"Reasons for the Season"

Opening Act

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center, interior, daytime. Mark and Doug are standing on the front desk counter and a ladder working together to center adjust a glittering side that reads HAPPY HOLIDAYS across the front of the work station. Cynthia and Carol are standing in the middle of the waiting room, helping them center it.

Cynthia (motioning):
A little more to the left...

Carol (motions as well):
And up a little more.

Cynthia (nods in a agreement):
Yeah...

Mark and Doug look across at each other and roll their eyes, but, they move the sign the way the girls want it.

Doug:
How's that?

Carol (looking...thinking):
No, I think it needs to come back the other way a little more...
(turns to Cynthia)
...what do you think?

Cynthia (looking):
I don't know...it looks pretty straight...maybe it needs to come down a little...

Mark (aggitated now):
Up a little! Down a little! Over a little! That's it! It's hanging right where it is!

Doug (climbing down off the ladder):
Yeah, and if you girls don't like it, you can climb up there and hang it yourself!

Carol:
Well, aren't we Mr. Grumpy Rump! 'Tis the Season to by JOLLY, Doug!

Doug (as he folds up the ladder):
Bah!

Mark (joining in):
Humbug!
(both chuckle)

Doug starts carrying the ladder back to the supply room and Mark joins him to give him a hand with it. They talk between themselves as they put the ladder away.

Mark:
How's your arm? Doing OK?

Doug (flexes it quickly):
Doing great! No problems at all!

Mark:
How about you and Carol? You guys doing OK?

Doug (grins):
You mean with the baby making?
(Mark nods...Doug chuckles)
Having a WHOLE lot of fun trying!

Mark:
You guys are seriously working on it now, right? No protection...that kind of stuff?

Doug (reaches into the top of his pants and pulls up his boxers on his thumb):
You see these?
(Mark nods)
These boxers are big enough that you, and me, and Carter could ALL fit into them!

Mark (chuckles):
She bought you a size bigger than you usually wear, right?

Doug (laughing):
One size? We could fit the whole south side of Chicago inside these things! She took the elastic out and put a drawstring in them! Does that tell you anything?

Mark (laughing):
Well, your boys should have plenty of room in there! That's important!

Doug:
Mark, I know it's important to have plenty of room, but, I don't think I need boxers so big I need suspenders to hold them up! I had to put safety pins in the legs just to get my pants on!
(Mark laughs)
Ah, it's worth it, though. Or it WILL be...eventually.

Mark:
Well, I wish you well.

Mark and Doug start walking back out to the main area. Cynthia and Carol are busy hanging other decorations around the walls and doorways of the Center. Doug picks up some tinsel and lights and starts helping out there, Mark goes to help Cynthia decorate the tree in the waiting room.

Doug:
So, have you got any 'Elf' reports?

Carol:
Tatchie is upset that we don't have a chimney. For some reason, it's just a REALLY big deal to her.

Doug:
Oh, well, don't worry. I'll give her a good story about how Santa can come in through the attic window just as easy.

Carol:
She remembers leaving milk and cookies for Santa...but she doesn't remember much more about Christmas than that.

Doug:
Well, now, you can pass her your Christmas traditions.

Carol (gives him a careful look):
Don't you have any Christmas traditions to pass on?

Doug (shakes his head):
Nah, we didn't make a big deal out of Holidays much.

Carol:
But you ARE inviting Sarah for Christmas, aren't you?

Doug:
Well, sure, if you want me to...Christmas dinner you mean? Because I want Christmas morning to just be me, and you, and the kids...just our family...OK?

Carol (smiles, nods):
OK. I'd like that, too, I think.

Doug:
What do the kids want, anyway?

Carol:
Well, Tatchie wants a pony and Scott wants a motor bike...what do you want that you can't have, Doug? We might as well be three for three Christmas morning...

Doug (laughs):
Now, who says we can't have those things?

Carol:
A pony, Doug? Where do you think we'd put it? In the back yard? Chain it to the porch railing, maybe?

Doug:
You never heard of boarding farms?

Carol (appalled):
Doug, do have ANY idea what it costs to board a horse?

Doug (nods):
Well, actually...yes...I do...

Carol (gives him a look):
I can't believe you've actually checked into this.

Doug:
Well, what about the motor bike? I checked with my Mom...she still has mine. It wouldn't take much to get it running again. I don't see why we can't let him have it...

Carol:
Doug, we already discussed Motor Cross racing for Scott. We agreed that it's too dangerous and he is too young... Doug (shakes his head):
We didn't agree to that...you decided that and closed the discussion. Carol:
Well, you didn't open it back up again...I assumed you agreed with me.

Doug:
Well, I didn't.

Carol (stops working and turns to look at him):
You think we should let him take up Motor Cross racing?

Doug:
I think we should give it a little more serious thought at least...

Carol (nods):
OK...I'll think about it some more.
(goes back to hanging tinsel and lights)
What about you? What do you want?

Doug (smiles at her):
I just want you, Babe.

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Well, at least you're easy.

Doug:
My middle name!
(pause)
I know what you want...

Carol (softly):
Yeah, but, I don't think I'm gonna get that either.

Doug (sighs):
Tatchie doesn't get a pony...you don't get a baby...I guess Scott's the only one who has a half way decent chance of getting something he wants for Christmas...

Carol:
Do you think he'll be OK? I mean, this will be his first Christmas without his Mom and Dennis...

Doug (nods):
I know...I was thinking about that, too. I wish I could get Fred and Kate to come for Christmas...I wish I could get them to be a bigger part of Scott's life. They are all he has left of his Mom...and this will be their first Christmas without him, as well as their daughter.

Carol:
Have you tried calling them?
(Doug gives her a sarcastic laugh)
Maybe you should drive up to Winetka and talk to them.
(Doug gives her a sarcastic look)
Well, it's Christmas, Doug! Maybe Fred will shove you backwards before he slams the door in your face this time.

Doug (chuckles):
Huh! Well, maybe. I'll see how I feel about it later.

Carol:
You're a bigger man than Fred, Doug...you make the first move and he'll follow...

Doug:
You better be ready to catch me when that door slams...

Carol just laughs as they go back to decorating...Doug takes tinsel and lays it gently in Carol's hair...she laughs and lays a string of lights around his neck...

Fade into Opening Credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens on the C.A.R.E. Center roof. John Carter is out on the roof stringing lights around a full sized stuff real reindeer he has positioned on the roof near the satellite dish. Show Doug come out onto the roof from the doorway and he turns his jacket collar to the wind as he joins Carter by the reindeer.

Doug:
Is this thing real?

Carter (laughs):
Yeah! It's not a reindeer, though. It's a Caribou.

Doug:
A Caribou? What's that?

Carter:
It's an animal that lives in the Artic zone...my Grandfather bagged this one in Alaska when I was just a kid. It's been in my family for years.

Doug (ticks his head):
Your family has strange heirlooms, Carter.

Carter (laughs):
Yeah, I guess we do!
(pause)
I'm really glad you're back, Dr. Ross. I missed you.

Doug (starts helping Carter string lights):
Yeah? Well, that's always nice to hear. Believe it or not, I missed you guys, too.

Carter:
This will be your first Christmas with kids...you must be excited.

Doug:
A little, yeah. There's something magical about kids at Christmas.

Carter:
I remember when I was a kid my family always went together on a open sleigh ride...big sleigh with jingle bells and horse drawn...just like in the song. Then we'd go back to the house and pop corn around an open fire and my Grandfather would read 'The Night Before Christmas'. We did that every year until I was all grown up.

Doug:
They don't do that anymore?

Carter (shakes his head):
Oh, no, there's no kids in the family now.

Doug:
Well, what about Daylin...he's two...he's old enough to start enjoying traditions.

Carter:
Well, I'm sure Shawna probably has some traditions of her own to teach him.

Doug:
I bet she wouldn't mind if you taught him some of yours, too. After all, Carter, you and Shawna and Daylin just might be a family someday.

Carter:
Now, THERE'S a scary thought! I think I'm a LONG way from commitment yet!

Doug:
I don't know, Carter...when it hits you, it HITS you, you know? I was in love with Carol before I even knew what was happening. Now, I don't ever want it to end.

Carter:
So, what are you giving Carol for Christmas, anyway?

Doug:
Well, I wish I could give her a positive pregnancy test, but, just in case that doesn't materialize by December 25th, I was wondering if you, or Mark, or Cynthia has heard her say anything else she might want to find under the tree Christmas morning?

Carter (shakes his head):
I can't think of anything I've heard her say...but I'll sure keep my ears open for you!

Doug (nods):
Thanks, Carter...I'd appreciate that.
(pause)
So, what are your family plans for Christmas, Carter? Going home?

Carter:
Oh, no, my parents will be in Europe...I'm not sure about my Grandmother but I imagine she'll go someplace, too.

Doug:
Well, Carter, you're welcome at our house!

Carter:
You mean that, Dr. Ross?

Doug (nods):
Sure, I mean it. If you and Shawna want to bring Daylin and come over, you just let me know. I'm hoping I can get Mark to come, too...the more the merrier they say.

Carter:
No traditions in the Ross family? You guys never went to Midnight Mass or anything?
(Doug snickers)
Never read "The Night Before Christmas"? Or sang Christmas Carols?

Doug (scoffs):
Carter, the only 'tradition' in my family was in the Jim Bean in the eggnog.

Carter (surprised look):
Wow...are you serious?

Doug (frowns):
Long story, Carter...I promised myself I'd stop that.
(Looks at his watch)
I better get back inside before Mark starts looking for me.
(he starts away across the roof)
Offer stands, Carter! Just let me know!

Carter:
I will...and I'll see you inside in a little bit!

Cut scene to show Doug coming back down into the Center with Mark and Carol. Decorations are all over now, with flashing lights and cut outs. Show Cynthia put a tape into a tape deck and strands of WINTER WONDERLAND start piping through the center.

Cynthia (happily):
God, I LOVE this time of year!

Mark:
What IS it about this time of year that brings out the 'giddy' in people?

Carol:
Oh, come ON, Mark! Christmas is a magical time of year! It's a time of cheer, and good will t'ward man, and all that jazz...

Mark:
Christmas is the single most commercial holiday of the year...

Doug:
Second...Valentine's Day is the biggest!

Mark:
Oh, well, yeah, I guess so! I mean, really, don't you think most people lost what little bit of common sense they have at Christmas?

Carol:
I bet when you guys were kids you both LOVED Christmas.

Doug:
Yeah, but, then you grow up and it loses something.

Cynthia:
It doesn't have to...it's all in the way you look at it.

Mark:
Well, try looking at it over 500 millions pieces of a Barbie Dream House and see how festive you get with it...

Doug (chuckles):
Voice of experience?

Mark:
Jen insisted to me that the look on Rachel's face when she came down the steps Christmas morning would be worth it...it wasn't!

Carol:
Yeah, I'm gonna remind you of that on Rachel's wedding day...

Doug is leafing through the newspaper over by the counter. Show Carter come back down into the Center and hang up his jacket.

Doug (doesn't look up from the paper):
Are we all ready for Santa up there now, Carter?

Carter:
Right down to the sleigh bells!

Doug (nonchalantly):
We have a reindeer on the roof...

Carter (corrects him):
It's not a Reindeer...it's a Caribou...

Mark:
So, what's the difference?

Carter (matter-of-factly):
Size. mostly.

Mark (chuckles):
Like I'd know...

Doug (chuckles with him):
Or care...
(His eye is caught by something in the newspaper and he whistles lowly)
Ohhhh, man! Now there's something I'd like to see Santa bring down my chimney!

Mark (moves closer to look over his shoulder):
And what would that be?

Doug (shows him the paper):
Look at that...a classic Harley...

Mark (reading ad):
Notice those two words after it...'needs work'...

Doug:
Well, those are the best words in the add! You buy it cheap and fix it up! That would be a great father/son project for Scott and I to work on!

Mark (gives him a coy look):
A father/son project?

Doug:
Yeah! When I was a kid, my best friend, Jeremy Hudson, and his Dad rebuilt a 49 Roadster in their driveway. I used to go over on weekends and help them sometimes. When Jeremy turned 16, his Dad gave him the keys. I saw him a few years ago in Pontiac, Michigan and he still had that car! If I had something like that to work on with Scott, maybe we'd have an heirloom like that in our family years from now.

Cut to show Carol is working with stringing lights, but, show her eyes keeping a lock on Mark and Doug and she is listening to their conversation without letting them know she is close enough to hear.

Mark:
Scott has an interest in motorcycles, I take it?

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah, don't most boys?
(Mark snickers and nods)
He wants to get into Motor Cross Racing...something like this would be great for us to do together...so many things I could teach him...

Mark:
You're gonna wedge that in between all the sports teams he plays on, I take it?

Doug (thinking);
Ummm, you could have a point. I guess there wouldn't be a lot of time for working on weekends with all the sports, would there?

Mark:
Oh, I think the two of you would probably sneak some time in there...evenings if nothing else.

Doug (shrugs):
Ah, well, he might be a little too young right now. That's more of a teenage thing, anyway.

Carol (across the room, to Doug and Mark):
Hey, guys, Cynthia and I are going up to Carter's apartment and bring down some more decorations...

Doug (laughing):
Is Carter running a Christmas shop up there or something? What is he doing with all those decorations anyway?

Carol (shrugs):
I don't know, but, I think it's really nice he's letting us use them. We'll be right back.

Doug (nods):
Sure.

Doug watches carefully until Carol is up the steps. Then, he turns quietly to Mark.

Doug:
Listen, Mark, have you heard Carol say anything she'd like to have for Christmas around here at anytime? During any conversation?

Mark (shakes his head):
No, can't say that I have. Why? You having trouble coming up with a present for Carol?

Doug:
I can think of a million things I can give her, and I know she'd love any one of them, but, this is our first Christmas really together as husband and wife and I just wanted that first Christmas gift to be something really special, you know?

Mark (nods...smiles):
Ah, nothing like being in love, I guess. I remember my first Christmas with Jennifer...I gave her a Brooch.

Doug (laughing):
A Brooch!?

Mark (nods):
Yeah...I bought it at an antique shop over on Mayland Road...I don't even think it's still there anymore...we didn't have a lot of money and I didn't pay very much for it, but, it looked real expensive and she used to wear it on her coat to hold her scarf on.
(Lost in thought)
Yeah...those early ones are special.

Doug:
Listen, Mark, I wanted to ask you...if you aren't doing anything else for Christmas, we'd love to have you come for Christmas dinner.

Mark (smiles):
Thanks, Doug, but, I'm not very big on the Holidays...I appreciate the offer, though.

Doug (pats him on the back):
You'll always be welcome, Buddy. You don't even have to call first, just if you want to come, come on, OK?

Mark:
I kind of thought the first Ross family Christmas would be just the Ross family...

Doug (nods):
Christmas morning, yeah, but, afterwards...that's another story!
(Mark chuckles)

Mark:
Well, I'll give it some thought, OK? And if I change my mind, I know where you live...OK?

Doug (nods):
Fair enough!c Doug reaches for a pen off the desk and scribbles down a phone number from the newspaper. Mark stands close trying to see what number he is writing.

Mark:
Gonna call about that Harley?

Doug (shakes his head):
No, something else I saw...

Mark:
Something for Carol?

Carol (coming back down the steps suddenly):
What's something for Carol?

Doug (sarcastic smile):
Now, you just never mind, Missy! Christmas is a time for secrets, you know!

Carol (playfully, reaches for the newspaper):
Oh, no! We agreed never to have any secrets in our marriage...remember?

Doug (teasing her back...holds the paper over her head):
Ah, but this is Christmas and Christmas doesn't count! That's why they have Christmas! So, people can have amnesty on their secrets!

Carol (reaching for the paper):
Come on! What are you after?
(Doug pulls the paper away)
Something for me?

Doug:
No!

Carol:
Something for one of the kids?

Doug:
I'm not telling you! You'll just have to wait until Christmas and find out!

Doug goes off with Mark, both of them chuckling. Carol picks up the newspaper and starts looking through that ads looking to see what Doug might be calling about.

Fade Act One to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens exterior in a cemetary. Focus on rows of tombstones decorated for Christmas with Wreaths and tiny Christmas trees. Show Scott and Doug come into view from across a row. Both are dressed for the cold weather in jeans, boots, and jackets, and Scott is carrying a potted plant in his hands. They walk slowly together, Doug glances at the headstones as they go by, until they come to the ones they are looking for. They stop and stare down together and the joint headstone that reads LYONS at the top and underneath the names DENNIS GREGORY 1963-1997 and SAMANTHA LYNN 1965-1997. Scott kneels at the grave and places the plant between the names. The plant in a Christmas Cactus and is blooming with a pink flower. He starts trying to push the pot into the vase provided in the headstone but he can't seem to make it fit. Doug kneels beside him and helps him clear a place for it to fit in the snow between the two names. Doug stands up behind him and waits as Scott offers a soft prayer and then makes the sign of the cross on his chest. Behind him, Doug also crosses himself. Scott stands up to move close beside Doug and they stand looking down at the graves together.

Scott:
Do you think it's cold in there?

Doug (hands in his pockets...a little nervous):
Yeah, but, I don't think your Mom and Dennis are in there.

Scott (looks up at him):
Where do you think they are?

Doug (shrugs):
Someplace better...someplace nice.

Scott:
You think Mom will like the flower?

Doug (nods):
I'm sure she will.

Scott (looking down at it):
It's her favorite. She used to have them all over the house and then worry that they wouldn't bloom in time for Christmas...but they always did!
(Doug doesn't interrupt...just lets his son talk)
Do you think she can see it?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...I do.

Scott:
I miss her. A lot. Sometimes, I miss her so much I think I'm gonna go up to my room and she'll be in there putting my clothes away. Other times, I can barely remember what her voice sounds like. Does that sound crazy?

Doug (shakes his head):
No, that's not crazy. That's normal. That's something everybody goes through when you lose someone you love.

Scott reaches down and touches the headstone, then, turns and starts walking away. Doug follows along behind him.

Scott:
Do you miss your Dad?

Doug (nods):
Yes, I do.

Scott:
How come you didn't bury him like Mom and Dennis? That way you'd always have someplace to come when you wanted to be with him.

Doug (shrugs):
Wouldn't have been my Dad, I guess.

Scott:
You know, we've never talked about your Dad.

Doug (nods):
Maybe it's time we did.
(puts his arm around Scott's shoulder)
What do you say we go have lunch someplace and talk...man to man...this is amnesty day...you can ask me anything, OK?

Scott (looks up at him and smiles):
You mean it? You'll answer anything I ask!

Doug (nods with a grin):
You got it...anything and everything!

Scott (points a finger at him):
No wimping out?

Doug (shakes his head):
No wimping out! I promise!

Scott (nods happily):
It's a deal!

Cut to C.A.R.E. Center. Show Cynthia coming through the door with more decorations in her arms. She goes over to the counter, passing Mark and Carter on the way. Neither one offers to help her carry anything and she gives them a sarcastic tone as she set everything down.

Cynthia:
No, don't help me! I got it!

Mark:
Hey, I thought we had enough decorations! YOU were the one who thought we needed more!

Carol (comes quickly into the room and starts going through the bags):
Did you get it!? Were you able to find any?

Mark (suspiciously):
Get what?

Cynthia (holds up a smaller bag):
Right here!

Carol (looks into the bag):
Oh, and it's fresh, too!

Carter:
Is it dead or alive?

Carol (pulls mistletoe out of the bag):
It's alive!

Mark (groaning):
Oh, no! Mistletoe!

Carol (starts looking around the room):
Yeah, I need to find someplace good to hang it so I can trap Doug under it when he gets back...

Mark (teasing):
Just tape it to your forehead...he doesn't need an excuse to kiss you...you're his wife...it goes without saying...

Cynthia:
You know, Mark, you really know how to take all the romance out something, don't you?

Mark:
It's called 'survival' where I come from!

Carol (ignores them, turns to Cynthia):
Help me find someplace to hang this, OK?

Carter:
I remember my first kiss under the mistletoe...I was about nine years old...

Mark (shakes his head):
Kid kisses don't count...when was your first adult kiss?

Carter (shyly):
Haven't had one yet...

Carol (smiles at Carter):
Maybe Shawna will take care of that for your this year, Carter...

Mark:
What about you, Carol? When was the first time you and Doug kissed under the mistletoe?

Carol:
Actually, Doug and I have never kissed under the mistletoe...

Mark:
Let me get this straight...you guys make out under the table..under the stairs...but never under the mistletoe?

Carol (shrugs):
Nope...we've never been together at Christmas before!

Mark (as they start looking around the room):
Where is the lovely and talented Dr. Ross, anyway?

Carol (over her shoulder):
Oh, he took Scott to Samantha and Dennis' graves...he wanted to take a plant for them...

Mark:
Gonna be a rough Christmas for the little guy, I guess...his first one without his family.

Carol (nods):
Yeah, I know. But, I think Doug's got a good handle on the situation.

Mark:
Will he see his sisters at all? Has Doug talked to the aunt?

Carol (hanging mistletoe over the back staff door):
Yeah, we're all going to Church together Christmas Eve.

Carter (surprised):
Dr. Ross is going to Church?

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Yeah...hope it's protected against lightning!

Mark (chuckles):
Actually, we were in a Church in Barstow and it was still standing after we were there...I think you're safe.

Cut to a fast food restaurant booth. Doug and Scott are sitting together with hamburgers, french fries, and cokes, talking and eating.

Scott:
I can ask you anything, right? And you'll tell me?

Doug (nods):
Anything...I promise.

Scott:
I want to talk about Grandpa Ray.

Doug (nods):
OK...go for it.

Scott:
Why did you hate him so much?

Doug (sighs):
I didn't hate him...not really. I wanted to. I think I tried to. But, in the end, I really couldn't. I wanted to hate him because he was never there for me or my Mom when we needed him to be. He would blow into town whenever he felt like it and bring us presents and things like that, but then he would always just leave again and I wanted a Dad to be there with me and do things with me, not just someone who was a Dad on his terms...does that make sense to you?

Scott:
You wanted a Dad to play ball with and stuff, right?

Doug (nods):
Yeah. And Ray never was that for me. And that's why I wanted to hate him.

Scott:
But, you didn't?

Doug:
No...not really. I loved him. I just didn't want to let myself admit that.

Scott:
So, you miss him, huh?

Doug:
Yeah, but, sometimes it's kind of like you with your Mom. Sometimes I can't even remember what his voice sounded like.

Scott:
So, why didn't your bury him? Why did you wanna burn him up like that?

Doug:
Putting my Dad in one place for his eternity would never have worked!
(chuckles)
He'd have kicked my butt! My Dad was like the wind...he was everywhere...he never stayed in one place very long...whichever way the wind blew, that's the way he went. So, when I scattered the ashes, I just let him keep drifting. It's what he knew. He was good at it. Then, that way, he's always still all around me. Does that make sense?

Scott (nods):
Yeah...I think so.
(pause)
I heard you tell Dr. Greene that your Dad used to smack you and your Mom around a lot...did he really do that?

Doug (nods slowly):
Yeah...he did. He used to drink a lot...and he liked to gamble...do you know what gambling is?

Scot:
Yeah, that's when you make a bet on something and if you lose, you owe somebody something.

Doug (nods):
Right...well...sometimes my Dad would make bets and he would lose them and then he would owe somebody something. And sometimes he would have it and other times people would take something else.

Scott:
So, did he hit you because he was mad at you?

Doug:
No, he hit me because he had to hit something and he knew I wasn't going to hit him back.

Scott:
Well, did he ever hurt you? I mean, I know it hurt when you got hit, but, did he ever put you in the hospital or anything?

Doug (shakes his head slowly):
No, he never did anything like that.

Scott (carefully):
When he hit you...it wasn't like a spanking, was it?

Doug (shakes his head again):
No, it wasn't. Sometimes he would slap me in the face and other times he would hit me with whatever he had in his hands at the time. I remember one time he punched me with his fist.

Scott:
Was he ever sorry?

Doug (chuckles):
Every time.

Scott:
Did he ever say he was sorry?

Doug (nods...soft smile):
Yeah...he did...I just didn't believe him at the time.

Scott:
It that why you don't hit us?

Doug:
That's one of the reasons...the other reason is that I don't believe you have to hit kids to get them to do what you want them to do.
(pause)
Did Dennis ever hit you?

Scott (shrugs):
Spanked me a few times when I was real little...not much.

Doug (nods):
Good.

Cut back to C.A.R.E. Center. Show David Morganstern coming into the Center carrying Christmas sacks in a box.

David (cheerfully):
Happy Holidays, everybody!
(ad libs a chorus of greetings for him from the crew)
I have a little Holiday cheer for everybody...
(starts handing out bottles)
Mark...Carter...Cynthia...Carol, you and Doug will share one...

Mark (opens bag to show off wine bottle):
Good pick, David!

David:
I just wanted to give you all a little token...I appreciate my team.

Carter (looking at the wine bottle):
And we appreciate this!

David (to Carol):
I understand your family and mine will both in attendance for Midnight Mass at St. Michael's?

Carol (nods):
That's what I heard, yes...

David:
Then, I look forward to that! Are we safe to give Doug lighted candles?

Carol (laughs):
I think we'll give him and Tatchie battery operated ones this year...maybe next year they can have real ones!

Cut to show Anna DelAmico and her foster daughter, Charlie, coming in through the clinic front door.

Anna (cheerfully):
Hey! Merry Christmas everybody!
(another ad lib chorus of greetings from the group)
We just stopped by the say Merry Christmas! We're on our way to New York!

Carol:
Hey! Going home?

Anna:
Yeah! It's time my parents meet Charlie!

Carol (gets under the clinic tree and retrieves a present):
Here, Charlie...this is from Doug! I know he'd rather give it to you himself, but, he's not here right now!

Charlie (takes present):
Oh, Wow! Thanks, Carol!
(she reaches into her jacket pocket and takes out a small box)
This is for Dr. Ross...will you give it to him for me?

Carol (takes present):
Sure! I'll be happy to!

Charlie (shrugs):
It's nothing much...just something I made in art class!

Carol (assures her):
Whatever it is, I'm sure he'll love it.

Anna:
Come on, Charlie...we've got a plane to catch!

Charlie (excited):
My first plane ride! I'm so nervous!

Carol:
You guys have a great Christmas, OK? And I'll give this to Doug!

Anna and Charlie wave good bye and go back through the doors together. Carol closes the door, smiles, and puts Charlie's gift to Doug in her purse.

Cut back to show Doug and Scott riding in the car now, on their way back to the city. Scott is quietly watching out the window, so, Doug breaks the silence.

Doug:
What are you thinking about, Kiddo?

Scott (shrugs):
Nothing.

Doug (coaxing):
Something.

Scott:
I was just thinking about Grandpa Fred and his great Christmas story...
(pause)
...I guess I won't get to hear it this year.

Doug:
There's no reason you can't go be with your Grandparents. You know better than that! I've always told you...

Scott (nods, cuts him off quickly):
I know! But, I want to be with you, and Carol, and Tatchie, too. I can't be with everybody! Besides, you and Grandpa Fred don't like each other anyway.
(Doug frowns, but, doesn't say anything)

Doug (finally, after long pause):
What kind of a story does Grandpa Fred tell you?

Scott (excited):
He tells this really cool story about how he saw Santa when he was a little boy and got close enough to grab the jingle bells off Rudolphs' harness!

Doug (nods, grins):
And, I 'm sure he has the jingle bells to prove it, huh?

Scott (nods):
Yeah....it's a cool story! I don't really believe it, but, I always used to love to hear him tell it! Tatchie would love it, too!
(pause)
I wish you and Grandpa Fred didn't hate each other so much. I miss them. A lot.

Doug:
I do not 'hate' your Grandpa Fred. And, deep down, I don't think he hates me either. He just doesn't like me too much.

Scott (shakes his head):
He doesn't know you...if he gave you half a chance, he'd find out you're a really OK guy!

Doug (snickers):
Huh...maybe that's what he's afraid of!
(pause)
Maybe your Grandpa Fred and I can bury the hatchet for the holidays, Sport. I'll see what I can do about that, OK?

Scott:
You don't have to...

Doug (smiles):
I know...that's why I want to.
(looks over at Scott in a glance)
No promises, OK?

Scott (nods):
OK.

Scott goes back to looking out the window. Doug turns on the radio and he and Scott rejoice to the sound of GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER and start singing it together.

Fade Act Two to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center. Show Carol holding the newspaper and reading over it carefully. Mark comes into the room, carrying a box, which he sets down and starts to unpack.

Carol (quietly):
Hey, Mark, how much do you know about motorcycles?

Mark:
I know you open the throttle and kick it to start. Why?

Carol:
I was thinking about going to look at this Harley for Doug.

Mark (very surprised):
Whoa! Are you serious?

Carol (concerned):
You think it's a bad idea?

Mark:
No, I think it's a GREAT idea and I think he would love it, but, this Harley in the paper is gonna be WAY out of your price range!

Carol:
How do you know? You don't even know what my price range is!

Mark:
Trust me...this is out of it.

Carol (frowns):
Well, I'd like to go look at it, at least! Would you go with me? Would you know if it's a good deal or not?

Mark (nods):
Yeah, sure...and maybe I can help you talk him down a bit from whatever he starts out at.

Carol (smiles):
Great! I'll call and get us an appointment! Don't say anything to Doug, OK? I want it to be a surprise!

Mark (ticker locks his lips):
My lips are sealed...

Carter (quickly...smiles):
Go-Gos, right?

Mark (confused):
What?

Carter:
'Our Lips Are Sealed'...the Go-Go's did that song.

Mark (shakes his head):
Christmas with the MTV generation...

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Consider yourself lucky...in my house they think GRANDMA GOT RUN OVER BY A REINDEER is a Christmas Carol...
(everybody laughs)
I gotta go make a phone call...be right back!

Cut scene to show a tarp covering something in a garage across town. Pull back to show Doug and Sarah pulling the tarp off together to reveal a dirt bike motorcycle underneath. Doug ticks his head and he walks around the bike, looking it over carefully.

Doug (chuckles lightly):
Exactly why did you keep this thing all these years, Mom? Planning on riding it to the grocery store or something?

Sarah (playfully smacks his shoulder):
Oh, Doug! No, I kept it because I always thought maybe you might have a son someday...and it would be something you could share with him.

Doug (grins):
Just couldn't let go of my childhood, could you, Mom?

Sarah (sighs):
You know me all too well, I suppose.

Doug (stoops down, looks carefully):
Looks like it's still in good shape...you got the keys?
(Sarah hands him the key)
Well, let's see what we got...

Doug straddles the bike and put the key in the ignition. They, the opens the throttle and kicks the bike to life. It sputters a couple of times, but, the engine catches and he revs the motor in a racing fashion to blow it out a bit. Sarah covers her ears against the noise and Doug kills the engine.

Doug:
Sounds good...I'm sure it just needs a few minor adjustments.

Sarah:
Your old leathers and helmet are still in the house. I kept those too.

Doug (grins at her):
Well, I'm sure they won't still fit!

Sarah (laughs):
No, I'm sure they won't! But, they should be just about right for Scott.

Doug (pulls the tarp back over the bike):
I remember when I got that bike...Dad rode it home...I thought it was for him...I couldn't believe it when he handed me the key.
(he and Sarah start out of the garage...follow them as they walk around the garage and back to the house)

Sarah (rolls her eyes):
Neither could I! You were barely 11 years old...of course, I didn't know you had been driving since you were nine...

Doug (chuckles):
I can't believe he ever told you about that.
(they go into the house together and sit down at the table. Sarah pours coffee for her and gives Doug a can of beer)

Doug (chuckles):
You have beer in your house?

Sarah:
Yes, I do...and sometimes I even treat myself to a brew!

Doug (laughing):
Good for you.

Sarah:
So, do you want the bike for Scott?

Doug (sighs):
I do, yes, but, it's not just up to me. Carol is not too keen on the idea of Scott racing motorcycles.

Sarah (nods):
I can understand that. I'm a mother. I know exactly how she feels.

Doug:
But, you never tried to stop me...

Sarah (scoffs):
As if I ever thought I could have? You were just exactly like Ray...you were going to do exactly what you wanted to do come hell or high water! Nothing I could have done would have stopped you.

Doug (sighs):
I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, huh?

Sarah:
Now, what's that supposed to mean?

Doug (shrugs):
I'm still just like Ray. I like to give expensive gifts... and part of me feels like doing that makes up for all the time I missed...

Sarah (pats his hand):
You are nothing like Ray. Yes, you love to give expensive gifts...and yes, you get that from him...but the difference is, you're around to see that gift enjoyed.
(Doug ticks his head as he listens to this)
If you give your son a ball, you go out in the backyard and throw it with him. If you give him this motorcycle, I'm sure you're going to teach him how to ride it safely, as well as go to as many of his races as you possibly can...am I right?

Doug (nods):
You are right.

Sarah:
So, what elaborate gift are you wanting to give Tatiana?

Doug (shyly):
Promise you won't laugh?

Sarah (coaxing):
I'll do my best.

Doug:
I want to get her a pony.

Sarah (shocked):
A REAL one?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...I saw one in the paper at a good price...has a saddle, bridle, and everything with it...little Shetland Pony only five years old. There's a place nearby that boards for not too much. It'll be OK.

Sarah:
Have you discussed this with Carol?

Doug (shakes his head):
No, because I know what she'll say. How do I give my kids what they want to make them happy without getting into trouble with my wife?

Sarah (laughs):
You just do it anyway and take your medicine...isn't that what you're planning to do anyway?

Doug:
That depends on how mad you think Carol will really get at me.

Sarah:
Carol loves you and she loves those two children...and anything that makes them happy is going to be all right with her...she just has to yell at you to make it look good. I used to do the same thing.
(pause)
What are you giving Carol?

Doug:
That's another problem...I have no idea.
(pause)
Any suggestions?

Sarah (nods):
Just one. Why not start your own tradition?

Doug (confused):
Our own tradition?

Sarah (motions him to follow her):
You and Carol are trying to have a baby...I have a little Baby Hope Chest your Great-Grandfather made back in the 1800's...and it has something in it from each generation of Ross children.
(stops at a closet and takes the chest off a shelf)

Doug (fingers the rich tapestry carefully):
Something of mine in here?

Sarah (opens lid):
There sure is.
(takes out a hand-made baby quilt)
I tucked you under it every night.

Doug (holds the quilt carefully):
Mom, are you sure you want to give these things up? I know they mean a lot to you...

Sarah (touches his cheek):
They are made to be passed down, Doug. You're the only child I have...they rightfully go to you. You will have the next Ross Grandchild.

Doug (thinking):
Maybe Scott has something he's like to put in here, too.

Sarah (nods)
I think that would be fine.

Doug (chuckles):
I'll take the bike. I'll rent a truck and Mark and I will pick it up Christmas Eve...you coming for Christmas dinner?

Sarah:
You bet I am...I wouldn't miss this action for the world!

Doug chuckles lightly and kisses Sarah on the cheek. She pats his hand and he gathers his jacket to leave..

Cut back to C.A.R.E. Center and show Cynthia talking quietly with Mark and Carol.

Cynthia:
I was thinking...I've been on the look out for receptionist candidates every since Dr. Ross mentioned me using my Medical Assistant Degree, and I think I may have found someone.

Carol:
That's great! Who is it?

Cynthia (works her hands nervously):
It's Mrs. Karanasky. She lives right here in the neighborhood and she's looking for part-time work around her children's school schedules.

Mark (nodding):
So, she would be here while school is on and Charlie would be here when school let out...

Carol (enthusiastically):
That would be perfect!

Cynthia:
I was going to go talk to her about it, but I wanted to see what the two of your thought first. I was thinking we could try her out just during the holidays and see if she's for us and we're for her...what do you think?

Mark:
Sounds like a deal to me!

Cynthia (nods):
OK...I'll go talk to her today, then...

Focus on the phone as it rings quickly. Carol darts across the floor and snatches it up.

Carol (brightly):
County C.A.R.E. Center, this is Carol!
(she smiles wide)
I'm very well, thank you! How are you? Yes, he's here! Just a minute!
(turns, handing phone out)

Carter (questioning):
For me?

Carol (nods):
Yeah...it's your Grandmother.

Carter (smiles):
Thanks!
(he takes the phone, split screen to show both sides of the conversation)
Merry Christmas, Gemma.

Gemma:
Merry Christmas, John. Is it snowing in Chicago?

Carter (looks out the window):
A little bit, yes.

Gemma:
Well, never mind that, anyway. I was wondering...no, actually I've already decided...this house is too big and too quiet to spend Christmas in alone. I've left three first class plane tickets at O'Hare for you and Shawna and that darling child! You'll be here tomorrow night, which is still plenty of time for your expertise on cutting the perfect tree for the picture window. I won't take 'no' for an answer, John. You best start packing.

Carter (surprised, excited, and flustered):
But, Gemma, I think Shawna has plans for the Holiday...

Gemma (thinking):
Ummm, and you don't think she would change them to come to Ireland?

Carter (nodding):
I'll see what I can do, Gemma. At any rate, I will see you tomorrow at least.

Gemma (smiles):
Don't come alone, John. If Shawna won't come with you, stay with her. The two of you should be together with that child, do you hear me?

Carter (nodding):
Yes, ma'am.
(hangs up and turns to the group)
My Grandmother just invited Shawna and me to come to Ireland for Christmas.

Mark (happily):
Wow!

Carol (nods):
That's great, Carter!

Carter (looks at his watch):
I'll be back, OK? I gotta go find Shawna!

Carter exits quickly amid laughter from the group. Carol gives Mark a careful look.

Carol:
We can go look at that tonight after work. I got his address...it's not far.

Mark (looks at address):
OK...I know where this is...sure! I'll be glad to go with you!

Carol (looking at her watch):
I wonder where Doug is? I would have thought he would have been back by now...

Mark (shrugs):
Ah, well, maybe it just took him a little longer than he expected. It's OK.

Cut back across town to a coffee shop. Show a woman sitting along at a table, watching the window and glancing at her watch. Show Doug come rushing up outside the window. He taps the glass for her attention and waves in to her. She smiles as he comes through the door and makes his way to her table and sits down with her.

Doug (taking off his jacket):
Thanks, Kate, for seeing me on so short notice.

Kate:
I must say, I was surprised to hear from you.

Doug (a little nervous):
Well, uh, how are you, Kate? You look well...

Kate (nods):
I'm fine, Doug. How are you? And how is that one and only Grandson of mine?

Doug (smiles):
He's great! And he's why I wanted to talk to you. I'll just right to the point, OK? This is his first Christmas away from his family, and I think it's a little harder on him than he's actually letting me know...

Kate (smiles sadly):
I was thinking about that too...going to be mine, too. Samantha and the kids were always the best part of Christmas.

Doug (nods):
I'm sure that's true, and I don't want to take any of that away from any of you. We're all going to Midnight Mass Christmas was with Trish and the girls...I was hoping maybe you and Fred could come, too...maybe get a room and stay in Chicago overnight and have Christmas dinner with us? I'd offer to have you stay at the house, but I don't know if we can make room...

Kate:
Oh, I wouldn't want to put you and Carol out! Besides, Christmas morning should be magic shared only with the two of you and your children...

Doug (nods):
I agree with that, but, I'd still love for you and Fred to be there for Christmas dinner. And I know Scott would love it if you came to Mass with us. Do you think Fred would agree to bury the hatchet for just twenty-four hours? For Scott's sake at least? I mean, how can he hate me so much, Kate? How can what I did to his daughter be so terrible if he loves his Grandson so much?

Kate (smiles):
Fred and I have talked a lot about you lately...I think Fred sees things a little different than he did a few months ago. After all, you did owe up to your responsibility. You took Scott into your life and into your home and he seems to be very happy, so, you must be doing something right.

Doug (nods):
Been a lot of changes in my life. Scott was just one of them.

Kate (pats his hand):
You see, Doug, you did something Fred never expected you to do...you grew up.
(pause...then recovers)
We'll be there. We'll join you at St. Michael's for Mass and I'll make the hotel reservations myself. But, don't say anything to Scott, all right? It'll be our surprise.

Doug (smiles):
That'll be great, Kate.
(stands up with her to leave)
Scott told me Fred tells a wild story about seeing Santa Claus when he was a little boy?

Kate (laughing):
Oh, Heaven's yes! He's been telling that story forever. He used to tell it to Sam when she was a little girl. I guess he was hoping to pass it on to Scott.

Doug (nods):
Then, he needs to teach it him...
(winks at her)

Kate (nods in agreement):
Yes...he does.

Cut to show time lapse and show Doug coming in the back door of the clinic. Mark and Carol turn to greet him as he comes in and hangs up his jacket.

Carol:
There you are! I was getting worried!

Doug:
I'm sorry! I just had a few things I had to do.

Mark:
Everything go OK with Scott?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, went great...we had lunch and a long talk and I think we accomplished a lot.

Carol (knowingly):
You went over to your Mom's and looked at that bike for him, too, didn't you?

Doug:
Yes, I did. And it's in great shape. I want to give it to him for Christmas, but, if it's going to bother you, I'll do whatever you want.

Carol (smiles):
The fact that I know you really would do that is the very reason why I think our son needs to find that bike sitting under the tree Christmas morning.

Doug (smiles wide...hugs her):
You mean it?

Carol (hugs him back...laughs):
I really mean it! Maybe you guys will ever let me ride it once in a while!

Doug:
Absolutely! You got it!
(looks around)
Hey, where's Carter?

Mark (looks at his watch):
Probably on his way to the airport....he got invited to Ireland for Christmas.

Doug (arm around Carol):
Looks like everybody's gonna get what they want for Christmas...
(lost in thought)

Carol (laughing):
Well, that's part of the fun!

Doug (thinking):
Well....almost everybody is getting what they want at least...

Doug goes over and picks up the paper. He dials a number and keeps his voice low, but, Carol hears him say 'I'm calling about the ad in the paper' and then hears him say 'yes, I'd like to come and look it...tonight will be fine'. Her face falls thinking about the Harley she is hoping to surprise him with her own self.

Fade Act Three to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center. The group is gathered near the front window and watching the snow fall outside.

Carol (wraps her arms around her chest):
I always love it when it when it snows for Christmas.

Mark (nods):
Yeah...me too.
(pause)
You guys get your tree up at home?

Doug (sarcastic chuckle):
Oh, yeah!

Carol (gives him a look):
Doug! Don't start!

Mark (grin almost knowingly):
Problems with the Ross family tree?

Doug (chuckles):
No, no problems...

Carol (cautioning):
Doug...

Doug:
It was just a matter of finding one that wasn't too tall... or too short...or too full...or two thin...or too bare...or too bushy...or too round...or too flat...or one with a flat side to turn to the wall...or one with a straight top for the tree topper to fit onto...or...

Carol (cuts him off quickly):
I THINK they get the idea.

Mark (chuckles):
Been there, Buddy...
(pats Doug on the back)
...done that. You have now officially been initiated by the Spirit of Christmas.

Doug (grunts):
I am NOT amused.

Mark:
Just your first of many times, Pal. Get used to it.

Carol:
We decorated it together...I let Doug put the Angel tree topper on it...

Doug (chuckles):
LET me? COMMANDED me...

Carol (defensively):
I never COMMAND you to do anything...
(winks at him)
I usually never have to!

Doug (nods...folds his arms across his chest):
Touche!

Carol:
After we had the tree all decorated, Doug read 'How The Grinch Stole Christmas' to the kids...

Mark (surprised):
The Grinch? Not 'The Night Before Christmas'?

Doug:
Hey, you have your Christmas story, I have mine!

Carol (grins):
The kids really enjoyed it...he did all the voices and everything!

Mark (grins at Doug):
Sounds like a real treat...I would never have thought you had it in you.

Doug (tugs at his chin):
Neither would I...

Mark:
So, do we have the answering machine all set?

Cynthia (nods):
Everything is referred to County...our doors are officially closed.

Mark (looks at his watch):
Well, I have an errand to run, so, I better be getting out of here!

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I have someplace I need to go, too. Carol? Can I drive you home?

Carol (looks carefully at Mark):
Well, actually, Mark asked me to come with him and give him a hand, so, he can drop me off later, OK?

Doug (nods):
Works for me!
(kisses her cheek gently)
I'll see you later, OK?

Carol (nods, watches him go):
Yeah...later.
(once Doug is out of the center, she turns quickly to Mark)
You don't suppose he's going the same place we are, do you?

Mark (shrugs):
I don't think so. He didn't mention seriously looking at the bike.

Carol:
Oh, God! What do I do if we get there and he's already bought it!

Mark (shakes his head with a smile):
I don't think he's after the bike.

Carol:
What else was he looking at in the paper?

Mark:
I don't know, but, I don't think it was the bike! Come on! Let's go and take our chances!
(gets his jacket and turns to Cynthia)
I'll call you later, OK?

Cynthia (nods):
Sure.

Mark:
Can you get home all right?

Cynthia:
I'll be fine...don't worry.

Mark and Carol head for the door together and Cynthia starts making last minute checks to close the Center up.

Cut to a garage someplace across town. Show Carol and Mark standing with another man and he is showing them a Classic Harley Davidson Motorcycle.

Man:
OK...there she is!

Mark (eyes wide):
Oh, Man! She's a beauty, all right!

Carol (nervously, looks at the bike):
Why are you selling it?

Man:
Truthfully? I need the money. I rebuild these things as a hobby...I pick them up in junk yards and spend years rebuilding them. This one? I got the engine rebuilt...that's about as far as I got. I have all the pieces for the body, which will go with it, but, I never got it together. My father is dying back east in Jersey with cancer. I'm going back to take care of him and I don't know when I'll be back. Figured I could sell this for a good price and make two people happy.

Carol:
Have you had any other calls? Anyone else come by to see it?

Man (shakes his head):
Not so far...you're the first!

Mark:
So, what are you asking?

Man:
$3,500...
(Carol gasps...Mark whistles)
That's a good price...

Mark (nods):
Oh, I know it is...especially with the extras you're throwing in...
(looks at Carol)
Up to you...

Man (smiles):
Buying this for your little lady?
(grins at Carol)
You look like good material for a Motorcycle Mama!

Carol (smiles politely):
He's not my husband...but, this bike would be for my husband. Is there anyway we can negotiate that price?

Man (shakes his head):
I really can't. I've got that much in it already. I'm making no profit letting it go.

Carol (frowns):
Then, I guess I'll have to pass.
(turns to leave)
Thank you for showing it to us!

Mark (takes her arm to stop her):
Now, wait a minute! Maybe that's not the bottom line. How much can you put into it?

Carol:
It doesn't matter, Mark! If I pay for $3,500 for a present for Doug, he'll kill me when he finds out!

Mark:
Why? Because he won't have something of equal value for you? Is that how it works in your house? You don't give gifts to get what you want? It's all money based?

Carol (shrugs):
I don't know...this is our first Christmas.

Mark (grins):
Then, do it your way. Let me help you with it. I'll pay for the bike and you can pay me back for half of it...we'll give it to him together.

Carol (thinking):
I don't know, Mark...

Mark (still talking her into it):
This bike in an investment, Carol...if I own part of it, maybe he'll even let me work on it with him...

Carol (twinkle in her eye):
Work on it my foot! You're hoping he'll let you ride it when it's fixed!

Mark (nods):
That, too!

Carol (looks back at the bike again):
I can see Doug on this bike...
(turns back to the owner)
OK. We'll take it.

Mark (reaches into his wallet):
Here's $100 to hold it until Christmas Eve. I'll bring you a Certified Bank Cheque...that be OK?

Man (nods):
That'll be great! I'll even tie up all the extras with a red bow for you!

Mark (shakes hands with him):
Pleasure doing business with you, Sir.

Man (as they walk out of the garage):
You're quite a little lady, aren't you? I think your husband's going to be really happy...

Carol (smiles, nods):
Yeah...me too!

Cut scene to show Doug standing with another man and looking at something that we do not see. He his nodding his head and counting money into the man's hand.

Doug (counting):
$450...$475...$500. And you can deliver it Christmas Eve, right? It'll be all right in the back yard over night?

Man:
As long as there is some shelter.

Doug (nods):
No snow falling on him, but, he'll still be outside. Will he be OK?

Man:
He will be fine...someone will help you get him to the new farm?

Doug (reaches out and strokes the nose of a shetland pony):
Yeah, I got that all arranged.
(ticks his head and smiles)
Well, OK then...
(hands the man a card)
Here's the address. We go to Midnight Mass so, anytime after 11 should be safe.

Man (takes card and smiles):
Merry Christmas to your little girl. I hope she will be very happy with Rascal.

Doug (smiles, still stroking the pony):
Oh, I think Tatchie and Rascal are gonna be just great.

Follow Doug as he leaves the farm and drives back towards the city. He is listening to Christmas music on the radio and is lost in thought. He rounds the corner and sees St. Michael's Church along his way. He pulls the car to the curb, gets out, and goes across the street to enter the Church. He goes into the Sanctuary and genuflects before the Crucifix, fixing his eyes on the alter as he slips onto a kneeling bench in front of him. After a minute, he makes the sign of the cross on his chest and rises to leave. As he turns, he sees the Priest busy attending to the chapel off beside him.

Doug (quietly):
Merry Christmas, Father.

Priest (turns, smiles):
Merry Christmas, Dr. Ross.

Doug (thinking):
Have you got a minute, Father?

Priest (walking out of the shadows towards Doug):
Of course...
(comes into the clearing to face him)
Is something wrong?

Doug (shrugs):
Not wrong, necessarily...just want to talk about a few things?

Priest (directs Doug to sit down with him):
Bend my ear, Dr. Ross.

Doug (sits down...clears his throat...starts slowly):
It's been some kind of year for me, Father. A lot of things have happened to me in a short period of time. I got married... I became a parent...I lost a parent...my career took a turn... yet, at this point, things are very good in my life.
(smiles nervously)
Why do I feel like something's waiting around the corner for me to louse things up again?

Priest (smiles):
Insecurity, mostly. Your life wasn't as perfect as you think it is now, I assume?

Doug (Chuckles):
No, no!
(thinks a moment)
There's something else...
(continues carefully)
...I was assaulted earlier this year...it's something that still haunts me to some extent.

Priest (nods):
I can imagine.

Doug:
How do you get past that, Father? How do you get your life back?

Priest (shakes his head):
You don't. You get a new life. And what that new life becomes is up to you. It's about control. You were not in control of the assault that happened to you, but, you were in control of how you handled your life after it. Do you think you've done well with that?

Doug (nods, soft smile):
Yeah...yes, I do!

Priest:
Then, the best advice I can offer you is to try and dwell on that, and not retreat back into the life you had before. If you stay away from your old life, if can't haunt you.

Doug (nods):
Makes sense.
(rises to leave, offers his hand to shake)
We'll see you at Midnight Mass, Father.

Priest (shakes his hand):
Splendid, Dr. Ross! I look forward to seeing your wonderful family then.

Doug turns and goes on out of the church, pausing one last time to make the sign of the cross on his chest before he leaves.

Cut to show Doug coming in the front door of the house. He hangs up his jacket and goes through the house to find Carol cooking dinner in the kitchen. He comes up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist, snuggling close to her and nuzzling her neck.

Carol (pats his hands):
There you are! Everything OK?

Doug (chuckles):
Everything's perfect!

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Exactly what ARE you up to?

Doug (twinkle in his eyes):
You'll find out!

Carol (offers him a bite of what she's cooking...blows on it to cool it for him):
You got a pony, didn't you?

Doug (tastes her offering, nods):
The is really good! What is it?

Carol:
A new recipe...now...about this pony...

Doug (tries to get another taste):
Did I say anything about a pony?

Carol (rolls her eyes again):
You did, didn't you?

Doug:
Well, look at it this way, Carol, by the time Tatchie outgrows it, we'll probably have another kid, and it'll want a pony too, and this way we'll already have one so we only have to go through this pony ordeal one time!

Carol (groans):
Oh, my God! You really DID get a pony, didn't you?

Doug (steals another bite from her pot):
Five years old...grey and blond...got the saddle and bridle with it...it'll be delivered Christmas Eve and the stable where we're boarding it will pick it up Christmas Day.

Carol:
And WHERE are we boarding it?

Doug:
Five Stars Stables...just about 10 miles outside of town. Real easy to get to...nice place, actually...

Carol:
Exactly what do you know about buying a horse?

Doug (shrugs):
Nothing...that's why I called the vet and asked him to go check it out first and let me know if it was a good deal or not.

Carol (sighs):
It's a good deal?

Doug (nods):
It's a great deal.
(turns her to face him, wraps his arms around her)
And I don't know about you, but, I can't wait to see our daughter's face when she sees him.

Carol (grins):
Well, my daughter isn't the only face I can't wait to see Christmas morning... c Doug (confused):
What's that supposed to mean?

Carol:
You'll find out...Christmas is a time for secrets, remember? You said it yourself.

Doug (nods...chuckles):
That I did...

They laugh together at their private jokes and fade Act Four to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at the Ross/Hathaway home. Everything is in full swing now for Christmas. It is Christmas Eve and the family is preparing for Midnight Mass. The children are decked on in their finest clothes and Doug and Carol are dressed up, too.

Tatiana (excitedly bouncing):
When do I leave cookies out for Santa?

Carol (working with Tatiana's hair):
Not until we come back and you're ready for bed.

Tatiana:
Doesn't Santa have to go to Mass, too?

Doug (from across the room, working with Scott's tie):
He'll go to Mass tomorrow, Honey…after his trip.
(Carol gives Doug a look, Doug shrugs)

Tatiana:
What kind of cookies does Santa like?

Doug and Carol answer in unison

Doug:
Chocolate Chip!

Carol:
Oatmeal Raisin!

Tatiana (confused):
Which is it?

Carol (looks nervously at Doug):
Well, Santa likes Chocolate Chip and the Oatmeal Raisin are for the Reindeer.

Tatiana (confused):
Scott says you leave Carrots for the reindeer.

Doug (quietly to Scott):
Nice going, Champ.

Scott (quietly back at him):
Hey, it's not my fault you guys didn't coordinate all your Santa Claus stories!
(Doug gives him a look...Scott smiles at him)

Doug:
Yes, Reindeer like Carrots, but, they also like Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!

Tatiana (scoldingly):
Are you sure?

Doug (nods):
Very sure.

Tatiana (not believing him):
Scotty? Is that right?

Doug (chuckles):
What, you think this guy is an expert?

Tatiana (hands on her hips):
He's one of my kind.

Carol (laughing):
One of your kind!? Where did you ever hear something like that!
(Tatiana shrugs)

Scott (nods):
Yeah, Tatch, that's right! I forgot! Reindeer also like Oatmeal Raisin cookies.

Carol (stands up and looks at her family):
Well, I must say, everybody looks very nice.

Scott:
Where in the Bible does it say you gotta wear a tie to Mass?

Doug (quietly):
I don't know, but, I'm sure a woman wrote it.

Carol (scolding):
It is not going to kill either one of you to wear a tie to Mass. You never wear one on Saturday evening...I let you go in your Blue Jeans half the time...

Scott (lowly):
That's the way I WISH it was now...
(Doug nods and chuckles)

Carol (raise an eyebrow):
That'll do, guys.

Doug:
Well, we better get moving if we want to get a good seat.

Carol:
God, Doug, you're going to Church, not a rock a concert!

Doug:
Hey, it'll be like a rock concert...all the 'twice a year Catholics' will be there tonight!

Carol:
I suppose you used to be one of that crowd

Doug:
Actually, I was a 'not on your life' Catholic up until recently.

Carol (rolls her eyes):
You really are hopeless...do you know that?

Doug (grins):
But you love me anyway, right?

Carol (gathers the kids):
Let's go!

Cut to show the family entering the Church at St. Michael's. Doug takes both children up to the nativity and they all stand there together looking at it. Carol comes up to join the family.

Tatiana:
Is that the baby Jesus?

Carol (nods):
Yes, that's Jesus.

Tatiana (pouting):
He was born in a stable...I bet he had a pony!
(Doug laughs quickly but a look from Carol cuts him off)
Were angels there when I was born?

Doug (nods):
Yes, I'm sure there were.

Tatiana:
But, I wasn't born in a stable!

Scott (teasing):
No, but...

Doug (cuts him off with a look):
Don't even go there.

Carol:
Come on...let's sit down.

Scott:
Be sure we get candles!

Tatiana:
Do I get a candle?

Carol:
Yes, but, yours will have a little flashlight in it, OK?

Scott (offers helpfully):
You don't get a real candle until you've taken your first Communion...

Doug (softly):
Well, that works until next year...

The family is greeted shortly by David Morganstern and his family as they come up the aisle and stop.

David (extends his hand):
Merry Christmas, Doug...Carol...

Doug (smiles...shakes hands):
Merry Christmas, David!

David:
Nice to see your lovely family all together tonight. We'll be right behind you...

Doug turns to see David and his family sliding into the row behind them and when he does, he sees Fred and Kate come into the Church.

Doug (turns quietly to Carol):
Excuse me...I'll be right back.

Carol gives him a confused look but lets him go. She watches him go and see Fred and Kate at the top of the aisle and she can't contain her smile. She looks down at Scott and smiles but doesn't say anything.

Doug (reaches Fred and Kate):
I'm so glad you made it! I didn't say anything to Scott...just in case...

Kate:
I had every intention of us being here, Doug. No need to worry.
(glares at her husband)
Wasn't there something you wanted to say to Doug, Fred?

Fred (clears his throat):
Yeah, uh, Kate and I talked it over and I think it's time we let by gones be by gones...for Scott's sake. of course.

Doug (nods, smiles):
Of course...

Fred (reaches his hand to shake):
Merry Christmas, Doug.

Doug (shakes his hand with a wide smile):
Merry Christmas, Fred.

Doug goes down the aisle with Fred and Kate and let them squeeze into the row with him and his family. Focus on Scott's happy gaze and he goes back and forth from his grandparents to his father and smiles. Show Doug wink at him and fade into closing credits of the show.

November 21, 1997