(Scene opens at the Herald. Jake is talking to
himself)
Jake: I need more than this . . . Come on, you're a newspaper man . . . you can do this .
. . you've been doing it for God's sake!! I need something . . . I got it!!!!
(picks up phone)
Becca: (picks up phone) Hello?
Jake: Hi ya, Gorgeous!
Becca: Oh, GOD, Jake. What do you want??
Jake: What makes you think I want something? Can't I just pick up the phone and call the
second most beautiful mother?
Becca: Paulina's gonna be hurt if I'm number two now!
Jake: Well, you have better taste in men than she does . . .
Becca: (laughs) Can I tell her that?? Seriously, though, what do you want? I
don't really have time to banter with you all day sweetie.
Jake: Okay, Okay, It's the story. I need your particular area of expertise . . .
Becca: And, gee . . . I was just getting used to life with my clothes on!!!
Jake: No!! Not that! I mean, I don't think it'll come to THAT! I
just need some info on our friend, the Senator.
Becca: I don't know anything, Jake, really. He came into the club a couple of times.
We were never real close ya know!
Jake: Nothing? What about a place he might have mentioned, or people he used to talk
about?? I just need something to go on, anything really . . . Just a lead,
somewhere to start.
Becca: No, really, Jake. Well, there was a park he talked about. I think it
was on Riverside Drive.
Jake: You're the SECOND best!!
Becca: You're the only one who can say that phrase quite like that, ya know?
Jake: (blushing into the phone):Well, Vicky . . .
Becca: I know, I know, she really IS the best, isn't she?
Jake: (with that look of complete and total love on his face every time he sees, talks
about or even thinks about Vicky) At EVERYTHING! No question!
Becca:(laughs) All right, all right . . . (hangs up)
Jake gets his coat and leaves for the park Becca mentioned.
(Jake arrives at the park and we see him waiting and looking around for any sign of the
Senator. Suddenly he sees a little girl about 2 yrs old with blonde hair. She's
chasing dandelion seeds that her mother (also blonde haired and presumably blue eyed as
well) is blowing at her.)
Jake: (with a big ol' smile on his face) I can't wait. Oh, Vick, we're gonna have so
much fun! You, me, the boys, and our little girl . . . It's gonna be the best!
Only thing I can't figure out is what took us soo long!! Well, I guess, that's
what they mean when they say good things come to those who wait and saving the best for
last.
(one black limo pulls up along side the park and then another)
Jake: THAT'S gotta be them . . . who else arrives at a public park in not one, but TWO
black limos! Subtlety is obviously not a requirement for public office! (We see 2
men get out of the limos and walk toward a bench.) Damn! Who's that he's with? I
can't quite see ya buddy! Who IS he? A new player in this scheme? Or is
he the brains of the outfit? Turn around and let ol' Jake see your face!
(takes out a mini-camera and begins to shoot) Maybe if I just take pics of
everything I'll pick up something. I can see the headline now . . . "SENATOR'S
SECRETS" If I can just get one good shot of our mystery man . . . and maybe
some . . . there we go!!! (Senator reaches below the bench and grabs an envelope seemingly
filled with money and gives it to the other man) Is that MONEY changing hands?
I do think so!!! This story's gonna write itself!! (The other man turns toward
Jake to walk away as Jake is taking pictures and is more than a little startled at his
identity) WHAT?!?!?!? That looks like . . . NOT POSSIBLE!! Jake, man, this
story is getting to you! You're getting paranoid in your old age! (rubs hand
around his reddened neck) You're gonna develop these pictures and he'll look nothing like
him!! The Senator's partner there can NOT be REGINALD LOVE!! Just go home to your
wife and kids.. You know what this is really? A sign that you are spending way
too much time on this story and not enough with your family!! You're dreaming up
threats to them so you NEED to go home! That's bad, man. REALLY bad.
Take the hint and go home. (Jake continues to stare as Reginald gets into his
car and drives off. Eventually, Jake leaves as well)
(Scene opens in front of the cottage with Jake about to open the door but first looking in
the window at Vicky helping the boys with their homework)
Jake: See! That's what's important. Get your mind off the dumb story!
There's no way that was who it appeared to be. You were pretty far away and it
was getting dark. You've been spending WAY too much time at work lately.
You're overworked, that's all. You're looking for conflict. Just go in
there and enjoy your life! (opens door and enters)
Steven and Kirk: JAKE!!
Vicky: (looking at watch) You're home! (Sarcastically, but still with that look of pure,
incredible undeniable love on her face) And hey! It's only 8:30!!! So early!
Jake: I know, but this story . . . Any way, something happened today that made me remember
where I belong and what's important.
Vicky: And gee . . . it wasn't working on this "story" of yours?
Jake: (gazes directly at Vicky as if trying to drink her in with his eyes although
seeming to talk to the boys) Nope. And I'm sorry if I seemed to forget that.
Here with you guys is where I want to be. So, what are we doing here?
Steven: Actually, we're almost done, Jake.
Vicky: (smiling and all trace of sarcasm gone) Why don't you have Jake check over
everything we've done, while I go do the dishes. You and I can catch up later Jake.
You can tell me all about this "revelation" you had today.
Jake: Yeah, let's just say I got a real eye-opener today.
Vicky: (goes over and kisses him as if to further remind him what he's been missing
in pursuit of this story) Can't wait . . . a BEDTIME story!
Kirk:(with complete and total innocence) Jake tells the bedtime stories, Mommy!
Vicky: (with a seductive glint in her eyes) YES, he does, honey. He sure does.
Steven: (rolls his eyes) Oh, brother! The things you miss, Kirk!
Kirk:What?!
Jake: (trying to take his eyes off of Vicky and not succeeding and holding hands behind
his back to prevent himself taking her right then and there) Leave your little brother
alone, Steven. It's good that one of you acts your age occasionally or else your
mother and I would be in big trouble!!! I don't know what we'd do if you both were
10 going on 30!! (Vicky laughs and goes into the kitchen. Jake sits down on the
couch with kids next to him and starts to go over their homework as scene ends)
(Next scene opens with Jake and Vicky putting the boys to bed. They each kiss
each boy on the head and Vicky tucks them in.)
Jake: Good night, boys, we love you.
Steven&Kirk: We love you too. (bedroom door closes)
Vicky: Oh . . . Jake (gives him a kiss that would register a 7 or 8 on the Richter Scale)
Jake: What was THAT for? Not that I'm complaining, you understand.
Vicky: For all of this . . . (puts his hand on her stomach and kisses him) and this . . .
(moves his hand to her heart and kisses him again) and this . . . (kisses him yet again)
Jake: You're in a good mood, aren't you?
Vicky: I guess carrying your child agrees with me. Seriously, though, I don't
remember ever being any happier than I am right now. I have you, the boys, and a new
little one on the way. You know what the best part is?
Jake: (Smiling the way he does at her that makes you feel like you knees have instantly
liquefied) What most beautiful woman in the world? What's the best part?
Vicky: (taking his arms to completely envelop her) I'm only a very tiny bit afraid that
somehow it will all disappear. I figure that's pretty good for me. Don't you
think?
Jake: Why even a little?
Vicky: Well, if I said I wasn't afraid at all, you'd know I was lying, wouldn't you?
It's just in my nature I guess to think the good stuff won't last.
Jake: Nothing will harm us, Vicky. Nothing. This is going to last. I
promise. Remember? Jake and Vicky 4-ever. No one and nothing can take
this away from us.
Vicky: Promise?
Jake: Promise. I will make personally sure of it. Only good stuff.
Vicky: I almost believe you.
Jake: Believe it. Nothing can . . . (thinks of Reginald at the park)
Vicky:(noticing the suddenly spacey, worried look on his face) Jake?
Jake:You know what? I'm going to go and get you something that will prove to you
that everything will be okay.
Vicky: Oh, Jake . . . you don't have to. Besides, I want to hear my bedtime
story. (strokes his chest with her hands)
Jake: (kisses her quickly) I'll tell you all about when I get back. I won't be long.
(kisses her again and then goes down the stairs and out the door)
Vicky: (staring after him in shock at his sudden departure) Jake! Jake? What the . .
. You just got home! If I didn't know better I'd swear I was losing my touch and you
went back to that paper!
Jake: (outside the cottage with the film from today in hand) I'm sorry, Vick.
But I have to know. For you, for the guys. I have to know what's on this
film. If it really is him. Because I did mean what I said . . . no one is
going to come between us and our happiness again. No one will ever hurt you again .
. . including your grandfather.
(At the Herald. Jake is in the photo lab developing the film from the park. He is
now developing a picture of Reginald.) Come on, baby, let me see that face.
It's probably not even him. My mind was just playing tricks on me and this
will prove it. (picture develops into a fairly clear picture of Reginald Love)
DAMN! Maybe if I blow it up, it won't be him . . . it will be a clearer picture . .
. of SOMEONE ELSE! Yeah, I'll blow it up . . who am I kidding? That's as clear
a shot as I'm going to get, and it is definitely Reginald Love, alive and in Chicago.
(again trying to deny what he sees) They say everyone has a double, though, right?
So that's who the guy is . . . a twin. Yeah, right. (looks at watch)
Is it that late? I gotta get home . . . all this will be clearer after some
sleep. I'll know what I have to do in the morning. Maybe I won't have to do
anything. I'll deal with it in the morning. Nothing until then. I can't
tell Vicky yet, though. Not til I really know something. After all, I told her
only good stuff from now on and I meant it. There may not even be anything to tell
her. I'll deal with this whatever it is and she won't need to worry about it.
(Jake goes back home and finds Vicky upstairs in bed asleep. She had obviously been
waiting up as she still has all her clothes on.)
Jake: Good, McKinnon . . . You tell her you're going to prove to her that everything will
be okay and what do you do??? Keep your pregnant wife up waiting for you!
Vicky: (Opening her eyes) Jake?
Jake: Yes, baby. Go back to sleep. I'm sorry.
Vicky: (sitting up) No, I'm up. Where'd you go?
Jake: It's not important now, I'll tell you later. You need your sleep.
Vicky: Come on, Jake . . . you took off in such a hurry . . . and besides you owe me a
bedtime story, remember?
Jake: Vicky . . . (phone rings)
Marley: Hi, Victoria, did I wake you?
V: No. Jake just got home and we were just catching up on the day..
M: Oh, good, I just wanted to catch you tonight. I was thinking I would like
to have you and the boys for lunch tomorrow. I thought I would invite Becca and her
son too. I was thinking it would be nice to get to know Becca a little better since
she is becoming so close with you and obviously Nick is crazy about her.
V: Marley, that is so nice. I am glad to see you are trying to make new friends and
do a little entertaining. I think it would be fun. Count us in.
M: Good, I am glad you think it is a good idea. It will be fun. Maybe I
will
invite Paulina and Dante too.
V: Yeah, they have only met a few times and I think it would be nice to have her get
to know Becca better .Besides the kids can all play. Are you sure that is not too
much for you? I can bring lunch from Carlino's or grab burgers or something?
M: (raising her voice a bit and getting a little agitated) No, Victoria. No, I am
fully capable of having a few people over for lunch and making a few sandwiches. You treat
me like I am still crazy. Well, I am not.
V: No, Marley, that is not what I mean. I just didn't want you to overdo it
with you just getting yourself together and all. It is a lot to handle with all the
kids and I didn't want you to feel overwhelmed. I didn't mean anything by it.
M: (with more attitude) You never do, do you?
V: Marley, what was that all about? I am just thinking of you.
M: Nothing, Nothing, I am just tired. I am looking forward to it.
V; Okay, well, then we will see you tomorrow.
M: Good night, Victoria.
Vicky hangs up the phone and has a very puzzled look on her face.
J: Hey, baby, what's the matter?
V: Nothing, I just had a really odd conversation with Marley. She was fine at the
beginning. She invited me and the boys for lunch with Becca. She said
she wanted to get to know her better.
J: Well, that sounds innocent enough. What happened next?
V: Well, when I suggested I would bring lunch, she went crazy and got all
defensive with me.
J: Well, you know, Vic, you do tend to get a little over protective with her.
Doing a little overbearing mother thing on her. Now, me, I love it when you
mother me. . . grabs her and throws her down on the couch.... Kiss me, Mommy.
V: McKinnon, you are sick. She pushes him off her after giving him a little
peck.
J: Me, I don't see how you could even care. I personally just would rather not
deal with her.
V: Jake. . . I though we resolved all this. I thought we were moving on.
J: You may have resolved all this and can move on. You can forgive, but I will
never forget. I will never forget how I felt when you were gone. Not knowing
if I would ever see you again. Thinking all kind of crazy things. . . You didn't want to
be with me.
V: Never!! (She kisses him intensely)
J: Thinking you had run away or worse you were hurt or dead. I will never
forget how I felt when I found out it was Marley that had you. (He kisses her
tenderly and takes her hand.)
V: I know, Jake, but I have to forgive her, she is my sister and she was sick.
She got the help she needed and she is okay now.
J: Well, you give Willowdale a lot of credit. I will believe it when I see it.
What is with her new found fascination with Becca all of the sudden?
V: I think she is just trying to get to know her a little better since she is so
important to us.
J: I don't know, Vic, she has been acting so weird around her lately.
V: Jake, you are so suspicious. She is not weird, it is just that she is shy
and
maybe a little jealous of our friendship.
J: Suspicious? You are the one doing the full FBI search on your good
friend. I don't know what you call it. I call it weird with a capital W.
. .
V: I am not doing a FBI search. (She puts her hands on her hips and gives him
a look.) I am just curious and want to know more. She could be my
sister-in-law soon. Things don't make sense.
J: He grabs her around the waist and pulls her back down on his lap. Okay, my
little J. Edgar Hoover, lets not fight over this... you guys just go do lunch tomorrow and
have a good time.
Scene: Next morning at the cottage. Kirkland's room.
V: Kirkland, come on now. She is trying to do something nice. She just
wants to have a nice afternoon. Steven is going to be there and Josh, too.
K: Josh, too?
V: Yeah, Josh and Becca and Paulina and Dante.
K: NO, I AM NOT GOING.
V: Kirk, please..
K: No, she is weird again. I saw her with Becca. Mom, she is
acting all weird towards her. Weird like she did when she had you. She tried
to be our mother. (He runs up and hugs Vicky tight.)
V: (Vicky hugs Kirkland back and kisses him on the forehead.) Oh, Sweetie, No
one could ever be your mother but me. I am always going to be your mother even when
you are all grown up and don't need me anymore. I will always need you. Kirkland.
Aunt Marley would never hurt you. She is feeling much better now and is trying
to put her life back together.
K: She hurts me when she hurt you.
Jake comes into Kirk's bedroom and sits down on the bed.
J: Hey, little man, what's up? You don't want to go to lunch at Aunt Marley's?
K; No, she is weird. I hate her.
V: Kirkland, that is not nice. You don't hate anyone...
J; That's right, little man. Sometimes you can dislike someone a lot but you
never hate anyone. Now tell me, little man, ( he scoops up Kirk and sits him on his
lap) what is really bothering you about Aunt Marley? Why don't you want to go?
We are all trying to put those things in the past.
K: I don't want her to hurt my Mommy again. I saw the way she was acting with
Becca. She is doing it again, isn't she?
J: (Under his breath) He always was a smart little guy.
Vicky shoots Jake a look
V: (whispering) You are not helping..
J: Okay, okay, well let me tell you this, Kirkland, I will never ever let anyone or
anything hurt you or your mom again. So it is safe for you to go to Aunt Marley's
Aunt Marley is really trying hard to make things right in her world, so we have
to give her a chance. Can you do that for me?
K: I guess so, Jake.
V Thank you, baby. That makes Mommy very happy that you are going to try...
K: Mom
V: Yeah, baby.
K: I think I would like to bring Theodore with me, is that okay?
V: Sure, baby. What ever you want. Now go get dressed please and then get your
brother.
Jake gives Kirk a big kiss and hug and a high five as they both walk out of the room
V: You always manage to make things work out.. You are so good with them. Our
little girl is so lucky to have you as her Daddy. Vicky reaches up to kiss him and
places his hands over hers on her belly.
J: No, Vicky. I am the lucky one. Who would have thought? It
is easy. They are great little guys.
V: Theodore. He wants to take Theodore with him. I guess my little
boy isn't so grown up after all.
J: Vic, when you were gone he held that bear like it was his life line.. Ever since
you disappeared he took that bear with him ever where he went.
V: I just noticed he was sleeping with it again.
J: I did, too. When I went to check in on him the other night I noticed
it there under the covers.
V: I just thought maybe he was a little jealous of the new baby.. Now if
he is feeling this way about Marley and scared again I need to make him understand that he
is safe and loved and that nothing is going to happen.
J: No, Vicky, WE need to make him feel safe. You know, baby, but that is
hard for a little kid to understand. It is hard for me to understand. That was
something so horrible for him and now with Grant gone, he is so worried that you are
going to leave him, too.
V: Oh, Jake, that poor little boy.
J: Marley really freaked those boys out. It is going to take them a little time to
trust her again. You know I don't blame them.
V: Jake... you are not helping.
J: Vic, I am doing the best I can...
V: Please, Jake, for me will you try for me... she kisses him lightly on his lips.
J: With those lips, I will do just about anything for you, Mrs. McKinnon.
Everyone arrives at Marley's about 12:00.
Moms are all gabbing in the doorway as they get their kids in and situated.
Boot, hats and coats are flying everywhere. The kids are jumping around and
talking amongst themselves...It is a little hectic, but everyone seems to be having a good
time.
V: Okay, everyone time out.... First.. Let's take it down a notch or two.
Everyone calm down! (Vicky laughs. Suddenly there is a deafening
silence in the room) Thanks! Okay, Steven and Kirk, you guys keep and eye on
Dante and Josh. Remember, you are my big guys and they are going to be copying
everything you do.. Just keep an eye on them please.
M: I have set up some art supplies in the den. Why don't you guys go in there and do
some drawing? I used to love to draw when I was your age.
B: That is funny, as a matter of fact, so did I. I actually used to paint a bit when
I was younger.
M: Oh, really, that is interesting you will have to tell us more.
S/K: (still jumping around) COOL! Come on you guys, let's go draw!
(they grab Josh and Dante's hands and lead them to the den. Becca follows
behind them to help get them situated. She is surprised at the elaborate spread of art
supplied Marley has set out.)
P: They are nice little boys, aren't they?
V: Yeah, I am lucky, however, there are moments!!!!
P: (laughing) Yeah, we know sometimes you want to... strangle them (she
laughs.)
M: Okay, now that we have them entertained, how about some nice wine I have chilling?
Vicky... I have some sparkling cider for you.
P: Oh, that sounds nice. Lunch like a lady instead of slamming down the rest
of Dante's sandwich while I am driving in the car.
M: Well, this is going to be really nice. Let me go get the wine.
P: Well, Vic, so far she seems okay. She seems to be keeping it together.
V: I know Paulina for the most part she does seem to have it together then something
sets her off. A word, a memory, something and she gets all weird again. She
was insisting she knew Becca and she would not let up on it. I just have to believe
she was mistaken. How in the world could she have known Becca? I couldn't even
get Kirkland to come here this morning. He has been so attached since he lost Grant, I
think he is afraid Marley is going to do something to me again. I tried to explain
to him that she was sick and now she is better...
P: That is hard for him to grasp he is just worried he is going to lose his Mommy since he
already lost his Daddy.
V: Yeah, I know and you know Jake doesn't help either. God love him, but he is not
the most forgiving man alive.
P: Well, Vic, you've got to cut him some slack, you didn't see him when you
were
gone. His world had come to a screeching halt. He only kept it together
because of your kids. He was a wreck. He is due a little hostility towards
her.
V: Well, I just hope one day he can forgive her. This family needs to heal and
look forward to the future. (she places her hands over her stomach.)
P: You said it, girl (as she kisses Vicky on the cheek)
They are interrupted as Becca comes back in from getting the kids situated.
B: All set! They should be happy in there for hours. Wow, I didn't realize
Marley was that into drawing and painting. She has quite a spread in there.
V: I think when she was at Willowdale, she took up the hobby, helped pass the time.
So Becca, you paint? Really, I didn't realize.
B: Well, not much anymore.. I kind of used it as an escape during my childhood.
It helped me disappear to places a lot more happier then where I was at the time.
I did a lot of dreaming as a kid.
P: Well, kiddo, let me tell you I think we can all relate. My childhood wasn't much
better. I grew up in an orphanage in Chicago and had nothing more than the clothes
on my back. I used to disappear into my books. I would read for hours
V: Girls, I think it is time we stop
thinking all these negative thoughts and get down to some girl talk!!!
B: Here, here! (as they all toast their glasses)
P: So, tell me, Vic, how has Jake been since you told him?
V: Well, he is the cutest thing you ever saw. He waits on me hand and foot and
doesn't let me do a thing. I keep telling him I am not going to break but you know
Jake...
P: Yeah, I do.
V: I keep catching him talking to my stomach when he thinks I am asleep. It is
so cute the way he tells her things about our life and the boys and everything around her
world. Sometimes I think he just does it to make sure it is not a dream and it is
really happening. I can feel her kick every time he talks to her. She must
know that is her Daddy.
M: That is so sweet . Jake is going to be a great Daddy. He is a great man and
this is just going to round him out.
B: I will second that. He has been so good with Josh. I swear he is just as
big a kid as they are.
V: I can honestly say I have never been happier in my life.
M: I am glad you have so much happiness in your life, Victoria.
P: (wiping a tear from her eye) Me too, sweetie. It is a long time
coming. (she reaches over to hug Vicky.) Now both Vicky and Paulina are tearing up.
V: Don't I know it. I can't wait to meet this precious little one. God,
I am so excited I am even looking forward to the delivery. I really must be in love.
They all laugh hysterically as Paulina and Vicky wipe tears from their eyes. The
girls continue to drink more wine.
M: Okay, ladies, before we get down to the nitty gritty girl talk we should probably
get lunch. Well, let me get the kids all situated and then we can eat. I have
made us lovely Caesar salads with fresh chicken, homemade cheese bread and peach raspberry
pie for dessert. For the kids, I have made marshmallow/banana/peanut butter
sandwiches with carrot sticks. That was one of my favorites as a kid. I think
they will like it, too. They get ice cream for dessert. (at that moment Vicky turns
a nice shade of green and runs for the bathroom. After a few minutes, she comes out
a little pale and wiping her forehead)
V: McKinnon, you are so dead. Who was the genius who said morning sickness is
just for morning? I thought I was past this.
P: But just think of how much fun you had getting to this point.
V: Oh, yeah. She smiles a devilish grin. HHMMM . . . that was fun.
P: You don't need to remind me. I was there once. I remember. They
both start to giggle.
M: Oh Victoria. I am so sorry. I didn't mean to make you sick.
I can change the menu if you want.
V: Marley, don't be silly, it all sounds great. I don't think it
matters. You just lost me at the banana/marshmallow sandwich. That combination
. . .
Meanwhile Vicky notices Becca is looking completely panic-stricken.
V: Hey, Becca. She doesn't hear her. Becca . . . (who is completely lost
and very pale... she suddenly snaps back to reality.)
V: Don't tell me you are going to lose it, too.
B: Huh. What did you say?
V: You just went all white. Sit down. Are you okay?
B: I'm fine. You're who we should be worrying about. You okay?
V: Yeah, I am fine, just the pregnancy thing you know.
M: What is the matter? Don't you like marshmallow/banana/peanut butter
sandwiches? (she asks with a smirk on her face.)
B: Actually, I do. It was an old favorite of mine from my childhood. My mom used to
make them for me. Now I make them for Josh.
M: Oh, really, mine too.
V: Well, I have never heard of them and I am the queen of junk food. Let's
gather up the kids and get started. If I can hold down my lunch, I think I might try
one.
M: Yes. Good idea. I will go get the lunch and bring in the
sandwiches. Becca, can you help me in the kitchen?
B: Uh, yeah, sure. Vic, can you keep an eye on Josh?
V: Sure.