Forever, Part 14
(They continue to
drive and sing. Jake is as off key as ever. The boys are having a blast.
Everyone is laughing and getting all mixed up)
Nick: 54 bottles of milk on the wall... 54 bottles of milk...
Becca: Okay, I say Jake stops singing. He�s really bad.
Jake: Nice Becca. Nice. Just you want when you want someone to make you
a nice fire... We will see who is a bad singer.
N: Don't worry I will make you a fire and keep you warm.
B: I bet you will. (She winks at him playfully.)
J: Hey, you two keep it clean until the kids go. (He laughs.)
Vicky: (She looks at him again with that look.) Baby... I have to stop.
J: Vic, come on!! Again?? We just stopped not too long ago.
V: Blame it on your daughter. (she laughs). I am sorry.
J: WE are never going to get there.
B: Girl, tell that baby to get off your bladder!! My god this is the 3rd time.
Anyway, I think my little one has to make a pit stop too.
(They stop again. Everyone hops out and takes care of things. They all get back into
the car once again.)
J: Do you think you can make it up to the cabin without stopping again? (he kisses
her on lips.) You taste good. Just like hot chocolate. MMHHH.
V: I will try. (She snuggles up to him.)
N: Okay where did we leave off? Oh yeah, 54 bottles of milk . . .
(They continue to drive to the cabin without stopping again. Vicky has fallen asleep
while everyone else kept singing. Becca notices that Josh is zonked out too.
They decide to switch to the alphabet game.)
J: Okay does everyone know how to play?
Kirk: Jake, I don't know how to play.
N: It is easy, Kirk. We just pick a topic and then you have to name something
with that letter of the alphabet.
Steven: Okay, let me start. I say we pick animals. Okay I have
A... okay I say Antelope.
N: Okay, I will go next, I say Bears.. I hope we don't see any bears this
weekend...(he grabs Kirkland and tickles him.)
B: Okay how about cats?
J: See Kirkland it is easy... I will say dogs.
K: My turn. I got it. How about elephant?
J: Good job, little man.
(They continue to drive and play. Josh and Vicky both sleep for the rest of the
way.)
J: I am letting her sleep. She has had a rough time of things with this
lately. I want her to feel good about this trip.
B: You are the sweetest man. She is lucky to have you.
J: No, Bec, I am the lucky one. I am the luckiest man on earth to have this
incredible woman in my life. It amazes me everyday.
B: Well, she thinks you are pretty special too. God, I look at the two of you
now and think about what a wreck you were when I met you. It explains alot.
J: I never ever want to feel like that again. Only happy times ahead Becca.
Only happy times. (he reaches over to run his hand along Vicky's face.)
She is my world and I never ever want to be without her ever again. That is
why this weekend is so important Bec. It is like this weekend is a new beginning.
We will flush out all the old demons and move forward. We have to. This
baby deserves nothing less.
B: I think that is what Vicky wants too, Jake. I think she's just scared . . . so
scared. I think she is scared of that pain and what it did to all of you.
J: That pain is in the past. It can't hurt us . I just have to convince
her that.
B: Easier said than done I think.
J: Well I am going to make it my number one priority this weekend.
B: Like I said. She is very lucky to have you.
(They arrive at the cabin just as the snow is beginning to fall. It is very peaceful
and quite beautiful. The kids all jump out of the car. They are running around
trying to catch snow flakes on their tongues. Jake gently
wakes Vicky.)
J: Vic. . .we're here.
V: Wow, I must have zonked out.
J: You know all that peeing must have worn you out!
V: Very funny, McKinnon. (she slugs him playfully.) Where is everyone?
J: (Kids are running around. Nick and Becca went in to start unpacking. Jake
takes her hand in his.) Rely on Jake. Remember that I am here. I am
always going to be here. Nothing is ever going to change that. You ready
for this?
V: I am ready for anything as long as you are by my side.
J: Well then let's head in and have a wonderful weekend with our kids and
friends. No bad thoughts baby. Just happy thoughts. Okay?
V: I love you. Do you know that? I love you so much it hurts sometimes.
J: (Smiling that Mckinnon smile.) Hurts so good. You know that's the way
I like it. (He kisses her softly on the lips.) Come on. (Jake starts to
chase after the boys. He is running around with them as they all try to
catch snowflakes and hit each other with snow balls. Vicky smiles as she watches
them.)
V: (herself as she rubs her hands over her belly.) My world is
perfect. I wouldn't change any of it. (She calls out to Jake.) Jake, be
careful. (laughing as Jake gets whacked by a huge snow ball. She smiles to
herself as she watches them all running crazy. Nick has now gotten into the act)
Jake . . .
(Becca comes up behind Vicky and puts her arms around her.)
V: Who are the adults here? (she laughs as she watches the kids pile on top of
Jake as he lays in the snow covered from head to toe.)
B: Well, my vote is with Steven, Kirkland or even Josh. (laughs.)
V: You know what?
B: What?
V: I wouldn't have it any other way. I love the sound of my guys all wrestling
around. I love to hear Jake and the boys when they are together. It makes me
feel safe. Makes me feel loved. I want them to know they have a buddy
and a dad. Someone they can rely on always. They have that in Jake. I am so
glad my kids have him. He is such a good dad. He is going to be awesome with this
one. (She glances down at her belly.)
B: I second that emotion. He is so good with Josh, too. I wonder sometimes who
is the bigger kid . . . Nick included. But, look at all the fun . . . kinds should
have fun. My childhood . . . well, let's just say not so much fun.
V: Well, I will second that one too. Although I got to say from the way things
turned out, I am glad I got Bridget and Jake and their love instead of the money and
the big house. Marley is sure screwed up because of it.
B: Amen to that.
(They both glance over as now both Nick and Jake are being pummeled with snow balls.
Even little Josh is getting into the act. Jumping all over Nick's stomach.
Laughing and tossing snow everywhere.)
B: You need anything?? I know this has to be hard for you. I know you guys are
trying to get past this but it has to hurt.
V: (she hugs Becca) You are so sweet. What would I do without you? No, I have
everything I need in right here. I have my guys. I have my dearest friends and
most important I have Jake. Actually, (she lays her hand across her belly.) We have
everything we will ever need. She will make this all right.
B: Well, you just let me know if this gets too much or too hard for you.
V: I will. Jake and I really need to get past this. As much as it might
hurt we have to do this. We have to get through this ugly awful chapter in our lives
in order to move on. So many things happened because of this night. So many
things happened to this family because of my actions.
B: It sounds like you have it pretty much together. You remember I am here for
you if you need me for anything. Hell, I even make a great baby-sitter.
V: (takes Becca's hand and a tear drops from her face.) How could I ever
forget that? You have been my lifeline next to Jake. Now let's go get
our guys before we spend the night in the emergency room because one of them has broken
some body part they might need. (They both chuckle as they go running
towards the boys ready to get into the fun with huge snow ball in their hands.)
Ready or not here we come. ARGHHHH. (they pounce on Jake and Nick and they all
scream and laugh out of control.)
N: GET THE GIRLS. CREAM THEM. (Suddenly the kids start to jump on them too.)
J: Boys, go easy on the chubby little blonde. She is carrying precious cargo.
( The next morning the boys coming creeping into the bedroom. They are about to dive into
bed with Jake and Vicky.)
S/K: (yelling) Mom! Jake! Wake up, it is snowing outside. (Jumping up
and down) We can go sledding!! We can go sledding!!
V: (groaning)Does the word vacation/sleeping in mean anything to you two?
S: Who has time to sleep? IT IS SNOWING!!! Let's go wake up Josh. LET'S
GO.
J: Hey, easy guys, it is really really early. Let's not wake anyone else up
quite yet. Only my kids think it is necessary to get up at the crack of dawn!!
(laughing as he rolls over and hugs Vicky.) Good morning beautiful one.
(They both make a dive for the center of the bed. Kirk goes head first towards the
bed and Vicky.)
J: Kirkland! (as he goes to grab him. Kirk is startled as he hears Jake yell.
He practically lands on top of Vicky....)
J: Kirk be careful you almost hit Mom and the baby.
K: (hanging his head low) I am sorry, Jake, I didn't mean to hurt Mommy or the
baby.
V: Oh baby, you didn't hurt me. (she takes him in her arms.) I am fine.
Jake just got scared when he thought you might land on the baby. (She whispers
to Kirk.) He just being an over protective Daddy.
J: Hey little man, I am sorry. ( he takes him from Vicky's arms and places him
in between the two of them.) I just got scared. I didn't want anyone to get
hurt. Your mom needs extra special attention right now so we have to be extra gentle
around her.
V: Jake...Stop saying that. I told you I am not going to break. I
am just as tough as I always was.
J: Oh yeah... let's see how tough you are. (he reaches over and kisses her softly..
Vicky tries to resist him and finally can't.. she melts at the touch of his lips...the
boys are giggling and jumping around at this point.)
s/k: YUCK..
J: You just wait one day you wont think this is so yucky. ( he smiles as he kisses
Vicky again.)
S: Yeah, mom is real tough, that is why she cries at every commercial.
J: (laughs) Oh yeah, Vic, you are real tough.
V: I didn't mean when it comes to you....
J: Yeah sure, Vic.
V: You guys are crazy. Come here. I need lots of good morning kisses from my
guys. (she scoops them both up in her arms kissing them all over. she reaches over
and kisses Jake playfully too.)
S/K: Mom, cut it out...
V: What? Can't I kiss my babies anymore?!?!?
S/K: We are not babies.
V: You are always my babies. No matter what.
(Jake starts to tickles them both and they all roll around the bed ticking each other and
laughing.)
V: Jake, stop...Stop it. (she is flopping about trying to get him to stop tickling
her.)
J: Hey now!!! THAT is not something I think I want to hear you say...
V: Jake... the boys..(she winks at him.)
(he continues to tickle her. She tickles the boys. they are all tickling each other
just then Kirk jumps...)
V: what's the matter, baby? Knowing Bridget just kicked him.
K: I just felt something really weird.
V: That wasn't something weird, that was just your little sister getting into the
act. She wants to play too. You want to feel it too, Steven.
S: Yeah cool.
K: Does it hurt Mommy? When she kicks you.. like when I kick Tommy it hurts.
V: No baby it just feels like a thump inside. Sometimes I think she just wants
us to know she is there and wants to get in on all the fun and by the way... could you not
kick Tommy please. That is not nice.
(Steven and Kirk have their hands over Vicky's belly. A tear is running down Vicky's
face and Jake is smiling from ear to ear.)
s/k Cool. (Jake starts to tickle them again.)
V: (Trying to catch her breath ...) Okay uncle.. I give. Uncle...
s/k Uncle who..
J: That means she is chicken and gives up. Can't take it anymore. (he says as he
tickles her all over.)
V: Oh I can take what ever you can dish out, McKinnon...
J: Oh yeah we will see about that a little later. Now men.. let's go make some
breakfast for the most beautiful mom ever. Breakfast in bed just like a princess..
How does that sound Mom?
V: A princess... I like that.
s/k: (Jumping up and down on the bed...) Yeah let's go.
(Jake kisses Vicky and whispers in her ear) You just wait until tonight.. we will see how
tough you are Mrs. McKinnon. (he brushes her lips with a kiss.)
J: TO THE KITCHEN MEN!
v: ( She snuggles back down under the covers and laughs to herself as she rubs her belly.
) Little one, thank god you are a girl I need some help here. We need to even
things out.
(about a hour later after an unsuccessful attempt to fall back asleep Vicky drags herself
down the stairs. She tip toes into the kitchen so the boys don't see her. Jake
and the boys have completely turned the kitchen upside down. There are dishes
everywhere and all three of them are covered head to toe in pancake batter. She
smiles to herself as she observes them trying to make breakfast.)
J: Okay guys... who is in charge of orange juice? Pour your mom a big glass.
S: Orange juice is good for the baby. I'll pour.
J: You are right.. so make it a big glass. okay who has the eggs?
K: I do.
J: Okay put those on the tray too. let's review.. We have juice, coffee
(decaf, of course), eggs, pancake (with a smiley face made out of powder sugar) and bacon.
S/K: Check! Sounds like we have everything.
J: Nope we forgot one more thing. (Jake places one single yellow rose on
Vicky's tray.)
(Vicky wipes a tear from her face and hurries back to the bedroom.)
V: Enough with the hormones.
(The boys knock on the door and open it as Vicky pretends to be asleep. She stirs.)
s/k: Look mom, we made you breakfast. (they place the tray on her lap.)
V: (Pretending to be groggy...) Oh you guys, are the greatest. MY guys are the best.
(she kisses each one of them.)
J: A breakfast fit for a princess. My princess. (He bends down and
kisses her. They all jump on the bed and sit with Vicky as she begins to eat.)
V: Did you guys eat?
S: Yeah mom, we had pop tarts and pop.
V: Nice breakfast, Jake.
J: Hey, we are on vacation.
V: Still how about you guys share this with me. Something a little nutritional
might be nice.
(as they were all helping Vicky eat they hear Josh's little voice.)
J: I guess we woke the rest of the house too. Okay you guys why don't you go see
what Josh is up to. After everyone has had breakfast we will go sledding! How does
that sound?
s/k You're the greatest, Dad! Jake.
V: Hey what about me? I am going with you guys.
S: Yeah, mom, you are pretty cool too.
J: Okay we will be right down.
(Kirk and Steven go scampering out of the bedroom.)
J: Dad.. I like that.
V: I love you for loving my kids. I love you for all this. (she runs the rose
petals down his arm. ) Most of all, I just love you. (She kisses him
tenderly.)
J: HHMMM, Mrs. McKinnon, I do so love those lips. (he moves the tray off her
lap and takes her in his arms.) So Mrs. McKinnon (between kissing her... ) you up
for a little sledding.
V: Sledding.. You sure you want to take three boys sledding?!?
J: Well, actually there is an ulterior motive here. I am just thinking about
the after sledding part. Wet clothes have to come off . . . A little snuggling
by the fire to warm up with. I can think of lots of ways we can warm up too.
(he teases her.)
V: Come here, McKinnon, I will warm you up. (she runs her hands through his
hair and kisses his neck and chest. ) You warm yet ... (she asks as she begins to unbutton
his pajama top with her kisses.)
(all of a sudden there is a huge crash coming from the living room.)
J: What the hell was that?!? (jumps off the bed and goes towards the door.)
Save that thought Mrs. McKinnon.
V: You got it.
(Jake , Vicky and Becca come running down into the living room to see what is going on.
Steven, Josh and Kirkland are all standing over a broken vase which is now in a
million pieces with water and flowers all over the place.)
J: What is going on here? Guys get away from the glass.
B: Okay what is going on? Did Josh do this?
S/K: NO! It was an accident we were just playing with the football . . .
V: In the living room... Guys you know better.
S/K: Were sorry.
Josh: roree, Mommy.
V: Okay, no big deal guys, just be more careful. No ball playing in the house.
Someone can get hurt.
B: Plus you know better than that, Josh. This isn't our house. These
aren't our things. These are very expensive things Mommy can't pay for if you break.
V: Oh don't be silly, Becca, it is just a vase of flowers. Nothing that can be
replaced. You are family. Okay guys why don't you all go get some real
breakfast and I will clean this up. Then after breakfast how about we all go
sledding.
J/S/K (all jumping up and down.) Cool! Can we go on ice torture . . .
the big hill down the road?
V: We will see about that. Ice Torture might be a little much for some of us.
J: What, you chicken , Vic? Can't handle it can you?!? (poking at her.)
N: Someone mention Ice Torture? I can't wait, let's do it on double sleds.
S: Yeah, double sleds! Awesome.
V: Good morning, Nick.. Sleep well?? (she winks at him as she notices Becca smiling
at him) Stop encouraging them!! I was thinking of Josh. He might be a little
young for ice torture and double sleds.
J: Ice, Ice, I want to go too.
(now Jake and Nick and the kids are all jumping up and down screaming "Ice torture
Ice torture.")
J/N: Come on, Mom, can't we go on ice torture?! We will be really careful.
PLEASE.
V: Becca... I think we definitely have five little boys here with us and the two
bigger ones might just be worse!!
B: (she whispers to Vicky.) We might just have to spank them.
V: You save that for after Donna takes the kids home and I might just join
you. Okay guys. Listen up. How about we eat some breakfast? I will clean
up the glass and then we can all go sledding. Becca, can you get my guys some
cereal?
B: No problem
(Jake, Nick, Steven, Kirkland and Josh all are shooting and jumping around. The kids are
getting really wild and Jake and Nick are just encouraging it..)
J: Mom, you are the greatest. H e kisses her on the cheek.
V: Yeah Yeah...
(A little later that afternoon everyone comes back from sledding. They are all laughing
and talking. The kids are jumping around. Everyone is covered in snow from
head to toe. Coats, boots and hats are flying everywhere.)
S/K : That was so cool Did you see Jake do that hill backwards?!?!
Awesome!!
J: Who is ready to tackle Devil's Run backwards next time?
N/S/K: ME!
S: That was so cool. Jake, I can't believe you did it backwards. You are
awesome!!
J: Well next time you two can do it too.
V: I think we have had enough Devil's Run for one day guys.) She glares at
Jake as to say 'Don't encourage them please.') How about we have a little lunch and some
indoor fun?
J/N: Ahhh, Mom come on.
J: (Jake raises his hand and starts to jump around.) OOHHH, I have some ideas
for indoor fun. (He puts his arms around Vicky's waist pulling her close. Jake
starts to nibble on Vicky's neck.)
V: You are so crazy. Your lips are cold.. (she shivers. Jake pulls her
closer and rubs his hands up and down over her belly to warm her up.)
J: Are my girls cold? (he chuckles as Vicky snuggles back into his arms and
leans back to kiss him.)
N: Indoor fun. Well, count me in too. How about we try this... (he whispers
something into Becca's ear...Becca smiles as she pecks him on the cheek.)
B: You save that idea for a little later and you've got a deal.
(Becca and Vicky both chuckle at their guys. Both whisper) Later, boys later.
J/N: Oh yeah, we are counting on it! (they high five each other.)
S Is that all you guys ever thing of? YUCK. Mom and Jake are always
kissing.
K: That mushy stuff is gross.
N: ( laughing..) You wait, Steven. One day you will think this is the greatest thing since
sliced bread.
K: Huh!!!
S/K: Kirk, you are so stupid.
K: I am not.
V: Okay, you two cut it out. Don't call your brother stupid.
J: Girls are not gross. (he grabs Vicky and kisses her.) Especially this one.
She is way not gross.
V: Thanks I think. (she laughs.)
S: No way.. NEVER. Girls are yuck.
B: You two cuties.. Girls are going to be all over you. You just wait and see.
S/K GROSS.
V: Guys.. could we not teach my boys romance lessons for another year or two?
I'd like them to get out of 4th grade before they are engaged!
J/N: God, Mom you are no fun!!
V: Wet clothes off now.
J/N: All right!! (Jake and Nick look at each other and high five in the air.)
V: (shooting Jake a look.) I meant the kids.
J: No fair!
N: Damn!
V: Now, I KNOW we have five little ones with us this weekend!!
B: So which one is the two year old? (she laughs.. pretending to high five
Vicky. they laugh.)
B: I am going to take Josh up and get him into some dry clothes. (She bends to
pick up him up.)
N: Want some help? (he scoops up Josh and puts him on his shoulders. Nick is
tickling him. Josh is giggling uncontrollably.)
B: Yeah thanks.
V: Jake, can you take Steven and Kirk up and help them get undressed? I am
going to take a hot shower real quick. Then how about we do hot dogs and hot
chocolate by the fire. We can cook the hot dogs over the fire. Lots of
marshmallows in the hot chocolate. How does that sound guys?
s/k: AWESOME Mom. (Josh is clapping his hands together shouting yeah. He is
all squirmy on Nick's shoulders.)
B: Josh be careful.
V: Then how about a movie or two with some huge bowls of popcorn with chocolate
sauce. Oh yeah we need some garlic knots with peanut butter too.
S/K: GROSS.
B: Oh yeah, she is pregnant big time.
(they all laugh.)
S/K/J: Okay, we will all go get changed. That sounds really cool.
V: Okay I am going to go grab a quick shower.
J: Need some help? (he asks with a devilish smile on his face.)
V: You are so bad. (she whispers into his ear.) ....What do you think the movie is
for? I've got plenty of ideas for a little adult fun myself. (she winks at him as
she heads up the stairs.)
J: 'an she drives me wild.
B: Nick... come on let's go get Josh out of these wet clothes.
J: Okay MEN, LET'S GO! (Jake picks Kirkland up by the shirt tail. Steven
follows behind.)
(Donna and Marley are driving up to the Love Cabin)
Donna: Be careful, darling, these roads can be very dangerous up here. (staring out
the car window)
Marley: Yes, I know. Are you all right, Donna? I�m not so sure it was such a
good idea for you to come up here with me.
Donna: (A little spacey) Hmm? Oh, well. They need some time alone before the baby
comes.
Marley: Yes, but you didn't have to come up here with me . . . here of all places.
In fact, I'm not really sure how Jake and Victoria could come up here . . .
Donna: Yes, well that's Jake and your sister for you. Head first, worry about the
consequences later.
Marley: Yes. I guess. Vicky said something about conquering demons. I
suppose they feel like if they face all of this stuff it will . . .
Donna: Go away? That will never happen . . .
Marley: No, but they do have a point. You do have to face your problems or
they never get solved.
Donna: I don't see why we all can't pretend it never happened and move on.
Marley: (getting a little annoyed) Because it did happen. And your way never works,
believe me, I;ve tried it. There are some things even you cannot deny away.
Donna: I'm not denying anything, Marley. I just don't understand why we have to talk
about it.
Marley: (now really pissed) MOTHER! You just said you didn't understand why we all can't
pretend it never happened!
Donna: Yes, dear. But I didn't mean it like you think. Of course it happened .
. . Michael's . . . ( almost unable to get the words out) not here. I just don�t
see why they would want to come up here or why you and I are even discussing this.
Marley: (Calmer, but still upset) All right. Fine. Just answer one question
for me and then I'll drop the whole thing and you can retreat back into your own little
world. Do you ever get confused?
Donna: Confused? What do you mean, "confused"?
Marley: Between the stuff that actually happened but you're pretending it didn't, and the
stuff that really never happened.
Donna: (still staring out the window and trying desperately to brush Marley off) I can
honestly say I don't know what you're talking about.
Marley: Fine. You probably wouldn't give me a straight answer anyway.
Doesn't it ever bother you though?
Donna: Darling, I . . .
Marley: Yes, I know I'll stop. (turns on the radio and they continue in
silence the rest of the way.)
(Marley and Donna arrive at the cabin)
Marley: Well, we're here . . . (she opens the door to find one there.) I wonder where
everyone is . . . Maybe out back or something . . . .
(Donna stands outside the doorway unable to come inside for a moment. At last she
enters through an almost visible force of will)
Donna: Knowing them they're probably building a snowman . . .
Marley: (smiling) or having a snowball fight.
(Donna suddenly flashed on to the snowball fight she and Michael had at the Cabin years
ago.)
Donna: (lost in thought) Your father and I did that here . . .
Marley: Did what?
Donna: Got into a snowball fight here.
Marley: You and Michael . . . Who won?
Donna:(smiles as if reliving the memory) That depends on who you ask. He certainly
hit me with more snowballs. But I got the last shot in . . . you might say I
"melted" him in his tracks . . .
Marley: How?
Donna: I appealed to something even stronger than his own competitive nature.
Marley: (teasingly knowing EXACTLY what Donna means) And what would that be . . .
Donna: His desire for me . . . I lifted up my shirt and kissed him.
Marley: Sounds fun.
Donna: Yes, it was . . . we had a lot of good times up here . . .
(Flashbacks of Donna and Michael together at the cabin over the years)
Marley: You still miss him very much, don't you, Donna?
Donna: (coming back to reality) Yes, every day. There are still times when I forget
for a moment. Something will happen and I'll think, "Oh, I have to remember to
tell Michael about this later" or I'll even go to call him . . . and then I remember.
Marley: I'm sorry . . . I had no idea.
Donna: (straightening her clothes the way she does when she's trying to get a hold of
herself) Of course you didn't. Why should you?
Marley: Is there anything I can do? I'd like to help . . . If I can . . .
(Vicky comes in and overhears the next part of their conversation.)
Donna: (takes Marley's hands) There's nothing you can do. Michael's . . . gone and
he isn't even coming back this time. That's the hardest thing for me to grasp. . .
The fact that he really isn't coming back to me. I mean, let's face it, your father
left all the time. That I can handle. Hell, I'm even sort of used to it.
But, he always came back to me. We always had another shot. But, now we
don't, and I guess that's what I'll never get over. That he really isn't coming back
to me this time. Not ever again.
(Vicky comes over to them almost in tears)
Donna: Victoria?!?! You shouldn't sneak up on people like that . . .
Marley: (trying to divert attention away from Donna) Yes, Vicky. Where were all of
you?
Vicky: (pointing outside) Mother, I'm sorry.
Donna: (In her usual state of denial) For what, Victoria?
Vicky: For what?!?! Donna, I heard you.
Donna: Well, I reallyt know what you could have possibly. . .
Marley: That was a private conversation, Vicky. One that didn't concern you.
Vicky: Oh, come on now . . . How "does it not concern me"?MY Mother was talking
to MY sister about how much she still misses MY father! What part of that is
supposed to "not concern me"?
Marley: All of it, Victoria! The world does not revolve around you!!
Vicky: Did I say that?
Marley: MY mother, MY sister, MY father . . . do you hear yourself?!? Did it
ever occur to you that she is my mother and he was my father, and her husband?
Vicky: I know that!
Marley: Or did you even think that there wouldn't even be a conversation for you to
eavesdrop on if it weren't for you? He would be alive today, here with us if it
weren't for you! They would be married!
Vicky: Marley . . . I( Marley storms out) Donna, I hope you still don't . . .
Donna: Don't what . . . Still blame you for taking Michael away? Really,
Victoria, let's not discuss this.
Vicky: But we have to . . .
Donna: No, we do not. (she leaves and Vicky is left sitting on the couch by herself)
Vicky: All right. FINE. You want to ambush me with all of this stuff, FINE.
You don't get to just say that stuff to me and then leave. I think it's about
time the Love women had a nice little talk. And this time you two are not using me
for your personal punching bag. NO MORE. (Vicky goes and get Donna and Marley and
basically drags them back into the room with her and plops them down on the couch)
Marley: What are you up to now, Vicky?
Donna: Yes, this is really uncalled for, Victoria. What if Jake and the boys come
back inside?
Vicky: I don't care if they do . . . You had your say. Now it's my turn.
Marley: But . . .
Vicky: Be quiet, Marley!
Donna: Really I don't see why all this is necessary. Marley and I came up here to
get the boys for you and . . .
Vicky: SHUT UP MOTHER! This is all necessary because you two obviously still blame
me for Michael's death and probably every single thing that went wrong after that!
Well, let me tell you, that stops NOW! Because, you know what? He was my
father, too!! I loved him too!! Don't you think I feel responsible for his
death, too? Don't you think I know that if I hadn't been up here that night, he'd
still be here? Don't you think my heart breaks every time I think about him not
seeing his grandchildren grow up . . . that this baby I'm carrying is never going to know
her grandfather's love?
Marley: It's always about you isn't it?
Vicky: Just stop that, Marley. You know you're not exactly little miss perfect
anymore either. I messed up. BIG. I know that and I have to deal with
that and find a way to live with myself. But you two act like everything that
happened afterwards was my fault too! That I was solely to blame for everything!
And that's what I don't get. You act like I got off scot free. Like I was just
watching or worse, causing everything that happened. Well, I didn't. You drove
the car that hit her, Donna. Not me. And the fire burned off your face,
Marley. I didn't steal it. And I certainly didn't ask you to become obsessed
with my husband and try and take over my life. And I sure as hell didn't ask you to
keep me locked in a basement until I developed pneumonia and almost died!
Donna: She was ill, Victoria, you know that!
Vicky: Yes, she was. But what about you? Forcing me, no, blackmailing me to
lie to my husband about the accident . . . and that's what it was AN ACCIDENT . . . I
didn't summon the forces of nature and call forth the wind and the snow!
Donna: Blackmail! I never . . . What did I threaten you with?
Vicky: The thing that mattered MOST to me . . . Jake !!! You swore to me that if I
told the truth, he would never forgive me , never love me again.
Marley: He did leave you, Victoria.
Vicky: Because I lied! If I had told him the truth, he would have been hurt and
furious with me . . . but we would have found a way to deal with it . . . TOGETHER.
Jake loves me . . . and he forgave me. I don't know why, but he does and he
did. You two believed some phony journal rather than face the truth! None of
us are saints here. We all screw up. Why is it that even after all of this
time, I'm still the "bad" twin? Why am I the one you can't forgive . . .
the one you always believe the worst of? You know, Michael never did that.
NEVER. No matter how badly I screwed things up. He just loved me.
You know I think I miss that most of all about him. But then, Jake loves me in
much the same way. And you made me doubt that! You both tried to take that away from
me!! But I forgave you EVERYTHING. I did that because you were my family and I
loved you. Jake kept telling me I was nuts to forgive you both so quickly, but I did
it anyway. In fact, I chose you two over him . . . Remember that? Jake left me
AGAIN, not because he didn't love me, but because he couldn't stomach you within a
thousand feet or me or our kids!! But, I brought you in to our house because you're
my family and I love you. So, why is it exactly that you can't find it within
yourselves to forgive me? If you don't love me, that's fine. Tell me now and
Jake and the kids and I will stay away from you.
Donna: Now who's blackmailing whom, Victoria?
Vicky: Oh, this isn't a threat, Donna. If you two can't see your way clear to
forgive me for something I have paid and paid and paid for, that's fine. I'll just
stay out of your way and you won't have to deal with me. I refuse to be your
punching bag for the rest of my life. Jake wanted to come up here and deal with the
past and everything that happened so that we could move past it and go on. So we can
start fresh with this new baby. If you can't do that. I'm sorry and I will miss you
both, but I will not apologize for this one admittedly colossal mistake anymore. So,
what's it going to be? Do we move on or do we stop? It's your choice.
(Nick and Becca come in and have obviously overheard at least part of their conversation)
Becca: What's going on here? Why is everyone so upset?
Nick: (looking at Vicky) because she killed our father. (walks straight
through the room and out the front door w/o looking at a soul)
Becca: (shocked and torn between staying w/ Vicky who she feels needs her help and going
to Nick) What? (looks at Vicky) I . . . have to go after him, but . . .
Vicky: (trying to smile at her friend's kindness) It's okay, Go.
Becca: All right, but we'll talk later. Okay, Vick?
Vicky: Uh huh. Sure.
Becca: You two don't beat up on her. I mean it. (She leaves to go find Nick)
Donna: Lovely, Victoria, now you've upset your brother and Rebecca as well.
Vicky: Maybe Nick needs to be upset, maybe we all do . . . maybe that's the only way we're
going to work any of this out. And Becca is my friend. She cares a great deal
about Nick and me. And she's not afraid of a little emotion!
Marley: What's that supposed to mean?
Vicky: It means that you two always act like I'm embarrassing you whenever I show a little
emotion. I can't get too mad, I can't cry too much, I can't even be too happy
without one of you acting like it's some sort of crime! Everything in its place, all
neat and tidy . . . Don't cause a scene . . . The world isn't like that!!! I'm not
like that! Life is messy and all I'm trying to do is clean it up!
Donna: That's all I tried to do that night Victoria . . . Clean up YOUR mess.
Marley: (sarcastically) That's a full time job! I did it for years!
Vicky: That's not fair.
(Jake comes in and notices Vicky in tears)
Jake: WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TWO DOING? Vicky, honey, are you all right?
Vicky: I'm fine, Jake. We're just trying to work a few things out here.
Jake: You don't look all right. (to Marley) What did you say to her?
Marley: Really, Jake . . . I didn't say or do anything . . . She practically dragged us in
here and starting screaming at us!
Donna: Yes, really, Jake, there's no reason for anyone to be upset . . . you or Victoria.
Jake: FIRST OF ALL, I decide what I will and will not get upset about . . . and for your
information, ANYTIME MY WIFE is in TEARS I get upset!!!! I'm funny that way I guess.
And with you two in the room, call me crazy but I just think . . .
Vicky: (taking Jake's face in her hands and turning his face towards her and away from
Marley and Donna.) Really, baby, I'm all right. Thank you for doing this, but I've
got it.
Jake: (wiping her tears away) You shouldn't be this upset, Vicky. You know how I
worry . . . especially now . . .
Vicky: Yes, I do, and I love you for it, we both do, but I can handle this.
Jake: Just tell me what they said, Vick.
Vicky: We were talking about Michael.
Jake: Oh, great. Let me see if I've got the conversation . . . they blame you for
everything that ever happened, right? (to Marley and Donna) Was El Nino her fault too?
That happened around the same time, huh?
Vicky:Jake . . .
Jake: No, baby, let me guess . . . you tried to apologize AGAIN and all they were
interested in doing was rubbing your face in your past mistakes. (to Marley and Donna) So,
ladies, and I use the term loosely, did we just go back to Michael's death or did we
have an all out "Let's see how really miserable we can make Vicky feel" fest?
Huh? Did you go all the way back?? Gee, that must have been fun!
It must be nice to be able to just sit back and make another human being feel
completely worthless. To rub their nose in every stupid decision, every
bad move they've ever made. And how nice to be soo perfect, sooo upstanding,
sooo mistake-free that you can just sit in judgment of someone like that!! She . . .
Vicky: Jake . . . Come on . . . Let's just . . .
Jake: No, Vicky. Let me do this. (to Marley and Donna) You know what? You
don't deserve a woman like Vicky in your lives. She has forgiven you two for just
about everything under the sun at this point. Things you did deliberately to hurt
her. And she has NEVER done anything as cold and calculating as the adventures of
Marley and Donna over the past year or so. Let me tell you a few things about Vicky.
Okay? Yes, she makes mistakes . . . some of them have been real whoppers let
me tell you . . . but they are never made out of malice or some sort of sick obsession to
deny the truth. And when she does screw up . . . she admits it and tries to
fix it as best she can and then she moves on. You see, that's what's really
important . . . not how or why you screw up, but what you do about it afterwards.
But you want to know what is really incredible about Vicky? What really gets
me?? She has the most amazing capacity to forgive. She never rubs anyone
else's mistakes in their faces. If someone is genuinely trying to make up for the
past and move on . . . she's all for it. Clean slates are no problem for Vicky.
She'll just forgive and forgive . . . no problem. That's just who she is. In
fact, the only thing greater than her capacity to forgive is her capacity to love.
Vicky has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever seen. And that's the real
kicker to all this. She loves you two, she really does. And because of that
you could treat her like something you stepped in for the rest of your lives, but if you
were ever in trouble or needed her in any way, she'd be right there for you. No
questions asked. Hell, she's already proven that! (to Marley) You were ready
to give up and go to jail for the rest of your life after you . . . (trying not to
strangle her where she sits) and Vicky talked you out it, didn't she? Because YOU
needed help . . . you almost killed her and did she testify against you? Demand that
you be put away? NO!! She left her hospital bed for God's sake and pleaded
with the judge to get you the care you needed. Then, when you needed a place to stay
other than the loony bin they put you in . . . largely at her request . . . she let you
stay in OUR HOUSE!!! (turns to Donna now) And YOU . . . when Vicky found out you
were the one driving the car that hit Marley, although the idea was to hit HER! Did
she turn her back on you Donna? No. Wanna know what the first thing she said
to me as the knowledge that her own mother had tried to kill her set in? Do you?
She wanted to know if YOU were scared!!! Vicky was worried about YOU!!
You don't deserve to have a woman like Vicky in your lives at all!! (to Vicky)
You don't need this, baby. You don't need them . . . You've got me and the
boys, and our little girl, and all our friends who really love you. (kisses her)
Vicky:(with tears in her eyes still but more out of love than pain or sadness now) What
did I ever do to deserve you?
Jake: (smiles) It was the pigtails, Vick. I was always a sucker for pigtails.
Vicky: (smiling) I love you, Jake McKinnon.
Jake: I know. I love you too, Vicky Carson Hudson McKinnon (hands on her face and
kisses her) Now, how about we go back outside and make the best snowman there ever
was with our sons? (takes her hands and leads her out back)
(That night. Everyone has gone to sleep. In Becca's bedroom we see her turning
and tossing)
Becca: No . . . No . . . (inside her dream)
(It's a beautiful day. The sun is shining and we see two girls. One is a
preadolescent and the other is preschool age. Both girls are wearing white dresses
with white lacy socks and have bows in their hair. The older girl is blonde and has
a baby blue ribbon in her hair and the same color sash around the waist of her dress.
The younger girl has red hair in ringlets with a scarlet ribbon in her hair and
dress. Suddenly flashes of a bloody sharp skinny object and bloody clothing being
thrown into a fire appear. Then we see the little girls at the party again.
They see someone they know and begin to skip and then run towards that person.
Suddenly, the image changes and all we see is a dark night and Becca knows someone
is carrying her through the night with shouts of "Run, girls, Run!" in the
background. The image shifts again to a dark haired woman riding on a horse with one
hand on the reins and the other around a red-haired toddler. Then the image again
shifts back to the street. Becca screams.)
Becca: MARAH!!! MARAH!!!! WHERE ARE YOU???? NO!!! NO!!!!!!! GET UP
. . . PLEASE!!! MARAH!!
(all adults come running into the room to see Becca really thrashing about on the bed and
continuing to scream her lungs out.)
Nick: Will you guys move???? It's not a freak show, ya know. She has
nightmares, okay.
Becca: MARAH!!
Nick: (goes over to bed and tries to wake Becca up) Becky . . . Wake up . . . it's me . .
. Nick. You're dreaming again . . . It's just a nightmare . . . You're here . . .
Becca: (wakes up crying and disoriented) Where are we? Whhhhat happened???
Nick: You're here, honey, at the cabin. You were having a nightmare.
Becca: (Looking all around and then finally at all the people in the doorway) Did I wake
all of you up . . . I'm so . . .
Vicky: Hey, don't worry about it. Jake and I need to get used to it anyway with the
baby coming.
Jake: Yeah, we'll look at it as a drill . . .
Becca: The kids! Did I wake them up too? Nick . . . Joshua . . . Where's Josh?
Nick: They're all still asleep. You want me to go check anyway?
Becca: Yeah. Would you . . .
Nick: You okay now?
Becca: (straightening up to appear more okay than she actually is) I'm fine. Just
fine. You all can go back to bed . . . please . . . (No one moves except Nick who
goes to check on the kids)
Vicky: (comes over to sit next to Becca on the bed) Must've been some dream . . .
Wanna tell me about it?
Becca: It's the same one I always have. It's so weird . . . it doesn't even make any
sense. Just images really. They don't even go together.
Marley: (coming into the room a little) Like what?
Becca: (looks up at Marley) It starts out okay with these two girls at a party in
matching dresses. One was blonde like you two are and the other one was me, I guess.
She had red hair. The blonde girl had a blue ribbon in her hair and . . .
Marley: . . . and on her dress . . . her white dress . . . to match her eyes.
Becca: (quizzically) Yes. Exactly . . . and I had a red ribbon . . .
Marley: to match your hair.
Becca:Yeah, how . . .
Donna: (more than a little pale) Girls, really . . . it's obvious she was upset by the
dream, let's all just go to sleep and forget about it.
Vicky: Mother, talking about it helps a lot of people, and it's not like I'm forcing her .
. . Go on, Becca.
Becca: And then it changes and there's blood and the dresses are being thrown into a fire
and then back at the party we see someone and we're running to them and then we're
still running but someone is chasing us . . .
Marley: AND?
Becca: I don't know . . . that's it . . . I . . .
Vicky: Who�s Marah?
Donna: (gripping the doorway for dear life probably leaving nail marks in the wood)
Really, Victoria, you heard her, that's all she remembers . . .
Becca: Marah? Who?
Vicky: You were calling for her . . .
Marley: (under her breath so no one can hear) Marah? Marah? Why does that sound so
familiar?
Becca: I have no idea. I've never met anyone named Marah. (notices Donna who
appears as if she's going to faint.)
Donna, are you alright?
Vicky: Mother? You're shaking!
Donna: Don't say things like that! (straightening her robe) I'm fine. We need
to go to bed. All of us. Let's go.
Becca: Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry I woke everyone up.
Vicky: Okay. If you're sure. (kisses her on her forehead. All leave
except Marley)
Marley: (goes over and sits next to Becca) If you remember anything else . . .
Becca: (smiles) Yeah. Is it a common dream or something?
Marley: Not that I know of . . . why?
Becca: You seemed to know parts of it . . . I just . . .
Marley: No, I just used to . . . never mind . . . but if you . . .
Becca: Okay.
(Marley hugs Becca and Becca is startled at first but then puts her arms around Marley too
and begins to close her eyes)
Marley: Sleep pretty.
Becca: What was that?
Marley: Oh . . . I don't . . . I guess Donna used to say that to me . . . I'm sorry.
Or the hug? Somehow I feel like I'm always on auto-pilot around you. I
must seem so weird.
Becca: I don't understand you that's for sure.
Marley: Neither do I anymore, neither do I.
(Nick comes back in)
Nick: Josh is fine, Becky.
Becca: Oh, good.
(Marley looks at Nick and then Becca)
Marley: Well, I guess I'll try and go back to sleep now, too. Night, Nick.
Good night, Becca.
Becca: Good night, Marley. You "sleep pretty" too.
(Marley smiles and leaves)
(Nick drags a chair over to Becca's bed)
Nick: Okay, really. You okay to go back to sleep?
Becca: Yeah. My left arm and shoulder hurt, but that's normal.
Nick: Normal may be pushing it a little . . . nothing about those dreams of yours is
normal . . . least of all that your arm and shoulder always hurt when you wake up.
Want me to massage them before I go?
Becca: Okay. (He kneels on the bed above her to massage her left side)
Nick: What were you and Marley talking about? She didn't give you a hard time again,
did she??
Becca: No, not at all. I feel sorry for her, Nick. I don't think she
understands what she does anymore than the rest of us do.
Nick: Yeah, well . . . I don't know about that.
Becca: I'm serious. Nick . . . she's so . . . lost.
Nick: As long as she doesn't hurt you or Vicky again, it doesn't really matter to me
what she does. That better?
Becca: Yeah, thanks.
Nick: You sure you can go back to sleep? Cause, you know I can stay . . .
Becca: Nick . . .
Nick: We don't have to do anything . . . I won't even get on the bed . . .
Becca: (smiles) GO to bed, Nick.
Nick: I'll sit right here and . . .
Becca: (kisses his forehead) I can take care of myself. Now go to bed . . .
your own bed . . . in your own room.
Nick: All right, all right. (he leaves and Becca gets back under the covers and begins to
talk to herself)
Becca: Marah? I wonder why I was calling for someone named Marah? Oh, well . .
. (She closes her eyes and goes back to sleep)
(Jake and Vicky have gone back to their room)
Vicky: So now do you understand why I HAVE to figure this out, Jake . . . I mean , what
the hell was all that about?
Jake: That was obviously one of the nightmares "Mom and Pop" told us about in
Chicago, Vick. She's been having them for years.
Vicky: Not just Becca, Marley . . . and my Mom . . . did you see her, Jake?
You would've thought she was the one with the nightmare.
Jake: Gee . . . Donna being overly dramatic . . . You're right, Vicky, that NEVER
happens. She was probably just upset that no one was paying attention to her!!
Vicky: And Marley . . . it was if she had had the same dream or something . . . Jake . . .
she was as afraid as Becca was . . . I could feel it (puts her hand to her chest the way
she always does when she "feels" Marley)
Jake: Honey, I hate to break this to you, but I think that sister of yours may just be a
chronically frightened person.
Vicky: And the blonde girl in Becca's dream . . . What if . . . Jake, what if they did
know each other?
Jake: Yeah, right. Donna really let Marley hang around the children of sociopaths .
. . and she took Marley all the way to Chicago to do it . . .
Vicky: Jake, come on . . . I have to figure this out . . .
Jake: Not now you don't . . . it's the middle of the night.
Vicky: Why not now? I mean we are awake and all . . .
Jake: Yes, we are . . . (kisses her neck) But I had something different in mind . .
. and believe me baby. I am definitely wide awake . . . (continues trailing kisses
over her upper body)
Vicky: MMM . . .What is it that you had in mind, McKinnon?
Jake: (maneuvering her under him) Let me show you . . .
(A few hours later. Becca is dreaming again. We see the two girls from before
in a dark, cold looking room. It's some sort of storage room or basement and both
girls are huddled up against the furnace)
Becca: (as the little red-haired child in her dream) Hey, Marah, who you always talking
to?
Marah: (the blonde older girl from before) The girl.
Becca: What girl?
Marah: On the swings.
Becca: What swings?
Marah: Those ones you drew the other day.
Becca: Oh. You really think it's a real place then, that park? Those people?
Marah: Uh-huh. They're coming . . . one day. And everything will be different,
you'll see.
Becca: Both of them? The boy too?
Marah: Yes. Everything will be different when they come. Forever.
Becca: Good different?
Marah: Well, it could hardly be worse.
Becca: Good point. You think everyone lives like this?
Marah: No. I bet those people in the house near us don't live like we do. Scared all
the time.
Becca: Papa says bad people live there and they'll hurt us and we should stay away.
Marah: I know. But . . .
(dream begins to fade away)
Becca: (Out loud but not loud enough to really wake anyone) Marah . . . don't leave . . .
Marah . . . Come back . . . Marah . . . (Marley appears in the doorway)
Marley: (eyes closed obviously sleepwalking) I'm here, don't worry. I won't let him
hurt you. If we stay together, we'll be safe. (She climbs in bed next to Becca)
(Becca feels someone climb into bed next to her and begins to awaken.)
Becca: Joshua, honey . . . (No answer) Nick . . . Come on, go back . . . (feels next to
her and realizes it is NOT Nick. Opens her eyes and screams) What the
hell?!?!?
Marley: (opens her eyes and screams as well)
Becca: What are you doing here?!?!?
Marley: (scooches off the bed towards the window taking the covers with her) I . . .
I . . . don't know . . . What are you doing here?
Becca: (with her knees up to her chest. sarcastically) Uh . . . gee, I don't know .
. . Oh, yeah, this is my room!
Marley: Oh . . . I . . . how did I get here . . .
(Vicky, Donna, Jake and Nick all come running in)
Vicky: What is going on here?
Becca: I woke up to Marley in bed with me . . . Now it's not like it's the first
time I've woken up with someone I don't remember going to bed with . . . but considering
I'm wearing my clothes still . . . and . . .
Vicky: Okay. Let's just all calm down here. Marley must have just gone into
the wrong room or something . . . She got up to go to the bathroom or something and she
went into the wrong room. No big deal.
Donna: You're right, Victoria. Marley, why don't you go into YOUR OWN ROOM .
It'll be like none of this ever happened.
Marley: Yes, Donna. (starts to leave with the blankets)
Becca: Wait. I want to know, really why did you get in bed with me?
Marley: I . . .I don't know . . . I heard someone calling me.
Becca: Well, I wasn't calling you!
Vicky: Okay, okay. Becca, did you have another nightmare? Maybe that's what
you heard, Marley.
Becca: No, I didn't and besides I if I had, you all would've known about it, right?
Jake: True. No one else heard anything, right?
Donna: I think we should all just go to bed and forget all of this ever happened.
I'm sure Marley didn't mean any harm. Did you?
Marley: No. I . . . (goes running out of the room dropping the blankets)
Vicky: I should go after her.
Jake: (Yawning and rubbing his face) Aw, Vick. Come on. It's late. Let's go to
bed.
Donna: Listen to your husband, darling. You need your sleep.
Vicky: (putting her hand on her abdomen and smiling just a little) Okay, but what
about Marley?
Donna: I'll see to her.
Becca: Tell her I'm sorry for screaming. I know she wasn't trying to hurt me or
anything.
(Everyone goes to bed except Donna and Becca)
Donna: What were you dreaming?
Becca: (a little too defensively) I thought you said we should all try and get some sleep.
And besides, who said I was dreaming anything?
Donna: I'm just trying to understand what's happening here. (brushing the hair out of
Becca's eyes) You look all right, are you?
Becca: (more relaxed now) Yeah, I'm fine. It wasn't a nightmare . . . not really.
It's just . . .
Donna: (in a soothing motherly voice) What?
Becca: Someone was leaving and then I felt so safe all of a sudden . . . like someone I
hadn't seen in a very long time had finally come back to me . . . and then I woke up and
Marley was here. I just got startled, I guess. Tell her I know she's not
trying to hurt me now . . . or ever.
Donna: I'm sure she's fine.
Becca: Well, so am I.
Donna: If you're certain . . .
Becca: Yeah, really. This was supposed to be a fun-filled relaxing trip . . . go
back to sleep, please.
Donna: All right. If you need me . . .
Becca: (looking at her a little strangely) I'm not a little girl, Donna. You don't
need to hover.
Donna: You know I worry . . .
Becca: Yeah, I just don't get why exactly. You wanna worry, go worry about your
daughter.
Donna: I . . . Oh. Marley. Yes. (leans over to her and kisses her good night)
Sleep pretty, darling. (She leaves)
Becca: "Sleep pretty"? Where have I heard that before? (She puts her
head down and goes back to sleep.)