Rising Waters

Opening Act

Scene opens at the Ross home, early morning, interior. Show Carol Ross waking up and sitting up in bed. She reaches over for Doug, but, he is not beside her.

Carol (calling out):
Doug?

She gets no response so she gets out of bed and pulls herself into a robe. As she goes across the room, she passes the mirror. Something catches her eye and she stops, looking at her profile in the reflection. She makes a concerned face, and puts both her hands on her stomach.

Carol (aloud, to nobody):
My God! When did THAT happen?

She goes over to the phone and punches a number and we hear her one side of the conversation.

Carol:
Stephanie? It's Carol Ross. I'm really sorry to bother you at home, but, I think I need to see you. No, not wrong, really...except that I look like I've got a basketball in my stomach and I'm not even four months pregnant yet! I've gained almost fifteen pounds. I'm on the same diet I was on with Marc. Nine o'clock? Great! I'll see you then! I really appreciate it, Stephanie. Thanks.

She hangs up and goes on out of the room, looking for Doug. She finds him in the nursery, standing at the changing table in jeans and t-shirt. She watches as he puts the finishing touches on dressing Marc, and he picks him up, turns around, and sees her in the doorway.

Doug (smiles at her):
I thought I'd get him up...he was trying to stand up and he's not ready for that yet.

Carol (reaches and takes Marc in her arms):
Won't be long now, though. He's getting so big.

Doug (leans across and kisses her gently):
How are you this morning?

Carol:
I'm OK...what about you?

Doug:
I'm fine.

Carol (as they walk out together and start back to their room):
You had another rough night...

Doug:
I'm sorry. Did I keep you awake?

Carol (grins at him):
No more than usual.
(Doug chuckles)

They get back to their room and Carol puts Mark down on the bed and gives him a toy to play with.

Carol (quietly):
Are you sure you're OK?

Doug (sits down on the bed with her):
Yes, I'm OK.

Carol:
I wanted to talk to you about that session at Nina's. We never got to really talk about that.

Doug:
Well, we have time now. Both kids are on sleep overs and won't be home until afternoon and Marc won't care.

Carol:
You didn't remember anything about being molested when you were a child before Nina put you under, did you?
(Doug shakes his head)
I guess that's why you're so protective of abused kids, huh?

Doug:
In the dreams I keep having now, I keep hearing my father's voice telling me I should have told him. And I know now he's right...I should have told him...or my Mother. I know what it's like for these kids to be afraid. I was afraid. But, I know that if these kids can get some help early in their lives, it might keep them from growing up to be the kind of adult I grew up to be.

Carol:
There's nothing wrong with the adult you grew up to be.

Doug:
NOW maybe. But, you wouldn't have married me five years ago...and we both know it.

Carol:
You weren't the marrying kind five years ago, either. You've changed, Doug.

Doug:
I've worked hard to make that change. But I can't help thinking that if I'd told somebody when I was a kid, I could have saved myself a lot of grief as an adult.

Carol:
And then you had the same thing happen to you as an adult.
(Doug nods)

Carol:
I always wondered how you managed to get through that the way you did. Now I know. You'd already been through it before. You've got a lot of courage, Doug. I admire you for that.

Doug (smiles, kisses her forehead):
I've got a good reason.
(he reaches over and puts his hand on her stomach and almost jumps back in surprise)
You know, I don't want to sound like a lout or anything, but, aren't you getting big just a little soon?

Carol (nods):
I've already called Stephanie. I've gained fifteen pounds already! That's too much this soon.

Doug:
You think something might be wrong?

Carol:
I don't know, but, if there is, I want to know it.

Doug:
What time is your appointment?

Carol:
Nine o'clock.

Doug:
Would you mind if I went with you?

Carol (smiles at him):
I wouldn't expect anything less.

He carefully eases her back onto the bed and lays down with her, kissing her deeply. She closes her eyes to the pleasure but then she looks up at him playfully.

Carol:
Doug...don't get the wrong idea or anything, but don't you think you've done enough already?

Doug:
I can never have enough of you!

He growls playfully and hovers his body over hers. She laughs and begins to pretend to beat him off of her. Pull back to show Marc sitting up against a pillow, looking on and fade into the opening credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at Family Center, exterior, parking lot. Show Mark Greene and Nina Pomerantz getting out of Mark's car and heading for the door marked STAFF ONLY.

Mark (as they walk along together):
Could I ask you something professional?

Nina (nods):
Sure!

Mark:
Is Doug OK?

Nina:
Doug's doing very well. Why do you ask?

Mark (shrugs as he opens the door for her):
I don't know. He just hasn't been himself lately.

Nina:
You miss him, huh?

Mark:
Oh, we still do things...he just seems like his mind is a long way away right now.

Nina (as they head down the walk way for the elevator):
Well, I think he has a lot of things on his mind right now.

Mark (nods):
Yeah...I guess he does.

Nina (as they get into the elevator):
Does he talk to you much? Does he tell you about the things he talks to me about?

Mark:
He never mentions anything.

Nina:
I'm surprised. You two are such good friends, I would think he would tell you about it.

Mark:
Doug has this thing that he doesn't like to 'bog' other people down with his problems...not that he would with me, but I don't pry.

Nina:
I can't break confidence, either.

Mark:
It's OK...I'm sure he'll tell me when he wants me to know.

They get to the second floor and stand together in the hallway.

Mark (puts his arms around her):
Have a good day...are we doing lunch?

Nina (smiles at him):
Absolutely.

Mark leans down and kisses her gently. She returns his gesture and then they part ways.

Mark goes over to answering machine and punches a button.

Doug's voice (on machine):
Mark, it's Doug! I'll be late coming in this morning...we have an appointment with her OB-GYN at nine o'clock. Shouldn't take too long and I should be there before noon. I don't have any patients on file for this morning and if it gets too crazy just page me and I'll come in. OK? Bye!

Show Mark shaking his head with a smile and a sigh. He chuckles as he starts gathering files to start to work.

Cut to show Carol on an exam table and Stephanie listening to her stomach through a stethoscope. Focus on Stephanie's face, serious and professional, as she listens. Finally she takes the ear pieces out of her ears and pulls the scope around her shoulders.

Stephanie (turns away to make notes on a chart):
OK, Carol...you can get dressed now.
(Doug strains to see what she is writing, but, she nudges him out...he frowns and steps away)
You two wait in my office and I'll be right there, OK?
(She goes on out of the room)

Doug (helps Carol into her blouse):
Something's wrong.

Carol:
What makes you think so?

Doug:
She asked us to wait in her office. I'm a doctor...and I know what it means when I ask a patient to wait in MY office!

Carol (slides off the table):
Don't buy trouble, Doug. I feel too well for there to be much of anything wrong.

Cut to show Doug and Carol sitting in chairs inside Stephanie's office. Pan back to show Stephanie coming through the door. She goes over to her desk and puts a file on the top of it. She sits on the edge of the desk, facing Doug and Carol, and smiles at them.

Doug:
So, what's wrong?

Stephanie:
Well, I wouldn't say 'wrong' exactly. I would say something more like 'cause for concern'.
(Doug and Carol give her their attention and don't interrupt)
The sonogram indicates there are multiple heartbeats.

Carol (slowly):
Multiple heartbeats?

Stephanie:
Yes, I can hear at least three or four...one of which is Carol's. I want to send you guys over to County this afternoon for an ultrasound. I know it's early, but, I want to see what's going on in there.

Carol (repeats...slowly):
Multiple heartbeats?

Stephanie (nods):
Yes, and I can't be sure exactly how many yet. But, you are most definitely having more than one.

Doug (slowly and carefully):
You mean we're having twins?

Stephanie:
I don't know yet...that's what we need to find out. Can you get to an ultrasound this afternoon?

Carol (nods):
I'll be there.

Stephanie:
Good, I'll set you up for one o'clock...can I see you back here in my office about four?

Carol:
That'll be fine.

Stephanie:
OK...I'll see you then!

Doug and Carol walk slowly out of her office and to the jeep. Doug opens the door for Carol and helps her in, then he gets in on the drive's side and slams the door.v Carol (staring blankly at the dashboard):
Twins?

Doug (staring blankly at the steering wheel):
Well, you said you wanted a big family.

Carol:
Yeah, but, I wanted them one at a time.

Doug:
Well, let's not panic yet. Stephanie thought we were having twins when we had Marc, too, and she was wrong...remember?

Carol:
Yeah...you're right.

Doug:
I won't go to the ultrasound with you, but, I'll meet you at Stephanie's office at four, OK?

Carol:
OK...

Cut to show Doug arriving at the center and Mark greeting him as he goes down the hallway.

Mark:
Hey! How did it go?

Doug:
Well, we don't know yet. Carol is going in at one for an ultrasound and Stephanie wants us back in her office about four. Will that be a problem for you?

Mark:
No, it's a real slow day.

Doug (gathering up things):
I've only got a couple of patients scheduled for this afternoon...

Mark:
A Mrs. Johnson called...she left a number...I put it on your desk!

Doug (nods):
Thanks, Mark!

Doug goes on quickly to his office and picks up the message Mark took for him. He punches a number on the phone and then turns the speaker phone on.

Woman's Voice on phone:
Cindy Johnson!

Doug:
Mrs. Johnson? This is Doug Ross...I'm returning your call?

Woman's voice:
Yes, Dr. Ross! I'm with the Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization and Beverly Watters has placed a boy in our program directly requesting that he be matched with you...

Doug:
Raoul Fernanadez! Yes!

Woman's Voice:
I take it that you and Raoul already know each other?

Doug:
Well, we've met. We haven't had any time together yet.

Woman's voice:
Well, let me give you the address and the phone number where he is so you two can start getting acquainted.

Doug (picks up a pen):
OK...I'm ready.

Woman's voice:
He is living with Mr. Howard Alton, and his wife, Dr. Jenna Alton. They are at 1721 Caldwell Drive...

Doug:
Caldwell Drive? That's not too far from where we live. Do you know where he'll be going to school?

Woman's Voice:
I think Dr. Alton told me she was going to put him in St. Michael's...

Doug (smiles):
That's where my kids go to school! This might work out even better than I thought.
(Doug takes the phone number and writes it down as well)
OK, now, when do I see him?

Woman's voice:
That's between you and the Alton's now, Dr. Ross. Good luck! And if you have any problems or questions, please just contact us.

Doug:
OK...thank you.

He hangs up the phone and smiles, tucking this information into his wallet. Then he gathers up his files and heads out of his office.

Cut to show time lapse. Doug is in an exam room with an infant patient. He has the baby stripped down to his diaper and Doug is listening to his chest through his stethoscope. The baby is crying and flinging his arms while the mother looks on with a pained expression. Doug takes the ear pieces out of his ears and smiles down at the crying boy.

Doug (softly):
What's your problem, little man? There's nothing wrong with you at all. You are a portrait of health.
(turns to the mother)'
You can dress him now.

The mother begins to tend to the child while Doug makes his notes on the chart.

Mother:
He's growing so fast.

Doug (chuckles):
Yes, I know! I've got one at home and he's doing the same thing. Curtis is doing just great, Mrs. Tabor. He's just fine for a three month old boy.

Mother (picks baby up):
How old is your little boy?

Doug (smiles):
The baby is six months old. I also have an eight year old and a twelve year old.

Mother:
Sounds like you have a full house.

Doug (grins, walks with her to the door):
Not yet...but it could be soon!

Doug walks out with her and then he stays at the front desk while she leaves. Mark comes up beside him and stands with him.

Mark:
OK...what's going on?

Doug:
What do you mean?

Mark:
Something's going on...I can just feel it.

Doug (sighs):
You read me well, don't you?
(nods)
OK. Stephanie detected multiple heartbeats this morning.

Mark (shocked expression):
MULTIPLE heartbeats?

Doug (nods):
Three...maybe four...one of which is Carol's. That's why she's ordered an ultrasound for this afternoon.

Mark (repeats slowly):
MULtiple heartbeats? You guys are having twins?

Doug:
I'll be able to tell you more this afternoon after the ultrasound. I won't be going for that, but, I will be meeting Carol in Stephanie's office.

Mark:
If you want to go to the ultrasound, go. I know I would!

Doug:
I don't want to leave you here alone all day!

Mark:
Don't worry about me! I can handle it! You need to be with your wife right now!

Doug:
If you're sure...

Mark:
I'm sure...
(looks at his watch)
Go!

Doug doesn't hesitate to put the files down and get ready to leave. As he goes out the door, Mark shakes his head with a chuckle.

Mark:
Only you, Doug...only you.

Mark picks up the files Doug put down and starts going through them as Act One fades to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens at the center. Mark is working at the front desk when Nina comes up, leans on hers hands, and gives him an innocent look.

Mark (grins):
I guess you're telling me it's time for lunch.

Nina:
My stomach's been telling me that for that last half hour!

Mark:
Well, bad news...I'm gonna have to give you a rain check. Doug had to leave and I'm here by myself.

Nina:
Where did Doug go?

Mark:
Carol is having an ultrasound and I told him to go be with her.

Nina:
An ultrasound? But, she's not even four months along yet. Why would they do an ultrasound now?

Mark:
The sonogram detected multiple heartbeats.

Nina (shocked):
WHAT?

Mark:
They may be having twins.

Nina (braces herself against the counter):
Oh, my God.

Mark:
Yeah...better clear a place for Doug on the couch in your office. He was already worried about this pregnancy. If they're having more than one, I think it may be more than he can handle.

Nina:
I can't believe it! When did they find this out?

Mark:
This morning.

Nina:
Well, you have to eat...so, I'll go out and get lunch and bring it back and we'll eat it in your office. How's that?

Mark:
Spoken like a lady who does this often!
(Nina laughs)
That'll be great. Thanks. I appreciate it.

Nina:
Pick your poison...Chinese or Pizza?

Mark:
I could go for Chinese.

Nina (snaps her fingers and smiles):
Chinese it is! I'll be back.

Before Mark can get into his wallet and hand her some money, Nina is gone. Mark just shakes his head with a smile and puts his wallet back in his pocket.

Cut to show Carol on another exam table with Doug and Stephanie nearby. Stephanie is running an ultrasound and Doug and Carol are watching the screen with her.

Stephanie:
OK...let's see what we've got here...
(she focuses on the screen and takes a pointer to show them things)
OK...we have one sac here...
(points...Doug leans over closer to look)

Doug:
With two fetuses in it.

Stephanie (nods):
That's correct, Doctor. Two fetuses in one sac equals twins.

Carol:
We're having twins? For sure this time?

Stephanie:
Sure looks that way.

Doug (points on the screen):
What's that?

Stephanie (looks where he's pointing):
What's what?

Doug (points again):
This dark spot over here...what's that?

Stephanie (looks closer):
That's just a shadow.

Doug:
Then why did it just move?

Stephanie (looks again):
It moved? Are you sure?

Doug:
Positive...it was over here...
(points)
...now it's over there.

Stephanie:
OK...let's have a look.
(she begins to move the rotator around in different positions trying to get a take on what they are looking at. Carol and Doug watch with her. Before she can say anything, Doug gets a good look from his angle)

Doug:
It's another baby.

Carol:
Oh, it couldn't be...could it?

Stephanie (gets a clear shot now):
It sure could be...
(points out what she says)
...another sac...and one fetus inside.

Carol:
Three babies? We're going to have THREE babies?

Stephanie:
Professionally, they call that triplets. Yes.

Carol:
Oh, my God. We're going to have THREE babies at ONE time?

Stephanie:
It appears that way right now! Go ahead and get dressed Carol, and I'll talk to the two of you here.

Stephanie goes out of the room and Doug sits on the table with Carol with a shell shocked look on his face.

Carol (pulling into her clothes):
Are you OK?

Doug:
I'm OK...what about you? Are YOU OK?

Carol:
I have to admit, this is a little more than I was expecting, but I'm OK.

Doug:
Can we handle three babies at one time with Marc just a year old by then?

Carol:
I think we're gonna have to.
(Smiles)
It'll be OK, Doug. We've got each other, and we've got two Grandmother's. We'll have help.
(takes hold of his hand)
We'll be OK.

Doug:
Wow...triplets!

They laugh together and put their heads together, holding onto each other. Cut to show the two of them in an office with Stephanie.

Stephanie:
OK...three babies in two sacs means Carol released two eggs and Badda Bing, Doug! You nailed both of them. You get the sharp shooter award!

Carol:
I'm afraid I'm not much up on multiple births in pregnancy. What should we expect?

Stephanie:
OK, you can expect to get big right away. You can expect to be miserable sooner than the last time. And you can expect, after you reach the sixth month, to see me once a week, every week. I'm going to know every bite of food you put in your mouth. I'm going to weigh you every time I see you. I'm going to measure you every time I see you. I'm going to watch you like a hawk every step of the way.

Doug:
She had problems having one...will she be OK with triplets?

Stephanie:
I don't know the answer to that, Doug. All I can tell you is that I will keep a very VERY close eye on her.

Carol:
So, what about working?

Stephanie:
I'll let you work until the fifth month. After that, we'll see. But, I don't want you on your feet for long periods at a time...I don't want you carrying anything over ten pounds...and I want you drinking LOTS of milk. You're carrying three children and you're over thirty...this is not going to be a picnic in the park.
(Carol rolls her eyes)
So, I want to see you in two weeks. And if you need me before then, call me.

Doug (nods):
We will.

He helps Carol up by the arm and they go out of the hospital together. Doug helps her into the jeep and they both sit, shell shocked, staring at the dashboard.

Carol (giggles):
Maybe we should have you fixed!

Doug (serious tone):
Don't think I'm not thinking about it.

Carol:
You can't do that...the Church wouldn't approve.

Doug:
I'm not as worried about what the Church thinks as I am about you!

Carol:
Doug, I'll be fine! Stephanie is going to watch me real close. And she won't let anything happen to me. It'll be OK.

Doug:
Well, I think we need to seriously consider a bigger house!

Carol (nods):
Yes! Now, I agree with you there!

Doug:
So, you think we should look into that?

Carol:
I have a friend who works in real estate...I'll call her as soon as I get home and tell her what we're looking for and have her start panning the market.

Doug (starts engine):
Well, let's get you home so I can get back to work!

Doug drives carefully into traffic and Carol starts laughing as they go.

Cut back to the center. Show Doug coming back in and Mark cleaning up from the Chinese lunch he and Nina had at his desk.

Mark:
Hey! How did the ultrasound go!? Are you having twins?

Doug:
No, we are NOT having twins!

Mark (grins):
That's a relief, huh?

Doug (matter-of-factly):
We're having triplets.

Mark (shocked):
You're kidding, right?

Doug:
Nope!

Mark:
Well, how do you guys feel about that?

Doug:
Right now I am too numb to even think about how I feel about it.

Mark:
Triplets? Man! You never do anything half way, do you?
(Doug chuckles)
Exactly how many times did you guys do it in the Poconos?

Doug:
Apparently more than we should have!
(chuckles again)
No, it'll be OK. Carol wants us to have a big family and I love kids. But, I have to admit to being a little nervous about her carrying three at one time since she had so much trouble with Marc.

Mark:
I can understand that.
(pauses, shakes his head, laughs)
You guys will have SIX kids? And FOUR of them will be UNDER two years old?

Doug (nods):
Looks that way right now.

Mark (shakes his head):
Wow. It guess it was too soon to tell sex or anything, huh?

Doug:
No, right now, they're just little blobs in the sac.

Mark:
Are these going to be identical triplets?

Doug:
No, the twins will be identical...they are split from one egg...the other one will be separate. Carol released two eggs...

Mark (laughs):
And you nailed both of them!

Doug (laughs):
Just call me Buffalo Bill Cody!
(pause)
Did you get along OK here today? I see you had to have lunch in your office?

Mark:
I didn't mind...

Doug (looks around):
No, since it looks like you apparently weren't alone!
(laughs)
I'm gonna get back to work.

Mark:
Yeah...OK.

Doug goes back down to his office and sits at his desk. He heaves a heavy sigh and runs his hands over his face. When he takes his hands away, he reaches over and picks up the family portrait on his desk. He looks at it and chuckles lightly. He puts the picture down and starts to leave his office, but, his eye is caught by the message Mark took that he returned earlier.

Doug (mumbles):
Hope I still have time for you, Raoul.

He shakes his head and goes on out of his office as Act Two fades to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens at the Ross home. Show Carol on the phone and we hear her one side of the conversation.

Carol:
Teresa! Hello! It's Carol Ross! I need you to start scanning the market for Doug and I...we're looking for a house. No, I'm not kidding. Well, we just need more room...our family is expanding again in a few months. Yes.
(smiles)
Thank you, we're very happy about it, too. What do we need? OK, we need at least four bedrooms and either a finished basement or attic...and I need nice big rooms. Yeah...living room, dining room...the usual others!
(laughs)
OK, something else it needs to have...I'd like as few steps as possible. All on one floor or split level. Yeah. I don't want Doug to have to climb steps much. A garage? Well, sure, if you can get one! And a fenced in yard...we have a dog. School district doesn't really matter because the kids go to a private school. Price? Well, we'll talk about that when you find something. OK. Yeah. That's fine. Just call me when you have something for us to look at. Yeah. OK. Thanks, Teresa.

Carol hangs up the phone and turns around to see Scott standing in the doorway staring at her.

Carol (smiles at him):
Hey, Kiddo! How's it going?

Scott (blankly):
Are we moving?

Carol:
Well, maybe. Not anytime soon, though.

Scott:
Why?

Carol (reaches her hand to him):
Come in here, Scotty, and let's talk.

Scott comes into the room and he and Carol sit down together on the sofa.

Scott:
Did I do something wrong?

Carol:
No! Why would you think that?

Scott:
Usually when a parent wants to talk to you, something's wrong.

Carol:
Well, nothing's wrong, OK? I just think you're old enough to hear some of this.
(pause)
Scott, you're nearly a teenager now. You're old enough to know some of the things that go on in this house. And you're also old enough to lend a hand in helping out if it's needed.

Scott:
And it's needed now, huh?

Carol:
You know that your Dad doesn't feel well all the time. He feels pretty good most of the time, but, there are days when he really doesn't feel like himself.

Scott (nods):
Yeah...I know. I can usually tell when he doesn't feel like doing anything.

Carol (nods):
Right. And you also know that your Dad likes to think he has really strong shoulders and that he can do everything all by himself, right?
(Scott nods with a grin)
Well, we both know that he can't do that now, right?
(Scott nods again)
So, we're gonna have to help him out a little. Now, you know that I'm going to have another baby, right? We talked about that...
(Scott nods again)
Well, we found out today that we're going to have THREE babies instead of just one.

Scott (shocked expression):
Triplets? Are you kidding?

Carol (smiles, shakes her head):
No, I'm not kidding. So, I'm probably not going to be able to help your Dad as much as I planned to. So, can I count on you to help both of us out? It won't be hard...just keep your room clean and help out at the table...do your homework without a hassle and little things like that?

Scott:
Those are things that I do anyway!

Carol (smiles):
I know...but can I count on you to just keep doing it?

Scott (nods):
Sure, Mom. I can do that. And I'll help you out with Tatchie, too.

Carol:
Scotty, I know I'm just your Step Mom...and I never ever tried to take the place of your real Mom, but, I want you to know that I think you are one terrific kid...and I couldn't love you or be prouder of you if you were my own flesh and blood. Do you know that?

Scott:
Yeah...I really do...because you never treated me any different that Tatiana and now with Marc. I don't even think of you as a Step Mom. You passed that point a long time ago.

They hug each other and Scott goes on out of the room. Carol gets up and goes back through the house.

Cut to Mark and Doug leaving the center together. Pick them up coming through the lobby walk way to the back door.

Doug:
So, you have some big plans tonight, Bud?

Mark:
Quiet evening at home.

Doug:
And not alone, I bet.

Mark:
Not if I'm lucky!

Doug:
I want to get home and see if Carol called the real estate agency...

Mark:
Are you moving?

Doug:
Don't you think we should be? The house isn't big enough for six kids. We need more room.

Mark (stops him walking):
You're really serious about this? You want to sell the house?

Doug:
Only when we find another one to move to.

Mark:
Well, if you do, will you let me know?

Doug:
Why? Are you interested?

Mark:
I might be...I just might be!
(looks up and sees Nina waiting for him at his car)
We'll talk about this later, OK?

Doug (nods, sees Nina and smiles):
OK, Bud. You have a great evening, OK?

Mark (claps Doug on the back as he steps away):
You too, Bud. See you tomorrow.

Doug stands and watches as Mark goes over to his car and kisses Nina sweetly. Doug smiles and then chuckles as he climbs into his own car and drives away.

Cut to show Doug coming into the Ross home. The second he is in the door, Tatiana is out of no where and into his arms.

Tatiana:
I've been waiting for you, Papa!

Doug (carries her through the house):
You have? Well, now, is that a good thing?

Tatiana (laughing):
Absolutely!

He puts her down and she runs on through the house. Doug goes into the kitchen where Carol is sitting at the table keeping an eye on a timer.

Doug:
How you doing, Babe?

Carol:
I'm doing fine...how are you doing?

Doug:
I think I've recovered from the shock now.
(sits down with her)
Can we talk a little?

Carol:
Sure...dinner's on a timer tonight.

Doug:
Well, first of all, I want to talk to you about this Big Brother thing...do you think I'll have time with everything else that's going on?

Carol:
You mean the kids we already have? Or the kids we're going to have?

Doug:
Both.

Carol:
Well, I didn't get to meet Raoul when he was at the office, but, for you to take special attention with him must make him a pretty special little boy. I think you'll make time for him regardless because I think working with him is very important to you.

Doug:
He was molested, just like I was. We have something in common.

Carol:
Then, that could be a big help to him. I think you could be very good for him in other ways. And I think it would be really good for Raoul.

Doug:
Yeah, but what about you? I mean, you had so much trouble having Marc...if you start having problems early, you're going to need me here, too.

Carol:
Doug, you and I both know that you aren't going to be able to go 24 hours a day like you did the last time...things have changed...

Doug:
Yes, and don't think I'm not worried about that.

Carol:
But, we have other people who can help us! My mother! Your mother!

Doug:
You know I hate to ask for help...

Carol:
Well, then you're going to have to swallow your pride! Because you may have to this time! There's nothing wrong with letting people help you, Doug. It's time you realized that.

Doug (nods sheepishly):
I know you're right...you're just going to have to be patient with me.

Carol (laughs):
I always am.
(she pauses)
I called the real estate agency today and talked to Teresa. She's going to start looking for us and let us know when she has something for us to look at.

Doug (nods):
Good. Great. Did you tell her what we needed?

Carol:
Yeah, at least four bedrooms!
(laughs, then pauses quietly)
Doug, tell me the truth...how do you really feel about this?

Doug:
Truthfully? I don't mind us having three babies at one time. My only concern is how it's going to effect you. I want the babies to be all right, but, I want you to be all right, too.

Carol (scoffs):
Oh, I'll be OK...

Doug:
I hope so. I really do. But, I also think this will be your last pregnancy.

Carol (taken aback):
What? Why?

Doug:
Well, in the first place, don't you think six kids is enough? Have you even thought about how we're going to feed, clothe, shoe, and educate six children?

Carol (shrugs):
We'll manage...somehow. We always do.

Doug:
It won't be easy.

Carol:
Things worth doing never are.

Doug (smiles at her):
I think I better be making a phone call.
(stands up to leave)
What time is dinner?

Carol:
Usual time.

He nods and goes to the hall phone and punches a number into it.

Doug:
Dr. Alton...this is Doug Ross...I was wondering if it would be all right for me to come over and visit Raoul tonight? After seven? That'll be fine. I'll see you then. Thank you.

Carol stands in the door way and just smiles as Doug hangs up the phone and disappears up the steps. Carol turns back to the kitchen and find Tatiana standing in her path.

Tatiana:
Can I help you with dinner, Mama?

Carol (takes her by the hand):
Yes, you can! Thank you!

Carol and Tatiana go into the kitchen and hands her dishes to take to the table. Show Carol smiling at her helper as act Three fades to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens at Mark Greene's apartment. Show Mark and Nina sprawled on his sofa, watching television. On the coffee table in front of them is the TV remote, a VCR remote, and an open pizza box with two pieces of pizza left in it. Nina is lying in front of Mark and he has his arms wrapped around her, holding onto her. Both of them are watching television.

Nina (sighs as sound indicates whatever they are watching it over):
I love that movie...don't you, Mark?

Mark:
I'm more of an action movie guy myself, but, it's good for a change.

Nina (looks up over her shoulder at him):
You slept through it, didn't you?

Mark (sitting up):
Not all of it.

Nina (sits up with him):
What did you see? The opening credits?

Mark (chuckles):
And the first scene. I'm sorry. I guess I had a lot of things on my mind.

Nina (knowingly):
Doug?

Mark:
He's one of them, yeah. I guess I'm just a little worried about him right now.

Nina:
Well, as his psychiatrist, I can tell you that he's doing very well and he's in no immediate danger.

Mark:
I know, but, I'm just thinking about this pregnancy. I know he and Carol love kids, but, it boggles my mind to think about caring for four children under the age of two years old.

Nina:
Well, they both have a mother who can help out...and they have good friends who would always be willing to lend a hand.

Mark (chuckles):
They're going to need all the help they can get.
(thinking)
They're going to need a bigger car...a van most likely. And Doug told me today they were looking into a bigger house.

Nina:
I can't blame them for that. The house they're in now isn't big enough for eight people.

Mark (puts his arm around her shoulders and pulls her close to him):
I was thinking...I might buy that house.

Nina:
What would you need it for?

Mark:
Well, I have more time now to be at home. I'd like to have a little more space than I have here. And, well, I might be getting married soon.

Nina:
Oh, really? Is that a proposal?

Mark:
No, and when I'm ready to propose, you'll know it. But, I think you know how much I love you...and Lisa. The house would be perfect for us. I don't know about you, but I don't think kids do well in apartments.

Nina (chuckles):
Oh, I agree. And the house is great. It's close to everything.

Mark (coaxing):
But?

Nina:
Don't get me wrong, Mark. I love you very much. I love the time we spend together. And Lisa likes you.

Mark (repeats, coaxing):
But?

Nina:
Well, both of us have been on our own for a while. I think we should try each other out before we get married. I think we should live together for a while first.

Mark:
Well, I would have already suggested that except for two things...first...what about Colt? Will it be a problem with you living with someone without being married to them with Lisa?

Nina (shakes her head):
Shouldn't be. Colt has been doing it for years and it's never been a problem for him. He wouldn't make trouble for me, Mark. He's really not that kind.

Mark:
Is he relocating to Chicago?

Nina:
No. The deal fell through.

Mark:
Well, I'm sorry for Lisa's sake.

Nina:
She's OK with it.

Mark:
Well, the other reason I didn't suggest the two of you move in with me is because this apartment isn't big enough for all of us.

Nina:
Well, mine is. Why don't you move in with us?

Mark:
Well, are you sure?

Nina (touches his face with her finger tips):
I have never been more sure of anything in my life.
(kisses him sweetly)

Mark (in a daze):
Let's start packing!

They engage in romantic passion and Mark pulls her back down on the couch with him.

Cut to show Doug coming in the front door of the Ross home. He puts his keys on the hall table and goes through the house to find Carol, curled up on the sofa with a book. He goes in and sits down close to her.

Carol (puts her book down):
How'd it go with Raoul?

Doug:
We didn't leave the house. It was just pretty basic. He doesn't talk much so I did most of the talking.

Carol:
Do you think you got through to him?

Doug (shrugs):
I may have broken some ground...yeah.

Carol:
Are the Altons nice people?

Doug (nods):
They seem to genuinely care about Raoul. They have a little girl three years old of their own.

Carol:
You'll just have to be patient with Raoul. He'll warm up to you. Scott did.

Doug:
Yeah, but, Scott wasn't abused. This kid is really closed up.

Carol:
Well, something about him tugs at your heart. And I think this will be a good challenge for you. I'm very proud of you.

Doug:
For what?

Carol:
For caring enough about this boy to try and make a difference in his life.
(Doug shrugs)
I get the feeling, though, that you wanted Raoul to live here.

Doug:
The thought DID cross my mind. But, Beverly didn't think it was a good idea.

Carol:
Well, she knows best.

Doug:
Yes, she does. But, there's something about this kid, Carol. Something that I just can't put behind me.

Carol:
Well, see how things go in this relationship and we might talk about it later.

Doug (laughs):
Are you insane? We're going to have six kids living here already! Why in the world would you want another one?

Carol:
I don't know...just a feeling a have.

Doug:
What kind of feeling?

Carol:
Well, you already said you thought this would be my last pregnancy...if that's truly the case, we might want another child later. A foster child would be a perfect answer, wouldn't it?

Doug (kisses her forehead):
That's all a long time away from now. Let's just worry about the present before we start buying trouble in the future.

Carol (nods):
Makes sense.

Doug:
So, what happened around here this evening?
(looks around)
And where is everybody? It's too quiet!

Carol:
Marc is in bed and sleeping for a change. Scott is over at Veronica's house...

Doug (rolls his eyes and chuckles):
Where else?

Carol:
And Tatchie is upstairs in bed.

Doug (looks at his watch):
A little early, isn't it?

Carol:
She's being punished.

Doug:
Uh oh. What happened?

Carol:
Oh, she just pulled one of those temper tantrums on me and I wasn't in the mood for it. So, I put her to bed early.

Doug:
I guess I better go up and talk to her, huh?

Carol:
I told her you might.

Doug (gets up, heads for the stairs):
Oh, sure, Carol...make me the bad guy!

Carol laughs as he disappears up the steps. She goes back to her book, still chuckling to herself.

Cut to show Doug opening the door to Tatiana's bedroom and giving her a stern look. Tatiana is in her bed and she gives Doug a timid look as he comes into the room and sits on her bed with her.

Doug:
Your Mama told me you got into trouble tonight. Is that right?
(Tatiana nods slowly)
You want to tell me what happened?

Tatiana:
I didn't want to pick up my toys.

Doug:
And when your Mama told you to, you threw some kind of a fit? Is that right?
(Tatiana nods)
You know that we have rules in this house, don't you?

Tatiana (nods timidly):
Yes, Papa.

Doug:
Listen, Tatchie, your Mama is going to really need some extra help for a while. You know that she's going to have another baby, right?
(Tatiana nods)
Well, she's going to get tired easy and there may even be some things she may not be able to do. So, honey, if she asks you to do something, I would really appreciate it if you would just do it, and not give her any trouble, OK?

Tatiana (nods slowly):
Yes, Papa.

Doug:
So, I can count on you, then?
(Tatiana nods and Doug smiles)

Tatiana (carefully):
Are you gonna bust me?

Doug (confused):
Am I going to what?

Tatiana:
When my friend, Karen, gets scolded, her Papa busts her butt. Are you gonna do that to me?

Doug:
No, Sweetie...I'm not going to spank you.

Tatiana:
Why not? Don't you love me?

Doug:
Of course I love you!

Tatiana:
But, Karen says her Papa hits her because he loves her. I think I'm really confused.

Doug:
Well, Karen's Father is a different kind of father than I am. I don't think it's necessary to spank children to make them behave. I think there are other ways to do that
. (he reaches over and lifts Tatiana onto his lap to have her close to him)
You see, when I was a little boy, my father used to hit me...and I remember how that made me feel...and I don't ever want you, or Scotty, or Marc, to ever feel that way.

Tatiana:
Did it hurt?

Doug (nods):
Yes, it did. Sometimes it hurt a lot.

Tatiana:
Did you cry?

Doug (nods):
Sometimes, I did. Yes.

Tatiana:
Karen cries when her Papa hits her.

Doug:
Tatchie, I don't ever want to make you cry. I love you too much to ever try and hurt you. I know that as you grow up we're not always going to be the good friends we are now, because there's going to be times when you're really going to be mad at me...but, Punkin, please, don't ever think I don't love you. That's just not ever going to be possible.

Tatiana:
I'm sorry your Papa hurt you and made you cry.
(she puts her arms around his neck and hugs him tight, kissing his cheek as she pulls back to smile at him)
Does that make it better?

Doug (hugs her and pats her back, smiling at her):
Yes, Sweetheart. That makes it a lot better.
(lifts her back in bed)
You go to sleep, OK? And think about what I said about helping your Mama.

Tatiana:
I will, Papa. Good night.

Doug (kisses her hair):
Good night, Punkin.

Doug goes out of her room and closes the door behind him, chuckling to himself as he goes down the hall and Act Four fades to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at the Ross home, interior, master bedroom. Show Doug sitting up in bed with his back against the headboard, watching basketball on TV. Show Carol coming out of the bathroom in her sleepwear and climbing into bed with him. As she gets under the cover with him, he clicks the TV off.

Carol:
You didn't have to do that.

Doug:
No, it's OK. I know how you feel about having a TV in the bedroom.

Carol:
Well, since you have to hook up to that machine, I don't mind. If you want to watch your basketball game, it's OK.

Doug (puts his arm around her):
I'd rather snuggle with you.

Carol:
Did you talk to Tatchie?

Doug (nods):
Yes, I did. And I think we came to an understanding.

Carol:
Well, that's good. I probably shouldn't have lost my temper with her, but, I just couldn't help it.

Doug:
It's OK, Carol. As a Pediatrician, I can tell you, kids need that sometimes.

Carol:
I guess you're right.
(pause)
Did Scott come up and see you on his way to bed?

Doug:
Yeah...he stopped by.
(thinking)
He's a good kid, you know? Sam did a real good job with him.

Carol:
Well, you had to have a hand in continuing that to have him still be such a good kid, you know.

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah...I guess.

Carol:
Don't sell yourself short like that. You're a good father.
(kisses him)
And a wonderful husband.

Doug:
Well, I guess to be that, I have to have good kids...and a wonderful wife. You guys all seem to work together to keep me in line.
(Carol laughs)
I was thinking, you know, we're going to have to get rid of the jeep and get a van when these babies get here.

Carol:
Oh, Doug! You love that jeep!

Doug:
Well, I know, but it isn't going to be big enough for six kids! We need something bigger.

Carol:
Well, we'll worry about that later, OK?
(Doug nods)
You know, I was thinking...I know we don't know the sex of the babies yet, but, when we do, and we start thinking of names, can we NOT give them names that are all alike or all start with the same letter or anything hokey like that? I'd really like these kids to have a sense of individualism and we can start that with the names.

Doug:
It's OK with me. I'm not much on names like Mindy and Cindy anyway.

Carol (puts her hand on her stomach):
You think they're all girls?

Doug:
I don't know. Tatchie would like that, I'm sure!
(Chuckles)
It doesn't matter what they are. I just hope they all do OK and YOU do OK.

Carol:
Oh, I'll be fine. I'm healthy...

Doug:
But you may not be fully recovered from having Marc yet. I really am a little worried about you.

Carol:
Well, you worry too much anyway.

Doug (grunts):
And you don't?

Carol (chuckles):
OK...you win that one! I do worry a lot, I admit it. But, mostly, I worry about you worrying about me!

Doug:
Tatchie thought I was going to spank her tonight. I wonder why she would think that? I've never touched her in a violent way.

Carol:
I guess a lot of her friends get spankings and she's just wondering why she doesn't. Did you talk to her about it?

Doug:
Yeah...I explained to her that I just don't do things that way and why...I think she understands.
(pause)
You DO agree with me on the 'no corporal punishment' rule, don't you?

Carol (nods):
Most of the time. But, there ARE times, like tonight for example, when I think a good spanking might have done her some good but I held my temper.

Doug:
Well, I'll leave that up to you. If you ever think it's necessary, that's your call. Just please don't ever ask me to do it.

Carol (smiles at him):
I would never do that to you. I know how you feel about it. And I appreciate the fact that we both have control over the kids...I never thought parenting should be one sided...that one parent should always have to be the disciplinarian. It wasn't that way in my house...

Doug:
It wasn't that way in mine either. My Dad was gone a lot, and when he was gone, my Mom took over. She never let my Step Dad hit me, though. I guess she figured I was hers and she was the only one who had that right.

Carol (nods):
I agree with her. That's why I would never want to try and discipline Scott. I think he would respect it more coming from you.

Doug (shakes his head):
I don't. I think he's really crazy about you and he would respect anything you did or said.

Carol (grins, thinking about her conversation with Scott earlier):
Yeah...you might be right.
(pause)
You know, Doug...I think we do OK.

Doug (nods, reaches to turn out the light):
Yeah, at least for today...tomorrow? Who knows!

He turns out the light and we hear Carol giggle amid kidding sounds as Closing Act fades into Closing Credits of the show.

March 22, 1998