Love Worth Fighting For, Part 5

(Jake is standing on the front porch of the cottage. He looks in the window and can see Vicky and the boys horsing around. He smiles, then pulls his cell phone out of his pocket and begins dialing.)

Jake: Lucinda, its Jake…

Lucinda’s voice: Where have you been? I was just about to call the police to search for you.

Jake: I know, I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to call sooner, but something incredible has happened….Vicky is alive.

Lucinda’s voice: (sighing) Oh, not this again. I thought we had been through this.

Jake: No, its for real this time. She is alive. I am looking at her right now.

Lucinda’s voice: Well this is wonderful news then! I am very happy for you.

Jake: Yes, it is wonderful. But I am going to have to quit working at The City Times.

Lucinda’s voice: You are going to be missed, but if you didn’t quit, I would insist you did to spend time with your lovely wife and children. You’ll keep in touch, I hope.

Jake: (smiling) Definitely. And when things settle down around here, maybe Vicky and I will come out to Oakdale for a visit.

Lucinda’s voice: Take care, darling.

Jake: You too. (Jake hangs up and puts his phone back in his pocket. He walks into the cottage and is greeted by Steven and Kirk who both give him big hugs. Vicky continues sitting on the couch as she watches them.) Hey, guys.

Steven: Where did you go, Jake?

Kirk: We didn’t know if you were coming back.

Jake: Oh, I am always coming back. You can count on that. I went to go visit Paulina. (Looking at Vicky) She sends her love.

Vicky: I really should give her a call. (standing up and walking over to the phone)

Jake: Actually, I was hoping we could talk for a minute.

Vicky: I think we already talked about everything that needed to be said.

Jake: I quit my job in Oakdale.

Steven: Really? Does this mean we’re staying in Bay City?

Jake: Sure does, kiddo.

Steven & Kirk: Yes!

Steven: Now things can be just like they were before.

Jake: (sitting down on the couch) Come over here and sit down. (Steven and Kirk sit next to Jake) I’m actually going to be living at the Bay City Towers again.

Kirk: Why? Don’t you want to live with us?

Jake: Of course I do. I am going to see you guys everyday. There are just some things your mom and I need to work out before I can….

Vicky: (walking over to the boys) Jake is still going to see you guys. I promise.

Steven: This isn’t fair. Nothing will ever be the same again, will it? (He stands up and runs up stairs. Kirk follows him.)

Jake: (sarcastically) Well that sure went smoothly.

Vicky: Why are you staying in Bay City?

Jake: Because I want to be near the boys….and you.

Vicky: Jake, we already talked about this. I don’t want you to leave your job in Oakdale because of me. We’re over, okay? You just have to accept that.

Jake: I’m not going to be living here, so why does it matter if I stay in Bay City?

Vicky: I just don’t think its a good time for the boys. Their whole world has just completely changed once again. And they want things to be the same way they were. I don’t want to take that away from them again.

Jake: What are you saying?

Vicky: Maybe you should stay here at the cottage for awhile. In the guest room.

Jake: Wouldn’t that be like giving the boys false hope?

Vicky: I just want them to be happy again, Jake. They deserve that.

Jake: So do you.

Vicky: This isn’t about me. Now do you want to stay here or not?

Jake: Yes, I do. Thank you for the offer.

Vicky: You’re welcome.

Jake: I’m going to go upstairs and tell the boys the news.

Vicky: I need to run over to the Harbor Club and pick up dinner.

Jake: I’ll see you later then. (Jake walks upstairs and to the end of the hallway, to the guestroom. He opens the door and looks in. The room has pink wallpaper, a changing table, two white cribs, a white rocking chair, and stuffed animals all over the place. Jake closes the door and leans up against it.) (whispering to himself) I totally forgot we had done that. ( Jake takes a deep breath and walks over the Steven and Kirk’s door. Opens the door and peeks his head around the corner.) Is it safe for me to come in?

Steven: (sitting on his bed) I guess.

Jake: (sits down next to Steven) I have some good news. I’m going to stay at the cottage afterall.

Steven: (looking up) You are?

Jake: Yep.

Kirk: Did you and mommy make up?

Jake: Its not that easy. Like I said before, your mom and I have some things we need to work out.

Steven: What if you can’t?

Jake: Well, we’re not going to think that way. I love your mom and I am going to do everything I can to get her back.

Steven: We’ll help if we can.

Jake: (hugs Steven) Thanks, that means a lot to me.


(Vicky is at the Harbor Club. Donna walks over to her with her order.)

Donna: Darling, are you sure its okay for you be out like this?

Vicky: Mother, you act like I have escaped from prison or something. Everyone is going to know sooner or later that I am alive.

Donna: I know, I’m sorry. (handing Vicky the brown paper bag) Here is your food. I put in enough for Jake too, just in case.

Vicky: If you want to know if he came back to the cottage, the answer is yes. I told him he can stay.

Donna: (hugging Vicky) Oh, darling you made up!

Vicky: No. I’m doing this for the boys. I told Jake he can stay in the guestroom.

Donna: (acting awkward) You did?

Vicky: Yes, I did. Why are you acting so weird?

Donna: Well, darling, I don’t know where you expect him to sleep in there. It is after all a nursery now.

Vicky: (getting upset) Oh no! I totally forgot, oh I have to get home before Jake goes in there. (running out) I’ll call you later.


(Vicky runs into the cottage out of breath). Jake is sitting at the dining room table reading the newspaper. Jake immediately stands up and runs over to Vicky.)

Jake: What is it? Are you okay?

Vicky: I’m fine. But I just remembered about the guestroom.

Jake: When I got up there and saw it, I remembered too.

Vicky: I am so sorry. I never would have said that if I had remembered -

Jake: Its okay. I can just take the couch.

Vicky: This weekend I guess we can turn it back into the guestroom. (Jake and Vicky just look at each other silently. Vicky puts the bag on the table) Oh, there is plenty of food in here. Steven, Kirkland - dinner!

Jake: (opening up the bag) Smells great. I’ll get the plates. (He walks into the kitchen and stands in front of the sink. He begins to have a flashback of when he can Vicky decorated the nursery. He remembers when he took the paintbrush and painted the end of Vicky’s nose pink before giving her a passionate kiss. Jake smiles.)

Vicky: (tapping Jake on his shoulder) Hello, earth to Jake? You look like you are a million miles away.

Jake: I’m sorry, I was just thinking about (looks into Vicky’s eyes) - about work.

Vicky: Well come on, the boys are starving.

(Its the next morning, and Vicky has just gotten the boys off to school. Donna and Jake are sitting at the dining room table. Vicky walks back over to join them.)

Donna: (to Jake) I’m sure that sofa wasn’t very comfortable last night, Jake.

Jake: No, it was fine.

Donna: Well I have a better suggestion for tonight. (Vicky shoots her mother a look) Cass and Lila have just moved into their new house, so I am going back to my penthouse. So you can take my room.

Jake: Are you sure?

Vicky: Yeah, mom are you sure?

Donna: Yes, I have really been missing my place. And Jake certainly can’t sleep on the couch forever.

Vicky: Well we were going to turn the nursery back to the way it was.

Donna: Darling, don’t go to all that trouble. You never know when a nursery might come in handy. (Jake and Vicky both stare at Donna and then look at each other. Donna stands up) I really do need to get over to the Harbor Club. So, I will be by a little later to pick up a few of my things. (She leaves)

Vicky: She just says the craziest things sometimes. (Vicky is about to walk back into the kitchen, but Jake takes hold of her arm.)

Jake: Listen, I know things are a little awkward right now. And I know you don’t want to think about the marriage, and I can understand that. But I would really like to work on at least being friends again.

Vicky: You would?

Jake: Vick, you are my best friend. Even if we aren’t married, I don’t ever want to lose that. If we have to put the marriage on hold for awhile and just be friends, then I am all for it.

Vicky: That would mean a lot to me. Thanks.

Jake: (standing up) Well, I really have to get going. I am going over to The Herald today to see if I can’t get the ball rolling over there again.

Vicky: Good luck.

(Vicky watches as Jake walks over to the front door. Paulina is walking up to the porch as Jake walks out.)

Jake: Hi there. I am just on my way out.

Paulina: Hi, is Vicky here? (walking into the cottage)

Jake: Right over there. Bye. (He leaves and Paulina runs over to Vicky and they embrace)

Paulina: Oh, its really you. I missed you so much.

Vicky: I have missed you too. Its so good to be back.

Paulina: You look even more beautiful than you did before, if that’s possible.

Vicky: (laughs) Thanks.

(They walk over to the couch and sit down)

Paulina: So we have a lot of catching up to do.

Vicky: I would rather just pick up where we left off, if that’s okay.

Paulina: (taking Vicky’s hand) Oh, honey. I’m sorry.

Vicky: It’s okay. I would rather not think about everything that happened and move on.

Paulina: Jake is really worried about you.

Vicky: I’m fine. I think he needs to worry about taking care of himself.

Paulina: He blames himself for everything that happened.

Vicky: He shouldn’t. Its all my fault. I’m the one that - I’m sorry. So tell me how are things with you and Joe?

Paulina: They’re going great.

Vicky: Well you look absolutely great. Actually, you’re glowing!

Paulina: There’s a reason for that. I didn’t mention it to Jake, but I’m pregnant.

Vicky: (hugging Paulina) That’s great! Congratulations, I am so happy for you guys.

Paulina: We are really excited too.

Vicky: (smiling) Oh, that is wonderful news.

Paulina: Thanks. (looks at her watch) I really hate to leave, but I have to get over to the restaurant. I’ll come back later on, okay? (Vicky and Paulina stand up and hug once more)

Vicky: Sounds great.

(Paulina leaves. Vicky sits back down on the sofa and begins to cry.)

(Jake is sitting in his office at The Herald. He picks up his phone and dials. Split screen to Chris Madison answering.)

Chris: This is Madison.

Jake: Hey buddy.

Chris: Jake. How’s it going man?

Jake: Things are looking up.

Chris: Glad to hear it. How is life in Oakdale?

Jake: Actually, I am in Bay City. Its a long story, but Vicky is alive.

Chris: That is great! Wow, that has got to be amazing to have a second chance like that.

Jake: Yeah, it is. Things are a little strained, but I think it will work out in the end. Listen, I am back at The Herald. Which is the reason I am calling. Would you be interested in coming back to work for me?

Chris: Ah, Jake. Life in Tampa is going really well.

Jake: So I guess married life is better than you expected it to be.

Chris: Definitely. Toni and I actually have some great news.

Jake: Oh really?

Chris: Yeah, we’re going to be having our own little bundle of joy in about five months.

Jake: Wow, congrats! That’s got to be exciting.

Chris: It is man. I just couldn’t ask Toni to move now.

Jake: I understand. But if you ever change your mind, please let me know.

Chris: I will. Thanks for calling. And good luck with Vicky. I hope everything works out.

Jake: Thanks. Bye. (Jake hangs up. He opens his desk drawer and pulls out a framed picture of the sonogram of the twins. A tear falls down his cheek as he places the frame back in the drawer. He grabs his keys and leaves the office.)

(Back at the cottage, Vicky is asleep on the couch. Jake walks in and sits in the chair next to the couch. He watches Vicky, but notices she isn’t sleeping very soundly.
Vicky tosses and turns a little, as we can see into her nightmare. Its a bit blurry, but Vicky is lying in what looks like a hospital bed, she is still very pregnant. A man walks into the room, his face blurry. He is wearing rubber gloves and holds up a needle. Vicky sits up on the couch in a cold sweat, crying. Jake immediately moves to her side.)

Jake: (puts his arms around Vicky) You just had a bad dream, I’m right here. Everything is okay now.

Vicky: (still crying) I’m sorry, I couldn’t stop it. (as she continues to cry, Jake holds her in his arms.)