"Tossing Out Anchors"

Opening Act

Scene opens at the Hathaway/Ross home, early evening, interior. Focus on Doug standing at the kitchen counter pouring hot water from a tea kettle into a cup. He is dressed for work in Dockers and a t-shirt with tennis shoes. Focus briefly on a long gold chain hanging around his neck and dangling down the front of his t-shirt. At the bottom of the chain is his wedding band. He glances casually at his watch to check the time. He fingers a note on the kitchen counter from Carol that read 'Call me before you start home' and smiles. He drops in a tea bag and starts brewing his tea with a spoon. He walks across the kitchen to the refrigerator and open the door to retrieve the milk carton. He gets the milk, pour a small amount of it into his tea, and put the carton back. When he closes the door, he sees a note he has written to himself stuck to the door with a magnet. "Saturday - 17th - Scott's Baseball Game - 5PM" he reads the note silently and smiles. Tossing a couple of heaping spoonfuls of sugar into his tea and stirring it further, he reaches over and picks up the cordless phone from the counter and dials a number. Cut screen to show the receiving end of the conversation as well as Doug's. One the other end, a ten year old boy politely answers the phone.

Scott:
Hello?

Doug (smiles into the receiver):
Hey, Scott! It's Doug!

Scott (smiles wide):
Hi, Dad!

Doug:
How you doing, Buddy?

Scott:
Everything's great! Are you coming Saturday?

Doug:
You bet I am! It's the championship, right?

Scott:
Right! And I'm pitching!

Doug:
I'll be there, Buddy! Let me talk to your Mom a minute, OK? I'll see you Saturday!

Scott (nods, repeating):
See you Saturday.

(hands phone to Samantha)
It's Doug!

Samantha (laughs as she takes the phone...into receiver):
Hi, Doug!

Doug:
Hi, Sam, listen, I wanted to tell you, I might be just a little late getting there Saturday...I'll be working until 3PM...but, I'll be there before he throws his first pitch, OK? I promise!

Samantha (pensive):
Oh, Doug...
(looks over her shoulder to be sure Scott isn't where he can hear)
Please, don't miss this if you can possibly get there. Scott was so excited when you said you would come. He's really starting to connect with you...

Doug (promises):
I WILL be there! You can count on it. Nothing is going to keep me away from this game!

Fade back their conversation and cut scene quickly to County ER. Mark Greene and Kerry Weaver are going over schedules in the staff lounge.

Kerry:
Did you ever get a hold of Doug Ross?

Mark (shakes his head):
No, never did! I haven't been able to find him since he left here, and that's pretty odd even for Doug. I can't think of anyplace he would go that he wouldn't at least have his beeper with him.

Kerry (grins):
Maybe he turned it off. Maybe he wanted some time alone with Carol.

Mark (chuckles):
Yeah, that might be part of it, too.

Kerry:
What did you need him for, anyway.

Mark (shrugs):
I wanted to find out more about that rush test he ordered. Nobody at the lab knew anything about a rush from Dr. Ross. I was just curious. That's all.

Kerry:
Don't you think he'd tell you about it?

Mark (nods):
I'm sure he will if he thinks I need to know.

Kerry (coyily):
What do you think about him and Hathaway? Think they have a chance?

Mark (smiles...nods):
I think everybody goes into marriage with a chance. It's what you do with the chances that count. Yeah. I think they can make it if they both really work at it.

Kerry (smiling):
Well, they're going to get the best send off for a marriage this hospital staff can give them! Nothing is too good for them! I want them to have it all as far as weddings go!

Mark (nods...lost in thought):
Yeah, I think they're prepared for that from all of us. (he pauses...taps his pencil on the page and changes the subject)
Can I put you in for Saturday night?

Kerry (shakes her head):
I was on last Saturday and the Saturday before. It's your turn.

Mark (sighs):
I can't do it this weekend! Can't you fill in?

Kerry (emphatically):
Not this time, Mark. I have plans.

Mark (erases name...taps pencil...then pencils in another name):
I'll put Doug Ross down. He hasn't worked an Attending Shift in a while and he always likes the money. He won't mind.

Mark writes Doug's name in and tacks the schedule up on the board. Focus on the schedule before cutting scene back to the Hathaway/Ross home. Doug is sitting at the kitchen table, glancing over the newspaper. He rummages through until he finds the sports section, still sipping his tea. His reading is interrupted by someone knocking at the door. He puts the paper down and carries his tea with him to the front door. He opens the door casually, but stops cold at the sight of Helen, Carol's mother, standing on the porch. He greets her with a deadpan expression on his face.

Doug (carefully):
Hello, Helen...won't you please come in?

Helen doesn't answer right away. She gives Doug a cold expression as she glares at him from the screen door.

Fade Opening Act To Black.

"ER"

"Tossing Out Anchors"

Act One

Scene opens still at the Hathaway/Ross home. Doug is still standing in the doorway and Helen is still standing on the porch. Doug pushes the door open and repeats his offer.

Doug:
Would you like to come in, Helen?

Helen (enters the house, but, gives Doug a cold stare as she passes by him)
I came to see my daughter.
(Helen glances around, as if she is looking. Doug follows her into the kitchen, quickly stuffing the chain with his wedding ring inside his t-shirt as he does)

Doug (politely):
Carol is sleeping right now. She has an early shift in the morning. I was just making myself some tea before I leave for work...would you care for some?
(he holds the teapot up in offering)

Helen (nods...detached):
Yes, that will be fine. Thank you.

Doug (clears his throat):
Listen, Helen, I know that I'm not exactly your favorite person in the world, but, I do hope we can try to be friends.

Helen (gives him a 'look'):
I will not ever forgive you for what you did to my daughter.

Doug (nods...accepts that):
Well, uh, that makes two of us, I'm sure.

Helen (coldly):
I have to accept Carol's decisions because she is an adult. And she is my daughter. And I don't want to lose my daughter out of my life. Therefore, I have to accept you in hers. But, I don't have to like it. So don't ask me to.

Doug (shakes his head):
I surely wouldn't. I understand your feelings completely. And I respect them. I can't blame you for how you feel. But, Helen, I can't go back and erase every bad thing I've ever done in my life. If I could, I would. All I can do is learn from my mistakes and not make them again in the future. Now, I've spent about the last year of my life trying to get myself onto some kind of a decent track. And, Carol has been a big help with that. Regardless of how you or anyone else feels about it, I love Carol. And I'm going to spend the rest of my life trying my best to make her happy.

Helen doesn't speak...just listen as Doug rambles on...

Doug continues):
I'd really appreciate it if you'd just give me half a chance.

Helen:
I don't have any say so in any of this, Dr. Ross. Carol is a big girl. She can make up her own mind. But, I will promise you this much. If you ever hurt my daughter again, I will hunt you down for the rest of my days.

Doug (shakes his head with a sad smile):
You won't need to worry about it, Helen. If I blow it with Carol this time, there won't be anything left for me in life. And you'll never have to worry about me again.
(Helen focuses on his words...wondering how sincere he is)
Like it or not, Helen, I'm going to be your son-in-law. Now, we may never be family, but, for Carol's sake...the sake of someone we both love...I think we should at least try to get along with each other.

Helen (nods slowly):
Fair enough, Dr. Ross. You're right, of course. I'll work on it. But, don't expect too much too soon.

Doug (smiles lightly):
Never do, Helen.
(shakes his head)
I never do.

Cut scene.

Open next scene at County ER. Mark is working at the front desk when Doug comes in through the staff entrance.

Mark (brightly):
Well, THERE you are, Dr. Ross!
(follows Doug into the locker room to continue talking as Doug pulls a scrub shirt from his locker and tugs into it quickly)
I tried to call you all night! Where were you!?

Doug (smiles impishly):
Not home.

Mark (sarcastically):
Well, I'd say that was rather obvious! You didn't have your pager with you?

Doug (slams locker shut and turns to face Mark):
Nope! What did you need?

Mark (shrugs):
I was just gonna ask you about that rush lab work you ordered yesterday. I didn't remember anything coming in that would have required lab work that late in the day.

Doug (shrugs):
It was nothing serious. Listen, can we go out on the roof a minute? I need to talk to you where I can be sure it's totally private.

Mark (taken aback):
What's going on, Doug?

Doug (calms him by pressing his hands forward at him):
Nothing to panic about, just something I need to talk to you about. It's important, OK?
(gets to the door and motions Mark to follow him)
It'll only take a minute.

Mark shrugs his shoulders and follows Doug though the hallway and past the doors out onto the roof. The two of them stand out by the rail together. For a minute, Doug leans on the railing and looks out over the city at the lights, letting the wind toss the tips of his bangs. Mark leans beside him and gives him a concerned look.

Mark (repeats):
What's going on?

Doug:
I have something I need to tell you. And I have to tell you this as my supervisor, because it's something you have to know. But, when I tell you, as my friend, I don't want you to freak out, OK?

Mark (nods):
I'll do my best.

Doug (turns to face him):
Carol and I went to Winnetka and got married last night.

Mark (shocked):
You did what?

Doug:
We drove to Winnetka and got married. There's a judge up there who could marry us quickly. The lab work you're so concerned about was our blood tests.

Mark (trying to recover):
But, what about the wedding? And all the plans here?

Doug (nods):
We're still going through with it. We'll have a wedding for our family and friends. But, we just wanted to get married now. And before you even ask, NO, she is NOT pregnant.

Mark (scoffs):
Oh, I wouldn't even think that! If ANYbody in this hospital knows about condoms, it's you. I just don't know what to say...

Doug:
That young couple that came in yesterday? Something the girl said me to me made sense. She said she spent a year planning the perfect wedding...a year she could have been married and working on a family...neither of which she's going to have now with that man. And I got to thinking about all the time Carol and I have already wasted in our relationship. I just didn't want to lose anymore time. So, we got married. We'll still do everything just like we were planning.

Mark (reaches his hand to shake):
Congratulations. I wish you both nothing but the best. You guys just exchange vows? No rings?

Doug (reaches into his shirt and pulls the chain up with his thumb to show Mark):
We had rings. We just aren't going to wear them until after the 'wedding'.
(shakes hands with Mark):
Thanks. Now, please, keep this as quiet as possible.

Mark (nods):
Sure. No problem. I'll only tell the people who have to know...like Kerry...and Morganstern...a few others like that.

Doug ( nods):
That'll be great.

He and Mark turn back to the rail for a minute and look out over the city together. All at once, Mark lets go a soft chuckles and pats Doug on the back gently.

Mark:
Dr. Ross gets married.
(shakes his head)
I was sure that would make headlines someplace!

Doug chuckles with him and they start away back into the ER together.

Cut scene.

Open next scene inside the ER with action bustling all around.

Jerry (holds up a chart):
Dr. Greene, patient in Three for you...
(holds up another chart)
Dr. Ross, six year old in one for you!

Mark (snatches chart):
I got it!

Doug (grabs the other chart):
I'm on it!

Both doctors exit quickly to attend to their perspective patients.

Cut scene.

Open next scene sometime in the wee hours of the morning. Kerry, Carter, Doug, and Mark are assembled in the lounge in various stages of relaxing, eating, and coffee, each one sprawled in a different lounging position. Doug reaches up to the wall behind him and pulls the schedule down off the board. He looks at it once, then, looks at it again, sitting up quickly to give it more focused attention from him.

Doug (emphatically protesting):
No, no, no, Mark! We can't do this!

Mark (looks up casually):
Can't do what?

Doug (waves the schedule):
I can't work Saturday night. I specifically told you that already. I'm working until three, remember?

Mark (shrugs):
I got no choice, Doug! Kerry can't take it. And I have plans with Nina.

Doug (anger setting in):
Then, find somebody else! That's the night of Scott's baseball championship. He's pitching and I told him I'd be there. You're not making me miss this, Mark!

Mark (calming tone):
Doug, take it easy! It's OK! Scott will understand...

Doug (tosses the schedule angrily onto the table in front of Mark):
No, YOU understand! YOU understand that my kid called me and invited me to this thing all on his own. No coaxing from Sam, it was all his idea. It's the first thing I've ever been included in my whole life like this! You can dock me if you want to, but, I will NOT be working Saturday night!
(by now, Doug is in Mark's face and punching him lightly in the chest with his fingers)
You are NOT doing this to me! You hear me? NOTHING is going to stop me from being at that ball game...

Mark (calming):
Doug, for heaven's sake, calm down...

Doug (continues in a rage):
...Not YOU...not this hospital...not ANYthing!

Mark (defensively):
Doug, take it easy...

Kerry (speaks up quickly):
I'll work the shift for you, Doug.

Carter (speaks up as well):
I'll work for you, Dr. Ross. I'd love to spend more time down in the ER anyway. I'd be glad to do it. We can just trade off and you can work for me today.

Doug (sarcastically, looks coldly at Mark):
Whichever one of you suits my 'boss' will be fine with me. I'll work for either one of you in exchange.

Kerry (offers):
I'll work the shift, but, Carter, you're welcome to fill in anyway. I'd appreciate your help.

Carter (smiles wide):
Great!

Doug (calmly):
Thanks, Carter...you too, Kerry.

Kerry (as she starts away):
Don't mention it, Doug. I hope Scott has a great game.

Carter and Doug go on out of the lounge...Doug glances one last time at Mark and shakes his head. Mark starts out of the lounge, but Kerry cuts him off quickly with her crutch blocking his path.

Kerry:
Got a minute, Mark?

Mark (stops short):
Sure...

Kerry:
You know, Mark, you're a really good doctor. And most of the time you're more than fair as a supervisor. But, your people skills could really use some sharpening up.

Mark (sighs):
What are you talking about?

Kerry:
Did you know the circumstances of Doug's wanting Saturday night off before today?

Mark (nods blankly):
He may have mentioned it, yeah...I don't really remember...and how are you suddenly available to cover for him? I thought you had plans!

Kerry:
I do. But, my plans are no where near as important as Doug watching his son pitch a baseball game.

Mark (scoffs):
But, you were too busy to cover for me?

Kerry:
I cover for you all the time...just like you do for me...

Mark:
And when did Doug ever cover for you?

Kerry:
Anytime I'd ever ask him, if I ever did. For that matter, how many times has he covered for YOU?

Mark (nods slowly):
I'd say we're about even.

Kerry:
Well, then, he'd just have owed you one. It's no big deal, Mark. It's not like you were never gonna get it back.
(Mark nods, understands what she is saying)
We'll talk some more about this later, OK? We'll work on your people skills...

Mark nods...Kerry goes on out of the lounge. Mark picks up the schedule, erases Doug's name, and pencils in Kerry and Carter's names instead. He sighs as he tacks the schedule backup on the board and goes on out of the lounge.

Fade Act One To Black.

"ER"

"Tossing Out Anchors"

Act Two

Scene opens in the ER. Mark is working on papers and charts at the front desk. Cut to show Carol Hathaway coming through the staff door. She is carrying a bag in her hands and has a concerned look on her face as she spots Mark. She goes up to him quietly and taps his shoulder for attention.

Carol (quietly):
Is Doug still here?

Mark (nods, doesn't look up):
Yes, he is.

Carol (breathes a sigh of relief):
He was supposed to bring breakfast and I got a little worried!
(holds up bag)
So, I took a chance that he must have decided to work late.

Mark:
He's taking a nap...doing a double shift today so he can be off Saturday night...

Carol (gives Mark a surprised look):
Doug wasn't scheduled to work Saturday night!

Mark (shakes his head):
Long story.

Carol:
Well, everything's OK, isn't it? I mean, he's so excited about watching Scott pitch...

Mark (nods):
Everything's fine.

Carol (sets the bag on the counter):
Brought some bagels. Help yourself. Do you know where Doug is sleeping?

Mark (points over his shoulder):
Try three. He seems to have some deep rooted attachment to trauma three...

Carol smiles and goes directly across to trauma three and looks in the door. Sure enough, Doug is sleeping lightly on the exam table inside. She creeps in carefully and just stands beside him, absent mindedly playing with the chain around her neck. She is so caught up in her own world, she doesn't notice Mark has slipped in and is standing behind her. Mark leans close to her and whispers quietly only to her ears...

Mark:
Congratulations, Mrs. Ross.

Carol (looks quickly at Mark):
He told you?

Mark (nods):
Yeah, when he came in last night. To say I was surprised would have been an understatement!

Carol (turns to face Mark, bites her lip, and tugs at her chain):
Yeah, it was all pretty sudden.

Mark (sincerely):
Well, I'm very happy for you. My best, to both of you.

Carol (nods, shyly):
Thanks. How long has he been asleep?

Mark (looks at his watch):
Not long enough. Let him sleep a little longer.
(motions her out with him)
He may need it later!

Carol nods and follows Mark out of the trauma room, leaving Doug sleeping.

Cut scene.

Open next scene with people shuffling around the front desk and Carol working at the computer. Kerry Weaver comes up beside her and hands her a cup of coffee.

Kerry:
You look like you could use a break.

Carol (takes coffee cup and sighs):
Yeah, thanks!

Kerry (motions her away from the desk):
Got a few minutes? Take a walk with me?

Carol (nods...confused):
Sure.

Kerry and Carol start walking down the hallway together. Once Kerry is sure there is no one around and they are the only ones in ear shot, she turns quietly to Carol.

Kerry (smiles):
Mark told me about you and Doug. I wanted to tell you I wish you both luck.

Carol (smiles):
Thanks.

Kerry:
Is Doug still talking to Nina Pomerantz by any chance?

Carol (nods slowly):
Yeah, once in a while. He's not on regular sessions now or anything. He pretty much has that past him.

Kerry (chuckles slightly):
I've known Doug a long time...I'm seeing things in him now I never knew he had in him. Outside of you, I've probably seen the most changes in him lately.
(Carol doesn't interrupt...just listens)
Are you sure about all this now, Carol? Do you really think he's changed that much?

Carol (nods):
Yeah, I do.

Kerry:
You feel safe? You can trust him?

Carol (chuckles):
As much as any woman can trust any man, I guess.

Kerry:
I remember a young resident doctor I worked with for a while. He was a nice enough guy...likable...hard worker...but he had two flaws in his life...he couldn't leave booze or women alone. So one day, I sat down with him, and I asked him what drove him to drink and womanize all the time...why didn't he ever think about settling down and starting a family? You know what that young resident told me?
(Carol shakes her head in wonder)
He told me that more than anything in the world he wanted to find a woman strong enough to make him want to bring him in line. But, that he didn't think he had the ability to love anyone...or the ability to be loved.
(Carol is somewhat surprised at Kerry's words, and, continues to listen intently as she continues her story)
And because he didn't think he could be worthy of good love, he bounced himself from woman to woman without ever letting himself get attached. When he felt himself start to rely on this woman, he forced himself away. And then, one day, he met what he thought he'd never find in his whole life...someone who genuinely and sincerely cared about HIM.

Carol (smiles)
Why are you telling me this story, Kerry?

Kerry:
I don't know. I guess I just wanted to be sure you knew what you got yourself into.

Carol (smiles):
I already knew what I got myself into, Kerry. I knew a long time ago I was in love with Doug...that there was nobody else who made me feel the way he does. Been a lot of guys in my life, but, none of them turn me to putty inside like he does.
(sighs)
Still, talking to you just now, I guess there are still some things about him I don't completely know. We'll have to go to lunch sometime and talk about your time together as residents.
(smiles)

Kerry (nods):
I'd like that.
(short pause)
Do you think that he loves you?

Carol (tugs the chain around her neck with her fingers):
I know he does.

The two of them walk back down the hall still chattering together.

Cut scene.

Open next scene back at the desk. Mark comes up to the desk and taps the counter for Carol's attention.

Mark:
Would you go wake up Dr. Ross for me, please?

Carol (nods, with a smile):
Sure.

Carol goes over to trauma three where Doug is still sleeping. She walks in quietly and stands beside the table.

Carol (softly, doesn't touch him):
Doug, wake up.
(no response, so, she calls a little louder)
Doug! Wake Up!
(still no response. Carol rolls her eyes and sighs)
Hey! Dr. Ross!

At the utterance of 'Dr Ross', Doug bolts awake and sits straight up on the exam table.

Carol (snickers):
I guess you're one of these doctors who was trained to 'Dr. Ross' in Wake Up class, huh?

Doug (grins at her):
I guess! What time is it?

Carol (looks at her watch):
Time to get up! Mark is looking for you. I saved you a bagel.

Doug (rolls off the table and stands up quickly):
Great!

Doug follows Carol out to the desk. Mark is working on a chart and pushes another one in Doug's direction.

Mark:
Got a fourteen month old in four screaming her head off and bleeding from the ears...

Doug (grabs chart):
If I wasn't awake, I will be!

Doug exits quickly...Mark and Carol chuckle at his remark.

Cut scene.

Open next scene in a trauma unit in full swing. Mark and Doug are struggling with a patient on the table while Carol tries to help assist them. The patient is male, and violent. He is trying desperately to get off the table and away from the doctors. Mark is trying to restrain him on one side while Doug tries to work from the other side.

Mark (desperately):
HOLD him, Doug!

Doug (just as desperate):
I'm TRYING!

Mark (shouting):
Get me some back up in here! I need somebody to hold his feet!

Carol darts away to get Jerry and anyone else she can find. Just as she gets to the door, the patient breaks loose on the table and bolts through the room. He catch Doug squarely in the chest and rams him, back first, into the wall behind him. Doug hits the wall with a loud 'thud' and slides limply to the floor.

Mark (commanding):
Carter! Get Dr. Ross to another trauma room and keep him there until I get there.

Carter (nods quickly):
Right away!

Carter leans over and reaches for Doug, who is not unconscious, but, is a little dazed. Doug reaches his arm up to Carter and lets himself be pulled to his feet.

Mark struggles with the patient, still thrashing about the room, but, he gets assistance in the forms of Benton, Jerry, and Doyle.

Mark (commanding):
Give me 5 Haldol and somebody go find Nina!

Chuny exits quickly to find Nina. Mark and the others struggle the patient back to the table. Once things are relatively calm, Carol leans back against the wall and heaves a sigh of exhaustion.

Fade Act Two To Black.

"ER"

"Tossing Out Anchors"

Act Three

Scene opens in the exam room with Doug. Carter is still there with him when Mark comes in with Carol close behind him.

Mark (to Carter):
Everything OK in here?

Carter (nods):
Seems to be.

Mark (whips out a penlight flashlight):
Well, let's just have a look, shall we? Carol? The lights? Please?

Carol dims the lights and Mark looks deep into Doug's eyes with the flashlight. Doug looks straight ahead and lets Mark do the exam without a flinch.

Doug (quietly):
Just knocked the air out of me. I'm OK.

Mark (snaps off flashlight, motions for Carol to turn on the lights):
Everything looks OK...no signs of concussion...I think I might feel better if you went upstairs for a scan, though...

Doug (repeats):
I told you, it just knocked the air out of me. I'll be fine.

Mark (nods):
OK, well, I'll go with that since you're still on duty. You watch yourself, OK? Any signs of concussion, I want you to let me know.

Doug (nods):
Absolutely!

Mark nods, satisfied, and he and Carter exit the exam room. Carol stays behind alone with Doug, who gives her a coy smile as he slides off the table and walks over to where she's standing by the door.

Carol (sighs):
Talk about a live wire!

Doug:
Always makes the day little more interesting when you toss a firecracker into things!

Carol:
Are you sure you're OK?

Doug (shrugs):
I'm fine. Good to finally get to talk to you...I haven't seen you all day!

Carol:
I know! I got a little worried when you didn't show up for breakfast. You should have called me and told me you were going to be working.

Doug (nods, obediently):
You're right. I should have. But, I didn't want to wake you, so, I just let you sleep.

Carol (scoffs):
You never even thought about calling me to tell me you were working!
(pokes fun at him)
It never even entered your mind.

Doug (winces, nods sheepishly):
OK, you're right! (cocks his head) I didn't. I'm sorry.

Carol (smacks him playfully as she turns to walk out):
It's OK. It's about what I expected out of you. I'll have to train you a little better, I guess.

Doug (as they begin to walk to the door):
Helen came by last night while you were sleeping...

Carol (rolls her eyes):
Uh oh! How did THAT go?

Doug (shrugs):
Not bad. We talked a little. I think we came to some kind of a mutual understanding.

Carol:
And that is?

Doug (smiles):
We both love her daughter.

Carol:
And I'm guessing this is a GOOD thing, right?

Doug (nods):
Yes, it is.

Carol (softly):
Doug, my mother will get used to the idea of you being around. And, once she's around you, she'll see the changes in you just like I have. She'll learn to love you just like I do.

Doug:
In Helen's case, I'd settle for socially civil with each other right now.

Carol just laughs as she and Doug go their separate ways back out into the ER.

Cut scene.

Open next scene in the hospital cafeteria. Focus on Mark Greene sitting at a table eating something gooey with a spoon at a table in a corner. Show Kerry Weaver coming into the cafeteria...she spots Mark and ambles carefully over to him, motioning to an empty chair with her crutch.

Kerry
Mind if I join you?

Mark (looks up, shakes his head, and pushes the chair out for her):
No! Not at all!

Kerry (slides into the chair):
Looks interesting...(points to what Mark is eating)

Mark (shrugs):
Nothing else looked very good.

Kerry:
Mark, I wanted to talk to you about what happened in the lounge...

Mark (waves it off):
Ah, forget about it. It's nothing.

Kerry (quietly):
Mark, I don't mean to criticize the way you handle things or the way you do things, but, I do think you should be a little more understanding a little more flexible where Doug Ross is concerned.

Mark (shrugs):
I guess I just wasn't thinking. I guess I was thinking Scott was like Rachel, and that a doctor's child would just understand when their father had to work sometimes.

Kerry (nods):
A child that has been the child of a doctor for 8 years like Rachel has, DOES understand to some degree. But, Scott has never known Doug. A father and a son are trying hard to connect with each other. I just honestly think they need all the encouragement they can get. That is why I offered to work in Doug's place Saturday night. It's important to both of them that Doug keep this commitment.

Mark (nods):
You're right, of course.

Kerry:
Mark, I have known Doug Ross longer than anyone else in this hospital. And I have seen him lower than anyone here has ever or will ever see him in his life and his career. I have never seen anyone do such a dramatic 180 turn in my entire life. He is trying with everything he has to put his life on the right road...I just don't think he needs too many roadblocks. That's all.

Mark:
I understand. Doug being a father put a new perspective on things. I guess we'll all have to make adjustments from time to time. I'll try and be a little better in the understanding department. I know what it's like for me when I need to be with Rachel.

Kerry (picks up a spoon off the table):
You're killing me with that thing...do you mind?
(she motions the spoon toward Mark's bowl)

Mark (chuckles):
Be my guest.

Kerry plunges the spoon into the gooey mixture and joins Mark in his desert.

Cut scene.

Open next scene back down in the ER. Show paramedics rushing in with several gurneys and action heating up and doctors and nurses quickly set to work. Focus as Mark wheels a gurney into a trauma room with Doug and Carter on his heels and Carol rushing through the door to assist them as well. Patient is bleeding, but conscious. Ad libs from Mark as he barks out commands. Doug is working close beside him, Carter and Carol are on the opposite side of the table. Focus on Doug. Camera angle shows his outlook on the trauma room. He looks down at what he's doing and his vision blurs badly. He closes his eyes quickly and shakes his head a bit. When he opens his eyes again, the blurry vision is still there. He tries to continue anyway, shaking his head again to try and clear his vision. It helps for an instant. He leans to the tray to pick up an instrument and he notices quickly a small halo around the lights in the room. Again, he closes his eyes and shakes his head. He moves a couple of steps to better assist Mark, but stops suddenly from what he's doing.

Doug (hands Mark his instrument):
Hey, Mark, you better take over here...

Mark (stops, looks confused at Doug):
Something wrong?

Doug (puts his hand down on the table to steady himself):
Yeah, I all the sudden don't feel so good!

Mark (touches Doug's arm carefully):
You OK?

Doug (starts away slowly):
I think I need to sit down...

Doug takes about three steps away from the table, then sinks to his knees, his hand grabbing quickly at the side of the table to steady himself. Mark looks across the table at Carter.

Mark (commanding):
Carter, take Dr. Ross to exam room three, please! And stay with him until I get there!

Carter (reacts quickly):
Right away, Dr. Greene.

Carter steps around the table to Doug and reaches down to help him to his feet. Doug clings to Carter's arm and pulls himself up, letting Carter support him with an arm around his waist as they start out of the room. Carol watches them go, but, stays working with Mark.

Follow Carter and Doug into the exam room as Carter inches Doug towards the table there. Before Carter can get Doug to the table, Doug goes down hard on one knee.

Doug (helplessly):
I can't, Carter. My ears are ringing...

Carter reacts quickly as he knows that sign. Keeping hold on Doug's arm, he reaches to the tray and take a tongue depressor in his hand. Doug drops his head to the floor and goes quickly into a violent seizure. Carter quickly inserts the tongue depressor into Doug's mouth and gives his helpless patient plenty of room as the seizure becomes full blown.

Carter (shouting):
Dr. Greene! I need some help in here! Dr. Ross is seizing!

Cut to Mark working in the other room. He looks across to see Carter standing in a helpless watch but he cannot see Doug on the floor.

Mark (agitated):
Kerry, take over here for me, will you, please?

Kerry (nods and steps in):
I got it, Mark...

Mark darts into the other exam room with Carter...Carol close on his heels. By the time they get in there, the seizure is over and Doug is calm but still on the floor.

Mark (reaches down to help Carter lift Doug to his feet):
Let's at least get him on the table, Carter.

Carter (nods):
Yeah...and we should give him plenty of air...

Carter starts to loosen the shirt and scrubs from Doug's throat, but, Carol react quickly.

Carol (pushes Carter's hands away):
I'll do that.

Mark:
Carter, Carol and I can handle Dr. Ross, you go on back and see if you can help Dr. Weaver, OK?

Carter (nods):
Sure.

Carter nods and quickly scoots back to the other room. Doug is calm now, lying on the table. He gives Mark and Carol both a helpless look with his eyes, and reflects just a hint of fear. Mark looks at Carol, who looks comfortingly down at Doug and smiles, brushing his hair softly with her hand.

Mark:
Just take it easy, Doug. Everything's gonna be OK.

Doug nods nervously, his eyes never leaving either of his medical assistants...the fear still brimming in his eyes.

Fade Act Three To Black.

"ER"

"Tossing Out Anchors"

Act Four

Scene opens still in the exam room where Doug is resting on the exam room after his seizure. Carol and Mark are still with him. Mark picks up an eye scope off the tray and moves closer to Doug, leaning over him carefully.

Mark (as he begins to gaze into Doug's eyes):
Carol, could you cut the lights for me? Please?

Carol (reaches and turns down the lights):
Sure.

Mark leans close and looks deep into Doug's eyes with the scope...

Mark:
Look left for me, Doug? Please?
(Doug's eyes shift slowly to the left)
Now to the right...
(Doug eyes shift very carefully to the right)
Make you dizzy when you do that?

Doug (nods slowly):
Yeah.

Mark (still looking):
OK, look down...
(Doug shifts his eyes downward)
Now, look up...
(Doug looks up, but his reaction is to wince...and groan softly)
OK, I'm gonna send you up to CT for a scan, and after we see how that goes, we'll take it from there, OK?

Doug (nods slowly):
OK.

Carol (pushes the neck of Doug's scrub top so Mark can see):
Did you see these bruises?

Mark (takes a look):
No, actually, I didn't.
(Presses lightly)
That hurt?

Doug (winces):
A little.

Mark:
Well, let's get the scan and see what it looks like.

Doug (nods):
Yeah.

Mark gets an aid to come and take Doug up to CT. Carol and Mark stroll casually down the hallway together back to the ER.

Mark (confidently):
He'll be OK.

Carol:
Pretty hard lick...he's going to have a nasty headache, I'm sure.

Mark (motions Carol to private):
Want to get some coffee?

Carol (nods, follows him in):
Sure.

Mark pours coffee for both of them and he sits on the stool while Carol leans on the table.

Carol (quietly...in thought):
I realized something today that I didn't think about before.

Mark (quizzingly):
And that would be?

Carol:
Medically, I can't touch Doug now. Except for minor cuts, scrapes, bumps, and bruise, he is totally off limits to me now. I don't think I really thought about that before.

Mark (shakes his head):
Well, everybody here will just think it's your emotional involvement with him. Then, after the wedding, they'll understand.

Carol (sighs):
I'm sure that's just one thing I didn't think about...there's bound to be other things I've missed in this hurried adventure.

Mark:
Not feeling sorry now are you?

Carol (shakes her head):
No, not like you think. I love Doug. And I want to be married to him. And the idea of running off and eloping was exciting. It's just so unlike me to do something so spontaneous.
(sigh and laughs lightly)
I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

Mark:
So, you're sure about all this, huh?

Carol:
I know everyone thinks I'm crazy. I see the way they look and I can almost read their minds sometimes...what on Earth would I want with a man like Doug? They see him as the womanizer...the drunk...the rebel...they don't see the side of him that I see...the one that's soft...and gentle...and very afraid of things.
(Mark doesn't speak, just listens to her with an amused expression)
For the first time in my life someone really needs me for something, you know? Doug needs me...and I need him for him to need me. I know we have a lot of adjustments to make. And I know Doug still isn't quite to the level he wants to be with himself, but even at his worst Doug is better than most I've been with. Does that sound crazy?

Mark (smiles....shakes his head):
No. Because I don't know anything else about Doug Ross, I know that he loves you. It may have taken a lot to get him to understand that...and a lot more to get him to admit it...but now that's he confident with it, I hardly know him anymore.

Carol:
Oh, that'll change. Once he gets everything in order, he'll go back to being the Doug we know and love...making your life miserable down here again...you better enjoy it while you can!

Mark (nods, as they start for the door):
There are some things in life you can always be sure about!

Carol and Mark head back to work sharing a laugh.

Cut Scene.

Open next scene back in an exam room with Carol and Mark attending to Doug, who is sitting on the table, looking at the scan with Mark.

Doug (squints to look over Mark's shoulder):
Find anything?

Mark (teasing voice):
Just a bunch of cobwebs...and one big black spider in the corner with a pissed look and a sign that said TURN OUT THE LIGHTS!
(Carol snickers...Doug frowns)

Doug (sarcastically):
In other words, you didn't find anything?

Mark:
That's pretty much it! Everything looks pretty good. Do you know what day it is?

Doug:
Yeah, it's Thursday.

Mark (nods):
OK, do you know what year it is?

Doug (sighs...understands what Mark is doing):
1997...

Mark:
And, do you know what month it is?

Doug:
September.

Mark (nods):
OK...you seem to have everything pretty straight...but, in a word from sports medicine...stick a fork in you...you're done. I'm sending you home for the rest of the day.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, I figured as much.
(slides off the table)
OK! I'm out of here.

Carol (quietly):
Call me when you get home, OK?

Doug (nods, touches her shoulder):
Sure.

Mark (walks to the door with him):
Just take it easy, Doug. If you get dizzy again or experience any other signs of concussion, just call me, OK? You'e only a few minutes away from the hospital now...I can be there in no time.

Doug (with a wave of his hand):
O-K!

Mark and Carol stand at the desk and watch as Doug ventures on out the staff door and disappears.

Cut scene.

Open next scene at the front desk with action bustling around. Focus on Carol as she looks nervously at her watch. She picks up the phone and dials a number. In a minute or so, she returns the phone to the cradle and gives Mark a confused look.

Carol:
Doug's not home yet...I'm really getting worried about him.

Mark (not alarmed):
Maybe he's just not answering the phone.

Carol:
Even, still, he would have called me. I asked him to call me. He said he would.

Mark:
So, you think we better slip over there and check on him?

Carol:
I think I'd feel better if we did!

Mark (nods):
OK. We'll go.

Checking quickly to report he and Carol will be gone for a few minutes. then they both go out the staff door. Just around the corner from the entrance doors, they find Doug sitting alone on a bench near the corner. He has his head in his hands and confused look on his face. Carol spots him first and slides quickly beside him on the bench, while Mark gets down on one knee in front of him.

Carol (touches Doug's shoulder in concern):
Doug? Honey? Are you OK?

Doug (looks at her confused):
I couldn't remember if I take the bus or the train to get home! And then, I realized I didn't know which one to take anyway!

Carol (Bites her lip in anguish for his confusion):
Honey, you don't take either one. We only live 6 blocks from the hospital. You could just walk home.

Doug (cocks his head):
I can?

Mark:
I think we better just go back to the hospital, Bud.

Doug (gives Mark a sheepish look):
Yeah, I think so, too.

Mark (helps Carol get Doug on his feet):
You can rest there until Carol gets off her shift and they she'll take you home with her, OK?

Doug (nods):
OK.

Cut scene.

Open next scene back at the ER. Doug is resting on the exam table and Carol is straightening things up in the room with him.

Doug (quietly):
I feel a lot better.

Carol (nods over her shoulder):
Good. I'm glad. You'll just have to take it easy tonight.

Doug (nods):
Yeah.

Carol (strolls over to the table and stands beside him):
You know, when I came in and saw you like that, I caught sight of that chain around your neck and I realized I couldn't touch you medically ever again. Makes me wonder what else we didn't think about when we ran off and got married.

Doug (chuckles):
Oh, I'm sure we'll find them all out, one at a time.
(Carol frowns, and sighs)
Are you sorry?

Carol (emphatically shakes her head):
Absolutely not! I am incredibly happy with my present marital state!

She reassures him by wrapping her arms around his neck, careful not to hit his bruise, and giving him a gentle kiss on the forehead.

Cut Scene to show the two of them walking out the staff entrance together, arm in arm, and walking out with Mark, who is also leaving.

Mark (to Doug):
You take it easy, OK? And call me if you need me.

Doug (eyes Carol coyily):
Won't need to! I'm married to a nurse, remember?

Carol and Doug go one way, Mark shakes his head and goes the other.

Fade Act Four To Black.

"ER"

"Tossing Out Anchors"

Closing Act

Scene opens at a little league baseball field. Show Samantha Lyons standing at the fence near the field looking helplessly out onto the parking lot. Her husband, Dennis, comes up behind her and puts his hand on her shoulder.

Dennis (looking):
Any sign of them?

Samantha (sighs):
Not yet. He said he might be late.

Dennis (looks at his watch):
I better get on down to the dugout with the boys.
(Samantha frowns and looks out again)
I'll tell Scott something. Don't worry. It'll be OK.

Dennis turns to start away, but, stops short just as he does and smiles. He points for Samantha to look and she smiles wide at the sight of Doug and Carol racing hand in hand across the parking lot.

Doug (out of breath as he stops at the fence):
Traffic was murder! I thought we'd never find this place!

Samantha (relieved):
I'm so glad you're here! I did have this 'your-dad-is an-ER-doctor" speech all prepared for Scott, though, just in case.

Doug (emphasizing):
Hey, I said I'd be here! Nothing was keeping me away.

Dennis (motions over his shoulder):
I was just on my way to the dugout, come on down and let Scott know you're here.

Doug (nods):
Yeah!

Samantha (takes Carol by the arm):
Come on, Carol! Let's get a good seat!

Carol (going with her quickly):
Sure.

Doug follows Dennis down to the dugout while Samantha and Carol converse in the stands.

Samantha:
I was really beginning to think you might not get here.

Carol (emphatically):
Oh, he was coming! No two ways about that! Whether or not he would get here wasn't what he was worried about...having job to go back to was another story! But, everything's fine! He has a very understanding boss.

Samantha:
Scott is so excited. Dennis is his coach, but, Doug has never seen him play. He's really very good.

Carol:
Doug's real excited too. It really meant a lot to him that Scott wanted him here.

Samantha (smiles):
We're all glad you're both here.

Carol smiles and the women focus their attention to the field.

Cut down to the field. Doug is with Scott briefly before he has to take a seat for the game.

Scott:
Dennis said I could ask you for some pointers on hitting! Dennis was a pitcher, but, he's not much on hitting. What about you?

Doug looks nervously up at Dennis, who gives him a 'go ahead' look with his eyes. He turns back to Scott and emphasizes with him hands.

Doug (hitting motion):
Always hit out...or up...don't hit down. See, if you hit down, it's just gonna end up in the dirt. But, if you hit up and out, it's always got a chance of going somewhere.

Scott (copies the motion):
Yeah! That makes sense! Anything else?

Doug (nods, emphatically):
Hit it at hard as you can!
(looks at his watch)
I gotta go get in the stands, OK? Go get 'em, Slugger!
(pats Scott on the back roughly)

Cut scene to show baseball game in progress. Show various stages of the game. Show kids hitting, fielding, and Scott pitching. Show Dennis pacing and watching from the coaching box and show Doug, Carol, and Samantha cheering on from the stands.

Show scene close up of Scott at bat. There are runners on the bases. Scott looks over his shoulder at Dennis who makes a forward motion with his hands for him to hit. Scott swings, but, does not connect with the ball. The umpire records "strike one". Dennis shifts his weight in watching. In the crowd, Doug ad libs "that's OK" to himself and to no one. Scott looks over his shoulder and into the crowd at Doug. Doug makes an upward motion with his hands, like he is swinging a bat. Scott nods and turns back for his pitch. A lout crack of the bat sends the ball sailing out to the outfield. It falls uncaught and boys scramble to retrieve it. Runs score and Scott is safe at first base. He stands on the base and looks directly into the stands at Doug, giving him a big smile and a thumbs up. The crowd in applauding all around them and Doug only smiles a "that's MY son" smile. He reaches over and puts his arm around Carol, pulling her close to him. They both wave at Scott, who couldn't be prouder of himself at first base. Fade into end credits of the show.

July 17, 1997