"ER"

"Storm Front"

Opening Act

Scene opens at the hospital in the staff locker area. Focus on Doug Ross standing in front of his open locker, holding a small box in his hands and staring down at it, toying lightly with it's contents.

Cut to staff room door and show it banging open quickly. Pan to show Carol Hathaway and Mark Greene coming into the room quickly.

Cut back quickly to show Doug shoving the small box onto the shelf of his locker and slamming the door shut quickly. He turns around to face Mark and Carol with a wry smile on his face.

Carol (laughs):
What are you up to?

Doug (nonchalantly):
Nothing.

Carol (motions to his locker):
You hiding something in there?

Doug (shakes his head):
Nope! Not a thing.
(Carol eyes him suspiciously...not sure she believes him)
So, are we still on for tonight?

Carol (nods):
Yeah, but, I'm gonna have to meet you there, OK? I'll be tied up here a little longer than I thought.

Doug:
I can wait here until you're ready to leave...

Carol (shakes her head):
No, that's OK. You go on out there and order for me. I'll just meet you there. No problem!

Doug (nods):
Sure! Whatever you want!

Carol (gives him another suspicious look):
See you later, Doug.
(exits)

Cut over to show Mark sitting on the bench in front of his locker. He has been taking in this conversation casually and is not really sure of what to make of it.

Mark (motions to his locker):
So, ARE you hiding something in there?

Doug (opens locker door and retrieves box from shelf):
Yeah, wanna see?

Focus on contents as Doug opens the box to show Mark a diamond engagement ring resting on black velvet inside the box. Mark is taken aback by both the ring and the meaning behind it. He looks at the ring closely and then looks back at Doug with a dumbfounded expression.

Doug (rambling manner):
We're going to dinner at Carlucci's...

Mark (surprised):
Carlucci's? Out by the airport? When did that become one of your haunts?

Doug (shakes his head):
It's not...I just had dinner there one night coming back from a convention. It's really nice out there. And I want to take Carol someplace really nice when I give her this.

Mark:
I trust there's a question that goes along with it?

Doug (nods):
Yeah. And I'm scared to death. I hope I get the right answer.

Mark:
You and Carol have been close lately.
(smiles)
I'm pretty sure you'll get the answer that goes with that.

Doug (snaps box shut):
Well, it's not like the one John Taglieri gave her, but, I'll be paying for it for a while!

Mark (softly):
You real sure about this?

Doug (confidently):
I've never been more sure about anything in my life.

Mark (reaches his hand to shake):
Then, let me be the first to offer you my congratulations!
(Doug chuckles and shakes hands with Mark)
And I hope I get an invitation to the wedding!

Doug (truthfully):
Invitation? I was countin' on you to be the Best Man!
(focus on a look of surprise on Mark's face)
Well, who else would I ask? You're my best friend, Mark. I thought you knew that.

Mark (smiles slightly):
Even if I did already know it, and I did, sometimes it's nice to hear it anyway. Thanks. And, I'd be honored to be your Best Man.

Doug (looks at his watch):
I better get moving! Don't tie Carol up too long, OK? Let her get out of here within in the next hour, OK?

Mark (nods):
No problem. I'll get her out there.

Doug (holds the ring out one last time):
This is gonna be the best night of my life!

Doug pockets the box with the ring into his jacket pocket and gives Mark a quick wave as he goes out the door.

Pan back to focus on Mark. He chuckles and shakes his head.

Mark (aloud to no one):
Go get 'em, Dr. Ross!

Cut to show time lapse. Interior setting of Carlucci's restaurant. Pick up Carol as she comes in the door and strolls up to the hostess.

Hostess:
Good Evening, Ma'am! Table for one?

Carol:
No, I'm with a reservation...Doug Ross?

Hostess (checks her reservation list):
Oh, yes!
(looks inside)
Dr. Ross hasn't arrived yet. Would you care to wait at his table?

Carol (puzzled...looks at her watch):
Yes, please.

Carol is escorted to the table and seated. Focus on her and her confusion as she looks at her watch again and looks around the room blankly.

Cut scene.

Pan slowly down a dark alley way somewhere across town from Carlucci's. In the distance there is a barking dog. There are sounds of the Chicago night going on all around...horns...the L train...people we cannot see walking and talking. Keep panning slowly into the dark.

Focus on someone lying in the alley under a dim street lamp as they struggle to get to their feet. Focus on the hands pressing firmly against the wall and reaching out to cling to the corner of a nearby dumpster for support to stand up. Once standing, he turns around into the line of the camera and we see that it is Doug. Focus tight on his face. His bottom lip is bleeding profusely and he has the start of a bad black eye. He looks down at himself carefully. We do not see what he sees, but his eyes register fear. His fingers tremble as he takes his hand to his lip to try and stop the blood flow. He closes his eyes for an instant and leans his head back against the brick wall behind him. Then, he opens his eyes and stares blankly into the street lamp.

Fade Opening Act into the Opening Credits of the show...

"ER"

"Storm Front"

Act One

Scene opens back at Carlucci's. Focus on Carol sitting alone at her table, tapping her fingers on the table while supporting her chin with her other hand. She is bored. She looks at her watch again and gets up from the table. Follow her as she walks back to the hostess and approaches her politely.

Carol:
Do you have a telephone I could use, please?

Hostess:
Yes, Ma'am, the phones are just outside the door.

Carol (nods):
Thank you.

Carol walks out, finds the phone, puts money into the coin slot and punches a number. She holds the receiver and lets it ring, her growing annoyance starting to show in her attitude.

Carol (mumbles aloud softly):
Come on, Doug! Where ARE you?

Getting no answer, Carol gives up and bangs up the receiver. She collects her money and puts it back into the coin slot, quickly punching another number. We hear only her side of the conversation at first...

Carol (sharply):
Jerry, it's Carol, is Mark Greene still there? Yeah, let me talk to him, please.

Cut screen to show both conversation parties at their respective phones.

Mark:
Hey, Carol, what's up?

Carol (starting to anger):
Is Doug there by any chance?

Mark (confused):
No, he was meeting you...

Carol (slow boil setting in):
Yeah, well, he never bothered to show up! I can't believe I was so stupid as to actually THINK he might have changed.

Mark (trying to calm her):
What do you mean he never showed up?

Carol:
Just what I said! I've been waiting here over an hour. He's not here. He's never been here. He probably had no intentions of ever coming here!

Mark (half alarmed for Doug, half concerned for Carol):
Maybe he got tied up in traffic or something....

Carol (cuts him off sharply):
Or maybe he's just playing me for a fool!
(softens her anger)
Things have been going so well between us lately, Mark. I can't believe he would stand me up like this.

Mark (quietly):
Listen, Carol, trust me, Doug had NO intentions of standing you up. This evening really meant a lot to him. Something must be wrong. Look, I'll take my car and start out the route he would take to Carlucci's from here, OK?

Carol (sighs):
OK. I'll wait here until you come.

Focus on Carol as she hangs up the phone. The look on her face is a cross between anger and despair. Follow her as she walks out of Carlucci's and out to her car to wait for Mark.

Cut back to show Mark hanging up the phone in the ER. The look on his face is confusion and concern. He quickly erases his name from the board and grabs his jacket.

Mark (calls out):
I'm leaving, Haleh!

Haleh (calls back):
Have a good evening, Dr. Greene!

Follow some of Mark's path as he drives towards Carlucci's. Focus on his face as he passes cars under street lights and strains to look at them in the dim light. As he passes each one, he shakes his head.

Cut to show Mark's car pulling into Carlucci's parking lot beside Carol. Focus on Carol as she turns to the headlights and recognizes Mark's car. She gets out of her car and walks to meet him as he parks his car and gets out of it.

Carol:
You didn't see him? Anywhere?

Mark (shakes his head):
Didn't pass a sign of him at all. I don't understand this, Carol. Something's wrong.

Carol (anger building):
I'll tell you what's wrong! I was STUPID enough to let him do a snow job on me and think he could be different! I should have known that leopards don't EVER change their spots...

Mark (grabs her quickly by the shoulders and shakes her):
Stop it! Just stop it! Don't do this to yourself!

Carol (angrily):
Well, what am I supposed to think?

Mark (angry as well):
The same thing I think! That something is wrong! That something must have happened! Give him the benefit of a doubt this time, Carol....please!
(Mark lets goes of her shoulders and turns away, somewhat distraught)

Carol (touches his shoulder lightly):
Something really IS wrong, isn't it?

Mark (nods his head):
This evening was going to be very special...for both of you...he would have been here...something's wrong here, Carol...something is VERY wrong...

Carol (concerned):
What do we do? Call the police?

Mark (shakes his head):
We can't even file a missing person's report for 24 hours. Did you try calling his apartment?

Carol (nods):
That was the first thing I did. No answer.

Mark (rubs his hand across his chin despairingly):
I think you should go home in case he tries to call you. I'll keep looking. I know some places to try.

Carol (scoffs):
What? All the local bars?

Mark (anger building):
Cut him some slack, Carol! He hasn't had a drink in months! Don't let your disappointment in this shade your thinking! You know better!

Carol (looks down):
You're right, Mark. (nods slowly) I'm sorry. I'm just so frustrated right now...I'm so frightened...
(She looks away quickly, her eyes brim with tears but she doesn't let them fall)

Mark (rubs her shoulders comfortingly):
It's OK. You just go on home and wait for him to call. I'm gonna see what I can turn up on my own.

Carol (looks up at him quickly):
You'll call me, right?

Mark (nods):
As soon as I have something to tell you.
(starts towards his car)

Carol (grabs his sleeve quickly)
Either way, Mark. I want to know.

Mark (nods slowly):
Yeah.

Follow Mark as he gets into his car and drives away.

Cut back to focus on Carol, leaning against her car, and lost in thought.

Cut to show time lapse. Show Carol pacing the living room at her home, carrying a portable phone in her hand, and shaking it.

Carol (angrily to the phone):
Ring, damn you! RING!
(sighs deeply)
Damn it, Doug! Where ARE you?

Cut to show Mark arriving wearily at his home. He puts his car in park and leans his head against the steering wheel and sighs. He gets out of the car and looks towards the sky in thought, sighs again, and heads for the house.

Follow Mark as he starts to mount the steps of his home. He attention is diverted for a moment by a noise he hears off in the dark. He stops on the steps and looks carefully towards the noise.

Mark (calls out):
Someone there?

There is no answer and no more noise. Mark shrugs his shoulders and starts back up the steps. About three steps from the top, he hears something again and stops, peering carefully over the side railing into the dark.

Mark (calls down):
Who's there?

A bit alarmed, Mark reaches out and picks up a fallen tree limb to use as a weapon and starts back down the steps. He goes down carefully and slowly. He gets to the bottom of the steps and starts around the side into the dark pocket under the steps and beside the building. He inches his way carefully and comes suddenly upon a dark figure sitting on the ground and leaning against the wall of the building. He reaches down and takes a handful of jacket, jerking the intruder to his feet.

Mark (gruffly):
OK! The act is over, Buddy! Time to go home!

Mark pulls the figure into the light and is shocked to see that it is Doug. His bottom lip is still bleeding, although not as profusely as before. His eye is very black now, and swollen. He gives Mark one glance that shows fear and pain rippling from his eyes, and he quickly looks away.

Mark (shock in his voice):
Doug? What the hell happened to you?

Doug (rambling...mumbling...stammering):
I knew you should have left the hospital, but, when I got here I didn't see your car. I was afraid to knock on the door because of Rachel...

Mark (touches his shoulder gently):
Easy, Doug, slow down! It's OK...

Mark does not notice but Doug carefully and quickly slips his shoulder away from Mark's grasp and looks at his feet quickly.

Mark(reaches for Doug's arm):
Come on! Let me get you inside...

Doug (pulls back):
No! I think maybe we better go to the hospital...

Mark (eyes him carefully):
You're hurt, then?

Doug (nods his head slowly):
Yeah.

Mark:
You want to tell me what happened?
(Doug doesn't answer, only looks away at Mark quickly with a desperate look forming in his eyes)
Was this more than just a fight?
(Doug doesn't answer, just continues to stare into space away from Mark's eye contact)
Doug, talk to me, please?

Doug (looks back at him...tries to break the mood by changing the subject):
Carol must be pretty mad at me by now, huh? I'm hours late by now...

Mark (sternly):
I'm not concerned about Carol right now, I'm concerned about you. Was this more than just a fight?

Doug (continues to change the subject):
She probably think Ole Doug still hasn't changed! I used to stand her up all the time...

Mark (gruffly...takes Doug by the shoulders and shakes him):
Doug! Talk to me! Was This More Than Just A Fight?

Doug closes his eyes tight as if Mark's mere touch hurts him. His body stiffens in Mark's strong hold on his shoulders. He opens his eyes, but, does not look at Mark. He lowers his head and nods it slowly, casting his eyes to his feet.

Doug (softly):
Yeah.

Mark (quietly as well):
Are you OK?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know.

Mark (still very quietly):
Were you assaulted?

Doug can't answer. He looks up at Mark quickly and for one brief instant allows his eyes to make contact with Mark's. Mark looks directly into Doug's eyes, still keeping a strong grip on his shoulders. Doug returns the stare and the light shines to show a brimming of tears welling up, but he does not allow them to spill over. He looks quickly back at his feet and nods very carefully.

Cut back to show Mark's hurt reaction. His eyes register pain of his own and he closes them as he tilts his head to the sky. He opens his eyes and focuses back on Doug quickly, patting his shoulder comfortingly.

Mark (starts away, grasps Doug by the arm):
Come on. Let's get you taken care of.

Doug (stops quickly, stopping Mark with him):
You'll do it, right? The exam?

Mark (nods):
Sure. But, you know I'm going to need help. Is there somebody you prefer? Should I call Carol?

Doug (quickly):
No, not Carol. Not now. Not yet. I'm not ready for that.

Mark (quietly):
If not Carol, then, who? Maggie Doyle?
(Doug gives him a strong 'no' look from his eyes)
Kerry?
(again, another 'no' look from Doug)
Look, Doug, this is just my advice, OK? If it were me, and this situation were reversed, you know I would trust you, right? And I would come to you just like you've come to me, right?
(Doug nods quickly, but, doesn't look at Mark...stays focused on his feet)
Then, who else do you trust? (Doug looks at him for an instant, his eyes confused and clouded with fear, pain, and emotion)
This should be handled by people you trust...so who else do you trust?

Doug (quietly):
Call Carol.

Mark (smiles slightly, pats Doug on the shoulder gently):
Will you wait in my car while I go in and call her?
(Doug nods)
OK, here's the key.
(Mark hands Doug the car keys)
Just unlock the car and wait for me. I'll be right there.

Doug (quickly as Mark starts away):
You won't tell her anything, will you?

Mark (shakes his head):
Not if you don't want me to.
(Doug eyes him carefully)
But, once we start the exam, you know she'll know anyway, right?
(Doug nods slowly)
It's gonna be OK, Bud. We're gonna take care of you.

Doug nods his head slowly, takes Mark's keys, and starts for his car.

Cut to show Mark going on into his house and heading for the phone. He quickly dials a number and we hear only his side of the conversation.

Mark (into phone):
Carol? Yeah, I found him! Listen, can you meet me at the hospital? No...no...he's OK...nothing real serious, but, he does need some help. Yeah. That'll be fine. Thanks!

Show Mark as he hangs up the phone and sighs heavily.

Cut to show Rachel standing in the doorway with Ruth standing behind her.

Ruth:
Everything OK?

Mark (turns to them and smiles):
Yeah! Everything's fine! But, something's come up at the hospital. Can you stay a little longer, Ruth?

Ruth (nods):
Sure.

Rachel (whining):
You aren't staying home?

Mark (stoops down to her level):
I can't, Honey. Somebody needs me at the hospital really bad.

Rachel (looks into his eyes):
But I need you here, too!

Mark (sighs):
I know you do, Honey. I won't be long, OK?
(kisses her forehead)
I promise! I'll be home in time to tuck you in, OK?

Rachel doesn't answer...just trudges away disappointed...leaving Mark in despair about leaving her. But, he turns quickly and walks out, heading for his car...

Fade Act One to black...

"ER"

"Storm Front"

Act Two

Scene opens on the hospital parking lot. Mark is stopping the car and putting it in park. He turns quickly and eyes Doug carefully.

Mark (softly):
You OK?

Doug (nods):
Yeah.

Mark:
We'll use the staff entrance. That way we'll encounter less people. You want to wait here while I go see which room we're gonna need?

Doug (shakes his head):
No. I'm OK.

Mark (nods):
OK, then...let's get this done, OK?

Doug (nods quickly):
OK.

Follow as Mark and Doug both get out of the car and start across the parking lot to the staff entrance to the hospital. Doug keeps his head down as he walks. We see a back view only as Mark puts his arm across Doug's shoulders and rests it there gently.

Cut to interior of the hospital. Doug and Mark come around a corner and spill into a semi-busy ER setting. Without alerting anyone that they are there, Mark simply looks for an empty room, finds one, and directs Doug to it quickly. Show Doug darting into a room and Mark heading for Haleh at the counter.

Mark (quietly):
Haleh, I've had an emergency come up that requires private care. I've called Carol Hathaway to assist me with it. When she gets here would you tell her I'm down in five? Please?

Haleh (nods quickly):
Sure thing, Dr. Greene.

Mark (smiles with a nod):
Thanks!

Follow Mark back across the ER and as he goes into trauma room #5. Show that Doug is easing himself gently up onto the exam table by pressing his hands on the table and trying to put all the weight on his arms.

Mark (carefully):
You got it?

Doug (nods as he slides gently onto the table):
I got it.

Mark:
You want me to start? Or wait for Carol?

Doug (motions with his hand):
You can start.

Mark (picks up a tray and moves closer to Doug):
OK, I'm gonna start with what I can see, OK? And we'll save the heavy stuff for when Carol gets here. OK?

Doug nods his head cautiously. Mark first inspects the black eye. He looks deep into Doug's eye with the penlight and checks his pupil reactions carefully.

Mark (quietly):
That hurt?

Doug (nods his head):
A little

Mark:
OK, just follow the light, OK?
(Doug's eyes follow the directions Mark takes the light with no trouble)
(Marks nods, satisfied)
OK, looks like a mild concussion. Your reflexes there are a little dull. Let's check out this scrape on your chin...
(Mark looks close and the scrapes on the skin, inspecting them carefully)
Do you know what you scraped that on?

Doug (nods):
The pavement, I think. Or the wall. I can't really be sure.

Mark (still looking at it):
Well, it's not really deep. Won't need any stitches. You probably got the concussion the same time you got this...did the bang your head?

Doug (shrugs):
They did...or I did...I don't remember.

Mark (surprised):
They? So, then, there was more than one?
(Doug doesn't answer...only gives him a cold glare indicating he doesn't want to discuss it)
(Mark soaks a bandage with purple betadine liquid and turns back to Doug):
This is gonna sting.

Doug nods that he understands and Mark tapes the bandage to his chin. Doug winces, and sucks in his breath, but, says nothing.

Mark (reaches for Doug's lower lip):
Let's take a look at this...

Mark peels the lip down to look in Doug's mouth. The lip is purple and very swollen with bite marks on the inside. Mark winces and shakes his head.

Mark (quietly):
That's gonna need some stitches, Bud. Did you bite it yourself?

Doug (shakes his head):
I don't even remember it. I knew it was bleeding but I didn't know it was bitten.

Mark (nods):
Let me get a better look...I'll be able to tell which side the bite came from.

Mark pulls the skin further and gets a deeper look at the bite. Doug grips the table and closes his eyes to the pain as it ripples through his mouth and into his head. Mark's examination is short and he releases the lip in a matter of second, reaching for a syringe off the tray beside him.

Mark (assuringly):
You bit it Most likely when you scraped your chin. It's OK. Just needs a couple of stitches to close it.
(holds the syringe up for Doug to see)
OK?

Doug nods slowly that it is OK. Mark pulls the lip down again and inserts the needle into it. Doug closes his eyes, grips the table, and sucks in his breath. Mark repositions the needle a couple of times to deaden the working area. By the time he takes the needle out, Doug has an anguished look on his face, but, still says nothing.

Mark (taps Doug's lip gently):
Feel that?
(Doug shakes his head)
OK, then...

Mark reaches for the tray and begins to sew Doug's lip up carefully.

It only takes 3 or 4 stitches to close it.

Just as Mark returns his material to the tray, the door to the trauma unit bangs open. Cut to show Carol standing in the doorway. She enters the room and closes the door behind her quickly. She takes one look at Doug and her face registers a look of shock.

Carol (walking quickly towards Doug):
My, God! What happened to you?

Doug (sheepishly):
Got in a fight...

Mark (quietly):
OK, now that Carol is here and you only have to tell this story one time, you want to tell me what happened?

Doug (shrugs):
I got jumped. That's about all there is to it. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I got jumped.

Carol:
Jumped? You mean you were mugged?

Doug (shakes his head...eyes her very carefully):
Not mugged...

Carol (gathering his meaning):
Assaulted?
(she is frightened by this, but, doesn't want to alarm Doug)
Were you raped?

Doug (looks away from both of them):
I don't know...I know I was violated...I just don't know by what.

Mark (pats his shoulder):
So, let's find out, OK?
(Doug nods carefully. He looks at Mark briefly, then looks away again)
Carol, I'm gonna need the black light and I need you to keep him from moving as much as possible.

Carol (nods):
Right away!

Mark (softly, touches Doug's shoulder gently):
Can you lie on your stomach?

Doug (nods, starts trying to turn himself over with his arms):
I think so...

Mark (offers him a hand to help him turn but Doug resists it):
If you have any pain once you're on your stomach, let me know, OK?

Doug (nods):
OK.
(Doug makes a successful turn and lies flat against the table on his stomach)
OK. No pain. I'm fine.

Carol returns with the black light and helps Mark set up the table with a drape over Doug's back.

Mark (soothing tone):
OK, Doug, I know this is going to be very hard for you, but, the most important thing for you to do right now is try to relax, OK? Put your hands up over your head and hang onto those restraints if you need them, OK? But, the less movement I have to deal with the sooner we'll get this over, OK?

Doug (nods carefully, eyes closed):
OK. You better give me a bedpan just in case I get sick.

Carol (snatches bedpan quickly off a nearby table and places it beside Doug):
I got it.

Mark (takes out rubber surgical gloves):
OK, Doug, I'm going to do a manual check first, OK? And then I'll do the probe, OK?

Doug (closes his eyes...his voice cracks with fear and emotion):
OK.

Focus on Mark as he snaps the rubber gloves onto his hands. At the snap, cut back to show Doug jump when he hears them snap. He reaches for the restraints and clutches them tightly in his fisted hands.

Mark (speaks softly and slowly):
Just gotta get you out of these Dockers first, Buddy, OK?

Mark reaches under the drape to undo Doug's Dockers and remove them. At the instant Mark's hands make contact with his body, Doug stiffens. He clutches the restraints tighter and closes his eyes tight. Mark tugs the Dockers away and reaches them to Carol.

****Visual Note: Nothing is seen by the watching audience...everything is "insinuated" by camera angles...with most of the attention being focused on Doug's reactions...****

Mark (soothing tone):
You OK, Doug? Ready for me to continue?

Doug (quietly):
Yeah, get it over with.

Carol silently shows Mark blood on the inside of Doug's Dockers before she puts them on the table. Mark nods quietly that he sees it and continues to work. The work is all done under the cover of the drape, but, the exam is an ordeal for Doug. Although he does not say anything, his reactions are to jump or jerk on several occasions...he battles heavily to keep his emotions in check and not release them. Mark keeps a careful eye on him. Carol stands close beside Doug, gently rubbing his back and trying to soothe him the best way she can.

Mark (both hands out from under the drape now):
OK, Doug, you're looking real good right now, OK, Buddy? You OK?

Doug (voices chokes in his throat):
Yeah, I'm OK.

Mark (takes the scope off the tray):
Now, I'm gonna do the scope, OK? You ready for this?

Doug (nods):
I think so.

Mark (starts under the drape with the scope):
OK, if the pain gets too intense, or if you feel too much pressure, you say so, and I'll quit, OK?

Doug (nods again):
OK.

Under the cover of the drape, Mark inserts the probe and begins his internal exam. Cut to show Doug as he struggled hard with his emotions. Finally, he drops his head face down onto the table and lets out a groan... not a sob...but a groan.

Cut to show Carol, standing beside Doug, gently rubbing his back and trying to be of some comfort to him. Ad libs of "easy"..."I know it hurts"...and "hang in there just a little longer" come from her lips. Her eyes are full of tears but she doesn't allow them to fall. She looks at Mark with a sympathetic look for Doug. Mark gives her a nod that the exam is "almost over".

Soon enough, Mark removes the probe and reaches back for the tray.

Mark (softly):
Almost over, Doug. Just one more step...

Doug (groans into the table):
The swab, right?

Mark (looks at Carol with a sad smile):
You gonna be OK?

Doug (nods into the table):
Yeah, get it done, OK? I'm gonna be sick...

Mark:
It's OK if you're sick. That's what the bedpan is for. Don't hold back, OK? It's OK...

Mark takes a long swab and douses it with medicine and takes it under the drape. When the swab makes contact with Doug, he grapples for the restraints and holds them tight, fighting just slightly against the onset of the pain. Finally, he places his face into the bedpan and begins to vomit.

Mark removes the swab and peels off his rubber gloves. He gives Carol a nodding look.

Carol stokes Doug's hair gently and carefully, letting him compose himself from the violent onset of sickness.

Once composed, Doug rolls over very carefully and pulls the sheet up over himself.

Mark (softly, standing beside the table):
Well, the good news is that no sperm is present. So, it wasn't a true rape. Just a physical assault...probably a mop handle or something like that. So, I won't need to take a blood test. You aren't in any danger...

Doug (leans his head back onto the table VERY relieved):
Thank God!

Mark:
When did you have your last tetanus shot?

Doug (groans a bit, but is OK):
You gave it to me, remember? Couple of years back...after the cuts from the storm drain?

Mark (nods):
Yeah! Right! OK, you won't need another one.
(starts to feel Doug's ribcage gently, but, Doug pushes his hands back)
I just wanted to see if you're hurt anyplace else, OK?
(Doug nods that he is sorry and that he understands and motions Mark to continue)
Do you feel anything moving around? Get kicked? Or anything like that?

Doug (Shakes his head):
No. I'm fine. Really.

Mark (disbands the exam):
I'd like you to stay here tonight, but, I'm sure you won't want to. And I can let you go home provided you let Carol go with you. Or you go home with her. I don't want you to be alone tonight...

Doug (scoffs):
I'll be fine...

Mark (sternly):
I'm the doctor right now, OK? You're my patient. And you're not just any patient, you're also my friend. I'm not taking any chances with you. I'm asking you to please do this my way tonight, OK?

Doug (nods with a sheepish smile):
OK.
(looks at Carol carefully):
Can I stay with you?

Carol (nods with a smile):
Sure. We'll stop by your apartment and get a few things for the night, OK?
(Doug nods quietly, smiles a smile that says 'thanks' at her)

Mark (nods):
Good. I got that much settled. OK, I also want you to consider some counseling to help you deal with this...either go back to Raypert, or I'm sure I can set you up with Nina...

Doug (cuts in quickly):
I don't need counseling. I can get through this on my own.

Mark (nods):
Well, OK. I'll let you do it your way for now. Sometimes, that will work. But, I'm gonna be watching you, and if I see any signs of stress or anything else connected to the trauma of this, then I will no longer suggest counseling, I will insist on it. Understood?
(Doug nods that he understands)
The only other thing I suggest is either a liquid diet or very soft foods for a couple of days until you start healing.
(again, Doug nods in understanding)
OK, then. I'll leave you alone to get dressed and I'll see you later, OK? If you need anything, anything at all, at anytime, you just call me, OK? Because it's really not a problem.

Doug (quietly):
Thanks, Mark.

Mark (starts for the door):
No problem. Try and get some rest. Do you want a couple of sleeping pills?

Doug (shakes his head):
No, I'll be OK.

Mark (nods):
OK, Buddy. Take it easy.

Mark leaves the room and Doug slides to the edge of the table carefully. He winces against the pain, but that's all the emotion he allows. Carol starts to hand him his Dockers so he can get dressed and just as she reaches them to him, something falls out of the pocket and clunks to the floor.

Carol (reaching down):
I'll get it!

Doug (realizes what has fallen and tries to beat her to it but can't):
No, I'll get it!

Carol reaches under the table and picks up the diamond engagement ring off the floor. She stands up with it in her hand and looks at Doug in total awe.

Doug (quietly....looks at his feet):
I was gonna give you that at Carlucci's tonight....maybe all this was a bad omen...

Carol (hand shaking as she picks up the ring):
Does that mean you don't want to give it to me now?

Doug (looks at her...pain in his eyes):
This wasn't the way I had it all planned...

Carol (moves closer to the table to him):
You love me, right? You want to marry me? That's what this ring means?

Doug (nods):
Yeah...

Carol (looks him in the eye...holds the ring in front of his face):
Then the answer is yes, Doug. I'll marry you.

Doug (scoffs):
Not like this...

Carol:
Not like what? Don't you still love me? Does this change how you feel about me?

Doug (looks into her eyes, his eyes brim with tears that do not fall):
No.

Carol (smiles slightly at him):
It doesn't change how I feel about you, either. I'll help you get through this, Doug. For the first time in my life, somebody needs ME. Please let me be there for you.
(Doug gives her a helpless look and a shrug of his shoulders. He looks away from her. Carol smiles and lifts his chin to look her in the eyes)
I would have said yes at Carlucci's too.

Doug doesn't answer...just reaches out and wraps his arms around her and buries his head on her shoulders...

Fade Act Two to black...

"ER"

"Storm Front"

Act Three

Scene opens at Carol's home. Show a dimly lit hallway as she and Doug come through the front door. Carol takes her jacket off and hangs it up on the closet, reaching to take Doug's jacket and hang it up as well. Doug carries a duffel bag in his hand and a hang dog expression on his face. Carol turns to him and reaches out to rub his shoulders in a comforting fashion.

Carol:
OK, now, I want to run you a nice hot bath...

Doug (shakes his head):
I just wanna get some rest...

Carol:
No, listen, a hot bath is a good idea. It'll loosen up your muscles and keep you from being so stiff tomorrow.

Doug (still shaking his head):
Really, I just wanna sack out on your couch and try and get some rest...

Carol (soft voice, touches his shoulders gently):
From a medical point of view, you know what I'm saying is a good idea. And from a personal point of view, I want to bathe you.
(Doug gives her a careful look, cocks his head to one side and smiles slightly)

Doug:
I can bathe myself. Thanks.

Carol (grins...trying to tease him):
Not getting modest on me, are you? I mean, after all, I am a nurse! There's nothing I haven't already seen! Especially anything of yours...

Doug (shrugs nervously):
I just think I'm capable of giving myself a bath...

Carol (looks down and takes Doug by this shirt front):
I want my hands to be the last ones you remember on you tonight.
(Looks up at him quickly)
Let me bathe you.
(Looks him directly in the eye. He returns her hard stare)
OK?

Doug doesn't answer verbally, just lets her take him by the hand and lead him to the bathroom. Carol turns on the hot water...tests the temperature with her wrist....and turns back to Doug.

Carol (touches his arm):
Come on! You can help me get your bed ready while the water runs, OK?

Doug follows her to a linen closest and holds out his arms while she takes out sheets, pillow cases, and blankets and loads him up.

Carol:
You're sure you want to sleep on the couch?
(Doug nods carefully)
Because, you know, you're welcome to sleep in bed with me.

Doug (looks away slightly, then turns back to her):
Any other night in my life, I'd be jumping for joy to hear you say that. But, no, tonight, I think I'm better off solo.

Carol (nods):
Well, OK...whatever you want.

The two of them make his bed up on the couch and go back to the bathroom where the tub is ready. Carol turns off the water and gets a sponge and a bath towel from the linen closet.

Carol (takes a button from Doug's shirt in her hands):
Let me undress you...OK?

Doug nods, but, doesn't answer. He keeps his eyes on Carol's face as she unbuttons his shirt and slips it off his shoulders. He steps out of his shoes and kicks them away and peels his own socks off. He reaches for the button on his Dockers but Carol's puts her hand over his to stop him.

Carol (emphatically):
I'll do it.

Doug gives her a helpless look. Angle focus is head and shoulders and mostly direct eye contact between the two. Off camera, Carol reaches for the snap and pulls it open. Doug winces and tilts his head backwards to stare blankly at the ceiling.

Carol (takes his face and points him back to looks at her):
Right here, Doug. Look at me. Now, this is me, OK? You know I'm not going to hurt you, right? And, if you're more comfortable keeping your shorts on for the bath, that's fine. It's not a real bath. I just want to soak your muscles a little.

Doug nods, carefully. Off camera, Carol unzips his Dockers and slides them down over his hips. Camera angle shows them hit the floor and his bare feet. Follow his bare feet as he climbs into the tub.

Cut scene.

Open next scene at Mark Greene's home. Mark is sitting on his own sofa and is on the telephone.

Mark (into receiver):
Message is for Dr. Pomerantz...please call Mark Greene at home when ever it's convenient for you. I need to talk to you confidentially about how to handle referring a sexual assault patient to you...

Mark closes his eyes in a tired fashion and lays the phone on the table beside him. He removes his glasses and rubs his eyes, giving out a heavy sigh.

Cut scene.

Open next scene back at Carol's. Doug is in the bathtub soaking in bubbles and hot water. Carol is on her knees beside the tub on the floor, carefully sponging him about the back and shoulders with the hot water.

Carol (touches a bruise on Doug's back):
That hurt?

Doug (flinches slightly):
Ow!
(turns and gives her a slight grin)
Yes!

Carol (smiles slightly):
I'm sorry. You've got quite a few of them back there. Must have slammed you around quite a bit.

Doug (puts his head down, speaks softly):
Some of it was my own fault...I was trying to get loose...

Carol (softly):
Were you scared?

Doug (nods):
Yes.
(short pause)
Scared they were going to kill me...or leave me with something that would.

Carol:
How many of them were there?

Doug (shakes his head):
I don't know. At least three. I didn't see much. It was dark. And it all happened pretty quick...

Carol (touches bruise lightly):
Poor baby

Carol leans over and kisses the bruise sweetly with her lips. At the sensation of her lips on his back, Doug shivers from a sudden 'cold chill' that shoots over him. He glances down into the water and grins slightly.

Doug (to no one in particular):
Well, there's a happy sight...

Carol (looks around to see what Doug is talking about):
Omigosh! Did I do that?

Doug (grins a full smile at her):
Yeah! You sure did!
(he leans over and kisses her very carefully so as not to hurt his sore lip)
Thank you.

Carol (grins)
No, thank YOU. That's quite a compliment!
(she runs her hand down into the water quickly)
Water's getting cold. I better get you out of here...

Doug (laughingly):
Well, if it is, it's the ONLY thing in here that's getting cold!

They both laugh at his remark.

Cut scene.

Open next scene back at Mark Greene's home. He is on the phone again. And we hear only his side of the conversation.

Mark (into receiver):
No, I can't. I can't tell you more than that. Not right now. Not tonight, anyway. Because, this has to be strictly confidential! I don't even know that I can get them to agree to see you. That's why I asked for suggestions! No, I'm not going to tell you who it is...
(sighs)
All right. I'll meet you for breakfast. But, I'm only doing this as a friend. I'm trusting you'll be professional about how to handle this. OK.
(nods)
OK. I'll see you then.

Mark sighs and hangs up the phone, laying it back on the table. He reaches over and turns out the light...

Cut scene.

Open next scene back at Carol's. Doug is lying on the couch, under a sheet, and wearing a surgical scrub top. Carol is spreading a blanket over him gently.

Carol (tucks blanket around his sides carefully):
There! How's that?

Doug (nods):
That's great. Thanks.

Carol:
You warm enough? Got enough pillows?

Doug (reaches for her hand):
I'm fine, really.

Carol (touches his cheek gently with her fingertips):
OK. I'm going on to bed. If you need anything, just call me, OK? I'm just in the next room.

Doug (nods):
I'll be fine.

Carol (senses he wants to talk):
You sure?

Doug (sighs):
About tonight...would you really have said 'yes' at Carlucci's?

Carol (sits on the edge of the couch beside him to talk):
Well, after I recovered from the initial shock! Yes!
(looks him in the eye)
I would have. I still will. If you still want to ask me.

Doug (shakes his head):
It's not that I don't want to ask you. It's just that right now, I don't know what the future looks like.

Carol:
It looks just the same as it ever did...

Doug (shakes his head):
I can't be sure of that. I don't know what this is going to do to me...what kind of a sex life I'll be able to offer you for a while...

Carol (cuts him off quickly):
That's what engagements are for, Doug! To work out whatever problems need to be worked out before the marriage.

Doug (looks nervously away from her):
Yeah, I know that, but...

Carol (turns his face to look at her):
Do you honestly think that the only thing I love about you is how good you are in bed?
(Doug gives her a nervous shrug)
If this situation were reversed...if it had been me instead of you, how you be feeling right now?

Doug (sincerely):
I'd want to kill the son of a bitch!

Carol (sincerely...looking into his eyes):
And you think I don't? You think I wouldn't love to be alone in the same room with the man who did this to you for one minute? When two people love each other, Doug, whatever happens to one happens to the other. So, this didn't just happen to you. It happened to me as well. We're both victims. So, we're gonna have to lean on each other to get through it.

Doug:
I guess I never looked at it like that.
(pauses in thought...then looks quickly up at her)
What if it never comes back? Or it's never as good?

Carol (smiles with a shrug of her shoulders):
We'll just deal with it. I'd much rather we had a relationship based on love and trust than sex any way.
(smiles at him)
Wouldn't you?

Doug (grins at her):
You're a good nurse, you know? You're really good at what you do to make people feel better.

Carol (smiles):
Thanks!
(stands up and tucks the covers around him again)
Think you can get some sleep now?

Doug (nods)
Sure.
(Carol reaches across him and turns out the light. Then she stands up and starts towards her room. The only light in the room is dimly coming from the crack in the door to her room)
Hey, Carol?
(Carol stops when Doug calls out to her. Focus tight on her face as she turns back to him)

Carol:
Yeah?

Doug (focus on his eyes):
Thanks.
(Carol doesn't answer...only smiles)

Carol (softly):
Good night, Doug.

Carol goes into her own room and we hear the door close. Doug is left alone in the dark, with the only light coming from the glow of a street light out the window dimly cutting the dark. He pulls the covers up around his shoulders, turns on one side, and closes his eyes trying to drift into a deep sleep.

Cut scene.

Open next scene in the dim light. Focus on Doug's face. He is asleep but it is a restless sleep. He is tossing about on the couch. And groaning softly. Camera moves closer and lets us into his dream.

****FLASHBACK****

Doug comes blindly around a corner of a parking lot. We are not sure of the location of the lot. He is looking down and fumbling for his car keys. Focus tight as he bumps quickly into a dark figure suddenly in front of him.

Doug (trying to be polite):
Sorry about that, Buddy! I didn't see you there...

Cut to show a knife blade suddenly thrust against Doug's throat. Unseen forces from either side begin to shove him off into a dark area of the lot.

Cut to show dim light and the brick side of a building. Show Doug's face slammed up against the wall quickly. He winces...and gasps in pain...show two pairs of hands holding his hands to the wall. His face is slammed into the wall more than once. His chin splits and begins to bleed. Then blood begins to ooze from his lip and his nose. He is jerked from a standing position and thrown onto the pavement, face down.

Cut back to present...Doug is struggling between sleep and awake, trying to come out of his dream but unable to shake it

****FLASHBACK****

Knife blade in his throat and secured from both sides, Doug is helpless against his attacker. Show hands reach under his jacket and Doug struggles...ad libs of "no" and "please" springing softly and fearfully from his lips...show a hand cover his mouth and Doug closes his eyes tight, dropping his head in defeat...

Cut scene back to present. Doug sits bolt upright on the sofa, breathing hard and sweating profusely.

Cut to show Carol running into the room from her bedroom in her nightgown. She turns on the light and drops quickly to her knees on the floor beside Doug, quickly stroking his face and speaking to him in a comforting fashion.

Carol:
Doug! Wake up, Honey! It's OK!!

Doug opens his eyes and in an instant registers where he is and that he is OK. He reaches out and takes her by the shoulders, dropping his head against her chest.

Carol (rubs his back gently):
Come on...bring your pillows and come to bed with me.

Like a child waking from a nightmare, Doug nods his head and lets her take him by the hand to lead him across the floor to her room. He carries his pillow and blanket in his arms with him. He gets into her room and sits carefully on the edge of her bed. His attention is captured by a small frame beside her bed. He picks it up and looks at it. It is a picture of a silhouette of a man and a woman walking on a beach at sunset and has the words: "...Faith, Hope, and Love...These Three...And The Greatest Of These Is Love" written on it. Follow the action as Carol eases him into her bed and covers him up. Then she climbs carefully onto the bed beside him. He lays on one side facing her and she lays on one side facing him.

Carol (softly):
You OK?

Doug (nods):
I think so. Nice verse.

Carol:
It's one of my favorites. You know, love can conquer anything if it's great enough.

Doug (grins):
Is that right?

Carol (nods):
Yeah. I believe it.

Doug (admittingly):
When I was a kid, I remember my Mother used to tell me that, too. Somewhere along the way, it all got lost.

Carol:
Not lost...just misplaced. Have you given any thought to Mark's suggestion of some counseling?

Doug:
I might.

Carol:
I'd go with you, you know. You wouldn't be alone.

Doug (voice cracks with emotion):
I'm scared.

Carol (smiles weakly):
I know. I'm scared, too. But, we'll get through this...we'll get through it together, OK? I'll help you chase all your demons away.

Doug (smiles sadly):
Lots of those. Raypert told me he thought I had a whole lifetime of them just waiting to be released. I'm wondering if they aren't all knocking at the door right now.

Carol:
Well, if they are, we'll face them together.

Doug (looks into her eyes):
I love you. You know that, don't you?

Carol (smiles):
Yes. And you know that I love you, to, don't you?
(Doug nods with a satisfied smile)
And I expect to get that ring at Carlucci's just like you planned, so, you better be making another reservation real soon!

Doug grins at her and she reaches over to pull him into her arms and hold him. He returns her embrace and snuggles close to her, putting his head on her shoulder. She reaches behind her to turn out the light.

Cut scene.
Open last scene back at Mark Greene's home. He is slipping in quietly to tuck Rachel into bed. She is sleeping...or so he thinks. Just as he gets back to her door, she lets him know she is awake.
Rachel:
Did you make somebody all better tonight?
Mark (turns back to her with a sarcastic grin):
You're supposed to be asleep.
Rachel:
I was waiting to say goodnight to you!
Mark (sits on the edge of her bed with her):
I'm sorry, Sweetheart. I'll make it up to you.
Rachel (repeats):
Did you make somebody better?
Mark (nods):
I think I helped some, yeah.
(she sits besides her, his back against the headboard of her bed, and puts his arm around her shoulders to talk to her)
I know sometimes it seems to you that Daddy's job is more important to him that you are, but, I don't want you to ever feel that way, OK? It's just that sometimes somebody at the hospital might need me a little more. Can you understand that?

Rachel (nods):
It was Dr. Doug, wasn't it?

Mark (gives her a surprised look):
How did you know it was Dr. Doug?

Rachel:
Ruth talked to him outside before you came home. He looked sad...like he was gonna cry! I figured it must hurt really bad because men don't cry!

Mark (squeezes her shoulders):
Who says men don't cry? You never heard me say anything like that...

Rachel (looks up at him):
You don't.

Mark (smiles down at her):
Well, just because you've never seen me doesn't mean I don't, OK? Now, it's really, REALLY late, and you have school tomorrow, so, I suggest you get some SLEEP, OK?

Rachel (sighs):
OK!
(she slides back down in bed and Mark covers her up) So, is Dr. Doug gonna be OK?

Mark (smiles at her, hand on her head):
I hope so, Sweetheart.
(turns out her light and whispers into the dark)
I really hope so.

Fade Act Three to Black...

"ER"

"Storm Front"

Act Four

Scene opens at the hospital...interior...daytime. Show Nina Pomerantz standing at the counter of the ER nurses station making notes on charts from a panned distance. Cut to show Doug Ross coming around the corner quickly. He spots Nina and strolls over to her casually, leaning his elbows on the counter next to her.

Doug (very quietly to her):
Have you got a couple of minutes?

Nina (nods quickly, but doesn't look up):
Sure.
(makes one last note and turns attention to him)
What's on your mind?

Doug (motions away from the counter):
Could we talk privately?

Nina (nods):
Sure.

She follows him off to a private corner away from earshot of the rest of the crew and they talk quietly between themselves.

Doug (looks steadily at his feet):
I was wondering if you might have time in your schedule to fit me in as a patient?

Nina (with a surprised chuckle):
A patient? Something you're having problems with?

Doug (nods):
Yeah.
(looks up at her quickly)
Can you fit me in?

Nina (taken aback):
Well, I thought you were Dan Raypert's patient...

Doug (nods):
I am...and nothing against Dan...he's great! But, this is something I don't feel comfortable talking to him about. I'd rather talk to a woman. If you can't fit me in, maybe you can recommend someone else?

Nina (shakes her head quickly): No! Absolutely I can fit you in! You just need to let me get back to my office and give you a call with a good time, OK? What's good for you?

Doug (smiles):
Anytime you can take me. I'll make the time.

Nina (nods):
OK, then, I'll get right back to you!

Nina walks off down the hall and gets into the elevator. Doug turns quickly and goes back through the ER.

Cut scene to show time lapse. Doug is in Nina Pomerantz's office. She is sitting behind her desk with a folder in front of her. He is in street clothes of jeans, tennis shoes, and a sweatshirt and curled in the leather chair in front of her desk. The office is dimly lit...not dark...but not bright.

Nina:
I asked Dan Raypert to send me your files so I could review them. He's agreed to work with me on this later if I need his help...would that be all right with you?

Doug (nods):
Sure...I'm aware that doctors confer about mutual patients. I do it with Mark Greene all the time.

Nina:
I just want you to understand that up front. If it's not OK with you, you just say so and it stays right here in this office.

Doug (smiles...picks at a shoe string):
It's OK.

Nina (flips briefly through the folder):
From what I can tell here, you've been making tremendous progress with Dr. Raypert. Has something set you back?

Doug (nods...looks solidly at his feet):
Yeah.
(looks up and across the room quickly....does not look at Nina)
This is not easy to say...
(looks back at his feet)
I was sexually assaulted in the parking garage night before last.

Nina (horrified at what she hears, but, does not express alarm)
Our parking garage? Here? At the hospital?

Doug (nods):
Yeah. You're the only person who knows that right now.

Nina:
Well, I think you should at least file a security report with the hospital if nothing else. You don't have to say why, but, you should at least file one.

Doug (shrugs):
I'll think about it.

Nina:
And, of course, I'd encourage you to go to the police...
(Doug looks up at her over the top of his bangs and gives her a cold 'no' with his eyes)
But, I figure that's likely out of the question for you.

Doug:
I don't care about legalities, OK? Whoever did this to me can deal with his own conscience. I just want to get on with my life and get past it. That's why I'm here. I want to put this where it belongs and get on with my life. I don't want to get lost dwelling on it and I don't want to screw up the good thing I've got going right now.

Nina (folds her hands and leans on the desk):
And that would be?

Doug (smiles):
I'm in a perfect relationship right now. I'm in love with Carol Hathaway. Have been for a long time. We've worked long and hard to get our relationship to the level it is now and I'll be damned if I'm gonna let somebody take that away from me!

Nina (smiles):
I wish every sexual assault victim I ever worked with came into their first session with an attitude like that. Is Carol aware of what happened to you?

Doug (nods):
Yes. She helped Mark with the exam the night of the attack.

Nina:
And how did she react?

Doug:
She was great. She took me home with her...she made me take a hot bath to loosen up my muscles...she slept in bed with me all night and just held onto me...she made me feel OK.

Nina (smiles):
That's very important in a case like this...that she made you feel OK.

Doug:
She told me this didn't just happen to me...that it happened to both of us...is that right?

Nina (nods):
Yes. That's right. When 2 people are in a relationship and one of them suffers a violent act against them, it effects the other party in the relationship as well, just in a different way. They don't share the physical pain or the mental scars, but, they share the hurt and confusion of 'why did this happen' with them. Carol is very right.

Doug:
She said she would go through counseling with me....do you do that sort of thing?

Nina (smiles wide):
Absolutely! I'll talk to Carol about it myself! What I'll do at first is set you up in separate sessions and then, eventually, I will schedule you together.

Doug ( motions with his hands):
Whatever it takes.

Nina:
OK, right now, let's just talk about you...what has this episode done to you?

Doug (sighs):
The first thing I noticed is that I don't want to walk into a dark room without turning on a light first. I will reach around the door facing for the light switch first. Then go in. I never did that before.

Nina (nods, making notes):
OK, so, it has left you insecure in dark places.

Doug (nods):
Uh huh.

Nina:
OK, an exercise for that, which I want you to try at least once before you come back, OK? Take someone you trust with you...Mark Greene...or Carol Hathaway....or anyone you feel secure with and walk, blindly, into a dark room. Stay close to the person you pick to go with you, but, don't turn on the light, OK? And I want you to try and stay in the room at least 2 minutes, OK? And during that 2 minutes, I want you to walk away from whoever you're with and see how far away from them you can get before you get afraid again, OK? Will you do that?

Doug (chuckles):
That sounds like an interesting experiment!

Nina (smiles):
Oh, I have a whole book just FULL of those, Dr. Ross! You ain't seen NOTHIN' yet!!
(winks at him...Doug chuckles again)
Anything else you've noticed that you want to share with me today?

Doug (pauses in thought):
I don't seem to want to be alone. The first night, I stayed with Carol, but, last night I went back to my own apartment, and I didn't get any sleep. It seemed like every little noise startled me. I sat up channel surfing all night.

Nina:
Now, these 2 fears you're experiencing now...have you ever experienced them before? Either one of them?

Doug:
Maybe when I was a little kid....

Nina (zeros in on his answer):
MAYBE? Or, for sure, when you were a little kid? Don't guess, Doug, be sure. It's very important. Were you afraid of the dark when you were a little boy?

Doug is lost in thought....he thinks hard on Nina's words...in his mind he sees a flashback of a young child, about 3 years old, sobbing and crying 'Mommy' into a dark room...

Doug (nods slowly):
Yes. I was terrified of the dark. If I woke up and it was dark, I wouldn't even put my feet on the floor in my room. I would just sit curled up in my bed and cry for my Mom.

Nina:
Did your Mom come to you? Did she comfort you?

Doug (shrugs...picks at a shoestring):
Sometimes...not every time.

Nina:
And how did you get over this fear? How did you get past that?

Doug (pulls on the shoestring...keeps his voice low):
Eventually, my Dad convinced her that she was turning me into a Mama's Boy and making a baby out of me, so, she stopped coming. It didn't make the fear go away, but, it stopped the crying. I would just stay curled up on my bed until daylight. Then, I'd just get up.

Nina:
So, in reality, you never actually conquered that fear as a child?
(Doug shrugs)
Then, we have to work on that.

Doug (laughs a confused laugh):
How can we do that? I'm not 3 years old anymore...

Nina:
We have to work on getting to that 3 year old that never conquered that fear and help him conquer. Once he does, he will pass it along to the adult and you'll be able to get past it.

Doug(astounded):
That's crazy!

Nina (shakes her head):
Oh, no. It's a very proven revelation! Something carried over from your childhood that has been triggered by an event in your adult life...to get this in order with your adult life, you're going to first have to reach the uncomforted child inside you and ease his fears so he can help you ease your own. Once we start those experiments, it'll make more sense...

Doug:
We're not gonna do that today?

Nina (smiles):
No. Today, I just wanted to see what we're dealing with so I'll know how to prepare for the next session. Anything else on your mind today?

Doug (Looks at his feet nervously):
I'm a little concerned about what effect this is going to have on my sex life...

Nina (smiles):
That's a natural fear...certainly an understandable one!

Doug (admits softly):
When Carol gave me a bath the other night, she kissed my back and I got excited. That's a good sign? Right?

Nina (nods):
Absolutely! You were still turned on by the touch of someone you're in love with. That's a very good sign. You said you and Carol have been working on your relationship...have you had sex with her?

Doug (nods): Yes.

Nina: Well, I can't give you a time frame on that. That's something the two of you will need to work out at your own pace. Different people react different ways. But, if you are excited by her touch less than 24 hours after a sexual act against you, I dare say you're better off than you think! Now, how often can you get up here?

Doug:
Well, I have a pretty understanding supervisor...
(smiles)
...but, I don't really like to take advantage of him. Make it after hours as much as possible?

Nina:
Easily done. I'm here all night most of the time anyway!
(smiles)
To get things moving, I'd like to see you twice a week. Will that be a problem for you?

Doug (shakes his head):
No.

Nina (smiles at him):
The most important thing you have to remember, Doug, is that you were a victim. What happened was not your fault. As a doctor, I'm sure you understand that, because I'm sure you've told patients that your own self before. But, this time the patient is you and that changes everything in the way you think. Do you understand what I'm saying?

Doug (nods with a smile):
I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I know it wasn't a direct hit aimed at me. I'll be fine.

Nina (nods, makes notes in his folder):
That's good. It's important for you to understand that. I think you have a really healthy outlook on this whole thing, and I think you're going to get past this a lot faster than you think!
(looks over her appointment schedule)
Thursdays good for you?

Doug (nods, motions with his hands):
Thursdays are fine.

Nina:
Great, you work days or nights on Thursday?

Doug (chuckles):
Depends!

Nina:
OK, let me do it this way, if you're working days I'll see you at 7:30pm...if you're working nights, I'll see you at 10am. How's that?

Doug (nods):
That's fine.
(Nina writes the appointment times out on a card and reaches them to him as he stands up to leave)
Thanks, Nina. I really appreciate this.
(pockets card in his jeans pocket)

Nina (stands up to walk with him to the door):
And I appreciate your confidence in my ability. It wasn't easy for you to come in here and say what you said.
(pauses)
I understand your reluctance to discuss this with Dan, but, I really think, eventually, the two of you probably should have a session about it.

Doug (reaches for the door knob):
Well, we'll have to work on that, won't we?

Nina (smiles, sees him out):
Yes. We surely will. Have a good evening, Doug.

Doug walks over and punches the elevator button, gets into the elevator, and disappears.

Cut scene.

Open next scene down in the ER. Nina comes up on Mark Greene at the counter, who is fighting furiously with a computer game.

Nina (over Mark's shoulder):
Doug Ross is right. You shoot like a girl!
(Mark gives her a sarcastic look over his shoulder)
Can I speak to you privately for a minute?

Mark (sarcastic tone):
Sure! Not like I'm DOING anything!

He follows Nina over to a private trauma room and they close the door.

Nina (quietly):
Your sexual assault patient came to me today.

Mark (brightens):
Really? All on his own?

Nina (nods):
Yes. Seems he is in a relationship that means a lot to him and he doesn't want anything to happen to that.
(Both glance out and look at Carol, working at the desk)
He has a very healthy attitude and I think he's going to get through this just fine with the help of people he loves and trusts.

Mark:
Well, he knows he can count on me...

Nina:
Yes, he does. And that's very important to him. It also means, Doctor, that we are sharing a mutual patient...we can discuss things about his case together as long as one of us figures it can help the other. I'm sure there are things about Doug Ross that you know and I don't...right?

Mark (nods, blankly):
Oh, yeah, I'm sure! I've known Doug a few years...

Nina (reaches out and touches Mark's shirt casually):
So, that means we might get to spend some extra time together, huh?

Mark (smiles...realizes what she's saying):
Oh, absolutely! There's LOTS of things you might need to know...

Both chuckle. Nina reaches up and gives Mark a quick and playful kiss on the cheek and then exists quickly.

She stops out at the nurses station to confer quietly with Carol.

Nina:
Carol, we need to get together and schedule a good time for sessions together, OK?
(Carol looks up and gives her a blank stare)
Doug Ross came to me today. He told me you said you were willing to go through counseling as well?

Carol (realization sets in):
Oh! Yes! Absolutely! I'll get together with you on that first thing in the morning, OK?

Nina (touches her arm):
That'll be great. And may I personally applaud you. Takes a strong person to do what you're doing...

Carol (truthfully):
Doug and I have big plans for the rest of our lives. I don't want anything to screw that up. Not now. We've worked too hard to get it this way!

Nina :
It's a really good beginning. And I think Doug has surrounded himself with strong people. But, there's still a long road a head of him with a lot of twists and turns...

Carol (nods):
I know...we'll just take them together. He'll make it. He'll be fine.
(smiles at her)
I'm sure of it.

Nina (smiles back):
I'll see you in the morning, Carol.

Carol nods and Nina goes on off down the hall.

Carol looks up at see Mark looking back at her from the doorway. They smile and understanding smile at each other and go back to work.

Fade Act Four to black....

"ER"

"Storm Front"

Closing Act

Scene opens behind an exam curtain in the ER. Doug is standing beside the exam table, in the last stages of getting dressed, buckling his belt. Mark is snapping off his rubber gloves and pitching them in the trash can by the door.

Mark (quietly):
You're looking much better.
(makes notes on a chart)
I think you should be able to resume your normal diet, now. I'd still take it kind of easy, though. Just use your best judgment.

Doug (slips into his lab coat):
Yeah. Listen, Mark, I really appreciate all your help.

Mark (makes last notes):
Well, you can pay me back someday, OK?
(Doug chuckles, Mark looks up)
So, how is everything else?

Doug:
Everything else?
(realizes what Mark means)
Oh, you mean Carol? We're fine. Just taking things slow and easy...one day at a time.

Mark (looks at his watch):
Well, I hate to rush you out, but, I have a lunch appointment.

Doug (grins):
With Nina Pomerantz, by any chance?
(walks across the room to start out the door with Mark)

Mark (chuckles lightly):
If it's any of your business, and I don't think it is, yes!

Doug:
You're taking your case folder with you...planning on discussing a 'mutual' patient with my shrink?
(Mark gives him a sarcastic look)
Hey, we do it! You don't think I think it's a private thing between us, do you?
(Mark laughs lightly and doesn't answer)
Well, just you know, Buddy, that if anything happens between you and Dr. Pomerantz, I have a hand in you two spending so much time together lately and I want full credit for that!

Mark doesn't answer, only laughs, and goes on off down the hall, leaving Doug there alone at the nurses station. He is lost in thought when Carol comes up behind him. She reaches her hand out to touch his shoulder, but, just before she does, she stops.

Carol (softly):
Doug?
(Doug turns sharply at the sound of his name and stares quickly into her eyes. Then she touches his shoulder)
I didn't want to startle you.

Doug (pats her hand gently):
It's OK. I'm fine. Really.

Carol:
I would use the word 'better', but, not 'fine' yet, OK?
(hands him several things to sign and he begins signing them)

Doug (signing, doesn't look at her):
So, what are you doing after work tonight, Nurse Hathaway?

Carol (groans lightly):
I've been on my feet all day. I was looking forward to a hot relaxing bath...
(smiles coyly at Doug)
I was wondering if I couldn't draft a good back scrubber to help me...

Doug (grins and nods):
You might be able to do that. I was wondering if you might be up to dinner first. I still have a rain check reservation at Carlucci's to cash in on...

Carol (smiles wickedly):
Ooooo...Carlucci's! You know I have never been there?

Doug:
Really? Well! I think it's about time you got out there? Don't you?

Carol (nods):
Sure, but, no more of this meeting me out there, OK? We'll go together...

Doug (nods):
Sure...I'll pick you up at your place about an hour after we leave here?

Carol (smiles):
I'll be ready...

Doug hands her back all the things she gave him to sign, gives her a wink and a smile and goes on off down the hall to work...

Cut scene.

Time lapse. Open next scene at Carlucci's. Doug and Carol are sharing a table and a glass of wine together. Carol looks around in awe.

Carol:
This place is really something! How'd you find it?

Doug:
Had dinner here coming back from a convention a while back, but, I've never been back since. Just thought it would be a good place to come...
(pause)
With someone I love.
(pauses carefully)
You know I love you, don't you? You don't have any doubt about that?

Carol (smiles):
No.
(shakes her head)
None.

Doug:
And, I know you love me. You've surly gone to the greatest lengths imaginable to prove that over the past couple of days...
(Carols laughs nervously)
I don't want to ever lose what we have between us right now. I want it to just keep growing, and going forward...
(he reaches into his suit coat pocket and takes out a black box)
I know you've already seen this, so, it's no surprise...but I did take it and have it engraved, so, that's different...
(he opens the box to reveal the same engagement ring that fell out of his pants pocket in the ER a few days before and slides out of the chair, down onto one knee in front of Carol, taking her left hand gently in his)
Carol Hathaway, I love you more than I've ever loved anything or anyone in my entire life and I can't vision my life without you in it...will you grace my life by agreeing to be my wife? Will you marry me?

Carol covers her face with her hands briefly...even though the moment was not a surprise for her, it was still a moving event for her.

Carol (wiggles her left ring finger quickly):
Yes, Dr. Ross...I will marry you!

Doug carefully slips the ring on her finger and kisses her lips sweetly. Their private moment is broken by a soft round of applause for surrounding patrons who witnessed the proposal. Carol laughs as Doug stands up and pulls her into his arms.

Carol:
I've got plenty of witnesses, too, so, don't you go trying to weasel out of this!

Doug (stares deep into her eyes):
I wouldn't dream of it...

Carol:
We'll have to talk about how long the engagement should be...

Doug:
Long...short...whatever you want...

Carol:
Are you gonna be this enthusiastic when we start talking about the wedding, too?

Doug (pulls her close to him):
You know something, Carol? You talk too damn much!

He pulls her very close and kisses her very tenderly and sweetly. Both of them close their eyes to the pleasure the kiss brings them and when they open their eyes, they read each other's minds...

Carol:
Let's get out of here...

Doug (turning quickly):
Our check, please?

Last scene, the two of them starting out of Carlucci's together...

Fade closing at to Black and run end credits.

5/2/97