Author’s Text

Well, I promised you all the New York story so this is it. Story is a little slow but covers all points and all bases I needed to cover to continue.

Some old and familiar faces show up in this story. And some big surprises.

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"
"Start Spreading The News"

Opening Act

"Start Spreading The News!
I’m Leaving Today!"
-NewYork, New York-

Scene opens at O’Hare Airport, interior, early morning. Show Doug standing by a boarding area impatiently tapping plane tickets on his leg. He looks at his watch and looks back out over the airport. Pan back to show Carol standing beside him looking anguished.

Carol:
Where can she be? They were right behind us!

Doug:
Probably just stuck in airport traffic.

Carol:
I don’t want us to leave without saying good bye to the kids!

Doug:
They’ll get here before we have to board...don’t worry!

Cut to show Helen rushing through the terminal. Scott and Tatiana are racing ahead of her and she is carrying Marc.

Helen (calls ahead to Scott and Tatiana):
Go on! Run! Try and catch your Mom and Dad before they get on the plane!

Scott and Tatiana go running through the terminal and spot Doug and Carol waiting at the boarding tunnel, still watching for them.

Scott:
There they are!
(he and Tatiana race up to them)
We didn’t think we were gonna make it!

Carol (as Tatiana jumps into Doug’s arms):
Where’s your grandmother?

Tatiana (pointing behind her):
Back there!

Scott (helpfully):
She’s coming.

Tatiana (gleefully to Doug):
Are you gonna see the Empire State Building?

Doug:
Oh, it’ll probably be there! Yeah!

Scott:
The Statue of Liberty is what you want to see!

Carol (grins, plays with his hair, he bats her hands away):
Maybe one of these days we’ll take a family trip to NY, OK? This time, your Dad and I are working...
(grins at Doug as he lifts Tatiana to the floor)
....sort of.

Helen (dashing up to them):
I am so sorry we’re late!

Doug (smiles):
It’s OK, Helen. We haven’t left yet.

Marc (reaches his hands out):
Me go bye bye!

Carol (reaches for him):
No, little man! Not this time. You stay with grandma.

Marc (starts to cry a little):
Me go too!

Carol (hugs and kisses him, squeezes him tight in her arms):
Oh, no, now don’t cry! Mommy and Daddy will be back before you know it! And we’ll bring you something back from NY...
(smiles at Scott and Tatiana)
...all of you! And the little ones at home, too.

Doug (grins):
We’ll even bring something for the baby sitters.

Helen:
You two just have a lovely time and enjoy yourselves! You’ve certainly earned it.

Carol:
OK, now, Sarah will be coming day after tomorrow...after that you two can just work out a schedule, OK?

Helen (nods):
That’s fine, Dear...

Carol:
The kids will help you out with Marc and Emily will be there, too...

Doug (coaxing look):
Carol?

Carol (still talking to Helen):
All of the phone numbers are written down by the phone....the hotel...and the convention hall...

Doug (coaxing again):
Carol? Could we?

Carol (ignores him):
I’ll call you when we get there and give you any other numbers I think you need...

Helen:
Carol, for heaven’s sake, DON’T worry!

Carol (leans down to hug and kiss Tatiana and Scott):
Well, OK...I guess this is it.

Tatiana (hugs her back):
Bye, Mama! I’ll miss you!

Carol (hugs her tight):
I’ll miss you, too, sweetheart. You be good for Grandma, OK?

Tatiana (promising):
I will!
(reaches for Doug)
Bye, Papa!

Doug (leans down and hugs her):
Bye, Punkin! You be good, OK?

Tatiana:
I will.

Scott (puts his hand up to stop Carol from kissing him):
Spare me, OK? I know the ropes!
(hugs her)
Have a great time, Mom.

Carol:
Thanks, Scotty...help out as much as you can, OK?

Scott (nods):
I will.

Doug (hugs Scott close to him):
I’m counting on you, Bud, OK?

Scott:
Don’t worry, Dad. I got it covered.

Doug (impatiently to Carol):
Can we GO now?

Carol:
Yeah! We’d better.
(turns back to look at the group one last time)
I miss you guys already!

Doug (rolls his eyes):
You’re not gonna cry on me, are you?

Carol:
Well, I might!
(takes a deep breath)
Let’s go.

Everybody waves one last time. Doug gives the tickets to the airline clerk and he and Carol head into the tunnel. When they get to the end and make the turn for the plane, they look back to see everyone waving and Marc waving his hand backwards at himself and blowing kisses at them as they go. Carol puts her hand to her mouth and stops walking. Doug puts his arm around her shoulders and leads her on towards the plant as the opening act fades into the opening credits of the show.

Act One

"Right To The Very Heart Of It!
New York, New York!"
-New York, New York-

Scene opens with Doug and Carol boarding the plane. Doug hands the ticket vouchers to the attendant and she looks at them with a smile.

Attendant:
First class...aisle three....seats three and two....right this way, Sir!
(she directs them)

Doug (nods):
Thank you. Carol (quietly, as they head for their seats):
First class! The Medical convention is certainly doing this in style, aren’t they?

Doug:
I guess...I’ve never been to one of these things either.

Carol (as they slide into their seats):
This is really nice.

Doug (looks out the window):
Did you want the window seat?

Carol (makes a face):
Ugh. No thanks. You can take it.
(buckles her seatbelt)
I hope I remembered to tell Mama everything.

Doug (buckles his seatbelt, sighs):
Carol, she’s a mother, too. I think she can handle it.

Carol:
She hasn’t had little kids for a long time! There might be things she doesn’t think about.

Doug:
Well, Scott will remind her. Don’t worry, OK? You promised me you wouldn’t do this!
(takes her hands in his and smiles at her)
We left the kids in very competent hands. Everything is going to be fine. Let’s just relax and have a nice trip, OK?

Carol (nods):
I’m sorry. I know I told you I was OK with this...
(pause)
...but the truth is...

Doug (nods, grins):
You’re not! Don’t you think I know that?

Carol (looks at him, grins):
You’re not, either, are you?

Doug (shrugs):
Well, I gotta admit, little Marcus kind of got to me when he started crying!

Carol:
Oh, but wasn’t he CUTE there at the end? Blowing those little kisses like that?

Doug (chuckles):
He sure was.

Carol (squeezes his hand):
Doug, I want us to have a great time in NY. I want us to do everything we want to do and stop at nothing...can we do that?

Doug:
Once we get there and see the convention schedule, I don’t see why not.

Carol (wraps her arm around his):
This will be like the honeymoon we never had. I want us to see and do everything...leave no stones unturned! Opera! Ballet! Broadway! Dinner! The works!

Doug (chuckles, puts his head to hers):
Just a little bit excited about this, are we, Carol?

Carol:
Just being with you is excitement enough for me!

Doug (grins):
Ooo....I’ll remember that!

Captain’s Voice (on intercom):
May I have your attention, please! This is Captain Holton speaking, and welcome to flight 486 non stop to New York City via LaGuardia Airport. Please fasten your seatbelts...we will begin our taxi to take off.

Cut to show time lapse. The plane is in the air now and Doug and Carol have their seatbelts off. Doug is gazing out the window and Carol is sipping a soda.

Carol (quietly):
Doug?

Doug (doesn’t look at her, stares out the window):
Umm?

Carol:
What are you thinking about?

Doug (looks at her, grins):
Not anything really. Just staring off into space.

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Doug, I know that look. Is something bothering you?

Doug (sighs):
Do you ever just have a feeling that your whole world is about to be turned upside down?

Carol (scoffs):
Every day of my life!
(Doug chuckles)
Does this have anything to do with the letter that came from the Children’s Hospital?

Doug:
You knew about that?

Carol:
I sort the mail, Doug. I see everything that comes in for you.

Doug (sighs):
They want to talk to me about a job.

Carol:
And you weren’t gonna tell me about this?

Doug (nods):
When they actually presented it to me, yeah!

Carol:
Would you even consider a job in New York?

Doug (shrugs):
I don’t know...a lot of that would depend on the offer.

Carol:
Let’s don’t worry about things like that right now. Let’s just enjoy ourselves right now.

Doug (smiles):
Good idea.
(turns his attention back to the window. Carol sits looking at him and thinking)

Carol (softly):
Doug?

Doug (tuns back to her):
Yeah?

Carol:
Are you sorry you and Mark decided not to go into private practice?

Doug:
No, I’m very happy at the hospital.

Carol:
Are you sure?

Doug (leans over and kisses her lightly):
I’m sure. I’m OK. Just got a lot of things on my mind.

Carol (frowns):
You promised to have some fun on this trip!

Doug (chuckles):
Oh, I intend to...as soon as we get there!

Carol grins at him and he turns his attention back to the window.

Cut to show time lapse. Doug and Carol are standing in front of a baggage claim terminal watching luggage come down a chute and onto a turntable. When they spot theirs, Doug waits for it to come around and grabs them both.

Carol:
OK, now what?

Doug (looks around the airport):
We need to find the renal car desk. There’s supposed to be a car waiting for us.

Carol (looks around):
OK...
(spots rental car desk)
It’s over here!

She and Doug make their way through a sea of people to the rental desk. A very pleasant young woman is behind the desk and she smiles at them.

Clerk:
Can I help you folks?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I’m a doctor from Chicago...

Clerk (nods, smiles):
And you’re here for the convention!

Doug (smiles):
Right and the letter I got said the Doctors Bureau was supposed to have a car waiting for me?

Clerk (opens a notebook):
And your name, Sir?

Doug:
Ross...Dr. Douglas Ross...

Clerk (checking notebook):
Dr. Ross...
(follows a pencil down a row of names)
Ah, here we are...
(eyes wide with recognition)
Dr. Ross! Yes, sir! You’ve been given a dealer’s car...

Doug (confused):
A dealer car? Why a dealer car?

Clerk:
All I know is just what information was given to me, Sir.
(hands him a key)
Your car is right outside the doors on your left, parking slot #1.

Doug (takes key, nods):
Thank you.

Carol (quietly, as they start away):
Do you know how to get around in New York City?

Doug (chuckles):
Probably not, but, I know how to honk my horn and swear as good as the rest of them!

Carol (laughing):
Oh, Doug, REALLY!

He and Carol go through the doors, laughing between themselves, but when they come face to face with the parking spot, they stop short. Pan back to show them looking surprised as they stare at a black Jaguar XJ6 convertible.

Carol (gasps):
Holy cow!

Doug (nods, surprised):
Well, I was thinking something along that line but not quite those same words...

Carol (looks around):
Are we sure this is the right spot?

Doug:
One way to find out...
(he slips into the drivers seat and puts the key in the ignition, turn it, and the engine purrs to life)
Yep! This is the right spot!
(opens door on the passengers side)
Hop in!

Carol gets in on the passengers side and Doug steps out to toss the suitcases into the trunk of the car before getting back in and driving them off the lot. Show the car pulling to the edge of the lot and facing NY City traffic. Doug looks both ways before pulling the car into traffic and immediately gets honked at by a NY City driver.

Doug (shouting):
Aw, blow it out your hole!

Carol (laughing):
Doug, please...behave yourself.

Doug:
This is New York! I AM behaving myself!
(they pull on through traffic with Carol laughing hysterically as they go)

Show the Jaguar pulling up to a valet in the loading area of a very classy hotel. A uniformed valet opens the door for Carol and Doug gets out on the drivers side to come around to her. Doug starts to open the trunk but the valet steps in.

Valet:
I’ll get those for you, sir.

Doug (steps back, surprised):
Oh...OK! Thanks!
(reaches for Carol’s hand)
We’ll just go get checked in.

Valet (nods):
Very good, sir.

Carol (quietly, as a doorman opens the door for them):
This IS just a medical convention, isn’t it?

Doug:
I thought it was...

Carol:
Why do I get the feeling we’re being pampered for something?

Doug:
Probably because I do, too.
(they go up to the desk and stop)

Clerk:
And how can I help you, sir?

Doug:
We have reservations...the name is Ross...

Clerk (looking over his book):
Douglas Ross?

Doug (nods):
Yes, that’s correct.

Clerk (looks again):
Oh, excuse me, that would be DOCTOR Ross.

Doug (confused):
Does that make a difference?

Clerk (smiles):
Yes, it does. Very much.
(hands him a key)
I hope you will find our Executive Suite to your satisfaction. Enjoy your stay and if you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate to let us help you.
(motions with his hand)
The bellhop will take your bags. Welcome to New York.

Doug (takes key, nods):
Thank you.

Carol (quietly, as they start away):
You didn’t suddenly become royalty or something and not tell me, did you?

Doug (as they approach the elevator):
Something is going on around here....I just hope we don’t figure out before we enjoy it...

The bellhop follows them into the elevator with their bags and the door closes them off from the lobby as Act One Fades to Black.

Act Two

"I Want To Wake Up
In A City That Doesn’t Sleep!
To Find I’m King Of The Hill!
Top Of The Heap!"
-New York, New York-

Scene opens with Doug opening the door to the suite he and Carol will be staying in. They walk into a very spacious room, richly decorated, and lavishly furnished. The bellhop puts their bags down in the room for them.

Bellhop:
There you are, Dr. Ross. House phone is in the bedroom. If you have any questions about anything, just let someone at the desk know. We’re here to serve you.

Doug (nods):
Yeah...OK...
(reaches into his pocket and hands the bellhop a tip)
Thanks.

Bellhop (smiles at the amount of the tip):
Thank YOU, sir.
(exits)

Carol (stands in the middle of the room, looks at Doug):
WHAT is going on?

Doug (shakes his head):
I wish I could tell you. I know I was invited for this convention, but I’ve never seen anything like this!
(looks around)
Look at this place! The Presidential Suite of the Drake doesn’t even look like this!

Carol:
Well, I say we don’t worry about WHY they are giving you First Class treatment...I say we just enjoy it and don’t ask any questions.

Doug (nods):
I’m with you!
(looks around the room)
There should be a Convention Itinerary around here someplace.

Carol (looks around, see list on the table):
This looks like it...
(picks it up)
Yep! Meet and Greet, Registration and Sign In...2PM.

Doug (goes over to her, looks at paper):
2-4PM...so after 4PM today we are pretty much on our own. What would you like to do tonight?

Carol (wraps her arms around his neck and smiles):
Besides the obvious, you mean?

Doug (chuckles):
Yes, besides that!

Carol:
I don’t know...why don’t we get a newspaper and check the Entertainment Section and see what our options are.

Doug (nods):
Sounds good.

Cut to show time lapse. Show a crowded and noisy convention center lobby with doctors bustling about and many conversations going on at once. Show Doug and Carol go up to a woman sitting behind a desk and stop.

Doug (tries to be heard about the noise):
I’m here for the convention...

Clerk:
Your name and the hospital you represent, please?

Doug:
Doug Ross...I’m with County General in Chicago.

Clerk (checks her sheet):
Ah, yes, here we are, Dr. Ross...
(hands him a yellow and red name tag)
You are in Pediatrics...that’s the second hall on the left around the corner.

Doug (takes name tag):
Thank you.
Doug clips the name tag to the pocket on his jacket and takes Carol by the hand to make his way through the sea of people to the turn. Once in the new hallway, there are less people and less noise.

Carol (as they go down the hall):
I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many doctors in one place.

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah, nobody better get sick anywhere for a week.
(stops)
Here’s the second door...I guess this is it.

Doug opens the door and he and Carol step into a brightly decorated room full of Pediatricians, all talking, laughing, and getting acquainted with each other. One looks up and sees them enter and comes to them at once.

Doctor (reading Doug’s name tag):
Dr. Ross! Welcome to New York!
(shakes hands with Doug)
I’m Dr. Jenson...
(shows him nametag)
...with St. Michaels in Virginia.

Doug (smiles):
Pleased to meet you.

Jenson:
No, Dr. Ross, I’m pleased to meet YOU. We’re very honored you found time to attend our convention and we’re thrilled to have you here.

Doug (motions to Carol):
This is my wife, Carol...

Jenson (takes Carol’s hand):
Very nice to meet you, Mrs. Ross. You must be very proud of your husband.

Carol (looks nervously at Doug):
I’ve always been proud of Doug.

Doug:
Is there something going on around here? Because I really don’t understand a lot of things that are happening today.

Jenson:
No, nothing going on. We’re just very thrilled to have you with us. We don’t get too many national celebrities at these conventions.

Doug (shakes his head):
I’m not a national celebrity...

Jenson (nods):
And you’re modest, too, aren’t you?

Carol (softly, only Doug can hear her):
Not usually.

Jenson (takes Doug by the arm):
Do come over and meet some of the others.
(Smiles at Carol)
Mrs. Ross...Carol is it? Please help yourself to the refreshments. My wife, Natalie, is the one in the pink dress up front...do introduce yourself to her and I promise I won’t keep him long.

Carol smiles and Doug shrugs as he is led away into a circle of doctors. Carol makes her way to the refreshment table but doesn’t mix with the other wives. Instead, she stands alone and just looks out over the room taking everything in.

Voice (off screen):
Carol?
(Carol turns at the sound of her name)
Carol Hathaway?

Carol looks to see John Taglieri coming quickly across the room to her. She smiles when she sees him and puts her cup of punch down.

Carol (smiling):
John!

Tag comes over and hugs Carol quickly. Then he steps back to just look at her.

Tag:
You look great, Carol!

Carol (shyly):
Thanks...you look good, too.

Tag:
Well, how have you been all this time?

Carol (nods):
Fine...and you?

Tag:
Oh, keeping busy...you know how it goes. I lost touch with you when you stopped answering my letters. What are you doing here?

Carol:
I’m here with my husband...

Tag (nods):
Ah, so THAT’S why you stopped answering my letters. Your husband wouldn’t understand you keeping in touch with an old boyfriend.

Carol:
Oh, I don’t think he would really have a problem with it! My life just got so busy I didn’t really have time anymore.

Tag:
Well, are you still at County?

Carol (nods):
Oh yes...and I’m a PA now...not a nurse any longer. I’ve just applied for the Head of Nursing position at the hospital, though.

Tag:
Well, I think you’d be great at it. I wish you well.
(pause)
So, you’re here with your husband, you say? You’re married now...

Carol (nods):
Yeah, just passed our third anniversary.
(picks up her cup and sips it)
And we have six kids.

Tag (surprised):
You’ve only been married three years and you already have SIX kids?

Carol (nods):
Two we got by proxy...four of them I gave birth to.

Tag:
You had four kids in three years? I’d say at least one of those pregnancies was a multiple birth...

Carol (nods):
I had triplets the last time. The first time we just had one...a normal birth!
(pause)
Would you like to see some pictures?

Tag (nods):
I’d love to.

Carol reaches into her purse and pulls out a brag book. She opens it and she and Tag look at it together.

Carol:
This was taken at Marc’s second birthday...
(shows him picture)
That’s all of them together...rare shot.

Tag (looks at picture):
You adopted Tatiana after all?
(Carol nods):
And how is she doing?

Carol (shrugs):
So far, so good. We only had one real crisis so far.

Tag:
You must have married a very caring and understand man.

Carol (smiles):
I married a man who loves children...any children...regardless of who they are or what might be wrong with them.

Tag (sighs):
I always felt bad about the fact that I just couldn’t support you on that.
(smiles at her)
I’m glad things worked out for you, though.

Carol:
I got her when someone filed an appeal for me in my behalf without me knowing anything about it.

Tag (smiles):
Well, that person must love you very much.

Carol:
He does...that’s probably why I married him.
(coy look)
I married Doug Ross.

Tag (shocked):
Doug Ross? After everything you went through with him? And the way he treated you?

Carol (shrugs):
Things change, John...people change...
(pause, smiles)
Doug changed.

Tag:
Are you happy?

Carol (beams):
Deliriously! Doug is a good father...
(pause, shy smile)
...and a wonderful husband.

Tag (nods, smiles):
That’s good....I’m glad...I’m glad you’re happy.

They are interrupted by Doug coming over to the table.

Doug (as Carol offers him a drink from her cup):
I didn’t think I’d ever get away over there!
(smiles at Tag, reaches his hand to shake)
Hey, John...it’s good to see you.

Tag (shakes hands):
Likewise, Doug...
(grins at Carol)
Carol and I were just getting caught up...congratulations.

Doug (nods):
Thanks.

Carol:
Well, we only got caught up with me...what about you? Where are you now?

Tag:
I’m Senior Chief Resident at Normwall Hospital in Dallas.

Carol (smiles):
John, that’s great! I’m very happy for you.

Tag:
What about you, Doug? Still at County?

Doug (nods):
Oh yeah....still there...

Carol (smiles proudly):
Doug is Chief of Pediatrics at County now.

Tag (impressed):
Chief of Pediatrics! Wow! That’s great, Doug. Congratulations.

Doug (nods shyly):
Thanks.

Tag (steps away, touches Carol’s arm):
Well, I need to mix and mingle...I’ll see you both again later?

Carol (nods):
Sure. It was good seeing you, John.

Doug (as Tag steps away, quietly to Carol):
You just had to rub it in, didn’t you?

Carol (grins):
You bet I did!
(lifts her cup to Doug with a coy look)

Doug chuckles and puts his arm around Carol as they slide back into the group to mix and mingle as Act Two Fades to Black.

Act Three

"I’ll Make A Brand New Start Of It
In Old New York!"
-New York, New York-

Scene opens with Doug and Carol leaving an auditorium. Carol has on a nice black formal evening gown and Doug has on a tuxedo. Carol is carrying a program in her hands and gushing about the show they just saw.

Carol:
Isn’t ballet wonderful?

Doug (grunts):
I’m sorry, Carol, I just fail to see how a guy in tights and cardboard shoes can be constituted as ‘wonderful’.

Carol (frowns at him):
So, you still have some of your old barbaric traits, huh?

Doug (smiles, kisses her cheek):
Always will have.

Carol (takes his hand as they walk through the city streets):
This is all so nice. What’s on the agenda for tomorrow?

Doug (hand in pocket as they walk, holds Carol’s hand in his):
We tour Manhattan Children’s Hospital.

Carol:
OK...do you know anything much about it?

Doug (shrugs):
It’s a big place...and it’s strictly a Children’s Hospital. They aren’t ‘grown up’ doctors there.

Carol:
Should be interesting.
(pause)
Did you find out what’s going on?

Doug (shakes his head):
Not yet...but I intend to! Everybody is acting really weird around here...

Carol:
What about the convention? Anything on tap for it tomorrow?

Doug (nods):
Slide show in the main hall on new equipment. I thought that would be of particular interest to you.

Carol (smiles):
Yeah...you know how I love looking at equipment.

Doug (looks down):
Did you enjoy seeing Tag today?

Carol (looks over at him, smiles):
It’s always nice to run into old friends...
(pause)
...especially old friends you want to get a dig in at!
(Doug chuckles)
Well, what did he think I was gonna do, Doug? Shrivel up and die without him? He was holding me down. Sometimes when I look back I can’t even imagine what I ever saw in him in the first place.

Doug (reminding tone):
He was there for you.

Carol:
Only when it was convenient for him. He wasn’t ‘there’ for me when I hated the church he wanted us to get married in. He wasn’t ‘there’ for me about Tatiana...I believe his initial reaction was ‘we could watch a little girl die for a long time’ or something like that.

Doug (shrugs):
I guess he just wanted you to be a couple for a while.

Carol:
I suppose.
(pause, thinking)
I’m sure you didn’t intend for us to have a family right away.

Doug (shakes his head):
No...
(chuckles)
...no...I sure didn’t.

Carol (looks over at him):
Yet, you didn’t seem to mind?

Doug (ticks his head):
I didn’t mind. Tatiana was important to you. When I filed that appeal, I filed it for you. I had no idea I’d be part of your life again by the time it came through.

Carol:
You just accepted her so readily...I guess I never stopped to wonder if you wanted her or not. I was so excited...
(looks down)
I’m sorry, Doug. I didn’t give you much consideration.

Doug (grins, stops, lifts her chin):
Hey, we talked about it, remember? I told you if you were lucky enough to get her then I would become a ‘Dad’ overnight. I didn’t mind, Carol. I love that little girl just as much as you do.

Carol (smiles):
I know you do. I see that so well now that we have some of our own. You’re no different with her than you are with Scott...or Marc...or the triplets.

Doug:
She IS my daughter...and don’t anybody try to tell me anything different!

Carol (coy look):
She’s WHO’S daughter?

Doug (chuckles):
OK...she’s OUR daughter!
(pause)
Do you miss the kids?

Carol:
In New York City? Are you kidding? With all this action and noise?

Doug (grins):
You miss them, don’t you?

Carol (nods):
Like crazy!

Doug (motions with his head):
Let’s go back to the hotel and call them.

Carol wraps her arm around Doug and cuddles close to him as they go on through the NY street in route back to their hotel.

Cut to show time lapse. Scene is the next day. Show Doug being led on a tour with several other doctors through a big hospital hallway by a Dr. Hill.

Hill:
And this is our sun room...
(sun room is filled with toys and children in various stages...on crutches...in wheelchairs...etc.)

...and it is accessible to all patients, regardless of their condition. Everyone should be able to enjoy the sunshine once in a while.
(doctors all nod, impressed)
That concludes our tour, Gentlemen, there are refreshments in the north wing for everyone!
(moves through the crowd as the group begins to break up and comes up to Doug)
Dr. Ross...
(extends his hand to shake)
I’m very happy you were able to join us today!

Doug (shakes hands with him):
Thank you. I’m very happy to be here!
(nods, looks around)
This is quite some place.

Hill (smiles at Carol):
This must be your lovely wife...

Doug (puts his hand to his head in afterthought):
Oh! Yes! This is my wife, Carol.

Hill (shakes hands with Carol):
You must be very proud of your husband.

Carol (nods):
I’m always proud of Doug.

Doug (quietly to Carol):
Really? Were you proud of me when I punched out parents of kids who were kicked down the steps with steel soled boots?

Carol (quietly back):
Proud of you for sticking up for them...not necessarily for laying out the Dads.

Hill (to Doug):
Yeah, you’re techniques are rather famous. Most of us have heard one thing or other that you’ve done for the sake of a child.

Doug (shrugs):
Well, I do what I can.
(chuckles)

Hill:
Well, if you ever wanted a job here, our door would always be open to you.

Doug (shakes his head):
And raise my kids in New York? I don’t think so!

Hill:
Well, of course not! Nobody raises their kids in New York! Connecticut is an hours drive away! I can get you a good deal on property there!

Doug (chuckles):
Well, thanks, but, we’re happy in Chicago. And we have a wonderful home there.

Hill (brightly):
Move it! Buy the land and move it!
(chuckles)
Just want you to know you’d always be welcome here, Doug. We could use a advocate like you. Some of these kids really need it.
(pause)
I understand that you and your wife adopted an HIV positive child? Is that correct?

Doug (motions to Carol):
Actually, that was my wife’s doing in the beginning.

Carol (quietly):
It’s a long story. But Doug did officially adopt her not long ago.

Hill:
Does this situation pose any threat or problems in your home?

Carol (shakes her head):
Oh, no. Not that I know of. All of the kids are in sync with each other and we’ve not come up against anything yet that we haven’t been able to handle.

Hill (smiles, ticks his head):
That’s amazing. And an admirable thing to do. I commend you both.

Carol:
There was nothing to it. I don’t think either one of us ever really thought we wouldn’t go through with it.

Hill:
Well, let’s go get some refreshments, shall we? I’m very glad I got to meet you, Doug...

Doug and Carol follow along behind him as they head for refreshments. As they go they pass a little boy who look quite a bit like Raoul. Doug looks at him and smiles, goes on by, and turns to look at him again. Then shakes his head as he goes on with Carol and the others.

Show Doug and Carol enjoying refreshments with the other doctors and wives, Carol pauses a couple of times to smile as Doug is talking or someone is talking to him. She offers her comments sparingly.

Cut to show a dark meeting hall and a slide show being presented. Show Carol making notes and writing down things of interest. She points a couple of times and leans over to share something private with Doug, who nods and smiles at her.

In the background would be playing the audio of the Frank Sinatra song NEW YORK, NEW YORK while Doug and Carol are shown at various entertainment stages. Show them at dinner in a nice restaurant. Doug looks over at Carol and smiles, then leans across the table to kiss her sweetly. Then he reaches to put his arm around her. Show them at an opera in a private viewing booth. Carol is electrified and totally absorbed, but Doug is sitting with this head resting on his hand. Carol looks over at him and realizes he is asleep. She nudges him sternly with her elbow and he looks over at her quickly. She frowns at him and he sits up just in time to clap at the end of the scene. Show them in Central Park feeding pigeons while the rest on a park bench and sharing a hot dog from a street vendor. Show them enjoying a Broadway show and then atop the Empire State Building looking through the viewers. Show Doug turn his on Carol and she explodes with hysterical laughter. Show them riding the ferry boat to Liberty Island with Doug acting like he’s going to jump overboard and Carol laughing as she holds onto him. Show them looking out at the view from the Statue of Liberty and sharing another tender kiss. Show them passing by the World Trade Towers and Doug pointing up with a questionable expression on his face and Carol shaking her head and mimicking a bomb blast to remind him what once happened there and they go on by quickly. As the song comes to a close, show them in a horse drawn cart, riding through the streets of town, arm in arm with each other.

Doug (smiles at her):
I don’t think I’ve ever seen you laugh and smile so much.

Carol:
This whole trip has been WONDERFUL! I can’t believe the banquet tonight is the end of it.

Doug:
Sorry to be going home?

Carol:
I’m not sorry to be going to see my babies, but, I’ve really enjoyed this.

Doug (grins):
I never thought I’d ever see you play the role of a doctor’s wife...you’ve been a real good sport with all this...thank you.

Carol:
This is your event, Doug. I wouldn’t take that away from you. They asked YOU to come...you just brought me along for excess baggage!

Doug (kisses her shortly):
Not excess baggage...
(kisses her again)
...moral support!

Carol:
Well, if they ever send me to a convention for Physician’s Assistants, you can be my moral support.

Doug (smiles):
Absolutely!
(kisses her again, longer this time)
I do love you...so VERY much.

Carol (cuddles on his shoulder, wraps her hands around his arm):
And I love you...more than you know.

Doug (smiles, lays his head against hers):
I wouldn’t bet on that, Love. You speak louder than you know.

The horse clip clops on through the streets. Doug and Carol relax in the solitude of each other and just absorb the sights around them as Act Three Fades To Black.

Act Four

"If I Can Make It There
I’ll Make It Anywhere!"
-New York, New York-

Scene opens at a banquet hall. People are gathered, there is a lot of talking and laughing. Show Doug and Carol come in through the door and look around. Carol is wearing a very nice black evening dress and Doug is wearing a tuxedo. Before they can find their table and start through the crush of people, they are alerted by a familiar voice.

Susan (off camera):
Doug? Doug Ross?
(comes into view with a happy look and open arms)
CAROL!

Carol (turns, surprised look):
Oh, my God! Susan!
(the two friends hug quickly and step back)

Susan:
I can’t believe it’s you!
(reaches to hug Doug)
I saw Doug come in but I didn’t see you! What are you doing here?

Carol (smiles):
I’m here with my husband.

Susan (shocked expression):
You mean you guys...?
(hugs Carol and then Doug as he chuckles)
Congratulations! How long ago?

Carol:
Just over three years.

Susan:
Well, come sit at my table with me! I want to hear all about it!

Doug (quickly):
I think we’re supposed to sit at a specific table...

Susan (thinking, puts her hand to her head in thought):
Oh, well, yeah! Of course you are...

Carol:
Can you sit at our table?
(looks at Doug)

Doug (nods):
We insist.
(as they start through the crush, quietly to Susan)
What do you mean ‘of course we are’?

Susan (gives him a surprised look):
You mean you don’t know?

Doug (confused):
Know what?

Susan (shakes her head):
Nothing! Not a thing! You didn’t hear it from me!

Doug:
Hear WHAT from you?

Susan (smiles, shakes her head again):
Nothing!

Doug shakes his head as they make their way through and find their table. Susan slips into a chair with them and she and Carol are like two school girls at a reunion party.

Carol:
So, what are you up to now?

Susan:
I’m still working in ER Medicine. I’m at Pacific Park Hospital in Northern California and I LOVE it...

Carol:
What about baby Susie?

Susan:
She’s going to start to school in the fall!

Carol (shocked):
Oh, my God! Has it been that long!

Susan (excited):
You want to see a picture?

Carol:
Oh yeah!

Susan gets into her purse and pulls out several pictures. Doug begins looking aimlessly around the room.

Carol (looking at picture):
Oh, Susan, she’s precious!

Susan (smiles shyly):
She’s mine now.

Carol (shocked expression, puts the picture down to look at Susan):
What?

Susan (shrugs):
Chloe gave her up...she just couldn’t handle it...I haven’t seen her in a couple of years now...not even sure where she is.

Carol (frowns):
I’m so sorry...I know how hard that is for you.

Susan:
Well, what about you two? You got any kids?

Carol (nods):
Six of them.

Susan (shocked):
SIX kids? I hope you have pictures!

Carol (getting into her purse):
Well, what kind of mother would I be if I didn’t?

Doug (attention distracted by something across the room, touches Carol’s shoulder):
I’ll be right back, OK?

Carol (looks up him as he stands up):
Something wrong?

Doug (shakes his head):
No, just somebody I want to say hello to.

Carol (nods):
OK...hurry back!

Doug (steps away):
I will.

Focus briefly on Susan and Carol ‘oooing’ and ‘ahhhing’ over the pictures of the Ross kids. Then follow Doug through a sea of people to come to a halt beside a group of men. He does not interrupt the conversation, but waits for it to clear. Then, he moves into the center of the circle to tap the shoulder of someone. When the man turns around to see who needs him, it is David Morganstern.

Doug (surprised to see him):
What are you doing here?

David (nervously):
Well, I....uh...I came to hear your speech!

Doug (grins):
My speech will be recorded, David. You could have heard it in Chicago.

David:
Well, I wanted to hear it first hand.

Doug (suspicious look):
What’s going on, David? Everybody has been acting weird through this whole convention.

David:
Well, this is the first one you’ve ever been to, Doug. How would you know if anyone was acting weird?

Cut back to the table with Susan and Carol. Susan is telling Carol something very quietly and Carol sits back in her seat, with a totally surprised look on her face.

Carol:
You are kidding me?
(Susan smiles and shakes her head)
Doug?

Susan:
You honestly didn’t know?

Carol (shakes her head):
Had no idea...
(they both quiet talking about it as Doug comes back to the table)

Susan:
Well, tell me about County! What’s going on there?

Carol:
Well, I’m a PA now and Doug is Chief of Pediatrics...

Susan (smiles over at Doug):
Way to go, Doug!
(Doug chuckles)
And you!
(smiles at Carol)
A PA!? You gave up nursing?

Carol (shrugs):
It’s a long story. But, I’m applying for the Head of Nursing position at the hospital. I think I could do a lot of good for the nurses if I get it.

Susan:
Well, I do, too! For sure! What about Carter? And Benton? Are they still there?

Doug (nods):
Still there but Carter gave up surgery his second year of residency...he’s in Pedes with me now.

Susan (nods):
I can believe that. I never really thought he was cut out for surgery. I bet he’s good working with kids, huh?

Doug (smiles):
Yeah, he really is. We have our own Pedes unit of the ER and everything now...it’s really nice.

Susan (mellow voice):
Mark? What about Mark? Is he still there?

Carol (nods):
Still there...he’s Chief of Staff now...

Susan (grins at Doug):
Still your boss, huh?

Doug (chuckles):
Eternally, I think!

Susan:
I’d love to see him again.

Carol:
He’s married again...married Nina Pomerantz last year...they’re expecting their first child in a few months.

Susan:
Well, that’s fantastic!

Doug:
Yeah, that’s the good news...
(Susan looks at him)
...the bad news is Mark was diagnosed with a male form of cancer a few months ago and this may be the only child they ever have.

Susan (sorry look):
Oh, that’s a shame! How is he doing?

Doug (nods):
He’s hanging in there. I think he’s gonna be fine.

Susan:
Well, you tell him I said hello, OK?
(stands up)
I am SO GLAD I got to see you guys! I’ll see you after dinner, OK?

Carol (smiles):
OK, Susan! Thanks for stopping by!

Doug (nods):
Good to see you, Susan.

Cut to show time lapse. Dinner is over and the auditorium is listening to a speaker at the podium.

Speaker:
Good evening. This is the close of our convention and I’m pleased to say it’s been a very good one. We had more doctors turn out for this one than any one we’ve ever had before and we hope this is a trend that will continue.
(pause)
Every year, our committee reviews presented cases to select candidates for our Outstanding Achievement Award. This award is voted on by our panel in a secret ballot and the results are given to me in this sealed envelope.
(holds up sealed envelope)
The winner of this award will receive this beautiful plaque...
(holds up plaque)
...which I would hope any Physician would be proud to hang on their office wall. There is also a $5,000 cash contribution to the charity of the winner’s choice and a Scholarship Fund will be created in the winner’s name for medical school students specializing in the field of the winner’s area of medicine. So, without further anticipation, I’m pleased to announce the winner of this year’s Outstanding Achievement Award...
(splits seal and opens envelope, smiles)
Dr. Douglas Ross...County General Hospital in Chicago!

Applause goes up. Show Carol clapping her hands and smiling proudly at Doug. Show Doug completely flabbergasted.

Doug (leans over quietly to Carol):
Did you know about this?

Carol (kisses him):
Only when Susan told me just a while ago.

Doug gets up from the table and goes to the podium. He is handed the plaque and the envelope and the speaker shakes hands with him.

Doug (standing at microphone):
This is a complete shock...
(rubs his eye nervously)
...I really had no idea this was coming.
(smiles at Carol)
I’d like to thank my lovely wife, Carol, for her love and support throughout my career at County...uhh....
(thinking)
Dr. David Morganstern...
(focus on David beaming proudly at his own table)
...for believing in me and never giving up on me no matter what happened. And Dr. Mark Greene, who’s not here tonight, but I definitely couldn’t have gotten this without him and his support.
(thinking, nervous look)
I’d like to thank the committee for nominating and everyone who voted for me.
(thinking, ticks his head)
I’m really lousy at these things...I’m sorry...
(light laughter)
...so, I’ll just say ‘Thank you’ and sit down. Thank you!

He goes back to his table amid more applause and Carol leans over to kiss him sweetly as he sits back down.

The banquet comes to a close and breaks up. With musical audio, show men shaking hands with each other and everyone admiring Doug’s plaque with Carol standing proudly beside her husband and Doug with his arm securely around her as Act Four Fades to Black.

Closing Act

"It’s Up To You,
New York, New York!"
-New York, New York-

Scene opens outside the auditorium. Doug sees David come out of the hall and shakes a stern warning finger at him and David comes over to him and Carol.

Doug:
You knew about this, didn’t you?

David (nods):
I sure did! That’s why I practically begged you to come! You don’t know how scared I was you were gonna back out of it!

Doug:
Why didn’t you tell me about this?

David:
That would have spoiled all the fun!
(laughs)
Everyone at County knew about it when I left, so, you can expect a big welcome when you get back!

Doug (looks at plaque):
This is really something...I’m really moved.

David:
Have you decided which charity gets the $5,000?

Doug (looks at Carol):
No question about it...

Carol (nods):
Aids Foundation and Research.

David (nods):
I figured about as much.
(shakes hands with Doug)
Well, Doug, I don’t think any of us would have ever thought something like this when you first came to County...I hope you know we’re all very proud of you.

Doug (nods):
Coming from you, David, I believe it.

David:
Well, I am out of here...I’ve got a plane to catch. I’ll see the two of you back at County on Monday morning!

Carol (smiles):
We’ll be there!
(loops her arms around Doug’s arm as they start away)
Do you have ANY idea how very VERY proud of you I was tonight?

Doug (smiles at her):
Probably not any prouder than I’ve been of you this whole week.
(kisses her gently)
I am really glad you came with me. None of this would have been any good without you.

Carol (smiles, kisses him back):
Ah...that’s really a sweet thing to say. I’ve had a great time! Everything has just been wonderful. But, I’m ready to go home. I miss my kids.

Doug (chuckles):
Incredible, isn’t it! We’re really parents after all!
(Carol laughs)
Come on, ‘Mom’...let’s go home!

Cut to show time lapse. It is the next morning. Show the bed in the hotel with an open suitcase and assorted scattered souvenirs and toys lying about. Show Doug come through the room in his jeans with a towel around his neck, drying his face from his shave. He looks at the bed and chuckles.

Doug (calling):
Hey, Carol!

Carol (calls to him from the bathroom):
Hey, what?

Doug:
How are we gonna get all these things for the kids in a suitcase?

Carol (chuckles from the doorway in her robe):
Huh...we’re not, probably! I’ll just put them in a shopping bag and carry them on. It’ll be OK.

Doug (nods):
OK.

Carol (comes through in her underwear to get her clothes from the bed):
I can’t wait to see my babies!

Doug (pulls her close to him):
You keep running around like that, we’ll have to take a later flight.

Carol (giggles):
You mean you didn’t get enough of that last night?

Doug (chuckles):
Honey, I NEVER get enough of ‘that’ when it comes from you.

Carol (pats him on the butt):
Come on...get your shirt and finish getting dressed...I want to go home!

Cut to show a crowded O’Hare airport waiting terminal. Show Scott and Tatiana watching the tunnel with great anticipation with Sarah standing behind them holding Marc.

Scott (points, excitedly, as he sees Doug and Carol come through the tunnel):
There they are!
(waves to them)
Mom! Dad!

Doug and Carol look up and both smile at the sight of half their family waiting for them. They both wave as they come on through the tunnel. As soon as they are past the flight attendant, Scott and Tatiana bolt from their waiting position to run to them.

Tatiana (jumps into Doug’s arms):
PAPA! You’re HOME!

Doug (kisses her quick):
We’re home, Punkin! Did you miss us?

Tatiana (nods):
Yes, I did!

Scott (hugs both of them at once):
I missed you guys, too! Did you have a good trip?

Carol:
Oh, it was great! We’ll tell you ALL about on the way home!

Doug (as they get up to Sarah):
Hi, Mom...you look tired!

Sarah:
My baby is over 40! I’m not used to taking care of ones this size for very long!

Carol (lifts Marc out of her arms):
Did they drive you crazy?

Sarah:
No, they were all good.
(kisses Doug’s cheek)
I’m just so glad you’re both home! You look so rested!

Carol (nods):
We are!

Doug (hand on Scott’s shoulder):
Come on, Sport...let’s go get the luggage.

Marc (grins at Carol):
Me go bye bye!

Carol (kisses his cheek):
Yes, Marcus....you go bye bye....all the way home!

With Marc in her arms and Tatiana by the hand, Carol walks beside Sarah as they head for the luggage area as the Closing Act Fades Into the Closing Credits of the show.

September 29, 1998