It's good to be back on line again! I missed a lot of you while I was away. A lot of you had my WebTV address (which is still there, BTW) but a lot of you didn't! I didn't get to write or anything but things are starting to settle down a little now. I hope EVERYTHING is back on track now!
Many thanks to Steph (PedsER4884), Fae (FalconER24), Erica (EriEng), and Jac (ERFan1109) here on AOL for their encouragement with this story. I might not have finished it without them!
Robin
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Author's Text
Been away for a while...not on purpose...but I think things are on the way to getting back on track now. This story is a little slow and a little calm but it is laying down tracks for the future. Besides, tame, quiet, domestic stories are good once in a while! LOL!
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"
"Recoveries"
Opening Act
Scene opens at the Ross home, interior, daytime. Show Doug Ross sitting alone in a dark room watching home movies on a screen in front of him. His face is fixed and perplexed but he shows no emotion as he watches. His eyes are deep and dark set as he stares straight ahead. Cut back to show Carol Ross come into the room slowly and quietly. She goes over behind Doug and gently reaches down to rubs his shoulder lightly. He is startled just a bit and looks up at her. Then, he smiles and pats her hands.
Carol:
What are you watching?
Doug:
Some old movies that belonged to my Dad.
Carol (delighted):
Oh yeah? I don't think I've ever seen them!
Doug (chuckles):
I only get them out when I want to think about it.
Carol:
So, what are you thinking about?
Doug (sighs):
How much I miss him.
(pause)
It's really funny...when I was a kid I hated him. And then when I got older I was just mad
at him all the time. But now that I have everything sorted out I really miss him. And I
wish he was here.
(Carol doesn't interrupt, just listens to him)
And I'm thinking about Scotty...
Carol (surprised):
Scotty!? What about him?
Doug:
He's becoming a stranger...we hardly ever talk anymore. I don't even know him now.
Carol:
He's just growing up...you know how kids are when they get close to 13. He thinks he's a
'man' now.
Doug:
I want him to grow up, not away. He's never home. And when he is, he never wants to talk.
I feel so distant from him right now...
Carol (chuckles):
You're distant from everything right now, Doug.
Doug (looks up at her, frowns):
Am I that bad?
Carol:
You haven't been the most pleasant person to be around lately.
(pats his shoulders)
But, that's understandable. You're having a rough time right now.
Doug (shakes his head):
I shouldn't take it out on my family.
Carol (grins):
I'd rather you take it out on us than anyone else.
(pause)
And I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's time for your therapy.
Doug (frowns):
Again? Already?
(sighs)
OK. I'm coming. Go ahead and get set up...I just need to shut this thing down.
Carol (nods):
OK...
She leans down and kisses his cheek as she starts away. Show Doug reach to the floor and pick up a cane. He steadies the cane on the floor and leans his weight onto it as he slowly gets to his feet. He turns the projector off and hobbles over to take down the screen. He is not steady and knocks over a picture frame on the desk nearby as he struggles with the screen rods. Once the screen is down he reaches carefully and painfully down to the floor to retrieve the picture. The picture is one of Doug and Carol together from several years before and the glass is broken on the frame from the fall. Doug frowns and shakes his head.
Doug (mumbles to himself):
Good one, Doug. Break Carol's favorite picture frame...
(looks it over carefully):
Ah, I can fix this...just buy new glass...
He opens a drawer on the desk and puts the picture inside, closing the drawer and ambling slowly out of the room with his cane.
Cut to the Greene home. Show Nina Pomerantz-Greene sitting on the edge of a bed with her head in her hands. She looks over at Mark sleeping on the bed with a sad smile. Shaking her head, she sighs and wraps her robe around her, getting to her feet. She goes into the bathroom and runs water in the sink, splashing her face lightly. Cut to show Mark Greene come into the room behind her and he puts his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him.
Mark (quietly):
Was it that bad?
Nina (looks at him through the reflection in the mirror):
It wasn't bad...
Mark (tries to be light-hearted):
It wasn't good!
Nina:
I just wish you wouldn't hold back so much, Mark.
(turns to look at him)
And whatever is bothering you, I wish you'd talk to someone about it.
Mark (frowns):
Are you suggesting a sex counselor?
Nina (shakes her head):
No, I'm merely suggesting you discuss whatever it is that's bothering you with somebody.
If you can't talk to me at least talk to Doug...
Mark (chuckles):
Doug!? Don't you think Doug has enough problems of his own without me adding to them?
Nina:
I know he'd try to help you. And maybe someone else's problems would help him take his
mind off his own right now. Have you even been to see him since he went home?
Mark:
Sure, don't you remember? He was making play-doh cookies with Tatiana? I told you about
that...
Nina (smiles):
Well, don't you think he might like a little adult company for a change?
Mark (shrugs)
Carol's there...
Nina (sighs):
MALE adult company?
Mark (grins):
If you're trying to get rid of me, Nina, just say so. I can take a hint.
Nina (smiles, cuddles close to him):
I'm not trying to get rid of you...I just know that if it were you, Doug would be over
here as often as he could.
Mark (sighs):
Well, to tell the truth, Doug isn't exactly the most pleasant person in the world right
now.
Nina:
I'm sure he's having a rough time. The therapy for his back is very painful.
Mark (nods):
OK...I'll put on my suit of armor and go over and see Doug for a while...
Nina (kisses Mark's cheek):
You're a good friend, Dear.
Mark (nods as she walks out of the room):
Yeah...
(sighs, looks down at himself)
I'm just a lousy husband.
Mark turns and walks slowly out of the bathroom, disappearing into the bedroom as Opening Act fades into Opening credits of the show.
Act One
Scene opens at the Ross home. Show Carol with one of Doug's tennis shoe clad feet in her hands pressing back on his leg. Pan back to show Doug lying on the floor on his back, his hands flat on a mat underneath him. His face shows terrific pain but he is fairly quiet. Carol switches legs and moves to the left side. When she pushes back and bends his knee, Doug cries out quickly in pain.
Doug (painfully):
Stop!
Carol (shakes her head):
I can't stop, Doug. We have to do five reps.
Doug (shakes his head):
I can't...
Carol (nods):
Yes, you can...
She continues to push and do the reps with him. He doesn't protest anymore but when she is finished he has tears on his cheeks. She drops to the mat beside him and holds his head against her in comfort.
Carol (softly, kisses his hair):
I'm so sorry that hurts you so much.
Doug (face buried against her, muffled voice):
It'll get better.
Carol:
I know, but, I hate to have to hurt you like that.
Doug (chuckles lightly):
Think of it as sweet revenge.
Carol (strokes his hair gently):
I don't need any revenge on you, Doug...
(pats his back gently):
You OK now?
Doug (nods):
Yeah...I think so.
Carol (stands up):
I'll give you some time alone to compose yourself, OK?
Doug (nods again):
OK...thanks.
Carol goes out of the room and Doug sits up on the mat, trying to get himself together. Show Marc toddle into the room with him and the baby pats his face gently.
Marc:
Papa hurt...
Doug looks up quickly and smiles at his son, who is gazing at him with a pondering look. Doug reaches out and hugs the little boy tightly in his arms.
Doug (smiles at Marc):
Papa's OK.
Marc (kisses Doug's cheek quickly):
Kiss the boo boo!
(smiles wide)
All better now!
Doug (forcing back fresh tears, smiles):
Yeah, Buddy...it's all better now.
Doug holds Marc close to him and forces his emotions back into check.
Cut to the kitchen where Carol is working to fix lunch for her and for Doug. Show Scott come in the back door with his baseball equipment over his shoulder. She stops and sees Doug sitting in the family room playing with Tatiana. They are coloring together in one of Tatchie's color books. Scott frowns as he picks up an apple from a bowl on the table.
Scott:
Dad's always with Tatchie anymore...
Carol (looks over her shoulder at him):
That's because she's always here with him.
(Scott give her a quick look)
He'd love to spend some time with you, but, you never have time for him anymore.
Scott (protests):
I have time...
Carol:
You never let him know it. You have your girlfriend and your guy friends and your baseball
and your soccer...when was the last time you did something with him, just you and your
Dad?
(Show Scott thinking)
You can't remember, can you?
(Carol smiles)
You know, Scotty, it isn't going to be long before you're all grown up and off to
college...you and your Dad don't have a lot of quality time years together. He missed so
much of your life through his own fault...he's tried hard to make up for it...
Scott (nods):
And he has! Dad is great! I don't have any problems with him...
Carol (frowns):
Because you never spend any time with him. He wants so much for the two of you to be
close...like he is with Tatchie…and with Marc...but you're the only one who can give
him that.
Scott (nods):
I understand what you're saying, Mom...
(smiles)
I'll take care of it.
Carol watches as Scott goes into the family room and joins in with the coloring. He sits in the floor beside Doug and Doug reaches his arm around his shoulders with a delighted smile.
Cut to show Carol going through the house as the doorbell rings. She opens the door to find Mark standing on the porch smiling back at her and she smiles, delighted to see him.
Carol (wide smile):
Mark! I'm really glad to see you!
Mark (grins):
I thought I'd come and take him off your hands for a while.
Carol (opens door for him):
Come on in...
(as Mark comes into the hallway)
We just did some leg reps so he'll be glad to get away for a while.
Mark (frowns):
How'd he do with that?
Carol (sympathetically):
He's still hurting quiet a bit but he did OK. He's in the family room with the kids now...
Mark:
I'm not cutting in on family time, am I?
Carol (laughs):
Not at all...he'll be glad to have some adult company for a while.
Mark goes into the family room where Doug is still coloring with Tatiana and Scott but Marc has joined the family now. Doug has the little boy on his lap and is working a crayon in his hand on the page in front of them. Mark smiles at the family scene and goes on into the room.
Mark:
Hey, Doug!
Doug (looks up, grins):
Hey, Mark...good to see you.
Mark:
I thought you might like to get out for a while...we could go for a drive.
Doug (nods):
Sounds great!
(lifts Marc gently to the floor and stands up carefully and slowly)
Where are we going?
Mark (shrugs):
I don't know...just for a drive.
Carol (smiles from the doorway):
Have a good time, guys.
Doug (kisses her cheek on his way across the room):
I'll be back soon...you need anything while we're out?
Carol (shakes her head):
Can't think of anything...you just be careful, OK?
Doug (holds up his cane):
Don't worry...I'm leaving home with a weapon...
Mark (chuckles as they start away together):
Sometimes this house looks like a scene out of '7th. Heaven' or something...
Doug (chuckles):
And this is a BAD thing?
Mark (shakes his head):
No...not at all...I envy you sometimes...
Mark and Doug go out the door and to Mark's car. Doug is moving slowly and leaning on a cane and he eases himself gently into the car. Mark starts the engine and they drive away.
Mark (softly):
So, how are you doing? Really?
Doug (shrugs):
I'm OK.
Mark (grins):
That's all? Just OK?
(Doug doesn't answer, just stares out the window)
OK, come on...spill it. What's on your mind?
Doug (sighs):
I broke a picture frame this morning...
Mark (laughs):
That doesn't sound like such a big deal...
Doug (staring out the window):
When I got the glass to fix it I found another picture behind the one in the frame.
Mark (concerned):
Bad news?
Doug:
It was a picture of Carol with Greg Powell. The guy has been nothing but trouble for me
from day one...he's dead now and I STILL can't seem to get him out of my life.
Mark:
Did you talk to Carol about it?
Doug (shakes his head):
No...she doesn't even know I found the picture.
Mark:
I guess I can't say much to you about talking to your wife this time...I'd be a
hypocrite...
Doug (laughs):
A hypocrite? You? Come on, Mark...that would be unheard of.
Mark (nods):
Yeah...I hear you. But, seriously, I'm keeping something from my wife, too, so I wouldn't
be one much to say anything to you for doing the same thing.
Doug (looks over at him):
You're keeping something from Nina?
(Mark nods)
That's not really like you, Mark...what's going on?
Mark (shrugs):
One of the reasons I came to see you, I guess...I need someone to talk to...someone who
might understand a man's point of view.
Doug (nods):
I'll give it my best shot...
(looks at Mark)
I'm here for you, Buddy...what's going on?
Cut back to the Ross home. Show Carol cleaning up things in the den where Doug was watching his home movies. She goes to throw something into the trash can beside the desk and stops short at the sight of broken glass in it. She picks up the picture frame and looks at it carefully, noticing a small sticker at the bottom right hand corner to indicate it is new. She opens the back of the frame and slides the cardboard backing out to lift out the picture closest to the frame backing and turns it over. She closes her eyes painfully at the sight of the photo of her with Greg Powell and shakes her head.
*****Flashback*****
Show Carol with Greg Powell sometime in the past. He reaches over to her and takes her hand in his, smiling at her.
Greg:
I love you, Carol. I want to spend the rest of my life with you...
Carol (shakes her head):
Greg, don't, OK? We're really good friends...don't spoil it...
Greg:
Why? Why can't we be more than friends?
Carol (looks him in the eye):
Because I'm in love with someone else...
Greg (scoffs):
Dr. Ross? You know he's never going to change...he'll never be the man you want...or the
man you need...
Carol:
That may be true, Greg, but, until I have him out of my system, I can't be fair to anyone
else.
Greg:
And what if you never have him out of your system?
Carol:
That's a chance I'll have to take.
Greg:
What if he were out of the picture completely? What if he were gone?
Carol (Concerned look):
Gone? Gone where?
Greg (shrugs):
Gone anywhere! Away...
Carol:
I know that look of yours, Greg...and I'll tell you this now...if anything EVER happens to
Doug and I find out you had anything to do with it, I will never forgive you for the rest
of my life. If you love me like you say you do, you'll forget you ever said that...
*****Flashback To Present*****
Carol (mumbles to herself):
We have to talk, Doug...
She takes the photo out of the frame and replaces the photo back, placing the picture back on the desk in the frame. She looks down at the photo of her with Doug and smiles lightly. She touches the frame carefully and then walks out of the room, carrying the other photo with her as Act One Fades to Black.
Act Two
Scene opens with Mark and Doug sitting on a park bench eating ice cream from a cone.
Doug:
So, what's going on at the hospital?
Mark (shrugs):
Oh, you know...same ole same ole. Nothing new going on.
Doug:
Max and John holding everything down OK?
Mark (nods):
Yeah...they're fine.
(chuckles)
Max is ready for you to come back, though, I think...he's had a few run-ins with Kerry!
Doug (smiles):
So, Kerry found out that the attitude of Pedes didn't change without me there, huh?
(chuckles)
And another one coming in! Poor Kerry!
Mark:
Yeah, I meant to ask you about that...did Jacobs actually get here?
Doug (shakes his head):
Not yet...he's due in next week for his interview. I'll just come to the hospital and you
can meet him then.
Mark (nods):
OK...sounds good.
(looks over at Doug)
So, are you doing OK?
Doug (shrugs):
I don't know, Mark. It's really a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. All that
talk from you and Liz about football players who won the Super Bowl after this surgery...I
guess I just expected to heal a lot faster...
Mark (chuckles):
Well, those football players were in their mid twenties when they had this surgery. You
can't expect to heal as fast as they did.
Doug (frowns):
I guess they were in a lot better physical condition, too, huh?
Mark (grins):
You didn't hear that from me!
(Doug chuckles)
Well, you're on two feet and you seem to be moving pretty well...I'd have to say you're
getting along just fine.
Doug (nods):
I'm doing OK.
(pause, gives Mark a look)
You know the kids have really made a difference. They never let me get bored. I may be
building play-doh potato heads and coloring Ninja Turtles but I never want for anything to
drink or someone to talk to.
Mark (chuckles):
When they're little like Tatchie, they're just so darned cute.
Doug (chuckles):
Problems with Rachel?
Mark:
She's just growing up and getting her own life...doesn't have time much for family life...
Doug (nods):
I know that feeling...Scott is the same way. The difference with me and Scott is that I
never had a relationship with him when he was small enough to build one. Now I'm wondering
if it's too late...
Mark:
I guess you just never stop trying, huh?
Doug (nods):
Absolutely...
(pause)
So, what's going on with you and Nina?
Mark (chuckles):
Nothing...that's the whole problem...
Doug (confused look):
I don't follow...
Mark:
Nina and I have been talking about maybe having a baby.
Doug (whistles):
I thought that was out of the question!
Mark:
Well, it was when we got married. But, well, you know, we've talked about it and we'd kind
of like to have one that belongs to both of us, you know?
Doug (nods):
Yeah, OK...like Carol and me...yours, mine, and ours!
Mark (nods):
Exactly. We just thought we'd like to have one together.
Doug (shrugs):
And this is a problem?
Mark (sighs):
It's becoming one...yeah.
Doug (confused look):
So, what's the problem?
Mark:
This isn't easy for me to say...not even to another doctor...but I'm having problems with
sex.
Doug (concerned):
What kind of problems?
Mark:
I'm having a lot of pain and discomfort.
Doug:
Well, you should have it checked out. It's probably just something organic that a few
localized treatments will clear right up.
Mark:
Well, I kind of wanted to wait until you could do the tests. I really don't want anyone to
know and I'd feel better if you did it.
Doug (nods):
OK...I can do that anytime you're ready. And if I were you, I wouldn't wait too long.
Mark:
You said Jacobs was coming in next week or so...maybe we can arrange for you to do it
then?
Doug:
Sure...I'll be glad to.
Mark:
And I'd appreciate it if you'd just keep this between you and me, OK?
Doug:
Absolutely...you have my word.
Cut to the Ross home. Show Carol working in the kitchen packing a picnic basket when Scott comes in. He goes to check out the refrigerator and smiles at Carol's packing.
Scott:
Going on a picnic, Mom?
Carol (nods):
Yeah...with your Dad...just the two of us...do you know where that airbed your Dad used to
take camping is?
Scott (nods):
Sure...it's out in the garage! You need it?
Carol:
Yeah...and a couple of sleeping bags too.
Scott:
Sure thing, Mom...
(he starts out the back door for the garage)
Carol (as he goes out the door):
Thanks, Scotty...
Tatiana (comes into the kitchen and starts for the fried chicken on a plate on the
table):
Yummy!
Carol (motions her away):
Don't touch that...that's not for you!
Tatiana (disappointed look):
But, I'm hungry!
Carol (motions to the bowl on the table):
Have an apple.
Tatiana (pouts):
I'm not hungry for an apple!
Carol:
Well, that's ALL you get right now. This is for your Papa and me...
Tatiana:
It's too cold for a picnic!
Carol (grins):
Not where we're going...
Tatiana:
Can I come too?
Carol (shakes her head):
Not this time, Sweetie. But, when Papa feels a little better we'll all go someplace
together and have fun, I promise.
(smiles at her daughter)
OK?
Tatiana (not convinced):
I suppose.
Scott comes back in the door carrying rolled up sleeping bags and a compressed air mattress under his arm. Carol goes to him to help him in with them.
Carol:
Thanks, Sweetheart...can you help me load this stuff into the van?
Scott (nods):
Sure...but where are you going? It's too cold to camp out right now...
Carol (grins):
Someplace quiet and private where your Dad and I can be completely alone.
Scott (grins):
Well, I know you're not working on another baby...
Carol:
No, and your Dad's not up to that kind of physical activity anyway.
Scott:
What are you gonna do about his dialysis?
Carol:
He can do manuals all day tomorrow. He'll be fine. You can kind of help Mrs. Lincoln keep
an eye on things around here, can't you? For me?
Scott (nods):
Sure, Mom...you can count on me.
Carol:
And I'd appreciate it if Taryn wasn't over here tonight, OK?
Scott (nods again):
Sure.
Carol (smiles at him):
Thanks, Sweetheart...I don't ask very often.
Scott (grins at her):
I know...that's why I don't mind.
Tatiana (rolls her eyes):
Are you and Papa gonna get all mushy with each other?
Carol (tickles her...Tatiana squeals with delight):
We might...and that's none of your business!
Cut to show Marc standing in the doorway, all smiles, with Carol's lipstick in one hand and the rest of it on his face.
Marc:
Pretty!
Carol (groans):
Oh, Marc! Did you get into my purse AGAIN?
Scott (goes over and takes Marc by the hand):
I'll clean him up, Mom...
Carol:
Thanks, Scotty...I owe you one, OK?
Scott (heads out of the room with Marc):
Don't worry about it, Mom...
Tatiana (races after Scott):
I want to help!
Carol shakes her head with a smile as they all disappear. She goes back to her check list to make sure she has everything she needs. Then, she carefully packs in the photo she took from the den.
Cut to show her going into the nursery where Mrs. Lincoln is tending to the triplets.
Carol (leans over the bassinet):
Hi, Josh...how is my little man today...
(looks up at Mrs. Lincoln)
Did he eat?
Emily (nods):
And he's kept it down so far. I think this formula finally agrees with him.
Carol:
I hope so...Doug's tried everything he knows on this little guy.
(goes over to a crib where one of the girls is standing up and clinging to the bar)
And how is my Tina?
(Baby coos and reaches for her. Carol lifts her out of the crib and holds her)
Oh, my goodness, you're getting big!
(Looks over at the other crib and sees Lana, standing up, smiling at her, wearing bibbed
overalls and a baseball cap on her head sideways. Carol frowns)
Don't tell me...let me guess...Doug dressed her this morning, didn't he?
Emily (laughs):
Yes, he did as a matter of fact...how did you know?
Carol:
He always dresses her like that...he's going to turn her into a tomboy...
Emily (smiles):
Just like her Mama, huh?
Carol (grins):
Yeah...I guess so.
(lifts Tina back into her crib)
Doug and I will be gone this evening and we won't be anyplace where we can be reached.
But, we will be out to the new house if there is an emergency but I'm sure you won't have
any problems.
Emily:
I'll take care of everything, Mrs. Ross. Don't worry.
Carol:
Just give the kids their dinner and then they can watch TV until it's time for bed.
Emily (as Carol starts out of the room):
Something special tonight?
Carol (nods from the doorway):
Yeah...it's our anniversary...
Emily smiles as Carol disappears out the door and Act Two Fades to Black.
Act Three
Scene opens on a Chicago street. Focus on Mark's car stopped at a red light. Doug and Mark are in the front seat and Mark is looking impatient.
Mark (grumbling):
Where did all the traffic come from?
Doug (grins):
Here...there...and around.
(Mark gives him a look)
We're gonna have to stop at the gas station anyway...I have to use the bathroom.
Mark:
Again? You just went not a half hour ago...
Doug (chuckles, shrugs):
It's that damn diuretic I'm taking. I have to GO all the time...now I know what Carol must
have felt like when she was pregnant!
Mark:
Why are they giving you a diuretic for your back?
Doug:
They're not giving it to me for my back...they're giving it to me for my kidneys! They
quit working completely after the surgery...remember?
Mark (nods):
Yeah...I remember.
Doug (grins):
Well, they're working again! BIG time!
Cut to show the car pulling into a gas station and Doug gets out. Mark taps his fingers on the steering wheel as he waits impatiently for him to return.
Cut to show Carol looking over an empty room. She is at the new house and has the air bed blown up with the sleeping bags on it. There are candles all over the room but they are not lit. Carol gets into her pocket and takes out a box of matches and lays them close to the candles. She has a ice cooler in one corner and the picnic basket in the other. She smiles, satisfied, and turns to leave.
Cut to show Mark and Doug driving back down a Chicago street, still in traffic.
Mark:
So, how are things between you and Carol now? OK?
Doug (shrugs):
I guess.
Mark (sarcastically):
You GUESS? Don't tell me the great Ross/Hathaway love affair is growing cold?
Doug (shakes his head):
No...not cold. It's non existent.
Mark:
Well, I guess with your back the way it is, that would be true right now.
Doug:
I guess we can blame it on that for now.
Mark (confused):
You think it's more than your back problems?
(Doug gives him a look)
Oh...Yeah...I nearly forgot.
Doug:
She hardly even lets me touch her. I've never known her to pull away from me EVER but she
does now.
Mark:
Have the two of you talked about it?
Doug:
A little, but not much. I think she wants to talk about it, but, she's afraid. And I
understand that. I know she's keeping her sessions with Nina so I feel OK with that.
Mark:
Sometimes when I think of all the adversity the two of you have had to overcome I can't
help but wonder how you do it.
Doug (sighs):
It does seem like we just get past one thing and something else happens. But, as long as
we have stay together, we do OK. She's my rock. As long as I know she's there, I can get
through anything. But if I didn't have her...
(voice trails off, he shakes his head)
Mark (looks over at Doug):
Are you happy?
Doug (looks at him quickly):
Why wouldn't I be?
Mark (shrugs):
I've just known you for a long time and know how you used to be. It's hard to imagine you
settled...and liking it.
Doug (looks out the window):
I made my choice, Mark. If I wasn't happy I'd make another choice.
Mark:
You made the choice that you wanted Carol...what about all those kids? Did you make a
choice for all them, too?
Doug:
I wish we could have waited a little while to have the triplets. But other than that, the
kids are fine. The triplets just came so soon after Marc. I always wondered if that was
why Carol had so much trouble...
(voice trails off)
...and why she can't have anymore now.
Mark (chuckles):
Any MORE? You don't think six kids is enough?
Doug:
I think it would have been if we'd had them one at a time. I think Carol feels cheated
that she only got to be pregnant twice.
Mark:
Did she say that?
Doug (shakes his head):
She doesn't say a whole lot about anything lately.
Mark:
You guys having trouble?
Doug:
We're not having anything right now. We can't have sex. We hardly talk about anything. We
just lay in bed beside each other and watch TV.
Mark:
Doesn't sound so bad to me!
Doug:
You'd have to know Carol and me to know why that bugs me. I know she's hurting. And I know
she needs to talk. But she just won't open up to me.
Mark:
Well, you know why...
Doug (annoyed):
Yeah, she thinks she protecting me...saving me from pain of reliving my own ordeal. But,
I'm all past that now. It bothers me more that I can't help her than it does that she
knows what I went through. (pounds the door in frustration)
I don't know the words to say. I don't know the moves to make. She knew how to do all
those things when it was me...
Mark:
She's trained...she's a certified counselor...you don't have that kind of training...
Doug:
I shouldn't NEED that kind of training! She's my WIFE for God's sake! I should know how to
comfort my wife, shouldn't I?
Mark:
Not necessarily...not always. Husbands and wife, while very in sync with each other, don't
always know all the answer. Nina doesn't know the answers with me right now...and I'm not
much more open than Carol is with you.
Doug:
Why? Why do we do that? Why do we hide our fears from the one person who can take the hurt
away?
Mark (shrugs):
Just human nature, I guess. We don't want them to worry, yet, by keeping silent it worries
them more. I know I should talk to Nina but until I know what to tell her...
(shrugs...voice trails off)
Doug (gives him a look):
You think it's something serious?
Mark (nods):
I think it could be.
Doug (chuckles):
Mark, there's 101 things it could be and 99 of them can be cured with a couple of B12
shots!
Mark (nods again):
I know...it's just that 2% left over that I have to think about. That's why I want you to
run the tests. I know you'll be thorough.
(Doug chuckles)
Doug:
When did you and Nina decide you wanted to have a baby, anyway? I thought you guys pretty
much decided against that...
Mark:
Well, Nina would have liked to have had more children than just Emma, but, things got in
the way...
Doug (chuckles):
Yeah, divorces have a way of doing that...
Mark (nods):
Yeah, and I would have liked to have had more than Rachel but...
Doug (nods, chuckles):
The divorce got in the way...
Mark:
Yeah, that, and Jen and I were both too wrapped up in our careers. I really love Nina,
Doug. And I'd like to share that love with a child now that I have time in my life to
really be a good father...
Doug (shakes his head):
You're not a bad father, Mark. Rachel is nuts about you...so is Emma...
Mark:
Yeah, NOW things are good but when she was little, I didn't have the time for her that I
needed to have. I'm just glad I got a chance to make up for some of it.
Doug (grunts):
I know that feeling. I'm going through the same thing with Scott. Only he's at an age now
where his friends and his own life are more important than his family life. He's always
busy. And always with someone else. We never get any real time together anymore.
Mark:
I guess that's rough, too. Rachel is not quite to that point yet. She's getting into boys
and make-up and spends a lot of time on the phone, but, she's still a little girl in some
ways.
Doug (sighs):
I know Scotty could be doing worse things than baseball, soccer, and girls...but I still
wish we could just go on some father-son outings once in a while. But, even if we did, I
guess I wouldn't know what to talk to him about. We don't really have much in common right
now.
Mark:
Yeah, he's at that awkward age.
Doug:
I do better with Tatchie than I do with Scott. And she's not even blood.
Mark (laughs):
Don't tell her that! She couldn't be more like you if you did have biological ties to her!
Doug (chuckles):
I guess that's true. She's really something. She lights up my life. I don't know where I'd
be without her.
Mark:
How is she doing. anyway?
Doug:
She's good! She sees her Pede every 6 months. And we play a game together with our
meds...she takes hers and I take mine and we take them together because we both know we
have to to keep feeling good.
Mark:
I don't know if I ever told you or not but I thought that was a great thing you did for
Carol...filing that appeal like that. You guys weren't even together at that time...why
did you do that, anyway? You knew Tag didn't want her...
Doug:
Tag didn't but Carol really did. I don't know, Mark. Maybe it was my way of telling her
she was with the wrong guy.
Mark (grins):
Oh, I think she figured all that out!
(Doug chuckles)
Cut to show Doug hobbling up the walk of the house on his cane. He turns to wave to Mark, who is backing down the driveway. When he turns onto the street, Mark honks the horn as he drives away. Doug opens the door to be greeted by a toddling Marc, a running Tatiana, and a barking Scrubs. He smiles at the scene as he closes the door behind him.
Tatiana:
I missed you, Papa!
Doug (smiles at her):
I missed you, too, Punkin!
Carol (comes into the room):
Where did you and Mark go? Are you hungry?
Doug:
We just got some ice cream...and yeah! I could eat!
Carol:
I thought we'd go out and get something...just you and me...would that be OK?
Doug (nods):
Sure.
(pause)
Everything OK?
Carol (smiles):
Everything's fine! We just haven't had much time alone together and I thought tonight
would be a good night.
Doug:
Tonight? What's special about tonight?
Carol (grins):
Oh...nothing!
Doug gives her a curious look as she smiles and starts away.
Doug (mumbles to himself):
I know that look...what am I missing here?
He slowly begin to hobble through the house, thinking as he goes, and Act Three fades to Black.
Act Four
Scene opens in the Ross van. Carol is driving and Doug is strapped into the passengers seat with the seatbelt. He looks over at Carol and smiles lightly.
Doug:
So, where are we going?
Carol:
Someplace quiet...and private...where we can be alone with no kids...no phones...no
dogs...no beepers...and NO distraction of any other kind.
Doug (nods):
Sounds good...where are we gonna find a place like that? Did you rent a space ship and
we're going to Mars?
Carol (laughs):
No...you'll see.
(reaches to turn on the radio)
Just listen to the music and relax.
Doug leans his head back against the seat and closes his eyes. Carol looks over at him with a sympathetic expression. She reaches her hand over and pats his leg gently.
Carol:
How you feeling, Babe? You feeling OK?
Doug (keeps his head leaned back):
Yeah, I'm OK.
Carol (quietly):
You've been having a really rough time...not sleeping at night...
Doug:
Do I keep you awake?
Carol:
No...I'm usually awake anyway. I haven't been sleeping very well, either.
Doug (opens his eyes and looks at her):
Nightmares?
(Carol nods)
They get better.
Carol (sighs):
I don't want them to get any better...I want them to go away!
Doug (smiles weakly at her):
They will. Trust me. I'm an expert on nightmares.
Carol:
Yeah, you've had your share of rough times, haven't you?
(Doug chuckles)
Doug:
Can I tell you something?
Carol:
Sure...you can tell me anything...you know that.
Doug (sighs):
I really miss Raoul.
Carol (smiles, nods):
I do too. Everyday. Sometimes I can't remember what his voice even sounded like and other
times I can hear him above everything else.
Doug (nods):
I know. Sometimes when I go into Scott's room at night I catch myself looking into that
bottom bunk half expecting him to still be there.
Carol:
I was surprised Scotty didn't turn his room back into a single room again. I think he just
really likes sleeping in the bunk.
Doug:
I think he still wants a little brother. By the time Marc is big enough to sleep in there
with him he'll be too big and won't want him there.
Carol:
Marc will have to bunk with Josh..if he ever grows. I get so worried about him, Doug. He's
so little.
Doug (smiles):
He'll grow. Don't worry. I told you, he'll catch up.
Carol:
But the girls are twice his size, standing up, ready to walk, and he's still in the
bassinet!
Doug:
He'll be OK, Carol. Don't worry.
Carol:
Did you enjoy being out with Mark today?
Doug (grins):
Yeah, but, I think he got tired of stopping so I could go to the bathroom!
v Carol (laughs):
Yeah, those pills keep you running!
Doug:
I don't think 'running' is exactly the right word.
(chuckles)
How far are we going?
Carol:
Not far...just lean your head back and relax...I'll let you know when we get there.
Doug (nods, closes his eyes):
Fair enough...
Carol turns the radio to a jazz station and Doug leans his head back, absorbing the music, as they ride along.
Cut to show Carol pulling the van to a stop in the gravel driveway of the new house. The house looks finished from the outside with doors, windows, and a roof, but the landscaping is just beginning and the bushes are sitting above the ground in burlap sacks.
Carol (touches Doug's knee):
Hey? Doug? We're here.
Doug (opens his eyes):
Great...where are we?
(looks out the window)
The house?
(Looks at Carol with a confused expression)
I don't get it.
Carol (smiles):
You will.
Carol gets out on the drivers side and comes around to help Doug out on the passengers side. He leans on the cane and she puts her arm around him to help him into the house.
Doug (looks around once inside at Carol's set up):
Hey! Looks like somebody's been here already.
(smiles at Carol)
This is really nice. Thank you.
Carol (takes him by the hand and leads him to the airbed):
I thought it would give us a chance to talk.
Doug (grins, eases himself down):
Talk? About what?
Carol:
Well, I know you think I'm having problems dealing with the attack...and I know it bothers
you that I pull away from you. But, Doug, I'm not pulling away from you because I don't
want you to touch me! I'm pulling away from you because I know you shouldn't exert.
Doug:
Don't you think I should be the one worrying about me?
Carol:
No, because I know you don't do it. And if you don't, then somebody has to and that
somebody is me.
Doug:
Carol, I'm not going to do anything to hurt me any further. I can take care of myself.
Carol:
Doug, don't you realize that taking care of you and worrying about you has been a Godsend
for me? Because it's taken my mind of my problems and made me feel needed for something...
Doug (takes her by the shoulders):
Hey, you are ALWAYS needed for something. Don't ever think you're not, OK?
Carol (smiles weakly):
You know what I mean.
Doug (grins):
I think we're both feeling pretty much the same way right now. Because I feel like I'm
such a burden to you right now...
Carol (shakes her head):
You could never be a burden to me, Doug. You're always so strong, you make me feel like
you don't need me for anything.
Doug (smiles):
Who do you think makes me so strong?
(Carol blushes slightly, Doug takes her face in both his hands)
If I didn't have you right beside me, I would be a marshmallow. It's the knowing that I
have you that gives me the will and the courage to face and fight anything I have to.
Carol (grins at him):
That's a beautiful thing to say.
Doug (smiles):
You know I mean it, too.
Carol (nods):
I know...
(reaches behind her)
But there's something I think we should talk about...something we need to clear up once
and for all.
(she takes out the photo from the den)
We need to talk about this.
Doug (surprised):
How did you know?
Carol (grins):
When you put new glass in a picture frame, Doug, you should always take the sticker off
the bottom.
(Doug blushes and ducks his head)
This is bothering you, isn't it?
Doug (shrugs):
I knew about Tag...and I knew about Shep...I didn't know about Greg.
Carol:
Greg was just like Tag and Shep...he was someone I tried to replace you with...
(smiles)
And it didn't work. It never worked. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn't stop
thinking about you. The problem with Greg was that he was very jealous. He wanted to be
the only man in my life and he knew he wasn't.
Doug:
Did he ever...you know...hit you or anything?
Carol (shakes her head):
No. But he still scared me just the same. Greg was like me in the fact that he had a lot
of problems he needed to work out. I had too many problems of my own to help him with his.
We eventually just drifted apart and I didn't see him again for a long time...not until
after you and I were back together.
(Doug nods in understanding)
Doug, I don't want you to be threatened by Greg's past. All of that is over now. And Greg
is gone anyway.
(Doug just looks at her)
I know you were upset that I didn't press charges against Gordan, but, I only did that
because I didn't want you dragged into a trial if it went to court. Assault is hard enough
on a woman...I can't even imagine what it was like for a man...especially a man like you.
You're so proud and so confident...to see you so vulnerable really broke my heart.
Doug:
But, I came out of it OK...
(smiles weakly)
...thanks to you. I feel so useless right now for you because I don't know the words to
say to you like you did for me...
(sighs)
...I wish I did.
Carol (smiles, takes his hand):
You don't have to say any words, Doug. All you have to do is be there. You being there
tells me you're not going to leave me and that's all I need to know right now.
Doug:
Why would you think I would leave you? You should know better than that!
Carol:
No matter how much I know it...or think I know it...it's still nice to be reassured.
Doug (reaches for her, smile):
Let me give you a little reassurance, OK?
(Kisses her sweetly)
How's that?
Carol (smiles at him):
Just like it always it...the best.
(she reaches for the ice cooler and takes out a bottle of pink champagne and two glasses.
Doug watches as she pours and she hands him a glass)
Here's to another year together...
(clinks her glass to his)
Happy Anniversary, Doug.
Doug (smiles, nods):
I KNEW something was up!
(reaches into his pocket)
Luckily, I came prepared...
(hands her a small black box)
Happy Anniversary, Carol.
Carol (grins, takes box):
You actually remembered?
(Doug grins. Carol opens the box to find an eternity ring, customized with Scott, Tatiana,
and Marc's birthstone on one side, two diamonds in the middle, and the birthstones of the
triplets on the other side. Carol gasps in surprise)
Oh my God! Doug! This is beautiful!
Doug (takes the ring and carefully places it on her finger):
You thought I forgot, didn't you?
Caol:
No, of course, not...
Doug (chuckles):
Yes, you did...admit it!
Carol (shrugs):
Well, we usually talk about it.
Doug:
I could not and will not EVER forget the day I married you! Our only problem is that we
haven't been talking enough lately...and you're not the only one I have that problem
with...I need to take care of that too...
Carol (knowing look):
Scotty?
(Doug nods)
I think that's a good idea.
Doug (takes her shoulder and eases her down onto the bed):
I know we can't do much...but let's make the best of what we can do, OK?
Carol (nods, smiles):
Absolutely!
Show the two of them laying facing each other and touching each other's face, gazing lovingly into each other's eyes as Act Four Fades to Black.
Closing Act
Scene opens at the Ross home, morning after the anniversary celebration. Doug and Carol are sitting at the kitchen table still continuing their conversation.
Carol:
So, do you feel better about things now?
Doug (nods):
Yeah...I think I do...do you?
Carol (nods):
Yeah, I do.
Doug:
I guess our rule to talk to each other is one we should continue.
Carol:
I wish you had talked to me when you found that picture in the den.
Doug:
Why do you even still have it, anyway?
Carol (laughs):
I forgot it was even there. I put that picture of you and me in there so long ago I didn't
even remember anything was behind it!
Their talk is interrupted by Scott coming into the room. He gets into the refrigerator and gets out a carton of orange juice. Then he goes over to the sink and gets a glass. He sits at the table to pour the juice into the glass.
Scott (looks at Doug):
So, Dad...what are you doing today?
Doug (shrugs):
I don't have anything special planned after my therapy...why?
Scott (shrugs):
I just kind of thought we could do something together.
Doug (smiles, brightens):
Yeah?
(looks at Carol with a grin)
What did you have in mind?
Scott:
I don't know...anything! As long as it's just you and me!
Doug:
I'd like that, Pal. Thanks.
Scott (grins):
So, did you guys have a nice anniversary last night?
Carol (smiles at Doug):
It was wonderful!
Scott:
Well, Tatch and I got you guys something for your anniversary too! Would you like to have
it now?
Doug (nods):
Sure!
Scott (gets up from the table):
Be right back...
Carol (looks across the table at Doug):
What do you suppose that's all about?
Doug (shrugs):
We might be afraid to find out...
Scott comes back with Tatiana in tow and they she is carrying an envelope. They hand it to Carol and she opens it carefully.
Doug (nods across the table):
What did we get?
Carol (laughing):
It's a book of coupons!
Doug (confused):
Coupons? For what?
Carol (flipping through the booklet):
There's one here for 'One evening of peace and quiet alone in your room with each
other'...there's one for 'Dinner prepared by anybody but Mom'...
(grins at Scott and Tatiana)
This is REALLY a cute idea!
Scott:
We did them together on the computer! We thought them up together too!
Carol:
This was really an original idea! Thank you!
Tatiana:
Scotty said we should give you some 'time out' cards for when we get on your nerves!
Doug (serious tone):
Hey, nobody gets on our nerves...just sometimes things bother us more than other times.
Scott (nods):
Well, that's the times you should use these coupons! Just tear them out and give them to
us and we'll take care of it, OK?
Doug (nods):
That's a deal...thanks, Kids.
Marc toddles into the room and Doug takes a good look at his blond curls tossed about his head and frowns.
Doug:
Isn't is about time he got a haircut?
Carol (shrugs):
Hey, that's your department! Not mine!
Doug (shrugs):
Ah, he can wait a little while longer.
Scott (giggles):
Until some lady calls him a girl like that one at the market did the other day!
Doug (looks at Carol):
Somebody called him a girl?
Carol (nods):
I corrected her.
Doug:
That's it! Scott! Go to your room and get my clippers! You can help me give your brother a
haircut!
Scott (grins):
Cool!
Carol (turns to Tatiana):
That's it, Tatch! We're going shopping!
Doug (confused):
You don't want to help?
Carol (shakes her head):
A baby's first haircut is a traumatic experience for the child AND the parent...I'll miss
this one if you don't mind!
Doug (scoffs):
It'll be a piece of cake! I'm real good at haircuts! Just ask Scott!
Carol (nods, gets up from the table):
Uh huh...
(takes Tatiana by the hand)
Let's go, Tatch!
(smiles at Doug)
I'll give you a couple of hours...
Doug just chuckles as Carol starts away. Scott comes back with the barber scissors and gives them to Doug. Marc takes one look at this tool and burst into a scream and tears. Show Carol smiling a satisfied 'I-told-you-so' smile as she and Tatiana start out the door and the Closing Act fades into the Closing Credits of the show.
August 13, 1998