Working Relationships

Opening Act

Scene opens at the Family Center. Show Mark Greene unlocking the back door with his key and going into the building. Follow him as he goes through the hallway and we hear the heels of his shoes click against the floor as he goes into the lobby. He walks over and picks up a stack of mail off the floor and starts sifting through it as he punches the elevator button. He is looking at mail, but, hears the elevator open and robotically walks in, punching another button. He keeps his attention on the mail and hears the door open again and walks out. Now, he watches where he is going and flips a light switch to turn on all the lights in the upstairs reception area and puts the mail on the desk there. He goes down another hallway and turns into a dark office, flipping the switch to light the room. This is obviously his personal office. There are scenic pictures on the walls and a photo of Rachel on the desk. Mark pitches his keys onto the desk, sits down in the chair, leans back, puts his hands behind his head, and smiles wide.

Cut to the Ross home across town, interior. Show Doug Ross standing at the bottom of the steps, spinning his keys in his hand, and glaring up to the top.

Doug (shouting):
Carol! Come on, Hon! We're gonna be late!

Carol's voice (shouting down from upstairs):
I'm not ready yet, Doug! I'm running a little late! Just take the kids on to school and go to work! I'll get there on the EL.

Doug (flustered):
Are you sure?

Carol's voice:
I'm sure! Go ahead! I'll be fine!

Doug (shrugs):
OK.
(turns to Scott and Tatiana standing behind him)
OK! Let's book it.

Cut to show time lapse. Doug is driving in traffic with Scott in the front seat with him and we can see Tatiana in the back seat from the rear view mirror.

Scott (quietly):
Hey, Dad?

Doug:
Yes, Son?

Scott:
Do you think you could fit time into your schedule that we could talk about a few things?

Doug:
Of course I can. I'm never too busy for anything you kids need.

Scott:
Well, it's kind of personal...and kind of serious.

Doug:
Something wrong?

Scott:
No, just some things I need to know about.

Doug:
Can you give me a hint so I can bone up on it?

Scott (sighs):
It's about girls.

Doug (nods, smiles):
Girls...ah...well...OK. What about girls?

Scott:
That's just what I want to talk to you about. Is it OK?

Doug:
Sure it is. Is there something wrong about girls?

Scott (sees they are pulling up to the school):
We'll talk about it later, OK?

Doug (nods):
OK. Have a good day, Buddy.
(looks in the mirror at Tatiana)
Out you go, Punkin! Have a good day.

Tatiana (as she climbs out of the back):
Bye, Papa!

Scott gets out and walks up the school walk with Tatiana. Doug sits and watches until both of them are in the building before he drives away.

Cut back to the center to show Nina Pomerantz arriving to the second floor. She starts down the hall to her office and gets about halfway there when Mark steps out of nowhere and cuts her off.

Nina (gasps):
Oh, My God! Mark! You scared the hell out of me!

Mark (grins, steps closer to her):
Well, that was the idea!

Nina (laughs):
Well, then, you succeeded!

Mark:
I think I'm going to like having you so close by.

Nina (smiles up at him):
I know I am!

Mark puts his arm around her shoulders and they go on together down the hall to her office.

Nina (as she closes the door):
Is this why you told me to get here early?

Mark (nods):
Uh huh.

Nina closes the door and we see the shadow on the glass of the two of them in an embrace.

Cut back to the Ross home. Show Carol Ross on the telephone with a desperate look on her face.

Carol (into receiver):
Look, I KNOW you are an answering service but I am a patient and I NEED to talk the doctor NOW! Yes. I would consider it an emergency of types, yes. Thank you.
(she sighs and rolls her eyes as she begins her wait. Suddenly, her eyes flash that someone else is on the line)
Stephanie! Thank God! I think I need to see you today.

Stephanie:
Calm down, Carol! What's wrong?

Carol:
In a nutshell? I'm pregnant.

Stephanie:
What?
(calming pause)
Are you sure?

Carol (nodding):
I got suspicious yesterday when I gave Doug eggs for breakfast and I threw up. So, I bought an EPT yesterday and it is positive this morning.

Stephanie:
Well, do you have any idea how far along you might be?

Carol:
I suspect I got pregnant in Pennsylvania...

Stephanie:
Enjoyed that honeymoon, did you?
(laughs)
So that would make you what? About three weeks? Four weeks?

Carol (sighs):
Close enough.

Stephanie:
OK...when I get to the office and see what my schedule looks like, I can call you and tell you when I can fit you in. Is that good enough?

Carol:
That's fine. I'll be at the Center.

Stephanie:
OK...I'll see you later.

Carol hangs up the phone and raises the pregnancy test stick up in front her face, focusing on the positive reading mark on it, and shaking her head.

Fade into the opening credits of the show.

Act One

Scene opens at the Center. Show the elevator door opening on the first floor and Doug Ross walking out, spinning the keys. He walks over to the main door and smiles at the people standing outside looking in the glass doors. He unlocks the doors and opens them to allow these few people inside.

Doug (cheerfully):
Good morning! I'm Dr. Ross! My wife hired all of you, but, she's not here yet, so, I'll take you up. One of you, however, stays down here...
(pulls out a sheet of paper and looks at it quickly)
Courtney Shaffer?

Courtney (holds up her hand):
That's me.

Courtney Shaffer is about 21 years old. She is tall, and slim, with red hair. She is dressed in a very nice skirt and blouse.

Doug (smiles):
OK. You're the downstairs receptionist. Your work area is right over here...
(directs her to the desk set up there with a switchboard phone)
...and right now all I need you to do is answer the phone and direct calls upstairs. Carol has everything written out for you and when she gets here, I'll send her down to give you better instructions. OK?

Courtney (nods, smiles):
That sounds just fine.

Doug:
OK, this work station is yours, so, feel free to decorate however you want, OK?

Courtney (slides into chair):
Thank you, Dr. Ross.

Doug:
OK...you're on your own...and it should be pretty quiet today since we aren't running on full steam yet.
(turns to others)
The rest of you come with me?

They follow him into the elevator and the door closes. Focus on Courtney arranging things on her desk and cut with her switchboard ringing and hearing her say "Family Center"

Cut to upstairs. Show Doug coming off the elevator with the other two people. He looks at his notes again.

Doug:
OK...out here in the front we have Vickie Sullivan?

Vickie (steps forward)
That's me!

Doug:
OK...you're out here. Carol has everything written down and she should be here shortly...

Carol (steps around the corner):
She's here now! Hello, Vickie! Just go ahead and sit down and as soon as I'm finished back here, I'll be right out.

Vickie (nods):
Thank you.

Vickie Sullivan is about 25 years old. She has short cut blond hair and is wearing a very nice dress. She settles in behind the desk and at once starts going over the note Carol has left for her.

Doug (grins at Carol):
I didn't know you were here yet! Courtney Shaffer is downstairs.

Carol (nods):
That's great. I'll go down and brief her in a bit.
(turns to the last person waiting)
Doug, this is Samantha Vickers. She's going to be yours and Mark's secretary.

Doug (shakes hands with her):
Pleased to meet you.

Samantha:
Thank you...likewise.

Carol (motions her to follow them):
Come on back here and I'll show you where you'll be working.

Samantha and Doug follow Carol back to an office area that has been set up in the file area. The racks for files are on one end of the room and a work station with a computer is set up just inside the door.

Carol:
For now, this is going to have to do. We're going to get cubicle separations in the near future so you don't have to look at those files all day, but, this is OK for now.

Samantha (smiles):
This is fine.

Samantha is around 30 years old. She has long blond hair and is dressed in a two piece business skirt suit. She slides into the chair and starts looking around the desk.

Carol (smiles at Doug):
OK...I'll work with the new people...I guess you can go to work, Doctor. And, by the way, I have an appointment this afternoon so I'll be gone a while.

Doug:
What's going on?

Carol:
Just something I have to take care of. Nothing to worry about.

Doug (ticks his head):
You'll tell me about this later, right?
(Carol nods and smiles)
Yeah, well, Scott told me this morning he needs to talk to me about girls...I hope I'm ready for this.

Carol:
Oh, God! Are we to that already?

Doug:
We've been to that every since Veronica came along.

Carol:
Well, we'll talk later, OK?

Doug:
OK.
(he turns and disappears out of the room)

Samantha (quietly to Carol):
If you don't mind me saying so, I think your husband is really cute.

Carol (laughs):
He knows it!
(both laugh)

Doug goes into his office before he starts his day. His office has sports posters of the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Cubs on the walls. He has an autographed baseball in a case on his desk and a family photo. The photo is a typical family shot...Carol is holding Marc standing beside Doug who has his hands on the shoulders of Tatiana and Scott standing in front of him. He picks it up and looks at it...smiles...chuckles...shakes his head...puts it down and wraps his stethoscope around his neck and starts out the door to begin his day.

Cut to show time lapse. The day is in full swing now. Pan around the office to show everybody busy. Show a woman coming off the elevator and walking slowly towards Vickie's desk. Vickie smiles up at her cheerfully.

Vickie:
May I help you, Ma'am?

Woman:
I need to see a doctor.

Vickie:
Do you have an appointment?

Woman:
No...do I need one?

Vickie:
No, Ma'am...walk-ins are accepted. Just sign here and have a seat and I'll have someone get with you as soon as possible.

Woman (nods, signs sheet on Vickie's desk):
Thank you.

Vickie (picks up phone, but, pauses):
Ma'am? Could you tell me the nature of your problem so I'll know what to tell the doctor?

Woman:
I have blurry vision.

Vickie (smiles):
Thank you.
(punches button on the phone):
Hi, Carol! I have a walk-in out here complaining of blurry vision asking to see a doctor. Do I give it to Dr. Greene?

Carol (on phone in another office):
No, Vickie...I'll see them. I'll be right there.

Show Carol coming out into the reception area to talk to woman.

Carol (cheerfully, looking at Vickie's sheet):
Mrs. Marshall?
(Woman stands up quickly)
I'm Carol Ross. I'll see you now.

Woman (not sure about her):
Are you a doctor?

Carol:
I'm a Physician's Assistant. I can treat you. Would you come with me, Please?

Woman (holds back):
I wanted to see a doctor.

Carol:
Mrs. Marshall, I assure you, that you don't need a doctor. I can do anything a doctor can do.

Woman (still not sure):
I'd rather see a real doctor.

Carol:
Well, let me look at you and if you need one, I'll get one of them for you, OK?

The woman nods and goes with her, reluctantly, but with her nonetheless.

Cut to show Mark in one of his exam rooms with a man sucking on an atomizer in apparent respiratory distress. Mark is listening to the man's chest through his stethoscope.

Mark:
Are you asthmatic, Mr. Larson?

Man:
No.

Mark (surprised, still listening):
You never had asthma as a child and outgrew it or anything.

Man:
No.

Mark:
Have you ever had this problem before?

Man:
A couple of times, yeah.

Mark:
Can you tell me about one of them? This is really acting more like an allergic reaction that anything else. Have you been around anything different in the past couple of days?

Man:
They're working on my house...

Mark:
OK...are they using anything new?

Man:
Some kind of new insulation...I was only around it for a minute while I was in the attic...

Mark (nods, takes ear pieces out of his ears):
OK, what I'm gonna need you to do is bring in a sample of it so I can test you for an allergy...can you do that for me?

Man:
You think I'm allergic to my house?

Mark (grins):
No, to the insulation. They may need to change it.

Man:
Won't that cost me more money?

Mark:
Shouldn't no...

Man (slides off table):
You better be right, Doc.

Mark:
OK, then I'll see you later today?

Man (nods):
Yeah...I'll be back.

Mark (just as he gets to the door):
Oh, and Mr. Larson? I suggest you take a shower and change your clothes...you seem to have the residue on you and that's not helping any.

Man (nods):
Whatever you say, Doc...

He goes on out and Mark heads out to see who his next patient is.

Cut to Carol with Mrs. Marshall. Carol is looking into her patient's eyes with a light.

Carol:
OK, I want you to follow my finger, OK?
(holds her finger out and moves it several different directions)
OK, now look right at me.
(after looking a minute, she shuts off the light and turns the room lights on)
Mrs. Marshall, have you had your eyes checked lately?

Woman:
I guess it's maybe been a while. Why?

Carol:
I think your problem is just optical. You need to see an Eye doctor.

Woman:
You can't do that here?

Carol (shakes her head):
No, I'm sorry. None of us are trained for that.

Woman:
Well, you should be...or hire someone who is.

Carol (nods):
Well, maybe later.

Woman:
All right, but the next time I come here I want to see a doctor.

Carol rolls her eyes behind the woman as her patient goes quickly out of the room.

Cut to show Doug in one of his exam rooms with a young patient about 4 years old with a parent standing very close by. On the walls of this exam room are stick children and handprints...very bright and colorful. Doug is treating a bleeding knee on the child.

Doug (looks at chart):
So, Danny, tell me...exactly how did you scrape your knee like this?

Danny (timidly):
I fell down.

Doug:
You fell down? Where did you fall?

Danny:
On the sidewalk.

Doug:
Did you get hurt anyplace else?
(Danny shakes his head)
OK! Well, I got some bad news for you, Buddy. This is gonna need a couple of stitches.

Parent (groans):
Oh, My God.

Doug (looks up at her):
It's OK, M'am. Only a few.

Danny:
Is it gonna hurt?

Doug:
Well, the stitches won't hurt, but, I have to give you a needle to deaden the area first. That might hurt a little. But, you can take it, can't you?
(Danny shakes his head)
Oh, sure you can. When you fell on the sidewalk, did you cry?
(Danny shakes his head slowly...then nods)
OK, it's not even gonna hurt that bad, I promise, OK? It'll just sting a little. OK?
(Danny nods timidly)
OK, Buddy.

Danny's eyes never leave what Doug is doing. He steps into the hall and calls for Carol to come help him and Carol keeps Danny preoccupied while Doug gets the needle ready. Then, when Doug steps back to the table, Carol grips the little boy tightly by the shoulders to hold onto him. Danny tenses up and the mother looks away.

Doug (soothingly):
It's OK, Danny...
(he swabs the area with an alcohol prep and Danny starts to whine)
Take it easy, pal...

Giving Carol a nod, he puts the needle into Danny's knee just as Carol tightens her grip on the child. The little boy wails loudly but Doug doesn't stop. He moves the needle to deaden the area and Danny keeps howling. Finally, he takes it out and Carol releases her grip. Doug reaches over and pulls the child's head to his chest to comfort him.

Doug (softly):
I know that hurt...but it's all over now, OK?
(Danny nods, sobbing into Doug's scrub top)
Here's let me show you...
(Doug taps the boy on the knee close to the wound. The boy gives him a confused look)
Do you feel that?

Danny (amazed):
No!

Doug (winks at him):
See...I told you it wouldn't hurt much.

Doug prepares to do the sutures and Carol goes on out of the room. Show Danny looking at Doug in admiring awe.

Cut to Vickie's desk. Show a very well dressed man getting off the elevator. He walks slowly over to her desk and smiles.

Vickie:
May I help you, Sir?

Colton:
Yes, you may! I am Colton Wester and I'm looking for Dr. Wester.

Vickie (confused):
I'm sorry, the only doctors we have here are Dr. Greene, Dr. Ross, and Dr. Pomerantz.

Colton (frowns):
Then, it would be Dr. Pomertanz, please.

Vickie:
Do you have an appointment?

Colton:
No, this is a social call.

Vickie:
Just a moment, please.
(she picks up the phone and punches a number)
Dr. Pomerantz? There is a Mr. Colton Wester here to see you.
(she smiles and nods, then hangs up the phone and turns back to him)
She'll be right with you.

Show Nina come out of her office and come down the hall. She is excited and happy and grabs this man in a hug. He returns her embrace and kisses her cheek.

Nina:
I can't believe it! Look at you! What are you doing here?

Colton:
I'm in the area surveying business offices...opening a new branch here. I might even be coming back to run it.

Nina (delighted):
Well, I know who will be happy about that! It's great to see you! Come on back...

As Nina takes him down the hall, pan back to show Mark watching from a safe distance. Doug comes up beside him and puts a hand on his shoulder.

Doug:
Put that green eyed monster back in it's cage until you get all the facts, OK?

Mark doesn't answer, only stares straight ahead. Focus on his perplexed expression and Fade Act One to Black.

Act Two

Scene opens at the Center with Doug and Mark standing at a counter filling out paperwork to put it in a basket for Samantha to pick up later. Show Carol directing a patient out, and then she comes over to where they are working.

Carol:
If ONE more person tells me they want to see a doctor, I'm going to scream!
(Doug chuckles, Mark gives her a sheepish look)
Somebody PLEASE tell me what is so great about seeing a doctor? I am perfectly capable of handling most of what comes in the door here by myself.

Mark:
I think with some people there's just some added security about seeing a doctor. I don't think it's anything personal.
(Carol frowns and nods, Mark turns to Doug)
Did you ever eat any breakfast?

Doug (shakes his head):
Just had some juice...I'm OK.

Mark:
Better take care of yourself, Buddy. You're supposed to eat three meals a day!

Doug (nods):
I know, but why eat it if I'm gonna just throw it up?

Carol (concerned):
Are you getting nauseous again?

Doug:
Nah, it passes. I'm OK.
(Turns to Mark)
So, what's the story with Nina?

Mark:
It's her ex...we're going to lunch so we can talk about it.

Doug (chuckles):
So you can drill her.

Mark:
No...no...we're gonna talk about it calm and rationally.

Doug:
You mean you're gonna start out that way!

Mark:
OK...yeah.

Doug (looks at Carol):
What time are you leaving?

Carol (looks at the clock on the wall):
Very soon.

Mark:
Something going on?

Carol:
Just an appointment I need to keep. I won't be long.

Carol picks up some files and steps away. Once she is out of earshot, Mark looks at Doug who is busy writing.

Mark:
So, what's the big appointment?

Doug (shrugs):
I don't know...she didn't say.

Mark:
Didn't you ask her?

Doug (looks at him):
No...why?

Mark:
Aren't you even curious as to what's going on?

Doug:
She'll tell me when she wants me to know.
(Doug smiles and takes his files to walk away)

Mark (aloud to no one):
Am I the only curious person in this office?

Mark shakes his head, picks up his files, and goes down the hall.

Cut to show Carol getting ready to leave for her appointment. She passes by Mark's office and sticks her head in. Doug is in the office with Mark, sitting on the edge of the desk.

Carol:
Hey, Mark...did you hire a nurse or not?

Mark (nods):
Yeah! I did! He should be here this afternoon.

Carol:
OK...I want to brief him when he comes, OK?

Mark:
Sure thing, Carol!

Doug (once Carol is gone):
You hired the nurse? I thought Carol was doing all the hiring.

Mark:
She was so tied up with the other stuff, I offered to help her out.

Doug:
Who did you hire?

Mark:
A guy who just got out of school and is just getting started. Carol said to hire a male nurse because sometimes we might need the extra strength. Guys name is...
(fumbles on his desk and finds the application)
Greg Powell.

Doug (thinking):
Powell...didn't he used to be a paramedic?

Mark (nods):
Yes! And he decided to take the necessary courses to go into nursing...just completed it and was looking for work. I figured this would be a good start.

Doug (nods):
Yeah, maybe...
(still thinking...can't place what he is thinking about)
I gotta get back to work. I have a celebrity coming in.

Mark (looks up, smiles):
Oh, yeah? Who?

Doug (smiling from the doorway):
Justin Edmunds.

Mark (impressed):
Not THE Justin Edmunds? The all-state Running Back for Crimson High? Only player in school history to make All-State his Freshman year?

Doug (nods):
The one and only! Gotta give him a physical for him to play football this year! Want me to call you when he comes?

Mark:
Oh, I think I'll know when he gets here. Thanks anyway.

Doug (from the doorway):
OK.

Doug goes back to his office and keeps thinking. In his mind he sees Carol on the EL platform kissing someone. He focuses on the name POWELL on a uniform. Pull back to present and show Doug picking up a coffee mug off his desk and hurling it against the wall.

Cut to Stephanie's OB-GYN office, interior. Show Carol sitting on an exam table in a paper gown and Stephanie snapping her latex gloves off.

Stephanie:
All I have to do now is get the blood work back...that'll take about an hour. Do you want to wait?

Carol:
No, I'll go on back to work, but, call me there, OK? Don't leave a message on the machine at home or anything.

Stephanie (smiles):
I'm guessing Doug doesn't suspect you're pregnant yet?

Carol:
Not yet...and I want to tell him just the right way if I am.

Stephanie:
Well, you'll know soon enough.

Carol (sighs):
Come on, Steph. You've been doing this for years. What's your immediate prognosis?

Stephanie:
Well, I don't like to say for sure without a blood test...but I'd say you better be thinking up names.
(Carol smiles)
That's my gut feeling, OK? But DON'T get your hopes up until the blood work comes back.

Carol (nods):
OK. It's a deal.

Cut back to the Center. Focus on a young man about 17 sitting on an exam table. This is not the stick people and hand print room, but a different one. The boy has his shirt off and Doug is listening to his chest through his stethoscope.

Doug (moves scope):
Take a deep breath and hold it for me, please?
(boy does as he is told. Doug moves the scope to a new location on his chest)
Again.
(again, the boy does as he is told. Doug moves the scope to his back)
And again.
(the boy does this again and Doug takes the scope off him)
OK, relax a minute.
(Doug begins to write something down on the chart beside him)
Just one more thing I want to check...
(he puts the scope back on the boy's chest and listens carefully. Then, he ticks his head and writes something else on the file)

Coach (cheerfully):
He's in ship shape, right?

Doug (ticks his head):
Well, I wouldn't say that exactly...

Coach (still cheerful):
But, he's well enough to play football, right?

Doug (doesn't look up...writing):
Are you his father?

Coach:
No, I'm his Coach...Len Murphy.

Doug:
And he is under 18, correct?

Coach (getting nervous now):
Yeah...

Justin:
I'll be 18 in 9 months...

Doug (grins at him):
Then, I need to speak with one of your parents.

Coach:
Is there a problem, Doctor?

Doug:
I'm not sure...but I do know I need to speak with one of your parents. Could you call one of them down here, please?

Coach:
Well, you can talk to me, Doc.

Doug (grins):
No, I can't. I need to speak to a parent when I'm dealing with a minor.

Coach:
Well, his parents talk to me!

Doug:
Well, that's all well and good, but, I prefer to talk with a parent.
(to Justin)
Can you get one of them? Please?

Justin:
Something's wrong, right?

Doug:
Maybe...and it may be nothing...but I won't know until I talk to one of your parents.

Justin:
I'll get my Dad. Shouldn't take long.

Doug:
That's great. You can use the phone out front and then I'd like you to wait here until I can talk with him.

Justin (nods):
OK.
(Doug goes out of the room and Justin reaches for his shirt)

Coach:
We don't have to go with this guy. We can walk out of here and go to another doctor.

Justin (makes a calming motion with his hand):
It'll be OK, Coach. He probably just knows about the heart problem. It's no big deal. Dr. Ross is supposed to be one of the best in the area and we want references from the best, right?
(Coach nods)
Then, we'll do it his way. It's OK.

Cut to show Mark having lunch with Nina. They are at a small table sitting across from each other.

Mark:
So...where's your friend?

Nina:
He's not my friend...he's my ex-husband.

Mark:
Oh.

Nina:
You're not getting jealous on me, are you? Because you really have no reason to be.

Mark (nods):
If you say so.

Nina:
Why would you be jealous of Colt? He's loud. He's arrogant. He's bossy. He thinks he's doing you a favor by speaking to you. You are everything he's not.

Mark:
Didn't look like you felt that way when you saw him.

Nina:
Well, we're friends of a sort. And he is, after all, the father of my child. And I haven't seen him for ages...

Mark:
But, you might be seeing more of him when he relocates here, huh?

Nina (laughs):
Well, yes, for the sake of my daughter! Certainly not for me! I don't think I've ever seen you act like this!
(Mark shrugs)
Mark, you have absolutely nothing to worry about with Colt in town. What we had was over a long time ago. The only tie we have now is our daughter! Like you and Jen.
(Mark shrugs again)
Won't you tell me what's really bothering you about this?

Mark (laughs nervously):
I'm just being silly. Don't worry about it. It's OK.

Nina:
Are you sure?

Mark (nods):
Yes! I'm sure. Let's just have a nice lunch, OK?

They start eating lunch but Nina gives him a careful look. She shakes her head and goes to eating her lunch.

Cut back to the Center and show Doug come out to the clearing where Justin Edmunds and his Coach are sitting.

Doug (to Justin):
Did you get in touch with one of your parents?

Justin (smiles):
Yeah, my father is on his way.

Doug (nods):
Great, just tell Vickie to call me when he gets here, OK? And we'll get this taken care of.

Justin (nods):
Sure thing, Dr. Ross!

Doug goes on back through the hallway.

Coach (once Doug is gone):
I got a bad feeling about this...

Justin (laughs):
You get a bad feeling about everything, Coach. Relax! It'll be OK once my Dad gets here.

Coach:
I hope so...

Justin:
We've been through this before...some hotshot doctor thinks he's onto something big when he finds out about the heart and they ALWAYS come to an understanding. This won't be any different.

Cut to show Carol coming back into the office. She stops at the counter where Doug is working.

Carol (looks around):
Mark out to lunch?

Doug (nods):
Yeah, he went with Nina and he should be back just about any time now.
(he looks up at her and smiles an evil grin)
The new male nurse is here.

Carol (delighted):
Oh! Good! I didn't get to go over anything with Mark so I'm anxious to meet him.

Doug:
When you do, you're gonna really wish you had gone over things with Mark.

Carol (confused):
What's that supposed to mean?

Doug (grins):
You'll see.

He picks up his files and goes off to attend a patient with a chuckle. Carol watches him go with a confused look on her face.

Cut to show Greg Powell come out of one of the exam room and start down the hall to where Carol is standing. When he sees Carol, he smiles wide as he approaches her.

Greg:
Carol? Carol Hathaway?

Upon hearing her name, Carol looks up. When she sees who is approaching her, her face turns pale with a shocked expression. She gives Greg a totally blank look as he stops right in front of her.

Carol (very slowly and quietly):
Greg? YOU'RE the new male nurse?

Focus on Carol's fearful expression and Greg's delighted one and fade Act Two to Black.

Act Three

Scene opens right where it left off, with Carol standing with a shocked expression with Greg Powell.

Carol:
You're the new nurse?

Greg (smiles):
Yeah! Isn't that great? We'll get to work together now.

Carol:
When did you become a nurse?

Greg:
You inspired me...I took the rest of my courses and graduated in May. I had no idea I'd be working with you when I came here.

Carol (gaining confidence):
Yes, my husband is Dr. Greene's partner here.

Greg (surprised):
Husband? When did that happen?

Carol:
I really don't want to discuss my personal life with you right now, Greg. Our relationship will be strictly professional...do you understand?

Greg (nods):
Absolutely, Carol! Whatever you say.

Carol (steps away):
Now, if you will excuse me, I've got things I need to do.

She steps away quickly and doesn't look back. She goes down the hall to Doug's office and darts in, closing the door quickly behind her. Her anger is building. She looks around the room and picks up a paper weight off Doug's desk and hurls it against the wall. Doug is leaning over for something on the floor when the paper weight passes right above his head but Carol can't see him because he is behind the desk. He whistles lowly and stands up.

Doug:
Whoa! Incoming!

Carol (covers her mouth):
Oh, Doug, I'm so sorry! I didn't see you over there!

Doug (grins):
It's OK. You missed me.

Carol:
Have you met the nurse Mark hired?

Doug:
No, and I don't want to. Mark told me who it is.

Carol:
How could Mark do that to us?

Doug:
Mark didn't know! And why would leave him in charge of hiring somebody anyway? After he hired Cynthia at County I don't think I would have trusted his judgment again.

Carol:
Greg's credentials are good. I read his application. He really is a good person for the job. I just don't know if I can work with him or not.

Doug (goes over to her, puts his arms around her and pulls her close to him):
We have to give him the benefit of a doubt...

Carol (looks up at him):
We do? Why?

Doug:
Because that's the professional thing to do. He's on a trial basis anyway so if he tries anything we can dismiss him legally.

Carol:
What if he makes a pass at me?

Doug (grins):
Well, then, I'll have to kill him...which is probably what I should have done in the first place! Don't worry. I'll be keeping an eye on him.
(they are interrupted by Vickie buzzing Doug on the intercom)

Vickie's voice:
Dr. Ross.

Doug (punches phone button):
Yes, Vickie?

Vickie's voice:
A Mr. Edmunds is here to see you.

Doug:
Thank you, Vickie, I'll be right out.
(turns back to Carol)
You going to be OK?

Carol (sighs):
I don't know. I'll let you know later.

Doug chuckles and goes on out. Carol also goes out and goes a different way down the hall.

Cut to show Doug coming into the waiting area to where Justin, his father, and his Coach are waiting.

Doug (smiles, reaches his hand to shake):
Mr. Edmunds? I'm Dr. Ross. Could you and Justin come with me to my office, Please.

Edmunds:
What's this all about, Doctor? What's the problem?

Doug (motions them to come):
I prefer to talk about this in private, please?

Justin and his father start to follow Doug and the Coach falls in behind, but, Doug cuts him off.

Doug (hand on the Coach's chest):
Excuse me, but, this is family only.

The Coach gives him a taken aback look, but, drops back anyway. The three of them go into Doug's office and Doug closes the door. He sits on the edge of his desk and Justin and his father sit in chairs.

Edmunds:
Is this about his heart?

Doug (surprised at this approach):
So, you are aware he has a problem with his heart?

Edmunds:
He has an Athletes Heart...they told him that a couple of years ago.

Doug:
So, his heart is enlarged, then?

Edmunds (nods):
Right. It's not a problem. They told us a lot of athletes have this.

Doug (nods):
Yes, that's true. A lot of them do. But, it's not something to be taken lightly. I'm not as concerned that his heart is enlarged as I am about the sounds I'm hearing in there. I want to refer you to a Heart specialist over at County General.

Edmunds:
I don't think that's necessary, Dr. Ross.

Doug:
Listen, you guys came to me...I didn't call you in here...if you weren't going to follow my advice, why did you pick me?

Edmunds:
Because you're supposed to be one of the best. And this is Justin's senior year. We want everything done top of the line so there's no question about his scholarship.
(pause)
You aren't considering not passing him for his physical, are you?

Doug:
I don't have any other choice. I can't pass him with the heart murmur I'm hearing, no.

Edmunds (smiles):
Now, Dr. Ross...every man has his price...you just tell me what it will take for you to pass Justin, OK?

Doug (growing annoyed):
Didn't you hear what I said? I said there is NO WAY I can pass him. And I'm not going to. Now, if you want to ignore my recommendation to see a Heart Specialist, that's your choice. But, I'm not giving him a go to play football until he has some tests run and I'm satisfied with the results.

Edmunds (stands up, gets in Doug's face):
Who the hell do you think you are? Do you know who this is?
(points behind him to Justin)

Doug (not threatened):
Yeah, I know who he is. Do you? He's your SON, for God's sake. Is a football scholarship more important to you than your son is? Do you know what kind of danger I might be putting that boy in if I let him play football? I don't think I can consciously do that, Mr. Edmunds!

Edmunds:
Well, you're not the only doctor in town, you know. We can go to another one that will do what we want.

Doug (nods, folds his arms across his chest):
Yes, you can. You have that right. But, I will still file my report with the school board and the Principal at Crimson. And it WILL bring an investigation, regardless of what another doctor tells you.

Edmunds:
You can't do this!

Doug:
Yes, I can. And I have to. I took an oath to save lives. And that's what I do. I am not about to sign a death sentence for this boy.

Edmunds (scoffs):
Death sentence?

Doug:
Yeah. Death sentence. I can tell you a story about a 17 year old basketball player for Loyata Marymont that dropped dead on the court on national TV. I was watching that when it happened. I don't want to be watching the same thing happen to Justin on a football field.

Edmunds:
That is NOT going to happen...

Doug:
I'm sure everybody at Loyata thought the same thing. The bottom line, Mr. Edmunds, is that if I sign a release and something DOES happen to Justin, then it comes back on me. And, frankly, I don't need that kind of trouble. Now, you can do what you want as far as another doctor goes. That's up to you. But, I am recommending Justin see a specialist and I am filing my report with the proper authorities. I'm sorry.

Edmunds (motions Justin on his feet):
I'm sorry, too, Dr. Ross. You haven't heard the last of this.

Mr. Edmunds leaves quickly with Justin in tow. Doug stands and lets them go. When they get to the door, Justin turns and looks at Doug with a desperate look on his face, but, says nothing and leaves with his father.

Doug (once they are gone):
No, I'm sure I haven't...

Cut to show Carol on a phone in an office someplace private.

Carol:
You're sure? You're really sure? OK. Thanks for calling me, Steph...I appreciate it.

She hangs up the phone and lets out a long sigh. Then, she just goes quickly back about her work. Show Doug stick his head in the doorway.

Doug:
I'm going to lunch, OK? And I'll get the kids at school. I'll be back in about an hour if anybody needs me, OK?

Carol (smiles, nods):
OK.

Cut to show Doug walking along the lake front with Scott. Tatiana is no where to be seen so we know that she has been taken home from school.

Doug:
I thought this would be a good place for us to talk. It's one of the places I come when I need to think.

Scott (brightly):
You have a special thinking place, too?

Doug (smiles, nods):
Sure do! Do you have one?

Scott:
Yeah...the treehouse.

Doug (nods):
That's a good place.
(pause)
So, what did you want to talk to me about.

They stop by the railing and both of them lean on it. The breeze blows their hair and they squint against the wind and the sun.

Scott:
Well, it's kind of personal...is that OK?

Doug:
You know you can always ask me anything.

Scott:
How old were you when you kissed a girl the first time?

Doug (chuckles, thinking):
I was about your age, I guess. Maybe a little older.

Scott:
How old were you the first time you french kissed a girl?

Doug:
A LOT older than you...I was about 16, I guess.
(pause...looks down at him)
You DO know what a french kiss, don't you?

Scott:
Sure...that's when you use your tongue.

Doug (sighs):
You kids grow up too fast anymore...
(pause)
Are you thinking of french kissing Veronica by any chance?

Scott:
I don't know...what do you think she'd do if I did?

Doug:
Well, you got a 50-50 chance. She'll either kiss you back or punch you out. That's a chance you have to take.

Scott:
How old were you the first time you had sex?

Doug:
I was 15.

Scott:
Was she a virgin?

Doug (shakes his head):
No.

Scott:
Have you ever been with a virgin?

Doug (chuckles):
No.

Scott:
What's sex like, anyway?

Doug:
Between two people who love each other, it's a beautiful thing. Don't be in a hurry to have sex, Scott. You should wait until you're old enough to take responsibility for it before you do it.

Scott:
You're talking about condoms, right?

Doug:
Not just condoms, but everything else that goes with it. There's more to sex than taking your clothes off and getting close.
(pauses, smiles, and looks down at him)
Don't grow up so fast, Scotty. Be a kid a while, OK?

Scott:
I really like Veronica, Dad.

Doug:
That's a good thing. But, you don't have to have sex with her just because you really like her. In fact, if you REALLY like her, you'll wait.

Scott:
What if she wants to have sex? What do I do then?

Doug (chuckles):
Run! As fast as you can!

Scott (scoffs):
Dad! I'm serious!

Doug:
I think this is something you and Veronica will likely talk about later. I think right now all you two need to be doing is going for pizza, riding horses, and holding hands.

Scott:
What if that isn't enough?

Doug (sighs):
Scotty, I can't tell you what to do about that. That's a decision you'll have to make on your own. I just hope you'll be mature enough to handle it.

Scott:
When I do have sex, are you gonna be mad?

Doug (smiles, shakes his head):
No, Son. I won't be mad. I'll probably be sad.

Scott:
Why would it make you sad?

Doug (smiles at him, puts his hand on the back of Scott's head):
Because that's when you'll stop being a little boy and become a man. You're growing up so fast, Scotty. I hope you'll always talk to me because you're coming into the years when you're going to have a lot of questions.

Scott:
I think it's great that I can talk to you, Dad. Some of the kids at school said when they asked their parents about sex, they blew them off.

Doug:
I don't ever want to do that with any of you kids. If you have questions, you deserve answers.

Scott (smiles up at him):
You're OK, Dad...you know?

Doug:
Yeah...I know.
(smiles)
Anything else you want to talk about before we go back?

Scott:
No, I think that's it for now.

Doug:
OK...let's get you home so I can go back to work!

Show Doug and Scott walking back away from the lake. Pull to a long shot of them walking and Fade Act Three to Black.

Act Four

Scene opens at the Center. Show Doug coming back from this lunch break and has he goes by an open door, Mark catches him.

Mark:
Hey, Doug! You got a sec?

Doug (stops, turns, and goes into Mark's office):
Sure!

Mark:
Well, first of all, we got an irate phone call from a Mr. Samuel Edmunds...
(Doug rolls his eyes and nods)
...what happened there?

Doug:
The kid has a heart murmur...no way I'm passing him on that. They weren't too happy about it, but, I have to do what's right.

Mark (nods):
Yeah, that's good. You stick to your guns on that. I was just curious...he was really riled up.
(pause)
Something else...
(Doug gives him a coaxing look)
About Nina's ex...he may be relocating here in Chicago.

Doug:
And this is a problem?

Mark (shrugs):
I don't know. They seem like they're pretty good friends. And I can't compete with him, anyway...he has money...and a full head of hair.

Doug (chuckles):
I don't think Nina is interested in those things, is she?
(Mark shrugs)
Well, when I used to talk to you about things like this with Carol, you always told me to TALK to the lady. Maybe you should take your own advice?

Mark (nods):
Touche. OK! That's fair enough. Talking just isn't something I'm good at...I always get my tongue wrapped around my teeth.

Doug (chuckles):
Well, that's better than your foot in your mouth, which is always my problem!
(starts for the door)
Anything else?

Mark (shakes his head):
No, that about covers it. Thanks.

Doug nods and goes on out of Mark's office.

Cut to show time lapse. Show Carol working alone in the file room...Samantha is not at her desk. Show Greg come down the hall and sees Carol working. He steps into the file room with her and walks over close to where she is.

Greg:
Need some help?

Carol:
No, thanks...I can handle it.

Greg (steps even closer):
I'll be glad to help.

Carol (sternly, cuts him off):
I SAID I can handle it.

Greg (smiles):
What are you so nervous about, Carol?

Carol:
Listen, Greg, whatever you think we might have had between us before is over now. I'm very happily married and nothing you say or do is going to get through to me now.

Greg:
Oh, really? I'd say I'm already getting through to you if you're so nervous around me.

He takes hold of her hand and inches close to her. Then he slips his arm around her waist and starts to pull her to him. Before he can make another move, however, he is grabbed by the collar and slammed into the wall in front of him.

Doug (quietly from behind him):
Listen, Powell, if you want to keep that arm, I suggest you keep it off my wife!

Greg (laughs nervously):
We were just talking...

Doug:
Yeah, I know. I was standing in the door way watching how you were 'just talking'.

Carol:
Doug, it's OK...I can handle this...

Doug (shakes Greg a bit):
Let me give you just one warning, OK, Powell? If you want to keep this job, you will conduct yourself as a professional... and you'll keep your hands off my wife! Do you understand?

Greg (winces against the pain):
Yeah, OK! I got it!

Doug turns him loose and Greg leaves the room promptly.

Doug (turns to Carol):
You OK?

Carol (nods, turns away from him):
Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks.

Doug (reaches for her arm to turn her to him):
Are you sure?

Carol:
Yes, Doug! I'm sure! I don't need you going around behind me spying on me all the time, OK? I can take care of myself.

Doug:
Yeah, I saw the way you were taking care of yourself! Were you just gonna let him do whatever he wanted?

Carol:
No! I would've stopped him! I didn't need you charging in here like some barbarian!

Doug:
Well, what are you mad at ME for?

Carol (starts out of the room):
I really don't want to talk about it right now, Doug! We'll talk about it later!

She goes out and leaves him standing there shell shocked and shaking his head in wonder.

Cut to show time lapse. Show Carol going into Mark's office and closing the door.

Carol:
We need to talk.

Mark (looks up from his writing):
OK. Something wrong?

Carol:
It's about the nurse you hired...

Mark (defensively):
You told me to hire a man!

Carol:
Oh, no! That's not the problem! I did say to hire a male. The problem is the male you hired...

Mark:
Well, what's wrong with him? He had good credentials and all of his references checked out...

Carol:
He has a crush on me, Mark. He has had for a long time.

Mark:
Well, why is that a problem? You're married now. You're off limits.

Carol:
Yeah, well, Greg doesn't take 'no' for an answer. He caused some problems for me that almost cost me my relationship with Doug. I just have bad feelings about him being around this close.

Mark:
Well, what do you want me to do? I already gave him the job. I guess we should have consulted with each other on this, huh?

Carol:
Oh, it's not your fault, Mark. You had no way of knowing. And I do think he's good for the job. The problem is with me...not him.

Mark:
Well, what does Doug say about it?

Carol:
He says we should give him the benefit of a doubt and see what happens.

Mark (nods):
I think that sounds wise. Is that OK with you?

Carol:
Yeah...I guess so.

Carol goes on out of Mark's office and starts down the hall. She sees Greg working at the desk at the end of the hall and she stops, just watching him. He catches sight of her watching him and smiles at her. The instant he does, Carol darts into another room out of his sight.

Cut to show Mark opening the door to Nina's office. Nina is at her desk and working, but, she stops and smiles when she sees Mark come in.

Nina (cheerfully):
Hi!

Mark (quietly):
Hi. I was wondering if we could talk?

Nina (motions him to a chair):
That's what I do! What's on your mind?

Mark:
I wanted us to talk about Colt.

Nina (shrugs):
What about him?

Mark:
Well, I was just thinking about him coming back to Chicago and how much time the two of you would spend together and...well, I guess the real problem is that I don't think I can compete with him.

Nina:
Nobody's asking you to.

Mark:
Oh, come on, Nina! Look at him and look at me! There's no comparison.

Nina:
I'll admit that Colt is VERY easy on the eyes. He always was. That was one of the things that first attracted me to him. But, Mark, looks aren't everything. And that's about all Colt has. You have all the qualities I'm looking for in a man.

Mark (surprised):
I do?

Nina (laughs):
Of course, Silly! You're kind and caring, you're considerate and fun to be with. But the most important quality you have is that you listen to me. You make me an equal. I'm not some fancy ornament for you to wear on your arm. Colt didn't want me to have a career. You support my career. In my eyes, Colt can't compete with YOU!

Mark (chuckles):
I guess I'm acting like a jerk, huh?

Nina:
No, I wouldn't say that.

Mark:
What I'm acting like a jerk in love. I am in love with you, Nina.

Nina (smiles, walks around the desk and puts her arms around him):
I know...and I love you, too.

Mark:
I guess we're gonna have to do something about that, aren't we?

Nina:
We will...when the time is right.

Cut back to Doug writing on a chart in an exam room. Show Carol come by the door and stop.

Carol:
Hey.

Doug (looks up):
Hey. Everything OK?

Carol:
I'm sorry I yelled at you.

Doug (smiles):
It's OK.

Carol:
Did you talk to Scott?

Doug (chuckles):
Oh, yeah!

Carol:
What did he want?

Doug:
He wanted to talk about sex.

Carol:
Oh, God! He's only 12!

Doug:
He was just asking...I don't think he's too serious about it yet. He just wanted to know about kissing and girls and things...how old was I...stuff like that.

Carol:
How did you do with it?

Doug:
I think I did OK. I didn't let him throw me much, but, I tell you, Carol, it wasn't easy! I'm gonna take him some brochures from here and if he has more questions, he can ask me.

Carol:
God, they're growing up so fast.

Doug:
TOO fast.

Carol:
Well, listen, I'm going on home, OK? And I'll start dinner. Will you be late?

Doug:
No, I'm leaving right at six and I'll come straight home.

Carol (nods):
OK...I'll see you then.

Carol disappears from the doorway and Doug picks up his files to start out himself. He passes Mark coming down the hall, smiling, and whistling.

Doug:
Well, somebody's in a good mood!

Mark:
Somebody has a reason to be!

Doug:
I take it things went well with Nina.

Mark (smiles):
You take it right!

Doug goes on to his office chuckling. Show Greg Powell watching Doug with an evil eye from a distance and Fade Act Four to Black.

Closing Act

Scene opens at the Center. Doug is making his last minute checks to leave for the night. He starts to go into Mark's office and tell him good night, but, he hears happy noises coming from inside the door and thinks better of it. He shakes his head with a smile and goes on down the hall. Vickie is gone already. Doug punches the elevator button and waits for the car to come and get him. He gets in, punches a button and the door closes him off from the office. Cut to show the door opening on the first floor and Doug stepping out. Courtney is gone and the front doors are locked. Doug goes down the hallway to the back doors and goes out into the parking lot. He gets about three steps from his car and starts to open the door.

Justin (steps out of the shadows):
Dr. Ross? Can I talk to you a minute?

Doug (turns quickly to the voice):
Justin? Sure! What's on your mind?

Justin:
Well, I was just thinking about some of the things you said today...I remember that Loyota basketball player. Do you really think something like that could happen to me?

Doug:
I'm not a Cardiologist, Justin. I can't say anything for sure. All I can tell you is what I found. It's your decision to check it out further.

Justin:
I love to play football. I can't imagine my life without it.

Doug:
Well, you might not have to give it up. Some problems can be corrected with medicine or diet. All I'm asking you to do is have it checked. A Cardiologist will be able to tell you more.

Justin:
This is my senior year. If I'm going to get into a good college, I really need to have a good year.

Doug:
Well, let's say nothing happens to you this year and you do OK. And next year you go to college. What do you think is going to happen?
(Justin shrugs)
You'll never pass an NCAA physical. You think I'm tough? Just wait until those guys get through with you. And when you don't pass the physical, what happens? You lose your scholarship and it's all over. This way, at least, if the problem can be corrected, there'll be time to do that. And then maybe you can still go to college on a scholarship.

Justin:
I guess there's a lot of things I need to talk about. I just can't talk to my Dad...he just refuses to believe that anything could be wrong with me.

Doug:
Then, talk to somebody else. Talk to your Mother, or your Coach, or a Counselor...anybody that can help you. You seem like you're a smart kid, Justin. I know you'll do the right thing.

Justin:
You're tough, Dr. Ross. No wonder everybody says you're the best.

Doug (laughs, opens the car door):
I'm not the best, Justin. I'm just bull headed. You let me know what happens, OK?

Justin (nods):
You got it, Dr. Ross. I'll be in touch. Thanks.

Doug gets in his car and watches Justin get into a sports car and drive away. Then, Doug drives carefully into traffic.

Cut to the Ross home. Show Carol setting the dining room table with two plates and then lighting candles. She steps back to view everything and nods a satisfied nod that everything is the way she wants it. She goes into the kitchen and brings the food out, one plate at a time, to set it on the table.

Cut to show Doug coming in the front door. The house is very dimly lit and this surprises him.

Doug (calls out):
Carol?

Carol (off camera):
I'm in the dining room!

Doug goes slowly down the hall and turns into the dining room. His eyes register great surprise when he sees what is going on there.

Doug:
What's all this?

Carol:
Something special.

Doug:
Are you making up for yelling at me?

Carol:
Well, OK, that too, but, it wasn't the original intention!

Doug (tasting from his plate):
This is all my favorite things...
(walks over and puts his arms around her, kissing her sweetly)
Thank you.

Carol (smiles):
It's the least I could do.

Doug:
So, do I want to eat first? Or are you gonna tell me what all this is about first?

Carol:
I think you better sit down before I tell you.

Doug (rolls his eyes):
Uh oh!
(he looks behind him and slips into a chair, pulling Carol onto his lap with him)
OK. I'm sitting down.

Carol (looks him in the eye with an enthusiastic smile):
I'm pregnant.

Doug (taken aback):
What? Are you sure?

Carol:
I had a positive EPT and went to see Stephanie...she called me this afternoon and told me for sure.

Doug:
Happened at the Poconos, didn't it?

Carol (nods):
I'm pretty sure!
(giggles)
Are you mad?

Doug:
Mad? No! I'm not mad! It just seems so soon after Marc...

Carol:
Well, we talked about that. I want our children close together!

Doug (kisses her):
At least the nursery is already fixed and we can move it in there with Marc for a while.

Carol:
If it's another boy, they can have bunk bed and everything. And even if it's a girl, they can still share a room for a long time. We'll be fine.

Doug:
And what if you want another one after that? We're gonna run out of bedrooms eventually.

Carol:
We'll worry about that later. Let's just worry about one at a time.

Doug:
Am I wrong, or are there no kids here tonight?

Carol:
No kids...your Mother came and took them. It's just us for a while tonight.

Doug (chuckles):
Well, then, let's make the best of it.

Carol (kisses him):
I was counting on you to say that.

Focus on them wrapped in each other's arms and sweetly kissing each other and fade into closing credits of the show.

March 11, 1998