Dancing

by Denise

This is one that I thought up following a conversation with a friend of mine. Jack and Jennifer are not together. Greta and Jack are working together at the Spectator. It's just a scenario I had in my head that I needed to get out. Enjoy!

SCENE ONE - INT. - SALEM INN - EVENING

It is New Year's Eve. Much of Salem is gathered in the Grand Ballroom of the Salem Inn for a charity gala for cancer research sponsored by JOHN and BRADY BLACK. JACK and GRETA are dancing. A few feet away JENNIFER is dancing with her date, COLIN. But as she dances she keeps glancing over at JACK. Whenever JACK looks up she looks away and he stares at her for a while until she looks up at her again. This has been going on most of the evening.

GRETA: Are you just going to keep this up until midnight?

JACK: I beg your pardon princess.

GRETA: (cont.) And then you'll return home, both of you will want to say something, but neither of you will. She'll go up to her room and you'll go to yours and once again the opportunity will be lost.

JACK: Opportunity? For what?

GRETA: For happiness Jack. To regain all you've lost. I know you're enjoying the paper -

JACK: And doing a fine job for you I might add.

GRETA: Yes, yes you are Jack. But are you going to sit there and tell me that your work wouldn't be more rewarding if Jennifer were with you?

JACK: I am with Jennifer ... on a daily basis.

GRETA: And what exactly do you two do on a daily basis Jack? Talk around subjects?

JACK: On the contrary, religion and politics are discussed freely and frequently around the breakfast table.

GRETA: (Looks closely at him) And what about love Jack? Or Colin? Or her future ... your future?

JACK: I think it's obvious Colin is her -- he is her future.

GRETA: She doesn't want him to be.

JACK: She has a funny way of showing it.

GRETA: (Lets out a frustrated groan) Jack! Are you that blind? You've both been watching each other all night. (BEAT -- Looks closely at him again) Take a chance Jack.

JACK: I've taken that chance before princess and so has Jennifer. All it leads to is heartache.

GRETA: Because you keep making the same mistakes. Misunderstandings, pride, fear -- don't let them get in the way of your hapiness Jack. (BEAT) Take a chance before it is too late.

GRETA walks off the dance floor leaving JACK staring at JENNIFER. JENNIFER looks up and smiles at him. JACK grins and then turns away, as if ready to walk away.

JACK: Happiness ... well I suppose there's no time like the present.

OUT on JACK turning and walking to COLIN and JENNIFER.

***

SCENE TWO - IN PROGRESS

COLIN and JENNIFER are dancing. JACK is walking toward them, which has JENNIFER smiling.

JACK: Uh ... excuse me.

COLIN: Jack.

JACK: Dr. Murphy. (BEAT - tenderly) Miss Horton.

JENNIFER: Jack.

JACK: I'm terribly sorry to bother you two but I was hoping to steal Jennifer away for a dance.

COLIN: Actually Jack -

JACK: You see, we're supposed to give Abigail a detailed description of the evening and I thought perhaps she would enjoy a story which included a little bit about us sharing a dance.

JENNIFER: (smiling) Oh, of course. (Backs away from COLIN) We - we couldn't disappoint Abby. You understand, right Colin?

JACK: I promise not to keep her all night. Just long enough to give her - uhhh - Abigail a good story.

COLIN: I wouldn't want to stand in the way of a good story.

JACK: Very kind of you Dr. Murphy. Excuse us.

JACK leads JENNIFER off a few feet as the opening notes of "Our Love Is Here To Stay" begin to play. At first, they dance awkwardly, far apart, looking at each other. But after a few moments, JENNIFER moves closer and leans her head on his shoulder.

JENNIFER: Having a good time tonight Jack?

JACK: Huh? Oh yes, the Princess is an - an enchanting dance partner. (BEAT) And you? Are you enjoying yourself this evening?

JENNIFER: (Lost in their dancing and the feel of being in his arms) Hmmm ...

JACK: (smiles) If I were the egocentric type I might think I had something to do with that.

JENNIFER looks up at him and arches her eyebrow, smirking. They're both silent but continue dancing until the song ends.

JACK: (breaks away) Well, the song is finished, I suppose you might ...

JENNIFER: (grabs his hand) I might what Jack?

JACK: You would want to be returning to your escort?

JENNIFER: Oh I thought -

JACK: (hopeful) You thought what Jennifer?

JENNIFER: (also hopeful) I thought maybe you might be interested in another dance.

JACK: Oh. (BEAT) Would ... you be interested in another dance?

JENNIFER: (smiles) I wouldn't hate it.

JACK: Neither would I.

JACK pulls her close and they begin to dance to "At Last".

JENNIFER: This is really nice Jack.

JACK: Uh huh.

JENNIFER: I can't wait until Abby is old enough to join us at these things. Can you picture her dancing with her first crush or her boyfriend, looking beautiful, smiling?

JACK: Oh no. No dancing for her unless it's with me. We can't trust those boys.

JENNIFER: (laughs) Well I'd enjoy seeing that too so long as you - (She looks up and then quickly averts her eyes)

JACK: So long as I what Jennifer?

JENNIFER:(softly) Nothing Jack.

JACK is about to say something when COLIN comes up.

COLIN: Well I'd say you've got enough to tell the little one. Jen?

JENNIFER: (Reluctantly pulling away from JACK) Actually I'm a little tired Colin. Maybe you could just take me home?

COLIN: But it's not even eleven.

JENNIFER: (near tears) I really would just appreciate a ride home.

JACK is watching her closely. He desperately wants to reach out to JENNIFER, to offer to take her home, but keeps silent.

COLIN: (shooting JACK a look) Fine, I'll get your coat.

COLIN goes off and JACK and JENNIFER stay behind, watching each other silently.

JENNIFER: Thank you for the dance Jack. I'm sure Abby will love hearing about it in the morning.

JENNIFER turns to walk away.

JACK: Uh ... Jennifer.

JENNIFER slowly turns around.

JENNIFER: Yes.

JACK: I was thinking (looks up and notices COLIN returning) - I was thinking that it might be nice if we took her to breakfast in the morning, start the new year off right.

JENNIFER: (smiling with tears still in her eyes) I would like that Jack.

COLIN takes her arm to walk off. She goes but turns to look again at JACK as they walk away.

JACK: (stepping forward) Uh ... Jennifer?

JENNIFER stops and turns. COLIN isn't happy.

JENNIFER: Yes?

JACK: Thank you ... for the dance.

JENNIFER: (smiling) You're welcome.

JACK: I'll see you at home later.

JENNIFER: Yes Jack. Good night.

JENNIFER walks off with COLIN. JACK scans the room for GRETA, spots her and rushes to her side.

GRETA: Jack!

JACK: Alright princess. You keep talking about my happiness. I need you to do me a favor.

OUT on GRETA'S surprise

***

SCENE THREE - INT. - BALLROOM - A FEW MOMENTS LATER

JENNIFER and COLIN were stopped on their way out by CRAIG and NANCY Wesley. Now as they begin to leave again, GRETA rushes up to them.

GRETA: Hey you two, leaving already?

JENNIFER: Yes. It's been a lovely party but I'm a little tired and want to ring in the new year at home.

GRETA: Oh, well. Can you tell me, have either of you seen Jack?

JENNIFER: (smiles) Sure. We were just (She turns and points to the dance floor) dancing. (Looks around confused)

GRETA: Well I can't seem to find him now and I really need to get home.

COLIN: An intense desire to watch the ball drop in Times Square?

GRETA: No, business.

JENNIFER: Nothing with the Spectator, I hope. If so, we should probably find Jack.

GRETA: (Grabbing her hand) Oh no. It's nothing serious for us to be troubling Jack with, but I was hoping that you might be willing to give me a ride home.

COLIN: Uh ... actua -

JENNIFER: (happily) Of course. And it'll work perfectly. Colin can drop me off first on the way and then you before he drives home.

COLIN: But Jenn -

JENNIFER: No "but"s Colin. Greta, my dear friend, needs a ride home and since we can't find Jack, we should give it to her. Come on Greta and let's get your coat. (Grabs GRETA'S hand and leads her out the door, talking cheerfully about the Spectator.)

COLIN: I don't know what you're up to Deveraux, but I intend to find out.

OUT on COLIN walking out of the ballroom

***

SCENE FOUR - INT. - JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE - A SHORT TIME LATER

COLIN and JENNIFER are at the front door. JENNIFER is standing inside and COLIN is outside. The door is ajar.

COLIN: I had a nice time tonight.

JENNIFER: (polite but uninterested) Yeah, yeah me too. (BEAT) Greta is waiting so you should probably go.

COLIN: I could come back later. (Moves in for a kiss)

JENNIFER: (Turns away) I really don't think that's a good idea. I'm just going to go straight up to bed.

COLIN: Alone?

JENNIFER: (scowls) Not that it's any of your business -

COLIN: Jen, I'm sorry. Don't be upset. It's just very difficult to date you when you still live with your ex-husband.

JENNIFER: (very upset) Well allow me to make it a little easier for you.

COLIN: What do you mean by that Jen?

JENNIFER: This.

JENNIFER closes the door and then turns around.

JACK: Well that has to be one of the smartest things I've seen you do in a long time.

OUT on JENNIFER'S surprise

***

SCENE FIVE - IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER: (recovering) Jack! How did you beat me home?

JACK: (smiles) I had a little help.

JENNIFER: (realizing) Greta?

JACK nods. JENNIFER smiles at him and he takes her hand to lead her into the living room. There are candles lit around the room and music is playing softly.

JENNIFER: Oh Jack. (softly) It's beautiful.

JACK: (teasing) You're not too tired to celebrate the New Year in style, I hope?

JENNIFER: (shaking her head) No, I'm suddenly wide awake.

JACK: Good there's nothing worse than midnight rolling around and being alone.

JENNIFER: (smiles and walks around the room) So what do you have in store for the rest of the evening?

JACK: Well ... (smirks) I thought dancing for you because I know you love it and champagne for me because well ...

JENNIFER: You love it.

JACK nods. JENNIFER is standing next to the radio and turns the volume up a little. Then she walks slowly over to JACK.

JENNIFER: I believe you mentioned something about dancing.

JACK: Yes, yes I did. You know Jennifer -

JENNIFER: (presses a finger to his lips) Shh!

JENNIFER rests her head on his chest. They begin to dance closely, enjoying each other's company and the comfortable silence between them.

JENNIFER: Where did you find all of this at the last minute Jack?

JACK: (looks around the room) Flowers - fakes from your grandmother, but only because it's winter and I couldn't find any to pick. Candles - various spots around the house. Music - we have a rather extensive collection between us and the champagne, well ... I always seem to have a bottle on hand for special occasions. (smiles)

JENNIFER: You didn't? (looks at him intently) You did, you stole it from John's party.

JACK: No, no, I did not. He donated it - honest.

JENNIFER smiles and snuggles closer into his embrace.

JENNIFER: This is a special occasion Jack.

JACK: Yes it is. It's our new beginning.

JENNIFER: (looking up at him) You don't know how long I've wanted to hear you say that. To hear you say you wanted to be with me Jack. Not for Abby, but for us.

JACK looks at her sadly and then leans in and kisses her forehead.

JENNIFER: (cont.) That is what you want, isn't it Jack?

JACK: (pulls back and cups her face in his hands) Of course, of course that's what I want.

JENNIFER: (places her hand over his) Then what took you so long Jack?

JACK: (holding her close) I guess I just needed some reassurance too. You know (sighs) you know this sort of thing doesn't come easy for me.

JENNIFER: I know (BEAT) What changed your mind tonight?

JACK: The way you looked at me when you were leaving with Colin. But I still wasn't sure until you came home.

JENNIFER: And you did this anyway? (JACK nods. Softly) You know I feel like I'm living in a dream world.

JACK: It's no dream Jennifer.

JACK pulls away and leads JENNIFER over to the couch and has her take a seat. Then he walks over and pours them each a glass of champagne before going to sit next to her. He offers her one of the glasses.

JACK: (settling onto the couch) Now I think we have just enough time for a toast before we celebrate in style. So what do you say Miss H, can you think of one?

JENNIFER smiles and thinks for a second before speaking.

JENNIFER: I think ... I might just have the perfect one. You ready?

JACK: Ready.

JACK and JENNIFER each lift their glasses.

JENNIFER: To old hopes, new laughter and shared tears.

JACK: (smiles - obviously touched) To the journey. (clinks her glass and takes a sip)

JENNIFER: Our journey Jack.

JACK: Ou - our journey.

JACK smiles and attempts to sip his champagne but JENNIFER takes it from him and then sets the glasses down on the end table. Then she scoots over closer to JACK.

JENNIFER: (wrapping her arms around his neck) Happy New Year Jack.

JACK: Happy -

The rest of his sentence is cut off as she kisses him. At first they are soft and uncertain, but they grow more urgent as the months of being apart start to affect them both. JACK gently pushes her back on the couch and begins kissing up and down her neck.

JENNIFER: Umm ... Jack!

JACK: (stopping) Wh - what?

JENNIFER: Abby.

JACK: (looking around) What - Abby - where? She's not here.

JENNIFER: No, I know but we don't want her to come down and catch us.

JACK: No problem.

JENNIFER: What have you done Jack? Did you lock her in her bedroom and throw away the key?

JACK: No. I mean, she isn't here.

JACK begins to absentmindedly caress her face and hair.

JENNIFER: Not here? Where is she?

JACK: With your grandmother.

JENNIFER: Now Jack, I know you're good but how did you manage to beat me home, set up this, go to Gramma's, take the sitter home and come back in less than half an hour?

JACK: That's where my little elves, Bo and Hope, came in. They took the sitter home and Abigail to your grandmother's while I set up here and then they brought me those lovely fake flowers. Are you satisfied?

JENNIFER: Not quite. (smirks)

JACK: I've told you everything - Oh! Oh that. (smiles)

JENNIFER: (grabs his tie and tugs on it) Yes Jack - that.

JACK softly strokes her face and then begins to plant feather light kisses along her collarbone.

JENNIFER: Mmmm ... Jack ... mmm ...

DISSOLVE TO: A SLEEPING JENNIFER.

JENNIFER: Umm ...

A rose is lightly trailing across her cheek.

JENNIFER: Jack ... (sighs)

The rose bops her on the nose.

JENNIFER: Ja - Jack!

JACK: You called milady.

JENNIFER looks around the room. She is laying under the covers and JACK is sitting next to her in his pajamas, playing with the rose.

JENNIFER: Jack! Did we? Oh my - we did!

JACK: Uh huh. (BEAT) Several times.

JENNIFER: Oh.

JACK: Oh? Jennifer, it's what married people do.

JENNIFER: Right, married people, Jack!

JACK: That is what I said.

JENNIFER: Oh no, this is too soon. (JENNIFER sits up and leans against the headboard) Jack we just got back together last night, we didn't get married.

JACK: No, we didn't get married yesterday. It was a few days ago. (looks at her strangely and feels her forehead.) Now I know last night was good but I don't think it's enough to warrant this amnesia.

JENNIFER: Don't sell yourself short Jack. (BEAT) Seriously though, two days ago you and I were still pretending to live together for Abby's sake and I was still dating Colin.

JACK: Colin?

JENNIFER: Doctor, handsome in a very generic sort of way. We met him in Africa.

JACK: I've never been to Africa.

JENNIFER: We lived there.

JACK: Well now I know you've lost it. Me? In Africa? All that sun and heat - I don't think so.

JENNIFER looks at him for a moment and realizes he could be right.

JENNIFER: Married?

JACK: I don't have the certificate with me, but (holds up their left hands which have wedding rings on them) here's your proof.

JENNIFER is wide-eyed. She puts a hand up to her mouth.

JENNIFER: I dreamt it all?

JACK: It would appear so.

JENNIFER: And where are we?

JACK: A bed and breakfast in the Smokies, on our honeymoon.

JENNIFER: And it's not New Years Eve or Day?

JACK: (looking at her strangely) No, it's November.

JENNIFER sighs loudly and sinks down into her pillow, letting it all sink in.

JENNIFER: It actually is coming back to me, but what about Abby? Is she -

JACK: Is she what?

JENNIFER: Do we have other children?

JACK: No, just Abigail. Why? Did we have others in your dream?

JENNIFER: No and don't say it like I'm crazy.

JACK: (smirks, but doesn't laugh) Who am I to call anyone crazy?

JACK sinks down next to her and kisses her cheek.

JACK: So what do you say?

JENNIFER: (intrigued) What do I say to what, Jack?

JACK: To us ... working on the single dependent situation.

JENNIFER: (laughs) Always looking for your next tax deduction Jack?

JACK: Either that or I'm always looking for an excuse to make love to my delightfully entertaining wife.

JENNIFER: Well, when you put it that way ... allow me to keep you entertained.

JENNIFER puts her hand behind his head and pulls him down to kiss him.

OUT on their kissing.

THE END

 

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