Author’s Text

No one could have been more shocked than I was to find that my fan fic page had been deleted without my knowledge. If not for one of my fans, who emailed me to say they were having trouble getting into the page, I probably would never have known it. So thanks to that person...her name escapes me at the moment...because that way the problem could be fixed quickly.

Many MANY thanks to Angie Hill and Ruth Richmond for their tireless efforts in formatting, converting to HTML, and uploading my previous 70+ fan fics to a new site. I appreciate it more than either one of them could ever know. They are doing this so that I don’t have to dismantle my George Clooney site to put up my fan fics and I think that’s super of both of them.

This story will send Doug and Carol and their family off on a new horizon...a new series for a new web site. I still don’t have a name for the new series, and I’m open to suggestions from my readers. So, after reading this story, if you have any ideas, please email me at

DougCarol1@aol.com

and let me know what they are. I will apprecaite any and all feedbacks on that.

As always, 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”
“Starting All Over Again”

Opening Act

Scene opens at the Ross home, early morning, interior. Show Doug getting into a drawer and taking some things out, carrying them over to the bed to an open suitcase. Cut back to show Tatiana standing in the doorway looking into the room. She folds her arms and walks in with a pouty look on her face.

Doug (smiles at her):
Hey, Punkin! What’s the matter?

Tatiana (whiny voice):
You’re going away AGAIN?

Doug:
Yeah, but this won’t be a long trip! We’ll be back tomorrow!

Tatiana (sits on the bed, looks up at him):
Why do you have to go?

Doug:
I’m going to go talk to a man about a job.

Tatiana:
But, you already have a job.

Doug (nods):
Well, this is another job...we might be moving.

Tatiana:
Moving where?

Doug:
Maybe to New York.

Tatiana:
The Big Banana?

Doug (chuckles):
That’s the Big Apple!

Tatiana (shrugs):
Well, I knew it was a fruit! (pause) Don’t you like it here anymore?

Doug (nods):
I love it here. This is my home.

Tatiana:
Then why do you want to leave?

Doug:
Well, because this job is a better job...in a better place...and the most important thing... (stoops down to be eye level with her) ...is that they have an excellent Pediatric Aids program there. You would be getting better care...and you’d be with other children just like you.

Tatiana (disappointed):
So we have to go away on accounta me?

Doug (shakes his head):
We don’t have to, no, but I think I at least want to hear what the men in NY have to say, OK?

Tatiana:
I don’t want us to go if it’s just for me.

Doug (kisses her forehead):
Don’t worry about it, sweetheart. There are a lot of things involved in this, OK?

Cut to show Carol in the doorway.

Carol:
Are we ready?

Doug (nods, closes suitcase):
Just about.

Cut to show Scott passing by, looks into the room, and comes to the door.

Scott:
Can I help?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, you can help me load the car.

Scott (comes into the room and picks up Carol’s suitcase by the door):
Cool!

Doug (as they start out with the suitcases):
Kind of help your grandmother hold down the fort, OK? We’ll be back tomorrow night.

Scott:
I can handle it, Dad! Don’t’ worry!

Show them going through the house and out the door to load the suitcases into the trunk of Doug’s jeep.

Scott (surprised):
You’re not taking the MG?

Doug (chuckles):
And leave it on the parking lot at the airport? I don’t think so!

Scott:
Well, if my opinion counts, I think you should take the job.

Doug:
Oh yeah? Why’s that?

Scott (shrugs):
The girls are hotter in NY!

Carol (coming out the door, laughs):
Oh, yeah! He’s your son all right! (everything loaded)

Doug ( nods):
We’re all set...what time will your Mom be here?

Carol:
She’s on her way.

Doug:
OK... (turns to Scott) Take care of things for me, Scotty, OK? We’ll call you tonight!

Tatiana (runs out, hugs Carol):
Good-bye, Mama! Good-bye, Papa!

Carol (hugs her tight):
Good-bye, Sweetie! You be good, OK? We’ll be back soon!

Tatiana (reaches for Doug, nods):
I will!

Carol (gets into the car):
You guys help with the little ones, OK?

Scott (waves, arm around Tatiana):
We will! Don’t worry!

Show the jeep back down the driveway and pull away with the kids still waving as the start out. Cut to Carol looking out the window at the house as they pass by and start down the private road.

Doug (looks over at her):
What are you thinking about?

Carol:
Not really anything...just wondering if our days in that house are numbered. (looks over at him) We haven’t even lived here a year.

Doug (nods):
I know. But, nothing is definite with this trip...we’re just going to talk to a man about a job. That’s all.

Carol:
I was thinking, this job offer is really for you...there’s no reason for me to go to the hospital with you for the interview. So, I called a Realtor in NY and she’s going to show me some houses while you’re there.

Doug (chuckles, shakes his head):
I haven’t even accepted this job yet, Carol!

Carol (nods):
I know, but I’m just going to look. Then, if you take the job, maybe we’ll have someplace to move to and can come quickly.

Doug (chuckles):
Why are you in such a hurry to get out of Chicago?

Carol:
I’m not, necessarily...I was just trying to make things easier. (pause) Besides, you know you’re going to take the job.

Doug (shakes his head):
I don’t know any such thing... (glances out the window as they drive, sees County Hospital in his rear view mirror) Lot of things about his place can hold me here...

Focus on his blank expression as he drives. Show Carol looking over at him with a knowing look and Fade Opening Act into the Opening Credits of the show.


Act One

Scene opens in downtown New York City on a busy traffic street. Cars are sitting bumper to bumper and horns are honking from all directions.  The city is decorated brightly for Christmas and there are snow flurries in the air. Pan through the crowded cars to a city cab to show Doug and Carol looking out the window from the backseat and Doug frowns.

Doug (grumbles):
Welcome to New York!

Carol (smiles):
Oh, come on! I’ve seen Chicago this bad!

Doug (nods):
I suppose!

Carol:
Besides, they have trains here, too!

Doug:
Where are you meeting the Realtor?Carol:
She’s coming to the hotel...

Doug (grumbles):
She’s probably there waiting already!

Carol (laughs):
Oh, Doug, lighten up! We’re on vacation, remember?

Doug (looks out the window again):
This is not how I wanted to spend my vacation!

Carol shakes her head and ignores him. Cut to show time lapse and the cab finally pulling up at the doors of the hotel. A doorman opens the cab door and helps Carol out while Doug gets out on the other side. The hotel is lavishly decorated for Christmas. Doug pays the cab driver and then goes around to get the bags out of the trunk.

Doorman:
I’ll take those for you, Sir.

Doug (hands him a tip):
Thank you.

He and Carol walk into the elaborate hotel lobby and up to the desk clerk. The clerk turns to them with a smile.

Clerk:
May I help you, Sir?

Doug (nods):
We have a reservation...the name is Ross?

Clerk (checks his book):
Yes, Sir! Dr. and Mrs. Ross! (reaches back for a key) You’ll be in the Scenery Suite. I trust everything will be satisfactory for you, Sir?

Doug (grabs the key, nods):
It’ll be fine! Thanks!

A bellhop takes their bags and they stand to wait for the elevator.  Carol is still looking conspicuously around.

Carol (quietly to Doug):
This is really some place.

Doug:
It’s close to the hospital...that was all I cared about.

Carol:
It must be costing a fortune to stay here!

Doug (nods, as the elevator opens):
$500 a night!

Carol (surprised look):
Jesus, Doug! (elevator closes as Doug chuckles)

Cut to show time lapse. Doug and Carol are in their suite show an open suitcase on the bed with things laying out on the bed. Show Carol looking out the huge picture window at the New York skyline when Doug comes up behind her and wraps his arms around her waist, putting his head on her shoulder and nuzzling close to her.

Doug:
When does the Realtor get here?

Carol (smiles):
She’s due at one o’clock.

Doug (frowns):
My interview’s at one thirty...I’ll be leaving about then.

Carol (grins, nods):
I planned it that way. (turns around, wraps her arms around his neck) So we’ll both get back about the same time...I can take you out and show you the house I pick out, and then we’ll have all evening together!

Doug (chuckles):
Ummmm....should we order dinner from room service?

Carol (coy look):
I think that sounds like a good idea!

Doug (chuckles, holds her close to him):
I do love you, you know that, don’t you?

Carol (nods, kisses him lightly):
Every minute of my life.

Doug (sighs):
I’m really nervous about all this, you know that, too, don’t you?

Carol:
I know that this is a big step for you and it’s not going to be an easy decision. But, I want you to know you can talk to me about it and we’ll make the right decision together. (Doug nods, keeps his head low. Carol lifts his chin with her fingers) Say, ‘OK’, Doug. (smiles)

Doug (chuckles):
OK. (he ducks his head slightly, then raises it to glare out the window.  Carol looks to see what he is looking at and then turns back to him)

Carol:
What are you looking at?

Doug (shrugs, shakes his head):
Nothing... (pause) ...everything. I’m just thinking.

Carol:
About what?

Doug:
About what it would be like to live here again now. When I did my Residency at Mount Sinai, it was just me and I had an apartment somewhere up on the east side. It was great and I loved it. But now, there’s you...and the kids... (shakes his head) I don’t know about raising kids in this environment, Carol...

Carol:
We’ll work all that out later, OK? I don’t want you to worry about anything except your interview right now, OK?

Doug (chuckles, nods):
OK. (pause) I was thinking about Mark, too...

Carol (laughs):
Mark? What about him?

Doug (shrugs):
This is kind of a crappy time in his life to run out on him, don’t you think? What with the cancer, and Nina pregnant with all her problems and all...

Carol:
Mark’s a big boy and he can take care of himself!

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I know...I was just...

Carol (nods, knowingly):
Just looking for an excuse?

Doug (shrugs, chuckles):
Maybe. I’ve worked with and for Mark for a long time...I don’t know what it’s going to be like to work without him.

Carol (hugs him, holds him to her):
Maybe he’ll come with you...

Doug (head on her shoulder):
Maybe...but I’m not really counting on it. He’s got a lot more to give up at County than I do...

Focus on Doug lost in thought cuddled close to Carol and cut scene. Cut to show time lapse. Show Doug and Carol coming out of the elevator together and an attractive young woman walks over from the desk phones to greet them.

Realtor:
Mrs. Ross?

Carol (smiles, nods):
Yes, and it’s Carol, please!

Realtor (smiles, nods):
Carol, then! I’m Sara...are we all ready to go?

Carol (nods):
Absolutely! (turns to Doug) This is my husband, Doug...

Sara (nods, reaches to shake hands with him):
Dr. Ross...

Carol (reaches up and kisses him lightly):
Good luck with your interview...

Doug (rolls his eyes):
Thanks!

Sara (as she and Carol go off together):
My car is just outside...I have several houses to show you that I think will fit your needs...

Carol (turns to wave to Doug):
Great, I can’t wait to see them. (show Doug give her a short wave back as she goes out the door)

Show Doug go out of the hotel and flag for a taxi. The cab pulls up and he gets into the back of it and slams the door shut.

Cabby:
Where to, pal?

Doug:
Children’s Hospital.

Cabby (nods):
Have you there in twenty minutes!

Doug (nods):
Great.

Cut to show Carol and Sara riding along the highway while they talk.  Carol is looking out the window and just taking everything in.

Sara:
I have a couple of houses to show you in Connecticut and one in New Jersey and then I have a couple in New York itself. We’ll start in Connecticut and work our way back to New York.

Carol (still staring out the window, nods):
That sounds fine.

Sara:
How soon do you think you’ll be moving?

Carol (brings her attention inside the car, looks over at her):
Well, we’re not even sure we’re going to be moving yet. My husband is here to see about a job.

Sara:
Which hospital?

Carol:
Children’s Hospital...he’s a Pediatrician.

Sara:
We need good ones here, that’s for sure. How long have you been married?

Carol:
Almost four years.

Sara:
Any children?

Carol (chuckles):
Yeah...we have six!

Sara (surprised):
Six kids? In four years?!

Carol (smiles):
Well, one we adopted, and one is my husband’s child...the other four we had together...my first pregnancy we had one and my second we had triplets!

Sara:
Heavens! No wonder you said you wanted to look at big houses!(both laugh)

Cut to show Doug going through the main doors of Children’s Hospital.  He walks up to the information desk and stops, waiting for the receptionist to give him her attention.

Receptionist:
Can I help you, Sir?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I’m Dr. Doug Ross...I have an appointment with Dr. Marsh.

Receptionist (smiles):
I’ll tell him you’re here!

Doug (nods):
Thank you.

Doug goes over and sits in a chair. He isn’t seated but just a couple of minutes before Dr. Dan Marsh comes out with a smile and a hand extended for a handshake. Doug stands up and shakes hands with him. Dan Marsh is an older man, in his mid 50s, with graying hair and a receding hairline. He is wearing a white lab coat, dress shirt and pants, with a tie. His manner is pleasant and he is delighted to see Doug.

Marsh:
Dr. Ross! Welcome back to New York!

Doug (nods):
Thank you...it’s nice to be here!

Marsh:
Well, we’ll start this with a tour and then finish it in my office, shall we? He motions Doug to follow along with him and Doug falls in behind him.

They go off together to the elevator as Act One Fades to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens with Carol and Sara going into the hallway of an empty house. Sara is leading the way and Carol is following behind her, looking around.

Sara:
It has five bedrooms, three baths, and a huge utility room for a washer and dryer in the basement. The yard is fenced...has a two car garage...

Carol (looks around):
It’s very nice.

Sara (opens a door):
It has very nice closets and hardwood floors...the owners are relocating to Miami and want to sell...what kind of a house are you living in right now?

Carol:
It was custom made. We had it built less than a year ago!

Sara:
Have you considered moving it?

Carol (nods):
We talked about that but when I checked into it’s just too much hassle. We decided it might be better to sell and just buy something here.

Sara:
It should do well on the market if it’s that new.

Carol (nods):
We already have an interested buyer.

Sara:
Well, that always helps! How old are your children?

Carol:
My step-son is almost 14...my adopted daughter is going to be 10 is just a few months...my first born is not quite 3...and my triplets are 14 months.

Sara:
Mercy! How do you keep up with all of them?

Carol:
We have help... (pauses in thought)...which is something I hadn’t really considered when we move here...

Sara:
Oh, well, there are plenty of agencies in New York that can help you find a reliable person!

Carol (nods slowly):
Yeah, I guess...that’s something I need to talk to my husband about. (pause, thinking) How long would it take Doug to commute to the hospital?

Sara (thinking):
It’s about an hour and forty-five minutes.

Carol (frowns):
That’s a long drive...especially in bad weather.

Sara:
Yes, it is. There is a train that also makes the trip but it only runs twice a day.

Carol:
That might be rough for him, depending on his schedule. We were hoping for something a little closer...

Sara:
Well, we do have other stops to make...but let’s finish looking at this one first... (as they continue through the house): Your husband is a doctor...do you work?

Carol:
Yes, I’m a nurse. We usually work together. I don’t know if that’s going to continue if he makes this move or not but I certainly hope so!

They continue through the house opening doors and looking into large empty room while they talk. Cut audio and just show them walking through the house. Cut to Children’s Hospital. Show Doug walking along with Dr. Marsh while he gives his demonstration speech to him at each stop.

Marsh:
And this is our emergency room... Doug looks around a very simply stocked ER that doesn’t look very busy and ticks his head in surprise.

Marsh:
What do you think?

Doug (honest expression):
Well, it’s a little tamer than I’m used to!

Marsh:
Exactly why I think you’re the man for this job... (nods) ...shall we go back to my office now and talk business?

Doug (nods):
Sure!

As they wait for the elevator, cut to show John Taglieri come running up the hall waving a file in his hands.

Tag:
Dan! Wait! I need your signature on something! (comes up to them and nods to Doug) Hey, Doug...how are you doing!?(reaches to shake hands with Doug, Doug responds)

Marsh (surprised):
You two know each other?

Tag (nods):
Yeah, Doug and I worked together at County in Chicago for a while. (to Doug) What are you doing here?

Doug (grins):
Talking to him about a job!

Tag (surprised, but delighted):
No kidding? Well, good luck! It would be interesting to work with you again!

Marsh:
John, seeing that you know Dr. Ross pretty well, I’d like to ask you to sit in on the board meeting this evening when we discuss his coming on here...I think the board would appreciate your input!

Tag (nods):
Sure, I’d be happy to. (starts off down the hall) Right now I’ve got to get back to my patient...

Marsh:
Six o’clock, John!

Tag (calls back with a short wave):
I’ll be there! Doug! Good luck!

Doug (waves shortly):
Thanks!

Marsh (as they get into the elevator):
John Taglieri is one of the best Pediatric Orthopedists in the country. We were lucky to get him here.

Doug (nods):
He is good, I’ll grant you that. How long has he been here?

Marsh:
Just came a few months ago. He’s part of our ‘building and expanding’ plan...as are you. (elevator opens and they step out into the hall) My office is just down here...

Doug follows along with him and they disappear into his office and he closes the door behind them. Cut to Carol and Sara at another house, going through it, opening doors, and looking in empty rooms.

Carol:
This is nice...

Sara:
It’s very nice and has a nice price, too.

Carol:
We’re in NJ now, right?

Sara (nods):
Right.

Carol:
So how long would it take Doug to commute from here?

Sara:
Close to an hour...but it’s a well traveled route and has lots of transportation.

Carol (thinking):
Well, that’s better than the other ones in Connecticut, anyway! (laughs)

Sara:
Still a little further than you wanted, huh? (Carol nods slowly) Well, is money any kind of an object for you?

Carol (shakes her head):
Oh no! Money isn’t a problem. Doug got a great inheritance from his father.

Sara:
Well, let me show you one that I wasn’t going to show you, but, I think it might be just what you’re looking for...

Show Carol with a curious expression as she follows Sara out of the house and back towards the car. Cut back to the hospital. Show Doug and Marsh sitting in his office while they go over the proposition together.

Marsh:
We are the largest Children’s Hospital in the region and we offer excellent care in a number of areas. Our neo-natal unit is one of the best this side of the Mississippi and our Pediatric Intensive Care Unit is outstanding.  We offer the best in Burn care and Pediatric Oncology. With the addition of John Taglieri, we are now second in Orthopedic care. What we want you to do is bring our ER up to Level One Trauma status because it is an area we need badly to expand in.

Doug:
OK, first of all, you do have a surgery center here, right?

Marsh (nods):
Yes, we do. Pauline McCalskey is our Chief of Pediatric Surgery and she is one of the best in the area. Her team is excellent.

Doug (nods):
As long as you have a surgery center, all your ER needs is personnel and equipment...that shouldn’t take much.

Marsh:
That’s what we want you for. We want you to bring our ER up to standards. We have a 6 million dollar budget and a one year time frame for this project... (show Doug’s surprised reaction at that figure) ...will that be enough?

Doug:
The covers salaries and equipment? (Marsh nods) I think that should be more than enough money...and a year should be enough time, I would hope!

Marsh:
If you accept this position, Doug, we would allow you to bring your own staff if there are members of the ER team in Chicago you would like to continue to work with or if you think they would fit into our system. They don’t have to be pediatricians...most of our doctors and nurses are not. We have specialists in high areas to oversee and advise but most of the personnel does not specialize in Pedes.

Doug (nodding):
That being the case, there are a few people I think would work in well here. I’d have to talk to them, of course.

Marsh (nods, smiles):
Of course. (pause) So, can we expect you to join our team?

Doug (thinking):
Well, there are a few issues I want to ask about first.

Marsh (nods):
Of course...

Doug:
I’m a family man. My wife and I have six children....four of them are under the age of three years old. On top of that, I have a kidney problem that requires dialysis...I don’t want to work every weekend and I don’t want to work 36 or 48 hour shifts...

Marsh:
You wouldn’t be expected to. You would be in charge...meaning it would be your job to oversee or put someone in charge who is capable of overseeing. If you are not here, we would only ask that you be available for paging so that you could answer questions over the phone if needed. We surely do not expect you to give up your family time...none of the rest of us do.

Doug (nods):
OK, that’s good

Marsh:
How serious is your kidney problem?

Doug (shakes his head):
Not as serious as it sounds. I was somewhat wild when I was younger and years of over obsessive drinking finally caught up with me a while back. I’m on a transplant list, but, you know how that goes...  (Marsh nods) Is this Hospital funded by the county?

Marsh:
No, we are privately funded.

Doug (nods):
Well, then, that’s a little better in a lot of ways.
(pause)
You have a Pediatric Aids unit here as well, is that correct?

Marsh (nods):
Yes, we do. We do research as well as experimentation.

Doug:
My adopted daughter, who will soon turn ten years old, was HIV positive for years. She recently went into full blown Aids and none of the programs we put her with in Chicago did her any good. I’m hoping we can find something here more suitable for her.

Marsh:
Well, we’ll certainly try.

Doug:
She’s never really been around other children with Aids and I think it might do her some good if she were.

Marsh:
She’d surely be welcome here. (smiles) So, can we expect you to join our team?

Doug (thinking):
Well, I’d like to talk to me wife...who by the way comes as part of my staff...we’re pretty much a package deal. She’s a nurse but she also has a PA so she really is an asset.

Marsh (nods):
I would think so.

Doug:
Let me talk to her and I can give you an answer by the end of the week? Is that too late?

Marsh:
That will be fine, Doug!

Doug (nods):
OK, then... (stands up, reaches to shake hands with him) I appreciate the tour and your time...it’s been a real pleasure.

Marsh (shakes hands with him):
The pleasure has been all mine, Doug, believe me. Have a safe trip home. I look forward to hearing from you.

Show Doug leaving Dr. Marsh’s office and waiting for the elevator to take him down. He looks around the hallway at all the bright colors and decorations for children and smiles. Cut to show Carol standing in a formal receiving hall of another house, looking up at the ceiling in awe.

Carol:
Oh, my God! I think this is it!

Show Sara smiling with Carol nodding while she looks around as Act Two Fades to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens with Carol and Sara walking through a huge empty house.  Show Carol looking in rooms and opening doors, nodding her head and just generally very excited as she looks.

Carol:
Oh, I think this place is PERFECT! This house is absolutely incredible!

Sara (smiles, nods):
It is, at that!

Carol:
How long would it take Doug to commute?

Sara:
About a half an hour, whether he goes by subway or if he drives.

Carol:
What about schools? I’ve got one in elementary, one in middle school, and one ready for pre-school.

Sara:
There are several good schools in the area. There are also a couple of good private schools in the area.

Carol:
What about Catholic? Doug likes the kids to go to a Catholic school...

Sara (nodding):
Our Lady of Mercy is about 5 minutes away and they offer everything from nursery to high school. And they have their own bus that picks the kids up and drops them back off right at your door!

Carol (enthusiastically):
I want to show him this one! Let’s go back to the hotel and see if he’s back yet!

Sara:
Sure! (she and Carol go out and she locks the door) John McEnroe’s parents live right over there... (points in a direction)

Carol (surprised):
The tennis player’s parents?

Sara (nods):
Uh huh...and Barbara Streisand has a house right up the river here... (points in another direction)

Carol (really surprised):
You’re kidding!

Sara (smiles, shakes her head):
This is a very exclusive area of Manhattan!

Carol (wide eyes):
No kidding! I can’t wait for Doug to see this house... (as they start away in the car) I hope his interview went well... (looks out the window as the car drives by)

Cut to show Carol getting out of the car at the hotel. She leans back down to Sara before she closes the door.

Carol:
I’ll just go in and get him...I’ll be right back.

Sara (nods):
I’ll wait right here!

Carol closes the door and a doorman opens the door for her! She smiles and nods, ad libs ‘thank you’ and goes into the lobby. She goes across to the desk and waits until the clerk is free to assist her.

Clerk (smiles):
Yes, ma’am! How can I help you?

Carol:
I’m looking to see if my husband may have come back in yet...Doug Ross? Dr. Ross?

Clerk (looks at a board):
No, I’m sorry...it doesn’t look like he’s checked back in with us yet.

Carol (disappointed, nods):
OK, thanks! (she turns and goes back across the lobby, out the door, and back to the car) (slamming car door shut) He’s not back yet... (looks at her watch) But, surely his interview should be over by now...

Sara (helpfully):
Maybe he went to get something to eat?

Carol (shakes her head):
No, we’re supposed to have dinner together... (thinking...puzzles...then brightens quickly) I bet I know where he is...St. Patrick’s Cathedral is close to here, isn’t it?

Sara (nods):
Yeah, it’s about 2 blocks away...why?

Carol:
Can you take me there? I have a feeling that’s where I might find him...

Sara (starts engine):
St. Patrick’s....coming up!

Cut to show the interior of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The light is dim...there are votive candles lit on a rack in a corner near the door...statues sitting in high places through out the sanctuary...and a huge crucifix hanging behind the alter. The church has very few people in...several older ladies in prayer...a Priest walks through but doesn’t bother anyone...and a young boy who is attending the alter. Cut back to show Carol coming through the doors and looking around. She scans down the rows and then she smiles. She starts slowly down the aisle quietly. As she walks, pan down slowly and focus on Doug sitting alone in a pew, his hands in his coat pocket, staring straight ahead with a blank look on his face.   Carol gets to him and slips quietly in to sit beside him.

Carol (quietly):
I thought I might find you here. (looks over at him) I went to the hotel first...

Doug (pops his trance....looks over at her):
I never even made it back there. I’m sorry.

Carol:
That’s OK...how did it go at the hospital?

Doug (nods):
It went well...very well.

Carol:
Are you going to take the job?

Doug (shrugs):
I don’t know, Carol...there’s so many things to consider...moving is a big job.

Carol:
Not when you hire someone to do all the work, which is what we’d have to do. They’ll ever move the cars for us!

Doug (sighs, thinking):
The hospital is really nice...it has just about everything a Pedes hospital could possibly need. The staff isn’t all Pedes, though...they have specialists in the fields they want them in but the rest of the staff is not specially trained. (thinking) They have a Pedes Aids unit and I think Tatchie would get excellent care there.

Carol:
So, that’s the problem?

Doug (shrugs):
I guess you’re always just unsure about the change...

Carol (smiles):
That’s normal. The only thing I worry about is child care...finding reliable people isn’t easy...especially in a place like this.

Doug (shrugs, ticks his head):
Actually, I thought we’d ask Helen is she wants to come with us. (Carol gives him a surprised look) With you gone, there’s nothing to hold her in Chicago. I thought she might like to come and help us raise her grandchildren.

Carol (touched):
Doug, I think that’s about the sweetest thing you’ve ever thought of.

Doug:
So, you think she’d come?

Carol (nods):
Yeah....I really do. (reaches over and takes hold of his hand) Listen, you don’t worry about little things. The only thing you need to consider is whether or not you want to take the job. Everything else can be worked out.

Doug (looks over at her and smiles):
I want to take the job.

Carol (smiles back at him):
Then take the job. What’s so hard about that?

Doug (sighs):
We’ll have to relocate the kids...find a school...

Carol:
I’ve already found a school...and a house! Which I want you to see!  It is absolutely incredible! It will blow you away! And it’s only a half an hour commute by subway! There’s even a guest house where Mom could live on her own and still be there to help us with the kids!

Doug:
Yeah, and what about the kids? Moving is always a big deal for children!

Carol (shrugs):
You know Scott already wants to come!(Doug chuckles) Tatchie will go where ever we do. Marc and the triplets are too little to care. They’ll all be fine! And I think they’ll really love it here.

Doug (ticks his head):
It won’t be easy for me to walk away from County. I’ve had a lot of good things come from my time there...

Carol (nods):
It’ll be hard for me, too. But, if this job is something you want, then, I think you should take it.

Doug (looks over at her):
They have a 6 million dollar budget and a one year time frame to get their ER up to Level One Trauma status and they want me to do it.

Carol:
That sounds like it’s right up your alley!

Doug:
I can bring any personnel I want with me and I’d be in control. (grins at her) It’s getting back to what I love to do without having all the paperwork and administrative side of things. It’s perfect.

Carol:
Did you tell them you’d take it?

Doug (shakes his head):
I told them I wanted to talk to you first...that I’d have an answer for them within a week.

Carol (takes his hand and stands up, pulling him with her):
When you see this house I’ve found, you’ll call them with an answer before we even leave New York!(coaxing him) Come on! Sara’s sitting outside waiting to take us back out there!

Doug (almost laughing as he gets to his feet and goes with her):
I’ve never seen you this excited about a house...

Carol:
Wait until you see it!

Cut to show Sara, Carol, and Doug inside the house with Doug looking up at the huge, high ceilings and Carol standing beside him enthusiastically.

Carol:
Well? What do you think?

Doug (looking, nodding):
Does the whole house look like this?

Carol (nodding):
It sure does! There is a fireplace in EVERY room! Except for the bathrooms, of course! And the attic and the basement don’t have a fireplace, either. But all the other rooms do! It has EIGHT bedrooms! Three full baths...three half baths....

Doug (chuckles):
Six bathrooms for eight people...that should fair out better than the two we’ve got now, huh?

Carol (nods):
It has a formal dining room...kitchen off from that...a drawing room that you can make into a den...an immaculate living room...I’ll have to buy more furniture to keep it from looking bare! And here...let me show you the master bedroom... (takes him by the hand and leads him down the hall) You will NOT believe the size of this room...

Doug (points to a door behind him):
What’s in there?

Carol:
Two bedrooms with a door that connects them inside! I thought we could turn it into a playroom! (Doug nods and Carol opens the door to the master bedroom to reveal a huge room, with a floor to ceiling picture window and a window seat) (leading him into the room) It has a walk in closet... (opens closet) and a full bath... (goes over and opens the bathroom door to reveal a huge bathroom) and back here... (opens another door) ...is a deck with a hot tub!

Doug (smiles, nods):
I like it... (looks at Sara) ...what kind of a price tag does it have on it?

Carol (cuts in):
What difference does it make? Stewart Krammer wants to buy our house anyway! And you know we’ll get more for it than we’ll pay for this one!

Doug (nods):
OK...yeah...you’re probably right. (grins at her) You really like this house, huh?(Carol nods excitedly) And how many others did you look at?

Sara (laughs):
About 7! She found something wrong with every one of them except this one!

Doug (ticks his head, smiles at Carol):
Well, if this is the house you want... (goes to her and pulls her close into his arms) ...then this is the house we’ll take. (puts his head against hers and looks into her eyes) And I’ll call Dan tonight and tell him I’ll take the job.

Carol (smiles, throws her arms around his neck):
Yes!!

Doug (still looking at Carol):
Looks like you’ve got yourself a sale, Sara! You tell me where to send it and I’ll have the bank wire the money tomorrow. (kisses Carol softly) You know none of this is going to be easy, don’t you?

Carol:
Since when is anything ever easy for us?

Doug (chuckles):
You have a point there! (grins at her) Come on...let’s get out of here and go back to the hotel.

Carol (laughing):
I couldn’t have said it better myself!

He takes her by the hand and Sara leads them out. Once they are all out, she locks the door behind them. As the get into the car, Carol looks back at the immaculate structure and smiles as Act Three Fades to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens at County ER in Chicago. Show Doug and Carol walking in through the ER entrance together. Doug reaches over and takes hold of her hand.

Doug (quietly):
This is going to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life!

Carol (nods):
I know...just remember all the things we talked about on the ride home...

They go into the ER and pass through to the Pedes wing. Carol goes in to the desk and pulls out a folder to start her day. Doug goes on through the hall towards the elevator. While he’s waiting, he sees Jeannie Boulet come down the hall the other way.

Doug (brightens):
Jeannie! Just someone I wanted to see!

Jeannie (smiles):
Good morning, Doug! Welcome back!

Doug (nods):
Thanks... (pause) Have you got a minute? There’s something I’d like to talk to you about.

Jeannie (nods):
Sure! (as they start off together) What’s on your mind? (Doug directs her with him off to a private corner. She gives him a confused but curious look)

Doug (quiet voice):
I got a very lucrative job offer in New York...

Jeannie (delighted):
Really? Congratulations!

Doug (nods):
Yeah, thanks! It’s at Children’s Hospital...

Jeannie (impressed):
A Pediatrician’s dream...you must be very excited!

Doug (nods):
They want to bring their ER up to a Level One Trauma Unit...the have plenty of money and a year to do it in and they want me to be the one to do it....I guess judging from some of the work I’ve done here they think I’m the man for the job.

Jeannie (smiles):
I’m very happy for you, Doug. It’ll let you go back to what you love most, which is taking care of children.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, but, hear me out, OK? I get to bring any personnel with me that I want to bring. The staff at the hospital is not all Pedes specialized...just Pedes trained. I was wondering if you’d like to go with me?(Jeannie gives him a surprised and blank look) You’re really good with kids...I’ve seen that working with you here...and you’re really good in a trauma!

Jeannie (flattered):
Well, thank you, Doug!

Doug:
And, also, they have a really excellent Pedes Aids Study, Research, and Treatment center there...

Jeannie (delighted):
That will be so good for Tatiana...

Doug (nods):
And I was thinking you would be really good to work in something like that, too. The combination of being good with kids and knowing a lot about Aids and HIV as well...do you have anything to hold you here?

Jeannie (shakes her head):
No, not really. Do you need an answer right away?

Doug (smiles): Just whenever you have one. I’m leaving at the end of the week, but there will always be a place for you there if you’re not ready to leave yet.

Jeannie (nods):
Let me get back to you, all right?

Doug (touches her shoulder):
That’s fine, Jeannie. No rush.

Jeannie (as Doug steps over to the elevator):
Doug! (he turns back to her) Thanks. (he smiles, nods, and steps into the elevator)

As the doors close them off, Jeannie goes on down the hall with a delighted and pleased look on her face. Cut to show Doug getting off the elevator and starting down a hallway towards his own office. He passes by the door that reads MARK GREENE, MD - CHIEF OF STAFF and he notices a light under the door so he stops and knocks lightly on the door.

Mark’s voice (from behind the door):
Come in!

Doug (opens the door and sticks his head in, smiles to see Mark sitting behind the desk):
Hey!Mark (looks up, smiles at Doug and motions him in): Come in and close the door! Nobody knows I’m here! (Doug comes in and closes the door behind him)

Doug (going over to the desk):
What are you doing here, anyway?

Mark (sighs, shakes his head):
I had some paperwork I needed to take care of...some policies that needed updated. (sighs again) My heart just isn’t in it. I went to medical school to be a doctor and work on people...not push a pen all day.

Doug (nods):
I hear you! I feel the same way. (pause) That’s why I’m going back to it.

Mark (grins):
You took the job in New York?

Doug (nods):
I’m leaving at the end of the week.

Mark (smiles):
Congratulations! I’m really happy for you!

Doug (quiet voice):
I want you to come with me.

Mark (surprised):
Me? I don’t know anything about Pedes!

Doug (shakes his head):
You don’t have to! The staff is not all Pedes specialized, just Pedes trained. You know how to take care of kids...you’ve done it around here lots of times! You’re one of the best trauma doctors I’ve ever seen and I would really love to have you on my team. (smiles) What do you say?

Mark (sighs...shakes his head):
As much as I appreciate the offer...and I DO appreciate the offer....I just can’t right now. I’ve still got follow up testing with chemo and Nina is two months from delivering now...this is just not a good time for me to pick up and move someplace.

Doug (nods, disappointed):
I understand.

Mark:
But, when Nina goes on maternity leave, we’ll talk about it. Is that too late?

Doug (smiles, shakes his head):
There will ALWAYS be a place for you on my team!

Mark (grins):
I really appreciate that, Doug. Thanks. And I wish you well with this...I really do.

Doug (ticks his head, quiet voice):
I’ll really miss you, Bud. We’ve been a team for a long time.

Mark (chuckles):
And not all of it has been good!

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah! Yeah, we’ve had our share of arguments.

Mark:
We’ll be a team again, Bud...just give me about six months. (pause) Have you told Morganstern yet?

Doug:
I’m on my way up to him now.

Mark (nods, chuckles):
Good luck.

Doug (heading back for the door):
Yeah! (chuckles) Thanks!

Doug goes out of Mark’s office. Mark shakes his head and goes back to his paperwork, reluctantly. Cut to show David Morganstern with a shocked expression on his face sitting at his desk, facing Doug who is sitting in a chair across from him.

Morganstern:
The end of the week? That’s kind of short notice, isn’t it?

Doug (nods):
A little, maybe. But, Max can run the Pedes wing until you find somebody else.

Morganstern (nods):
I suppose. (ticks his head) I don’t mind telling you I hate to lose you, Doug!

Doug (nods, appreciatively):
It won’t be easy to leave here. I’ve got a lot of friends here and this has been my home for a long time. But, I can’t miss this opportunity.

Morganstern (nods, smiles):
Oh, no! Of course you can’t! I understand completely....this is just such a shock! (laughs) Do I assume you are taking my Chief of Staff with you?

Doug (smiles):
Well, I asked him...but at this point in his life it’s not feasible for him to pack up and move away. I made it clear to him, however, that there will always be a place for him on my team should he decide later he wants to come.

Morganstern (nods):
I expected as much. You and Mark are a dynamic team together. Are you taking any of my other personnel with you?

Doug:
I’ve asked Jeannie Boulet but she hasn’t accepted or declined as of yet. And there’s one other person I plan to ask.

Morganstern (sighs, nods):
Well, we’ll miss you around here, Doug... (smiles) ...but I wish you nothing but the best. (reaches to shake his hand)

Doug (shakes his hand):
Thanks, David... (gets up to leave, turns back from the door) And don’t worry! You’ll still see me. I still own the Drake and I’ll be in Chicago about 4 times a year for Board meetings! I’ll come by and see everybody.

Morganstern smiles and nods, waves lightly to Doug as he goes on out the door. Cut to show Kerry Weaver working at the desk in the ER. Focus on Doug coming into the ER and standing close to her at the desk.

Doug (very quiet voice):
Kerry, can I talk to you? In the lounge?

Kerry (surprised, looks at him):
Sure! What’s up? (Doug directs her with him to the lounge where they can be alone)

Doug:
I wanted you to know that I’ve accepted a position at Children’s Hospital in New York...I’m leaving at the end of the week.

Kerry (wry smile):
I suppose I should inwardly jump for joy, huh?(Doug chuckles, Kerry smiles) The truth is, Doug, I’ll really miss you around here. You make things...interesting...to say the least.

Doug:
Well, the thing is, they are working to make their ER a Level One Trauma Unit and they want me to be the man to do it for them. I have a 6 million dollar budget for salaries of personnel and supplies and equipment, and I can bring my own staff.

Kerry (nods):
Sounds like a very prosperous offer. No wonder you took it.

Doug:
Kerry, listen, I’ll get right to the point, OK? I know we’ve had a lot of differences in the past and I’m sure there are still things we will never see eye to eye on, but you’re a good doctor...and you’re good in a trauma situation! And I don’t know ANYBODY better with a budget than you are... (Kerry gives him a surprised and curious look) ...I was wondering if you might want to come with me? I could really use you on my team. (Kerry gives him a shocked expression) Are you interested? At all?

Kerry (recovering from her surprise):
Well, I must say this is a total surprise... (Doug chuckles) ...especially since I know you’re never going to change. I have a problem with your style sometimes, but, if you’re in charge, then you’re somebody else’s problem...not mine... (ticks her head) And, you know what? There’s nothing here for me now...they will never let me advance here now...they want someone with national recognition to bring in grant money...well, I think I’ll just go to New York and become that somebody and make them sorry they didn’t keep me here! (Doug smiles) Yes, Doug. I accept. I’ll turn in my resignation and leave at the end of the week and meet you there! (nods) Yes.

Doug (smiles):
Great! I wasn’t sure you’d accept! Thank you.

Kerry (nods, smiles):
It’s a great opportunity...I appreciate you thinking of me.

Focus on Kerry nodding with a still surprised air about her and cut the scene. Show Doug working at the desk in the Pedes wing beside Carol. Carol looks over at him standing with the tip of the pen in his mouth reading the form in front of him and smiles.

Carol:
Did you talk to everybody?

Doug (nods):
Yes, I did. Kerry is going...Jeannie is thinking about it...and Mark will consider it later when Nina goes on maternity leave.

Carol (smiles, nods):
What about my Mom?

Doug (shakes his head):
Haven’t talk to Helen yet but I will this evening when we get home. (Carol looks at him...he has a serious look on his face...and she touches his shoulder)

Carol:
Are you OK?

Doug (nods):
I’m fine. (looks at her, smiles) Just a lot of things I need to do before the end of the week.

Cut to show Jeannie Boulet come into the Pedes wing and look around for Doug. When she sees him, she goes quietly up to the counter.

Jeannie:
Doug? I have your answer.... (Doug looks up at her curiously, she nods) Yes. I’ll go with you.

Carol smiles and Doug nods with a smile. Jeannie nods and smiles and the three of them give a ‘high five’ motion to each other as Act Four Fades to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at the Ross home, interior, evening. The house looks like it is being vacated with boxes stacked around it and tables and walls starting to look bare. Pan through to show Carol and Helen sharing coffee in the kitchen, sitting a the table and Doug comes in from the hallway.

Doug (brightly):
Helen! Just the person I was looking for!

Helen (smiles at him):
Carol was just telling me all about this immaculate house in New York!

Doug (smiles, nods):
Yeah, it’s really something.

Carol:
I took care of the bank today...the money is already there! I talked to Sara about an hour ago.

Doug (nods):
Good...I’m glad that’s done at least.

Carol:
The movers will be here Friday. The new house should be ready to live in by Sunday but we’ll still be able to sleep there Saturday night.

Doug (nods):
We’ll get a hotel for Friday night either here or there...did you get the plane tickets?

Carol ( nods):
Yep! Got those too!

Doug:
What about the closure on this one? Can that be done before we leave or do we have to come back for that later?

Carol (grins):
Stewart is ready to sign the papers as soon as they are drawn up....the attorney said they should be ready on Friday.

Doug (nods,):
Good...that way we should be able to tie up all the loose ends before we go. (sighs) I can’t believe we’re giving this place up so soon...but I am sure about this move.

Carol:
Did you get all the kids to bed?

Doug (chuckles):
The little ones, yeah. Tatchie and Scott are so excited I don’t think they’ll ever go to sleep! (Helen and Carol laugh)

Carol (to Helen):
The best part about the new house is that EVERYBODY can have their own room if they want it!

Doug (nods):
Yeah, even though we shouldn’t come to that right away!

Carol:
I’ve never seen a house with so much room it in...it’s fantastic!

Doug (changes tone):
Helen, there’s something I wanted to talk to you about... (pulls out a chair and sits down with them) With us moving to a new place, we’re not going to have adequate child care. I know there are plenty of agencies in New York, but, I’m not real sure I trust a stranger to come in and take care of my kids.

Helen (nods):
I don’t blame you...

Doug:
So, Carol and I talked it over and we were wondering if you would be interested in the job. (Helen gives him a surprised look) We would pay you a salary...just like we would anyone else who took care of our kids...there’s a guest house on the back lot of the house we just bought...it has 5 rooms including a kitchen and a bath...you could live there, come and go as you please, but still be there to take care of the kids or if we needed you for anything else and if you needed us, we’d be close by, too. (pause, looks at her and smiles) What do you think?

Helen (taken aback):
I think I don’t know what to say!

Carol (softly):
Mama, it would really mean a lot to both of us if you’d come. I really hate the thought of going off and leaving you all alone here...

Helen (scoffs):
Well, I’d hardly be alone! I have lots of family here... (looks at Doug) I must say I’m shocked to have this proposition coming from you, Douglas. We’ve never exactly been friendly to each other.

Doug (smiles):
All in the past, Helen.

Helen (thinking, nods):
I’ll do it. I’d love the job. A chance to raise my grandchildren...and be close to my daughter....how can I refuse?

Carol (smiles):
Oh, Mama! I’m so happy! Can you be ready to go by the end of the week?

Helen (shrugs):
I don’t know why not! (looks at her watch) Goodness! It’s getting late! I better be getting home and getting things together! (stands up, Doug and Carol get up to walk her out. Helen hugs and kisses them both) Thank you....thank you both....thank you for needing me! (Doug and Carol laugh lightly)

Carol (hugging her):
I’ll always need you, Mama.

Doug (hugs her):
I won’t...but I’m glad you’re coming anyway!

Helen (scolding him):
Oh, you!(kisses his cheek) Don’t you ever change, you hear me?!

Helen goes on out. Doug and Carol close the door and start turning off lights on their way to bed.

Carol (as they go through the house):
I’ll have to go shopping once we get there...we need several things for the house.

Doug (grins):
Like the biggest Christmas tree we can find for that HUGE receiving hall?

Carol (nods):
That, too!(hugs him and holds close to him, he puts his arms around her) Oh, Doug....I just feel real good about this move! We’ll be starting all over again someplace new...I think this is going to be a really good thing for all of us.

Doug (nods, holds her close, kisses her lightly):
I do, too.

Carol (looks at him, knowing look):
You’re disappointed about Mark, aren’t you?

Doug (nods shortly):
Yeah, but I understand his reasoning. They have to stay until the baby is born or it messes up Nina’s insurance. He told me to give him six months. (nods)  I think he’ll come later.

Carol:
Don’t worry about anything, Doug. Everything will work out fine.  You’ll see!

Doug:
I wanted to tell you I appreciated all your support in this. I don't think I could have made this decision without you.

Carol (shrugs):
I'm your wife...that's my job.

Doug (shakes his head):
No...it's not...and that's why I appreciate it so much.

Carol (cuddles close):
Right now, I don’t want to talk about anything...I just want you to hold me... (Doug chuckles and pulls her even close)

Doug:
I’ve got a better idea... (motions to the bed)

He inches her over to the bed and lays her down on it, laying down on top of her, gazing deep into her eyes and kissing her tenderly.

Carol (smiles sweetly):
Ummmmm....that was nice.

Doug (grins):
Was it?

Carol (nods):
Uh huh...will you do it again?

Doug (chuckles):
And again....and again.....

He begins kissing her madly while she keeps her arms wrapped around his neck. She giggles insanely and he begins to growl playfully. But, then, he turns passionate and kisses her with more meaning. She kisses him back and he reaches to turn out the light beside the bed as the Closing Act Fades into the Closing Credits of the show.


December 7, 1998