"Flashbacks!"

Opening Act

Scene opens at the Ross/Hathaway home, interior, daytime. Focus on Doug Ross clad for working in jeans, a sweatshirt, tennis shoes, and a ball cap. He steps into the hallway of the second floor and reaches over his head and pulls a ladder of stairs out of the boards.

Doug (calls out):
Hey, Scotty! Come give me a hand up here, son?

Scott Ross comes quickly from his own bedroom at the end of the hallway. He is also dressed in jeans, tennis shoes, a sweatshirt and a ball cap. Doug climbs on up the ladder and Scott climbs up behind him. Once into the attic, the two men stand with their hands on their hips, looking around at the boxes and stored assorted junk items up there.

Scott:
Man, what a mess.

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah, Carol's a pack rat. What can we say.

Cut back down the ladder to show Carol standing at the base of it in the hallway looking up into the attic at them.

Carol:
I heard that!
(starts up the ladder)
Coming up!

Doug (goes quickly to the top of the ladder to wait for her and help her):
Easy, now...

Carol (reaching the top):
I got it, Doug! Don't panic.

Doug reaches and takes Carol by the hand to help her on up into the attic. She looks around and shakes her head.

Carol:
I gotta admit...it's even worse than I thought up here. Now...what did you guys want to show me?

Scott (waves his arms):
This is it. This is what I wanted you to see.

Carol (snickers):
Scotty, I already knew the attic was up here.

Scott:
But, don't you see? This place is perfect!

Carol (confused):
Perfect for what?

Doug (matter-of-factly):
An extra room.

Carol (taken aback):
You want to move up here?

Scott (nods enthusiastically):
Yeah!

Carol (laughing):
Why? There's nothing wrong with your room.

Scott;
Not now, there's not. But, you guys are going to need an extra room before long...this will be perfect!

Carol (shoots a look at Doug):
I thought we weren't going to tell anybody, including the kids, until after 10 weeks?

Doug (grins):
I didn't tell him. He asked me.

Carol (looks at Scott):
How did you know?

Scott (grins):
Hey, I may just be a kid, but, I know things. My Mom had two babies after me, remember?

Carol:
And you want to move up here because of the baby?

Scott:
Not because of the baby! For the baby! You guys will need an extra bedroom...you can move Tatchie into my room and then you can make Tatchie's room into a nursery! Her room is closer to your room anyway, then the baby would be close to you guys.

Doug (nodding):
He has a point, Hon.
(Carol gives Doug an exasperated look, and shoots a surprised look at Scott, then, gives the attic another glance over)

Carol (looks around):
Oh, but, Scotty, this place is going to need A LOT of work before you can live up here...

Scott (shrugs):
That's OK! I don't mind! Some of my buddies from school can come and help me with it...and Dad can help! We can paint it...and put borders around it...and I've got lots of posters! It'll be great! And then you guys can start working on the nursery!
(Carol gives him an uncertain look)
Please, Mom?
(looks directly up into her eyes)
Please?

Carol (reaches out and takes his cap off him to smooth his hair):
Let me talk it over with your Dad, OK?

Scott (delighted):
That's better than no!
(heads quickly for the steps)
I'll take it! You guys talk! I'm out of here!

Scott shimmies quickly back down the ladder and disappears. Doug and Carol both chuckle and turn to each other, placing their arms around each other's waist to face each other.

Carol:
You're sure this wasn't your idea?

Doug (ticks his head):
I swear, I had nothing to do with it.

Carol (looks around):
Do you think he can turn this place into a bedroom?

Doug (looks around, nods):
Yeah...I really do. Once all the junk is cleared out, it'll be great. And you can have a garage sale to sell all the junk.

Carol (picks up a strange looking lamp with a fringed lampshade):
Doug, be serious...nobody would want to buy this junk.

Doug (picks up a Hawaiian Hula Dancer doll):
Oh, you never know! They say one man's junk is another man's treasure!

Carol:
Well, it would be nice to have a nursery to put the baby in when it gets here instead of keeping it in a bassinet with us. I would like that.

Doug:
Not to mention how much fun we could have working on the nursery together...

Carol (protesting):
Fun? Are you kidding! Doug, we never agree on anything and I just know furnishing a nursery is going to be cause for a whole new set of arguments!

Doug (tilts his head to her forehead):
But, that's half the fun, Carol!

Carol (looks around the attic again):
You'll help him with this? You'll supervise?

Doug (nods):
As much as totally possible. And Mark and Carter will help, too, I'm sure of it.

Carol:
Well, then, I guess it will be OK if this is really what he wants to do.

Doug:
He's getting to an age where boys need some privacy. He wants his own space. I can identify with that. And he won't be too far away from us. It'll be fine.

Carol:
But, we are in agreement about keeping the news about the pregnancy quiet, right?

Doug (nods):
Sure. We don't say anything to Tatchie until you're ready for the whole neighborhood to know it...we don't say anything to the grandparents until the first ultrasound is done. We agreed on that. I do think I should tell Mark, though. Somebody at the clinic needs to know in case something would happen when I'm not there.

Carol (laughing):
You and Mark are like two little kids with marbles on the playground! You couldn't keep a secret if your life depended on it! You just have to tell somebody before you burst. That's the only reason you want to tell Mark.

Doug (ticks his head, blushes slightly):
I think someone else at the clinic should know...

Carol:
Don't hide behind that excuse, Doug...just tell me you want to tell Mark...

Doug (blushes):
Actually, I already told him...but I swore him to secrecy! It'll be fine.

Carol (looks around, shakes her head):
You're right in saying someone else at the clinic should know. It's fine that you told Mark. I'm not upset.

Doug (looks around the room):
So, this is all settled, then? Scott can move up here?

Carol (nods):
Yeah, I think that will be OK.

Doug:
The only thing we'll have to build is a staircasing...I don't want this ladder here like this. Scrubs can't get up it and I don't want you climbing it very long either. I already talked to a contractor and we can get that done for practically nothing. It's not a problem.

Carol (pretends to be annoyed):
You already talked to a contractor? And when were you planning on talking to me about it?

Doug (grins):
Today would be good...

Carol (laughs, puts her arm around his waist):
It'll be fine, Doug. Our family is growing...we need to give it space to grow.

The two of them stand together, arm in arm, looking out over the mess of the attic. Cut to show Scott at the bottom of the steps where he has been listening. He knows now he is going to get his attic bedroom. Show him silently pump his fist and mouth the word 'YES' to himself and we turns and heads for his bedroom to begin the preparations for his intended move.

Fade into Opening Credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center, interior. Carol is busy at the front desk with Mrs. Kanasky and they are sorting mail. Doug and Mark are busy signing charts and getting them in order for the day of patients ahead of them.

Mark (looking over a file):
I see Carla and Reese will be in again today?

Doug (looks, and nods):
Yeah, that should be about right.

Mark:
I'll be anxious to see how the little guy is growing. Those are the kind of things I miss since we're not at County.

Doug (scoffs):
The likelihood you would have ever seen him at County is pretty slim, isn't it? Not like Benton is the most sociable person you know.

Mark (chuckles):
Well, I guess you have a point with that.
(pause)
How about I take you to lunch today?

Doug (ticks his head):
I'd really love that, Mark, but, I have an appointment. (looks up at Mark, Mark nods shortly)
Another time, OK?

Mark (nodding):
Sure.

Doug (grins):
Thanks, though.

Doug watches over the top of his file as Carol goes to the back of the room to the supply room. She casually reaches over and takes a step stool and places it in position in front of the shelves. Then, she starts to climb up the three small steps to the top shelf. The instant her foot makes the first contact, Doug is across the room in a flash.

Doug (quickly and sharply):
Hey, Hey, HEY, no! Don't do that! I'll get it for you!

Carol (nonchalantly):
No, it's OK...I got it!

Doug (beside the stool now, takes her arm to help her down):
I said I'll get it for you.

Carol (emphatically, looks him in the eye):
And I told you I've got it.

Mark whistles lowly and turns his attention away from the scene. He and Eleanor go about their own work quietly.

Carol (low voice, very sternly):
Doug, can I speak with you privately, please?

Doug nods, quietly, and follows Carol across the room to the office he shares with Mark. She closes the door quietly and leans her back against it for a minute, collecting her thoughts.

Carol (sternly and quietly):
Don't you dare start this now...do you hear me?

Doug (bewildered):
Start what?

Carol:
This special treatment routine of yours.

Doug:
I just didn't think you needed to be standing on a step stool! That's all!

Carol:
Why not? I do it all the time...everyday in fact!

Doug:
Well, you're pregnant now...

Carol (steps in quickly):
Pregnant, Doug...not made out of glass. It's not like I was climbing up the side of Mount Everest or something...I wasn't even three feet off the ground!

Doug (confidently):
I just don't think it's a good idea to be climbing on things, that's all...

Carol:
Doug, I'm not even two months pregnant yet! If you start now, you're going to drive me completely out of my mind before the baby gets here! I can't take being handled with kid gloves! I've never been that way and I don't intend to start now. Do you understand me?

Doug (nods quietly):
Yes.

Carol (sighs):
I think it's sweet that you want to take care of me, Doug...but, please, don't smother me yet, OK?

Doug (nods):
I'm sorry...that's not what I was trying to do.

Carol (nods):
I know. I just want to nip this in the bud before it gets very far along. If I need your help, I'll ask for it, OK?

Doug (nods quietly):
OK.

Doug opens the door and he and Carol start out. Show Mark step quickly away from the door like he's been listening in. Doug grins at him as they go back to their charts.

Mark:
Everything OK?

Doug (nods):
Everything's fine.

Doug watches as Carol goes back to the supply room, steps up on the step stool, and gets what she wanted off the top shelf. She puts the stool back where she got it and takes her supplies to the front desk to sort them, smiling slightly at him from across the room as she works. He grins at her and goes back to work as well.

Cut to show time lapse. Doug is now no where to be seen at the center, and the center is now busy with patients in the waiting room. Carol and Mark are working together while Eleanor works the front desk.

Mark (very quietly):
I understand congratulations are in order.
(Carol nods with a soft smile)
I'm really happy for you and Doug.

Carol:
Thanks. We're keeping it quiet just a little while longer, but, it's not easy. We're both really excited.

Mark (nods):
Well, I know this is a very anticipated event, so, I wish you luck. And if there's anything I can do, just let me know.

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Keep Doug out of trouble, mostly. I have a feeling he's going to drive me crazy before it's all over.

Mark (chuckles):
I imagine it's going to take patience from both of you.

Carol:
I'm sure of that. I know he means well...and I'm sure I'll be glad of it later...I just don't want him to start it all too soon.

Mark:
What's his big appointment today, do you know where he ran off to?

Carol (shrugs):
I'm not sure, but, I imagine he had an appointment with Nina Pomerantz.

Mark (surprised):
Is he still seeing her? I thought he was well over the attack by now...it's been almost a year now...

Carol (shakes her head):
Oh, I don't think he still talks to her about the attack. I think he's pretty much got that in order with his life now. If he does talk to her about it, it's just to keep it in his past and not let it bother him now.

Mark (confused):
You mean, you don't know what he talks to Nina about?

Carol (shrugs):
Sometimes he tells me, but, most of the time, no...I think sometimes he just needs a neutral third party to talk to about things. I think it's good that he's so comfortable with Nina. I'm glad she's there for him.

Mark (nods, shakes his head):
I guess Doug just got a better grip on all that than I did.

Carol (smiles):
Everybody handles things their own way, Mark.
(pause)
So, have you heard from Cynthia lately?

Mark (nods):
Actually, yes, I did. I talked to her just a day or so ago. I don't think she's coming back. She got offered a job out there at the University and I think she's going to take it. It's much better than working here, anyway.

Carol:
Oh? Well, that was quick. I kind of thought you two were getting along rather well...

Mark:
I thought so, too, but, there actually is someone else.
(smiles)

Carol (smiles wide):
No kidding? Anyone I know?

Mark (grins):
Actually, yes...you DO know her...

Mark doesn't offer any further information and Carol doesn't ask. She just grins at Mark as they go back to their work.

Cut to County General and Nina Pomerantz's office. She is sitting behind her desk and Doug is curled in the chair in front of her. She is writing something on a file in front of her and Doug is chuckling while he picks at a string on his scrub top.

Nina (doesn't look up):
Something funny?

Doug:
I was just thinking about Carol...sometimes she just really amazes me.

Nina (looks up at him now):
Something happen?

Doug (quietly):
Carol and I are...
(stops...thinks about his agreement not to say anything)
...trying to have a baby.

Nina (smiles wide):
No kidding! Married less than a year and you're already thinking of expanding your already extended family, huh?

Doug:
I really want a child with Carol, Nina. I'd like to have just one thing in my life done the right way, you know?

Nina (scoffs):
Now, Doug, we've talked before about the fact that you are just WAY too hard on yourself.

Doug:
I know, but, I missed all this kind of stuff with Scott. I didn't take the responsibility for him and I didn't get in on all the worry and waiting. I really want to experience all that with Carol.

Nina:
That, along with morning sickness and raging hormones? You could be in for some real fun before it's all over.

Doug (chuckles):
You know what? I don't care. I think I'm ready for all of it.

Nina:
Well, then, I wish you good luck. And please keep me posted on that.
(Doug nods with a smile)
So how things otherwise? Everything OK over at C.A.R.E.?

Doug:
It's really great over there. I honestly love it.

Nina:
How about you personally? You doing OK? No more nightmares? No more pills?

Doug (ticks his head):
No more pills...

Nina (frowns):
Still having some trouble sleeping, huh?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know what it is. I don't think it's coming from the attack. Maybe it's coming from the baby...
(he winces quickly, realizing he has let the cat out of the bag)
Carol is already pregnant...we were just waiting until she's ten weeks to tell anybody much.

Nina (nods, smiles):
That's understandable. Congratulations.
(Doug nods)
So, you think this may be bothering you?

Doug (shrugs):
I think I'm just nervous. I guess I don't know much about being around a woman carrying a child...much less the woman I'm in love with.

Nina:
Just remember to keep the channels of communication open...that'll be the most important thing.
(Doug nods)
And, if you need me, you know where to find me.
(looks at her clock)
Right now, our time is up.

Doug (stands up to leave her office):
This nightmare I keep having...it doesn't make any sense. It's all jumbled and distorted. Nothing makes a complete picture. What would you make of that?

Nina:
I'm not sure...could be a lot of things. You've been under a lot of stress lately...we've talked about that in other sessions. I can schedule you for another appointment...

Doug (shakes his head):
Nah, it's nothing that serious. It doesn't keep me awake because I'm afraid to go to sleep or anything. We'll just talk about it next time. That's fine.

Nina (nods):
OK, but, if you change your mind, you know where to find me.

Doug (nods):
Thanks, Nina.

Doug leaves Nina's office and starts out of County through the ER. As he is going through, Kerry Weaver spots him and waves him a hello.

Kerry (cheerfully):
Doug! Hi! How are things over at C.A.R.E. going?

Doug (stops, turns his attention to her):
Going well, Kerry...thanks!

Kerry (walking along with him):
I wanted to talk to you, anyway...I heard through the grapevine that you and Carol are thinking about having a baby?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, that's right.

Kerry:
Well, I'm so relieved to hear that, since I know that means your genetic tests must have all been normal or you wouldn't be thinking about children.

Doug (stops dead in his tracks...gives Kerry a blank stare):
Genetic tests?

Kerry (gives him a serious look):
Well, sure...after that flashback you had during your Residency, I would have thought you would have had Genetic testing done before considering conceiving a child...
(she shakes her head as Doug continues to give her a blank state)
You didn't have any Genetic tests done?

Doug (shakes his head):
I never even gave it a thought.

Kerry (smiles):
Well, it's not too late to have it done. You might want to look into that.

Doug (confused look):
You really think I should do something like that? I mean, that flashback was a long time ago...

Kerry (nods):
Yes, it was, and yes, it's true that the sperm is replaced every 365 days, but, still, I wouldn't take chances with something as valuable as a child. If I were you, I'd get tested.
(Doug nods, blankly)
Carol knows about those acid trips, doesn't she? I mean, you talk to her about those things, right?

Doug (nods, blankly):
Yeah...sure...of course she knows...we talked about...
(short pause)
...everything.

Kerry (touches Doug's shoulder):
I've got to get back to work...it was really good to see you Doug...

Doug (watches her as she steps away):
Yeah, Kerry...you too.

Follow Kerry as she heads back into the ER to work. Focus on Doug's blank expression and Fade Act One to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center. Mark is reading over a chart when Doug comes in the back door. Mark looks up at him and smiles his greeting.

Mark (grins):
Hey! Did you get some lunch?

Doug (blankly):
Uh, no, I wasn't really very hungry.

Mark (looks at him carefully):
Everything OK?

Doug (looks around the room):
Carol around anyplace?

Mark:
Yeah, she's in back, why?
(gives Doug a careful look)
Is something wrong?

Doug (keeps his voice low and quiet):
Listen, Mark, what do you know about Genetic testing?

Mark (laughs):
Genetic testing...?

Doug (makes a 'shush' motion with his hands):
Shhhhh....not so loud!

Mark (lowers his voice):
Why would you want to know about Genetic testing? The baby is already made...

Doug:
I know that! So, what do you know about Genetic testing?

Mark (shrugs):
Depends on what you're looking for...
(pause)
...What ARE you looking for?

Doug (shakes his head, turns away from Mark):
I'm not sure...

Mark (follows him to coax conversation):
Something...

Doug:
If something was wrong with the baby, or going to be wrong with the baby, how soon would they be able to tell? Ten weeks?

Mark (nodding):
Yeah, when you go for the first ultrasound they would be able to tell if the fetus wasn't developing normal by then, yeah.
(pause)
Doug, what's going on? You think there might be something wrong with the baby?

Doug (looks at his feet...shakes his head):
I don't know...

Mark (takes him by the arm):
Come on...let's go someplace where we can talk.
(turns to Eleanor)
Dr. Ross and I are going to take a little break, Eleanor. if you need us before we get back just beep one of us, OK?

Eleanor (nods):
Yes, Dr. Greene.

Doug follows Mark through the complex and they go out the back door. Once outside, they mount the steps up onto the roof of the building. They walk together to the edge and stand looking out over the rush of the city below.

Mark (lights a cigarette):
What's going on, Doug?

Doug (takes the cigarette out of his hand and crushes it on the railing):
You shouldn't smoke those things, Mark. They're bad for you.

Mark (rolls his eyes):
Don't start with me until we discuss your own problems.
(lights another cigarette...Doug fans the smoke away)
Now, what's going on?

Doug:
I’m worried about the baby.

Mark (chuckles):
That's normal, Doug. Every new parent has worries and concerns when they find out they're expecting a child.

Doug:
Yeah, well, not every parent has dropping acid in their background to add to that worry.

Mark (very surprised):
What?

Doug (nods slowly):
Yeah. And I didn't think anything about it. What if I've done something to hurt that baby?

Mark:
Well, this was a long time ago, I'm guessing?

Doug (nods):
I was in med school. I actually did it twice...once in college and once in med school.

Mark (shrugs):
Wanna tell me why?

Doug (clears his throat...nervously):
I volunteered to be a guinea pig in an experiment.

Mark:
Both times?
(Doug nods)
And how long ago was this? Fifteen years?

Doug:
About, yeah.

Mark (shakes his head):
I wouldn't worry much about it...

Doug (cuts him off quickly):
I had a flashback while I was doing my Residency. That was less than ten years ago.

Mark:
Have you had any other flashbacks? Other than that one?

Doug (shakes his head):
No.

Mark (shrugs):
Then, I think you're worried for nothing...

Doug (cuts in quickly):
But, what if I'm not?

Mark (purses his lips):
You didn't let me finish! I was GOING to say you should check with the sperm lab that did your sperm test and get the readings from that. When they did your test, they should also have screened the genetics for chromosome make up and such to be sure everything looked 'normal' before giving you a 'clear' reading.

Doug (encouraged):
Yeah?

Mark (nods, confidently):
Yeah.

Doug (grins):
I'll check that out, Mark...thanks.

Mark:
Just a hunch, here, OK? I'm guessing you've never told Carol about this?

Doug:
I never told anybody about this, Mark. I'd really even forgotten about it until I ran into Kerry Weaver over at County today...

Mark:
You were are County? Something going on over there?

Doug (ducks his head):
No, just something I was checking on there...anyway, I ran into Kerry Weaver and she told me she heard Carol and I were trying to have a baby and she guessed that meant the Genetic testing had turned out OK. It was like she hit me with a ton of bricks, Mark. I never even thought about anything like that.

Mark:
Well, I think you're getting yourself all worked up over nothing, but, that's something you usually do pretty well anyway. I think you should sit down and talk it over with Carol and I think you should contact the lab that did your sperm test.

Doug (shakes his head slowly):
If I did anything to hurt that baby Carol is carrying, I'll never forgive myself.

Mark:
Well, at least you're looking into this now while it's early in the pregnancy...there would still be time to decide what to do if you found out something was wrong.

Doug (confused):
Decide what to do? What? You mean like abortion? That's out of the question, Mark.

Mark:
As I said, I think you're getting yourself all worked up for nothing...get the facts and details...talk to Carol...know what you're dealing with and then deal with it...
(pause)
A flashback during your Residency, huh?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...it was pretty bad...I ended up in lockdown and everything...

Mark:
What did you take anyway?

Doug (quietly):
L.S.D.

Mark:
And you only dropped it twice?

Doug (nods):
I agreed to let them experiment...same guy did both studies. Since I had already dropped it once with no side effects, we decided I was a prime candidate for the second run later.

Mark:
Pretty risky thing to do, wasn't it?

Doug (scoffs):
I was young! I was foolish! I didn't care about things much and I surely didn't give a damn about myself. I didn't really even think much about the long range effects. I guess you never think about things like that when you do something stupid like drop acid, huh?

Mark (leans on the rail, looks out over the city):
You need to talk to Carol about it, Doug. She needs to know what's going on. This is her child, too.

Doug (leans on the rail with him):
I think I'll start with the lab...find out if I have anything bad I need to tell her first...and take it from there.

Mark (nods):
As long as you tell her.

Doug (nods):
I will...
(pause...quiet voice)
I will.

Pull back to show Mark and Doug just leaning on the rail together, still looking out over the bustling city below them.

Cut back to inside the C.A.R.E. Center. Mark and Doug come down the steps and through the door into the center to find Carol sorting supplies by the shelf. She is not standing on a stool, just sorting things and placing them. She smiles at them as they come through the door.

Carol (grins):
Hey! You guys take a break?

Mark (nods):
Yes, and now we're ready to go back to work.

Carol (looks carefully at Doug):
You OK?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...why?

Carol (shrugs):
You just look a little spooked, that's all.

Doug:
I guess I'm just tired.

Carol (nods):
Yeah, you always get that way when you talk to Nina...everything go OK?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, everything's great.
(pause)
I have to make a phone call...

Carol watches with a confused look as Doug goes across the room and disappears into his office, closing the door behind him. Cut to inside the office and show Doug picking up the phone and punching a number. We hear only his one side of the conversation.

Doug (into receiver):
Yeah, I took a test there a few months ago for a sperm count and I need some more information from that testing, please? Ross...Douglas Steven Ross...yeah...I need to know if any Genetic readings were done during that test. Right. Genetic testing. OK, let me give you a number where you can reach me...555-2121... that's a beeper number and I can call you right back. Right. Thanks. I appreciate it.

Doug hangs up the phone and runs his hand through his hair quickly, then he goes back out into the Center to go to work with Mark and Carol. Things are calm, but, then, show three men come banging through the front doors of the center. One man is near hysterics, screaming and lashing out at anyone near him. The other two men are securing him, practically dragging him through the clinic doors and into the waiting area.

Man #1:
You gotta help us out, man! He's tripping out!

Mark goes directly around the desk and starts ushering the men into the clinic, directing them to a table. It takes both men and Doug to hold the patient on the table.

Mark:
What did he take?

Man #1:
I don't know, man...probably crystal...

The patient is trying to get away from the holds pinning him down. Mark reaches for the restraints to secure him.

Doug (hand on Mark's arm):
No, Mark, don't...that only makes things worse...

Mark (quietly):
If I don't, do you want to take the chance that he bolts up on this table and slams Carol across the room?

Doug looks over his shoulder at Carol and slowly shakes his head. He lets loose of Mark's arm and Mark secures the patient on the table with the restraints. As soon as the leather straps are in place, the patient begins to struggle. Pull back to focus on Doug numbly watching this whole situation, unable to help Mark, and slowly backing himself away from the table.

Fade Act Two to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens right where the last one left off, with the hallucinating patient being restrained on the exam table. Show Mark and Carol working to secure the restraints.

Mark (looks across the room at Doug):
Hey, Doug, you wanna give me a hand over here?

Doug inches over to the table carefully. He leans over the patient and lifts an eyelid to peer into his eyes. The patient's eyes are wild and wide with fear and Doug looks away quickly.

Mark:
We need to draw some blood so we can be sure of what he took so we'll know how to counteract it...
(Mark gives Doug a coaxing look, but, Doug doesn't snap to the command)
Doug?

Doug (pops his trances...turns to look at Mark):
Huh?

Mark (annoyed):
Are you planning to help me here or are you just gonna stand there?

Doug (nods):
Oh, sure...what did you need me to do?

Carol (retrieves needle from the tray):
I got it, Mark...

Mark (converses quietly with Carol, out of earshot of Doug):
What's wrong with him?

Carol (looks over her shoulder at Doug's blank expression):
I don't know...I don't think I've ever seen him like this...

Mark and Carol work quickly with their patient. Doug tries to give them some aid, but, he is more in the way than anything else. Finally, Mark takes him by the shoulders and back him away from the table back towards the front desk.

Mark (hands him the chart):
Just record the vitals, Doug...I think that's the best job for you right now.
(Doug takes the chart but just holds it in his hands):
Are you OK?

Doug (nods shortly):
Yeah...I'm fine...

Mark goes back to the exam table and Doug watches almost helplessly as Mark and Carol calm the hallucinating patient. Once the screaming and thrashing have stopped and the patient is calm, Mark slips back over to Doug, who is now sitting at the front desk making his recordings on the patient's chart. Carol stays near the exam table and keeps an eye on things there.

Mark (quietly):
You want to tell me what's going on with you?

Doug (stares directly ahead):
I saw myself...
(Looks helplessly up at Mark)
I saw myself on that table...it was me...I was the one tripping out...I was the one being restrained...I was the one losing control...

Mark (shakes his head, pats Doug's shoulder):
No, Doug...it wasn't you...everything is OK...

Doug:
It was me once...for all I know, it could be me again and I'd never even have a warning...

Mark (comforting voice):
Doug, I really think you're over-reacting to all this...

Doug (jumps up quickly):
I gotta get out of here for a while, Mark...I'll be back...

Mark watches in awe as Doug grabs his jacket and disappears out the back door of the Center. Carol walks slowly over to Mark watching the door as Doug goes out.

Carol:
What's going on? Where's Doug going?

Mark (shakes his head):
Something he had to do...

Carol (confused):
Is he OK?

Mark (nods assuringly):
Yeah.

Carol shrugs and goes back across to check on their patient. Mark picks up the chart and begins going over Doug's recordings on it, shaking his head and making corrections.

Cut to show Doug out behind the Center. He is sitting on the fire escape steps and bouncing a basketball up against the wall. Show John Carter come out of his apartment and start down the steps. When he gets to where Doug is sitting, he steps over him to get to the bottom of the stair way. Carter starts across the parking lot, but, something makes him turn around and look at Doug. He grins slightly before he starts away.

Carter:
Dr. Ross? You OK?

Doug (bouncing basketball and catching it in his hands):
Fine, Carter...

Carter:
You sure? You look a little out of it...

Doug:
Have you ever done anything really stupid in your life, Carter?

Carter (snickers):
More things than I care to think about sometimes!
(pause, notes Doug's serious look)
Something wrong?

Doug (bounces ball...nods shortly):
Yeah...I may have really screwed something up in my life.

Carter (shrugs):
Well, one thing I know, no matter what's wrong, nothing is ever so bad that it can't be worked out with time.

Doug (gives Carter a short look):
Yeah?

Carter (nods...smiles):
That's what my Dad always told me...and he's always right.

Doug (ticks his head):
He might be wrong this time, Carter.
(stands up and hands Carter the basketball)
Tell Mark I had something I had to take care of, OK? I probably won't be back...

Carter (confused look, shrugs):
Sure thing, Dr. Ross...

Carter watches and Doug trudges slowly across the parking lot and disappears around the corner. Doug keeps his hands in his pockets and his head down as he walks. Carter bounces the ball a few times and takes a hook shot with it. Then he rebounds his own shot and goes in the back door. He puts the ball in a basket by the door and hangs up in his jacket, then goes over to where Carol and Mark are working at the front desk.

Carter (quietly):
What's wrong with Dr. Ross?

Mark (motions over his shoulder):
Patient on the table spooked him out a little. Where did he go?

Carter (shakes his head):
I'm not sure...he just said to tell you he had something he needed to do and he might not be back.

Their conversation is interrupted by a beeper going off. Carter and Mark both look at their own to see if they are being beeped, but, it is neither of them. Carol picks up the beeper on the counter and looks at it.

Carol (picks up beeper):
It's Doug!
(holds up beeper with confused look)
Why would he go off and leave his beeper here?
(Mark and Carter shrug)
You suppose it's something important? Something he might need to know about?
(again, Mark and Carter shrug)
You guys are a big help...should I call this number or not?

Mark:
Maybe you should at least find out what it is...you can take a message if nothing else.

Carol (nods):
Yeah, that's what I thought, too...

Carol reads the number off the beeper and picks up the phone. She punches the number and the screen splits to show both sides of the conversation.

Operator:
East Side Labs!

Carol (surprised look when the phone is answered on the other end):
Yeah, I'm calling for Doug Ross...someone just dialed the beeper number...is there an emergency?

Operator:
One moment please...

Carol (quietly to Mark):
East Side Lab?
(Mark rolls his eyes)
Do you know something about this...?

Doctor:
Is this Dr. Ross?

Carol:
No, this is his wife! Can I take a message for him?

Doctor:
I was just going to let him know the chromosone readings he asked about were normal.

Carol (confused):
Chromosone readings?

Doctor:
Yes, your husband called asking if any genetic readings were done at the time of his sperm testing. I checked his file and everything apparently is very normal.

Carol (soft smile):
Well, thank you very much for calling, Doctor. I'll be sure he gets the message.
(Carol hangs up the phone and gives Mark a wry look)
OK...so what do you know about this?

Mark (defensively):
Me? What makes you think I know anything?

Carol:
Oh, come ON, Mark...you know EVERYTHING that's going on in my husband's life before I do! I'm sure he's talked to you! What's going on?

Mark (sighs):
I really think you should discuss it with Doug...

Carol (nods):
Oh, I plan to...but in the meantime, you can enlighten me a little, OK? Why did he call the sperm bank and ask about genetic testing?

Mark (shifts nervously):
Carol, really, I think you should talk to Doug about all this...

Carol (sternly...hands on hips):
Mark!

Mark (sighs):
Doug dropped acid when he was in Med School as part of an experimental study. I think he's a little concerned something in his genetics might effect the child you're carrying.

Carol (nods sarcastically):
And he thought about this all by himself?

Mark:
He said something about Kerry Weaver mentioning it to him when he was at County this morning...

Carol (nods):
I should have guessed she would plant a seed like this in his head. Mark, doesn't he THINK!? He has a perfectly normal eleven year old boy at home that was conceived sooner after he dropped acid than this child is...why would he expect anything less this time?

Mark (smiles softly):
Because he is in love with this baby's mother. And he wants everything to be perfect for both of you.

Carol (sighs):
Will you and Carter be all right here with Chuney and Eleanor? I've got to go see if I can find him...

Mark (nods slowly):
Sure...

Carol gets her jacket and goes quickly out the back door of the Center. Mark shakes his head with a wry smile, muttering ad libs under his breath about being a 'camp counselor'.

Cut to show Doug standing alone at a railing outside somewhere across town. He is looking out over a lake and the wind is blowing his hair. His face is solemn and serious as he stares straight ahead, lost in thought. A flash of light takes us inside to his thoughts...

*****FLASHBACK*****

Pan to show the hallway of a hospital somewhere, another time and another city. Move slowly around and show a team of doctors working diligently on a patient on an exam table. Focus to show Kerry Weaver as the one closest to the patient. The patient is fighting desperately on the table, trying to break free of the many hands that are holding him down. Pull around to show the patient is Doug, though several years younger than he is now. He is kicking and punching. He is not screaming, but, he is moaning and groaning with a fearful sound. His eyes reflect that he is not in full focus of everything going on around him.

Kerry (leans over Doug carefully):
Doug, take it easy...we're trying to help you...

Intern:
I don't think he can hear you, Dr. Weaver.

Kerry (concerned expression):
I think you might be right...

Kerry takes a penlight flashlight and holds one of Doug's eyelids open to gaze into his eyes. When the light makes contact with his pupils, Doug lets loose with an agonizing scream of pain and tries to bolt upright on the table.

Kerry:
Put him in restraints...

The Interns works quickly to secure Doug's hands and feet in leather straps on the bed. All the while they are working, Doug is still fighting to get free. Once he is fairly secured, Kerry preps his arm for a blood test. His eyes are wide with fear and confusion as he watches her swab his arm with alcohol for the prep.

Kerry (trying to explain to him carefully):
I need to see if a blood test will give me a clue...

She carefully shows him the needle. He closes his eyes tight and rolls his head away so he will not watch her. He grits his teeth and bites his lip as she draws blood for the test. As things begin to calm down, the doctors around him filter away and he is soon left alone restrained to the exam table.

Cut to show a time lapse. Doug is loose from the restraints now, sitting up on the edge of the table. Kerry Weaver is with him and he is talking to him about his blood test.

Kerry (holds up the paperwork):
There's nothing there. I don't understand how that could be...surely you were seeing something to make you crazy like that...

Doug (low voice):
It was a flashback, Kerry.

Kerry (completely shocked):
A flashback? From what?

Doug (keeps looking at his feet):
I dropped acid a couple of times in med school...

Kerry (sternly):
That's not on your medical records, Doctor...

Doug (nods):
I know it's not...I never told anybody about it before...I never thought I'd have to...

Kerry (sighs, tries to be understanding):
Is this the first flashback you've ever had?
(Doug nods slowly)
Do you remember them enough to know if you have ever had another one?

Doug:
Do you honestly think I could forget something like this? I've never had one before this one.

Kerry:
Why would you do something so stupid? Do you realize what kind of damage you might have done to yourself?

Doug (nods):
I do now. I was young and stupid...I don't have any other answers.

Kerry (sighs):
I think you should go home and sleep it off...and I think you should update it to your medical records.

Doug (shyly):
If I don't, are you gonna report it?

Kerry (gives him a serious look):
I won't report this one...but if you have another one, I will.

Doug (nods):
That's fair enough.
(hops off the table and starts for the door)
Thanks, Kerry.

Is all he says before he goes through the door and disappears.

Pull back to present with Doug still standing looking out over the lake. He shakes his head sadly and drops his eyes downward.

Fade Act Three to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens at County General Hospital. Show Carol coming through the doors and going slowly down the hallway, looking from side to side as she goes. Suddenly, up ahead of her and heading for the stairs, she sees Nina Pomerantz. She quickens her walk to almost a run to catch up with Nina about halfway up the steps.

Carol:
Nina! Wait!

Nina (stops, turns, and smiles to see Carol):
Hi, Carol!

Carol:
Did you see Doug today?

Nina (nods):
Yes, we had an appointment early this morning.

Carol (quietly, looks around her as people push by them):
Is there someplace we can talk? Privately?

Nina:
Sure...let's go up to my office!

Carol nods and follows Nina up the steps...they share an ad lib 'catch up' conversation as they go until they get to Nina's office door. Nina opens the door and they go in together, closing the door behind them.

Carol (concerned...quiet):
Was Doug OK when you saw him this morning?

Nina (nods...not concerned):
He seems to be...yes.

Carol:
Well, did anything happen while he was here that might have upset him?

Nina (shakes her head slowly in thought):
No...not that I can think of.

Carol (in thought):
Did he talk about anything that might have upset him?

Nina (in thought):
No...he was in good spirits...or he seemed to be. Why?

Carol:
I don't know...he's just disappeared.

Nina (concerned now):
Disappeared? What happened?

Carol:
I don't know. That's what I was hoping you could tell me.
(pause)
Nina, can I ask you something about Doug without breaking confidence?

Nina (cautiously):
You can try...I won't know until I hear what you need.

Carol:
Has Doug ever talked to you about dropping acid?

Nina (shakes her head, deep in thought):
No...I don't think he's ever mentioned that before.

Carol (frowns):
I was afraid you'd tell me that.
(she sighs and slides into a chair)
He's never talked to me about it either. But, apparently, he finds it an easy topic to discuss with Mark.

Nina (leans on her desk, folds her arms):
Well, maybe he feels like Mark won't judge him much...that Mark will just listen to him.

Carol (shakes her head):
That's not fair, Nina...I won't judge him either. I've told Doug a hundred times that there's nothing he can tell me about his past that will shock me. I don't know why he doesn't believe that.

Nina:
I think he does believe it. I think he just has this 'I don't-want-to-worry-Carol' complex.
(Carol smiles slightly)
I think he'll be OK. I think Doug really has it together in his head that if there's something in his life that he thinks he can't handle, he turns to help. I don't think you have too much to really worry about.

Carol (frowns):
I hope you're right. If he would happen to turn up here later this evening, would you please have him call home? I'm going back to the house and wait for him.

Nina (nods):
Sure...I'll be glad to.

Carol gets up and starts for the door. Nina opens the door and walks out with her and they go back down the steps together.

Carol (as they get to the bottom of the steps):
Thanks, Nina. I appreciate your time.

Nina (touches her arm as she slips away):
Anytime, Carol...anytime at all.

Carol starts out of the hospital back down the same way she came in. Just before she gets to the door, she catches sight of Kerry Weaver working alone in an exam room. There is no patient in there and Kerry is just making notes on a file. Carol goes into the room quietly and carefully closes the door behind her.

Kerry (looks up and smiles to see Carol):
Hi, Carol! How are things at C.A.R.E. Center these days?

Carol (nods):
Going OK...could I have a word with you?

Kerry (nods):
Sure!
(puts the chart down to give Carol her undivided attention)
What's on your mind.

Carol (walks slowly over to face Kerry directly):
The next time you think you want to drive fear into the heart of my husband...don't...OK? I have enough things to worry about right now without having to worry about something I can't fight.

Kerry (confused):
I'm not sure I understand what you're talking about...

Carol:
You put it into Doug's head that he should have some kind of genetic testing before we should consider conceiving a child...

Kerry:
Well, seeing that he dropped LSD, I thought it was good advice...

Carol:
Whether it was good advice or not, it wasn't your place to say anything to him! You should have made that suggestion to a counselor, or a friend, like Mark, or me! I'm his wife, for God's sake! Don't you think someone a little closer to him should discuss something like that with him?

Kerry (defensively):
I was only trying to help...

Carol (sighs):
I think you honestly were...but the next time you want to help...don't, OK?

Kerry (nods):
I'm really sorry...I didn't mean to cause any trouble.

Carol (starts across the room...turns back at the door):
I know. You just don't understand a lot about Doug.

Carol frowns slightly and goes on out the door, leaving Kerry to watch her go with an anguished look on her face.

Cut to show time lapse. Show Carol pacing the living room floor at the house now. Every noise she hears, she goes to the window and looks out, hoping to find Doug coming home but turns back away empty handed. Her thought are interrupted by Tatiana coming into the room in PJs and carrying her doll.

Tatiana (quietly):
Are you coming up to tuck me in, Mama?

Carol (smiles at her):
Yes, Sweetie. I'll be right up.

Tatiana (climbs up on the couch and peers over the top at Carol):
Where's Papa?

Carol (looking out the window):
He's not home yet.

Tatiana (cheerfully):
Is he working?

Carol (turns to her...grins now):
No, he just had something he had to do...a guy thing.

Tatiana (rolls her eyes):
Guys do dumb things.

Carol (walks over the couch to her):
Oh, not dumb things! Just 'guy' things! Like we do girl things.

Tatiana:
Yeah, but, that's FUN!

Carol:
For us! Because we're girls! But, it's not very much fun for the guys! That's why they do guy things...without us!

Tatiana:
And that's OK?

Carol (nods):
Yeah...that's OK.
(she takes Tatiana by the hand and they start for the steps)

Tatiana:
When do I get to move into Scott's room?

Carol:
Oh, well, as soon as we get the attic so Scott can move into it!

Tatiana (as the climb the stairs):
When will THAT be?

Carol:
Soon.

Tatiana (looks up at her):
You don't know, do you?

Carol (chuckles):
No, I really don't. But, it won't be long. Do you think you're going to like moving into Scott's room?

Tatiana (suddenly...no warning):
Are you gonna have a baby?

Carol (taken aback):
Why would you ask me that?
(Tatiana shrugs)
We'll talk more about that later, OK?
(they get to Tatiana's room)
Right now it's time THIS baby was in bed asleep!

Carol gets Tatiana in bed, covers her up and tucks her in. She leaves a night light on for her and closes her door. Follow her down the hallway to Scott's bedroom and she opens the door. Scott is asleep in his bed with the light on the night table still on. She smiles and just closes the door back and starts back down the hall.

Cut to show Doug coming in the front door and meeting up with Carol just as she gets to the bottom of the steps. Carol gives him a surprised and concerned look as she shoves her hands into the pockets of her jeans.

Carol (softly):
Hey.

Doug (hangs his head slightly):
Hey.

Carol (still quietly):
I was getting worried.

Doug (nods slowly):
I'm sorry. I should have called.

Carol:
Are you OK?

Doug (nods):
Yeah.

Carol:
Where were you?

Doug (shrugs, ticks his head):
No place.

Carol (coaxing):
SOME place...
(nervous and careful pause)
Have you been drinking?

Doug (looks her in the eye):
Do I look like I've been drinking? Do you smell any alcohol on my breath?
(Carol shakes her head slowly)
Then why would you ask me that?

Carol (apologetically):
I'm sorry. I was just really worried about you. You left in a hurry...you've been gone all day...

Doug (offering):
Had some things I needed to think about...

Carol:
Something you want to talk about?

Doug (nods, shifts his weight nervously):
Yeah...
(takes her hand and they start for the couch together)
...something I should have talked to you about long before now...
(he sits on the couch with her and turns to face her nervously)
Carol, there's no easy way to tell you this...I may have done something very terrible to you and the baby and I didn't even know it.
(Carol doesn't interrupt him...just lets him talk)
When I was in college, I dropped LSD as part of a class experiment.(he pauses to wait for her reaction...she doesn't give him one)
Then, I took it again in med school for another experiment.
(Carol doesn't say anything, just continues to stare at him, waiting for him to say all he has to say before she responds)
It was a stupid thing to do and it was something I never thought would ever bother me...I didn't have a bad trip either time...I had a few minor flashbacks short periods of time after I took him, but, nothing major. Then, when I was doing my Residency, I had a bad flashback...a major hallucination...but that was the only one! Then, today, Kerry Weaver suggested I get genetic testing before we think about having a baby...only it's too late! You're already pregnant!
(Carol smiles just slightly)
Carol...
(reaches out and places his hand on her stomach)
...if I've done anything to hurt you or that baby you're carrying, I'll never forgive myself.

Carol (smiles, takes his hands in hers):
Is that why you called the sperm bank to ask about Chromosone readings?

Doug (ticks his head):
How'd you know about that?

Carol (grins):
You left your beeper at the Center...the lab called that number...I was afraid it might be something important, so, I called them back.

Doug (nervously):
Did they tell you anything?

Carol (nods):
Yeah, but, before I tell you about that, come with me.

She takes him by the hand and starts leading him to the stairs. He goes with her, but, his expression is clearly confused. They go up the steps and down the hall to Scott's bedroom and Carol opens the door.

Carol (quietly):
I want you to look in that room and tell me what you see.

Doug (confused):
I see my son.

Carol:
And, how old is that little boy?

Doug:
He's eleven...

Carol:
And that means he was conceived, what? Twelve years ago?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, that would be about right.

Carol:
And how many years before that did you drop LSD?

Doug:
About three...

Carol (shrugs):
Do you see anything wrong with that little boy?
(Doug grins and shakes his head slowly)
Well, then, if there's nothing wrong with a little boy that was conceived very soon after you dropped LSD, why would you think there would be anything wrong with one conceived a long time after that? (Doug smiles and breathes a sigh of relief as he turns to Carol and rubs her shoulders)

Doug:
I guess I just wasn't thinking...
(pause)
I think I won't quit worrying, though, until we get the first ultrasound and I can see for myself that the fetus is developing normally.

Carol (nods):
I agree with that...and it has nothing to do with you dropping LSD...I'll worry until I see that little life in there, too.

They go back out of the room and Carol closes the door. They stand together in the hallway with Carol backed against the wall and Doug inching closer to her.

Doug (leaning in close to her face):
Just out of natural curiosity, though, what DID the sperm bank say?

Carol (smiles sweetly):
Everything is normal.

Doug (chuckles):
Ummm...I thought you told me this was MY child...

Carol (chuckles softly and wraps her arms around his neck):
Let's go to bed, Doctor Ross...

Doug (obediently):
Whatever you say, Ma'am...

Show the two of them go together down to the master bedroom, go into the room, and close the door.

Fade Act Four to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at the Ross/Hathaway home. Show Mark and Doug working to get the mattress of Scott's bed up the ladder and into the attic.

Mark (groaning):
We couldn't wait and do this AFTER the steps were built?

Doug (pulling from the top...already in the attic):
We could have if God had given eleven year old boys any kind of patience.

Mark (leans down onto the mattress):
Don't they get that from their fathers?

Doug (nods with a grunt):
Huh! Case closed there!
(stands up and starts pulling the mattress up)
We got it, come on up!

Mark gives a mighty heave and Doug pulls the mattress the rest of the way up into the attic. Mark climbs up the ladder to join him up there now. The room is empty of junk now, and stocked with boxes and Scott's bedroom furniture. Doug goes over and starts putting the frame of the bed together. Mark goes over to give him a hand.

Mark (quietly):
You talk everything over with Carol?

Doug (nods...slight grin):
Yeah.

Mark:
And, is everything OK now?

Doug:
Well, I don't think when you're expecting a child everything is ever 'ok', but, things are better, at least. I don't feel quite so much gloom hanging over me at least. But, until we get that first ultrasound, I'm gonna be nervous.

Mark (nods):
That's understandable. But, I really think everything will be OK.

Doug (pounding bed frame together with a hammer):
Let's hope for the best.

A few more rounds or pounding and they are flipping the mattress onto the box springs and the bed is together. They stand looking around the room together.

Doug:
Well, looking like somebody is going to sleep up here tonight!
(turns to Mark and motions him with him)
Come on...let's go get a beer.

Mark (turns to follow):
Now you're talking!

Cut to show Mark and Doug going into the kitchen. Doug gets both of them a bottle of beer out of the refrigerator and hands one to Mark. The lean on the counter sipping their beer when Carol comes in from the grocery store with both kids and several grocery bags in tow.

Doug (quickly steps up to take a bag):
Why didn't you honk?

Carol:
I was afraid you might be upstairs. It's fine.
(sets bag on counter)
If you guys are celebrating with beer, you must have the bed up there?

Doug (nods):
You would be right.

Scott (enthusiastically):
I'm ready to unpack my stuff?

Doug:
Go to it, Sport!

Scott (exiting quickly):
All right!

Tatiana (looks up at Doug with wide eyes):
Do I get to sleep in my new room tonight, too?

Doug (thinking):
Well, uh, if you can talk Dr. Mark into helping me move another bed...

Tatiana (looks up at Mark and bats her eyes):
PLEASE, Dr. Mark? Will you help Papa move my bed?

Mark (grins at Doug):
Oh, that is good...like I'm gonna say 'no' to that!
(sighs)
Come on, Doug...let's move another bed!

Cut to show time lapse. Mark is gone now and the kids are no where to be seen. Doug and Carol are standing together in the middle of Tatiana's old bedroom, which is now completely empty. Now, they are starting to visualize the future.

Carol (looking around):
I want a white crib...

Doug (argumentive):
White? Why do you want white? It shows all the dirty hand prints too easy when he gets big enough to sneak things into it!

Carol (gives him a sarcastic look):
I see this room with a white crib in it.

Doug (looks around):
I was thinking a cherry wood...something dark...and old...
(Carol gives him another look...he shrugs)
But, white would work, too, I guess. He won't care what he sleeps in.

Carol (walks over and touches a wall):
Do we want to paint? Or wallpaper?

Doug (tugs at his chin):
Well, Mark told me he doesn't do wallpaper...
(chuckles)
...so I guess we better paint!

Carol:
A nice bright yellow...

Doug (makes a face):
Yellow? What's wrong with blue?

Carol:
What if she's a girl?

Doug:
Aren't we going to know before he gets here anyway?

Carol:
I don't know...are we?

Doug (scratches his head):
I guess that's something else we haven't talked about, huh?

Carol:
Do you want to know what the baby is before it's born? Is that important to you?

Doug (shrugs):
Not if it's not important to you...

Carol (scoffs):
Doug, come on! Don't be that way! I want to know what YOU want us to do about that.

Doug (walks over and wraps his arms around her waist):
I tell you what, if they ultrasound shows us the sex of the baby, we'll know...but if it doesn't, we won't take any extraordinary measures to find out. How's that?

Carol (nods):
That's a deal.
(turns away from him and back to the wall)
What about a nice pale green? That's a good 'unisex' color. And we can put one of those wall borders around the room. I love those.

Doug:
Teddy Bears, right?

Carol (laughs):
Teddy Bears? No, I was thinking more like Muppet Babies.

Doug (scoffs):
Muppet Babies? You want a bunch of strange looking creatures staring at our baby all night?

Carol (protests):
They aren't strange looking! They're adorable.
(pause)
Well, what about Disney Babies? You like that better?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I think so...but I really want Teddy Bears.

Carol (smiles, takes his hand):
We'll talk about it, OK?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I think we have time.

Carol (wraps her arms around his waist this time):
You know you broke your promise already don't you?

Doug (ducks his head):
You mean about talking to you about something bothering me.

Carol (nods and chuckles):
That would be the one.

Doug (nods):
Yes, I did...and I'm sorry about that. I'll try and do better.

Carol (takes his face in her hands):
I want you to look my in the eye and repeat after me, OK?
(Doug chuckles and nods)
I promise...

Doug:
I promise...

Carol:
...to tell Carol...

Doug:
...to tell Carol...

Carol (smiles):
...that I love her every day for the rest of the my life.

Doug (smiles...kisses her sweetly):
...that I love her every day for the rest of my life.

Carol (kisses him back):
I'm gonna hold you to that, Dr. Ross.

They continue to kiss and nuzzle each other unaware they are being watched from the doorway by both children.

Tatiana (quietly to Scott):
If they already have a baby, why do they still kiss?

Scott (takes her hand to lead her away):
It's a grown up thing.

The kids turn away. Show Doug and Carol laugh quietly with each other at that remark and fade into the closing credit of the show.

December 5, 1997