Author's Text

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

Robin

"ER"
"Eye On The Future"
Opening Act

Scene opens at County ER. Show Carol Ross working at the front desk when Kerry Weaver comes in through the staff entrance, shaking rain off an umbrella as she comes through.

Kerry:
Good evening, Carol!

Carol (looks up):
Hey, Kerry! When did it start raining?

Kerry (sarcastically):
About the minute I stepped out the front door!

Carol (chuckles):
Yeah, that's always the way!

Kerry:
Doug working today?

Carol:
He comes in about an hour from now...he's working tonight.

Kerry (nods):
With me...of COURSE...

Carol gives her a helpless grin as Kerry shakes her head and goes into the staff lounge.

Kerry (coming back out to the desk with Carol):
So, what was Doug doing for his day off?

Carol (laughs):
Taking Marc to buy new shoes!

Kerry (rolls her eyes):
That sounds...interesting!

Carol:
Ever take a 20 month old to buy shoes? It's a real trip! Doug and I have a deal...the same parent never does the same chore twice in a row with the kids! I took Marc the last time...it was his turn now!

Kerry (serious tone):
He really seems to be good with the kids...is he? Or is that just an act when he has them around here?

Carol:
No, he's really a good father. The kids are crazy about him and vice versa. And no matter what he's doing, he's never too busy to stop for them.

Kerry:
That's really something...considering what I know about Doug...

Carol:
Doug's changed a lot, Kerry...you should give him a break.

Cut to a shopping mall, interior, children's shoe department. Show an exasperated shoe salesman working to put a pair of tennis shoes on Marc Ross, who is swinging his feet while he sits on Doug's lap. Show Tatiana Ross standing beside Doug, looking bored and anxious.

Doug:
Marc...hold your feet still, son...

Tatiana (tugging his arm):
Papa, I want to show you something...

Doug (nods):
In a minute, Punkin...we have to take care of Marc first...

Salesman (finally gets shoe on, steps back):
There!

Doug (puts Marc on the floor):
OK, Slugger...let's see how they fit...
(feels the toe of the shoe...Marc steps on his hand)
Ouch! Marc! Come on...
(Marc giggles)

Tatiana (tugging Doug's arm):
NOW can I show you something?

Doug (growing irritated):
In a MINUTE, Tatchie...
(feels around Marc's foot with the shoe on, Marc tries to step away from him, Doug keeps a hold on his arm to keep him from running off)

Tatiana:
I'm going right over here to the toys, Papa, OK?

Doug (nods, half listening):
Yeah, OK, Tatch...that's fine.
(still feeling Marc's feet)
These seem to fit OK and still give him some room.
(Looks up at the sales clerk)
OK...we'll take them!

Show Doug holding Marc in his arms with his new shoes on paying for the purchase at the cash register. The clerk gives him change and Marc's old shoes in a store bag. Doug turns around to Tatiana, who is now no where to be seen.

Doug (turning):
OK, Tatchie...what did you want to show me?
(Surprised look to find Tatiana is not behind him)
Tatch?
(turns back to the sales clerk)
Did you see where my daughter went?

Sales Clerk (shakes his head):
No, sir...I'm sorry, I didn't.

Doug (goes through the department looking around):
Tatch?
(doesn't see her and heads away from the shoe department)
Tatchie?
(starting to panic now that he can't find her. Marc is patting his face and babbling as Doug carries him through the store)
Tatiana?
(concerned now, he stops and looks around. Then approaches a young girl behind a perfume counter)
Excuse me...how do I find a lost child in this store?

Girl (smiles):
Just go to Customer Service and they'll page the child for you.

Doug (nods):
Thank you...
(pats Marc on the back)
And now you know why YOU are never on the floor...
(walks through the store and approaches the customer service desk)c Clerk (smiles at him):
May I help you, Sir?

Doug (nods):
Yes, I'm looking for my daughter...can you page her for me, please? Tatiana Ross?

Clerk:
Yes, sir.

Doug:
Ask her to come back to the shoe department...I'll wait for her there. Thank you.

Doug carried Marc back through the store to the shoe department, Marc patting Doug's face and giggling with his babbling, but, Doug is starting to panic. His mind is filled with a vision of a stranger dragging Tatiana out the front door of the mall and he shakes it off quickly. He rounds the corner to find Tatiana standing in the middle of the aisle, her hands on her hips, and tapping her foot angrily.

Tatiana (annoyed tone):
You WEREN'T where I left you!

Doug (half angry, half relieved to see her):
I wasn't where YOU left ME? What about you? You know better than to wander off like that!

Tatiana (matter of factly):
I TOLD you I was going to toys! You said it was OK! Then I came back and you were gone! You're supposed to stay where you are until someone comes to get you!

Doug:
Yeah, that's the rule! So why didn't you stay in toys?

Tatiana (rolls her eyes):
Because you paged me to come to the shoe department!

Doug (shakes his head):
Oh...OK...never mind...we're all here now...let's just get OUT of here!
(takes Tatiana by the hand and starts away with both children. He gets to the door and sees the rain falling outside)
Great...something tells me it's going to be a LONG night...

He opens his coat to shield Tatiana and puts the bag over Marc's head to keep the rain off him as he starts out the door into the rain and the Opening Act Fades into the Opening Credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at County ER. Show Kerry Weaver and Carol Ross working at the front desk. Cut to show Doug coming in through the staff entrance. He is carrying Marc and Tatiana is following close beside him. He comes up and stops at the desk. Carol is working and doesn't look up but Marc gets her attention.

Marc:
Ma-Ma!
(reaches his hands to Carol)

Carol (looks up and smiles):
Hey, there, Marcus!
(reaches to take him in her arms)
Did you get a new pair of shoes.

Doug (groans):
Oh yeah!

Carol (grins):
You look a little harried...you OK?

Doug:
Trust me when I tell you...you DON'T want to know.

Tatiana (matter of factly):
Papa got lost!

Doug:
I wasn't the one that got lost, Little Lady!

Tatiana:
Yes, you were! I went right back where I left you and you were gone so YOU'RE the one that got lost!

Doug (rolls his eyes at Carol):
It's a long story...I'll tell you later.

Kerry (smiles at Carol with Marc):
My goodness, he's getting big!

Carol (beaming):
Growing like a weed...can you say hello to Kerry, Marc?
(takes his hand and waves to Kerry)
Say 'hi'...
(Marc shyly buries his head in Carol's shoulder)

Kerry (chuckles):
Lady killer...just like his Dad...

Doug (quietly):
Thanks, Kerry...I think that's about the nicest thing I ever heard you say about me.

Carol:
Well, you're on...I'm off...I'll take the kids...what time will you be ready?

Doug:
I don't know...I'll call you, OK?

Carol (comes around the counter):
OK...take it easy with your back...
(kisses him lightly)
I'll see you later.
(reaches for her daughter's hand)
Let's go, Tatch!

Doug heads into the lounge to hang up his jacket as Carol heads out of the ER with her children. Kerry stands and watches her go and she is smiling when Doug comes back out to the desk.

Doug (picking up files):
What's so funny?

Kerry:
I was just smiling at your family...one child belongs to both of you and one child doesn't belong to either of you by blood, yet, you can't tell the difference.

Doug (grins):
That's the way it's supposed to be, Kerry.

Kerry:
I know, but, you and I both know not every parent is capable of it.

Doug (nods):
That's very true...we see enough of that around here...that's for sure.
(pause)
Listen, Kerry, I was hoping we might get a chance to talk...

Kerry (nonchalantly):
Talk about what?

Doug:
Talk about us...and our differences with each other...we've kind of been at odds with each other lately and I don't think it's a good environment for working. Not to mention it's hard on Mark...he's caught between administration and friendship and I don't think that's a good place for him to be...

Kerry:
The fact that you can even consider someone else is amazing enough for me to want to hear more...
(nods)
...sure, Doug...I'll be happy to talk with you.

Doug (nods):
Great...whenever you have time...just look me up.
(picks up a file and starts away...gets to the hallway and turns back)
Is Mark working tonight?

Kerry:
He should be in later...

Doug:
Let me know when he gets here, OK? I've got a couple of med school files I want to go over with him!

Kerry (nods):
Sure thing, Doug.

Doug goes on down the hall and punches the button for the elevator. While he waits, he can't resist going over to the new Pedes wing and flipping on the light to have a look around. Everything is ready for the grand opening and in place just waiting for people. He turns to flip the light off and quickly grabs his back with both hands. He winces and stands still for a minute, but, then recovers and goes to catch the waiting elevator.

Cut to the Greene home. Show Mark Greene gathering up things to leave for the hospital. Nina Pomerantz-Greene comes into the room, bringing him his raincoat.

Nina:
Bad night out there.

Mark (nods):
Yeah, that usually means a high volume of people in the ER...Doug and Kerry are working together tonight...I just hope one of the patients on the table doesn't end up being one or the other of them.

Nina (chuckles):
Oh, now, they're not that bad.
(pause)
Did you get through all your files?

Mark (nods):
Yeah...there's a transfer order for an Intern I want Doug to look at...his credentials are good...he might be what Doug needs to replace Anna...

Nina (smiles):
I heard Anna and Max are getting married!

Mark:
That's what I heard, too...love blooms at County!
(chuckles)
Will you be OK here alone?

Nina (grins at him):
What, you don't think I'm afraid or anything do you?

Mark (shakes his head):
Oh, no! Not you!

Nina (looking over file):
This is the intern? Trent Jacobs?

Mark (nods):
Yeah...do you know him?

Nina:
Not personally, but I've heard of him. He went to school at UCLA...wonder why he would want to transfer here?

Mark:
Change of scenery, maybe. His profile says he's not exactly the easiest guy in the world to get along with.

Nina (smiles):
Ummmm...sounds like a resident I once knew...

Mark (grins, nods):
Yeah...me too...that's why I'm going to recommend Doug approve the transfer and take him...

Nina:
Paybacks ARE a bitch!

Mark (kisses her lightly):
Take care of things...don't let the girls drive you crazy...I'll call you later.

Nina (walks him to the door):
You be careful out there.

Mark (starts out the door):
Always...

Nina stands and watches him go, then closes the door, secure in the warmth and light of the house.

Cut to County Hospital, interior, Doug's office. Show Doug sitting at his desk going over several files in front of him. His attention is caught however, by the basketball hoop on the wall across from him. He gets into his desk drawer and takes out a nerf basketball. He goes over and begins playing one on one with himself, imaginarily dribbling and moving around an imaginary opponent and shooting the ball. On one shot, he reaches back and grips his back suddenly. He leans painfully over to pick up the ball from the floor and walks gingerly and carefully back to his desk, easing himself gently into his chair. He rolls his head back and his expression is obvious pain. He reaches into his desk drawer and takes out a prescription bottle and shakes out two pills. He reaches under his desk and picks up his cane and pulls himself to his feet. He walks slowly out the door and down the hall to the water fountain to take his meds. He is starting to hobble back to his office when Mark comes out of the elevator.

Mark (greeting Doug heartily):
Hey, Bud! I thought you were off the cane now!

Doug (nods):
I was...but I was goofing off in my office and I moved wrong. It's hurting pretty good right now...just took some meds. I'll be fine.

Mark:
I need to talk to you, if you have time.

Doug:
Sure...my office or yours?

Mark:
Mine...I want to get dried off a little bit!

Doug follows Mark down the hall to his office. They go in together…Doug slides into a chair, Mark hangs up his wet raincoat.

Mark (as he heads for his desk):
I wanted to talk to you about a replacement for Anna in the ER...
(hands Doug the file)
...see what you think.

Doug (opens file):
Trent Jacobs? What are you, kidding?

Mark:
You know him?

Doug:
I met him at a Pedes convention a couple of years ago when he was still in Med school...I think he's probably a good doctor because he's really smart, but, his attitude needs some adjusting.

Mark (grins):
Remind you of anybody you know?

Doug (chuckles):
USED to know...I'm not like that anymore.

Mark:
The kid has great credentials, Doug...he's young...and he's smart...he would be a good addition to the staff.

Doug:
Does this have anything to do with 'what goes around, comes around' or anything?

Mark (shrugs):
Call it what you like...but I think you're just the guy to make an excellent doctor out of him.

Doug (chuckles):
Can Kerry Weaver handle two of us she can't do anything with?

Mark:
You let me worry about Kerry...you just worry about getting your back well in time to open that wing in a few days!

Doug:
I'll read the file and give it consideration, OK? And we can talk about it again later.

Mark (nods):
Good enough.
(Doug gets up to leave and leans on the desk a minute before he starts away)
IF your back gets to giving you too much trouble, you might want to let us look at it downstairs.

Doug (gets to the door):
I know the ropes, Mark...I've been down there enough times.

Mark chuckles as Doug goes on out the door. Focus on his eyes deep in thought.

*****Flashback*****

Show David Morganstern sitting at his desk with Mark sitting across from him, several years before. Mark carries an exasperated look on his face and a desperate tone in his voice.

Mark:
Why did you put me as the one to watch over him, David? He's like nothing I've ever seen before!

David:
You're in charge of the ER...he's doing his fellowship in the ER...

Mark:
He's in Pediatrics...why isn't Neil Bernstein keeping an eye on him?

David:
Neil is his overall supervisor and only in Pediatrics...you are to oversee his ER work...you're the one that's with him most!

Mark (shakes his head):
He's a cowboy, David...he doesn't believe in authority...

David (nods):
He does believe in it...and he does abide it except when he gets off on his own standings. He's a good doctor, Mark...he just needs someone to settle him down a little...and I think that person is you...

*****Flashback to present*****

Show Mark with a soft smile, shaking his head, and grabbing a file to get to work as Act One Fades to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens at the Ross home. Show Carol curled up on the sofa with a book when the doorbell rings. She goes over to open the door and finds a young girl standing there. She is Taryn Gillispie. She has on a pink rain slicker, blue jeans, and a t-shirt, has long blonde hair and a bright smile even through the gloomy weather. Carol is taken aback to find her.

Taryn (brightly):
Hi, Mrs. Ross! Is Scotty home?

Carol:
Yeah...I think he's here...who should I say is calling?

Scott (pushes past Carol to get to the door):

Mom! This is Taryn! I told you about her!

Carol:
You didn't tell me she was coming out in a monsoon to come over here!
(Taryn steps into the house and Scott starts helping her with her slicker)

Scott:
Well, I wasn't sure she would get here! Mom, this is Taryn Gillispie, Taryn, this is my Mom, Carol.

Taryn (reaches her hand to Carol for her to shake):
Very nice to meet you, Mrs. Ross.

Carol (shakes with her, nods):
Yes, Taryn, likewise, I'm sure.

Scott (takes Taryn by the hand):
We're going to study in the family room...could you kind of keep Tatchie out of there...we'd like a little privacy, please?

Carol (suspicious):
Privacy? To study?
(Scott gives her the dreaded 'MOM' look, Carol nods)
Yeah, OK...I'll keep her busy.

Scott and Taryn go one way through the house. Carol goes back to her book but just gets sat down when Marc begins to cry from his room. Carol sighs and puts her book on the coffee table.

Carol (as she goes through the house):
Mommy's coming, Marcus!

Cut to County ER. Show Doug working at the front desk when a woman comes into the ER quickly , carrying a six year old child in her arms. The child is wheezing and is very red in the face from distress.

Woman:
Someone help me, please! I need a doctor!

Doug darts around the counter quickly, making an expression of slight pain as he runs down the hall to meet the woman.

Doug (reaching for the child):
What happened? Is this your child?

Woman:
No, it's my neighbor's child...I was watching her while her mother works...I left her alone for a minute while I did some laundry and when I came back, she was gasping for air.

Doug (takes the child in his arms):
OK, Ma'am...don't panic...
(Doug starts down the hall with the woman right behind him but he stops quickly when he sees John Carter)
Carter! Take this little girl into three...she's having respiratory problems and I'll be right there, OK?

Carter (takes the child from Doug's arms):
Sure thing, Dr. Ross.

The woman follows Carter into the trauma room with the child, but Doug stays pressed against the wall, breathing slightly hard and his head rested against the wall.

Kerry (looks up from the desk):
Aren't you going in to assist Carter?

Doug:
I would...if I could move.

Kerry (concerned):
What are you talking about?

Doug:
My back's locked up...if I take one step I'm going to fall flat on my face...

Kerry (starts around the desk):
You need a wheelchair?

Doug (laughs nervously):
No...I'll be OK in a minute...it's just a twinge...

Kerry (turns):
Jerry! Get me a gurney, please!

Doug:
I DON'T need a gurney!

Kerry:
Can you walk?
(Doug shakes his head slowly)
Then you need a gurney...
(Jerry pushes a gurney to her, she pats the top of it)
Come on...climb up here...you need some help?

Doug (slides carefully onto the table):
No, I got it...

Kerry (as she wheels Doug down the hall):
Jerry, page Mark Greene for me, please.

Doug (gives her a careful look):
What do we need Mark for?

Kerry (grins):
You always want Mark taking care of you...besides, I'll need back up.

Kerry pushes Doug into an empty room and begins working over him while they wait for Mark to respond to the page.

Kerry:
Can you describe the pain?

Doug:
Severe at this point...

Kerry:
I'm gonna order an MRI, OK? And see what's going on in there...how long has it hurt like this?

Doug:
A couple of days.

Cut to show Mark coming into the room and he goes directly over to the table beside Kerry.

Mark:
What happened?

Doug:
I got a twinge in my back and Kerry freaked out.

Kerry (matter of factly):
He was pressed against the wall and he said he couldn't move...I thought we better check it out.

Mark (nods):
Good idea...did you order an MRI?

Kerry (nods):
Yes, I did.

Mark:
OK, then, we'll send you up for that and when we get the results back, we'll talk, OK?

Doug (scoffs a little):
I'm sure I'm fine...it's just a little twinge...muscle spasm most likely.

Mark:
Doug, you're a doctor...you KNOW what a muscle spasm does to a patient...would you be telling a patient in your condition it was just a 'muscle spasm'?

Doug (frowns):
Probably not.

Mark:
You'd be ordering an MRI and wait for the results, right?

Doug (frowns, nods):
I suppose...

Mark (grins):
So, off you go, Bud...
(turns to Kerry)
Let me know when you have the results?

Kerry (nods):
Sure.

Cut to the Ross home. Show Carol working in the kitchen, straining to see into the family room to watch Taryn and Scott. Tatiana is eating cookies and drinking milk at the table. Marc is in his high chair with a toddler mug of milk. He is wearing most of his cookie on his face and his hands. Tatiana grins at Carol trying to see into the family room.

Tatiana:
What are you doing, Mama?

Carol (turns her attention back to cleaning the counter):
I'm cleaning the counter!

Tatiana (giggles):
You're spying on Scotty!

Carol (shakes her head):
No, I'm not...

Tatiana:
Only because you can't see into the family room!

Carol:
That's none of your business, young lady! Eat your cookies.
(brightens with an idea, places cookies on a plate and pours 2 glasses of milk)
Watch your brother...I'll be right back.

Carol takes the cookies into the family room. She stops in the door way at the sight of Taryn and Scott locked in a kiss on the sofa in front of the TV. They hear her come in and quickly break apart.

Carol (softly):
I thought you guys might want to take a break?

Scott (nods nervously):
Sure, Mom...that's great...thanks!

Carol (puts the cookies and milk down on the coffee table):
Well, there you go. I hope you enjoy it.
(starts slowly out of the room)

Taryn (turns to Scott, smiles):
Your Mom is so cool! My Mom would've freaked out if she'd come in like that!

Scott (grins, nods):
Yeah...she's pretty cool, all right.

Carol goes back to the kitchen and back to cleaning the counter.

Tatiana:
Were they necking?

Carol (shakes her head):
No...not quite...
(softly, under her breath)
Not yet, anyway.
(looks over at Marc, covered with cookie crumbs and smiling wide)
Come on, Marcus...bath time.

Tatiana (jumps up from the table):
Can I help?!

Carol (nods, takes her by the hand):
Yeah, sure...come on...

Cut back to County Hospital. Show Kerry Weaver looking over x-rays in a dark room. She looks at several and her attention is caught by one in particular. She pulls it down and looks closely at it.

Kerry (shaking her head):
Oh no...just what I was afraid of.

She starts out of the room and is met in the hall way by Jerry, looking for her.

Jerry:
Dr. Carter needs Dr. Ross...do you know where he is now?

Kerry:
Dr. Ross in unavailable right now...tell Dr. Carter to get Dr. Greene...you'll have to page him....and I need to talk to him, too...

Jerry (nods):
Sure thing.

Show Kerry go to the front desk and pick up the phone. She punches in a number and cut to show Carol being splashed by Marc in the bathtub when we hear the phone ring.

Carol (groans):
Oh...damn!
(turns to Tatiana)
OK, Tatch...do me a BIG favor and stay here with Marc...I'll be right back, OK?

Tatiana (nods proudly):
OK, Mama!

Carol gets up off her knees and runs through the house to answer the phone, carrying it with her back through the house to the bathroom.

Carol (into receiver):
Hello?

Kerry:
Carol? It's Kerry Weaver...I'm sorry to bother you at home...

Carol:
Something's happened to Doug?

Kerry:
Well, he's been having some trouble with his back...

Carol:
Yes, I know he has...is he OK?

Kerry:
It locked up on him tonight and I got him to let me run an MRI...I'm afraid the results aren't as good as I hoped. I'm going to talk to him in a bit, but, I thought you might want to be with him when I do...

Carol:
It's bad then?

Kerry:
It's pretty serious, Carol...do you want me to wait for you?

Carol:
Yeah...I'll be right there! Thanks, Kerry.
(hangs up the phone, reaches into the tub)
Come on, Marcus...let's get you out of here...

She wraps the toddler in a towel and starts out of the bathroom with him as Act Two Fades to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens with Carol coming through the staff entrance into the ER. Kerry is waiting for her at the front desk, and comes into the walk way to meet her quickly.

Kerry:
I haven't talked to Doug yet...I wanted to confer with you and Mark before we talk to him...

Carol:
How serious is this? Is he going to be OK?

Kerry:
I think that's going to be up to him...

Cut to show Mark, Kerry, and Carol looking at x-rays in a dimly lit room. Kerry is using a pointer to highlight what she's talking about.

Kerry:
It's a herniated disc...right here...
(points to lower back region)

Mark:
So, that's why he's having twinges and still having pain nearly a month after the incident?

Kerry (nods):
Exactly.

Carol (confused):
Herniated disc...I don't think I've ever heard of that.

Kerry:
Well, it just simply means the disc is slipped and is protruding from the spinal chord...that's why he's having so much trouble.

Carol:
Well, what do you do for it?

Kerry (serious tone):
In most cases the disc has to be removed and the vertebrae is fused together.

Carol (concerned):
Isn't that dangerous?

Kerry (nods):
It can be...yes.

Carol:
OK, now, I want us to talk this out as a team before we talk to Doug, OK? So, I'll know how to counsel him on this…if he has this surgery...will he be OK?

Kerry:
The surgery has been done successfully, yes.

Carol:
But, there is a risk?

Mark:
Anytime you operate on the spinal column, there's always a risk.

Carol:
So, what are the risks? He could be paralyzed, right?

Kerry (nods):
That would be the worst scenario, yes.

Carol (looking hard at the x-rays):
And the best is that he'll walk out of here OK?

Mark:
He won't walk out of here fine...he may be released to extensive physical therapy...this is going to be a long procedure for him no matter which road he takes.

Carol:
OK, let's say he doesn't have the surgery...what then?

Kerry (shrugs):
He'll just go on like he is now...having trouble walking and his back bothering him all the time...having this pain he's living with now. His physical activity will be severely restricted. He won't be able to play basketball...or pick up his children.

Carol (looks helplessly at Mark and Kerry):
What do the two of you recommend?

Mark:
I would advise him to have the surgery.

Kerry (nods):
Likewise.

Carol:
If it was you, would you be so sure about that decision?

Mark:
I can only tell you what I would tell a patient as a doctor...and right now, that's the relationship Doug and I happen to have.

Carol (sighs):
I guess we better go break this to him.

Cut to show Kerry, Mark, and Carol coming into the room where Doug is still resting following his series of x-rays. He is sitting up on the bed, wearing a scrub top, and has the sheet pulled up to his chest. He grins sadly when he sees the three of them come into his room.

Doug (chuckles lightly):
Uh oh...must be pretty serious if you had to call my wife in for consult.

Kerry:
The x-rays results weren't quite as good as I hoped, no.

Doug (nods):
OK...so what's wrong?

Kerry (sits him up on the bed and pulls the back of his scrub top up):
You have a herniated disc right here...
(take her hand and lays it over the lower back region)

Doug (nods, leans back on the bed as Kerry moves away):
That's why it hurts so much, huh?

Kerry (nods):
Yeah, that would explain why it's not getting any better.

Doug:
Has it been there all along?

Mark (shrugs):
It's possible that it was so small in the beginning that it went undetected by the x-rays and since it's been untreated it's just gotten worse.

Doug (bites his lip):
And this is from falling down the stairs, right?

Mark (nods):
Probably.

Doug (looks at Carol):
So, what is it you're gonna tell me that you had to have my wife here for?

Carol:
They want to do surgery and fuse the vertebrae...

Doug (looks at Mark):
Isn't that pretty serious?

Mark:
It's not a routine procedure, I'll be honest with you.

Doug:
What are the odds?

Kerry:
Same as any other odds on back surgery...maybe a little higher risk factor.

Doug (looks at Carol):
And if I don't have the surgery?

Carol (sad smile):
You won't be able to play basketball anymore...or pick up your kids...

Mark (softly):
And there's a possibility it can get worse to the point that you could be in a wheelchair inside a year.

Doug (looks at his hands):
I guess we can't let something like that happen, can we?
(Looks at Carol)
Can I have some time with Carol? Talk it over with her?

Kerry (nods):
Sure...

Mark (pats Doug's shoulder):
Take all the time you need, Pal...just let us know what you decide.

Kerry and Mark go quietly out of the room. Carol sits on the edge of Doug's bed and he reaches his hand to her to clasp it almost clingingly.

Doug (softly):
I'm glad you came.

Carol (sad look):
Kerry called me. I knew when she called it had to be something pretty serious.

Doug:
So, what should we do?

Carol (shakes her head):
This is not a 'we' decision, Doug. This is something you have to decide on your own.

Doug:
Oh no...what happened to 'everything we do as one effects both of us' agreement?

Carol (grins, looks down):
OK...you're right...this effects both of us as well as the rest of the family. (Looks up at Doug)
But, Honey, I can't tell you what to do.

Doug:
What would you do?

Carol (shakes her head):
I don't know. I guess I'd have to think about it...
(grins)
...maybe ask my husband what he thought about it.

Doug (chuckles):
I got a feeling he wouldn't be much help!

Carol:
Not anymore help than I am to you, I guess.

Doug:
I'll tell you what...I'll ask Kerry or Mark if they can give me something for this pain I'm having, and we'll check out this surgery and get a better understanding of our risks before I make a formal decision...how's that?

Carol (nods):
OK...how much time are we talking about?

Doug:
Let's not do anything until the Pedes wing opens, OK? That's less than a week away. I should be able to find out some things about this surgery and talk to some surgeons about it in that amount of time and then we'll have enough things gathered to know what the best thing to do is.

Carol:
You know you'll end up having the surgery...

Doug (nods):
Most likely, I will...but if I'm going to end up in a wheelchair either, I want to know if I have any other options to consider first.
(Carol nods, Doug pats her hand)
Go get Kerry...or Mark...and ask them if they can give me something for this pain and then you can take me home, OK?

Carol (nods, kisses his cheek):
OK...I'll be right back.

Carol goes out of the room and show her going down to where Mark and Kerry are conferring at the front desk.

Mark (grins at her):
Has he made a decision already?

Carol (nods slightly):
Sort of...he wants to wait until after the dedication of the new wing and then he'll probably have the surgery. That will give him some time to check all this stuff out and weigh all the pros and cons at once. What he wants to know right now is if there is something you can give him to control some of the pain between now and the time he has the surgery?

Kerry (nods):
Yes...there's an injection...

Mark (shakes his head):
It's given daily and injected into the region that is damaged...it's not a very pleasant experience.

Carol (shrugs):
He said to ask.

Kerry (looks at Mark):
You want to talk to him? Or do you want me to?

Mark (shrugs):
He's pretty much your patient right now...I guess you better talk to him.

Kerry nods and she and Carol head down to Doug's room. Show John Carter coming out of a trauma room with a young patient in a wheel chair and the woman who brought her in walking along with them.

Mark (looks up from the desk):
Everything go OK Dr. Carter?

Carter (smiles, nods):
Everything's fine, Dr. Greene...thanks for your help.

Cut to show Kerry and Carol back in Doug's room, standing by his bed with him.

Doug (grins):
Uh oh...the double female whammy crew...what now?

Kerry:
You asked about something for the pain...I can give you an injection...but if I start them, you have to take one every day until the disc is repaired for it to do any good.

Doug (nods):
Injection...OK...I assume I have to take this injection in my back?
(Kerry nods)
Can somebody here give it to me? Or do I have to go someplace else?

v Kerry:
I can give it to you.

Doug (nods):
OK...let's do it.

Kerry:
Before I do, I want to warn you that it's not a very pleasant experience...

Doug (chuckles):
Anything involving needles never is, Kerry...go get the medicine...I can take it.

Kerry nods and goes out of the room. Carol stays with Doug, giving him a sad smile. Doug gives her a light frown and a sigh as Act Three Fades to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens with Kerry preparing to give Doug the painkiller he requested. Doug is on his side on the table and Kerry is swabbing his lower back with an alcohol prep wipe. Carol watches painfully as Kerry fills the syringe from a vial of medicine. Doug cannot see it, but he sees Carol's face and he chuckles. Doug:
It's going into me, Hon...not you.

Carol:
I know...but it's going to hurt you.

Doug (reaches for her hand):
I'll be fine.

Kerry (comes to the table holding the syringe):
OK, Doug, what I need you to do is arch back...not curl up in a ball, OK?

Doug (nods slowly):
OK.

Doug reaches behind him and grips the rail of the bed with both hands. Kerry gets on eye level with the area she's going to inject and carefully stabs the needle into Doug's skin. Doug bites his lip and winces against the pain but doesn't let go of the bed rail. Kerry continues to ease the needle into his back slowly. The further in it goes, the more painful it becomes...and the more Doug reacts. He is gasping and biting his lip, groaning out ad libs of 'Oh, God' and 'How much longer' while Carol looks on with a helpless and painful look. She wants to reach out to him, but, she knows she can't take his hands off the bed rails because he has to remain in that position. Finally, she looks helplessly at Kerry.

Carol:
Can't you do this any faster?

Kerry (shakes her head):
No...I have to be careful and precise...I can't risk hitting that disc and damaging it further...
(looks at Doug)
You OK, Doug?

Doug (nods shortly):
Yeah...just get this over with, OK?

Kerry (nods):
I'm doing the best I can.

Kerry continues to ease the needle into Doug's back and Doug continues to voice his pain. Finally, the needle is in place and Kerry injects the medicine in, pulls the needle out, and places a gauze patch over the injected area.

Kerry (looks at Carol):
Just hold that there a minute...he'll be fine....I'll be back in a few minutes.

Kerry goes out of the room while Carol holds the patch on Doug's back. Doug finally lets go of the bed rail and curls himself into a ball, trying to get relief for the pain in his back, but the pain is too much for him. He reaches his hand to Carol and pulls her close to him, burying his head against her. She strokes his hair gently and kisses the top of his head.

Carol (lays her head down against his):
Shhh....it's all right now...
(pats his back and holds him close to her)
Did it hurt that much?

Doug (muffled, talking into her chest):
I don't know how many of those I can take...we better start looking into the surgery...fast!

Carol:
I'm going to let you get yourself settled down a little bit, OK? And then I'll take you home...do you need anything?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, my jacket and some files from my office...

Carol:
I'll go get them for you...you just rest, OK?
(kisses his head)

Show Carol go out of the room and into the hallway. She passes Kerry on her way to the elevator.

Carol:
He's having a lot of pain, is he supposed to have that?

Kerry (nods):
I warned him that it wasn't a pleasant experience.

Carol (frowns):
I've known Doug for years and I don't think I've ever seen him cry...are you sure he'll be OK?

Kerry:
Yeah, he'll be fine. Depending on how many of those he takes, he might even get used to them.

Carol:
I'm going up to his office and get some things he needs and then he's going home...can someone cover for him the rest of his shift?

Kerry:
Mark will, I'm sure...and John Carter is here.

Carol nods and gets into the elevator. Show Kerry go back down to Doug's room to check on her patient.

Kerry (coming through the door):
Feeling any better?

Doug:
Everything's getting numb...is it supposed to do that?

Kerry:
Yeah, and then that should wear off in about an hour. You should notice some difference in the morning.

Doug:
Then, we have to do this again tomorrow, right?

Kerry (nods):
And then every day until you have the surgery.

Doug:
You'll give them to me, right?

Kerry:
Unless you'd prefer someone else did...

Doug:
No, that's OK...you know what you're doing and I trust you...I want you to give them to me.
(pause)
You have time for that talk with me now?

Kerry (pulls up a stool and sits beside his bed):
Sure...what's on your mind?

Doug:
Well, first of all, I want to tell you I really appreciate all the extra attention you've given me with this...you've really gone out of your way and I want you to know it's appreciated.

Kerry (grins):
Well, we can't let anything happen to you, Doug...it would be pretty dull around here without you.

Doug:
You know, Kerry, I don't know how we got so off track with each other. I know it wasn't over Marc, because we were off track a long time before that.

Kerry:
We just don't agree on what kind of things are important.

Doug:
I think we agree on what's important...we just don't agree on it at the same time. When we both started working here, there just seemed to be a tension field between us right from the start...even before anything ever happened.

Kerry:
Well, Doug, you just have to remember that I knew you when you were an arrogant, obnoxious resident who was stealing drugs out of the supply room when you thought nobody was looking...it's hard to put that image behind me sometimes.

Doug (chuckles):
I always thought it was because I never asked you for a date!
(Kerry lowers her eyes with a hurt expression on her face)
Oh, hey...I'm sorry, Kerry...that was out of line...I'm sorry.

Kerry:
The truth is, Doug, you represented the kind of man I resented...the self centered male who thought women were ornaments...just something flashy to show off on your arm when you wanted to impress your friends...that, to me, is the way most men are in the world.

Doug (shakes her head):
No...there's a few good men out there...Mark Greene isn't like that...

Kerry:
The truth is, most men really aren't like that...I just had some bad experiences early on in my life. It's hard for me to see that you're really not like that anymore. You're settled and dedicated...you're devoted to Carol and your children are crazy about you...I don't know how you changed, but, I need to accept the fact that you have and get over my feelings about the past.

Doug:
It wasn't easy getting that way...I turned myself inside out to get that way. There were times when I felt like giving it all up, but, I knew to have Carol, I had to change...and I knew I wanted Carol...I had to have her...she was the lifeline I had to shoot for.

Kerry:
The fact that you realized you had a problem and did something about it makes you a big person.

Doug:
I guess I was never very nice to you. I wasn't used to a woman being my boss and having so much pull with administration. I was never very fair to you.
(reaches her his hand to shake)
What do you say we let by gones be by gones and focus on the future?

Kerry (shakes hands with him):
I don't think we'll ever be friends...
(chuckles)
Nor do I think we'll ever be on the same side of the rules...
(Doug chuckles)
But maybe we at least understand each other a little better.
(pause)
You take care of that back, OK? And I'll see you tomorrow for another treatment.

Doug (nods):
I'll be here.
(as Kerry starts for the door)
Thanks, again, Kerry...

Kerry (going out the door):
Just doing my job, Dr. Ross.

Show Carol coming back in as Kerry is going out. Doug swings his feet around the table now to sit up carefully, putting his hand on his back and stretching it just a bit as he does. Carol reaches over to the chair and picks up his jeans to hand them to him.

Carol (grins):
Can you get into these by yourself, or do you need me to help you?

Doug (chuckles):
If you help me, I'll never get them zipped.

Carol (hands him his cane):
Come on, Gramps...lean on me and I'll take you home.

Doug (groans):
Don't call me 'Gramps'!

He leans on his cane and wraps an arm around Carol and hobbles slowly with her support out the door. He gives a short wave to Mark and Kerry as he passes them at the front desk.

Kerry:
Put some heat on it, Doug...that'll help.

Doug (nods slowly):
Thanks, Kerry.

Mark:
If you don't feel like coming in tomorrow, Doug, just call me...and I'll cover for you, OK?

Doug (nods again):
Thanks, Mark.

Mark (turns to Kerry as Doug and Carol disappear out the door):
What were you and Doug talking about in there?

Kerry (matter of factly):
I guess you could say we were burying the hatchet.

Mark:
Does that mean you're not going to suggest he be written up for leaving his shift early?

Kerry (grins):
I think under the circumstances, Mark, anyone would understand.

Cut to show Carol helping Doug buckle the seat belt in the van and closing the door to close him in. It's not raining any longer, but there are puddles of water standing all around. Carol comes around and gets into the driver's seat and starts the engine.

Doug:
I want to go out by the new house before we go home...just to see how it's coming along.

Carol (nods):
OK...I got a call from the contractors...they have the floor in and the roof on...they'll give me a key as soon as they have the doors on.

Doug (stares out the window as they drive along):
Carol...are you happy?
(looks over at her)
Are you happy with me?

Carol (almost laughs):
Of course I am! Why wouldn't I be?

Doug (thinking):
Did I used to be the kind of man who treated women like ornaments to wear on my arm when I wanted to impress my friends?

Carol:
I don't think I'd go that far with you...but you have changed a lot.

Doug:
Yeah...now I have grey hair...I wear bifocals...and I'm walking with a cane!

Carol (laughs):
Yeah...that's what I get being a young woman in my thirties married to an 'old man' of forty!
(Doug gives her a look)
I'm KIDDING, Doug...lighten up! What's got you so serious all the sudden?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know...there just always seems to be something wrong with me...we just go from one crisis to another...

Carol (nods):
That's part of life, Doug...

Doug (stares back out the window):
Makes me wonder what's going to happen next...

Carol (grins):
Keeps our lives interesting...

Carol reaches to turn on the radio as Doug continues to stare off out the window into the night as Act Four Fades to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens with Doug and Carol walking into the shell structure of their new home. They only lights are the bare light bulbs in a strip the construction crew is using as they walk through. Doug leans on his cane, and gasps every once in a while with the pain in his back, but, with Carol's support, he stays with her.

Carol (looking up at the ceiling):
This place is HUGE!

Doug:
And the BEST thing about it is NO STEPS!

Carol (laughs):
We'll get you a ramp!

Doug (gives her a look):
You're laughing...
(lowers his eyes in thought)

Carol:
Something wrong?

Doug:
I was just thinking that when we ordered the plans for this house, we had one extra child...I guess now we'll just have a room for the Mrs. Lincoln to live in.

Carol (sighs, rubs his back):
I miss Raoul, too...he was a great kid...I've been thinking maybe we might look into another foster child...

Doug (shakes his head):
No...no more foster kids...I can't take it. I get too attached and there's no promise we get to raise them...no...if we expand our family again we'll just adopt outright. No way I'm putting any of us through that again.

Carol:
The idea the kids had was great, though, wasn't it?

Doug (smiles, nods):
Yes, it was. We have a board meeting soon after the wing opening and I'm going to present it to them then. I think they'll go for it...what's more...I think the Carter Foundation will go in halves with me to sponsor it.

Carol:
The idea of a house where kids like Raoul can stay for a while if the parents agree to go into the help classes is a good one...it might really make a difference in some kid's life.

Doug:
Most parents don't WANT to abuse their kids...they just don't realize they need help. If their kids can go to a 'safe house' while they get help and never leave their custody, and they can still visit with them while they're all getting help, it just might be a plan that works.
(looks around)
I want us to come up here by ourselves one night before we move in...while this place is still empty and still...because it'll never be that way again after we're all here.

Carol (sighs):
That's for sure. Tatiana is getting into music and Xena the Warrior Princess now...Marc is going to be 2 years old soon and he's into everything not nailed down...
(Doug chuckles)
...the triples are almost 9 months old and they'll all be walking soon...and Scott is almost 13 and has girls ringing the doorbell all the time!
(thinking)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but when we were growing up, didn't the boys go to the girls' houses? Instead of the other way around like it is now?

Doug (chuckles):
Not always...lots of girls came to my house all the time! Why? Has Scott got a new girlfriend?

Carol (nods):
Yeah...her name is Taryn...she's a cute little thing but I think she has more than studying on her mind.

Doug (laughs):
They all do, Honey...besides...Scott is a Ross...Ross men bring that out in women!

Carol (scoffs):
Oh, do they really?
(turns to him and wraps her arms around him, pulling him close to her)
Let's initiate the bedroom before we move in, too...

Doug (nods):
OK...but not tonight...
(reaches for his back)
...I don't think I'm up to it.

Carol:
I think you can get 'up' to it, I just don't think you can lay down for it!

Doug (devilish grin):
Aren't you clever tonight?

Carol:
I can't help it, Doug...sometimes you just bring out the animal in me.

Doug (chuckles, cuddles close to her):
To compete with the animal in me, I suppose.

Carol (lays her head on his shoulder):
Doug, do you ever think we are just perfect for each other?

Doug:
Perfect for each other? Sometimes I wonder how we ever even got together we're so mismatched!

Carol (backs up, gives him a surprised look):
Mismatched? How can you say we're mismatched!? I always thought we were both so screwed up family wise we were destined to be together and break the pattern our families put in front of us!

Doug:
I guess I never thought of it like that...

Carol (pulls his hand):
Come on...let's get you home...we'll put a heating pad on your back and hook you up to your machine and I'll fix you a chocolate milkshake...

Doug (chuckles, follows along with her):
And I can share half of it with Tatchie like I always do... anything ever happens to that kid I'll never be able to touch another chocolate milkshake again as long as I live...

Carol:
Do you ever think about that? I mean we've been really lucky with Tatiana, but, do you ever think about something happening to her?

Doug:
Every day of my life...and not just her HIV but just because she's a kid, you know? Like Scott, when she goes out that door to school I wonder if she'll get home OK...that's why I like the little ones...they stay home and we take care of them and I don't worry as much about them.

Carol:
We could have the kid home schooled if that would make you feel better?

Doug (shakes his head):
No...that's not good...they need the interaction with other kids. What we go through with worrying is the same thing every other parent in the world goes through.

Carol (nods):
I guess so.

Doug (as they leave the house and head for the van):
It just lays in there with the 'wonder' of what's going to happen next in our lives...

Carol (smiles):
That's the fun part, Doug...waiting and wondering...

Show the van pulling away from the house loomed behind them in the dark as the closing act fades into the closing credits of the show.

July 13, 1998