LEGAL DISCLAIMER: This following script is based on characters created by Glenn Gordon Caron and owned by Picturemaker Productions and ABC Circle Films. This is not meant to violate or infringe on any copyrights. This is for entertainment purposes only...In other words, it's fan fiction.

MOONLIGHTING IN THE 21ST CENTURY:

EPISODE 7: NO ORDINARY THIRD PARTY

STORY BY: Joy Chodan and Christie Taylor
WRITTEN BY: Christie Taylor

TV RATING: PG-13

 

 

 

OPENING SCENE

INT. - DAVID AND MADDIE’S FOYER

We see an empty room. We also can hear footsteps. The camera swings to the right and catches Maddie running down the stairs.

MADDIE
David, c’mon. We’re late!

DAVID (O.S.)
I’m right behind ya!

David starts running down the staircase. Maddie runs to the coat rack and grabs her coat. She is inches away from grabbing the doorknob until she glances toward the camera. She does a double take, stops what she is doing, and smiles bashfully. David stops short of running into her.

DAVID
What happened? Why aren’t we moving?

MADDIE
David –

DAVID
You got me out of breath and we still have our clothes on.

MADDIE
David . . .

She puts her hands on both sides of his face and steers his head to the camera. He responds by giving us an embarrassed smile.

DAVID
Aaaah . . . hi . . . ummm . . . look, we’re well aware that we have been a tad bit tardy.

MADDIE
A tad? We haven’t had an episode in two months.

DAVID
More than two months.

MADDIE
Okay, more than two months.

DAVID
(To Camera) And we have a perfectly good explanation.

MADDIE
(Under her breath) I love to hear this. (When she turns to David, he’s stares at her) I mean . . .

DAVID
You see, our children . . . you know, Ashley and Davey, well, we had to help them –

MADDIE
Force them would be a better word.

DAVID
It would, but I’m trying to ease into this, okay?

MADDIE
Okay.

DAVID
Okay, like I was saying, we made them prepare for their year-end standardized test thingies. Now, now, I know what you people out there are about to say, “Doesn't these tests start for students in the fourth grade? If so, isn't Ashley in the third grade?” Well . . . technically yes, and yes, but we felt it was beneficial to pre-prepare her when she actually has to take her first standardized test next year.

MADDIE
And that’s not all.

DAVID
That’s not all?

MADDIE
(To David) Yeah, that’s not all. (David looks confused. Maddie murmurs from the side of her mouth) The story.

DAVID
You mean, this story?

MADDIE
No, the other story.

DAVID
Ohhh, right . . . that story. (To Camera) All right, everybody, check this out. We are going to be in . . . (to Maddie) What’s it called again?

MADDIE
A fanzine.

DAVID
(To Maddie) Right. (To Camera) A fanzine. A Moonlighting fanzine called . . . called . . . (Snaps his fingers to try to remember)

MADDIE
Moonlighting Strangers.

DAVID
Moonlighting Strangers! (To Maddie) Right again. (To camera) You won’t believe how tired we are. We’ve been in so many stories. Not only that, we had to go back to the 20th century. And let me tell ya, time travel ain’t as great as some say it is.

MADDIE
Can you speed this up?

DAVID
Right . . . uhhh, look for the –

MADDIE
Wait, wait. Aren’t you forgetting something?

DAVID
(David looks perplexed. It makes Maddie roll her eyes. She prepares to speak. David cuts her off.) Right, the interview! How can I forget something like that? (To camera) The fanzine features the Curtis Armstrong interview. It focuses on his career after Moonlighting, his comedic influences and other stuff we don't have time to talk about.

MADDIE
Wow! I wanna know, wouldn’t you, David?

DAVID
Yeah, I wouldn’t . . . I mean, I would. (To camera) Anyway, it’s a great interview so look for it. It’s coming out in . . . in . . . (To Maddie) Wanna go four for four?

MADDIE
Moonlighting Strangers will make its debut in late June.

DAVID
So?

MADDIE
So?

DAVID
Are we done?

MADDIE
Yeah, we’re done. Why wouldn’t you think we aren’t done?

DAVID
‘Cause we’re not moving.

Maddie looks around and notices she is still a few inches away from the front door.

MADDIE
Oh . . . right.

DAVID
So, what are we waiting for?

MADDIE
The theme.

DAVID
(To Maddie) Right. (He looks up and cups his hands to his mouth) Hey guys, can we put these people out of their misery?

VOICE (O.S.)
Right.


CUT TO:

THEME MUSIC AND OPENING CREDITS



ACT ONE

FADE IN:

INT. - BEDROOM - AFTERNOON

This opening sequence features Sade’s “Love Is Stronger Than Pride.”

I won’t pretend
that I intend to stop living . . .

A digital clock read out says 2:00 PM. The camera pans to the left and captures an unidentified woman from the neck down.

I won’t pretend
I’m not good at forgiving . . .

There is a suitcase, a wrapped present, and a plane ticket. They all lay on the woman's bed. She continues packing her clothes in the suitcase. It’s enough to hold three days worth of clothes.

But I can’t hate you, though I have tried . . .

A close-up captures the woman packing the last of her clothes and accessories. She then closes her suitcase, walks to a nearby dresser, picks up her purse, takes out her keys, then moves back to the bed. She picks up her plane ticket and places it inside her purse.

I still really, really love you
Love is stronger than pride
I still really, really love you . . .

The woman grabs her suitcase and starts walking out the room. She stops, turns, and picks up the present she left on her bed. After retrieving the present, she continues to leave the room.

CUT TO:

INT. - AIRPORT PARKING LOT - 30 MINUTES LATER

I won’t pretend
that I intend to stop living . . .

A hand takes the key out of the ignition. We pull out to see the woman get her suitcase up from the passenger’s seat and gets out of the car. She begins walking away then stops and turns around. She forgot to take out the present from the backseat.
CUT TO:

INT. - AIRPORT - AN HOUR LATER

I won’t pretend
I’m not good at forgiving . . .

The woman slouches while she waits near the back of an enormous line. She and many others are waiting for their belongings to be x-rayed by airport security.

But I can’t hate you, though I have tried . . .

We cut to the woman going through the metal detector. She waits to see her suitcase go through the x-ray machine. However, she doesn’t see her package. She turns to her right. She sees a security guard tear the wrapping off her gift. She flails her arms wildly to show her indignation.

I still really, really love you
Love is stronger than pride
I still really, really love you . . .

CUT TO:

Sitting here waiting my time
would be like waiting for the sun to rise
It’s all to clear
things come and go . . .

The woman flops into one of the empty seats. She puts her suitcase on the floor in front of her. She also puts her gift with the wrapping torn to shreads in the next seat on her right.

Sitting here waiting for you
would be like waiting for winter
It’s gonna be cold
and may even be snow . . .

The woman looks up at the board and sees Flight 154, and many other flights, delayed. She then looks at the other side of the board to see the time; It’s 5:17 PM.

DISSOLVE TO:

The clock now reads 7:40 PM. The camera swings right showing Flight 154 has finally arrived. The woman gets out of her seat.

CUT TO:

A flight attendant escorts the woman to her window seat.

I still really, really love you
Love is stronger than pride . . .

While we see a combination of dark orange and blue horizon out of the window, the camera pulls back and the woman tries to figure out what to do with her ruined present. She tears off the remainder of the wrapping and crumples it into a ball. She opens her purse to search for something for her dry mouth.

I still really, really love you
Love is stronger . . .

She holds her left hand almost at eye level and with her right hand, she touches a ring she has on her fourth finger.

I still really love you
Love is . . .

She slips the ring off.

stronger than pride . . .

Then drops it into her purse.


CUT TO:

INT. - INSIDE LINCOLN NAVIGATOR SUV - NEXT EVENING

David drives as the family head east on the highway. Maddie sits in the front passenger seat. The kids play in the back. David takes a quick glance at Maddie. She stares out of her window.

DAVID
Will you relax? We got the best deal on this SUV.

MADDIE
I’m not worried about that.

DAVID
Really? I had the impression you were cringing the moment my left hand scribbled my signature on the dotted line for this bad boy.

MADDIE
Wasted gas aside, you were right.

DAVID
I was?

MADDIE
You was . . . you were. It is about time we purchased something for the road. We are making more road trips than we ever had in years.

DAVID
Then why do you still look worried?

MADDIE
What makes you think I’m worried?

DAVID
You haven’t said anything since we crossed the Colorado state line.

MADDIE
I just have some things on my mind.

DAVID
If you’re worried about the surprise party, do me a favor, don’t. It’ll come off without your mom ever knowing we schemed and plotted behind her back.

LITTLE DAVID
Hey, what is this surprise party all about?

ASHLEY
Yeah, you’ve kept us in the dark for weeks.

DAVID
Should we let them in on it?

MADDIE
I’m shocked you kept it from them this long.

LITTLE DAVID
Why do you need to keep if from us?

MADDIE
What we tell you doesn’t leave this vehicle, understand?

LITTLE DAVID
We understand.

ASHLEY
We do?

LITTLE DAVID
(To Ashley)
We do.

ASHLEY
Okay then, we do . . . understand that is.

MADDIE
Okay, here it goes. We’re helping Granddad surprise Grandma for her birthday.

LITTLE DAVID
Really?

DAVID
We're not taking this three day journey to Chicago just for the scenery.

MADDIE
I remember when it was Mom who came up with my surprise party. She had invited all of my friends. I was so shocked. I couldn’t believe she pulled it off. My twelveth birthday turned out to be the best birthday I ever had. It’s only right to give her some joy with all the joy she gave me.

DAVID
You’re right about that. I remember when Mom helped take care of Davey when we really needed it.

MADDIE
Oh, yeah . . . that’s right.

LITTLE DAVID
She did? I don’t remember that.

DAVID
How can you expect a two-year-old mind to remember anything? Your little noggin was too busy thinkin’ about the next object to stick in your mouth.

ASHLEY
And where was I?

DAVID
You? Well, you were the reason why we asked Mom to volunteer. Geez, I raced through so many lights, many thought there was a chase scene in progress.

LITTLE DAVID
Count on Ash to start trouble.

ASHLEY
I didn’t know what I did.

MADDIE
You were too busy being born for you to start trouble. . . . If we didn’t have Mom there, I don’t know what we would have done.

ASHLEY
So, how come we didn’t do this for Grandmom before?

MADDIE
That was one of the things I was thinking about. Mom has been so good to Dad, me, David and the two of you.

DAVID
She was even good to you at your rebellious stage.

ASHLEY
Re-what?

LITTLE DAVID
Mom was acting bad.

MADDIE
I wasn’t bad . . . exactly. I simply wasn’t . . . that good.

ASHLEY
You were a bad girl, Mommy?

DAVID
(Playful tone)
Yeah, were you, Mommy?

MADDIE
It’s a long story.

DAVID
Thank goodness we have about 900 miles for you to tell it.

MADDIE
(Gives David a dirty look)
Basically, the problems were centered around my decision to go into modeling.

LITTLE DAVID
Why? She didn’t like seeing your face on magazines?

MADDIE
Honey, it took years before I earned my first cover. I went from one cattle call to another. Hundreds of rejections. (Gets more into the story) I remember I was walking around Michigan Avenue with two broken heels and . . .

DAVID
If you don’t want this car to slam into the concrete divider, I suggest you fast forward on the flashback.

MADDIE
Anyway, Mom wanted me to give it up and go back to being a normal adolescent. Whatever that is, but I wanted to keep going. I wanted to be the next Twiggy.

LITTLE DAVID
Who?

DAVID
Not important. (To Maddie) Continue.

MADDIE
Mom was so overprotective. It was getting to the point where I wanted to break out on my own. A few weeks later, I was offered a runway job in New York. Mom and I had a bitter disagreement. I was even contemplating on taking the next plane out of Chicago by myself.

DAVID
Wait a sec. Maddie Hayes? Madolyn “analyze everything to death” Hayes was thinking about running away to a runway two thousand miles away?

MADDIE
I was thinking about running away, but I didn’t have to. Daddy convinced her that my New York experience it was like going to college two years early. I had roommates and Dad arranged for me to have a tutor. But the problems didn’t stop there . . .

DAVID
Wow! You weren’t kiddin’.

MADDIE
About?

DAVID
About it being a long story.


DISSOLVE TO:

INT. - LOBBY OF REMOTE MOTEL - LATE NIGHT

The sound of pouring rain is in the background. The Addison family walk in completely drenched.

DAVID
We could have kept going.

MADDIE
In this? (She shakes her umbrella) If you haven’t heard on the radio, we’re in a tornado watch.

DAVID
(Looks around) It doesn’t look like we’re in Kansas.

MOTEL CLERK
(Speaking with a country drawl)
Actually, it is.

DAVID
That it doesn’t look like Kansas or that this is Kansas? (Maddie looks at him) Never mind.

Ashley screams after seeing a flash of lightning.

ASHLEY
Mommy! (She grabs onto Maddie) I don’t wanna go back out there! Can we stay in here?

LITTLE DAVID
Please, let’s stay so I don’t have to hear her whine!

ASHLEY
We’ll see what happens when you find out you’ll be sleeping in the dark.

LITTLE DAVID
(Gets scared)
You mean –

ASHLEY
Pitch black.

LITTLE DAVID
Mom!

MADDIE
Calm down, sweetheart. I have it right here. (She takes a nightlight out of her purse)

ASHLEY
(Giggles under her breath)
What a baby.

A huge crackle of thunder, preceded by lightning, makes Ashley cling to her mother much tighter than before.

LITTLE DAVID
(Grins as he whispers in Ashley’s ear)
Baby.

ASHLEY
Shut up!

MOTEL CLERK
Can I help you?

MADDIE
Yes, we need a room.

DAVID
Preferably one with at least two beds.

MOTEL CLERK
(Snidly)
Yeah, the day we get out of debt in this God-forsaken place, we’ll gladly oblige your request.

DAVID
(Equally as snide)
We appreciate your southern hospitality.

He tosses the money on the front desk counter and grabs the room key.

MADDIE
C’mon, let’s get out of here.

ASHLEY
(Still scared)
In that?

LITTLE DAVID
Well, duh? How are we gonna get to our room if we stay here?

ASHLEY
How ‘bout me, Mommy and Daddy go into our room and you stay here?

DAVID
Guys, do we have to do this now? I’m tired, sleepy and I’d like your mother to stop shaking her umbrella in my face. I feel like I’m in the middle of a rinse cycle.

MADDIE
David –

DAVID
Okay, a car wash.

MADDIE
David –

DAVID
I could say the third thing, but the kids are still here.

Everyone gets ready to leave until they hear someone clearing their throat. They turn around.

MOTEL CLERK
Hey, uhhh . . . ain’t I missin’ somethin’? (He sticks out his hand)

DAVID
Oh, you mean your tip? The day I waste my hard earned cash on someone who treats me and my family like crap, I’ll gladly oblige your request. (To Maddie and the kids) C’mon, let’s fly outta this coup.

They all turn to the door, open their umbrellas, and brace themselves for the torrential rain.


DISSOLVE TO:

INT. - INSIDE MOTEL ROOM - AN HOUR LATER

The dim, orange glow of the nightlight helps us see Ashley and little David snuggled in between their parents. We pull into a close-up on Maddie. She has an unsettled expression on her face. She wrestles with what is clearly an uncomfortable dream.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. - MR. AND MRS. HAYES’S LIVING ROOM

Soft chamber music in the background is accompanied by the chatter of a room filled with people having a good time. Maddie holds a silver platter filled with food. Some people are taking champagne glasses off the platter Mr. Hayes is holding. David surprises Maddie when he walks up behind her. She jumps. David helps hold the platter steady before the food drops on the carpet. He then puts his arms around Maddie's waist.

DAVID
Great party, if I do say so myself.

MADDIE
(Stares at her mother from across the room)
I’ve never seen Mom have so much fun.

DAVID
How ‘bout you?

MADDIE
Me? I’m having a great time.

DAVID
A great time for a great party . . . I can live with that.

MADDIE
(Smiles)
So can I.

She turns to him and prepares to kiss him until –

MR. HAYES
(Walking to them)
Excuse me. I need to stop into the pit stop area. (Nods his head to the kitchen)

DAVID
Nah, I’ll take care of it.

MR. HAYES
No. I don’t want to trouble you, son.

DAVID
No trouble at all.

David takes the platter out of Mr. Hayes’s hands.

MADDIE
I need a little refill of my own. (She looks at her parse selection of food on her platter)

DAVID
Uh, uh, uh. I’m not letting you lift a finger. (Takes Maddie’s platter out of her hands) I’ll be right back, okay. (Kisses Maddie)

MADDIE
(Has a huge grin on her face)
Hurry back.

DAVID
I’ll do my best.

CUT TO:

INT. - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

David enters the kitchen and places both platters on the island. He walks around the room to see if anyone has followed him or if anyone can see him. He goes to the door with a smile and uses his index finger to signal to someone that the coast is clear. The person walking in with a smile in return is Annie.

ANNIE
What took you so long?

DAVID
It took me a while to slip out of their sight.

ANNIE
It was agonizing to know that I let you slip out of my life.

DAVID
No, don’t blame yourself. I never should have given you up.

ANNIE
I never should have left. (They are now in each other’s arms) Who was I fooling? Mark could never take your place.

DAVID
Maddie can never take yours. I wished I realized it before I married her.

ANNIE
But if people are meant to be together they’ll find each other no matter where, no matter what, right?

DAVID
It’s plain to see . . . (Starts giving tender kisses on her cheek) I married the wrong member of the family.

ANNIE
Want to make it up to me?

DAVID
How?

ANNIE
By doing this.

They kiss each other passionately. David backs Annie onto the kitchen table. He gently places her on her back.

ANNIE
David, we can’t do this here . . . now. What if Maddie sees us?

A close-up shot of David looking down directly at the camera.

DAVID
(Smirks)
Maddie who?

He buries his face down into the camera.

CUT TO:

INT. - MOTEL ROOM - CONTINUOUS

The screen cuts to Maddie jerking her head up to the camera. She yelps in shock of what she just dreamt and continues to gasp for much needed air. Seconds later, David sits up with a concerned look on his face. He wraps his arms around Maddie’s shoulders. She turns and buries her face into David’s chest.

DAVID
(Whispers)
What is it? Is it the same dream you had before? (Maddie simply nods) It’s the third time this week. Why can’t you tell me about it? Maybe I can help you.

MADDIE
It’s not necessary. I’m fine. It’s just a nightmare.

DAVID
Are you sure?

MADDIE
David, it’s no big deal, really. Go back to sleep, okay?

DAVID
Not until you gimmie some sugar.

Maddie looks up at her husband. She leans in, places her hand on the right side of his face and kisses him. David gently runs his fingers in her hair. When their lips parted, Maddie keeps her eyes closed a few seconds longer, as if she is savoring the kiss to replace the bad dream she had. She also doesn’t want the dream to creep back into her mind. She only opens her eyes to not let David in on what she is really feeling.

He lays down gently in order to not wake the kids.

DAVID
(Whispers)
Night, honey. I love you.

MADDIE
(Whispers)
I love you, too.

The camera follows Maddie as her head reaches her pillow. She closes her eyes. A second later, she opens them as she realizes she can't stop the tears from trickling down her cheeks.


FADE OUT

END OF ACT ONE

- 4 MIN. COMMERCIAL BREAK -




ACT TWO

FADE IN:

INT. - UPSCALE HOTEL - MORNING (TWO DAYS LATER)

The camera follows behind the woman we saw earlier to the front desk. She rests the unwrapped present on the counter and rings the bell.

FRONT DESK CLERK
Uhh, yes.

WOMAN
Hi. I hope my room is still available. (She slips the man a piece of paper)

FRONT DESK CLERK
Let’s see here . . . (He enters the information from the paper into the computer) Ahh, yes. It’s still available. We were expecting you to come yesterday.

WOMAN
I didn’t expect my plane to make an emergency landing in Detroit not to mention, spending a wasted night on the cold, slick, linoleum floor.

FRONT DESK CLERK
(Looks concerned)
I hope it wasn’t –

WOMAN
No, no. There was nothing sinister going on. If you don’t count a wing malfunctioning at twenty-five thousand feet.

FRONT DESK CLERK
Lucky for you, you chose one of the few weekends the Windy City isn’t inundated with conventions.

WOMAN
Lucky for you, I’m not screaming at your supervisor demanding my money back.

FRONT DESK CLERK
(Gets the woman’s hotel key and hands it to her)
Well, here you are Mrs. –

WOMAN
That’s Miss.

FRONT DESK CLERK
Oh, I’m sorry.

WOMAN
No, don’t be. I’m not. The change is well overdue.

She picks up her suitcase and leaves the front desk.

FRONT DESK CLERK
Miss! You left this. (He holds up the unwrapped gift)

The woman returns.

WOMAN
Oh, thank you. I don’t know what has come over me. (She takes the present and heads for the elevator)


DISSOLVE TO:

INT. - OUTSIDE MR. AND MRS. HAYES'S HOUSE - EARLY EVENING

An SUV rolls into the screen from left to right. It stops in front of Mr. and Mrs. Hayes's house. The camera cuts to a close-up of one of the side doors. We hear the engine cut off, a door slam, and footsteps on the sidewalk. We see a hand grab the car door handle and opens the door.

DAVID (O.S.)
All right, kids. It’s showtime. Time to Rock-n-Roll.

The kids get out of the backseat.

ASHLEY
(Disapproving tone)
Oh, Daddy.

DAVID
Pardon me. It’s time to Hip-n-Hop. How’s that?

LITTLE DAVID
(Snickers under his breath)
Do I need to find a cotton tale to get that joke?

ASHLEY
Not if your name is Peter.

DAVID
I heard if you guys put one foot in front of the other, it’ll help you get to the front door.

LITTLE DAVID
Okay, Dad. We’re going.

David and Maddie trail behind Ashley and little David. The children’s eyes dance with amazement as they stare at their Grandparents’ perfectly green manicured lawn.

DAVID
Are you feeling okay?

MADDIE
Why do you keep asking me that?

DAVID
You haven’t said anything since breakfast.

MADDIE
I have a lot of things on my mind. Like this surprise party.

DAVID
Not to worry (Puts his arm around her shoulder) Everything will be taken care of. You’ll see.

They have reached the front door.

DAVID
Eh, sweet pea, you do the honors.

Ashley eagerly presses the doorbell. Seconds past before the door opens. They see Mr. Hayes smiling back at them.

MR. HAYES
Hey, who’s this little girl ringing my doorbell?

ASHLEY
(Looks down at herself, then looks up with puppy dog eyes)
Uh, oh. I left my uniform home again. Now I’ll never sell enough cookies to get that ten speed bike.

MR. HAYES
You come over here and give me a hug. (Ashley runs into her Grandfather’s arms) Now what’s your excuse, young man?

LITTLE DAVID
My uniform is still at the dry cleaners.

MR. HAYES
(To Maddie)
We can see where they get their quick wit.

MADDIE
(Smiles)
From their mother, of course.

Little David repeats what his sister did a few minutes ago. When Mr. Hayes finishes the hug, he looks at David and Maddie.

MR. HAYES
How’s my little Angel?

MADDIE
I’m fine, Daddy. (She hugs him) I’m so happy to see you.

DAVID
I guess I’m last. I hope I’m not least.

MR. HAYES
Not at all, son. Not at all. (David and Mr. Hayes pat each other on the back as they hug) It’s about time you all got here. I called over at O’Hare several times.

MADDIE
We didn’t fly.

DAVID
We drove.

MR. HAYES
From Los Angeles?

DAVID
It wasn’t that bad. At least we –

MADDIE
Dad?

MR. HAYES
Yes, honey?

MADDIE
Can we come in?

MR. HAYES
Oh, yes. (He steps aside to let everyone in) What was I thinking?

DAVID
Mom’s surprise party, I hope.

MR. HAYES
Shhh . . . (Looks behind him) Not too loud. This is the longest secret I've ever kept and I plan on sticking to it.

CUT TO:

INT. - FOYER - CONTINUOUS

MADDIE
So, where’s Mom?

MRS. HAYES (O.S.)
Who’s at the door, Alex?

MR. HAYES
(Turns around)
Come and take a look. (Mrs. Hayes walks up to everyone) Maddie! . . . David! What a pleasant surprise! (She hugs Maddie and David at the same time)

LITTLE DAVID
(Mumbles)
You don’t know the half of it. (Ashley hits him in his leg)

Mrs. Hayes looks around to see her grandchildren. Her face lights up when she sees them.

MRS. HAYES
And how are my grandbabies?

LITTLE DAVID
We’re doing swell.

ASHLEY
Step into the twenty first century, Alfalfa.

LITTLE DAVID
We’re stoked about this weekend.

ASHLEY
(She makes the “so-so” statement with her left hand)
Better.

DAVID
You know kids and long weekends.

MADDIE
Okay, you two. Time to take all your stuff to your room and unpack.

ASHLEY
Awww . . . do we have to?

LITTLE DAVID
I think we better go, Ash. Something tells me if we stay a second longer, we’re gonna regret it.

Ashley picks up her small suitcase and follows her brother into the guest room, the room they usually stay in each time they come to visit.

MR. HAYES
Have you had enough to eat?

MADDIE
Mom, we have already eaten.

DAVID
Really, Mom, you don’t have to go through the trouble.

MRS. HAYES
It’s no trouble at all. It’s not too often I get to see you.

MADDIE
If that’s a hint for us to visit more often, it was hidden pretty well.

MR. HAYES
While your mom sets everything up in the kitchen, let’s all sit in the living room.

DAVID
Sounds like a good plan.

CUT TO:


INT. - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

David and Maddie sit next to each other on the sofa. Mr. Hayes sits in his recliner to the right of them.

DAVID
So, what do we do to keep Mom in the dark?

MR. HAYES
You can help me get everything ready, while Maddie takes Virginia out on a girl's day out.

MADDIE
I can’t wait. It’s been ages since Mom and I did anything together.

DAVID
So, who’s coming to this secret swareé?

MR. HAYES
I called everyone I can think of, friends, neighbors, relatives . . .

MADDIE
Relatives? All of them?

MR. HAYES
Well, at least the ones I called said they’ll be here.

MADDIE
(Gives an uneasy smile)
Wonderful.

DAVID
Yeah, wonderful.

He looks over to Maddie sensing something is wrong, but doesn’t pursue the issue.

MADDIE
By the way, Dad, when you say neighbors, does that include . . .

MR. HAYES
Sweetheart, I couldn’t leave them out.

MADDIE
(Murmurs)
Wonderful.

She slumps further back into the sofa. David puts his arm around her shoulders.

DAVID
Baby, it’s not that bad.

MADDIE
The Jansens are coming.

DAVID
Yeah, but -

MADDIE
The Gallaghers, the Harrisons and the Riddells are coming too.

DAVID
Okay, it is that bad, but we’ll get nauseated together, okay?

MADDIE
We better, because if I see you-know-who hiding you-know-where, you-know-who is not getting you-know-what for a loooong time.

DAVID
You know what? We need to get our plan into action before you-know-who discovers what we’re up to. (He darts his eyes over to his right)

Mrs. Hayes walks into the living room.

MRS. HAYES
So, what are you and David up to, honey?

DAVID
(Looks at Maddie yawning and stretching her arms)
She looks like she’s down for eight-hours of shut eye.

MRS. HAYES
You want to skip dinner?

MADDIE
I’m more hungry than tired. (Yawns again)

ASHLEY
Whew! Unpacking all of those clothes sure made me hungry.

LITTLE DAVID
I hope we eat in a few minutes.

DAVID
I heard that’s what makes the world go ‘round.

ASHLEY
Hope?

DAVID
Yup.

LITTLE DAVID
Hope? Isn’t it people?

DAVID
Huh?

David knows what his son is getting at, but it doesn’t stop David from playing with his head.

LITTLE DAVID
People, Dad.

DAVID
What about ‘em?

LITTLE DAVID
They make the world go ‘round.

DAVID
They? I thought you said people.

MADDIE
(Blows out a heavy sigh)
I’m getting very hungry.

ASHLEY
Very, very hungry.

DAVID
(Laughs)
So, what are you waiting for?

MADDIE
You to shut up and for us to eat.

DAVID
We can’t do that if we’re still sitting in here.

MADDIE
(Gets up from her seat - irritated)
You’re impossible.

DAVID
(To Mr. and Mrs. Hayes with a huge smile on his face)
We’re such a happy family.

MADDIE
We will be after we get something to eat.

Maddie heads for the kitchen. Everyone else follows.

DISSOLVE TO:


INT. - MADDIE’S OLD BEDROOM - NIGHT

David and Maddie are in the middle of unpacking their belongings.

MADDIE
Are there anymore clothes in that suitcase?

DAVID
(Looks in the suitcase nearest to him)
If undies count, I say, yeah.

MADDIE
Undies always count in your world. (Walks over to the suitcase)

DAVID
Which you happen to step into one to three times a week.

MADDIE
(Moves closer to him - teasing)
A conservative estimate. I’m proud of you.

DAVID
How proud?

They begin to kiss. They get more into the moment until Maddie reluctantly breaks the kiss. She grabs the remaining underclothes and dashes over to the opposite side of the room and puts the undergarments in the dresser next to the bed.

DAVID
I understand how hard this is.

MADDIE
Don’t get me wrong, David. As much as I like being here, there are some reasons why I can’t wait to get back home, or go to a hotel, or even get into a car.

DAVID
More so now we have more room in the SUV.

MADDIE
It just doesn’t feel right . . . I mean, it’ll always feel right, but we can’t let ourselves feel right in that bed (she points to the bed). And the walls are as thin as the wallpaper.

DAVID
Look at it this way, we’re only here for three days.

MADDIE
You’re not counting the more three days for us to go back to L.A.

DAVID
I was. I didn’t want to acknowledge its presence. (Walks over to Maddie and puts his arms around her) We gotta remember why we’re here. We are sacrificing personal pleasure for the common good . . . to totally hoodwink our mother.

MADDIE
(Groans)
I know. (Kisses him)

DISSOLVE TO:


INT. - BATHROOM - NEXT MORNING

Maddie, with a towel draped around her body, dries her hair with a hair dryer. David steams up the room while continuing to take his shower. She turns off the hair dryer and brushes her hair.

MADDIE
Can you and Dad handle everything while Mom and I are away?

DAVID
I’m pretty sure we can manage.

MADDIE
It’s been such a long time since I spent the day with her, David. Even if it is part of a diabolical plan to keep her out of the house, it’ll still be fun.

DAVID
Think of it as our charitable contribution to the Virginia Hayes Recreation fund.

MADDIE
That’s an organization worth supporting.

DAVID
You can give me some support by handing me that towel next to you.

MADDIE
We wouldn’t want to run the risk of letting people out there (Looks at the camera, then turns back to David) seeing anything that’ll disappoint them.

DAVID
Yeah, yeah, yeah, Just gimmie the towel.

Maddie reaches to her right grab the the towel on the counter. However, a hand swipes it away before Maddie gets a hold of it.

VOICE (O.S.)
Is that how a woman talks about a husband she claims she loves?

Maddie looks up and sees Annie.

MADDIE
How did you get in here?

ANNIE
Never mind how I got here. I came to claim what’s mine.

MADDIE
Your dignity and your self respect? You would have to search long and hard to find it . . . if it ever can be found.

ANNIE
Long and hard . . . you really don’t want me to go there, do you?

MADDIE
You’re not going there or anywhere that belongs to me.

ANNIE
Tough words for a woman who’s going to be crying very soon.

MADDIE
I’ll be crying, all right . . . from all the side splitting laughter.

ANNIE
We’ll see when David decides.

MADDIE
Ummm . . . I don’t know how to break this to you, but he already has decided.

ANNIE
By default. Let’s face it. He only chose you because I left.

MADDIE
Get out.

ANNIE
Not without my man.

MADDIE
I’d love to see you tell our kids this exciting news.

ANNIE
I’m sure when they see David and I . . . interact . . . they’ll understand.

MADDIE
You’ll stop at nothing, will you?

ANNIE
Look, I know how it feels to lose your one true love. Only thing is, it turned out to be the same man for both of us.

MADDIE
Let’s get one thing straight. David is my true love, he my husband, and he’s the father of my children, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

ANNIE
So, why don’t you carry his last name?

MADDIE
That’s none of your damn business.

ANNIE
Couldn’t conjour up another one of your excuse, huh? (Looks over to see David still in the shower) Mmmm . . . just look at him. He's the kind that always gets better with age.

MADDIE
Too bad you’ll never know and I’m damn sure not going to tell you.

ANNIE
He just makes me want to go over there and lick him all over.

MADDIE
Keep dreaming.

ANNIE
I believe you’re the one who’s dreaming.

DAVID (O.S.)
Maddie . . . Maddie . . . Mad-day!

She feels a pair of hands shaking her from behind. She spins around out of her trance and sees David dripping from head to toe. Maddie’s body covers David from the waist down.

DAVID
What happened to the towel? I would get it myself, but I have a funny feeling I should stay right where I am.

Maddie turns back around and sees no one behind her. She looks down and the towel is still waiting to be picked up. She looks confused and embarrassed when she picks up the towel and gives it to David.

DAVID
Are you sure nothing is bothering you?

MADDIE
(A little flustered)
No . . . no . . . nothing’s wrong. I’m sorry. I was thinking about all of the places Mom and I used to go and how much fun we had. I just I got carried away. I hope this afternoon’s outing will be as equally enjoyable. Now If don’t mind, I’d like to get dressed.

Maddie bolts out the room before David can come up with another question. He simply shakes his head in confusion.

DISSOLVE TO:

INT. - UPSCALE DAY SPA - AFTERNOON

Maddie and Mrs. Hayes are being treated with a facial. They are wearing white terricloth robes and have terricloth towels on their heads.

MADDIE
Oh, you don’t now how much I miss doing all this with you, Mom.

MRS. HAYES
I think I miss it more than you do. I love these outings. Gives us an excuse to get out of the house and catch up on our girl talk. Speaking of which, you never finished telling me about what’s been going on with you lately.

MADDIE
Well, there’s really not much to tell. The kids are starting their summer vacation. I’m finally beginning to enjoy the idea of having more free time after Agnes took over the office.

MRS. HAYES
So, do you know?

MADDIE
I’m sorry?

MRS. HAYES
You know what my husband has cooked up today for my birthday.

MADDIE
I tried to get it out of him, but it seems like my detective skills are reserved for finding criminals.

CUT TO:


INT. - MR. AND MRS. HAYES'S KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

David helps Mr. Hayes fix the food for the party. David wears a frilly apron while cooking Swedish meatballs.

DAVID
(To Camera)
Nothing’s wrong with your eyes, I’m wearing an apron. (Bats his eyes playfully) It brings out the color of my hair.

MR. HAYES
How are the meatballs coming?

DAVID
Almost ready. How’s the Sushi? Did you make enough?

MR. HAYES
I made enough for normal party guests. Not enough to fit the Jansen’s appetite.

DAVID
Why do you need to invite them, anyway? They look like they can skip a meal or two.

MR. HAYES
I wish it were that easy. They helped put my business in the black, which impedes my desire to exclude them.

DAVID
How ‘bout the cake?

MR. HAYES
I called the caterer. She said it'll be ready in a half an hour.

DAVID
Let me get it. (Takes off the apron) Are you sure you can handle everything from here?

MR. HAYES
Yeah, I'm sure.

DAVID
Okay.

He heads for the door. When he opens it, Ashley is on the other side walking in.

ASHLEY
Hey, Daddy. Where are you rushing off to?

DAVID
I’m picking up Grandma’s birthday cake.

MR. HAYES
In other words, a well executed plan to get out of wearing that apron.

DAVID
(Smiles as he places the apron on a chair closest to him)
You saw through me, huh? (To Ashley) Wanna come?

ASHLEY
Why not? Nothing else is going on.

The kitchen door swings open.

LITTLE DAVID
Ash, what’s takin’ you so. . . okay, what did she do now, Dad?

ASHLEY
If you must know, Daddy asked me to go with him to pick up Grandmommy’s birthday cake.

DAVID
Not in so many words, but she got the gist.

LITTLE DAVID
Why can’t I come?

ASHLEY
Because he didn’t ask you.

DAVID
(To Ashley)
Well, I’m asking him now. (To Little David) Wanna join us?

ASHLEY
(Rolls her eyes while talking under her breath)
He always has to tag along.

CUT TO:


INT. - SAKS FIFTH AVENUE - CONTINUOUS

Maddie and Mrs. Hayes are in the dress department.

MADDIE
What do you think of this one, Mom?

MRS. HAYES
I think I’d like it better in another color.

MADDIE
I’m not too crazy about it either. But you know what I am crazy about?

MRS. HAYES
What?

MADDIE
We’re celebrating your birthday doing our favorite pastime . . .

MADDIE                                                     MRS. HAYES
Shopping!                                                     Shopping!

MRS. HAYES
There’s really nothing I haven’t already seen.

MADDIE
Want to go somewhere else?

MRS. HAYES
I’d rather call it a day.

MADDIE
Already? (Checks her watch) Umm . . . Let’s go to one more place.

MRS. HAYES
I love to, however, I found out a few short years ago my body is not as agile as I let on.

MADDIE
Mom, I don’t believe that. You’re the more robust person I know.

MRS. HAYES
Well, if my loving daughter says so . . .

MADDIE
I know so. C’mon, you won’t regret it.

The camera lets Maddie and Mrs. Hayes exit screen left as they pass a woman at the counter. Instead of following Maddie and Mrs. Hayes, the camera zooms in on an open package on the counter between the unidentified woman and a salesperson behind the counter.

WOMAN
Thank you. You are such a life saver. The present I came here with turned out to be the victim of heightened airport security.

SALESPERSON
Hope she loves it.

WOMAN
If I know the lucky recipient as much as I think I do, she’ll adore it. What time is it?

SALESPERSON
About three o’clock.

WOMAN
Oh, I gotta run. Thanks again.

SALESPERSON
(Smiles)
Anytime.

The woman walks out of the store.

CUT TO:


INT. - INSIDE LINCOLN NAVIGATOR SUV - AN HOUR LATER

David drives and the kids are sitting in the backseat. Little David carefully holds a cardboard box with the birthday cake inside. David gets tense each time Ashley either tries to scare her brother or distract him.

DAVID
Yo, Ash! Can you leave your brother alone?

ASHLEY
I’m not bothering him.

DAVID
Well, can you stop not bothering your brother?

ASHLEY
But, Daddy –

David’s cell phone rings. He waits until he reaches a red light to pull out the phone from his pocket and answer the call.

DAVID
(To Phone)
Yeah?

MR. HAYES (O.S.)
What’s taking so long? The guest of honor is due here any minute.

DAVID
Sorry, Dad. Our little trip to the corner bakery wasn’t as pleasurable as we hoped.

MR. HAYES (O.S.)
What’s so hard to spot a cake saying “Happy Birthday Ginny?”

DAVID
Staring at a cake saying “Happy Graduation Vinny.”

MR. HAYES (O.S.)
Oh, no.

DAVID
They mixed up the orders. I had to stay an extra half hour to make sure they got the right day and letter of the alphabet.

MR. HAYES (O.S.)
Where are you now?

DAVID
We’re minutes away. Relax, Dad.

MR. HAYES (O.S.)
Let's hope Maddie is stuck in traffic.

DAVID
Hey, leave it to me. Nothing’s gonna go wrong, okay.

MR. HAYES (O.S.)
Okay.

DAVID
All right, see you in a few. (Hangs up then glances over to his kids) I want y'all to buckle up.

LITTLE DAVID
(Whines)
Why? It hurts my neck.

DAVID
‘Cause when I put the peddle to the metal, I don’t want you guys to act like crash test dummies.

David’s cell rings again. Without taking his eyes off the road, he reaches down to retrieve the phone and places it to his ear.

DAVID
Talk to me . . . Mad-day, what are you and our surprise victim doing this fine sunny Friday?

MADDIE (O.S.)
We’re heading home.

DAVID
(Startled)
Home?

MADDIE (O.S.)
Yeah, it’s a place with furniture and a twenty year mortgage. Ever heard of it?

DAVID
(Dryly)
Ha, ha just tell me how long it'll take you to get to the house?

MADDIE (O.S.)
We just turned the corner. We’ll be home in about a minute.

DAVID
Don’t!

MADDIE (O.S.)
What?

DAVID
Don’t. It’s gonna take me ten times the minutes to get where you are.

MADDIE (O.S.)
Where are you?

DAVID
In deep trouble if you get there before I do.

MADDIE (O.S.)
What am I supposed to do?

DAVID
Drive around the block a few times?

CUT TO:


INT. - MR. AND MRS. HAYES'S LIVING ROOM - MINUTES LATER

MR. JANSEN
Hey, Alex. When are we gonna chow down on the real food? I’m starved.

MR. HAYES
The second Ginny gets here, you can chow down to your hearts content.

Mr. Hayes hears a door slam in the back.

MR. HAYES
Excuse me for a second.

He walks toward the kitchen.

CUT TO:

INT. - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

Mr. Hayes sees David rushing in with the cake and places it on the table.

MR. HAYES
Thank God. I didn’t think you’d get here in time.

DAVID
No time to chat. Maddie is pulling in out front as we speak. (Looks around the room frantically)
Where’s the kids? They were right here. They were behind me.

MR. HAYES
(Swings the kitchen door open)
Now they’re in the living room.

DAVID
What?

Mr. Hayes's opens the door wider and they see the children telling everyone to hide.

DAVID
(Puffs out his chest)
Ha, I knew where they were all the time.

CUT TO:


EXT. - OUTSIDE MR. AND MRS. HAYES'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS

Maddie walks with Mrs. Hayes as they climb up the steps and to the front door.

MRS. HAYES
. . . By the time your father and I walked in, the situation was taken care of. However, when we took our first bite of the Beef Stroganoff, we had our suspicions. (They both laugh) Oh, seeing you here, now, on my birthday is the greatest gift a mother can have . . . ticklebug. (They laugh again, then Maddie gives her mother a kiss)

Mrs. Hayes reaches into her purse and takes out her keys and is about to open the door. Maddie stops her.

MADDIE
No, Mom. Let me. (She inserts the key into the lock) Something tells me, your day has just begun.

Maddie opens the door. She and Mrs. Hayes are greeted with –

EVERYONE
Surprise!!!

Everybody, including Maddie, sings “Happy Birthday.”

DISSOLVE TO:


INT. - FOYER - EVENING

Maddie and David wave goodbye to the Jansen family.

MADDIE
It was nice seeing you again.

DAVID
Bye-bye now. Take care.

Maddie closes the door, leans her back against it as she and David let out a huge sigh.

DAVID
Thought they’d never leave.

MADDIE
I thought I’d never get through this day.

DAVID
Tell me about it. There were so many people.

MADDIE
Imagine what it would have been like if everybody Dad invited showed up.

DAVID
Like you, I’ll save the nightmares when when my eyes are closed.

MADDIE
Unlike me, there will not be anymore nightmares. Starting tonight.

DAVID
You sure about that?

MADDIE
Very sure.

They hear something crash in the kitchen and Mrs. Hayes screaming. They race into the kitchen.

CUT TO:

INT. - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

Maddie and David run over to Mrs. Hayes, who lays on her side near the kitchen table. They kneel down to her.

MADDIE
Oh my God, Mom! Are you okay?

DAVID
Can you get up?

Mrs. Hayes makes her attempt, but finds it extremely difficult.

MRS. HAYES
I’m afraid not.

MR. HAYES
(Walks in)
What on earth is going . . . (He sees Mr. Hayes and rushes to her) Ginny, what happened?

MRS. HAYES
It’s the darnest thing. I was getting ready to take another piece of my delicious birthday cake. There must have been a wet spot or something because out of no where my feet when out from under me and the next thing I know, I found myself here on the floor.

MADDIE
(Turns to David) Don’t just sit there! Call 9-1-1!

DAVID
(Has his cell at his ear)
Way ahead of you, Blondie.

CUT TO:

INT. - HOSPITAL LOBBY - A HOUR AND A HALF LATER

David, Maddie, Mr. Hayes and the children all get up when they see a doctor walking over to them.

MR. HAYES
How is she? Is she all right?

DOCTOR
Mr. Hayes, your wife is in stable condition. However, she shattered her hip.

MADDIE
(Worried)
Oh, no.

DAVID
(Comforting her)
It’s all right.

DOCTOR
I’m afraid it’s damaged to the point where she will need to have surgery.

MADDIE
Is it really that bad?

DOCTOR
I understand your concern, Miss Hayes, but this is the only option. Her hip has to be replaced.

DAVID
(Massages Maddie’s shoulders)
Everything will be fine, Maddie.

MADDIE
David, she’s going to have surgery. Anything can happen. A knife can slip, they could . . . they could even forget to wash their hands.

DAVID
Maddie, this ain’t the neighborhood deli, these are board certified surgeons.

MADDIE
(Turns to her father)
What do you think, Dad?

MR. HAYES
Honey, I’m a bit frightened myself, but if there’s no other choice. The surgery must be done.

MADDIE
When will the surgery take place?

DOCTOR
We have it scheduled for tomorrow night.

MADDIE
Can we see her now?

DOCTOR
Yes, but only a limited amount at a time.

MADDIE
Dad, you go first. We’ll take the children to get something to eat.

ASHLEY
In here?

DAVID
Yeah, in here.

LITTLE DAVID
But Dad, didn’t you say you would never be caught dead eating hospital food unless you’re already dead?

DAVID
(Gives the doctor a bashful smile)
Ahhh . . . my son is such a kidder.

DOCTOR
(Smiles)
Him and a hundred others each day.

Mr. Hayes walk toward his wife’s hospital room. Maddie and David walk with their children in the opposite direction to the cafeteria. They continue down the hall until –

LITTLE DAVID
Mom, I need to go back. I forgot my hat.

MADDIE
Okay, hurry up and get it.

ASHLEY
And don’t waste our time.

Little David gives his sister a glare before turning around and heading back to the lobby. Moments later, he finds his hat, puts it on his head and turns to go back to rejoin his family. He stops in his tracks when he overhears a woman asking if she can see Virginia Hayes. This shocks him because he doesn’t know who this woman is. Little David decides to follow the woman to his Grandmother’s room. While the woman clutches her Saks Fifth Avenue bag, she hesitates as if she needs time to get herself ready.

LITTLE DAVID
Excuse me . . . miss . . . do you know my grandma?

WOMAN
(She turns around)
I’m sorry, what was that?

LITTLE DAVID
I said, “Do you know my grandma?”

WOMAN
Well, your grandma is my aunt.

ASHLEY
(Walking through the hall toward little David)
C’mon! Mom and Dad’s waiting. (She looks up) Who’s this and why is she about to walk into Grandmom’s room?

LITTLE DAVID
She says Grandma is her aunt.

ASHLEY
Her aunt? You mean we’re all related?

DAVID
(Walking to the kids)
Boy, didn’t your mother tell you to hurry . . . (He looks up and stops in his tracks) Well, well, well. You never know who's gonna show up at hospitals these days.

ASHLEY
(Puzzled)
Daddy, you know her?

DAVID
Ashley . . . David . . . I’d like to introduce to you . . . your cousin . . . Annie Charnok. (To Annie) That is if you still go by that name.

The children continue to look confused. Annie looks uncomfortable.


FADE OUT.

END OF ACT TWO

- 2 MIN. COMMERCIAL BREAK -




FADE IN

HALFWAY BUMPER (1):
A still image of the title is showing. An abbreviated version of the theme is being used. Maddie's voice are in voice over.

MADDIE
I suggest you hurry back. We're just getting started.

FADE OUT

- 2 MIN. COMMERCIAL BREAK -




FADE IN:

HALFWAY BUMPER (2):
A still image of the title is showing. An abbreviated version of the theme is being used. David's voices are in voice over.

DAVID
Okay, are you back from the fridge? Did you go to the john? If not, let's get a move on, 'cuz you don't wanna miss what's coming up in the second half.

FADE OUT




ACT THREE

FADE IN:

INT. - OUTSIDE MRS. HAYES’S HOSPITAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS

The children are still in disbelief. David looks apprehensive with Annie’s sudden appearance.

LITTLE DAVID
Our cousin?

DAVID
Your cousin.

ANNIE
(Looks at David)
So . . . I heard through the grapevine that you and Maddie are –

DAVID
Yeah, we are . . . and happily I might add.

ANNIE
Aunt Ginny told me. What she didn’t tell me is when this happy occasion occurred.

DAVID
Since the dawn of the Clinton Empire. After his inauguration, we stopped thinking about tomorrow and started to take the plunge into holy matrimony.

ANNIE
I’m sure you’ve heard. Mark and I are divorced.

DAVID
Yeah, I’ve heard . . . we’ve heard.

Maddie walks through the hall. She passes Annie and heads straight to her kids and David.

MADDIE
What’s going on? Didn’t I tell you to come on? And what are you doing here, anyway? Didn’t the doctor tell us . . . (David motions his head over to his right. She looks at Annie. Maddie acts pleasant) Annie, it’s been a long while.

ANNIE
(Calm but can tell she tries to hide her nervousness)
Hello, Maddie.

MADDIE
What happened? We didn’t see you at the party we had for Mom.

ANNIE
Yes . . . well, I was on my way there, until some jerk tried to cut me off and rammed into the front of my rented car. I spent most of the day retelling my account to countless police and anyone else who wanted to listen. I was about to go back out to O’Hare until Uncle Alex gave me the news. One of the policemen gave me a lift and I raced over here. Do you know how Aunt Ginny’s doing?

DAVID
She’ll need to go through hip replacement surgery.

ANNIE
Oh, dear God.

MR. HAYES
(Walks out of Mrs. Hayes’s room - Smiles)
Annie.

ANNIE
Uncle Alex. (She hugs him) I came as soon I could. I’m so sorry I wasn't able to come to the party.

MR. HAYES
None of that matters now. The important thing is, you’re here . . . we’re all here. (He looks around at his family) So, who wants to go in?

MADDIE
Annie, you can go.

ANNIE
No, you were here first. I can’t possibly –

MADDIE
No, please go. I can hear my children’s stomachs growling as we speak.

ANNIE
Only if you think it’s okay . . . I mean, really okay.

MADDIE
(Fake smile)
It’s okay, really.

The children look at each other. They sense something is wrong, but doesn’t understand what’s happening at the same time.

MADDIE
Dad, you want to join us? We’re going to get some food.

MR. HAYES
No, you go ahead. I’ll stay in the lobby. Keep close tabs on how Ginny is doing.

MADDIE
Okay. (Maddie looks over to see Annie walk into Mrs. Hayes’ room, then to her kids) Let’s go.

She takes the lead as if she can’t wait to leave. David lets out an uncomfortable sigh and walks with little David and Ashley toward the cafeteria.

DISSOLVE TO:


INT. - MR. AND MRS. HAYES'S FOYER - EVENING

David opens the door from the outside. He lets Maddie and the kids in the house before he comes in and locks the door.

DAVID
You shouldn’t feel guilty.

MADDIE
I should be there at Mom’s side. I hate to see her there all alone.

DAVID
Maddie, Dad is pulling an all nighter. She’ll never be alone.

MADDIE
It’s not right. I feel terrible, awful. I should want to be there . . . but I don’t. I . . . I don’t, I can’t be there even though I should be there.

DAVID
Dad didn’t see any problem with us leaving. He thought it was a good idea for us to watch the house while he’s at the hospital.

LITTLE DAVID
Mom, you can’t blame yourself.

ASHLEY
Yeah and Annie is there to keep Granddad company too, so he won’t be alone.

MADDIE
That’s nice to know. My cousin is talking the place of what I should be doing as a daughter.

DAVID
I’m sure Dad doesn’t see it that way. (He examines Maddie’s face) You look tired.

MADDIE
I feel tired.

DAVID
I think hitting the hay early is the right medicine for overactive guiltitus.

MADDIE
Sounds like the right prognosis, Doctor. Do I need to go to the nearest drug store?

DAVID
There was a grand opening upstairs in your bedroom.

MADDIE
Too bad it didn’t get any business. The party took all of its potential customers.

DAVID
Not to worry. It’s a 24 hour location.

LITTLE DAVID
Huh?

David and Maddie simply gives their son a look.

ASHLEY
We know, we know. Go to bed.

Ashley pulls little David with her as she leaves the room.

DAVID
Go. I’ll put the kids to bed.

MADDIE
(Yawns)
What would I do without you?

DAVID
Fortunately, you’ll never know. (Kisses her)

Maddie walks up the stairs. David gets the kids ready for bed.

CUT TO:

INT. - THE GUEST ROOM (ASHLEY AND LITTLE DAVID’S BEDROOM) - CONTINUOUS

This large room has two beds for the children to sleep in comfortably.

DAVID
Okay, guys. Time for bed.

ASHLEY
Daddy?

DAVID
Yes, sweet pea?

ASHLEY
What’s going on with Mom?

DAVID
Nothing. Nothing’s going on. She’s very tired and has a lot on her mind with Grandma in the hospital.

LITTLE DAVID
I think Ashley is talking about how Mom is acting kind of stiff.

DAVID
Stiff? Have you ever seen your mother the pilot?

CUT TO:


INT. - MADDIE’S OLD BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Maddie lays in bed on her back as she stars at the ceiling. She turns her head the the dresser. She gets out of bed, walks over to the dresser and opens it. Maddie rummages through it until she takes out something black.

MADDIE
I don’t remember putting this in my suitcase.

She holds the garment up against her body. The garment is a black teddy. She contemplates whether to put it back in the drawer or to wear it. She answers her question by giving her mirrored reflection a seductive grin.

CUT TO:

INT. - ASHLEY AND LITTLE DAVID’S ROOM - CONTINUOUS

DAVID
Don’t be silly. Why do you think your Mom turned in early? She’s exhausted. This day has took a great deal out of her.

LITTLE DAVID
I guess you’re right, Dad.

DAVID
Gimmie a kiss.

Ashley extends her arms and hugs her father, then she kisses him on the cheek. David goes over to his son’s bed.

DAVID
That goes for you too, little man.

Little David does what his sister did a few moments ago. David walks to the door. He turns to see his children resting in their beds.

DAVID
Night, night.

ASHLEY                                                     LITTLE DAVID
Night, Daddy.                                              Night, Dad.

David closes the door.

CUT TO:


INT. - MADDIE’S OLD BEDROOM - MOMENTS LATER

David opens the door and wonders if his eyes are deceiving him. Maddie lays in bed in a very inciting pose. The camera acts as David’s eyes. He focuses intensely on Maddie’s legs, one of which has a garter belt. Then the camera shows more of her black stain teddy. His eyes rest a few seconds on her revealing cleavage. He finally stops to see Maddie’s inviting smile.

DAVID
Ummm . . . h - h - how . . . wow.

MADDIE
(Teasing)
Is there something you want to say?

DAVID
(Stammers)
How, no. What, no. Why? Yeah, why, no, how did this come about?

MADDIE
(Purrs)
I guess I’m under the influence of a four letter word on my mind.

DAVID
Four letter word, huh?

David moves over to the bed. He takes his hand and gently squeezes one of Maddie’s calves. He slides his hand up to her thigh, to her hips, then slips his hand under her teddy and strokes her behind.

DAVID
Would you mind telling me what that word is?

MADDIE
Uh, uh, uh . . . no hints.

Her hand reaches where David’s hand is and holds it as he continues stroking her.

DAVID
(With an eager smile, low sexy voice)
Does this four letter word represent a three letter word ,which can be replaced by a two letter word?

MADDIE
(Mischievous grin)
Uh-huh.

DAVID
That’s all I need to know.

He reaches forward and starts kissing Maddie.

Maddie sits up and takes control. She aggressively kisses David. She continues moving forward until David is on his back. She wastes no time disrobing her bewildered, yet very willing husband. All we can hear is a great amount of heavy breathing and a few joyful moans here and there. She zeroes in on giving tender kisses all over David’s chest, to his neck, then to his face. Maddie is now on top of David and is enjoying every second of it. While the camera doesn’t capture this, David regains control momentarily, when his hand wonders to where it makes Maddie involuntarily rolls her eyes backward, arch her back, grip the edge of the bed sheet and let out an, “Oh David,” which escapes her breathless lips.

Our point-of-view shifts directly on Maddie’s back. She sits up, crosses her arms in front of her and pulls her black teddy over her head and off her body.

MADDIE
It’s showtime.

She flings the teddy to the right side of the room. The camera follows the teddy to where it lands on the floor. We continue hearing heavy breathing and moaning.

DISSOLVE TO:


INT. - MADDIE’S OLD BEDROOM - NEXT MORNING

We still focus on the teddy on the floor. The sounds of ecstacy slowly diminishes. The signs of daylight slowly engulfs the room. Time passes quickly as we see the sun rays moving onto the teddy. Seconds later, a hand picks up the undergarment. We follow the hand and it’s Maddie, fully dressed, for the new day. She has a very satisfied look on her face and tosses the nightie on the bed. She proceeds to walk out of the room.

CUT TO:


INT. - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

Maddie enters the kitchen and finds David taking the eggs out of the fridge. Ashley and little David sit opposite each other at the table.

LITTLE DAVID
Hey, Dad. Can we get some juice?

MADDIE
I’ll get it, David.

Everyone turns to see Maddie walking to the fridge.

DAVID
Hey, honey. (Kisses Maddie) Thought you were still asleep.

MADDIE
(Reaches in the fridge to get the orange juice)
Can you blame me? I was completely exhausted.

She gives David a playful smile and a wink. With a gallon of orange juice in hand, she goes to the table and pours the juice in her children’s glasses. Meanwhile, David gets the eggs, the container of biscuits, and a quarter pack of butter and carries them near the stove.

DAVID
Oh, Maddie, take the bacon out of there for me?

MADDIE
Sure.

She walks to the fridge and takes out the bacon, then walks over to David. After David takes the bacon out of Maddie’s hand, he leans close to her and asks –

DAVID
What’s going on?

MADDIE
What do you mean?

DAVID
Two nights ago you were adamant in not doing what we did last night.

MADDIE
(Non-chalantly)
Things change.

DAVID
Things change? This doesn’t sound like you.

MADDIE
Since when do you care about what reason I have for doing what we did?

Before David has a chance to answer, the doorbell rings.

MADDIE
Stay here. I’ll get it.

CUT TO:


INT. - FOYER - CONTINUOUS

Maddie walks toward the door and opens it. Maddie’s sunny disposition fades when she sees Annie.

ANNIE
Oh, good. You’re up. I didn’t know if I came too early or not.

MADDIE
(She lets Annie in and closes the door) Yeah, well, we had no choice. We couldn't sleep a wink last night. How’s Mom doing?

ANNIE
I don’t know. l went back to my hotel room a few hours after you all left yesterday. I didn’t want to disturb Aunt Ginny and Uncle Alex. Being in that room felt like I was at a place where I didn’t belong.

DAVID (O.S.)
Honey, who’s at the door? (Walks into the foyer)

ANNIE
(A little startled)
David. I never thought of you as a morning person.

MADDIE
(Matter-of-fact tone)
Things change.

DAVID
Wanna join us? We’re about to have breakfast.

ANNIE
Are you sure you won’t mind, Maddie?

MADDIE
Me mind? Do eggs get scrambled?

ANNIE
(Laughs)
That sure brings back memories.

MADDIE
(To herself)
Bad memories.

DAVID
Did you catch a cab?

ANNIE
(Still in deep thought)
Huh?

MADDIE
How did you get here? You said your were in an accident.

ANNIE
Oh, yes. I went back to get another car. I told the rental agency about what had happened. I also told them in a way that I wouldn't have to pay a thing for it.

ASHLEY (O.S.)
Daddy! The eggs are burning!

David runs to the kitchen.

CUT TO:


INT. - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

David runs straight to the stove and turns it off. He waves the smoke away from his face. Soon after, Annie and Maddie run in. They join everyone else as they wave their arms in the air in order to get the smoke away from them.

DAVID
Anyone in the mood for IHOP?

CUT TO:


INT. - BREAKFAST RESTAURANT - 30 MINUTES LATER

Everyone gets ready to sit in their seats at their table. Maddie and David naturally sit next to each other. Maddie motions her hand for little David to sit in the available seat on David's left. It forces Annie to sit in between the children. Ashley sits in the chair between Annie and her mother. The musak playing in the background is Olivia Newton - John's, "Let's Get Physical."

ANNIE
That’s great. Blue Moon is now a crime fighting franchise.

MADDIE
Four offices in three cities hardly constitutes as a Wal-Mart in the making.

ANNIE
With you as a partner, there’s nothing you wouldn’t be able to conquer.

DAVID
Ain’t that the truth.

LITTLE DAVID
Hey, Dad knows how to conquer a thing or two, too.

ANNIE
I didn’t mean to suggest he couldn’t. I was only –

MADDIE
It’s okay, Annie. My kids can get a little protective of what people say or not say about their parents. (Maddie’s cell phone rings. She takes the phone out of her purse) Hello . . . (To Everyone) Would you excuse me for a few moments?

ANNIE
Sure. Take your time.

MADDIE
I’ll be back as soon as I can. (She gets up and leaves the table)

ANNIE
David, I didn’t mean to slight you in the least. You have to believe that.

DAVID
I know, but I’m not the one you need to convince.

She looks over to little David.

ANNIE
It’s moments like these which makes me wish I had a child or two.

ASHLEY
Daddy, can I get some more orange juice?

DAVID
You already had two glasses.

LITTLE DAVID
It never stopped her from begging before.

ASHLEY
Do you ever mind your business?

LITTLE DAVID
When there’s business important enough for me to mind, I’ll mind it.

DAVID
Hey, hey, hey. Just for that, you’re taking your sister up there (points to the counter) and letting her order her third glass.

LITTLE DAVID
Dad?

DAVID
I don’t see you getting up.

ASHLEY
(Gloats)
You heard him.

LITTLE DAVID
(Rolls his eyes up to the ceiling and gets out of his seat)
C’mon before they start serving lunch.

The kids get up and start to leave. David lets Ashley go, but he holds his arm out around his son’s waist to stop him. David pulls out a five dollar bill.

DAVID
I also have an extra five if you have an extra hash brown and a muffin in your appetite.

LITTLE DAVID
Thanks, Dad.

Little David proceeds to join his sister at the front counter. David turns to Annie.

DAVID
Does that also inspire you to have a child or two?

ANNIE
(Laughs)
Not too much, no.

The background music changes to Janet Jackson’s, “If.”

DAVID
So . . . what made you decide to come?

ANNIE
Basically, it’s time to show my face. Let everyone see that the rumors of me falling off the face of the planet aren’t true.

DAVID
Have you ever got into Real Estate?

ANNIE
Earned my license five years ago.

David searches for ketchup packets and finds nothing.

DAVID
‘Cuse me. I can’t eat eggs without ketchup.

ANNIE
(Nods knowingly)
I remember.

He gets up and goes over to nearby tables and begins asking people if they have any extra ketchup packets.

Annie follows her eyes to where David is. He smiles and talks to the people around him. Annie slowly licks her lips as the song’s chorus does the speaking for her.

“. . . If I was your girl
and the things I’d do to you
I’d make you call out my name
I'd ask who it belongs to
If I was your woman
the things I’d do to you
But I not, so I can't, and I wont, but . . .”

MADDIE (O.S.)
I’m back.

Annie turns around and sees Maddie sitting down in her seat.

MADDIE
Where did everyone go? (Smiles - Joking, but an undercurrent of sarcasm) You didn’t scare them away, did you?

ANNIE
Ally –

MADDIE
It’s Ashley.

ANNIE
Pardon me, Ashley and David, your son, David, are waiting in line to get some more food and –

DAVID
Got it. (He puts the packets on the table, then sits down) It took five tables to get these things. What is a restaurant without ketchup?

MADDIE
So, Annie. What have you been up to?

DAVID
She just finished telling me she’s in real estate.

MADDIE
You really did go into that, huh?

ANNIE
You can say I took a great interest in it. I set my sights on it. I went after it. No matter how long it took, or how difficult, I got it.

MADDIE
I can’t believe this is coming out the mouth of the girl who changed majors because her classes kept interfering with her sorority functions.

ANNIE
Yes, I have changed since then. I’m not that indecisive little kid anymore, Maddie. I’m now know exactly what I want and know exactly what I have to do to get it.

MADDIE
(Smiles - mumbles)
Glad to hear it.

The children return to the table with more food and drinks.

LITTLE DAVID
Can you move any slower, Ash?

ASHLEY
I don’t want to spill my juice. (She’s holding a large container of orange juice in her hand) Do you mind?

LITTLE DAVID
Don’t look at me. I’m not supposed to mind.

ASHLEY
Good. I wanted to see if you were paying attention.

MADDIE
Do you think we’ll be able to go to the hospital before lunch?

ASHLEY
I’ll drink these as fast as I can, Mom, honest.

David and Maddie want to laugh, but doesn’t want Ashley to feel embarrassed.

CUT TO:


INT. - MRS. HAYES’S HOSPITAL ROOM - AFTERNOON

David, Maddie, Annie and the children walk into the room.

MR. HAYES
Hey! The gang’s finally here.

DAVID
Hope we haven’t kept you waiting.

MADDIE
Feeling better today, Mom?

MRS. HAYES
Nothing a few pain killers wouldn’t fix.

ANNIE
Want me to tell the nurse, Aunt Ginny?

MRS. HAYES
No, no. It’s not necessary. I don’t want to over medicate myself.

ASHLEY
Will you be coming home soon?

MRS. HAYES
I have this little surgery I have to go through first.

ASHLEY
Will we be able to see you at all before we go home?

MRS. HAYES
Of course you will, sweetheart. The only difference is, I won’t be able to make my special super-duper cherry chocolate ice cream.

ASHLEY
That's okay, Grandmom. You can always Fed-Ex it whenever you’re feeling better.

MR. HAYES
(Smiles)
I’ll see to it that she does.

Ashley goes over to the edge of Mrs. Hayes’s bed and hugs her Grandmother. Little David is compelled to do the same.

ANNIE
Aunt Ginny –

MRS. HAYES
Annie, I’m so sorry for not continuing our talk we had last night.

ANNIE
Don’t be. I can tell you needed your rest. I don’t want to talk about my insignificant problems.

MRS. HAYES
Insignificant? Over twenty years of devoting your life to one man, then suddenly having to deal with life on your own must take its toll.

ANNIE
I don’t want you to worry about me. I’ll get through it . . . somehow . . . (Maddie rolls her eyes. No one else in the room notices) Let me see if I can get the nurse to bring your lunch.

MR. HAYES
No, no. I’ll go.

ANNIE
Uh-uh. I won’t hear of it, Uncle Alex.

MADDIE
She’s right, Dad.

MRS. HAYES
Maddie, you're father’s been sitting her for almost 24 hours. He needs to stretch his legs.

MADDIE
Okay, Mom. You get the deciding vote. Dad, get something to eat for yourself while you’ve gained your freedom.

DAVID
We’ll stand-in until you’re refreshed and refilled.

MADDIE
Oh, Annie can you do me a favor?

ANNIE
Sure. What do you want me to do?

MADDIE
Could you watch the kids for us?

LITTLE DAVID
Why? We want to say, right Ash?

ASHLEY
Yeah.

MADDIE
Well, there are things Mom and Dad want to talk about with Grandma in private.

DAVID
We do?

MADDIE
We do.

DAVID
You heard your mom, we do.

LITTLE DAVID
But, Mom –

MADDIE
Davey, it’s all right. Your cousin Annie doesn’t bite.

ASHLEY
(Not too convinced)
That’s very reassuring, Mommy.

ANNIE
I’d love to watch your kids, Maddie, but I feel . . . well . . . don’t you think they should be around people they know?

MADDIE
But that’s the point. This is an opportunity to get to know each other. If you need any help, you can always come to me.

DAVID
However, I understand if you don’t want to do it.

ANNIE
No, I’ll do it.

MADDIE
I don’t want to force you if you really don’t want to do it.

ANNIE
No, I’ll do it. Like you said, it’ll help me get to know the newest members of our family. (To kids) How ‘bout we get acquainted in the lobby.

LITTLE DAVID
(Not too enthused)
Okay.

ASHLEY
(Shrugs her shoulders)
Fine by me.

They don’t wait for Annie as they both walk out of the room.

MADDIE
Thanks, Annie. We won’t take long.

ANNIE
(A hint of skeptism)
Sure. See you in a bit.

Annie leaves the room.

CUT TO:


INT. - HOSPITAL LOBBY - CONTINUOUS

Annie walks into the lobby, blows a huge sigh, and joins the children sitting at the right side of the room. Annie sits beside little David. They all sit in awkward silence. Then little David asks –

LITTLE DAVID
So . . . Where do you live?

ASHLEY
David, don’t ask that.

LITTLE DAVID
Why not? She’s supposed to be family.

ANNIE
It’s okay . . . (Searching for her name)

ASHLEY
Ashley.

ANNIE
Right, Ashley. You two can ask me anything you want.

LITTLE DAVID
You haven’t answered my question.

ANNIE
Oh, right. I live in Connecticut.

LITTLE DAVID
Do you live in a house, or an apartment?

ANNIE
A house. A big house.

ASHLEY
How big?

ANNIE
It’s about as big as your home.

ASHLEY
You’ve been to our home?

ANNIE
Yes . . . long before you were alive.

LITTLE DAVID
Connecticut is not to far away from New York, right?

ANNIE
Right.

LITTLE DAVID
Maybe, when Mom and Dad visit their New York office, you can show us around your big house.

ANNIE
Let me run it by your folks first before we set anything definite.

LITTLE DAVID
Let’s hope your neighbors aren’t as neighborly as our Grandparents'.

ANNIE
The Jansens and the Gallaghers were at the party, weren’t they?

ASHLEY
I still can’t smile without my cheeks hurting.

ANNIE
Oh, Ashley. Are you all right?

ASHLEY
I’m okay. The sting will wear off in a day or two.

LITTLE DAVID
Okay, what was it like?

ANNIE
Excuse me?

LITTLE DAVID
Growing up with Mom. What was it like?

ANNIE
(Looks far-eyed - reminiscing)
Maddie and I were like sisters.

ASHLEY
Really?

ANNIE
Really. We’d pick out each other’s clothes, put on each other’s make-up, and gabbed away about anything that crossed our minds.

ASHLEY
I wish I had that.

LITTLE DAVID
Ash, you have friends. You just went to Jenny’s birthday party.

ASHLEY
Yeah, but I don’t have friends that do what Mom and Annie did.

ANNIE
You mean, no one has ever played in that beautiful head of hair?

ASHLEY
Outside of Carmon Simmons picking grass out of my hair? No.

ANNIE
Come here. (Takes a brush out of her purse)

ASHLEY
What for?

ANNIE
I promise, I’m not going to hurt you. (Ashley scoots over to Annie and lets Annie brush her hair) Your hair is just as silky as your mother’s.

ASHLEY
Really?

ANNIE
Un-huh. I remember we used to give each other crazy hairdos and –

ASHLEY
Can you do one for me?

ANNIE
(Hesitant)
Well . . .

ASHLEY
Mom won’t mind. (She turns around and gives Annie a wink. She then sees her father walk out of her Grandmother’s room) Daddy, Daddy! Annie says she gonna make up a new hairstyle for me.

DAVID
(Delighted by Ashley’s enthusiasm)
She is, huh? Will I be able to recognize you when she’s finished?

ASHLEY
Oh, Daddy. You’re so silly.

ANNIE
I believe that’s one of your Dad’s best qualities.

ASHLEY
I always thought it’s he jokes.

ANNIE
That too.

DAVID
Hey, Maddie. Come on out and see this Kodak moment.

Maddie comes out to the hallway and sees what Annie is doing. It almost stuns her how Ashley has become that comfortable with Annie.

DAVID
(Smiles)
It almost stopped me in my tracks, too. Well, I better get a move on.

MADDIE
Where are you going?

DAVID
I need to go to the gift shop. Pick up a few dozen roses, some candy. You know, all the stuff to cheer your mother up.

MADDIE
Sounds like a good idea. (To Mrs. Hayes) I’ll be back. I’m going with David to pick-up something. (Maddie’s cell phone rings. She takes it out of her purse) Hello . . . Agnes, what’s wrong? . . .

A nurse passes David and Maddie by in the hallway to bring Mrs. Hayes her lunch. She turns back to Maddie.

NURSE
Umm . . . excuse me, (Maddie looks at the nurse) we don’t allow cell phones in here.

MADDIE
Oh, I’m sorry. (To phone) Agnes, can we talk about this later?

DAVID
Go ahead, talk about it now. I’ll be back.

MADDIE
But –

DAVID
Honey, take the call. (Gives her a kiss) Now move.

MADDIE
Not yet.

Maddie grabs David by his shirt and kisses him passionately while her hands caresses his back. David is taken aback, however, it’s not stopping him from reciprocating her affections.

DAVID
We should visit your parents more often.

Maddie gives her husband a grin and walks through the hallway. Ashley notices Annie staring at her parents’ display.

ASHLEY
(To Annie)
You’ll get used to it.

LITTLE DAVID
We have.

Maddie continues walking to the front doors. She turns to her right and sees Annie continuing to play in Ashley’s hair. While her daughter is having fun, Maddie feels sick inside, but will not, in any circumstances, let Annie see her unsettled feelings. She smiles and waves at her children and Annie before walking out of the hospital doors.

Meanwhile, Annie can see out of the corner of her eye, David going in the opposite direction and heads for the gift shop.

ANNIE
Say, wouldn’t you like to keep Aunt Ginny company?

ASHLEY
You didn’t finish fixing my hair.

ANNIE
We can finish it later. You don’t want to leave your Grandmother alone, do you?

ASHLEY
You’re right. I mean, this is what we all came for.

LITTLE DAVID
Okay, let’s go.

ANNIE
You two can get a head start, okay? I need to go to the bathroom.

ASHLEY
Okay, but hurry back.

ANNIE
I will.

Annie walks to the ladies’ room. Ashley and little David are going to their Grandmother’s room. A few seconds later, Annie peeks her head through the door to see if anyone can see her. She sneaks out of the bathroom and heads in the direction of the gift shop.


FADE OUT.

END OF ACT THREE

- 4 MIN. COMMERCIAL BREAK -




ACT FOUR

FADE IN:

INT. - HOSPITAL GIFT SHOP - MOMENTS LATER

Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton's, "Islands In The Stream," plays in the background as Annie enters the gift shop. She pretends she is searching for something to buy. She periodically looks over to where David is located. Each time he looks in her direction, Annie quickly turns away. After a few times of this, David gets suspicious and goes over to confront whoever he thinks is following him. He sneaks up behind Annie.

DAVID
Can you find another partner to play peek-a-boo?

ANNIE
(Quickly turns around)
David . . . you startled me.

DAVID
Then we're even. What are you doing here? Aren't you watching the kids?

ANNIE
Well . . . the kids wanted to go into their Grandmother's room and, well, you gave me a good idea to get something for Aunt Ginny.

DAVID
(Looks and sounds skeptical)
Yeah . . . well . . .

ANNIE
(Breathes a heavy sigh)
Look, I don't blame you.

DAVID
Blame you?

ANNIE
For holding a grudge.

DAVID
Holding a grudge?

ANNIE
I know how I treated you the last time we saw each other. I've grown to understand why you did what you did.

DAVID
You did?

ANNIE
I did. I can see now that you cheated on me for my own good. It was your way of making me go back to my marriage and I appreciate it.

DAVID
You finally found my dirty little secret out, huh?

ANNIE
I tried, David. I really tried to make that marriage work. I also tried getting you out of my system.

DAVID
(Gets nervous)
How did you do?

ANNIE
I got divorced, didn't I?

CUT TO:


EXT. - OUTSIDE OF HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS

Maddie stands at the side of the hospital entrance. She continues her conversation with Agnes.

MADDIE
. . . Does that help, Agnes?

AGNES (O.S.)
Thank you very, very much, Miss Hayes. I'll tell everyone here the good news.

MADDIE
(Faint and distant tone)
Yeah . . . good news.

AGNES (O.S.)
Is everything all right, Miss Hayes?

MADDIE
Yes, everything's okay.

AGNES (O.S.)
Miss Hayes –

MADDIE
I know what you're going to say, Agnes. But really, I'm fine . . . I was hoping she wouldn't come.

AGNES (O.S.)
Hoping who wouldn't come?

MADDIE
No, I don't want to bother you.

AGNES (O.S.)
You're not bothering me, but I'd like to know what's bothering you . . . if you want to . . . if you need to . . .

MADDIE
While David and I were busy planning a surprise for my mother, Annie came up with a surprise of her own . . . she showed up.

AGNES (O.S.)
At the party?

MADDIE
At the hospital. She's here right now.

AGNES (O.S.)
You don't think she would still go after Mr. Addison, do you?

CUT TO:


INT. - HOSPITAL GIFT SHOP - CONTINUOUS

DAVID
You don't waste time, do you, Annie?

CUT TO:


EXT. - OUTSIDE HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS

MADDIE
I don't know. It's not as if a wedding ring will stop her.

AGNES (O.S.)
Mr. Addison's wedding ring has been able to stop him.

CUT TO:


INT. - HOSPITAL GIFT SHOP - CONTINUOUS

DAVID
If you haven't noticed (Holds up his wedding ring at eye level) . . . this is a wedding ring.

ANNIE
How come you didn't notice mine thirteen years ago?

DAVID
You never flashed it in front of me.

ANNIE
When you knew, you didn't walk away.

DAVID
That was thirteen years ago.

CUT TO:


EXT. - OUTSIDE HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS

AGNES (O.S.)
That was thirteen years ago.

MADDIE
Be that as it may, she still might want to know . . .

CUT TO:


INT. - HOSPITAL GIFT SHOP - CONTINUOUS

ANNIE
David, I want to know . . .

CUT TO:


EXT. - OUTSIDE HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS

MADDIE
No, I know she wants to know . . .

CUT TO:


INT. - HOSPITAL GIFT SHOP - CONTINUOUS

ANNIE
If I wasn't married then, if you aren't married now, would we . . .

CUT TO:


EXT. - OUTSIDE HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS

AGNES (O.S.)
Would she?

MADDIE
She could.

CUT TO:


INT. - HOSPITAL GIFT SHOP - CONTINUOUS

DAVID
I wouldn't.

ANNIE
You wouldn't?

DAVID
That's right, I wouldn't.

CUT TO:


EXT. - OUTSIDE HOSPITAL - CONTINUOUS

MADDIE
I'm sure he wouldn't.

AGNES (O.S.)
There's nothing to worry about, Miss Hayes.

MADDIE
I need to go back.

AGNES (O.S.)
Okay, but remember, no matter how hard she tries, nothing is going to happen.

CUT TO:


INT. - HOSPITAL GIFT SHOP - CONTINUOUS

ANNIE
You never know, David . . . anything can happen . . . remember?

DAVID
(Gets aggravated)
End of discussion.

ANNIE
I need to go back, anyway. Your children are expecting me.

She gives a flirtatious look, turns, then leaves the gift shop. David shakes his head and continues shopping.

CUT TO:


INT. - MRS. HAYES'S HOSPITAL ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Annie walks into the room and finds Mr. Hayes talking with his wife and his grandchildren. Ashley looks up to see Annie entering the room.

ASHLEY
What happened?

ANNIE
I guess I eat something my stomach didn't agree with.

MR. HAYES
Did you tell anyone about it?

LITTLE DAVID
This is the perfect place for that sort of thing.

ANNIE
It's not necessary. I feel better now.

MRS. HAYES
Are you sure? I can get the doctor to examine you.

ANNIE
No, Aunt Ginny. It's quite all right.

CUT TO:


INT. - HOSPITAL LOBBY - CONTINUOUS

David has his head down and has a sour look on his face. He dreads what he will find when he returns to Mrs. Hayes' room. He also puts two and two together on why Maddie has been acting out of the ordinary lately. As David continues to think of what to do next, Maddie walks up to him.

MADDIE
You didn't find anything?

DAVID
(Turns to her sharply - startled)
Huh?

MADDIE
I don't see any flowers. They didn't look fresh enough?

DAVID
(Distant)
Umm, ahh, yeah. They didn't look fresh enough.

MADDIE
The selection must have been a major let down. (Looks more concerned) What's wrong, David?

He begins to open his mouth, but thinks better of it. He doesn't want Maddie to worry more than she already has.

DAVID
I'm trying to figure out what other gift I can get her.

MADDIE
Being here is enough, David. Everybody's still in her room?

DAVID
Yup.

MADDIE
Let's go before they forget what we look like.

DAVID
(Mumbles to himself)
I'd go for that.

He helplessly drags his hands through his hair and follows Maddie back to Mrs. Hayes's room.

CUT TO:


INT. - MRS. HAYES'S HOSPITAL ROOM - CONTINUOUS

Annie puts the finishing touches on Ashley's new hairdo. Ashley runs to the edge of the bed.

ASHLEY
How do I look, Grandmom?

MRS. HAYES
You look absolutely beautiful, sweetheart.

Maddie and David enter the room.

ASHLEY
Mommy, Daddy check out the new do. (She proudly shows her hairstyle)

MADDIE
It looks great.

DAVID
This is gonna create a big problem, sweet pea.

ASHLEY
What do you mean?

DAVID
I'm gonna have to beat all the boys off with a stick.

ANNIE
I'm glad my plan turned out to be a success.

ASHLEY
Will you be able to create another hairstyle for me tomorrow, Annie?

ANNIE
I'll see what I can do.

MRS. HAYES
Since I'm going to be stranded here for a while, I'd like to have my Discman to keep me company.

MADDIE
Discman?

MR. HAYES
My portable CD player, dear. I love hearing ol' blue eyes before I go to sleep.

DAVID
Just tell me where and I'll get it. (To Mr. Hayes) And I'm not letting you get it, either.

MRS. HAYES
I left it in my bedroom.

DAVID
I'll be able to find it.

MADDIE
Why don't I come with you. I can help. I've played in my mother's closets enough to know where she might have stashed it.

DAVID
It's not a big deal, Maddie. Besides, it'll give you more time to spend with Mom.

MADDIE
I know, but –

DAVID
Sweetie, I'll be there and back before you realized I've been away.

ASHLEY
Mommy, is there a way we I can squeeze in a trip to Burger King and get a Double Whopper with Cheese?

MADDIE
It's only been a few hours after we had breakfast.

LITTLE DAVID
(Gets excited)
There's a Burger King around here?

ANNIE
Yeah. It's only a few blocks away.

ASHLEY
I promise. It'll take us ten minutes, tops. We'll have enough time to continue keeping Grandmom company. I just need something to eat.

MADDIE
How can you two be so hungry?

DAVID
Take them, Maddie. Like Ash said, you'll be back here in no time.

MADDIE
Well . . .

ANNIE
As long as your doing your errands, I'm afraid I'm going to have to do mine.

MADDIE
Where are you going?

ANNIE
I have to go back to the rental car agency again. They need my exact account of what happened.

MADDIE
But didn't you say you straightened it out?

ANNIE
The idiot I explained everything to lost the paperwork pertaining to my claim.

MR. HAYES
Oh, what a pain.

ANNIE
It's such a big mess. I can't even begin to tell you how aggravating this is. (To Mrs. Hayes) I promise I'll be done before you go into surgery.

MRS. HAYES
Annie, do what you have to do. Don't worry about me.

ANNIE
I'll try. (Maddie rolls her eyes)

ASHLEY
Uhh . . . Mommy, are we going or what?

MADDIE
Yes, we're going right now.

DAVID
I'll meet you back here in . . . (Checks his watch) thirty minutes.

MADDIE
Okay.

As David follows Annie out of the room, little David gently tugs Maddie's hand to jar her out of her mini-trance. She looks down at her children, turns to wave at her parents, then leads her children out of the room.

CUT TO:


INT. - INSIDE BURGER KING - 15 MINUTES LATER

Little David, Ashley and Maddie wait on one of several long lines.

LITTLE DAVID
Hey, Mom? You know what you want?

MADDIE
Yeah, I want to take this stuff home.

ASHLEY
But aren't we supposed to meet Daddy back at the hospital?

MADDIE
I just need to eat in a familar surrounding. After we're done, we'll go back to the hospital.

LITTLE DAVID
I don't wanna eat here either, Mom. The air is too stuffy.

ASHLEY
Closing your mouth should solve that problem.

MADDIE
If you can close yours, I can think of what I want to eat.

Little David snickers under his breath. Ashley shoves him in response.

CUT TO:

INT. - INSIDE LINCOLN NAVIGATOR SUV - 17 MINUTES LATER

Maddie drives. Ashley sits in the front passenger's seat and little David sits directly in back of his sister as he attempts to mess up her hair.

ASHLEY
Will you stop? Annie and I went through a lot to get my hair just right.

MADDIE
She really helped you, huh?

ASHLEY
Yeah, she's really a lot of fun.

MADDIE
That's what she is all right . . . a lot of fun.

Ashley reaches over and turns on the radio. Sade's "No Ordinary Love" plays from the car stereo.

ASHLEY
Annie said you two were like sisters. . . What happened?

MADDIE
It's complicated.

ASHLEY
Well, give us the edited version.

MADDIE
There's nothing to tell. We've lost touch with each other. It's hard to get back what we had so many years ago.

LITTLE DAVID
Hey, Ash, turn it up.

She turns the volume up then snaps her fingers to the slow, sultry beat.

I gave you all the love I got
I gave you more than I could give
I . . . gave you love . . .

CUT TO:


INT. - MR. AND MRS. HAYES'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

"No Ordinary Love" continues throughout this sequence.

I gave you all that I have inside
And you took my love
You took . . . my love . . .

David searches the room for Mrs. Hayes' Discman. He turns and is shocked to see Annie standing at the door.

DAVID
How did you get in here?

ANNIE
Aunt Ginny gave me her keys last night.

DAVID
Why didn't you use them this morning?

ANNIE
I didn't want to barge in early in the morning. I didn't want to be rude.

DAVID
So, what's your excuse for being rude now?

ANNIE
I think I lost something when we left for breakfast.

DAVID
I didn't remember you taking a detour up here.

ANNIE
Well, I figured while I am here, I can help you find Aunt Ginny's stuff.

DAVID
I think I can do the job on my own.

ANNIE
I also came up here because there's something else I need to find.

DAVID
What's that?

CUT TO:


INT. - INSIDE LINCOLN NAVIGATOR SUV - CONTINUOUS

Maddie pulls into the front of her parents' house. She sees Annie's rental car parked a few feet away. Maddie is stunned, but doesn't want to let the kids see her alarmed. Maddie grabs the three bags of food. She lets everyone out of the SUV and the kids lead the way as they walk to the front steps.

CUT TO:


INT. - MR. AND MRS. HAYES'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

Didn't I tell you what I believe
Did somebody say that a love like that won't last . . .

ANNIE
I need to find what made me truly happy. I wanted to find it with Mark, but whenever I remember being truly happy . . . (Her feet creep backward to the door) my mind keeps going back to a certain guy,

Didn't I give you . . .

living in a certain unfurnished apartment,

All that I got to . . .

who certainly kept my needs met,

give, baby . . .

any time of the day . . . (She leans on the door as she closes it)

CUT TO:


INT. - FOYER - CONTINUOUS

Maddie opens the door from the outside. She lets the children stroll in ahead of her.

I gave you all the love I got
I gave you more than I could give
I . . . gave you love . . .

They walk through the living room. Maddie slows her pace as the kids continue their steady stride to the kitchen. Maddie glances up the stairs and wonders what is happening. She shakes her head to get rid of her thoughts and proceeds to walk to the kitchen.

CUT TO:


INT. - MR. AND MRS. HAYES'S BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS

I gave you all that I have inside
And you took my love
You took . . . my love . . .

DAVID
Annie, look –

ANNIE
I love the way you talk. I love the way you walk