"Doctor Dad"
Opening Act
Scene opens at the Ross/Hathaway home, interior, early morning. Pan long shot across the master bedroom to show Carol snuggled under the covers asleep in bed. Cut to show Doug Ross coming out of the bathroom, fresh from a shower. He is wearing blue jeans, no shirt, a towel around his neck, and he is barefoot. He comes out dabbing his chin with the towel from his shave and reaches it up to rough dry his hair a bit. The only reminder he still has from his recent surgery is a scar on his left arm. It is red and puffy, but the stitches are gone. He walks over to the bed and gazes at Carol lovingly, then, with a twinkle in his eye, winds up his towel into a small spiral and starts slowly towards the bed. Just about the time he gets there, shift to show Carol with her eyes open and a wry smile on her face.
Carol (voices rises softly from the pillow):
You do, Doug, and you sleep on the couch for a month!
Doug (surprised):
Awk! You ARE awake then!
Carol (rolls over and peers up at him with a smile):
I've been awake since you got out of bed. Do you really think I could sleep with you in
there singing Elvis at the top of your lungs?
Doug (sits on the bed beside her and pats her gently):
What? You don't like Elvis?
Carol (giggles):
I love Elvis...
(reaches to put her arms around him)
Especially the way you sing it!
(pulls herself up to sit on the edge of the bed with him, kissing his scar gently)
Doug (shivers):
Oooo...there's a new erogenous zone.
Carol (rolls her eyes):
Doug, every inch of your body is an erogenous zone!
Doug (kisses her lightly):
Only around you, Babe,
Carol (sighs):
Did you leave me any hot water?
Doug (kisses her shortly):
Always. Are you coming down to have breakfast with your loving family?
Carol (groans):
If I HAD a loving family, they would have let me sleep a little longer!
(pulls herself to her feet)
Yeah, I'll be there...are you cooking?
Doug (matter-of-factly):
Of course! Haven't I been doing OK so far?
Carol (with a touch of amazement):
Actually, yeah! You've really been doing a wonderful job with the kids and the house and
everything while you've been home. Are you sure you're my real husband?
Doug (chuckles)
Yes, I am VERY sure!
(pats her bottom and sends her towards the shower)
Better get moving...you'll be late.
Doug goes one way across the room and Carol goes towards the bathroom. Focus on her stopping at the door and leaning on the door facing and groaning.
Cut to the kitchen. Show Scott and Tatiana sitting at the breakfast table and Doug working at the stove. He has on a t-shirt now and an apron that says "Master Chef at Work". He is cooking Oatmeal, true Oatmeal, not out of an instant box, and starts pouring it into bowls. Before he gets it to the table, he takes Strawberry Jam out of a jar and swirls it into the oatmeal. Tatiana watches him and makes a face.
Tatiana:
That's not the way Mama does it.
Doug:
Yeah? Well, guess what? I'm not Mama.
(he sets the bowl down in front of her and she makes a worse face)
There's nothing wrong with it! It's good!
Tatiana (picks up her spoon slowly):
Says you...
Scott (between a mouthful):
Actually, Tatch, it's pretty good!
Doug (smiles):
Yeah, there? You see! Try it...you might like it.
Doug sets down orange juice and milk in pitchers, and puts a plate of toast on the table as well. The kids grab for whatever they want. Doug sits down and reaches for toast, butters it thoroughly, and pours himself some juice. Show Carol coming into the room, dressed in her Scrubs for work, and sliding into a chair across from Doug. She looks at the oatmeal the kids are eating and her face shows confusion.
Carol:
That doesn't look like the brand I usually buy.
Doug:
It's not out of a box...it's real.
Carol:
Well the OATS came out of a box, didn't they?
Doug:
Yeah, but, they're cooked...it's not instant from the microwave.
Carol (imitating the elderly church lady from SNL):
Well, isn't that special?
(smiles at him)
It's all great, Doug. Thanks.
(pause)
Do you have your schedule set for today?
Doug:
Yep! Sure do! Drop the kids off at school, take you to work...I have an appointment with
Elaine Grissom at County at 10...I meet you for lunch...take you back to work...I have an
appointment at the lab at 2...pick Tatchie up and take her to her dance class, leave from
there, pick up Scott at Basketball practice...come home...feed them dinner...get them in
bed...and wait for you! How's that?
Carol (smiles):
Sounds like a full day. Are you sure this isn't getting to you?
Doug:
Nope! I'm doing just fine!
Carol (looks around the kitchen):
I don't see the kids lunches packed...
Doug (shrugs):
I gave them money...it's hot dog day in the cafeteria...
Tatiana (delighted):
Yeah! We get potato chips and everything!
Carol (rolls her eyes):
So much for a nutritious school lunch program.
Doug (smiles):
Ah, it's OK once a month.
(winks at the kids who smile back at him)
Carol (looks at her watch):
OK, you kids better get your books and get ready for school!
Both kids exit the table quickly. Doug takes their breakfast dishes, goes over to the sink, and scrapes them to place them in the dishwasher.
Doug (quietly to Carol):
You OK? You look kind of tired.
Carol (grins):
Staying up too late at night, I guess.
Doug (chuckles):
Yeah, but, aren't we having fun staying awake?
Carol (reaches for his hand):
You'll let me know if anyone calls from my Gynecologist's office today, won't you? I
thought I would have heard back from her by now.
Doug:
Should I call you?
Carol (nods):
I'd appreciate it.
Doug:
Sure, no problem. I'm sure everything's OK.
(pats her hand)
Carol (sighs):
I hope so. I guess we'll know soon enough...about both of us. Will you be OK today.
Doug (shrugs):
Sure...piece of cake.
Carol (grins):
I didn't figure it would bother you much.
Doug (looks at his watch):
We better get moving.
(yells out of the room)
You kids ready?
Scott (from another room...yelled response):
Ready, Dad!
Doug:
Well, then, let's rock and roll!
Doug jumps up and starts away from the table. Carol munches down the last bite of toast and gulps down the last drink of juice from her glass as she hurries to catch up with the rest of the family.
Fade into Opening Credits of the show.
"Doctor Dad"
Act One
Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center...interior. Show Carol coming in the back staff entrance door and taking off her jacket. John Carter and Mark Greene are discussing something together at the front desk and Mark turns to greet her.
Mark (cheerfully):
'Morning, Carol!
Carol (smiles):
Hey, Mark...John...where's Cynthia this morning?
Mark:
She'll be here shortly...she was stopping at the bakery to pick up breakfast.
Carol:
Well, not for me! Doug made my breakfast already.
Mark (amazed):
Doug? Made breakfast?
Carol (nods):
Yeah. It's getting really scary. He cooks...he does the laundry...he cleans the house...I
think he's really enjoying all this time at home.
Mark (still amazed):
Doug? Domestic?
Carter (laughs as he starts across the room)
A real Mr. Mom, huh? Like that movie?
Carol:
Yeah, but, I think he's more like Doctor Dad. I really never expected him to adapt to all
that so quickly. The first day he was home and I was working, I was just sure I was gonna
come home to find the house in shambles and the kids a mess. Mama was there to help him
because he couldn't use his arm much, but, he had everything picked up, and kids were
clean, and dinner was on the table when I got there.
Mark (shakes his head):
Amazing. I think I'd almost have to see it to believe it. Any word on when he's coming
back to work?
Carol:
He sees Elaine again today...he should know something this afternoon.
Mark (nods):
Great...I hope gets to come back soon.
(quietly)
I really miss him.
(pause)
I would guess you two are putting all this quality time together to good use?
Carol (quietly, grins):
You mean you gather we're working on a baby?
(Mark nods, Carol sighs)
I thought I'd be pregnant by now, you know? I'm starting to wonder now if something might
be wrong.
Mark:
Already? You guys just seriously started working on it...what? A month ago? I don't think
it's time to push the panic button just yet!
Carol:
Well, we're both going in for check-ups just to be sure everything is in working order.
Doug insists. He's a little concerned because I'm 30 and having my first child.
Mark (nods):
He has a point, you know.
Carol:
Yeah, I know. I've already seen my Gynecologist...Doug goes for the lab test today.
Mark (chuckles):
Better be ready to ride tonight!
Carol (rolls her eyes):
That's what he said, too...
(both laugh)
Mark:
Seriously, I wouldn't worry about infertility just yet. You guys have only just begun!
Carol:
Yeah, I guess you're right.
(looks at her watch)
We better get things ready to open.
(looks at her key chain)
Oh, Damn it! I took the wrong key chain! The keys to the supply cabinet are at home! I
guess I can call Doug to bring them down here...
Mark:
I'd be glad to run by and get them for you...I have a package to pick up anyway.
Carol:
Yeah, that's great! He has several errands to run, so, just in case he's not home...
(hands him her keys)
...here's the key to the house...just go on it. The keys are on the table in the hall!
Mark (pockets her keys):
No problem.
Carol:
Thanks, Mark! I really appreciate it.
Cut back to the Ross/Hathaway home, interior, living room. Off camera, we can hear the stereo playing and the vacuum cleaner running. Doug comes into view, in his jeans, t-shirt, and tennis shoes, vacuuming the rug and singing 'That's Life' with the music on the stereo. He is using a feather duster like a microphone and singing into it. Cut back to show Mark opening the front door of the house and stepping into the hallway. He hears this singing and goes to the doorway to see what's going on. He stands quietly and watches Doug, vacuuming and singing, and fights to contain his bubbling laughter. He comes in just as Doug starts that part that goes 'I've been a puppet, a pauper, a poet, a prince, a pawn and a king...I've been up and down and over and out, and I know one thing...each time I find myself laying flat on my face...'Doug does his big finish, the 'I pick myself up and get back in the race!' line, complete with deep knee bends and hip swings, and spins around to come face to face with Mark. He stops dead in his tracks and lets the stereo finish the song and stop.
Mark (grins wide):
Sinatra would be so proud.
Doug (recovering his embarrassment):
How did you get in here? Better yet, what are you DOING here?
Mark:
Carol left her keys to the supply cabinet...she asked me to come and get them...gave me
her key.
(holds it up for Doug to see)
Doug:
She could have called me to bring them to her.
Mark (nods):
She could have, yeah, but, I would have missed all this fun! Oh, man, for a video camera
right now! I could blackmail you for life!
Doug (chuckles):
Oh, I've done WAY worse things than this!
Mark:
Actually, you were doing pretty good.
Doug (blushes):
Yeah? You should hear my Dean Martin! It's even better!
Doug and Mark (in unison, sing drunken slur imitation of Dean Martin):
Everybody love somebody sometime!
Mark (chuckles):
Ummmm…let's hope I don't have to! Well, I'll just get those keys...
Doug:
Yeah! They're on the hall table...
Mark (picks up keys):
Carol tells me you have a lab appointment today?
(Doug nods)
And one with Elaine Grissom?
(Doug nods again)
Well, let me know how they turn out, OK?
Doug (quietly):
Mark, you don't think there's anything wrong with me do you? I mean, I've had a rough go
of it for a while and I've been on some pills for a while...do you think they would
interfere with my...well...you know...
Mark (shakes his head, smiles):
No, I don't. I think you guys haven't been going at this long enough to get results either
way yet. When you've been trying for six months and STILL don't have a baby...then you can
start worrying.
Doug (sighs):
Well, you surely gave me something to look forward to, didn't you!
Mark (hand on the doorknob):
You know, when you're done here, you can go over to my place.
Doug (sarcastic smile):
Sure...$20 bucks an hour!
Mark (winces):
Ouch! Too rich for my blood!
(starts out the door)
I'll see you, Bud. Better get back to your concert in there.
Doug chuckles and closes the door behind Mark as he leaves. He takes his feather duster and sings the last 'pick myself up and get back in the race' line from 'That's Life' again and goes back to his vacuuming.
Cut scene to show time lapse. Scene is County General, interior, in an exam room. Doug is sitting on an exam table with his shirt off and holding his left arm straight out to his side and looking straight ahead. Show Elaine Grissom going to him and placing a hand gripper in his left hand.
Elaine:
Give it all you've got...let's see how much that is!
Doug squeezes the hand gripper as tight as he can, grimacing and wincing as he does. Elaine watches and makes her observation on a clipboard.
Elaine (takes his hand in hers):
OK, release...
(Doug lets his grip relax and she takes the hand gripper away)
How does your arm feel?
Doug:
Like jelly right now.
Elaine (nods):
You're improving though...getting stronger...you're looking good. How are you feeling
otherwise?
Doug (nods):
Good...really good!
Elaine (places another machine in front of Doug):
OK, let's see how much push you've got. Just take the palm of your hand and put it flat
against the ba and push. Hold it as long as you can, OK?
Doug does as he is told and is able to hold the hand flat and push several seconds, which Elaine times with a stop watch and records on his chart, before his strength gives out.
Elaine (nods):
That's good...better than I expected.
Doug (shakes his head):
I don't get it...Dr. Corday said there was no muscle involved in the surgery...
Elaine (smiles):
No MAJOR muscles...she still had to cut through quite a bit in there...and there was quite
a lot of swelling for a while.
Doug (nods):
I guess.
Elaine (begins to listen to his chest with a stethoscope):
Getting plenty of rest? Exercise?
Doug (nods again):
Yep!
Elaine:
Didn't you tell me you had children?
Doug:
Yes...two...a boy and a girl.
Elaine (moves the stethoscope to listen more):
Ah, the perfect family, huh?
Doug (ticks his head):
Some people might say that...yes...
Elaine:
You getting along OK at home with them?
Doug (grins):
It's been great. I never knew being a Dad could be so much fun.
Elaine (smiles):
Well, happy parents should make for happy children.
Doug:
I hope so. I'm really trying.
Elaine (grins, takes the ear pieces away from her head):
You sound good. I want to see you again in two weeks, OK? And you should get a green light
then.
(hands him his shirt)
Put that back on now. I want you to go to a toy store and get yourself a rubber handball
and start squeezing it for five minutes at a time, four times a day, OK?
Doug (tugs into his t-shirt):
Not a problem! I'll do it today!
Elaine (makes her notes on his chart file):
OK! You're all done!
(smiles at him)
See you in two weeks, Doctor!
Doug (hops off the table):
Thank you, Doctor.
Follow Doug across the room and out into the hall. He stands waiting for the elevator, still humming strands of 'That's Life' from his morning. Show Nina Pomerantz come around the corner and she sees him waiting.
Nina (cheerfully):
Doug! Hi!
Doug (turns, smiles at her):
Hi, Nina!
Nina (walks up to him):
How are you doing? You look great!
Doug:
Thanks! I'm feeling good.
Nina:
Did you ever run that experiment I asked you to try?
Doug:
Not yet...but I will! I promise!
Nina:
The sooner the better, you know...while you're still off would be good!
Doug:
I'll do it soon...I promise!
Nina (as the elevator door opens):
Well, when you do, you let me know, OK?
Doug (steps into the elevator...gives her a shotgun motion):
You got it!
Follow Doug as he goes down in the elevator and goes out through of the hospital through the ER. He waves to several of his old staff mates as he goes, and there are several ad libs of 'hello', and 'how you doing'. Once outside, show him stop and ponder for a moment, then walk around the other side of the hospital away from the parking lot. Follow him around the corner and pan down a long narrow alley way between the hospital and the parking garage. He walks slowly down the walkway and stops beside the metal dumpster at the corner. This is the same spot from which he pulled himself to his feet from his assault several months before. He reaches out and touches the dumpster with his hand...his eyes are lost in thought. All at once, show a cat jump up on the dumpster and rub against his hand. Slowly, a soft smile spreads across his face. He scratches the cat on the chin and pets his strokingly...then he pats the dumpster and turns to walk away, softly singing 'I pick myself up and get back in the race!' as he goes.
Fade Act One to Black.
Act Two
Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center. Focus on back door staff entrance and show Doug coming in the door. Mark is working at the desk with Cynthia and he turns when he hears the door close. He turns and see Doug and a smile creeps across his face.
Mark:
Hey, Doug! Good to see you!
Doug (smiles):
I came to take Carol to lunch...is she ready?
Mark:
She's finishing up with Carter...it'll be a couple of minutes.
Doug (nods):
OK...well...actually, I wanted to talk to Cynthia about something anyway...
Cynthia (gives him a surprised look):
Me? Is something wrong?
Doug (shakes his head):
No, no! Nothing's wrong! In fact, just the opposite. I just found out that you are a
certified Medical Assistant? Is that right?
Cynthia (shyly):
How did you find out about that?
Doug:
I did some checking around...so that IS right?
Cynthia (nods):
Well, yes, but, I've never actually held a job as a Medical Assistant.
Doug:
Would you like to have one?
Cynthia (completely taken aback by this offer):
I would LOVE it!
Doug:
I'll talk to Dr. Morganstern about it, OK? And, of course, we'd have to hire someone for
the front desk...would you be willing to train someone? Or even help hire your
replacement?
Cynthia:
Well, yes, of course! Thank you so much, Dr. Ross!
Mark:
So, how did your morning appointment go?
Doug:
Went well! I should get a green light in about two weeks. I technically think I could come
back to work now, but, until I'm cleared by Elaine, I think I better not.
Mark (nods):
I agree...insurance reasons for that!
Carol (comes out and stands beside Doug):
Hi! I'm ready! Am I late?
Doug (turns, puts his arm around her):
Nope...just getting caught up!
Carol:
Where are we going for lunch?
Doug (grins):
It's a surprise!
Mark (chuckles):
McDonald's again, huh?
Doug (smirks at him):
No, but, I can bring you something back from there if you want.
Mark:
Hey, sure! I'll take a free meal!
Doug (as he gets to the door with Carol):
What do you want?
Mark (over his shoulder):
Surprise me!
Doug:
OK...I'll bring back lunch for everybody!
Doug and Carol go out together and head for Doug's jeep. Cut scene to show them sitting in a booth together and enjoying lunch quietly.
Doug:
Dr. Duncan called...
Carol (puts her hand to her head):
Oh, God...
Doug:
She said everything checked out fine.
Carol (puts her and to her chest):
Oh, thank God! That's a relief at least! Now, all we have to do is get your test and we
should be in the baby business, right?
Doug (nods):
I would say so, yes.
Carol:
You'll let me know when you get home?
Doug (nods again):
Yes, absolutely.
Carol:
How did it go with Elaine this morning?
Doug:
My strength is getting better. She is pleased. I think I could come back to work, but she
says another two weeks.
Carol (smiles):
Well, she's the boss.
Doug (nods):
Yes, she is.
(Looks at his watch)
We have just enough time to hit a drive thru and pick up lunch for the Center and get you
back to work!
Carol:
What about tonight? You want me to bring home a pizza or something?
Doug:
No, I'll have something for you at home.
Carol (as they stand up to leave, teases him):
Mama coming by to cook it for you?
Doug (gives it right back to her):
No, I may do some experimenting on my own, thank you!
Carol (as they pay the check):
Oh, really? Well, that should be interesting! Are you going to give up being a doctor and
take a new career?
Doug (laugh):
No, but, I want to do my share to help you out!
Cashier (smiles at her):
Encourage, Honey....you don't know how lucky you are.
Carol (grins at Doug):
Oh, yes, I do.
Cut scene to show Doug letting Carol out of the jeep back at C.A.R.E. Center and she is carrying a couple of take-out bags from a nearby drive thru. She waves to him as she goes in the back door. He nods his head and backs the jeep out of the parking area.
Cut to show time lapse. Show Doug going up to a desk at the lab appointment and approaching the receptionist there carefully.
Doug (quietly):
Hi, I'm Doug Ross...I have an appointment?
Receptionist (checks her book):
Yes, Dr. Ross! Someone will be right with you.
Doug sits in a chair and nervously taps his fingers together while he waits for someone to come to him. In just a couple of minutes, the door to the main area opens and a young female lab technician smiles to him.
Technician:
Are you Dr. Ross?
Doug (jumps up quickly):
Yes!
Technician:
Would you come with me, please?
Doug follows her through the doors and into the main area. She takes him back to a private room and hands him a specimen cup.
Technician:
Just take this, and whenever you have a sample, bring it back.
Doug (takes cup...gives her a confused look):
Whenever I have a sample?
Technician (nods):
It doesn't have to be much...just whatever you can give us.
Doug (half nervous, half embarrassed):
Well, so you have anything in there to help me out a little?
Technician (smiles...obviously used to these questions):
Oh, yes! There are magazines...television...just about anything you could need...
Doug (quickly):
Telephone?
Technician:
Yes, there is a phone, too.
Doug (nods):
OK...thanks.
Doug goes into the room and closes the door. He takes off his jacket and lays it on the chair behind him and he sits nervously on the exam table. Then, he reaches and picks up the phone and quickly dials a number. Cut screen to show both sides of the conversation together.
Cynthia:
County C.A.R.E. Center, how may I help you?
Doug:
Cynthia! Hi! It's Doug! I need to speak with Carol, please? Is she free?
Cynthia:
Sure! Hold on!
(turns and hands phone to Carol, who is working behind her)
It's Doug.
Carol (takes phone with a confused look on her face):
Doug? What's wrong?
Doug:
Transfer that to the phone in my office.
Carol (confused):
What? Why?
Doug:
Just DO it, Carol! And you'll understand why in a minute!
Carol (shrugs):
OK.
(to Cynthia)
Please transfer this call to Doug's office, OK?
Cynthia (nods):
Sure.
Cynthia pushes a button to transfer the call. Show Carol run through the hallway and into the office to pick it up and all the while, Doug is on the other end, waiting impatiently.
Carol (as she picks up the phone):
Now...what IS it?
Doug:
Are you alone in there?
Carol:
Yes.
Doug:
Is the door closed?
Carol (getting annoyed):
Yes...Doug WHAT is going on?
Doug:
You have to help me out here.
Carol:
Help you out? What are you talking about?
Doug:
I'm over here at this lab and I need some help! I can't just DO this by myself, Carol! I
need some help!
Carol (still confused):
I'm not sure what you want me to do...
Doug (frustrated and annoyed):
I need you to say something to me that will turn me on, Carol!
Carol (completely taken aback):
You want me to give you phone sex?!
Doug:
Well, I guess that's one way of putting it!
Carol:
You have GOT to be kidding!
Doug:
Look, this wasn't my idea! I'm doing this for you! Now, you gotta help me out a little
bit!
Carol:
OK! OK! Close your eyes...
(show Doug close his eyes)
...and think about our first date. Remember that night? We went dancing, you remember?
Doug (nods):
Yeah, I remember...
Carol:
OK, then we went back to my place...remember? The tiny little apartment I had then?
Doug (grins):
And that nasty old Mrs. Bidmyer who lived across the hall?
Carol (rolls her eyes):
Forget about Mrs. Bidmyer for a minute, will you? Think about when I asked you in for
coffee...
Doug:
OK! OK!
Carol:
Remember, you came into the kitchen to see if you could help me?
(Doug smiles)
You remember what happened then?
Doug:
Oh, yeah! I remember! You were getting the sugar down out of the cabinet and you slipped
off the chair and fell backwards into my arms. We both ended up on the floor.
Carol (smiles):
And you remember what happened then?
Doug (smiles wide...eyes bright):
Oh, yeah!
(he squirms against his sudden rush of uncomfortable feeling)
I gotta go, Carol! Bye!!!
Carol laughs as Doug quickly hangs up the phone. She comes out of the office, still laughing.
Mark:
What was that all about?
Carol (still laughing, motions him away with her hand):
You don't even want to know!
Mark:
Let me take a wild guess...he needed a little help from you to produce a sperm sample at
the lab?
(Carol nods, still laughing)
Why didn't he just do it at home?
Carol:
I suggested that, too, but, he had this insecure feeling about carrying the sample around
with him. I think he was just too embarrassed.
Mark (chuckles):
You don't know how hard it is for me to imagine Doug Ross being embarrassed about
something connected to sex!
(Carol laughs)
He could have done it here...we could have sent the same over from here.
Carol (shakes her head):
Falls under the same 'embarrassed' catagory. He'll be fine now.
Cut back to the lab with Doug. Show him placing a specimen cup in the pick up window for a technician to gather and walking out of the room with a satisfied smile on his face. Cut back to show the technician picking up the cup and looking twice at it...obviously amazed at the amount inside.
Fade Act Two to Black.
Act Three
Scene opens at a small dance studio, interior. Little girls are all around and dressed in ballet leotards, tights, and ballet slippers. Show Doug come in the door with Tatiana. He walks with her over to a chair and he helps her take her jacket off. Then, he sits in the chair with her in front of him and takes a hairbrush out of her dance bag and begin to brush her hair so he can tie it into a pony tail for her. Pull back to focus on a row of mothers sitting together and watching him closely. Pan slowly to drop in on their conversation.
Mother #2:
Who is THAT?
Mother #1 (looks to see):
Oh, that's Doug Ross...he's Tatiana's Father.
Mother #2:
I didn't know she had one...the only one I ever see is the Mother...
Mother #1:
Yeah, well, that's her husband. I've seen him a couple times picking her up here.
Mother #3:
She's married to something that looks like THAT and she lets him out of the house alone?
Mother #2 (nods agreement):
I think I'd chain myself to him!
Mother #1:
He's a doctor, you know...
Mother #2:
He is? I think I'm over due for a physical...
Mother #1:
He's a pediatrician!
Mother #2:
Well, then, my KID is over due for a physical!
(all laugh)
Mother #1:
No, he actually works in emergency care. I think he's at that new C.A.R.E. Center that
opened just recently.
Mother #2:
And he IS married, right?
Mother #1 (nods):
Happily, from what I understand...she works with him.
Mother #2 (scoffs):
Damn. Well, that doesn't keep me from wanting to see him out there in a pair of
tights...how about the rest of you ladies?
Mother #3:
I heard he's off recovering from some kind of surgery...
Mother #2:
Well, let's hope for our sake it keeps him off a while longer!
Mother #1:
The longer, the better!
(all laugh)
Mother #2 (eyes him closely):
So, what do you think, girls?
Mother #3 (knowingly):
Boxers?
Mother #2:
I'd like to peel those Levis off him and find out.
Mother #1:
Peel is right...you suppose he needs a shoehorn to get them on?
Mother #2 (big smile):
Why would he need a shoehorn? He's already got a crowbar!
(all laugh)
Cut back to Doug. He is fixing Tatiana's pony tail and not paying much attention, but, he is aware these women are watching him. He grins slightly around the corners of his mouth and doesn't let it bother him. The instructor calls the girls to start the class and Doug takes out a car magazine and starts to look through it while he waits...still very aware that he is being watched from across the room.
Cut to show time lapse and the class is breaking up. Tatiana comes over to Doug and lets him help her get into her jacket for them to leave.
Mother #2 (as Doug and Tatiana start by them):
See you next week, Dr. Ross...
Doug (on his way out the door):
Have a good evening, Ladies.
Mother #2 (watching him go):
Oh, I'm sure I will now!
The women all laugh again...show Doug just roll his eyes and shake his head and he guides Tatiana to the car.
Cut to show Doug and Tatiana going into a school gym where boys are packing up their basketball games for a day.
Coach (calls from across the gym):
Hey, Ross! Your kid's a looker! Gonna start him at guard this week!
Doug (waves to him):
I'll be here, Coach! Thanks!
Several mothers are picking their sons up at practice. Doug just stands near the exit with Tatiana and waits for Scott to get everything together and join them.
Boy:
My Mom has the hots for your Dad...is he married?
Scott (grins):
Yeah, and my stepmom is REAL pretty too! See ya!
Scott thrusts his bag up on his shoulder and goes quickly across the gym to Doug and Tatiana.
Doug:
Hey, Sport! I hear you're starting Friday night!
Scott:
Yeah! Will you be able to come?
Doug:
You bet I will!
Tatiana:
And me, too?
Doug:
Of course, and you too! And Carol! And maybe even Uncle John or Dr. Mark!
Scott:
Great!
Doug (as they all start out together):
OK, taking orders for dinner! Do we eat in? Or do we eat out?
Scott:
Mom eating with us?
Doug (as they approach the car):
Not tonight...we're on our own.
Scott and Tatiana (in unison):
PIZZA!
Doug (opens car door, rolls his eyes):
I should have known! OK! We'll go home...homework is first, and then we'll go out and have
pizza, OK?
A chorus of ALL RIGHT from the kids and they are all off together. Cut to show time lapse...back to the Ross/Hathaway home. Show the kids working at the dining room table on school work and Doug is in the kitchen sitting with his mother, Sarah, over tea together.
Sarah (looks in at the children, then smiles back at Doug):
They seem to be getting along pretty well.
Doug (nods):
They're doing great.
Sarah:
What about you? Are you feeling all right?
Doug:
I'm fine. I went to the doctor today and she says I'm going great. I should be back to
work in a couple of weeks.
(looks in at the kids and sighs)
I'm almost going to miss it.
Sarah:
So odd to think of you as a dedicated family man. I suppose I never doubted you could do
it...
Doug (grins):
Just that I didn't have a very good example of it, huh?
Sarah:
Well, not, Kurt was pretty good to you when you were a teenager...I know he wasn't your
Dad, but, he did all right with you.
Doug (nods):
I know he did. I never said he didn't.
Sarah (smiles...knowingly):
I know...he just wasn't Ray.
(pause)
I wish you would have told me about that when it happened.
Doug:
Why? Did you want to go out there with me? See all those pictures of Dad's new wife in the
life he started without us?
Sarah (scolding look):
From the sounds of all the mementos you said he had laying around, I'm sure she knew all
about us.
Doug (looks down):
I know. I just have to still be mad at him for a while.
Sarah:
Well, get over being mad at him. You should thank him. He made you be a better Father than
he was. That's important.
Doug (nods):
Yeah, I got the "good father" part down real well...now I need to work on being
a good husband, I think.
Sarah:
Don't tell me you and Carol are having problems!
Doug (grins):
Just the opposite...Carol wants to have a baby.
Sarah:
Am I to take that to mean you don't want her to have one?
Doug:
Oh, no! That's fine! A baby is an OK idea with me. It's just that we've been through so
many things lately...we haven't had much time to ourselves.
Sarah:
Well, who's fault is that? You have two perfectly good Grandmothers, either of which is
more than willing to come and take the kids anytime you need us to...
Doug:
Well, how about tonight? You can take them out for pizza as good as I can...
Sarah:
I thought Carol had to work tonight...
Doug (shrugs):
Oh, well, that's easily fixed! The schedules down there aren't written in stone. And I'm
the boss!
Sarah (scolding look):
That's called 'pulling rank' Mister...
Doug (smiles):
You bet it is! They used to pull it on me at County all the time and you know what they
say about pay backs don't you?
Sarah (nods, smiles):
Yes, I know...all right...what time do you want them back?
Doug (grins):
How about a week from next Tuesday?
Sarah (smacks his hand playfully):
How about nine o'clock tonight?
Doug:
That sounds like a deal!
(calls into the dining room)
Hey, kids! GrandMa's taking you for pizza! That OK?
A chorus of agreement from Tatiana and Scott brings a smile to Doug and Sarah. Cut to show the kids on the porch and Sarah at the door with Doug just a few minutes later.
Doug (smiles):
Thanks, Mom. Carol will thank you, too.
Sarah:
Should I call first?
Doug:
No, nine o'clock will be fine.
Sarah:
Are you sure they shouldn't just stay the night?
Doug:
No, it's a school night. It's OK. This will be fine.
Tatiana (looks at Scott):
Are they working on a baby AGAIN?
Scott (nods):
I think we better get used to it, Tatch. They're gonna work on one until they get one.
(takes her by the hand)
Come on...I'll explain it to you...
Doug (as they start away):
You be careful how MUCH you explain to her!
Scott (over his shoulder):
Don't worry, Dad!
Sarah (smiles):
I swear that boy gets more like you every day!
Doug (nods):
Yeah, I know...I'm just trying to figure out if that's good or bad.
Sarah (lays a hand to his cheek):
You turned out just fine, Doug. He will, too.
Doug waves good bye and closes the door. He goes into the living room and picks up the
phone. Show split screen to show both sides of the conversation.
Cynthia:
County C.A.R.E. Center, how can I help you?
Doug:
Hi, Cynthia! It's Doug! Let me talk to Carol, please?
Cynthia (smiles):
Sure, hold on...
Carol (takes phone as Cynthia reaches it over her shoulder to her):
Hey, Doug! What's up?
Doug:
You're coming home. Now.
Carol (laughs):
Now? I can't come home now...
Doug (nods his head):
Yes, you can, and you are. I need you at home. Now.
Carol:
Is something wrong?
Doug:
You might say that...
Carol:
With one of the kids?
Doug:
No...I just need you.
Carol (turns away, pulls as private as she can and keeps her voice low):
Doug, I cannot just leave here and come home just because you are 'in the need'! Now, come
on! We'll have all night...
Doug:
My Mother has the kids...the house is all to us until nine o'clock...you are coming
home...
Carol (quickly, finishes his sentence for him):
...as fast as the El can get me there!
Doug (smiles, satisfied now):
I'll be waiting...
Doug hangs up on his end and Carol turns to Mark.
Carol:
You don't really NEED me the rest of the evening, do you? I mean with Chuney here and all?
Mark (grins...knowingly):
What? Is this a good time or something?
(Carol gives him a sarcastic look...Mark waves her away)
Go! And tell Doug I'm keeping track of all the favors he's going to owe me when he gets
back to work!
Carol (touches his arm as she hurries to get ready and leave):
Thanks, Mark!
Carol gathers up her jacket and her purse and goes quickly out the staff door, leaving Mark chuckling behind her.
Fade Act Three to Black.
Act Four
Scene opens at the Ross/Hathaway home, exterior. Show Carol coming up the steps onto the porch. She opens the door to go into the house and is met by candles lit and placed all around the downstairs area. She comes in carefully, and hangs her jacket up in the closet, turning gently and going slowly on through the house.
Carol (calling out):
Doug? Where are you?
Doug (comes suddenly up behind her and slips his arms around her waist):
Right here!
Carol (sucks in her breath, but rubs his hands gently):
You scared me!
Doug (leans close to her ear):
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to!
(turns her around to face him)
They called from the lab...I have LOTS of tadpoles and they are ALL excellent swimmers!
Carol (grins):
Oh, is that, so?
Doug (nods, satisfied smile):
That's what they told me.
Carol:
Well, do they feel like going for a little swim right now?
Doug (sighs):
I had to abstain for 48 hours...then I had to have you practically seduce me over the
phone...then I had to sit and be 'eye candy' for all the mothers in Tatiana's dance
class...what do YOU think?
Carol (touches his cheek):
Poor baby...I guess you're about ready to explode, huh?
Doug (ticks his head):
That would be putting it nicely, yes!
Carol (takes him by the hand):
Come on...
(starts for the steps with him)
...let's go upstairs...
Carol takes Doug slowly up the steps and he follows like a puppy carefully behind her.
Cut to show time lapse. Doug and Carol are now laying against each other downstairs on the couch. The clock on the wall behind them shows that it is about a quarter to nine. Carol reaches up over her shoulder and runs her hand through Doug's hair gently.
Carol:
Doug, what if I don't get pregnant?
Doug (kisses her head softly):
Then, we keep trying until you do.
Carol:
Shouldn't we be seeing some results by now?
Doug (shrugs):
We've been under a bit of stress. I think you might be panicking just a little too soon.
After all, Nurse Hathaway, you can't worry about infertility until you've been trying for
a YEAR without results.
Carol (frowns):
Don't give me that medical mumbo jumbo or yours. Patience is not one of my virtues.
Doug (grins):
I don't know about that! You're pretty patient with me.
Carol (rolls her eyes, smiles):
That's different.
(pause)
What do we want, if we're lucky enough to get pregnant?
Doug (shrugs):
A baby.
Carol (rolls her eyes again):
I KNOW that, but, do you want a son or a daughter?
Doug (toys with her hair):
I already have one of each, so, it doesn't matter. I'm not picky. I'll take whatever we
get.
Carol (looks up over her shoulder at him):
You honestly don't have any preference? At all?
Doug (shakes his head):
No...do you?
Carol (shrugs):
I guess not.
Doug (wraps his arms around her and squeezes her):
As long as it's healthy, that's all I care about.
Carol (thinking):
What if it wasn't?
Doug (confused):
What if it wasn't? You mean, suppose there is something wrong with it?
Carol (nods):
Yeah...
Doug (shrugs):
Doesn't matter. It's still our child. We get whatever we get it. And we'll take it. And
keep it. And love it.
Carol:
Are we gonna go through all those tests and stuff?
Doug (grins):
I think we're first gonna wait until you actually GET pregnant to start making decisions
like that. (kisses her head again)
OK?
Carol:
I know...I'm just trying to think ahead a little bit. I think about little things...like
which room will we use for the nursery? Things like that?
Doug:
Well, for a while, he will sleep in a bassinet in our room. Then, when he gets big enough
to move into his own room...
Carol (turns, looks at him):
He? Him? Sounds like you made up your mind!
Doug:
That's just a way of referring to him...I have this psychological thing about calling my
child 'it', OK?
Carol (smiles, pat his hand):
I understand.
(pause)
Do you have dreams for our children, Doug?
Doug (confused):
Dreams?
Carol:
Yeah...where do you see our family in ten years?
Doug (sighs):
Ten years? Oh, geez! Well, OK, I would hope we still have Tatiana with us and she is ready
to graduate from High School. I hope Scott is in college studying whatever he decides to
study and hopefully he'll be there on a sports scholarship...
(Carol rolls her eyes and snickers)
...and I see us with at least one child of our own, maybe even two.
Carol:
Two? I never said anything about two kids! Just one!
Doug (shrugs):
Well, yeah, but the first one was so much fun, we decided to have another one!
Carol:
Well, good for us!
(playfully smacks him)
Let's just get one here and see how we do, OK?
Doug (nod):
Sounds like a plan to me!
Carol:
Time for your Mom yet?
Doug (looks over his shoulder at the clock):
Any minute now.
Carol:
I'm really glad you and your Mom are spending more time together. I like your Mom.
Doug (squeezes her):
I like my Mom, too.
They hear footsteps on the porch and pull themselves off the couch to go and open the door for Sarah. Tatiana is almost asleep on her feet when they open the door. Sarah hands her over by the hand to Doug, who reaches down and just picks her up on his shoulder and carries her in.
Doug (quietly):
Thanks, Mom...any problems?
Sarah:
Oh, none at all! We had a wonderful time! Thank you, Doug, for letting me take them.
Doug:
No, Mom, thank YOU!
Sarah (pats Tatiana on the back and brushes Scott's hair):
I'll see all of you later, OK?
Carol (nods):
Sure...thanks, again, Sarah.
(closes door and turns to Scott)
OK, Bud...upstairs and brush your teeth! Dad and I will be in later, OK?
Scott (grins as he heads for the stairs):
Sure.
Tatiana (over Doug's shoulder as he carries her up the steps):
Did you make a baby?
Doug (pats her back):
I don't know yet.
Tatiana (pulls herself to look at him):
When will you know?
Doug:
Oh, not for a while yet.
Tatiana (frowns):
If Mama gets another baby, will I still be your little girl?
Doug (smiles at her):
You will ALWAYS be my little girl, OK?
Tatiana (delighted):
No matter what?
Doug (nods, matter-of-factly):
No matter what!
She is satisfied with this and hugs his neck tightly.
Cut to show time lapse. Doug is lying bed resting and Scrubs the dog is laying on the blanket at his feet. Carol comes out of the bathroom in her nightgown and crawls into bed beside him.
Carol:
Where are the clothes that were in the hamper this morning?
Doug:
I washed them.
Carol:
You did the laundry? Again!?
Doug:
Well, sure...that was OK, wasn't it?
Carol (pulls cover up over her):
I'm really going to hate to give you up when you go back to work!
(pause)
You're getting bored, aren't you?
Doug (nods):
Pretty much. I've fixed everything you had lined up for me to fix. I cleaned all the
windows. If Elaine doesn't clear me pretty soon, I'm just going to have to go against her.
I don't understand why she's making me wait so long.
Carol:
Obviously, you are just way ahead of her schedule for you.
Doug:
I miss working though....working with medicine, that is! Not that I haven't been working!
Carol:
Well, Mark misses you, too. And he said to tell you he's keeping track of all these favors
you're going to owe him whenever you come back to work.
Doug (chuckles):
Yeah, he will, too!
Carol:
I think you and Mark got a lot of things worked out in California, didn't you?
Doug (nods):
I think so.
Carol:
Exactly why DID you drag him down to San Diego if he didn't want to go?
Doug (shrugs):
I guess I just didn't want him to end up feeling like I was at that moment...that I had a
chance to say 'I love you' and I blew it!
(kisses her hair)
That's why I make it a point to say that to you every day.
Carol (pats his hand):
You don't have to say the words, Doug. You've already more than proven it.
They snuggle together and Doug reaches to turn out the light.
Fade Act Four to Black.
Closing Act
Scene opens at the Ross/Hathaway home...interior...morning. Doug comes out of the bathroom in his jeans and barefoot with a towel around his neck and wiping his mouth from brushing his teeth. He is holding an empty box in his hand and he gives Carol a coy look.
Doug (holds up the box):
An E.P.T.? Aren't you pushing it just a little bit? We just had sex last night!
Carol:
I want to know the SECOND I'm pregnant and not a minute later! Is the timer still ticking
in there?
Doug:
Yeah.
(pitches towel behind him at the hamper...makes it in)
I'm going down and start breakfast. Will you be joining us?
Carol (nods, pulls herself out of bed):
Yeah, in a few minutes, OK?
Doug (kisses her cheek gently):
OK. Anything special I can make for you?
Carol (closes her eyes dreamily):
Blueberry pancakes!
Doug:
Coming right up!
(kisses her again)
Don't be too long, OK?
Carol (nods):
OK.
Cut to show Doug at work in the kitchen making pancakes. He is singing strands to 'That's Life' which he has had stuck in his head for several days now. The kids are at the table drinking juice and waiting for the pancakes. Scott looks across the table at Tatiana and silently mouths the word 'Lame' at her, causing her to giggle quietly. Doug peers over his shoulder at them and grins at Scott.
Doug:
I saw that!
Scott (defensively):
You never used to see things like that!
Doug:
Well, I've been home for a while...picked up a few 'Mom' traits, and eyes in the back of
my head is one of them!
Scott:
I never heard that song anyway! It must be ancient! From like back when you were a little
boy, maybe?
Doug:
Not quite that long! But, it is an old song, yes. I'm sure you wouldn't even know who
Frank Sinatra is...
Scott:
GrandMa likes him...that must be where you get it from, huh?
Doug (sees Carol coming down the steps):
Yeah, that must be it.
Carol comes into the kitchen and slides casually into a chair. Doug gives her a look and she shakes her head.
Doug (quietly to her as he passes by):
We've got plenty of time...
Tatiana (matter-of-factly):
Mama?
Carol (gives her attention):
Yes, Sweetie?
Tatiana:
Where are we gonna put all the frogs?
Carol (confused):
All the what?
Tatiana (matter-of-factly):
Frogs!
Carol (still confused):
What frogs, Sweetie?
Tatiana:
Papa said he has lot of tadpoles...don't tadpoles turn into frogs?
Scott bursts out laughing, unable to hide his surprise. Doug turns away quickly so he won't start laughing in front of her. Carol just smiles and touches her daughter's hand casually.
Carol:
They aren't that kind of tadpoles, Sweetie.
(Carol shoots Doug a 'dagger' look)
Scott:
That's just the polite, term, Tatch! They're talking about sperm!
Doug (quickly):
Hey! Don't use sex words at the breakfast table!
Scott:
Dad, get real! She knows about sex! At least the simplified version of it! And you're a
doctor, for crying out loud! My teacher says if you can't explain sex in proper terms to
kids, then you shouldn't be the one talking to them about it.
Doug (nods):
Remind me to talk to your teacher next Parent/Teacher Day.
Tatiana:
So we aren't gonna have any frogs?
Carol (shakes her head):
No frogs, Sweetie. Sorry.
Tatiana:
If we did have a frog, if I kissed one, would it turn into a handsome Prince?
Doug:
No, Sweetie, I'm afraid not. That's only in fairy tales.
Carol (gives Doug a coy look):
Oh, I don't know about that...I know one that did.
Doug only smiles at her and turns back to his breakfast.
Fade into closing credit of the show.
November 16, 1997