Trying Times

Opening Act

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center. Mark Greene is munching on a bagel and looking at a newspaper. Cut to show John Carter come down from his overhead apartment to join him.

Carter:
Well, today's the big day, isn't it?
(Mark gives him a confused look)
Dr. Ross and Nurse Hathaway come back today?

Mark (nods):
Oh, yeah! Today's the day.

Carter (slides into a chair and grabs a bagel):
I know some of Dr. Ross' patients are going to be glad he's back. I'll be glad he's back! I'm sure you will, too.

Mark (chuckles):
I think he will too. I'm not sure he was crazy about staying home all the time.

Carter:
But, they needed to be there with the baby. It's good they could both have the time.

Mark (nods):
Yes, it is. That way they could both bond with the baby. That's important.

Carter (confused):
What do you mean?

Mark:
Well, I always felt like the mother formed a better bond with the baby because she got to spend more time with it. Now, since the father can take paternity leave, he gets a chance to bond with the baby early in it's life, too. That's important.

Carter (nods):
I guess I have a lot to learn about babies, huh?

Mark (grins):
All of us do.

Cut to show Doug and Carol come through the staff door. Carter and Mark turn their attention to them as they come in.

Carol (looks around):
I never thought this place would look so good!

Mark (smiles):
We missed you, too, Carol! Welcome back!

Carol (smiles):
Thanks! It's great to be back!

Mark (to Doug as he joins them for bagels):
So, who's keeping the baby?

Doug (chuckles):
The Grandmother's are taking turns. My Mom has him today.

Mark (chuckles):
Taking turns? Or fighting over it?
(Doug's answer is another chuckle)
So, what's new in the Ross home?

Doug (rolls his eyes):
Scott has to have braces...

Mark (winces):
Ouch! That's gonna set you back some!

Doug (ticks his head):
The money isn't as much of a problem as Scott. He just really doesn't want this...not that he has any choice.

Carter:
I thought braces were like a status symbol with kids now...they're considered 'cool'.

Doug (shakes his head):
Scott doesn't think so. He's just getting interested in girls and he thinks this is going to make him a 'nerd'.

Mark:
So, he should just find him a girl with braces...or is she a nerd too?
(Doug gives him a coy look)
Well, he'll figure it out. He's a smart kid.

Doug (nods):
Yeah...I just hope I don't have to kill him first.
(Mark chuckles)
Other than that, things are going all right. Tatchie started ice skating...

Mark (concerned):
That's kind of dangerous, isn't it? Are you sure that's a good idea?

Doug (shrugs):
It's a beginner's class. She's doing OK. We have to let her try.

Carol (exasperated voice off camera):
Just LOOK at these files! I'll never get this mess cleaned up!

Mark (grimaces):
Uh oh...Carol's back!

Carter (laughs):
We're in trouble now!

Cut to show David Morganstern coming in from the staff door. He smiles when he sees Doug and looks across the room to see Carol working with the files.

David (smiles):
Good morning! Doug...Carol...good to have you back! I need to talk to both of you if you have a minute.

Doug:
I just got back, David...I can't possibly have done anything wrong yet...all I've done is have breakfast.

David:
Actually, Doug, it's not about you. It's about Carol. I just thought you might like to be in on it...

Carol (looks over at David):

Me? What did I do? David:
It's not what you've done...it's what you might do if you're interested. (David pulls up a chair and grabs a bagel. Carol comes over to join the table)
In a recent meeting, I brought up the fact that we do not have a Physician's Assistant in this facility. Now, I know nine times out of ten we don't need one, but, as this facility grows, that situation may change. I think it would be a good idea to have one here. And Carol, I think you would be the best person for that position.

Carol (stunned):
Well, David, I think that's wonderful of you to say, but, I don't have the qualifications to be a Physician's Assistant.

David:
Well, we're aware of that. The board voted unanimously to finance your training if you're interested.

Carol (surprised...excited):
You mean, go back to school?

David:
It's not a long course since you are already a nurse. The board would pay for everything and all you have to do is pass within the 80% bracket. Otherwise, you have to reimburse the board for the course.
(smiles)
I don't think you'd have any trouble being in the 80% bracket.

Carol:
Well, Doug, what do you think?

Doug (serious face): I think this is your decision.

Carol:
Yeah, but, what do you think about it? Do you think I could do it?

Doug (nods):
I think you could do it...

Carol (reads his mood):
But?

Doug (motions her with him):
Can we talk privately?

They step away from the group to a private corner where they can talk between themselves.

Doug:
Are you sure you can handle this? With everything else in your life? You've got two school age kids with multiple extracuricular activities and a three month old baby...not to mention a house and a husband. Can you handle school with all that?

Carol (dumbfounded):
Well, you can help me, can't you? After all, you ARE their father. They're your responsibility, too.

Doug:
Scott and Tatchie aren't a problem. They are old enough to know what's going on. But, I won't let you neglect Marc. He's little and he needs the attention from his mother.

Carol (scoffs);
I am NOT going to neglect Marc! He can lay on my shoulder while I study!
(pauses)
I really want to do this, Doug. And I promise no one will go unattended. I can handle it.

Doug (nods):
OK. It's up to you. You know I never stand in your way.

Carol (smiles):
Yes, I know and that's one of the reasons I married you.

She touches his cheek and they go back over to the group.

Carol (nods enthusiastically to David):
OK. Yes. It's a go. I definitely want to do this!

David (delighted):
Sensational! I'll notify the board and we'll set up the classes. I'll let you know as soon as I have all the details.

Carol:
Does that mean we'll be short one nurse?

David:
No...we'll be hiring another nurse as soon as your training is complete. Will you be willing to help with that?

Carol (nods):
Absolutely.

David (smiles again):
Splendid! I knew we could count on you!
(looks at his watch)
Right now, gentlemen, we better get to work!

David goes off to his office...Carol goes back to her files...Doug, Carter, and Mark go to the files to help her just as Eleanor comes in the back door.

Fade Opening Act into Opening Credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens with C.A.R.E. Center in full swing...patients in the waiting room, and the phone ringing. Show Carter walking out with an elderly woman.

Carter (encouraging):
You just keep taking your vitamins, Mrs. Whitley. You're doing fine.

Carol (quietly to Carter once the woman is gone):
She thinks you're cute.

Carter (confused):
What?

Carol:
That's why she comes in here all the time. She thinks you're cute. You're like the Grandson she doesn't have.

Carter:
How do you know this?

Carol (grins at him):
Patients talk to nurses...

Carter chuckles, takes the file to Eleanor, and goes on back to work.

Cut to show Doug at an exam table with a little girl on the table. Doug is coaxing with her.

Doug:
Come on, Darla! Just open your mouth a little bit.
(Child shakes her head emphatically)
But I have to look in your mouth to see why your throat is sore.
(Child shakes her head again...Doug looks exasperated at the parent, who merely shrugs)
OK...drastic measures here...
(Doug goes over to the counter and takes out a lollipop)
Will you open your mouth for this?
(The child is reluctant, but, she opens her mouth slowly and Doug put a tongue depressor in to look in her throat. Once he is finished, he gives her the lollipop and she starts licking it happily)
(to parent)
Strep Throat. She has blisters that go all the way to her tonsils.

Parent:
What do I do?

Doug:
I'm going to paint her throat with an antiseptic. I'll give you some spray and an antibiotic. The blisters should go away in a day or so, but, she has to take the medicine until it's completely gone...this is very important with Strep Throat because it is very tricky and reoccurs easily.

Parent (nods):
I understand, Doctor.

Doug (lifts child off the table):
OK, Darla! You're done!

Darla (looks up at him):
No needles?

Doug (chuckles at her):
No needles!

The child smiles and goes off with her mother, still sucking on her lollipop.

Cut to show Eleanor answering the phone.

Eleanor:
County C.A.R.E. Center, how can I help you? One moment please...
(holds phone out to Doug)
Call for either Dr. or Mrs. Ross?

Doug (frowns):
Oh, well, this can't be good...
(takes phone)
This is Dr. Ross!

Voice (on receiver):
Dr. Ross, this is Tina Harris, I'm the nurse at St. Michael's School...

Doug (sighs):
Is there any blood involved?

Tina (smile in her voice):
No, Dr. Ross.

Doug (nods):
OK...which one is it?

Tina:
It's Tatiana.

Doug (concerned...surprised):
Tatch? Well, OK, what's the problem?

Tina:
She's running a fever and she's just really cranky. I think she'd be better off at home.

Doug:
How high is the fever?

Tina:
103ø right now. She really doesn't feel very well.

Doug (sighs):
OK. Somebody will be there as soon as we can.

Tina:
Thank you, Dr. Ross.

Doug hangs up the phone and goes over to where Carol is putting supplies back in the supply cabinet.

Doug (quietly):
School called...Tatch is running a fever of 103ø and they want to send her home. Should we call my Mom to go get her? Or should one of us go?

Carol (concerned):
Oh, you know how she gets when she doesn't feel good. I'll go get her.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, she's a pretty bad 'Mama's Girl' when she doesn't feel well.

Carol (goes across the room):
Hey, Mark! I'll be back in a bit!

Carol is out the door before Mark can react. He gives Doug a confused look.

Doug (offering):
Tatchie is sick at school...she's going to get her and take her home.

Mark:
You couldn't call Sarah for that?

Doug:
I could, but, Tatch is a real bad 'Mama's Girl' when she doesn't feel well and it's probably better that Carol goes.

Mark:
What did they say is wrong?

Doug:
She's running a fever of 103ø...nothing to slouch at...but once she gets home she may feel better.

Eleanor (Holds out file to Doug):
Patient for you, Dr. Ross.

Doug (looks at file):
Hey! Aaron Dekker! Send him right in...

Cut to show time lapse and show Carol returning to the Clinic. As soon as he sees her, Doug goes to her.

Doug:
Well? How is she?

Carol (shakes her head):
She's not feeling too well. I took her temperature at home and it's still pretty high. I just put her to bed and told Sarah to keep a watch on her and if her temperature goes up to let us know. She didn't want me to leave her. Naturally.

Doug:
She'll be OK.

Carol (distant voice):
I hope so. I've never seen her this sick.

Doug (reassuring):
Kids get sick all the time...

Carol:
I know...but she's different.

Doug (repeats):
She'll be OK.

Carol (nods):
Yeah.

Doug and Carol go on about working with patients, charts, and supplies. Show various patients in and out of the clinic, aided by each of the three working doctors.

Cut to show Eleanor holding the phone again.

Eleanor:
Carol? Phone for you!

Carol (walks over, takes receiver):
Who is it?

Eleanor:
She said it was Sarah.

Carol (concerned, into receiver):
Yes, Sarah! What's wrong?

Sarah (over receiver):
I'm really concerned about Tatiana, Carol. I think you need to take her to a doctor.

Carol:
Why? What's wrong?

Sarah:
Well, she's really congested. She's been coughing for the last hour. And her fever is no better. I really think she needs some help.

Carol:
OK...Doug and I will be right home.
(hangs up, turns to find Doug)
Doug! That was your Mom. I think we better go home.

Doug (goes over to her, concerned):
Why? Is Tatchie worse?

Carol:
Your Mom says she's real congested and she's been coughing for about an hour. I think maybe we better run her over to County and let Anna take a look at her.

Doug (nods in thought):
Might not be a bad idea...but you don't need me for that, do you? You can take her and I'll keep working. We're really swamped with work today.

Carol:
OK...then...if you don't hear from me by the time you leave then just come over there, OK?

Doug (nods):
OK...tell Tatch I said to hang in there!

Carol nods and leaves the clinic quickly. Doug turns his attention back to patients.

Cut to show Carol going into County ER with Tatiana. The little girl is walking, but, slowly. Carol has her by the hand and is almost dragging her by the time they get to the desk where Kerry Weaver is working.

Carol:
Hey, Kerry! I need to see Anna Del Amico, please?

Kerry (looks down and sees Tatiana):
Don't tell me this little angel is not feeling well?

Carol:
Yeah, she's running a fever and coughing pretty hard. I wanted Anna to take a look at her.

Kerry:
Sure...
(hands her papers)
Just fill these out and I'll find her for you.

Carol (takes papers, pen):
Thanks, Kerry.

Carol starts filling the papers out on the desk while Kerry sends for Anna Del Amico. Tatiana holds onto Carol, coughing frequently, and rubbing her eyes.

Cut to show Anna Del Amico come through the ER and come up to Carol and Tatchie.

Anna (cheerfully to Tatiana):
What's the matter sweetie? You got a cold?

Carol:
I don't know what's wrong. She seemed fine when she left for school this morning, but, they called saying she was running a fever. She started this coughing about an hour ago.

Anna (feels Tatiana's forehead):
Has she been sick at all lately?

Carol (shakes her head):
Not really sick, but, she hasn't been herself lately.

Anna (to Tatiana):
Have you felt bad recently, Sweetie?
(Tatiana nods her head)

Carol:
Well, why didn't you tell Mama? Or Papa?

Tatiana (quietly):
You were busy with the baby.

Carol (wounded):
Oh, honey! We would NEVER be too busy with the baby to take care of you! You should have said something!

Anna:
Well, let's just take her back and run a few things...see what we can find out.

Carol (quietly):
Anna, you do know that she is HIV positive, don't you?

Anna (concerned):
She is?
(Carol nods)
I didn't know that. Well, let's just run a few things and see what we get, OK?

Carol (nods):
OK.

Anna takes Tatiana by the hand and they start down the hall together with Carol walking close behind them. Show that Tatiana is fearful and Carol is concerned but focus on Anna's very troubled look and Fade Act One to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens at County ER in an exam room. Anna is preparing to draw blood from Tatiana and the very second she swabs her arm with an alcohol prep, Tatiana starts screaming.

Carol (trying to comfort her):
It's OK, Baby! I'm right here with you!

Tatiana (screaming):
I want my Papa!

Carol:
Honey, Papa isn't here...he's working...

Tatiana's response is to howl louder. Carol gives Anna a desperate look.

Carol:
When needles are involved, she always wants Doug.

Anna:
Do you want me to wait while you call him?

Carol (shakes her head):
No...he's swamped over at the clinic. Just go ahead. She'll be OK.

Carol holds Tatiana's hand tightly in hers as Anna plunges the needle into the little girl's arm. Tatiana begins to cry almost immediately and Carol strokes her hair with a pained look on her face.

Carol:
It's OK, Sweetie...
(Anna takes the needle out and lays it on a tray)
It's all over now...see?

Tatiana (sobbing):
I want my Papa!

Carol:
Papa will be here soon, I promise.

Anna (caps the vials of blood):
I'll have the lab rush these...

Carol (nods):
Thanks, Anna.

Anna exits the room with the lab request. Carol stays behind trying to comfort her still sobbing daughter.

Cut to C.A.R.E. Center. Mark and Doug and working on files at a table together ad drinking coffee.

Mark (quietly):
Heard anything from Carol?

Doug (shakes his head):
Not yet.

Mark:
No news is good news?

Doug:
She doesn't have any news yet.

Mark:
Now, how would you know that?

Doug:
Well, if I was Anna, and somebody brought me a kid with a fever, coughing, and congestion, and told me she was HIV, the first thing I would do would be blood work to determine what we were dealing with. That takes a little bit of time.

Mark (nods):
What do you think might be wrong?

Doug (ticks his head):
Well, without seeing her, I couldn't hazard a guess. But, I know what I hope it isn't...

Mark (nods, knowingly):
Pneumonia?

Doug (nods):
Exactly.

Mark:
Well, Pneumonia isn't a death sentence, you know. She would probably be OK.

Doug (nods):
SHE would, yeah...CAROL on the other hand, I'm not so sure. Tatchie is her pride and joy. She gets bent out of shape at the least little thing. I don't know how she'll handle anything major.

Cut back to County ER. Carol is sitting with Tatiana, who is coughing harder now. Carol helps her sit up and pats her on the back on little.

Cut to show Anna coming back into the exam room. She goes over the Tatiana and takes out a wash pan from the tray behind her.

Anna (helps Tatiana sit up):
Come on, Sweetie...you have to help me out here.

Carol (concerned):
What are you going to do?

Anna:
I just need a sputum culture.

Carol:
What do you think it is?

Anna:
I can't say for sure without a culture.

Carol (knowingly):
It's pneumonia, isn't it? She's gone into Aids...

Anna (sharply):
I can't say anything for sure until the tests come back. I just want to see what she's coughing up in there.
(softly to Tatiana)
Honey, I'm going to pound you on the back, OK? I want you to cough as hard as you can and whatever you get in your mouth, I want you to spit it into this pan, OK? Can you do that for me?
(Tatiana nods slowly)
OK, here we go...

Anna pounds Tatiana on the back and little girl begins to cough almost at once. Anna gets her culture and leaves the room with it. Carol paces for a minute, deep in thought.

Carol (strokes Tatiana's hair):
Honey, I'm going to go call your Papa, OK? And let him know what's going on. Will you be OK? I'll get another nurse to stay in here with you.
(Tatiana nods weakly)
OK...thank you.
(goes to the door and finds Lydia)
Lyida, could you just stay in there with Tatiana for a few minutes? I need to call Doug...

Lydia (concerned):
Tatiana's sick?

Carol:
Yeah...Anna is taking care of her...could you just stay in here with her?

Lydia (nods):
Sure.

Carol goes down the hall to the pay phones and nervously puts money into one of them.

Cut to show Eleanor answering the phone at C.A.R.E.

Eleanor:
County C.A.R.E. Center, how can I help you?

Carol (split screen to show both sides of the conversation):
Eleanor, hi...it's Carol...could I speak to Dr. Ross, please?

Eleanor (holds phone out to Doug):
Dr. Ross? It's your wife...

Doug (takes phone quickly):
Carol? What's going on?

Carol (trying to hold herself together):
She's sick, Doug. She's really sick.

Doug (trying to calm her):
What did Anna say?

Carol:
Well, nothing yet. She's running tests. But, I think it's pneumonia! I think she's gone into Aids...

Doug:
Let's not panic until Anna gets the tests back, OK?

Carol:
Doug, she's so sick. She can't hardly even hold her little head up. I feel so helpless...all this medical training and I can't do a damn thing to help my own child...

Doug:
I'm about wrapped up here...I'll be over there in just a few minutes, OK? Will you be OK until I get there?

Carol:
I'm OK...I'm just scared.

Doug:
Don't be scared, OK? Whatever we're facing, we'll face it together. We'll get through this. OK?
(Carol doesn't answer right away as she struggles to find her voice)
Carol? You OK?

Carol (softly):
I'm OK.

Doug:
I'll be there just as soon as I can, Hon. Hang in there.
(Doug hangs up the phone and lets out a heavy sigh)

Mark (looks up from nearby):
Bad news?

Doug (shakes his head):
We don't know yet. Anna is running tests. Carol thinks it's pneumonia.

Mark (winces):
Well, she IS a nurse...and she's married to a doctor...I'd think she would know what pneumonia looks like when she sees it...especially since you had it not too long ago.

Doug (sadly):
That could mean Tatchie is going into Aids...

Mark:
Well, you always knew that could happen, didn't you?

Doug:
Knew it, yes...expected it...I don't know. If I did expect it, I don't think I expected it this soon.

Mark:
Well, if anybody can handle it, you two can.

Doug (sighs):
I don't know, Mark. Taking care of a kid with HIV is one thing...taking care of a kid with full blown Aids might be something else...

Mark (assuringly):
You can handle it. I know you. And I know you can handle anything.

Doug (deep in thought):
I hope you're right, Mark...I really hope you're right.

Cut to show time lapse. Show Doug going down the hall of County ER looking for Carol. He passes by the front desk and sees Kerry Weaver working at there.

Doug (quietly at the counter):
Kerry...do you know where Carol and Tatiana are?

Kerry (on phone, but points for him anyway):
They're down in five, Doug.

Doug (starts away, but stops quickly):
Do you know if Anna has her test results back yet or not?

Kerry (shakes her head):
Sorry...I don't know.

Doug (nods, starts away again):
Thanks, Kerry!

Doug goes on down the hall quickly, finds the room and goes in quietly. Tatiana is sleeping and Carol is sitting in a chair right beside her. She hears Doug come in and looks up to smile weakly at him. He goes over to the bed and looks down at Tatiana. Then, he turns his attention to Carol, rubbing her shoulders gently.

Doug:
Any word?

Carol (shakes her head):
Nothing yet.

Doug (looks over at Tatiana again, touches her carefully):
She looks like she's resting pretty well.

Carol:
She's been pretty quiet. There's something eerie about an eight year old that quiet.

Doug (smiles weakly):
Huh. You're right about that.

Carol:
Did you call your Mom?

Doug (nod):
Yes, she'll stay with Scott and Marc until one of us gets home.

Carol:
I hope we didn't put her out or anything.

Doug (chuckles):
Even if we did, she'd never tell us.
(Tatiana opens her eyes and stares up at Doug. He smiles at her)
Hi, Punkin...how you feeling?

Tatiana (weakly, but happily):
Papa!

Doug (smiles again):
Hi, Sweetie.

Tatiana (rubs her chest):
It hurts in here...

Doug:
Well, Dr. Del Amico is a really good doctor and she'll take really good care of you as soon as she finds out what's wrong with you so she can fix it.

Tatiana:
They can fix me?

Doug:
Oh, yeah! I'm sure they can fix you.

Cut to show Anna coming back into the room. She stops by the door and opens her files.

Anna (sees Doug):
Oh, good. You're here. I always like to have both parents if that's possible.

Carol (as she and Doug walk over to where Anna is standing):
When you give them bad news?

Anna (shrugs):
Well, it's not GREAT news...but it's not the worst either. Tatiana has pneumonia...

Carol (covers her mouth):
Oh, God! I knew it...

Anna (insisting):
But it's not pneumocystic. It has nothing to do with her HIV. It's just plain, ordinary pneumonia.

Doug:
So, she'll be OK.

Anna:
Well you know how pneumonia goes...especially in kids. I'm going to admit her and put her in an oxygen tent and start bombarding her with antibiotics. Then, we can just hope for the best.

Doug (nods):
OK.

Carol:
I'll stay with her.

Anna:
That's fine. I'll put a chair in there for you.

Anna goes out and Doug wraps his arms around Carol and pulls her close to him to comfort her. He smiles and kisses her hair softly.

Doug (softly):
Everything will be OK. It's not Aids related and she's going to be just fine.

Carol (buries her face in his chest):
She's got a long way to go before she's out of the woods.

Doug (rocks her gently):
She's a tough kid. She'll make it.

Carol:
The thing that hurts the most is knowing this is all my fault.

Doug (pulls her back to look at her with a bewildered look):
Your fault!? How in the world do you figure this is YOUR fault?

Focus on Carol's pained expression and Fade Act Two to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens with Doug and Carol in Tatiana's room right where Act Two left off, with Doug giving Carol a confused look and Carol with a look of anguish.

Doug:
How do you figure this is your fault?

Carol:
Tatchie said she hadn't been feeling well lately...and I asked her why she didn't tell me...she said I was too busy with the baby!

Doug (smiles shortly):
That's just being a kid...that's just an excuse...

Carol:
But, it's probably true! I have been giving a lot of attention to Marc...

Doug:
He's a baby! He needs your attention! Scott and Tatiana know that...

Carol:
Yes, to the point that if they're sick they won't even tell us!

Doug:
Then we need to talk to them again...

Carol:
Talk to them why? Don't you think it's too late to be taking to Tatiana now?
(motions to the bed)
LOOK at her, Doug! Are you going to stand there and tell me both of us didn't see this coming?

Doug:
Parents can't do it alone, Carol! We can't see and know all! It's up to the kids to help us out and if they don't, then we can't responsible for everything that happens to them!

Carol:
How can you say that? Who else can be responsible for them?

Doug:
There's some things they are responsible for themselves!

Carol:
She is eight years old! The only thing she is responsible for is getting herself dressed and to school every day!

Doug:
All right! Then if we failed at something it was teaching her what her responsibilities are! But, she should have told us if she wasn't feeling well.

Carol:
Well, she didn't OK? And now we're here! And whether you feel guilty about it or not, I do!

Doug (softens his voice):
OK...just take it easy. Everything will be OK. We'll get through this.

Carol (as Anna comes in to move Tatiana to a room):
I'm going with her and stay with her for now.

Doug (nods):
OK. I will go home and take care of Scott and Marc. Will you stay in touch with me?

Carol (beside Tatiana's bed):
Yeah, there'll be a phone in the room. I'll call you as soon as things are stabilized, OK?

Doug (nods):
OK.
(leans over the bed and kisses Tatiana gently)
I'll see you later, OK, Punkin?

Tatiana (nods):
OK, Papa.

Doug:
You be good! And you do whatever Dr. Del Amico tells you to do, OK?

Tatiana (nods again):
OK.

Doug leans down and kisses her again. He touches Carol's shoulder as they start out of the room to move Tatiana. Then he is left standing there alone with a perplexed look on his face.

Cut to show Carol sitting beside Tatiana's bed in her room.

The little girl is in an oxygen tent but resting easily. Carol keeps a watch on her and watches all her monitors and signs with a concerned look on her face.

Cut to show Doug at the Ross home. He is carrying baby Marc and walking behind Scott, who is carrying a pizza box. He puts the box on the table and he and Doug sit down to eat.

Scott:
So, it Tatch going to be OK?

Doug (nods):
I think it's going to be harried for a while, but, I think she will be fine.

Scott (digs into pizza):
Mom staying with her?

Doug (nods):
Oh, yeah. You know Mom where Tatchie is concerned.

Scott:
Nana Helen says she's a Mother Hen...whatever that means.

Doug (chuckles):
I've heard that expression all my life from my Mother and I don't know what it means either!
(Doug offers Marc his bottle and he takes it quickly)
Oooo, somebody's really hungry!

Scott (scoffs):
He eats like a pig...

Doug (chuckles):
He's a Ross man! That's one of our trademarks!
(looks over at Scott carefully, changes mood)
Your and me, Bud...we need to talk.

Scott (rolls his eyes):
Uh oh! What'd I do now?

Doug:
It's not what you've done...it's what you're going to do. We need to talk about this braces deal...

Scott (painfully):
Aw, Dad! Do I HAVE to get braces?

Doug:
Scotty, lots of kids wear braces. It's no big deal.

Scott:
No big deal...did YOU ever wear them?

Doug:
No, because my Mother couldn't afford them when I needed them. I had to wait until I was an adult and get all my problems fixed then. Believe me, it wasn't pleasant! You'll be better off if you just get braces now.

Scott:
But, I have to wear them for 4 years! That's a long, LONG time, Dad!

Doug:
Well, you don't wear the same braces for four years. They change them as the conditions of your teeth change.
(Scott frowns, Doug pauses)
Why don't you tell me the real reason you don't want to get braces?
(Scott gives him a coy look)
Say, maybe something along the lines of "Veronica Kinser".

Scott (shyly):
How'd you know?

Doug:
I see what goes on around here. I also see her name written all over the inside of your school notebook. You've been panting over her since you took her to the Sweetheart Dance.

Scott (softly):
I really like her, Dad. And I think she really likes me. I don't want braces to screw that up.

Doug:
Let me tell you something, OK? If Veronica really likes you, I mean REALLY likes you, braces won't make any difference to her.

Scott:
You can't be serious! I'll look like a geek with a mouth full of metal.

Doug:
Braces are hardly noticeable once you get used to them. Now, the headgear that you have to wear, I admit, you look like a walking radio tower, but, you only wear that at night so that shouldn't be a problem. It'll be OK, son. And you really don't have any choice in this.

Scott (frowns):
I know.

Doug:
Well, look at it this way...you'll get to find out if Veronica really likes you or if she just thinks you're cute.
(Scott snickers)

Scott:
Would you love Mom if she wore braces?

Doug:
I would still love Carol if she looked like the Mummy's Daughter.
(Scott laughs loudly)
You love someone for who they are, Scott...

Scott (nods):
Yeah...you're right.
(points to Marc)
Man, he's really digging into that bottle!

Doug (looks down at the baby):
Yeah, he sure is! Wonder where he puts it all?
(Doug chuckles watching the baby suck his bottle and reaches for pizza for himself)

Cut back to County ER with Carol and Tatiana. Tatchie is in an oxygen tent and her breathing is very labored. Carol is constantly fussing with the tubes and cords, arranging things and staying busy. Finally she sits in the chair and takes Tatiana's hand in hers and leans back to close her eyes and try and get some rest.

Cut back to the Ross home. Show Doug sleeping soundly in his bed alone. He is shot awake by the sound of Marc crying loudly coming over the baby monitor on the table beside his ear. He sits bolt upright trying to recollect everything, then he turns his attention to the monitor.

Doug (lowly):
I'm coming, Marc...hold your horses!

Sleepily, Doug stumbles out of bed and ambles down the hall to the nursery. He goes over to the crib and peers over at his infant son. The baby is fussing, and pulling his knees up, crying loudly. Doug reaches down and picks him up to cuddle him on his shoulder.

Doug (rocking the baby gently against his shoulder):
What's your problem, Buddy? Huh?
(Baby continues to cry loudly...Doug carries him to the changing table and lays him down)
Are you wet?
(Checks his diaper)
Yeah...that's your problem...we can fix that...
(reaches quickly for a fresh diaper on the table and begins to change the baby, but, the crying does not subside once the fresh diaper is on)
That's not the problem?
(pays attention to the fact that Marc is constantly drawing his knees up)
Uh oh! You've got a belly ache, huh?
(picks the baby up to cuddle him back on his shoulder)
Well, you're in luck! Your Daddy is a Pediatrician! Can you say 'Pediatrician'?
(smiles, holds baby to smile at him)
No? Well, you will be able to someday. Do you know what a Pediatrician does? He takes care of children! That means I don't have to look in the baby book to know what to do for you.

He takes the baby over to the rocking chair and sits in it, placing Marc across his lap carefully on his stomach. Then, he pats his back and his bottom gently while rocking at the same time. But, this is no avail. The baby continue to howl loudly. Show Doug with an exasperated look on his face as he picks him up, again, and starts out of the room with him.

Doug (rocking the baby):
Come on, Marc...let's try something else.

Scott (from the darkness of the attic stairs as Doug goes into the hallway):
What's the matter with him?

Doug:
He's got a stomach ache.

Scott:
Oh, great...

Doug:
It's OK...Go back to bed.

Doug carries the baby downstairs to the kitchen and gets into the cubboard. He pulls out a bottle of ginger ale and pours about 2 tablespoons full into one of Marc's baby bottles, and then waters it down with warm water.

Doug (sternly to Marc):
Don't you ever tell you Mother I gave you this, OK?

He offers the ginger ale to the baby and he takes it readily. Almost the instant Doug takes the bottle away, Marc lets out a huge, relieving belch and stops crying.

Doug (smiles at his son):
Yeah, I thought that might work. It's the only thing that works for me. You're gonna be just like your old man, Marc...we're gonna have to watch your formula, kiddo...you may be in for a change...

He carries the baby back upstairs to his crib and lays him back in it and returns to his own bed. He lays there alone and reaches over to Carol's empty side of the bed, touching her pillow lightly. Then, he scoops her pillow up in his arms, rolls over with it and drifts off to sleep.

Fade Act Three to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens at County ER, exterior, early morning. Show Doug pull his jeep into the parking lot and get out. He reaches into back and takes Marc out of his car seat and puts him in a chest pouch he has strapped to him, and puts a diaper bag over his shoulder.

Doug (rocks the baby as he starts away):
Come on, Marc...let's go see Mommy.

He carries the baby into the halls of the ER and they are immediately swarmed by staff members who have not seen him yet. Doug good naturedly lets his son be ogled over, then, he takes him back and proceeds on his journey to Carol. He finds her in the room with Tatiana, sitting in the chair beside her bed, looking ragged and tired.

Doug (enters room, quiet voice):
How's she doing?

Carol (looks up, smiles weakly):
No change.

Doug (goes over to where she's sitting):
You didn't call me last night.

Carol:
I'm sorry. I fell asleep.

Doug (nods):
It's OK.
(pause)
I brought Marc for you...I thought you might want to see him.

Carol (doesn't look at the baby):
I'm sure you can take care of Marc for a few days, Doug. I don't need to see him right now.

Doug (growing annoyed):
Well, considering that he hasn't seen his Mother in two days, I thought you might at least want to take him and feed him someplace!

Carol:
Didn't you bring his bottle?

Doug:
Yes, I brought his bottle, but...

Carol:
Well, that's why we put him on bottles, Doug...so you could feed him, too.

Doug (angry now):
Oh, well, excuse me! I mistakenly thought maybe you might actually care about your baby! Never mind that he was up half the night with colic and I've changed his formula twice in three days...

Carol (annoyed with his attitude):
Well, you're a Pediatrician, Doug! I'm sure you can handle things like that.

Doug (coldly):
He needs his mother.

Carol (shouting):
Well, his father will have to do!

Doug:
You know, Carol, I appreciate the fact that you want to be here for Tatiana, because I know she needs you...but you have two other children who need you just as much as she does...not to mention your husband who doesn't like to sleep alone. Now, I don't care about me because I can take care of myself, but, I won't let you neglect two kids for the sake of one! They don't understand...

Their arguing is interrupted by the sounds of Tatiana in distress. They both race over to her bedside to find her breathing has become blocked and she is gasping for air. Doug reacts at once.

Doug (to Carol):
Stay here with her and keep her calm. I'll get Anna!
(disappears out the door)

Carol (takes her hand):
Tatch? Tatchie? Mama's here...just be calm...we're gonna take care of you...

Anna and Doug race back into the room and Anna is over Tatiana quickly, clearing the tent away and examining everything for the situation.

Carol (suddenly):
Doug! She's not breathing!

Doug (backs Carol away from the bed):
Anna can handle it...

Carol:
You have to do something...

Doug (backs her back again and repeats calmly):
Anna can handle it...

Anna reaches for an instrument from the tray and Carol's eyes grow wide with fear.

Carol:
Omigod! She's going to cut her...
(tries to push past Doug)
Don't let her do this, Doug! She can't cut my baby...

Doug (sternly, trying to calm her down):
Carol! Get a hold of yourself! Right now you need to be a nurse instead of a mother! Tatchie is in respiratory distress...she can't breath...Anna needs to open the passage way so she can! You KNOW that if you just think straight...

Carol (turns on him quickly):
Oh, what do you care what happens to Tatchie anyway!?
(Doug is taken aback by her attitude but doesn't say anything)
You never cared anything about her anyway...you never wanted her...all you wanted was your boys! Well, why don't you go take care of that precious son you're so proud of and let me take care of MY daughter!

Doug:
That's it! If you don't calm down, I'll do the same thing to you I'd do to any other hysterical parent...I'll put you out of this room.

Carol:
You're not my daughter's doctor! You don't have the authority to put my out of this room!

Doug (takes her by the arm):
Watch me!

With one sweep of his arm, Doug quickly escorts her out of the room and into the hall.

Carol (pulling loose):
Let go of me! That's my daughter in there! You can't keep me out!

Doug (sternly, pulls her into a private corner):
Keep your voice down, this IS a hospital! You are in the way when you're acting like this! Now, just let Anna do her job and once you're calm, you can go back...

Carol (reaches out and slaps him hard across the face):
Don't you EVER try to tell me what to do, Doug Ross!

Carol walks away, but, she doesn't go back to Tatiana's room. Doug stands shell shocked in the middle of the hallway with Marc gazing up at him in wonder from his pouch seat. Doug reaches down and pats the baby, looking over at Carol, who is trying to compose herself at the end of the hall.

Doug:
You let me know how things are, OK? I'm going to work.

Carol:
What are you going to do with Marc?

Doug (curtly):
I'm taking him with me. At least he'll know one parent cares about him.

Taking the baby with him, Doug turns and goes swiftly out of the hospital without looking back. Focus on Carol as she closes her eyes slowly, recollecting everything that has happened in the past few minutes.

Cut to Anna coming out of Tatiana's room. She looks around and sees Carol, and goes over to her quickly.

Anna:
Where's Doug?

Carol (softly):
He went on to work.

Anna:
Oh, well, Tatchie is fine. I cleared the airway and she's breathing on her own now. Just a little mucus blockage. That's all.

Carol (quietly, looks at her feet):
Thank you, Anna. I'm sorry I lost it in there.

Anna:
That's understandable...this is not just any patient...this is your child. If you'd like to go back and sit with her now, that's fine.

Carol (smiles weakly):
Thank you.

Anna touches Carol's shoulder and goes on down the hall. Carol goes back and sits beside Tatiana's bed, takes her hand, and closes her eyes. In her mind, she hears some of the past conversation and recollects the slap she leveled to Doug's cheek. She opens her hand and flexes it, wincing in pain. Then, she heaves a heavy sigh and rests her head on the table beside Tatiana's bed, watching the rise and fall of her daughter's chest.

Cut to C.A.R.E. Center and show Doug coming in the staff door with Marc and a child seat.

Mark:
What's going on?

Doug (annoyed):
Don't ask.

Mark:
Couldn't get a sitter?

Doug:
Not the one I wanted.

Mark (as Doug sets the baby up in his seat):
Did I miss something here?

Doug:
Long story, Mark. Carol hasn't been home for two days...she insists on staying at the hospital...I mistakenly thought she might want to see her infant son...I was wrong! She's too wrapped up in Tatiana to care about anything else.

Mark:
It's natural for a parent to give extra attention to a sick child.

Doug:
But that's not the only child we have, Mark. There are two others that need her just as much as Tatiana does...just not in the same way.

Mark (nods):
I know...and if you take your son and go back to the hospital, your wife has probably figured that out by now.

Doug (gives him a look):
I should go back?
(Mark nods)
You better be right...

Mark (as Doug goes out the door with the baby):
I'm always right, Doug...

Cut to show Doug coming slowly into Tatiana's room, with Marc in his pouch. Carol is resting her head on the table and he touches her gently so as not to startle her. She looks up quickly and smiles when she sees him.

Carol:
I didn't know if you'd come back or not.

Doug (smiles):
I always come back. How's Tatch?

Carol( nods):
She's better. She's breathing easier. And her fever is down.
(sighs)
Anna says she's going to be just fine.

Doug:
Why don't you take him and go someplace quiet and let me sit here with her for a while?

Carol:
What if she wakes up and wants me?

Doug:
I'll tell her where you are! Now, come on. I can handle this.
(takes Marc out of his pouch and hands him over to her)

Carol (takes baby):
Oh, that's my big boy! Has Daddy been taking good care of you? Huh? Well, you just come on and tell Mommy all about it...

She takes the baby away, talking and cooing to him. Doug goes over and looks over Tatiana, watching all the numbers and machines, and making his own conclusions.

Cut to show time lapse. Doug and Carol are both sitting with Tatiana and Marc is asleep back in the pouch on Doug's chest.

Carol:
He ate quite a bit.

Doug:
He eats like a horse anyway. At least there's nothing wrong with his appetite. We're having some trouble with his formula, though. I took him off it and put him on a new one. It gave him gas and the runs.

Carol (frowns):
Poor baby...were you able to handle that OK?

Doug (sarcastic look):
I'm a Pediatrician, Carol, what do YOU think?
(Carol chuckles)

Carol (softly):
I'm just sorry you had to go through all that alone.

Doug (smiles, pats her hand):
I can handle it. It's OK.

Carol:
Scotty OK?

Doug (nods):
We had a long talk about the braces. I'm taking him to the Orthadonist tomorrow. He's gonna be fine.

Carol (reaches out, touches his cheek where she slapped him):
You've got a little bruise...

Doug (chuckles):
You pack a good punch. I should have remembered that. That wasn't the first time...

Carol (frowns):
I'm sorry...you didn't deserve that.

Doug (grins at her):
You're right. I didn't. And you can make it up to me by fixing my favorite dinner and dessert when we're all back home.

Carol:
Fair enough.
(pause)
Doug, I said some terrible things to you before...

Doug (Smiles, presses his finger to her lips):
Don't even think about it...already forgotten.

Tatiana (faintly from the bed):

Carol (goes over and takes her hand):
Mama's here, baby...Papa's here, too!

Tatiana (hoarsely from the trache):
I'm hungry, Mama...

Doug (laughs):
Sounds like she's back to normal!

Carol (sighs):
Spoken like a true Ross, all right...

Focus on Doug and Carol leaned over the bed with Tatiana and the little girl grinning at both of them and fade Act Four to Black.

"Project C.A.R.E."

"Trying Times"

Closing Act

Scene opens at C.A.R.E. Center at the end of the day. Doug and Mark are finishing up, Eleanor is already gone, and Carter is heading up to his apartment.

Carter (takes his tie loose):
Oh, man! What a day! That's it for me! You gentlemen have a good evening and I'll see you tomorrow.

Mark:
Have a good one, Carter!
(turns to Doug)
So, what's happening in the Ross home tonight?

Doug:
Well, Tatchie is home, so, that's good news. I'll probably be reading a story to her and Marc and turning in early.

Mark (grins sarcastically):
Sounds exciting.

Doug (catches his tone and gives it right back to him):
Would you care to join us?

Mark:
As stimulating as all that sounds...I think I'll pass. Nina and I are taking Rachel to a movie tonight.

Doug:
You're getting some time with Rachel? That's great!

Mark:
Yeah...you being such a family man was making me feel guilty so I told Jen I want to spend more time with Rachel. Jen wasn't too thrilled, but, Rachel is. And she likes Nina, so, it works out well.

Doug:
That's great, Mark. I hope things work out for you.

Mark:
So, how is Tatchie doing?

Doug:
She's doing great...getting stronger everyday...she'll be back to her old self in no time.

Mark (takes his jacket):
Well, enjoy your evening.

Doug (nods):
You do the same.

Mark:
You'll lock up?

Doug:
I got it covered.

Mark:
Don't stay too late.

Doug:
Don't worry!

Mark goes on out the door leaving Doug alone behind to close up the clinic.

Cut to the Ross home. Show Doug coming through the door just as Carol comes through the house with Marc in her arms.

Carol (smiles, calls to him):
Hey! How were things at the clinic today?

Doug:
Oh, you know...the usual...same ole same ole. Anything happen around here?

Carol:
Been pretty quiet.

Doug (takes Marc out of her arms):
How's my big boy, huh?
(Baby gurgle and laughs at him)

Carol:
Put him down in his cage when you're done playing with him, OK?
(goes into the kitchen)

Doug plays with Marc for a few minutes and the doorbell rings.

Doug (calls to Carol):
I'll get it!

Doug puts Marc down in a mess playpen and goes to open the door. When he opens it, he finds a girl, about 12 years old, with long red hair, dressed in jeans, a nice blouse, and boots smiling back at him.

Doug (smiles at her):
Hello!

Veronica (very brightly):
Hi, Dr. Ross! I'm here to see Scott! I'm Veronica Kinser!

Doug (opens the door and beckons her in):
Come right on in, Veronica.
(they walk together into the living room)
Wait right here. Scott's upstairs. I'll just go get him.

Veronica (politely):
Thank you.

Cut to show Doug coming up the attic steps into Scott's room. Scott is sitting on his bed almost like he's waiting for Doug to come and get him.

Doug (from the top of the steps):
Hey, Bud...Veronica is here to see you.

Scott (lowly):
Ask her to go away.

Doug (grins):
Come on, Bud...we talked about this.

Scott:
I just can't go down there, Dad. I don't want Veronica to see me like this.

Doug (goes into the room and sits on the bed beside him):
OK...we can send her away tonight and you won't have to see her all weekend. But, what are you gonna do Monday at school? Are you gonna hide from Veronica for the next four years?
(Scott looks up at him sheepishly)

Scott:
I guess I just don't want to know if Veronica likes me for me or not yet.

Doug (shrugs):
Might as well find out now, Pal.

Scott (sighs):
I suppose.

Doug (stands up with him, keeps his arm around his shoulders):
Come on...bite the bullet...

They go downstairs together and Scott trudges slowly into the living room where Veronica is sitting on the sofa waiting for him. She smiles and stands up as soon as she sees him.

Veronica (brightly):
Hi, Scotty! My Mom is waiting to take us to the stable!

Scott (sheepishly, lets her see his braces):
Are you real sure you want to go with me?

Veronica:
Of course, Silly! Why wouldn't I?
(Scott rolls his eyes, Veronica reads his drift)
Are you worried about your braces? Don't be! I get mine next month...you can tell me everything I need to know, OK?

Scott (encouraged):
You mean, you're gonna wear braces, too?

Veronica (nods):
Uh huh...

Scott (smiles wide):
Cool!

Veronica:
Are you ready to go meet Krypto-Night now?

Scott (happily):
I sure am!

Doug and Carol watch from the doorway as Scott and Veronica leave together. Carol sighs once they are gone.

Carol:
Well, at least we've got a couple of years before the prom.

Doug (chuckles):
Should give us plenty of time to get ready for it!

Doug catches sight of Marc squirming in his play pen and taps Carol's shoulder for her attention.

Doug (points to Marc):
Watch this...I think he's gonna do it this time...

With Doug and Carol watching, Marc flings his arms onto the mat and rolls himself over to push his body upward from the mat with his hands.

Doug:
I told you he was gonna do it!

Carol:
Next he'll be crawling...

They are interrupted by Tatiana standing in the doorway holding her book in her hands.

Tatiana (grumpily):
I got tired of waiting for you, Papa!

Doug (scoops her up in his arms):
I didn't forget about you, Punkin! I was saving the best for last!

Doug takes Tatiana into the living room and they sit together in his big chair. She opens the book and he starts reading from it. No audio on the fade out. Show Carol go back to the kitchen while she listens to Doug read Tatiana's story and fade into the closing credits of the show.

February 25, 1998