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.
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?
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.
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: 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.
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?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 -
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.
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?
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: (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.***
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.
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 -
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.***
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.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: 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.
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?
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?
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)
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?
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: 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.
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: 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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: 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