In This Life by Jennifer (chapters 6

In This Life

Episodes 6 - 10

EPISODE 6

SCENE 1

EXT. HORTON HOUSE - DAY (A FEW DAYS AFTER EPISODE 5)

JACK is standing at the door, trying to work up the nerve to knock on the door. After the last fight with JENNIFER, he isn't even sure anymore if she'd still want him here at ABBY'S party.

BILL walks up the porch and sees JACK standing there.

BILL: Jack?

JACK: (startled) Oh hello, Dr. Horton.

BILL: (laughing slightly) Do you plan on standing here all day?

JACK is embarrassed.

JACK: Uh, no, I... thought I should wait a bit longer and be fashionably late...

BILL laughs again and pats JACK on the shoulder.

BILL: Well I wouldn't be too much longer or there won't be any cake left for you.

JACK: (forcing a smile) In that case, perhaps I've let enough time pass now-

Before he can finish the sentence, JENNIFER opens the door.

JENNIFER: I thought I heard voices-

JENNIFER sees JACK and they look at each other, both feeling awkward about seeing each other for the first time since their fight over ABBY. BILL notices the tension and tries to ease it.

BILL: Well are you going to let us in, Jennifer Rose?

JENNIFER: (laughing sheepishly) I'm sorry, Daddy, of course you can come in... (kisses him on the cheek) I'm glad you could make it. I thought you were heading back to Capetown today?

BILL: I switched to a later flight tonight. I was not going to miss my granddaughter's birthday...

As he is talking, JACK and JENNIFER are looking at each other, both trying to think of the right thing to say to each other. BILL breaks the tense silence.

BILL: (clears throat) So, I hear children frolicking in the backyard--I guess the party's that way, huh?

JENNIFER: (still looking at JACK) Uh... yeah, Dad, they're all back there... (after a few moments, she realizes she's been looking at him; she gets embarrassed and finally breaks eye contact) They're about to break open the pińata...

BILL goes and leaves them alone.

JENNIFER: (aware of the awkwardness of the moment) Abby's been waiting for you.

JACK follows her as they walk towards the backyard and all the while he is trying to think of what to say. The last thing he wants is to ruin ABBY'S birthday by fighting with her.

JACK: So... how's the birthday girl?

He immediately wonders why he said something that stupid. JENNIFER is amused at his nervousness and feels a little more at ease because of it.

JENNIFER points out the window that looks out into the backyard. ABBY is outside along with Will, Brady, Belle, and a few other children. She is blind-folded and getting ready to hit the pińata but is being given conflicting directions by her friends.

JENNIFER: (smiling as she watches her daughter) She's having the time of her life... I'm just so glad we were able to pull this off in such a short time period. (turns to look at JACK) I wanted her to have a good birthday.

JACK: (softly, without taking his eyes off ABBY) It looks like she will...

JENNIFER: Jack... Look, about the other day-

JACK: Uh, Jennifer... maybe it's best not to bring up the subject again right now, don't you think? It's Abigail's day and I certainly don't want to spoil it.

JENNIFER: I wasn't going to going to start a fight with you... (pauses to think of the right way to say this) I just... I was going to say that I'm sorry. I said some things I shouldn't have said... I really didn't mean for us to get in a fight like we did-

JACK: Wait a minute--are you... are you actually apologizing?

JENNIFER: (with a smirk) Pick your jaw up off the floor Jack--I am capable of saying I'm sorry, you know.

JACK: (can't resist gloating) Well, not to rub it in, but I think I want to mark this date in my palm pilot. It's quite a momentous occasion-

JENNIFER hits him soundly on his arm before he can finish his sentence.

JENNIFER: Jack! You keep talking like that and this cease fire is over!

JACK: I didn't realize we had a cease fire.

JENNIFER: Well, we do. (beat) We don't want to spoil Abby's day, remember?

JACK: No... No we don't...

They continue to look at each other, until finally JENNIFER breaks the silence again.

JENNIFER: Good, I'm glad we agree on that. We'll have plenty of time to talk about things later...

JENNIFER turns to go outside, but JACK stops her.

JACK: Jennifer?

JENNIFER: Jack--she's waiting for us...

JACK: Yes, I know, I just... wanted to thank you.

JENNIFER: (smiling) You're welcome, Jack. Now what do you say we go out there and throw our daughter the best party she's ever had?

JACK: Complete with a pony-

JENNIFER: Don't start, Jack...

They step out into the backyard to join the party.

SCENE 2

EXT. HORTON BACKYARD - LATER

ABBY'S party has ended. ABBY and ALICE have both gone to bed, and JACK and JENNIFER are cleaning up in the backyard. As they are cleaning, JENNIFER keeps sneaking glances at JACK, who is oblivious.

JENNIFER: Okay, you can go ahead and gloat.

JACK: (has no idea what she means) Excuse me?

JENNIFER: (rolling her eyes) Are you going to make me say it again?

JACK: (he thinks he knows what she's talking about, but enjoys watching her squirm) Was there something in particular you wanted me to gloat about?

JENNIFER: The pony, all right, Jack? You were... right about the pony. She loved it. (beat) And she loved you for remembering.

JACK: Well... I figure before we know it she's going to be this teenager who thinks all we do is embarrass her. I just thought I should indulge her while I can.

He continues to pick up paper plates that are strewn about.

JACK: (muttering) I'm going to kill Vern for running out before he could help with this...

JENNIFER: (overhearing) Oh Jack, don't you think he did enough by actually bringing the pony over here? I wasn't about to ask him to clean up too...

JENNIFER continues to watch him, worried that he looks even more run-down than he did the other day, and wondering if he may be pushing himself.

JACK: (eventually realizing she is looking at him) Is something wrong?

JENNIFER: No, it's just that... you look a little tired, Jack. I can finish up here, maybe you should just go upstairs and check on Abby-

JACK: (cutting her off) I'm fine.

JENNIFER: Are you sure?

JACK: Yes, I'm sure.

JENNIFER: Okay, because if-

JACK: (firmly) Jennifer, I'm fine! (regrets snapping at her) I'm sorry... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to...

JENNIFER: (softly) It's all right...

JACK: (trying to make as little a deal of this as possible) I am a little peaked. I had forgotten that running after children under the age of eight tends to take the wind out of one's sails...

JENNIFER isn't really convinced by what he just said, but doesn't say anything.

JACK: Jennifer?

JENNIFER: Yeah, Jack?

JACK: Thank you. Again. Thank you for letting me be a part of this. I certainly didn't want to miss it.

JENNIFER: (smiles) I'm glad you could come, Jack. I wasn't sure if you were going to be here at all- (she stops herself, realizing she said that all wrong) I'm sorry, that... that didn't come out the right way-

JACK: (knowing exactly what she meant) No, don't apologize. You simply said what you felt. (beat) I'm glad I know where I stand now. (goes back to cleaning to avoid looking at her)

JENNIFER: Jack, I didn't mean-

JACK: Yes, you did.

JENNIFER feels guilty for saying all the wrong things again. She doesn't want to keep hurting him, but she keeps finding herself acting on all the resentment she's bottled up in the last few months.

JACK: (quietly, surprising JENNIFER) You're still going to keep full custody of her, aren't you?

JENNIFER: (wishing she didn't have to hurt him this way) Jack, one party isn't going to undo the last six months. Showing up with a pony and being her hero for the day isn't going to change the fact that you barely saw her in all that time, and that you have a habit of leaving just when she thinks you're finally here to stay-

JACK: (clearly in pain over what she is saying) That is not fair, Jennifer.

JENNIFER: Isn't it? (her pain is evident now too) The truth hurts, doesn't it, Jack? But you never could take the truth, could you?

JACK: The truth is I am here now. The truth is I am never leaving her again-

JENNIFER: And how do you expect me to believe that after all the other times you said it, and then turned around and broke those promises? (beat) Do you have any idea how it would break my heart every time she would ask me if you still loved her when you were gone? Do you know what it is like to see your daughter crying because she misses her father so much, and there's not a damn thing you can do about it?

JACK: (softly) I never meant to hurt her, Jennifer-

JENNIFER: Do you notice how you seem to say that all the time, Jack? No, you never mean to hurt us. But you know what? You do. It hurts when you do this. It hurts when you walk away, and when you shut us out. I have stood by you through everything, Jack--everything! And I would have continued to do it, too, because I know no matter how many times you hurt me, I am always going to love you and I am always going to come running back to you. But our daughter deserves better than that!

JACK: Don't you think I know that?? That's why I'm here now! I want to be there for her now!

JENNIFER: Why now, Jack?! What's different about now?

JACK: (doesn't want to tell her, tries to avoid the issue) Does it matter why? All that matters is that I am not going anywhere-

JENNIFER: Why should I believe you'll stick around this time and not disappear again when we least expect it?

JACK: Because...

JENNIFER: What?

JACK: Because-

JENNIFER: Because what, Jack?

JACK: (he becomes flustered, and blurts it out) Because I could be dying, all right!!

JENNIFER is in shock, and JACK instantly regrets telling her when he sees her reaction.

JACK: (softly) I... I could be dying, Jennifer...

EPISODE 7

SCENE 1

EXT. HORTON BACKYARD - EVENING (SAME DAY AS EPISODE 6)

JACK has just told JENNIFER the truth about him being sick. JENNIFER is in complete shock and doesn't want to believe what she just heard.

JENNIFER: (barely audible) What... what did you just say to me?

JACK: (murmuring) I could be dying...

JENNIFER is in denial. She is grasping at straws for any kind of explanation because she can not accept this reality.

JENNIFER: You son of a... How can you make something like this up? What kind of a person are you-

She comes to where he is and raises her arms to hit him, but he grabs her wrists and pulls her towards him, then wraps his arms around her. JENNIFER is shaking violently in his arms.

JENNIFER: (sobbing now, her words are almost incoherent) How can you even say something like that? How can you even...

JACK: Stop it... Jennifer, please... stop it...

JENNIFER: I don't understand... You can't be telling me the truth--you're just saying this to get Abby-

JACK: (knowing how much it must hurt her to hear this) No... No, you know I would never make something like this up to get Abigail...

JENNIFER: Jack, you've thought this before--I mean you thought you were dying before and it was just a-

JACK: It's not a lab mix up this time, Jennifer. This is real. (beat) It's real and it's not going to go away no matter how much... how much I want it to...

JENNIFER: Jack-

JACK: Listen to me--I didn't want you to find out this way, all right? I didn't...

He has tears in his eyes now too, but he does not want to cry in front of her so he is trying to maintain his composure.

JACK: Do you remember last Christmas? All three of us got the flu, remember? We were knocked out for days and we couldn't get out of bed... And you remember how even after you and Abigail were up and about, how I just couldn't seem to shake that bug? Two, three weeks later, I was still coughing and feeling run-down...

JENNIFER: I remember... I told you to go see Dad, but you didn't want to. You wanted to just wait it out because you thought it would go away on its own.

JACK: Yes, well... I decided you were right, that I should just suck it up and go see your father and maybe get some antibiotics. I figured he'd lecture me on skipping my flu shot and that would be that. (beat) But, as usual, I was wrong.

JENNIFER feels her stomach twisting inside as she fears what he is trying to tell her.

SCENE 2

IN PROGRESS

JACK is explaining how he learned he was sick, and JENNIFER is completely beside herself at hearing this.

JACK: It turns out that it wasn't as minor as I thought it was... He ran some tests on me--he was worried that the fatigue might have been due to some sort of anemia or something dreadful like that, and it was wearing down my resistance so I couldn't recover from that flu... (laughs shakily) Of course the irony of it is, it was even more dreadful than he thought...

JENNIFER: Oh God, Jack...

JACK: He said my lymph nodes were swollen, and... given my history, he wanted me to do a biopsy.... Well suffice it to say, it was not the news I was hoping for.

He pauses for a long time, JENNIFER does not want to push him to say anything more until he us ready.

JACK: (soberly) It seems that in some rare cases of Hodgkin's patients, the chemotherapy causes another form of cancer to develop later on... Acute nonlymphocytic leukemia. (beat) Quite a mouthful, isn't it?

He turns to look at JENNIFER and sees that she is crying, and he doesn't know what to do or say to make this any easier for either of them.

JENNIFER: (whispering) Why didn't you tell me?

JACK can't get the words out and can only mouth, I couldn't...

JENNIFER: No, Jack, you could have told me... Why didn't you let me help you through this?

JACK: I could barely even deal with it myself, Jennifer--I didn't want to. And I didn't know how in the world I was going to tell you when I couldn't even admit it to myself...

JENNIFER: I would have been there for you... I would have-

JACK: (interrupting her because he can not bear to let down his guard right now) Your father had heard of a university in Nigeria that was conducting experimental treatments. They were supposed to be more effective than traditional chemotherapy, but had a smaller chance of working. If you were one of the lucky ones, you could beat this thing for good, but if not... Anyway, he arranged for me to participate in the therapy. I had to fly there every few weeks so they could do follow-up check ups on my progress...

JENNIFER: Oh God... That's why you were gone... That's where you were all those times...

JACK: Things looked good at first. And I honestly thought I could keep this all from you until they gave me a clean bill of health and then we could go back to life as we knew it, and you'd never have to know. (beat) Only the last time I went back, they saw that the treatments hadn't taken after all. My cell counts went down again... They didn't think there was anything more they could do. So I came home-

JENNIFER: And we were gone...

She feels incredibly guilty for ever doubting him, for not having been there for him when he needed her the most.

JACK: I'm down to my only choice now... Chemotherapy. (laughs) Again. Your father informed me that I had to make a decision shortly on whether I would go through with it or not, because time was... was running out...

JENNIFER: (almost afraid to ask him) And... what did you decide?

JACK goes over to the broken pińata and takes it down from the tree.

JACK: (softly) I've got a daughter. There was no other choice. How can I not fight this for her?

JENNIFER wishes he were fighting for them too.

JENNIFER: Oh God, Abby... How do I tell Abby?

JACK: No! No, Jennifer, you can not tell Abigail--you can't!

JENNIFER: Jack, she has to know-

JACK: She is eight years old! The only thing she needs to worry about is when the latest Pokemon card is going to come out, or... or which boy band she likes best--she shouldn't have to worry about whether her father is dying, Jennifer! Please... Spare her this.

JENNIFER sees how this upsets JACK and although she's not sure she agrees, she does not want to upset him any further.

JENNIFER: All right... I'll respect your wishes, Jack. I won't tell her until you think it's the right time.

JACK: (relieved) I appreciate that...

JENNIFER: (coming closer) Jack, I'm glad you told me-

JACK can not deal with the closeness right now and pulls away.

JACK: Uh, Jennifer... I-I think I should probably go see Abigail... I promised I'd read her a story...

JENNIFER: (tries to touch his arm to reassure him) Jack-

JACK: Jennifer, I really should go to her. I just... need to be with her right now...

JENNIFER: (hurt that he is pulling away but she does not want to push him ) Her favorite bedtime story is on her nightstand. She'll beg you to read it twice, but she usually falls asleep before you can even finish it the first time...

JACK: (sorry to be hurting her this way but just not ready to reach out to her) Thank you. I'll try not to let her down.

JENNIFER watches him go inside the house.

EPISODE 8

SCENE 1

INT. SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL - DAY (TWO DAYS AFTER EPISODE 7)

JENNIFER has come to the hospital to see JACK and offer him support on his first day of chemotherapy. JACK doesn't know she is coming, and she is nervous about how he will react and whether he will even want her there. She is staring at the door to the waiting room, trying to work up the courage to go in and see him.

RECEPTIONIST: Can I help you ma'am?

JENNIFER is too engrossed to notice her. The receptionist taps her on the shoulder to get her attention.

RECEPTIONIST: Ma'am, did you have an appointment today?

JENNIFER: (embarrassed) Oh gosh, I'm sorry... I didn't hear you... (laughs) No, actually I'm here to, uh... I'm here to see a patient. He's here for his first session of chemotherapy and I wanted to be here... for support...

RECEPTIONIST: That's very thoughtful of you--I'm sure he'd appreciate that very much. (looks at her computer screen) And what is the patient's name?

JENNIFER: Jack Deveraux.

RECEPTIONIST: Oh, yes... him...

The receptionist tries not to smile--she clearly recognizes the name and knows exactly who he is. JENNIFER smiles to herself too, guessing that JACK must have already made an impression in the hospital.

RECEPTIONIST: Ma'am?

JENNIFER: (staring at the waiting room again, not hearing her right away) Yes? I'm... I'm sorry, I guess I'm a bit distracted...

RECEPTIONIST: (smiling) I understand. It's very difficult having a loved one go through this.

JENNIFER: (softly) Yes it is. My husb--uh, ex-husband has actually been through this before, so it's especially trying for him.

RECEPTIONIST: Oh I'm so sorry to hear that... But with your support, I'm sure things will work out for the best.

JENNIFER: I really hope so. (beat) So would it be possible for me to see him?

RECEPTIONIST: Well, he is scheduled to see Dr. Patrick in a few minutes, but the doctor is running a little late this morning... You can go ahead and visit with him until he's ready to go in. Room 129.

JENNIFER: Thank you...

JENNIFER takes a deep breath and walks over to the room. It is slightly ajar, and she sees JACK pacing. She knocks on the door to get his attention.

JACK: Time to get this show on the road, eh, Dr.--(surprised to see who it actually is) Jennifer!! W-what are you... what are you doing here?

JENNIFER: I... I just wanted to... I mean, I figured you could use some... I wanted to be here for you today, Jack...

JACK: Oh. (laughs nervously) You're here to tell me to break a leg.

JENNIFER: (smiles) Something like that. Although considering where we are, I don't know that that's the most appropriate thing to say.

JACK: Yes, I suppose you're right. (beat) Does... Abigail know why you're here?

JENNIFER: No... She's with Grandma. I told her I had to run some errands this morning.

JACK: (relieved) Good... Thank you. I, uh... I wouldn't have wanted her to ask any questions...

JENNIFER: I told you, Jack-- I'll respect your wishes. I won't let her find out about this, I promise.

JACK is very uncomfortable with her being here. He doesn't want her to see him this way, but deep down, he also does not want her to leave. To cover up his feelings, he turns to humor once again.

JACK: I know what you're thinking. You're thinking this really isn't my color--nor is this a particularly flattering cut. It's a pity they wouldn't let me wear my power suit for this-

JENNIFER: Jack...

JACK: What?

JENNIFER: Jack, I know you're scared. It's okay.

JACK: (laughing nervously) What, me? Scared? No, no, no, this is a piece of cake! This is routine, I could do it with my eyes closed-

JENNIFER: This is me you're talking to, remember? You don't have to pretend that you're not nervous about going through all of this again.

She comes up to him and takes his hand, which is ice cold. JACK immediately feels uneasy and takes his hand away from hers, then rubs the back of his neck.

JACK: I'll be fine, really... I got through it once, and... I'll get through it again.

JENNIFER: (frustrated) Damn it, Jack- (feels guilty, since the last thing he needs is more stress) I'm sorry... Look, I don't want to upset you, Jack. That's not why I came here. I just wanted-

JACK is touched that she is even trying when he knows he is making this difficult for her.

JACK: No, I'm sorry... I'm the one who's sorry. You came here to offer me support and I'm not exactly making it easy for you...

JENNIFER: (smiles) Well when have you ever made anything easy for me?

JACK: Things were never exactly a walk in the park with you either, Jennifer...

They smile at each other, both relieved that the mood could be lightened even for a little bit.

JENNIFER: Jack, I have to confess... I do have an ulterior motive for being here today.

JACK becomes worried.

JENNIFER: (hastening to explain) No, it's nothing bad, I promise! Well... at least, I hope you don't think so...

JACK: All right. I'm all ears.

JENNIFER: I have a proposal.

JACK: (curious) A proposal?

JENNIFER: (nodding) Yes... Look, before I say anything, I want you to promise me you'll think about it first, all right?

JACK: Jennifer, when a person asks you to think about something before they ever even tell you what it is, it can't be good-

JENNIFER: Jack... please?

JACK: (sighs) Why not. I of all people should not be one to judge one's crazy ideas.

JENNIFER: (smirking) Gee, I'm glad you're keeping an open mind about this, Jack.

JACK: (gives her an apologetic smile) Sorry. Please go ahead.

JENNIFER: All right, here goes... I know that you've missed Abby. And I know that you would want to spend as much time with her as you can right now...

JACK: Jennifer, are you saying... you're going to give me joint custody of her?

JACK is overjoyed and relieved at this. Knowing he will not lose his daughter makes this all bearable.

JENNIFER: Yes, Jack-

JACK: That's... Thank you! That's all I was hoping for... Look, I give you my word I'm not going to let her down this time-

JENNIFER: (smiling) I know you won't. I know how much you love her... But...

JACK: (worried) But? Why are you saying 'but'? What is it?

JENNIFER: That wasn't the proposal I was going to make.

JACK: (disappointed) I knew it. I knew it--it was too good to be true... I knew there had to be a catch. All right, give it to me. I can take it.

JENNIFER: Relax, Jack, it's nothing bad. I mean, I hope you agree it's not bad.

JACK: Bad is a relative term. Let's have it.

JENNIFER: Okay. Here's my crazy idea. (pauses to watch for his reaction) We'll all move in together. You, me, Abby--we find a place and move in together.

JACK stares at her in surprise. He isn't sure he heard her quiet right.

JENNIFER: Jack, say something...

JACK: Uh, Jennifer-

JENNIFER: (thinking he might protest) Now wait, you promised you'd think about it-

JACK: I promised no such thing!

JENNIFER: Please, Jack. Look, this is the perfect solution--you get to spend as much time with Abby as you want, and she'll have both her parents living under the same roof...

JACK: And she'll be thinking that her parents are getting back together.

JENNIFER is hurt by his comment, having thought that now that the truth was out in the open, they could have worked things out between them, but JACK still wants to keep her at arm's length.

JACK: Look, Jennifer... Things are complicated right now...

JENNIFER: I know that. I'm not trying to pretend that we've put our problems behind us, Jack. The most important thing right now is you focusing on getting better. And that's why I suggested this. Having Abby with you is going to make this easier, isn't it?

JACK: Yes, it is, but...

JENNIFER: Jack I know you need her right now. And she needs you too... (she wants to tell him that she needs him also, but does not want to push him)

JACK: But if we're together all the time, she might start asking questions--what if she starts suspecting something?

JENNIFER: We'll protect her. I'll help you--I'll be there for you every step of the way. (beat) You won't be alone, Jack.

JACK: Jennifer, you don't have to do this-

JENNIFER: I know I don't have to. I want to. (smiles) Contra mundum, remember?

JACK smiles at hearing their special phrase, and remembers how they had always vowed to be a team throughout everything. He is scared to let down his guard with her, but deep down he also wants to accept her help.

JACK: Contra mundum.

EPISODE 9

SCENE 1

EXT. SALEM PLACE - DAY (A FEW DAYS AFTER EPISODE 8)

JACK is standing outside the ladies room waiting for ABBY to come out. As he is waiting for her, he is thinking about the proposal that JENNIFER made for the three of them to move in together. JACK isn't sure whether or not to say yes. Deep down, he wants them all to be together again, but part of him still wants to keep his distance from JENNIFER during this time because he is scared to be vulnerable and ask for her help.

ABBY finally comes out of the bathroom, while JACK is still in deep thought.

ABBY: Daddy, I'm ready...

JACK does not answer, so ABBY tugs on his sleeve.

JACK: (suddenly notices her) All done?

ABBY nods, and the crown that she is wearing that JACK had bought for her starts to slip off her head, but she catches it and pushes it back into place.

ABBY: (matter-of-factly) All done, Daddy. I told you there was nothing to worry about--I can go to the bathroom all by myself. I wasn't going to get lost.

JACK: (amused by her spunk) It's a daddy's prerogative to worry, sweetheart. (touches her crown affectionately) Look at you--you look so pretty with this on. Very regal, just like a real princess.

ABBY: (giggling) You're so silly, Daddy.

JACK: You think I'm silly? (he bends down to her eye level and taps her on the nose) Yeah, I guess I am deep down, aren't I? But only around special people like you-

ABBY: And Mommy?

JACK is caught off guard by her question.

SCENE 2

INT. BO AND HOPE'S HOUSE - SAME

JENNIFER is visiting with HOPE. She is standing at the fireplace, thinking about the time she, JACK, and ABBY lived in this house. HOPE comes downstairs after putting J.T. to sleep and sees JENNIFER lost in her thoughts.

HOPE: Well, I finally got the little guy to sleep...

JENNIFER does not hear her.

HOPE: (slightly amused) Jen? Hello? Paging Jennifer Deveraux...

HOPE taps JENNIFER on the shoulder to get her attention.

JENNIFER: Hmm? (embarrassed) I'm sorry, Hope... I was, um... a little distracted just now... Gosh, I seem to be off in my own world a lot these days...

HOPE: (smiling) I can see that... Look, it's all right, there's no need to apologize. I can imagine it still must be strange being here, huh? With all the memories this house has for you?

JENNIFER: Yeah... (she begins to trace the sides of the mantle) I remember our first Christmas here. This is where we hung our stockings, and over there was where we put up the mistletoe... Abby was just two months old, but Jack insisted that we go all out in celebrating. Everyone wondered how the holiday spirit suddenly got into him, but he wanted nothing but the best for his daughter's 'first yuletide.' (laughs at the memory) I think he even willed it to snow that night just so we'd have a White Christmas...

HOPE: I wish I had been around to see that. You guys must have been so happy then.

JENNIFER: We were, Hope, we really were... We had this brand new, beautiful baby girl who was happy and healthy, this house that Dad gave us, and... we were together. It was just like the perfect family that I always dreamed of when I was growing up... I finally had my perfect family...

HOPE sees how much JENNIFER is hurting and wants to help her.

HOPE: Oh, Jen... (takes JENNIFER'S hand and leads her to the couch) Look, honey, I know this is none of my business, and I have no right to pry, but-

JENNIFER: Don't be silly, it's not prying where you're concerned, Hope. You're like my sister, you know that.

HOPE: I'm glad you think so. Because I'm here for you. (beat) I've seen how torn up you've been ever since you got back from Africa a few weeks ago. I didn't want to push you before you were ready to open up, but... it's obvious whatever happened between you and Jack must have been pretty painful.

JENNIFER'S eyes begin to water. She tries to wipe her eyes as casually as she can without HOPE noticing, but HOPE does notice.

JENNIFER: (laughing softly) I guess I didn't hide my misery very well, did I?

HOPE: The truth? Um... no, not really... (laughs)

JENNIFER: (quietly) Jack always did say I wore my heart on my sleeve...

HOPE: Jen... What happened?

JENNIFER looks at HOPE and asks herself the same question.

SCENE 3

CUT TO: JACK AND ABBY

ABBY has just brought up JENNIFER in their conversation, and JACK is immediately uncomfortable talking about her with ABBY. He knows the situation is delicate, and he does not want to confuse or mislead ABBY because he does not know where things stand between him and JENNIFER.

ABBY: You like being silly with Mommy too, right?

JACK: (spots an ice cream cart up ahead, changes the subject) Tell you what, princess, what do you say I get you an ice cream cone? But just one--I don't want you spoiling your dinner.

ABBY: (excited) Can I have Rocky Road?

JACK is relieved she did not continue to ask questions about him and JENNIFER. He takes ABBY'S hand and they walk to the ice cream cart as ABBY swings their arms back and forth.

JACK: (in mock horror, as they are walking) Rocky Road? Don't you want something more decadent, like... Caramel Pecan, or Mocha Almond Fudge...

ABBY wrinkles her nose.

JACK: Rocky Road it is. (to the vendor) Double scoop of Rocky Road for Her Highness over here...

VENDOR: Coming right up! (to ABBY) Well, what an honor to be serving royalty today. (bows) It's not every day I get to meet a real princess.

ABBY is delighted and begins to curtsy, but JACK stops her.

JACK: Abigail, rule number one--royalty does not bow or curtsy. Only their subjects do.

ABBY: (giggling) Okay, Daddy.

VENDOR: Here you go, Your Highness... (bows again before handing the ice cream cone to JACK) Double scoop of Rocky Road--in a waffle cone. (to JACK) No extra charge.

JACK: Thank you. (hands it to ABBY, and they begin to walk towards a bench)

ABBY: (as they are walking) Daddy?

JACK: Yes, Abigail?

ABBY: I'm glad Mommy let us have a day for ourselves.

JACK smiles, and he sits down on the bench then has ABBY sit on his lap.

JACK: Me too, princess. (looks at her in wonder, then begins to play with her hair) I've missed you so much, you know that? It was like... like I was missing a piece of my heart... (beat) I know I haven't been around much-

ABBY: It's okay, Daddy, you don't have to explain.

JACK: I don't?

ABBY: (shakes her head) No, Mommy explained it to me already...

JACK feels guilty and wonders what JENNIFER told ABBY when they were in Africa.

SCENE 4

CUT TO: JENNIFER AND HOPE

HOPE has just asked JENNIFER what happened to break her and JACK up and caused JENNIFER to come home to Salem without him.

HOPE: When you guys left here five years ago, you looked so happy and in love--it gave me hope that Bo and I might have a chance too, someday. You guys looked like you had finally put the pain behind you. (beat) What happened?

JENNIFER: Good question. Unfortunately, the answer isn't so simple, Hope.

HOPE: No, it never is, is it?

JENNIFER: (getting up off the couch to walk over to the window) Things were simple, once... Like on the island...

HOPE: (smiles at the memory) You know what I remember so well from the island?

JENNIFER: What?

HOPE: The time we were talking on the beach, and I was telling you how scared I was that we might never get home--I'll never forget what you said to me. You told me that even though you knew how serious everything was and that you knew you should be scared, you weren't. You and Jack had finally found something so special you knew it would get you through whatever came along. I knew then and there you guys would make it work no matter what, Jen. I just hope you haven't forgotten that.

JENNIFER: (quietly) No, I haven't forgotten. But so much has happened to us since then, Hope, and... sometimes I wonder if we really can...

HOPE: Jen, what happened in Africa? What changed?

JENNIFER: At first things were perfect. They were really incredible, Hope. It really did feel like a new beginning for us, and after everything that had gone on, we were finally on the right track.

HOPE: But?

JENNIFER: But... about a year ago, Jack started acting strange. I knew something was bothering him, but he wouldn't talk to me about it. And then he started to disappear. He would leave for weeks at a time and wouldn't tell me where he was going, just that he would be home soon, and-

HOPE: And that's why you left. (shakes her head) No wonder you left him, Jen-

JENNIFER: No, Hope, you don't understand...

HOPE looks at JENNIFER in curiosity.

SCENE 5

CUT TO: JACK AND ABBY

ABBY has told JACK that JENNIFER had tried to explain his absences in Africa, and JACK wonders what JENNIFER had said.

JACK: Mommy explained things to you, huh?

ABBY: (nodding) Uh huh... She told me that you had to do important things, but you didn't really like being away from us either.

JACK looks at her with love and tenderly brushes the hair out of her eyes.

JACK: No, I didn't, Abigail. I hated being away from you and Mommy. Hated every single minute of it. (he cups her face in his hands) I want you to know one thing. Nothing is more important to me than you are, all right? I don't want you to ever forget that, sweetheart. (beat) Promise me you'll never forget that.

ABBY: I won't, Daddy. I promise.

She snuggles up to him and puts her arms around his neck. JACK cradles her, marveling at how much he loves her. He thinks back to what his life had been like before JENNIFER came, and how he was a different person back then, who never thought he would find anyone to love or love him in return, and who never thought he would be a father.

ABBY: Daddy?

JACK: Yes?

ABBY: I'm glad you came back to us.

JACK looks at her in surprise and feels guilty for all the times he had been gone from ABBY'S life.

JACK: I will never leave you, Abigail. Never.

ABBY: Promise?

JACK: I promise. (touches her hair again) You know, when you were really little and you were sick, I made myself another promise. I promised myself that I would never let anything hurt you again. You know that, don't you? You know I would do anything to make sure you're happy?

ABBY: I know. Because you love me, right?

JACK: More than anything in this world.

ABBY: I love you too, Daddy. (tilts her head to look up at him) Can I ask you a question?

JACK: Anything.

ABBY: Do you and Mommy still love each other, like you love me?

JACK is taken back by her question.

JACK: (after some silence) Yes, Abigail. Mommy and I... We'll always love each other. Just like we'll always love you.

ABBY: Then why did Mommy leave with me? Why aren't we going to be a family anymore, Daddy?

JACK: (wishing he knew what to tell her) Sweetheart, sometimes grown-ups do things that won't make sense to you right now. But when you get older, you'll understand...

ABBY: Would it be okay if I wished for it? Can I still wish we could be a family again?

JACK kisses her forehead.

JACK: (quietly) Maybe you can wish it for both of us.

SCENE 6

CUT TO: JENNIFER AND HOPE

HOPE has just figured out why JENNIFER left JACK in Africa, but JENNIFER tries to explain that things are not what they seem.

JENNIFER: Hope, no, things are more complicated than you think...

HOPE: What is complicated about this? He promised you he'd never leave you again and then he starts flaking on you again-

JENNIFER: He... he had a good reason...

HOPE: Jen, what possible excuse is there to leave you feeling neglected all the time? To leave you alone in a foreign place with a young child like that? Look, you know I love Jack, but let's face it, he hasn't had the best track record as far as sticking around goes. If you were afraid of him running out on you again, it would only be natural-

JENNIFER: But I was wrong...

HOPE: (confused) What do you mean you were wrong?

JENNIFER: I thought the same things you did, Hope. I thought he was playing the same games he used to before, and that Abby and I were just going to end up being hurt again... And yes, that's why I left Africa, because I didn't want Abby to grow up in a home where Daddy would be off somewhere, gone at a moment's notice--and maybe wouldn't come back at all.

HOPE: You did the right thing, Jen. Your daughter comes first and if you feel like she's going to suffer because of Jack's behavior, then you had to do what you had to do-

JENNIFER: (quietly) Except I didn't know the truth.

HOPE: The truth?

JENNIFER: Hope, he... Well, I guess it's going to come out sooner or later. Jack said it would be fine for me to tell family as long as this was kept quiet...

HOPE: Jen, what's going on?

JENNIFER: You... you know that Jack was sick once, right? That he had... Hodgkin's Disease about thirteen years ago?

JENNIFER'S eyes begin to fill with tears. She can not keep herself from crying now, and HOPE'S eyes widen as she realizes what JENNIFER is saying.

HOPE: Oh my God, are you saying...

JENNIFER: Apparently the chemotherapy he had back then caused another cancer to develop later on. (beat) He's got a form of leukemia. Dad... Dad was the one who diagnosed him...

HOPE: Oh, Jen, I'm so sorry... You must be... I can't even imagine what you're going through right now...

JENNIFER: (shaking her head) Jack's the one I'm worried about. Whatever I'm dealing with is nothing compared to what he has to.

HOPE: But this has to be killing you too, isn't it?

She takes JENNIFER in her arms and JENNIFER finally begins to sob.

JENNIFER: Oh God, Hope, what if he doesn't beat this? All this time... all this time I took for granted that he would always be around... Even when I left Africa, and I told myself this was really it between us, I always thought in the back of my mind that... he'd be there... But what if...

HOPE: Shh... He needs you stay positive right now. You have to believe he'll get better if you want to help him-

JENNIFER: That's just it, though. He doesn't want my help. That's why he shut me out when he found out--that's why he's still so distant with me. (sighs) No wonder he thinks my idea is so nuts-

HOPE: Whoa, wait, back up--what idea?

JENNIFER: Well, given the way things are between us... Jack wanted to get this custody issue settled...

HOPE: Custody issue? You mean you two aren't going to try to work things out now that the truth is out in the open?

JENNIFER: (shakes her head) I don't... Look, the state of our marriage--our relationship--has to wait right now. The only thing Jack should be focusing on is getting better, and I'm not about to pressure him about us...

HOPE: So what is this idea of yours that's so nuts?

JENNIFER: Well we had been going around in circles about Abby. We agreed to share custody of her, but I wondered how good it would be for her to be shuttled back and forth between her parents, and... I think Jack really needs to spend as much time with her as he can, so... I suggested that we all... move in together. Jack, Abby, and... me.

HOPE: Oh, Jen...

JENNIFER: I know what you're going to say. I know, this is insane after everything that's happened, but-

HOPE: (smiling) That's not what I was going to say.

JENNIFER: It wasn't?

HOPE: No. I was going to say I don't think it's crazy. I think you're trying to do what's best for your daughter--and for Jack. And I know he won't let you in right now, but... at least you'll be able to be around him right now. Even if he can't ask for your help I'm sure it would mean a lot for you to just be there.

JENNIFER: You really think so?

HOPE: I know so.

JENNIFER: I hope so. (looks at her watch) Oh my gosh, I need to get going. Jack should be dropping Abby off any minute now, and he told me he'd have an answer for me today on my 'proposal.' I just hope it's the answer I'm hoping for.

HOPE: I hope so too, Jen. Just promise me one thing, all right?

JENNIFER: What?

HOPE: That no matter what, you won't give up hope. It'll work out, you'll see.

JENNIFER: (smiling) Yeah. I'm not giving up on him now.

SCENE 7

MUSICAL MONTAGE - BETTE MIDLER'S "IN THIS LIFE" IS PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND

EXT. SALEM PLACE - AFTERNOON

JACK and ABBY are walking together, and JACK is thinking about what he and JENNIFER have been through.

CUT TO:

INT. JENNIFER'S CAR - AFTERNOON

JENNIFER is driving home and remembering her life with JACK.

As the song plays, several images flash across the screen.

For all I've been blessed with
In this life
There was an emptiness in me
I was imprisoned
By the power of gold
With one kind touch you set me free

Their first meeting at The Spectator.

JACK giving JENNIFER her first by-line.

JENNIFER hugging JACK when he won his Ferarro Award.

Their first kiss in the secret room at STEVE'S house.

The kiss in JACK'S office when she told him she believed in him.

Let the world stop turning
Let the sun stop burning
Let them tell me love's not
Worth going through
If it all falls apart
I will know deep in my heart
The only dream that mattered
Had come true
In this life
I was loved by you

JACK kidnapping JENNIFER in the fire truck.

JACK and JENNIFER dancing the tango on The Loretta.

The first time they make love, in the cave on the island.

For every mountain
I have climbed
For every raging river crossed
You were the treasure
That I longed to find
Without your love I would be lost

JACK and JENNIFER when they were trapped in the tunnels at Alamania.

JACK proposing to JENNIFER in the pouring rain, with the ring hidden in the jade plant.

Their wedding.

The night ABBY was conceived, on the set of Ask Dr. Love.

ABBY'S birth.

I know that I won't live forever
But forever I'll be loving you...

JACK and JENNIFER screaming at airplanes on the runway.

JACK comforting JENNIFER at TOM'S funeral.

JACK and JENNIFER watching a sunset in Africa.

CUT TO: JACK AND ABBY AT SALEM PLACE

JACK smiles as he remembers those memories. ABBY asks to be carried, and he picks her up in his arms.

CUT TO: JENNIFER IN HER CAR

JENNIFER: (whispers) No, I'm not going to give up on you, Jack...

EPISODE 10

SCENE 1

INT. HORTON KITCHEN - AFTERNOON (SAME DAY AS EPISODE 9)

JENNIFER has just come home after talking to HOPE and notices the light blinking on the answering machine. As she goes to check the messages, she sees a note by the phone.

INSERT - THE NOTE

"Jennifer,

I'm running errands for the rest of the afternoon and then I'll be heading over to your Uncle Mickey's house for dinner.

I'll be back late.

Love,
Grandma"

BACK TO SCENE

JENNIFER smiles, realizing this was ALICE'S way of making sure she and JACK would have plenty of privacy to talk.

JENNIFER: Very subtle, Grandma. (she looks at the answering machine) And I suppose this is you leaving the message, isn't it?

She presses play and leans on the counter as she listens.

JACK'S voice is on the first message.

JACK (VO): Jennifer, it's me...

She smiles instinctively when she hears his voice.

JACK: Listen, I know I promised to have Abigail back by 4:30, but... well, she saw this movie poster for the new Pokemon cartoon, and all right, so Shakespeare it isn't, but I suppose there are worse forms of entertainment to expose her to, and... I'll be sure to start her on Homer's Iliad as soon as I get her home to undo the damage (JENNIFER smiles at this comment), but I figured I could give into her request this one time, so uh... we'll be a little late. I'll have her there in time for dinner though, don't worry...

JENNIFER: (laughing to herself) Oh Jack, you still worry too much about her, don't you? (beat) But I wouldn't have it any other way...

The answering machine beeps to indicate a second message. JENNIFER listens as the next voice comes on.

BILL (VO): Hi Jennifer, it's Dad...

JENNIFER:(surprised to hear from him) Dad?

BILL:(sounding serious) Jack called me yesterday, and... I thought you might want to talk, so call me, all right? It doesn't matter how late it is, but I'd really like to... hear from you. Bye, sweetheart.

JENNIFER stares at the phone, debating whether or not to call. She knows why he is calling, but she is not sure she wants to speak to him right now, even though she has many things she would like to say to him. Eventually, she decides to call.

CUT TO: BILL answering the phone on the other line.

BILL: Hello?

JENNIFER: Dad, it's... me...

BILL: Jennifer Rose? Honey, I'm so glad you called-

JENNIFER: I'm sorry to wake you, I know it's really late over there...

BILL: Don't be silly, it's all right, really. I'm just... I'm just glad to hear from you. I was, uh... I was worried about you, sweetheart. Jack told me that he... told you everything...

JENNIFER: (does not want to have yet another emotional conversation about JACK right now) Yeah, he did...

BILL: (noticing her hesitation) You're mad at me for not telling you.

JENNIFER does not know how to answer him.

SCENE 2

IN PROGRESS

BILL has just noticed JENNIFER'S coolness towards him, and has asked her if she's mad at him for keeping JACK'S secret.

BILL: Honey, I don't want to push, but... I know you, and I know when you're upset. I would understand if you were angry with me-

JENNIFER doesn't want to get into this now, because she knows she'll say something she'll regret. She is mad at her father, but she feels guilty for feeling this way, so is doing her best to avoid the issue.

JENNIFER: Dad, please don't do this-

BILL: We need to talk about this, Jennifer Rose. You're angry, and-

JENNIFER: (finally letting it out) All right, yes! I am angry, okay? (regretting the outburst, but needing to get this out). I know you were doing your job, and I know you couldn't break your doctor patient confidentiality, but... Dad, he's my husband--(corrects herself)--was my husband... the father of my child... (she begins to cry softly, no longer able to hold back her emotions) All those months that he was shutting me out, or he'd be gone for weeks on end... You saw how scared I was, Dad--how confused I was, and lonely, and out of my mind with worry. I just wanted him to tell me what was wrong, but he wouldn't. And knowing that you knew that entire time and you never said a thing...

BILL: Oh honey, don't you know how much I wanted to tell you? I tried to convince Jack to tell you because I thought you should know. I wish things could have been different.

JENNIFER: (quietly) So do I. (beat) I'm sorry, Daddy-

BILL: It's all right, Jennifer. Just get it out. I know you need to get it out.

JENNIFER: I don't know, maybe I just needed to be angry at something--or someone. And you just happened to be the easiest target.

BILL: I guess I do deserve it.

JENNIFER: (feeling guilty) No, you don't. And I shouldn't even be doing this--what right do I have to be feeling sorry for myself when Jack's the one... (she can't finish the sentence)

BILL: You can't help how you feel.

JENNIFER: Dad, how I'm feeling isn't important-

BILL: It's important to me, Jennifer Rose. (beat) And I'm sure it's important to Jack.

The doorbell rings before JENNIFER has a chance to answer him.

JENNIFER: I have to go, Dad--Jack's here with Abby...

BILL: All right, honey. You'll call me if you need to talk? I'm here for you, Jennifer Rose. And please know that I'm sorry. I really am...

JENNIFER: I know. (beat) I love you.

BILL: I love you too. And remember what I said, all right? Jack's not the one going through this. You are too.

JENNIFER thinks about what BILL just said and knows he's right.

SCENE 3

IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER goes to open the front door. ABBY comes bounding in, as JACK stands, somewhat awkwardly, at the door.

ABBY: (showing off her crown) Mommy, look what Daddy bought me, look!!

JENNIFER: Oh baby, that's so pretty! I guess we'll have you call you Your Highness from now on, don't we?

ABBY giggles.

JACK: (with a grin) I think Princess Abigail does have a nice ring to it, don't you agree?

He and JENNIFER lock eyes, and for a moment it is like old times again, both forgetting about the tension that's been between them for the past few weeks. It feels good for both of them to laugh.

ABBY: Daddy, you're staying here for dinner, right?

JACK: (looking at JENNIFER for help) Uh... well, sure... if it's all right with your mother...

JENNIFER: (nodding) Of course Daddy can stay for dinner. (looks to JACK) Unless you've got other plans...

JACK: No, no... There's nothing I'd like more than to spend time with my favorite girls--girl... my favorite girl... (laughs nervously, tries to cover) in the whole wide world...

JENNIFER smiles, having noticed his slip of the tongue. JACK is embarrassed and tries to pretend all is normal, but the more he tries to cover up his slip, the more amused JENNIFER becomes.

JACK: (trying to make JENNIFER forget what he just said, bows to ABBY) Thank you for inviting me, my dear princess. It would be an honor to dine with Her Royal Highness.

ABBY: (giggling) You're welcome my loyal subject. (to JENNIFER) Mommy, is it okay if I go play with my dollhouse for a little bit?

JENNIFER: Now? Well, we were going to have dinner in just a little bit...

ABBY: I know, but you and Daddy have to talk, (to JACK) right Daddy?

JACK is caught a bit off guard by the comment and just laughs nervously. JENNIFER is just as surprised, but simply smiles.

JACK: (clearing his throat) Uh, yes, Abigail... We... do have to talk...

ABBY: Okay, I'll be upstairs. (runs up the steps) Call me when you're all done!

JENNIFER watches her disappear upstairs and turns to JACK with an amused smile.

JENNIFER: I guess that was a hint.

JACK: (laughing nervously again) Are we sure she's only eight? Sometimes it feels like she's been put in a rapid aging machine and has passed even us in maturity level.

JENNIFER: (smiling) Speak for yourself, Jack. I've always been the mature one in this relationship.

JACK gives her a you've got to be kidding me look, then eventually breaks into a smile.

JENNIFER: There it is...

JACK: What?

JENNIFER: That brilliant smile. I knew it was hiding somewhere.

JACK gets embarrassed.

JENNIFER: It's nice to see it again, Jack.

JACK: (softly) It's nice to have a reason for it.

JENNIFER wonders if he means he's been unhappy lately because of her and all their fighting over ABBY and their relationship, and she is hurt and feels guilty.

JACK and JENNIFER: (simultaneously) So-

They both laugh.

JENNIFER: You first-

JACK: (overlapping) Go ahead-

JENNIFER: (laughing) Really, Jack, you go first...

JACK: Well, uh... you made a... somewhat surprising proposal the other day...

JENNIFER nods.

JACK: And... I promised you I'd give you my answer after I had had a few days to think about it...

JENNIFER tries not to look too anxious for his answer, but she has been waiting a while now.

JENNIFER: I'm glad you decided to think about it, Jack. And... have you made a decision?

JACK: (knowing that she's dying to hear his answer and taking some pleasure in making her wait a little bit longer) Uh... yes... yes, I have...

He smiles, seeing her hang on his every word. JENNIFER knows he is probably teasing her, but is so caught up in this little game they play that she does not even mind.

JACK: I have to admit you did take me by surprise by your suggestion, although it's true, we're not exactly the most conventional people in the world...

JENNIFER is starting to get antsy.

JACK: ... and we've always done things differently than other people, but still, I never would have seen this coming-

JENNIFER: Jack!

JACK gives her an innocent look, although he knows exactly what he's doing.

JACK: What?

JENNIFER: Could you please... just get to your answer? You know, sometime tonight?

JACK: (smiling) Oh you wanted an answer now?

JENNIFER: Jack!!

JACK: (laughing out loud now) All right, all right, talk about pressure! (he turns serious) I just want to know one thing.

JENNIFER: (realizing he's serious now) Anything.

JACK: You meant it before, right? When you said that you'd help me make sure that Abigail... doesn't find out... that she won't know that I'm sick...

JENNIFER: (nodding) I promise, Jack. We'll protect her, you and me.

They are looking at each other this entire time, unable to take their eyes away from each other.

JACK: So, I guess... we're a team again, then?

JENNIFER smiles and sticks out her hand.

JENNIFER: Just like old times?

She is nervous because he still hasn't taken her hand. They both awkwardly look at it, then finally, Jack shakes it, and they both smile.

JACK: You've got yourself a deal, Miss Horton.

JENNIFER: (she remembers their special joke) I told you, the name is-

JACK: (smiling, because he remembers it too) I know... I know.

Chapters 1 - 5 *** Chapters 6 - 10 *** Chapters 11 - 15 *** Chapters 16 - 20 *** Chapters 21 - 25 *** Chapters 26 - 30 *** Chapters 31 - 35 *** Chapters 36 - 40 *** Chapters 41 - 45 *** Chapters 46 - 47

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