Written by: S. Wilhelmina Feenster
Summary: What would happen if Gabrielle had to leave Llanview...for good?
Scene 1
INT. Bo and Gabrielle's Apartment - Evening
Gabrielle sat in the living room wondering where Bo was and when he would finally return from his big investigation with the Ben Davidson shooting. The clock chimed and she blew out the two candles that were sitting in front of her on the table. She guzzled down the last of her glass of champaigne.
The phone rang and Gabrielle got up to answer it.
Gabrielle: Hello?
Nora: Is Bo home?
Gabrielle: Who is this?
Nora: It's Nora.
Gabrielle: Bo is working. I don't know when he'll be home. I'll tell him you called.
Nora: Thank you. Bye.
Gabrielle: [hanging up the phone] Now why would Nora want to see Bo? [thinks for a moment] I can't just sit here and wait for Bo to come home. I better go to him. [grabs her purse and leaves]
INT. Break Bar - Evening
The place was pretty busy and Max stood behind the bar pouring drinks for the costumers. Bo came into the restaurant and approached Max.
Bo: Hello, Max.
Max: Hi, Bo. What can I do for you?
Bo: Can you tell me where I might find your wife?
Max: Must you say the "w" word?
Bo: Is she here? I need to ask her a few questions about what happened with Allison Perkins.
Max: I don't know and I don't care.
Bo: Where did you last see her?
Max: At home, unfortunately.
Bo: Thanks.
As Bo was heading for the exit, Nora entered Break Bar and smiled at him.
Nora: Hi, Bo.
Bo: Hey, Nora. Excuse me. [he tried to get past]
Nora: [stopping him] Bo, I need to talk to you.
Bo: Well, I have to...
Nora: Please.
Bo: Okay.
Nora: Well, since Lindsay has been pardoned, I feel threatened.
Bo: Has she tried to threaten you?
Nora: No, but she has been following Troy around. I'm worried, Bo. I could be next.
Bo: Hmm. I was about to finish up on this whole Allison Perkins investigation today and get home.
Nora: Bo, I need you to help me.
Bo: Well...uh, I have to make a stop first and... [Nora glares at him] I'll stop by your place later.
Nora: [smiling] Thank you. [hugs him]
Scene 2
INT. Llanview Police Department - Evening
Gabrielle came into the station and found that Bo wasn't there, but she saw her son, Al.
Gabrielle: [taps him on the shoulder] Hello, sweetheart.
Al: [jumps and turns around] Mom, hi. What are you doing here?
Gabrielle: I came to see Bo. Did you turn yourself in?
Al: Well, mom...
Gabrielle: I bet you were about to do that now, right?
Al: [smiles] Right, mom.
Gabrielle: [pats him on the shoulder] That's my boy. Well, Bo obviously isn't here, so I'm going home. Unless...
Al: Unless, what?
Gabrielle: Unless you want to go have some tea with me.
Al: No, thanks. I have a lot on my mind right now.
Gabrielle: [smiles with emotion] Right. [brief pause] I'll be here for you.
Al: Thanks. [Gabs hugs him]
Gabrielle: I love you. [leaves]
Al: [to himself] I have to do the right thing. It's the only way I can keep Jen.
INT. Max's House - Night
Roxy was in the living room pouring herself a drink.
Roxy: [picking up the drink] Okay, come to Roxy. Bottoms up. [gulps it down] Hit me. [poured another drink] Roxy going to have fun tonight. [door bell rang] Maybe it's Max. [takes her glass to the door] One more drink for the road. [takes a sip and opens the door] Hey, uh, I already answered all your questions.
Bo: Well, I came here for one thing.
Roxy: What?
Bo: I want the 'Woman of the Year' award.
Roxy: Hey, you can have it. I tried to give it back and all, but Allison Perkins hit me over the head with it. I guess you want to dust it for fingerprints, right?
Bo: No, I just want it.
Roxy: Oh, hey, whatever floats your boat. [hands him the award]
Bo: Well, I better go.
Roxy: Okay, I'll see you around. [Bo leaves]
INT. Gabrielle's Car - Night
Gabrielle was driving by Max's house and noticed that Bo's car was parked in the driveway and she slowed down. She saw Bo exit the house and get into his car.
Gabrielle: Why was Bo at Max's?
She decided to follow him and that took her straight to Nora's house. She watched as he got out of the car and went to the door. The door opened and he went inside. Gabrielle got out of her car and walked up the sidewalk to her door and looked through the window. Bo and Nora were hugging and he gave her a kiss on the cheek.
INT. Nora's House - Night
Bo: Here. I brought you this. You deserve it. [hands her the award]
Nora: You really didn't have to do that.
Bo: Well, you are a great woman. [Nora smiles] But, uh, I came here to talk about Lindsay...
Gabrielle moved away from the window and walked back to her car with tears in her eyes.
Gabrielle: [in her car] I guess he's never coming home. [wipes a tear away] Okay, Gabrielle, you have to get far away from here. [drives away]
Scene 3
INT. Company - Day (Springfield)
Buzz stood behind the counter with his granddaughter, Marina, beside him looking through magazines.
Marina: You know, this would look great on dad, don't you think?
Buzz: Very nice. [Frank enters] Well, hello, Frank. We were just talking about you.
Frank: You were?
Marina: Dad, don't you think this outfit is totally G.Q.?
Frank: G.Q.?
Marina: Yeah, dad. You would look so hot. I am going to go get it for you right now. [gets up]
Frank: Hold it. [Marina stops] Your shift isn't up yet.
Marina: Come on, dad. Once you get into this outfit, the women will be all over you.
Frank: Just wait till your shift's over, all right? [Marina groans]
INT. Gabrielle's Car - Day
Gabrielle past a sign that read, "Welcome To Springfield." She kept on driving and finally stopped at the nearest restuarant, "Company." She got out of her car and walked to the entrance where she paused for a moment.
INT. Company - Day
Marina was waiting tables and Frank moved around the resturant. Buzz stayed behind the counter. Gabrielle walked in and looked around. She couldn't see a free table, so she took a seat at the bar. Buzz was standing behind the cash register.
Gabrielle: [looks at Buzz] Ehem.
Buzz: [still at the cash register] I'll be with you in just a moment. [moves away from the register] Okay, what can I get you? [stands in front of Gabs, who has her head down and is rustling through her purse]
Gabrielle: Um...[closes her purse and looks up] I'd like a cup of tea, please. [Buzz's mouth is agape; turning pale] Are you all right?
Buzz: Jenna?
Gabrielle: No, my name is Gabrielle.
Buzz: [puts his hand over his face] I'm sorry. You look so much like a girl I once knew.
Gabrielle: [smiles] It's all right. [brief pause] Was she a girlfriend of yours? Not that it's any of my buisness.
Buzz: A little more than that. She was my wife. She was also british, like you.
Gabrielle: Divorce?
Buzz: No...she died. [eyes got a little misty] She crashed her car into a tree and...
Gabrielle: [puts her hand on his] It's all right. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. [takes her hand off his]
Buzz: [makes her tea] Are you from around here?
Gabrielle: No.
Buzz: Just visiting Springfield?
Gabrielle: I guess so.
Buzz: Where are you from? [brief pause] I think it's my turn to ask the personal questions.
Gabrielle: [smiles] I'm here to start a new life.
Buzz: What was wrong with your old one?
Gabrielle: I was tired of waiting for someone and when I did, I found out that he was with someone else.
Buzz: So this has to do with another woman. [nods his head] I see. Uh, how about your next cup of tea will be on me.
Gabrielle: No, I couldn't let you...
Buzz: I insist. I know exactly how you feel because my girlfriend is spending time with another man and it's driving me crazy.
Gabrielle: He's not my boyfriend. He's...
Buzz: Then why do you care so much?
Gabrielle: I don't know.
Buzz: You obviously have feelings for this man.
Gabrielle: I haven't spent that much time with him lately to know exactly where the relationship is going.
Buzz: This girl, is she...
Gabrielle: She's his ex-wife.
Buzz: [smiles] Okay, now I know that we're in the same boat, because my girlfriend is spending a lot of time with her ex.
Gabrielle: Thank you for being so kind, but I better go now. [gets up]
Buzz: Do you have a place to stay?
Gabrielle: Not yet.
Buzz: Well then, stay here.
Gabrielle: But this is a restaurant.
Buzz: The rooms are upstairs.
Gabrielle: Well--
Buzz: You're going to have a hard time finding a place around here.
Gabrielle: I guess I could, but only till I can find a place of my own.
Buzz: Do you have luggage?
Gabrielle: It's in my car. I'll go--
Buzz: No, I'll do it.
Gabrielle: Thank you. You're very kind. [Buzz and Gabs exit]
Marina: [behind the counter; Frank approaches] Dad, can I go early, please?
Frank: Well, honey, it's really busy right now.
Marina: But what if the girl of your dreams walks through that door and you're not dressed in a totally cool outfit?
Frank: Wait till your shift is over.
The door opened and Buzz carried Gabrielle's huge suitcase into the restaurant. Gabrielle followed carrying her little purple bag.
Buzz: [to Frank] I'm carrying this to her room. I'll be right back. [goes upstairs]
Marina: You know what, dad? [looks at Gabs] She could be the woman of your dreams.
Frank: [to Gabs] Hello, I'm Frank Cooper. [shakes her hand]
Gabrielle: Hello, nice to meet you. My name is Gabrielle Medina.
Frank: Wow, you an awful lot like Jenna.
Gabrielle: [smiles] So I've heard.
Marina: Wasn't she married to grampa?
Gabrielle: Listen, I'm not going to be here very long.
Marina: Are you married?
Frank: [giving her a look] Marina.
Gabrielle: No, I'm not. [Marina smiles and looks at her dad]
Frank: Are you new in town?
Gabrielle: Yes. [Buzz returns]
Buzz: Your room is all ready.
Gabrielle: [smiles] Thank you.
Buzz: Do--are you hungry?
Gabrielle: Yeah.
Buzz: Would you like to go somewhere--with me? I know we just met, but we both have to eat, you know? I could take you to Towers or--
Gabrielle: [smiling] I'd like that.
Buzz: You can take over while I'm gone. Right, Frank?
Frank: Sure, Pop. [smiles] Have a good time.[they exit]
Marina: Well, at least I only have a half hour left.
Frank: Hmm. Marina, would you really leave your old man with all these costumers?
Marina: Dad, once I go buy that outfit then you won't have to work here. You could be living in a huge mansion with your rich wife and having people to wait on you. Come on. If I cut out early, I'll be back in time to wait more tables.
Frank: [smiles] Okay, you can go, but only if you promise me one thing.
Marina: What?
Frank: Promise me that this will be the last outfit you buy me for a while. My closet is getting cramped.
Marina: Okay, dad. [kisses his cheek] Thank you! [runs out]
Scene 4
INT. Towers Club - Day
Gabrielle and Buzz sat at their tables eating their lunch.
Buzz: So you're a style editor, huh?
Gabrielle: Yeah, well--was. I'm not going back there again.
Buzz: This guy must have meant a lot to you. [notices Holly walking in with Ed Bauer at her arm] They come into your life and then stomp on your heart.
Gabrielle: Oh, yes. Tell me a little about your last wife. I mean, she must have been something special.
Buzz: Yes, she was.
Gabrielle: How did you meet?
Buzz: Well, it was about 10 years ago. I was returning to Springfield and I noticed this woman in a red dress who looked like she needed some help. I stopped and helped her and became very smitten with her. [Gabs smiles] I later found out that she was a jewel thief.
Gabrielle: [laugh] A jewel thief?
Buzz: She was the best little jewel thief I knew. The only one I knew in that matter.
Gabrielle: I guess you can say she stole your heart, right?
Buzz: [laughs] Yeah, she sure did. [looks at her and smiles] Who was that special someone in your life? The one that took your breath away.
Gabrielle: [breathes deep] Max.
Buzz: What's your story?
Gabrielle: Well, I met him when I was living in Argentina. At the time, I was planning on joining the convent and becoming a nun.
Buzz: I'm sure you would have made a great nun.
Gabrielle: Yeah, well, he found out and went to the convent to stop me. I ended up running out of there and Max just chased after me. He declared his love to me on the convent lawn that night and wanted me to tell him that I felt the same way.
Buzz: Did you?
Gabrielle: Yes.
Buzz: Well, what happened next?
Gabrielle: We made love.
Buzz: Don't tell me you made love on the lawn of the convent.
Gabrielle: [laughs] Yes, we did. [grins] And you see I'm not wearing a habit. [Buzz and Gabby laugh together] Do you have children?
Buzz: Yes. [sigh] There's Frank, who you met earlier at the diner, and Harley, who I had with Nadine before I went off to Vietnam. When I volunteered for second tour in Vietnam, I met Sylvie and we had Lucy. She left me when Lucy was five. And my two youngest boys are living in England now. Coop and Rocky, those two are mine and Jenna's.
Gabrielle: Wow, that's a lot.
Buzz: Do you have any children?
Gabrielle: Just one. His name is Al. I had him with Max. In fact, Al was the reason I left Argentina. I was engaged to Max and that same night, while he was gone to get our rings, he was presumed dead after his car crashed into a tree. He left me there alone and pregnant.
Buzz: He was presumed dead?
Gabrielle: Yeah, well, he's not. He came back as a different man.
Buzz: Your confusing me, sweetheart.
Gabrielle: It's rather complicated. He's Max now, but not then. Max had plastic surgery done because he got burned in the accident and returned to Llanview as Matt Kingston. [Buzz laughs] What's so funny?
Buzz: I just flashed back to my first ex-wife.
Gabrielle: Really?
Buzz:Yeah. You see, when I came back to Springfield, my wife didn't recognize me because I had some plastic surgery done myself in California.
Gabrielle: [laughs] You know something, Buzz Cooper--I believe you were right.
Buzz: About what?
Gabrielle: About us being in the same boat. And not only that, we have a lot in common.
Buzz: Well, I--
Gabrielle: Not a lot of people would let me go on about myself like you do. [smiles] Thank you. [Buzz smiles back] I'm glad I met you.
Buzz: I take it you're not a favorite in Llanview.
Gabrielle: No, I'm afraid I'm not. I did a lot of bad things and I've paid for my mistakes.
Buzz: We all make mistakes. I could write a book on all the mistakes I've made.
Gabrielle: Well, I could illustrate it for you. [Buzz smiles]
Buzz: Would you like to go some place else with me?
Gabrielle: [smiles] Okay. [leaves]
EXT. Fifth Street - Afternoon
Buzz gave Gabrielle a tour of Fifth Street. They head toward the diner.
Buzz: This was my diner-- where I was crowned "The King Of Fifth Street." [Gabs smiles] I spent some great times in this place. I put my whole life into running this diner--Wheels and Meals. It burnt down three years ago and practically took me down with it. [Gabs gently put her hand on his shoulder]
Buzz: [takes her hand and turns to face her] I want you to see another special place. [Gabs smiles]
INT. Firehouse - Afternoon
Buzz took inside the abandoned firehouse where he and Jenna once lived.
Buzz: She stayed here when she divorced Roger and we had some really great and not so great times.
Gabrielle: Why are you showing me all of this?
Buzz: Well, if you get tired of living at the diner, then you are more than welcome to stay here. It used to belong to my daughter, Harley, before Jenna lived here.
Gabrielle: Thank you. You have been too kind. [turns away; tears up]
Buzz: Are you all right?
Gabrielle: [wipes tears away] I'm fine. [Buzz touches her shoulder and she turns to him]
Buzz: If you're okay, then I'd hate to see you upset.
Gabrielle: [smiles] It's just--It's just that no one has been this kind to me--except for Bo.
Buzz: Bo must be the guy you care for.
Gabrielle: Yeah, well, I haven't exactly been blunt about my feelings for him.
Buzz: Hey, listen, if you need a shoulder to cry on, I'm here for you. I seem to be a really good shoulder magnet or friend in that matter.
Gabrielle: I do need someone and you are the best someone to have. [Buzz and Gabby move to the couch]
Buzz: Rest your head anywhere you like. [puts her head on his shoulder and cries; puts his arm around her] Is there more than just your guy friend that's bothering you? You seem very tense.
Gabrielle: Yeah, well, there's my son. He's been after a girl who never could truely love him. In fact, I believe she's using him.
Buzz: I know about kid problems. They don't come one at a time, they come all in one big herd.
Gabrielle: Are you having any problems?
Buzz: Oh, yeah.
Gabrielle: Tell me about them.
Buzz: Where do I start? [sigh] Uh, my oldest daughter, Harley, was arrested for breaking into her ex-husband's house and trying to take her kid back and right now she's going through a custody battle over her son, Zach. My youngest son, Rocky, recently broke his leg and I had to fly to England for about a week or so to be with him. Frank, on the other hand is being transformed into a stud by my granddaughter, Marina, God love her.
Gabrielle: You seem to have your hands full.
Buzz: Yeah, including a vacated shoulder.
Gabrielle: [smiles] It's very comfortable. [brief pause] It's funny. I just met you today and I feel like I've known you my whole life.
Buzz: I feel the exact same way. You may remind me of Jenna, but you are entirely different. I take you as a misunderstood woman who will get whatever she wants--even if it means hurting people you are close to.
Gabrielle: I've hurt many people in my life.
Buzz: You know what they say--"You always hurt the ones you love." I'm guilty of that, too. I missed a lot of Frank and Harley's life when I never came back home. And a day doesn't go by that I don't wish for those years back. [Gabs takes his hand]
Gabrielle: I understand more than you'll ever know. [looks up at him]
Buzz and Gabrielle moved in close and engaged in a sweet gentle kiss that grew into a passionate one that could've melted the polar icecaps. Gabrielle leaned down into the couch. Buzz continued kissing her and arched his back to get himself adjusted in a lying down position. Before they knew it, the sofa cushions were flying off the couch and hitting lamps and other breakables that got in it's path. Buzz pulled out the sofa-bed and put a few pillows and a sheet down before beginning to kiss Gabrielle again. Gabrielle unbuttoned his shirt and Buzz did the same to her blouse. Gabrielle didn't hesitate taking off Buzz's belt. She threw it across the room and it hit yet another object. Finally, the skirt was off and the pants were dropped. Buzz and Gabrielle went under the sheets and made passionate love.
INT. Firehouse - Evening
Buzz and Gabrielle had spent hours in bed making love to one another. Buzz was lying on his back while Gabrielle rested her head on his upper arm and stroked his chest with her fingertips.
Buzz: How do you feel?
Gabrielle: [smiles] I feel much better. Especially in your arms. I haven't felt this way in so long.
Buzz: Do you know what I'm going to do?
Gabrielle: What?
Buzz: I'm going to put you on a pedistol where you belong. No one this angelic should be taken advantage of or hurt in any way. [strokes her cheek]
Gabrielle: [tears] Where have you been my whole life?
Buzz: I've been here--waiting for heaven to send me an angel--and here you are. [kisses her]
To Be Continued...