Tarnished Armor
Part 20

 
Adam’s hospital room.

Liza and Adam look into each other’s eyes.

Liza: Adam?

Adam: Liza.

Liza: You can really hear me?

Adam: Yes.

Liza: Oh, thank God. Are you okay?

Adam: I think so. What happened?

Liza: There was a car accident, but it doesn’t matter. You’re okay, you’re really okay.

Adam notices the cut on her face.

Adam (concerned): You hurt?

Liza: No, no. Just a little cut. I’m fine.

She grasps his hand in one of hers, and brushes his cheek with her other hand.

They gaze into each other’s eyes and smile.

Adam: I’m glad you’re here.

Liza: Where else would I be?

Adam smiles.

Liza: Adam, I really need to go get the doctors. Promise me you’ll stay awake?

Adam: Promise.

Liza gets up.

Adam: Where’s the baby?

Liza hesitates for a moment.

Adam: The baby.

Liza: Pediatrics looked at her. She's fine.

Adam: Pediatrics?

Liza: Yes, she’s fine.

Adam: She... And you? You’re sure...?

Liza: I’m fine.

Adam: Liza?

Liza: Yes?

Adam: You have to know. I’m her father. I’ve always known I’m her father.

Liza: Yes, you are. In the most important sense of the word.

Adam: In every sense of the word.

Liza: In my heart, you are too. I’ll get the doctor, and then I’ll make a quick phone call and I’ll be right back. I promise.

Adam: Phone call?

Liza hesitates again.

Liza: Stuart and Hayley are right outside. I promise to come back quickly.

Adam: Good. Calling Dixie?

Liza: I will, but I need to call Belinda first.

Adam: Belinda?

Liza: It’s complicated. We don’t need to talk about this now.

Adam grows noticably agitated and more alert.

Adam: Oh, God. The divorce. This is about the divorce, isn’t it?

Liza: The divorce?

Adam: It’s always about the money. God, I was such a fool. To think, I actually ... I actually thought you cared.

Liza: Adam?

Adam: Get out of my sight.

Liza: Adam, I don’t understand. Why would you...?

Adam: Go away. I don’t need you. Now or ever.

Liza: Adam?

Adam: All of this ... all of it ... because of one half of a television station. Which you already own all of. And now ... now, all you can think of is getting more. More money.

Liza: Adam, what do you...?

It begins to dawn on Liza.

Liza: Adam, what year is it?

Adam: What do you mean? Do you think I’m an idiot? It’s 1997.

Liza: 1997.

Adam: Do you need me to draw a picture? Clinton is in the White House, summer is here at last, and my once and future ex-wife is no longer welcome. Get out.

Liza is speechless for a moment.

Liza: Adam. I know this is strange for you. I don’t know what to do. But I hope you know deep down that I love you.

Adam looks away from Liza.

Liza slowly back up towards the door.

Liza: I’ll be right back, Adam. I’ll be back with the doctors.

Liza leaves the room.

Adam looks at the door, and his eyes well up with tears.
 

Tarnished Armor Index
Part Nineteen
Part Twenty-One