"Keeping Promises"

Opening Act

Scene opens at County General ER...daytime...things are fairly quiet patient wise, but, busy for the staff. Anna Del Amico and Doug Ross are conferring quietly over a Pedes patient when Carol Hathaway comes in. Doug looks up quickly and smiles at her.

Doug (quietly):
Good morning.

Carol (looks at her watch):
You were going to bring breakfast by this morning? What happened?

Doug (shrugs):
Something came up.

Carol (glares at Anna):
Yeah, I bet it did, Doug.

Carol turns sharply and walks into the staff lounge. Doug stares at the closed door with a dumbfounded look on his face...not sure what Carol is mad about. Anna quickly sidesteps him and goes into the lounge. She finds Carol banging her head lightly against the locker door and muttering to herself.

Carol:
You are SO GOOD, Carol! That was SO mature of you!

Anna (quietly from the doorway):
There's nothing going on between Doug and me.

Carol (turns sharply, then quickly opens her locker):
I don't know what you're talking about.

Anna (walks over to her to stand close to the locker):
Yes, you do. He's not interested. Really.

Carol (scoffs):
You obviously don't know Dr. Ross very well yet.

Anna:
I know his history. I've heard everybody in this hospital tell me about him. But, I think that's all it is...history. I think he's focused now. And knows what he wants.

Carol (turns to look at Anna eye to eye):
And what would that be?

Anna (takes Carol's hand and holds the engagement ring up to her face):
Do you really need to ask me that?
(Carol sighs and puts her head down, half ashamed of her actions)

Carol:
I guess it's just hard for me to forget sometimes.

Anna:
You're going to have to trust him sooner or later, Carol. Give him a chance. I think he really loves you.

Anna smiles, pats Carol on the shoulder and walks out.

Focus on Carol as she looks through the doors out to where Doug is standing. She looks down at her diamond ring, and smiles slightly, going quickly on about her work.

Cut back to the front desk. Mark Greene is now joining the staff with John Carter in tow. Mark holds out a flyer and offers it to anyone who can give him information.

Mark (waving flyer):
Does anyone know what this is?

Doug (looks carefully):
Says it's a staff talent show audition.

Mark (sarcastically):
Yes, I KNOW what it says...what's it FOR?

Carol (joining the group from the lounge now):
The hospital is sponsoring a talent show for the in house patients. I thought it was about time the ER cooperated.

Mark:
What do you mean about time? You mean we've done this before?

Carol (nods):
Every year. This is the only department that never participates and I thought it was about time we did.

Doug (chuckles): Nobody participates because nobody down here has any talent.

Carter (speaks up quickly):
Oh, I don't think that's true. I know magic.
(Smiles at Carol)
You can put me on that list, Carol. I'll be glad to help out.

Doug (chuckles again):
Sure, Carter, make the rest of us look bad.

Mark (turns to Doug):
Well, what about you? I mean, I've seen you do Elvis...

Doug (cuts him off quickly):
Only when I'm drunk! And I gave up drinking months ago!
(gathers up his files and starts away)
You're out of luck on that one, Bud!

Carol (coaxingly calls after him):
Doug! I'm sure we can find something else...
(Doug doesn't answer or turn back...just disappears down the hall with a wave of his hand)
So, I have Carter for magic and I'm going to dance. Anybody else? Guys? Please?

One by one the staff walks away, muttering negative responses. Focus on Carol as she slams a stack of folders down on the desk in front of her and drops her chin onto her hand in despair.

Fade Opening Act into the Opening Credits of the show...

"ER"

"Keeping Promises"

Act One

Scene opens in the ER...full swing with action now....patients and doctors alike. Focus on Jerry as he serves up a chart to Doug Ross, who is coming through the hallway quickly.

Jerry (quickly):
Ten year old in three with a bleeding arm...

Doug (snatches the chart...never misses a beat walking):
Got it!

Focus on Doug as he proceeds on to curtain three. He opens the curtain to find a ten year old boy sitting on the exam table. His mother is standing beside the table and she is fairly calm for the parent of a bleeding child. The boy has a bath towel wrapped around his arm and it is soaked with blood. Doug glances quickly at the chart and pulls a stool up in front of the exam table to sit on it for a better look at his patient.

Doug (comfortingly):
Hey, Buddy, what happened here?

Mother:
He fell out of a treehouse and ripped his arm open on a nail.

Boy:
Mom freaks out when she sees blood! It's just a little scratch!

Doug (nods, directs his words to the child):
Can I see it?
(the boy nods and Doug unwraps the bath towel to expose a gash on the left forearm about four inches long and about three inches deep, still bleeding rather profusely)
More than a scratch, pal! Looks like you're gonna take some stitches! But, the good news is, you're gonna be OK!
(smiles casually at the boy and then gets up to confer with the Mother)
It's not as bad as it looks. I'll get someone in here to stitch it up. Has he ever had a tetanus shot?

Mother (shakes her head):
I don't think so.

Doug (nods, makes notes on the chart):
OK, we'll give him one just to be safe. He'll be fine.
(turns back to the boy)
You take it easy, Buddy! Careful in that treehouse for a few days, OK?
(the boys nods slowly and Doug smiles, touches the Mother on the shoulder and starts for the door)
It'll be just a few minutes, OK?

Mother (nods):
Thank you, Doctor.

Doug (smiles):
It's OK.

Doug goes out of the room and into the hall, spots John Carter, and flags him down.

Doug:
Hey, Carter, I got a ten year old in three needs about six stitches...can you take care of that for me?

Carter (nods quickly):
Sure! Right away!

Doug (lays the chart down at the station):
Thanks.
(Looks at his watch and taps Carol on the shoulder)
I gotta get upstairs for an appointment with Nina Pomerantz. If Mark comes looking for me, tell him where I am, OK?

Carol (nods):
Sure!

Carol watches Doug until he disappears onto the elevator. She does not notice Kerry Weaver has come up beside her until Kerry speaks to her.

Kerry (quietly):
Is he still in therapy?

Carol (nods):
Yeah.

Kerry (leans on counter):
Been at it quite a while, hasn't he?

Carol (nods again):
A couple of months, now. Yes.

Kerry:
So, how's he doing with it?

Carol (turns to face Kerry with a grin):
He's doing great.

Kerry (smiles):
The Doug Ross I used to know would never have considered he might need help with something. He seems really focused on what he wants now.

Carol:
One of these days, I want to take you to lunch and you can tell me about when you and Doug did your Residency together...would that be OK with you?

Kerry:
Sure! Anytime. Just let me know...

Carol (nods with a smile):
I will. Thanks!

Kerry goes on off down the hall and Carol returns to her desk work.

End scene.

Open next scene in Nina Pomerantz' office. Doug is sitting in a leather chair in front of her desk...she is sitting behind her desk making notes on his folder in front of her.

Nina (without looking up):
So, how's it going today?

Doug (nods...voice quiet):
OK.

Nina (looks up at him...smiles):
Written any undeliverable letters lately?

Doug (grins):
A couple.

Nina (nods):
I guess I don't have to guess who they're addressed to.

Doug (chuckles):
I guess you don't.

Nina:
How are things with you and Carol?

Doug (nods):
Going good.

Nina (with a chuckle):
OK, Doctor, so tell me...how's your sex life?
(Doug laughs good naturedly at her remark)

Doug (admits):
It's better. Still not where I want it to be yet, but, better.

Nina:
Well, you just have to keep working on that.

Doug (smiles):
Not a hard order to follow.
(he pauses carefully...Nina picks up that something is on his mind)

Nina:
So, what ARE you having problems with?

Doug (shifts his weight nervously in the chair):
Bad dreams.

Nina:
Well, we talked about that back in the beginning. I told you to expect to relive the attack in your dreams for a while.

Doug:
It's not the attack. It's other things.

Nina (confused):
What other things?

Doug:
I have two reoccurring dreams that won't go away. One is about Carol and one is about Mark...

Nina:
Let's start with Mark. What are you dreaming about him?

Doug (laughs nervously):
It's crazy...

Nina (smiles coyly):
I'll be the judge of what's crazy or not, Doctor.
(winks at him)
Tell me what you're dreaming about Mark.

Doug:
I don't have the whole picture...just the part I keep dreaming. I'm on an exam table in the ER...I'm in restraints and I'm secured. I don't know what wrong with me. I don't know why I'm there. Mark is the only person with me. No one else on the staff is assisting him. And I can't see what he's doing to me. I only know it hurts. Everything he does causes pain of some kind. But, I can't get loose. All I can do is lay there and take it. I keep asking him to stop....BEGGING him to stop...but he acts like he doesn't even hear me and just keeps on working. Then, he picks up a needle about this long
(Doug makes a VERY exaggerated measurement with his hands)
and swabs the skin over the vein in my arm and tells me 'it'll all be over soon'. He gives me a really wicked smile, inserts the needle, and I wake up!

Nina:
You dream the same thing? Every time? There's never anything different?

Doug (nods):
And I wake up at the same exact spot every time.

Nina:
How often do you have this dream?

Doug:
Sometimes it seems like I have it every night. Other times it seems like it's only once in a while. But, I've had it several times.

Nina:
How is your relationship with Mark right now? You guys getting along OK down in the ER?

Doug (shrugs):
As far as I know. He hasn't called me down for anything major lately. Last big fall out we had was over the screw up with a patient, but that wasn't anything big. Not really.

Nina (sits back in her chair carefully):
Do you trust Mark? As a boss? Do you think he treats your fairly down there?

Doug (nods):
I think he does the best he can. I think I don't always make things easy for him.

Nina:
Do you feel threatened by him in any way?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't THINK so...is that what you think the dream is about? That I see Mark as the enemy?

Nina (folds her hands carefully on the desk):
When Mark did the physical exam on you...did he hurt you in any way?

Doug
(picks at a button nervously):
No more than he had to. The exam was not exactly a painless procedure.

Nina:
Do you think he went out of his way to make it more painful than it should have been?

Doug (shakes his head quickly):
No. Absolutely not! He was very considerate of my feelings through the whole thing.
(chuckles lightly)
I told you this was crazy.

Nina (shakes her head):
I don't think it's crazy. You obviously have some unresolved issue between you and Mark that you've never dealt with and that's what haunting you now.

Doug (confused):
Say WHAT?!

Nina (nods):
There is something bugging you about Mark that you have never addressed, whether it's with yourself or with him personally. There is something you either blame him for or something between the two of you that you never worked out.

Doug (scoffs):
And for that reason I think Mark is out to get me?

Nina (shakes her head):
No, you are relating physical pain in your dream to whatever pain Mark has inflicted on you in the past that you can't seem to get over. I don't think you actually think Mark is going to tie you to an exam table and torture you. What the dream reflects is that he is causing you pain and you don't understand why he's doing it...so whatever it is between you that you've never resolved is something that hurt you in some way and something you either don't, or didn't at the time, understand from him.

Doug (nods...looks down at his hands):
So, I guess I need to be figuring out what that was, huh?

Nina (smiles at him):
I think you already know what it is.

Doug (chuckles lightly):
Yeah, I guess I do.

Nina:
Did you ever talk to him about it? Did you ever talk to him about how all of that blow up over the rules made you feel? You went through quite a lot with that...with Mark, and Morganstern, and not to mention the scuffle with John Carter...

Doug (sighs):
All because I slept with a med school student...
(shakes his head)
Thank God those days are gone forever.

Nina (makes notes on the folder):
You need to talk things over with Mark. The two of you need to discuss both sides of that issue on a calmer ground and you need to put it behind you. I know Mark did a long time ago.

Doug (quietly):
Sometimes I think Mark is my best friend...and sometimes I think he doesn't like me very much. Does that make sense?

Nina (nods):
Sure, it does. We all feel that way about our friends sometimes. I think your biggest problem with Mark is that he was your friend before he was your boss, and now that he IS your boss, you have a hard time accepting his authority. I think you respect it. But I don't think you like it.

Doug (grins at her):
And how do I get over that?

Nina (shakes her head):
I don't have an answer for that. That's something you'll have to work out on your own. I can help you recognize your feelings, but, I can't fix them for you. You have to do that on your own.
(smiles a him)
Something for you to work on for next time.
(pauses carefully)
Do you want to discuss your dream about Carol today? Or would you prefer to cover that next time?

Doug (looks at his watch):
Let's do it next time. It's a little more complicated than Mark.

Nina (nods):
OK, then, I'll see you on Thursday.

Doug (stands up):
Right.
(heads for the door and turns back before he leaves the room)
Do you think I'm OK?

Nina (head down, bent over notes, laughs lightly):
Relax, Doug.
(looks up at him and smiles)
You're very normal.

Doug nods, opens the door, and walks out.

Fade Act One to Black.

"ER"

"Keeping Promises"

Act Two

Scene opens back in the ER...Carol Hathaway is standing at the desk with the talent show flyer in her hand. Doug Ross comes up and dumps a stack of files in front of her.

Doug (proudly):
There you go! All signed!

Carol (still holding the flyer):
Can't you help me out with this, Doug? I know there's something you can do talent wise. And if you get involved, I think a lot of others down here will, too.

Doug (leans on the counter):
It really means that much to you?

Carol (nods):
I just think this department should participate. We ARE part of the hospital, after all. I figure if I can get up and dance like a fool everybody else should be able to do something.

Doug (grins):
OK. I'll come up with something, OK? Put my name on there.

Carol (smiles):
Thanks!

Carter comes up to the counter from the hallway. He is carrying three interlocking silver rings in his hand and stops at the desk.

Carter:
Hey, Carol, I'm using these in my magic act for the show! Want to see?

Carol (nods):
Sure, Carter! Go ahead.

Doug leans on the counter to watch. Carter toys with the rings carefully and then goes into his routine.

Carter (eyes bright with anticipation):
I say the magic words....Abracadabra....

Doug (interrupts):
Why do all magicians use that word?

Carter (gives Doug and annoyed look):
Because that's the MAGIC word! NOW! I say the magic words ... Abracadabra!

Carter pull quickly on the rings but they do not come apart. They stay connected. Carter looks at them with a confused look on his face...Doug chuckles...and Carol rolls her eyes to the ceiling.

Doug (chuckles lightly):
Exactly how long does it take this magic to work, Carter?
(laughs as he goes off down the hall)
I can't wait for the finale, Carter! Ought to take my breath away!

Carter (looks at Carol):
I don't understand it! It should have worked...

Carol (understandingly):
It's OK, Carter. I'm sure it'll be fine for the show.

Carter goes on off down the hall, still trying to pull the rings apart. Carol shakes her head and goes back to her work.

Cut scene.

Open next scene still at the desk and Carol is still working there. A man in a business suit with a briefcase comes into the ER and stops at the desk in front of her.

Lawyer:
Excuse me, but could you tell me if I might find a Dr. Douglas Ross here?

Carol (looks up quickly):
Yes, you would, but, he's with a patient right now. Is there something I can help you with?

Pan back to show Mark Greene approaching the desk...he has heard this lawyer ask for Doug and he is concerned as to the nature of his business and comes to help Carol.

Lawyer (opens his briefcase):
Is there someone else in charge? A supervisor perhaps? I need someone who can sign for this letter...

Mark (steps up to the lawyer, quickly extending his hand to shake):
I'm Dr. Greene, and I'm Dr. Ross' supervisor. What can help you with, Mr....?

Lawyer:
Petrocelli. (Shakes hands with Mark) Gino Petrocelli. I have a letter for Dr. Ross and all I really need is a signature.

Mark (nods...eyes the lawyer carefully):
I can sign for it.

Lawyer (smiles, reaches into his briefcase and takes out an envelope):
Splendid!
(he hands Mark a tally sheet and a pen)
If you're just sign right here...
(points....Mark scribbles his signature)
That will be all I need. Thank you, Dr. Greene.
(hands Mark the envelope and shuts his briefcase)

Mark (as the lawyer starts away):
Can you tell me what this is about?

Lawyer:
I'm sorry...information is Confidential.

Mark (quietly to Carol once the lawyer is gone):
Is Doug in trouble again?

Carol (shakes her head)
I don't think so. I can't think of anything he's done lately that would warrant a lawyer.

Mark (taps the envelope on the counter)
I'll give this to him as soon as I see him.
(tucks the envelope in the pocket of his lab coat)
Would you tell him I'm looking for him when he's free, Carol? Please?

Carol (nods, still watching the path the lawyer took):
Sure.

Mark goes on off down the hall...Carol watches him go, but goes back to work.

Cut scene.

Open next scene exterior on the hospital roof. Mark Greene is standing at the rail and just looking out over the city. Pan slowly to pick up Doug Ross from the doorway as he makes his way across to where Mark is standing.

Doug (brightly):
Hey! Kerry said she thought I'd find you here! Carol said you wanted to see me?

Mark (nods):
Yeah.
(reaches into his pocket and takes out the letter)
You have any idea what this might be about?

Doug (reaches for the letter carefully):
I'm not sure...why?

Mark:
A lawyer brought it by a little while ago.
(turns to face him with a concerned look)
What have you done now?

Doug (chuckles lightly):
Nothing that I know of!
(pauses)
Is it my imagination, or am I picking up hostile vibes from you right now?

Mark (shakes his head):
I just worry about you, I guess...always afraid you're going to get yourself into some kind of mess I can't get you out of.

Doug:
Well, if I do, that's not your problem, Mark.

Mark (motions to the envelope):
Aren't you gonna open that?

Doug (picks at the envelope):
When I'm ready.

Mark:
Don't you even want to know what it's about?

Doug (tucks the envelope into his lab coat pocket):
I know what it's about.
(gives Mark a perturbed look)
You know, you could have just asked me, Mark. I would have told you. Why do you always just assume the worst with me all the time?

Mark (sighs):
I guess we've just had our moments in the past. Sometimes it's hard for me to put those away when something new comes up.

Doug (stands beside him...leans on the rail):
Well, just to ease your mind, the letter is not any kind of trouble, OK?
(pauses carefully)
Nina is right. You and I need to talk over some things between us. We're gonna have to work on that.

Mark (gives him a surprised look):
I didn't know we had anything "between us" anymore?

Doug (grins):
We must still have something for you to panic over a letter from a lawyer.
(looks at his watch)
I gotta get back. Thanks for taking the letter for me, OK?

Mark (nods...looks out over the city):
Sure, no problem.
(he lets Doug start away, but, calls him back)
Hey, Doug!
(Doug turns back quickly)
You gonna tell me what that letter says later?

Doug (grins with a nod):
As soon as I read it myself, OK?

Mark nods and Doug goes back into the hospital.

Cut scene.

Open next scene back in the ER. Carol is busy rounding up talent for the hospital show...

Carol (coaxes):
Come on, guys! I know you guys can do SOMEthing...

Malik (shyly):
OK...I can do my rap...will that work?

Carol (happily):
Yeah! That's great!! Can I put you down for that?
(Malik nods and Carol jots his name down)
(Turns her attention to Doug)
So, what are you gonna do?

Doug (looks up from his files dumbfounded):
What?

Carol:
In the talent show? You said to put you down, but, you didn't tell me what you're gonna do!

Doug (sighs):
I'm gonna do Elvis....and shortly after, Nina is going to have me committed...

Mark (looks up from the other side of the counter):
Since you said you weren't gonna do it, I thought I was gonna do Elvis!

Doug (laughs)
Mark, be reasonable! You don't have enough HAIR to do Elvis!

Mark (ignores his remark)
Well, you're doing JAILHOUSE ROCK. right?
(Doug nods)
Need a partner? We could do it together...

Doug (chuckles):
Twin Elvis'....I can see it now....
(motions to Carol)
Put us down for that, OK?

Anna (speaks up):
OK....I can dance, too...I do tap...you can put me down for that.

Kerry (sighs and smiles):
OK, Carol, you can put me down, too...I'll do my old college Mime act...

One by one, other members of the staff give input for Carol and she jots everything down, smiling happily as she does.

Cut scene.

Open next scene in the doctor's lounge. Doug is sitting there alone, toying nervously with his still unopened letter Kerry Weaver comes in. She sinks into a chair and put her feet up on the coffee table, glancing casually at Doug.

Kerry (motions to letter):
Bad news?

Doug (shrugs):
Not sure. I haven't opened it yet.

Kerry:
Is that the one the lawyer brought?
(Doug nods)
I'd be for opening it if it were me.

Doug (changes the subject):
Do you think I'm different, Kerry? You've probably known me longer than anybody else on this staff...from when we were in school...do you think I've changed?

Kerry (nods):
Yes, I do. But what I think or what I see in you doesn't make any difference if you can't see it yourself. If you can't look at your life now and see how it's different than it was, say, six months ago, then maybe you haven't changed as much as I thought.

Doug (gives her a confused look and shakes his head):
I'm not sure I follow you.

Kerry:
Then you better be for keeping those appointments with Nina Pomerantz until you do.

Doug gives her a casual nod and gets up to leave the lounge, still carrying the letter with him.

Kerry (motions to the letter):
You gonna open that? Or are you gonna carry it around with you all day?

Doug (grins at her):
I'll open it when I'm ready to.

Doug exits quickly. Kerry shrugs and leans her head back to rest.

Fade Act Two To Black...

"ER"

"Keeping Promises"

Act Three

Scene opens in Nina Pomerantz's office. Doug is sprawled in the chair in front of her desk, obviously very tired from a long day in the ER. Nina sits at her desk and jots a few things on his folder.

Nina (without looking up):
Can I get you anything? Coffee? Anything?

Doug (shakes his head):
No, thanks. I'm fine.

Nina (grins):
I heard you are doing Elvis in the talent show.
(Doug rolls his eyes to the ceiling, but, smiles)
I'll be anxious to see that.

Doug (humorously):
I'm sure someone will video tape it and blackmail with it later.
(shrugs)
Well, Mark's doing it with me, so, I won't be the only idiot up there.

Nina:
How are things with you and Mark?

Doug (sighs):
You were right. We need to talk. I think both of us still have a burr under our saddle about some things.

Nina (nods):
Well, you need to work on that.
(she pauses, then continues)
Are you ready to talk about Carol Hathaway this time?

Doug (chuckles):
Do we have that much time?

Nina (smiles):
I have the rest of the evening if that's what it takes.

Doug(sits up slightly in the chair):
Carol and I have a long history, I guess. We were friends, then we were lovers, then she couldn't stand me, then we were friends again, and now, we're lovers again. Kind of scary when you think about it. Seems like we just keep running in a circle and neither one of us is sure when or where to jump off.

Nina:
What about the dream you said you keep having about Carol? What's it about?

Doug (truthfully):
That I screw it all up again. That we end up apart again. I stay scared to death everyday of my life that I'm going to tear down everything I've worked to build with her. I think I walk on thin ice with her anyway.

Nina (confused look):
Why do you think that?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know...just little things, I guess. I don't think she completely trusts me yet. And I can't blame her for that. I never gave her much reason to trust me much when we were together the first time.

Nina:
Carol says you're a lot different from what you used to be. And, I see changes in you, too, on a professional level. You brought the change about on your own but I don't think you ever discussed why. I know you didn't discuss it with Dan Raypert because it's no where on your files if you did. And you've never discussed it with me. Would you care to discuss it now?

Doug (clears his throat):
After the thing with Nadine, I got scared. I mean, REALLY scared. I went home and for the first time I took a good look at my life and saw what a mess it really was. And I knew it wasn't Carol's fault...it wasn't Mark's fault...it wasn't even Ray's fault...and it surely wasn't Nadine's fault. It was all on my shoulders. I was the one who dug the hole. I just never realized I was pulling the dirt in on top of me. I knew then I was out of control, after that. And I knew I was the only one who could me back in control. So, I started working on changing.

Nina:
So, you wanted to change for Doug Ross....not for anyone else?

Doug (motions with his hands):
Meaning?

Nina:
Meaning the underlying reason you began your transformation wasn't to get Carol Hathaway back into your life?

Doug (shakes his head):
I don't think so.
(makes a sure stand)
No. It wasn't. It was for me. I knew I had to take control of my life or I was going to end up destroying it. It's really funny, you know? I've spent my whole life not caring about anything or anyone...not even myself. I didn't care who I hurt as long as I was OK. And, then I met Carol. It wasn't until she was out of my life that I realized how very desperately I needed her in it. And, then, I thought it was too late.

Nina:
What exactly happened between you and Carol?

Doug (looks at his feet):
She caught me with another woman when I was supposed to be seeing only her. I cheated on her. And I lied to her. And those are not things women forgive and forget easily, so, I'm told.
(grins...Nina smiles)
And I didn't blame her for being mad at me. I deserved it. See, that was one thing none of the other women in my life ever did...they never stuck it to me and made me see that I was the one that screwed up.

Nina:
And Carol did?

Doug (nod):
Oh yeah. Repeatedly! She never let me forget it!
(chuckles)
And I think I needed that. Just like the thing with Nadine...I was looking for somebody to let me off the hook...somebody who would tell me I wasn't such a bad guy after all and that it wasn't my fault and I looked to Carol for that and I didn't get it. That's when I really knew I had screwed up. Because Carol is a very caring person. She would have given me comfort if she thought I deserved it.

Nina:
I kind of felt like you had a punishment complex over what happened with Nadine...that you didn't think you were punished enough for what happened, when, in reality, I thought the people around you were much too harsh with you. I think a little more understanding that you were out of control and screaming for help should have been given.
(Doug shrugs and looks at his hands)
But, that's when you started to turn things around?

Doug (nods):
That's when I knew I didn't want any other woman in my life except Carol. (looks at his hands, then back at Nina)
There's no other woman in the world who makes me feel the way she does. And I should know, because I've been with a lot of women. There's just something about her that totally captivates me. She's my rock. She makes me strong. Just like Mark, she makes me do the right things. I don't want to live my life without her. I'm working hard to make sure I don't have to.

Nina:
But you stay scared?

Doug:
Yeah. I do. I stay afraid every day that it's going to all fall apart.

Nina:
Have you talked to Carol about how you feel?

Doug (shakes his head):
No.

Nina (coaxes):
Don't you think you should?

Doug (thinks, then nods):
Yeah. I want us to share everything, good or bad. I don't want anything between us. And I know she'll help me with it. She's helped me with everything else!
(Reaches into his pocket and pulls out the still unopened legal letter)
I guess that's why I didn't open this yet. I want to share it with her.

Nina:
What's that?

Doug:
It's a letter from a lawyer. I just got it today. I'm assuming it contains information about my son. That's why I want to wait until Carol and I have time to read it together. After all, if I do find my son, Carol needs to be in on everything. She's part of my life, so, she will be part of his, too.

Nina:
How does Carol feel about that?

Doug (smiles):
It was her idea for me to try and find him. She's behind me 110%.

Nina (makes notes on folder):
Doug, you're doing really well with everything right now. I don't see any reason to keep seeing you twice a week now. What about if we cut your sessions back to once a week?

Doug (nods):
OK.

Nina:
And, if you need me in the meantime, you know where to find me.
(shuts the folder and looks at Doug)
Do you feel any better? About anything?

Doug:
Well, I don't think I'll ever win any humanitarian awards, but, I don't wince when I look in the mirror now!
(chuckles...Nina laughs)
I'm OK.

Nina smiles and Doug smiles back at her.

Cut scene.

Open next scene in the ER at the front desk. Mark Greene is with Carol Hathaway. Carol is waiting for Doug to come down from his session with Nina so they can go home together.

Mark (quietly):
Carol, did Doug happen to talk to you about that letter her got?

Carol (shakes her head):
No, he hasn't. Why?
(Mark doesn't answer...just taps his fingers on the desk)
Mark, if it's driving you that crazy wondering what it's about, why don't you just ask him about it?

Mark (gives her an annoyed look):
Aren't you the least bit curious as to what it's about?

Carol:
Well, first of all, I have a pretty good idea what it's about. And second, I figure if Doug wants me to know, he'll tell me. Otherwise, it's none of my business.

Mark (sarcastic grin):
Touche, Carol.

Carol (smiles at Mark):
Hard for both of us, isn't it? Trusting him?
(Mark gives her a puzzled look)
We both know him too well. We both see he's changed, but, neither one of us is willing to let go of the past with him. Sometimes I wonder if we might be holding him back.

Mark (shakes his head):
I think he understands...

Carol:
He might understand, but, I don't think that excuses us. I think we need to work on that. I know I do.

Pan back to pick up Doug coming down the hallway. He smiles when he sees Carol and stops at the desk with her and Mark.

Mark (lightly):
Have a good session?

Doug (nods):
Pretty good.
(to Carol)
You ready to leave?

Carol (smiles):
Yep! I was just waiting for you.

Doug:
OK, let me get my things.
(starts for the lounge but turns back to Mark)
By the way, Mark, can you make time for me in the morning? Something I need to talk to you about.

Mark (shrugs):
Sure. Breakfast?

Doug (nods):
That'll be great. I'll bring the bagels.

Mark:
OK. Great. I'll meet you in the lounge, say, 7AM?

Doug:
Yeah, thanks.
(to Carol)
Give me just a minute, OK?

Carol (nods):
No hurry.

Focus on Mark as he watches Doug and Carol leave together, Doug with his arm around Carol's shoulders and Carol laughing. Mark shakes his head in wonder and goes back to work.

Fade Act Three To Black...

"ER"

"Keeping Promises"

Act Four

Scene opens at Carol Hathaway's home, interior, night time. Doug and Carol are sitting at the kitchen table eating take out food together.

Carol (quietly):
I owe you an apology.

Doug (looks up confused...grins):
For what?

Carol:
The other morning when I came in and saw you with Anna Del Amico, I was pretty nasty to you. I'm really sorry about that.

Doug (shrugs with a smile):
It's OK.

Carol (shakes her head):
No, Doug, it's not 'OK'. God! What IS it with you? You used to go berserk over the least little thing and now nothing seems to make you upset at all! Is there no medium with you anymore? You're either high or low? Nina's not giving you drugs, is she?

Doug (chuckles):
No, no drugs! I guess I'm just trying to keep my temper in check.
(pauses)
Maybe I'm trying too hard?

Carol (smiles):
I think you're doing great, you know? I mean, you've changed a lot, but, inside, there's a lot of things that are the same. Like, how you care about people. That was always there. You just aren't as afraid to show it now.
(Doug doesn't interrupt...just listens)
Anyway, I'm really sorry about the way I talked to you. I know you aren't interested in Anna Del Amico. I don't know why I saw red, but, I did. I guess I just don't want you with another woman not even in a professional sense.
(looks down in embarrassment)
That sounds really catty, doesn't it?

Doug (smiles, shakes his head):
No. It sounds like a woman I'm in love with.
(he leans across the table and kisses her lightly on the lips)
Carol, I know I've never been very trust worthy in the past, but, please, believe me when I tell you that there is no one else in my life except you. I don't need anybody else and I don't want anybody else. Just you.
(Doug looks deep into Carol's eyes and kisses her again, very sweetly)

Carol (quietly):
I believe you. And I'm going to start trusting you. I promise.

Doug (grins at her):
It's OK.
(changes the subject and lays the still unopened letter on the table)
I got this today...

Carol (nods):
I know. I was there when Mark signed for it. Is it what I think it is?

Doug (nods):
I'm pretty sure. That's why I thought we'd open it together.

Carol (scoots her chair around the table to sit closer to Doug):
OK.

Doug opens the letter and he and Carol both read over the contents of it silently together.

Carol (happily...breaking the silence):
Oh, My God! They found him!
(she covers her mouth in excitement and hugs Doug quickly)

Doug (rubs his chin in deep thought):
Springfield! That's even close by...
(chuckles and smiles)

Carol (reading through the letter):
An address...a phone number...all the information you need!

Doug (sighs):
Samantha is married, I see.
(nods in thought)
That's good.

Carol (looks at Doug):
You know, of all the women in your life, I think she was one you never talked to me about. Why not?

Doug (shrugs):
All water under the bridge by the time I met you, I guess. Seems like it all happened a lifetime ago.

Carol:
Do you want to talk about it now?

Doug (sighs):
I met Samantha my second year of medical school. She worked in the Registrar's Office as an Assistant to the Dean of Student Affairs.
(chuckles)
I guess I spent a lot of time in that office the first few years I was there.

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Some things never change, I guess. You still have trouble with authority!

Doug (nods and smiles):
Well, anyway, to make a long story short, we started dating. But, her parents didn't like me much. They put a lot of pressure on her over it. When she got pregnant, all hell broke loose.

Carol:
Did you love her?

Doug (thinks about it a moment, then nods):
Yes. I did. I wanted to marry her. I wanted to marry her before she got pregnant. But, her parents wouldn't hear of it. I wasn't 'good enough' for their daughter. They wanted a doctor like I never wanted to be...someone who sets up a private practice and makes 150 grand a year to work two days a week and refer patients to someone else. That's not what I went into medicine for.

Carol (sighs):
They wanted a rich man for their daughter in other words?

Doug (nods):
Exactly. And then when she got pregnant, I became 'scum'. I ruined their daughter's life...you get the picture...

Carol (shakes her head in wonder):
And that's why you didn't stick around?

Doug:
Wasn't much of a choice. Her parents sent her to Europe to get her away from me. The only way I even knew the baby was born and that it was a boy was because she managed to send me a postcard at school. She just wanted me to know.

Carol:
So, you didn't run out on her? It was all out of your hands?

Doug:
More or less. I would have supported my son, Carol. I may be a lot of things, but, I'm still not Ray Ross.

Carol:
Yet, you never made any attempts to find him before?

Doug:
I thought about it a couple of times, just never followed through with it. I guess I felt like I had enough problems in my life without screwing up someone else's. Knowing how her parents felt, I always just thought it would cause more problems for everybody and things were better off if I just stayed away. I still don't know how to handle this! I mean, sure, we know where they are now, but, what now? Do I just call up Samantha and set her world on edge again? I honestly don't know what the next step is!

Carol:
I think you should call her first. Talk to her. Don't involve your son until the two of you talk it over. She'll know what to tell you to do, I'm sure.

Doug (takes her hand):
You'll be with me, right?

Carol (squeezes his hand and smiles):
Every step of the way!
(Doug reaches over and takes her face in both his hands)

Doug (smiles):
I love you....do you know that?
(kisses her sweetly)

Carol (smiles wide):
Yeah! I kind of got that idea!

The reach across and embrace each other, both laughing.

Cut scene.

Open next scene at the hospital, interior, doctor's lounge. Show Doug already there and waiting for Mark. Doug reaches into the bag of bagels, takes one out, and begins smearing it with cream cheese while he waits.

Cut to show Mark banging quickly through the door in a rush, tossing his things onto the table and collapsing in the chair across from Doug.

Mark (out of breath):
Sorry I'm late! I got stuck in traffic!

Doug (chuckles):
It's OK.
(motions to the bag)
Have one.

Mark (reaches into the bag):
At least one!
(grins, and begins spreading cream cheese on his as well)

Doug (leans backs):
I think we need to talk about a few things.

Mark (nods):
I'm always willing to listen to you, Doug. You know that.

Doug:
Well, first of all, I want you to know I respect you as a doctor...and as a supervisor as well.
(Mark doesn't interrupt...just listens)
See, Mark, when I came to work here, we were both pretty much on the same working level. And we connected pretty well. You're an understanding kind of guy that I could talk to about things. I never really had that with anybody before. And I got so I just automatically turned to you without question. When they made you Attending, I was really happy for you because I knew you deserved it. You're loyal. And dedicated. You're a hard worker. And just the one time I filled in for you tells me I don't know how you do it all sometimes. And I respected that. As well as admired it. Then, when with the Harper incident, things changed. First, I got mad at you because I felt like you should mind you own business and that my personal affairs weren't something you should concern yourself with. The rule I broke was a stupid rule...both of us knew that. At the time, I didn't understand why it was such a big deal to you. It didn't hurt anybody. At least, that was my way of thinking then.

Mark:
But, you don't still feel that way about it?

Doug (shakes his head):
No. Because now I can see clearly enough to know two things I didn't see then. First, you had to protect yourself. You caught me with Harper, so, you knew about it up front. If anyone else found out about it and either one of us had mentioned that you knew and you never spoke up about it, then, your career would be in jeopardy. So, before, I felt like you were just being a stickler for the rules. Now, I understand that you had to go by the rules...and that the rules have to be followed...and that goes for everybody...not just a few.

Mark (nods...somewhat shocked at Doug's realizations):
I'm glad you understand that now...

Doug (continues):
The other thing I didn't see then that I see now is that you were really trying to get me to see how out of control I was. You were waving a red flag in my face trying to get me to stop before something rash happened, and I just wouldn't heed your warning. I couldn't see it through my anger. So, I really should thank you for that. I should thank you for caring enough to say or do anything at all. Even though it could have had very severe consequences, I know you did the right thing. And I also know you would do it again if you had to. I just want you to know I respect that.

Mark (hushed tone):
My God! What is Nina doing to you up there?
(Doug chuckles lightly)
You have really changed over the past few months. I hope you realize that your own self.

Doug (continues on):
Anyway...to finish this piece...you and I were friends first. And then, after that incident with Harper, you became my boss. And that was a hard pill for me to swallow. Not so much that I could accept you as my boss, but, that it made me think we couldn't still be friends...

Mark (interrupts):
Why would you think that?

Doug (nods, continues):
Well, it's just that, when we used to talk about things before, you were just my friend. And I didn't have any qualms about talking to you about them. But, then, once you became my boss, I wasn't sure if I could still talk to you about some things. Because, see, what I could tell you as my friend might get me into trouble with my boss. Does that make sense to you?

Mark (nods, sadly):
Yeah. It does. You think I can't separate being your friend and being your boss. And, to some extent, I understand why you feel that way. I guess I ride you pretty hard sometimes, huh?

Doug (shrugs):
Only because you know you can. You just want me to be the best I can be. There's nothing wrong with that. But, sometimes, I miss my friend...
(eyes Mark carefully)
You know?

Mark (nods):
Yeah, I understand what you're saying. How about if from now on I try to just listen to you and tell you how I feel as your friend as well as your boss about it? Would that work?

Doug (chuckles):
It's worth a try.
(clears his throat nervously)
Anyway, this has been bugging me for a long time and I just never talked to you about it. So, I wanted to talk to you so we can put it behind us.

Mark (nods):
Well, I'm glad we talked about it. I think I feel better about it, too.

Doug:
The other thing I wanted to talk to you about was the letter that came...

Mark (shakes his head):
Hey, I was WAY out of line about that. I'm really sorry.

Doug (grins, shakes his head):
No, you weren't out of line. You just reacted like my boss...not my friend. And that's OK. Because given my past, I'm sure if I were my boss a letter from a lawyer would get me pretty excited, too!
(both chuckle)
But, if you wanted to know what it was about, why didn't you just ask me?

Mark (shrugs):
I guess Carol said it best when she said if you wanted anybody to know you would tell us. Otherwise, it was none of my business. Do you want to tell me what it was about now?

Doug:
I hired a lawyer to try and find my son.
(Mark registers a surprised look on his face)
The letter was informing me that they've found him.

Mark (very surprised):
No kidding!?

Doug (nods):
His Mom is married and the family lives in Springfield. Gave me a phone number and an address.

Mark (excited for Doug's news):
So, what are you gonna do now?

Doug (shrugs):
Carol and I talked it over and she thinks I should call Samantha and talk to her. As soon as I work up enough courage, I'm going to do that. But, I have to take this thing slow and easy right now.

Mark:
Well, you keep me posted on it, OK? I'm really happy for you, Doug. And I wish you the best in this.

Doug (nods with a smile):
Thanks.

Mark:
So, things are going good with you and Carol now?

Doug (stands up, stretches, prepares to leave the lounge) :
Couldn't be better!
(Mark stands up as well)
Hey, Mark, thanks for this. Thanks for taking time and thanks for listening.

Mark (smiles):
Thanks for breakfast!
(pauses)
Anytime, Doug. I'm always gonna be there for you.

Doug (nods):
I know.

He and Mark shake hands and Mark reaches around his shoulders to pat Doug on the back quickly. The two of them leave the lounge for rounds.

Fade Act Four to Black...

"ER"

"Keeping Promises"

Closing Act

Scene opens in a hospital auditorium. People are mulling about and there is a lot of chatter and noise in the room. Focus on Carol Hathaway nervously going over her list and looking around the room trying to locate people. Doug Ross comes up quietly behind her and speaks in a low voice.

Doug:
Hey!

Carol (turns to him with a smile):
Did you bring your costume?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, Mark's got it in the lounge and I'm on my way to change now...I just wanted to let you know I called Samantha.

Carol (brightly):
How'd it go?

Doug (shrugs):
Nobody home. I left a message on the answering machine and I gave her the number here at the hospital.

Carol (nods):
Well, good for you for calling at least. You'll let me know when you hear from her?

Doug (smiles):
You'll be the first to know!
(looks at his watch)
I gotta go change, OK?

Carol:
OK!

Doug exits quickly and Carol goes back to her list.

Cut scene to show the talent show in progress. Carter is on the stage in a top hat and a magician's costume. He is doing his act with the Silver rings...the one that didn't work earlier in the ER.

Carter (waving magic wand over the rings):
...And I say the magic word...Abracadabra!

Carter quickly pulls at the rings, closing his eyes in hope and anticipation. No one is more surprised than he is when the rings come apart in his hand. Patients 'ooo' and 'ahh' and applaud. Carter takes a bow with a HUGE smile on his face.

Cut scene.

Next scene is Carol in a brightly colored dance leotard as she dances to a selected jazz number.

Cut scene.

Next scene is Kerry Weaver in white Mime face going through a mime routine. Her routine is somewhat comical and brings giggles and chuckles from the patients watching.

Pan back to show Carol behind the curtain quickly collecting things to get them in order with Anna Del Amico, who is dressed for her tap dance number.

Carol (looking over Anna's shoulder):
You didn't see Doug and Mark anyplace, did you?

Anna (rolls her eyes):
The twin Elvis impersonators? Last I saw they were down in the lounge practicing their 'thank you...thank you very much' lines!

Carol:
I'll go get them...you're on after Malik's rap, OK?

Anna (nods):
OK!

Cut scene.

Open next scene with Malik ending up a rap about the hospital workers.

Cut scene.

Open next scene with Anna already into the middle of her tap dance number

Pan back to show Carol's face in a look of surprise backstage.

Carol (to Doug who is off camera):
I thought you guys were gonna be Elvis!

Doug and Mark appear before her dressed not as the latter day Elvis, but, early day Elvis in black leather pants and jackets and very 50's looking styles.

Doug (beside her now...smiling):
We are!

Mark:
We decided neither one of us looked the part for the older Elvis, so, we'll just be punks instead!

Carol:
OK, you guys get ready, OK? You're the finale!

Anna finishes her tap dance number and Carol pushes Doug and Mark forward. They bring the house down with their own version of JAILHOUSE ROCK that brings the patients to their feet in appreciation. At the end of the number Doug looks off stage and motions everybody out onto the stage with them. The staff takes a bow while the audience applauds.

Focus on Carol, who is beaming with happiness over the success of the program. Doug leans over and kisses her on the cheek and they hug each other as the staff takes another bow.

Fade Closing Act to end credits of the show.

5/21/97