Untitled

by Denise

Chapters 4 - 6

Episode Four 

SCENE ONE -- INT. - AIRPORT - PARIS -- AFTERNOON

It is three days after the coronation. HOPE, BO, SHAWN and JENNIFER are sitting in the airport waiting for their flight to be called.

JENNIFER is flipping pages in a magazine and glancing nervously toward something we can't see.

SHAWN: It sure will be nice to get back to Salem. (BEAT) Although returning to class is no treat.

HOPE: Well you've already missed enough school as it is young man. It's just a good thing Jack and Jen were so eager to visit some museums yesterday so you kids could see some sights and get your minds off of the shootings.

BO: And a little bit of education. Thanks again for that Jen.

JENNIFER is silent. All three of them turn to look at her.

JENNIFER: (looking up in surprise) Huh? (BEAT) Oh the museums. It was - you know - it was our treat.

JACK: (walking up and joining them) What was a treat?

JENNIFER: The museum (JACK stares at her seemingly confused) yesterday

JACK: Mu - oh right, the museums yesterday the Louvre and those others that we went to yesterday with the kids. Those were quite educational.

JENNIFER: (standing up next to JACK) And they gave us the opportunity to head to the giftshops for Grandma and Abby.

JACK: (picking up where JENNIFER left off) Oh yes. There's absolutely nothing that Abigail loves more than Paris. Remember last year when we brought her here Jennifer? Can it really have been a year? (JACK begins counting on his fingers)

JENNIFER: So anyway, Shawn (She glances at JACK and noticing him counting, she grabs his hand and gives him a look that says she's annoyed) we were happy to take you and your friends around the city.

SHAWN: (staring at them strangely) Uh - huh. Thanks.

BO: (changing the subject) So Jack, how did your phone call go?

JACK: (smiling widely and lifting his eyebrows at JENNIFER) Officer Brady, I'm glad you asked. It would appear that - well our eyewitness accounts of the coronation as well as our theories on who would do such a thing are a huge success. (turns around to face the BRADYS) In fact they want Miss Horton and myself to consider doing a whole series of -

JENNIFER: (wrapping an arm around JACK'S neck and kissing his cheek) Oh Jack! That's wonderful, amazing, spectacular -

JACK: -- Marvelous, splendid and sensational. Yes, yes Jennifer, I've read my thesaurus too. (smiles uncomfortably at the BRADY FAMILY) Hehehe that's our Miss Horton, always a professional.

JENNIFER: (realizing what she's done and backing off of JACK) Oh well you know it's just so -

ANNOUNCER: (V.O.) Le vol 786 part maintenant pour New York City a la porte 31. Flight 786 is now departing for New York City at Gate 31.

JENNIFER: (picking up her bag and taking HOPE'S arm) It's just so good to be working again. (They're walking toward the gate) You know I've been working since college in this business, most of that time with Jack, so these past six months or so (handing the agent their boarding passes) while I've been sitting around not working have just been killing me. That's why I've been in such a funk (Her voice trails off as she and HOPE disappear down the corridor)

SHAWN: I can see now what you meant the other night about enjoying the silent Jennifer Horton. (shakes his head, but he is smiling as he hands the agent his boarding pass) I think she could go on forever.

JACK: Yes, she does it to wear you down and she could go on endlessly if needed. (He watches for a second as BO and SHAWN head for the plane.) But there is no sweeter sound in the world. (smiles to himself and then starts after them) Now wait a second Shawn ... Shawn Douglas ... there's something I've been meaning to discuss with you.

OUT on JACK boarding the plane

***

SCENE TWO - INT. - AIRPLANE

On board the plane and headed for New York City. BO, HOPE and SHAWN are sharing three seats in an aisle and JACK and JENNIFER occupy two seats a few rows up and across the aisle from them. Although an empty seat could separate JACK and JENNIFER they instead are seated side by side. JACK is typing on his laptop while JENNIFER watches and gives her input.

HOPE: (To SHAWN) So what was Jack discussing with you earlier Shawn?

HOPE gets no response. SHAWN has his headphones on so BO taps his shoulder.

SHAWN: (looking up from his book and removing his headphones) Huh?

HOPE: What were you and Jack discussing as you boarded the plane?

SHAWN: Oh he just was wondering if I had any plans for the summer.

BO: (looking curiously first in JACK'S direction and then at SHAWN) Did Jack have plans for you for the summer?

SHAWN: (shrugging his shoulders) He didn't give any specifics, just said that he was wondering if I had "plans for the future - distant and not so distant". He mentioned something about dynasties and publishing houses and then Jen came up, apologized and dragged him to his seat.

HOPE: So did you get the impression that his stay in Salem might be (BEAT) long term as opposed to just a short visit with Abby?

SHAWN: (smiles as though it should be obvious) Well, mom, look at them. Didn't you get the impression he's staying?

HOPE: I suppose so. There's just something about all of this that is unusual -

BO: Unusual for who, Hope - normal people or Jack and Jen? 'Cause they seem normal to me. (DOUBLE BEAT) And speaking of normal, I spoke with mom this morning and she said JT is doing fine.

HOPE: Good. They didn't mind the extra couple of days we took to make sure John would recover?

BO: Nah - mom and pop love the little guy, you know that. And they were concerned for John too. They still think of him as a member of the family.

HOPE: Yes, I know. (To SHAWN) How do you think Belle is holding up?

SHAWN: Well, you know Belle -- sunny disposition through the worst of things, but it's still tough for her.

HOPE: It would be a little easier if Brady were there with her.

BO: Yeah, but then it would be even harder on Marlena.

HOPE: Of course, you're right.

BO and HOPE fall silent and SHAWN returns to his studies.

BO: You know I just thought of something. Once we get back to Salem we should make sure Jack gets over to see Brady. It might do them both some good.

HOPE: Yes, it's been far too long. And Brady (sighs) oh that poor boy needs some guidance Bo.

BO: Well, I've tried, but I'm too close to John and Marlena. But Jack and even Jen were two of Isabella's best friends. And who's more objective than a couple of reporters?

HOPE: (leaning her head on BO'S shoulder) Well as you so wisely reminded me, with Jack and Jennifer, there's no telling.

OUT on BO and HOPE smiling at each other

***

SCENE THREE -- INT. - AIRPLANE - A FEW HOURS LATER

JENNIFER: For the last time Jack, "i before e except after c". R-E-C-E-I-V-E-D.

JACK: That's what I have here Jennifer. (looks at the screen and reads the letter off to her) R-E-C-I-E- oh! (makes a face at the screen)

JENNIFER: Aha! (smiles triumphantly) Why don't you just let me do the typing? You know I'm the natural born editor and you're the "ideas" man. (she grabs for the laptop)

JACK: We're - (pulls it from her clutches) Come now Miss H, aren't we above pigeon holing ourselves into roles?

JENNIFER: We should be (grabs again) above a great many things Jack, but we're not.

JACK: Touche. (BEAT) You're going to break it. (pulls the laptop to the empty seat) Stop that!

JENNIFER: You stop that. (grinning) Just give me what I want and we'll be fine.

JACK: Oh you always think that's the answer, don't you? Smile at me, give me that sexy little look with those dazzling green eyes and I'll give in. Well not this time Miss Horton. (He pushes her arms away as she grabs again for the computer)

JENNIFER: Jack Deveraux, you egomaniac, you selfish, self-centered, obnoxious -

JACK: (covering her mouth with his hand) Shh ... is that any way for a mother to talk? (BEAT) Especially about the father of her child.

He removes his hand and she's still grinning. It's obvious they both are loving the teasing and childishness.

JENNIFER: Well if the father of my child weren't so unbelievably stubborn, we'd be done by now, wouldn't we? But no, you can't even let go of your precious little computer for a few minutes so that we could get this first draft finished.

JACK is still grinning. He looks at JENNIFER, then the computer and seems to be ready to give in whent BO and SHAWN appear in the aisle.

BO: Hey there Jen. Can we trade seats for a bit?

JENNIFER: (looking up at them - disappointed) Well - um - we're still working on this story.

BO: Right. But (BEAT) well Hope wanted to ask you a few things about JT. It's been a while since she had a little baby (tousles SHAWN'S hair in a fatherly type way) and she was wondering about some things.

JENNIFER: (still reluctant to leave JACK) But it's been a while since I had a baby -

JACK: (cutting through the bull) Jennifer, it's obvious that either Hope wants to talk to you or the Brady boys feel they need to talk to me. (he pats the laptop) This will keep. We can't send it in until we get back to Salem anyway.

JENNIFER: (standing) Fine Jack. (begins to walk off but then turns back to JACK) But I'm in charge of the typing when I get back.

JACK holds up his hands in surrender. They both smile and she walks away to join HOPE. SHAWN takes the window seat and BO takes the aisle.

JACK: (smiles at them both in an unsure way) Well the only thing worse than Jack Deveraux sandwiched between two Brady men on a plane would be Jack Deveraux sandwiched between two Horton women so somehow I must have lucked out. Why don't you give it to me?

SHAWN: Give it to you?

JACK: (winces) The lecture or (BEAT) whatever it is your have in mind.

SHAWN: (barely containing his laughter) No lecture Jack -

JACK: Good because you're not old enough to be giving me lectures (BEAT) and I don't think your father is either.

BO: We just want to know what your intentions are Jack?

OUT on JACK'S shocked expression

***

SCENE FOUR -- IN PROGRESS

JACK: My ... my intentions? (laughs) You guys ... you're comedians, really. A father - son team, there's very few of those around.

BO: We're not kidding Jack.

JACK: (suddenly serious) Jennifer is my wife and we're both adults. If we have any intentions they're ours and we don't owe anyone but our daughter any explanations.

SHAWN and BO exchange knowing glances recognizing that JACK referred to himself and JENNIFER as "we" and JENNIFER as his wife.

BO: You're right man. We're sorry to intrude. We just love Jen and worry about her. She's been miserable without you these past few months, but in these last couple of days she's been much more alive. We just want to see everything work out for you two this time.

JACK nods.

BO: (CONT.) So what are you doing? Shawn mentioned that you were wondering what he was going to be doing this summer.

JACK: Yes you see (glances around to make sure JENNIFER isn't coming up) I've got a surprise for everyone.

SHAWN: A surprise?

JACK: The majority of it has already been taken care of, but I've got to finalize a few things still.

BO: Sounds pretty cryptic Jack.

JACK: Oh not at all. It just involved me locating something of mine and reacquiring something else, both of which were stolen from me.

BO & SHAWN: Stolen?

JACK: Yes stolen. And in the process my future and Jennifer and Abigail's future were stolen. But that is no longer the case. And this project is something that I'd like to see more of our family involved in as well, which is why I asked you about this summer. I believe Stephanie will be visiting your grandparents this summer too and I'm hoping she'll be able to join us in this venture.

SHAWN: What exactly are you talking about Jack?

JACK: All in good time Shawn Douglas, all in good time. (BEAT) In the meantime why don't you both fill me in on the good people of Salem, starting with Isabella's son?

OUT on BO and SHAWN filling JACK in

***

SCENE FIVE -- INT. -- AIRPLANE

They've all switched planes in New York City and are now headed for Salem. JACK and JENNIFER have finished their newest article.

JACK: (putting away the computer) Well, finished at last.

JENNIFER: (stretching) Hmm ... I never thought we'd get this one done.

JACK: Just enough time for a little nap before we hit Salem.

JENNIFER: Don't you mean reality?

They turn their heads to face each other with sadness etched on their faces.

JACK: (cups her face and whispers) We're not back to reality yet.

JENNIFER: But we are. This isn't Paris and Bo and Hope are just a few rows behind us, probably watching our every move for hints. Hope is suspicious.

JACK: So is Bo. (raises his head and looks back at BO and HOPE. They're asleep) But I think we're safe right now. Bo and Hope are asleep.

JENNIFER: And Shawn is in on the scam. (smiles) I'm glad we told him.

She leans in and kisses him.

JACK: Me too. He'll be a good ally in this thing and we can trust him. But we have to make sure we take care not to let him get too involved Jennifer.

JACK settles back into his seat

JENNIFER: (leans her head on his shoulder) Of course we will. And you'll protect him just like you protect the rest of us. (reaches over and grabs his hand) That's what you do Jack (lifts his hand to her mouth and kisses it) And you're (they're hands rest again on her leg and she reaches over with her free hand and rests it over their hands) You're better at that than anyone I know Jack.

JACK: (leans his head on hers) Thank you sweetheart. (He kisses her forehead) Sometimes I just need to hear you say it.

They settle into their seats, still holding hands, their hands resting against each other. They're obviously happy to be together like this. A slow, romantic piano piece is heard as we watch them. JENNIFER snuggles in closer and closes her eyes, falling asleep.

OUT on JACK gently touching her hair before closing his eyes and falling asleep as well

Episode 5 

SCENE ONE -- INT. - HORTON HOUSE - NIGHT

JACK is struggling with JENNIFER'S bags as they enter her GRANDMOTHER'S house. JENNIFER tosses her keys on the table in the foyer.

JACK: (breathing heavy) Uh ... did you (breath) did you forget that you were only in Paris (swallows hard) for a week?

JENNIFER: (grabbing one of the small bags) Oh please Jack, this is nothing - the bare essentials.

JACK: (mumbling) I only hope our daughter takes after me.

JENNIFER: (smiling) What was that Jack?

JACK: (setting down the two large suitcases, there are still several others hanging on his shoulder) Nothing, nothing. Do you think maybe I could drag these upstairs for you tomorrow?

JENNIFER: Sure. I don't think I'll be unpacking tonight. It's a little late for that.

JACK: Well then, au revoir, mademoiselle. (tips his imaginary hat to her) It's been a pleasure as always. (turns to leave)

JENNIFER: (grabbing his arm) What's your hurry?

JACK: (facing her) As you already pointed out, it's late. And I have to find accommodations in this fair city. In fact (looks for the phone) can I use the phone to call for a c -

JENNIFER: Don't be silly. Abby is going to want to see you first thing in the morning and so is Grandma. (BEAT) Just stay here tonight.

JACK: I don't know Jennifer -

JENNIFER: (moving closer to him) Come on Jack. We'll put your suitcase in one of the spare rooms.

JACK: That doesn't seem app -

JENNIFER: (fingering the buttons on his shirt) In the morning you can just sneak across the hall. (she leans in closer to kiss him)

JACK: (pulling back) I know that is not appropriate.

JENNIFER: We're not going to do that Jack. But there's nothing wrong with us sharing a kiss or two (BEAT) and a bed. What everyone doesn't know won't hurt them.

JACK: (SMILING) When you put it that way. (picks up his suitcase) What are we waiting for Miss Horton? Lead the way. (smacks her bottom)

JENNIFER: (grabbing a second small bag of hers and putting it over her shoulder) Come on Jack. (BEAT) You know I hate it when you do that. (puts her hand out behind her for him to take)

JACK: (taking her hand and following her up the steps. He whispers in her ear) You love it. (smacks her again)

JENNIFER: (giggling) I hate it.

JACK: Do not.

JENNIFER: (as they reach the top of the stairs she turns to him, barely containing her laughter) Could you just shut up for once Jack?

JACK: No ... I don't think s -

She reaches up and grabs his shirt collar, pulling him to her for a kiss. When they break apart she leaves her hand there and guides him to the rooms as she walks backward. She is "shh"ing him and he is looking as innocent as he possibly can. At the door across from her room, they stop and he opens the door, kicking the suitcase in and then closing the door again. She then takes him to her room, kissing some more along the way.

OUT on them closing the door quietly, her soft giggles can be heard

***

SCENE TWO -- INT. - HORTON HOUSE - MORNING

It is the next morning and JACK is whistling as he comes down the stairs buttoning the last button on his cuff. He walks toward the kitchen.

JACK: (pushing the door open and calling out) Jennifer I just got off the phone with the -

He stops showt. JENNIFER, ABIGAIL and ALICE are all there as he expected, but so are HOPE, BO, SHAWN, JT, JULIE and DOUG.

JACK: (looks back into the living room) Did I miss the Christmas tree when I walked in?

ABIGAIL: (rushing over to him) Daddy! Oh you're really here. Did you miss me? I can't believe mommy found you.

JACK: (hugging her close) Of course I'm here Abigail and I missed you desperately. But let's not worry about that now. How are you this morning?

ABIGAIL: I'm fine daddy. Grandma made breakfast and everyone came over to have some.

JACK: (quietly) So I noticed. (To everyone else) Hortons one and all, good to see you. (walks over to ALICE. He is still holding ABIGAIL. He gives ALICE a peck on the cheek.) Mrs. Horton, thank you for the room last night.

ALICE: Of course Jack. I could not have you staying in some hotel when we have rooms darling.

JACK: Thank you. (sits ABIGAIL down in her chair and glances at JENNIFER) It was nice to be in the same house as my princess.

JENNIFER smiles

JULIE: Jack, darling, you were saying something about the phone as you came in?

JACK: Was I? Oh yes, yes I was. I was just about to tell Jennifer that I had just finished speaking with the realtor.

JULIE: (exchanging a glance with ALICE) Oh really? Planning on buying a house Jack?

JACK: (grabs a plate) Renting actually - for now.

JENNIFER: (trying to help) Actually, Jack and I are going to rent it together.

ABIGAIL'S eyes grow wide and the adults all look to JACK.

JACK: (nervously) Uh ... well, I don't know why everyone is staring. (BEAT) It's hardly unheard of for two people to rent a house together.

ALICE: (going to ABIGAIL) Dear, I think you've had enough this morning. Why don't you go and get ready for your swimming lesson? I'm sure your mommy and daddy want to take you.

ABIGAIL: (glancing at JACK) Really? (JACK nods) Good, I can't wait for everyone to meet you daddy.

ABIGAIL runs out of the room and JENNIFER follows her.

JENNIFER: (at the kitchen door) Don't forget to brush your teeth baby.

She turns back to face the family. JACK is seated and his head is buried in his plate as he ignores the looks he is getting from the HORTON clan. JENNIFER decides to do the same so she busies herself clearing ABIGAIL'S dishes.

JENNIFER: The flight home was so nice yesterday. Safer than the coronation. (laughs weakly)

JACK: (glancing up) Indeed. (buries his head again)

JENNIFER looks to SHAWN for help.

SHAWN: Oh yeah the ... uh ... the flight was nice. (looks at JENNIFER and rolls his eyes)

The silence continues with only the clinking of the silverware on plates heard.

DOUG: Well are you two going to explain yourselves?

JENNIFER: (smiling sweetly) Explain?

JACK: (innocently) I just love a good explanation. Who's explaining what?

JULIE: Who do you two think you're dealing with here?

OUT on JULIE giving them both a look that means business.

***

SCENE THREE -- IN PROGRESS.

JACK and JENNIFER are looking sheepishly at JULIE.

BO: What Julie means is that this little plan to live together has us all a bit curious.

JACK: It's fairly simple. Our daughter wants to live with her mother and her father and so long as it is within our power to do so, we intend to make her happy.

ALICE smiles at this

HOPE: Do you two actually think you can pull this off?

JACK and JENNIFER look at each other, disappointed that they've already been found out.

JENNIFER: Wh - what do you mean by that?

HOPE: What will happen if Abby sees the two of you fighting?

JENNIFER: (relieved) Do you mean to tell me you and Bo have never fought in front of Shawn?

HOPE: Well of course not -

JACK: And I can assure you that Jennifer and myself have had our fair share of arguments in front of the child and she's still fine. (stands up and gains confidence in the truth) I can tell that all of you are concerned about this little arrangement, that I'm not going to keep up my end of the bargain, and I won't deny that there are certain issues about which we also have misgivings. However, I think that we both have a healthy respect for each other as people and as parents. And above all else we love our daughter and want nothing more than to make her happy.

JENNIFER: (smiling widely) So you can all worry yourselves into a tizzy, but we've thought this through and it's the only way we're prepared to raise our child right now. (BEAT) Jack, I think it's time for us to take Abby to her lesson. We can call the realtor to set up appointments for later.

JACK: Precisely what I was going to suggest when I came in here. Good day Hortons, Bradys, Williams, anyone else I might be forgetting.

JACK begins to walk out but when JENNIFER doesn't follow he turns back around and pushes her gently toward the door and smiles at everyone. Then he turns to ALICE.

JACK: I hope you'll allow me to treat you to dinner tonight, Mrs. Horton, as a thank you.

ALICE: I'd love it darling. (BEAT) And thank you.

JACK: For what, Mrs. Horton?

ALICE: An amusing and enchanting breakfast Jack. You are a wonder. (she pinches his cheek affectionately) Now scoot on out of here. You don't want to keep Abby waiting.

JACK: (softly) No, I think I've done that enough.

JACK walks out of the kitchen and JENNIFER is waiting for him near the stairs.

JACK: Well that went well.

JENNIFER: (kisses him lightly) As well as could be expected. Come on daddy, we've got a little guppy to get to the pool.

JACK: (LAUGHING) Oh that child is no guppy -

OUT on JACK and JENNIFER laughing and heading up the stairs to ABIGAIL'S room.

***

SCENE FOUR -- INT. - HORTON KITCHEN

JULIE: What do you all make of that?

BO: (rubbing his chin) Jack and Jennifer certainly seem to have thought this out.

HOPE: I don't know. (BEAT) What if they find someone else?

DOUG: Come on honey. If there are two people in this world that something like this could work for, it's Jack and Jennifer. Have a little faith.

ALICE has been cleaning up, smiling and humming throughout the conversation.

HOPE: Gram, what do you think?

ALICE: I think it's nonsense to worry about either of them meeting someone else.

JULIE: But Grandma, they're both young enough still -

ALICE: Darlings, isn't it obvious? They're both still crazy about each other. I don't doubt that on some level they are doing this for their daughter, but that is not the only reason. I think they both want for this to work out between them, they're just afraid to admit it to us (BEAT) and themselves.

OUT on ALICE smiling

***

SCENE FIVE -- IN PROGRESS

SHAWN: (lying) I don't know about that Grandma. You didn't see them in Paris, they fight (BEAT) a lot.

ALICE: (smiling) Fore - (remembering to whom she is speaking) That's Jack and Jennifer, Shawn. Oh, you're probably too young to remember what it was like when they fell in love and you were away at school when Jack returned. (sighs) But I haven't forgotten. (BEAT) And I'm surprised the rest of you have. (she sits down next to SHAWN) They're a strange couple, to say the least. On the surface, they seem like night and day, but underneath, they've got the same hopes, dreams and insecurities.

SHAWN: (disbelieving) Jack and Jen ... insecure?

ALICE: They hide it well, my dear boy. But with love comes fears, especially when you've been hurt as many times as those two have been.

As ALICE continues to speak we see DOUG and JULIE holding hands and BO with his arm around HOPE as she holds JT and smiles at her husband.

ALICE: (CONT.) But like your parents and grandparents and your grandpa Tom and myself, they will be able to work past all of those things, you'll see.

HOPE: Oh Gram, you're too romantic for your own good.

ALICE: (standing and walking toward the sink) And haven't I the right to be? I've lived long enough to have seen and experienced my fair share of love Hope Brady. And I daresay, I'll live long enough to see it blossom again for the younger ones in our family. (smiles at her great-grandson) Now don't all of you have some plans with Caroline and Shawn?

JULIE: Yes, we do Grandma. And if we don't get going we'll be late. Doug, clear your plate so grandma doesn't have to do it all.

DOUG: Yes ma'am.

OUT on the family cleaning up

***

SCENE SIX -- INT. -- SALEM POOL -- MORNING

JACK is on the phone speaking to the realtor, keeping a close eye on the pool. JENNIFER is watching intently too as the swimming lessons continue

JACK: (on the phone) So what we're looking for is a three bedroom, nice yard, good neighborhood and schools, some space for an office of sorts (BEAT) You do? That's great. Yes we'll be there around (taps JENNIFER and mouths, "What time?" She replies, "one" and then turns back to the pool) We'll be there around one. Yes, thank you.

JENNIFER: So she's got some houses that fit the bill?

JACK: (putting the cell phone in his pocket) Yes, at least three that she could think of and perhaps a few more between now and one. So how's the child doing out there?

JENNIFER: Fine. Abby just loves the water you know. And this indoor pool is great because the kids can swim year-round.

JACK: Hmm...(watching ABIGAIL) You know I think we might have an Olympic swimmer on our hands.

JENNIFER: (laughing) But Jack, if she's busy becoming the next Jenny Thompson how are we going to build our dynasty?

JACK: Oh that's no problem, she'll just be studying (turns to look at JENNIFER who is still laughing) Oh, teasing are we Miss Horton? Well, don't you worry, I never forget anything. (taps his temple) It's all up here.

JENNIFER: (pretned fear) Oh I'm terribly frightened Jack. (laughs) In all seriousness, I think that our little one could do anything she set her mind to do. She's amazing, no fears, bright, enthusiastic --

JACK: (continuing) Charming, funny, poised. All the best of both of us. (proud and loving) Who would have ever thought we'd manage to get something so important right?

JENNIFER: (wanting to take his hand, but resisting since they're in public) I always knew you had it in you Jack.

JACK: (turning to look at her, his love evident on his face) Well, I hardly think it was all me. In fact, I'd say you have a great deal to do with why she's the most amazing child on the planet.

JENNIFER: Only the planet Jack?

JACK: Well, I don't want to put too much pressure on her.

JENNIFER: (still watching ABIGAIL) Speaking of pressure, how about my family this morning? Have you recovered?

JACK: It's going to take some time to get used to the Horton gang again, but I think I can handle them. You ladies seem especially susceptible to my many charms.

JENNIFER: Well, just so long as you don't get carried away Jack and start charming all of the women of Salem in an effort to prove to my family and anyone else that we're not getting back together.

JACK: I honestly don't think anyone else would find my childishness and inability to express emotion charming Jennifer. (he smiles at her)

JENNIFER: Well, if you think that, then you're a fool. It's not that they wouldn't all find it charming, it's that most of them wouldn't still be putting up with it twelve years later. Besides, you've gotten a little better.

JACK: Admit it, you enjoy the adventure I bring into your life.

JENNIFER: Maybe I do, Jack. (BEAT) But I do not enjoy these crazy schemes and I definitely don't enjoy this lying to my family business.

JACK: As you know very well it takes two to tango Jennifer and you were as involved in the (lowers his voice) investigation of those doctors as I was. I didn't get us into this crazy scheme all alone you know.

JENNIFER: I know that Jack. (looks around) I wasn't blaming you for that, but why can't we just confess that it's all an act and that we're really still together.

JACK: I told you why, the thr -- (mouths "The threats")

JENNIFER: I think the truth is, you just like playing these silly house games Jack.

JACK: Maybe I do. You must admit it keeps things interesting.

JENNIFER: Hmm...(looks at her watch) Come on Mr. Interesting, we need to get Abby all changed so we can grab some lunch and go househunting. (stands up and goes down the steps)

JACK: Oh yeah, she loves it.
OUT on JACK smiling and following JENNIFER down the steps

***

SCENE SEVEN -- INT. - TUSCANY'S - EARLY EVENING

It is later that evening and JACK, JENNIFER and ALICE enter the room. MAGGIE approaches them.

MAGGIE: Jack Deveraux (hugs him - he is slightly uncomfortable) It's been too long.

JACK: Yes it has Maggie. (BEAT) You look great. Tell me, how is Salem's finest lawyer?

MAGGIE: (looking from JACK to JENNIFER and smiling) Mickey is fine, thank you. (BEAT) How long are you going to be home, Jack?

ALICE: (giving MAGGIE a kiss on her cheek) He's here indefinitely, darling. Isn't it wonderful? (MAGGIE smiles and nods)

JENNIFER: Is our table ready?

MAGGIE: (wrapping an arm around JENNIFER'S waist and leading them to their table) Of course. A nice, cozy table for three in the corner.

JACK offers ALICE his arm and they follow as JENNIFER and MAGGIE exchange unheard pleasantries.

ALICE: Jack, this is so good of you to take us out.

JACK: (leaning closer to her and with great affection in his voice) There's nothing better than spending the evening with my two favorite Horton women.

ALICE: Abigail is at home dear.

JACK: Ah, that child is a combination that is a different force of nature entirely, a Deveraux-Horton, one of the sweetest and yet most frightening combinations out there.

ALICE: I don't know darling. She seems to have you wrapped around her little finger like someone else I know.

They all reach the table

JACK: (looking at JENNIFER and smiling) Uh, well, you know Princess Abigail is also a little more devious than her mother, a trait she unfortunately inherited from yours truly. (He helps ALICE to her seat)

JENNIFER is going to sit down and he rushes around to get the chair for her before she can. They exchange nervous smiles and his hand automatically goes to her back as she settles in her seat.

JENNIFER: Thank you Jack.

There is an uncomfortable silence as they continue to look at each other.

MAGGIE: (clearing her throat) I hope this table will be okay. (places the menus down as JACK takes his seat) Let me know if there's anything you need.

ALICE: Thank you dear.

MAGGIE walks away and ALICE turns to face JACK and JENNIFER, who are smiling at each other.

ALICE: Okay you two. You may think you're fooling the rest of the world, but I am far too experienced to be fooled by anyone.

OUT on JENNIFER wide-eyed and JACK looking amused.

***

SCENE EIGHT -- IN PROGRESS

They are all silent as a waiter fills their water glasses and then walks away.

JENNIFER: Well Grandma -

JACK: (at the same time) You see Mrs. -

They look at each other and JACK nods to indicate that JENNIFER should continue. ALICE is enjoying all of this.

JENNIFER: You see Grandma, this started about a year ago. We were doing a story about some doctors in Africa.

JACK: They were supposed to be over there helping people, but we discovered that some of them, well some of them aren't exactly on the up and up.

Throughout the conversation we will see ALICE'S shocked reactions to their story.

JENNIFER: Grandma, they were taking the drugs and supplies that were donated and selling them for profit.

JACK: As we began to dig deeper we got closer to the truth. These "doctors" were working for someone else. We were so close - so damn close and then -

JENNIFER: We received some threats grandma.

ALICE gasps and her hands flies to her mouth. JENNIFER looks at her and then JACK and each of them takes one of ALICE'S hands.

ALICE: Oh my darlings, you must have been so frightened.

JENNIFER: (reassuringly) We were. But Jack came up with a plan. I took Abby to Ireland. We figured if we split up, they'd probably focus more on Jack because he would still be doing "research". So he stayed in Africa working.

JACK: The only problem was that our plans never work when we split up. Colin, our friend who was supposed to stay with Jennifer and the child, couldn't stay.

JENNIFER: And Jack was unable to contact me. (JACK looks troubled by this but says nothing) So when Bo appeared I took parts of the truth and made up as plausible a story as I could for my living in Ireland.

JACK: I found out where she'd gone and figured she was safer in Salem anyway. When I found out she was going to Paris for the coronation, I went there in the hopes of seeing her.

JENNIFER: (breathing out) In Paris, we decided to keep up with the charade because everyone would believe that we would do something this crazy and we'd still be able to keep an eye on each other.

ALICE: (shaking her head) You two manage to get into more trouble than anyone I know.

JACK: Now, Mrs. Horton, be fair this family has had it's fair share of people getting into scrapes.

ALICE: (laughing) Oh Jack, you're incorrigible. (BEAT) But there's just one thing I don't understand, why didn't you come home sooner?

OUT on JACK

***

SCENE NINE -- IN PROGRESS

JACK: (visibly uncomfortable) I had things to do in Africa, Mrs. Horton. (BEAT) Besides, we had to keep up appearances. If I had contacted Jennifer immediately, the person sending the threats would have been suspicious.

JENNIFER: But, if we meet by chance at a very high profile event, thousands of miles from where each of us is now living, it would seem coincidental, which in fact it was. Then Jack comes home to see Abby and it turns into something more permanent.

ALICE: Separate but together.

JACK: (beaming) Precisely. (BEAT) We figure our fighting will throw off everyone but the family.

ALICE: Who else knows about this?

JENNIFER: Shawn knows bits of it. Dad knows some and our friend Colin knows all of the early stuff.

JACK: But you're the only person we would trust with everything, Mrs. Horton.

ALICE: You still don't know who is behind this?

JACK: No, but I'm not going to stop until I find out.

ALICE: I'm glad you've told me. I can help you deal with the questions from the family and of course Abby. (looks around and catches the waiter's attention) Now, enough about all of this for the time being. Tell me about the houses you two were looking at this afternoon. Have you found one to suit your needs?

OUT on ALICE

***

SCENE TEN - EXT. - HORTON HOUSE - LATE EVENING

JACK and JENNIFER are on the swing in the backyard. They are still dressed as they were for dinner, but JACK'S tie is loosened and his jacket is around JENNIFER. They're looking up at the stars.

JENNIFER: I'm glad we told Grandma.

JACK: So am I. (BEAT) I can't stand lying to her.

JENNIFER: (smiling) Do you believe what you told her tonight Jack?

JACK: Which thing that I told her tonight?

JENNIFER: That we're going to find out who is behind the threats.

JACK: Of course I do.

JENNIFER: Maybe we won't have to worry about anything. I mean, we haven't received any more threats since those first ones. Maybe we're just being overly cautious.

JACK: (unnerved) I don't think one can be overly cautious in this sort of situation.

JENNIFER: What if we never find out Jack? What if we have to play games for the rest of our lives?

JACK: Jennifer, do you honestly think that if we don't figure this out - (stops himself from frightening her) If we don't figure this out, we'll get on with our lives.

JENNIFER: (smiling) With the wedding?

JACK: Yes, with the wedding. You're like a kid at Christmas, you know that don't you?

JENNIFER: I just don't ever want anything to keep us from being happy ever again Jack.

JACK: (taking her hand) Nothing ever will, I promise you that.

OUT on their faces as her head rests on his shoulder and they continue to look up at the stars.

Episode 6 

SCENE ONE -- INT. - HORTON HOUSE - AFTERNOON

It is about ten days after the previous episode. JACK is running errands and ABIGAIL is at school. ALICE and JENNIFER are sitting in the living room when HOPE enters from the foyer.

HOPE: Well I got JT back down. Where were we?

ALICE: You're resting now dear.

JENNIFER: I had honestly forgotten how exhausting moving can be.

HOPE: (heaving herself onto the couch next to JENNIFER) And we haven't even tackled the attic.

JENNIFER: (sighs and rubs her temples) Don't remind me. I'm thinking of leaving it all here for grandma.

ALICE: (patting JENNIFER'S hand) I have no need for it darling. Besides I think there's some things up there still from when you and Jack lived here with us before Abby was born.

JENNIFER: Really Grandma? I thought we brought everything when we moved into our house. Of course, it's not like we had much at that point.

ALICE: Oh that apartment of yours was a little small.

JENNIFER: Small? (laughs) It was practically the size of our bathroom in the penthouse. (smiles wistfully) But I loved it there.

HOPE: I still can't imagine Jack Deveraux in an apartment. You'll have to give me the guided tour someday.

JENNIFER: I'd love to Hope, but that place has to have been condemned years ago. (everyone laughs) Now I think (stands up) that I better start on the attic ... Hope?

HOPE: I'll be up in a minute.

JENNIFER nods and walks toward the stairs.

ALICE: Are you going to tell me what's troubling you dear or must I guess?

OUT on HOPE'S stunned reaction

***

SCENE TWO -- IN PROGRESS.

HOPE: (raises a hand to her forehead and then pushes the hand through her hair.) A lot of things are troubling me Gram. But some of them - well nevermind. (BEAT) I don't understand how you can be so calm about all of this.

ALICE: All of what, dear?

HOPE: This (lowers her voice and points up the stairs) Jack and Jen moving in together. Doesn't it seem strange to you?

ALICE: Not for Jack and Jennifer, no. (sips her tea) You must have figured out by now that this is how they work.

HOPE: You call this working? Gram, in Paris one minute they're hot, the next they're cold.

ALICE: What do you mean?

HOPE: I - they bicker like children for an hour and then they dance the tango like two adults who have been together forever.

ALICE just nods

HOPE: (CONT.) There's something odd here Gram, I just haven't figured out. It's like they're hiding something or from something.

ALICE: Now dear, don't worry so much about Jack and Jennifer's problems. Jack and Jennifer will be fine, they will. Perhaps you're just redirecting ... your ... own feelings? (BEAT) Are you sure there's nothing you want to tell me?

HOPE: Uh ... no Gram. I'd better just go help Jen.

ALICE: I'll be up in a bit.

HOPE: Take your time.

HOPE goes up the stairs

ALICE: (looking after her) What am I going to do with those granddaughters of mine?

***

SCENE THREE - INT. - CAR - AFTERNOON

JACK and ABIGAIL are driving along in the car

ABIGAIL: What are we going to do today daddy?

JACK: Do?

ABIGAIL: Yeah, so far we've gone to the movies, the library, the park and the zoo. So what are we going to do today?

JACK: Well this afternoon we're going to stay home and help mommy.

ABIGAIL: With the packing?

JACK: Yes. She, Grandma and Cousin Hope have been working hard all day and we need to go and help.

ABIGAIL: Where have you been all day?

JACK: (glancing over at her. He is slightly unnerved by his daughter's perceptiveness.) You're awfully inquisitive today, Miss Abigail, just like your mommy.

ABIGAIL: And you're not answering the question (BEAT) just like you do with mommy.

JACK: (floored) I - uh - did mommy say that?

ABIGAIL: Nope. I watch you do it. (BEAT) So what did you do today?

JACK: (makes a slight face) Persistent too ... let's just say that daddy was taking care of stuff for the house.

ABIGAIL: For the house? Like decorations?

JACK: No honey. Like ways to pay for it. You have to have money to buy things for a house.

ABIGAIL: Mommy says that money can't buy everything you need.

JACK: (smiling) And your mommy is right. But it certainly helps when you can buy the things you want.

Pulling into the driveway.

ABIGAIL: I don't know daddy. I think mommy is right.

JACK: (turning off the car and undoing his and ABIGAIL'S seatbelts) Why is that princess?

ABIGAIL: 'Cause my teacher said the same thing. (BEAT) And Grandma Jo says it and Grandma Alice too. You must be the only one who likes money daddy.

JACK: (laughing) Oh no. Everyone likes the things you buy with money. Most people just don't like to admit it. You like your dollhouse, right? (ABIGAIL nods) Well mommy and daddy had to buy it with money. (ABIGAIL looks skeptical) Daddy was trying to get work and everything else in order. And work - well this thing I was doing - it's far more important than just the money you make doing it. Do you understand that Abigail?

ABIGAIL: Not really daddy, but if you say so I believe you. (reaches over and hugs him) I'm gonna go have my snack now so we can help mommy.

ABIGAIL opens her door and climbs out of the car.

JACK opens his door and gets out of the car. JACK sighs and walks slowly toward the house. He pauses briefly and pulls a piece of paper out of his shirt pocket. He reads it and then crumples it up and shoves it into the pocket of his pants and then walks into the house.

JACK: Mrs. Horton, what are you doing?

ALICE: Jack, darling, hello. I just sent your little wild child into the kitchen for a snack.

JACK: Were you getting ready to climb the stairs?

ALICE: Of course. I'm going to the attic to help Jennifer and Hope.

JACK: Well you're not going by yourself. (calling) Abigail, bring your snack. We're going upstairs with Grandma.

ALICE: Jack, I am not an invalid.

JACK: Did I say you were? (BEAT) But there's no reason to tempt fate either Mrs. Horton.

ALICE: (smiling) You're as stubborn as my granddaughter.

ABIGAIL runs in carrying a juice box and a banana

JACK: (also smiling) And wouldn't I have to be to have put up with her for this long. (BEAT) Besides she gets that stubbornness from a feisty grandmother I know.

ABIGAIL: I know, I know. (she waves her hand)

JACK: (amused) What do you know?

ABIGAIL: Grandma Alice.

JACK and ALICE look at each other

JACK: Well she's not the only feisty Grandma you have, but you're right this time. So tell me Miss Piggle Wiggle, do you know the way to the attic?

ABIGAIL: Of course daddy. (sips her juice)

JACK: Then lead the way. (To ALICE) Shall we Mrs. Horton?

OUT on JACK and ALICE heading up the steps

***

SCENE FOUR - INT. - ATTIC

JENNIFER and HOPE are in the attic. The radio is on and it is blaring music from the mid-80s.

HOPE: Oh my God Jen, you have to play this one next. (holds up a tape)

JENNIFER: (grabbing it - eyes widening) I can't believe I still have this.

HOPE: I can't believe you still have any of this. (opening a box marked "Jen's") What in the world were you thinking (holds up a dress) when you bought this?

JENNIFER: (shakes her head) I don't know, but if you think the dress is bad, you should have seen my hair. I promise it was worse.

They both giggle. HOPE continues to dig through the boxes, while JENNIFER separates.

HOPE: What's this?

JENNIFER: (facing her) What?

JACK, ALICE and ABIGAIL appear

HOPE: It's a tape marked, "All I Have".

JENNIFER smiles

JACK: (dryly) As I recall, that was a sickeningly sweet song about someone who has found everything she needs in the person she loves.

JENNIFER: (turning to face him, her smile is enormous) You didn't seem to mind dancing to it at our reception.

JACK: I had laryngytis. I couldn't say no.

JENNIFER: You didn't have it at the wedding and as I recall, I played it for you and asked you if you liked it and you nodded your head emphatically.

JACK: Yes well (plucks the tape from HOPE'S hand and places it in his shirt pocket) It's no "Peter and the Wolf" but it was an okay song.

JENNIFER: (smirking) Are you here to help or merely to pass judgement on the music?

JACK: (looking intently at the radio, he makes a face) This is music?

ABIGAIL: (slurping her juice) We're here to help, mommy.

JENNIFER: (reaching up for ABIGAIL and hugging her) Good. Mmmm ... that's a nice hug. (BEAT) How was school baby?

ABIGAIL: Oh we had so much fun. Our teacher did some experiments and in music I got to play the bells and soon we're going to plant a garden.

JENNIFER: Well my goodness, it sounds like you were busy. (ABIGAIL nods) Are you sure you're up to helping?

ABIGAIL: Uh huh.

JACK and JENNIFER smile at each other over ABIGAIL'S head

JENNIFER: Well, why don't you and daddy and grandma head over to that corner and -

JACK: Uh ... Jennifer (shakes his head)

JENNIFER: What?

JACK: I just - I don't think I should be going through your things - old love letters from Francoise and others. It would be much better if I just supervise all activity instead.

JENNIFER: (sarcastically) Well you always were the bossy type Jack.

JACK: Yes I've always - wait a second that wasn't a compliment.

JENNIFER winks at HOPE and then walks over and changes the music on the radio. She finds a classical music station.

JENNIFER: (teasing) I think we've got some pillows in the other corner if anyone falls asleep.

OUT on everyone's merriment

***

SCENE FIVE - INT. - ATTIC

It is some time later and ALICE has gone down to take a nap and HOPE has gone home with JT to start dinner for her family. JACK, JENNIFER and ABIGAIL are still going through things in the attic.

ABIGAIL: (glancing behind some boxes) Oooh ... what's this mommy? Is it ours?

JENNIFER: What is what Abby?

JACK is fiddling with the radio again looking for something new. He finally settles on a jazz station.

ABIGAIL: There's a big, wooden box back here mommy.

JENNIFER: (looking at JACK) Big wooden box? Oh ... oh Jack, you don't think ... I asked them to get rid of it for me.

JACK: (sadly - softly) That upset with me. (BEAT) I can't say that I blame you though. (Holds out his hand to her and helps her stand) I suppose there's only one way to find out Miss H.

They walk over to where ABIGAIL is standing and move boxes to discover a hope chest.

ABIGAIL: (grabs JACK'S arm and jumps up and down) What is it? What is it?

JACK: Just a second Abigail. (To JENNIFER) I still say she takes after you. (unwraps ABIGAIL'S fingers from his arm) Abigail ... Abigail let me drag it out here to the middle.

JACK and JENNIFER struggle to pull the hope chest out to an open space. JENNIFER is near tears and ABIGAIL is very excited.

JENNIFER: (emotional) Oh Jack, I thought - I thought I'd lost all of this.

JACK: It looks rather promising, doesn't it?

JENNIFER: I can't believe Grandma saved it for me.

JACK: I can.

They both kneel down in front of the chest. ABIGAIL runs around and stands behind them, a hand on each of their shoulders. JENNIFER runs her hand along the lid.

ABIGAIL: (exasperated) Open it please!

Slowly and almost reverently JACK and JENNIFER lift the lid on the chest. It is their hope chest.

ABIGAIL: What is this?

OUT on ABIGAIL wide-eyed

***

SCENE SIX -- IN PROGRESS.

JACK: (looking at ABIGAIL) This, Abigail Johanna, is mommy's toy chest.

ABIGAIL: (looking skeptically at the chest) It doesn't look like there's a lot of toys in there.

JENNIFER: (finding her voice) These are mommy's toys that daddy gave her.

ABIGAIL: (still looking at the chest, then at JENNIFER) Why are you crying mommy? Do they make you sad?

JENNIFER: No baby, I thought I'd lost them and now I'm happy because they're here.

ABIGAIL: (sitting on JENNIFER'S lap and wrapping an arm around her neck) Oh, kinda like when I lost Mr. Moo and then you found him?

JACK: Kinda like Abigail.

ABIGAIL: (looking at the toy chest again) There's so many things in there, pictures and dolls and all sorts of other things. Will you tell me about them?

JENNIFER: Uh ... well not now ... it's almost time for dinner.

JACK: That's right (taps his index finger on his lip thinking) but I have an idea and I think mommy will agree it is a good one.

JENNIFER: Oh really?

JACK: Yeah, I've been known to have one or two in my lifetime. (To ABIGAIL) Come here princess.

ABIGAIL climbs over to his lap. JACK leans over and whispers something to her. ABIGAIL'S eyes widen and she claps her hands together in excitement.

ABIGAIL: I think you're really going to like this idea mommy.

ABIGAIL leans over and picks out the firetruck from the chest and then turns to leave.

JACK: (stopping her) Uh, wait a second. (picks up the bride and the fireman) It's a matching set.

ABIGAIL smiles and then rushes from the attic

JENNIFER: What are you up to now Jack?

JACK: (standing up and pulling JENNIFER with him) All good things come to those who wait, Jennifer. (stops when he notices her slightly mussed hair from working and some dust on her cheek. He wipes it away and then gives her a small kiss.) Now tell me (drapes an arm around her shoulder) What exactly am I making for dinner?

OUT on them walking out of the attic, laughing.

***

SCENE SEVEN --INT. - ABIGAIL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT

It is later that evening and JACK and JENNIFER are putting ABIGAIL tp sleep. The firetruck is on the nightstand and the dolls are on the bed.

ABIGAIL: Okay daddy, time for the story.

JACK: (sitting on the bed next to her) Story? (looks around) Am I supposed to be telling a story?

ABIGAIL: (exasperated) Daddy!

JENNIFER is confused but amused by JACK and ABIGAIL'S discussion

JENNIFER: (sitting in front of JACK on the bed) What story do you want us to read to you tonight, baby?

ABIGAIL: The firetruck story. (JENNIFER seems confused) Daddy said that if I picked out one thing from your toy chest every night then you two would tell me the stories until we run out of things.

JACK: Of course then we're welcome to start filling it up again and we'll have new stories.

JENNIFER: (eyes brimming with tears) I think (kisses ABIGAIL'S cheek and takes JACK'S hand) that this is one of daddy's best ideas ever.

JACK: Ever?

JENNIFER: (mouths the word) Ever.

JACK: (staring at her with love) Thank you. (suddenly remembering ABIGAIL) And now princess, shall we tell you the story of how I , your daddy, Jack Deveraux, former king of the Spectator, saved your mother, defector of the crown from the evil emporer of bad hair -

JENNIFER: Jack!

JACK: No, not Jack. I have always had great hair.

JENNIFER: Jack (She and ABIGAIL laugh)

JACK: Well, okay there was that period in the summer of '92 where it was not that great -

JENNIFER'S eyes grow wide and ABIGAIL giggles even louder

JACK: (CONT.) As I was saying. I had to save your mother from marrying the evil Emilio.

JENNIFER: He wasn't evil Jack.

JACK: Creative license.

JENNIFER: (looking at ABIGAIL) Daddy has a loose hold on reality, so I think mommy should start the story so that there is at least some basis in truth.

JACK: (laughing) Hey I'm a newspaper man, the truth the whole truth and ... well perhaps you'd better just start the story Jennifer.

JENNIFER: (smiling) It all started when I was working at the Spectator.

ABIGAIL: Daddy's newspaper?

JENNIFER: Yes. Daddy and I didn't really know each other. But he was the new owner and so when I went in to see my friend Diana -

DISSOLVE TO: JACK and JENNIFER'S first meeting at the SPECTATOR.


JENNIFER: Diana?

THE CHAIR SPINS AROUND AND JACK IS SITTING THERE.

JACK: Come in.

JENNIFER: Er....hi.

JACK: What can I do for you?

JENNIFER: Nothing. There's nothing that you can do for me. I must have made some sort of mistake.

JACK: Oh no, no, no. No mistake made. There's standing orders to send anything blonde and under thirty into me. (Beat) That is a joke....Miss Horton. You can laugh or maybe even attempt to smile.

JENNIFER: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt anything. I was looking for Diana.

JACK: Well she's not here today. She's at the hospital. Of course you've heard about Caroline Brady?

JENNIFER: Oh, yes, yes. You know what, I'll come back at another time.

JACK: No, no, no, no. Don't go. I'm sure you wanted to talk to Diana about something. Maybe about the paper?

JENNIFER: Um, sort of, yeah. I just wanted to talk to her about an article that I was thinking about writing.

JACK: Well tell me all about your article.

JENNIFER: Um....

JACK: Cup of coffee?

JENNIFER: No thanks. I just really wanted to talk to Diana about it.

JACK: Diana's not in charge here. I am.

JENNIFER: Well she's still the editor of the paper.

JACK: She owns 49 percent of the paper. I own 51. I don't know, you tell me. Who's got the upper hand?

JENNIFER: I don't really know. I'd just rather wait and talk to Diana, that's all.

JACK: The idea must be pretty weak.

JENNIFER: What makes you say that?

JACK: Well, you obviously don't have enough faith in it to tell somebody who's not going to give you Brownie points just because they're....your friend.

JENNIFER: Well you're wrong because I happen to think that my idea would be a fantastic story.

JACK: Good. That's a good start. Now, if you want to see your article in print, convince me.

**********

JACK: So, you want to write a story about a horse?

JENNIFER: Well not just one. You see I'd like to do a whole series. I would like to take this one horse's career and just follow it from the day she started training all the way up to her first win.

JACK: It doesn't sound like news to me.

JENNIFER: Well I know that it's not page one material but it's the kind of feature that people get caught up in, you know. And with the race at the end, the drama is built right in. And anyone who's ever taken Journalism 101 knows that the only thing that sells more papers than pictures of babies, is pictures of animals.

JACK: I'm not wild about either. But you've made your point. Go on.

JENNIFER: Um, well I don't know what else to tell you. I mean, it's a good story.

JACK: It's not a story. There's no angle. You've got this little....little horse who at some point or other is going to run a race.

JENNIFER: Um, what if I told you that this horse already ran and won?

JACK: What are you saying? They put him out to pasture and now he's going to make a comeback?

JENNIFER: You see, in a way. They kind of wrote her off the books when she hurt her leg but then someone came along who had enough faith to put her back in shape. Now he's ready to put that all on the line again. What do you think about that?

JACK: I think it's about the sappiest, most sentimental story I've ever heard. (Beat) It'll work.

JENNIFER: Really. You're going to okay this.

JACK: No, no, no. Not so fast. You've got to think about something that 101 didn't prepare you for. The money.

JENNIFER: Yeah, er, I need some money for my trip.

JACK: Trip?

JENNIFER: Well the race tracks in Florida.

JACK: (Laughing) Oh well you better be prepared to stay in some of the cheapest fleabag no-tell motels on the Eastern Seaboard.

JENNIFER: I don't care. I don't care. As long as we have a deal.

JACK: Okay. I'll put it in writing if you will. Cash on delivery of course. (Beat)

JACK (CONT.): Now tell me, why are you so interested in horses?

JENNIFER: Ah....because it's very interesting.

JACK: Hmmm. To bookies and greasy old men maybe but most women aren't interested in sports unless there's a man involved. Of course I know you're an exception to the rule.

JENNIFER: Ah, thanks for everything.

JACK: No, no. One more thing. What's the horse's name?

JENNIFER: (Beat) Ah....Jennifer's Beauty.

JENNIFER RUSHES OUT OF THE OFFICE.

JACK: (Intrigued) She certainly is.


FADES BACK TO: JACK smiling

ABIGAIL: What did you think of each other?

JACK and JENNIFER look at each other, knowing it wasn't exactly love at first sight for either of them, but that it was a day they'd never forget.

JACK: Your mother was interesting and smart (turns to ABIGAIL) and very pretty. I could tell she'd be a lot of trouble.

JENNIFER: And your father was bossy and a bit scary, but he was willing to help me learn and I appreciated his help.

ABIGAIL: What happened next?

ABIGAIL hops into JACK'S lap and JACK leans back against the headboard. JENNIFER scoots over so that she's sitting beside them and takes ABIGAIL'S hand.

JACK: So I began to teach you mother the tools of the newspaper trade.

JENNIFER: And we became friends.

JACK: Yes, yes we did and it was great and all was fine, me the boss, your mother the employee, until that fateful day when everything changed.

OUT on ABIGAIL'S excitement.

***

SCENE EIGHT -- IN PROGRESS.

ABIGAIL: (looking at both of them) Did the evil Emilio kidnap you mommy?

JENNIFER: (laughing) Uh no. We leave that to your father.

JACK: Now, now, you're getting ahead in our little story Jennifer. You see Abigail, your mother had another friend, the macho, long haired Emilio.

ABIGAIL: And you didn't like him very much daddy?

JACK: Well, my pet, he wasn't my favorite person, but he is not part of our story yet. Anyway the day I was referring to as the day that changed our lives was the one when your mother left her small cubicle and uncomfortable chair in the noble newsroom for the wasteland of television and all of its glamorous trappings -- a big desk and cushy chair. (sighs)

JENNIFER: It wasn't quite like that Jack. (BEAT) As I recall you practically forced -

JACK: (shaking his head) There's no need to tell the child those rumors. So we were no longer working together everyday but we still saw each other a lot. And one day your mother had had enough of my silly games and she agreed to marry Emilio.

DISSOLVE TO: JENNIFER accepting EMILIO'S proposal as JACK watches on the television. JACK and JENNIFER'S dance and her tearful confrontation with him.


JENNIFER: (In tears) I want you to put this on my finger.

EMILIO: You mean you're going to.

JENNIFER: Yes, yes. I'll marry you.

JACK'S MOUTH IS WIDE OPEN IN SHOCK AS HE HEARS EMILIO TELL JENNIFER THAT HE LOVES HER. JACK TURNS THE TV OFF AND RUNS OUT THE DOOR.

JACK: DAMN!

**********

 JACK: I never knew that you were going to go out and get engaged tonight!

JENNIFER: Why not? Why shouldn't I marry Emilio? He's kind and he's considerate and he loves me. You on the other hand, you don't even have the decency to reject me to my face!

JACK: WILL YOU STOP TALKING ABOUT THE DAMN NOTE! WE'RE TALKING ABOUT YOUR LIFE. THAT'S WHAT'S IMPORTANT!

JENNIFER: I'M NOT TALKING TO YOU ABOUT MY LIFE. I MADE A DECISION AND I'M MARRYING EMILIO AND THERE'S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT JACK!

JACK IS IN AS MUCH PAIN AS JENNIFER.

JACK: Okay. Alright, alright! Okay. Let's take a breath here. Just give me a chance to get out of this as gracefully as possible, alright. But before I do, I'd like to ask one small favor. As your ex-boss....ah....would you do me the honor of maybe a....farewell dance?

JENNIFER: There's no music Jack.

JACK: Well we'll....let's do what we always do. Let's make it up as we go along.

HE MOVES TO THE CENTER OF THE DANCE FLOOR AND EXTENDS HIS ARMS, AND ATTEMPTS A HALF-HEARTED SMILE.

JENNIFER HESITATES FOR A FEW MOMENTS. BUT LOOKING INTO EACH OTHER'S EYES SHE IS UNABLE TO RESIST; SHE WALKS TOWARDS HIM AND TAKES HIS HANDS.

HE WRAPS HIS ARMS AROUND HER, AND RESTS HIS CHIN NEXT TO HER HEAD; SHE IS UNABLE TO SEE THE LOVE IN HIS EYES, AND THE PAIN HE IS FEELING, AS HE IS TRYING TO HOLD BACK HIS TEARS. SHE BURIES HER HEAD IN HIS CHEST, ALSO ON THE VERGE OF CRYING. AN INSTRUMENTAL OF THE SONG WHEN I FALL IN LOVE BEGINS TO PLAY.

JENNIFER: You shouldn't have come here Jack.

JACK: (With deep love) I had to.

JENNIFER: Why?

JACK: (A faint laugh) I.... ah.... guess hearing you say I do to Emilio did something to me. It made me realize that I had to come down here and stop you from going through with it.

JENNIFER: (Pleading, hoping that Jack will finally open up.) Why? Why don't you want me to marry him?

JACK: You ask too many questions.

JENNIFER: That's because you keep evading me. Tell me Jack.

JACK: Oooh Emilio is just not the right guy for you.

JENNIFER STEPS BACK. SHE CAN NO LONGER BEAR THE CLOSENESS, AND IS STILL HOPING THAT JACK WILL TELL HER HOW HE FEELS. HER EYES ARE FILLED WITH TEARS. THEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER.

JENNIFER: (Pleading) Then who is? Come on Jack. I've asked you this question before and you've still haven't given me an answer.

JACK: (With deep love in his voice) Jennifer, the point is that you are a very special person. Very talented and you're very beautiful. And you deserve....you deserve somebody that's going to appreciate that. (Beat) You don't deserve Emilio. You deserve a whole lot more.

JACK GOES TO WALK OUT.

JENNIFER: (Crying) Jack why can't you just say it?

JACK: (Turning to look at her, not doing a good job pretending he knows what she means.) Say what?

JENNIFER: You know what! That you think you're the man who can appreciate me. That you think you're the right man for me. I know you do.

JACK: No I don't.

JENNIFER: Damn it Jack! I'm giving you another chance. I swore that I wouldn't but I am. (Crying) I don't know why. I should have some pride but I don't. All I have is what I feel.

JACK: Look Jennifer you....

JENNIFER: (Practically sobbing) Alright, just let me talk! If you can't or won't admit what you feel for me then it's over. I don't want to fight with you anymore. It hurts too much. It's like losing something that you never get back. And I've lost enough already. If I lose anymore I won't have anything else to give to you or anybody else. So you just have to tell me, do you want me or not Jack?

JACK LOOKS AT HER WITH TEARS IN HIS EYES BUT SAYS NOTHING. HE WANTS TO TELL HER, AND HE HATES HURTING HER, BUT HE CANNOT BECAUSE HE BELIEVES HE WILL HURT HER. SHE BEGINS TO CRY.

JENNIFER: Just leave okay. Just get out of here. Just leave me alone and get out of my life Jack.

FADE TO: JENNIFER looking down at ABIGAIL.

ABIGAIL: But you didn't give up daddy?

OUT on JACK smiling at JENNIFER

***

SCENE NINE -- IN PROGRESS.

JENNIFER: No daddy didn't give up, but he wouldn't give in either.

ABIGAIL looks at them with confusion

JACK: Your mother was stubborn. I tried and tried to convince her that marrying Emilio wasn't a good idea, but she insisted.

ABIGAIL looks to JENNIFER for a response

JENNIFER: Well that's because daddy refused to tell me the one thing that I wanted to hear. (she takes ABIGAIL'S chin in her hand) If he would have said, "I love you" or even, "Hey Jennifer, give me a try" I would have called off my wedding, but (BEAT) he didn't.

ABIGAIL: Daddy, how could you?

JACK: Let's not all gang up on daddy. I've made up for it since then. (BEAT) May I have permission to continue princess?

ABIGAIL: Does it have a good ending?

JENNIFER: Eventually, but your daddy and mommy were a little slow. (she winks at JACK)

JACK: I'll take that as permission granted. (BEAT) Soon, it was the day of your mother's wedding. I had tried everything I was capable of at the time, but it was all to no avail. She was still determined to go through with the wedding.

ABIGAIL: But you stopped her?

JACK: Of course. I had a plan.

JENNIFER: An insane plan.

JACK: (smirks) But a plan nonetheless. Vern and -

ABIGAIL: Uncle Vern helped?

JACK: Yes.

ABIGAIL: Why didn't he tell me the story. He tells such great stories.

JACK: Well then maybe we should let him finish it the next time -

ABIGAIL: (patting his arm) Oh no, that's okay. You're doing a great job, daddy. (flashes him a grin)

JACK: Never could resist that grin (kisses her) So we dressed up as firemen and made it look like the church was on fire.

ABIGAIL: How did you do that?

JACK: That's not important, here's the important part -

DISSOLVE TO: JACK bursting into JENNIFER'S room at the church. His "rescue" of her and their trip on the firetruck.

JENNIFER STOPS AND LOOKS AGAIN INTO THE FULL-LENGTH MIRROR. SHE IS ON THE VERGE OF TEARS, AND IS HAVING SECOND THOUGHTS. SHE TELLS HERSELF THAT SHE IS DOING THE RIGHT THING AND THAT SHE *IS* GETTING MARRIED. WITH HER NEW DETERMINATION, THOUGH IT IS OBVIOUS SHE STILL DOES NOT WANT THIS, SHE GOES TO THE DOOR. SHE TRIES TO OPEN IT BUT IT IS LOCKED. SUDDENLY A FIREMAN KICKS OPEN THE BACK DOOR. HE IS WEARING A FULL FIREMAN OUTFIT, HARD HAT, AND MASK WITH AN OXYGEN-MASK. IT IS JACK; BUT SHE DOES NOT RECOGNIZE HIM. THE MASK COVERS HIS MOUTH AND THEREFORE MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR HER TO RECOGNIZE HIS VOICE; HE IS ALSO DISGUISING IT.

JACK: You there, come on, let's go.

JENNIFER: What do you mean?

JACK: Come on, let's go.

JACK PICKS HER UP OVER HIS SHOULDER AND STARTS TO CARRY HER OUT OF THE ROOM.

JENNIFER: Whoa, what are you doing?

JACK: Ma'am this place is on fire. It's burning down.

JENNIFER: What fire? Wait, wait, just let me down please.

JACK: Alright, put this on.

HE HANDS HER A PROTECTIVE FACE MASK.

JENNIFER: You don't understand. I'm getting married right now.

JACK: Not in the middle of a towering inferno, you're not.

**********

 JENNIFER: What about my family? I have to take car of my family.Where are we going?

JACK: Higher ground ma'am. Higher ground.

JENNIFER: What do you mean, higher ground?

JACK: Don't worry everything's in good hands.

JENNIFER: I want to know what's going on before you take me anyplace.

HE PUTS HER BACK ON HER FEET AT THE BACK OF THE FIRE TRUCK WHERE ADALMATIAN IS STANDING.

JACK: Sorry ma'am, hop up!

SHE RIPS THE MASK OFF HER FACE.

JENNIFER: What do you mean, hop up?

JACK: Let me help you.

JENNIFER: I don't want help. I want to know what's going on.

JACK: Ma'am, if you do not co-operate with the rescue procedures, I will be forced to take drastic measures.

JENNIFER: I don't want to hear it. I don't want to co-operate.

*********

 JENNIFER: Alright, if there is a fire, where are all the other firemen that are supposed to be on this truck?

JACK: Why ma'am, they're out back helping with the evacuations. Hit it Bradley!

JENNIFER: No, hold it! Alright, alright, if there is a fire, okay,why are you telling the truck to leave the scene of the emergency? And howcome if we are just seconds from incineration, there is no smoke, there's no flames, there's no horns, there's b, there's no fire trucks,there's b, there's no (Finally realizing who it is.) ....JACK!

JACK: Wait a minute, (Looking around) Jack who?

JENNIFER: JACK, YOU!

SHE RIPS THE MASK OFF HIS FACE.

JACK: HIT IT BRADLEY, GOOOOOOOO!

JENNIFER: NO, NO, BRADLEY NO!

JACK: GO, GO, GO!

THE FIRE TRUCK PULLS OUT OF THE CHURCH YARD WITH JACK AND JENNIFER ON THE BACK BOTH SCREAMING. JENNIFER IS GRABBING AND SHAKING JACK WHILE HE CONTINUES TO SCREAM AT BRADLEY TO KEEP DRIVING. WE SEE THE TRUCK DRIVE DOWN THE CHURCH DRIVEWAY, JENNIFER IS YELLING AT JACK AND JACK IS SAYING SOMETHING BACK. JACK SEEMS TO BE ENJOYING THE WHOLE THING.

FADE TO: ABIGAIL looking up at JENNIFER disbelieving.

ABIGAIL: A real fire truck?

JENNIFER: Yes, baby.

ABIGAIL: Wow! (looks at JACK) I bet mommy was mad at you.

JACK: For a bit, but she couldn't stay mad for long.

ABIGAIL: So then you got married?

JENNIFER: No, not then. Not even soon after that. But that's another -

ABIGAIL: (JACK mouths along) Story for another night. (She kisses them both on the cheek. JENNIFER gets up to make room for her. JACK stands too and then they tuck her in) Thank you for my story. I can't wait for the next one.

JENNIFER walks around to the other side of the bed, smiling.

JENNFIER: And what do you think you'll pick out tomorrow for your story? (takes JACK'S hand)

ABIGAIL: I saw a board game in there about a doctor. Maybe we can play the game while you tell me the story.

JACK AND JENNIFER: (in unison) NO!

JENNIFER: I don't think that's supposed to be in there.

JACK: And if it is, you have to be forty before you can hear that story.

ABIGAIL: (giggling) You're so silly daddy. (waves at them) Goodnight, I love you.

JACK: I think that's our cue.

They walk hand in hand to the door. JENNIFER flicks off the light and they turn and face her again.

JENNIFER: Goodnight baby. Sweet dreams.

JACK: We love you.

ABIGAIL yawns and smiles. Then she snuggles into her pillow. JACK and JENNIFER exchange loving smiles and then close the door quietly.

OUT on the door closing

***

SCENE TEN -- INT. - HALLWAY

JACK'S arms are wrapped around JENNIFER'S waist as she faces him

JENNIFER: You have quite a way with words, Mr. D.

JACK: (making a face) I think that's a compliment.

JENNIFER: It is. (BEAT) It was fun telling her the story, huh?

JACK: Someday when she's older we can explain all of it to her.

JENNIFER: (hugging him close) I don't know about that Jack. I couldn't explain half of it to myself. Besides, I don't think we should tell her all of the details.

JACK: No? (leans back and looks at her) No, huh? I think you're right.

JENNIFER: The story made me - nevermind.

JACK: Tell me.

JENNIFER: (reluctantly) It makes me miss the old days. (laughs nervously) I know it's silly. It has been over ten years since we worked together at the Spectator, but sometimes I miss it more than I can say.

JACK: I understand. I miss the old place myself. (smiles) It was a great for finding adventures.

JENNIFER: Or for adventure to find us.

JACK: (kisses her softly on the lips) Well one never knows when one might find a little adventure again.

JENNIFER: (pulls her head back and eyes JACK) I don't know what you mean Jack.

JACK: Just that as Miss O'Hara says, tomorrow is another day and you never really know what it might bring. (JENNIFER rolls her eyes) Anyway, it's time for bed. (kisses her and then turns her around and sends her toward her room)

JENNIFER: (reaching the door and turning around) Aren't you going to tuck me in Jack?

JACK: (walking over) Hehehe, not tonight. I've got an early day tomorrow (BEAT) and my back needs a break if I'm going to be moving boxes this weekend.

JENNIFER: (pulls his face down to hers) That back excuse is the oldest one in the book.

JACK: (grinning) Goodnight Miss H.

JENNIFER: (gives him a long, lingering kiss) Goodnight Jack.

JENNIFER closes the door. JACK stares at it for a second, then turns and walks to his room. His hand is on the doorknob when he abruptly turns and marches back to JENNIFER'S door and opens it.

JACK: To hell with the back.

OUT on the door closing

 

Prologue *** Chapters 1 - 3 *** Chapters 4 - 6 *** Chapters 7 - 9 *** Chapters 10 - 12 *** Chapter 13

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