Keeping Up With The Deverauxes
Episodes 31 - 35
EPISODE 31
It is a few days later. JACK and JENNIFER have left Ireland and are arriving home. COLIN has also decided to return to Salem, mainly to clear his name and to help BO with his investigation on DIMERA, considering BO is still rather wary of him.
Scene 1: INT.-AIRPLANE-MORNING
IN on JENNIFER, who is sitting in her seat and looking, rather annoyed. COLIN is seated next to her and is trying to make conversation, but JENNIFER is not paying attention, but rather keeps sneaking looks a few rows up.
COLIN: And then she gave me a-(NOTICING JENNIFER IS NOT PAYING ATTENTION) Jennifer? Jennifer? Did you hear me?
JENNIFER: (SMILING NERVOUSLY AND TRYING TO PRETEND LIKE SHE DID) Yeah. I mean, yeah.
COLIN: (NOT LIKING THAT HE CAN'T KEEP HER ATTENTION) Okay, then, what did I just say?
JENNIFER: Uh....that the weather was nice?
COLIN: (ANNOYED) No. I was telling you about what my mum gave me for Christmas when I was ten.
JENNIFER: (FEIGNING KNOWLEDGE) Oh, that's right. Christmas. (BEAT) What did she give you?
COLIN shakes his head in annoyance.
JENNIFER: I'm sorry, Colin. I guess I just have other things on my mind.
COLIN: More like other people.
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY AND LOOKING PENSIVELY A FEW ROWS UP) Yeah, I guess you can say that.
CUT to JACK, who JENNIFER had been sneaking hopeful peeks at, typing away at his laptop. He can feel her looking at him, but cannot bring himself to look back. He is almost determined to ignore her. He continues to pound words out on his computer screen.
CUT to JACK'S computer screen:
WHY I AM NO GOOD FOR
JENNIFER
1. CANNOT OPEN UP. TRY BUT CAN'T.
2. AM IRRESPONSIBLE.
3. AM NOT THERE FOR HER
. 4. HURT HER.
5.
JACK sits back and ponders the next reason. He is clearly annoying the woman next to him, who is watching him with daggers in her eyes.
WOMAN: (GLANCING AT THE SCREEN AND THEN LEANING OVER TO JACK) You forgot annoying.
JACK: (SMILING NERVOUSLY AT HER) Hehehe. Annoying? Annoying! How could I? OUT on JACK going adding "AM ANNOYING" to his list.
SCENE 2: INT. AIRPLANE-MORNING
IN on JENNIFER, who is still peeking over at JACK, hopeful that he will turn around. COLIN is visibly annoyed at the fact that she STILL won't listen to him.
COLIN: Jennifer? Jennifer Rose? Sheesh, I'm beginning to think that I'm not good company.
JENNIFER: (COMING TO) Colin, I'm...I'm sorry. (BEAT) You were saying?
COLIN: (READING HER TO SEE IF SHE WILL PAY ATTENTION AND THEN GOING AHEAD) I was saying how I never really had been to the States before. I was wondering if you could sho-
JENNIFER: (SMILING AND PUTTING HER HAND UP TO STOP HIM. SHE CANNOT STAND THE FACT THAT JACK WON'T LOOK AT HER) I'm sorry, Colin. Can you hold that thought for one moment? (UNBUCKLING HER SEATBELT AND GETTING UP) I really have to take care of something.
JENNIFER walks down the aisle and over to JACK'S row. She has to get past the other passengers in his row to get to him since he is in the window seat. They are very ticked off with her. Behind her, COLIN knows what she is doing and shakes his head in disgust and in confusion.
JENNIFER: (SMILING TO THE OTHERS) Excuse me. Excuse me. Really, I'm sorry. (THE LADY SEATED NEXT TO JACK SIGHS AND GETS UP) Thank you, really.
JACK spots her and nervously scrambles to close up his computer.
JENNIFER: (SITTING DOWN AND GETTING COMFORTABLE. SMILING WIDELY TO HIM) Hi Jack.
OUT on JACK nervously waving his hand at her.
SCENE 3: INT.-AIRPLANE-MORNING
IN PROGRESS
JACK: (NERVOUSLY SMILING) Jennifer, Hi. So nice to see you. How's your flight been so far?
JENNIFER: Very funny, Jack. Almost as funny as you trading tickets with Colin.
JACK: (AVOIDING THE SUBJECT) Well, I figured that you two might want to get re-acquainted, you know. And even though I would've opted for a first class seat, we do have a college fund to remember. Where do you think Abigail would want to go by the way? Harvard? Yale? I mean...
JENNIFER: (SMILING AT HIS ATTEMPT TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT) This is not about Abby right now, Jack. This is about her mommy and her daddy.
JACK: Well, Daddy would rather talk about his daughter if you don't mind.
JENNIFER: I do mind, Jack. We've got to talk about us, you and I-(GESTURING FROM HIM TO HERSELF)
JACK: Jennifer, there is no you and I (GESTURING FROM HER TO HIM). There is just YOU (GESTURING TO HER) and I (GESTURING TO HIMSELF).
JENNIFER: Why do you do this? Why do you close up whenever I want to talk about our relationship?
JACK: (HOLDING HIS FINGERS UP LIKE QUOTATION MARKS) "Our Relationship"? Jennifer, we don't have a relationship, unless, of course you want to take into consideration our relationship as exes who share a daughter.
JENNIFER: We share much more than Abby, you know that, Jack.
JACK: (FLIP) Yes, we also share a house and the electric bill, and the water bill...Speaking of which, it would be nice if I found a job to pay for all that with. My bank account is running rather dry. (OPENING THE LAPTOP UP)
JENNIFER reaches over and slams the laptop shut. Her hand is resting atop JACK'S and neither one of them wants to move it. OUT on JACK staring nervously at their entwined hands and JENNIFER smiling happily at the fact.
SCENE 4: INT. AIRPLANE - MORNING
IN PROGRESS
IN on JACK and JENNIFER who are making no effort to move their hands. JENNIFER smiles triumphantly at JACK, who is looking nervous at their closeness.
JACK: (SOFTLY) Jennifer-
JENNIFER: (THINKING SHE MAY HAVE BROKE THROUGH TO HIM) Yes, Jack?
JACK: (PULLING A FACE) Jennifer, you hurt my hand. JENNIFER: (DISAPPOINTED AND ANGRY AT HIM) Hurt your hand? Hurt your hand? I'll hurt your hand, Jack Deveraux.
All of a sudden the pilot's voice comes over the loudspeaker. As the pilot speaks, JENNIFER and JACK stare at each other. JENNIFER wants JACK to listen to her and JACK wants her to think that he's over her.
PILOT: (V.O.) Ladies and gentlemen, we are approaching the Salem International Airport. We want to thank you for choosing to fly with us and are hoping that you'll choose our airline again in the future. At this time, we'd like to ask that you remain seated and that you fasten your seatbelts. Approximate landing time is fifteen minutes. Thank you once again.
Behind them, the woman who was seated next to JACK clears her throat. JENNIFER looks at JACK dejectedly and they both look up at the woman.
JENNIFER: (SADLY) I...I'm sorry. (GETTING UP) I'll see...(TURNING TO JACK, WHO IS STARING STRAIGHT AHEAD TRYING TO IGNORE THE SITUATION) I'll see you when we land, Jack.
JACK: (NOT LOOKING AT HER) Will do, Miss Horton. Will do.
JENNIFER stares at him sadly for a moment, expecting him to say more. When he doesn't, she walks away and the woman sits down next to JACK. On her way back to her seat, JENNIFER continues to stare at JACK.
WOMAN: (TO JACK) I don't know who that Jennifer person is, but that little girl right there really loves your annoying little self.
OUT on JACK, smiling sadly and weakly at the woman. He wishes he could be with Jennifer, but knows he is no good.
SCENE 5: INT. SALEM AIRPORT-MORNING
IN on JENNIFER who is stepping out of the terminal and spots JACK going down the escalator. She adjusts her bag and COLIN comes running up behind her.
COLIN: Jennifer Rose, I tried to stop you, but you ran out of there so fast. Here, you left this (HE GOES TO HAND HER HER BOOK)
JENNIFER: (NOT LOOKING AT HIM BUT TRYING TO FOLLOW JACK WITH HER EYES) Sorry. (SHE GRABS THE BOOK WITHOUT LOOKING AT HIM) Colin. (SHE TURNS TO HIM) Colin, I'm so awful. Do you even know where the Brady Pub is? I'm assuming that's where you're headed. I'm sure Vern could give you a lift since he's picking up Jack and I. (NOT REALLY WANTING HIM TO TAKE HER UP ON THE OFFER)
COLIN: (UNSURE OF WHETHER OR NOT IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO LET HER AND JACK RIDE TOGETHER, BUT DECIDING AGAINST TAKING A RIDE) I wouldn't dream of it. I'll take one of those taxis you Americans are always talking about. Go...go be with your daughter.
JENNIFER: (SMILING IN RELIEF) Okay, if you're sure? Alright, I'll give you a call later, okay? (SHE ADJUSTS HER BAG AND RUNS OFF DOWN THE ESCALATOR IN HOPES TO FIND JACK)
COLIN stares at her back vehemently. He does not know how to get close to JENNIFER if she still believes that she and JACK have a chance.
CUT to JACK, who is waiting by the luggage carousel and reading a copy of THE SPECTATOR and shaking his head at its contents.
JENNIFER spots him and walks up beside him. He does not see her.
JENNIFER: (SMILING) Hi Jack.
JACK: (JUMPING BACK A LITTLE IN SURPRISE) Jennifer, (CLUTCHING HIS CHEST) you shouldn't do that. I'm not nearly as young as I used to be. I mean I only act four.
JENNIFER: (SMILING AT HIS REACTION) Whatcha doing?
JACK: (STRAIGHTENING HIMSELF UP) I think its called reading. You should try it sometime.
JENNIFER: (WALKING OVER AND READING OVER HIS SHOULDER) The classifieds? Apartments? (IN SHOCK) Jack, you're not thinking about moving out, are you?
JACK: No thinking. Thought.
JENNIFER: (WORRIED) But what about Abby?
JACK: She'll be fine and no worry, I will still be paying my share of the bills (HE GOES BACK TO READING THE PAPER).
JENNIFER: No, Jack. I'm not talking about financially.
JACK: (GLANCING BRIEFLY UP AT HER) Not to worry, Miss H. , I'll be there emotionally as well.
JENNIFER: (TEARS WELLING UP) Jack, don't. (SHE TOUCHES HIS ELBOW)
JACK: (LOOKING UP AND TRYING TO HIDE HIS PAIN) Don't what?
At that moment, VERN notices them and walks over.
VERN: Jack, Jenny-Girl. Boy am I glad to see-- (HE SHAKES JACK'S HAND AND HUGS JENNIFER BUT NOTICES SOMETHING IS WRONG) What's going on? You two look like you just lost your best friends.
JACK AND JENNIFER: (STARING AT EACH OTHER, KNOWING THAT THEY ARE LOSING THEIR BEST FRIENDS IN A SENSE) Nothing.
OUT on Vern looking oddly at JACK and JENNIFER and wondering what is really going on.
SCENE 6: INT. VERN'S CAR
IN on VERN who is driving and looking over at JACK, who is now circling things in the paper. VERN also sneaks peeks at JENNIFER, who is sitting with her arms-crossed in the backseat looking sadly at JACK. It is silent. VERN wants to speak, but doesn't know what to say. He decides instead to turn up the radio.
VERN: Oh, I love this song...(HE STARTS TO HUM THE SONG)
JACK hears the song and stops looking at the paper for a moment and looks out the side mirror at JENNIFER who sees him and stares. After a moment, the pain is too much and they lose themselves in the song. JENNIFER envisions herself in Africa, staring at the phone wondering where JACK is and JACK envisions himself about to call her while in Africa and at the last minute being pulled away by BILL, her father. The scene ends with JACK and JENNIFER staring at each other in the mirror, each one wanting the other to make it alright.
So Far Away
by Carole King
So far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place any more?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn't help to know you're just time away
Long ago I reached for
you and there you stood
Holding you again could only do me good
Oh, how I wish I could
But you're so far away
One more song about move
along the highway
Can't say much of anything that's new
If I could only work this life out my way
I'd rather spend it being close to you
But you're so far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place any more?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn't help to know you're just time away
Traveling around sure
gets me down and lonely
Nothing else to do but close my mind
I sure hope the road don't come to own me
There's so many dreams I've yet to find
But you're so far away
Doesn't anybody stay in one place any more?
It would be so fine to see your face at my door
Doesn't help to know you're just time away
EPISODE 32
SCENE 1: INT.-JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM-MORNING
ABBY AND JO ARE SITTING ON THE SOFA PLAYING "GO FISH". BOTH ARE STILL IN THEIR PAJAMAS. IN ON THE DOOR OPENING AND JACK ENTERING WITH JENNIFER BEHIND HIM. JACK SETS DOWN HIS BAGS AND BENDS DOWN SO THAT HE CAN BE AT ABBY'S HEIGHT.
ABBY: (THROWING DOWN HER CARDS AND RUNNING OVER TO JACK) Daddy! (THEY EMBRACE WHILE JO LOOKS ON LOVINGLY)
JACK: (SQUEEZING HER TIGHT AND CUPPING THE BACK OF HER HEAD) I think somebody missed me.
JO: (GETTING UP AND WALKING OVER TO THE TWO OF THEM) I'd say. We've been up since the crack of dawn because she was so excited.
ABBY: (BREAKING THE HUG AND GOING TO HUG JENNIFER, WHO BENDS DOWN TO MEET HER AS WELL. BESIDE THEM, JACK LOOKS ON LOVINGLY) We've missed you.
JENNIFER: (SOFTLY) And we missed you, too, Baby. (BREAKING THE HUG TO LOOK AT HER) Were you good for Grandma Jo and Uncle Vern?
ABBY: (NODDING) Uh-huh.
VERN: (IN THE DOORWAY) She was more than good, she was excellent. (WALKING OVER TO JO, WHO IS GIDDY LOOKING AT HIM) It was her Grandma and I you should be worried about. (HE SQUEEZES JO'S ARM AND SHE MOCK HITS HIM AND BLUSHES).
JENNIFER AND ABBY ARE LOOKING AT THEM WITH SILLY GRINS ON THEIR FACES. JACK DOES NOT LOOK PLEASED AT THIS FLIRTATIOUSNESS. JENNIFER: (RAISING AN EYEBROW AT JO AND VERN AND THEN TOSSING JACK A LOOK) Really?
JACK: (WALKING BETWEEN VERN AND JO AND STEERING THEM TO THE COUCH) Well, do tell. I mean, we have all day, do we not? (HE MOTIONS FOR THEM TO SIT AND THEY DO SO CAUTIOUSLY. WHEN THEY FINALLY DO, JACK SETTLES IN BETWEEN THEM AND LOOKS BACK AND FORTH AT THEM) Now isn't this comfy?
VERN: Jack, really-
JENNIFER: (WALKING OVER AND GRABBING JACK'S HAND TO PULL HIM OFF THE COUCH. MOCKING VERN.) Jack, really---
JACK: (PLAYING DUMB) What?
JENNIFER TOSSES HIM A LOOK. ABBY GRABS JACK'S OTHER HAND AND GOES TO PULL HIM UP AS WELL.
ABBY: (MOCKING JENNIFER AND VERN.) Daddy, really-
ABBY AND JENNIFER PULL HIM TO THE KITCHEN AND HE PRETENDS TO BE UNHAPPY ABOUT IT, BUT HIS FACE SHOWS OTHERWISE. WHEN THEY GET TO THE DOOR, HE TURNS AROUND TO VERN AND JO, WHO ARE WATCHING THEM WITH DELIGHT.
JACK: Now don't you two go anywhere now. I-(BEFORE HE CAN FINISH THE SENTENCE, JENNIFER AND ABBY GIGGLE AND PULL HIM THROUGH THE KITCHEN DOOR)
JO: (SMILING AT THE "HAPPY FAMILY". NONCHALANTLY.) Any day now.
VERN: (CATCHING WHAT SHE SAID) I'm sorry, Josephine, any day now?
JO: (SHE TURNS TO VERN) Did I say that out loud? (SHE GIGGLE NERVOUSLY) Silly me, I'm just so happy about it. I just want my son to be happy and any day now he will be.
VERN: He looked very happy just then.
JO: (GUSHING) I know. Imagine how happy he'll be when he and Jennifer remarry, which should be any day now. I mean, a long engagement would never do. I'm thinking an outside wedding like the first and wouldn't Abigail look adorable in a flower girl's dress? Marcus is not around, so... (NOTICING VERN'S WORRIED LOOK) Oops, I must be getting ahead of myself. First things first, we've got to make sure that Jack finds the perfect place to ask her. (GETTING MORE DISTURBED BY THE LOOK ON VERN'S FACE) Vern, what's wrong?
VERN: (TRYING TO COVER UP) Nothing. (HE GETS UP AND WALKS OVER TO THE DESK AND STARTS FIDDLING WITH SOME PAPERS)
JO: (GETTING UP AND FOLLOWING HIM THERE) Oh no, Vernon Scofield, don't you do this to me.
VERN: (PLAYING DUMB AND NOT MEETING HER EYES) Do what?
JO: (HER MOUTH OPEN IN SHOCK) Oh my-It's finally happened! He's rubbed off on you.
VERN: (SCRUNCHING UP HIS FACE IN CURIOSITY) Who?
JO: (MOTIONING TO THE KITCHEN DOOR) He. Him. Jack. He's finally rubbed off on you. This, this, hiding the truth.
VERN: (SIGHING. SINCERELY) I just don't want to upset you or anything. You seem so worked up about it.
JO: About what? (PUTTING HER HANDS ON HER HIPS) Vern, will you please just tell me?
VERN: (RELUCTANTLY) Okay, okay. I don't...I don't think there's going to be another wedding.
OUT ON JO'S CONFUSED FACE.
SCENE 2: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN.
JACK IS LEANING AGAINST THE COUNTER WITH A CUP OF COFFEE IN HIS HAND, WATCHING JENNIFER AND ABBY, WHO ARE AT THE TABLE HUNCHED OVER A MAP. ABBY IS IN JENNIFER'S LAP AND IS POINTING TO PLACES ON THE MAP. JENNIFER IS LEANING OVER AND POINTING AS WELL.
ABBY: (TO JENNIFER) You and Daddy were here? (POINTING OUT A PLACE ON THE MAP)
JENNIFER: (SMILING) Yup. And here...(SHE POINTS TO ANOTHER LOCATION)
ABBY: (LOOKING OVER TO JACK) Daddy, show me where you've been.
JACK: I think Mommy's doing a good job at it.
ABBY: (GIVING HIM HER FAMOUS PUPPY DOG EYES) Please. Please. I won't ask till I ask again.
JENNIFER TURNS TO LOOK AT JACK SMUGLY BECAUSE HE TAUGHT HER THAT PHRASE.
JACK: (GIVING IN AND SETTING HIS COFFEE CUP ON THE COUNTER) Oh, alright. (TO ABBY) You, Miss Sleepy Eyes, drive a hard bargain. (HE WALKS OVER AND LEANS OVER JENNIFER TO SEE THE MAP. THEIR CHEEKS ARE CLOSE ENOUGH TO TOUCH AND HE IS UNCOMFORTABLE) Maybe I should stand on the other side....to...to get out of your light.
ABBY: No, Daddy, you're fine where you are. Mommy doesn't bite.
JACK: (RAISING AN EYEBROW AT HER COMMENT) You think?
JENNIFER MOCK HITS HIM ON THE SHOULDER. ABBY GIGGLES AND THEY SETTLE IN TO LOOKING AT THE MAP. JENNIFER IS HAPPY HE DIDN'T MOVE OUT OF "HER LIGHT".
JACK: (POINTING OUT A LOCATION) Let me tell you about an island that Mommy and I visited years ago...
OUT ON JENNIFER SMILING WIDELY AT JACK'S MENTION OF THE ISLAND. AFTER A MOMENT OF NERVOUSNESS HE MATCHES HER SMILE AND PROCEEDS.
CUT TO
SCENE 3: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE-LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
JO: (WAVING OFF HIS IDEA THAT THERE WON'T BE A WEDDING) That's nonsense. Of course there will be a wedding. Those two love each other too much for there not to be.
VERN: Yes, but....(HE TURNS AWAY FROM HER)
JO: (TURNING HIM AROUND TO LOOK AT HER) But what? Spill it, Vern. Why can't these two be happy again?
VERN: Because...because....(QUIETLY) because maybe they're not as right for each other as we thought..
JO: (TAKING A MOMENT TO TRY AND UNDERSTAND WHAT HE IS SAYING) That's...that's...crazy. The way those two look at each other...
VERN: I know, I know. It's just...(TRYING TO SAY IT WITHOUT SAYING IT) I mean...maybe Jack was right, maybe there was someone, somebody out there that...that maybe Jenny-Girl wanted.
JO: If this is the mess about the affair again, I don't want to hear it.
VERN: (SHAKING HIS HEAD IN DISBELIEF) I know. I felt the same way too. Never in a million years would I (REALIZING WHAT SHE'S DOING) Jo...Jo...what are you thinking?
JO: (STOPPING TO LOOK AT HIM) I'm thinking, Vernon, that how that affair mess is the biggest line of bull I've ever heard.
OUT ON VERN'S CURIOUS EXPRESSION.
SCENE 4: JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
IN PROGRESS
JACK: But it wasn't over then, Abigail, by no means. Mommy and I were tossed about the sea (HE MAKES WAVE MOTIONS WITH HIS HANDS) and then a big giant shark came by and I thought that I was going to have to save Mommy again.
ABBY'S EYES WIDEN AT THIS.
JENNIFER: (GIGGLING) Jack, there was no shark.
JACK: (NERVOUSLY SMILING) Did I say shark? I meant, I meant dolphin, this dolphin swam by and-
ABBY: (NOT BELIEVING HIM) You had to save Mommy from a dolphin?
JENNIFER SMILES BEHIND ABBY SMUGLY.
JACK: Most certainly. But not just any dolphin...a super big dolphin wearing a fedora.
ABBY: (GIGGLING) Daddy, you're so silly.
JACK: Hmmm...that's what the dolphin said to me.
ABBY: (YAWNING AND RUBBING HER EYES) What happened next?
JACK: Oh no, Miss Christopher Columbus, I saw that.
ABBY: (PLAYING DUMB) Saw what? (SHE YAWNS AGAIN AND QUICKLY COVERS HER MOUTH TO HIDE IT)
JACK: (ACKNOWLEDGING THE YAWN) That. (HE FAKE YAWNS)
JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT ABBY) Baby, are you tired?
ABBY: (TO JENNIFER) A little.
JENNIFER: (HOLDING UP HER FINGERS APART TO INDICATE A SMALL AMOUNT) A little?
ABBY: (PULLING JENNIFER'S FINGERS APART TO INDICATE MORE. DEFEATED.) Okay, a lot.
JENNIFER: (SETTING ABBY ON THE FLOOR AND GETTING UP) Then it's back to bed for you, (TRYING ONE OF JACK'S NAMES OUT) Miss...Miss Americo Vespucci (SHE SMILES TRYING TO DELIVER THE LINE)
ABBY DOESN'T GET IT AND JUST LOOKS AT HER AND THEN TO JACK.
JACK: (TRYING TO HELP JENNIFER OUT) A mapmaker, Abigail...like Columbus.
ABBY: Oh. (SHE GIGGLES AT THE JOKE) Mommy, you're so silly sometimes too.
JENNIFER: I try. (BEAT) Let's go. (THEY TURN AND GO TO WALK UP THE KITCHEN STAIRS WHEN JENNIFER STOPS) You're going to be here when I get back, right?
ABBY GOES ON UP THE STAIRS AND JACK LOOKS AT JENNIFER PAINFULLY.
JACK: Well, I was going to go out for a walk, you know. Maybe play a few rousing matches of croquet...Yes, I'll be here.
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY) Good. I want to talk to you for a little bit.
JACK: (HOLDING UP HIS FINGERS TO INDICATE A SMALL DISTANCE) A little bit?
JENNIFER SMILES AND WALKS OVER AND PUSHES HIS FINGERS APART TO INDICATE A BIGGER DISTANCE. JACK SMILES AT HER A BIT AND THEY BOTH DO NOT WANT TO BREAK THE TOUCH.
ABIGAIL: (V.O.) Mommy?! Are you coming?!
JENNIFER: (STILL LOST IN JACK'S EYES AND NOT WANTING TO LOSE THIS CLOSENESS) I'll be right there! (TO JACK) You're really going to be here when I get back?
JACK: (SMILING WEAKLY) With what do they say? Bells on?
JENNIFER: (FLASHING A HOPEFUL SMILE) Good. I'll be right back. (SHE WALKS OVER TO THE STAIRCASE AND GLANCES BACK AT HIM BEFORE HEADING UP).
OUT ON JACK WALKING OVER AND BRUSHING THE MAP ON THE TABLE LIGHTLY. HE DOES NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO.
CUT TO
SCENE 5: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
VERN: Bull? I told you, Jo, I heard it straight from the horse's mouth.
JO: The horse being my son, of course?
VERN: (FRUSTRATED) The horse is a horse of course--of course Jack. (SHAKING HIS HEAD AT THE MR. ED REFERENCE)
JO: And you honestly believe him after everything he's done in the past?
VERN: Normally, I wouldn't. I mean, you know how Jack and Jenny-Girl are, but Josephine, you had to see them when I picked them up at the airport.
JO: But they looked perfectly fine a few minutes ago. You thought so, right?
VERN: That's what makes this all confusing. I thought so, too. But something must've happened after we last talked to them. At the airport and in the car, Jo, they practically acted like strangers to each other.
JO: I just have a hard time believing it, that's all. (SHE SITS DOWN ON THE COUCH TO MULL IT ALL OVER) I mean, I know Jack isn't exactly the most open type.
VERN: (SITTING DOWN NEXT TO HER AS WELL) Open? Please. To get to know Jack Deveraux, you need two things: a crowbar and thick skin.
JO: Are you sure we didn't hear him wrong? How does he know this exactly?
VERN: The details are sketchy. All I know is that he overheard Jennifer's grandmother and Julie talking about it one day. When they first got back, he wanted me to help him dig up dirt so that if a custody battle arose-
JO: (SHOCKED) He wouldn't!
VERN: No, he wouldn't. You know that and I know that. Truth be told, I think he was just trying to figure out what went wrong for his own sanity.
JO: (LETTING IT ALL SINK IN) I haven't had time to think about it. I guess I was just hopeful. (TO HERSELF) My poor baby. He must be dying inside. That's why he was so adamant about not wanting to get back together.
VERN: No, I think he wanted to get back together after everything. I mean, I have a hard time believing it myself-Jenny-Girl cheating on Jack, after all they went through, but I think that wasn't important to him. It was, but that was just phys--
JO: (GETTING WHAT HE IS SAYING) Oh my. (BEAT) He really does think that Jennifer was in love with this other man, doesn't he?
OUT ON JO'S SHOCKED FACE.
SCENE 6: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
JO: ( TO HERSELF) This is not good. Not good at all. It must be killing him.
VERN: (CARESSING HER HAND) You'd never know with Jack. He wouldn't say anything if it was.
JO: Vern, I just don't get it. They seemed so happy in Africa. Jack was off on business and Jennifer spent time with her father, but when they were together it seemed like magic. I would show Adrienne all my letters from them. And Jennifer, Jennifer's not the type to turn her back on magic.
VERN: Well, normally I'd agree, but there is something missing about her nowadays.
JO: What do you mean?
VERN: I mean...(HE TAKES HIS HAND OFF HERS AND WRINGS HIS NERVOUSLY) I mean...have you noticed that she's not the same? Do you remember how she'd have this spark in her eye and this energy around her? It makes no sense, but...
JO: (PROMPTING HIM TO GO ON) But what?
VERN: She seems sad. Yes, she's still smiling and yes, I see the Jenny-Girl who lit up the Spectator offices all those years ago, but only rarely and only when she's with Jack. Have you seen the way she looks when she's alone? No Jack, no Hope, no Abby. When she is standing by herself alone, there is an incredible sadness about her, like...
JO: (FINISHING HIS SENTENCE. THOUGHTFULLY.) She lost something that she can't get back.
OUT ON JO AND VERN'S PENSIVENESS
CUT TO
SCENE 7: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
IN ON JACK, POURING HIMSELF SOME MORE COFFEE AT THE COUNTER AND LOOKING AT THE PAPER. JENNIFER WALKS SLOWLY DOWN THE STAIRS AND STARES AT HIM.
JACK: (LOOKING OVER AT HER) She fell asleep before her head even hit the pillow, huh?
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY) Like a log. (SHE WALKS OVER TO THE COFFEE MAKER AND JACK HANDS HER A CUP HE ALREADY PREPARED FOR HER)
JACK: Light and sweet.
JENNIFER: (STIRRING THE COFFEE) Light and sweet. (SHE GOES TO SIT DOWN AT THE TABLE AND FIDDLES WITH THE MAP FOR A FEW MOMENTS)
BEHIND HER, JACK WATCHES HER CURIOUSLY. THEY BOTH GO TO SPEAK AT THE SAME TIME.
(SIMULTANEOUSLY)
JACK: Jennifer-
JENNIFER: Jack-
THEY BOTH LAUGH NERVOUSLY AT THIS.
JACK: (NODDING TO HER) You go ahead.
JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) Okay. I was just going to say that THAT is why I love you, Jack. It's why I missed you. You know how I like my coffee-
JACK: Light and sweet.
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY AT HIS INTERRUPTION) What my favorite movie is-
JACK: "Breakfast at Tiffany's".
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY AGAIN AT THIS INTERRUPTION) What I order on my pizza, who I wanted to marry as a teenager, how I sleep.
JACK: Everything on it, I've been picking anchovies off for years (PULLING A FACE), Jon Bon Jovi, on your left side with your knees curled up.
JENNIFER: (TEARING UP YET SMILING) You know me. And I know you. I know that your favorite movie is "Citizen Kane", that you had an crush on Wonder Woman as a child-
JACK: Hey, she did wear those cute little shorts-
JENNIFER: And that you quote Shakespeare at the drop of a hat. I remember that, Jack. I didn't want to, I didn't think I did, and then you come into my life again and every little thing comes rushing back to me. I missed you, Jack. And if you listen to me, it will be okay. It will all be okay. (SHE WALKS OVER TO HIM WITH TEARS IN HER EYES AND TOUCHES HIS FACE) "To what was lost, to what was found..."
JACK: (LETTING DOWN HIS GUARD AND BRUSHING HER FACE WITH HIS HAND) "To what will always be..."
OUT ON JACK AND JENNIFER LOOKING AT EACH OTHER WITH PAIN IN THEIR EYES AND WANTING SO BADLY TO KISS AND KISS THE PAIN AWAY.
EPISODE 33
SCENE 1: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
[JO AND VERN HAVE JUST DEDUCED THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH JENNIFER]
JO: (STANDING UP AND PACING. IN DEEP THOUGHT.) Hmmmm.
VERN: (WATCHING HER PACE BACK AND FORTH) Hmmm? Jo Johnson, what are you thinking?
JO: I'm thinking, Vern....I'm thinking that maybe there was something more than Jennifer's heart just breaking over this guy, whoever he is.
VERN: She probably thought that Jack didn't want her anymore.
JO: (STOPPING AND PUTTING A HAND ON HER HIP. JOKINGLY) I wonder where she'd get that idea.
VERN: (CHUCKLING) I wonder where.
JO: (RESUMING PACING) So here we have Jennifer, who thinks Jack doesn't love her anymore and Jack, who thinks that Jennifer doesn't mind him being gone all the time. (SITTING BACK ON THE SOFA) Oh son...when are you ever going to learn?
VERN: But why wouldn't Jennifer say something?
JO: Knowing her, she tried. You know how he is sometimes.
VERN: Can't get a word in edgewise.
JO: (NERVOUSLY GIGGLING) Like his mother, I suppose.
VERN: (MATCHING HER GIGGLE) Like his mother. (BEAT) But to take Abby and run away like that? Things must've gotten really bad.
JO: Or something really bad must've happened to her.
VERN: You don't think she was in any danger, do you?
JO: Danger? (WAVING THE IDEA OFF) No, no. But maybe she thought Jack was in danger.
VERN: But Jack would never put her and Abby in any danger. He would have someone watch after her.
JO: (A LIGHTBULB MOMENT) Exactly!
CUT TO
SCENE 2: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
IN PROGRESS
IN ON JACK LEANING DOWN AND LOOKING DEEPLY INTO JENNIFER'S GAZE, WHICH MATCHES HIS. THEIR LIPS ARE ABOUT TO BRUSH WHEN HE PULLS AWAY AND RESTS HIS LIPS ON HER FOREHEAD. JENNIFER IS VERY HURT. JACK: (PAINFULLY) I can't.
JENNIFER: (VOICE CRACKING WITH TEARS) You can't? (BEAT) It's so simple, Jack. (QUIETLY) It's so simple.
JACK: (THICK WITH EMOTION) I know. (BEAT) I know. (HE BREAKS THE EMBRACE AND LOOKS DOWN AT HIS FEET) It's simple for everyone else, but with me.
JENNIFER: (TEARS BRIMMING OVER HER EYES. REPEATING WHAT HE SAID) With you.
JACK: (NOT LOOKING AT HER, BUT AT HIS FEET STILL) Jennifer-
JENNIFER: (HER VOICE SHAKING WITH EMOTION) Look at me, Jack. Look at me. (SHE GENTLY GRABS HIS CHIN AND TURNS HIS FACE TO HER) I'm not giving up on us. I may have set my towel down for awhile, but I did not throw it in. I'm going to make you believe me, I'm going to make you listen, if it's the last thing I do.
JACK: (HE STARTS TO BRUSH HER HAND AWAY FROM HIS FACE) Jennifer-
JENNIFER: (NOT LETTING GO OF HIS FACE, DESPITE HIS BRUSH. INSTEAD, SHE STEADIES HIS FACE TO REMAIN FOCUSED ON HER) No, don't...What happened in Africa and Ireland is nothing compared to what you and I had...what we still could have.
JACK: (TRYING TO SPEAK, BUT CAN'T ENUNCIATE PROPERLY SINCE SHE IS SQUEEZING HIS LOWER CHEEKS) How can woo say dat?
JENNIFER: (CANNOT UNDERSTAND HIM) What?
JACK: (TRYING AGAIN) How can woo (HE GETS FRUSTRATED AND PULLS HER HAND OFF HIS FACE) I said, how can you say that? After everything that went on, how can you say that?
OUT ON JACK'S INQUISITIVE FACE.
SCENE 3: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
VERN: You think Jennifer's potential paramour was someone Jack knew?
JO: It has to be. And twenty to nothing, Jack now knows who it is and he liked him. That would explain...
VERN: That would explain why he is acting this way. (SHAKING HIS HEAD IN DISGUST) Oh no, it's Emilio revisited.
JO: (CONFUSED) What?
VERN: (WAVING IT OFF) Nothing, nothing. Just know that it involves me, a church, and a hot-as-Hades bear suit. (BEAT) Why can't these two just talk to each other?
JO: Because Jack and Jennifer don't know how to talk. They only know how to argue.
VERN: Tell me about it. (GETTING UP AND WALKING OVER TO JO). So, now we have Jennifer (PUTTING UP QUOTATION MARKS WITH HIS FEELINGS) "falling for" whomever Jack was having keep an eye on her, Jennifer feeling that Jack was in danger or tired of her and Jack thinking everything would work out. Oh my, that's scary.
JO: What's scary?
VERN: (DISBELIEF) The fact that this is all starting to make sense to me. Maybe he has rubbed off on me.
OUT ON JO FLASHING VERN A SMUG SMILE.
CUT TO
SCENE 4: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: How can I say what, Jack? That what happened there has nothing on what we have?
JACK: Exactly. How can you say that, Jennifer? How can you say that knowing me as you do? Knowing us as you do?
JENNIFER: (NODDING AND CATCHING ON) I know what you're doing, Jack. You're trying to make me think that you don't want me. You're pushing me to Colin.
JACK: Pushing? Jack Deveraux may prod and Jack Deveraux may initiate, but he does not push! (BEAT) I just think you'd be a fool not to be with Colin. A looker like him won't last long. I bet right now he's beating the lasses off with a stick at the Brady Pub.
JENNIFER: I don't believe you. (BEAT. WALKING PAST HIM. SOFTLY.) You confuse me. You confuse me all the time, you know that? One moment you're telling me that you want me and that you want to try again and the next you're wanting to set me up on blind dates.
JACK: ( TURNING TO WATCH HER AND MOUTH FALLING OPEN) I would do nothing of the sort! (BEAT) Seriously, Jennifer, I don't know why you would want me when you can have him.
JENNIFER: And now I'm supposed to list your faults, Jack, right? Well, I'm not going to do it.
JACK: Fine, then I will. (COUNTING THEM OUT ON HIS FINGERS VERY ANIMATEDLY) I'm immature, I'm closed up, I'm always toeing the line between good and bad, light and dark, I don't ride in on white horses and save the day, I am anything but stable, I'm not conventional, I lack in the wooing department, I forget birthdays and anniversaries, I'm not there---
JENNIFER: Stop it! All that stuff doesn't matter to me, Jack!
JACK: Well it does to me! (BEAT. LOWERING HIS VOICE) Jennifer, I just want you to be happy.
JENNIFER: I am happy, Jack. When I'm with you.
JACK: So happy that---I...just don't know how that's possible, that's all. I don't know how you can say that knowing me how you do.
OUT ON JACK'S DISBELIEVING FACE.
SCENE 5: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
VERN: (TO HIMSELF IN DISBELIEF) Its really happened. I'm becoming more and more like him with each passing day. If I start looking in payphones for change, Jo, please stop me.
JO: (SMILING) He's not that bad, you know. He is interesting though.
VERN: (DRYLY) One of a kind. Now where were we?
JO: Jennifer seeking comfort in Mr. X's arms while Jack entrusted Mr. X. to take care of her.
VERN: Right. Okay, so Jack's gone, Jennifer is worrying, and something happens to make her depend on Mr. X, something Jack doesn't know about, something that made her incredibly sad.
JO: (TOUCHING HER CHIN) If only we knew what that something was.
VERN: No, no...don't be getting any ideas on me there, Jo. (NOTICING HER SLY SMILE) What?
JO: (STOPPING AND FLASHING HIM A SMILE) Nothing.
VERN: (CHUCKLING) What? (HE WALKS OVER AND SLIPS HIS ARMS AROUND HER)
JO: (GIGGLING) I was just thinking that we could work on figuring it out, you know.
VERN: (GIVING HER A QUICK PECK ON THE LIPS) And how do you suppose we do that?
JO: By taking a cue from their (NODDING TOWARDS THE KITCHEN) book, of course.
VERN: (GIVING HER ANOTHER QUICK PECK ON THE LIPS) And you're willing to play Girl Friday to my reporter?
JO: (GIGGLING) I don't know about Friday, maybe Girl Monday, though.
OUT ON THE TWO OF THEM CANOODLING AND GIGGLING
SCENE 6: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: Jack, despite all the things you listed, you forgot the most important.
JACK: (SARCASTICALLY) What's that-inability to cry at sad moments? I don't think I'm going to change that one. It never seemed a manly thing to do.
JENNIFER: No, Jack, you forgot that you were you and that you are wonderful.
JACK: I am not wonderful. Colin, the good doctor, is wonderful. He's every girls fantasy-he rides in on a white horse, he saves the day, he's stable, he can open up. (BEAT. IT IS KILLING HIM TO DO THIS) He's what's good for you. You thought so yourself.
JENNIFER: You're right, Jack. I did think so, but I was wrong. It was a poor sense of judgement.
JACK: I think your poor sense of judgement is thinking that you can want me again after him. Jennifer, the guy is positively dreamy in a weird manly sort of way.
JENNIFER: Did you ever think that I don't want dreamy, Jack? That I want the guy who forgot birthdays and anniversaries or who clams up whenever the word love was mentioned?
JACK: I think...I think that you are demonstrating that poor sense of judgement right now.
JENNIFER: What can I do to make this right, Jack? What do you want me to do?
JACK: I don't think there is....there is anything you can do, Jennifer. I'm just glad that you came to your senses before it was too late and that we only have one progeny to worry about.
JENNIFER SHUDDERS A LITTLE AT THIS MENTION AND TURNS AWAY.
JACK: (CONCERNED) Jennifer, what's wrong? Are you okay?
OUT ON JENNIFER'S FACE RECALLING A TIME PAST IN AFRICA. SHE IS VERY SAD.
SCENE 7: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
JACK: Jennifer, answer me. Are you all right?
JENNIFER: (NOT TURNING AROUND. SADLY.) I didn't sleep with him, Jack.
JACK: (HOPING HE HEARD WHAT HE HEARD) What?
JENNIFER: (STILL TURNED AWAY. RAISING HER VOICE A LITTLE.) I didn't sleep with him, Jack.
BEHIND HER, JACK'S FACE IS WASHED WITH BITTERSWEET RELIEF.
JENNIFER: (TURNING TO FACE HIM) I didn't sleep with him. I barely even kissed him, Jack. (BEAT) It was nothing.
JACK: (HAPPY TO HEAR THIS, BUT KNOWING THAT THE REST CAN'T BE GOOD) But you did love him, didn't you?
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY) I thought I could. (BEAT) Jack, you were gone and I didn't know what to do.
JACK: (KILLING HIMSELF BY ASKING) Did he make you happy?
JENNIFER: What kind of a question is that, Jack? You.. you made me happy.
JACK: (PAINFULLY) I asked did he make you happy?
JENNIFER: (CRYING A LITTLE, BUT ANSWERING HONESTLY AND SOFTLY) Yes. (BEAT) Do you hate me, Jack?
JACK: (FEELING THE BLOW OF HER ANSWER AND THEN WANTING TO WASH HER PAIN AWAY) Do I--? Do I hate you? No, no. (HE WALKS OVER TO HER AND RUBS HER SHOULDERS) Jennifer, I could never...I could never hate you. You were alone and scared and in a new place and I, I should've been there...
JENNIFER: (CRYING HARDER) No, you were off providing, helping my...helping. I should have known better.
JACK: (TOUCHING HER FACE AND WIPING AWAY HER TEARS WHILE BRUSHING HER HAIR WITH HIS FINGERS) No. Don't do this, okay? It was both our faults. (HE PULLS HER CLOSE TO HOLD HER) Both our faults.
JENNIFER: (WITHOUT LOOKING UP. THROUGH HER TEARS) Jack, I need you. Please say we can work this out. I need you.
OUT ON JACK'S PAINED FACE.
SCENE 8: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
JO AND VERN ARE STILL CANOODLING IN THE CORNER.
JO: (GIGGLING) Vern (GIGGLE) Vern, we need to stop.
VERN: (JOKINGLY) Afraid your parents might come home?
JO: More like my son.
VERN: (STOPPING AND STRAIGHTENING HIMSELF OUT) Oh, right. Jack, I forgot. (BEAT) So whaddya say, Josephine, you want to be my Girl Monday (HE HOLDS HIS ARM OUT FOR HER TO TAKE IT).
JO: (PLACING HER HAND IN THE CROOK OF HIS ARM AND SMILING) I'd be a fool not to. First mission, to put Jack and Jennifer back where they belong-together, and of course, to find out who Mr. X. is.
SUDDENLY THE PHONE RINGS.
JO: (CALLING TO THE KITCHEN) I got it! (SHE WALKS OVER TO THE PHONE AND PICKS IT UP) Hello, Horton-Deveraux residence.
AFTER A MOMENT, JO'S EYES WIDEN AND SHE MOTIONS FOR VERN TO COME OVER.
JO: (INTO THE PHONE) Just a moment. (SHE LOOKS AT VERN SHOCKINGLY).
VERN: (WHISPERING) Who is it?
JO: (COVERING THE PHONE WITH HER HAND AND WHISPERING AS WELL) I think it's...I think it's Mr. X.
OUT ON JO AND VERN'S SHOCK.
CUT TO
SCENE 9: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
IN PROGRESS
JACK AND JENNIFER ARE STILL EMBRACING AND ARE BOTH LOST IN EACH OTHER'S ARMS. AFTER A MOMENT, JACK SPEAKS.
JACK: (HONESTLY, EVEN THOUGH IT KILLS HIM) I don't know, Jennifer.
JENNIFER: (LOOKING UP AT HIM) You don't?
JACK: (HE NODS SADLY) I mean, part of me does want what's best of you and part of me wants that to be me, but the other part of me--
JENNIFER: It is you, Jack. It always has been.
JACK: But, Jennifer, we've been there, we've done that. You know I can't change, I can't be...I can't be Colin or Emilio or Frankie whenever you need me to be...you know that.
JENNIFER: (NODDING SADLY) I know that. (BEAT) Jack, there is so much I want to tell you.
JACK: I know. (RUBBING HER HAIR BETWEEN HIS FINGERS AND LOOKING SADLY DOWN AT HER) I just don't want to make any promises, okay? Just let me think on it. Is that fair enough?
JENNIFER: (NOT THE ANSWER SHE WANTED TO HEAR, BUT HOPEFUL ABOUT IT) Fair enough.
JACK: And I don't want you to get it in your mind that you have to be with me to be happy, either, for my sake. I really do want you to be happy, Jennifer, even if that means you being with Colin, okay?
JENNIFER: But Jack-
JACK: Shhh. No "but Jack's". I said I'd think about it and I want you to do the same. You'll do that, won't you?
JENNIFER: (NOT WANTING TO, BUT HOPEFUL ABOUT THIS AS WELL) Okay. (SHE NODS WEAKLY)
JACK: Good. (BREAKING THE EMBRACE) Now if you'll excuse me, I'd like to take that walk I was talking about earlier, play a little-
JENNIFER: (SMILING THROUGH HER TEARS) A little croquet. (BEAT) Jack, you're not thinking about getting an apartment still are you?
JACK: (SMILING WARMLY) No, I guess not. I didn't really want to live in a little rat trap anyway. I like to be king of an entire house, you know. Maybe eventually, but not now...not until we sort some things out. (HE GOES TO THE BACK DOOR AND PUTS HIS HAND ON THE DOORKNOB) Do you need anything while I'm out?
JENNIFER: Not that I can think of.
JACK: (TAKING HER IN FOR A MOMENT LONGER AND THEN BREAKING INTO A GRIN) Good. I'll be back soon, okay?
JENNIFER: (MATCHING HIS GRIN AND SMILING) Good.
JACK TAKES ONE QUICK GLANCE AT HER AND THEN EXITS. OUTSIDE THE DOOR AND BASKING IN THE SUNLIGHT, HE SIGHS AND SMILES HOPEFULLY. INSIDE, JENNIFER SMILES HOPEFULLY TO HERSELF AND HUGS HER BODY.
JENNIFER: (TO HERSELF) I just hope you can handle what I'm going to tell you, Jack. (SADLY) I hope you can handle it.
EPISODE 34
SCENE 1: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
JO: (BOUNCING UP AND DOWN AND TALKING INTO THE PHONE) She's tied up at the moment. Can I take a message? (BEAT) Uh-huh. Colin (FLASHING A LOOK AT VERN WHILE WRITING DOWN THE NOTE) at Salem Inn. Uh-huh. (BEAT) Will do. Bye-bye now. (SHE HANGS UP) I can't believe the nerve of that guy. Calling here like...
VERN: Calm, down, how do we know he's the one?
JO: Oh I know. I know. (LOOKING AT THE PHONE) That smarmy little...
UNBENKNOWNST TO THEM, JENNIFER HAS WALKED IN BEHIND THEM.
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED. SMILING.) Smarmy little? Who are you talking about Jo?
OUT ON JO AND VERN TURNING AROUND AND GIGGLING NERVOUSLY.
CUT TO
SCENE 2: EXT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE.
JACK IS WALKING UP THE WALK WITH HIS HANDS IN HIS POCKETS, THINKING. ALL OF A SUDDEN HARPER AND DUKE APPEAR, WEARING GARDENERS' CLOTHING. HARPER IS HOLDING SOME GARDEN SHEARS AND DUKE IS CARRYING A WATER HOSE.
JACK: (SEEING HARPER AND DUKE) Aaahh! (HE JUMPS BACK A FEW FEET)
HARPER: (CLOSING THE GARDEN SHEARS) We have to stop meeting like this, son. Honestly, you're not making us feel welcome at all.
DUKE: Yeah, Billy. You always act like you're seeing ghosts or sometin'.
OUT ON JACK'S UNAMUSED SMILE AS THE TWO OF THEM BREAK INTO LAUGHTER.
SCENE 3: EXT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE.
IN PROGRESS
DUKE: (TO JACK) What's so funny? Harp, do I have sometin' in my teeth? (HE TURNS TO HARPER AND SMILES AND WIDELY FOR HIM TO CHECK).
HARPER: (TO DUKE) Can't say that you do. You do have something on your shoulders, though.
DUKE: What's that?
HARPER: Your ugly mug!
THEY BOTH COLLAPSE IN FITS OF LAUGHTER.
HARPER: (LOOKING AT JACK AND STOPPING, HE TAPS DUKE TO PAY ATTENTION) Oh right. We're not here to do that. We're actually here for something bigger, son.
JACK: What-a sequel to the film you showed me on the isle of Erin? (TRYING TO STEP AROUND THEM) No thank you, I think I've seen enough footage to last me a lifetime.
DUKE: (BLOCKING JACK) Oh no you don't. We're not through with you.
JACK: (FLASHING A SLY SMILE) Well, I'm through with you.
HARPER: Now why are you doing this son?
JACK: Doing what, might I ask?
HARPER: This....running away...you know it doesn't work.
JACK: This running away, as you call it, is precisely what I need to do. (BEAT) After all, I don't need my new neighbors to think I'm crazy already. I prefer to take my sweet time in proving my insanity. Now, if you'll excuse me. (HE WALKS PAST THEIR PARTED BODIES)
HARPER: (TURNING AROUND TO LOOK AT JACK WALKING AWAY) Oh no, I'm not talking about running away from us, son. That, itself, is futile. We're talking about you're running away from your problems, Jack...
DUKE: (WATCHING JACK AS WELL) Running away from Jennifer.
OUT ON JACK STOPPING DEAD IN HIS TRACKS.
SCENE 4: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) I'd hate to be on the other side of that phone. (BEAT) Who was it anyway, Jo? Was it Jack?
JO: (NERVOUSLY GIGGLING) I...I thought Jack was with you.
JENNIFER: He went out for a... (QUIETLY) for a walk.
JO: (SMILING WIDELY AND TRYING TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT) Oh that's nice.
VERN: (FOLLOWING JO'S LEAD) Fresh air's good. (BEAT) Maybe we should go for a walk ourselves. Whaddya say Jo? Shall we? (HE PUTS OUT HIS ARM FOR HER TO TAKE)
JO: (GIGGLING) What a wonderful idea! Jennifer, we'll be right back. (THEY GO TO THE DOOR AND OPEN IT)
JENNIFER IS CONFUSED BY ALL THIS AND IS CONVINCED THEY ARE HIDING SOMETHING.
JENNIFER: Oh no you don't. (SHE RUNS OVER, SHUTS THE DOOR, AND STANDS IN FRONT OF IT) Who was that on the phone?
OUT ON JO AND VERN'S NERVOUSNESS.
SCENE 5: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: Jo, who was that on the phone?
JO: (PLAYING DUMB) The phone?
JENNIFER: The phone-you were just on it.
JO: Oh, that's right. (GIGGLING) Silly me. It was-it was...
VERN: (INTERRUPTING HER) Those damn telemarketers. Always trying to sell you something. What was it this time? (HE TURNS TO JO)
JO: (CAUGHT OFF GUARD) Sell? They were trying to sell...uh...(SHE LOOKS AROUND AND SEES VERN'S GLASSES IN HIS POCKET) Glass...glass (SHE SPOTS JENNIFER'S SHOES) slippers.
JENNIFER: (NOT BUYING IT) It was a telemarketer trying to sell glass slippers? Glass slippers, Jo?
JO: (ADAMANT) Like the ones in Cinderella.
VERN: (SHAKING HIS HEAD AT JO'S ANSWER BUT GOING WITH IT) Very popular with the younger set. I hear they're all the rage at prom.
JO: (NODDING) At prom. (BEAT) In fact, Vern and I actually contemplated buying you a pair.
JENNIFER: A pair of glass slippers?
VERN: They'd look lovely on you...(BEAT) Now for that walk....
JENNIFER RELUCTANTLY STEPS ASIDE AND THEY WALK OUT AND CLOSE THE DOOR. OUT ON JENNIFER'S CONFUSION.
CUT TO
SCENE 5: EXT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S PORCH.
VERN: (WHISPERING) Glass slippers? You couldn't just say magazines or encyclopedias, could you?
JO: (WHISPERING) I couldn't think. (BEAT) You think she bought it?
VERN: Not for a moment. (BEAT) Why didn't you just tell her who called?
JO: Because...because I...I don't know. (SHE LOOKS AT THE NOTE, WHICH IS STILL IN HER HAND) I did a bad thing, didn't I?
VERN: Yes. No. I mean, I know why you did, I'm just not sure that it's the best way to go about this.
JO: (GUILTY) Oh...I'm so mad with myself. This is something Jack would do. Oh. I'm going to go and put this back. I should, shouldn't I?
VERN: (SADLY NODDING) You know you should.
JO: I know. (SHE FLASHES HIM A RELUCTANT LOOK AND OPENS THE DOOR) Jennifer? Jennifer? (WHEN SHE GETS NO ANSWER, SHE WALKS IN) Hmmmm...(SPOTTING THE DESK) I'll just put this right back here. (SHE RUNS OVER AND PLACES THE NOTE BY THE PHONE AND RUSHES BACK OUT)
VERN: You put it back?
JO: (HOLDING UP HER HANDS TO SHOW SHE NO LONGER HAS THE NOTE) All gone. What's wrong?
VERN: Nothing. (HE NARROWS HIS EYES AND LOOKS TOWARDS THE FRONT YARD) It's Jack. Who is he talking to?
JO: (TRYING TO SEE AS WELL) I don't know. Knowing Jack, probably himself. Come on, let's go...(SHE TAPS HIM TO GET HIS ATTENTION AND THEY WALK OFF IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION)
OUT ON THE NOTE BY THE DESK, READING:
COLIN MURPHY, SALEM INN ROOM 14B. 555-8993.
SCENE 6: EXT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE
IN PROGRESS
JACK: (TURNING AROUND TO FACE HARPER AND DUKE) And what makes you think I'm-what did you call it? Running away from my problems...my problems with Jennifer?
DUKE: History.
JACK: (ANNOYED) History what? We have history? If you don't learn from your history, you're deemed to repeat it? HARPER: (MULLING IT OVER FOR A MOMENT) The latter.
JACK: (CONFUSED) The latter?
DUKE: (REPEATING HARPER, ALTHOUGH IT IS CLEAR HE DOES NOT KNOW WHAT THE WORD MEANS) The latter.
HARPER: (SHAKING HIS HEAD AT DUKE'S STUPIDITY) The latter being you're bound to repeat history.
JACK: (NERVOUSLY SMILING) It's a bit cliché, don't you think?
HARPER: We just use them, we don't make them up, son. In this case, I can think of nothing better.
JACK: (TURNING AWAY TO THINK AND THEN TURNING BACK) And the little slideshow--?
DUKE: Dat was meant for you to see dat you should stay.
HARPER: To work things out. (BEAT) Come on son, Jennifer did tell you that nothing went on didn't she?
JACK: You knew about that?
HARPER: Well...
DUKE: If you mean we knew she didn't wind up in the sack with him, yeah...
HARPER: (LOOKING AT DUKE UNAPPROVINGLY) Now that was crass...
DUKE: (SMILING WIDELY AT THIS COMMENT) Thank you.
HARPER: (WAVING HIM OFF) What Duke said was right. We did know about that minor detail.
JACK: And you couldn't, I don't know, inform me of such information?
HARPER: You had to hear it from her. Didn't you?
JACK: (THINKING ABOUT IT) Yes. Yes, I guess I did. (BEAT) But that doesn't change things. She still...she still lov---lov-(HE CAN'T SAY IT. FRUSTRATED.) felt something for him.
DUKE: Well, you would too if he was there with you when you lost-(HE COVERS HIS MOUTH QUICKLY AS HARPER LOOKS SHOCKINGLY AT HIM)
OUT ON JACK'S CONFUSION AT THIS STATEMENT.
SCENE 7: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN ON JENNIFER, WHO IS NERVOUS ABOUT JACK'S "THINKING ABOUT IT". SHE IS WALKING THROUGHOUT THE ROOM, ANXIOUSLY SEARCHING FOR SOMETHING TO DO. SHE FINALLY SETTLES ON A MAGAZINE AND SITS DOWN ON THE SOFA TO READ IT. SHE OPENS IT AND TRIES TO CONCENTRATE BUT CANNOT AND SHUTS IT IN FRUSTRATION.
JENNIFER: (TO HERSELF) Oh, Jack. (SHE GRABS A THROW PILLOW FROM THE COUCH AND HUGS IT TO HERSELF) I hope you can get through this. (BEAT) I hope I can get through this. (SHE THINKS BACK TO AFRICA)
CUT TO
FLASHBACK: INT. J & J'S HOUSE IN AFRICA
IN ON JENNIFER WHO IS ON THE PHONE AND IS LOOKING SHOCKED AND SADDENED BY WHO IS ON THE OTHER END.
JENNIFER: (INTO THE PHONE) No, I will be there. (BEAT) Thank you, Dr. Jackson. (SHE HANGS UP THE PHONE SLOWLY AND IS TEARING UP)
ABBY RUNS IN.
ABBY: (SEEING JENNIFER'S FACE) Mommy? Mommy, what's wrong? (BEAT. SEEING JENNIFER'S HAND ON THE PHONE) Was that Daddy? (HER FACE LIGHTS UP) Is Daddy coming home?
JENNIFER: (SLOWLY KNEELING DOWN TO MEET ABBY) No, it wasn't Daddy. (BEAT. SMILING) But I'm sure he'll be home before we know it.
ABBY: For good?
JENNIFER: (SMILING) I hope so, Baby, I hope so.
ABBY: (PLAYING WITH JENNIFER'S HAIR) You miss him, don't you?
JENNIFER: (NODDING AND WEAKLY SMILING) Yeah.
ABBY: It's okay, I miss him too. When he gets back, we'll have the wedding and then maybe I could have a baby brother? (FAKE PLEADING) Please...I won't ask till I ask again.
JENNIFER: (TRYING TO SMILE THROUGH HER TEARS) We'll see about that. (BEAT) You know that Mommy and Daddy love you, don't you? (SHE PLAYS WITH ABBY'S HAIR)
ABBY: Yes. (BEAT) And you know that Daddy loves you, don't you?
JENNIFER: (BREAKING DOWN YET SMILING) Yes.
CUT TO
FLASHBACK: INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE-AFRICA
COLIN: You have to tell him, Jennifer Rose.
JENNIFER: I don't know what to do, Colin. I didn't need this right now. We didn't need this. I just wish...
COLIN: You wish what?
JENNIFER: That it could be the way it was when I found out we were having Abby. I mean, Jack was a little scared, but...
COLIN: But he was there. (BEAT) Jennifer, find him, tell him. He'll be thrilled.
JENNIFER: But will he be here?
COLIN: I don't know. I wish I could tell you yes, but...you love him, don't you?
JENNIFER: Yes.
COLIN: And he loves you, right?
JENNIFER: (SADLY) Yes. In some warped way I know that.
COLIN: And he's a great dad, isn't he?
JENNIFER: (PENSIVELY) Yes.
COLIN: Tell him, then. Tell him.
CUT TO
FLASHBACK #3: J & J'S HOUSE-AFRICA
IN ON JENNIFER, WHO IS PACING NERVOUSLY AROUND THE HOUSE. SUDDENLY THE PHONE RINGS. SHE PRACTICALLY RUNS TO IT.
JENNIFER: (OUT OF BREATH) Hello?
IT IS A BAD CONNECTION, BUT IT IS JACK.
JACK: (ON A PHONE IN A DUSTY LITTLE BAR. HE NODS TO BILL, JENNIFER'S FATHER, WHO IS SITTING AND HAVING A BEER) Hello? Hello, Miss Horton?
JENNIFER: (SMILING AT THE SOUND OF HIS VOICE. SHE IS SO HAPPY SHE COULD CRY) Jack.
JACK: Indeed. (BEAT) We've got a bad connection here. Can you hear me?
JENNIFER: (CLUTCHING HER OTHER EAR SO THAT SHE CAN HEAR HIM BETTER) Yes. I can hear you.
JACK: (SMILING) Good. How's Abigail?
JENNIFER: She's good. She misses you. Jack-
JACK: I miss her, too. And you. (HE LOOKS OVER TO BILL NERVOUSLY) Miss H., whaddya say we make it legal as soon as I get back?
JENNIFER: (SMILING) Jack, when do you think that will be? I mean, I have news-
JACK: News? (NOTICING BILL WAVING AND SAYING IT'S TIME TO GO) News? It can wait, can't it (HE DOESN'T WANT TO GO, BUT HAS TO). I have to run.
JENNIFER: But Jack-you just got on the phone.
JACK: (SADLY) I know. Time is money you know (HE LOOKS ANGRILY AT BILL).
JENNIFER: Jack, this news really can't wait.
JACK: (ANNOYED WITH BILL) It...it has to. I'll call you when we get where we're going.
JENNIFER: (UPSET) When you get--? Jack-
JACK: I've got to run. I lo-(THE PHONE LINE GOES DEAD) (TO HIMSELF) I love you. (HE LOOKS SADLY AT BILL AND HANGS UP THE PHONE).
JENNIFER: (NOT HEARING JACK'S LAST PART) Jack? (SHE IS DUMBFOUNDED AND SETS THE PHONE HANDLE DOWN ON THE TABLE) How can I do this? How can I? (SHE STARTS TO CRY AND THE PHONE STARTS MAKING NOISE BECAUSE IT'S OFF THE HOOK)
CUT TO PRESENT DAY
IN ON JENNIFER, WHO IS STILL CLUTCHING THE PILLOW AND IS VERY SAD.
JENNIFER: (TO HERSELF) I know we can do this, Jack. I know we can.
SCENE 8: EXT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE.
IN PROGRESS.
JACK: (CONFUSED BY DUKE'S COMMENT) What did...what did Jennifer lose?
DUKE: Nuttin'. It's just me runnin' my mouth again.
HARPER: (CHASTISING DUKE) You know we're not supposed to do that. He's got to find out himself.
JACK: Find out what?
HARPER AND DUKE: (IN UNISON) Nothing.
JACK: (RUBBING HIS CHIN IN DEEP THOUGHT) So this...this nothing is something?
HARPER: (WAVING IT OFF) Nothing. Something. Who cares? Point is, you have to work this out.
JACK: I don't have to do anything. Jennifer...who knows? Jennifer might be better off without me.
DUKE: You know that's not true.
JACK: Yeah...well, I've been proven wrong before, haven't I? Not much, but once or twice.
HARPER: Answer me this, son...Do you love her?
JACK: What kind of a question is that? Of course I do.
DUKE: And does she love you?
JACK: Yes, in some warped way I know she does.
HARPER: Then why can't this work?
JACK: (FRUSTRATED) I don't...I don't know.
DUKE: It's just so simple.
JACK: (TO HIMSELF) I've heard that somewhere before.
HARPER: What was that?
JACK: I said I heard that somewhere before. (BEAT) Wait a minute, what are you two trying to do here? Are you still trying to get your wings?
DUKE: (TO HARPER) He found us out!
HARPER: (SLAPPING DUKE ON THE HEAD LIGHTLY. TO JACK) Forget what he said. Jack, we just want to help...for you and that little girl. She wants the best for you two.
JACK: (INCREDULOUSLY) And the best is Jennifer with me-Mr. Unemotional?
HARPER: Like we said, son, we don't make them up, we just use them (HE TURNS JACK TOWARDS THE HOUSE) Now, just go back in there and try. We're not asking for miracles, but try.
JACK: (NERVOUSLY SMILING) Try?
DUKE: (STANDING BESIDE HARPER) Try. You can do that, can't you, Billy boy?
OUT ON JACK STANDING AND FACING THE DOOR NERVOUSLY.
SCENE 9: EXT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE
IN ON JACK, LOOKING NERVOUSLY AT THE DOOR.
JACK: (TURNING AROUND TO SEE HARPER AND DUKE, BUT THEY ARE GONE) You know....(HE TURNS BACK AROUND AND TAKES A DEEP BREATH AND THEN OPENS THE DOOR)
JACK WALKS IN. JENNIFER IS NOW LYING ON THE COUCH WITH A QUILT AND WAS TRYING TO NAP. SHE SITS UP AND SEES HIM WALK IN.
JENNIFER: (SOFTLY) Jack.
JACK: (TAKING A DEEP BREATH) Miss Horton. (HE WALKS IN AND SITS DOWN BESIDE HER)
JENNIFER: (STUDYING HIM FOR A MOMENT) Did you have a good walk?
JACK: Yes. (BEAT) Are Jo and Vern still here?
JENNIFER: No. (BEAT) They went for a walk themselves.
JACK: That's nice.
A FEW MOMENTS OF SILENCE ENSUES. JACK AND JENNIFER GO TO SPEAK AT THE SAME TIME.
JACK: Jennifer-
JENNIFER: Jack-
THEY BOTH GIGGLE A LITTLE AT THIS.
JENNIFER: You go ahead.
JACK: Okay. (BEAT) I was just thinking...I was just thinking that we should (CHICKENING OUT)...that we should maybe watch some television.
JENNIFER: (DISAPPOINTED AT HIS SUGGESTION) Oh, okay. (SHE GETS THE REMOTE AND TURNS IT ON) Oh, look at that...it's "Breakfast at Tiffany's". (SHE SMILES AT HIM SLIGHTLY, REMEMBERING THEIR EARLIER CONVERSATION)
JACK: Look at that.
A FEW SECONDS OF SILENCE ENSUES WITH JACK SNEAKING LOOKS OVER AT JENNIFER.
JACK: Jennifer?
JENNIFER: Yes, Jack?
JACK: Um...you...you know the drill. (HE PATS HIS SHOULDER NERVOUSLY)
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) The-?(SHE BREAKS INTO A HUGE SMILE WHEN SHE REALIZES WHAT "THE DRILL" IS) Yeah, I do.
JENNIFER EXCITEDLY MOVES TO JACK'S END AND PLACES HER HEAD ON HIS SHOULDER AND COVERS THEM UP WITH THE BLANKET. JACK IS NERVOUS, BUT HE LOVES WHERE THEY ARE. HE BEGINS TO PLAY WITH HER HAIR AND PUTS HIS OTHER ARM AROUND HER BACK AS THEY SETTLE INTO THE MOVIE.
JENNIFER: (VERY HAPPY) This is nice, isn't it?
JACK: (OVERCOME WITH EMOTION) Yes, it is. (BEAT) Yes, it is.
OUT ON THE TWO OF THEM VERY COMFORTABLE WITH ONE ANOTHER .
EPISODE 35
INT. JACK'S BEDROOM-MORNING
IN ON JACK, WHO IS WAKING UP. HE IS SMILING ABSENTMINDEDLY, AS IF HE WERE HAVING A GOOD DREAM. HE SITS UP, WONDERING IF IT WAS A DREAM OR NOT AND THEN SMILES REMEMBERING JUST WHAT HAD HAPPENED THE NIGHT BEFORE. "ALL I HAVE" BEGINS TO PLAY SOFTLY IN THE BACKGROUND, AS JACK STEPS OUT OF BED AND THINKS BACK TO WHAT HAD HAPPENED BETWEEN JENNIFER AND HIM THE NIGHT BEFORE. HE IS, FOR THE FIRST TIME, IN WHILE, HOPEFUL ABOUT THEIR RELATIONSHIP.
You can say you love me
And I'll believe that's true
Trusting you is easy
'Cause I believe in you
There is nothing I would miss
As long as we're in love like this
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
HE PICKS UP A PICTURE FRAME CONTAINING A PHOTO OF HIS HAPPY LITTLE FAMILY AND WANTS TO CRY AT HOW UNBELIEVABLY HAPPY AND OPTIMISTIC HE IS.
CUT TO
INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM
I feel like I've known
you
Forever and ever
Baby, that's how close we are
Right here with you is where
My life has come together
And where love has filled my heart
You know I'd go anywhere
As long as I have you to care
All I have is all I need
And it comes down to you and me
How far away this world becomes
In the harbor of each other's arms
JENNIFER IS RUMMAGING THROUGH HER HOPE CHEST FRANTICALLY. SHE FINALLY FINDS WHAT SHE IS LOOKING FOR-THE LOCKET JACK GAVE HER "TO KEEP THE LIGHTS ON". SHE OPENS IT AND SMILES AT THEIR PICTURES AND THEN PLACES IT ON HER NECK AND LOOKS AT HERSELF IN THE MIRROR, DRESSED IN A WHITE SATIN NIGHTGOWN AND ROBE. SHE IS NERVOUS BUT OPTIMISTIC ABOUT SHE AND JACK'S DECISION TO TRY AGAIN. SHE TAKES A DEEP BREATH AND SMILES.
THERE IS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR. IT IS JACK.
JENNIFER: (SOFTLY AND NERVOUSLY) Come in.
JACK OPENS THE DOOR SLOWLY AND THEN STEPS INSIDE. HE IS OVERWHELMED BY HOW BEAUTIFUL SHE LOOKS.
OUT ON JENNIFER'S NERVOUS SMILE.
SCENE 2: INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (NOT SURE WHAT JACK IS THINKING) Hi.
JACK: (TAKING HER IN. NERVOUSLY) Hi.
A FEW SECONDS OF SILENCE ENSUE.
JENNIFER: (NOTING THE FACT THAT JACK CAN'T KEEP HIS EYES OFF HER) Are you okay, Jack?
JACK: Am I--? Of course I am. It's just that...that you look...
JENNIFER: Amazing? That's because you make me feel that way, Jack. You always have.
JACK: (EMBARASSED) Well, I wouldn't go that far.
JENNIFER: (WALKING OVER AND GRABBING HIS HAND. SHE DOES NOT BREAK EYE CONTACT WITH HIM) You wouldn't?
JACK: Well, something about good genetics and basic grooming habits.
JENNIFER: (SMILING AT THIS COMMENT) Have I ever told you that I love you, Jack Deveraux?
JACK: (SLIPPING HIS HANDS AROUND HER WAIST AND SMILING) Once or twice.
JENNIFER: Well, I do.
JACK: (SMILING) You do? Well, that's good.... Reciprocation is always a good thing. Do you know what else is a good thing? (HE LEANS IN TO KISS HER)
JUST AS THEY ARE ABOUT TO KISS, THE PHONE RINGS.
JACK: Ignore it. (KISSING HER)
JENNIFER: Ignore what? (SHE KISSES HIM BACK AND SMILES)
JACK: Exactly. (HE LEANS IN TO KISS HER AGAIN)
THE PHONE CONTINUES TO RING. FINALLY IT STOPS. JACK AND JENNIFER LOOK SLIGHTLY AT IT AND CONTINUE TO KISS. ABBY IS NOW AT THE DOOR WATCHING THEM. WHEN THEY DON'T NOTICE HER, SHE CLEARS HER THROAT.
BOTH JACK AND JENNIFER LOOK OVER NERVOUSLY AT HER.
JENNIFER: (SURPRISED AND EMBARASSED) Baby, we were just....(SHE LOOKS TO JACK FOR HELP)
JACK: We were just. Hehehehehe...
ABBY: (SMILING KNOWINGLY) It's Dr. Marlena...(FUMBLING FOR THE WORDS)...Marlena Evans on the phone.
JENNIFER: (REMEMBERING SOMETHING) Oh, Marlena. (SHE HOPS TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BED AND PICKS UP) Marlena?
JENNIFER CONTINUES TO SPEAK TO MARLENA WHILE JACK AND ABBY STARE AT EACH OTHER NERVOUSLY.
JACK: Okay, Miss Googly-Eyes, what's with the face?
ABBY: (SMILING WIDELY) Nothing.
JACK: (SMILING WIDELY BACK) Nothing, eh?
ABBY: Yup, nothing.
JACK: (SITTING DOWN ON THE BED AND PATTING HIS KNEE) Why don't you have a seat on your old man's knee and tell him what this "nothing" is, little Miss-Couldn't-Tell-a-Lie-to -Save Her-Life.
ABBY: (HOPPING ON JACK'S KNEE) Daddy, you're so funny.
A FEW SECONDS OF SILENCE ENSUE.
JACK: Well?
ABBY: Well...are you and Mommy getting back together?
JACK: I knew that was coming. Well, you see...Your Mommy are...are
ABBY: Are feeling things out?
JACK: (SURPRISED BY HER INTUITION AND THAT STATEMENT) Feeling thi--? (SMILING) Yes, I guess you can say that. Mommy and I are feeling things out.
JENNIFER: (WALKING OVER AND SMILING) Speaking of feeling things out, Marlena has an opening free at ten, I told her it would be okay. Is that allright?
JACK: (TENTATIVE) That's fine. (TO ABBY) You know what that means, don't you Miss-I-Have-All-Summer off? Another day at day camp, (PICKING ABBY OFF AND CARRYING HER TO THE DOOR) but not until we have a healthy breakfast because...
ABBY: Because it's the most important meal of the day. (TO JENNIFER) Mommy, are you coming?
JENNIFER: (SMILING NERVOUSLY) In a minute.
JACK LOOKS AT HER, KNOWING SOMETHING IS WRONG.
JACK: (SETTING ABBY ON THE FLOOR) Tell you what, Miss, why don't you go on downstairs and pick out what you want. Mommy and I will be down in a minute.
ABBY: Okay. Don't be too long. (SHE EXITS)
JACK MAKES SURE THAT ABBY IS GONE BEFORE SPEAKING.
JACK: Okay, spill it, what's wrong, Miss Horton?
OUT ON JENNIFER'S NERVOUSNESS AT THE QUESTION.
SCENE 3: INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (LYING) Wrong? What's wrong? Nothing's wrong. (SHE AVERTS HIS GAZE)
JACK: You're lying.
JENNIFER: Jack,--
JACK: Don't Jack me, you're lying. You're doing that nose thing.
JENNIFER: What nose thing?
JACK: (POINTING TO HER) That nose...(SCRUNCHING UP HIS NOSE) this nose thing....you do it when you lie.
JENNIFER: (OPENING HER MOUTH IN SHOCK) I am not (COVERING HER NOSE) I am not lying. (SHE OPENS HER DRAWER AND STARTS THUMBING THROUGH IT)
JACK: Jennifer-(HE WALKS OVER AND TOUCHES HER SHOULDERS AND SHE MELTS) Jennifer, I know you're scared.
JENNIFER: (TURNING SLOWLY TOWARDS HIM) I am, Jack. (BEAT) I am.
JACK: (STROKING HER HAIR) And you know scared I am of anything...of anything that makes me open up.
JENNIFER NODS.
JACK: (CONT.) If you don't want to do this, we...
JENNIFER: (TOUCHING HIS HAND ON HER HAIR AND SQUEEZING IT) But we do, Jack. (BEAT) We do. We can't go on like we have been...hurting each other.
JACK: (SMILING) Why do I have a Carpenters' song in my head right now?
JENNIFER: (PULLING A FACE) Jack.
JACK: (HUMMING THE TUNE) Can't we stop hurting in each other? Gotta stop hurting each other? Making each other cry...(CATCHING HER FACE) No...no, you're right. I've got to learn how to be more serious.
JENNIFER: (SMILING) And I've got to learn to lighten up a little more.
JACK: We can work on that. Come on. (HE GRABS HER ARM TO ESCORT HER OUT OF THE ROOM) You can be Karen and I'll be Richard...no, no...on second thought, I'll be Karen, you be Richard. (SINGING) Can't we stop (POINTING TO HER) hurting each other?
JENNIFER: (GIVING IN) Gotta stop-
JACK: (SMILING AT HER PARTICIPATION) Hurting each other...
THEY EXIT AND WE ONLY HEAR THEIR VOICES OUTSIDE THE DOOR.
JACK AND JENNIFER: (V.O.) Making each other cry....
SCENE 4: INT. JACK'S CAR
IT IS SOME TIME LATER. JACK AND JENNIFER HAVE JUST RETURNED TO THE CAR FROM DROPPING OFF ABBY AND ARE GETTING IN.
JENNIFER: (SETTLING INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT) I think Abby really likes it here.
JACK: (TURNING THE IGNITION) The day camp?
JENNIFER: That too. Salem in general.
JACK: (NODDING AND SMILING AT HER) It's a good little town.
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Jack, it's not that little anymore. Have you seen how much it's changed since we've been back?
JACK: You're right. I guess a lot of things here have changed, huh?
JENNIFER: (SMILING WISTFULLY OUT THE WINDOW) Yeah, but not the important things.
JACK: (LOOKING OUT HIS WINDOW AS WELL) There's at least one good restaurant run by a Horton woman, Bo Brady is still fighting the DiMeras, and your Grandma is still wowing the women down at the church luncheons with her doughnut recipes. Yes, Miss H., the gods must be smiling down on Salem. (HE TURNS TO HER)
JENNIFER: (TURNING TO HIM, WEAK AND HOPEFUL) And us, Jack.
JACK: (SMILING REASSURINGLY) And us, Miss Horton...and us. (BEAT) So, whaddya say, Miss H., ready to go get our heads shrunk?
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY) Yeah. (BEAT) Jack?
JACK: (PULLING OUT OF THE PARKING SPOT) Yes?
JENNIFER: You'll still love me no matter what, right?
JACK: (STOPPING THE CAR AND LOOKING AT HER CURIOUSLY) What kind of a question is that? Nothing short of you pulling off your head and revealing you are an alien would make me not l-
JENNIFER: (TOUCHING HIS HAND) No jokes, Jack. (BEAT) Please.
JACK: (CURIOUS) No jokes? Jennifer, if I can't joke, I can't-
JENNIFER: You can't speak. I know. I just want to make sure that we're really trying this time.
JACK: (SERIOUSLY) I-we're-really trying. We are. We can do this. I...I believe in you.
JENNIFER: (TEARING UP) You do?
JACK: (SMILING WEAKLY) I do. (BEAT) You trust me, don't you?
JENNIFER NODS.
JACK: (CONT.) Then let's go do this. Make this a better place for you, for me, for Abigail, and for all the future little Deverauxs of the world. Okay?
JENNIFER NODS AND SMILES VERY WEAKLY.
JACK: (TAKING IN HER ANSWER) Okay. (HE BEGINS TO DRIVE).
OUT ON JACK'S WARINESS OF JENNIFER AND JENNIFER'S LOOK OF WORRY. SHE IS SCARED OF WHAT MIGHT BE SAID AT THEIR THERAPY SESSION.
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 - 50 Chapters 51 - 55 *** Chapters 56 - 60 *** Chapters 61 - 64