In This Life
by Jennifer
Episodes 16 - 20
EPISODE 16
SCENE 1
INT. ABBY'S BEDROOM - EVENING (A FEW DAYS AFTER EPISODE 15)
JACK and JENNIFER are tucking ABBY in, and JACK is reading her a chapter from Little House In The Big Woods.
JACK: ... They were cozy and comfortable in their little house made of logs-
JENNIFER: (whispers) Jack...
JACK: -with the snow drifted around it and the wind crying-
JENNIFER: (a little louder, but still whispering) Jack!
JACK: (finally looks at JENNIFER) What? I was just getting to the-
JENNIFER: (gestures towards ABBY, who is fast asleep) I think you can stop now...
JACK: (smiles as he sees ABBY) Oh... (laughs softly) That's too bad, I was just getting to the good part...
JENNIFER: I don't think she was really listening tonight anyway.
JACK: What do you mean?
JENNIFER: (grins) Well, I think... she just wanted an excuse to keep us here in her room. (beat) Together.
JACK looks at her in surprise, then pretends not to know what she means.
JACK: (clears throat, begins to ramble) You know, I think she's old enough to get started on classic mythology. Yes, this is just fine, I mean, Adrienne did make a good selection with this particular book, but the child should really know her myths--and not the Disney version, for heaven's sake. Did you see the way they completely changed the story of Hercules? I am so glad we never took her to see that-
JENNIFER: Jack...
JACK: What?
JENNIFER: You're doing it again.
JACK: Doing what?
JENNIFER looks at ABBY and motions JACK to step out into the hallway so they don't wake her. They get up from ABBY'S bed as carefully as possible and slip out of her room.
JACK: (repeating) Doing what, Jennifer?
JENNIFER: (looking him straight in the eyes, making JACK a little nervous) Avoiding.
SCENE 2
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER has just called JACK on his habit of avoiding certain conversations with her.
JACK: I beg your pardon? (laughs) I-I'm not avoiding anything, Jennifer-
JENNIFER: Oh no?
JACK: (shakes head vehemently) No, sirree...
JENNIFER steps up close. JACK is trapped--he is leaning against ABBY'S door and JENNIFER is right in front of him.
JENNIFER: Then why did you suddenly start talking about Hercules when I brought up the subject of us?
JACK: Us? There is no... 'us'...
JENNIFER is hurt by that statement.
JACK: (having realized that came out the wrong way) What I mean is, we were not talking about 'us,' we were talking about appropriate reading material for our daughter-
JENNIFER: (frustrated, turns around to go to her room) Fine, Jack. Have it your way...
JACK starts to follow her to explain, and finds that he is a little more tired than he thought, and nearly stumbles.
JACK: (holding on to the wall for support) Whoa...
JENNIFER: (rushing to his side) Jack!
JACK: I'm fine... (straightens) See? Nothing to worry about...
JENNIFER is unconvinced. JACK takes some more steps, as carefully as possible so as not to worry JENNIFER, but he loses his balance and falls down.
JENNIFER: Oh my God!
ABBY hears the noise and wakes up, scared.
ABBY: Mommy? Daddy?
OUT on JACK'S panic.
SCENE 3
IN PROGRESS
JACK has lost his balance and stumbled to the ground, waking ABBY up. ABBY is scared and gets out of bed to see what happened.
JACK: (whispering) Jennifer--I can't let her see me like this!
JENNIFER: It's all right, Jack, don't worry...
She helps him up and helps him to his room.
ABBY: (opening her bedroom door) Mommy? Daddy? Is that you? What happened?
JENNIFER manages to get JACK into his room before ABBY comes out into the hallway. She slips out of JACK'S room just in time and tries to act as normally as possible.
JENNIFER: (mock stern) What are you doing out of bed, young lady? Daddy and I just tucked you in!
ABBY: (knowing her mother is hiding something) I heard something... What was it? Are you and Daddy okay?
CUT TO: JACK
JACK is behind his bedroom door, listening intently to what they are saying, and he is hoping ABBY does not find out anything.
CUT TO: JENNIFER AND ABBY
JENNIFER: (laughing) Oh, you probably heard me hit my arm on the door... (noticing that ABBY doesn't seem to be buying this) I can be so clumsy sometimes...
ABBY: (unconvinced) Where's Daddy?
CUT TO: JACK
JACK panics when he hears ABBY'S question.
CUT TO: JENNIFER AND ABBY
JENNIFER: Where's Daddy? He's, uh... he's in his room, baby...
ABBY: Is he okay?
JENNIFER: Of course he is...
ABBY: (makes a move towards JACK'S room) Are you sure?
CUT TO: JACK
JACK: (to himself, hoping ABBY does not come in his room) Don't let her come in here, Jennifer... Please...
OUT on JACK hoping JENNIFER can keep ABBY at bay.
SCENE 4
IN PROGRESS
ABBY is now worried about JACK despite JENNIFER telling her he is fine. She makes a move towards his room, but JENNIFER steps in front of her to keep her from going in.
JENNIFER: You know what, honey? Daddy's already asleep... After we tucked you in, he was really tired and he went right to sleep, and you know how grumpy he gets when he gets woken up--you don't want to wake him up, do you?
ABBY thinks about it for a moment, then finally decides JENNIFER is right.
ABBY: Okay, Mommy...
CUT TO: JACK
JACK: (closes his eyes in relief) Thank God...
CUT TO: JENNIFER AND ABBY
JENNIFER: Good, that's my girl... (kisses ABBY'S forehead) Now you run along to bed, okay? I love you!
ABBY: I love you too.
JENNIFER watches as ABBY goes into her room and waits a few minutes to make sure she will not come out again, then JENNIFER goes into JACK'S room to see if he is all right.
JENNIFER: Jack?
She begins to panic when she does not see him in here.
JENNIFER: Jack? Where are you, are you okay? Jack?
She hears him in his bathroom, and worries even more.
JENNIFER: (into the door) Jack? Are you... do you need me to help?
JACK (VO): No, I'll be fine...
JENNIFER: (knowing he isn't fine) Jack, please... if you're not-
JACK opens the door and comes out. He is pale and still obviously very weak. JENNIFER immediately rushes to help him.
JACK: (embarrassed to have to accept her help, tries to hide behind humor once again) You know, I could get used to this kind of treatment...
JENNIFER: (guiding him to the bed) I've got you... Here you go...
JACK: Well I suppose nausea and a lack of balance is a fair trade-off for not having to lose one's hair, isn't it? (runs hand through hair) At least I didn't lose my hair-
JENNIFER: (touches his hand, then brings it back down) Jack, stop it...
JACK: Stop what?
JENNIFER: (up very close to his face now) Please stop joking about this. Not about this, all right?
JACK: I can't-
JENNIFER: Yes, you can-
JACK: No, Jennifer. I can't. Because if I stop joking about it, then I might have to start taking this seriously-
JENNIFER: Damn it, this is serious!
She backs up, feeling guilty for the outburst. They are both quiet for a while. JENNIFER wants to help him, but she is not sure whether JACK wants her here, since he has obviously tried very hard to still keep her at a distance, even now.
JENNIFER: (starting to get up) Well, I... I guess I should-
JACK: Jennifer, wait-
She turns around to look at him. JACK tries to think of a way to get her to stay. Though he does not want to ask for her help, he also does not want her to leave.
JENNIFER: (hoping he is asking her to stay) What is it, Jack?
JACK: Uh... (does not know how to ask her) I, uh... (gets an idea; reaches for his laptop) I know it's late, but uh... perhaps you're up for a late-night writing session tonight?
JENNIFER looks at him for a few moments, then realizes exactly what he is doing.
JENNIFER: (smiling) Sure. (beat) Why not?
OUT on JACK'S smile.
SCENE 5
INT. JACK'S BEDROOM - LATER
JACK and JENNIFER are on his bed, working on their book. JENNIFER turns to ask him something, and notices that JACK has now fallen asleep. She smiles.
MUSICAL MONTAGE - JANN ARDEN'S "IN YOUR KEEPING" IS PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND
Tell me I will never
die
Take away my pain
Rock me gently in your arms
Say that I will remain
In your keeping
JENNIFER watches him as he sleeps.
Brush the hair out
from my eyes
Read me a good story
Kiss my fingertips good night
Say that I can stay
In your keeping
She takes his quilt and covers him up, then starts to get up to leave, but stops.
And I know this much
is true
I have lived inside of you
You have always seen me through
While I am peacefully sleeping
She looks at him for a while, then slowly sinks down on the bed again, and lies beside him.
You have always been
my friend
I can see your beauty
Shining through
I will love you till the end
Long will I remain
In your keeping
Gingerly, tentatively, she reaches out to touch him as he is sleeping, and brushes his hair away from his forehead. She lies there facing him until she falls asleep herself.
And I know this much
is true
I have lived inside of you
You have always seen me through
While I am peacefully sleeping
While I am peacefully sleeping
Scene fades to black.
EPISODE 17
SCENE 1
INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING (THE DAY AFTER EPISODE 16)
JACK and ABBY are sitting in front of the television, having ice cream. JACK has picked out some sort of documentary for them to watch. ABBY is engrossed in watching it, and JACK watches her with pride.
ABBY: (eyes wide) Oh my gosh, did the boa constrictor really swallow that mouse, Daddy?!
JACK: (realizing that might have been too graphic for her) Uh, perhaps it's time to switch to something else now, what do you say?
ABBY: Can we watch Power Puff Girls?
JACK: (to himself, grimacing) Powder Puff Girls... What kind of a name is that for a show? (notices the time on the grandfather clock) I didn't realize it was so late already, Abigail. (takes the empty bowl of ice cream from her and starts get up to head into the kitchen) Time for you to brush your teeth, young lady.
ABBY: (grabs his arm) Daddy...
JACK: (imitating her pleading tone) Abigail... (taps his watch) It's a school night. I'm afraid you're not going to charm your way out of this one, kiddo.
ABBY: (leans in close to his face) Can't I at least stay up till Mommy gets back?
JACK: Bo and Hope won't be back until late, and she can't just leave the baby all by himself while they're gone. (kisses the tip her nose) Sorry, no loopholes tonight. Go on, I'll be right up to tuck you in.
ABBY: Okay... I wish Mommy were here so you two could tuck me in together...
JACK: (to himself, as he watches her run upstairs) Me too, Abigail. Me too.
He starts to think about what that morning, when he woke up to find JENNIFER sleeping next to him.
FLASHBACK - EARLIER THAT DAY
INT. JACK'S BEDROOM - MORNING
JACK wakes up and is surprised to see JENNIFER beside him. He realizes she must have stayed in his room all night, and he can't believe it. He slowly sits up and for a while, all he can do is watch her sleep and look at her in amazement, grateful that she would do this for him, but at the same time, hating the fact that she had to see him this way. He realizes he should get out of bed before she wakes up because he does not want to deal with this right now. Though he gets up as carefully as possible, JENNIFER wakes up.
JENNIFER: (groggily) Jack?
JACK turns around and looks at her, and sees her prop her elbow up as she smiles at him.
JENNIFER: Hey...
JACK: Uh... hi...
JENNIFER: How are you feeling?
JACK: Better. I'm... better... thanks...
JENNIFER: (just now noticing that he looks like he is about to leave) Where are you going?
JACK: I... (trying to think of something) I thought I'd go make Abigail's breakfast. (looks at his watch) We need to take her to school in an hour, so I thought I'd get things started-
JENNIFER: (short tone, as she gets up and starts to leave) Don't bother. I've got it.
JACK: (realizing she's upset, grabs her arm) Wait a minute, Jennifer-
JENNIFER: What, Jack?
JACK: Are you angry with me?
JENNIFER: Angry? Why would I be angry with you, Jack?
JACK: I don't know... You just seem angry.
JENNIFER: Or maybe you're just feeling guilty. (brushes past him) Excuse me.
JACK: All right, you are angry... (chases after her) Wait, Jennifer... Please...
JENNIFER stops and turns around to look at him. She knows exactly what he is doing and she is hurt and frustrated that he is still trying to shut her out, despite all she's done to try and reach out to him.
JACK: (knowing he must be hurting her, but not really knowing how to make things better) Please don't be upset-
JENNIFER: (exasperated) Look, it's fine--you don't have to apologize, all right? (beat) I get the hint. You don't want me around-
JACK: Jennifer, that's not-
JENNIFER: Jack, I've danced this dance with you a million times before. I know all the steps by heart, so you don't have to explain, you don't have to tell me I'm misinterpreting something, or that I'm overreacting--I know. (beat) I know when you don't want me around. (voice cracks) You've made it perfectly clear you don't want my help, Jack. You don't want me to reach out to you. So you win, all right? (quietly) You win.
JACK sees how much she is hurting and it is killing him. He wants to tell her how much her being there for him all this time has helped and that he appreciates all she has done, but just doesn't even know where to begin to tell her.
JACK: Jennifer, I-
JENNIFER: (not wanting to talk about this anymore, in case ABBY walks in on them) Abby's going to be up soon. We should really get going.
JACK: (softly) All right.
He follows her out the door.
BACK TO PRESENT
JACK: (to himself) But I do want your help, Jennifer. I do, I just... I just don't know how to ask...
ABBY (VO): Daddy! I'm all done brushing my teeth!
JACK: (calling out to her upstairs) All right, I'll be right up, Abigail!
OUT on JACK as he goes up to tuck ABBY in.
INT. ABBY'S BEDROOM - LATER
JACK has just finished reading ABBY a story and is tucking her in.
ABBY: Make sure to tuck me in real tight, Daddy. Real tight, okay?
JACK: (amused) Yes, my little enchilada.
ABBY: (giggling) I'm so glad it's nice and warm in here. It's freezing outside!
JACK: It is, isn't it? Tell you what--once you've finished doing your homework tomorrow, and it's snowed again in the morning, I'll take you outside to make snow angels.
ABBY: (lights up) Really, Daddy?
JACK: Really.
ABBY: Do I really have to finish all my homework first?
JACK: Yes, all of it.
ABBY: Even math?
JACK: (arching an eyebrow) Especially math. You want to be sure you know your numbers really well when you're making your millions one day.
She giggles again, then quiets down and looks at him seriously.
ABBY: Daddy, can I ask you something?
JACK: Anything.
ABBY: You promise you'll tell me the truth?
JACK: (taken aback by her question) Of course, sweetheart. You know I'd never lie to you.
ABBY: Promise?
JACK: Cross my heart. Now what is it you want to know?
ABBY: Are you sick?
OUT on JACK'S disbelief.
SCENE 3
IN PROGRESS
ABBY has just asked JACK point blank if he's sick, and he is not sure how to answer her.
JACK: What makes you ask a question like that, Abigail?
ABBY: You've been tired a lot lately. We don't get to play a lot like we used to.
JACK feels very guilty.
JACK: Sweetheart, I'm sorry about that. I know how you love to play horsy, and I haven't been able to-
ABBY: It's okay, Daddy, I'm not mad, honest. (beat) I just wanted to know if you weren't feeling well. Are you sick, Daddy?
He thinks for a moment about not telling her the truth, but then decides he needs to be honest with her.
JACK: (softly) Yes... Yes, Abigail, I'm... sick...
ABBY: You have a cold?
JACK: (smiles) No, sweetheart, it's not like a cold, it's... a little more serious than that.
ABBY: Like when I had ap... ap... aplastic-
JACK: Aplastic Anemia?
ABBY nods.
JACK: Something like that. (takes a deep breath, wonders how much she will be able to understand) I have something called... leukemia...
ABBY: And it's something really bad, like what I had?
JACK: (hesitating) Yes... It's something really bad...
ABBY: (after a few seconds of silence) You're not going to die, are you? Daddy, please say you're not going to die!
JACK looks at her, speechless.
SCENE 4
IN PROGRESS
ABBY has just asked JACK if he is going to die.
ABBY: (scared) Are you going to die, Daddy?
JACK knows he can not promise her he won't. He does not want to lie to her, but he also does not want to scare her.
JACK: I... I don't know, sweetheart...
ABBY looks back at him with fear and confusion.
JACK: But I do know one thing. And I want you to know it too, all right? I want you to promise me you'll never forget what I'm about to tell you.
ABBY: Okay, Daddy.
JACK: (strokes her hair affectionately, whispers) No matter what happens, Abigail, I am never going to leave you. Never. That's a promise, do you understand?
ABBY nods.
JACK: I am always going to be with you, whatever may come. (points to her heart) Right here. That's right where I'll be.
ABBY: (smiling) Always?
JACK: Always. (kisses her) And now, young lady, it's past your bedtime. So I'll see you in the morning-
ABBY: Wait, Daddy...
JACK looks back at her in curiosity as she reaches over to her nightstand and gets something.
ABBY: I want to give you something.
She extends her hand, and JACK sees that she is giving him STEVE'S St. Christopher medal, the one he had given to her when she was still a baby. He is extremely touched and can not speak for a few moments.
ABBY: You gave it to me when I was little, remember?
JACK: (choked up) Yes, I remember.
ABBY: Mommy said it helped me get all better. Maybe it'll help you get all better too, Daddy.
JACK: (kisses her and holds her for a few seconds, whispers) I love you, Abigail. Never forget that.
ABBY: I love you too. Don't forget that, either!
JACK: (smiles) No I sure won't.
He watches her fall asleep, then slips out of the bedroom quietly and is surprised to see JENNIFER standing outside of ABBY'S room. They lock eyes.
JACK: Jennifer...
OUT on JACK and JENNIFER as they look at each other.
SCENE 5
JACK was surprised to see that JENNIFER had returned and was standing outside of ABBY'S room when JACK was tucking her in.
JACK: (softly) I, uh... didn't think you'd be back yet...
JENNIFER: Shawn-D came home before his curfew and offered to relieve me of my babysitting duties a little early.
They continue to look at each other. JACK wonders how long she had been standing there and how much she was able to hear of his conversation with ABBY.
JACK: Jennifer-
JENNIFER: (overlapping) Jack-
JACK: (smiling) Ladies first.
JENNIFER: (smiling back at him) Look, I just wanted to say that... about this morning--I'm sorry. I'm... really sorry...
JACK: (knowing he should be the one apologizing) So am I... (beat) Jennifer-
JENNIFER: Jack, can we uh... can we talk?
JACK: Of course.
They both look behind him at ABBY'S door and neither wants her to wake up and hear them. They go downstairs quietly and sit on the couch, facing each other, both nervous about opening up to the other, but both also knowing they need to talk about everything.
JENNIFER: I... I heard what you said to Abby just now...
JACK: You did? (beat) Look, Jennifer-
JENNIFER: Jack, please, just... just let me say this, okay? I really need to say this to you.
OUT on JACK as he waits for her to continue.
SCENE 6
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER is about to open up to JACK about what she has been feeling inside.
JENNIFER: I know that things have been in limbo with us. For a long time, really. Since you... (stops herself) since last year... And Jack, I know you are going through hell right now and the last thing I've wanted to do was push you, because I know you needed to concentrate on getting better... (takes a deep breath, tries to will herself to keep going even though she is not sure she is doing the right thing by laying this all out on the line) But if I don't tell you this now--while I still have the chance--I know I'm going to regret it someday.
JACK: What is it?
JENNIFER: (trying to find the right words, finally just says it as simply as possible) I love you, Jack. I am always going to love you. And... (looks into his eyes) I know you love me too, even though you push me away. Even though you keep pushing me away...
JACK feels guilty.
JACK: Jennifer-
JENNIFER: Please, Jack, just hear me out, okay? (she is crying now; it is evident in her voice) You and I--we've been all about miracles from the very beginning. And that's what we're being given now. Another miracle. Another chance. (beat) We don't know how much time we have left, Jack. We'd be fools to waste this chance.
JACK: You know I don't want to hurt you-
JENNIFER: Don't say that, please... "I don't want to hurt you"--that's something you say to someone when you're about to break their heart-
JACK: I don't want to break your heart-
JENNIFER: Damn it, Jack! (crying) How much have we been through together? How much have we fought for--and against--and won? (softly) Why is it still so hard for you to let me in?
JACK: Because I don't want you to see me like this, all right?
JENNIFER: Like what?
JACK: Helpless! Weak! Vulnerable!
JENNIFER: I don't care about any of that-
JACK: But I do, Jennifer! (beat) I do...
JENNIFER: (softly) So where does that leave us?
When JACK does not answer, JENNIFER gets up and starts to leave. She turns around one last time, and he looks at her.
JENNIFER: I've said what I needed to say, Jack. I can't change how you feel, and I can't force you into something that you don't want. But now you know how I feel, and if you want to put us back together like I do, then it's up to you now. (beat) It's up to you now.
EPISODE 18
SCENE 1
INT. VERN'S OFFICE AT THE SPECTATOR - DAY (THE DAY AFTER EPISODE 17)
VERN is sitting at his desk, looking at his computer monitor. He hears someone knock on the door, but does not want to be bothered right now.
VERN: (grumpily, to himself) If I don't get it, maybe they'll go away...
The person knocks again. VERN continues to ignore it and keeps on working, hoping the person will just give up and leave, but he hears yet another knock.
VERN: (annoyed) I'm not in!
The door opens and VERN is surprised to see JENNIFER peek in.
JENNIFER: (smiling) Hmm, that's funny, I got the distinct impression the voice I heard just now was Vern Scofield's--oh hey, look, it is Vern Scofield!
VERN: Jenny-girl! (smiles and waves her in) Oh, I thought it was one of those damn college interns...
JENNIFER: (pretending to be offended) Hey, wait a minute! I was one of those 'damn college interns' not too long ago, have you forgotten?
VERN: (laughs sheepishly) Well, you were always pretty special. (beat) To everyone around here.
JENNIFER smiles.
VERN: So what brings you by here? Not that I'm not thrilled to see you, mind you. I'm always happy to see you, Jenny-girl.
JENNIFER: (takes a deep breath and looks around) I don't know, I guess... I guess I just got a hankering to see my old stomping grounds. I dropped Abby off at school and I found myself driving in this direction...
VERN: To visit the old haunts, huh?
JENNIFER: (softly, with a wistful smile) Yeah.
VERN smiles back at her. He has a feeling he knows exactly why she's come here.
VERN: Well... What do you say I give you a tour around this place, huh?
JENNIFER: I'd like that.
VERN offers his arm, and JENNIFER takes it, and they walk out of his office.
SCENE 2
INT. SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL - SAME
JACK is loitering near WHITNEY BAKER'S office, wondering if he should have come here in the first place. He had thought it might be a good idea to visit his former therapist and perhaps ask her for advice, but now he isn't sure he can talk to her about this after all.
He walks back and forth, trying to decide whether or not he actually wants to talk to her, completely unaware that WHITNEY'S secretary has now noticed him.
SECRETARY: Sir?
JACK does not hear her.
SECRETARY: (leaning forward to catch JACK'S attention) Sir, can I help you?
JACK: Oh... (trying to think of what to say) Oh, well... I'm...
SECRETARY: Are you here to see Dr. Baker?
JACK: Uh... I, uh...
WHITNEY comes out of her office to talk to the SECRETARY, then sees JACK.
WHITNEY: Jack! Jack Deveraux?
JACK: (realizing he's somewhat trapped now) Yes, hi, Dr. Baker... It's been a long time...
WHITNEY: Yes it has been! Were you here to see me?
JACK: I was... Well, I was in the neighborhood, and I thought I'd... you know, drop by and see my ex-shrink... (forces a smile)
WHITNEY: (giving JACK a knowing smile) My next appointment isn't for another two hours. Would you... like to come inside and talk for a while? (noting JACK'S discomfort) As two old friends?
JACK: (knowing what she really means, but thinking it might be a good idea anyway) Sure... Sure, if it's all right with you? I mean, I'm not taking you away from anything important am I?
WHITNEY: No, not at all. (opens the door and gestures for him to come inside) Have a seat...
OUT on JACK'S smile of uncertainty.
SCENE 3
CUT TO: JENNIFER AND VERN
VERN has just finished giving JENNIFER a tour of the paper. JENNIFER has been quiet the whole time. It is obvious she is distracted, thinking of JACK and the time she worked here.
JENNIFER: (softly) It's like nothing's really changed here, has it? (turns to VERN) At least not by the looks of it...
VERN: Yeah... I can't tell you how good it feels to be back in this building again. I never did feel too comfortable at the Titan building. That place just had no personality! I'm glad Kate let us move the operations back here again-
KATE KIRIAKIS is walking by as VERN says this and stops to talk to him and see what this is about.
KATE: Did I just hear my name? (realizes who VERN was talking to and is surprised) Jennifer? My goodness, what a surprise!
JENNIFER: (dryly) Hi, Kate.
KATE: (fake cheer) Well it is so good to see you. I'm sorry I haven't been by to see you--things have just been so hectic here and everything.
JENNIFER: (wondering why she and KATE would ever have any reason to see each other) I completely understand.
KATE: Lucas has been on me to have you and Jack over for dinner and it keeps slipping my mind... (laughs)
JENNIFER: (forcing a laugh) Oh well, who can blame you, with all these things on your plate...
KATE: So... speaking of Jack...
JENNIFER visibly tenses and narrows her eyes; KATE enjoys seeing this.
KATE: It's been a few years since we saw each other... How is he?
JENNIFER: (tries to play it cool) He's just fine. He and Abby (emphasizing her daughter's name) are both fine.
KATE: (relishing seeing JENNIFER'S jealousy) Oh, that's good... Well, you be sure to tell him hello for me, all right? Tell him I'd love to see him... and you at the house sometime. Henderson will whip up something fabulous, how's that?
JENNIFER: (through her teeth) I'll be sure to let him know.
KATE: Well, I should get going--busy, busy, busy! (sighs dramatically) I really envy you free-lancers getting to set your own schedule and all. (gives JENNIFER one last fake smile then turns to VERN) Mr. Scofield, don't forget the budget meeting at 3:30.
VERN: Yes, Mrs. Kiriakis. I'll be there.
KATE: Good.
JENNIFER smiles as KATE leaves, then turns to VERN and rolls her eyes.
JENNIFER: (whispers) Ugh, I don't know how you put up with that woman!
VERN: You forget I'm used to having tyrants for bosses.
JENNIFER: (smiling) Yeah, I guess we both know who our best boss was, huh?
VERN and JENNIFER: (simultaneously) Diana!
VERN laughs, then watches JENNIFER'S face grow serious again. He is worried about her and senses she needs someone to talk to.
VERN: Hey, Jenny-girl, what do you say we break for lunch, huh? My treat?
JENNIFER: That's really sweet of you, Vern.
VERN: My pleasure. So, what'll it be? Wings? Shenanigan's?
JENNIFER: Uh... how about... the cafeteria here?
VERN: (grimacing) The cafeteria?
JENNIFER: (smiling) Yeah... For old time's sake...
VERN smiles and leads her down to the cafeteria.
SCENE 4
CUT TO: JACK AND WHITNEY
WHITNEY has invited JACK to talk in her office, guessing that he must have come to see her. JACK is uncomfortable, but really needs to talk to someone about this.
WHITNEY: So, I haven't seen you in a while. How have you been, Jack?
JACK is distracted. He is staring in the far distance, thinking of JENNIFER.
WHITNEY: Jack?
JACK: Hmm? (realizes she is talking to him) Oh, I'm sorry... Did you say something?
WHITNEY: (amused) Yes, I asked you how you've been.
JACK: Oh. (embarrassed smile) Uh... I'm... well.
WHITNEY: That's good to hear.
JACK: Wait, that "how are you" wasn't one of those therapist "how are you"'s, was it?
WHITNEY: (trying to suppress a smile) No hidden messages, Jack. Just wanted to know how you are. Back to being yourself again, I see.
JACK: (sarcastic laugh) My, this is starting to feel familiar.
WHITNEY: I'm sorry, I don't mean to make you feel uncomfortable.
JACK: Oh no, no, no--I'm... (sighs, realizes he should just stop beating around the bush) Actually, Dr. Baker... I guess I wasn't quite honest before.
WHITNEY: About what?
JACK: About... why I'm here. The truth is... I came here on purpose. (beat) Because I wanted to talk to you about something.
SCENE 5
CUT TO: JENNIFER AND VERN
JENNIFER and VERN are having lunch at the cafeteria at THE SPECTATOR. VERN knows she's upset about JACK and would like to help her.
VERN: So is the tuna sandwich just as you remembered it?
JENNIFER: Yeah, just as tasty as ever.
VERN (hesitating, since he does not want to overstep his boundaries) Jenny-girl...
JENNIFER: Hmm?
VERN: (chickens out) Oh, never mind...
JENNIFER: (curious) No, Vern, what is it? What did you want to say?
VERN: Uh... I know this is really none of my business, but... you and Jack--you're like family...
JENNIFER: (smiling) So are you, Vern. Go ahead.
VERN: All right, I just... I get the feeling something is upsetting you.
JENNIFER: That obvious, huh?
VERN: (grinning) Just a little, yeah.
JENNIFER: (after some silence) It's Jack.
VERN: What a surprise.
OUT on JENNIFER'S smile.
SCENE 6
CUT TO: JACK AND WHITNEY
JACK has just told WHITNEY about his cancer and the situation with JENNIFER. He is hoping WHITNEY will tell him what to do.
WHITNEY: I'm very sorry to hear about all of this, Jack.
JACK: Yes, well, I wish I were here to give you good news for a change. (laughs nervously)
WHITNEY: It's a lot to handle, isn't it?
JACK: (giving her a 'duh' look) You could say that.
WHITNEY: And it must be a difficult situation for Jennifer as well-
JACK: (interrupts) Uh, Dr. Baker, please forgive me, but... see, I was hoping that by coming here I would actually get some... guidance, if you will.
WHITNEY: Guidance?
JACK: You know, I tell you my problems, you tell me what to do. Simple. That's what your job description entails, is it not?
WHITNEY: Jack, we've been through this before. I'm sorry, but you know I'm not here to give you the answers--I'm here to help you find them yourself.
JACK: (muttering to himself) There's that torrent of psychobabble again...
WHITNEY: What was that, Jack?
JACK: Oh, nothing... Just... Look, couldn't you make an exception, just this once? Please? You see, I'm really at a loss here.
WHITNEY: All right, maybe it would help if I asked you the right questions. (beat) What do you want?
JACK: (laughs in disbelief) What do I want? Well, good doctor, I hate to state the obvious, but if I knew that, I wouldn't be here, now would I?
WHITNEY: Are you sure you don't know it, or are you just afraid of what you already know you want?
JACK: (gives her a bewildered look) Come again?
WHITNEY: Maybe you already know exactly what you want, Jack. And that's what scares you.
JACK looks away, knowing she is right.
SCENE 7
CUT TO: JENNIFER AND VERN
VERN has just told JENNIFER he is here if she wants to talk, and she confides that she is upset over JACK.
JENNIFER: I guess it doesn't come as a surprise that this would be about Jack, huh? (laughs)
VERN: Not really, no... (beat) He's giving you a hard time, huh?
JENNIFER: (nodding) Yeah... Like always... (looks up at VERN, feels tears in her eyes and hopes she won't cry) He's... He's afraid to let me see him be vulnerable. I don't know, I guess he thinks it'll ruin this perfect image I have of him or something.
VERN: (laughs) Perfect?
JENNIFER: (laughing as well) You know what I mean.
VERN: Yeah, I do. And I also understand where Jack is coming from.
JENNIFER: (surprised) You do?
VERN: Jenny-girl, you know Jack has always had a hard time seeing the good in himself. (chuckles) For all his bravado, lurking underneath that ego is actually a very insecure man. Someone who, for a long time, felt he didn't deserve you. Maybe he still feels that way.
JENNIFER: (softly) I've told him over and over he doesn't need to feel that way. I love him, Vern. I love everything about him--faults and all. He doesn't have to prove anything to me.
VERN: I know you do. But Jack... it's still hard for him to believe that. So you just have to hang in there, all right? You just keep that faith even though it's hard sometimes.
JENNIFER: Even when he pushes me away?
VERN: Especially when he pushes you away. Jenny-girl, there are few certainties in this world. And one of them is the fact that that boy loves you with all his heart. I've seen it. It may take a superhuman feat to get him to admit it, (JENNIFER laughs at this statement) but I know that's one thing that will never change no matter what.
JENNIFER: (softly) Well I hope he does before it's... (she was about to say "too late" but she can not bring herself to finish the sentence. She does not want to believe the worst) I just hope he remembers that.
VERN: He will. (smiles) He will.
OUT on JENNIFER'S hopeful smile.
SCENE 8
CUT TO: JACK AND WHITNEY
WHITNEY has just stumbled upon the truth and JACK is uneasy.
JACK: What makes you think I already know what I want?
WHITNEY: (smiles) Just a hunch.
JACK: A hunch, huh? (clears throat) All right, you're right. (looks at her) There, I said it. (smiles) Well, that wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it was going to be. Huh, go figure...
WHITNEY: I'm glad you feel that way, Jack. It always feels good to unburden yourself with the truth.
JACK: Yes, I'm beginning to see that.
WHITNEY: So Jack, what is the truth?
JACK thinks back to another time that JENNIFER gave him a similar ultimatum.
FLASHBACK - TEN YEARS EARLIER
INT. JACK’S OFFICE AT THE SPECTATOR - DAY
Feeling guilty over killing HARPER, JACK has pushed JENNIFER away. JENNIFER tries to get through to him, but JACK is resistant. After an argument, JENNIFER walks out of JACK’S office. JACK is about to go after her, but hesitates. Meanwhile JENNIFER decides to go back and talk to him and as she comes in, the door hits JACK on the nose.
JENNIFER: What were you doing there Jack? Were you going to ask me to come back in? Were you coming back to get me?
JACK: (avoiding her eyes, trying to think of a good answer) Was I coming back to get you?
JENNIFER: Yes, that's what I asked.
JACK: I was.... I was.... I was looking for Vern. You didn't see him out there did you?
JENNIFER: (utterly frustrated) Jack, why can't you ever be honest about anything? And why do I try so hard at this, and why do you hurt when you say you love me?
JACK feels terrible for hurting her.
JENNIFER: Do you know how I felt that night when I woke up in your bed and found you gone? I mean, after we made love and I told you everything about how I felt about you, you left me a note saying, “Have fun in New York.” How could you do that Jack? You know what making love means to me. It means trust and it means commitment and you left me a note. I've loved you so much, but I'm not going to let myself get hurt again, all right? I really wish that we could try and love each other but you won't try, and I'm not going to fight anymore. So I'm going to walk out this door right now and if you let me go this time it'll be because it's over between us. Are you going to let that happen?
JACK can not say anything to her. Although it is killing him to hurt her this way, he believes he will hurt her even more down the line by being in her life.
JENNIFER: (trying to be strong) All right, I guess that's your answer.
She starts to leave, but when she gets to the door, she turns around one last time.
JENNIFER: The biggest mistake you'll ever make is not fighting for me Jack...
BACK TO PRESENT DAY
WHITNEY: Jack?
JACK: (still thinking about that time) Yes?
WHITNEY: What do you want to happen now?
JACK: (still uncomfortable in saying it out loud) I want... I want... (remembers JENNIFER'S face when she walked out the door, and the pain he felt at seeing her leave him)
WHITNEY: Go on, it's all right. There's no one here to judge you or pressure you.
JACK: I want... not to have to push Jennifer away. (looks at his hands) I want to be able to accept her help. And let her in my life. And tell her...
WHITNEY: Tell her what, Jack?
JACK: Tell her... that... (softly) I love her. And that... I don't want to face this alone. (looks back up at WHITNEY) That she was right. I'd be a fool to throw away this second chance.
WHITNEY: (smiling) Well it looks like you've found your answer.
JACK thinks about it, then slowly breaks into a smile.
JACK: Yeah, I guess... I guess you're right...
OUT on JACK'S epiphany.
SCENE 9
INT. JACK'S BEDROOM - LATER
JACK is going through his drawers, searching for something.
JACK: Come on... you have to be in here somewhere... Come out, come out wherever you are...
He tosses aside some clothes from the top drawer of his chest, digs down even further, then finally finds it. He stops, takes a deep breath, then slowly takes the item out.
JACK: Well what do you know. There you are.
It is a small velvet box. He looks at it for a while, then opens it and takes out the ring inside. It is a platinum diamond ring, with a big diamond in the center and tinier diamonds embedded in the band. He smiles and slips it on his pinky.
JACK: (murmuring) I should have given this to you a long time ago, Jennifer... But maybe... now is the perfect time...
MUSICAL MONTAGE - DON HENLEY'S "TAKING YOU HOME" IS PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND
As JACK looks at the ring, the song plays and the scene fades to black.
I had a good life
Before you came
I had my friends and my freedom
I had my name
Still there was sorrow
Emptiness
Till you made me glad
And in this love
I found strength
I never knew I had
And this love
Is like nothing I have ever known
Take my hand
I'm taking you home
I'm taking you
Home
There were days
Lonely days
When the world
Wouldn't throw me a crumb
But I kept on believing
That this day would come
And this love
Is like nothing I have ever known
Take my hand
I'm taking you home
I'm taking you
Home
... Where we can be
With the ones
Who really care
Home
Where we can grow together
Keep you in
My heart forever...
And this love
Is like nothing I have ever known
Take my hand
I'm taking you home
I'm taking you
Home...
EPISODE 19
SCENE 1
INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING (SAME DAY AS EPISODE 18)
JENNIFER is spread out on the couch, typing away on her laptop, surrounded by stacks of papers and disks. She is trying to concentrate on work to take her mind off JACK and what happened last night, but she can not keep focused. Finally, she sighs and sets the laptop aside, then gets up to walk around and get her blood flowing.
She catches sight of a vase sitting on the bookshelf. She remembers when she and JACK bought it at a bazaar in Tanzania and absently touches it.
JENNIFER: (as she takes the vase from the shelf and holds it in her hands) Oh, Jack... Why do we always have to do things the hard way... (places the vase back)
She starts to think again about what happened last night, and she wonders whether she did the right thing by telling him how she felt. On the one hand, she is glad she finally told him, but on the other, she is afraid that by giving him an ultimatum of sorts that she might have pushed him away for good.
JENNIFER: Stop it, Jennifer. What good is it to keep torturing yourself like this? (goes back to the couch and picks up her laptop) I'll just work. Yes, that's it, drown myself in work...
She begins to type on her computer and is so engrossed in what she is doing that she does not hear JACK come in through the front door. JACK does not say anything for a while and just watches her in amusement.
JACK: (after she still does not notice he is in the room) Well, isn't this a familiar sight...
JENNIFER: (looks up, surprised to see him) Jack! You're back...
She is a little uncomfortable around him; this is the first time they've been alone since last night. She quickly tries to think of something to say.
JENNIFER: Uh... So Abby seemed okay at her friend's house?
JACK: Yes... She seemed like she was having the time of her life when I left... (hoping he sounds convincing; he has told JENNIFER that ABBY had a sleepover at a friend's house, but the truth is that she is at ALICE'S so JACK can give JENNIFER a special surprise tonight)
JENNIFER: (still looking at him) I'm glad you're back... b-because... I was, uh... I was working on this next section right here, and I wanted to run it by you to see what you thought-
JACK sets her laptop aside as JENNIFER looks at him in surprise.
JENNIFER: Jack, w-what are you doing?
JACK: (grinning) What does it look like I'm doing?
JENNIFER: (puzzled smile) I don't know, Jack, that's why I'm asking...
JACK: (teasing) Hmm, it has been a long time since you've flexed those investigative journalism muscles, hasn't it?
JENNIFER smirks.
JACK: (enjoying getting her all riled up, like old times) My, what a couple of fluff pieces at WATB will do to dull one's skills-
JENNIFER: (leaning into him; enjoying this banter) You didn't seem to be complaining about my skills before... (pauses just enough for the double meaning sink in) I mean, you're the one who asked me to work with you in Africa, remember?
JACK: Yes, I remember. (beat) Well, come on...
JENNIFER: (confused) Come on? What do you mean?
JACK: You know, it really pains me to see my ex-protégé lose her edge this way. (sighs) I suppose I will have to spell it out for you...
JENNIFER: Yes, Jack, that would help, thank you. (smiles) It takes a special set of skills to decipher you, after all.
JACK: All right, Miss Ace Reporter. Let's see recap, shall we? I have taken your laptop away and I am trying to pull you off this couch. I believe all signs point to me trying to whisk you away.
JENNIFER blinks back in shock, unsure whether she heard him correctly.
JENNIFER: (carefully) You're trying to... what?
JACK: Oh I see, you're going to make me repeat myself. (leans in close and smiles, enunciates each word) Whisk you away, Jennifer. (holds out his hand) Well?
JENNIFER looks down on his hand in surprise.
SCENE 2
IN PROGRESS
JACK has caught JENNIFER completely off guard. She does not know what to make of the way he is acting towards her right now and wonders how long before the rug is pulled from under her and he begins to feel uncomfortable again and pull away.
JACK: Uh, Jennifer?
JENNIFER: Yeah?
JACK: Just a word of advice--when a man makes a gesture like this, the polite thing to do usually is to not make him feel too much like a fool...
JENNIFER: (flustered) I-I'm sorry, Jack, I don't mean to... (laughs softly) I guess I'm just a bit taken aback by all of this.
JACK feels guilty for having been so distant with her all these months that she would react this way to what he is trying to do right now.
JACK: (softly) Yes, I guess I've... kind of kept you at arm's length, haven't I? (beat) All right, here's the truth--for the first time in weeks I actually feel halfway decent, and I thought I'd celebrate that by not working tonight, but by... going outside and enjoying the fresh air.
JENNIFER smiles, unsure of what's going on.
JACK: What do you say? Would you care to step outside with me? (holds out his hand again)
JENNIFER: (finally takes his hand) I'd love to.
JACK smiles and gets her coat from the coat rack and helps her put it on. He leads her outside into the garden, then watches for her reaction when she sees everything he has done.
JENNIFER: (almost speechless) Oh, Jack...
A table is set up for them, with two candles lit, two champagne glasses, and a bottle of sparkling cider chilling in a bucket of ice.
JACK, who is still holding her hand, leads her over to the table, and when they come closer, JENNIFER sees that there are two perfectly fashioned snow people. She begins to get teary-eyed at the sight of them.
JACK: I believe you remember our dear friends, Herman and Hermione. It's been a while, but they tell me they have really missed you. (smiles) Actually, I must confess, I had a little--all right, a lot--of help from the child in, um... getting our old friends here.
JENNIFER: Abby? She knew about all of this?
JACK: (nodding) Yes, she's very much her grandmother's granddaughter, I must say. Jo would be very proud indeed.
JENNIFER: I don't know what to say... (overwhelmed with emotion; looks back at the snow people, then at the table, then at JACK) Jack... what is all of this?
OUT on JACK'S smile.
SCENE 3
JACK has just surprised JENNIFER with a candlelit table and two old friends: the snow people, Herman and Hermione. JENNIFER is moved by what JACK is done but also confused by what it all means.
JACK: (smiles) Am I to assume this all meets with your approval?
JENNIFER: (nods) Yes... Yes, it's the most... (she wants to say "romantic" but isn't sure if that word will scare him away) special thing anyone has ever done for me... But...
JACK: But?
JENNIFER: Jack, I'm not quite sure what this all is...
JACK comes in close and gently takes JENNIFER'S face in his hands, surprising her.
JACK: (softly) This... This is about what you said to me last night...
JENNIFER: (stunned) What I said to you?
JACK: (smiling) Don't tell me you've already forgotten.
JENNIFER: (laughs) No, Jack, I haven't forgotten. I just... (looks into his eyes) I just can't believe this is really happening...
JACK: (very emotional) Jennifer, I have to confess... When you said what you said to me last night, it scared the hell out of me. I knew I had been avoiding the issues for a long time now. I've been... running away... from everything, really. Mostly us.
JENNIFER: (smiles) Yeah, I noticed.
JACK laughs softly. He leads JENNIFER to her chair and sits down also, facing her.
JACK: I told you once that I was a coward. Truth is, Jennifer, I still am. (beat) God, sometimes I am still so amazed that you would pick me. Me, Jack Deveraux, no good leper of Salem, son of the sicko Senator--trying saying that three times fast--first class coward...
JENNIFER: Jack-
JACK: You know, I don't have to tell you that I had quite a low opinion of myself before you came along. (laughs) Of course the rest of this town pretty much shared that opinion too. And then you came into my life and this... miracle happened... You saw something in me that even I didn't think was there anymore. And despite everything--despite all the warning labels everyone stuck on me--you still fell in love with me.
JENNIFER smiles. She is crying now, but knows JACK needs to get this all out, so she does not say anything.
JACK: So I was determined to prove I deserved that love. I thought to myself, one day... One day a day's going to come when Jennifer's going to realize I'm no good after all. But I couldn't let that happen, see... I had to make sure that I would be strong and capable and be able to provide for you--to give you all the things you deserved.
JENNIFER: (softly) Jack, you did all that-
JACK: (shakes his head) No... No, don't you see, that's why I couldn't let you in during all of this... I wasn't strong, Jennifer. I was weak. I was helpless... And I was going to be damned if I was going to let you see me like that... See me for who I really am...
JENNIFER: (voice shakes) I do see who you really are, Jack. I saw the real you a long time ago and I have loved you ever since. Don't you know that by now, Jack? Don't you know I could never turn away from the real you? Especially now?
JACK: Yeah, I... think I do now... I guess what I'm trying to say is... I think it's time I stopped running away...
OUT on JENNIFER'S hopeful look.
SCENE 4
JACK has just told JENNIFER he's ready to stop running away from them.
JACK: You were right.
JENNIFER: (smiling) Jack Deveraux admitting I'm right?
JACK: (grins) I wouldn't get to used too this if I were you. (beat) You were, though. We don't know how much time we have left, and... I've wasted so much already. Wasted so much time trying to shut you out, trying to keep you at a distance, when... the truth is... I didn't know how I could get through this without you... (takes a deep breath) Jennifer, I don't want to do this alone.
JENNIFER: You won't have to. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere, Jack. I promise.
JACK: (smiles) I'm going to hold you to that.
JENNIFER: I'm counting on it.
JACK gets up and walks over to her side. JENNIFER looks at him in curiosity, wondering what he is about to do next.
JACK: (clears throat) All right, lest you think that this is it as far as your surprises tonight go, I've got one more for you.
JENNIFER: (laughs; she is in shock) You are just full of surprises tonight, aren't you?
JACK: Well, I'm hoping this one will really blow you away.
JENNIFER: Okay, now you've got me intrigued.
JACK: (singing) Anticipation...
JENNIFER: (a little anxious) Jack!
JACK: (laughs) Sorry, I couldn't resist.
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out what looks like a tiny scroll of paper and gives it to her. JENNIFER looks at it in curiosity, not knowing what it could be.
JACK: Uh, this is your cue to open it, Jennifer.
JENNIFER smiles and unrolls the piece of paper, then reads what it says aloud.
JENNIFER: We would like to request the honor of your presence in joining us to celebrate our... (she is shocked to read the next word) wedding... (she looks up at JACK) Jack...
JACK: (smiles, as he sees the realization dawn on her) It's a wedding invitation.
JENNIFER: I...
JACK: (teasing her) Jennifer Deveraux, speechless? I never thought I'd see the day...
He sinks down on bended knee, grimacing at first when he feels the snow soak his pants, but ignores it. He reaches into his pocket again and takes out the box with the ring in it, and hears JENNIFER gasp.
JACK: (opening the box and taking out the ring) Jennifer... You know this has been a long time coming, and we've waited much too long already... Will you, Mrs. Deveraux, be Mrs. Deveraux once again?
JENNIFER is in total shock and is speechless; JACK becomes scared of what her silence could mean.
JACK: Uh... You'll forgive me if I'm a bit ill at ease here, you see, this is the nerve-wracking part. If you recall, Jennifer, of the four times I have asked you this question, you have turned me down half the time, so you can see why I might be-
JENNIFER: (laughing and crying at the same time) Jack, you know what my answer is.
JACK: I do?
JENNIFER: Yes.
JACK: Yes, I know your answer, or yes that is your answer?
JENNIFER: (exasperated laugh) Jack! Yes, my answer is yes!!
JACK: (overjoyed) Yes?
JENNIFER: Oui. Now you better put that ring on my finger, Monsieur Deveraux.
JACK: Oui, Madame... (slips the ring on her finger; his hand is shaking slightly)
He looks at her with great love, overwhelmed with emotion at knowing that they have finally worked things out, knowing that with her at his side, he can be at peace.
JACK: (softly) So much time we've lost already... I don't want to let anymore slip through our fingers...
JENNIFER: We won't let it.
JACK: No, we won't.
He takes her face in his hands and gently kisses her.
OUT on their kiss.
EPISODE 20
SCENE 1
INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING (SAME DAY AS EPISODE 19)
JACK has asked JENNIFER to marry him again, and she has accepted, they are both in sheer bliss and are enjoying finally being able to be close to each other again and openly admit how they feel.
They are sitting in front of the fireplace. JENNIFER watches as JACK lights a fire, then he sits back down behind her and she sinks back against his chest as he holds her. For a few minutes they do not talk but just enjoy being with each other like this.
After a while, JENNIFER holds up her left hand by the light of the fire and looks at her ring, still unable to believe everything that's happened.
JENNIFER: It still hasn't sunk in, you know...
JACK: (resting his chin on her shoulder) What?
JENNIFER: That we're here. Together. (smiles and turns her head to look at him, then brings up her other hand to his face) I just can't believe it's really happening. I mean to think about where we were a few months ago... Just a few weeks ago...
JACK: (softly, as he strokes her hair) Things were pretty bleak not too long ago, weren't they?
He avoids looking in her eyes; he feels too guilty for having made things so difficult for them up to now. JENNIFER senses this and takes his chin, gently moving his face towards hers so he is looking at her.
JENNIFER: Maybe they were supposed to be. So we could appreciate this. So we would remember to fight for us again. (beat) I made mistakes too, Jack. I should have trusted you, I should have believed in you-
JACK: Come on, how could you, really? Time and time again I had hurt you. I had hurt Abigail. What else were you supposed to think?
JENNIFER: But I wasn't supposed to think, Jack. I was supposed to feel. God, I remember telling you the very same thing all those years ago. Don't think--just let yourself feel. The only thing is I forgot that myself somewhere along the way.
JACK: (wistful laugh) Must've been my bad influence.
JENNIFER giggles, then touches his face lovingly.
JENNIFER: I'm serious, Jack. (softly) I don't ever want to forget that again. I don't ever want to lose sight of how important this is to me. Of how important you are to me.
JACK: (takes her hand and kisses it) All right, how about we make a pact? From here on out we promise to remind each other from time to time. Does that sound reasonable?
JENNIFER: (smiles) Sounds very reasonable, Mr. Deveraux.
JACK: Splendid. (leans in to kiss her)
OUT on their kiss.
SCENE 2
IN PROGRESS
JACK and JENNIFER are snuggling in front of the fireplace, savoring their closeness.
JACK: I've figured it out.
JENNIFER: (puzzled) What?
JACK: How many days it's been since we got married.
JENNIFER: Are you serious?
JACK: (nodding) 3,437 days.
JENNIFER looks back at him with a mixture of amazement and amusement.
JENNIFER: (giggles) You figured all that out in your head?
JACK: Who needs a calculator, huh? (turns serious) Actually, if you want the truth... not a day goes by that I don't think of that day.
JENNIFER is touched to hear him admit this to her and is speechless.
JACK: And not a day goes by... when I don't think about how we got so far off track from there. (beat) But I promise you something, Jennifer. I promise you I'm going to get us back on track. I'm going to do whatever I have to do to fix it...
JENNIFER: (softly; touches his face) You already have, Jack.
They are quiet for a few moments.
JACK: (at last) So...
JENNIFER: Hmm?
JACK: (clears throat) Now that you've, um... given me an answer to the big question... How about we try another one for size?
JENNIFER: (curious) Go ahead...
JACK: Uh... first, let me just reiterate how grateful I am that you... responded affirmatively to my proposal.
JENNIFER: (amused; plays along) And I am grateful that you... made such an offer.
JACK: (a little nervous) Yes, well... there is one more matter I would like for us to discuss.
JENNIFER is more than a little curious now.
JENNIFER: (smiles) By all means, please don't keep me in suspense...
JACK: All right...
He gently cups JENNIFER'S face. She realizes that whatever this is must mean a great deal to him.
JACK: Jennifer, we've already lost six years. And we've already lost these last few months--so many months--because I squandered them away trying to take all of this on by myself. Hurting you. Hurting myself. Let's not waste any more time. (beat) I want us... to get married as soon as possible....
SCENE 3
IN PROGRESS
JACK has just told JENNIFER he wants them to get married as soon as possible. JENNIFER has not said anything in response, and JACK begins to wonder if he may have said the wrong thing.
JACK: I-I'm sorry... I probably shouldn't have... I'm probably rushing you, aren't I? I don't mean to push you-
JENNIFER: Jack, Jack... (touches his arm) It's okay, really...
JACK: It is? I-I mean, you are? You're sure-
JENNIFER: (nodding with a smile) Yes, I'm sure... There's nothing to be sorry about, I promise. (laughs) You just took me a little by surprise, that's all.
JACK: (nervous laugh) Well, at least it's not like I haven't done that before. (beat) But... I do want you to tell me--honestly. Am I rushing things here?
JENNIFER knows JACK does not want to wait because he does not know if his leukemia will go into remission. She also knows he does not want to say this out loud and admit it to her, but she wants him to know that she wants the same thing he does.
JENNIFER: Honestly? Honestly... I can't think of a single reason why we should wait any longer than we have to.
JACK: You mean that? Because if you have any doubts at all, if you do-
JENNIFER: (shaking her head) I don't have any doubts, Jack. I know I love you. And I know I don't want to wait one more day than I have to to be your wife. (beat) We've waited long enough, haven't we?
JACK: Yes, we have.
JENNIFER: So let's do it. Let's get married as soon as we can... It doesn't have to be big and elaborate--all that matters is that we stand in front of the people we love and say those vows to each other. Right?
JACK: Right.
JENNIFER: (noticing JACK'S smile) You've already got a date in mind, don't you?
OUT on JACK'S smile.
SCENE 4
JENNIFER has guessed that JACK already has a wedding date in mind.
JENNIFER: You do, don't you? You have a date in mind?
JACK: Well... as a matter of fact... Yes. I do.
JENNIFER: When?
JACK: New Year's Eve.
JENNIFER: (eyes light up) New Year's Eve... Oh, Jack, that's perfect!
JACK: I thought so. It is, after all, the true start of the new millennium, which will make the anniversary easy to remember. Not to mention, it gets us in right under the tax deadline so I'll be able to claim you and Abigail as dependants next April-
JENNIFER giggles.
JACK: (turns serious) But most of all... Most of all, it'll be the most special day of the year. And I wouldn't want anything less for an occasion such as this.
JENNIFER: (leans in close) Neither would I.
They kiss, a long and tender kiss that seems to make up for the many months their relationship had been so strained. They begin to sink down on the floor and the kiss becomes more intimate, until JACK starts to pull away.
JENNIFER: Jack? What's wrong?
JACK: N-nothing...
JENNIFER: (caresses his cheek) Are you sure? Suddenly, she realizes why he is hesitating. He has just gone through several weeks of exhaustive, grueling treatments, and they have taken a toll on him physically. She feels guilty and does not want to push him.
JENNIFER: I'm sorry, Jack, we don't have to-
JACK: No, I'm sorry...
He is frustrated and wishes he felt better physically, but knows he still needs time to recover from the treatments.
JACK: This isn't how I'd envisioned this night. (laughs softly) In the last six years I had worked out several different scenarios on how I would ask you to marry me again and what would happen...
JENNIFER wants to assure him that there is nothing wrong, and she is not disappointed in any way.
JENNIFER: (turning his face towards hers) Don't you dare apologize for anything, Jack. I am happy tonight. I'm happier tonight than I have been in a long time. Because we're finally together and we're going to put our lives back together just like we've wanted for so long.
JACK: But-
JENNIFER: (places a finger on his lips, shakes her head) No buts... I love you. And you love me, and that's all I need to know. That's all I need, do you understand me?
JACK: (softly) You deserve so much more...
JENNIFER: You waited for me, Jack... a long time ago, and... I'll never forget that. You waited for me, and I will wait for you.
They kiss and sink down to the floor again. JENNIFER rests her head on his chest and JACK wraps his arms around her as they stare at the fire.
MUSICAL MONTAGE - BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN'S "ALL I HAVE" IS PLAYING IN THE BACKGROUND
As the song plays, these images from their past flash across the screen.
You can say you love
me
And I'll believe it's true
JENNIFER coming to THE SPECTATOR after Harper's death and they embraced.
Trusting you is easy
'Cause I believe in you
Stranded in a snow storm, and JACK holding her.
There is nothing
I would miss
As long as we're in love like this
On the island, and he told her he loved her for the first time.
All I have
Is all I need
And it all comes down
To you and me
How far away
This world becomes
In the harbor
Of each other's arms
At JO'S surprise candlelight dinner for them, when JENNIFER asked JACK to dance.
I feel like I've known
you
Forever and ever
Baby that's how close we are
In the LORETTA stateroom, when JENNIFER finally told JACK she loved him.
Right here with you
Is where
My life has come together
And where love has filled my heart
JACK reading his letter to JENNIFER on their wedding day.
You know I'd go
Anywhere
As long as I have you to care
JENNIFER telling JACK he is her hero, when they were stuck in the tunnels in ALAMANIA.
All I have
Is all I need
And it all comes down
To you and me
How far away
This world becomes
In the harbor
Of each other's arms
When ABBY was born, and they looked at their new daughter with amazement.
Ooh and with the love
you bring
I never want for anything
I found
What I've been searching for
In you
When JACK proposed in the pouring rain, with the ring hidden in the jade plant.
All I have
Is all I need
And it all comes down
To you and me
How far away
This world becomes
In the harbor
Of each other's arms
When they came home to the penthouse after their wedding and JACK had decorated their bedroom with rose petals and candles.
As the song fades, JACK and JENNIFER fall asleep in each other's arms.
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