ACT 5

Amanda has survived the crash, though barely. She had been in intensive care for days, on the brink between life and death. Her family and friends were constantly at her bedside praying for her recovery. So was Cameron, waiting in the background for the answer to his prayer. He finally got it. She came out of her coma, but not out of her despair. She doesn't speak, and barley acknowledges the people around her.

Rachel, Cameron, and those who love her are given the sad news that she is paralyzed from the waist down. They are devastated. All attempts to give Amanda love and support fail to touch her. She just wants to be left alone. She just wishes she had died in the accident.

At first the doctors didn't know if she would ever be able to get back feeling in her legs again, but after some time, they have notice a flicker of sensitivity as they examine her. They are able to give everyone the good news that it is possible for her to regain at least some movement in her lower extremities. How much is unclear, and is totally up to her.

Scene 1: Fade In

Amanda is sitting in a wheel chair looking out her bedroom window. She has finally come home a few days ago. No improvements in her condition have occurred since she has refused physical therapy. She has no desire to get better. She is going deeper and deeper into that dark hole. Rachel, Matt, and Paulina are in the living room trying to figure out what to do about Amanda. Rachel is sullen, while the other two are angry and frustrated.

"We can't just let her sit up there in that room and do nothing", Paulina blurts out in desperation.

"Paulina's right mom, we have to reach her somehow", Matt adds.

A saddened Rachel remains quiet as Paulina asks, "Where is Dan in all of this? He hardly came to the hospital and I haven't seen him around here since we brought her home".

Rachel finally speaks up. "I guess he just can't handle the situation".

"Well that's just great", a disgusted Paulina remarks.

"Where is the jerk? I want to beat some sense into him. How can he just drop my sister like that?"

"Stop it Matt", Rachel orders. "Amanda has been pushing him away ever since she got the news about Alli. Just like she has done with all of us".

"Yeah, but we haven't turned our backs on her. We're still here fighting for her" , adds Matt.

"That's because we love her", replies Rachel. "I guess he just didn't love her enough". With that thedoor bell rings. The maid, enters the living room and announces that Cameron is there hoping to see Amanda.

"That poor guy", Paulina says sympathetically. "He comes here every day and every day she refuses to see him". Rachel tells them that she will speak to Cameron this time. She goes to the door and smiles fondly at him.

"I'm sorry, Cameron. She hasn't changed her mind. She doesn't want to see or talk to anyone. Especially not you. I'm sorry". She sees his dejected look and adds, "You can't keep doing this to yourself, Cameron".

"Please, Mrs. Hutchins, let me try. Even if she throws me out, at least she will have felt some emotion. I won't care if it's just anger at me. We have to try and reach her somehow before we lose her completely".

Rachel, realizing how much he loves her daughter, decides he's right. Even anger is better than the silence Amanda has been living with. She lets him in and takes him up to her room.

"Amanda, you have a visitor", Rachel announces as she walks into the room with Cameron. Amanda, turns, and sees him.

"Hi Amanda", he cautiously says to her. She looks straight at him, and without a flicker of emotion, turns her head away and tells him to go.

Not intending to give up so easily, he walks in front of her, bends down, and softly says, "Please Amanda, I just want to know how you're doing. I won't stay long, I promise".

She stares at him intently and restates her previous command, "Go away" , and coldly adds, "Don't ever come back here again". Then she looks away.

A forlorn Cameron, slowly gets up and as he walks away tells her, "I love you Amanda". She remains motionless. Rachel touches his shoulder sympathetically as she leads him out.

"I'm sorry Cameron. At least you tried".

"Yeah, at least I got her to tell me where to go. Maybe that's something". He looks at Rachel hoping for confirmation or a little hope. All Rachel can do is hug him goodbye. A dejected Cameron leaves.

Scene 1: Fade Out

Scene 2: Fade In (Same Day)

Gary goes to the police department to talk to Joe about a case he is working on. When he gets there, he sees a frazzled Josie pushing papers around aimlessly. She looks very pale and drawn out in the face, almost to the point of exhaustion. He is worried about her, though he tries to dismiss his feelings. He sees Joe go to her, and hears him say, "Josie, go home. I can tell you're not feeling well. It's pointless for you to stay here".

"Please Joe, just leave it alone. I'm fine, just a little tired".

"Josie, remember what the doctor said. You've got to take it easy, for the sake of the baby. Go home".

"I'm fine. I haven't had any more problems since the last scare. Besides, I don't want to go home to that empty house. To my empty life", she remorsefully expresses. "I just need to keep busy and not dwell on what's happened".

"Josie, I'm sorry. I know you going through a rough time. But pushing yourself to the limit is not going to help. Go home, that's an order I won't let you get out of".

" Okay Joe, maybe you're right for today. I'm useless here anyway. I'll go".

"Let me get Toni to give you a ride home and stay with you for a while".

"No Joe. That's not necessary. I'll be fine". She then gets her purse, and with eyes lowered, walks out of her office. Gary, unseen, watches her leave looking so tired and sad. He truly feels sorry for her. Instead of staying to speak with Joe, he leaves and follows her home.

Scene 2: Fade Out

Scene 3: Fade In (later)

Josie is sitting on her couch when she feels a hard kick from the baby. She smiles and begins to rub her stomach to soothe the baby she is growing to love more and more each day. The baby, that somehow in her soul she feels is Gary's. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but it's what she is trying to believe. The door bell rings. She gets up and opening the door, is surprised to see Gary. She is speechless. Gary smiles and asks, "May I come in?".

"Oh, of course, come in. What are you doing here?".

"Well, I was kind of in the neighborhood, and, well I ah… thought I would just stop by and say hello".

"Hello", he restates.

"Hi", she smiles back. Then the baby kicks her again, and she grabs her stomach. Gary, thinking something is wrong, puts his arm around her as if to catch her and asks, "Are you all right?".

"I'm fine", she smiles.

"Well, come sit". He then escorts her to the couch to make her sit down. "Are you sure you're all right?", he asks again.

Josie sorts of giggles and says, "I'm fine Gary. The baby just tried kicking a field goal". When she sees him smile, she tempts fate by grabbing his hand, and places it on her stomach. The baby kicks again. They look at each other and smile. "Did you feel that?", she wistfully asks him.

"I sure did. But I think we got a soccer player in there". They laugh forgetting for a moment that he's not the father. Then reality sets in and the smiles disappear from their faces.

"In my heart Gary, this is your baby. It will always be yours", an anguished Josie softly says to him.

Gary slowly pulls his hand away from her as he rises from the couch. He doesn't respond to the words that she has just spoken. Instead he says, "Well, I just wanted to make sure you were all right. And it seems that you are, so I better get going".

"I'm fine Gary", a dejected Josie replies, and then adds, "Thank you for stopping by. It was good seeing you".

"Well goodbye, and take care of yourself", and looking down at her stomach, adds, "and take care of the little guy". He then leaves. Josie closes the door as she is on the verge of tears.

Scene 3: Fade Out

Scene 4: Fade In (Some days later)

Cameron is talking with Rachel in the front hall of her home. He is there to give her an update on the search for the missing Cory money. Although he and Gary are no longer working on this together, Cameron is still trying to help. If he can't do anything for Amanda, at least he can help her family, and that keeps him close to her. Paulina comes in, says hi to both of them, and then proceeds to go up to see Amanda. As Rachel and Cameron continue speaking, they hear a frantic Paulina shout out "Oh my God Amanda. No!". They race up to her room, and see Paulina trying to pull back Amanda from the open window. Somehow, she pulled herself from her wheel chair and with one last desperate attempt, is trying to end her life. Cameron races to the window, grabs Amanda, and pulls her in. She is fighting him and crying, "Let me go!, let me go". Terrified, he hangs on to her for dear life and passionately says, "I'll never let you go. I'll never let you go again".

Scene 4: Fade Out

END OF ACT 5

ACT 6

Scene 1: Fade In (Later on)

After Rachel is able to calm down her daughter, she and Cameron leave Amanda's room as Paulina remains to keep an eye on her sister. Cameron follows Rachel to the living room to discuss what just happened.

"We have to take action now, or it's going to be too late".

"I know Cameron, but what can we do? I am so afraid of losing her. We may not get a next time".

"You've tried all the conventional ways of dealing with this, the doctors, the therapy, and nothing has worked. Not even the love and support of her family has gotten through to her. I think it's time that we take some drastic measures. We really have no other choice".

"What exactly to have in mind?".

Cameron tells her of his idea which will include Gary's participation. At first Rachel is against it, but as she listens to him, she realizes that he has Amanda's best interest at heart, especially when he says, "I may not have brought her any happiness, but I want to help her have another chance at it, even if I'm not a part of it". So she cautiously agrees. Both are afraid that they may not get Gary's cooperation, but it is necessary for the plan to work. They decide to go together to talk him into helping Amanda.

Scene 1: Fade Out

Before going to see Gary, Rachel runs the idea by Matt and Paulina, because she wants their approval on this. At first both are against the plan, but as they listen to Rachel, they realize that this may be the answer. At least it's worth a try.

Scene 2: Fade In

There is a knock at Felicia's door. She opens it and sees Cameron and Rachel. Though somewhat surprised to see the two of them together, she warmly invites them in. They enter and Rachel asks her if Gary is in because they desperately need to see him. Felicia, sensing the urgency, calls Gary, respecting the fact that neither of them want to discuss their reason for being there. Gary enters the room, and is startled to see the visitors. Felicia immediately intercepts him, and in a firm voice, tells him to 'listen' to them, and then leaves the three alone.

"Hello Rachel", Gary politely says, ignoring Cameron. "What's going on?".

"We need to ask a favor of you, Gary", she replies.

Slighting Cameron, he replies, "Well if it's for you I'll be happy to do whatever I can".

A tense Rachel tells him that they need him to look after Josie for a while. He looks at Cameron and sneers, "What the hell are you up to?".

In a restrained voice, Cameron replies, "This isn't about me, it's about Amanda. We need your help".

Rachel pleads with Gary to listen to her. "I'm sorry to burden you with this, but I really have no other choice. I need Cameron' s help with Amanda which will take him away for some time, and he…" . She pauses, and then Gary , glaring at Cameron, finishes her sentence with, "doesn't want to leave Josie alone since it's his baby she's carrying".

Cameron, trying not lose his temper, says, "Leave your feelings for me out of this. Do it for Amanda and Josie, not me".

"Oh don't worry. I wouldn't lift a finger to help you. You're the reason we're all in this mess to begin with".

"Enough with the lectures", snaps Cameron. "There's nothing you can say to me that I haven't already said to myself".

Rachel steps in front of Cameron to impede any possible confrontation between the two men. She then looks deeply into Gary' s eyes and pleads with him to help. "Gary, please. We're losing Amanda. She's in a place that no one can reach. You know what it's like Gary, you've been there. It's rock bottom. And sometimes you just can't get out of there without someone's help. And right now that one person may just be Cameron. He loves her, you know that. Just as I know you still love Josie. Don't do it for each other, do it for the two women you both care about".

"Rachel, I want to help Amanda, you know that. She and I have gone through hell together and she has been there for me. But what you're asking me, I just don't know if I can. I don't know how".

"Just be there for Josie. Do it out of human kindness at least. She was there for you when you were at your lowest. Don't you at least owe her for that, Gary?".

A reluctant Gary finally gives in. "All right Rachel. I'll do whatever I can to help". Rachel thanks him as Cameron lets out a sigh of relief.

Scene 2: Fade Out

It's been 3 days since the failed suicide attempt. Amanda is now completely withdrawn. She has not spoken a word to anyone. She is void of expression and shows no emotions of any kind. For all intents and purposes she has fallen into that "black hole".

Scene 3: Fade In

Rachel walks into Amanda's room, as Cameron waits in the doorway. She gently puts her hand on Amanda's and tells her that she loves her very much. Amanda makes no response. Rachel continues by saying it's because she loves her that she has to do this.

"Amanda, we can't help you here anymore, and I'm afraid to lose you, so I have to send you away for a while, but just a while. I want, and need, you to get better and I think this may be the best way. I love you". She then kisses her forehead. Amanda maintains the blank look as Rachel walks away. She and Cameron make eye contact as she touches him on the shoulder and shakes her head "ok".He touches her hand back, and then approaching Amanda, bends down to her eye to eye.

"Hi Princess. You and I are going on a trip. Kind of a great adventure", he says with a wink.

For the first time in days, Amanda shows emotion. Her eyes widen mixed with uncertainty and a touch of indignation. But she doesn't speak a word. They just stare at each other for a moment.

"I see I can still leave you speechless. I guess I still got that old Sinclair charm with the ladies", he says as he smiles broadly. He then goes to pick her up and with increased anger in her eyes, she finally responds, "Don't you dare touch me!".

"Ah, she speaks. Well we have a long trip ahead of us, so save the speeches till then". Then, ignoring her words, he picks her up as she fights back thrashing her arms at him. But nothing she says or does stops him from taking her out.

Scene 3: Fade Out

END OF ACT6

ACT 7

Scene 1: Fade In

Amanda and Cameron arrive at the Cory cabin in the mountains after a very long, silent car ride. She can't believe her eyes. This is the place she loved to come the most when she was growing up. Remembering the wonderful times spent here with her family causes her to smile a little. Turning to Cameron, the smile quickly fades as she sternly asks, "What are we doing here?".

"This, Princess, is where we are going to be staying for a while".

"We?" "What do you mean by we? ".

"You and me, beautiful. Just you and me", he answers with a wide smile.

"NO Way! Take me home now!", she demands.

"You are home - for now at least". He then gets out of the car and goes to open her door.

"You can't get away with this", she irately declares.

"Looks like I just did", he smirks.

Amanda begins to say, "My family..", when Cameron interrupts her and finishes the sentence with "helped me set this up. They made all the arrangements". Then he adds with a devious smile, "But it was my idea".

"I'm not staying!".

"Sorry Princess, you really don't have a choice".

"I won't stand for this, and don't call me princess!"

"You can't stand at all. That's why we're here".

She is flabbergasted, but before she can respond do that, he scoops her up, carries her into the cabin, and then onto a chair in the living room.

"How dare you!", she indignantly lets out.

Cameron, bends over her and looks straight into her eyes. His tone changes to a stern, controlled voice. "Listen Amanda, if you want out of here, there's only one way that's going to happen. You're going to have to walk out that front door on your own two feet".

Then Amanda, trying to keep her emotions under control, says in a restrained voice, "I know what you are trying to do and it is not going to work. I wouldn't give you the satisfaction of getting your way".

"Well, I already got one thing I wanted from you", he states as he straightens up.

"What do you mean?".

"I got you talking again. Who knows what else I can get you to do", he says with a provocative gleam in his eye.

"You're a pompous cad!", she snarls.

"You're a spoiled princess" , he retorts back. "Now that we got the introductions out of the way, let's get started. Here's how our little living arrangement is going to work.

Cameron proceeds to inform Amanda that it is up to her whether or not she tries to walk again. When she gives the word that she is ready to begin, a physical therapist will be sent for who will start her on a recuperation plan and exercise program. Cameron will provide all her daily needs. If other help is needed, it will be arranged. Her only access to her family will be by phone, and only if she behaves in a reasonable and civil manner. They of course will have access to her whenever they wish.

When she claims that she is being treated like a prisoner, he politely disagree with her. He tells her that she is creating her prison and only she has the key to free herself from it. All she has to do is make a real effort to get better, and in the process "rejoin the world". It's totally up to her.

Scene 1: Fade Out

Scene 2: Fade In

Cameron has been busy all afternoon getting things in order. He is now preparing dinner for the two of them. Amanda is sitting in her wheelchair looking out the window at the majestic mountain landscape but the view eludes her. She has returned to silence as part protest and part defeat. Most of the time has been spent trying to figure out how to get out of this mess. She is angry and frustrated and determined not to give in to Cameron. "How dare he interfere with my life", she thinks to herself. "Especially when he is no longer part of it". She is also quite upset with her family. How could they just hand her over to an 'outsider', and especially to the man who has hurt her so much. So she decides the best course of action is defiance. "I'm not going to let him win", she determinedly says to herself. What she doesn't yet realize is that for the first time since Alli's death, she has a goal. A small breakthrough on the road to recovery.

Cameron comes over to her to bring her to the table to eat. "Dinner is served Princess". She responds with a disgusted look. He sits down and begins to have his meal as she silently stares at him, refusing to eat. He looks up at her and says, "You've got to eat something".

"I don't have to do anything", a defiant Amanda declares staring straight at him with a steely look.

"Look Princess, it's been a long day for both of us. I don't want to argue with you. I just want to have a nice peaceful meal". At this point, she turns her wheelchair from the table to leave. He quickly gets up and grabs the chair with both hands, and in a strong, determined voice says, "You will eat something, one way or the other".

"Are you threatening me?"

"No, I am simply giving you a choice".

"What choice?".

"You can either eat like a civil person at a fine table with good company, or be forced to eat".

"What!", she incredulously exclaims. "You're going to force me What kind of a monster are you?".

"Oh not me. I'm too much of a softy to do that", he smiles. "But I will have to send you to the hospital or clinic and there you will probably be strapped down and force fed intravenously if need be. As I said, it really is your choice".

"You wouldn't dare!".

"Oh yes I would because I'm not going to let you just starve to death. I love you too much to let that happen", he simply states.

"Well I feel just the opposite. I hate you", she angrily throws back at him.

"No you don't. Besides every one knows that indifference is the true opposite of love. I mean, if you really didn't have any feelings for me anymore, why bother hating me? That would just be a waste of time". Amanda stares at Cameron in disbelief as he continues. "The one thing I know for sure is that you are definitely not indifferent towards me. I irritate the hell out of you and you know it", he gleefully proclaims.

"Is that what this is all about? You think somehow if you try the tough love approach, I'll come around, get out of this wheelchair, and run into your arms out of love and gratitude".

"Well I guy can dream can't he?", he smiles once again. Then in a softer, more caring voice says, "Listen, Amanda, you know how I feel about you and what I would want to happen. But I'm not fooling myself. I don't know if you can feel for me again like you once did. All I know is I want to see you happy again, even if it's without me".

"I can never feel for you like I once did. I don't want to ever feel that way again".

In a sadder voice, Cameron replies, "Fine. Then why fight me on getting better? I mean, the faster you improve the faster you can get me out of your life. You're not leaving here until you do. And if you don't, well in a sense I win, because I'll still have you near me. You see Amanda, the choice is really up to you". With that he walks away and goes to the table to eat. Amanda pauses a few minutes in a reflective state and then wheels herself to the table. They have dinner in silence, but Cameron has won another small victory.

Scene 2: Fade Out

Scene 3: Fade In

It's the next morning. There is knock at Amanda's bedroom door that awakens her. Cameron opens the door and then in the most cheerful, annoying voice greets her with, "Rise and shine Princess. It's a beautiful morning".

"Go away", she snarls as she turns her head to the side and closes her eyes again.

"Oh no more sleep for you sleeping beauty. Time for a nice morning bath and some breakfast".

"Bath? And who is going to be helping me with that?", she worriedly asks.

Cameron slyly smiles and answers, "Guess who?".

"Oh No Way. There is no way I'm going to let you ….".

He then interrupts saying, "Now, now. This is another one of those choices you have. We can either do this the easy way or the hard way. If you work with me I promise I will be the perfect gentleman and respect your modesty. I'll even close my eyes at all the right times", he wryly tells her.

"What's the easy way?", Amanda inquires. He smirks and remains silent. Then, Amanda reluctantly asks, "OK, what's the hard way?".

"Oh, I don't think you really want to know. Let just say I would enjoy it", he devilishly replies.

Aggravated, but recognizing the futility of the situation, Amanda reluctantly gives in.

Scene 3: Fade Out

(At this point, the author wishes to leave the rest of the scene to the imagination of the readers since words would not do it justice.)

END OF ACT 7

CONTINUE