Author's Text

Good grief! I've never gotten this kind of responses from you guys about a story line before! All this raving is going to go to my head! HA! Seriously, I'm glad you guys are enjoying the recent turn of events in the Ross family. I had fallen into a rut thinking my stories were boring and that the family was just a little too perfect so I threw a curve ball and you guys hit it out of the park!

This story is just continuing this line...I'm not sure how long it will go on but as long as it's working, I'm working with it.

I'd like to thank Katherine for all her help...I don't think you guys would be jumping and down and raving about my story right now if it weren't for her.

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

Robin

"ER"
"Old Habits Die Hard"
Opening Act

Scene opens at the Drake hotel, interior, morning. Show Doug Ross sleeping on his stomach on the bed sound asleep. Focus on the phone ringing loudly. Doug reaches over to silence it by picking it up quickly.

Doug (stammers into the phone):
What?

Operator:
Wake up call, Dr. Ross.

Doug (groans):
What time is it?

Operator:
6AM.

Doug:
OK...thanks...

Doug hangs up the phone and starts pulling himself out of bed. He has a hangover and getting started is not easy for him. He sits on the side of the bed and rubs his eyes, running his hands through his hair and trying to get himself together. He looks over at the table beside his bed and sees that his dialysis machine is not turned on. He makes a disgruntled face, but then shrugs it off.

Doug (getting to his feet):
One day isn't going to kill me...

He trudges slowly off to start his shower. We follow him as he goes into the bathroom and turns on the water...testing it for temperature. While the water runs, he looks into the mirror...his eyes have dark circles under them...he has a night's growth of beard...but he looks like he's been hit by a Mack truck. He sighs and steps into the shower, standing and letting the water ripple down over him.

Cut to the Ross home. Show Carol Ross waking up in the bed in the master bedroom and reaching over across the bed before she opens her eyes. She smiles as she reaches, but her arms falls into an empty space. Confused, she opens her eyes and looks over at Doug's unslept in side of the bed. She reaches over and takes his pillow, holding it close to her and smelling it for his scent. She wraps her arms around it and buries her face in it for a minute. Then she reaches over and picks up the phone, dialing a number quickly.

Carol (softly, into receiver):
Nina? It's Carol...listen, could you work me in today? I really need to talk to you...10 o'clock? Not a problem. I'll be there! Thanks, Nina.

She hangs up the phone and pulls herself to her feet, heading for the shower. She draws the water and steps in, letting the water ripple down over her.

Cut back to the Drake hotel. Show Doug standing in front of the mirror pulling into his shirt and tucking it into his Dockers. His attention is caught in the mirror by Cuddles the bear that he left sitting on the dresser top. He turns around and walks over to it, picking up Tatiana's note and reading over it with a chuckle.

Doug (mumbling):
"I love you and I miss you..."...I love you and I miss you, too, Punkin...

Cut to the Ross home. Show Carol going into Tatiana's room. Tatiana is in her bed sleeping and Carol leans down and shakes her shoulders gently.

Carol (smiles):
Tatchie? Hey! Come on, Sweetie. Wake up.

Tatiana opens her eyes, sits up in bed, and starts rubbing her eyes awake as she peers up at Carol.

Carol:
Time to get ready for school. Sweetie. Let's go.

Tatiana:
OK, Mama...

Carol starts for the door as Tatiana crawls out of bed. Follow Carol into the next room to where Scott is already out of bed and getting his things ready to come to breakfast.

Carol (smiles at him):
You're already up?

Scott (nods):
Yeah...I didn't sleep very much.

Carol:
You OK?

Scott (shrugs):
I guess so.

Carol:
Scotty, I know this is hard on you. Tatchie doesn't understand a lot of what's going on, but, I know you do...

Scott:
I just don't understand why you're so mad at Dad...

Carol:
I'm not mad at him...we're just having some problems right now and we need to work them out.

Scott:
Kind of hard to work things out when you don't even talk to each other...

Scott pushes past her and disappears out the door into the hallway. Carol stands stunned and thinking after he is gone. As she starts out of the room, her attention is caught by Raoul's stuffed dog left lying on his bed. She takes a deep breath, and closes the door on her way out.

Cut to the Drake hotel. Show Doug coming through the lobby and heading out the door. He walks through the morning crowd of people and up the steps to the El track platform. He watches the track, waiting for the train, keeping his hands in his pockets while he rocks on his feet impatiently. Pull close to focus on his pocket and show a bottle of Jack Daniels tucked carefully inside it.

Cut back to the Ross home. Show Carol at the breakfast table with Scott and Tatiana and she has Marc in a high chair feeding him, but he is resisting her.

Carol:
Come on, Marc...I know I don't do a choo choo train like your Daddy does but you have to eat anyway...

Tatiana (sadly):
I miss Papa...

Carol:
Well, how about if I call Papa at work today and see if I can get him to come and see you guys...would you like that?

Scott (scoffs):
We'd rather he just came home.

Carol (sighs):
Look, guys, I know you miss your Dad...and I miss him, too...and I want him home just as much as you do, but right now, we need to work some things out and we need to be away from each other to do that.

Tatiana:
Papa has to be punished for something?

Carol:
Not punished, no...not really...

Scott (scoffs again):
Yes, he is...he's been banished...and YOU sent him away.

Carol (annoyed now):
You know, Scott, I've had about enough of your attitude.

Scott:
Well, I don't know what your problem is! You got Marc back home now. He's fine! Why are you punishing Dad? I miss my Dad! And I want my brother back!

Carol (reaches over and tries to hug him but he pulls away):
Oh, honey...I know you miss Raoul...we all do...

Scott:
You know this is just as much your fault as it is Dad's...you could have taken Marc with you instead of leaving him here! Then none of this would have happened!
(gets up quickly)
Come on, Tatch...it's time for the school bus!

The kids get up and leave the room, leaving Carol sitting dumbfounded with Marc. She tries again to feed him but he refuses again. She slams his spoon down on his tray and leaves the table.

Carol:
Fine, Marc! Do it your way!

She reaches down and picks him up out of the chair and he begins crying as she carries him out of the room with her as Opening Act fades into the Opening Credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at County Hospital. Show Doug come in the staff entrance and start through the ER where he is met promptly by an irate Mark Greene.

Mark:
There you are! Where the hell have you been?

Doug (nonchalantly, as he keeps walking):
Late.

Mark (walks quickly along behind him):
Yeah, no kidding you're late! You've been on the board since 6AM but you weren't here! There was nobody to cover pedes except an untrained John Carter...

Doug (reaching the elevator):
I have every confidence in John...

Mark:
There still needed to be a supervisor here...

Doug (shrugs):
Where was Rocher?

Mark:
It's his day in late...you don't even know the work schedule of your own staff?

Doug:
Then somebody should have called me!

Mark:
I TRIED to call you...I tried to page you but you didn't answer...

Doug (quickly checks his pocket):
I must have left my pager in the office...sorry, Mark. Why didn't you just call the hotel?

Mark:
I DID call the hotel...they told me you weren't registered there!

Doug (grins):
Oh, yeah...I did ask for a privacy code...sorry about that, Mark...I'll give you the number in my room...that be OK?
(elevator door opens and he steps into the car)

Mark (sighs):
Yeah, OK...
(as door starts to close)
But I want to talk to you later!

Doug nods and waves as the door closes them off from each other. Mark shakes his head and goes back towards the ER.

Cut to show Doug going into his office. He takes the bottle of whiskey out of his jacket and puts it in a desk drawer and hands his jacket on a coat rack. He walks over and looks at the family photo on his desk. He picks it up and stares at it and chuckles lightly. Smiling sadly he places it face down on his desk and picks up the phone. He dials a number and sinks into his chair.

Doug (into receiver):
Beverly? It's Doug. I was just wondering when the services for Raoul were going to be...

While still on the phone, Doug reaches into the drawers, takes out the bottle of whiskey, unscrews the cap, and takes a swig of it, making a bitter face.

Cut to show time lapse. Doug is working down in the ER now at the front desk over a file. Show Carol come through the ER entrance and come down the hallway. She spots Doug and walks over to the desk.

Carol (smiles shyly):
Hey.

Doug (looks up at her, grins):
Hey. What are you doing here? I heard Marc went home.

Carol:
Yeah, he did and he's doing great...I came to see you...someplace we can talk?

Doug (signs file and closes it):
Sure.

He takes her gently by the arm and they step into the employees lounge. He stands as she paces and he waits for her to begin.

Carol:
How are you? You OK?

Doug (nods):
I'm fine.

Carol:
I told the kids I'd see if you wanted to come and visit... would you want to come over for a while tonight? Maybe?

Doug (nods again):
I'd love to see the kids, yes.

Carol (nods, folds her arms across her chest):
Anytime after dinner would be fine...about seven maybe?

Doug (nods):
Sure...
(pause)
I'd rather just come home.

Carol:
Oh, Doug, I know. And I want you to come home...it's just...

Doug (nods, knowingly):
You're just not ready yet...I know.

Carol (goes to him and touches his arm):
Doug, I want you to know that I really appreciate you giving me space and giving me time...it really means a lot to me.

Doug (nods, grunts):
You really didn't give me much choice, Carol...

Carol:
I have an appointment with Nina this morning...I'm going to try and get some help for my problem...

Doug:
That sounds like a good idea...

Chuny (opens door suddenly):
Dr. Ross? We need you in four...

Carol (as he starts away):
I thought you might want to talk to her, too...

Doug (as he gets to the door and starts out):
I'm not the one with the problem, Carol...

He goes on out and leaves her there with a blank look on her face. She goes on out of the lounge and heads for the door. As she gets to the parking lot, she runs into Max Rocher coming to work.

Rocher (reaches out and grabs Carol by the arm to stop her):
Carol! Hey! I'm glad I caught you! I wanted to talk to you about Marc's accident.

Carol (stops, turns to him concerned):
Is something wrong?

Rocher:
No, I just wanted you to be aware of a few things. I know you and Doug are having some problems over this...

Carol:
Did Doug say something to you?

Rocher (smiles):
No...but Doug is my friend and I can read between the lines...listen, I know you're upset because you think Doug could have prevented Marc from getting hurt...

Carol (shakes her head):
Oh, Max, Marc is home now and he's fine so that doesn't really matter now...

Rocher:
But you and Doug are still having problems because of it...I just wanted you to know that we determined Marc was chasing the ball and stubbed his toe on the side of the sandbox and fell and hit his head...

Carol (interested):
He didn't fall off the swing set?

Rocher (shakes his head):
No.

Carol:
You're sure about that?

Rocher:
He didn't have any other injuries...and he would have if he's fallen from the swing set. Doug could have been standing right there with him and not been able to catch him.

Carol:
What about how long he was out?

Rocher:
Due to the minimal amount of swelling and the size of the blood clot, five minutes tops...probably not even that long.

Carol (folds her arms across her chest and nods):
Well, OK, Max...thanks for telling me that.

Rocher:
Look, Carol, I know how it is with Mother's...they get really upset when something happens to their kids...I just wanted you to know that there really wasn't very much Doug could have done to prevent what happened to Marc...

Carol:
I understand, Max...thanks...

Rocher (takes her arm):
Listen, Carol, toddlers get bumps and bruises all the time. Once they start to walk, kids are just naturally curious. They can be into something in the blink of an eye. No parent can be there for them 24 hours a day...things like this are going to happen when you have kids...

Carol:
So, you're saying I should just get used to it, huh?

Rocher:
Not get used to it so to speak, but, expect it.

Carol:
Well, OK, Max...I certainly appreciate your point of view.

Rocher:
One other thing you need to remember, Carol...
(she looks at him and he smiles weakly)
...Fathers have feelings too.

He touches her arm briefly and walks away, disappearing into the ER and leaving her in the parking lot with another blank expression on her face.

Carol (mumbles aloud to herself):
Why do I feel like I'm the villain here?

Cut to show Doug in the ER trauma room with a screaming toddler about 2 years old. The little girl is wailing loudly as he tries desperately to examine a burn on her arm. Her crying goes all through his splitting headache from his hangover and his frustration begins to mount.

Doug (trying to calm both of them):
I know, darling, I know! But I can't fix it if you don't let me see it!

Mother:
Let the doctor see your arm, Sammy...

The child continues to cry and Doug continues to try and see her arm but she keeps it clutched in her other hand. Finally, the mother has had enough. She reaches out and jerks the child's arm free, delivering a stinging slap to the little girl's cheek. The child screams louder begins to cry hysterically.

Doug (reacts quickly):
Don't EVER hit a child in the face!

Mother (annoyed with his attitude):
Don't tell me how to raise my child! You're a doctor...not a psychologist.

Doug:
I'm also a parent and I know you DON'T hit children in the face!

Mother:
Treat the injury doctor...and save your lecture on child care for someone who gives a damn...

Doug:
YOU'LL give a damn when Child Services investigates you for child abuse...

Mother:
I do NOT abuse my child...

Mark (comes quickly into the room to intervene):
Doug? Could I see you for a minute?

Doug gives the mother a perturbed look as he steps into the hall way with Mark. Mark takes him off to a corner where they can talk privately.

Mark:
Just do your job, Doug, and leave your personal opinions out of it...

Doug (protesting):
She hit that kid in the face! You don't hit kids in the face...

Mark:
Some people do! Just because YOU don't, doesn't make it child abuse...my mother slapped me a few times! Do I look like I was abused?

Doug:
Did she slap you in the face when you were two years old?

Mark:
I don't know! Maybe she did! The point I'm making is that you can't accuse every parent that hits their kid of child abuse just because you don't approve of their methods of discipline! Now you've got to get a grip with yourself or I can't allow you to work down here until you do! Do I make myself clear?

Doug:
She's going to take that kid home and beat the hell out of her!

Mark:
And how do you know this?

Doug:
I have a sixth sense about these things...

Mark:
So, you should report this? Tear a family apart maybe for nothing? Like yours was? And what if you're wrong? You already know first hand what that does to a family!

Doug:
And what if I'm right and I don't say anything and she beats that kid to death? I'm not willing to take that chance, Mark!

Mark:
Well, I am...and I'm telling you to do your job and leave the rest of it alone or DON'T work down here until you can...do you understand?

Doug (grunts):
Yeah, I hear you.

Mark:
Fine, now go back to work...

Doug storms off back to the trauma room and Mark goes his own way as Act One fades to black.

Act Two

Scene opens at County Hospital. Show Doug Ross coming down the hall carrying a file in his hands and heading for the front desk. He is met about halfway by Kerry Weaver who has to hurry to keep up with him.

Kerry:
Doug! I was wondering if we could talk!

Doug (doesn't stop, goes to the desk and opens his file):
What about, Kerry?

Kerry:
About some of the things that have happened around here recently.

Doug (signing file):
I really don't have time right now, Kerry...
(snaps file shut, hands it to Jerry and grins sarcastically at her)
...Maybe later!

He starts on back down the hall and Kerry goes as quickly as she can back after him. He stops to wait for the elevator and she catches up with him. While they wait, she can talk privately to him.

Kerry:
Listen, Doug, I know you're upset with me and I'm sure I wouldn't blame you if I were in your place, but, I wanted you to know that I honestly was only acting on Hospital policy when I made that phone call.
(Doug doesn't say anything, just listens, nodding his head)
If we don't report something, and then something else happens, it reflects badly on us and I didn't want that to happen.

Doug:
Even though you knew nothing else was going to happen?

Kerry:
I was only doing what we've been taught to do in cases with children.

Doug (as the elevator opens):
Yeah? Well you better go up and tell you buddy Mark Greene that...because he just kept me from making a call like that on a case I suspected because he thinks I'm a poor judge of children now...
Doug steps into the elevator and leaves Kerry standing in the hallway as the door closes them off. Kerry shakes her head bewildered and goes on back to the ER.
Cut to show Doug going into his office and sitting at his desk. He reaches over on his desk and picks up a small beanie baby kangaroo he has sitting on top of his paper weight. He reaches into the tiny pouch on the toy and takes out a school picture of Tatiana. With just enough room on the back she has written to him 'Papa...this way I will always be with you'. He smiles weakly and returns the photo to he pouch and puts the toy back where he keeps it. He picks up a stack of folders maker 'for your signature' and starts to begin signing them. He gets into his desk drawer to get a pen and comes across a card he tucked along the side of the drawer. He takes the card out and opens the envelope. He opens the card and begins to read the inscription inside...

Carol's voice (reading Doug's card):
For My Darling, Doug...You have always been such a pillar of support for me...you have believed in me when everybody else gave up...you never push or demand, just support...I love you more than words can say...Your Wife Who Will Always Love You, Carol.

Doug (returns the card to its envelope):
I love you, too, Carol...
(puts card back in the desk drawer)
I love you, too.

He takes a pen out of his desk, opens the first file, and begins his work.

Cut to show Carol in Nina Pomeranntz's office. She is toying nervously with her hands as she sits in the chair across from Nina's desk.

Carol:
Things aren't good. Doug and I can't even seem to talk to each other. When we're with each other it's like there's miles between us and I don't know what to do to change that.

Nina:
I was so very sorry to hear about Raoul...I know that must have been a blow to you.

Carol:
I can't even imagine what it's doing to Doug. I mean, he put a lot more time into Raoul than I did...he was his big brother for a year before we took him. But, I loved him, too, don't get me wrong...I was the one that suggested we just adopt him in the first place.

Nina (smiles):
You and Doug love children so much...you're just so natural with a house full of kids.

Carol (nods):
Yeah...I really regret that we can't ever have anymore of our own.

Nina:
You can still be foster parents...and you can still adopt...

Carol:
Right now, it's just all too painful to even think about. I don't know if I'd want to take another foster child if the slightest little blimp on the radar of life can get it taken away from us and let something like what happened to Raoul happen.

Nina (nods):
Well, time heals all wounds...

Carol:
Well, I hope so.

Nina:
I heard Doug was cleared of all charges...so that should be a burden off him...

Carol:
Doug didn't do anything wrong, Nina! So, why do I have this feeling that I don't even want him to touch me?

Nina:
Because in a funny sort of way you do blame him for letting Marc get hurt.

Carol:
Max Rocher told me this morning that this sort of thing happens with Toddlers all the time...that no parent can watch one 24 hours a day...and I know that's right...I know from working in the hospital these things happen every day. Scott this morning told me it was just as much my fault as it was Doug's...that I could have taken Marc with me instead of leaving him home and none of this would have happened, and he's RIGHT! It wouldn't have been a problem to take him with me!

Nina (shrugs):
Then why didn't you?

Carol:
Doug and I have been fighting a lot since he took this new job. His hours are different and his work load is heavier... our biggest argument is that he doesn't spend as much time with the kids as he used to and I was trying to give him some by letting him take care of Marc while I was gone...

Nina:
Well, that sounds like a good plan...

Carol:
Except that I just didn't pay any attention to how tired he was when he came in. I knew he had been at the hospital a double shift because he called me when he covered for Carter... and I know from when we were both working there that when he works like that, all he wants to do when he comes home is sleep...so I guess what happened to Marc really was my fault...

Nina:
I don't like that word 'fault', Carol...what happened to Marc was an accident...accidents happen in life...

Carol:
Max told me they estimate Marc was chasing a ball and stubbed his toe on the edge of the sandbox and just fell...he told me that even if Doug had been standing right there when it happened, he probably wouldn't have been able to catch him...

Nina:
Probably not...little ones can get away from you before you know it...

Carol:
So why am I still mad at Doug?

Nina:
Maybe the reason you're mad at him has nothing to do with Marc...maybe you're just using what happened to Marc as a trigger.

Carol (confused):
So, why do you think I'm mad at him?

Nina:
I think you're mad at him for giving up the private practice and the steady hours to go back to working unpredictable hours at the hospital.

Carol:
Well, that is what we've argued about a lot lately.

Nina:
I think you're mad at him for going back to County...because I think you wish you'd gone with him.
(Carol gives her a look, but doesn't say anything)
I think you like working along side him and you miss it, but, you think your place is with your children and you're denying yourself what you really want to do for what you think you should do.

Carol:
I always did love working with Doug. And I do miss it.

Nina:
Then what's to stop you from doing it again?

Carol (rolls her eyes):
I can give you six answers...

Nina:
You have a Nanny...and two wonderful Grandmothers...there is no reason why you can't go back to work if that's what you want to do!

Carol:
But I love being there for the kids when they come home from school...and I like having time to take care of the babies...and I don't want to miss any of the cute things Marc does all day...

Nina:
Don't work full time...work mornings...leave in time to pick the kids up at school or be home by the time they get there...there are plenty of options!

Carol:
Yeah, but, I'd want to work at the hospital and I don't know if I can do that now...

Nina (grins):
Your husband is Chief of Pediatrics and has his own department in the ER...he probably doesn't have a PA down there and would be happy to have one...even part time.

Carol:
I might talk to him about it...
(scoffs)
If we ever start talking to each other again.

Nina:
You and Doug have just let something come between you. You know that you love each other...you just have sort of forgotten that part right now. But, you'll get it back.

Carol:
How can you be so sure? I mean, Scott is convinced we're going to get a divorce...I'm not so sure we're not headed there myself.

Nina:
If you and Doug truly love each other like you say you do, you will find a way to work this out and stay together.

Carol:
I hope we find it soon...because every day we're apart just puts that much more distance between us.

Cut to Doug's office where he is still working with a stack of files. He stops and sits lost in thought for a minute. Then, he reaches over and opens up his telephone directory, leafing through it for a number. He stops and we focus on the name and number...Linda Ferrell...Doug dials the number quickly and then smiles as a voice answers his call. Split screen shows both sides of the conversation.

Doug:
Linda! It's Doug Ross...

Linda (delighted to hear his voice):
Doug! Hi! How are you!?

Doug:
Remember you said if I ever needed anything I could give you call?

Linda (nods):
Yeah, I remember that...

Doug:
Can we talk about that over lunch today?

Linda (laughs):
You want to take me to lunch? I thought you were 'really married' now?

Doug:
We can talk about that, too...meet you at Ticarri's?

Linda:
Ooo that sounds too good to resist! What time?

Doug:
Around one-ish?

Linda:
I'll be there! With bells on!

Doug (grins):
Great...I won't be late...

Linda (laughs):
Yes, you will! You always are! You'll get tied up at the hospital with a patient and you'll be there about one thirty! Should I go ahead and order for you?

Doug (chuckles):
Sure...go ahead.

Linda:
I'll see you then, Doug!

Doug:
Yeah...Thanks, Linda.

Linda:
Don't thank me...I should be thanking you...

Focus on Linda as she hangs up the phone with a huge smile on her face. She snaps her fingers and ad libs a jubilant 'YES!' and then heads off across the room.

Linda (mumbles aloud to herself):
I better hope I have something to wear!

Cut back to Doug's desk where he is going back to working on signing his stack of files. Focus on the family picture still lying face down on his desk and Fade Act Two to Black

Act Three

Scene opens Ticarri's Restaurant in downtown Chicago. Show Linda Ferrall waiting at a table and looking impatiently at her watch. She is dressed to the nines in a sexy black dress, hair combed, make-up on, and ready for anything. Show Doug come quickly through the restaurant to pull up hurriedly at the table to join her.

Linda (grins):
You're late!

Doug (ticks his head):
Sorry! You knew I would be!

Linda:
I ordered for you...you're getting shrimp.

Doug (gulps water from his glass):
Shrimp's fine...thanks...
(he holds up his hand to a passing waiter)
Waiter, could we have a bottle of red wine, please.

Waiter (nods):
Right away, Sir.

Linda (surprised):
Wine? I thought you quit drinking?

Doug:
Things have changed, Linda...
(grins at her)
A lot of things have changed...

Cut to Beverly Watters' office. Show Scott Ross come off the elevator and look at names on doors until he finds her office. He opens the door and goes in to stop at the receptionists desk.

Receptionist (smiles at him):
Can I help you?

Scott (nervously):
I'd like to see Beverly Watters, please?

Receptionist:
Do you have an appointment?

Scott (shakes his head):
No, I don't.

Receptionist:
Well, I'm sorry, but you need an appointment to see Mrs. Watters.

Scott (pleading look):
Please? It's very important. It's about my little brother...

Cut to show Beverly coming thought the hallway and she stops when she sees Scott. She comes into the reception area and smiles.

Beverly:
Hello, Scott! What are you doing here?

Scott (turns to her):
Can I talk to you for a minute? It's really important!

Beverly:
Of course!
(directs him to her office)
Come on in.
(he follows her into her office and she sits on the edge of her desk and smiles at him)
Now, what's on your mind?

Scott (takes his backpack off and unzips it):
Well, Mom said we probably couldn't go to the service for Raoul, since we aren't really his family, so I wanted to give you something and ask you to take it for me. Can you do that?

Beverly (puzzled look, nods):
I surely can try...
(she watches as Scott pulls the stuffed dog out of his backpack)

Scott:
My Dad gave this to him when he first came to live with us...Raoul said nobody ever gave him anything before and he wanted to know if he could keep it...my Dad told him that it would be his forever and he could take it with him where ever he went. He didn't take it with him when he left our house, because my Dad told him he would be coming back. And he thought leaving the dog would make sure he did. But, since he didn't, could you put this with him? So he can have it where he goes now?
(reaches her the dog)

Beverly (takes the dog, sad look):
I'll make sure they put this with him...
(nods her head)
I surely will. I promise.

Scott (nods, zips up his backpack and puts it back on):
OK. Thank you.

Beverly (calls him back as he gets to the door):
You're a very mature young man, Scott. I'm sure your Dad is very proud of you.

Scott just grins and nods and then disappears out the door. Beverly wraps her arms around the dog and holds it close to her, shaking her head sadly.

Cut to show Nina and Carol walking down the sidewalk of a crowded Chicago street.

Carol:
I really appreciate you taking me to lunch, Nina! I guess I don't get out much these days!

Nina:
Oh, this is one of my favorite places! Mark and I used to come here for lunch almost every day before he went back to the hospital.

Show them going through a door into a restaurant. As they go in, pull back to show the name on the door to read Ticarri's. Show Nina and Carol standing and waiting to be seated and show Carol looking around the room. Her attention is caught quickly by Doug and Linda, clinking their wine glasses and laughing as they enjoy their lunch together. Their waiter comes to seat them and leads them to the opposite side of the restaurant out of sight of where Doug and Carol are. Carol watches over her shoulder until she can no longer see them.

Nina (as they are seated):
Something wrong?

Carol (shakes it off):
No...I thought I saw someone, but, I was wrong.
(smiles at her)
Let's have a great lunch.

The menus are given to them and Carol opens her still locked in the thought of Doug and Linda on the other side of the wall. Her look is crossed between hurt and fuming as she starts looking over the menu.

Cut to County ER. Show the mother of the two year old Doug treated earlier come running in carrying this same toddler in her arms. The little girl is crying hysterically and John Carter confronts them in the hallway.

Carter:
What's the problem?

Mother (panic stricken):
I left her alone in the bathtub long enough to answer the telephone...she must have turned the hot water on herself...
(she pushes up the child's shirt to show Carter blistering burns on the little girl's back)

Carter (takes the child and carries her):
We'll take her to three...Jerry! Page Dr. Ross for me, please!

Jerry (answers from the front desk):
Dr. Ross is at lunch!

Carter (getting to the trauma door):
Is Dr. Rocher in?

Jerry (looks quickly at the board):
Yeah, he's here!

Carter (nods):
Page him for me, then, please?

Carter takes the child into the exam room with the mother right behind her. He sits her on the table and peels her shirt off her. Her back is a mass of blisters and burns. Cut to show Max Rocher coming into the exam room quickly.

Rocher:
What have you got?

Carter:
Mother says she left her alone in the bathtub long enough to answer the phone and she turned the hot water on herself.

Rocher (takes a look...tries to calm the screaming child):
It's OK, Sweetheart...we're gonna get you fixed up.

Mother (nervously):
Will she be OK?

Rocher (nods to her):
She'll be fine...

Mother:
I left her for just a minute...a swear...just long enough to answer the phone...

Rocher (smiles, touches her arm):
It's OK.

Cut to show Doug coming through the staff entrance of the ER and starting through the hallway. His attention is caught by the child still screaming hysterically and he starts into the trauma room, but he is quickly cut off by Mark, who pushes against his chest to back him up.

Mark:
It's under control, Doug...

Doug:
That kid is in severe pain, Mark! What's going on?

Mark (still backing him up):
Carter and Rocher have it under control...

Doug, frustrated and aggravated now, simply pushes past Mark to go into the trauma room. Mark rolls his eyes and flops his arms to his side and follows him.

Doug (coming in, gives the Mother a suspicious look):
What's the problem here?

Rocher:
Little girl turned the hot water on herself in the bathtub.

Doug (still eyeing the mother carefully):
Oh, yeah? How'd she do that?

Mother:
I left her alone for one minute...to answer the phone...

Doug (to Rocher):
Can I talk to you outside? Please?

Rocher:
Sure...
(to Mother)
Dr. Carter will handle things here...I'll be right back.

Doug goes out into the hall with Rocher and Mark. The Mother watches them through the glass but can't hear what they are saying. Doug keeps a careful eye on her.

Doug:
Did she bother to tell you this same kid was in here this morning for a burn on her arm?

Rocher (shakes his head):
No, she didn't mention it.

Doug:
You know how she got that one? She got too close to a hot oven...now she turns hot water on herself?

Rocher (not concerned):
It's not all the uncommon...

Doug (agitated):
She turns hot water on her BACK? If a kid is turning on a faucet, they are facing it...not have their back to it.

Rocher (nodding):
Yeah, you're right. OK, I'll check for healed old burns...

Doug:
And I'll call Child Services...

Mark:
Now wait a minute...don't you think you're jumping to conclusions again?

Doug:
Can we talk, Mark? Privately?

Rocher goes back to the trauma room. Doug storms through the hospital with Mark following behind him. They go up to the hospital roof where Doug begins to immediately pace and rant.

Doug (waving his arms at Mark):
I TOLD you! I TOLD you she was gonna take that kid home and do something to her!

Mark:
I think you're over reacting, Doug...

Doug:
She POURED Hot water on that kid's back, Mark! There is NO WAY that little girl turned a faucet on her back! NO WAY!

Mark:
It's totally possible and it happens every day!

Doug (frustrated):
Why are you fighting me on this? Why is it that you suddenly doubt my ability to judge if a kid is being abused or not? I am the one with the Pediatric specialty! And I am the one with the degree in caring for children! Don't you think in this case I just MIGHT know a little more than the almighty perfect Mark Greene?

Mark (calmly):
Doug, I don't doubt your ability with children, but, I think this abuse thing is just eating at you to the point that you are seeing something into things that might not really be there! It is totally possible that this is just an accident prone child and that this mother is telling the truth!

Doug:
And there's a better chance that she's lying and that kid is going to end up like Raoul Fernandez! Do you want another case like that, Mark? Because I know I sure as hell don't!

Mark:
I just think you're going overboard with this, Doug...

Doug:
Kerry Weaver told me when she called Child Services for Marc she was acting on Hospital policy...does that policy change from doctor to doctor?

Mark:
No, of course it doesn't.

Doug:
Then why was it all right for her to call child services for a case she KNEW wasn't abuse, but it isn't all right for me to call in and try to help that little girl? Don't you think a Pedes doctor might know just a LITTLE bit more about what abuse looks like than Kerry Weaver?

Mark:
Doug, I really think you need to get a grip on this thing...maybe you need some time away from all this...

Doug:
The only thing I need, Mark, is for you to wake up and smell the coffee...and know that I know what I'm doing and what I'm talking about. You want to suspend me, go ahead...but I'm calling child services...

Having said his piece, Doug storms off across the roof and disappears back through the door into the hospital. Mark sighs and shakes his head, then goes on across the roof as Act Three Fades to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens with Doug back in the ER at the front desk on the phone. Once he hangs up the phone, Max comes out to consult with him.

Rocher:
You were right...there are several healed old burns on her arms and legs...

Doug:
OK, just keep them in there until Child Services gets here...shouldn't be long.

Rocher (nods):
Got it.

Cut to the Ross home. Show Carol sitting in a rocking chair with one of the girls, giving them a bottle. She is rocking and thinking...her mind drifts back to seeing Doug and Linda at Ticarri's earlier. Distort the picture to show a flashback of Doug and Linda laughing, toasting each other, drinking wine and generally having a good time. Now show Carol's thought ramble forward to show Doug and Linda going into the Drake Hotel together and getting into the elevator and going up to Doug's room. She shakes off the vision and focuses back on the baby.

Carol (mumbles to herself):
You just would, wouldn't you, Doug?

Carol fumes slightly at her thoughts as she continues to rock and feed the baby.

Cut back to County ER. Show Beverly Watters come into the ER and look around until she sees Doug working at the front desk and goes over to him.

Beverly:
I am here...

Doug (looks up):
OK...

Doug goes across the hall to the trauma room and picks the child up off the table. When he starts carrying her out of the room, the Mother gets up and goes after him. The child begins crying and reaching for her Mother.

Mother (following Doug):
What do you think you're doing? Where are you going with my child?

Doug doesn't answer or look back at her, just takes the child and gives her to Beverly.

Mother (frantically):
You can't take my child! Give me back my baby!

Beverly turns with the little girl and starts down the hall with her...the child reaching over her shoulder and crying violently for her mother.

Mother (turns to Doug):
You son of a bitch! How DARE you take my child! Do you have any idea what you've done?

Doug (nonchalantly):
I know exactly what I've done, Lady...I may have just saved that little girl's life.

Doug turns sharply and walks away. The Mother turns frantically to Max Rocher.

Mother:
He can't do that, can he? Can he do that?

Rocher (nods):
Yes, Ma'am, he can.

Mother:
But, I didn't hurt my baby...

Rocher:
Well, Ma'am, if that's true, you'll have her back in no time at all and everything will be fine.

Cut to show time lapse. Doug is in his office playing basketball with a nerf set on the wall when Mark opens the door and comes in.

Doug (annoyed):
I didn't hear you knock.

Mark:
We need to talk.

Doug (dunks the ball one last time):
OK.
(turns to Mark)
What's on your mind?

Mark:
Doug, what's going on with you?

Doug (confused):
What do you mean?

Mark:
All the cowboy crap and gung ho-devil may care attitude...I haven't seen that from you in a long time.
(Doug shrugs)
I'm not sure I can start dealing with that again.

Doug:
You want my resignation?

Mark:
NO, I don't want your resignation! I just want you to talk to me and tell me what's going on!

Doug:
Why did you fight me on that Pedes case? Don't you think I know if a child is being abused?

Mark (nods):
Yes, I do...but I also think there are times when you have to give a parent the benefit of a doubt...

Doug:
Like Kerry Weaver did me?

Mark:
Doug, you can't go off half cocked down there with kids just because Kerry Weaver made a mistake...

Doug (chuckles):
A mistake? Is that what you think it was? Is that what you're going to tell the board it was? What Kerry Weaver did to me was a deliberate act of malice and you know it...but you're going to say it was a mistake?

Mark:
What do you want me to say, Doug? You know Kerry is a good doctor...

Doug:
Kerry Weaver is a spiteful, vindictive, bitch! Her actions were unprofessional, Mark! She deserves a reprimand at least! You never seem to have any trouble doling those out to ME! What's the deal with her? She's above getting called down for something?

Mark:
I have to be fair and impartial with the problems in this hospital...I have to judge things by the book regardless of my personal feelings about something!

Doug:
In other words, you don't think she did anything wrong?

Mark:
I think she was acting on Hospital policy...

Doug:
But you wouldn't let ME act on Hospital policy over the same suspicion? Why not?

Mark:
Because I felt like you were acting without getting the whole picture...

Doug:
And she didn't?

Mark:
I wasn't down there when she called Child Services, Doug! I would have said something if I had been...

Doug (scoffs):
How do I know that?

Mark:
You'll just have to take my word for it.

Doug:
Your word? Your word, Mark? Is that in the rule book, too? The Chief of Staff just gives his word? Whatever happened to doing the right thing?

Mark:
You're just going to have to accept the fact that I have a lot of responsibility right now, Doug. And until I learn how to balance it a little better, I've got to go by the book.

Doug (nods, sarcastically):
That's the way it's going to be, huh?

Mark (nods):
For now...yes...

Doug (reaches and takes his jacket):
OK, Mark...we'll go by the book...and you can bet I'm going to learn everything in it...forwards and backwards...
(starts out the door)
I'll see you tomorrow..

Mark (calls after him as he goes):
Doug? Come on! I'm sorry, Doug!

Doug (turns, keeps walking backwards):
Yeah, Mark...me too. I didn't really think I was going to be all alone in this.

Doug steps into the elevator and disappears from Mark's view. Mark sighs heavily and goes out of his office, closing the door behind him.

Cut to show Doug getting off the El train and going down the steps of the platform. He goes up the sidewalk and into the Drake Hotel. He goes across the lobby and sits on a stool at the bar.

Bartender:
Getting to be a regular around here, aren't you Dr. Ross? What'll you have?

Doug (motions with his hand):
I'll have the usual, Barry.

Bartender:
Little early in the evening to start drinking, isn't it?

Doug:
Just this one...I'm seeing my kids tonight.

Bartender (serves him his drink):
You divorced?

Doug (takes his drink, shakes his head):
Not yet.

Bartender:
Well, then there's still hope.

Doug (grunts):
I don't think so...she can't even talk to me right now...

Bartender:
What did you do?

Doug:
I went to sleep and one of the kids got hurt.

Bartender:
Kid OK?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...he's home now.

Bartender (nods, smiles):
You got a chance...you just have to remind her how much she loves you.

Doug:
Yeah? How do I do that?

Bartender:
Take the pressure off her...

Doug (chuckles):
You mean take the blame?

Bartender:
Takes the pressure off her...she can forgive you...if you know what I mean.
(winks at him...Doug chuckles)
It would get you back home with your kids...

Doug (ticks his head):
Might be worth thinking about...thanks, Barry.

Cut back to the Ross home. Show Carol go into Scott's room and look on the bed for Raoul's dog. When she doesn't find it, she looks around the room.

Scott (in the doorway):
Looking for something, Mom?

Carol:
Yeah, I was looking for Raoul's dog.

Scott:
I took it to Mrs. Watters.

Carol (turns to him):
You did what?

Scott:
I took it to Mrs. Watters and asked her to put it with him so he can have it where ever he's going now.
(carefully)
Are you mad?

Carol:
Oh, Scotty, no! I'm not mad! That was a beautiful thing to do!
(she goes over and hugs him)
That's exactly what I was going to do with it.

Scott (relieved):
Really?
(Carol nods)
Why can't we go to the service, Mom? I'd really like to say good bye...

Carol:
Honey, Raoul was so battered you wouldn't even get to see him, and I really think it's just best if you just remember him the way he was...can you accept that?
(Scott nods)

Scott:
Why do people hit their kids like that, Mom?

Carol (shakes her head):
I don't know, Scotty.

Scott:
When I grow up, I want to help kids like Raoul...like Dad does...

Carol:
Yeah, your Dad's pretty tough on parents who hurt their kids...that's for sure.
(lost in thought)
Speaking of your Dad, he'll be here tonight, so, start getting ready for him, OK?

Scott (brightly):
ALL RIGHT!
(darts out of the room)
Hey, Tatch! Dad's coming tonight!

Tatiana's voice:
YAY! Papa's coming!!

Carol closes her eyes painfully to the sounds of the children's delight as Act Four Fades to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at the Ross home. Show Carol opening the door to find Doug on the other side. She gives him a confused look.

Doug (offers):
I wasn't sure if I should ring the bell or just come in so when in doubt, punt. After all, I don't live here anymore...

Before Carol can say anything, Tatiana shoots gleefully across the room.

Tatiana (running to him):
PAPA!!!

Doug (stoops down to pick her up as she gets to him):
Hey, Punkin!

Doug carries Tatiana in as Carol closes the door behind them.

Cut to show time lapse. Doug has spent the biggest part of the evening with the kids and is getting ready to leave.

Tatiana:
Do you have to go?

Doug:
It's almost your bedtime, Princess...
(kisses her forehead)

Tatiana:
Can't you stay and play Candy Land?

Doug:
Your Mama will have to play Candy Land with you for a while, Punkin...I'm sorry.

Tatiana:
She's too easy to beat! I'd rather play with you.

Doug (smiles):
We'll play next time, OK?

Tatiana:
OK.

Doug (opens his arms):
Give me a kiss, OK?

Tatiana (wraps her arms around him):
I miss you, Papa.

Doug (hugs her):
I miss you, too, Sweetie.

Tatiana (starts to cry, clings to him):
I don't want you to go!

Doug (pats her back...looks up at Carol leaning on the door facing with her arms folded across her chest...both exchange painful looks):
It won't be long, Honey, I'll be home before you know it.
(kisses her head)
Now be a good girl and don't cry, OK? You'll make me cry if you cry!

Tatiana (sniffling):
OK. I love you.

Doug (smiles painfully at her):
I love you, too.

Scott (as Tatiana leaves the room):
Why can't I go with you?

Doug:
Son, I told you, a hotel is no place for a kid...and besides, I need you here...to be the man of the house until I get back.

Scott:
Are you sure you're coming back?

Doug (looks at Carol, then back at Scott):
I'm sure I'm gonna try.

Scott (nods):
OK.
(hugs him quickly)
I love you, Dad.

Doug (holds him for a minute):
I love you, too, Slugger.

Once Scott is gone, Doug stands up and faces Carol. He waits for her to say something and gives her a hang dog look.

Carol:
How was your lunch at Ticarri's?
(pause, glares at him)
With Linda?

Doug (surprised):
How did you know about that?

Carol:
So, you weren't going to tell me? Nina took me to lunch after our session today and I saw you there with her.

Doug:
It's not what you think...

Carol:
What am I supposed to think, Doug? You've got a hotel room, for God's sake...

Doug:
I just needed a friend to listen to me for a while...that's all Linda was doing...being a friend.

Carol:
Yeah, from the way she was dressed I'd say she was a pretty good friend...

Doug:
I just wanted somebody to hear my side of things, Carol. Mark won't listen to me...Mr. "Fair and Impartial" with too much responsibility doesn't have time for friendships anymore. My wife won't listen to me...she's too busy hating me for something I couldn't have helped if I'd been standing in the sandbox with a butterfly net. I just wanted someone to hear my side of things.

Carol:
And then you have the nerve to show up at this house drunk?

Doug (defensively):
I'm not drunk! I may have had a few drinks, but, I'm far from drunk.

Carol:
I don't care, Doug! I don't want the kids exposed to that! And why would you start drinking again anyway?

Doug:
Why wouldn't I, Carol? My family doesn't need me...they have SuperMom to take care of them...my best friend can't find room for me among his 'Hospital Policies' now...my wife doesn't want me...she thinks I'm a monster! What the hell else have I got to turn to? If nobody else cares, why should I?

With that, he turns sharply and storms out of the house leaving Carol to watch him roar the car down the driveway and disappear into the night. She covers her mouth with her hand as she watches the tail lights fade.

Carol:
Oh, God! Doug! What have I done to you!

Cut to show Doug walking through the lobby of the Drake and over to the bar. He slides onto a stool and motions to the bartender.

Doug:
Scotch...and keep 'em coming...

The bartender serves his drink and he turns it up and downs in quickly, slamming the glass down on the bar to indicate he's ready for another one as the Closing Act fades into the Closing Credits of the show.

May 27, 1998