"Tides of Emotion"

Opening Act

Scene opens on the basketball court behind the hospital. Doug Ross is involved in a serious one-on-one basketball game with Charlie. They are going at in full steam, twisting and turning, and driving the lane against each other. Ad libs of 'watch it!'...'no cheating'...and various other court talk terms fill the air. Finally, Doug calls for a break.

Charlie (taunting):
Getting too old to play with teenagers, Dr. Ross?

Doug (taps his chest):
Still recovering from pneumonia, you know!

Charlie (scoffs):
Bull! That's just an excuse.

Doug (bats ball out of her hands and shoots over her head):
Still gotta have a couple of those hanging around you know!

Charlie (rebounds ball):
Oh yeah? How come?

Doug (laughs):
Because I'm getting to old to play with teenagers!

They start walking towards the hospital...Charlie is bouncing the ball. We now see that Doug is sporting a black eye.

Doug:
So, how are things going with you and Anna Del Amico?

Charlie:
Well, she's really tough, you know? She makes me do stupid things like set the table and do my homework and that kind of stuff. But, she's really pretty cool. We talk about girl things...and she really listens to me. It's going OK.

Doug:
And your drug rehab?

Charlie (proudly):
I'm 17 days drug free.

Doug (nods):
Good for you!
(pause)
So, are you up to a little responsibility?

Charlie:
Such as?

Doug:
Carol has to work late tonight, and I have an appointment I need to keep, so, I need a baby sitter for Tatiana. Are you available?

Charlie:
Me? What do I know about taking care of a little kid?

Doug:
About as much as I do, I guess! And I'm doing OK! Tatchie's a good kid. You just have to be extra careful with her is all.

Charlie:
Extra careful?

Doug:
Yeah...Tatchie is HIV positive. I thought you knew that.

Charlie:
HIV? But, she's just a little kid!

Doug (nods):
Yeah! She got it from her Mom. What did you think I was trying to do with you? I was trying to keep you from doing the same thing! At least you're smart enough to use condoms...

Charlie:
Geez, that's a real bummer! What's going to happen to her?

Doug:
She's going to die...the same thing that happens to every other HIV patient. She'll eventually go into full blown aids and she'll die. I doubt she'll live to be as old as you are.

Charlie:
Well, then, why did you and Nurse Hathaway want her?

Doug:
Because she's a great little kid, and she deserves her chance to be happy. She doesn't deserve to be locked up in a home someplace where nobody cares what happens to her. At least the time she has with me and Carol she'll know she's loved.

Charlie (grins at him):
That's really cool, Dr. Ross. You're OK, you know?

Doug (chuckles):
Yeah, I guess 'ok' sums it up pretty well.

Charlie:
So, what's this big appointment you have tonight?

Doug:
Just something I need to do...
(shakes his head)
Nothing you need to worry about.

Charlie (teasing him):
Not stepping out on Nurse Hathaway are you?

Doug (shakes his head diligently):
No, no! Absolutely not. Even I'm not that crazy!

Charlie (points to his eye as they start into the ER):
So, where'd you get that shinner? Nurse Hathaway get mad at you and punch you out?

Doug (chuckles):
No, Carol and I solve our problems non violently. I got this from Tatchie.

Charlie (nods):
Kid had a nightmare and climbed in bed with Pop, huh?

Doug:
And just what would you know about something like that?

Charlie (shrugs):
I got vague memories...except that my male parental unit couldn't keep his hands off me. At least Tatiana doesn't have to worry about anything like that with you.
(short pause)
You're probably the most honorable man I know, Dr. Ross.

Doug (shakes his head):
You just don't know many normal men, Charlie. Most men don't put their hands on little girls.

They go on into the ER together. Carol and Carter are working at the front desk with Mark and Anna nearby with Kerry Weaver.

Anna (looks up...grins at Charlie):
Who won?

Charlie (stops beside Anna):
I smeared him...he'll try and tell you he LET me win, but, don't believe it!

Doug (stops beside Carol):
I asked Charlie to babysit for us tonight...that OK with you?

Carol:
Charlie? But, what's wrong with my Mom? She loves taking are of Tatchie.

Doug:
Helen's fine...there's nothing wrong with her...but, the only way she's going to earn responsibility is with chances and I think Tatchie might enjoy someone new for a change. It should be OK. I won't be gone long.

Carol:
Well, OK...it should be OK.

Doug goes on off down the hallway. Mark looks over at Carol quizzingly.

Mark:
What's going on with Doug?

Carol (shrugs):
Just something he has to do.

Kerry (confused):
And you don't know where he's going?

Carol (shakes her head):
No.

Mark (very confused):
And that's OK with you?

Carol:
Doug and I have complete trust and understanding in each other. He doesn't have to report to me ever single move he makes.

Kerry:
You two have come to that level in your relationship?

Carol (nods):
Sure...it wasn't so hard!

Anna:
And you're not checking up on him or anything?

Carol (nonchalantly):
No. Why should I? When he's ready to talk about it, he will.

Mark:
Well, I don't know...I think I'd always be worried Doug was going to slip back to his old habits...

Charlie:
Geez, Dr. Ross is just like me...his past is never gonna let him go forward!

Everyone looks at Charlie in amazement and nod in agreement to what she just said.

Fade Opening Act into opening credits of the show.

"ER"

"Tides of Emotion"

Act One

Scene opens in the staff lounge. Doug is in there going over a few things he will be needing for the day when Mark comes in quietly.

Mark (points to Doug's eye):
So, where'd you get that black eye?

Doug:
I got it from Tatchie. How is it that I can share a king sized bed with a seven year old and get a black eye out of it?

Mark (chuckles):
That's a badge of fatherhood, Doug! Shows Tatiana is starting to bond with you.

Doug:
This wasn't exactly the kind of bonding I had in mind.
(chuckles lightly)

Mark:
It's a good sign, though. Seriously. Better than being a 'sticky man'.

Doug (laughs out loud):
A WHAT?

Mark (sighs):
While you were off recovering from pneumonia I took care of a little boy who said 'oooo, Mommy, it's a sticky man' when he saw I was gonna give him a shot.

Doug (chuckles):
I've been called lots of things in my career, Mark! But, that's a new one even for me!

Doug goes on out of the lounge still chuckling to himself, Mark stands watching him go with a smile on his face. Show Doug sliding past Kerry Weaver, who is on her way in. She ambles past Mark to the coffee machine.

Kerry :
What are you thinking?

Mark (shakes his head):
Oh, nothing...just thinking about all the changes Doug has undergone lately.

Kerry (nods, takes a sip of coffee):
He's hardly the same person he used to be. That's for sure.

Mark:
So, what do you think? You think leopards just change their spots like that?

Kerry (shakes her head with a smile):
No, but I think people who really try can make changes in their life. Doug has a lot of reasons to keep trying. I hope he never lets go of whatever force is driving him right now.

Mark:
Do you ever feel like there's a storm following him around, though? A volcano fixing to erupt or something?

Kerry (scoffs):
Oh, Mark, lighten up! That kind of stuff only happens in the movies!

Follow Kerry on out of the lounge. Show Mark shaking his head as he follows along behind her.

Cut scene to Carter and Doug in the supply room. Both are gathering supplies to carry back to the trauma rooms of the ER.

Carter (quietly):
How are things, Dr. Ross? Going OK?

Doug (nods lightly):
Going well, Carter. Thanks for asking.

Carter:
Did you talk to your Priest?

Doug (nods again):
Yes, I did. And I'm still talking to him.

Carter:
Going back to church, are you?

Doug (shakes his head):
Not sure about that part of it. But, I might at least be making some peace with God if nothing else.

Carter:
You talk to the Priest about your out-of-the-church wedding?
(Doug gives Carter a surprised look)
How long ago did you an Nurse Hathaway get married, anyway?

Doug:
Why would you ask me that?

Carter (smiles):
When you came in soaked from the rain and we changed you into scrubs, I saw your wedding ring around your neck.
(Doug smiles)
I think it's really kind of cool.

Doug:
It was just something that happened. We didn't want to ruin everyone's plans, so, we're going ahead with the wedding just like we intended. And, yes, I did talk to my Priest about it.

Carter:
What'd he say?

Doug (chuckles):
Well, he said the Pope probably wouldn't bless our union right now, but, that he would. Since we intend to be married in the church at a later date, he thinks it's OK.
(short pause)
You know, Carter, I really appreciated you that night you stayed with me.

Carter (nods):
Part of my job, Dr. Ross...

Doug (shakes his head):
No, that's the whole point. It's NOT part of your job. It's just something you do. And you do it well. I don't think you really understand what a comfort you are to people sometimes. I don't meet too many young doctors who understand as early as you have that medicine is about people.

Carter (nods with a smile):
Thanks, Dr. Ross.
(reaches to shake his hand...Doug meets him halfway with the gesture)
I know we didn't get off to a very good start with each other. I'm hoping things will be more positive for us in the future.

Doug (chuckles):
Me too, Carter...me too.

Doug and Carter start down the hallway with armloads of supplies, but, they are cut off by paramedics charging through the doors with two gurneys. Mark comes rushing out from one direction as Carter and Doug meet him from the other way.

Mark (to paramedic):
What have we got?

Medic:
Two car accident on the interstate...victims of the other car went to Mercy...male Caucasian was dead at the scene...female passenger is cut up pretty bad.

Mark (pushes gurney towards trauma room):
Doug! Give me a hand in here...

Doug starts to follow Mark into the trauma room, but, something makes him lift the sheet to view the DOA patient. We do not see the patient, but, focus on a concerned look on Doug's face. He shoves Carter toward the trauma room with Mark.

Doug:
Carter, give him a hand in there...

Doug backs slowly away from the trauma room and watches from the doorway as Mark and Carter go to work on their patient. We see now their patient is Samantha Lyons. Doug watches in anguish from the window, unable to help and unable to look away.

Focus on Carol coming up slowly beside Doug. She is unaware of what he has seen, but, she puts a comforting hand on his shoulder.

Carol (softly):
Doug? Are you OK?

Doug (nods):
Yeah.
(motions into the room)
That's Sam in there.

Carol (stunned):
Sam? Samantha Lyons?
(she looks into the room to confirm her fear)

Doug (voice shaky):
Dennis was DOA.
(Carol closes her eyes against her pain)
Victims of the other car were taken to Mercy. I'm assuming none of the kids were with them.

Carol (rubs Doug's arm gently):
Doug, I am so sorry...

Mark comes out of the trauma room removing his gloves and his goggles. He stops beside Doug quietly.

Mark:
She asked to see you...is that Samantha?
(Doug nods)
I only met her once but I thought I recognized her. It doesn't look good, Doug.

Doug:
Does she know about Dennis?

Mark (shakes his head):
I don't think so. Not yet. I'm sending her up to OR but she wants to talk to you first. I think she knows she's in bad shape.
(Doug nods solemnly)
Want me to go with you?

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

Doug takes a deep breath and goes into the trauma room. He pulls up a stool and sits beside Sam's bed and smiles sadly down at her.

Doug (weak smile):
Hey.

Sam (in pain):
I don't have much time, Doug. Just listen to what I tell you, all right...

Doug (trying to calm her):
You really should save your strength right now...

Sam (desperately):
Doug, just LISTEN to me, all right? Scott is at the ice rink at a Black Hawks hockey camp...you need to be there when he comes out at 3 o'clock...

Doug (nods):
OK...I can do that.

Sam:
You'll need to tell him about Dennis...
(closes her eyes to brimming tears)

Doug (nods, takes her hand in his):
It'll be OK...

Sam:
And if anything happens to me before you get back with him...

Doug (insisting):
NOTHING is going to happen...

Sam (continues...firmly):
Promise me you'll take care of him...

Doug (smiles weakly):
You'll be taking care of him, Sam...for a long time yet.

Sam (looks at Doug helplessly):
I'm dying, Doug. Nothing is going to change that. I'm asking for your promise that you'll take care of our son...can you give me that?

Doug (nods quietly):
Yeah. I can do that

Malik comes in to wheel Sam out of the trauma room and send her to surgery. Doug holds her hand until the gurney is too far apart for them to stay joined. He lets his fingers slip off the ends of her as he helplessly watches her wheeled away.

Mark comes up beside him and stands with him quietly.

Doug (stares blankly down the hall):
What time is it, Mark?

Mark (looks at his watch):
Almost two-thirty...why?

Doug (sighs):
I gotta go get Scott at a Black Hawks Hockey Camp.

Mark (nods quietly):
Want me to go with you?

Doug (shakes his head):
No. I can do this. I tell people every day someone they love is dead.

Mark (truthfully):
Not someone you care about.

Doug:
I'll be OK, Mark. You stay here and take care of Sam for me, OK?

Mark nods as Doug starts to leave the ER to go get Scott. Carol meets him at the end of the hallway by the desk.

Carol:
Want me to go with you?

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

Carol (touches his shoulder):
Maybe you should bring him here to tell him...

Doug (nods quietly):
I'll handle it...it's OK.

Mark and Carol stand together and watch Doug as he goes off alone down the hallway and out the door. As soon as he is gone, Mark turns on his heel and starts for the elevator.

Mark (calls out to Carol):
I'm keeping an eye on things in the OR...tell Kerry Weaver to take over down here, will you?

Carol (nods):
Will do!

Focus last scene on Mark pacing in front of the elevator nervously, punching the button impatiently trying to get the doors to open.

Fade Act One To Black.

"ER"

"Tides of Emotion"

Act Two

Scene opens outside the ice rink. Doug is pacing and watching the door. There are other parents, mostly Moms, doing the same thing Doug is doing. Show kids filtering out of the ice rink and onto the plaza, looking for parents. They are carrying ice skates and hockey equipment.

Boy (to Scott):
There's my Mom! Your ride here?

Scott (looks around...spots Doug):
Yeah! My Dad is here!

Boy (looks):
Your Dad? That's not the guy that dropped you off!

Scott (grins):
I know! That's my real dad! He works here in Chicago! He's a doctor!

Boy:
Cool!
(nods off camera)
Gotta go! See ya next week!

Scott (waves):
Yeah! See ya!

Scott shifts his skates up onto his shoulder and runs towards Doug, carting his hockey stick with him. He charges up to Doug excitedly. Doug tries to be cheerful with him.

Doug (grins):
Hey, Buddy! How was your work out?

Scott:
It was awesome! Coach says I got the makings of a great goalie! I got good hands!

Doug (chuckles):
A goalie, huh? What about a surgeon?

Scott:
Hey! I might be both! Perform the first on ice surgery! That'd be cool!

Doug:
Well, come on! Let's get your stuff to the car!

Doug puts his hand on Scott's shoulder and leaves him to his car. They toss the hockey equipment into the back and Scott climbs in on the passenger's side. Doug pauses, deep in thought, before he starts the car, trying to collect his words, and Scott picks up on that right away.

Scott (sighs):
Something's wrong...isn't it?

Doug (looks at him sheepishly):
What makes you say that?

Scott (knowingly):
You have that 'I have bad news to tell you' Doctor look on your face.

Doug (takes a deep breath):
I do this every day of my life...but, it's very hard for me right now with you.
(sighs)
Your Mom and Dennis were in an accident this afternoon...

Scott:
So, they brought them to you, right? That's a GOOD thing...

Doug (shakes his head...stays focused on the steering wheel rather than look at Scott):
Doctors perform a lot of miracles, Scotty. But, even as good as we think we are, we can't save everybody. Not every time.
(Focus on Scott giving Doug a very serious look)
Dennis never even made it to the hospital. He was already gone before we even got him.
(short pause)
Your Mom is in real bad shape.

Scott (stunned, but, keeps his head):
Is she gonna be OK?

Doug (shakes his head):
I don't know.

Scott:
Well, you'll take care of her, right?

Doug:
Dr. Greene is taking care of her. I was with her briefly when she came in and she asked me to come and get you. I'm going to take you to the hospital...but, I can't make you any promises about what we'll find when we get there, OK?

Scott (nods, solemnly):
OK.

Doug starts the car and drives away, he and Scott both very quiet as they go.

Cut scene back to County ER. John Carter comes down the hall to where Mark Greene is working and stops quietly beside him, holding a chart in his hands.

Carter:
Dr. Greene? Mrs. Lyons is awake and she asked to see you.

Mark:
I'll let her recover a little more before I go down there...she needs her rest.

Carter (shakes his head):
No, she said she wants to see you right away. She said it's very important.

Mark (nods):
OK, Carter. Thanks.

Follow Mark as he goes down the hall and goes into a recovery room. He walks over to a bed where Samantha is lying restlessly. She has been watching the door for him and is anxious when she sees him. He smiles at her as he stands beside her bed.

Mark (comfortingly):
What can I do for you, Mrs. Lyons?

Sam (quietly):
Where ever my things are, in my purse, there's a letter I was bringing to give to Doug...will you give it to him, please? It's very important...

Mark:
Mrs. Lyons, I'd really appreciate it if you just didn't worry about anything right now and save your strength for recovery...

Sam (ignores him...continues):
Will you see that he gets it? Please?

Mark (nods):
Sure.
(smiles weakly)
Of course I will.

Sam (smiles...satisfied):
Are you a good friend to Doug, Dr. Greene? I know you're his boss, but, are you also his friend?

Mark (nods):
Yeah, I think Doug and I are pretty good friends most of the time.

Sam:
That's good. Because he's going to need a strong friend to lean on. He's got some tough times ahead of him and I hope he can handle them.

Mark:
Doug will be fine.

Sam:
You help him along, Dr. Greene. Doug acts tough, but, inside, he's a marshmallow when it comes to handling problems. In a lot of ways he's still just a scared little boy.

Mark:
Doug's not alone, now. I don't know if you know that...

Sam (smiles weakly):
Yes, I know. He told me about his marriage.

Mark (nods):
Good. That's good. I'm glad he told you.

Sam (quietly):
Will you stay here with me just a while, Dr. Greene? Please?

Mark (nods with a sad smile):
Sure.
(pats her hand gently)
I'll be right here...

Cut scene to show Mark back at work at the computer at the front desk. Carol and Carter are also working close by. Show Doug and Scott coming up the hallway quickly, stopping in front of Mark.

Doug (quietly):
Are we in time?

Mark (nods solemnly):
Yeah, but I don't know how much more you have left.

Scott (looks up at Mark carefully):
Dr. Greene? Is my Mom gonna die?

Mark (closes his eyes and sighs):
All I can tell you, Scott, is that we've done everything we can. The rest is in God's hands.

Scott:
Can I see her?

Mark (nods):
Yeah, you and Doug can go on down there.

Doug starts down the hall with Scott...Mark pats his shoulder as he walks by.

Cut to show Scott and Doug going up to the bed where Sam is resting. She doesn't look well and is hooked up to several machines by many tubes. She is not awake.

Scott:
What are all these things for?

Doug (shrugs):
Just things doctors need to tell them what's going on.

Scott:
Does it hurt her?

Doug (shakes his head):
I don't think so. I don't really know. It's one of those things you just don't know about until it happens to you.

Scott:
Can she hear me? Does she know I'm here?

Doug (ticks his head):
I don't know, Scott. But, studies have shown that the last sense of the brain that dies is the sense of hearing... so there's a chance she can hear you, I guess.

Scott (looks up at Doug):
What should I tell her?

Doug (shrugs):
Whatever you want to tell her.

Scott (softly, to Sam):
Mom? Don't worry, Mom. I'll be OK.
(Sam does not respond. Scott squeezes her hand tightly in his)
I love you.

Doug looks away and focuses across the room. He is uncomfortable with the emotional scene. Scott looks up at him with a desperate look. Scott is holding Sam's hand and we hear the heart monitor beep a continuous tone...focus on the flat line briefly and then shift back to Scott, still looking up at Doug.

Scott:
What does that mean?

Doug (sadly, hand on Scott's shoulder):
That means you better kiss your Mom good bye, Buddy. They'll be coming to scoot us out of here pretty quick.

Scott leans over carefully and gently kisses Sam's cheek just as Carter and Mark come bursting through the door. Doug guides his son carefully out of the room and the door closes behind them. Focus on Scott's stunned look and Doug's sad expression. A few steps from the door, Scott turns quickly and buries his face against Doug. Doug rubs his back soothingly and holds him close to him. They are still together like that when Carter and Mark come back out of the room. Mark gives Doug a shake of his head...Doug nods that he understands.

Doug (quietly):
Scotty, listen, Buddy, why don't you go with Dr. Carter for a few minutes? I need to talk to Dr. Greene alone, OK?

Scott (nods...still somewhat shell shocked):
OK...

Carter:
Come on, Scott...I'll take you someplace I took your Dad just recently to talk to him about something, too, OK?

Scott (nods...goes with Carter slowly):
OK.

Doug (assuringly):
I'll be there in just a bit, Buddy.

Once Carter and Scott are gone, Doug turns away and puts both his hands on the counter behind him for strength. Mark puts a gentle hand on his shoulder in comfort.

Mark:
You OK?

Doug (sighs):
I think I will be. Later.

Mark:
I'm real sorry, Doug.
(Doug doesn't answer...just puts his head down in sorrow)
She asked me to make sure you got this
(reaches into his lab coat and produces a letter)
She said it was very important.

Doug (turns around...takes letter from Mark):
What is it?

Mark (shakes his head):
I don't know. I didn't read it. It doesn't have my name on it.

Doug (motions to the letter):
You read it and tell me what it says, OK?

Mark nods quietly and carefully opens the letter. His eyes scan over it quickly and he raises an eyebrow to Doug.

Mark:
It's a will.
(Doug rolls his eyes and looks at the ceiling, pained expression on his face)
She's giving custody of your son to you.

Doug (stunned):
What?

Mark (hands letter out to him to see):
If she is survived by Dennis, custody is to go to Dennis Michael Lyons...if she is preceded in death by Dennis, custody of Scott Douglas Claymont is to rightfully go to his biological father, Douglas Steven Ross...
(Doug can't speak...he just gives Mark a stunned expression)
She said she was bringing this letter to you today...must be something she just had done...

Stay focused on Doug, pained and confused expression on his face and Fade Act Two To Black.

"ER"

"Tides of Emotion"

Act Three

Scene opens focused on Carter and Scott sitting side by side. Pan back to show they are sitting in the hospital chapel. Show Doug coming quietly through the doorway. Carter sees him and gets up to greet him at the door so they can talk quietly.

Doug:
How's he doing?

Carter (nods, looks back over his shoulder at Scott):
He's doing OK. He's a pretty tough kid.

Doug (grins slightly):
Guess he gets that from me.
(Pats Carter on the shoulder)
Thanks, Carter. I'll take over now.

Carter nods and steps on out of the chapel. Doug goes in and slides quietly into the seat beside Scott. Scott is somewhat shell shocked, and plays nervously with his hands.

Scott:
I called my Aunt Trish. She lives here in Chicago. She's on her way.

Doug (nods):
OK.

Scott (helpfully):
She's Dennis' younger sister. She's real nice.
(Doug nods again...lets Scott talk)
Do we have to call Nanna and Gramps?

Doug:
Of course we do. Your mother was their only child. They have to know from somewhere.
(Pauses)
I don't even know the number.

Scott:
I'll give it to you. Just let Aunt Trish get a head start, OK?

Doug (nods):
OK...they live near by?

Scott (nods):
In Winnetka.
(pauses...lost in thought)

Doug (senses look):
Something you wanted to ask me?

Scott (quietly):
Was Dennis cut up like Mom was?

Doug (nods):
He was pretty banged up.

Scott:
Do you think he knew he was gonna die?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know. It's hard to say about that sometimes.

Scott (looks at Doug):
Mom knew, though...didn't she?
(Doug nods)
I knew she would. She always knew everything.
(pauses)
Do you believe in God?

Doug (nods emphatically):
Yes, I do. I have to. I couldn't be a doctor if I didn't.
(Scott looks at him)
If I didn't believe there was some higher power than me controlling things, I don't think I'd be able to come to work every day.

Scott:
How does God decide who lives and who dies?

Doug (soft chuckle):
If I knew the answer to that, I'd be master of the universe.

Scott (very quietly, gives Doug a desperate look):
What's going to happen to me, Dad? Where am I gonna live now?

Doug (assuringly):
You're gonna live with me. And Carol. Your Mom left a will about that. She was... (voices trails off briefly, but, Doug recovers quickly)
She was bringing it to give me a copy of it today.

Scott:
Do you want me to live with you?

Doug:
Of course I do! As long as that's what you want, too.

Scott:
What's gonna happen to my sisters?

Doug (shakes his head):
I didn't read all the will...but, I'm sure there's something in there about them as well. If your Mom thought to take care of you, I'm sure she had plans for your sisters as well.

Scott:
But, they won't live with us, right?

Doug (shakes his head):
No, they won't.

Scott (lost in thought):
Will I ever see them again after this?

Doug (assures him):
Sure you will! If they live close to here, you can see them whenever you want. And if they live away from here, we'll have someplace to go on vacation! It'll be OK. You'll still see your sisters.
(Puts his arm around Scott in comfort)
I promise you that much.

Scott (voice cracks just slightly):
Could I have some time to myself? Please?

Doug (concerned):
Are you sure you're OK?

Scott (nods):
Yeah. I just need some time to talk this over with God.

Doug (nod):
Well, OK. You know where to find me if you need me.

Scott (nods again):
Yeah. Just let me know when Aunt Trish gets here, OK?

Doug (nods emphatically):
Absolutely.

Doug slips away, but, he stands at the doorway and watches as Scott makes the sign of the cross and folds his hands in prayer. Never taking his eyes off his son, Doug also makes the sign of the cross on himself before he slips completely out the door.

Cut scene back to the front desk. Carter, Mark, and Carol are conversing lightly together.

Mark (to Carter):
So, how was Scott when you left him?

Carter (nods):
He was doing well. He seems like a real tough kid. Seems to be handling this pretty well to be so young.

Mark (soft smile):
Must be the Ross side of him. Doug would never let anybody know if something was killing him inside, either.
(looks casually as Carol)
Unless maybe it was you.
(Carol smiles)
Do you think we should call somebody?

Carol (thinking aloud):
Hey, yeah! The family! I don't have any contact numbers! I hope Doug has some!

Mark:
I'm sure he'll take care of it.
(pauses)
I was thinking about for him, though. Should we call somebody to help him? I mean, I guess besides you, there isn't anybody much, is there?

Carol:
His parents both live here in Chicago...
(realization sets in slowly)
but, you know, I have NO idea how to get in touch with either one of them! Geez! If anything would happen to Doug I wouldn't even be able to call them about it! I only met his mother twice. And I've never met his father at all...

Mark:
His father...
(thinking quickly)
I seem to remember Doug having a business card for The Drake hotel...I think his Dad has something to do with that...

Carter (quietly):
His Dad OWNS The Drake...

Mark (looks up quickly):
What?

Carter (nods):
His Dad OWNS The Drake. He told me about it that night we sat up and talked.

Mark:
All I can say, Carter, is that must have been SOME talk the two of you had that night!

Carter (shrugs):
He wanted to talk. All I did was listen.

Mark (to Carol):
Well, do you think we should call him? At least get the number for Mother or something?

Carol (frowns):
Ummm, I don't know. Doug and his father don't connect very well under good circumstances. I don't think we'd better force an issue between them here with them.

Mark (nods):
Yeah, I guess you're right.

Carol (lost in thought):
I'm gonna make a mental note to talk to him about this, though. Geez! That's kind of scary! I don't even know how to get in touch with my...
(realizes what she is saying and stops cold, then finishes nervously)
...my fiance's parents if I need them.

Mark gives Carol a wry smile and goes back to his work. Carol turns nervously back to her own work. Even Carter raises his eyebrows with a grin.

Cut scene. Show Doug working at the computer and several other staff members around him. Focus on a young woman walking slowly up the hallway. She is dressed in jeans and a blouse, tennis shoes, and a Chicago Cubs ball cap pulled over her long reddish brown hair. She stops at the desk and addresses Doug quietly.

Patricia:
Excuse me...do you know where I might find Scott Claymont?

Doug (looks up and grins sadly):
You must be 'Aunt Trish'.
(steps around the corner and puts his hand on her shoulder)
I'm Doug Ross...

Patricia (smiles):
Scott's father!
(Shakes hands with Doug)
I'm so glad to meet you. I've heard quite a bit about you. I'm Patricia Gilmer.

Doug (moves her to a quiet corner where they are more or less alone):
How much did Scott tell you on the phone?

Patricia (eyes mist with tears):
He told me everything.

Doug (frowns):
I need to work on his medical ethics. We aren't supposed to tell people things like that over the phone.

Patricia:
He was trying to help...

Doug (nods):
I know. And I appreciate that. I need to call Samantha's parents my own self and I'm not looking forward to it. Can I get you anything? Coffee? Anything?

Patricia:
Coffee would be great.

Doug (motions her into the staff lounge and they sit down together as Doug pours coffee for them both):
I'm very VERY sorry about your loss. Dennis was really a great guy from the time little time I knew him...

Patricia (quietly):
Thank you. How is Scott handling everything?

Doug:
Very well, actually. At least that he's letting me see, anyway.

Patricia:
He's a real tough kid. He'll be OK.
(pause)
So, you're gonna take him with you?

Doug (nods):
That's what I understand. I just got the copy of the will today...

Patricia (smiles sadly):
Pretty good timing, wasn't it? Samantha told me she was going to change it about a month after they first heard from you. She was always thinking ahead on things, I guess.

Doug:
What about the two girls?

Patricia (taps her chest):
They go to me. And my husband. His name is Alan. You'll meet him later...

Doug:
Scott tells me you live here in Chicago?

Patricia (nods):
Yes. And you do, too, so, that might make things a little easier for Scott adjustment wise. He won't be that far from his sisters.
(pause)
What do you want to do about arrangements?
(Doug gives her a surprised look)

Doug (nervously):
Well, I'm not really family or anything...

Patricia (sad smile):
No, I'll take care of those arrangements. I meant about Scott. Do you want to take him right away? Or do you want me to take him until after the funeral?

Doug:
Oh! Well! Whatever he wants, of course. Either way is fine with me.

Patricia (nod):
We'll leave it up to him, then.
(stands up and puts her coffee cup down)
I'd like to see him now. Please?

Doug (nods...stands up with her):
Sure.

Doug leads Patricia down the hall to an empty medic room and opens the door. Scott is sitting on the exam table and he looks up when the door opens. The instant he sees Patricia, he rushes to her and buries his face into her chest. Patricia wraps her arms around him and starts into the room with him. Doug closes the door behind them and turns his attention back down the hallway.

Fade Act Three to Black.

"ER"

"Tides of Emotion"

Act Four

Scene opens with a exterior shot of the hospital roof where the medivac helicopters come in. Doug is standing alone at the railing letting the Chicago wind blow against him. He is looking out over the city and lost in thought. Cut to show Mark coming out of the doorway and onto the roof. He looks around and sees Doug, nods with a short smile, and starts walking toward him. If Doug sees him, he makes no motion of it. Mark comes up beside Doug and stops, standing close beside him, looking out over the same direction Doug is in his trance with.

Mark:
You OK?

Doug (hands folded on the rail, shakes his head, but doesn't look at Mark):
I don't know.

Mark:
Where's Scott?

Doug:
He's with his Aunt. I thought maybe they could use some time alone together.
(pauses)
I don't think I can do this, Mark.

Mark (confused):
What do you mean?

Doug (pressure building...slight 'crack' in his tone):
This whole thing. I don't know if I can do this.

Mark:
You mean with Scott?

Doug (turns to face Mark...desperate look on his face):
I'm not even adjusted to having Tatiana live with us yet! Now, we're going to bring another child into the house? Full time? And how's he gonna react to Tatchie, anyway? What does he know about living with an HIV person...

Mark (cuts in quickly):
Whatever you and Carol teach him about it! What do you expect him to know about it!

Doug (shakes his head...looks Mark in the eye):
Yeah, like he has a choice! Every choice in his world just got taken away from him! (Doug shakes his head...obviously distraught)

Mark:
Doug, I don't doubt you that Scott has a lot of adjustments to make in his future. But, he's a pretty level headed kid. He'll be OK with the right guidance...

Doug (almost laughing):
And you think I'm the right guidance? What do I know about being a father figure?

Mark:
You're doing fine! Nothing has changed except maybe the hours you're putting in on it now. You've got Tatchie turning to you when she has bad dreams...Scott will bond with you, too, once he's been around you for a while.

Doug (shakes his head):
I don't know how I would cope at his age if I lost both my parents. I only lost one of them and it practically destroyed me.

Mark:
Scott didn't lose both his parents...
(Doug gives him a look)
He may have lost the only ones he knew, but, you're still his father. The way I see it, Scott's really lucky to have you right now. At least he hasn't lost everything connected to who he is.
(pause)
You want him, don't you? I mean, you're not seriously thinking of abandoning him are you?

Doug (shakes his head):
Not abandoning him. But, he might be better off with his Aunt. At least then he'd be with his sisters.

Mark:
Have you asked him what he wants? Does he get any say in it at all?

Doug (confused):
Say in it?

Mark (nods):
Well, sure. It's his life, isn't it? Shouldn't he get some say in what happens in it?

Doug (nods):
I get your point.

Mark (comfortingly):
Look, Doug, I know you probably have just as many questions flowing through your head as he does right now. And I don't think anybody has any easy answers. But, the way I see it, the ball is totally in your court now. And a lot is riding on what you personally decide.
(Doug gives Mark his full attention, listening carefully)

Doug (quietly):
For the first time in my life I'm thinking about how what we do every day effects people's lives...how many other worlds get turned upside down like this every day.

Mark (nods with a sigh):
I know what you're saying.

Doug:
I can't walk out on him, Mark. He really needs me right now. If I let him down now, I'm no better than Ray was to me.

Mark:
That's true. But, you're not alone anymore, Doug. You have a partner. Have you talked to Carol about all this?

Doug (shakes his head):
Haven't had a chance yet. I guess I didn't even think about how this will effect her. And Tatiana as well. So, many things to have to think about...

Mark:
It'll all work out...
(nods assuringly...Doug gives him a soft smile)
You'll see. Maybe not over night, but, in the long run. And I want you to know you can count on me if you need me. You know that don't you?

Doug (grins...nods):
Yeah, Mark. I know that. And I appreciate that. Really. I do.

Mark:
If you need a baby sitter for one of the kids, or even both of them...or just need a golf buddy to bounce things off of, anytime, OK? You just call me.

Doug (sighs):
Right about now, I'm really glad I've got some good friends!

Mark claps his hand around Doug's shoulder and the two of them start back towards the door for the hospital.

Cut scene to interior of the ER. Show Doug working at the front desk with Carol, Carter, Kerry, Anna, and Mark. Pick up an older couple coming through the entrance doors and making their way down the hallway, obviously looking for something or someone. They stop at the desk close to Carol and do not see Doug right away, as he has his back to them.

Carol (politely):
Can I help you?

Fred:
Yes, someone called us to come here regarding our daughter. I'm Fred Claymont...

When Doug hears this name, he turns around quickly. Before anyone else can react, a frown passes over Fred Claymont's face and his eyes grow narrow.

Fred:
Oh, my God. It's you.

Doug (very quietly):
Hello, Fred.
(nods to the man's wife)
Kate. If you'll come with me...

Mark (cuts Doug off quickly, senses this situation is not good):
I think I should take them with me, Doug, after all, I was the doctor on call...

Fred:
Well, thank God YOU didn't have your hands on her!

Kate (to Mark):
May we see our daughter, Dr....

Mark:
Greene. Dr. Greene. And, I think maybe you should just come with me, please?

Fred (glares at Doug):
That's always bad news! What the hell did you do to her?

Doug looks across the hallway and sees Scott standing close by, witnessing this whole scene. Carefully, he moves towards his son.

Doug (sternly):
Scott, I want you to go down the to cafeteria with your Aunt Trish now, please?

Scott (doesn't budge):
I'm OK...

Doug (more forceful, raises his voice):
Scott, do what I tell you, please?

Scott (shouting):
It's nothing I haven't heard before! It goes on all the time! Ever since Mom told them you found us...

Doug (demanding):
Scott!

Scott (scoffs):
I'm going...

Scott steps away and Patricia puts her arm around him gently. Mark steps the Claymonts over to a quiet corner, but, not into a private room.

Fred (quietly):
My daughter is dead, isn't she?

Mark (nods solemnly):
Yes, sir, she is. I'm very sorry.

Kate:
And her husband? What about Dennis?

Mark (shakes his head):
I'm sorry, there was nothing we could do.

Fred (nods...somewhat shocked but, recovers well):
We'll take Scott along with us...

Doug (looks up quickly from the desk, stunned look):
You're not taking Scott anywhere. I'm taking Scott.

Fred (emphatically...steps away from Mark to glare Doug in the face):
When hell freezes over. What do you know about taking care of a kid?

Doug (defensively):
A lot more than you might think! I'm a Pedicatrician for God's sake...

Fred:
Oh, so, you take care of everybody's kids except your own? Is that it? You never lifted a finger for that kid the first ten years of his life and now you're suddenly going to 'be there' for him?

Doug (trying not to argue):
It wasn't totally my fault I didn't have anything to do with him for ten years, was it, Fred? You did everything you could to make sure I didn't know anything about him anyway!

Fred:
I will see you in hell before I let you have that child.

Mark (cuts in quickly):
Well, then, you better start walking, Sir. Doug has a piece of paper that legally binds his son over to him and I don't know a judge in the country that will reverse something like that without just cause.

Fred (turns angrily to Mark):
Just cause? I've got more 'just cause' than you can shake a stick at, Doctor.
(turns quickly back to Doug)
This isn't over! This isn't over by a long shot!

Doug doesn't wait around for anything else. He turns quickly and storms into the staff lounge, lunging the door open with the palms of both hands slamming into it. Mark gathers the Claymonts to take them to a quieter location and tries and get things calmed down. Carol steps quickly away and goes into the lounge to Doug. He is leaning against the table, an exasperated look on his face, and runs his hand quickly through is hair with a sigh. Carol goes over to him quietly and leans on the table with him.

Carol:
Are you OK?

Doug (sighs...nods):
I will be.

Carol:
Have they always been like that?

Doug (nods again):
Ever since I've ever known them.

Carol (rubs his shoulder comfortingly):
It'll be OK. Things will settle down. Everything's just really up in the air right now.
(pause)
Will we have time to get things ready for Scott tonight?

Doug:
I don't know if he's going with us tonight or not. I thought he might want to go with his Aunt and be with his sisters tonight.
(sighs)

Carol:
Well, then, that will give us a little time to get things ready for him. We've got a lot of things to do.

Doug (looks at her absolutely awestruck):
Just like that? You don't even have any qualms about adding another kid to the family?

Carol (shakes her head):
No. Why? Do you?

Doug:
Well, what about Tatchie? She has to have special care...

Carol:
Kids younger than Scott learn about HIV...he's a bright kid...he won't have any problems with it. Kids don't know fear. It's taught to them by ignorant adults, remember?
(Doug nods with a chuckle)
Everything will be OK, Doug. We'll manage.

Doug (laughs slightly):
Starting to be a good thing you bought a big house, huh?

Carol (nods with a chuckle):
Yeah, we seem to be filling it up pretty fast.

Doug (gives her a sad look):
Not going to be easy for a while...not for any of us.

Carol (turns to face him, wraps her arms around his shoulders and hugs him):
We'll manage. Everything will be fine...

Doug reaches out and wraps his arms around her, pulling her close in her arms.

Doug:
God, I'm glad I have you right now.

Carol just smiles and kisses the top of his head, then lays her head flat against the top of his. He buries his head on her chest and she rocks him gently in her arms.

Fade Act Four to black.

"ER"

"Tides of Emotion"

Closing Act

Scene opens back in an empty medic room in the ER. Doug is alone there with Scott and the two of them have a few minutes one to one with each other alone.

Doug (assuringly):
I don't want you to worry about anything, OK? Everything is gonna be OK. I promise.

Scott (nods):
I know.

Doug (senses Scott is thinking about something):
Anything you want to ask me?

Scott (shakes his head, stays looking at the floor):
I don't think so.

Doug:
OK, Buddy. This one is your call. Where do you want to go tonight? You can either go home with me and Carol or tonight or you can go with your Aunt Trish. The choice is yours.

Scott (looks at Doug helplessly):
What would you do?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know, Buddy. I don't have any idea what it would be like to be in your shoes right now.

Scott:
Do you have a Mom?

Doug (Nods):
Yes, I do.

Scott:
Will I get to meet her?

Doug (nods again):
Absolutely.

Scott (quietly):
Will she like me?

Doug (smiles):
I'm sure she will.

Scott:
Are you coming to the funeral?

Doug (nods):
Yes. Carol and I will both be there.

Scott (nervously):
Are you gonna cry?

Doug (sad smile):
I don't know. But, if you want to cry, there's nothing wrong with that, you know.

Scott (shakes his head slowly):
I can't feel anything right now.

Doug (puts his arm around him and rubs his shoulders):
I know, Buddy. I know. But, that'll pass.

Scott (looks up at Doug):
Will it hurt your feelings if I go with Aunt Trish tonight?

Doug (assuringly):
Absolutely not! The call is yours tonight, Bud. Whatever you want.

Scott:
Are you sure? Because, I just think Aunt Trish might need some help with Jessie and Jordan.

Doug (smiles lightly):
Have you always been so unselfish?

Scott (smiles with a shrug):
They lost both their parents. At least I still have you.

Scott reaches to hug Doug quickly. Doug pats his back gently and sighs into the top of his head. Show Doug leaving the room with Scott and Patricia taking Doug's place with her arm around Scott's shoulder.

Doug (as they start down the hall):
You call me if you need me, Scott. I can be there in twenty minutes.

Scott looks over his shoulder with a sad smile. Just as he and Patricia get to the doorway, he gives Doug a short wave and they disappear out the door together.

Doug (looks at his watch):
What a day! Is Charlie with Tatiana by now?

Carol (nods):
Yeah, I think so. She left a while ago at least.

Doug:
OK, well, I may not wait up for you tonight.

Carol (Smiles):
Don't feel you like you have to. Get some sleep. You're gonna need it. Are you keeping your appointment?

Doug (nods, tugs into his jacket):
Yeah, I think I need it tonight more than I thought!

Carter (as Doug starts out):
Can I walk with you, Dr. Ross? I could use some fresh air!

Doug (nods):
Sure, Carter.
(Motions to Carol and Mark)
See you later, Carol. Mark, thanks for everything today.

Mark (nods):
Take it easy, Doug.

Cut to show Carter and Doug walking across the parking lot. Their conversation is quiet as they walk along the Chicago street together.

Doug:
Thanks for taking care of Scott today. I really appreciate it.

Carter:
He's a good kid. I'd hate to be in his place right now.

Doug:
You and me both.

Carter:
He'll be OK, though.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I think so.
(pause)
Are you close to your parents, Carter?

Carter (shrugs):
Yeah, I think so. We all support each other pretty well.

Doug (glances away, then turns back):
I hope I can be there for Scott. I don't have much experience with that sort of thing, I guess. I always felt I had to be strong for my Mom once my Dad. Now, I've got a family.
(chuckles)
It's not just about me anymore.

Carter:
Funny how life throws curves sometimes...things get changed around.

Doug (nods...they stop walking as they are standing in front of the Church):
Yeah.
(turns his attention to the wind blowing, breathes in the night air heavily)
Well, Carter, I guess I'll see you later. Thanks for the company. And thanks again for your help.

Carter (short smile):
Light a candle for me, too, OK?

Doug (shakes his head):
I'm not back to that point yet, Carter. But, if and when I get there, I'll remember that.

Doug goes on up the steps and disappears through the doorway of the Church. Focus on Carter as he turns and walks slowly away alone.

Fade into Closing Credits of the show.

August 15, 1997