Author's Text

Well, if you're reading this, most of you on my regular list know how close you came to NOT reading. This is the fourth story I've started in three days.

I know I told most of you that NBC was what was killing my writing drive, but, I honestly think the real culprit is me. The last 3 or 4 stories, IMVHO, were very good, and I think I feel like I can't live up to those again for a while. I'm just not capable of writing at that level all the time.

So, its back to building something...which means the story is less dramatic...but promises something BIG is coming.

Please just hang in there with me. I have a lot going on in my private life right now, which effects my thinking and my stories. But, like everything else in my life, this will pass and things will get back to normal soon.

Your patience and support is appreciated more than you know.

"Family Center"
"Steam Rising"
Opening Act

Scene opens at the Ross home, interior, daytime. Carol Ross is in baby Marc's room, fussing with dressing him on a changing table. The baby is cranky and fighting with her, making her short tempered.

Carol (agitated):
Marc, come on! You have to look nice for your party!

Cut to show Doug Ross coming to the doorway to look in. He is on crutches with his leg still in a cast. He is wearing shorts and a t-shirt and he smiles at Carol as he hobbles into the room.

Doug:
What do you want me to wear? Want me to cut the leg out of something?

Carol (still fussing with Marc):
No, Doug, you're fine...

Doug:
I'm not fine...

Carol:
You're fine for me!
(steps back to look at Marc)
There! Finally!

Doug looks over at the table at his crying son. Carol has Marc dressed in a sailor romper, white socks, and white shoes. She lifts him off the table to put him on the floor and he toddles quickly over to Doug, reaching his arms up to him.

Doug (reaches down to him but doesn't pick him up):
What's the matter, Buddy? Did Mom put you in a sissy outfit on your birthday?

Carol (protesting):
It is NOT a sissy outfit! He looks precious in that!

Doug (chuckles):
Well, I hope you're not planning on him ever wearing it again after he eats Chocolate cake in it!

Carol:
Oh, he's not eating chocolate cake in that! I'll strip him to his diaper when it's time for that!

Doug:
There's a smart Mom!

Mark toddles on out of the room and into the hallway, but, Doug keeps an eye on him.

Carol:
How are you feeling?

Doug (nods):
I'm OK. Carol:
You had a rough night...you want to talk about it?

Doug (shrugs):
Just restless, I guess. Must be the pain pills.

Carol (nods):
Yeah, probably.
(she goes to the door to see where Marc has gone to)
No, no, Marc!

Doug (chuckles):
He's OK.
(reaches out at takes her hand)
What about you? Are you OK?

Carol:
I'm fine...why?

Doug:
You just haven't been yourself lately.

Carol:
Just busy...I have four babies, two children, and a recovering husband...I think that's enough for any woman, don't you?

Doug (nods):
I guess...but you also have a Nanny to help with the kids and a mother-hen doctor that makes house calls to your husband...I think it's more than that.

Carol (laughs):
You're imagining things, Doug.
(she passes by him to go into the hall)
I need to get dressed...keep an eye on him, OK?

Doug:
OK.

Carol goes on down to the bedroom and Doug turns his attention to Marc. He sees a flash of light and hears shouting in his mind...a man and a woman shouting and fighting with each other. He hears a loud slap and sees another flash of light.

Doug (looks down the hall):
No, Marc! Stay away from there...

Doug starts down the hall on his crutches and Marc laughs gleefully as he toddles away from where he was. Doug passes by the master bedroom and looks in to see Carol lying on the bed and struggling to close her jeans.

Carol (mumbling):
Damn it!

Doug (from the doorway):
What's wrong, Hon?

Carol (sits up, dejected):
Nothing fits anymore. I'm too fat!

Doug (laughs):
You had four babies inside of a year! What do you expect?

Carol:
I 'expect' to exercise my fat butt back into these jeans!

Doug:
Carol, we have five million dollars in the bank! I think we can afford for you to buy a new pair of jeans!

Carol:
That's NOT the point, Doug...

Doug:
Well, what's the big deal? My jeans are a size bigger than they were last year! I'm not worried about it!

Carol (shakes her head):
You just don't understand anything, do you!?
(pause)
And aren't you supposed to be watching Marc?

Doug (grows annoyed with her attitude):
That's what we hired Amy for, wasn't it? I don't know what you're mad at me for!

Carol:
Because it's YOUR fault I can't get into my jeans! YOU'RE the one that made me pregnant.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, like it was a one way street.

He hobbles on off on his crutches leaving Carol to shake her head at herself.

Carol (mumbles to herself):
Way to go, Carol...real mature...
(she gets up and runs after Doug)
Doug! Wait!
(catches up with him in the hallway and pins him to the wall as she wraps her arms around him)
I'm sorry.

Doug (grins):
It's OK.

Carol:
I loved being pregnant and I think I'm just a little upset that I can't be that way anymore.

Doug:
You don't think six kids is enough?

Carol:
I didn't say that...I just feel bad that if we wanted more children we couldn't have them.

Doug:
If you decide you want another baby, we'll adopt one. There are plenty of kids that need a family out there.

Carol (smiles, hugs him tight):
Did I tell you that I love you?

Doug (chuckles, wraps his arms around her):
Not today...
(lays his head against hers)
...Not in words...

Focus on the two of them sharing this tender moment and Fade Opening Act into the Opening Credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at the Ross home in the nursery. Focus on Joshua, crying loudly. Amy Pattick reaches into his bassinet and picks him up, putting him on her shoulder and patting his back when Doug comes hobbling into the room.

Doug:
What's wrong with him?

Amy (walking with him):
He's got a little gas, I think. His belly has been bothering him.

Doug:
Marc did the same thing...I don't know what it is with these boys and formula, but, they just don't take to it. Whatever you gave him this morning, don't give it to him again. We'll have to try something else.

Amy (nods):
Yes, sir.

Doug:
Oh, and, Amy? Please don't call me 'sir'. My children call me that and I don't think you should have to.

Amy:
I'm sorry, Dr. Ross. Old habits are hard to break.

Doug:
Just work on it, OK? Carol and I are not 'sir' and 'ma'am' people, OK

Amy (nods, smiles):
OK, Dr. Ross.

Focus on Marc toddling around the master bedroom. He is fairly steady on his feet, but, walks with his hands up over his head...'monster baby' as Doug refers to him. He toddles happily over to the nightstand and begins to tug at the drawer. Doug is not paying attention to him, he is with Amy trying to calm Josh. Marc gets the drawer open and begins pulling things out of it and throwing them on the floor. Doug turns around to see what he's doing, sees this, and makes an annoyed face as he starts into the room to him.

Doug:
Marc! What are you doing!?

Doug goes over to the nightstand and sits on the edge of the bed to start picking things up off the floor.

Doug (to Marc):
Now, just look at the mess you've made!
(Marc laughs gleefully and reaches up something in his hand to Doug)
No, I don't want your peace offerings...
(reaches down and gives his son one gentle smack to the seat of his diaper)
Get away from there and let me clean up this mess!
(Marc begins to cry)
Oh, yeah, I know I hurt you...you really felt that smack through your clothes, your plastic pants, your onesie underwear, AND your diaper!
(Marc, still bawling, climbs over to him and reaches for him and Doug picks him up to put him on his lap)
If anybody ever tells you you're spoiled, you tell them you already know it, OK?
(he kisses Marc on the head...the little boy stops crying and climbs back down to the floor)
No more help, OK?

Marc laughs and reaches down into the mess of things to start picking things up and handing them to Doug with a smile.

Doug (takes his offering):
Oh, thank you...so you CAN help, huh?
(looks at what Marc gave him)
What's this?
(looks over the paper with a confused look on his face)
What the hell is this?
(continues to read and then crumbles the paper quickly in his hand)
CAROL!
(he carries the crumbled letter in his hand as he hobbles on his crutches through the house to find Carol, still shouting for her)
CAROL!

Carol (coming through the hallway):
I'm right here, Doug! What's wrong?
Doug (thrust the letter in her face):
THIS is what's wrong! Were you ever planning to TELL me about this?
Carol (confused, trying to see what he's shaking at her):
Tell you about what?
Doug:
Were you ever going to tell me that your boyfriend tried to bump me off?
Carol:
WHAT? What are you talking about?
Doug (shoves the letter into her hands):
Your little love note from Greg Powell...
Carol:
That's NOT a 'love note'! That's a suicide note! And what are you doing going through my personal things anyway?
Doug:
I was picking up the mess Marc made...HE gave it to me!

Carol:
Well, it's still none of your business!

Doug:
None of my business? Excuse me? I think I was the one he ran over like a dog and left to die in the street! I think I have more business with it than anyone else does!

Carol (sternly):
Can we just drop this right now and get ready for your son's birthday party?

Doug:
All right...but we WILL talk about this later!

Carol:
Oh, you bet we will!
(goes past him into their bedroom to find Marc in the middle of the floor with her make up kit, happily painting his face with her lipstick)
Oh, Marc! DOUG! You were supposed to be watching him! Now I have to clean him up again!

She goes in and picks Marc up, carrying him past Doug to his own room so she can clean him up. As he goes by and Doug sees his face, he can't help but snicker and Marc waves over Carol's shoulder to Doug as he is carried away.

Cut to show guests arriving for the birthday party. The house is brightly decorated for the event and Carol is smiling as everyone comes in. Show Mark, and Nina, with Emma and Rachel, Sarah and Helen, Scott and Tatiana, Jeannie Boulet, John Carter, and David Morganstern all gathered in the family room.

Mark (goes over to where Doug is sitting with his leg propped up):
How are you feeling, Buddy?

Doug (nods):
I'm OK.

Mark:
How's your leg?

Doug:
It hurts.

Mark (confused):
Still?
(Doug nods)
Well, can you describe the pain?

Doug (sarcastically):
Painful, Mark. It just hurts. It hardly ever stops.

Mark:
Are you taking the pain pills I gave you?

Doug:
Yeah, they aren't doing any good. And they're just giving me nightmares.

Mark:
Well, if it doesn't get better, we'll have to take a look at it.
(Doug nods, but he is distant)
Something wrong?

Doug:
Just tired...what about you? Things OK down at the office?

Mark:
Things are fine, but, we miss you. Jeannie and I are handling things, but, I'm going to be glad to get you back.
(Doug chuckles)

Cut to show Carol in the nursery with Amy. Josh is still crying loudly and Carol is walking with him while Amy dresses the twins.

Amy:
He's been like that all morning. I've tried everything I know to do. I thought it was gas, but, I'm starting to wonder now.

Carol (rocking Josh):
Oh, he gets like this sometimes...he'll be all right.

Amy:
His little belly is hard...

Carol (concerned):
It is?

Amy:
Yeah...nothing seems to help.

Carol (puts Josh down in his bed):
Let Mommy look, OK, Josh?
(she puts her hand on his belly and pushes gently, Josh screams louder)
I think Dr. Ross better take a look at him if he's not feeling better in a little while.
(looks over to see what Amy is putting on the girls)
Oh, no, Amy, please don't dress them alike! I want the girls to be individuals right from the start.

Amy:
Sure, thing, Mrs. Ross.

Carol (leaning over Josh):
Take it easy, Josh...you'll feel better.

Carol leaves Josh with Amy and takes the twins with her to go back to the party. She gives the twins to their grandmothers and goes over to where Doug is sitting watching all the festivities.

Carol:
Would you or Mark take a look at Josh...he's been crying a long time and his belly is real hard.

Doug:
He was crying this morning...I think his formula just doesn't agree with him.

Carol:
Well, take a look at him anyway, OK?

Doug (nods):
Sure.
(looks across the room)
Hey, Mark! I need your help!

Mark (comes over to him and takes him by the arm to help him to his feet):
What's up?

Doug:
Josh isn't feeling very well...Carol wants us to take a look at him.

Mark (as Doug gets to his crutches):
What's wrong with him?

Doug:
We thought it was gas, but, now we better take a look...

Mark and Doug go up the few steps to the nursery where Amy is walking the floor with a still crying Josh.

Doug:
Take a break, Amy...I'm sure your ears need it by now.

She puts the baby in his bed and goes out of the room. Doug reaches down and feels his son's stomach with a concerned look on his face. Josh is red faced from crying so much and is pulling his knees up in quick movements.

Doug (to Mark):
See what you think, OK?

Mark (reaches to feel Josh's stomach):
What do you think?

Doug:
I think it's not gas and we should take him to the hospital.

Mark (nods):
I think you're right.

Doug:
Will you drive us?

Mark:
Sure...

Doug (motions):
OK...pick him up...I'll tell Carol...

Mark (as they walk out with the baby):
Am I picking up bad vibes between you and Carol right now?

Doug:
I think we're both just tired...

Mark nods but the look on his face says he doesn't buy the answer he got. They go back to where the party is and Doug catches Carol's attention from across the room.

Carol:
What's going on?

Doug:
I don't think it's gas...I think we should take him to the hospital.

Carol:
Well, what do you think it is?

Doug:
It could be anything...I think we should have it checked.

Carol:
Well, Ok...

Doug:
I think you should stay here with Marc and the guests...I'll go to the hospital and you can videotape the party for me so I don't miss anything...

Carol:
I think I should be with Josh...

Doug (insisting):
Well, I think one of us needs to be with Marc for his birthday. It'll be OK. I need to let Mark x-ray my leg again anyway. I'll go. It's probably nothing. If it's anything serious, I'll call you, OK?

Carol (nods shortly):
OK.
(she reaches over and pats Josh)
It's OK, Baby...Mommy will see you soon.

With Carol watching painfully, Mark and Doug start out of the house with Josh, who is still crying loudly, as Act One Fades to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens at County General ER. Mark comes through carrying Josh and Doug is hobbling along behind him on his crutches. They are met in the ER by Kerry Weaver.

Kerry:
What's the problem, guys?

Doug:
Three month old with severe stomach pain...he's been crying like that for hours.

Kerry:
Take him to three...I'll page Dr. Del Amico.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, that's fine.

Mark carries Josh to trauma room three and Doug follows along behind him. In just a minute, Anna Del Amico comes into the room.

Anna (goes over to Josh):
What have we got, Doug?

Doug:
Three months old...severe stomach pain...he's been crying for hours with no avail.

Anna (leans over the baby and starts listening to his chest):
Your professional opinion?

Doug:
Appendicitis.

Mark (gives Doug a surprised look):
You didn't say anything about that back at the house.

Doug (shrugs):
I didn't want to spoil the birthday party.

Anna (smiles as she continues to listen):
Someone having a birthday today?

Doug (grins):
Marc is a year old today.

Anna:
That year sure went by fast...
(she takes the stethoscope off and turns to them)
How long has his abdomen been that hard?

Doug:
Since early this morning. We thought at first it might be gas since we're having trouble finding a formula that agrees with him, but, when it was still like that this afternoon, I figured it has to be something else.

Anna:
OK...I'm gonna send him up for an MRI...we'll take a look around and see what's in there and let you know in a bit, OK?

Doug (nods):
Fine.

Mark:
That gives me time to get YOU to x-ray too...let's go.

Doug watches painfully as Josh is taken away for tests, but, he goes willingly with Mark for his own x-rays.

Cut back to the Ross home and Marc's birthday party. Show Marc in his high chair wearing nothing but his diaper and his chest, face and hands covered with chocolate cake and Carol is video taping the whole event. She turns the camera over to Amy and sets to cleaning Marc up.

Helen:
Is everything OK with you?

Carol (wiping Marc's face while he fusses with her):
Sure, Mama...why?

Helen:
I don't know...I just sensed that maybe things aren't going too well between you and Doug right now.

Carol:
Everything's fine...we're just both a little tired right now.

Helen:
If you say so, Dear...

Carol (turns on her):
What? You don't believe me? If you already had an answer in your mind, what did you bother to ask me for?

Helen (takes the baby wipe out of her hands to clean up Marc herself):
I think this party is too much for you, Carol.. Why don't you go on to the hospital with Josh, where you want to be, and let us take care of this party?

Carol:
Because Marc is my son, too, and I want to be there for him, too.
(gets up and starts away, mumbling)
We just have too damn many kids! That's all!

Carol goes across the room with Helen watching her go, shaking her head.

Cut back to County General and show Mark and Kerry looking over Doug's x-rays together.

Kerry (looking):
What HAS he done?

Mark (disgusted look):
I have a pretty good idea...where is he?

Kerry:
I think they took him back to four when he came out...

Mark grabs the x-rays and starts out of the room in an angry mood. As soon as he gets to the hallway, he is met by Anna Del Amico, also carrying test results with her.

Anna:
Where is Doug? I have the results...

Mark (motions her with him):
Just come with me.

Anna follows Mark and Kerry down to trauma room four, where Doug is sitting on the table with his leg extended in front of him, waiting.

Anna:
First things, first, Mark...
(she pushes Mark aside to show Doug her results on Josh)
It's acute appendicitis...I suggest we operate right away.

Doug (looks at results):
OK...who's on call?

Kerry:
Abby Keaton is here on a guest assignment. I'm sure she could do it.

Doug (nods):
Abby is good...that's fine...bring me the consent papers and get him up there.

Anna (exiting the room):
I'm on it...

Mark (throws the x-rays on the table with him):
OK...exactly WHAT have you been using to scratch your leg with under that cast?
(Doug gives him a sheepish look)
And tell me the truth!

Doug:
I'm in trouble, huh?

Mark:
Aren't you always?

Doug:
I used the handle of a back scratcher.

Mark:
Well, congratulations...you have proceeded in busting those stitches open and now you have an infection in the wound.

Doug (groans):
Oh, man...

Mark:
I'm going to have to open it up, drain the infection, and stitch it back up. And you just better hope the infection didn't develop until AFTER that bone started to knit...

Doug:
OK...let me go call Carol and tell her about Josh...then you can work on it, OK?

Mark (nods):
Fair enough...

Doug sighs and slides off the table, getting onto his crutches and hobbling away.

Kerry (once he is out the door):
He just attracts bad luck, doesn't he?

Mark:
I think it's a curse...

Cut to show Doug at a pay phone, dialing his home number. A split screen shows both sides of the conversation.

Carol (grabs the phone in anticipation):
Doug!?

Doug:
Yeah, Hon, it's me.

Carol:
What did they say about Josh?

Doug:
It's appendicitis, Hon...they're taking him up to surgery.

Carol (horrified by this):
Surgery!? Doug, he's only three months old!

Doug:
He'll be fine, Carol...it's OK...

Carol:
I'm on my way...

She quickly hangs up the phone and leaves Doug standing holding a dead receiver. Anna brings him the consent papers and he signs them for her as Mark comes up to him.

Doug:
Let me get Carol here to sit and wait for Josh in surgery before you take me away, OK?

Mark (nods):
I can live with that.

Doug:
When will you know if this goes to the bone?

Mark:
When I get it open and get in there.

Doug:
Am I gonna be awake for this?

Mark:
If you want to be...I can give you a local.

Doug (nods):
I want to be awake.

Mark:
That's your call...let's go on upstairs with Josh...

Josh is wheeled down the hallway to the elevator with Mark and Doug following close with him. Once they are upstairs, Doug is confronted by Abby Keaton, who will be doing the surgery.

Abby:
My, how things change...I would never have imagined you with a child of your own, Doug.

Doug (smiles):
You take good care of him in there, Abby. He's already had a rough start.

Abby (nods):
I know...I read his case history...he just hasn't had any breaks at all, has he.
(Doug shakes his head)
Well, this is pretty routine so I wouldn't worry if I were you. He should be fine...

Doug (smiles):
I won't worry since I know he'll be with you.

Abby goes on to scrub up and get ready for surgery. Doug is left standing with Mark.

Mark:
I'm going on downstairs and get ready for your procedure. When Carol gets here, come back to the ER, OK? I'll be waiting for you.

Doug (nods):
OK...thanks, Mark!

Doug sighs and hobbles to the waiting area to wait for Carol to get there. While he's waiting, he sees a flash of light and hears an argument between a man and a woman that ends in a slap and another flash of light...very much like the vision he saw at the house earlier. He shakes his head and pinches the bridge of his nose, shaking off the effect this leaves on him.

Carol (coming into the waiting room quickly):
Doug! What's going on! Where's Josh!

Doug (turns to her):
I told you on the phone they were taking him to surgery...

Carol:
TAKING him...not that he was already there!

Doug:
What did you want me to do, Carol? Tell them to wait until you got here?

Carol (shouting):
Yes!

Doug (shouting back):
Then you should have told me that on the phone!

Carol (calms her voice):
Don't yell at me, Doug.

Doug (lowers his voice):
I'm sorry.

Carol:
Who's doing the surgery?

Doug:
Abby Keaton is here on guest and she's doing it.

Carol (nods):
Good...that's good...she's real good...I feel good about Josh with her...but you should have waited until I got here! God, Doug! If anything happens to that baby and I don't get to see him again, I'll never forgive you for this!

Doug:
This is what's called 'emergency surgery' Carol! What did you want me to do?
(Carol doesn't answer, just turns away from him with her arms folded across her chest)
Well, as much as I'd love to stay and argue this with you, I have to go let Mark take care of my leg...

Carol (turns quickly to him as he starts away):
What's wrong with your leg?

Doug:
Oh, nothing much...it's just got an infection in the wound...Mark has to cut it open and drain it out...I'm sure it'll be fine.

Before Carol can say or do anything else, Doug is out of the room and gone. She clenches her fists and lets out a muffled scream at him as Act Two Fades to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens with Carol walking the floor in the surgery waiting area. She has her arms folded across her chest and a worried look on her face. Cut to inside surgery where Abby Keaton is working on baby Josh.

Nurse:
Respiratory rate is falling, Dr. Keaton.

Abby:
Give him some more oxygen...

Nurse:
Increasing oxygen...

Nurse #2:
BP is dropping, Dr. Keaton.

Abby:
Increase his line a little...

Nurse #2:
Increasing line...
(heart monitor begin to beep quickly)
he's crashing...

Abby:
Bring me the infant crash cart, STAT!

Cut to Mark and Doug in the ER. Mark is cutting on Doug's cast with a small saw while Doug watches with interest.

Doug:
Where'd you get that thing?

Mark:
I stole it from Ortho.

Doug:
Do you know how to use it?

Mark:
We'll find out, won't we?

Doug (laughs):
Yeah, I guess if you cut my leg off I'll know you don't.

Mark:
You got it...
Mark removes a section of the cast and he and Doug both look into the hole at the wound. Doug makes a face and looks away. Mark shakes his head and gets antiseptic to start cleaning it.

Doug:
Hold it! I thought you said you were going to give me a local first!

Mark (gives him a look):
Oh, come on...you're a tough guy! You don't need a shot to get through this, do you?

Doug:
Maybe!

Mark ignores his plea and swabs the wound with the cloth and the antiseptic. Doug winces and sucks in his breath.

Doug:
I think you're making me suffer just to prove a point...

Mark (smiling):
You could be right...

Cut back to Abby Keaton in surgery with Josh. The heart monitor is beeping again, but, the rhythm isn't very steady. Abby is working with him quickly while the nurses are attending him.

Abby:
OK! He's closed! Let's get him out of here and into ICU...

Josh is wheeled out of surgery and Abby goes to the waiting area to find Carol.

Abby (comes into the waiting room):
Carol...

Carol (turns quickly):
Abby! Is the surgery over? Is Josh OK?

Abby:
Where is your husband?

Carol:
He's downstairs in the ER being treated for an infection in his leg...why? What's wrong?

Abby:
There were some complications in surgery...Josh went into respiratory and cardiac arrest...

Carol (covers her mouth with her hand):
Oh my, God. Is he OK?

Abby (nods):
We revived him and he was stable when we wheeled him out, but, I'm putting him in ICU until his vitals improve a little bit.

Carol:
Can I see him?

Abby:
Sure...just for a few minutes.

Cut back to Doug and Mark in the ER. Mark is now clipping and removing the stitches from Doug's leg. With every clip, Doug flinches. Once the last stitch is out, Mark picks up the needle from the tray beside him.

Mark (holds up the syringe):
NOW you get the local!

Mark plunges the needle into the center of the wound and Doug grips the table quickly, groaning lightly. Mark moves the needle around a few times to deaden the whole area and Doug just grits his teeth to wait it out. Once the area is numb, Mark stitches the wound up again.

Doug (watching him):
Did you get the results of the bone scan back yet?

Mark (nods):
Yes...there's no infection in the bone.

Doug:
Well, hurry this up, OK? My kid is in surgery upstairs...

Mark:
I just saw Abby Keaton go through, so, it must be over by now.

Doug:
Then, I need to get back up to Carol...

Mark:
What's going on with you two, anyway?

Doug (grins):
It's a lovers quarrel.

Mark:
I didn't think you two still had those anymore.

Doug:
Thought we passed them on to you and Nina?
(Mark chuckles)
When are you two getting married, anyway?

Mark:
As soon as you can be my Best Man.

Doug:
Hey, don't pin your cold feet on me, I can be your Best Man anytime, Pal!

Mark:
OK, when you can stand on two feet and be my Best Man.

Doug:
I'll hold you to that, you know.

Doug and Mark chuckle at their conversation as Mark continues to treat Doug's leg.

Cut to Carol going into the PICU unit to where Josh is resting after his surgery. He has tubes attached to him and monitors reading everything out. Carol looks at all the numbers, then leans over Josh, touching him gently.

Carol (softly):
Josh...it's Mommy, Josh...

The baby is still but he is breathing on his own. Abby Keaton comes into the unit to Carol and stop beside Josh.

Abby (smiles):
He's doing very well. I think he's going to be just fine.

Carol (doesn't take her eyes off Josh):
He's so tiny...

Abby:
But he's got a lot of heart. His vitals are up and we're going to move him in just a few minutes. If things stay the way they are, you should be able to take him home tomorrow.

Carol just smiles and continues to touch Josh gently.

Cut to the hospital hallway, short time lapse. Show Doug getting off the elevator and spotting Carol in the hallway.

Doug (calling):
Carol!

Carol (turns quickly):
THERE you are! Where the HELL have you been!?

Doug:
I told you where I was going!

Carol:
I needed you here with me! Josh had problems in surgery and I needed you here!

Doug (takes hold of her shoulders):
What are you talking about!? What kind of problems?

Carol:
He went into respiratory arrest...

Doug:
Well, now, with his problems, that should have been expected...

Carol:
Expected or not, Doug, it isn't good that it happened!

Doug:
Well, is he OK now?

Carol (nods):
Abby says his vitals are stronger and she's going to move him into a regular room...

Doug:
Then, he should be OK.

Carol:
That's not the point, Doug! He needed his parents with him and where were you?

Doug (annoyed now):
I was down letting Mark try and make sure my leg doesn't have to be amputated...

Carol (concerned now):
What?

Doug:
Yeah! The infection is pretty deep and I have a drain in it now...
(motion to his legs which has gauze wrap covering an open space in the cast)
...it'll have to be cleaned and dressed and I have script for antibiodics I have to take.

Carol (softens):
Oh, Doug, I'm sorry...I didn't know it was so serious.

Doug:
You're just upset about Josh...I can understand that...but, honey, please, don't take it out on me. I'm not in a very good frame of mind my own self right now. Do you want me to get a room at the Drake for a few days?

Carol (turns to him quickly):
No! Of course I don't! Why would you think that?

Doug:
Because you've been on my case ever since I came home from the hospital and, frankly, I can't take this kind of abuse from you right now.

Carol:
I didn't realize I was mistreating you.

Doug:
Not 'mistreating' so to speak, but, you make me feel like you don't like me very much right now.

Carol:
Well, I don't want you to feel that way...
(she reaches and puts her arms around him)
...I'm sorry, Doug. I guess we've both been under a lot of stress lately.

Doug:
I think we need to go someplace and talk about a few things...what do you think?

Carol (nods):
Yeah...I think you're right...just let me tell a nurse where we're going so they can find us if they need us.

Doug (nods):
Good idea...

Carol goes over to the nurses desk and gives them the information they'll need to find them and then goes back to Doug. She slips one arm around him to help steady him as he works his crutches to the elevator and Act Three Fades to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens in the hospital cafeteria. Doug and Carol have a table in the corner together. Doug has his leg propped up on a chair. They are not eating anything, just sitting together.

Doug (softly):
What's bothering you, Carol? You seem so uptight lately.

Carol:
It's nothing you've done...

Doug:
That isn't what I asked you...
(Carol doesn't answer)
Is it the kids? Is it me?

Carol (shakes her head):
NO! It's not the kids...and it's not you...it's me!

Doug:
Well, what about you? Maybe I can help?

Carol:
I don't think you can help. I think this is something I need to do on my own.

Doug:
Can you at least talk to me about it?

Carol:
You won't understand...you'll think I'm being silly.

Doug:
I promise I will NOT think you're being silly.

Carol:
OK...I'm upset because my jeans didn't fit this morning. And that's not the first thing I've tried to wear that I couldn't get into.

Doug:
But, when women have children, isn't that something that happens?

Carol:
Yes...yes it is...but just because it IS something that happens doesn't make it any easier when it does.

Doug:
So, you need to exercise it off...you can do that.

Carol (sighs):
Even with exercise, Doug, I'll probably never get back into those jeans again.

Doug (reaches over and takes her hand):
Honey, I don't care if you never get back into those jeans again. Those kind of things aren't important to me.

Carol:
I appreciate that, Doug, but, they're important to me...can't you understand that?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...I can...I know things like jeans sizes are important to women...
(pause)
Are you sorry you had the kids?

Carol:
Oh, no! Don't EVER think that! I love those babies and I wouldn't take ANYthing in the world for them...

Doug (grins):
Not even to be able to get into those jeans again?

Carol (nods):
I see the point you're making, Doug...just go buy some new jeans and hug my babies, right?

Doug:
You said it...not me.

Carol:
I think maybe I need to talk to Nina...just for a few sessions...some things I have jumbled up in my mind...

Doug (coaxing):
Like?

Carol (shrugs):
Like the feelings I'm having about not being able to have anymore children if we wanted them.

Doug:
Now, we talked about that already...

Carol:
I know, but, you have to understand that I loved being pregnant with your children. I can't even describe the feeling it gave me.

Doug:
I appreciate that, Hon, but, right now, we've almost got more than we can handle. We have four children under the age of two years old...

Carol:
Are you sorry?

Doug:
No, I'm not sorry, but, I think one at a time would have been a better plan!

Carol:
But, we didn't have any choice on that plan, Doug!

Doug (nods):
I understand that. I'd be the last person to try and figure out why things happen like they do in our lives. But it doesn't make things any easier to understand...
(pause)
Like I don't understand why you didn't tell me about Greg Powell being the one that hit me.
(Carol looks at him but doesn't say anything)
You've protected him at almost every angle...want to tell me why?

Carol:
I didn't protect him!

Doug:
Didn't you? Why didn't you tell me about that letter?

Carol:
I was going to...

Doug:
Yeah? When?

Carol:
When I thought you were strong enough to hear it...

Doug:
I've been home almost two weeks, Carol...how much stronger did I need to get?

Carol:
Well, why are you so upset about this anyway?

Doug:
Hello? The guy ran me down in the middle of the street and never even stopped the car! You knew all along who hit me and you didn't TELL me...

Carol:
Not ALL along...I didn't find out until we knew you were going to be OK.

Doug:
And you didn't tell me?

Carol:
Well, Mark knew too! He didn't tell you either!

Doug:
Now, don't drag Mark into this! It wasn't his job to tell me. That letter was addressed to YOU, Carol. He had family. And there were other people he could have directed his final words to but he gave them to you...and that was some big secret between us. I don't understand...

Carol:
What do you think, Doug? Do you think there was something going on between Greg Powell and me?

Doug:
Not, so to speak, but, I think you had feelings for him.

Carol:
Yeah, I had feelings for him...he was a friend.

Doug:
With friends like him I didn't need any enemies, Carol! The guy was a out to get me. He wrecked my life! More than once!

Carol:
I know...I KNOW...and I should hate him for it. I don't understand why I feel so sorry for him.

Doug (kisses her forehead):
Because that's the kind of person you are...you are kind...and caring...and compassionate...and that's why I love you so much.

Carol (smiles, sighs):
I'm sorry I yelled at you upstairs...

Doug (smiles, nods):
It's OK.

Carol:
Is your leg going to be OK?

Doug:
As long as we take care of it, yes...it'll be just fine.

Carol:
You're having nightmares again, aren't you?

Doug (winces):
It shows, huh?

Carol (smiles):
Honey, I've been sleeping beside you for a long time now. I know you. I can tell when something is bothering you.

Doug:
Remember that little boy in the closet in Kentucky?
(Carol nods)
Well, something is still bothering him because he's back.

Carol:
Then, you need to talk to Nina about it.

Doug (nods):
I'm going to as soon as I get so I can take myself back and forth again.

Carol:
Nina would come to the house...

Doug :
I know she would but I'd really rather not do that with the kids all there...

Carol:
That's up to you...you're the one who has knows how you feel inside.

Doug:
I'm OK...

Carol (smiles):
What do you say we go upstairs and check on Josh and then I take you home and give you a nice bed bath?

Doug (grins devilishly):
Like the one you gave me when I was still in the hospital?

Carol (grin):
Uh huh...

Doug:
I say let's get back upstairs and check on Josh...

She leans over and kisses him sweetly. They get up and go back to the elevator to go back up and check on Josh.

Cut to show them both leaning over the crib where Josh is sleeping when Abby Keaton comes in.

Abby:
Oh, good! You're both here!

Doug (doesn't take his eyes off Josh):
Yeah...how's he doing?

Abby:
Very well, actually. He had some problems in surgery...

Doug:
Yeah, Carol told me...

Abby:
But he seems to have shaken them off pretty well. He's a tough little boy.

Carol:
He's a Ross...

Abby:
Well, I want to keep him overnight just for observation, but, he should be ready to go home bright and early in the morning.

Carol:
Thank you, Abby...I'm so glad you were here...

Doug:
Yes, Abby, I couldn't have asked for anyone better!

Abby:
Thanks for the confidence...but little Josh there did all the work.

Carol (puts her arm around Doug):
Come on, 'Dad'...let's go home.

Doug (slips his arm around her as they start away):
Just don't call me 'Pa', OK?

Carol laughs as she slips her arms around him and helps him hobble across the room towards the elevator as Act Four Fades to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at the Ross home, interior, master bedroom. Doug is relaxing on his bed when Carol comes into the room with him.

Doug:
Where are all the kids?

Carol:
Amy is taking care of them.
(she slides onto the bed with him and runs her fingers through his hair)
Are you ready for your bath?

Doug (delighted):
Oh, yeah!

Carol:
Strip down to your shorts while I go get the water.

Carol slides off the bed and heads for the bathroom. Doug wastes NO time stripping off his jeans, socks, and shirt. He spreads a plastic protector across the bed and gets in the middle of it. Carol comes back carrying a basin of water, soap, a scrubbie scrunge, a towel and a washcloth.

Carol (slides onto the bed in front of him):
Now, you let me do this, OK? Just like I did in the hospital...

Doug:
Can I just say that I think you learned this area of nursing just a LITTLE too well for anybody except me?

Carol:
Trust me when I tell you I've never given anyone else a bath like this, OK?

Doug (shudders):
OK.

Carol (smiles):
Are you cold?

Doug:
Cold chill.

Carol (takes the washcloth out of the water):
Well, let me warm you up, OK?

She puts the washcloth on his shoulders and lets the water ripple down his back and onto the plastic protector. Then she soaps up the scrungie and starts scrubbing his back with it. He closes his eyes to how good it feels and she rinses the soap off his back. Then she takes the washcloth and begins to wash his neck and ears gently with it. He shudders and reacts to the tickling sensation this gives him.

Doug:
Warm me up? You're setting me on fire! Have you talked to Stephanie again yet?

Carol (smiles):
Uh huh.

Doug:
When did she say you could start having sex again?

Carol (runs her tongue into his ear):
Anytime we want.

Doug (looks at her carefully):
You mean...?

Carol:
You've been patient MUCH too long, Doug...
(reaches for his waistband)
I think it's time to unleash the fury...

Doug laughs delightedly as he wraps his arms around her. She quickly sets the basin of water on the floor and falls readily and happily into his arms as Closing Act Fades in Closing Credits of the show.

April 20, 1998