Keeping Up With The Deverauxes

by Jennifer-Lynn D'Anna

Episodes 36 - 40

EPISODE 36

SCENE 1: INT. SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

IN ON JACK AND JENNIFER STEPPING OFF OF THE ELEVATOR AND WALKING DOWN THE HALL TO MARLENA'S OFFICE.

JACK: Maybe we should get some coffee or something.

JENNIFER: No. I don't want to be late. I'm just glad Marlena had time for us.

JACK: (STOPPING HER) Exactly. (BEAT) What's a few minutes, anyway? (TRYING TO READ HER FACE, WHICH IS NERVOUS) Listen, I'm going to go and get us two cups and I'll be right back. Okay? (HE LOOKS TO HER FOR AN ANSWER)

JENNIFER: (SOFTLY) Okay. (TO JACK AS HE STARTS TO WALK AWAY) Make mine-

JACK: (SMILING REASSURINGLY) Light and sweet. I know. Don't move. (HE SEARCHES FOR SOME SIGN THAT SHE WON'T AND THEN HEADS OFF TO THE CAFETERIA)

JENNIFER IS LEFT ALONE AND IS VISIBLY NERVOUS. SHE BEGINS TO SLOWLY PACE IN THE HALLWAY AND ADJUSTS HER PURSE. SHE STOPS IN FRONT OF A PICTURE OF HER GRANDFATHER AND WISTFULLY TOUCHES THE NAMEPLATE READING "DR. THOMAS HORTON, CHIEF OF STAFF" AND THE YEARS OF HIS TENURE.

JENNIFER: (SOFTLY, AS IF SPEAKING TO THE PICTURE) Oh, Grandpa, where did we go wrong?

BEHIND HER, COLIN WALKS UP.

COLIN: (LEANING DOWN INTO HER EAR) Where did who go wrong, Jennifer Rose?

JENNIFER JUMPS UP SLIGHTLY AND TURNS AROUND NERVOUSLY.

SCENE 2. INT. SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER: (NERVOUSLY) Colin.

COLIN: In the flesh. (BEAT. NODDING UP TO THE PICTURE) Talking to ghosts, are you?

JENNIFER: (NOT SURE WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT) Ghosts? (REALIZING HE IS TALKING ABOUT THE PICTURE) Oh no, that (TURNING TOWARDS THE PHOTO) that's my grandfather. (BREAKING INTO A SMILE) He was-

COLIN: (TAKING A CLOSER LOOK) Chief of Staff here for some time, I see. He passed away some time ago, didn't he?

JENNIFER: (FROWNING) Yeah, yeah he did.

COLIN: You miss him sometimes, don't you?

JENNIFER: Yeah, yeah, I do. (BEAT) It's just...he and my grandma were like parents to me.

COLIN: (FLASHING THE PICTURE A SMILE) Well, he looks like a great man.

JENNIFER: (CURIOUSLY) Really? How can you tell? (SHE TURNS TOWARDS THE PICTURE TO LOOK)

COLIN: Well, you see, (HE PUTS HIS ARM ON HER BACK AND LEANS IN TO POINT IN SOMETHING ABOUT THE PICTURE) he has some great lines of wisdom right her, and look at the way his eyes light up when he smiles, and...

JENNIFER IS SMILING AT COLIN'S COMMENTS JUST AS JACK STEPS OFF THE ELEVATOR. SPOTTING THEM LOOKING SO HAPPY, HE STOPS DEAD IN HIS TRACKS.

SCENE 3: INT. SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

IN ON JACK'S FACE, WHICH IS CRESTFALLEN AT THE SIGHT OF JENNIFER AND COLIN TOGETHER.

COLIN: And of course, there's you as proof.

JENNIFER: (STEPPING BACK AND SMILING) Me?

COLIN: Yes, he must've done something right. He has you as a granddaughter.

JENNIFER: (A LITTLE WARY AND EMBARRASSED BY THIS STATEMENT) Well, thank you. I'll just have to take your word for it. You are a good judge of character, I'll give you that.

COLIN: I only am a judge of good character. You see when I look at you, I see-

JACK: (WALKING UP TO INTERRUPT) I see a damsel in dire need of some coffee (HE HANDS A NERVOUS JENNIFER HER COFFEE).

JENNIFER: Jack? Jack, Colin was just over here and I was showing him a picture of my grandfather.

JACK: (LOOKING AT THE PICTURE AND THEN BACK TO COLIN) Yes, the good doctor. He was quite the mainstay in Salem. Good man.

JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT JACK FOR SOME SIGN OF WHAT HE'S THINKING) That's what we were saying. (TO COLIN) I'm sorry, Colin, what ever are you doing here? I'm an awful conversationalist, I should have asked.

COLIN: No, no, that's quite alright. (HE LOOKS NERVOUSLY AWAY FROM JACK AND FOCUSES ON JENNIFER) I'm actually looking for a job. I have a meeting here with Dr. Wesley.

JACK: Dr. Wesley? (SARCASTICALLY) If you'd like, I could have a word with him for you. At one time, the Deverauxes were quite the mainstay in Salem as well, you know.

JENNIFER LOOKS NERVOUSLY FROM JACK TO COLIN.

COLIN: No, no. I wouldn't dream of it. (BEAT. TRYING TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT) What are you two doing here? Here on business?

OUT ON JENNIFER AND JACK'S LOSS-FOR-WORDS EXPRESSIONS. JENNIFER LOOKS TO JACK FOR AN ANSWER.

SCENE 4: INT. SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

IN PROGRESS

JACK: Actually, (CLEARING HIS THROAT) we're here on family business. You know, family. Jennifer, Abigail, and myself.

JENNIFER: We've decided to work this out. Jack and I have decided to work this out. (SHE FLASHES JACK AN OPTIMISTIC LOOK)

COLIN: (SHOCKED. COVERING BY LYING.) Good, that's great. You're here to tell everyone then? I think I saw your cousin Hope over by the nurses' station if you're looking for her.

JENNIFER: No, we're actually here for...for...

JACK: Counseling. We're here to work things out as Jennifer said. Tog-(GRABBING HER HAND AND SQUEEZING IT TIGHT) Together.

JENNIFER: (SMILING AT THIS GESTURE AND SQUEEZING BACK) Together.

COLIN: (NOT LIKING THIS AT ALL) Wow. I'm so glad for you two. Maybe after your session, if I'm still around, we could get a bite to eat or something.

JACK: (SMILING FAKELY. UNDER HIS BREATH) Don't hold your breath.

COLIN: What was that, Jack?

JENNIFER: (COVERING FOR JACK) He said...he said that he could really go for chicken breast.

COLIN: (SHAKING HIS HEAD ODDLY) Okay.

JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT HER WATCH) Look at that. (TO JACK) Jack, we've really got to run. Marlena must be waiting. (TO COLIN) We'll look for you when we get out. (SHE GRABS JACK'S HAND AND STARTS DOWN THE HALL)

JACK: (UNDER HIS BREATH) But not hard.

COLIN: What was that?

JENNIFER: (TURNING AROUND AND SHOUTING) Starved. He said he was starved. (SHE TURNS BACK AROUND, FLASHES JACK A LOOK, AND THEN PULLS HIM DOWN THE HALL)

COLIN: (STANDING ALONE IN THE HALL. TO HIMSELF) No worry, Jack. You won't have to look hard at all. I'll be right here.

SCENE 5: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

JACK AND JENNIFER ARE SEATED IN THE SEATS OPPOSITE MARLENA'S DESK. JACK IS NERVOUS AND IS BOUNCING HIS LEG UP AND DOWN. JENNIFER IS NERVOUS AS WELL AND IS TWIRLING HER HAIR. THEY ARE NOT SPEAKING, BUT RATHER LOOKING AROUND THE ROOM. JACK BEGINS TO WHISTLE.

JENNIFER: Will you stop that?

JACK: (PULLING A FACE) Stop what?

JENNIFER: (TURNING TO HIM) Stop what? (ANNOYED) What do you think I mean?

JACK: (LOOKING AT HER) What do you think I mean? What could be anything...What could be bouncing my leg, what could be whistling, what could have been not speaking and what can be speaking now and asking what what is.

JENNIFER: (TAKING IN WHAT HE SAID) What? What IS the leg bouncing, the whistling. What was not the not speaking. What now is you asking what.

JACK: (CONFUSED) What?

MARLENA HAS JUST STEPPED IN THE DOORWAY BEHIND THEM AND IS SHAKING HER HEAD IN AMAZEMENT AT THEIR CONVERSATION.

JENNIFER: Are you listening? What is what you were doing not what you are doing, but now it is.

JACK: It is? You mean what was what I was doing not what I am doing and what was not me not speaking.

JENNIFER: Exactly.

JACK: (SMUGLY. SITTING BACK IN THE CHAIR) Well, I'm glad we have that settled.

MARLENA: (SHUTTING THE DOOR CAUSING THEM TO SIT UP AND LOOK HER WAY) Jennifer, Jack, how nice to see you. (SHE WALKS OVER BEHIND HER DESK). I'm glad you called. (THEY START TO GET UP BUT SHE WAVES THEM OFF) No, don't get up. (SHE SITS DOWN AND SIGHS) Well?

JACK: Well what?

MARLENA: Well? I'm sorry for being a little bit upfront, but Jennifer, you said that you and Jack wanted to see me. (BEAT) Is it Abigail? Is she having trouble adjusting to the divorce?

JENNIFER: No. (BEAT) Actually, Marlena, the problem isn't Abby at all. She's fine. It's-

JACK: It's us. (BEAT) We're...(FLASHING JENNIFER A LOOK) we're having trouble with the divorce.

OUT ON MARLENA'S INTERESTED LOOK.

SCENE 6: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN PROGRESS

MARLENA: You're having trouble with the divorce? (SMILING) Well, most divorced couples have a bit of trouble with it, but I must say, you two are doing a stellar job at working things out for Abby's sake.

JACK: That's the thing. The problem...the problem that we have with the divorce is that...

JENNIFER: Is that we never wanted to be divorced. (BEAT) We still don't want to be divorced. We want to be together for our sake, not Abby's. (SHE LOOKS TO JACK FOR REASSURANCE).

JACK: (FLASHING A SMILE) In short, we want to work things out. That's where you come in.

MARLENA: (SMILING) Are you sure?

JACK: (LAUGHING IT OFF NERVOUSLY) Are we sure? Are we (TURNING TO JENNIFER NERVOUSLY) Are we?

JENNIFER: (SMILING AND NODDING NERVOUSLY AT HIM AND THEN TO MARLENA) We're sure.

MARLENA: (SMILING) Good. I'm sorry if I scared you, but I just want this to help the matter, not hinder it. And in order for me to help you, you have to want to help yourselves, and that means the truth (TO JACK) the whole truth.

JACK SMILES UNCOMFORTABLY.

MARLENA: (CONT.) What you say in here is going to affect everything you had, you have, and what the future holds, but I need you to be totally honest, no matter how much that hurts. Are you willing to do that?

OUT ON JACK AND JENNIFER NERVOUSLY LOOKING AT ONE ANOTHER.

SCENE 7: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN PROGRESS

MARLENA: Are you willing to be truthful despite what the consequences are?

JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT JACK FOR AN ANSWER) Yes. (SHE TAKES HIS HAND AND SQUEEZES IT) Yes. (SHE SIGHS).

JACK: (LOOKING AT JENNIFER WITH GREAT LOVE) Yes, we are. (TO MARLENA) So what do you say, Marlena, let's get to head shrinking.

MARLENA: Alright. (SHE OPENS A NOTEBOOK ON HER DESK) First things first. Jack, no head shrinkage jokes.

JACK: (PLAYFULLY) Aw, come on.

JENNIFER HITS HIM SOFTLY.

MARLENA: Okay, the first thing I need to know about you is fairly simple. When you left Salem, you were happy, I saw that as a friend. Jennifer, you always talked about remarriage. Why didn't you two remarry? What stopped you from that?

OUT ON JENNIFER AND JACK'S LOOKS OF WORRY. JENNIFER DOESN'T REALLY WANT TO TALK ABOUT THAT.

EPISODE 37

SCENE 1: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN on JENNIFER who is nervously contemplating her answer to MARLENA'S question. JACK is looking at her for an answer and MARLENA is nervous at how long it is taking JENNIFER to answer the question at hand.

JENNIFER: Well, that's...(LAUGHING NERVOUSLY) that's silly. We just, (LOOKING AT JACK) we just never got a chance to. (TO MARLENA) We never got the chance.

MARLENA: (NOT BUYING IT) You never got a chance to...in almost eight years?

JACK looks at JENNIFER for some sort of explanation to her answer.

JENNIFER: (GETTING UP AND WRINGING HER HANDS) Well...

JACK watches her nervously as she paces behind them.

JENNIFER: (CONT.) Well, you know a wedding takes time. We wanted to be sure and then...and then my family wasn't there. I mean, Gram and Hope, and I didn't know that many people in Africa and...

JACK: (TRYING TO CALM HER DOWN) Jennifer...

JENNIFER: (CONTINUING DESPITE HEARING HIM) And Abby was young and in school and we wanted her to understand...

JACK: Jennifer...

JENNIFER: And then the actual wedding...well, there was that whole dress thing. Should I wear white? I mean...

JACK: (LOUDER) Jennifer...

MARLENA: Jennifer....

JENNIFER stops to look at them.

MARLENA: (CONT.) Jennifer, Jack is trying to say something to you.

JENNIFER: (CONCERNED) Oh. (SHE LOOKS AT JACK)

JACK: I was....I was just trying to say that I wanted to get married again. You...you were the one who always changed the subject.

MARLENA: (PONDERING THIS) Is that true? (TURNING TO JENNIFER) Why wouldn't you want to get married again, Jennifer?

JENNIFER: (NERVOUS) I..I did.

MARLENA: Then why didn't you? I mean eight years was more than enough time to do so. You were in love, weren't you?

JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) Yes.

MARLENA: Then why couldn't you go through with it?

JENNIFER: Because...(SHE TURNS AWAY)

MARLENA: Because why Jennifer? (BEAT) I don't mean to push but this is important to see what happened as a result of this. Why couldn't you find the time to remarry Jack?

JACK wants to jump in, to shield JENNIFER from the pain these questions are causing her, but decides to keep mum. Instead, he watches JENNIFER with great pain.

JENNIFER: (TURNING TOWARDS THEM. TRYING TO REMAIN CALM) I don't see why that is necessary.

MARLENA: (TENTATIVELY) You don't? I think it's very necessary to get to the root of this problem. (BEAT) Did you want to marry him or not?

JENNIFER: Yes, but...

MARLENA: But what? Whatever it is important or it wouldn't bother you the way it does? Why?

JENNIFER: (FINALLY BREAKING DOWN) Because...because I WAS SCARED, THAT'S WHY!

OUT on JENNIFER looking towards JACK with sorrow.

SCENE 2: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN PROGRESS

MARLENA: (CONCERNED. STANDING UP AND WALKING OVER TO THE WINDOW AND FINALLY TURNING BACK TO THEM) I'm truly am sorry that talking about this hurts you, but you have to understand where I'm coming from. So, now, you were scared?

JENNIFER nods through her tears. To JACK, she looks like a lost little girl.

JACK: (THICK WITH EMOTION. NOT TAKING HIS EYES OFF HER) Of me?

JENNIFER: No. (BEAT) Yes. Oh, Gosh. (SHE TURNS AWAY AND STARTS TO CRY, KNOWING HOW BADLY SHE HURT JACK)

JACK: (KNIFE THROUGH HEART) Did you think I could hurt you?

MARLENA: Jack, let her speak. Jennifer...Jennifer, why were you so scared of Jack?

JENNIFER: (TURNING AROUND AND TRYING NOT TO MEET HIS EYES) I don't know. I mean...(FINALLY LOOKING AT HIM) you remember how mad I was when you came back, right? How badly I felt? I guess (TURNING TO MARLENA) I guess..I was always afraid of that happening again. I'm sorry (TO JACK) I'm so sorry. (SHE CRIES)

MARLENA: So this all stems from when he left you when Abby was sick?

JENNIFER: Not all. I mean, a lot of it. I guess it just came to a head. (BEAT. THICK WITH EMOTION) Everybody always leaves me...everybody.

MARLENA: (SITTING DOWN IN HER CHAIR AGAIN) Meaning your father and mother.

JENNIFER: (SITTING DOWN. JACK INSTINCTIVELY PUTS HIS ARM ON HER BACK) And Frankie, and Carly, and in some ways, Jack. (SHE WON'T LOOK AT HIM)

JACK looks hurt by being lotted in the group, but can see that it is true.

JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) Everybody I ever loved has left me in one way or another. I'm sorry. (SHE TURNS TO JACK) I just thought it was a matter of time, that...

JACK starts to rub her hair and assure her that would never happen, but he looks to MARLENA for advice instead.

MARLENA: And what about you, Jack? Does Jennifer have any reason to put you in this group?

OUT on JACK looking nervously from MARLENA to JENNIFER.

SCENE 3: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN PROGRESS

MARLENA: Jack, why would Jennifer put you in this group of people who always left her?

JACK: (LOOKING FROM MARLENA TO JENNIFER) Well...hehehehe...(QUIETLY) Because...because it's true.

MARLENA: It's true?

JACK: (NOT WANTING TO TALK ABOUT THIS BUT TRYING) True. Honest. (SIGHING) Wow, that hurts. (HE PATS JENNIFER'S HAND AND THEN GETS UP) I never said this would be easy. Okay, here goes...

MARLENA: Go ahead.

JACK: We all know about my past, don't we? (MARLENA GOES TO SPEAK, BUT JACK WAVES HER OFF) No, no. I'm not going to rehash that bit. Let's just say it wasn't exactly shining, shall we? And then, and then there was...well there was Miss Horton. (HE FLASHES JENNIFER A REASSURINGLY LOVING SMILE)

JENNIFER smiles back weakly. She knows how hard this is for him.

JACK: She...uh...(COUGHING) She...uh...well, she didn't let me run from what I was feeling. And believe me, I tried. She just had a way....(ALMOST WISTFULLY) she had a way of stopping me.

MARLENA: (LOST) I don't understand.

JACK: To put it in layman's terms, or laywoman's terms, she paid attention to me and she, well, I think she said it once herself, she believed...she believed in me. (HE FLASHES A LOOK TO JENNIFER) She may have been the only one who ever took that chance. (HE BEGINS TO PACE AGAIN) Girl loved boy, boy eventually gave in, and we were married, but...

MARLENA: But what, Jack?

JACK: But....well, I always felt...I always felt that it was...for lack of a better word for it...fleeting.

MARLENA: Fleeting?

JACK: As in happiness fleeting. Then when Abigail got sick....I thought it was just a matter of time until Jennifer realized that she was wrong and that I...that I caused her all this pain.

MARLENA: So you decided to leave instead of talking about it?

JACK: (STOPPING AND FLASHING A NERVOUS SMILE) Well, yes.

MARLENA: (PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER) Which is probably the same reason why Jennifer left you and went to Ireland.

OUT on JENNIFER and JACK having been "Found out".

SCENE 4: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN PROGRESS

MARLENA: So, this miscommunication has always been a problem with you two? (SHE LOOKS BACK AND FORTH TO THE TWO OF THEM)

Both JENNIFER and JACK nod slightly and pull faces.

JACK: Well, that's...that's why we're here. (HE WALKS BACK AROUND AND SITS DOWN NEXT TO JENNIFER) To...to work this out.

MARLENA: (NODDING) I understand that. So you two never married because Jennifer had these issues of your leaving and Jack had these issues of unworthiness?

JACK: (SMILING NERVOUSLY) In a nutshell.

JENNIFER throws him a look.

MARLENA: Okay. Tell me about Africa. What was that like? When I saw you, you seemed happy. Were you happy?

JENNIFER: Were we happy? Yeah, I guess we were. I mean, we were, right? (SHE TURNS TO JACK FOR AN ANSWER)

MARLENA: (SMILING HOPEFULLY) Tell me about it. Tell me about when you were happy.

JACK: Don't look at me. Happy stories are Jennifer's specialty. That's why I hired her at the Spectator. No one could write a better heart-tugging tale than Miss H., here.

JENNIFER: (WEAKLY KIDDING WITH JACK) You also fired me, remember? (TO MARLENA) Okay, let's see. We were...we were happy after we married.

MARLENA: No, I want to hear about Africa. I want to hear about your time there, since that's where all this happened, where it all came to a head. (BEAT) Tell me about a truly happy time when you were in Africa.

JENNIFER: (LOOKING QUICKLY TO JACK AND THEN BACK TO MARLENA) Well there was this one time...I guess Abby was about three...going on four (SHE LOOKS AT JACK, WHO IS WATCHING HER WITH GREAT LOVE)

CUT TO FLASHBACK

FLASHBACK: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE IN AFRICA

IN on JENNIFER, who walks into the living room with a laundry basket on her hip. JACK and ABBY, about three, are sitting on the couch and he is trying to teach her how to read a newspaper. JENNIFER smiles at the two of them.

JACK: (READING THE PAPER TO ABBY WHO IS ON HIS LAP) According to members of the Yugoslavian government. (TO ABBY) Can you say Yugoslavian? You.

ABBY: (LOOKING AT HIM WITH WONDERMENT) You.

JACK: Go.

ABBY: (LAUGHING) Go.

JACK: Slav (HE EXTENDS THE V SO SHE CAN CATCH IT)

ABBY: (DELIGHTED BY HER DADDY) Swav.

JACK: (GOING TO CORRECT HER, BUT STOPS. HE LAUGHS AT HER PRONUNCIATION) E.

ABBY: E. (SHE GIGGLES)

JACK: N.

ABBY: N.

JACK: (BEAMING WITH PRIDE) Yugoslavian. Say it with me, You-go-slav-E-N. Yugoslavian.

ABBY: Cupcake. (SHE GIGGLES)

JACK: (PLAYING WITH HER) Cupcake? No, no. Yugoslavian. (GIVING IN) Okay, have it your way. (PICKING UP THE PAPER) According to the cupcake government...

JENNIFER: (LAUGHING AT THEIR INTERACTION) Jack, I thought we agreed. Little Golden Books, not the U.S. World and Government.

JACK: (THROWING HER A LOOK) Who needs "The Pokey Little Puppy" when you have the trials and tribulations of a third world to read about?

ABBY: Ooh, the Pokey Puppy.

JENNIFER: (THROWING JACK A LOOK HERSELF) Apparently, she does. (SHE COMES OVER AND PICKS UP ABBY) All right, Miss. It's time for bed.

ABBY: Already? Daddy was telling me about cupcakes.

JENNIFER: (THROWING JACK A LOOK) I bet he was. Come on. (SHE SMILES AT JACK AND THEN WALKS OUT)

JACK smiles widely at the two of them and tries to go back to reading his paper.

JACK: (ALOUD) According to the cupcake-Yugoslavian---government...

JENNIFER walks back in and plops herself down and the sofa next to JACK. JACK looks over at her amorously.

JACK: Well, hello Miss Horton.

JENNIFER: Hello, Mr. D. (NOTICING HIM STARING AT HER) What?

JACK: Nothing.

JENNIFER: (SMILING) What was that look for?

JACK: (WAVING HER OFF) Forget it. (NOTING HER INSISTENT LOOK) Okay. I was...I was just thinking about how...how non-motherly you look.

JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) How non-motherly?

JACK: Well...how non-conventionally motherly. Not June Cleaver, not Carol Brady. (HE STROKES HER HAIR) How more like a Grace Kelly or a...a Marilyn Monroe...

JENNIFER: (PLAYFULLY) Jack Deveraux, have you lost your mind?

JACK: (SPEAKING ABOUT HIS HEART) Among other things..(HE STROKES HER FACE GENTLY)

JENNIFER: Jack! Abby could wake up.

JACK: (LEANING IN TO KISS HER) Or she could not.

JENNIFER: (SMILING INTO THE KISS) What ever could have put you in such a mood?

JACK: Well, it obviously is not the cupcake or the Yugoslavian government. Must be the company. (HE CONTINUES THE KISSING). Maybe it was a combination of the three.

JENNIFER: (UNBELIEVABLY HAPPY) I don't care what it was. I'm just happy we're here now.

OUT on the two of them kissing and giggling on the couch.

CUT TO THE PRESENT DAY

JACK and JENNIFER are smiling about that recollection.

MARLENA: (PONDERING OVER THE SITUATION) Why were you so happy?

JENNIFER: (CONFUSED BY THE QUESTION) Why?

MARLENA: Why? This particular memory stands out to you for some reason, doesn't it? It must make you happy for a reason.

JENNIFER: (LOST) I never really thought about it. I guess...I guess it makes me happy because it's of me and Jack...and of Abby. We-all three of us-were doing well.

MARLENA: And there was no doubt in your mind that Jack loved you.

JENNIFER: (GLANCING QUICKLY AT JACK AND THEN BACK TO MARLENA) I guess so.

MARLENA: (NODDING) Okay, Jack, what about you? Give me a happy memory of yours.

JACK: Oh no...I told you, that's Miss H-Jennifer's-forte. Save the bitter and horrid tales for me.

MARLENA: (SCOLDINGLY) Jack.

JENNIFER: (PLEADINGLY) Jack.

JACK: (PULLING A FACE) Oooh, double Jack Attacks. (HE LOOKS AT JENNIFER'S PLEADING FACE) Let's see. Truly...truly happy...(HE SCRATCHES HIS CHIN IN DEEP THOUGHT)

OUT on JACK searching his mind for a memory.

SCENE 5: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN PROGRESS

IN on JACK, who is mulling his brain over for a particular memory. He has been doing this for some time. JENNIFER is staring at him incredulously and MARLENA is checking her watch.

JENNIFER: Jack...

JACK: (NOT LOOKING AT HER) Hold on, Miss H., I'm thinking.

JENNIFER: (IN DISBELIEF) You're thinking?

JACK: (ANNOYED) Yes, thinking. In deep thought.

JENNIFER: I know what thinking is , Jack. The question is why.

JACK: (CONFUSED) Why?

JENNIFER: Why are you STILL thinking? Didn't we have any happy memories in Africa?

JACK: Of course...of course we did...I'm just looking for a particular one. It's all about the details, Jennifer. Didn't I teach you anything?

JENNIFER: (ANNOYED) Can the details, Jack. (SHE NUDGES HIM TO LOOK AT MARLENA, WHO IS FALLING ASLEEP AT HER DESK)

MARLENA: (SENSING THEM LOOKING AT HER) Um...(SHAKING HER HEAD TO WAKE UP) I'm sorry.

JACK: (NERVOUSLY JOKING) Long night?

MARLENA flashes him an annoyed smile back.

JACK: At the insistence of one extremely bimpy blonde, I've come up with one.

MARLENA: One?

JACK: (ANNOYED. DRAGGING OUT THE WORDS TO REMIND HER) A truly happy memory.

MARLENA: Oh yes. Please tell us.

JACK: Alright. (GETTING UP AND BEGINNING TO PACE) It was around the same time as Jennifer's, actually. It was a hot July day, some five-six years ago. I was just returning home from a business trip....

CUT TO FLASHBACK

FLASHBACK: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE IN AFRICA

IN on JENNIFER who is playing with a three-year old ABBY on the floor. ABBY is playing with a toy typewriter and JENNIFER is showing her how to spell.

JENNIFER: (PUNCHING OUT THE KEYS) D-A-D-D-Y. Daddy. You try.

ABBY: (SMILING AT THE WORD) Daddy.

JENNIFER: (REPEATING THE WORD TO HER AND SMILING) Daddy.

At this moment, JACK returns. He is wearing his power blue suit and is carrying a briefcase and two small bouquets of flowers.

ABBY: (SEEING JACK WALK IN THE FRONT DOOR) Daddy!

JENNIFER: (INCREDIBLY HAPPY TO SEE JACK) Daddy! (PICKING ABBY UP AND SMILING WIDELY) Jack, you're home!

JACK: (SETTING DOWN HIS BRIEFCASE) That I am. (HE PULLS OUT THE BOUQUETS OF FLOWERS) For my two "best girls". (HE HANDS JENNIFER THE LARGER BOUQUET AND TAKES ABBY FROM HER AND HANDS ABBY THE SMALLER BOUQUET)

JENNIFER: (SMELLING HER FLOWERS AND SMILING) What do you say, Abby?

ABBY: (LOOKING TO JACK) I love you. (SHE KISSES HIS FOREHEAD)

JENNIFER stands on her tiptoes and goes to kiss JACK as well.

JENNIFER: (LEANING INTO THE KISS) I was going for a thank you, but I guess she has other things on her mind.

JACK: (SMILING INTO THE KISS) As do I, but that's for later.

JACK and JENNIFER kiss with huge grins on their faces. When they pull out of the kiss, JENNIFER smiles giddily at him.

JENNIFER: So, did you have a good trip?

JACK: I most certainly did. And I have another surprise for you.

JENNIFER: You do? (BEAT) If it's anything like the first one, then I'm already loving it.

JACK: You're too easy. (HE SITS DOWN ON THE COUCH AND PLACES ABBY ON HIS KNEE) Actually, the surprise is a little too large to fit in our modest surroundings. But if all goes well, then we could possibly create surroundings large enough to, well, surround it.

JENNIFER: (EXCITED) Jack, what is it? Tell me! (SHE SITS DOWN ON THE FLOOR IN FRONT OF HIM AND PLAYS WITH ABBY'S HANDS)

JACK: It is...it is significant to us. It is an opportunity of a lifetime. It is informative, but most of all it is lucrative.

JENNIFER'S face falls at this last word.

JENNIFER: (CONCERNED) Jack-

JACK: Oh, no...don't "Jack" me. Don't you even want to know what it is?

JENNIFER: (THINKING IT OVER) No. (NOTING JACK'S DISAPPOINTMENT) Yes. (BEAT. ANNOYED) What is it?

JACK: (DRYLY) Try again, Miss Horton.

JENNIFER: (FAKING ENTHUSIASM) What is it, this wonderful idea of yours?

JACK: Talk about overdoing it. It is a-a newspaper. The African Spectator, if you will.

JENNIFER'S face turns to joy.

JENNIFER: A paper? Jack, are you serious?

JACK: As serious as the capital check in that briefcase (NODDING TO THE BRIEFCASE ON THE FLOOR). It's not much, but I figure with a little blood, sweat, ink, and tears, you and I, if you would care to join me, could turn this into much more.

JENNIFER: (SMILING) I don't know, Jack. Do you think you could afford me?

JACK: (JOKING) Afford you? Now, now, just because you're an award-winning journalist, that doesn't mean you have to be greedy.

JENNIFER: Jack-

JACK: Oh no, not with the "Jacks" again.

JENNIFER: I love you and I love your little idea.

JACK: Little and lucrative idea.

JENNIFER: (LEANING IN TO KISS HIM) Little and lucrative.

JACK: (TURNING AWAY WITHOUT NOTICING HER ALMOST-KISS) Now, let's see...We have to start looking for space. Inexpensive printing presses and supplies. And interviewing (HE GETS UP AND HANDS HER ABBY AND HE FINDS A PAD AND BEGINS WRITING)...Lord knows where we'll find any good reporters here...(HE STOPS WHEN HE SEES JENNIFER'S LOOK OF DESPAIR) What?

JENNIFER: (COVERING. REALLY WORRIED) Nothing.

JACK: (READING HER FACE FOR A FEW MORE SECONDS) Good. Now, let's get cracking. We have lots of work to do. (HE TURNS AWAY AND STARTS TO GO THROUGH HIS BRIEFCASE)

OUT on JENNIFER, holding ABBY and looking very worried.

CUT TO PRESENT DAY

JACK is standing and smiling at his recollection. JENNIFER is looking at him in disbelief. MARLENA is taking the whole scene in.

JACK: (TO JENNIFER) What?

JENNIFER: That? That was your happy memory?

JACK: (NOTICING HER EXPRESSION) Well, yes. (IN AN AWFUL FRENCH ACCENT) You do not like?

JENNIFER: (PUTTING HER HEAD IN HER HANDS AND ALMOST SCREAMING) Aaagh!

OUT on JACK'S shock over JENNIFER'S reaction.

SCENE 6: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN PROGRESS

JACK: (SITTING DOWN NEXT TO JENNIFER) Aaagh is hardly the response I was hoping for.

JENNIFER: (TO MARLENA) Do you see what I deal with?

JACK: (CONFUSED) Deal with what? (LOOKING TO MARLENA FOR HELP)

MARLENA: I think Jennifer is referring to the fact that your memory was about her, Abigail, and money.

JACK: That's not true. Can you blame a guy for wanting to be successful?

JENNIFER: Jack, you don't want to be successful, you want to be wealthier than words.

JACK: I do not. I like money. Shoot me.

JENNIFER: (GETTING UP AND WALKING AWAY) You prefer money over your daughter and I.

JACK: That's ridiculous!

JENNIFER: (ANGRY) Is it? Is it ridiculous? Is that why you were always off making a quick buck? Is that why I went for months on end without hearing from you? Is it, Jack?

JACK: I was gone for reasons other than that and you know it.

JENNIFER: With my father? With my what did you call him? Oh, "philandering" father?

JACK: I-(STOPPING HIMSELF) I did not choose that memory for that reason. Trust me.

A few seconds of silent tension pass.

MARLENA: Jack, why did you choose that memory?

JACK: (LOOKING AT MARLENA) Why?

MARLENA: Why you chose that memory-of Jennifer, Abigail, and money.

JACK: (NERVOUS) I...Okay, I chose it...I chose it because it was the last time that...that I felt that she...(TURNING TO JENNIFER)...that you...believed in me. (TURNING AWAY) That you believed in something I believed in.

OUT on JENNIFER'S shock at the revelation.

SCENE 7: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN PROGRESS

IN on JENNIFER, who is almost in tears over JACK'S confession.

JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) Are you being serious?

JACK: (FINALLY MEETING HER EYES) Why wouldn't I be? (NOTING MARLENA) Therapy is the place for it, isn't it?

JENNIFER: I never knew.

JACK: I thought you did.

JENNIFER: I...I'm sorry. I just...

JACK: You just didn't believe in me.

JENNIFER: (HURT) No, I guess...I guess I didn't.

A few more seconds of silence pass. MARLENA stands up.

MARLENA: You two covered a lot of ground for today. And you uncovered a lot of it, as well.

Both JACK and JENNIFER look uncomfortably from each other to her.

MARLENA: (CONT.) And I really wish we had more time today, but I want you to do a little exercise for me before our next appointment. Are you willing to do that?

Both JACK and JENNIFER, who are now standing beside each other, nod.

JACK: (SARCASTICALLY) A little homework for the soul, if you would.

JENNIFER throws him a look.

JENNIFER: Sure.

MARLENA: I want you to each take the time to write down at least five more truly happy times. As you can see, this miscommunication is hurting your relationship greatly. If we can compare both of your views of happiness and how you were feeling at a particular time, you might be able to understand the other better. Can you do that for me?

JACK: (LOOKING TO JENNIFER FOR AN ANSWER AND THEN TO MARLENA) Writing is our specialty, you know.

MARLENA: (SMILING) I know. See Mary on the way out to schedule your next session.

JACK and JENNIFER go to leave.

MARLENA: (CONT.) By the way, I'm very proud of you both.

JENNIFER: (SURPRISED) You are?

MARLENA: (SMILING) Yes. It takes a lot of courage and growth to do what you did today. I just hope we can continue to keep this up, despite how painful it may be.

JACK: (UNCOMFORTABLE) We...we hope so too.

JACK and JENNIFER flash each other worried looks and then exit.

SCENE 8: INT. SALEM UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL HALLWAY

JACK and JENNIFER have just exited MARLENA'S office and are a bit on edge.

JENNIFER: (NERVOUS. MAKING SMALL TALK) Next Wednesday, huh?

JACK: The day before Thursday, yes.

JENNIFER: (TURNING TO HIM) What now?

JACK: (CONFUSED) "What now"?

JENNIFER: (THINKING HE IS GOING TO BAIL ON THIS WHOLE "WORKING IT OUT" THING) What do we do now, Jack?

JACK: (REALIZING WHAT SHE IS TALKING ABOUT) We? We, Jennifer, are going out for lunch. And we, Jennifer, are going to continue coming here to talk things out. That's what we are going to do.

JENNIFER: (SMILING AT HIS REASSURANCE) I...I am very happy you said that.

JACK: (SMILING BACK AND ENJOYING THEIR EMPHASIS ON YOU'S, WE'S, AND I'S) I am too. Now you...you are going to start by putting your hand in mine.Can you handle that?

JENNIFER: (SMILING WIDELY) I can handle that. (SHE PUTS HER HAND IN HIS AND SQUEEZES)

JACK: (SQUEEZING BACK) Good. Now, let's see where we can go? (THEY START TO WALK DOWN THE HALL TOGETHER) What do you feel like? Mexican? No.

JENNIFER: Chinese? No, we had that the other night. Hmmm...

COLIN spots them and walks up.

COLIN: I see you're still here. Fancy that, it's lunch time as well. How about getting a spot to eat with an old chum?

JACK: (LOOKING TO JENNIFER AND SMILING. TO COLIN) No.

COLIN: (CONFUSED) No?

JACK: No. (HE AND JENNIFER BEGIN TO WALK AWAY)

COLIN: (TURNING TOWARDS THEM) Where are you going?

JACK: (GLANCING BACK) We...we are going to lunch. You, Colin, you are staying here. (HE LAUGHS AT COLIN'S EXPRESSION AND HE AND JENNIFER HEAD ONTO THE ELEVATOR LAUGHING)

OUT on COLIN'S confused and not amused face.

EPISODE 38

SCENE 1: INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM

JENNIFER is lying on her stomach on her bed and is trying to write. She pauses for a moment and thinks while biting on her pen, finally writes something down, then gets frustrated and balls up the paper. The door is open. JACK walks by to go to his room, but stops and peeks in on her. He watches her with great love and concern as she has trouble writing. After a few seconds, JENNIFER realizes he is watching her. JACK tries to cover and turns around and starts messing with the fern in the hallway.

JENNIFER: (SMILING AT HIS "COVERING") Jack?

JACK: (TURNING AROUND) Yes?

JENNIFER: (SITTING UP IN BED AND DRAWING HER KNEES TO HER CHEST) Whatcha doing?

JACK: Um...I was just...I was just...(TOUCHING THE FERN) checking on the flora. I think Jo might be pulling our leg about watering them while we were away. This one...this one looks rather sickly, don't you think?

JENNIFER: (AMUSED) I think it looks fine.

JACK: (COCKING HIS EYEBROW UP AT HER) You do?

JENNIFER: (SMILING) I do. (BEAT) You can come in, you know.

JACK: (NERVOUSLY SMILING) I know.

JENNIFER: (WAITING FOR HIM TO STEP IN. WHEN HE DOESN'T) Come in, Jack.

JACK: Come in? Yes, I guess I could. (HE TENTATIVELY STEPS IN) Working on your novel? (HE NODS TO THE PAPERS AND NERVOUSLY PUTS HIS HANDS IN HIS POCKETS)

JENNIFER: (PLACING THE PAPERS UNDER HER PILLOW) I wish. Marlena's "homework." (LOOKING TOWARDS HIM) You can sit down too, you know.

JACK: (NERVOUS) Right. Sit down. I..(GIVING IN)...okay. (HE SITS DOWN ON THE EDGE OF HER BED WITH HIS HANDS STILL IN HIS POCKETS)

JENNIFER: (SMILING AT JACK'S NERVOUSNESS) Jack-

JACK: (LOOKING AROUND THE ROOM AT THE WALLS) I like what you did in here. The walls, that is. I was thinking about doing something similar.

JENNIFER: Jack-

JACK: (NOT LOOKING AT HER STILL) No, seriously, I do. I mean, I'd like to do something similar. Maybe without the border, though. (SHUDDERING A LITTLE ) A little too feminine for me.

JENNIFER: Jack-(HE GOES TO SPEAK BUT SHE THROWS HIM A LOOK) I want to talk.

JACK: (FINALLY MEETING HER GAZE) About painting?

JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) About today.

OUT on JACK'S reluctant look.

SCENE 2: INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM

IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER: I want to talk about what you said in therapy today. About me not believing in you.

JACK: (PLAYING WITH A THREAD ON HER COMFORTER AND AVOIDING HER GAZE) I don't think that's a good idea.

JENNIFER: I do. (FRUSTRATED, SHE GRABS HIS HANDS)

JACK: (LOOKING DOWN AT HER HANDS ON HIS) Jennifer.

JENNIFER: (LOOKING DOWN AT THEIR INTERLOCKED HANDS AS WELL) Jack. (SHE LOOKS UP AT HIM) Jack, I want you to know that I'm sorry.

JACK: And I...I want you to know that I'm serious.

JENNIFER: (LOST) Serious?

JACK: Serious about not talking about this right now. I'd rather...I'd rather not talk about this without...without the good doctor here. I'm sorry. (HE GETS UP AND WALKS OVER TO HER DRESSER AND STARTS LOOKING AT HER PICTURES)

JENNIFER: (TAKING IN HIS WORDS) Okay. (SHE GETS UP AND WALKS OVER TO HIM) I love that photo. (SHE LOOKS OVER HIS SHOULDER AT IT) You remember when we took that?

JACK: I do. Vern took it. We were at the paper and he had just gotten his new camera. His foray into art.

JENNIFER: (SMILING AT THE RECOLLECTION) Yeah. We weren't even together then.

JACK: Were we ever really?

JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Were we ever? (SHE PLAYFULLY HITS HIM) I guess we weren't, were we?

JACK: (LAUGHING HIMSELF AT THEIR NON-COURTSHIP) How we ever wound up married, I don't know.

BOTH are enjoying this playful recollection of their relationship.

JENNIFER: Oh, come on now. It wasn't that bad.

JACK: Did I say "bad"? No, not "bad." Non-conv...It wasn't conventional, though.

JENNIFER: That's why it worked. We made it work.

JACK: I guess we did, didn't we? It wasn't easy.

JENNIFER: No...no, it wasn't. (GETTING SERIOUS AGAIN) I know this isn't easy, too, Jack. (SHE TOUCHES HIS SHOULDER IN CONCERN)

JACK: (LOOKING AT HER HAND ON HIS SHOULDER) Oh, no...not the shoulder. Jennif-(GETTING SERIOUS HIMSELF) Jennifer, it's not easy. This (PLACING THE PICTURE BACK ON THE DRESSER)..this you and me and head shrinkage is not easy, so if it's the same to you, I'd rather not talk about this when we're not confined in Marlena's office.

JENNIFER: (THINKING IT OVER A BIT) You're right. (SHE GOES TO GRAB THE PHONE)

JACK: (WONDERING WHAT SHE'S DOING) I'm right?

JENNIFER: (PICKING UP THE PHONE ON HER NIGHTSTAND) About not talking about it. About us not being conventional.

JACK: Excuse me for calling you vague, but you're being rather, well, vague.

JENNIFER: (STARTING TO DIAL) You're excused. (SHE SMILES) Abby's spending the night over at Rebecca's, right?

JACK: (CONFUSED) Yes. Jennif-

JENNIFER: And Jo?

JACK: She's out on a (CRINGING AT THE WORD) date with Vernon.

JENNIFER throws him a look.

JENNIFER: Jack, why don't you go downstairs and get together some chips and dip and stuff and I'll be down in a minute?

JACK: Chips and dip? What-

JENNIFER: (SMILING AND COCKING HER HEAD TOWARDS THE DOOR) Just go. You'll see.

JACK: (RELUCTANTLY MOVING TOWARDS THE DOOR) Right. I'll see. (HE EXITS, BUT STANDS OUTSIDE THE DOOR).

All of a sudden, the door shuts in front of him. JACK jumps back in confusion.

SCENE 3: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM

IN on JACK, who is placing some bowls of chips and popcorn on the coffee table. JENNIFER comes walking down the stairs.

JACK: (NOTING HER) Would you mind telling me what we're doing?

JENNIFER: Well, (THE DOORBELL RINGS).. You know what? You're about to see for yourself. (SHE OPENS THE DOOR) Bo! Hope!

HOPE: Jenn, I'm so glad you called. (SHE HUGS JENNIFER HELLO)

BO: (HUGGING JENNIFER AS WELL) Jenn. Lucky for us, we had a babysitter who was willing to work on short notice.

HOPE: Or a son who wanted to spend some QT with his baby brother. (SEEING JACK) Jack! How are you? (SHE HUGS HIM HELLO) I must admit, I was rather surprised when Jenn called. She said you wanted to hang out. I always thought of you as the-

JACK: (NERVOUSLY SMILING) Socially reclusive type.

HOPE: (EMBARASSED) Well...No.

BO: (SHAKING JACK'S HAND) He's joking Fancy Face. Jack.

JACK: Bo. I'm so glad Jennifer (THROWING HER A LOOK) called.

JENNIFER: (SMILING FACETIOUSLY AT HIM) Yeah. I told them how we were talking and how you said we never really did anything conventional anymore. So...

JACK: So you invited them over to-what do the kids call it-hang out?

JENNIFER: Exactly.

HOPE and BO are confused by JACK and JENNIFER'S behavior.

JENNIFER: (TURNING TO HOPE) You know what? Hope, why don't you help me get the drinks from the kitchen? (TO JACK) You're going to be okay, aren't you?

JACK: (NERVOUS ABOUT BEING LEFT ALONE WITH BO. THROUGH GRITTED TEETH) I guess so.

JENNIFER: (SMILING) Good. We'll be right back. (SHE SQUEEZES HIS ARM FOR REASSURANCE)

JENNIFER and HOPE exit through the kitchen. OUT on JACK'S nervousness.

SCENE 4: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM

IN PROGRESS

IN on JACK and BO, who are sitting at opposite ends of the couch. Both are uncomfortable about being alone with one another. A few seconds of silence ensues.

JACK: So...how are things down at the good 'ole police station?

BO: (NODDING) Fine, fine. (BEAT) Any job prospects?

JACK: No, no. (BEAT) But I'm thinking that pretty soon my luck will be turning around. It has too. Pretty soon the publishing world will be suffering from a major (PUTTING HIS ARMS OUT TO INDICATE AN EXPLOSION) Jack Attack.

BO: (CONFUSED BY JACK) I'm sure they will.

CUT to the kitchen, where JENNIFER and HOPE are pouring some iced tea.

JENNIFER: (REACHING INTO THE CABINETS FOR SOME GLASSES) -and I got them on sale. Forty percent off. (SHE TURNS AROUND AND POKES OUT HER FOOT TO SHOW HOPE HER SHOES)

HOPE: (TAKING THE GLASSES FROM HER AND GLANCING AT THE SHOES) They're nice.

JENNIFER: Yeah, I thought so. (BEAT) So, have you talked to Colin lately?

HOPE: (LOOKING UP FROM POURING THE ICED TEA) Oh. Are you sure you want to talk about that?

JENNIFER: (WRINGING A DISHTOWEL IN HER HAND) Of...of course I would. Why wouldn't I?

HOPE: I...I don't know. I guess since you and Jack seem to be getting along great.

JENNIFER: (SMILING AT THIS COMMENT) We have, haven't we?

HOPE: (MATCHING HER SMILE) I guess..I guess I thought that it didn't matter. About Colin, that is.

JENNIFER: Yeah. (NERVOUS) I'm just asking as a friend. You know we were friends back in Africa. Pretty good ones, at that. (SHE PICKS UP A GLASS OF TEA AND GOES TO SIP IT)

HOPE: (TRYING TO READ JENNIFER'S FACE) I know. I just...(SIGHING) He's engaged, Jenn. We met his fiancée the other day.

JENNIFER drops her glass to the floor and it shatters. HOPE stands there in shock.

CUT to LIVING ROOM

JACK and BO are still sitting on the couch. They have resumed not talking. They hear the glass break in the kitchen.

JACK: (LOOKING AT BO) Your wife or mine? Ex-wife, I mean.

BO: (SMILING) I'd bet mine. Hope was never the most graceful person when it came to glasses. You should have seen how many she broke when we first got married. We almost had to re-register.

JACK: (STARTING TO LOOSEN UP) Then it's a good thing you got remarried. (BEAT) You know Jennifer broke a few dishes in her time, too. Of course, they were thrown at me.

BO: (LAUGHING A LITTLE) Ah, the Horton temper.

JACK: (LAUGHING A LITTLE AS WELL) It's hard to believe that Mrs. Horton would ever throw dishes, though.

BO: Oh, come on, she was quite the spitfire back in her day, if I recall. (GETTING COMFORTABLE ON THE COUCH) Did I tell you about the time that-

CUT to KITCHEN

HOPE and JENNIFER are kneeling on the floor trying to pick up the broken pieces of the glass.

JENNIFER: (PICKING UP THE PIECES) I am so clumsy. Pretty soon, I'm going to have to start shopping for glasses on sale. Of course, that might not be a bad-

HOPE: (PICKING UP THE PIECES AND WATCHING JENNIFER) Jenn-

JENNIFER: (AVOIDING HOPE'S EYES) No, seriously, maybe I can find a nice set down at Salem Place. You know they have that new department store.

HOPE: (GRABBING JENNIFER'S WRISTS) Jenn, something is wrong, now you're going to tell me what it is.

OUT on JENNIFER'S nervous expression.

SCENE 5: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN

IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER: (GENTLY BREAKING HER WRISTS AWAY FROM HOPE AND PICKING UP THE REMAINING PIECES) Nothing. Nothing's wrong. Don't look at me that way, Hope.

HOPE: I'm not looking at you anyway. Jenn, do you still have feelings for Colin?

JENNIFER: No. (FINALLY MEETING HOPE'S EYES) Yes. I don't know.

HOPE: But I thought everything was going great with Jack?

JENNIFER: It is. It's just... Everyday something more and more seems to come out. I'm...I'm scared that when it's all out there, it'll scare him into not wanting to work this out.

HOPE: You think it's-whatever happened between you two-it's too overwhelming? JENNIFER: (NODDING) In a way, yes. And Colin? I don't love him, I know that. But knowing that I followed him to Ireland and him...

HOPE: And the fact that he has a fiancee makes it all too much, huh? You're finally starting to truly feel how bad that decision was? (TALKING ABOUT HERSELF AND KEEPING THE PATERNITY OF ISAAC A SECRET)

JENNIFER: (SMILING AND WIPING AWAY A TEAR) Yeah. I know it's silly.

HOPE: (TAKING JENNIFER'S HAND AND RUBBING IT) No, Jenn. How you fell is never silly. I think you need to talk to Jack about all this, that's all. Nip the miscommunication-

JENNIFER: In the bud. (SMILING) I don't think he wants to talk about this right now. Now without Marlena, that is. Too hard.

HOPE: Make him listen, Jenn. The truth is always the way to go.

JENNIFER: (NOTICING HOPE'S UNCOMFORT) Hope, are you okay?

HOPE: (PLAYING IT OFF) I'm fine. (BEAT) Now let's finish cleaning this up and find our men. (SHE STANDS UP AS JENNIFER WATCHES HER CURIOUSLY)

JENNIFER: (STANDING UP) Yeah. That sounds good.

SCENE 6: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM

IN PROGRESS

BO and JACK are now talking vividly about different stories about their Horton women. They are enjoying themselves.

JACK: (ANIMATED) So, he lifted up her veil and there was this guy smoking a cigar?

BO: (LAUGHING) Yes. Now I didn't see his face, but from what Mrs. H. said, it was priceless.

JACK: (LAUGHING) Oh, that is funny. (WIPING HIS EYES FROM LAUGHING TOO HARD) Who knew?

JENNIFER and HOPE walk in with a tray of drinks to BO and JACK laughing hysterically.

JENNIFER: (THROWING HOPE A LOOK) Maybe you and I should have stayed in the kitchen.

BO and JACK notice them and quickly regain their composure.

BO: Fancy Face, I didn't know-

HOPE: (LAUGHING. SETTING THE DRINKS DOWN ON THE COFFEE TABLE) we were here. What ever were you two talking about anyway? (SHE HANDS BO A GLASS AND THEN PLOPS DOWN NEXT TO HIM TO TAKE A SIP OF HER DRINK)

BO: I was just telling Jack the story about when you were going to marry Larry Welch.

HOPE: (BARELY ABLE TO SWALLOW HER DRINK IT'S SO FUNNY) Larry Welch? Now that's a name I haven't heard in a long time.

JENNIFER is sitting on the armrest of the sofa and has just placed her hand on JACK'S shoulder. Surprised by her touch, JACK turns around and smiles at her warmly. JENNIFER smiles back.

HOPE: (NOTING JACK AND JENNIFER COMFORTABLENESS) You two know a thing about interrupting weddings, don't you?

JACK: (QUICKLY LOOKING EMBARASSED) I plead the fifth on that one.

JENNIFER: (MUSSING UP HIS HAIR) As you should. You know, despite how much I yelled, I really was glad you kidnapped me, Jack.

JACK: (MAKING A FACE) And yell she did. Believe me. Still haven't recovered my full hearing capacity in my right ear.

BO and HOPE laugh at their happiness. JENNIFER playfully hits JACK and then walks to the hall closet. JACK watches in confusion.

JACK: Oh, Miss Horton, you know I was just pulling your leg, right?

JENNIFER: (V.O.) I know.

BO, HOPE, and JACK throw each other looks. They wonder what JENNIFER is doing. JENNIFER enters with a game in her arms.

JACK: (NOTING THE GAME) Whatcha got there, an antique?

JENNIFER: (SMILING) Kind of.

HOPE: (HAPPY ABOUT THE GAME) Is that--? No way.

JENNIFER: (SMILING EVEN MORE WIDELY) Yup, it is.

JACK: And it is?

JENNIFER: A Horton family staple. (HOLDING UP THE BOX) Pictionary.

OUT on JENNIFER and HOPE clapping and excited over the game. JACK and BO are delightfully confused by their glee.

SCENE 7: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM

IN on JACK, who has set up an easel with a pad of paper on it in front of the couch. BO and HOPE are now on the floor around the coffee table, as is JENNIFER, who is setting up the game.

JACK: (ADJUSTING THE EASEL) Thank God for little children. I'm still hoping Abigail will grow up and be the next Van Gogh.

JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Jack, you want her to be the first woman President.

JACK: (NERVOUSLY LAUGHING) Well, maybe that and an artist. Maybe not such a depressed one, though. (HE JOINS HER ON THE FLOOR) Now are you going to tell us how to play or are we going to have to wing it?

BO: (TO HOPE) I'm still surprised we've never played this before. How come, Fancy Face?

JACK: Well between brain chips and kidnapping, you never really got a chance.

BO and HOPE shoot JACK a look. JACK throws his hands up.

BO: (TO HOPE) How come we've never played before?

HOPE: Well...(BREAKING INTO LAUGHTER AND SNATCHING A MARKER AWAY FROM BO) because what Jack said.

JENNIFER throws JACK a look.

JENNIFER: Allright, let's show you how it's played.

OUT on the four of them leaning in over the game and JENNIFER explaining how to play it.

SCENE 8: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM

THIS SCENE IS DONE ENTIRELY WITHOUT WORDS. IT IS A SERIES OF DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE "PICTIONARY" GAME WITH BO AND HOPE. BO, HOPE, JACK, AND JENNIFER ARE SPEAKING, BUT YOU CANNOT HEAR THEM OVER THE WORDS OF THE SONG.

"It Takes Two" by Kim Weston and Marvin Gaye

One can have a dream, baby
Two can make that dream so real

IN on JENNIFER drawing at the board and waving to JACK to guess what she is drawing. JACK is standing there blurting out words and getting all worked up.

One can talk about bein' in love
Two can say how it really feels

CUT to HOPE, who is resting her head on BO'S shoulder. They are both enjoying themselves.

One can wish upon a star
Two can make that wish come true, yeah

CUT to JENNIFER, who is hopping up and down and drawing. JACK finally blurts out the right answer and she jumps in his arms and they both jump up and down

One can stand alone in the dark
Two can make the light shine through

CUT to BO and HOPE, who are getting up to draw and are amused at JACK and JENNIFER'S competitiveness.

It takes two, baby
It takes two, baby
Me and you, just takes two
It takes two, baby
It takes two, baby
To make a dream come true, just takes two

JACK and JENNIFER stop jumping up and down and look at them and try to regain their composure. As HOPE approaches the board, however, they both get excited again. BO just laughs at them.

CUT to a little while later, BO is drawing and HOPE is trying furiously to guess the answer. JACK and JENNIFER are on eggshells waiting on the couch. The timer runs out, JACK holds it up as he starts to rub JENNIFER'S shoulders as she has to draw.

One can have a broken heart, livin' in misery
Two can really ease the pain like a perfect remedy

CUT to a little while later. JACK is drawing and JENNIFER is trying to guess what he is drawing. He looks incredulously at her as she can't figure it out. The timer goes off. HOPE holds it up as she and BO hop over to the board. JENNIFER gives JACK her best "I'm sorry" face.

One can be alone in a car, on a night like these all alone
Two can make just any place seem just like bein' at home

CUT to a little while later, as JACK checks the scores. They are dead even. He pretends to look worried to JENNIFER, who is going to draw. He shows her the scores and she laughs at him. BO and HOPE are jokingly talking strategy.

It takes two, baby
It takes two, baby
Me and you, just takes two
It takes two, baby
It takes two, baby
To make a dream come true, just takes two

For the instrumental, JACK tries heatedly to guess what JENNIFER is drawing. BO and HOPE just laugh at how silly they're being.

Just takes two, just takes two

BO just guessed HOPE'S drawing and they both share a giddy high-five as JACK and JENNIFER look on nervously.

One can go out to a movie, lookin' for a special treat
Two can make that single movie somethin' really kinda sweet

JACK is drawing again and JENNIFER is trying to guess what he is drawing. He makes a face at each of her wrong guesses. Finally, she gets it and he picks her up and swings her around the room.

One can take a walk in the moonlight, thinkin' that it's really nice
But two walkin' hand-in-hand is like addin' just a pinch of spice

Both couples embrace and play with each other. JACK, holding JENNIFER still, picks up the score and upon seeing their win, runs her around the room celebrating. BO and HOPE laugh hysterically at how much fun they are having.

It takes two, baby
It takes two, baby
Me and you, just takes two
It takes two, baby
It takes two, baby
To make a dream come true, just takes two

OUT on the two couples' utter happiness

SCENE 9: EXT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S HOUSE-BACKYARD-A LITTLE WHILE LATER

BO and HOPE have just left. JENNIFER is standing in the backyard staring at the stars. JACK notices her through the backdoor window and comes out with a jacket. Without a word, he walks over and tentatively places it on her shoulders.

JENNIFER: (TURNING AROUND AND SMILING) Jack.

JACK: (QUIETLY) That's what they call me. (BEAT) Nice night, huh? (HE LOOKS UP AT THE STARS)

JENNIFER: (TURNING AROUND TO LOOK AT THEM AS WELL) Yeah. (TO JACK) Hope got off okay?

JACK: (CONCERNED ABOUT HER SERIOUSNESS) Yes. Forgot her purse, that's all. Jennifer, are you okay?

JENNIFER: (AVOIDING HIS EYES) Yeah, I'm fine. Why would you ask?

JACK: I don't know...I don't (HAVING A LIGHTBULB MOMENT) You know what, stay right here. (HE STARTS TO GO BACK INTO THE HOUSE)

JENNIFER: (SMILING) Jack, where are you-

JACK: (WAVING HER OFF) You'll see. Just stay...stay right here. Okay?

JENNIFER nods. JACK goes into the house. JENNIFER begins to walk around pensively. The door opens and JACK walks out with something behind his back.

JENNIFER: (SMILING AT HIS "SURPRISE") Jack, what are you doing?

JACK: You'll see....(HE WALKS OVER TO HER) Listen, I was just thinking about what you said earlier...

JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) About Abby being the President?

JACK: (NERVOUSLY SMILING) No, I think about that everyday. About...well...never one for being open if you would. (HE HOLDS UP A PIECE OF THE DRAWING PAPER FROM THE GAME. ON IT, HE HAS DRAWN SOME PICTURES)

JENNIFER: Jack-

JACK: No...read it...like the game.

JENNIFER: (SMILING) Okay. There's a snake, right? And it's hissing. Sssssssss? S?

JACK nods.

JENNIFER: (NARROWING HER EYES) And what looks like a car?

JACK nods again. He is very concerned for her.

JENNIFER: And a d. S- "car"-d. Scared?

JACK: (NODDING) As in I'm. As in you are. I just want you to know that I am s-"car"-d, too.

JENNIFER: (TEARS IN HER EYES) I love you, Jack Deveraux.

JACK: I do, too. You know what I mean.

JENNIFER: I do.

JACK: I just want to let you know that...that you are not alone in this. If you want...if you need to talk with...or without Marlena, I will try.

JENNIFER: You're there...

JACK: And I'm here.

JENNIFER: But I'm, we're, trying. (SMILING THROUGH HER TEARS)

JACK: (SMILING AT HER SMILE) Can and will. Contramundum, if you will. Now, let's go inside and try to get some sleep. (HE PUTS HIS ARM AROUND HER)

THEY begin to walk into the house.

JENNIFER: You're full of catch phrases, you know that?

JACK: (LAUGHING) A man of many cliches. You should be so glad to have me on your team.

JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) On my team?

JACK: Pictionary team. These catch phrases come in handy. Especially when kicking gluteus maximus.

THEY laugh and go into the house.

OUT on the porch light going out and a woman's voice coming over the screen. It is sad and sweet, but it is the same song from earlier.

It takes two, baby
It takes two, baby
To make a dream come true, just takes two

EPISODE 39

SCENE 1: EXT. SALEM PLACE-AFTERNOON

IN on JACK, who is stepping out of the SALEM MARKET. He squints as the daylight hits his face and takes a moment to rest on the sign reading "FOR ALL YOUR FRESH FOOD NEEDS". He sees the SPECTATOR for sale on the newspaper rack and is digging in his pocket for change.

GRETA: (WALKING UP BEHIND HIM AND LEANING IN TO SURPRISE HIM) Long time, no see. Can I buy you a paper, Jack?

OUT on JACK turning around to see her. He laughs nervously.

SCENE 2: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM

IN on JENNIFER walking around nervously. She keeps moving things in the living room to ensure that they are perfect. She stops and stands in front of the dining nook mirror and fusses with her hair.

JENNIFER: (TO HERSELF) Aaaghh! Jennifer, what are you doing? It's just Colin. Everything doesn't have to be perfect. (PULLING A FACE) Why am I doing this?

JO enters from the kitchen carrying cookies and milk and hears her. She doesn't like the sound of things.

JO: That's what I'd like to know.

OUT on JENNIFER'S face, nervous that she was caught.

SCENE 3: EXT. SALEM PLACE

IN PROGRESS

JACK: Hehehehe. (PUTTING HIS ARM AROUND HER) Princess, what ever are you doing here? When are you going to learn-you send the servants out for menial tasks like...like (SEEING THE SIGN) grocery shopping, for one.

GRETA: And when are you going to learn that I don't have servants, Jack?

JACK: Oooh, such a mouth for royalty.

GRETA: (SMILING) Jack-

JACK: (WALKING HER TOWARDS THE BENCHES) Now, now, please do not chastise a commoner like me. Tell me, what are you doing here-feeding the poor, signing a peace treaty over mochas?

GRETA: (PULLING A FACE) Neither. What are you doing here?

JACK: (SITTING HER DOWN AND TAKING THE SEAT BESIDE HER) I am...well, I am... (PICKING UP HIS GROCERY BAG AND SHOWING IT TO HER) I am here seeking sustenance for my family-Jennifer and Abigail. It's not slaying beasts and roasting them over a campfire like early man, but it is a task indeed.

GRETA: (LAUGHING) Seeking sustenance? Is that your way of saying you were food shopping?

JACK: In layman's-or laywoman's-terms, yes.

GRETA: Okay. (BEAT) So?

JACK: (LOST) So?

GRETA: So, Greta, how've you been? Jack, you really do have to work on your social skills.

JACK: (GETTING IT) Social--? Oh, I see. (IN HIS BEST JOHN WAYNE VOICE) So, tell me, Princess, how's life been treating ya?

GRETA: (LAUGHING) Now that's more like it. (SMILING) Actually-(SHE STOPS, WONDERING WHY JACK IS LOOKING AT HER FUNNY) What?

JACK: (IN A BROOKLYN ACCENT) Oh my Gawd. (SPEAKING REGULARLY, YET OVER-THE-TOP) You've found him, you've found the proverbial "one".

OUT on GRETA'S embarrassment.

SCENE 4: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM

IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER: (NERVOUSLY) Jo? I didn't-

JO: You didn't hear me come in. Nobody ever hears anybody come in around here. What was that you were saying about Colin?

JENNIFER: About Colin? Um, well...I was just saying that-

JO: (WAVING HER OFF) Nevermind. Let me tell you what I heard. I heard you getting yourself all worked up over him. And let me tell you what I think. Jennifer, I've always been honest with you-or at least whenever Jack would let me--and you know I love you more than anything in the world, but that's my son's heart you may be breaking.

JENNIFER: (HURT) Jo-

JO: No, let me finish. Billy...(SETTING HER PLATE AND GLASS DOWN ON THE TABLE)-Jack. (SIGHING) Now Jack has never been the most honest or open or, well, he's never been perfect, but Jennifer, he loves you. He really and truly does. He'd do anything in the world for you and little Abby, you know that, right?

JENNIFER: (TAKING IT IN) I know.

JO: And after all you've been through-after all you've been through-I hope that you realize all this and I hope you don't plan on breaking my baby's heart again.

JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) I don't. Jo, Jack and I have been through too much already. I guess...I guess I just want Colin to see that we are okay, that everything is perfect.

JO: Can't you see Jennifer? Nothing is ever perfect. That's what makes it special.

JENNIFER: (SITTING DOWN ON THE SOFA AND PULLING A PILLOW TO HER CHEST) I know. It's just that Colin really did help me in Africa and despite...despite what may have almost gone on between us-he really is a good friend.

JO: (SENSING JENNIFER'S HURT) I'm not making any judgements. If I learned one thing, I learned to not judge. (SITTING DOWN ON THE SOFA AND PUTTING HER ARM AROUND JENNIFER) Oh, honey, what happened in Africa?

OUT on JENNIFER'S face. She wants to tell her, but is scared.

SCENE 5: EXT. SALEM PLACE

GRETA: What makes you think that?

JACK: Why, it's written all over your face. (POINTING TO HER FACE) Right next to "I am a Princess, worship me." It says, "I, Greta Von Amburg, have just met the man I want to spend the rest of my life with."

GRETA: (LAUGHING) Are you ever serious about anything?

JACK: I try not to be. Takes the fun out of life.

GRETA: Not that it's any of your information, but yes, I did meet someone.

JACK: (LEANING BACK) Do tell.

GRETA: (GIDDILY) He's handsome and charming and kind and successful.

JACK is checking these stats off as she goes.

JACK: Ah, successful! That leaves me out, at least it does in my unemployed state. So, tell me, what nom does this fine man go by? Is he a Lord or a Baron?

GRETA: He's a doctor.

JACK: (MULLING IT OVER) Practically royalty in America. Them and lawyers, of course. So, what did you say his name was? Or shall we just call him Doctor X?

GRETA: (BITING HER LIP) Um...

JACK: (LEANING IN) Oh, come on now, you did get his name, Princess?

OUT on GRETA'S look. She is slightly embarrassed.

SCENE 6: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM

IN PROGRESS

JO: (STROKING JENNIFER'S HAIR) Jennifer, what happened to get you this upset? If it wasn't Colin, what was it?

JENNIFER: (NEAR TEARS) I was alone.

JO: I know, I know. Jack was gone.

JENNIFER: No, I was alone. I needed him and he wasn't there.

JO: He wasn't, but he's here now, Jennifer. He's here and he wants to help, Abby wants to help, Vern wants to help, I want to help. Let us help you, honey.

JENNIFER: (CRYING) I couldn't find him. When I did...I didn't want it to happen...(BREAKING DOWN AND BURYING HER HEAD INTO THE PILLOW) I didn't want it to happen, but I said I did and now I'm being punished.

JO: (LOST. RUBBING JENNIFER'S HAIR) Punished for what?

JENNIFER: (INTO THE PILLOW AND SOBBING) For...everything. I didn't want to lose...I didn't want to lose...It's all my fault...Why couldn't I listen? Why?

JO: (CONCERNED) What-what did you lose? Oh, Jennifer.

JENNIFER is about to speak when the doorbell rings.

OUT on JO'S concerned look to the door.

SCENE 7: EXT. SALEM PLACE

IN PROGRESS

JACK: You didn't get a name, did you? Not even a calling card?

GRETA: (EMBARRASSED) No. Buy, hey, I'm bound to run into him again, right? Salem's not that big of a place.

JACK: Well it's not Grover's Corner, either. Tell me...what does this so-called mystery man look like?

GRETA: (WISTFULLY) He's a little over 6' tall and he has the most amazing dark hair and eyes and he has a sexy British accent that just me-

JACK: (CUTTING HER OFF) Whoa, whoa, save that stuff for the girls. (BEAT) He sounds relatively attractive. I mean, he's no-he's no me, of course-but he does sound somewhat aesthetically pleasing.

GRETA: That he is. So, what about you? You seem relatively happy today.

JACK: Of course I am. Interest rates are down, the Senate is ruled by Democrats, and I have a happy and healthy daughter (CHECKING HIS WATCH) who is probably wondering where her Daddy is right now.

GRETA: How do you do that?

JACK: Do what?

GRETA: Seemingly avoid the subject at hand while simultaneously working politics into any conversation.

JACK: My father was a Senator, you know. Albeit, he was also a criminal, but I tend to avoid that little tidbit of history.

GRETA: Seriously, Jack, how are things going between you and Jennifer?

JACK: Seriously? There's that word again. Seriously, they are going splendidly. Whilst over in the land o' Erin, we decided to try and work things out, as trite as that sounds.

GRETA: So you decided to drop this whole research for custody thing?

JACK: In short, yes. I could've never done that, anyway. I just wanted something-someone-to blame this mess on.

GRETA: So, what do you blame it on now? Or rather who?

JACK: The who is not important. The what is what is. Did I ever tell you what the basis of Jennifer and my relationship is?

GRETA: I think so. Equality?

JACK: No.

GRETA: Banter?

JACK: (SMILING A LITTLE) No.

GRETA: (GROWING ANNOYED) Jack, will you just tell me? My head is hurting, as usual, from carrying on these never-ending conversations with you.

JACK: (MAKING A FACE) Ooh, a dig. Are you saying I'm boring? Princess, would you rather be spending your time with a handsome and caring Doctor of no certain name? The points you made were good ones, but not the true element of Jennifer's and my relationship.

GRETA: And that would be--?

JACK: (SMILING FROM EAR TO EAR) Miscommunication.

GRETA: Why am I not surprised?

JACK: Now, for chance that you may aggravate your headache even further, I must be off to pick up my very own Princess.

GRETA: (FACE FALLING A LITTLE. SHE IS LONELY.) Oh, okay.

JACK: (NOTICING HER SADNESS) Of course, you are more than welcome to come for the ride and to (BEAT) stay for dinner, if you'd like. Although I will warn you, Jennifer is venturing into the world of (PULLING AN EGGPLANT OUT OF THE BAG) eggplant Parmesan tonight. No worry, though. Hopefully, we'll find your doctor friend and have him on standby. That would be nice, wouldn't it? (SEARCHING HER FACE TO CHEER HER UP A LITTLE)

GRETA: (NODDING AND SMILING) I'd like that.

JACK: (PUTTING HIS ARM OUT TO HER) Alright, then. Your chariot, or some reasonable facsimile of one, awaits your highness.

GRETA laughs and takes his arm. OUT on the two of them exiting and laughing.

SCENE 8: INT JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM

IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER: (HEARING THE BELL, SHE SHOOTS UP FROM THE PILLOW) Oh, great, here I am, acting all silly, causing you to miss your soap opera. (WEAKLY SMILING AND WIPING HER EYES)

JO: (CONCERNED FOR HER) That's okay, it's not that important. (GETTING A TISSUE FROM THE DESK AND HANDING IT TO HER) Jennifer, you were saying that you-

JENNIFER: (TAKING THE TISSUE AND STANDING UP. THE DOORBELL IS STILL RINGING) I better get the door, shouldn't I?

JO: (GRABBING HER HAND) I want you to know that...that I've always thought of you like a daughter, Jennifer.

JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) I know.

JO: And I know I can't be your mother, but I also know that she wasn't there for you a lot as a child. I guess what I'm trying to say is that if you need a mom to talk to, I'm here..not just for Bil-(LAUGHING. CORRECTING HERSELF), but for you too.

JENNIFER: (WEAKLY SMILING) I know. (BEAT) I better get that.

JENNIFER runs to the door as JO looks on, concerned.

JENNIFER: (OPENING THE DOOR) Colin, I'm so glad you could come. (SMILING) Come in.

COLIN: I must say, I was rather surprised given your and Jack's somewhat frosty reaction to me the other day.

JENNIFER: Yeah, well, Jack and I are just dealing with a lot of stuff lately. (WALKING INTO THE LIVING ROOM)

COLIN: (FOLLOWING HER) Namely me.

JENNIFER: Namely...well, I guess so. (SEEING JO. NERVOUS) Colin, I'd like you to meet Jo Johnson, Jack's mother. Jo, Colin.

COLIN: Good afternoon, Mrs. Johnson. You've got quite the son.

JO: (MATTER OF FACTLY) I know. (LOOKING HIM UP AND DOWN AND GRABBING HER COOKIES AND MILK) Jennifer, I'm going to try and catch the last half of my soap. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me. (EYEING COLIN BEFORE GOING TO LEAVE)

JENNIFER: (NERVOUS) Alright.

JO exits. JENNIFER turns to COLIN.

JENNIFER: So, can I get you a drink or something?

COLIN: No, I'm fine. Is the wee one home?

JENNIFER: (SMILING) No, Abby's at day camp. Jack should be picking her up soon. She'll be delighted to see you.

COLIN: And I her. (BEAT) So, Jack's not home?

JENNIFER: No. (NERVOUS) I didn't know how he'd react if-

COLIN: So, you're keeping secrets from him again?

OUT on JENNIFER'S annoyed face.

SCENE 9: INT. JACK'S CAR

JACK, ABBY, and GRETA have just stopped at BUDDY'S drive-thru window.

JACK: (THANKING THE CASHIER AND PUTTING THE FOOD IN THE MIDDLE) For you, my love. (HANDING ABBY, WHO IS IN THE BACKSEAT, A VANILLA ICE CREAM CONE) Remember, don't get any-

ABBY: On the seat. I'll remember. (SHE TAKES THE CONE AND STARTS EATING IT)

JACK: About as well as you remembered when you dropped that shake in Mommy's car?

ABBY: (LAUGHING) Daddy, you're so silly.

JACK: Speaking of shakes, for you, Miss Von Amburg (HANDING GRETA A SHAKE AND A STRAW)

GRETA: Thanks.

JACK: And for me, a root-beer float. (PUTTING THE STRAW IN THE FLOAT AND DRIVING OFF)

GRETA: (WATCHING ABBY EAT IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR) So, Abby, how's day camp?

ABBY: Great. I learned how to make a kite today.

GRETA: That sounds like fun. You'll have to talk your Daddy into flying one with you someday.

ABBY: Daddy, can we fly a kite tonight?

JACK: Soon, Abigail, soon. Tonight we're having dinner at home. Mommy's making eggplant.

ABBY: What's that?

JACK: Oh, it's-trust me, it's good.

ABBY: Is Uncle Vern coming tonight too?

JACK: I believe so. (TO GRETA) Used to work with me at the paper. Somewhat of a paramour of my mother's. You've never met Jo, have you?

GRETA: No. Although I am curious to see what kind of creature spawned the likes of you. I take it this Vern-you don't like him?

JACK: (SMILING A LITTLE) Quite the opposite. Vern actually was a cohort with me back when Jennifer and I were working at the Spectator.

GRETA: Ah, so, he's schooled in the Jack and Jennifer dynamic. One based on miscommunication?

JACK: The stories he could tell you.

GRETA: (LAUGHING) I can imagine.

OUT on JACK'S smiling back at Greta.

SCENE 10: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM

IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER: Lying? I am not lying. I intend to tell Jack all about this. You just met his mother, for heaven's sake.

COLIN: (FACE FALLEN) I'm sorry. Perhaps I jumped to conclusions.

JENNIFER: Perhaps you did. Listen, I didn't call you over here to talk about my relationship with Jack. I wanted to...I wanted to (PULLING A LONG BOX FROM THE DESK DRAWER) give you this.

COLIN: (TAKING THE BOX) A gift? Jennifer, I-

JENNIFER: (WAVING HIM OFF) It's nothing. Open it.

COLIN: (OPENING UP THE BOX AND SEEING WHAT IT IS) It's a stethoscope.

JENNIFER: Not just any stethoscope, though. It was one of my grandfathers. My father has one, my brother has one, now you, my friend, have one. I figured...well, Hope told me you got the job at the hospital.

COLIN: (MOVED) Thank you. I don't know what to say.

JENNIFER: Don't say anything. It's the least I can do, after everything you did for me, for us, in Africa (INSTINCTIVELY SHE TOUCHES HER STOMACH)

COLIN: Have you told Jack about that yet?

JENNIFER: (TURNING AWAY) No. (TURNING TOWARDS HIM) But I will. I just have to wait until he's-until we are stronger.

COLIN: (STEPPING TOWARDS HER) Jennifer-

JENNIFER: Colin, don't. I wanted you to have this gift because you were a good doctor and a good friend to me when I needed you. Don't mess this up.

COLIN: But you've-you've been crying (HE TOUCHES HER FACE LIGHTLY)

JACK, ABBY, and GRETA have just entered, unbeknownst to JENNIFER. JACK is the last to see this exchange.

ABBY: (HAPPY TO SEE COLIN) Colin! (SHE RUNS OVER TO HIM)

GRETA: (SHOCKED TO SEE HER MYSTERY MAN THERE. TO HERSELF) Colin.

JACK just stands there, hurt and not liking the situation at all. He drops the bag of groceries and the olive oil breaks. He doesn't go to clean it up.

OUT on JACK and JENNIFER staring intensely at each other.

EPISODE 40

SCENE 1: INT. J & J'S LIVING ROOM

IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER: (IN SHOCK) Jack!

JACK: (TRYING TO REMAIN CALM) Jennifer.

GRETA: (TAKING IN THE SITUATION) So, you're Colin?

COLIN: (SMILING A LITTLE) And you, if I recall, are the Princess Von Amburg (EXTENDING HIS HAND TO TAKE HERS) We meet again. (KISSES HER HAND)

GRETA blushes as JACK and JENNIFER continue to stare at each other.

JACK: (NOTICING THE OLIVE OIL ON THE GROUND) Oh no. Oh no no no. (BENDING DOWN TO CLEAN IT UP)

JENNIFER: (RUSHING OVER AND KNEELING DOWN TO HELP) Let me help you with that. (SHE GRABS A PIECE OF GLASS FROM JACK)

In the background, COLIN, GRETA, and ABBY speak. JACK and JENNIFER speak in whispers through clenched teeth.

JACK: (GRABBING THE GLASS BACK FROM HER) No, I've got it.

JENNIFER: (KNOWING HE'S MAD ABOUT COLIN) Jack, I want to help (GRABBING THE GLASS BACK).

JACK: (STEALING THE GLASS BACK AGAIN) No. How many times do I have to tell you? I can take care of this. I can take care of my own messes...whether they be with my marriage or with..with..cooking oil. Why don't...why don't you go back to entertaining your guest?

JENNIFER: Jack, I was not "entertaining" Colin. I was giving him a gift.

JACK: (NOT MEETING HER EYES) Is that what you call it nowadays? He sure looked entertained.

JENNIFER: (LIVID) You know what? I give up. I knew you wouldn't understand. (SHE GETS UP WITH SOME OF THE BROKEN BOTTLE AND GOES INTO THE KITCHEN)

OUT on JACK, looking towards the kitchen, upset that he accused her of doing something with Colin.

SCENE 2: J & J'S KITCHEN

JENNIFER has walked in and is putting the broken pieces of glass in the sink. JO comes down the stairs in the kitchen and sees JENNIFER banging around in the kitchen.

JO: Jennifer, are you okay?

JENNIFER: (TURNING TO SEE JO AND TRYING TO SMILE) Yeah, Jo, I am. (NOTICING JO'S DISHES) Are you done with those?

JO: (LOST) Yes. (HANDING THEM TO JENNIFER)

JENNIFER: (REFUSING TO LOOK AT JO, LOOKING OUT THE KITCHEN WINDOW) You know, I was thinking, maybe we should plant a few flowers in the backyard or some fruit. Make our own little garden. What do you think?

JO: I think...I think that something or somebody made you mad and you are trying to forget it.

SCENE 3: J & J'S LIVING ROOM

IN PROGRESS

GRETA: (ENAMORED BY COLIN) I didn't know you knew Jack and Jennifer.

COLIN: I didn't know you knew them either. Actually, Jack, Jennifer, and I-

ABBY: (FROM THE FLOOR WHERE SHE IS DIGGING THROUGH HER BACKPACK)-and me!

COLIN: (SMILING) And the wee one here worked quite closely in Africa.

GRETA: (FROWNING. SHE JUST REALIZED WHO COLIN IS) Oh.

COLIN: (SEEING JACK, WHO HAS BEEN TRYING TO CLEAN UP THE MESS WHILE WATCHING THIS INTERACTION) Jack, do you need any help? I feel so bad just standing here not helping you, chum. (HE WALKS OVER TO HELP)

JACK: (SNATCHING THE PIECES OF THE BOTTLE BACK) No, I have it, chum. Abigail, why don't you run upstairs and change into your play-clothes and then you and I can help Mommy with dinner?

ABBY: Okay. (SHE RUNS UPSTAIRS)

JACK: (TO COLIN AND GRETA) If you'll excuse me, I have another mess to clean up in the kitchen. (HE SMILES NERVOUSLY, PICKS UP THE BAGS, AND WALKS TENTATIVELY TOWARDS THE KITCHEN)

CUT TO

SCENE 4: J & J'S KITCHEN

IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER: (TURNING TO LOOK AT JO) Jo, I am not mad. Okay, I am a little, but...

JACK enters, with a shopping bag clenched in his teeth and two on one arm. In the other hand, he is holding the remainder of the olive oil bottle.

JO: Here's the somebody. (GRABBING THE BAG FROM JACK'S MOUTH) Jack, why ever didn't you call someone?

JENNIFER: (LOOKING STRAIGHT AT JACK) Because, Jo, Jack doesn't need any help.

JACK: (WINCING) Touché. Turning my words around to hurt me, I see. Reminds me of our Spectator days.

JO: (CONFUSED AT WHAT'S GOING ON) Well, I'll leave you two kids alone. Is Abby home?

JACK: (NOT TAKING HIS EYES OFF JENNIFER) She went upstairs to change. Be careful, though, I dropped and broke this (HOLDING UP THE BROKEN PIECES) out there. (SARCASTICALLY) Must've been surprised when I walked through the door.

JO: (WANTING TO LEAVE) I'll clean that up.

JACK: (FINALLY BREAKING HIS GAZE OFF JENNIFER. TO JO) You don't have to. I can get it.

JO: (GRABBING THE MOP AND SOME CLEANING AGENTS OUT OF THE CLOSET) No, don't be silly, I was a maid, after all. If there is anything I know about, it's cleaning. (SHE GLANCES AND SMILES NERVOUSLY TO JENNIFER, THEN SQUEEZES JACK'S ARM AND EXITS TO THE LIVING ROOM)

JENNIFER: (TURNING AROUND TO DO DISHES) Way to go, Jack. You've managed to convince your mother that we're fighting.

JACK: (LOOKING AT HER BACK) We are, aren't we? (THROWING AWAY THE GLASS) Fighting, that is.

JENNIFER: (STILL NOT LOOKING AT HIM) I'd say.

JACK: (WALKING OVER) Can I...can I at least wash my hands?

JENNIFER steps out of the way for a moment as he washes his hands. JACK, seeing how upset she is, decides to make her laugh. Scooping some soapsuds out of the dishpan, he blows them on her and smiles.

OUT on JENNIFER, wiping the soap from her face and angry.

SCENE 5: J & J'S KITCHEN

IN PROGRESS

JACK: (LAUGHING AT HER EXPRESSION) Jennifer, you seem to have gotten something on your face.

JENNIFER: (FAKE SMILING) You think you're funny, don't you?

JACK: Humorous at times, yes.

JENNIFER: Well, I don't. (SCOOPING SOME SUDS OUT AND BLOWING THEM ON HIM) Oh, Jack, you seem to have gotten something on your face. (SHE BREAKS INTO A REAL SMILE)

JACK: (SMILING DESPITE THE BUBBLES ON HIS CHIN) Now there's a smile, wait, wait, stop the presses, Jennifer Horton is smiling! (MOCK SHOUTING) Extra, extra, read all about it, Jennifer Horton has found her smile!

JENNIFER: (TRYING NOT TO SMILE) I shouldn't be smiling, Jack. You really hurt me out there. (SHE TURNS AWAY FROM HIM)

JACK: I...I know. Jennif-(TURNING HER AROUND) Jennifer, will you look at me? We have to come to an understanding about Lucky Charms Boy out there. Seeing him doesn't make me...well, it doesn't make me happy.

JENNIFER: Jack, he was my friend in Africa. He helped me through a lot.

JACK: (HURT) But I'm here now. I want to help you. Jennifer, can't you see that being around him makes me feel..me feel...inferior? (SHUDDERING) All I can think about is him kissing you and touching you and whispering sweet nothings in your ear.

JENNIFER: Jack, it wasn't like that. Colin helped me. I did all the-

JACK: (HURT) You did all the kissing, and touching and whispering of the aforementioned sweet nothings in his ear?

OUT on JENNIFER'S hurt.

SCENE 6: J & J'S KITCHEN

IN PROGRESS

JACK: (HURT. TRYING TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT) You know what? Forget I asked that. Let's just have a nice dinner with our daughter. (GOES TO UNPACK THE GROCERIES)

JENNIFER knows he is hurt. SHE walks over and touches his shoulder.

JENNIFER: Jack, I'm sorry.

JACK: For what? For making me go to the market on double coupon day? Don't worry about it, although I did have to fight a rather large woman who cut me in line. Really, you'd think that they'd have more registers open. For business, you know-

JENNIFER: No, Jack, I'm sorry for having Colin over.

JACK: (STOPPING WHAT HE IS DOING) And I'm...I'm sorry for...for making you feel like you should be guilty for being friends with him. I mean, he's not going to be here forever, is he? Pretty soon he'll be skipping the light fantastic back to Ireland or Africa or wherever.

JENNIFER: Actually Jack, he's staying in Salem. He just got the job at University Hospital.

OUT on JACK, dropping a loaf of bread.

SCENE 7: J & J'S KITCHEN

IN PROGRESS

JACK: (IN SHOCK) Oh, so he got the job at the hospital? Cheerio. Good for him. (HE PICKS UP THE LOAF OF BREAD) It's a good thing that this (HOLDING THE BREAD UP) wasn't breakable, huh? Two for two today.

JENNIFER: Jack, that's not all. He's in town with his fiancée.

JACK: (RELIEVED, BUT KNOWING JENNIFER MUST BE HURT) Oh? I'm sure she's a lovely woman. (TRYING NOT TO MEET HER EYES) Not as lovely as you, of course.

JENNIFER: (WEAKLY SMILING) Thank you.

JACK: (LOOKING AT HER) Well, it's true. Not only are you attractive, but intelligent, funny...

JENNIFER: (WRAPPING HER ARMS AROUND HIM) Everything that you are to me.

JACK: (PUTTING DOWN THE GROCERIES AND RELUCTANTLY LETTING HER HUG HIM) This is going to be hard, isn't it?

JENNIFER: Making eggplant or being in the same town as Colin Murphy?

JACK: (SMILING) Well, both. I mean, I know I've told you time and again that we can do this, but...

JENNIFER: But you've had your moments of wavering faith.

JACK: Moments that seemed like hours. I know that you love me and you know that, well, how I feel about you...

JENNIFER: And that's all we've got right now, Jack. All we've got. I need you as much as you need me. (BEAT) If you want, I'll try and stay away from Colin.

JACK: I don't want to tell you what to do or not to do. You're your own person, Jennifer. (SMILING) A stubborn, feisty person, but your own person, nonetheless.

JENNIFER: (SMILING) I love you, Jack Deveraux.

JACK: (SMILING BACK, PLAYING WITH HER HAIR) I know.

JENNIFER: I'm also offering to stay away from Colin, Jack. At least until we're ready.

JACK: (PUTTING HIS ARMS OUT) It's your decision.

JENNIFER: Then it's decided. No more Colin Murphy. In fact, I'm going to say goodbye to him right now. (SHE WALKS TO THE DOOR)

ABBY runs in, almost hitting JENNIFER.

ABBY: Sorry, Mommy. Mommy, Daddy, is it okay if Colin stays for dinner? He said he'd buy me a kite and we'd fly it after dinner. Please...Please...

OUT on JENNIFER looking nervously at JACK.

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