's probably nothing wrong...you're probably just trying too hard.

Carol (rolls her eyes):
My 11 year old son told me the exact same thing earlier today.

Helen:
Well, then, maybe you should listen to him. Just because he's only 11 years old doesn't mean he might not be right.

Carol (sighs):
I know...I just really want this baby...

Helen:
Well, what about Doug? What does he say?

Carol:
About what? About a baby?

Helen:
About the fact that you don't have one yet…is it bothering him as much as it is you?

Carol (shrugs):
I don't know.

Helen:
You don't know? You don't know how you husband feels about the child you are trying so hard to conceive?

Carol:
Well, I know he wants a child! We talked about that.

Helen:
And he wants it right now? He feels, as you do, that your lives are ready for a child right now?
(Carol can't answer, just gives her mother a confused look as Helen continues to talk)
And all this trying is as important to him as it is to you? This is the way he thinks you should go about conceiving this child?
(Carol continues to give her a blank stare...Helen smiles)
I guess maybe you haven't discussed quite everything with Doug about this, then, have you? (pause)
Carol. honey, I'm sure Doug wants to have a child just as much as you do...but you told me you bought a book and everything...how does Doug feel about all that?

Carol:
Well, he's not complaining...

Helen:
Maybe not, but, does that mean it's all still all right with him?

Carol:
Mama, do you know something I don't?

Helen (smiles):
No, but, I know Doug. And I know Doug is not the kind of guy to plan something out like this...he's a spontaneous type person...he would let nature take it's course.

Carol (frowns):
Well, this line of nature seems to need a little help. I'm wondering now if I shouldn't just have the surgery we talked about...

Helen (horrified):
What surgery?

Carol (reassuring):
It's nothing major...they just want to do a lap and blow some air into my tubes and check for blockage.

Helen:
What does Doug say about it?

Carol (shrugs):
He says it's up to me.

Helen:
That's ALL he says about it?

Carol:
Yes, Mama! Doug is very supportive!

Helen (nods):
Supportive, yes, but, does he agree with you? Does he think this surgery is the right thing to do?
(Carol can't answer...just stares blankly at Helen)
Carol, honey, I know you and Doug haven't been married very long...and I know the circumstances under which you were married was all very sudden...but, I still communication is an important part of any marriage.

Carl (protesting):
We communicate...

Helen:
But do you listen?

Carol (shakes her head confused):
I'm not sure I understand what you're saying.

Helen:
Are you listening to Doug when he's not talking? Do you read what his eyes are saying? Are you understanding his touch? Those are the kind of things a wife needs to be in tune with for her husband just the same as listening to him when he talks to her. Surely you know that much by now.

Carol (frowns...sighs):
I guess maybe Doug and I haven't talked about everything very thoroughly after all.

Helen:
You two ran off to Winetka and eloped. Less than six months later, you adopted a child and had another one willed to you. Since then, Doug has had pneumonia, changed jobs, been shot, and had a cancer scare...the two of you barely get over one thing before something else happens! Don't you ever just want your lives to be normal?

Carol (protesting):
Babies are normal!

Helen:
You've never had a baby, Carol! Your body goes through changes. Your moods swing like a revolving door. It won't be easy for you, and it surely won't be a rose garden for Doug or the other two children in this house! You are not the only person to consider in this situation!

Carol (frowns):
I guess I didn't think of it like that.

Helen (pats her hand):
Maybe you need to think about that...and maybe you need to talk to your husband about it a little more.

Carol nods as she sips her coffee. Focus on her lost in thought.

Cut back to C.A.R.E. Center and show Doug sitting on the desk conversing on the phone. We will hear only his one side of the conversation.

Doug:
Kerry? It's Doug! I sent a patient over there a little while ago, a Mrs. Perez...I sent her to Anna DelAmico, do you know what that situation is right now? No? But, you know the patient did get there? Uh huh. Well, OK...could you leave a message to have Anna call me when she knows something? Yeah. I know, but, I was just kind of concerned...she told me she was real early and I was just wondering how things worked out for them. Yeah. Thanks, Kerry.
(smiles)
Yeah, you too. Thanks.
(hangs up and turns to Mark, who is standing nearby)
Nothing yet, but, she did get there OK and Anna took over.

Mark (shuffling papers):
I'm sure you'll hear from Anna, but, if you'd feel better going over there...

Doug (shakes his head):
Nah, I'd just be in the way over there. I'm better off over here...
(pause with a grin)
...bugging you.

Mark (chuckles):
You're not bugging me...
(pause)
But, you do look a little harried. Are you OK?
Doug (scoffs):
Yeah, just a little worried about our patient.
(Pause)
I hope things go OK for her.
Mark (almost knowing):
You sure that's all it is?
Doug (nods):
Sure...what else would it be?
Mark (shrugs):
I don't know...you tell me.
(Doug gives him a coy look)
You just seem a little overly tired lately. That's all.
(Doug chuckles)
All I'm saying is I'm here if you need somebody to talk to...
(pause)
...about anything...OK?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I know that...and I appreciate that...but I just really don't think this is anything you can help with, OK?

Mark (shrugs):
How do you know until you tell me?

Doug:
Did you and Jennifer have any problems conceiving Rachel?

Mark (laughs):
No, Rachel was a MISconception on our part! We didn't plan to have her at the time we did...being married first would have at least helped things along a little.

Doug (surprised):
You and Jen weren't married when she got pregnant with Rachel? I didn't know that!

Mark:
We had talked about marriage...but, nope! We weren't even engaged.

Doug (shrugs):
So, why did you get married?

Mark (sarcastically):
It was the right thing to do.
(Doug chuckles)
Or at least it seemed like it at the time.
(pauses in thought)
I wouldn't trade Rachel for anything in the world, but, if I had it to do over again, Jen and I would surely have waited to have her.

Doug:
Well, that's you...Carol and I ARE married...so, we actually have no excuse for not working on a child.

Mark:
Unless, of course, one party might not be completely sure that's what they want?

Doug (chuckles):
Carol has no doubts...

Mark:
I wasn't talking about Carol.

Doug (puts his hands to his chest):
What? You mean me? You think I don't want a baby? That's absurd! Of course I want a child...

Mark:
But, do you want one right now?

Doug:
If that's what makes Carol happy...

Mark (stops his train of thought):
Let's talk about Doug right now, can we? Let's talk about what Doug wants? And what makes Doug happy? Can we do that? Buddy? For a minute or two?

Focus on Doug focusing on Mark's words with a confused and contorted look on his face and fade Act Two to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens at the Ross/Hathaway home, interior. Show Carol pacing the floor with the phone receiver to her ear and we hear only her one side of the conversation.

Carol:
Hi, Sarah...it's Carol! Doug wouldn't happen to be over there working on the motorcycle by any chance, would he? No? Well, has he been there today? You haven't seen him? Well, that's OK, then...I just thought he might be there. Wrong? Oh, no, nothing's wrong! No, that's OK, Sarah...he doesn't need to call me if he shows up. Thanks. Good bye.

Carol hangs up the phone and her mind reflects back on the argument she had with Doug earlier...

*****FLASHBACK*****

Show Carol sitting up in the middle of the bed in the master bedroom and taking a thermometer out of her mouth. She looks at the temperature reading and calls out quickly through the house.

Carol (shouting):
DOUG! Where ARE you?

Show Doug come rushing to the doorway quickly almost in a panic.

Doug:
What?? What's wrong!?

Carol:
Nothing's wrong! Everything's perfect! Get in here!

Doug (gives her a confused look):
Everything's perfect?

Carol (motions him in excitedly):
Absolutely perfect! This could be our best shot! Get IN here!

Doug rolls his eyes, but, not so she can see him, and reluctantly takes himself into the room and over to the bed. Carol pulls back the sheet for him and pats the bed enthusiastically beside her.

Carol (smiles wide):
There's never been a better time than right now...

Doug slips off his jeans and climbs into bed beside her. She locks her arms around his neck and pulls him close to her. He responds with a kiss of his own and nuzzles her gently. She responds by getting a little more passionate and a little more aggressive. His kisses are forceful, but, when she pushes him down and climbs on top of him, he bawks.

Doug (pushes her back):
Carol...
(she continues to press against him, caressing him and kissing him...he finally pushes her back and sits up away from her)
Stop it!

His words are like a demand. She is taken aback. She sits completely dumbfounded on the bed beside him giving him an extremely confused look.

Doug (sits up and reaches for his jeans):
I'm sorry...
(tugs into his jeans quickly)
This may be a perfect time for you, but, I'm not so sure it is for me...

He gets up and starts walking across the floor towards the door. Carol climbs out of bed and pulls into one of his shirts to go after him.

Carol:
Doug! Wait! Come back!

Doug (gets to the door and turns back to her):
I just can't do this right now...
(gives her a helpless look)
I'm sorry.

Carol:
Well, where are you going?

Doug (heading back for the door):
I don't know...out!

Doug goes on the door and Carol stands watching him go, holding the door and on the brink of tears.

Cut back to present. Carol is standing looking out the window and thinking about the events of the day.

Carol (aloud to no one):
Come home, Doug. We'll talk it over and work it out...you just have to first please come home...

Cut to C.A.R.E. Center and show Doug sitting on the desk with the phone receiver to his ear and we hear again only his one side of the conversation.

Doug (nodding):
Thanks for calling, Anna...I appreciate it.

Doug hangs up the phone and in confronted by Mark, who was nearby and listening in on the conversation.

Mark:
That about Mrs. Perez?

Doug (nods):
Yeah.

Mark (picks up the solemn tone):
Bad news?

Doug (looks down at his feet, fidgets nervously):
They couldn't stop the labor and she had a little girl. The baby weighs less than two pounds and Anna doesn't like her chances. They've got her on full watch.

Mark (shakes his head sadly):
What about the mother?

Doug:
She's gonna be OK but the bleeding was coming from a rupture. Whether or not she will be able to have any more children isn't known at this point.
(Mark winces)
I guess I need to think about those kind of things, too, huh?

Mark:
What happened today? Did something go wrong with you and Carol?

Doug (shrugs):
Not with Carol...
(taps his chest)
...with me.
(pause)
Mark, did you ever see a movie called SHE'S HAVING A BABY?

Mark (nods):
Yeah, I saw that movie. So what?

Doug:
You know in that movie when Elizabeth McGovern makes up her mind that she wants to have a baby and she stops at nothing to get it? That's what it's like in my house now. She has this book...TEN EASY STEPS TO CONCEPTION...she takes her temperature…the works! It's unbelievable!

Mark:
I'm just guessing...you aren't THIS into having a child?

Doug:
I want a child as much as anything, Mark...but, this isn't exactly the way I had it pictured in my mind when we started talking about it. I wanted my child to be conceived in love, Mark...not the result of a scientific experiment!

Mark:
Well, have you tried telling Carol that?

Doug (almost laughs):
Tell Carol? Are you nuts? We can't talk about this anymore without me ending up yelling and her ending up crying! It's easier to just keep my mouth shut and do what she wants, which, is fine, except today I just lost it! I couldn't DO anything. I'm not a trained seal, Mark! I'm a spontaneous kind of guy! I can't just 'perform' on demand!

Mark:
Doug, in all due respects, you need to be telling your WIFE these things, not me! I think you and Carol are having a real communication breakdown over this thing! When two people are in love with each other enough to try and make a baby, it should be bonding them closer, not driving a wedge between them!

Doug (sighs, runs his hand through his hair):
I don't know what's wrong with me...I've never had what happened today happen to me EVER...not even when I was drunk! I think it scared me more than anything! This is the woman I'm in love with, for God's sake!

Mark:
Well, I don't think you need to panic just because you weren't 'in the mood' at her peak period!

Doug:
This whole thing has become an obsession with her. I'm not sure there's even any 'love' left in the art at all. You know she's even talking about surgery now?

Mark (surprised):
Surgery? For what?

Doug (shakes his head):
She wants them to do a lap blow air up in there to be sure nothing is blocked someplace or something.

Mark:
And you don't want her to do this?

Doug:
Whether I want her to or not is not the issue...the fact that I have no say in it is what I don't like...

Mark:
Well, it's her body...it should be her choice to have something like that if she wants it...

Doug:
I know that here...
(taps his head)
...but it really gets messed up here.
(taps his chest over his heart)

Mark:
I think you need to go home and sit down and talk this whole thing over with Carol. I think you need to be honest with her and tell her how you really feel...

Doug:
And then, something like Mrs. Perez happens and gives me a whole NEW set of things to think about...

Mark (scoffs):
Oh, come on, Doug...you can't be worried about something like what happened with Mrs. Perez happening to Carol!

Doug:
Why not? Even in a normal pregnancy, things can go wrong. Something could happen to the baby. Or Carol. In my case, I'd lose Carol either way. If anything happened to the baby, she'd be devastated...

Mark (confidently):
She'd get over it...

Doug:
But, she'd be devastated at first. And if anything happens to Carol, I don't know what I'd do...

Mark (nods his head):
You'd go on. You'd have to. You have two children who would need you.

Doug (nods slowly):
I don't even want to think about my life without her, Mark. I've waited too long to get her into it to start thinking about losing her.

Mark:
What you need to do is just go home, and sit down with Carol, and the two of you talk this whole thing out together! Otherwise, something that's supposed to be bringing you two together may end up splitting you up!

Doug (shakes his head):
I'm not about to let that happen...

Mark:
Oh, no, you just get up and walk out on her without even telling her what the problem was! That's a good way to prevent splitting up!

Doug (protesting):
What was I supposed to tell her? 'Gee, Sorry, Carol, I just can't seem to rise to this occasion'?

Mark (shouting back):
It would have been better than just walking out on her!

Doug:
Let me get this straight...she is putting all the pressure on in this situation, but, this problem is MY fault?

Mark:
I didn't say it was your fault...it's a double fault...you're both wrong...you aren't communicating with each other about this.

Doug (tugs his chin):
Double fault, huh? That's tennis talk, isn't it?
(Mark nods)
What happens in a double fault in tennis?

Mark (grins):
The server tries again.

Doug (chuckles):
Guess I better step back up the line, huh?

Mark nods. Doug pats Mark on the shoulder as he passes by him to start for the door. Just as Doug gets to the door, Mark flashes him a grin and a mischievous tone.

Mark:
Get your toss a little higher this time.

Both chuckle at Mark's joke and Doug goes on out the door of the Center.

Fade Act Three to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens at County General Hospital. Show Doug Ross standing by a window looking in at a tiny baby in an incubator. He is standing beside Mr. Perez, the baby's father, from the clinic earlier in the day and the two of them are just gazing at the baby.

Man:
She is to tiny.
(turns to Doug)
Do you think she can make it, Dr. Ross?

Doug (ticks his head):
These kind of things, it's hard to say. The odds are against her, but, we don't know what kind of a fighter she is inside her.
(Doug smiles slightly at the baby)

Man:
Are you married, Dr. Ross?

Doug (nods):
Yes, I am.

Man:
And do you have children?

Doug (nods again):
Yes, I do, but, I got them both after they were well past the infant stage. My wife adopted a little girl, seven years old, and my ten year old son came to live with us very soon after we were married. We're working at having a baby, though.

Man:
I wish you well...it is the greatest joy in the world.

Doug (somewhat surprised by this):
You can still say that after everything you've been through today?

Man (nods):
Of course...a child is a gift from God...

Doug:
You'll still feel that way if you lose this child?

Man:
There is a purpose for everything...everything happens for a reason...if we lose this child, there is a reason.

Doug:
And if you can't have another one?

Man:
Then at least we had one...we experienced becoming parents...that's something not everyone gets to do in their lives...we will be satisfied with whatever we are blessed with.

Doug (ticks his head):
I gotta hand it to you, Mr. Perez...I think you have a better grip on this than I do.

Mr. Perez only smiles at Doug, who continues to be lost in thought staring at the baby.

Cut to the Ross/Hathaway home. Show Carol curled up on the sofa listening, watching, and waiting for Doug to come home. The house in quiet and only one light shines from across the room. She turns her head as she hears the front door open. Cut to show Doug closing the door behind him and walking slowly into the living to face Carol.

Doug (very quietly):
Hey.

Carol (looks up...smiles at him):
Hey...you OK?

Doug (goes in, sits down beside her):
I guess I should be asking you that question...

Carol (rubs his back gently):
Are you hungry? Did you get something to eat?

Doug (nods):
I'm fine.
(turns to her and strokes her cheek)
What about you? Are you OK?

Carol (nods):
I'm fine.

Doug (looks at his feet):
I'm really sorry I ran out on you like that...

Carol (cuts him off quickly):
No, it was my fault...I shouldn't have pressured you like that...

Doug:
Well, it was my fault, too. I should have talked to you more about what I was feeling...what I was thinking.
(turns to her and rubs her shoulders briskly in his hands)
There's some things we really need to talk about...I just don't want you to take it the wrong way, OK?

Carol (confused):
Take it the wrong way?

Doug (takes her hands in both of his):
I want us to have a child...very VERY much. But, this just isn't the way I pictured us doing it.

Carol (looks at her feet):
I guess I went overboard, huh?

Doug (lifts her chin to look at him):
I know this baby is very important to you. It's important to me, too. Don't ever think it's not. But, I want our child to be conceived out of the love we have for each other...not concocted by precise timing.

Carol (frowns):
I guess I just got carried away. It just seems like we've been trying so long without any results...I guess I started to panic, feeling like maybe it won't ever happen.

Doug (smiles):
It's going to happen. We just need to be a little more patient.

Carol:
Where were you all day, anyway?

Doug:
I went down to the Center for a while. I helped Mark with a premature delivery.

Carol (winces):
How premature?

Doug:
Baby was 28 weeks. They couldn't stop the labor at County and the baby was delivered. Made me think about things like that, too.

Carol (nods):
I know. I've thought about things like that, too. I know things can go wrong. But, with our medical backgrounds and everyone around us, I figure we've got a better than average chance of detecting anything if something went wrong. I really think we'd be OK.

Doug (quietly):
I don't want you to have that surgery.

Carol (scoffs):
Doug, come on! It's not even real surgery! There's nothing to it...

Doug (turns to her, his eyes reflect his fear):
I don't care...I don't want you to do it. I don't think it's necessary. You checked out and I checked out and I think we should take our chances with Mother Nature instead of screwing around with all this stuff.

Carol (taken aback):
I didn't know you felt this strongly about it.

Doug (quietly):
That's because you didn't ask me about it. You just TOLD me what you wanted to do.

Carol (looks at her feet and nods):
You're right...and I'm really sorry about that. I guess I didn't stop to think about how any of this might be effecting you...I was just thinking of myself. I'm really sorry, Doug.
(nods and smiles)

Doug (very quietly):
I'm just scared, Carol. So many things we have to think about...not just having a baby, but, after it gets here, too. What if I'm not cut out to handle a baby?

Carol (laughing):
Doug, you're a Pediatrician! Kids are your life!

Doug (shrugs):
But, I've never walked the floor with one...or sat up all night with one...

Carol:
Well, I'll be here to help you with those things! And you'll do great! I know you will! I have every confidence on you as a Daddy!

Doug (looks at her coaxingly):
Do you? Do you really?

Carol (touches his cheek gently):
Of course, Doug! Did you think I married you just for sex? I had long range plans in mind when we took those vows...and a vision of you sitting in a rocking chair rocking our child was one of them.
(Doug smiles at her)
OK, then...you don't want me to have this surgery, then, I won't have it. And we'll just keep doing things the way we're doing them now and see what happens.

Doug:
And that will be OK with you?

Carol (nods):
That will be just fine with me.

Doug (ticks his head):
What if we never have a baby?

Carol:
Well, I won't say I won't be disappointed, because I want to have your child very much, but, if it never happens, then, we have two beautiful children in our lives already and I am very happy with that.

Doug:
I do love you...you know what don't you?

Carol (grins):
Right back at cha, babe.

Doug (grins...leans his head next to hers):
About today...I'm really sorry...I just can't seem to 'perform' on demand...I just kind of lost my cool...I'm sorry.

Carol (locks her arms around his neck):
Poor baby...I really have put too much pressure on you lately...you wear it well, though.

Doug (grins):
Do I? I guess I've been getting plenty of practice in lately, haven't I?

Carol (scolding):
You better quit while you're ahead, Buster.

Doug (raises an eyebrow):
I was thinking we might continue this discussion someplace a little more private?

Carol:
What's more private than this? The kids are already in bed and the neighbors gave up finding out what goes on in this house a LONG time ago!
(Doug chuckles lightly)
But, if you think you might more COMFORTABLE in another room, we can move the conversation there...

Doug (chuckles again):
Talking wasn't what I had in mind...

Carol (teasing him):
Oh, it wasn't? Well, what DID you have in mind, Doctor?

Doug (locks his arms around her now):
Why don't you come upstairs with me, Mrs. Ross, and find out?

Carol (giggles):
Ummmm...do I dare?

Doug (stands up and pulls her to her feet):
Do you dare NOT to?

Carol (wraps herself him):
OK...I'll live dangerously...

Playfully, Doug scoops her up in his arms and carries her towards the steps. When he gets to the base of the stairs, he falters with her for a moment.

Doug (teasing):
Ugh...you sure are heavy...are you sure you aren't already pregnant?

Carol (pretends to be insulted):
Very funny, wise guy! I don't weigh a pound more now than I did the day you married me!

Doug (nods):
Yeah, and as I recall, I had trouble carrying you over the threshold then, too!

Carol (astounded):
Douglas Steven Ross! Are you insinuating I'm fat?

Doug (chuckles):
No, no...not insinuating...

Carol playfully bops him on the head as he starts up the steps with her...follow him as he stops several times, but, hauls her all the way up the steps and carries her into the bedroom, but, instead of laying her carefully on the bed, he gets to the edge of it and sort of pitches her onto it. Before she can react or say anything to him, he is on the bed beside her, wrapping himself around her and pressing his lips to hers quickly.

She wraps her arms around his neck and we see his hand reach behind him for the light to turn it out and as the light goes off fade Act Four to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center. Mark and Carter are closing up for the day and getting things ready to leave.

Carter (nonchalantly):
Any plans for tonight, Dr. Greene?

Mark (nods):
Yep!

Carter:
Anyone I know?

Mark (nods again):
Possibly.

Carter:
You just really don't want anyone to know about this relationship you're in, do you?

Mark:
When I'm ready...

Carter:
It's Nina Pomerantz, isn't it?

Mark (gives him a quick and startled look):
Why would you ask me that?

Carter (grins):
Maybe because I ran into her the other day and she mentioned having dinner with you.

Mark (nods, grins):
Yes, it is Nina Pomerantz. You happy now, Carter? To have that piece of private information about my life?

Carter:
I wasn't trying to pry. I just know you've had a rough time recently and I think it's nice that you have someone to talk to. I think it's great.

Mark (chuckles):
I've been under less pressure since we all came over here. Working at this Center has been a God Send for me. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I have the time to devote to a relationship. Nina and I never had that advantage before.

Carter:
Well, then, I wish you luck. And if you ever want to borrow the mountain hideaway like Dr. Ross and Nurse Hathaway did, just let me know.

Mark:
That was really nice of you, Carter...I think I might like to see this place myself someday.

Carter (nods):
It's really nice up there...back in the hills...great view...private lake for fishing...of course, it's too cold for that right now! But, there's a hot tub there. Great place for two people who need some quiet time together.

Mark:
I guess you'll have to take Shawna up there some time, huh?

Carter (mischievous smile):
Shawna and I have already been!

Mark:
Well, all the same, it was really nice of you to lend it to Doug and Carol for the weekend...I know they appreciated the chance for a getaway for two.

Carter:
It was nothing, really.

Mark (lost in thought):
You never know, Carter...it might be just the right thing...

Carter doesn't know all the details of the events behind the trip, so, he only shrugs and smiles at Mark's remarks, but, Mark smiles thinking about how a private getaway for two may be just exactly what Doug and Carol need in their quest for a baby.

Cut to the Carter family Mountain Retreat. Focus on Doug standing out on a wooden deck in his jacket, drinking hot cocoa from a steaming cup. He is looking out over a breathtaking view of snow, trees, and woodland area. While he is watching a deer comes quietly into view on the ground below. It stops and tosses its head to gaze momentarily at Doug, then goes on it's way. Doug smiles, and sips some more of his cocoa. Carol comes out of the cabin and comes up behind Doug, wrapping her arms around his waist and laying her head against his shoulder. He pats her hands, and puts his arm around her shoulders to pull her into his arms.

Carol (looking out over their view):
Have you ever seen anything so beautiful?

Doug (smiles):
Oh, once or twice.
(Carol smiles shyly...Doug chuckles)

Carol (quietly):
I've been planning in my head the right way to present this moment, but, no matter what I come up with, it doesn't seem just right, so, I'll just come right out with it, OK?
(Doug gives her a confused look)
I'm pregnant, Doug.

Doug gives her an astounded look. He turns to take her shoulders in his hands and his smile is unmeasureable across his face.

Doug:
Pregna....? Well, are you sure?

Carol (nods, trying to contain her excitement):
I was late last week, but, I didn't say anything, because that has happened before. But, I got a couple of E.P.T.'s and they all say the same thing...we're definitely pregnant. I just need to go to an OB-GYN and confirm it.
(Doug's smile just continues to spread with every word she says)
I probably should have told you yesterday, but, I was afraid you might not still want to take this trip and I felt like we really needed a weekend just the two of us...it's going to be the last chance we get for a long time.

Doug (places his hand on her stomach carefully):
There's a baby in here?

Carol (places her hand over his)
Uh huh.
(Looks up into his eyes)
Are you happy?

Doug:
Happy? That's an understatement, I'm ECSTATIC!
(he lifts her up and spins her around a bit, backing them away from the balcony railing)
What about you? Are you happy?

Carol:
My emotions are so jumbled up right now I can't even believe it! I'm happy and scared and everything else all at once!

Doug (keeps his hand on her stomach):
We're gonna have a baby?

Carol (nods nervously, still looking into his eyes):
Do you think we're ready?

Doug:
I think if we're not, it's too late now!
(squeezes her close to him)
Of COURSE we're ready! We've BEEN ready for months! We were just ready for the baby to be ready!

Carol (cuddles close to him, nuzzles her head on his chest):
Promise me something, OK?

Doug (wraps his arms around her and rests his head on hers):
Anything.

Carol:
Promise me that no matter what you're thinking, or what you're feeling, whether you're happy, or sad, or nervous, or scared, or whatever that you'll talk to me about it, OK? These next few months are going to be filled with changes and I don't think I'll be able to second guess you quite as much as I usually can, OK?

Doug (kisses her hair softly):
Absolutely. You got it. I promise to communicate.

Carol (sighs into his chest and then looks out over their view again):
Let's just enjoy this for a minute or two more before we pack up to leave, OK? It'll be a long time before we get a minute this private again...

Pull back from the couple standing together, arms wrapped around her other, head to head, and fade into the closing credits of the show.

November 29, 1997