Episode 6
SCENE ONE -- INT. - HORTON HOUSE - AFTERNOON
It is about ten days after the previous episode. JACK is running errands and ABIGAIL is at school. ALICE and JENNIFER are sitting in the living room when HOPE enters from the foyer.
HOPE: Well I got JT back down. Where were we?
ALICE: You're resting now dear.
JENNIFER: I had honestly forgotten how exhausting moving can be.
HOPE: (heaving herself onto the couch next to JENNIFER) And we haven't even tackled the attic.
JENNIFER: (sighs and rubs her temples) Don't remind me. I'm thinking of leaving it all here for grandma.
ALICE: (patting JENNIFER'S hand) I have no need for it darling. Besides I think there's some things up there still from when you and Jack lived here with us before Abby was born.
JENNIFER: Really Grandma? I thought we brought everything when we moved into our house. Of course, it's not like we had much at that point.
ALICE: Oh that apartment of yours was a little small.
JENNIFER: Small? (laughs) It was practically the size of our bathroom in the penthouse. (smiles wistfully) But I loved it there.
HOPE: I still can't imagine Jack Deveraux in an apartment. You'll have to give me the guided tour someday.
JENNIFER: I'd love to Hope, but that place has to have been condemned years ago. (everyone laughs) Now I think (stands up) that I better start on the attic ... Hope?
HOPE: I'll be up in a minute.
JENNIFER nods and walks toward the stairs.
ALICE: Are you going to tell me what's troubling you dear or must I guess?
OUT on HOPE'S stunned reaction
SCENE TWO -- IN PROGRESS.
HOPE: (raises a hand to her forehead and then pushes the hand through her hair.) A lot of things are troubling me Gram. But some of them - well nevermind. (BEAT) I don't understand how you can be so calm about all of this.
ALICE: All of what, dear?
HOPE: This (lowers her voice and points up the stairs) Jack and Jen moving in together. Doesn't it seem strange to you?
ALICE: Not for Jack and Jennifer, no. (sips her tea) You must have figured out by now that this is how they work.
HOPE: You call this working? Gram, in Paris one minute they're hot, the next they're cold.
ALICE: What do you mean?
HOPE: I - they bicker like children for an hour and then they dance the tango like two adults who have been together forever.
ALICE just nods
HOPE: (CONT.) There's something odd here Gram, I just haven't figured out. It's like they're hiding something or from something.
ALICE: Now dear, don't worry so much about Jack and Jennifer's problems. Jack and Jennifer will be fine, they will. Perhaps you're just redirecting ... your ... own feelings? (BEAT) Are you sure there's nothing you want to tell me?
HOPE: Uh ... no Gram. I'd better just go help Jen.
ALICE: I'll be up in a bit.
HOPE: Take your time.
HOPE goes up the stairs
ALICE: (looking after her) What am I going to do with those granddaughters of mine?
SCENE THREE - INT. - CAR - AFTERNOON
JACK and ABIGAIL are driving along in the car
ABIGAIL: What are we going to do today daddy?
JACK: Do?
ABIGAIL: Yeah, so far we've gone to the movies, the library, the park and the zoo. So what are we going to do today?
JACK: Well this afternoon we're going to stay home and help mommy.
ABIGAIL: With the packing?
JACK: Yes. She, Grandma and Cousin Hope have been working hard all day and we need to go and help.
ABIGAIL: Where have you been all day?
JACK: (glancing over at her. He is slightly unnerved by his daughter's perceptiveness.) You're awfully inquisitive today, Miss Abigail, just like your mommy.
ABIGAIL: And you're not answering the question (BEAT) just like you do with mommy.
JACK: (floored) I - uh - did mommy say that?
ABIGAIL: Nope. I watch you do it. (BEAT) So what did you do today?
JACK: (makes a slight face) Persistent too ... let's just say that daddy was taking care of stuff for the house.
ABIGAIL: For the house? Like decorations?
JACK: No honey. Like ways to pay for it. You have to have money to buy things for a house.
ABIGAIL: Mommy says that money can't buy everything you need.
JACK: (smiling) And your mommy is right. But it certainly helps when you can buy the things you want.
Pulling into the driveway.
ABIGAIL: I don't know daddy. I think mommy is right.
JACK: (turning off the car and undoing his and ABIGAIL'S seatbelts) Why is that princess?
ABIGAIL: 'Cause my teacher said the same thing. (BEAT) And Grandma Jo says it and Grandma Alice too. You must be the only one who likes money daddy.
JACK: (laughing) Oh no. Everyone likes the things you buy with money. Most people just don't like to admit it. You like your dollhouse, right? (ABIGAIL nods) Well mommy and daddy had to buy it with money. (ABIGAIL looks skeptical) Daddy was trying to get work and everything else in order. And work - well this thing I was doing - it's far more important than just the money you make doing it. Do you understand that Abigail?
ABIGAIL: Not really daddy, but if you say so I believe you. (reaches over and hugs him) I'm gonna go have my snack now so we can help mommy.
ABIGAIL opens her door and climbs out of the car.
JACK opens his door and gets out of the car. JACK sighs and walks slowly toward the house. He pauses briefly and pulls a piece of paper out of his shirt pocket. He reads it and then crumples it up and shoves it into the pocket of his pants and then walks into the house.
JACK: Mrs. Horton, what are you doing?
ALICE: Jack, darling, hello. I just sent your little wild child into the kitchen for a snack.
JACK: Were you getting ready to climb the stairs?
ALICE: Of course. I'm going to the attic to help Jennifer and Hope.
JACK: Well you're not going by yourself. (calling) Abigail, bring your snack. We're going upstairs with Grandma.
ALICE: Jack, I am not an invalid.
JACK: Did I say you were? (BEAT) But there's no reason to tempt fate either Mrs. Horton.
ALICE: (smiling) You're as stubborn as my granddaughter.
ABIGAIL runs in carrying a juice box and a banana
JACK: (also smiling) And wouldn't I have to be to have put up with her for this long. (BEAT) Besides she gets that stubbornness from a feisty grandmother I know.
ABIGAIL: I know, I know. (she waves her hand)
JACK: (amused) What do you know?
ABIGAIL: Grandma Alice.
JACK and ALICE look at each other
JACK: Well she's not the only feisty Grandma you have, but you're right this time. So tell me Miss Piggle Wiggle, do you know the way to the attic?
ABIGAIL: Of course daddy. (sips her juice)
JACK: Then lead the way. (To ALICE) Shall we Mrs. Horton?
OUT on JACK and ALICE heading up the steps
SCENE FOUR - INT. - ATTIC
JENNIFER and HOPE are in the attic. The radio is on and it is blaring music from the mid-80s.
HOPE: Oh my God Jen, you have to play this one next. (holds up a tape)
JENNIFER: (grabbing it - eyes widening) I can't believe I still have this.
HOPE: I can't believe you still have any of this. (opening a box marked "Jen's") What in the world were you thinking (holds up a dress) when you bought this?
JENNIFER: (shakes her head) I don't know, but if you think the dress is bad, you should have seen my hair. I promise it was worse.
They both giggle. HOPE continues to dig through the boxes, while JENNIFER separates.
HOPE: What's this?
JENNIFER: (facing her) What?
JACK, ALICE and ABIGAIL appear
HOPE: It's a tape marked, "All I Have".
JENNIFER smiles
JACK: (dryly) As I recall, that was a sickeningly sweet song about someone who has found everything she needs in the person she loves.
JENNIFER: (turning to face him, her smile is enormous) You didn't seem to mind dancing to it at our reception.
JACK: I had laryngytis. I couldn't say no.
JENNIFER: You didn't have it at the wedding and as I recall, I played it for you and asked you if you liked it and you nodded your head emphatically.
JACK: Yes well (plucks the tape from HOPE'S hand and places it in his shirt pocket) It's no "Peter and the Wolf" but it was an okay song.
JENNIFER: (smirking) Are you here to help or merely to pass judgement on the music?
JACK: (looking intently at the radio, he makes a face) This is music?
ABIGAIL: (slurping her juice) We're here to help, mommy.
JENNIFER: (reaching up for ABIGAIL and hugging her) Good. Mmmm ... that's a nice hug. (BEAT) How was school baby?
ABIGAIL: Oh we had so much fun. Our teacher did some experiments and in music I got to play the bells and soon we're going to plant a garden.
JENNIFER: Well my goodness, it sounds like you were busy. (ABIGAIL nods) Are you sure you're up to helping?
ABIGAIL: Uh huh.
JACK and JENNIFER smile at each other over ABIGAIL'S head
JENNIFER: Well, why don't you and daddy and grandma head over to that corner and -
JACK: Uh ... Jennifer (shakes his head)
JENNIFER: What?
JACK: I just - I don't think I should be going through your things - old love letters from Francoise and others. It would be much better if I just supervise all activity instead.
JENNIFER: (sarcastically) Well you always were the bossy type Jack.
JACK: Yes I've always - wait a second that wasn't a compliment.
JENNIFER winks at HOPE and then walks over and changes the music on the radio. She finds a classical music station.
JENNIFER: (teasing) I think we've got some pillows in the other corner if anyone falls asleep.
OUT on everyone's merriment
SCENE FIVE - INT. - ATTIC
It is some time later and ALICE has gone down to take a nap and HOPE has gone home with JT to start dinner for her family. JACK, JENNIFER and ABIGAIL are still going through things in the attic.
ABIGAIL: (glancing behind some boxes) Oooh ... what's this mommy? Is it ours?
JENNIFER: What is what Abby?
JACK is fiddling with the radio again looking for something new. He finally settles on a jazz station.
ABIGAIL: There's a big, wooden box back here mommy.
JENNIFER: (looking at JACK) Big wooden box? Oh ... oh Jack, you don't think ... I asked them to get rid of it for me.
JACK: (sadly - softly) That upset with me. (BEAT) I can't say that I blame you though. (Holds out his hand to her and helps her stand) I suppose there's only one way to find out Miss H.
They walk over to where ABIGAIL is standing and move boxes to discover a hope chest.
ABIGAIL: (grabs JACK'S arm and jumps up and down) What is it? What is it?
JACK: Just a second Abigail. (To JENNIFER) I still say she takes after you. (unwraps ABIGAIL'S fingers from his arm) Abigail ... Abigail let me drag it out here to the middle.
JACK and JENNIFER struggle to pull the hope chest out to an open space. JENNIFER is near tears and ABIGAIL is very excited.
JENNIFER: (emotional) Oh Jack, I thought - I thought I'd lost all of this.
JACK: It looks rather promising, doesn't it?
JENNIFER: I can't believe Grandma saved it for me.
JACK: I can.
They both kneel down in front of the chest. ABIGAIL runs around and stands behind them, a hand on each of their shoulders. JENNIFER runs her hand along the lid.
ABIGAIL: (exasperated) Open it please!
Slowly and almost reverently JACK and JENNIFER lift the lid on the chest. It is their hope chest.
ABIGAIL: What is this?
OUT on ABIGAIL wide-eyed
SCENE SIX -- IN PROGRESS.
JACK: (looking at ABIGAIL) This, Abigail Johanna, is mommy's toy chest.
ABIGAIL: (looking skeptically at the chest) It doesn't look like there's a lot of toys in there.
JENNIFER: (finding her voice) These are mommy's toys that daddy gave her.
ABIGAIL: (still looking at the chest, then at JENNIFER) Why are you crying mommy? Do they make you sad?
JENNIFER: No baby, I thought I'd lost them and now I'm happy because they're here.
ABIGAIL: (sitting on JENNIFER'S lap and wrapping an arm around her neck) Oh, kinda like when I lost Mr. Moo and then you found him?
JACK: Kinda like Abigail.
ABIGAIL: (looking at the toy chest again) There's so many things in there, pictures and dolls and all sorts of other things. Will you tell me about them?
JENNIFER: Uh ... well not now ... it's almost time for dinner.
JACK: That's right (taps his index finger on his lip thinking) but I have an idea and I think mommy will agree it is a good one.
JENNIFER: Oh really?
JACK: Yeah, I've been known to have one or two in my lifetime. (To ABIGAIL) Come here princess.
ABIGAIL climbs over to his lap. JACK leans over and whispers something to her. ABIGAIL'S eyes widen and she claps her hands together in excitement.
ABIGAIL: I think you're really going to like this idea mommy.
ABIGAIL leans over and picks out the firetruck from the chest and then turns to leave.
JACK: (stopping her) Uh, wait a second. (picks up the bride and the fireman) It's a matching set.
ABIGAIL smiles and then rushes from the attic
JENNIFER: What are you up to now Jack?
JACK: (standing up and pulling JENNIFER with him) All good things come to those who wait, Jennifer. (stops when he notices her slightly mussed hair from working and some dust on her cheek. He wipes it away and then gives her a small kiss.) Now tell me (drapes an arm around her shoulder) What exactly am I making for dinner?
OUT on them walking out of the attic, laughing.
SCENE SEVEN --INT. - ABIGAIL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
It is later that evening and JACK and JENNIFER are putting ABIGAIL tp sleep. The firetruck is on the nightstand and the dolls are on the bed.
ABIGAIL: Okay daddy, time for the story.
JACK: (sitting on the bed next to her) Story? (looks around) Am I supposed to be telling a story?
ABIGAIL: (exasperated) Daddy!
JENNIFER is confused but amused by JACK and ABIGAIL'S discussion
JENNIFER: (sitting in front of JACK on the bed) What story do you want us to read to you tonight, baby?
ABIGAIL: The firetruck story. (JENNIFER seems confused) Daddy said that if I picked out one thing from your toy chest every night then you two would tell me the stories until we run out of things.
JACK: Of course then we're welcome to start filling it up again and we'll have new stories.
JENNIFER: (eyes brimming with tears) I think (kisses ABIGAIL'S cheek and takes JACK'S hand) that this is one of daddy's best ideas ever.
JACK: Ever?
JENNIFER: (mouths the word) Ever.
JACK: (staring at her with love) Thank you. (suddenly remembering ABIGAIL) And now princess, shall we tell you the story of how I , your daddy, Jack Deveraux, former king of the Spectator, saved your mother, defector of the crown from the evil emporer of bad hair -
JENNIFER: Jack!
JACK: No, not Jack. I have always had great hair.
JENNIFER: Jack (She and ABIGAIL laugh)
JACK: Well, okay there was that period in the summer of '92 where it was not that great -
JENNIFER'S eyes grow wide and ABIGAIL giggles even louder
JACK: (CONT.) As I was saying. I had to save your mother from marrying the evil Emilio.
JENNIFER: He wasn't evil Jack.
JACK: Creative license.
JENNIFER: (looking at ABIGAIL) Daddy has a loose hold on reality, so I think mommy should start the story so that there is at least some basis in truth.
JACK: (laughing) Hey I'm a newspaper man, the truth the whole truth and ... well perhaps you'd better just start the story Jennifer.
JENNIFER: (smiling) It all started when I was working at the Spectator.
ABIGAIL: Daddy's newspaper?
JENNIFER: Yes. Daddy and I didn't really know each other. But he was the new owner and so when I went in to see my friend Diana -
DISSOLVE TO: JACK and JENNIFER'S first meeting at the SPECTATOR.
JENNIFER: Diana?
THE CHAIR SPINS AROUND AND JACK IS SITTING THERE.
JACK: Come in.
JENNIFER: Er....hi.
JACK: What can I do for you?
JENNIFER: Nothing. There's nothing that you can do for me. I must have made some sort of mistake.
JACK: Oh no, no, no. No mistake made. There's standing orders to send anything blonde and under thirty into me. (Beat) That is a joke....Miss Horton. You can laugh or maybe even attempt to smile.
JENNIFER: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt anything. I was looking for Diana.
JACK: Well she's not here today. She's at the hospital. Of course you've heard about Caroline Brady?
JENNIFER: Oh, yes, yes. You know what, I'll come back at another time.
JACK: No, no, no, no. Don't go. I'm sure you wanted to talk to Diana about something. Maybe about the paper?
JENNIFER: Um, sort of, yeah. I just wanted to talk to her about an article that I was thinking about writing.
JACK: Well tell me all about your article.
JENNIFER: Um....
JACK: Cup of coffee?
JENNIFER: No thanks. I just really wanted to talk to Diana about it.
JACK: Diana's not in charge here. I am.
JENNIFER: Well she's still the editor of the paper.
JACK: She owns 49 percent of the paper. I own 51. I don't know, you tell me. Who's got the upper hand?
JENNIFER: I don't really know. I'd just rather wait and talk to Diana, that's all.
JACK: The idea must be pretty weak.
JENNIFER: What makes you say that?
JACK: Well, you obviously don't have enough faith in it to tell somebody who's not going to give you Brownie points just because they're....your friend.
JENNIFER: Well you're wrong because I happen to think that my idea would be a fantastic story.
JACK: Good. That's a good start. Now, if you want to see your article in print, convince me.
**********
JACK: So, you want to write a story about a horse?
JENNIFER: Well not just one. You see I'd like to do a whole series. I would like to take this one horse's career and just follow it from the day she started training all the way up to her first win.
JACK: It doesn't sound like news to me.
JENNIFER: Well I know that it's not page one material but it's the kind of feature that people get caught up in, you know. And with the race at the end, the drama is built right in. And anyone who's ever taken Journalism 101 knows that the only thing that sells more papers than pictures of babies, is pictures of animals.
JACK: I'm not wild about either. But you've made your point. Go on.
JENNIFER: Um, well I don't know what else to tell you. I mean, it's a good story.
JACK: It's not a story. There's no angle. You've got this little....little horse who at some point or other is going to run a race.
JENNIFER: Um, what if I told you that this horse already ran and won?
JACK: What are you saying? They put him out to pasture and now he's going to make a comeback?
JENNIFER: You see, in a way. They kind of wrote her off the books when she hurt her leg but then someone came along who had enough faith to put her back in shape. Now he's ready to put that all on the line again. What do you think about that?
JACK: I think it's about the sappiest, most sentimental story I've ever heard. (Beat) It'll work.
JENNIFER: Really. You're going to okay this.
JACK: No, no, no. Not so fast. You've got to think about something that 101 didn't prepare you for. The money.
JENNIFER: Yeah, er, I need some money for my trip.
JACK: Trip?
JENNIFER: Well the race tracks in Florida.
JACK: (Laughing) Oh well you better be prepared to stay in some of the cheapest fleabag no-tell motels on the Eastern Seaboard.
JENNIFER: I don't care. I don't care. As long as we have a deal.
JACK: Okay. I'll put it in writing if you will. Cash on delivery of course. (Beat)
JACK (CONT.): Now tell me, why are you so interested in horses?
JENNIFER: Ah....because it's very interesting.
JACK: Hmmm. To bookies and greasy old men maybe but most women aren't interested in sports unless there's a man involved. Of course I know you're an exception to the rule.
JENNIFER: Ah, thanks for everything.
JACK: No, no. One more thing. What's the horse's name?
JENNIFER: (Beat) Ah....Jennifer's Beauty.
JENNIFER RUSHES OUT OF THE OFFICE.
JACK: (Intrigued) She certainly is.
FADES BACK TO: JACK smiling
ABIGAIL: What did you think of each other?
JACK and JENNIFER look at each other, knowing it wasn't exactly love at first sight for either of them, but that it was a day they'd never forget.
JACK: Your mother was interesting and smart (turns to ABIGAIL) and very pretty. I could tell she'd be a lot of trouble.
JENNIFER: And your father was bossy and a bit scary, but he was willing to help me learn and I appreciated his help.
ABIGAIL: What happened next?
ABIGAIL hops into JACK'S lap and JACK leans back against the headboard. JENNIFER scoots over so that she's sitting beside them and takes ABIGAIL'S hand.
JACK: So I began to teach you mother the tools of the newspaper trade.
JENNIFER: And we became friends.
JACK: Yes, yes we did and it was great and all was fine, me the boss, your mother the employee, until that fateful day when everything changed.
OUT on ABIGAIL'S excitement.
SCENE EIGHT -- IN PROGRESS.
ABIGAIL: (looking at both of them) Did the evil Emilio kidnap you mommy?
JENNIFER: (laughing) Uh no. We leave that to your father.
JACK: Now, now, you're getting ahead in our little story Jennifer. You see Abigail, your mother had another friend, the macho, long haired Emilio.
ABIGAIL: And you didn't like him very much daddy?
JACK: Well, my pet, he wasn't my favorite person, but he is not part of our story yet. Anyway the day I was referring to as the day that changed our lives was the one when your mother left her small cubicle and uncomfortable chair in the noble newsroom for the wasteland of television and all of its glamorous trappings -- a big desk and cushy chair. (sighs)
JENNIFER: It wasn't quite like that Jack. (BEAT) As I recall you practically forced -
JACK: (shaking his head) There's no need to tell the child those rumors. So we were no longer working together everyday but we still saw each other a lot. And one day your mother had had enough of my silly games and she agreed to marry Emilio.
DISSOLVE TO: JENNIFER accepting EMILIO'S proposal as JACK watches on the television. JACK and JENNIFER'S dance and her tearful confrontation with him.
JENNIFER: (In tears) I want you to put this on my finger.
EMILIO: You mean you're going to.
JENNIFER: Yes, yes. I'll marry you.
JACK'S MOUTH IS WIDE OPEN IN SHOCK AS HE HEARS EMILIO TELL JENNIFER THAT HE LOVES HER. JACK TURNS THE TV OFF AND RUNS OUT THE DOOR.
JACK: DAMN!
**********
JACK: I never knew that you were going to go out and get engaged tonight!
JENNIFER: Why not? Why shouldn't I marry Emilio? He's kind and he's considerate and he loves me. You on the other hand, you don't even have the decency to reject me to my face!
JACK: WILL YOU STOP TALKING ABOUT THE DAMN NOTE! WE'RE TALKING ABOUT YOUR LIFE. THAT'S WHAT'S IMPORTANT!
JENNIFER: I'M NOT TALKING TO YOU ABOUT MY LIFE. I MADE A DECISION AND I'M MARRYING EMILIO AND THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT JACK!
JACK IS IN AS MUCH PAIN AS JENNIFER.
JACK: Okay. Alright, alright! Okay. Let's take a breath here. Just give me a chance to get out of this as gracefully as possible, alright. But before I do, I'd like to ask one small favor. As your ex-boss....ah....would you do me the honor of maybe a....farewell dance?
JENNIFER: There's no music Jack.
JACK: Well we'll....let's do what we always do. Let's make it up as we go along.
HE MOVES TO THE CENTER OF THE DANCE FLOOR AND EXTENDS HIS ARMS, AND ATTEMPTS A HALF-HEARTED SMILE.
JENNIFER HESITATES FOR A FEW MOMENTS. BUT LOOKING INTO EACH OTHER'S EYES SHE IS UNABLE TO RESIST; SHE WALKS TOWARDS HIM AND TAKES HIS HANDS.
HE WRAPS HIS ARMS AROUND HER, AND RESTS HIS CHIN NEXT TO HER HEAD; SHE IS UNABLE TO SEE THE LOVE IN HIS EYES, AND THE PAIN HE IS FEELING, AS HE IS TRYING TO HOLD BACK HIS TEARS. SHE BURIES HER HEAD IN HIS CHEST, ALSO ON THE VERGE OF CRYING. AN INSTRUMENTAL OF THE SONG WHEN I FALL IN LOVE BEGINS TO PLAY.
JENNIFER: You shouldn't have come here Jack.
JACK: (With deep love) I had to.
JENNIFER: Why?
JACK: (A faint laugh) I.... ah.... guess hearing you say I do to Emilio did something to me. It made me realize that I had to come down here and stop you from going through with it.
JENNIFER: (Pleading, hoping that Jack will finally open up.) Why? Why don't you want me to marry him?
JACK: You ask too many questions.
JENNIFER: That's because you keep evading me. Tell me Jack.
JACK: Oooh Emilio is just not the right guy for you.
JENNIFER STEPS BACK. SHE CAN NO LONGER BEAR THE CLOSENESS, AND IS STILL HOPING THAT JACK WILL TELL HER HOW HE FEELS. HER EYES ARE FILLED WITH TEARS. THEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER.
JENNIFER: (Pleading) Then who is? Come on Jack. I've asked you this question before and you've still haven't given me an answer.
JACK: (With deep love in his voice) Jennifer, the point is that you are a very special person. Very talented and you're very beautiful. And you deserve....you deserve somebody that's going to appreciate that. (Beat) You don't deserve Emilio. You deserve a whole lot more.
JACK GOES TO WALK OUT.
JENNIFER: (Crying) Jack why can't you just say it?
JACK: (Turning to look at her, not doing a good job pretending he knows what she means.) Say what?
JENNIFER: You know what! That you think you're the man who can appreciate me. That you think you're the right man for me. I know you do.
JACK: No I don't.
JENNIFER: Damn it Jack! I'm giving you another chance. I swore that I wouldn't but I am. (Crying) I don't know why. I should have some pride but I don't. All I have is what I feel.
JACK: Look Jennifer you....
JENNIFER: (Practically sobbing) Alright, just let me talk! If you can't or won't admit what you feel for me then it's over. I don't want to fight with you anymore. It hurts too much. It's like losing something that you never get back. And I've lost enough already. If I lose anymore I won't have anything else to give to you or anybody else. So you just have to tell me, do you want me or not Jack?
JACK LOOKS AT HER WITH TEARS IN HIS EYES BUT SAYS NOTHING. HE WANTS TO TELL HER, AND HE HATES HURTING HER, BUT HE CANNOT BECAUSE HE BELIEVES HE WILL HURT HER. SHE BEGINS TO CRY.
JENNIFER: Just leave okay. Just get out of here. Just leave me alone and get out of my life Jack.
FADE TO: JENNIFER looking down at ABIGAIL.
ABIGAIL: But you didn't give up daddy?
OUT on JACK smiling at JENNIFER
SCENE NINE -- IN PROGRESS.
JENNIFER: No daddy didn't give up, but he wouldn't give in either.
ABIGAIL looks at them with confusion
JACK: Your mother was stubborn. I tried and tried to convince her that marrying Emilio wasn't a good idea, but she insisted.
ABIGAIL looks to JENNIFER for a response
JENNIFER: Well that's because daddy refused to tell me the one thing that I wanted to hear. (she takes ABIGAIL'S chin in her hand) If he would have said, "I love you" or even, "Hey Jennifer, give me a try" I would have called off my wedding, but (BEAT) he didn't.
ABIGAIL: Daddy, how could you?
JACK: Let's not all gang up on daddy. I've made up for it since then. (BEAT) May I have permission to continue princess?
ABIGAIL: Does it have a good ending?
JENNIFER: Eventually, but your daddy and mommy were a little slow. (she winks at JACK)
JACK: I'll take that as permission granted. (BEAT) Soon, it was the day of your mother's wedding. I had tried everything I was capable of at the time, but it was all to no avail. She was still determined to go through with the wedding.
ABIGAIL: But you stopped her?
JACK: Of course. I had a plan.
JENNIFER: An insane plan.
JACK: (smirks) But a plan nonetheless. Vern and -
ABIGAIL: Uncle Vern helped?
JACK: Yes.
ABIGAIL: Why didn't he tell me the story. He tells such great stories.
JACK: Well then maybe we should let him finish it the next time -
ABIGAIL: (patting his arm) Oh no, that's okay. You're doing a great job, daddy. (flashes him a grin)
JACK: Never could resist that grin (kisses her) So we dressed up as firemen and made it look like the church was on fire.
ABIGAIL: How did you do that?
JACK: That's not important, here's the important part -
DISSOLVE TO: JACK bursting into JENNIFER'S room at the church. His "rescue" of her and their trip on the firetruck.
JENNIFER STOPS AND LOOKS AGAIN INTO THE FULL-LENGTH MIRROR. SHE IS ON THE VERGE OF TEARS, AND IS HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS. SHE TELLS HERSELF THAT SHE IS DOING THE RIGHT THING AND THAT SHE *IS* GETTING MARRIED. WITH HER NEW DETERMINATION, THOUGH IT IS OBVIOUS SHE STILL DOES NOT WANT THIS, SHE GOES TO THE DOOR. SHE TRIES TO OPEN IT BUT IT IS LOCKED. SUDDENLY A FIREMAN KICKS OPEN THE BACK DOOR. HE IS WEARING A FULL FIREMAN OUTFIT, HARD HAT, AND MASK WITH AN OXYGEN-MASK. IT IS JACK; BUT SHE DOES NOT RECOGNIZE HIM. THE MASK COVERS HIS MOUTH AND THEREFORE MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR HER TO RECOGNIZE HIS VOICE; HE IS ALSO DISGUISING IT.
JACK: You there, come on, let's go.
JENNIFER: What do you mean?
JACK: Come on, let's go.
JACK PICKS HER UP OVER HIS SHOULDER AND STARTS TO CARRY HER OUT OF THE ROOM.
JENNIFER: Whoa, what are you doing?
JACK: Ma'am this place is on fire. It's burning down.
JENNIFER: What fire? Wait, wait, just let me down please.
JACK: Alright, put this on.
HE HANDS HER A PROTECTIVE FACE MASK.
JENNIFER: You don't understand. I'm getting married right now.
JACK: Not in the middle of a towering inferno, you're not.
**********
JENNIFER: What about my family? I have to take car of my family.Where are we going?
JACK: Higher ground ma'am. Higher ground.
JENNIFER: What do you mean, higher ground?
JACK: Don't worry everything's in good hands.
JENNIFER: I want to know what's going on before you take me anyplace.
HE PUTS HER BACK ON HER FEET AT THE BACK OF THE FIRE TRUCK WHERE ADALMATIAN IS STANDING.
JACK: Sorry ma'am, hop up!
SHE RIPS THE MASK OFF HER FACE.
JENNIFER: What do you mean, hop up?
JACK: Let me help you.
JENNIFER: I don't want help. I want to know what's going on.
JACK: Ma'am, if you do not co-operate with the rescue procedures, I will be forced to take drastic measures.
JENNIFER: I don't want to hear it. I don't want to co-operate.
*********
JENNIFER: Alright, if there is a fire, where are all the other firemen that are supposed to be on this truck?
JACK: Why ma'am, they're out back helping with the evacuations. Hit it Bradley!
JENNIFER: No, hold it! Alright, alright, if there is a fire, okay,why are you telling the truck to leave the scene of the emergency? And howcome if we are just seconds from incineration, there is no smoke, there's no flames, there's no horns, there's b, there's no fire trucks,there's b, there's no (Finally realizing who it is.) ....JACK!
JACK: Wait a minute, (Looking around) Jack who?
JENNIFER: JACK, YOU!
SHE RIPS THE MASK OFF HIS FACE.
JACK: HIT IT BRADLEY, GOOOOOOOO!
JENNIFER: NO, NO, BRADLEY NO!
JACK: GO, GO, GO!
THE FIRE TRUCK PULLS OUT OF THE CHURCH YARD WITH JACK AND JENNIFER ON THE BACK BOTH SCREAMING. JENNIFER IS GRABBING AND SHAKING JACK WHILE HE CONTINUES TO SCREAM AT BRADLEY TO KEEP DRIVING. WE SEE THE TRUCK DRIVE DOWN THE CHURCH DRIVEWAY, JENNIFER IS YELLING AT JACK AND JACK IS SAYING SOMETHING BACK. JACK SEEMS TO BE ENJOYING THE WHOLE THING.
FADE TO: ABIGAIL looking up at JENNIFER disbelieving.
ABIGAIL: A real fire truck?
JENNIFER: Yes, baby.
ABIGAIL: Wow! (looks at JACK) I bet mommy was mad at you.
JACK: For a bit, but she couldn't stay mad for long.
ABIGAIL: So then you got married?
JENNIFER: No, not then. Not even soon after that. But that's another -
ABIGAIL: (JACK mouths along) Story for another night. (She kisses them both on the cheek. JENNIFER gets up to make room for her. JACK stands too and then they tuck her in) Thank you for my story. I can't wait for the next one.
JENNIFER walks around to the other side of the bed, smiling.
JENNFIER: And what do you think you'll pick out tomorrow for your story? (takes JACK'S hand)
ABIGAIL: I saw a board game in there about a doctor. Maybe we can play the game while you tell me the story.
JACK AND JENNIFER: (in unison) NO!
JENNIFER: I don't think that's supposed to be in there.
JACK: And if it is, you have to be forty before you can hear that story.
ABIGAIL: (giggling) You're so silly daddy. (waves at them) Goodnight, I love you.
JACK: I think that's our cue.
They walk hand in hand to the door. JENNIFER flicks off the light and they turn and face her again.
JENNIFER: Goodnight baby. Sweet dreams.
JACK: We love you.
ABIGAIL yawns and smiles. Then she snuggles into her pillow. JACK and JENNIFER exchange loving smiles and then close the door quietly.
OUT on the door closing
SCENE TEN -- INT. - HALLWAY
JACK'S arms are wrapped around JENNIFER'S waist as she faces him
JENNIFER: You have quite a way with words, Mr. D.
JACK: (making a face) I think that's a compliment.
JENNIFER: It is. (BEAT) It was fun telling her the story, huh?
JACK: Someday when she's older we can explain all of it to her.
JENNIFER: (hugging him close) I don't know about that Jack. I couldn't explain half of it to myself. Besides, I don't think we should tell her all of the details.
JACK: No? (leans back and looks at her) No, huh? I think you're right.
JENNIFER: The story made me - nevermind.
JACK: Tell me.
JENNIFER: (reluctantly) It makes me miss the old days. (laughs nervously) I know it's silly. It has been over ten years since we worked together at the Spectator, but sometimes I miss it more than I can say.
JACK: I understand. I miss the old place myself. (smiles) It was a great for finding adventures.
JENNIFER: Or for adventure to find us.
JACK: (kisses her softly on the lips) Well one never knows when one might find a little adventure again.
JENNIFER: (pulls her head back and eyes JACK) I don't know what you mean Jack.
JACK: Just that as Miss O'Hara says, tomorrow is another day and you never really know what it might bring. (JENNIFER rolls her eyes) Anyway, it's time for bed. (kisses her and then turns her around and sends her toward her room)
JENNIFER: (reaching the door and turning around) Aren't you going to tuck me in Jack?
JACK: (walking over) Hehehe, not tonight. I've got an early day tomorrow (BEAT) and my back needs a break if I'm going to be moving boxes this weekend.
JENNIFER: (pulls his face down to hers) That back excuse is the oldest one in the book.
JACK: (grinning) Goodnight Miss H.
JENNIFER: (gives him a long, lingering kiss) Goodnight Jack.
JENNIFER closes the door. JACK stares at it for a second, then turns and walks to his room. His hand is on the doorknob when he abruptly turns and marches back to JENNIFER'S door and opens it.
JACK: To hell with the back.
OUT on the door closing
END EPISODE SIX
Previous | Next
Home | Continuing Story | Short Stories | Links
