ACT 10

Amanda has continued with her exercises and is making steady progress. More feelings are coming back into her legs every day. She has even been able to stand a little with the help of leg braces and forearm crutches, though walking with them is still very hard without someone's assistance. She and Cameron have avoided any direct reference to their feelings or to their future. They have come together as a team with the one common goal - for Amanda to walk out of the cabin on her own two feet.

Scene 1: Fade In

It is an uncommonly warm day. It has been reported that a bad storm will be coming into the Bay City community and the surrounding areas which include the mountains. The temperature will be dropping severely to more seasonal degrees.

Cameron is outside preparing for the heavy winds, rains and temperature drop. Amanda, is looking out the back window at him chopping fire wood. She begins to feel sensations long lost, as she watches a shirtless Cameron swing the ax over and over again into the log. Her eyes are fixated on him as she observes the perspiration drip down his finely defined muscular arms and chest. For a moment she is lost in the thought of what might have been on a steamy hot summer evening in a world where there was no Boca Lynda, no baby, and no Josie. The illusion ends when Cameron stops for a moment to wipe the sweat off his brow and take a drink of water. As Amanda is intently studying his movements, Cameron looks at the window and notices her staring at him. For a second, both realize what they have lost, but not forgotten. Amanda, caught in an unguarded moment, quickly moves away from view. Cameron looks for a few more seconds, and then returns to chopping wood.

Later that day, Amanda is in the kitchen when she hears a loud crash outside and Cassidy barking up a storm. She goes to the back window and sees Cameron lying on the ground trying to get up. The ladder he had been using to board up the windows has fallen on top of him, and he is having trouble moving. In a panicked state, Amanda grabs the crutches to support her. Using them, she somehow manages to climb down the back steps and reach Cameron. He sees her and yells out, "Watch it, there's a snake near me!".

Seeing it, Amanda moves into action. She grabs the ax laying on the wood pile and whacks it down on the snake, killing it. Then, with adrenaline flowing through her, pushes the ladder off of Cameron. "Are you all right?, she frantically asks him.

A dazed Cameron can only say, "I think so", as he tries to pull himself together. He takes a few deep breaths, and then looking at the snake, adds with a small smile. "At least I'm better off than he is. Lady, you're dangerous to things that crawl".

"Well then stand up and let's get moving". She goes to help him up. Seeing him struggle to do so, she takes his arm and puts it around her shoulder. "Let me help you. Lean on me for once". A grateful and injured Cameron obliges and together, through share determination, make it to the cabin.

Amanda gets him to his bed and then begins checking him over. He has a large bump on the back of his head which concerns her. She cleans the wounds around his face and chest. When she goes to cleanse the lacerations on his arms she notices a strange reddish area on his hand. "What's this", she questions.

"That's where the snake got me".

"He bit you?", an alarmed Amanda asks.

"Yeah, that's why I fell. I was trying to clear the gutters, when the little sucker came at me, and down came me, him and the ladder", he replies with a smile and a grimace.

"Was he poisonous?", a concerned Amanda asks.

"I really didn't ask him at the time".

"Stop the jokes Cameron. This could be serious. I don't know what to do".

"Well I'm not an expert on snakes bites, but I do remember hearing once that you should clean and disinfect the area and then immobilize it".

"And then what", Amanda inquiries.

"Then get the person to a hospital as soon as possible".

"Great!", she panics. "And how am I supposed to do that?".

"Well since I guess driving me to one is out of the question...".

"Very funny", she nervously responds. "I'll use my cell phone to call for help". When she tries to use it, she discovers that the battery is dead. " Damn it, why didn't we have a phone line put into this place".

As he fights to stay conscious, a groggy Cameron tells her not to worry. "It probably wasn't even poisonous. I'll be all right". He smiles at her and then realizes what just happened. "Amanda, oh my god. You walked by yourself when you came for me. You did it Amanda. I'm so proud of you". Then he closes his eyes too weary to continue.

Amanda is so moved by what he just said. She goes to him and then taking his face in her hands, tenderly kisses him. "It's all because of you Cameron", she whispers to him, "all because of you".

Scene 1: Fade Out

Scene 2: Fade In (Many hours later)

The storm has hit and is now raging around the cabin. Amanda has not left Cameron's side. It turns out that the snake was poisonous. The symptoms began with headaches, fatigue and nausea, but has now resulted in a high fever. He begins to go in and out of consciousness. She is beside herself with the frustration of not being able to help him, and the fear of losing him. All she can do is keep him warm when he's cold and cool him down when he's hot. But mostly she just holds him and prays.

As the night progresses, so does his illness. He is beginning to hallucinate which scares her, especially when the screams come from the nightmares of his childhood. Her heart breaks for him. But what affects her most of all, is when he calls out to her. He is reliving Boca Lynda and the horrible moment when he thought he lost her in the tunnel. She is moved by the anguish in his voice and finally understands the pain he was in. She holds and caresses him as he continues to call for her through the chaos of his thoughts. "I love you Cameron", she cries to him, "I love you. Don't let go. Just please don't let go".

Scene 2: Fade Out

END OF ACT 10

ACT 11

Scene 1: Fade In

Meanwhile, the storm has also come to Bay City even more powerful and treacherous. Tornadoes have touched down in some parts of town. The area is in a state of emergency. There is local flooding and the electricity and phone services have gone out in thousands of houses. One of those being the home of the Sinclairs. Even their car has been demolished by a fallen tree. Gary and Josie are now stranded in their house when the worst possible thing that can happen, happens. Josie goes into premature labor.

"Gary, this can't be happening. I have almost two more months to go".

"Maybe it's just false labor".

"No Gary, this is it. My water just broke. What are we going to do?", a frantic Josie asks him.

Gary, hiding his nervousness, tells her everything is going to be all right. He gets her comfortable and reminds her that being police officers have given them experience in delivering babies in worse situations than this. If they remain calm and remember the drill, they can get through this just fine.

Josie is developing a very bad labor as the contractions are worsening. She is in a great deal of pain. Gary sees the agony and fear in her eyes and truly feels for her. He senses problems with this delivery, but is keeping his apprehension to himself. As it progresses, he beings to admire the way Josie is handling her ordeal. She is trying not to lose hope and is fighting desperately for her child. He is remembering why he loves her so much.

"That's it Josie, you're doing great. Just take deep breaths and then let them out". Then holding her hand he tells her to push. This continues until he starts seeing the baby's head. "He's coming Josie. You're doing it sweetheart. That's it. That's it". Then with one last push, Gary looks up at Josie with tears in her eyes and says, "You have a son, Josie. A beautiful baby boy". Once he gets the baby to cry, he places him tenderly onto Josie. Crying through tears of joy and relief, she looks at Gary as she caresses her son, and says to him, "Thank you Gary. Thank you so much".

Gary, not being able to hold back his own tears, touches her face, and lovingly says to her, "Didn't I tell you we would get through this. We're a team Josie, the best team I know. I'm sorry I forgot that for so long. I love you Josie". And then he tenderly kisses her for a moment. Looking into his eyes, she breaks down and cries because for the first time in all these months, she sees the love looking back.

A few minutes later, Josie begins to get weaker and weaker. She gives the baby to Gary telling him something is wrong and then soon passes out.

Scene 1: Fade Out

Scene 2: Fade In

A desperate Gary tries in vain to revive Josie. He sees that she has lost a lot of blood and begins to panic when he hears a knock at the door. Upon opening it he is astonished to see Joe. Joe tells him that he's been out checking around the area and wanted to make sure that Josie was all right. When he learns from Gary what's happened he rushes all of them to the hospital.

Upon arriving at the hospital, both Josie and the baby are rushed in for examinations. The baby is fine, but Josie is in serious condition with complications from the birth. Gary remains with her praying for another chance to be a family with her, and with his nephew.

Eventually, Josie improves and is out of danger. When she awakens, she sees Gary smiling down at her. "Hey beautiful, good to see you with your eyes finally opened". She smiles back and asks how the baby is. "He's just fine. Strong like his mom". Then he bends down to her, and stroking her face, tenderly says, '"I love you Sinclair and I love the little guy. He may not be my son, but he is my nephew, and he'll always be a part of me. I want us to be a family again, if you'll still have me".

Josie, overcome with emotion and tears, reaches up and simply embraces him with all her heart.

"Is there a problem with my baby", a fearful Josie inquires.

"Oh no, your baby is fine. I was just reviewing the medical reports, and it says that the father's blood type is 'A'. Is that correct?". Josie, confused by the question, answers 'yes'.

"Well I know for sure from the transfusion we had to give you that your blood type is also 'A'."

"Where is this going doctor", a bewildered Gary asks.

"I'm sorry but that can't be". You see, your baby is type 'AB' and since we know the mother is 'A', the father's blood type can only be either 'B' or 'AB'. There is no way that man listed on this report can be the father".

A stunned Josie and Gary look at each other for a moment and remain speechless. Then Gary interrupts the silence, by simply stating, "I'm type 'AB', but it can't be".

When the doctor asks what he means, Josie interjects by saying, "the baby was conceived a little over 7 months ago, and I know it has to be the father listed there".

"Well, that's the other thing. This was a full term baby. Your son was conceived 9 months ago. I don't know what your doctor told you, but we doctors are human and we do make mistakes. Listen, we can do tests to confirm the baby's paternity , so don't worry about this now. I'll let you rest and we will resolve this later".

After the doctor leaves, Gary and Josie look at each other as they grasp the impact of the news. They embrace in share ecstasy, amidst tears of joy.

Scene 2: Fade Out

END OF ACT 11

ACT 12

Scene 1: Fade In (The next day)

Cameron has survived the night. Early in the morning hours, his fever had broken. A relieved Amanda finally allowed herself to fall asleep. When she awakens, she finds herself as she was the night before, on his bed with her arms around him. She tries to wake him, but isn't able to at first. Worried, she feels his forehead to make sure his fever hasn't returned. It hasn't. Realizing what she has almost lost, she tenderly strokes his face and kisses him. At this moment, Cameron begins to come to. Still in a dream state, he calls out her name as if searching for her. Startled, she beckons to him, "Cameron, I'm right here. I'm right beside you". Still in a muddled state, he continues to call her.

"I'm right here, Cameron. Wake up. Please wake up".

Finally, he opens his eyes, and seeing her so close to him, softly asks, "Am I dreaming?".

"No you're not", she gently says as she smiles down at him. "You going to be all right, Cameron. Seeing him still so tired and weak, she then tells him, " You can just rest now. Close your eyes and rest".

"I'm afraid to close them", he whispers. "What if you're not here when I open them again?".

Trying to hold back the tears, her voice cracks as she assures him, "Oh don't worry about that. I'll be here. I'm not going anywhere Sinclair…not without you". Then she kisses him again and with a smile, he closes his eyes.

Scene 1: Fade Out

Amanda has been tending to Cameron as he regains his strength. She is also working on regaining hers

. Scene 2: Fade In

. Cameron is lying on his bed, almost fully recovered from his illness. Hs is staring at the ceiling deep in thought. Amanda knocks at his door and he tells her to come in. When she opens the door, he is moved by what he sees. She is standing on her own two feet, without the braces or crutches. Overtaken with emotions, he simply says her name.

"Wait, there's more", she tells him, as emotions begin to overtake her also. And then as tears meet her smile, she begins to walk towards him. As she falters a little, Cameron rushes to catch her. Unsteady himself, they fall onto the bed. "Whose helping who?", she smiles.

Seeing her like this, and holding her so close, moves him in a way he never knew was possible. As he gazes into her eyes he gently caresses her face as if it was the first time he has ever felt her. Stroking his hand, she responds as if it was the first time she has ever been touched. As his eyes begin to tear, he tells her, "I love you, Amanda, but I never realized how much till now. I don't want to ever lose you again…I couldn't bare it".

"You won't Cameron", she replies through her tears. "I love you too much to ever let you go again". They begin to kiss, first tenderly, then passionately as they begin to make love for the first time.

And then, as usual, they are interrupted. This time by a knock on the front door.

Scene 2: Fade Out

Scene 3: Fade In

After realizing, the person was not going away, a frustrated Cameron and Amanda go to open the door. It's Rachel. "Hi, I hope I'm not interrupting anything". Before they could respond, she reacts to seeing her daughter standing and walking on her own. Overcome with joy, she embraces Amanda and warmly thanks Cameron. After these heartfelt moments, Rachel continues speaking. "Well, I have some great news of my own".

"What mom?".

"First off, it looks like Gary has finally come to his senses. He and Josie are back together".

"I'm so happy to hear that", Cameron responds with a slight hesitation as he turns to Amanda.

"Are you sure mom? I mean how did this happen?", Amanda asks for reassurance.

"Yes, I am. As for the how, I'll get into that later. And I have more good news". Turning to Cameron, Rachel says with a smile from ear to ear, "Congratulations, Cameron. You're an uncle".

He is totally taken aback, as his eyes meet Amanda's. She also doesn't know how to react. Finally, he breaks the silence. "Josie had the baby? But it wasn't due yet. Are they all right?".

"Yes, mother and son are doing just fine".

Cameron is stunned and is trying to comprehend what's he's hearing. "I have a son?".

"No, you have a nephew. Gary has a son", Rachel happily tells him.

Slightly disappointed, he responds with, "You mean Gary is willing to raise him as his son".

"No, I mean you have a nephew. You're an uncle".

"Mom, we understand what you're trying to say".

"No you don't", she says softly. "The baby wasn't premature. It was full term. It's Gary's baby. They have the tests to prove it".

Cameron, overwhelmed by the news, turns to Amanda and both become motionless, staring into each other's eyes as they take in what they have just learned.

Rachel, realizing her work here is done, says goodbye to them. When she gets no response back, she says, "That's all right, I'll just show myself out. I'll see you back home….in a few days, weeks,…. whatever".

As she closes the door behind her, she sees Cassidy coming up the front steps. "You better come home with me Cassidy. You're not going to get attention around here any time soon". She then hears shouts of joy and celebration coming from inside. Peering into the window, she smiles, as she sees Cameron picking up Amanda, and spinning her around in jubilation. "Oh yeah, Cassidy, you definitely better come home with me.

Scene 3: Fade Out

END OF ACT 12

After spending the happiest days of their lives, Cameron and Amanda return to Bay City. Before going to meet the newest Sinclair, Cameron takes Amanda to where they had met. As they walk up the hill to the bench where he first saw her, Amanda notices him looking at his watch as he kept doing in the car. "Why do keep checking the time. Are we in a hurry?".

"Oh no", he replies somewhat nervously. "I just… don't want to get to Gary and Josie's too late".

"Don't worry. We have plenty of time".

"You're right. We do", he smiles as he puts his arm around her and escorts her to the bench.

As Amanda sits, Cameron goes down on one knee. "Your lace is undone", he says, as he said to her that first night.

"No it's not", Amanda replies, without thinking. Then realizing her miscue, she quickly unties her lace.

Smiling, he ties it. Then, remaining on one knee, he looks up at her and asks, "Remember when I first met you here?".

"Of course I do", she warmly replies.

"It was kind of a night like tonight".

She smiles, "I remember".

"I dreamt about you that night", he tenderly tells her.

"You did!".

"Yeah, I did. It was a dream I thought would never come true".

"Well, has it?".

"I'll let you know in a minute", he grins. Then he tells her to look up at the sky. "It's a perfect clear night just like that first one. Look at all the stars, Amanda. Aren't they beautiful?".

"Oh yes they are".

"What do they remind you of?", he asks, hoping for the right answer.

"Oh I don't know. I guess like shimmering diamonds lighting up the night.

"I wish I could pull one down for you".

"You can't?"

"Not tall enough", he teases. "So I guess, I'll have to settle for second best". With that, he reaches into his pocket, takes out a small box and opens it.

Amanda can't believe her eyes as she sees the beautiful sparkling diamond. Her eyes widen and her mouth opens as she can only utter, "Oh my god!".

He takes her hand and looking lovingly into her eyes, simply says, "I love you Amanda. I have from the first moment I saw you here and it's only getting stronger every day. I don't have much to offer you, but I offer you all that I have and all that I am. Will you please marry me beautiful lady, and make my dream come true?".

Overwhelmed, Amanda shouts out, "Oh yes!", as she leaps into his arms, causing him to fall backward. A few minutes later, burst of lights jump across the evening sky as the roar of thunder startles an unsuspecting Amanda. Looking up she sees the glorious colors of fireworks raining down on the horizon before them. She looks at Cameron as he smiles at her. "You did this?", she gasps.

"Yes. For the first time in my life I finally got the timing down right", he replies as he strokes her face.

"But how? How did you do this?

"Well I couldn't get to a florist. So I figure this was the next best thing".

Amanda, overcome with emotion, asks smiling, "What if I had said 'no' ?", knowing the absurdity of that question.

"I always had faith in you Amanda. I knew you wouldn't let me down. He then kisses her and adds with a smile, "And I never stopped believing in us".

"And you will never have to. I promise you that, Cameron", a tearful Amanda tells him as she leans into him and kisses him tenderly.

And their they lay, embracing and kissing into the night, under the stars… on the top of their hill.

…..and the beginning!