Author's Text
Starting to build another "climax", but the major bulk of this story is non-dramatic. There are several songs used in this one and I will review them for you here...
1) Five Feet High And Rising.
The song was done in the 60s and the version I have of it is by country artist, Johnny
Cash. I used this song the way I did because in each verse of the song things get a little
worse and in each act of this story, something else happens to add a little more to it.
2) Does She Wish She Was Single Again.
Song was recorded by the Flying Burietto Brothers in the 70s (STOP LAUGHING YOU GUYS! THAT
WAS REALLY THE NAME OF THE GROUP!). I didn't remember all the words so I just used the
ones I did remember...
3) Never Been To Me.
I can't for the LIFE of me remember the woman who recorded this song but I always
identified well with it as I never married and led a much more exciting life when I was
younger. Again, I couldn't remember all the words and I wish I did because it's a great
song.
4) Leather and Lace.
Song was recorded by Stevie Nicks and Don Hneley and even today remains one of my to ten
favorite songs. I DO know all the words to this one, but only used a few of them. And if
ever a song written was perfect for Doug and Carol, this is it.
The characters in this story are not mine and no money is made by me for the use of them in this story.
Robin
"Family Center"
"High Water"
Opening Act
Scene opens at the Ross home. Show Doug coming through the house with a baseball cap and a glove, tossing a ball into the air. Just as he reaches the steps to the split level, Scott comes bounding down the steps and shoots past him. Doug stops him in mid air by grabbing him by the arm.
Doug:
Hey! Hey! Hey! Where are you going?
Scott (shrugs):
Over to Veronica's!
Doug:
I was thinking we could go to the park and toss a few!
Scott:
Some other time, Dad, OK?
Doug:
I don't get that many sunny days off, Pal.
Scott:
Why don't you get Raoul? I'm sure he'd love to play catch with you!
Doug (frowns):
You aren't jealous of Raoul or anything are you?
Scott (laughs):
NO! Raoul is cool! But, he's just a kid...playing catch is something he'd like to do!
Doug:
You used to...
Scott (grins):
I'm not a kid anymore, Dad...
Doug lets go of him and Scott gives him a wave as he goes on out the door. Doug stands dejected, pitching the ball into his glove with a sad look on his face when Carol comes up to him.
Carol (softly, rubbing Doug's shoulders from behind him):
He's growing up, Hon...he has his own life now...his own friends...a girlfriend...his
parents are excess baggage right now.
Doug (nods sadly):
Yeah. It's just that when I was his age, I didn't have my Dad to do things with so I was
trying to give him better than what I had.
Carol:
He knows that...you know he still loves you...
Doug:
Yeah...he just doesn't need me anymore.
Marc toddles into the room and over to Doug, reaching his arms up to him.
Marc:
Da da!
Doug (reaches down and scoops him up):
Come on, Buddy...wanna play ball with Dad?
Doug carries Marc with him and heads for the backyard. Carol stands and watches them go with a concerned look on his face. She goes to the back porch to watch them. Doug takes a ball cap and puts it backwards on Marc's head like his. Carol covers her mouth and snickers watching him. Doug squats down about an arms length away from Marc and puts the glove on his small son's hand. The glove goes halfway up the baby's arm. Doug positions the glove in an outright position...
Doug (mimmicks sports announcer):
Marc Ross, shortstop for the Chicago Cubs, has a chance for the stop that can win the
Series for Chicago...
Doug pitches the ball slightly, practically laying it in Marc's outstretched glove and Marc giggles.
Doug (picks Marc up and swings up around):
Yay!! You caught it!! The Cubs win the series!
Carol watches and just laughs at this father/son scene while Marc squeals with delight at Doug spinning him around.
Tatiana (suddenly on the porch behind Carol):
Mama, do you and Papa have too many kids?
Carol (laughs, turns to her):
Why would you ask me something like that?
Tatiana:
Because Papa never has time for me anymore.
Carol:
What are you talking about? That's not true! He still goes to your ballet recitals and he
still reads you stories...
Tatiana (pouts):
I think he likes Marc better because he's a boy.
Carol:
Oh, now, you know your Papa is crazy about you! Don't you do that to him, Tatch...you'll
make him feel bad. You know, Marc needs time with Papa, too.
(pats her on the back)
Go on out there...Papa will pass ball with you...you can really catch it.
Tatiana (nods happily):
OK.
Tatiana goes out and Carol watches as she charges up to Doug and Doug swings her around too. Then he takes the glove from Marc and gives it to her and they start passing together with Marc in the middle trying to be a monkey in the middle. Carol smiles as goes back into the house.
Cut to show time lapse. Doug and Tatiana come in the back door with Doug carrying Marc in his arms.
Tatiana:
That was fun, Papa!
Doug:
I enjoyed it too, Punkin. Thanks.
Tatiana scampers off. Carol goes over to take Marc and sees that his clothes and his face are dirty and he is chewing something.
Carol (fussing):
Oh, Marc! Just look at you! You're filthy.
Doug:
He's a boy! Boys are supposed to get dirty!
Carol (looks closely and then at Doug in surprise):
Is that child chewing gum?
Doug (matter-of-factly):
Yeah...all ball players chew gum! Would you rather I gave him a chaw of tobacco?
Carol (gives him 'a look'):
I would RATHER you didn't give him either one! Honestly, Doug! You're a pediatrician! If a
parent gave a 14 month of patient of yours chewing gum, you'd call child services on them!
Doug (laughs):
Yeah, I probably would!
(makes a face)
No! I wouldn't! And I'm not gonna let him swallow it.
Carol:
Oh, really? Let's see you get it away from him.
Doug (smiles):
Piece of cake...
(turns to Marc)
Come on, Marc, spit it out.
Marc (big grin):
No.
Doug (tries to open Marc's mouth with his fingers but Marc turns his head and pulls it
away):
Come ON, Marc, I'm not playing around with you!
Marc (laughing):
No!
(Carol snickers)
Doug (thumps him on the back):
Spit it out, Marc, NOW!
Marc blows hard and spits the gum out, but not into Doug's outstretched hand, but rather right between his eyes on his forehead. Carol tries hard to contain her laughter, but doesn't have much luck as she reaches for the baby.
Carol:
Way to go, Marcus! You showed him, huh! Come on...let's go get a bath...
She carries Marc on out of the room with her as Doug reaches up to peel the gum off his forehead and the Opening Act fades into the Opening Credits of the show.
Act One
"How High's The Water, Mama?"
"Two Feet High and Rising"
"How High's The Water, Papa?"
"She Said It's Two Feet High And Rising"
"Well, We Can Make It To The Road In A Homemade Boat
Cos That's The Only Thing We Got Left That'll Float
It's Already Over All The Peas And Oats
Two Feet And Rising"
Scene opens at the Family Center where Mark is working at the front counter, making notes on a chart when Doug comes in with Raoul.
Mark (looks up):
Hey! Look who's here!
(high fives Raoul)
How's it going, Guy?
Raoul (nods, smiles):
OK, Dr. Greene.
Doug (grins):
We're going to go learn the fine craft of golf. I just stopped by to be sure you were OK.
Mark (nods):
Doing fine...so, Raoul, you're going to learn golf, huh?
Raoul:
Yes sir! Going to try!
Mark:
Well, good luck. You have a pretty good teacher.
Doug (chuckles):
Couldn't teach you...
(Mark gives him a look)
OK, well, tell Nina I will be here for my two o'clock appointment, OK?
Mark (nods):
Sure will...you guys have fun and don't worry about this place.
Doug (as they start away):
Oh, don't worry about that...
(Mark chuckles and waves to them)
See ya later, Mark!
Cut to show Carol shopping in a grocery store, pushing a cart, with Marc riding in the basket.
Carol (as she pushes Marc along):
You like shopping with Mommy, don't you, Marc? Isn't this fun?
> (Marc reaches out and grabs something off the shelf close to him and Carol takes it
away from him and puts it back)
No, Marc...
(Marc begin to whine and reach for something else but Carol pushes them on past it. Down
the next aisle, Marc reaches and grabs something else and, again, Carol takes it away from
him and puts it back)
No, Marc...No!
(again, Marc begins to whine and reach but Carol pushes them on past it. A little further
down the aisle, Marc reaches and grabs something else off a shelf and this time Carol is
frustrated. She grabs it away from him, puts it back on the shelf and emphasizes her
displeasure with a firm slap to both of his hands)
No, no, Marc! No, No!
(Now Marc is bawling loudly from his punishment but Carol pushes them on. By the time they
get to the next aisle, his isn't screaming, but his face is still tear-stained)
Woman (passing by):
Oh, what a cute little boy...
(Carol smiles, Marc gives this woman his attention)
What's your name, little boy?
Marc (pouting through his tears):
No...no...
Carol (mortified):
Marc! His name is Marc...
Woman (touches Carol's shoulder):
They're all named that at his age.
Cut to the golf links and show Doug standing behind Raoul helping him with his grip on the golf club.
Doug (instructing):
OK, you keep your head down, your eye on the ball, OK? Now, just swing and follow
through...here we go!
Raoul lets the ball fly and the two of them watch it soar together.
Doug (pats him on the back):
Right on the fairway, Buddy! Good job!
Raoul (as they walk along together):
Can I ask you something, Dr. Ross?
Doug (puts his arm on his back):
Sure, Buddy...what's up?
Raoul:
Well, our year is going to be up pretty soon...
Doug (nods):
Yeah, that's right...and?
Raoul:
Well, will you stop being my big brother at the end of the year?
Doug:
Well, the initial match is made for a year...they ask a one year commitment...but, I don't
have any intentions of terminating the match...sure! I'll be your big brother until you're
18 if you want me to be!
Raoul:
What if I don't live with the Altons? Will you still be my big brother then?
Doug (stops them from walking and turns to look at him, pulling him to look at him):
What are you talking about? I thought things were going really good with the Altons for
you!
Raoul:
They are! It's great there! But, they can't keep me. Dr. Alton is going to have a baby and
she needs time to get ready for it and she told me they're going to have to send me back
to the home.
Doug (pained look):
Raoul, I'm so sorry...
Raoul:
They told me it would just be until the baby was born...and then they would come and get
me back. I'm sure I'll still be there...
Doug:
Wait a minute...I thought you were supposed to go back with your Mom after the year was
up?
Raoul (frowns):
She doesn't want me.
Doug:
What do you mean she doesn't want you? She's your Mom! Moms are supposed to want their
kids! What kind of a thing is that to say?
Raoul (scoffs):
The truth! She told Miss Beverly not to bring me back.
Doug (confused and pained):
Why?
Raoul:
Because she thinks I'll just be more trouble and she doesn't want that. She's got her life
together now and there's no place for me in it anymore.
Doug (takes him by the shoulders for him to look at him):
Raoul, are you real sure about this?
Raoul (nods):
Yeah...I'm sure. Miss Beverly had papers signed by my Mom and everything.
Doug (pats him on the back and they start walking again):
Well, don't worry, Buddy...I won't run out on you.
Raoul (excited):
You'll come to see me even if I'm living in the home?
Doug (nods):
Absolutely...and we'll still do things together...
They continue to walk towards the fairway, but focus on Doug's face twisted with pain for Raoul's situation as they go.
Cut to the Ross home. Carol is sitting in the nursery rocking Lana and listening to the radio. A song comes on that catches her attention and she listens to the lyrics...
Lyrics:
Does she wish she was single again? Does she wish she was single again? When she was
single her pockets would jingle and she wore such pretty clothes...now that she's married
the clothes she is wearing make you wonder where the money goes...does she wish she was
single again?
Carol looks down at what she's wearing. She is dressed in a pair of faded blue jeans, tennis shoes, and a t-shirt with paint on it and she makes a disgusted face.
Lyrics:
When she was younger she was hunger of every young boys eye...her roving is through
now...there's nothing to do now but rock that cradle and cry...does she wish she was
single again?
Carol looks down at Lana and smiles...she looks over her shoulder at Tina and Josh sleeping behind her.
Lyrics:
...she's holding my baby and looking like maybe she's rather be chasing a dream...does she
wish she was single again?
Carol (cuddles Lana close to her):
No way, Sweetie...
(pats the baby on the back)
Absolutely no way...
Cut to show Doug standing in the receiving hallway of the Alton home, taking Raoul back.
Dr. Alton (touches Raoul's hair and smiles at him):
Did you have fun?
Raoul:
Yeah! I learned how to play golf!
Doug (smiles, nods):
He did pretty well, too.
Dr. Alton:
Well, that's great...you can play with Mr. Alton, sometime...I know he'd love that.
Raoul (waves to Doug):
Well, I'll see you later, Dr. Ross!
Doug (nods):
You bet, Buddy!
(Raoul goes on off and Doug clears his throat)
I wondered if I could talk to you a few minutes?
Dr. Alton:
Of course!
Doug:
Dr. Alton (nods):
Yes, that's true.
Doug (shakes his head):
Poor kid...how'd he take it?
Dr. Alton:
Surprisingly well. I don't think it bothered him too much.
Doug:
He also told me you guys can't keep him past the year commitment?
Dr. Alton:
Yes, that's also true. I'm pregnant and my doctor wants me to take time off from work to
prepare for the baby. I had a lot of trouble having my first one.
Doug (nods):
I understand that...my wife has had problems with pregnancies too. Congratulations, by the
way.
(Smiles)
Dr. Alton:
Thank you, but, I felt bad about Raoul. My husband and I adore him and we would love to
keep him, but, it's just not possible right now...he needs too much extra attention that
I'm not going to be able to give him right now.
Doug:
He seemed to understand that, too. I just hate for him to go back to the home...it'll
undue everything the two of us together have done in a year's time.
Dr. Alton:
I suppose there is that risk...but Raoul is a lot more stable now than he was when he
came. I think he'll be all right. And then once the baby is born, we want him to come back
here.
Doug (sighs):
I wish there was some way it could work out so he didn't have to leave...
Dr. Alton (nods):
So do I. But my doctor and I agree that my baby's health is important, too...
Doug (nods):
Oh, I agree. I wish you good luck. I told Raoul I'll still be his big brother...
Dr. Alton:
Oh, I'm so glad! He's so crazy about you! He just raves about your family and talks about
you and the things you do together all the time.
Doug (chuckles):
He's something pretty special...he's a great kid.
Dr. Alton:
Well, I regret the way things are going to have to be for a while, but we've talked it all
over with Raoul and he seems to be OK with it. I think things will work out all right.
Doug (nods):
I sure hope so.
(takes his keys and starts for the door)
Dr. Alton (as she walks Doug to the door):
I don't suppose...?
Doug (knows what she is thinking and smiles with a shake of his head):
No...we couldn't. I tried that in the beginning of this episode...it wasn't a good idea
then and it's not any better now.
Dr. Alton (ticks her head with a tight lip):
It was just an obvious thought.
Doug (nods):
Yeah...
Doug goes on off down the walk and gets into his jeep. He sits thinking behind the wheel before he finally turns the key and drives off.
Cut to show Doug slamming into an office across town and stopping just briefly at the receptionist desk.
Doug (never stops walking, point to a door):
Is she in there?
Receptionist (tries to stop him):
Yes, but, you can't go in without an appointment...
Doug (reaching the door):
The hell I can't! You just watch me!
He barges into the office, startling Beverly Watters behind her desk.
Receptionist:
I'm sorry, Beverly...I tried to stop him.
Beverly (nods her head):
It's all right, Diane.
(receptionist nods and turns to leave, closing the door behind her. Beverly gives him a
sarcastic smile)
What can I do for you, Doug?
Doug (demanding):
Were you even going to tell me?
Beverly (just as demanding):
Tell you what?
Doug:
About Raoul going back to the home?
Beverly:
When it was time for you to know, yes.
Doug (exasperated):
When it was time for me to know?
Beverly:
Yes! You are not his foster parent...you are simply a volunteer that spends extra time
with him...
Doug (angry):
Oh, I think I'm a HELL of a lot more than that! Have you thought about what going back to
the home is going to do to all the work Dr. Alton and I have done with this kid?
Beverly:
It can't be helped, Doug! There is no other answer! His mother doesn't want him back...she
signed the papers to turn him over the State...and the Altons can't keep him right now! I
had enough trouble placing him with them if you remember correctly...
Doug (suddenly and quietly):
Then give him to me.
Beverly (shocked):
What? You have six children of your own...four of them under a year old...surely you and
your wife don't need any more...
Doug:
Raoul gets along great with my kids and he and my son are like two peas in a pod when he's
around. I think it could work.
Beverly (gives him a look):
You're serious?
Doug (nods):
I have to talk to Carol about it, but, yeah...I think it's worth a shot...better than
sending him back to the home.
Beverly (nods):
All right...you talk to your wife...then I'll come and talk to both of you...we'll see
what happens. NO Promises! But, we'll see.
Doug (nods):
OK...that's all I can ask.
Beverly:
All right...now get out of my office.
Doug chuckles and leaves, going back to his jeep. As he starts the engine he shakes his head, inwarding thinking 'Please don't kill me, Carol' and pulls the jeep away as Act One Fades to Black.
Act Two
"How High's The Water, Mama?"
"Three Feet High and Rising"
"How High's The Water, Papa?"
"She Said It's Three Feet High And Rising"
"Well, The Hives Are Gone, I Lost My Bees,
Chickens Are Sleeping In The Willow Trees
Cows Are In Water Up Past Their Knees
Three Feet High And Rising"
Scene opens at the Ross home where Carol is working in the kitchen and still listening to the radio and another song comes on the radio that catches her attention as she listens to the lyrics.
Lyrics:
I've been to Meece...and the Isle of Greece...where I sipped champagne on a yacht...I
moved like Harlo in Monte Carlo and showed 'em what I've got...I've been undressed by
Kings and I've seen some things that a woman ain't 'sposed to see...Hey, Lady, I've been
to paradise, but I've never been to me...
...sometimes I've been to crying for unborn children that might have made me
complete...but I took the sweet life and never knew I'd be bitter from the sweet..."
Show Carol thinking and smiling as she continues to work. Show Marc toddle into her and grab onto the leg of her jeans. She smiles down at him.
Carol:
Hi, Marcus...you want a cookie?
Marc (happily):
Cook-eee!
Carol laughs and reaches into the cupboard and takes out a cookie and hands it to him. He toddles happily away munching it.
Carol (rolls her eyes):
Yeah, that's good, Marc...go get crumbs all over the place...
Cut to show Doug coming in the back door quietly. Carol is surprised to see him when she looks up.
Carol:
What are you doing home? I thought you had an appointment with Nina today...
Doug:
I do, but, I wanted to talk to you first...
Carol (looks at him):
Something wrong?
Doug:
It's about Raoul...he's going back to the home.
Carol (surprised):
What? Why?
Doug:
The Altons can't keep him...Dr. Alton is pregnant and has a history of complicated
pregnancies so they can't keep him until after the baby is born.
Carol:
I thought he was supposed to go back to his mother?
Doug (shakes his head):
His mother doesn't want him...she signed him over to the State.
Carol (makes a face):
Oh, Doug! That's awful! What kind of a mother doesn't want their child?
Doug:
One that should never have had one in the first place.
Carol (nods):
Yeah, you're probably right. How did Raoul take the news?
Doug:
He's pretty OK with it...I'm the one that's upset about it. Going back to the home will
undo everything the Altons and I have done with him in a year...he'll have to leave St.
Michael's school and he's doing really well there...I'm worried about the long term
effects of this on him.
Carol (thinks a minute, then, quietly):
Why don't we take him?
Doug (grins at her, but doesn't let on):
You don't think we have enough already?
Carol (shrugs):
Raoul gets along well with the kids. He fits in here. He's really no trouble. I wouldn't
mind.
Doug:
You really mean that? You'd agree to be foster parents?
Carol:
Foster parents...or adopt him out right...
Doug (ticks his head):
Adopting kids like Raoul is a long procedure...but I'm sure we'd pass for foster care.
Carol:
Let's hold a family meeting with Tatchie and Scott tonight and talk about it as a
family...after all...it means Scott will have to share his room...he might not like that
idea.
Doug (kisses her):
Thank you for this...
Carol:
Raoul is a good kid...he's come a long way in a year...I'd like to see him stay on that
track.
Doug (glances at the ceiling and then looks back at her):
I guess it's safe to tell you now I already talked to Beverly about us being his foster
parents...
Carol (giggles):
Somehow I figured you did...I can read you like a book, Doug.
(pats him on the bottom)
Now get moving for your session with Nina.
Doug (grins):
Yes, ma'am.
He starts away as she shakes her head and smiles.
Cut to show Doug coming into Nina's office. Her therapy room door is closed so he sits in a chair and picks up a magazine. He has just opened the cover when Nina comes in the main door.
Nina (smiles):
Hi, Doug! Sorry I'm late!
Doug (smiles, knowingly):
Late lunch with your husband?
Nina (contented look):
Oh, that sounds SO good!
(she opens her door and Doug follows her in)
Doug (sliding into a chair):
Really enjoying married life, huh?
Nina (nods, smiles):
I didn't know it could this good again...Mark is just wonderful. Emma is crazy about him.
Doug (chuckles):
That's great...I'm very happy for all of you.
Cut to show Rachel Greene coming slowly off the elevator and walking carefully down the hallway of the center, looking around as she goes. Mark comes out of his office carrying a file and sees her.
Mark (surprised):
Rachel!? Honey, what are you doing here?
Rachel (running to him, hugging him):
Daddy!
Mark (hugs her back, but, then pulls her to look at him):
Where's your Mom?
Rachel (nervously):
She's working.
Mark (surprised):
Well, then, how did you get here?
Rachel:
I came on the train...I have to talk to you, Daddy!
Mark:
You came on the train by yourself?
Rachel:
I do a lot of things by myself, Daddy. That's what I wanted to talk to you about.
Mark (nods):
OK...let's go into my office...
(goes out front to Vikki)
Vikki, would you please hold my calls for a few minutes?
Vikki (nods):
Sure thing, Dr. Greene.
Mark takes Rachel and guides her down the hall to his office, closing the door behind them.
Cut back to Doug and Nina. Doug is curled around the leather chair with his legs dangling over one arm. Nina is sitting behind her desk.
Doug (quietly):
Nightmares are starting up again...
Nina (nods):
Tell me about them...
Doug (shrugs):
It's the same ole same ole...except...
Nina (coaxes him):
Except what?
Doug:
Remember the little boy in the closet?
Nina (nods):
Yes...what about him?
Doug (singing, trying to break the serious mood):
He's Baaaccckkk!
Nina (laughs lightly):
I thought we solved his problem.
Doug (nods):
I did too...but apparently there's still something else.
Nina:
OK...tell me about the dream.
Doug:
The little boy is looking out through a crack in the door, just like always...and he sees
the shadows on the wall...
Nina:
A man and a woman?
Doug (nods):
Right...and they are arguing...and the man hits the woman...it's the same thing...
(pause)
...except...
Nina (coaxing):
Except what, Doug?
Doug (voice cracks):
When he opens the door wider to get a better look...the people he sees are me and Carol.
Nina (makes notes on a file):
You're hitting Carol? Not your father hitting your mother?
Doug (nods):
Right.
(pause...gives Nina a sad look)
Please tell me that doesn't mean what I think it means...
Nina (smiles knowingly):
That you are going to turn into your Dad and start beating on Carol?
(shakes her head)
No...I don't think so. I think it simply means that there is still something in your past
effecting you in the present.
(snickers)
Besides, I have a feeling if you ever hit Carol she'd lay you flat with the first thing
she got her hands on!
Doug (chuckles):
Yeah, you're probably right.
(pause)
There's something else...
Nina (nods, coaxes):
OK...
Doug:
I don't see anything much...just hear a lot of yelling and then hear a loud BANG! and I
see blood on the wall...
Nina:
Blood? Human blood?
Doug (nods):
I guess it's human blood...I don't really know...
Focus on Nina with a concerned look on her face and cut scene.
Cut back to Mark and Rachel in Mark's office. Rachel is sitting at his desk and spinning in his chair. He reaches out and stops her from spinning and sits on the edge of the desk to face her.
Mark:
OK, Honey, what's going on?
Rachel (matter-of-factly):
I want to come and live with you and Nina. You guys are married now and I don't want to
live with Mommy anymore.
Mark (recovers):
Can you tell me why?
Rachel:
I'm in the way at home.
Mark (surprised tone):
In the way?
Rachel (nods):
Yeah...I overheard them talking about all the things they could do if they didn't have ME
there.
Mark:
Oh, honey, all parents say things like that sometimes...
Rachel (hurt look):
Don't you want me, Daddy?
Mark (hugs her):
Oh, Honey! There's nothing I would love more than to have you with me and Nina, but, I'm
afraid it's just not that easy!
Rachel:
Daddy, I hate it there with Mommy. I'm always alone after school until she gets home...and
sometimes that's not until nine o'clock at night and I get scared after dark! I want to be
with you...where we can be a family again!
Mark:
I'll tell you what...I'll talk to somebody who can tell me what I can do, OK? And we'll
see what happens...
Rachel (scoffs, frowns):
Parents always say 'we'll see'...
Mark (laughs):
When they don't know, yes...I know that. We'll look into it and see what can be done, OK?
But, honey, it's not going to be an easy thing for any of us...I want you to understand
that before we start, OK?
Rachel:
I know...Mommy will get upset...but Daddy, what about me? I'm upset now! Don't I count?
Mark (nods, hugs her again):
Yes, you do...and we'll see what we can do for you, OK?
Rachel:
OK.
Mark:
Why don't you stay here until I get off work, OK? I'll call your Mom...
Rachel (nods, happily):
OK!!
Mark leaves her there with pens and paper an goes back out to the front desk, picks up the phone and dials a number.
Mark (into receiver):
Jennifer please.
(grows angry)
Well, then pull her OUT of her meeting, this is important! It's about her daughter...
Cut back to Nina and Doug, Doug still curled around his chair and Nina making notes on his file behind the desk.
Nina:
This bang that you hear...can you describe it?
Doug (shakes his head):
It's really muffled...I can't make it out clearly....no...I can't describe it.
Nina:
Have you had anything else disturb you lately?
Doug (shrugs):
Not disturb me, but, while I was in the hospital I had some strange things happen...
Nina:
Really? Like what?
Doug looks across the room and sees a faint image of Ray sitting and watching him...his face registers confusion.
Nina (coaxing):
Doug? Like what?
Focus on Doug still looking across the room...Nina looks in his direction but doesn't see anything. Show her looking back at him in concern as Act Two Fades to Black.
Act Three
"How High's The Water, Mama?"
"Four Feet High And Rising"
"How High's The Water, Papa?"
"She Said It's Four Feet High And Rising"
"Hey Come Look Through The Window Pane
The Bus Is Coming Gonna Take Us To The Train
Looks Like We'll Be Blessed With A Little More Rain!
Four Feet High And Rising!"
Scene opens at the Ross home. Show Carol coming through the hallway and we hear the doorbell ringing.
Carol (calling):
I'm coming!
(she opens the door to find Beverly Watters on the other side)
May I help you?
Beverly:
Are you Mrs. Ross?
Carol (nods):
Yes...
Beverly (reaches her hand to shake):
You don't know me...I am Beverly Watters...I work in Social Services…Child Services
more specifically. I'm here to talk to you about Raoul Fernandez...
Carol (brightens, opens the door):
Yes! Doug talked to me about that! Please come in.
Cut back to Nina and Doug, with Doug still staring across the room at Ray's faint image.
Nina (looking):
What are you looking at, Doug?
Doug (pops his trance):
Not looking...just thinking...about something that happened when I was in the hospital.
Nina:
OK...you want to talk about it?
Doug:
I had, I guess what they call an out of body experience? I could see and hear everything
that was going on in my room around me, but, I was asleep on the bed.
Nina (nods):
Yes, that's an out of body experience.
Doug:
And my Dad was with me.
Nina:
Knowing your past history with your Dad, how did that make you feel?
Doug:
It was actually pretty good. We got to talk about things we never talked about before and
I felt like we resolved a lot of things between us.
Nina (nods):
Then, that was a good thing. Is that what's bothering you?
Doug (shakes his head):
No...but I think my Dad is trying to tell me something.
Nina:
I think there is definitely something still unresolved in your childhood...
(pause)
This house in Kentucky...is it still there?
Doug (shrugs:
I don't know.
Nina:
Is there any way you can find out?
Doug:
I guess my Mom would know...why?
Nina:
Because I think you need to go back there. I think whatever happened in that house is
something causing a lot of your problems now and I think you need to go back and find out
what it was that happened there.
Doug:
How do I do that?
Nina:
Well, you've blocked out whatever it is, but, it's trying to come back to you in your
dreams. You have bits and pieces. I think if you go back, you'll be able to remember while
you're in the environment it all happened in.
Doug:
Sounds almost crazy enough to be true...
Nina:
It's been known to work...old childhood places trigger old childhood memories. You might
think about it at least...
Doug (nods):
OK.
Nina (makes notes on a file):
Anything else?
Doug:
I found out today that Raoul is going back to the home...complications in his foster care
and his mother doesn't want him back...
Nina (shakes her head):
Poor kid...just gets banged around like ping pong ball.
Doug:
I'm going to look into Carol and I taking him...
Nina (nods):
Well, not that I think you and Carol need anymore kids, but, it might be a good idea. He's
already used to all of you...
Doug:
And he fits in well.
Nina:
Well, then, I wish you good luck with that.
(makes notes on her file)
Anything else you want us to cover today?
Doug (shakes his head):
No...I guess that's about it.
Nina (nods):
OK, then...keep me posted about Raoul...and let me know what you decide about going to
Kentucky.
Doug (gets up to leave):
OK...I will...thanks, Nina...
Doug quietly leaves the office and gets into the hallway in time to hear Mark still on the phone...
Mark (growing angry):
I don't care, Jennifer! She is staying here until there is either somebody there to take
care of her or she's staying with me! No! No, I will NOT send her home. I tell you what,
Jen, you can tell it to the Judge when I sue you for custody!
(bangs up the phone loudly)
Doug (comes up to the desk with a surprised look):
Something wrong?
Mark:
Yeah, I just found out today that my daughter is a latch key kid and she's afraid to stay
alone at night and my ex-wife doesn't give a damn!
Doug:
Well, it sounds like you're ready to fight her on it.
Mark:
I'm just worried about what it'll do to Rachel, you know? Her parents fighting over her
like this...
Doug:
Rachel came to you, right?
(Mark nods)
And told you what was going on? So, what does that tell you?
Mark (nods, knowing smile):
That she's willing to fight, too...
Doug (smiles):
Uh huh...
Mark (nods):
Well, then, we'll fight.
Doug (claps Mark on the shoulder and starts away):
Atta boy! I'm out of here, OK? I'll see you tomorrow.
Mark (nods as he goes):
Yeah, have a good evening.
Cut back to the Ross home where Beverly and Carol are talking together.
Beverly:
I reviewed the files on your adoption of Tatiana...I understand that was a single parent
adoption even though you were married at the time?
Carol:
Yeah, that was Doug's idea. It's a long story but it has to do with independence and
confidence.
Beverly:
And then Doug formally adopted her later, I see?
Carol (nods):
Yeah, that's right.
Beverly:
Would you and Doug consider outright adoption of Raoul?
Carol (surprised):
Well, we didn't think that would be much of an option. Doug says adopting kids like Raoul
is a complicated procedure.
Beverly:
Well, under normal circumstances, it is. But you and Doug already have an adoption under
your belt. It would take practically nothing for you to adopt Raoul since both of you are
already 'pre-approved' so to speak.
Carol:
Really? Well, I'd like to talk to Doug about it...we need to discuss that as a family as
we have two children it will openly effect if we had a ten year old to our family
suddenly.
Beverly (nods):
Of course...I understand. I'd like you to please consider it at least...
Carol (nods):
Yeah! Sure! We surely will...
Beverly (hands Carol several pamphlets):
You and Doug read over these, and when you know what you want to do, call me.
Carol:
What about Foster Care?
Beverly:
It takes several days to process the papers. If I start now, you'll be approved by the
time Raoul leaves the Altons care...that would make it a very smooth transition.
Carol (nods...stands up with her to walk her out):
Thank you, Mrs. Watters...
Beverly (as she gets to the door, turns and smiles as she shakes hands with Carol):
No, Mrs. Ross...thank YOU...thank you and your husband for caring about kids.
Carol sees her out and closes the door, looking over the pamphlets as she goes back through the house.
Cut to show Doug knocking on a door at house. Show Sarah, his mother, opening the door.
Sarah (hugs him):
Hi, sweetheart! Come on in!
Doug (kisses her cheek as he goes through the doorway):
Hi, Mom...
Sarah (once he is in):
Something wrong?
Doug:
Not really...just wanted to ask you about something?
Sarah (nods):
OK.
Doug:
You remember that house in Kentucky that we lived in for a while?
Sarah:
Yes...what about it?
Doug:
Is it still there?
Sarah:
Well, I suppose so. Why?
Doug:
Is the key still behind the mailbox like it always was?
Sarah:
Well, unless someone else is living there and changed the locks, I would guess it is. Why?
What's all this sudden interest in that old house?
Doug (lies):
I was thinking about taking Scott down there...show him my roots...
Sarah (delighted):
Oh, well, I think that might be very nice!
Doug (shrugs):
Yeah, we've been a little distant lately...you know...he's growing up and has his own life
now...
Sarah:
Well, good luck.
Doug (nods, starts back to the door. Just as he gets to the door, he kisses Sarah on
the cheek):
I love you, Mom.
He steps on away quickly leaving Sarah bewildered and confused in the doorway.
Cut to show Mark going into Nina's office with a sheepish look on his face. Nina looks up from working at her desk and snickers.
Nina:
I know that look...what's up?
Mark:
Rachel came down here today...she told me some things I didn't like too well...I want to
talk to you...
(he sits down with her and looks her in the eye)
I want to fight Jen for custody of her.
Nina (nods):
I remember we talked about this once before...you're serious this time? Because custody
battles are long and usually pretty nasty.
Mark:
I know, and I explained that to Rachel as well. But, Nina, she's a latch key kid...she's
home alone until late at night... I don't like any of it and I'm in a position to do
something about it now...
Nina:
You were in a position to do something about it before...you were still her father even
before we got married.
Mark:
But, I have better ammunition now! I just want to be sure it's OK with you.
Nina (smiles):
You know I love Rachel...I would love to have her with us full time. I know Emma would
love it, too.
(kisses him shortly)
I say we go for it.
Mark (wraps his arms around her):
Oh, now I know why I married you...
Cut to show Doug sitting in his jeep in the driveway of the Ross home, thinking. We go into his thoughts and see the outside of the house in Kentucky. It is a small red brick house with a front porch, a porch swing, and wire fence around the front yard. There is a flower garden in one corner and dogwood tree with a tire swing hanging from a limb in a far corner of the yard. In his mind, Doug can hear the sounds of a child playing in the yard. But his mind is suddenly clouded by darkness and he hears angry shouts coming from inside the house. Cut to show Carol looking out the window. She goes to the door and walks down the driveway with her arms folded across her chest wondering what is going on. She stops at the drivers side of the car and pecks lightly on the window.
Carol:
Doug? Hey?
(Doug looks up and opens the door to get out)
What's wrong?
Doug (puts his arm around her):
Nothing! I was just thinking about something...
Carol (smiles):
Thinking about Raoul, by any chance?
Doug (lies):
Yeah, as a matter of fact!
Carol:
Well, come on inside! I have some good news about that!
She slips her arm around his waist and his rests his arm on her shoulder as the go up the driveway together and go into the house as Act Three Fades To Black.
Act Four
"How High's The Water, Mama?"
"Five Feet High And Rising"
"How High's The Water, Papa?"
"She Said It's Five Feet High And Rising"
Well The Rails Are Washed Out North Of Town
We Gotta Head For Higher Ground
We Can't Come Back Until The Water Goes Down
Five Feet High And Rising...
Well, It's Five Feet High And Rising!"
Scene opens at the Greene home. Show Mark coming through the hallway as we hear someone knocking at the front door. Mark opens the door to find a woman dressed in a very nice business dress and carrying a briefcase.
Mark (confused):
Can I help you?
Woman (smiles):
Are you Dr. Greene?
Mark (nods, still confused):
Yes...
Woman (extends her hand to shake):
I am Debra Burns...I'm with the law firm, Fielding, Colter, and Burns? I wondered if I
could talk to you about your daughter?
Mark (still confused):
Rachel? What about her?
Debra:
May I come in, Dr. Greene?
Nina (coming through the hall way):
Who is it, Mark?
Mark (opens the door):
Sure, come on in.
(once the lawyer is inside)
This is my wife, Nina...Nina this Ms. Burns, she's with a law firm...she wants to talk to
us about Rachel.
Nina (smiles):
Oh, well, she's upstairs playing with Emma...do I need to call her?
Debra:
No, please...it's the two of you I need to talk to...particularly you, Dr. Greene.
Mark (nods, motions her into the sitting room):
All right...we can talk in here.
The three of them go into the room and sit down together. Debra opens her briefcase and starts taking papers out of it.
Mark:
You'll have to excuse my surprise...I haven't even contacted a lawyer yet...
Debra (smiles):
I know...
(holds out a paper)
...your daughter did.
Mark (takes paper, now VERY confused):
What?
Debra (motions to the paper Mark is holding):
That's a letter your daughter wrote to the Judge that gave you and your ex-wife shared
custody a few years back. The Judge asked us to investigate. That's why I'm here.
(nods)
Read it...I think you'll find it very elegantly written.
Mark and Nina lean close together and read over the letter.
Mark (surprised...hands it back):
Rachel wrote this?
Debra:
Yes...and the Judge was impressed enough to check it out. There is no malice in that
letter...no hatred...and no finger pointing. She just very maturely states the facts and
her wishes. I don't know Rachel, but, if I were judging her from this letter, I'd have to
say she's a very intelligent young lady.
Mark (nods):
Yes...yes, she is. You have to excuse me, Ms. Burns, but this is all sudden. Rachel just
came to me today and told me she wanted to live with me. I had no idea about anything like
that letter.
Debra:
The big question here is, do the two of you WANT Rachel to live here?
Nina (speaks up quickly):
Oh, yes...absolutely.
Mark (nods):
No question about it...we're in total agreement on that.
Debra (smiles, nods):
Good! That's the most important thing. Then you are ready to sue for custody?
Mark:
Yes...
(reaches and takes Nina's hand, Nina smiles at him)
...we are.
Debra (smiles):
Then, that's what we'll do.
Mark:
Well, since I'm not really up on legal procedures. What's the first thing we do?
Debra:
The first thing is I draw up the papers to serve Jennifer to tell her she is being sued
for custody of your daughter...we are seeking a reversal of primary custody which now
stands. Then, there will be a hearing and the Judge will determine then who retains
custody of Rachel while this trial is going on.
Mark:
OK, let me ask you this before we do anything...how much of a chance do I actually have of
winning this case?
Debra:
Judging from what I already know, and what I hope to find out when I investigate further,
I'd say you have a better than average chance.
Mark (surprised):
Really?
Debra (nods):
And a lot of it depends on Rachel. She's 11 years old now, almost twelve. And twelve years
old is the age in which the State says a child can decide which parent they want to live
with.
(holds up the letter)
And Rachel has already exhibited a mature outlook, which the court will also take into
consideration. I won't tell you it'll be an easy battle, but, I do think you have a very
good chance.
(smiles)
I wouldn't be representing the case if I didn't.
(pause)
So, we have a case?
Mark (nods):
We have a case.
Nina (smiles, nods):
Yes...we have a case.
Mark walks the lawyer back to the doorway and Rachel comes down the steps with Emma just as she gets to the door.
Mark (takes Rachel by the shoulders):
This is Rachel...
(reaches and pulls Emma to him)
...and this is my step-daughter, Emma. Girls, this is Debra Burns...she's a lawyer you
might be seeing around here for a little while.
Rachel (beams excitedly):
You're gonna take the case, huh?
Debra (smiles at her):
Yes, I am. I read your letter and I think it was wonderful.
Rachel:
There's nothing in it that isn't true!
Debra:
Well, I promise to do the best I can for you, OK.
(shakes hands with Mark)
Thank you, Dr. Greene...
(shakes hands with Nina)
Mrs. Greene...I'll be in touch.
She goes out the door and Mark closes it off. Nina wraps her arms around her waist and rests her head on his shoulder.
Nina (sighs):
Mrs. Greene...oh, I LIKE the sounds of that!
Mark chuckles and puts his arm around her as they go back through the house with the girls.
Cut to the Ross home. Carol and Doug are sitting in the family room with Tatiana and Scott, when Amy comes slowly into the room.
Carol (smiles):
Come in, Amy...this meeting concerns you too!
Amy comes in and sits down with the kids. Doug clears her throat to start things off.
Doug:
OK, I'm gonna make this short and sweet...all of us here know Raoul Fernandez, right?
(everybody nods)
Doug (continued):
OK, Raoul is a foster child...
Tatiana (confused face):
What's that?
Doug:
That means he has been removed from his home and placed in alternative care...
Tatiana (beams):
Like I was!
Doug (nods):
Yes, exactly! Well, the family that Raoul has been living with isn't going to be able to
keep him past their initial commitment with him and he's going to have to move back to the
home for children who are wards of the State...
Tatiana (scoffs):
Yuck. I've been there. It is NOT fun!
Doug:
So, since Raoul is pretty much a common feature around here, Carol and I were thinking
about letting him come here to live.
Scott:
You mean you're gonna adopt him?
Doug:
No, not necessarily...we would be his foster family.
Scott (brightens):
Cool! I'd have a little brother big enough to DO things with!
Doug:
Well, as 'cool' as it sounds, I think everyone needs to understand that it will change
things around here. Amy...it will give you an extra kid to have to keep track of...will
that be a problem for you?
Amy (smiles):
Oh, no, Dr. Ross. Raoul isn't that much trouble.
Doug:
Tatchie? What about you? That would give you another big brother...is that going to be a
problem?
Tatiana (shakes her head):
No...he's no worse to pick on me than Scotty is...and I know how to handle him, too!
(Carol chuckles, Doug smiles)
Doug:
Scott? What about you?
Scott:
I like Raoul! I think he's really cool. And he likes a lot of the same things I do. It'll
be great.
Doug:
OK, now, before you think it's 'great', let me tell you that you'd have to share your room
with him...at least until we can remodel the attic for you...
Scott:
That's OK...can I get bunk beds?
Doug (nods):
Sure...that would work fine...
Scott:
Cool! I've always wanted bunk beds! Now I get bunk beds AND a little brother!
Doug:
OK, but, all of you need to understand that Raoul still has some emotional problems and
needs special help and attention sometimes, especially with school. I don't want anyone
feeling jealous or getting bent out of shape if your Mom and I spend a little more time
with him sometimes than we do you, OK?
Scott (nods):
I understand.
Tatiana (nods):
Yes, Papa.
Doug (claps his hands together):
OK, then, I guess that's about all I have to say...meeting adjourned!
Scott (jumps up, looks at Tatiana who just continues to sit):
That means it's over, Tatch! We can go now!
Tatiana (jumps up):
OH! OK!!
Carol (as they break away, to Amy):
Thanks, Amy, for being such a good sport.
Amy (smiles, laughs):
It's all right, Mrs. Ross. I love children. And there were ten kids in my family, so, I'm
used to a full house.
Carol (slips her arm around Doug):
So, tell me why we don't want to adopt him.
Doug:
Because his Mom might not want him now, but she might want him later. And I don't want him
to give up on her.
Carol:
What makes you think he'd even want anything to do with her after the way she's treated
him?
Doug:
I don't know that he would. But, I'm gonna work on that with him. I don't want him
completely and totally taken away from his family and his heritage. It's important that he
keeps some of his own identity.
Carol (wraps her arms around her and smiles up at him):
Do you know something, Dr. Ross? You are just really something else!
Doug (chuckles, kisses her):
I am? Why is that?
Carol:
Because you care about kids...I know that's part of your job, but you take it beyond the
office. You always have. And that's always been one thing I admired about you.
Doug:
Somebody's gotta go to bat for these kids, Carol. They can't do it all on their own...no
matter how tough think they are.
Carol (sadly):
And you would know about that, wouldn't you?
Doug (nods sadly):
Yeah...unfortunately, I would.
Carol (as they walk through the house together):
How was your session with Nina today?
Doug (nods):
Went well, I think...we covered a lot of ground...
Focus on Doug's eyes, deep and dark in his head, as his mind wanders to thinking about the things he and Nina covered in their session and Fade Act Four to Black.
Closing Act
Scene opens at the Ross home. Doug is working at the computer in the family room when Scott comes into the room slowly and stops by the desk, watching him.
Doug (doesn't take his eyes off the computer screen):
Yes, Son? What is it?
Scott:
Are you busy?
Doug (still watching the screen):
A little, but, I've got time for you.
(gets a breaking point and turns to face Scott)
What's on your mind?
Scott:
Well, Veronica invited me to a dance at her Mom's office party.
Doug (smiles):
Well, that sounds like fun!
Scott (frowns):
Yeah, and I want to go, but, there's a little problem.
Doug:
Yeah? What's that?
Scott:
I don't know how to dance!
Doug:
Well, yeah you do! I've seen you dance before!
Scott (rolls his eyes):
Not THAT kind of dancing! Dancing where you have to touch each other!
Doug (nods, understands):
Oh! OK! I see your problem.
Scott:
Can you teach me?
Doug:
How soon do you have to learn?
Scott (winces):
By Saturday night?
Doug (snickers):
Oh, yeah...I think we can probably get you dancing by then!
(calls through the house)
Carol! Hey, Carol!
Carol (comes into the room carrying Marc):
Right here, Doug! What's wrong?
Doug:
Nothing wrong...our son needs to learn how to dance!
Carol (smiles at Scott):
What's going on?
Scott (rolls his eyes):
Veronica invited me to a dance at her Mom's office party.
Carol:
Oh, I think that's great! That'll be a lot of fun.
Doug (going over to the stereo):
Shall we demonstrate the technique?
Carol (sits Marc on the sofa):
Oh, sure!
(winks at Scott)
Watch me...not your Dad...
(to Doug)
This is real dancing, now, Doug...not 'dirty' dancing...
Scott:
What's 'dirty' dancing?
Carol:
Never you mind, Mister...you're too young!
Strands of the song LEATHER AND LACE starts on the stereo.
Carol (smiles at Doug and she puts her hand on his shoulders and takes his hand in hers): Oh, I LOVE that song!
Lyrics:
...I have my own life...and I am stronger than you know...but I carry this feeling when
you walked into my house that you won't be walking out the door...
Scott sits and watches and Doug and Carol transfer a form of ball room dancing to modern day music, both of them smiling at each other as they gaze into each other's eyes.
Scott:
Do I have to make goo goo eyes at her like that?
Doug (grins):
Only if you want to, Son...
Lyrics:
...you in the moonlight...with your sleepy eyes...could you ever love a man like me? And
you were right...when I walked into your house I knew I'd never wanna leave...sometimes
I'm a strong man...sometimes caught and scared and sometimes I cry...but that time I saw
you I knew with you to light my nights somehow I'd get by...
Doug (lets loose of Carol, motions to Scott):
OK...you try.
Scott (makes a face):
Dance with my MOM?
Carol:
Oh, get over here! Nobody has to know!
Doug stands back and watches as Scott takes his place with Carol. They are awkward at first, but within a few rounds, Scott has picked up the pace.
Scott (delighted):
I'm doing it!
Carol:
You sure are! And doing very well, too!
Scott:
Why did I think this was so hard?
Doug (laughs):
You'll be the best dancer there!
Music stops, Carol lets loose of Scott's hands.
Scott:
Thanks, you guys!
Doug (as Scott heads out of the room):
Anytime, Pal.
Focus on Marc as he drops himself down off the sofa and bangs onto the floor. He toddles happily towards where Doug and Carol are holding each other in the middle of the floor, their bodies pressed together, dancing to music we don't hear.
Marc (as he toddles towards them):
Ma-Ma-Ma!
Carol (stops, turns quickly to him):
What did he say?
Doug (looks at Marc, chuckles):
I believe he said 'Ma Ma'
Carol (reaches down and scoops Marc up in her arms):
I think he did, too!
(hugs Marc)
Who am I, Marcus?
(taps her chest)
Who is this?
Marc (claps his hands and laughs):
Ma-ma!
Carol (delighted):
Oh, Doug! I didn't think he was EVER going to say that!
(starts carrying him out of the room)
Come on, Marc...Mommy will give you a cookie...
Marc:
Cook-ee!!
Doug (chuckles as he follows along behind them):
Oh, sure...bribe him...
Carol just laughs as she carries Marc along and the Closing Act Fades into the Closing Credits of the show.
April 24, 1998