Author's Text

Building and digging...digging into Doug's past...building into his future! I LOVE to do stories that are dark and deep like this one!

And, as you'll guess from reading it...there's more to this than this story covers...which means the best of this story is yet to come.

But this is a good lead in!

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

Robin

"Family Center"
"Security Measures"
Opening Act

Scene opens at the Ross Home, interior, early evening. Doug and Carol are lounging in bed relaxing. Doug is hooked up to an bag on an IV pole and a tube connecting to him. Carol is reading a book.

Carol (puts her book down):
Which is better for you? The machine? Or like that?

Doug (shrugs):
Each has their own pros and cons. I think I actually feel better on the machine, but, the manual is more convenient with the kids.

Carol:
I think it's sweet that you want to help out with them, but, with Amy here, it's really not necessary for you to go on manual...

Doug (leans over and kisses her cheek):
It's OK...I don't mind...I like to take care of my kids!

Carol cuddles close to him and makes short, happy sounds as she snuggles. Their thoughts are interrupted by a tugging on the covers at the foot of the bed.

Carol (looks, but doesn't see anything):
What's that?

Doug (doesn't look, just keeps snuggling with her):
Probably just Scrubs scratching around down there. Don't worry about it.

The tugging continues, followed moments later by Marc climbing up onto the bed. He sits up and claps his hands together, laughing at Doug and Carol watching him.

Carol:
Well, hello, Marcus Ray Ross! What are you doing in here?

Doug:
Better yet, how did he get out of his crib?

Carol (reaches and pulls Marc up to sit between them):
Probably the same way he got on this bed...he climbed! He climbs everything anyway...if he can get a toe in it, he's gone.

Doug (chuckles):
Just like me...I was the same way.

Carol:
He is your son all right...I call him "Little Doug" all the time.

They are interrupted again by one of the babies crying in the nursery next to them.

Doug (turns his head):
That sounds like Lana...

Carol (jumps up off the bed):
I'll go. You keep an eye on him.

Carol goes over to the nursery and Doug stays on the bed with Marc. He looks up and notices the dianeal bag is empty so he closes the clamp on his exchange unit and disconnects himself from the tube on the bag.

Carol (from the nursery):
Doug! Come here! Quick!

Doug jumps up quickly and darts across the room to the nursery. Carol is holding a screaming baby in one arm and has her other hand pressed to her nose.

Carol:
Take her! Quick! My nose is bleeding!

Doug (grabs Lana and puts her on his shoulder):
What happened!

Carol (working at stopping her nosebleed):
She punched me!

Doug (laughs):
What?

Carol:
You know how she always throws her arms when you go to pick her up? I was too close and she punched me right in the nose!

Doug:
Are you OK?

Carol (recovering):
Yeah...I think so.

Doug (pulls Lana to look at him):
We'll have to put some gloves on you, little "Sugar Ray" Ross!

Carol (gives him a blank look):
Doug, do you notice something?

Doug (shakes his head):
No...what?

Carol:
She stopped crying...

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah, she sure did.

Carol (Chuckles, pats Lana):
Don't tell me we've got a Daddy's Girl, here...

Doug (snickers, hands her back to Carol):
You mean 'Little Carol' here?

Carol (puts the baby back in her bed):
Don't call her that!

Doug (chuckles as they leave the nursery):
Why not? She's just like you! She even has red hair like you did when you were a baby...

Carol (looks at him quickly):
And just how do you know that!?

Doug (grins):
Helen showed me the picture...you had auburn hair just like Lana has now...and I was a towhead...just like Marc.

Doug and Carol get back to their room and find Marc sitting in the middle of the bed pulling tissues out of the tissue box and tossing them in the air, laughing hysterically as they fall. Carol (pokes Doug in the chest):
THAT is YOUR child!

Doug groans. Carol goes over and grabs Marc, tickling him and making him squeal while Doug starts picking up the mess.

Carol (picks Marc up):
I'm going to put him back to bed.

Doug (chuckles):
Good luck!

Carol goes out and Doug gets everything picked up. He begins to dismantle the IV unit when he is startled by a flash in his mind. He looks up to see a bright light glowing around the room and a shadow on the wall of two men fighting and shouting at each other...he hears a loud BANG and blood splatters onto the wall...he sees a little boy in a closet push open the door crying "Daddy!" and hears the wail of a siren in a distance.

Carol (suddenly back in the room):
Doug? Are you OK?

Doug (pops his trance and looks at her):
Huh? Yeah! I'm fine!

Carol (concerned look):
You've been kind of distant lately...you wanna tell me what's going on?

Doug (sad look):
I wish I knew.

Carol:
What's that supposed to mean?

Doug:
I think Nina opened up a can of worms when she hypnotized me that time. Something in my past keeps haunting me. And I don't for the life of me know what it is.

Carol (rubs his shoulders):
Nina will help you find out what it is...and I'll help you past it once we know.

Doug (sighs, puts his head on her shoulder, lets her caress his hair):
I don't know if I can go through this again, Carol. What is it that's in my past that won't let me alone?
(looks her in the eye with a sad look)
What is it I'm supposed to remember?

Carol gives him a sympathetic look and pulls his head to her shoulder, holding him close to her as the Opening Act Fades into the Opening Credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at the Ross home, breakfast at the table. Carol is still putting food on the table when Doug comes through dressed for work.

Scott:
Hey, Dad! Isn't today when Raoul comes to live with us?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, he should be here sometime this evening.

Scott (beams):
Great! I got the room all ready!

Doug:
You've been a real good sport about this, Scott...thanks. I appreciate it.

Scott:
Are you kidding? I can't wait!

Doug (leans down, kisses Tatiana on the head):
What about you, Punkin...you OK with Raoul coming to live with us?

Tatiana (nods through a mouthful of pancakes):
It's OK.

Doug (chuckles as he slides into a chair):
But you could live just as long without him coming, huh?
(Tatiana rolls her eyes)

Carol (puts a plate down in front of Doug):
What's on your agenda today?

Doug:
A couple of well baby check-ups that I know of...not sure what else.

Carol (looks at the clock):
You kids hurry up! The School Van will be in here two minutes!

Doug (as Scott and Tatiana scamper off):
I thought they didn't ride the bus?

Carol (shakes her head):
It's not a bus...it's a van...has seat belts and only carries six kids at a time!

Doug (nods):
OK...that's OK then.

Carol (sits down at the table with him):
I'll have everything ready for Raoul when he gets here...will you be home early?

Doug:
I'll be home before he comes, yes.

Carol:
I've made a decision about working...
(Doug gives her his attention)
I'm not working for at least a year...and then I'll just have to see how I feel about it.

Doug (chuckles):
You don't miss working?

Carol:
I do and I don't, you know? I love being here with the little ones and when Scott and Tatchie come home from school...and now I can be here for Raoul, too. I like being a Mom...and I like being a wife...

Doug (smiles):
Then, that's what you should be...as long as that's what you want to be. I'll talk to Jeannie this morning and see if she'll stay...

Carol:
You aren't mad, are you?

Doug;
Mad? Why should I be mad to know my kids have their Mom and I have dinner waiting when I get home? If that's what you want to do, Hon, you should do it.

Carol (smiles):
I thought I'd call some contractors and get some bids on the house...if that's OK with you? Doug (getting up from the table, leans down and kisses her cheek):
That is VERY OK with me!

Carol (as he starts away):
Have a good day!

Doug just chuckles as he goes through the house. He gets in the jeep just in time to wave to Scott and Tatiana climbing into the school van. Carol stands in the doorway watching until everybody is gone. She turns around to see Marc toddling towards her, grinning happily.

Marc:
Mum Mum Mum Mum Mum Mum Mum!

Carol (scoops him up in her arms):
Hey, 'Little Doug'...you want your breakfast now?
(Marc claps his hands and laughs at her)
Yeah, that's what I thought you'd say! Let's go, Buddy!

Cut to the center and show Mark in an exam room with David Morganstern on the table. David is puffing a little bit and Mark is listening to his chest through his stethoscope.

Mark (as he listens, moving the scope around):
How long have you been short of breath?

David:
It started yesterday afternoon.

Mark:
Well, why didn't you go to the ER then?

David:
Because everytime I go in over there Kerry Weaver hangs on me like a fly on raw meat. I'd much rather wait and come here to you...or Doug. Where is Doug, by the way?

Mark (chuckles):
Late. But I think his first patient isn't due until 10 so he can be late if he wants to.

David (grins):
Yeah, I guess if you have five million dollars in the bank you don't worry too much about being on time, huh?

Mark:
He knows his patient schedule and he never keeps them waiting. He does fine.
(puts the scope around his neck)
Well, I can run an EKG here, but I'd rather send you to County.

David:
Don't like the sounds of what you hear in there, huh?
(Mark shakes his head, David sighs)
Well, all right...
(buttons his shirt)
...call on over there and tell them I'm coming.

Mark (chuckles):
I'll tell Jerry to be sure Kerry's busy when you get there!

David (brightens):
Now, THERE'S a thought!
(stand up and starts for the door)

David (continued):
So, how is married life for you, Mark?

Mark (smiles, looks up from his chart):
It's great. Things couldn't be better.

David (nods, smiles):
Good...that's great. They say it's always better the second time around.

Mark (nods, goes back to his notes):
I hope so.

David (starting out the door):
Well, thanks, Mark. I'll be in touch.

Mark (nods again):
Take it easy, David.

David starts down the hall just about the time Doug comes into the office. He stops and claps a hand on Doug's shoulder.

David:
Well, there's Dr. Ross, now! How are you, Doug!?

Doug (delighted to see David):
Hey! David! Good to see you! Something wrong?

David (taps his chest):
Just the ticker acting up a bit...I'm going over to County for an EKG...

Doug:
Well, take it easy, OK?

David:
No other way I can take it! Too many people looking out for me!

David pats Doug's shoulder and goes on out of the office. Doug goes down the hall looking into the exam rooms until he finds Mark. He smiles to see that Mark is wearing a scrub top and no t-shirt under it. He goes over to Mark and slaps his hand onto the bare arm just under the scrub sleeve.

Doug:
Hey, Mark! How are you doing?

Mark (gives him a funny look):
I'm fine, Doug...how are you?

Doug:
Oh, fine! Couldn't be better!

Mark:
You're adding to your family today, aren't you?

Doug (nods):
Yes, Raoul will be coming to live with us tonight.
(Doug grins at him)

Mark (puts the file down):
OK...what are you up to?

Doug:
Nothing!

Mark:
I know that look! You've either done something or you're fixing to do something. What's up?

Doug (picks carefully at the NicoDerm patch he slapped on Mark's arm):
Just trying to help a friend...

Mark (pulls his arm to look at the patch):
Where did THAT come from?

Doug:
I put it on there when I came in...
(Mark makes a face but Doug cuts him off)
You need to quit smoking, Mark! And you can't do it on your own! I care about you, Buddy! I want you around for a long time...for me...and for Nina. You have a family now, Mark...you have a wife and two beautiful daughters to think about. I don't want you to end up like your Dad...and Nina have to take care of you the way your Mom takes care of him...and she's not able to do that now...

Mark (nods):
I hear you...yeah...you're right...I know you are. OK. Give me the rest of the patches in the box. I'll try it.

Doug (takes the box out of his jacket pocket and hands it to him):
That's all I can ask...how are things with your Mom and Dad right now, anyway?

Mark (shakes his head):
Not much change. I'd give anything for them to come and live here, but, Dad needs a hot climate.

Doug (nods):
Yeah...I understand that.

Mark:
But, I keep in touch more, now...so that's good. And they'll come and visit this summer.

Doug:
Well, that'll be good.

Mark:
Yeah, I'm anxious for them to meet Nina...and Emma.
(pause)
You OK?

Doug (gives him a strange look):
Yeah, why?

Mark:
You seem like you're a million miles away.

Doug:
Well, that's your wife's fault. She made me remember something I think I would have been better off leaving forgotten.

Mark (shakes his head):
No, that's never the case...whatever is bothering you, you need to face it and deal with it...THEN you can forget it.

Doug (grins):
Take a course in psychology, did you, Mark?

Mark (chuckles):
Just since I've known you...

Doug (as they start out of the room to the hallway):
I have a session with Nina today...this afternoon...that OK with you?

Mark (nods):
Isn't it always?

Cut to show Jeannie Boulet coming out of the back file room. She is startled by Doug and Mark in the hallway and laughs at her gasp.

Doug:
Just the person I wanted to see! Can I talk to you?
(motions to Mark)
Both of you?

Jeannie (nods):
Sure!

Mark (directs them):
Step into my office please!
(they go into Mark's office and close the door)

Doug:
Carol told me this morning she isn't going to work again for at least a year. She'll decide then if she's coming back.

Mark (nods):
I figured as much.

Doug:
She'll still do the books for us, and if we need her in a crunch she'll come down here for a few hours, but, otherwise, she wants to be a Mom and a wife for a while.

Jeannie:
I don't blame her! How many woman actually GET that opportunity! I'd snatch it up, too, if I were her!

Doug (smiles at Jeannie):
That means, of course, we still need a PA here. And with Mark's approval, I'd like you to stay on...

Mark:
With Mark's approval? She's GOT Mark's approval!

Jeannie:
I'd love to stay...I really enjoy the work here...more importantly, I enjoy the hours. Do I need to sign anything?

Mark:
Not here, but, you better check with Kerry Weaver and see if you need to sign anything over at County.

Jeannie (nods):
I'll call her today...she won't be surprised...I think she was half expecting it!
(exits the room)

Mark (turns to Doug):
So, Carol likes staying home, huh?

Doug (laughs):
Yeah! I was really surprised! But she seems to really enjoy it, so, whatever she wants.

Vikki's Voice (on intercom):
Dr. Greene?

Mark (pushes button):
Yes, Vikki?

Vikki:
Has Dr. Ross come in yet?

Doug (chuckles):
Yes, Vikki, I'm here...send Mrs. Wellman and Tiffany on back, please.
(slides off Mark's desk)
Guess I better get to work!

Mark:
Yeah...I would say that sounds like a good idea.

Doug goes out into the hallway and meets a young woman carrying an infant in her arms. He directs her into an exam room as Mark picks up a chart and heads back out front himself and Act One Fades to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens at the center, in an exam room. Doug is working on a screaming, bawling two year old and her mother is standing behind the table with a mortified look on her face.

Doug (laughing):
Billy, come on, Buddy! I haven't even touched you yet!

Mother:
Are your children like this, Dr. Ross?

Doug (chuckles):
No, they're too used to me and their Mom poking around them all the time so they don't pay any attention to it!
(takes a scope and looks in the child's ear...little boy wails)
He's fine.

Mother (sighs with relief):
The infection didn't come back?

Doug (shakes his head):
No...he's clear.
(reaches across and takes out a Saf-T-Pop and holds it up)
Look here, Billy! Look what I've got!
(the baby reaches, still crying, but not as loudly, and Doug lifts him off the table to hand him back to him Mom)
There you go, Big Guy!

Mother (walking out with the baby):
Thanks, Dr. Ross. We'll see you in about 6 months.

Doug (making notes on chart):
Uh huh...that'll be fine!

Doug goes out and starts looking for Mark. He stops in the doorway of an exam room where Mark is struggling to get out of a face hold by an elderly woman.

Woman:
You are just the cutest thing...

Mark (takes her hands loose):
Mrs. Crutcher, please...you're fine...there's no reason for you to stay...

Woman:
Oh, I bet you could find something if you looked hard enough!
(Doug chuckles in the doorway, Mark looks up quickly)

Mark (brightens):
Why don't we let Dr. Ross take a look at you?

Doug (back away):
Dr. Ross is just leaving for his appointment...he just stopped by to tell you first.

Mark:
Thanks....thanks A LOT!

Doug (chuckles as he starts away):
Don't mention it!

Doug goes on down the hall and to Nina's office. He goes into the waiting area and sits in a chair, flipping through a magazine on the table. Nina opens her office door and smiles at him.

Nina:
Hi, Doug...come on in.

Doug puts the magazine back on the table and follows her into her office. He slides into his chair and wraps his knees around the arm and slumps back against the high back of the chair. Nina sits at her desk, turns on a recorder, and sets a timer. She folds her hands and waits for him to start. He gives her a nervous look.

Nina:
Something's really bothering you, isn't it?

Doug:
Some things I don't understand...

Nina (nods):
OK.

Doug:
This nightmare that's bugging me...I know it was the house in Kentucky because I see the wallpaper pattern on the wall, and I know that was in Kentucky. But, the memory you brought from the hypnosis about my Uncle Don...that happened when we lived in Ohio. I don't understand the connection.

Nina:
Did your Uncle Don ever live with you when you lived in Kentucky?

Doug:
I didn't think so...

Nina:
But, you're not sure?

Doug (shakes his head):
No...not completely.

Nina:
OK, are you still having that dream?

Doug:
Yeah, and it's getting more detailed now.

Nina:
Can you tell me about it?

Doug:
I'm in the closet...the little boy is in the closet...but I know that little boy is me...and I hear all this yelling...

Nina:
Do you know why you're in the closet?

Doug (shrugs):
I guess I'm afraid.

Nina:
Afraid of what?

Doug (shifts in the chair):
Everytime a fight broke out, I got in the closet. It was the one place in the house I felt safe in. Whether I was in the line of fire or not, I hid out there until it was over.

Nina (nods, makes notes on her file):
OK...continue...

Doug:
I see the shadow on the wall...
(show in his mind a shadow on the wall)
...and I hear arguing...

Nina:
Can you tell who's arguing?

Doug:
No...but it's not my Mom and Dad...it's two men.

Nina:
Two men are arguing?

Doug (nods):
Yes.

Nina:
OK...continue, please...

Doug:
I see by the shadow that they are wrestling over something...
(show in his mind the two shadows wrestling on the wall)

Nina:
Can you tell what they are fighting over?

Doug (shakes his head):
No...I can't make it out. Then I hear this loud BANG!
(show in his mind a child's startled eyes reacting to the loud sound)
...and I see blood splatter on the wall...
(show in his mind blood flying through the air to splash on the wall)
...and I pushed open the door...
(show in his mind a child pushing open the closet door, his eyes wide with fear)
...and I started crying...
(show in his mind the child looking out of the closet and crying 'Daddy! Daddy!' over and over)
...I was crying for my Dad.

Nina:
Was your Dad one of the men in the argument?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know.

Nina:
So, you know that two men are arguing...and they are wrestling each other for something...but that's all you know?

Doug (nods):
Yeah. And it's really starting to bug me, Nina. What the hell is it that I'm supposed to remember?

Nina:
Will you let me hypnotize you again?

Doug (sighs):
You opened up this can of worms with that the last time...I'm not so sure I want to know what else it is you want me to remember!

Nina (nods):
That's your choice.

Doug (frowns):
But, if I don't, this will just keep eating at me, won't it?
(Nina nods)
Can you guarantee me if I let you do this that this will be the end of it?

Nina:
No, I can't promise you anything like that. You know better than that.

Doug (sighs):
I'll let you do this if you call Carol to come down here. I don't want her to keep wondering what's going on with me. You get her here, and then after I leave here, I'll talk to her.

Nina (smiles):
Two and half years of marriage and six kids and you ARE growing up after all, aren't you?
(pause)
Sure...I'll call Carol...

Doug nods as Nina picks up the phone. Doug looks across the room and he sees Ray's image watching him with a sad look on his face.

Nina (looks at her watch):
I'll be right back, OK? And Carol will be right here.

Doug:
Sure...I'll wait here.

As soon as Nina is out of the room, Ray moves closer to Doug until he is sitting in the chair right beside him.

Doug:
What is it, Ray? What happened in that house that I can't remember?

Ray:
Don't do this, Dougie...don't do this to yourself. Nothing happened in that house that you need to be concerned with...

Doug (raises his voice):
SOMEthing happened! I have to know what, Dad! This is wrecking my life! I want to put it all behind me and just get on with my life!

Ray (quiet voice):
Dougie, trust me, if it was anything you needed to know, you would have known about it by now! Don't do this, Dougie!

Nina comes back into the room and Ray fades back.

Ray (hissing):
Don't do this!

Nina (going back behind her desk):
Are you OK?

Doug (rattled):
No...I'm not OK...this whole thing makes me nervous.

Nina (smiles):
It'll be OK.

Cut back to the Ross home. Carol is getting into her jacket and starting for the door.

Carol (calling):
Amy?

Amy (comes to the clearing):
Yes, Mrs. Ross?

Carol:
I have to go out for a little while, but, I'll be back before the kids get home from school...hold down the fort?

Amy (nods):
Sure will!

Carol (smiles):
Thanks!

Carol heads for the garage to get the Van. Just as she gets to the door, she sees a shadowy figure off beside her. She looks twice, no sure of what she is seeing.

Carol (carefully):
Is someone there?

Ray steps into the light and it passes through him. He looks fearfully at Carol, who stands terrified, her hand still on the door of the van and unable to move, not believing what she sees in front of her.

Ray's Voice:
Don't let him do it, Carol...if you love him...don't let him do this!

And just that quickly, the image is gone. Carol puts her hand to her chest, trying to recover from what she's not even sure she saw. She gets into the Van quickly and puts both hands on the steering wheel trying to recover. Then, she starts the van and backs it out of the garage quickly as Act Two Fades to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens with Carol rushing across the parking lot to go in the staff door of the center. She runs through the walkway and hurries into the elevator. Cut to show her dashing out of it on the second level and walking swiftly down to Nina's office. Nina is waiting for her in the main office...Doug is still in the therapy room.

Nina (smiles):
Thank you for coming, Carol...

Carol:
Before we go in there, can we talk? Privately?

Nina (snickers):
Sure, Carol...just calm down...you look like you've seen a ghost...

Carol (emphatically):
I have.

Nina (confused):
What are you talking about?

Carol:
When I went out to get in the van to come over here, I saw Doug's Dad in the garage.

Nina:
You're sure about this?

Carol (nods):
Positive. He even spoke to me...he told me if I loved Doug not to let him do this...

Nina:
You're not making this up, are you?

Carol (shakes her head):
Nina, I swear to you, the man was right in front of me as plain as day.

Nina:
Well, whether or not Doug undergoes hypnosis is not his decision…it's Doug's decision...

Carol:
Nina, you know I trust you completely...but I just have a BAD feeling about all this right now.

Nina:
Carol, please, be reasonable! We've done this before and you know it's not dangerous..

Carol:
I wouldn't exactly say that. He hasn't been the same every since you did this the last time and made him remember that he was molested. He's been distant and listless...he has flashbacks of pieces all the time...his dreams never let him rest...

Nina:
That's all part of it...once he makes the full circle...

Carol:
Well, how long does that TAKE, Nina? I want my husband back. And the kids want their father back. I want Doug to be happy again...I hate seeing him haunted like this.

Nina (nods):
OK, I understand what you're saying, but, I'll tell you before we go in there that the decision is still up to Doug.

Carol (nods):
Just let me talk to him first, OK?

Nina:
OK...
(motions to the door)
...go on in there. I'll be there in a few minutes.

Carol (nods):
Thanks, Nina...

Carol opens the door and goes into the room. Doug is sitting in the chair and toying with a paper weight in his hands that he took from Nina's desk. As soon as he hears the door open, he puts it back quickly and turns his head. He smiles when he sees Carol and reaches a hand out to her. She goes over to him and sits in the chair beside him, clutching his hand.

Carol (quietly):
How you doing, Babe?

Doug (nods):

I'm OK...I'm glad you came.

Carol (purses her lips): Doug, I don't think you should do this.

Doug (surprised):
You don't? I thought you'd be all for it since you're always asking me if I'm OK...

Carol:
I do think you need to find out what it is that's bothering you, but, not this way.
(pause)
Doug, I saw your Dad at the house...

Doug (astounded):
What?!

Carol:
He came to me in the garage and told me if I loved you not to let you do this...
(shifts her eyes downward)
...you think I'm crazy, don't you?

Doug (smiles, shakes his head):
No...I believe you. He told me the same thing...not to do this...

Carol (frightened look):
I think we should listen to him.

Doug (flustered):
Carol, I have to know what happened back then! I have to know what it is all of this is trying to tell me! It's driving me crazy! It's getting to the point that it's all I can think about, and I HATE that!

Carol (nods):
I agree that you need to find out what happened, but, not while you're in a trance. I think Nina is right...I think you need to go back to Kentucky and go into that house and see if it all comes back to you.
(Doug sighs and nods)
I could even go with you, so you wouldn't have to go alone.

Doug (looks up at her quickly):
You'd do that, wouldn't you? You really would go with me?

Carol (nods):
Of course I would. Amy can be there with the kids and you and I could just go...

Doug (shrugs):
I kind of thought this was something I needed to do on my own...

Carol (shakes her head):
I don't think so...you're not alone anymore...and whatever problems you have are my problems too. I want to help...

Doug (smiles):
We'll talk about it, OK?

Carol (nods, smiles):
OK.

Nina (coming back into the room):
Everything OK in here?

Doug (looks up at her):
Yeah...we're not going to do this today...we're going to take a little trip back to Kentucky...

Nina (comes in and sits on the edge of her desk):
When you get ready to go down there, I'd like to come along with you, if you don't mind.

Doug (scoffs):
Why? In case I freak out down there or something?

Nina (grins):
I think you're stronger than that, Doug. I just would like to be there so I can get a first hand run of what's going on.

Doug:
What if I get down there and nothing happens? That I don't remember anything?

Nina:
If that's the case, I will give you hypnosis to forget this whole thing so it doesn't haunt you for the rest of your life. But, I think you'll remember.

Doug (grins):
Any possibility that husband of yours might go with us as well?

Nina (smiles):
Oh, I think he probably will...anything to help his best friend.
(looks at her watch)
OK, well, if we're done here, I think I'll go have lunch with that husband of mine. We have to talk about a court date...

Doug (nods):
Oh yeah...the big custody battle will be getting underway soon...
(pause)
OK, Nina...thanks.

Nina (going across the room):
You guys just pull the door shut when you leave, OK?

Carol (nods):
Thanks, Nina...
(she turns to Doug once Nina is gone)
You OK?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I'm fine.
(lowers his head, then looks up at Carol with sad eyes)
What happened in that house, Carol?
(she reaches over and pulls him into her arms to comfort him)
What is it I'm supposed to know that happened in that house?

Carol (stokes his head with her hands):
I don't know, Love...but I think it's time we found out.

Doug (stands up, pulls her to her feet):
Come on...I'll take you to lunch, too!

Carol wraps her arm around his waist as they leave Nina's office together, Carol pulling the door shut behind them.

Cut to Mark and Nina having lunch at a booth in a restaurant. Mark is digging into his salad hungrily but Nina is quietly stirring her coffee.

Mark (puts his fork down):
OK...what's wrong?

Nina (looks up at him):
Wrong? Nothing's wrong!
(smiles)

Mark (shakes his head):
Uh uh...I know you! I can tell when something's weighing heavily on your mind...is it Doug?

Nina (puts her spoon on the table):
Now, why do you just always assume it's Doug when you think something's wrong?

Mark (shrugs):
I don't always...it's just that he was the last patient you were with...and I know something's really bothering him right now...

Nina:
How can you tell?

Mark:
He's cross with me...he's short with the patients...he's just not the 'old Doug' I'm used to...

Nina (sips her coffee):
Well, he's been through an awful lot lately...

Mark (nods):
That he has...he just got off the cane but he still limps if he's on his feet for very long...I think he came back too soon, but, I let him make that decision...that's not what's bothering him, though... Nina (gives him a knowing look):
If Doug were to take a little road trip and I was to go with him, would you be interested in coming along?

Mark:
What's going on?

Nina:
I'm going to tell you this, but, you have to promise me you won't let Doug know I told you...
(Mark nods)
...something happened in Doug's childhood home in Kentucky that he can't remember and it's haunting him now.

Mark:
Is there any logical explanation for that?

Nina (nods):
While he was in the hospital in a coma he has an out-of body experience that involved his Dad. I think that triggered more memories of his childhood and is causing all this now.

Mark:
And you think whatever it is that he's trying to remember involves his Dad?

Nina:
In some way...I just don't know how.

Mark:
And you think going back to the house in Kentucky will trigger everything and it will all come back to him?

Nina:
That's what I'm HOPING will happen. There's no way to know. It just does work sometimes so I think it's worth a try.

Mark:
Well, sure, I'll go...maybe you can even find some way for me to help...

Nina (smiles):
Just being there for moral support will help.

They are interrupted by Mark's ex-wife Jennifer charging up to their table, holding a letter in her hands and sporting and angry look.

Jennifer:
Just what is the meaning of this, Mark?
(shakes letter at him)

Mark (looks up):
I assume you've been served with custody papers?

Jennifer:
Are you out of your mind? Judges ALWAYS give children to their mothers...

Mark:
Not when their mothers don't take care of them...

Jennifer:
Oh, now, you're suddenly a child expert? Where were you for the biggest part of her life...?

Mark (raises his voice just a bit):
Working to secure my future...

Nina (quietly):
Mark, don't do this...don't get yourself goaded into this right now...

Jennifer (snaps at her):
Oh, butt out, Nina!

Nina (stands up for herself):
Hey, listen, I'm a working mother, too, and Emma NEVER goes home to an empty house no matter what I have to do!

Jennifer:
I am teaching my daughter independence...

Nina:
You are teaching your daughter fear...

Jennifer (laughs, cuts her off):
You know what? None of this matters anyway! Every Judge on the bench knows me, Mark...you don't stand a prayer of getting Rachel...I know every Judge and every lawyer...there's no way you can win...

Mark (not rattled):
Well, if they all know you, Jen, they know your work schedule...and they'll know I'm right that Rachel is not properly supervised...

Jennifer (angrily):
You won't get away with this, Mark.
(starts away and turns back)
You are NOT taking my daughter....

Mark (calls after her):
Well, in case you forgot about it, she's my daughter, too!

Nina (sighs once Jen is gone):
OH, yeah...I can tell this is gonna be a doozy!

Mark (sighs):
I hate to put Rachel through all this, you know?

Nina:
Rachel is a smart kid...and she's strong. She knows what she's getting into and I think she can handle it.

Mark:
I hope so...

Nina (smiles, pats his hand):
Relax...it'll all work out...

Mark goes back to his salad and Nina starts eating her lunch, too as Act Three Fades to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens with Doug and Carol walking along in the park eating hot dogs they bought from a street vendor and sharing a orange soda with two straws.

Carol (looks at Doug out of the corner of her eye):
Wanna talk about it?

Doug (chuckles):
I was just thinking Raoul is coming into the pits of hell coming to live with us right now...

Carol (snickers):
Oh, it's not that bad. I hope Amy can handle him alone while we're gone a few days, though.

Doug (nods):
I'll talk to him before we leave. It'll be OK.
(pause, looks down)
Are you sure we should do this?

Carol:
Yes...absolutely. I think you should do this when you're awake and can fight your demons, rather than be in a trance state where you're helpless.

Doug (ticks his head):
I hope we're doing the right thing. Part of me doesn't even WANT to know what happened in that house.

Carol:
What about your Mom? Doesn't she know?

Doug (shakes his head):
I asked her about it already...if she does know, she doesn't want to tell me.
(sighs)
I'm sure it has something to do with my Dad...
(turns to look at her)
Did it scare you when you saw him?

Carol (nods):
A little, yeah.

Doug:
While I was in the hospital, in a coma, that's when I saw him for the first time and it scared the hell out of me. I thought I was dead, too.

Carol:
You had an out-of-body experience in the hospital? You never told me that...
(Doug shrugs)

Doug:
I had to choose whether to stay or leave...I chose to come back.

Carol (smiles):
I'm glad.

Doug (reaches over, wraps his arms around her waist):
Me, too!
(he leans down and kisses her sweetly)
Are we ready to go let Beverly read us the last chance papers?

Carol (snickers):
Last chance to back out, huh? We aren't going to back out.
(nods)
Yeah! Let's go...I'm anxious to get him home, too.

Doug (chuckles as they start away):
You know, we need to come up with one more kid...

Carol (shocked):
What in heaven's name for??

Doug:
Well, we'll have 7 kids, you, me, and Amy...that's ten! One more and we'd have a whole football team!

Carol just groans as they start away together.

Cut to show Nina going into her office back at the center. She flips on the light and turns around, only to be startled by the image of Ray Ross sitting on her desk. She gasps and puts her hand to her chest in shock.

Nina (carefully, inching toward him):
Who are you and how did you get in here?

Ray:
Oh, don't worry, Nina...I'm not really here.

Nina (suspicious look):
Who are you?

Ray:
I'm Doug's father...

Nina (shortly):
Then...you're...

Ray (nods):
Dead...yes.

Nina:
What do you want from me?

Ray:
Don't let that boy go to Kentucky, Nina.

Nina:
Why not?

Ray:
He doesn't need to know what happened in that house. It's not even relevant now.

Nina:
But, it's bothering him...he needs to put it behind him...

Ray (angry):
It Will DESTROY him!

Nina:
Your son is stronger than that, Mr. Ross...he will deal with it...put it behind him...and move on.

Ray:
And if he doesn't?

Nina:
He has plenty of people to help him through it. He'll be fine. I wouldn't be doing this if I didn't have total confidence in it...

Ray:
Don't say I didn't warn you...

And just that quickly, he is gone. Nina stands dumbfounded and then shakes her head.

Nina (mumbles aloud to herself):
I just had a conversation with a dead man...right...

Cut to show Doug and Carol sitting in Beverly Watters' office. Beverly is sitting at her desk going over a file she has in front of her.

Beverly:
I think you two know most of the ropes here...it's pointless to go over all these things with you again.

Carol:
Is there anything we haven't covered? Anything about Raoul's special needs?

Beverly:
Well, he's hyperactive, as I've already told you. He has a lot of trouble with reading in school and his penmanship is terrible. Dr. Alton tried to work with him on it, but, they didn't have much luck.

Carol:
We can try and help him with that.

Beverly:
The only other problem he has is his temper. When he gets upset, he just can't hold onto it and that's when he gets violent.

Doug (carefully):
Violent?

Beverly (nods):
Throws things...kicks...punches...that kind of stuff.

Doug (nods):
The kind of stuff he got the belt for at home, huh?

Beverly:
Pretty much.

Carol:
Well, he won't have to worry about that at our house. We'll try time outs...

Beverly:
All I can tell the two of you is good luck. And if you have any problems, just call me and we'll work it out.

Doug:
OK, one thing before we go, we have to be out of town for a couple of days...is that going to be a problem? Amy will be at the house with the kids.

Beverly:
If it's not a problem with Amy, it's not a problem with me.

Doug (nods):
OK, I'll explain everything to Raoul before we go.

Beverly (pushes paper across the desk):
OK...both of you sign on the bottom line and you have yourselves a new son for at least one year...

Carol:
If we want to extend it past a year, what do we do?

Beverly:
At the end of the year, we review the case. If everything is well and everybody is happy, we just leave everything as it is...no problem.

Doug nods and he and Carol sign the paper and hand it back to Beverly.

Beverly (looks over everything):
OK...I'll bring him tonight about 6PM. That OK with you two?

Carol (smiles, nods):
We'll be ready.

Doug (as they stand up to leave):
He's at the center, right?
(Beverly nods)
Would it be OK if I went over and talked to him? Before he came? There's something I want to go over with him...
(Carol gives Doug a confused look but Beverly nods)

Beverly:
Sure...I'll call them and tell them to let you in.

Doug (nods):
Thanks.

He and Carol leave the office and once in the hallway, Carol turns to him.

Carol:
What was that all about?

Doug:
Just some things I want him to understand...things will be different for him now...

Carol (nods):
OK...
(kisses his cheek)
I'll see you at home, then?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...

They go their separate ways...Carol gets into the Van and Doug gets into the jeep...

Cut to show Doug sitting in a waiting room at the Children's Center when a buzzer sounds and the door opens. Raoul is led out by a social worker and he is delighted to see Doug, rushing to his arms quickly. Doug puts his arm around him and holds him close for a minute.

Doug:
Hey, Buddy! How you doing in there? OK?

Raoul:
You're still taking me, aren't you?

Doug (nods):
Absolutely! But, you know, you have to wait for Miss Beverly to come and get you and bring you to us, right?
(Raoul nods)
You and I need to talk before you come. You know I've been your Big Brother for a year, right? And we've gone places and done things together and most of the time it's just been you and me, right?
(Raoul nods)
Well, it's going to be different now. I have six other children at home that also have to have my attention. You're going to have to learn to share my time...and Carol's...think you can do that?
(Raoul nods)
And I won't be your Big Brother so much anymore...I'll be more like your Dad...

Raoul:
Can I call you Papa? So I won't be different from the other kids?

Doug (smiles):
You can call me and Carol Mama and Papa, or Mrs. and Dr. Ross, or something like that...whatever you want...
(Raoul nods)
...but you have to understand that there are rules in our house and you have the same rules as the other kids. And if you break those rules...

Raoul (softly):
I get punished.

Doug:
Yes, you get punished, but, not like what you're used to. We don't hit children with a belt in our house...we have other things that work just as well.
(Raoul smiles)
The other thing is my daughter, Tatiana. She has a blood disease called HIV...do you know what that means?

Raoul (nods):
Means she's gonna get AIDS...

Doug (nods sadly):
Yes, that's what it means, all right. And it also means you have to be VERY careful around her if there's ever any blood shed. Scott and I will go over all that with you when you get home.

Raoul:
I like the sounds of 'home'!

Doug:
And the last thing is that you'll be sharing a room with Scott...at least for a while...so, I expect you to SHARE the room, OK? Scott is making a big sacrifice and I want you to let him know you appreciate it, OK?

Raoul (nods):
I like Scotty...he's cool.

Doug (pats him on the back):
OK, Buddy...I guess that about covers everything. I'll see you at home later, OK?

Raoul:
OK!

Doug roughs the boy's hair and starts on out of the room, turning back to wink at him before he goes through the door as Raoul stands watching until he is out of sight.

Raoul (as he is taken back by a social worker):
He's gonna be my new Dad!

The social worker smiles and takes Raoul on through the door. As the door closes, fade Act Four to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at the Center where Doug and Mark are wrapping up things for the day. They are working on files together at the front desk.

Mark (doesn't look up):
Anxious to get home tonight?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...I really am.

Mark:
I got a call from my lawyer today. The hearing is set for a week from Monday.

Doug (looks up):
Good luck.

Mark:
We're asking for temporary custody until the trial is over. My lawyer doesn't think we'll get it. Then, it's going to get really wild and I'm sure she'll want to talk to you...

Doug (chuckles):
Character witness, huh?

Mark (scoffs):
I have to trust the custody of my daughter to Doug Ross as a character witness...

Doug:
Hey, I can vouch that you're a character!
(chuckles)
Don't worry about it, Mark...I'll be on my best behavior...I promise.
(pause)
Something I wanted to talk to you about...

Mark (looks up at him):
Yeah?

Doug:
Carol and I are going to take a short trip to Kentucky in a bit...Nina will be going with us. I'm having flashbacks of something that happened when I was a kid in the house we lived in there and we're going back to see if I can figure out what it is...
(pause)
I'd appreciate it if you'd come with us.

Mark (chuckles):
You think I'm letting my wife go off to Kentucky with a patient without me? No way, Pal...not even if you ARE my best friend!
(pause)
Sure...I'll be glad to go along.

Doug (nods):
Thanks...I'm really nervous about it.

Mark:
It'll be OK...Nina won't let anything bad happen...
(pause)
By the way, I got you something...
(hands Doug a small packet)
Sort of a return for the patch you gave me...

Doug (curious look):
Oh yeah?
(opens packet and takes out an ID bracelet)

Mark:
That's a Medic Alert Bracelet. I thought it might be a good idea if you had one!

Doug (grins):
Hey! Thanks, Mark! I never thought of that...

Mark:
Just in case you'd ever be unconscious without one of us around...

Doug (slips it on his arm):
It's great, Buddy...
(claps Mark on the shoulder)
Thanks.
(signs the last file)
That's it! I'm done! I'm out of here!

Mark:
I'll see you tomorrow, Buddy...hope it all goes well tonight!

Doug waves to him as he gathers his jacket and keys and heads out of the center quickly.

Cut to show time lapse. Scene is back at the Ross home. Tatiana is looking out the window anxiously.

Tatiana (suddenly):
There she is! She's coming! She's coming!

Carol (motions for her):
OK, come on over here and get away from the window!
(turns to them before she opens the door)

Carol (continued):
Everybody just act natural...

Doug (chuckles):
Look who's talking...

Carol (to the kids):
And don't bombard the poor kid the second he's in the door, either!

Carol rips open the door to find Beverly standing with her hands on Raoul's shoulders and Raoul is carrying a suitcase in his hands.

Carol (smiles):
Hi! Come on in...

The two of them step into the hallway and there is an awkward silence...

Scott (quietly):
Is that everything you've got?
(points to the suitcase)

Raoul (nods shyly):
Yeah.

Scott:
Wanna play a game on the computer?

Raoul (brightens):
Yeah!

The boys race off. Tatiana remains behind, shaking her head and rolling her eyes.

Beverly (laughs):
I'll leave you all to be a family...call me if you need me.

Doug:
Thanks, Beverly...we'll be fine.

Doug closes the door and he and Carol start through the house together.

Cut to show time lapse...Carol comes into the bedroom where Doug is playing on the bed with Lana.

Carol:
I just checked on the boys...they're watching TV together and doing fine.

Doug:
What about Tatchie?

Carol (nods):
She's fast asleep...
(smiles at Doug playing pat-a-cake with the baby)
What are you got here...

Doug (chuckles):
A baby...

Carol:
Well, I think that's something we have plenty of around here, don't you?

Doug (nods):
Oh, yeah!
(pause)
I'll miss them while we're gone...

Carol:
When do you want to do this?

Doug:
The sooner the better...Mark has a hearing for Rachel's custody a week from Monday...I want it over with by then...

Carol (nods, rubs his shoulders gently):
OK, then...we'll get it planned and started...

Doug nods and gives his attention back to the baby...focus on Carol locked deep in thought and concern as the Closing Act Fades into the Closing Credits of the show.

April 29, 1998