Keeping Up With The Deverauxes
Episodes 41 - 45
EPISODE 41
SCENE 1: INT. J & J'S KITCHEN
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (TO ABBY) You want Colin to stay for dinner? (SHE LOOKS OVER TO JACK, WHO SHRUGS AND NODS) Okay. Run inside and tell Colin that Mommy and Daddy said he can stay. Greta's staying too, right, Jack?
JACK: I invited her, yes.
ABBY: Thank you. (SHE RUNS INTO THE LIVING ROOM)
JENNIFER: I'm sorry about that.
JACK: (WAVING HER OFF) Don't-now, let's see if we can rustle up us some eggplant parmesan. Where's the recipe?
JENNIFER: (SMILING) In the cookbook over there.
JACK hands JENNIFER the cookbook. JENNIFER smiles weakly at him. JACK smiles back.
JACK: (CONTINUING TO UNPACK THE GROCERIES) So, what was your day like today? Anything exciting?
JENNIFER: (KNOWING SOMETHING IS UP) Not really. We got a letter from Adrienne and Justin. New pictures of the boys. Jack, are you okay?
JACK: (LYING) Fine. Just dandy.
JENNIFER: You're lying.
JACK: (GESTURING TO THE EGGPLANT IN HIS HAND) Never accuse a man carrying an eggplant. I'm fine. F-I-N-E.
JENNIFER: Is this about Colin staying for dinner?
JACK: For dinner, no.
JENNIFER: Then what is it?
JACK: Honestly? No, don't answer that, you always want to know honestly. Honestly, I'd by lying if I said my curiosity wasn't piqued.
JENNIFER: (NERVOUS) About what? (TRYING TO TAKE INGREDIENTS OUT OF THE CABINETS)
JACK: (CROSSING HIS ARMS) Well, I don't know, about how exactly Dr. Murphy helped you in Africa?
OUT on JENNIFER'S nervousness.
SCENE 2: INT. J & J'S KITCHEN
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (TRYING TO READ THE RECIPE) What do you mean?
JACK: Well, you keep referring to his help in Africa and I find that a bit odd.
JENNIFER: (TAKING THE EGGPLANT FROM HIM TO WASH IT) What's so odd about that? He was my friend, Jack.
JACK: I know that. It's just the way you keep saying it, the word you are using. Help. It sounds like he treated you for a rash or something.
JENNIFER: (GOING BACK TO THE CUTTING BOARD) It wasn't anything like that. Help as in listen, give me advice, stuff like that. Greta's your friend, doesn't she help you with anything?
JACK: She helped me decorate this house, but it's not the same.
JENNIFER: Why isn't it?
JACK: Because, because whatever he helped you with is much more. And I intend to get to the bottom of it.
SCENE 3: INT. J & J'S KITCHEN
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (PUTTING DOWN THE KNIFE) You intend to get to the bottom of it? This is a relationship, Jack, not a story.
JACK: Although you must admit, you do give me an interesting lead.
JENNIFER: (FRUSTRATED) He was my friend, that's all. A friend who I thought meant more when you weren't there. Jack, why are we going over this? I thought we just had a moment.
JACK: We did...we had a moment. And you asked me how I felt and I honestly answered.
JENNIFER: You're right...you're right. (GOING BACK TO THE CUTTING BOARD) I guess I'm just overly emotional these days. Mid-life crisis.
JACK: (NOT BUYING IT) Mid-life crises, eh? How many times do I have to tell you that you are still a child?
JENNIFER smiles weakly back at him.
JACK: I'm going to go back out there and entertain our guests, if I can. Do you need any more help in here?
JENNIFER: No, I'm fine. (GESTURING TOWARDS THE DOOR) Get out of here, silly. I've worked a stove before.
JACK: (CONFUSED) Yeah, right. (HE WATCHES HER AS HE EXITS)
CUT TO
SCENE 4: J & J'S LIVING ROOM
JACK enters to see GRETA, COLIN, ABBY, and JO playing a board game. GRETA seems to be enjoying COLIN'S company.
ABBY: (ROLLING THE DIE) Four! (MOVING HER GAMEPIECE) One, two, three, four.
JO: (REACHING FOR THE DICE, SHE SEES JACK) Son! Abby's gotten us all hooked on Candyland.
GRETA: Hi Jack. Did you take care of the mess in the kitchen?
JACK: (NERVOUSLY SMILING) Taken care of? No. Contained for now? Yes.
COLIN: I really appreciate you and Jennifer's invitation for dinner. It means a lot to me.
JACK: (FAKE SMILING) As it does for us as well. (SITTING DOWN ON THE SOFA) So, I see you've all gotten acquainted.
COLIN: Yes, I met your mother earlier. She's a lovely lady.
JO: (BLUSHING SLIGHTLY) Oh stop. And Greta, or shall I say Princess, is wonderful. I've never met any royalty before. I once met Elvis, but he wasn't really royalty, you know.
JACK: (SMILING) So, Princess, you met my mother?
GRETA: (SMILING WIDELY) Yes, and I'll have to second Colin here (TOUCHING COLIN'S ARM SLIGHTLY). She is a lovely woman.
JACK: I know. (HE SMILES AT JO) Who's winning?
ABBY: I am, Daddy. Two spaces ahead of the Princess.
JACK: Ah, competitive just like her father.
COLIN: I was just telling Greta about my position here at the hospital. I understand you used to be on the board there?
JACK: Used to. Back in my high politician days.
COLIN: Have you ever thought about doing it again?
JACK: Politics, no. Right now I'm just trying to get my family back on track.
A few moments of uncomfortable silence ensues.
GRETA: Jack, Colin was also telling me how he knew you and Jennifer back in Africa?
JACK: (THROUGH CLENCHED TEETH) Yes, he did. Colic, uh, Colin was a very close friend of the family's then. (NOTICING THE WAY GRETA IS LOOKING AT COLIN) Um, Princess, can I borrow you for a moment? (HE GETS UP)
GRETA: (CONFUSED) Borrow me?
JACK: (WALKING TOWARDS THE DOOR) Yes, borrow you. I have to go get some...(SEEING THE MOP) get some more olive oil and thought that maybe, you being the connoisseur that you are of cooking oil could come with me.
GRETA: (GETTING UP RELUCTANTLY) Jack-(SHE WALKS OVER AND HE PUSHES HER OUT THE DOOR)
JACK: (SMILING) We'll be right back.
OUT on COLIN and JO'S confused faces.
SCENE 5: EXT. J & J'S HOUSE
JACK is walking down the walk and turning down the sidewalk. GRETA is trying to keep up with him.
GRETA: Do you mind telling me what that was all about?
JACK: (WALKING AND NOT LOOKING AT HER) What "what" was all about?
GRETA: That...Jack, come on, I know you're perfectly capable of getting olive oil yourself.
JACK: (STOPPING) Okay, okay, I'll tell you!
GRETA jumps back a little.
JACK: (CONT.) That, that man you were fawning over, that man is Jennifer's mystery man.
GRETA: I know. I figured it out.
JACK: You figured it out?
GRETA: Yes. That man, the one you accused me of fawning over, is Doctor X as well.
JACK: Dr--? (REALIZING WHAT SHE MEANT) I'm such an idiot. How many English doctors do we have in Salem?
GRETA: It's okay, Jack. You said yourself that you and Jennifer are okay and that he meant nothing to you both.
JACK: Yes, no....yes, Jennifer and I are somewhat okay and no, he doesn't mean much, unless you count the times that upon seeing him I want to... to claw my own eyeballs out a la Oedipus.
GRETA: What are you saying?
JACK: What I'm saying is that...that....I'm your friend, right?
GRETA: I'm starting to question that decision, but yes, you are.
JACK: Good, then you'll respect what I have to tell you, right?
GRETA: Yes. Jack, really-
JACK: He has a fiancée.
OUT on GRETA'S shock.
SCENE 6: EXT. J & J'S HOUSE
IN PROGRESS
GRETA: He has a what?
JACK: A fiancée. A betrothed. Engaged...soon to be married.
GRETA: How do you know that?
JACK: Jennifer just told me.
GRETA: How does she know that?
JACK: Hope told her. Hope is a Brady. Geez, Salem is not THAT big of a town. It's also full of gossipy old women who sit and trade stories during their sewing circles.
GRETA: (SAD) I can't believe this. I've done it again. Honestly, I'm beginning to question my judgement.
JACK: In men or in general? Listen, I'd be lying if I said I told you that for only your own good. I don't like Colin Murphy for my own reasons and seeing him is not that easy and you... you being around him would only equal me and Jennifer seeing him. (SEEING HOW HURT SHE IS) Hey, don't cry. (HE HUGS HER) You'll find someone.
GRETA: I know. It just seems that all the good ones are taken. Eric, Austin, you-
JACK: (SHOCKED) Me?
GRETA: Not romantically, but you are a good guy, Jack. Jennifer is lucky to have you.
JACK: (BLUSHING A LITTLE) Thank you, I think. Now let's go get some olive oil--and some tissues-- for you.
JACK and GRETA walk down the street.
SCENE 7: J & J'S LIVING ROOM
COLIN, JO, and ABBY have resumed their game. JO continues to look at COLIN as if he is evil and COLIN is very uncomfortable. JENNIFER enters from the kitchen. JO watches JENNIFER and COLIN with great interest.
JENNIFER: Well, dinner's in the oven. We seem to have a full house tonight. Where's Jack and Greta?
COLIN: Gone to go get some more oil. (STANDING UP) Jennifer, I really appreciate this.
JENNIFER: (WAVING HIM OFF) Don't worry about it.
COLIN: No, I know how hard this was for you. For you and Jack, that is. It means a lot to me.
JENNIFER: (INDICATING JO, WHO IS WATCHING) Colin, I...I don't want to talk about it.
The doorbell rings.
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY) Saved by the bell. Must be Vern. (SHE GOES TO OPEN THE DOOR AND IS SHOCK WHEN SHE OPENS IT TO A WOMAN, DRESSED SCANTILLY)
SCENE 8: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (SURPRISED) Hi. Can I help you?
WOMAN: (IN ENGLISH ACCENT) Oh, forgive me. Yes, you can help me. I'm Elizabeth, Colin's fiancée. You must be Jennifer Horton. Colin's talked greatly about you. (SHE EXTENDS HER HAND TO SHAKE JENNIFER'S)
JENNIFER: (IN SHOCK) Elizabeth? Oh, nice to meet you. Come in. (GESTURING FOR HER TO ENTER)
ELIZABETH: I don't mean to trouble you, but Mrs. Brady said that Colin was over here.
JENNIFER: Yes, he's in the living room. So, you've known Colin for awhile, I assume. (SHE STARTS WALKING INTO THE LIVING ROOM)
ELIZABETH: (FOLLOWING JENNIFER) For about eight years.
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED AS TO WHY COLIN NEVER MENTIONED ELIZABETH) Oh. Here he is. Colin, your fiancée is here.
COLIN: (SHOCKED TO SEE ELIZABETH) Liz? My aunt told you I was here?
ELIZABETH: But of course. I was getting a wee bit hungry and wanted to know if you would care to join me in a little 'sup. I cannot eat another day at that wretched pub.
COLIN looks embarrassed. JENNIFER and JO exchange looks as ABBY admires ELIZABETH'S heels.
COLIN: Well, actually, I was having dinner here with Jennifer and her family. (TO JENNIFER TO HELP HIM OUT) Jennifer-
JENNIFER: He was just about to call you, Elizabeth. Eggplant Parm is okay?
ELIZABETH: (NOT HAPPY WITH COLIN NOR JENNIFER) It will do.
JENNIFER: (TAKEN BACK) Oh. Well, Elizabeth I'd like you to meet Jo, my husb--, well, Jack's mother and my and Jack's daughter, Abby.
ELIZABETH nods to the two of them and they nervously smile back.
ELIZABETH: (THROWING COLIN A LOOK) And where is this, this Jack that you speak of?
JENNIFER: Well, he's gone to-(THE DOOR OPENS AND JACK AND GRETA ENTER). Speak of the devil, he's here now. (SEEING JACK) Jack, Greta, I'd like you to meet Elizabeth, Colin's fiancée, she'll be joining us for dinner as well. Elizabeth, this is Greta, (CORRECTING HERSELF) Princess Greta, and my, well, my Jack.
JACK is shocked. He knows ELIZABETH from somewhere. OUT on JACK dropping the bag of groceries and GRETA catching them before they hit the ground. EVERYONE is in shock.
EPISODE 42
SCENE 1: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
IN on JACK, who has just dropped his small bag of groceries upon meeting ELIZABETH.
GRETA: (CATCHING THE GROCERIES) Whoa, Jack. Slippery fingers today, huh?
JENNIFER: (STARING AT JACK) Jack, are you okay?
JACK: (SHAKING IT OFF) No, I'm...I'm fine. Elizabeth, you say? (HE WALKS OVER AND EXTENDS HIS HAND.
ELIZABETH: (GIVING JACK HER HAND) Elizabeth Marsh. And you are the Jack everyone keeps talking about.
JACK: (STILL TRYING TO PLACE HER) The one and only.
JENNIFER and the others are intrigued by JACK and ELIZABETH'S exchange. It seems as though they met before.
JACK cannot quit staring at ELIZABETH and vice-versa.
JENNIFER: (GROWING UNCOMFORTABLE) Okay. I think we should get started on the salads. Jack, can you help me in the kitchen?
JACK does not respond.
JENNIFER: Jack?
JACK: (FINALLY HEARING HER) Wh-what?
JENNIFER: (ANNOYED) The kitchen. Help.
JACK: Right.
JENNIFER grabs his hand and drags him into the kitchen, much to his and the others' surprise. JACK still can't stop looking at ELIZABETH.
CUT TO
INT. JACK & JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
JACK: (BREAKING FREE OF JENNIFER'S GRIP AND RUBBING HIS WRISTS) Ow! Have you been working out?
JENNIFER: No time for jokes, Jack. 'Fess up.
JACK: (CONFUSED) 'Fess up? What are you talking about?
JENNIFER: (ANGRY) Okay, I'll tell you. What the heck was that out there (SHE POINTS TOWARDS THE LIVING ROOM)?
SCENE 2: INT. JACK & JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
A few seconds of uncomfortable silence ensues.
GRETA: So, uh, Elizabeth, what do you do for a living?
ELIZABETH: A living?
GRETA: (SMILING NERVOUSLY) Yes. Work? Vocation?
ELIZABETH: (SNOOTILY) Don't be silly. I don't work.
GRETA: (TAKEN BACK) Oh. That, well, that must be very rewarding.
COLIN looks on embarrassingly. JO and ABBY look embarrassed for him.
ELIZABETH: What do you do for a living?
GRETA: Well...I'm a Princess. I-
ELIZABETH: In many ways, so am I. (TO JO) And you, Mrs. Deveraux-
JO: (NERVOUS) Johnson.
ELIZABETH: Whatever. What do you, Mrs. Johnson, do as a vocation?
JO: (EMBARASSED) I'm a...I was a...(TO ABBY) You know what, Abby? I bet Uncle Vern would like it if we waited outside for him. What do you say? (SHE GRABS ABBY'S HAND. TO GRETA) Will you tell Jack and Jennifer where we are?
GRETA: (SMILING REASSURINGLY) I will.
JO: Thank you. (TO COLIN AND ELIZABETH) We'll see you at dinner. (SHE AND ABBY EXIT)
COLIN: (FRUSTRATED) Elizabeth.
ELIZABETH: (ACTING SURPRISED) What?
OUT on GRETA'S amusement.
SCENE 3: INT. JACK & JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
IN PROGRESS
JACK: (STILL RUBBING HIS HAND) What was what out there? That was Colin's fiancée, Elizabeth. I know you're bad with names, but Jennifer, this is ridiculous.
JENNIFER: (IGNORING HIM AND STARTING TO TAKE DISHES FROM THE PANTRY AND HAND THEM TO HIM) I am not bad with names. You couldn't keep your eyes off her.
JACK: (GETTING THE DISHES FROM HER) Well, at least you're not throwing them at me. (BEAT) She is fetching but that's not the reason I was staring at her, Jennifer.
JENNIFER: (ANGRY) And what, pray tell, was the reason?
JACK: I... I know her.
JENNIFER: ( SHOCKED) DROPPING A DISH AND BREAKING IT) You know her?
SCENE 4: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN on ELIZABETH, who does not like being chastised by COLIN.
ELIZABETH: What? You cannot be mad at me for asking the poor woman did for a living. Seriously.
COLIN: It's not the question you asked, it's the way you asked it.
ELIZABETH: So what if the old nag is not as thick-skinned as I am. I didn't mean anything by it.
GRETA: The old nag happens to be one of my best friends' mothers and you owe her an apology.
ELIZABETH: The last time, I checked, Princess, this was America. (WAVING A PRETEND FLAG) Land of the free and all that Yankee jazz.
GRETA: It is never right to hurt somebody's feelings. You do have those, don't you?
ELIZABETH: (TO COLIN) Royalty or not, you're not going to let her stand there and talk to me that way, are you?
CUT TO
SCENE 5: INT. JACK & JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
JACK: (BENDING DOWN TO PICK UP THE PIECES OF THE PLATE) People are going to start hanging around with us, you know? Fear of anvils falling from the sky and the like.
JENNIFER: (CALMING DOWN) I'll bite-how do you (FINGERS LIKE QUOTE MARKS) "know" her?
JACK: (STANDING UP) I really...I wish I could answer that.
JENNIFER: (THINKING THE WORST) Oh.
JACK: (REALIZING WHAT SHE THINKS) Oh? Oh no "oh". No "oh".
JENNIFER: (RELIEVED) Good.
JACK: (TRYING TO EXPLAIN) Jennifer, I could never. Not with that.
JENNIFER: I get the picture. (BEAT) Now why can't you answer my question?
JACK: (FRUSTRATED) Because...because...I can't remember where I know her from. From Africa, I'm sure.
JENNIFER: (CONTINUING TO HAND HIM DISHES) Well that makes sense, she has known Colin for eight years. Maybe she lived in Africa for some time.
JACK: (CONFUSED) She's known Colic, uh, Colin for eight years? (JENNIFER THROWS HIM A LOOK) And he never said anything to you about this?
JENNIFER: You know, I thought that too. It doesn't make sense. (BEAT) Do you remember where in Africa?
JACK: No. I mean we-you and me-we weren't together at the time. I mean, we were together, but you were home-
JENNIFER: (CUTTING HIM OFF) I got it. Pretoria? Niger? Anything, Jack?
JACK: (THINKING) No. (TURNING AROUND AND RUBBING HIS CHIN) Dammit, why do I know her?
JENNIFER: (CONCERNED) Whatever it is, Jack, it's not good, is it?
JACK: (TURNING TOWARDS HER) No, Jennifer, it isn't. It isn't at all.
SCENE 6: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
COLIN: (NOT KNOWING WHAT TO DO) Greta-
GRETA: (WAVING HIM OFF) It's alright. (BEAT) Listen, Elizabeth, I'm sorry if we got off to the wrong foot. I'm sure...I'm sure you're a delightful person.
ELIZABETH: Delightful? That's a new one. (THROWING COLIN A LOOK)
A few more seconds of uncomfortable silence ensues.
ELIZABETH: (TO COLIN) So this Jack, he and Jennifer are married?
COLIN: They once were.
ELIZABETH: (GETTING JEALOUS OF JENNIFER) Once? You mean they're not now?
GRETA: (ENJOYING ELIZABETH'S FEAR) No, they're not...but they are trying.
ELIZABETH: I see. Good luck to them.
COLIN: (SADLY) Yes, good luck to them.
OUT on COLIN'S sadness.
SCENE 7: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (CONCERNED) Do you think she's bad news, Jack?
JACK: No news is good news, Jennifer. This is going to drive me crazy. (HE PACES BY HER)
JENNIFER: Maybe we could find out.
JACK: (TURNING TOWARDS HER, EYEBROW COCKED) Are you suggesting--?
JENNIFER: Well, they are staying for dinner.
JACK: (SHRUGGING) It's probably nothing.
JENNIFER: (LURING HIM) Yeah, but the nothing may be something.
JACK: Why do all of our conversations end up like this something/nothing, this/that/what? (JENNIFER GOES TO SPEAK) Don't answer that-it's rhetorical.
JENNIFER: So, what do you think, Jack? We make a-
JACK: A pretty good team, I know. (PICKING UP THE DISHES) All right Miss H., let's go and try to weasel some info out of the dynamic duo.
JENNIFER: (PICKING UP DISHES AND GOING TO FOLLOW HIM) Make them sing like canaries.
JACK: (SMILING) Oooh, I love it when you speak 40's crime movies to me.
CUT TO
SCENE 8: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
JACK and JENNIFER enter, carrying plates. GRETA is staring at COLIN, who is in deep thought and ELIZABETH is admiring her reflection in the hall mirror.
JENNIFER: We're back. (ASSESSING THE SITUATION) Where's Jo?
GRETA: (BREAKING HER STARE) She and Abby are outside, waiting for Vern.
JENNIFER: (SHOOTING A LOOK OVER TO ELIZABETH, WHO IS PAYING THEM NO ATTENTION AND THEN SMILING TO GRETA) Oh, okay.
JACK: (SETTING THE TABLE) Dinner is almost served. Elizabeth, is it, would you care for some wine?
ELIZABETH: (FINALLY PAYING ATTENTION) That would be wonderful. What year is it?
JACK: (SHOOTING JENNIFER A LOOK) I think it's-it's 1998.
ELIZABETH: (SARCASTICALLY) How rare.
JACK: (BACKING INTO THE KITCHEN) I'll be right back with your rare wine. (TO COLIN) Colic, uh, Colin?
COLIN: (COMING TO) That would be grand.
JACK: Grand. Right. Be right back.
JENNIFER: (PLACING THE SILVERWARE ON THE TABLE) Speaking of 1998, what were you doing then? (LAUGHING) I think Jack and I were just getting over sending Abby to kindergarten.
GRETA: Well, I-
JENNIFER: (CUTTING GRETA OFF) Elizabeth?
ELIZABETH: Pish-posh. I can't even remember what I was doing yesterday, much less three years ago. (SAUNTERING UP TO COLIN) Unless, of course, I was with my darling. Isn't that right, love? (NUZZLING COLIN)
GRETA and JENNIFER are disgusted by ELIZABETH'S display and they want to laugh.
SCENE 9: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
IN on JACK, who is getting the wine out of the fridge. He then begins to search for the champagne bucket.
JACK: (TO HIMSELF) Where do we keep that darn buck-
ABBY, JO, and VERN enter from the backdoor.
JACK: (NOTICING THEM) What, the front door is not good enough for you?
JO: We decided to use the servants' entrance.
JACK: (LOST) What?
VERN: (WAVING HIM OFF) Nevermind. Jo was just telling me about our other guests. (WITH DISTASTE) Colin and his fiancée Elizabeth.
JO: (SHUDDERING) An awfully wretched woman.
JACK: (NOTICING ABBY) Hey, Miss-I-Will-Love-Eggplant-Parmesan, why don't you run upstairs and wash up?
ABBY: Okay. (SHE GOES TO THE STAIRS) Daddy, can I bring Theodore for dinner?
JACK: We'd love to have him.
ABBY: Good. (SHE EXITS, RUNNING UP THE STAIRS)
JACK: (CALLING AFTER HER) Don't run (TRAILING OFF). (TO JO) I take it you don't like our guest.
JO: (FINDING THE CHAMPAGNE BUCKET AND HANDING IT TO HIM) You can say that.
JACK: Well, she isn't the most likable character so far. (TO VERN) Do you think we can hop over to the Spectator offices and do a check on her soon?
JO: (CONCERNED) Why, do you think you know her? (GRABBING HER CHEST) Oh my, she's dangerous, isn't she?
VERN: (PUTTING HIS ARM AROUND JO AND GOES TO LEAD HER TO THE DINING ROOM) Now, now, Jo, let's not get worried, I'm sure Jack is just kidding. Right, Jack? (HE THROWS JACK A LOOK)
JACK: (COVERING) As dangerous as...as...water (THROWS HIS HANDS UP). We won't be needing a check, just kidding. (HE NODS ANIMATEDLY TO VERN TO INDICATE HE IS LYING).
VERN rolls his eyes and sighs as he leads JO to the living room.
CUT TO
SCENE 10: JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
ELIZABETH continues to kiss COLIN as JENNIFER and GRETA look on uncomfortably. BOTH are relieved when VERN and JO enter.
JENNIFER: (SMILING) Vern! (SHE GRABS HIS HAND) Um, Greta, (THROWING COLIN AND ELIZABETH A LOOK) I'd like you to meet a former co-worker of mine and Jack's and Jo's friend...
VERN: Boyfriend.
JO giggles as VERN smiles at her.
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Boyfriend, Vern. Vern, this is Greta Von Amburg.
VERN: (SHAKING GRETA'S HAND) The Princess? Fancy that, you are friends with royalty. Pleased to meet you Miss Von-
GRETA: (SMILING) You can call me Greta. How very nice to meet you, Vern. Everybody speaks very highly of you.
VERN blushes.
JENNIFER: (NODDING TO COLIN AND ELIZABETH, STILL GOING AT IT) And this, Vern, this is (WANTING TO LAUGH, CLEARING HER THROAT) Uh-uh..
COLIN and ELIZABETH break up and look a little embarrassed.
ELIZABETH: (SNOTTILY) I'm sorry. It's just that he's so, so delectable. (SQUEEZING COLIN'S BEHIND AS HE BLUSHES) You were saying?
JENNIFER: Right. I was saying that this is Vern, a friend of the family's. Vern, Dr. Colin Murphy and his fiancée, um, Elizabeth.
VERN shakes both their hands.
VERN: Pleased to meet you. (EYEING COLIN SUSPICIOUSLY) New to Salem, I hear?
COLIN: Yes, yes that's so.
JACK enters, wearing an apron and carrying several dishes.
JACK: Dinner is---(BALANCING HIS WAY TO THE TABLE) served.
OUT on everyone watching JACK and smiling.
SCENE 11: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IT IS AWHILE LATER, THEY ARE ALL SITTING AT THE TABLE AND DINNER IS NEARLY FINISHED. BOTH JACK AND JENNIFER HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET INFORMATION OUT OF ELIZABETH TO NO AVAIL. JO, GRETA, AND VERN ARE LOST AT JENNIFER AND JACK'S "CONCERN" FOR ELIZABETH AND ABBY IS JUST ENJOYING HER DINNER.
JENNIFER: (TO ELIZABETH) So, did you enjoy your eggplant, Elizabeth?
ELIZABETH: When I can eat it. Really, you've been bombarding me with questions since I sat down.
JENNIFER is taken back. JACK jumps in.
JACK: (THROWING JENNIFER A LOOK) Well, we're sorry...we just...we just want to make our company feel at home. (BEAT) So, do you eat a lot of eggplant where you're from?
COLIN: Really, Jack, are you all right? You look a tad bit nervous.
JACK: Who me? I'm fine.
A few seconds of silence pass.
JENNIFER: So, do you eat a lot of eggplant where you're from?
ELIZABETH: (PLACING HER GLASS DOWN HARD) Whenever the cook makes it.
JACK: The cook? (THROWING JENNIFER A LOOK) So that means you were wealthy.
ELIZABETH: Yes. And?
COLIN: (TRYING TO SMOOTH OVER THE SITUATION) Elizabeth comes from old money. I like to refer to her as my little African princess. (HE KISSES HER CHEEK)
JACK: (NEARLY SPITTING OUT HIS WINE IN SHOCK) Your African princess? Well, whaddya know?
CUT TO
Under the table, ELIZABETH places her foot in JACK'S lap. Above the table, JACK'S eyes widen in shock and fear.
ELIZABETH: (SMILING KNOWINGLY AT JACK) Yes. African Princess. Isn't that endearing?
JACK: Quite. (GETTING UP. NERVOUS.) Care for dessert? Anyone?
GRETA: Jack, you're not through yet.
JACK: (LOOKING AT ELIZABETH) Yes I am. (RUNNING INTO THE KITCHEN)
GRETA: (LOST) Okay. You know, I don't think I can do dessert. Jennifer, I really appreciate you having me to dinner. It was wonderful. (GETTING UP)
COLIN and ELIZABETH go to get up as well as VERN and JO look on with curiosity.
COLIN: We should be off as well.
JENNIFER: (WONDERING WHAT'S GOING ON WITH JACK) But dessert-
ELIZABETH: That's quite all right. I've had my fill of food and conversation for one night.
OUT on JENNIFER'S shock.
SCENE 11: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
IN on JACK, who is standing in front of the sink, looking out the window, and gulping down a glass of wine.
JENNIFER enters.
JENNIFER: Jack, are you okay?
JACK: (TURNING AROUND SURPRISED) I'm fine.
JENNIFER: Everyone, well, everyone but Jo and Vern left. They're in the living room watching "Cinderella" with Abby.
JACK: (SHORT) That's nice.
JENNIFER: (TRYING TO READ HIS FACE) Jack, Elizabeth, is she-
JACK: (LYING) Forget what I said. She's not anyone I know.
JENNIFER: But you said-
JACK: (TURNING AWAY) I know what I said and I was...I was wrong.
JENNIFER: And that African Princess comment?
JACK: Just a coincidence. Hey, I mean, I'm sure there are all kinds of (TURNING TOWARDS HER) people out there who use the same nicknames. Fancy faces, Sweetnesses, Miss Hortons, there's probably tons of people out there using them.
JENNIFER: (CONCERNED) Jack, why won't you just tell me?
JACK: (WANTING TO KEEP HER OUT OF TROUBLE) Because, because..there's nothing to tell...really there isn't. Trust me.
JENNIFER: Jack-
JACK: Look, if it was anything important, I'd tell you. We have enough on our plates as it is. I'm kind of relieved it was nothing.
JENNIFER: Jack-
JACK: Jennifer. (PUTTING HIS HAND ON HER SHOULDER. LYING IS KILLING HIM) It was nothing.
JENNIFER: (NODDING) Okay, if you say so. (SHE READS HIS FACE FOR A MOMENT) You'd-
JACK: I'd tell you. Now why don't you go upstairs and draw yourself a nice bath, chock full of-
JENNIFER: Of bubbles. (TEARING UP. SHE KNOWS HE IS COVERING) Okay. (STARTING UP THE STAIRS AND THEN TURNING AROUND) Jack, I love you.
JACK: I know. And I, you know.
THEY lock eyes for a moment. JENNIFER nods and moves up the stairs. When JACK is sure she is gone, he opens a drawer and looks furiously through an address book and then dials a number.
JACK: (INTO THE PHONE) Don't...don't you hang up on me. (BEAT) Yes, yes it is. (BEAT) Yes, I know what time it is there. (BEAT) We have to talk. Somebody showed up where they weren't supposed to.
OUT on JENNIFER, at the top of the staircase hearing the whole thing. SHE is concerned beyond belief.
EPISODE 43
SCENE 1: INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM-MORNING
IN on JENNIFER, who is sitting at her vanity and is brushing her hair. She is still in her nightgown and robe.
FADE into FLASHBACK
JACK: (INTO THE PHONE) Don't...don't you hang up on me. (BEAT) Yes, yes it is. (BEAT) Yes, I know what time it is there. (BEAT) We have to talk. Somebody showed up where they weren't supposed to.
OUT on JENNIFER, at the top of the staircase hearing the whole thing. SHE is concerned beyond belief.
FADE out of FLASHBACK
JENNIFER: (TO HERSELF) What is going on with you, Jack?
CUT TO
JACK, who is standing outside JENNIFER'S door, still clad in his pajamas, contemplating on whether to knock. Finally, he does.
CUT TO
JENNIFER: (BROUGHT OUT OF HER THOUGHT) Come in.
JACK: (OPENING THE DOOR SLIGHTLY AND POKING HIS HEAD IN) Is it safe to come in? (HE PRETENDS TO BE FRIGHTENED)
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Yes, it's safe to come in. (WALKING OVER TO HIM) No worry, I did most of that (WRINKLING HER NOSE) nasty girl stuff like exfoliating earlier.
JACK: (PULLING A FACE) Yuck-exfoliating!
JENNIFER: Is Abby up yet?
JACK: Nope. Sleeping like a bug in a rug.
JENNIFER goes to walk off, but JACK hooks his arm around her waist and pulls her towards him.
JENNIFER: (GASPING A LITTLE) Jack.
JACK: (LOOKING DEEP INTO HER EYES) Listen...I...I just want to talk about last night...about what went on here.
OUT on JENNIFER, hopeful that JACK will tell her what's going on.
SCENE 2: INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (HOPEFUL) You want to talk about what went on last night?
JACK: (READING HER FACE AND WEAKLY SMILING) Yeah. Why wouldn't I?
JENNIFER: (WONDERING IF MAYBE SHE WAS WRONG ABOUT JACK) Yeah, why wouldn't you?
JACK: (CONFUSED BY JENNIFER'S REACTION) Okay. Well, last night...all that went on...the whole princess bit... I just wanted to make sure there were no hard feelings... I was wrong, that's all... I was...(HE STOPS) I can't do this.
JENNIFER: (EXPECTING HIM TO COME CLEAN) What?
JACK: I can't do this. Not with you looking so... so amazing.
JENNIFER: (FLATTERED) Jack-
JACK: You do. You look absolutely amazing. I just... I just... absolutely... amazing... (HE LEANS IN AND KISSES HER SOFTLY)
JENNIFER looks wide-eyed at him and then melts into the kiss. JO, still in her nightgown and robe, walks by the open door and smiles warmly. She is happy for them. She then quickly runs to her room and waves frantically to someone. VERN steps out of the room, in his clothes from last night and carrying his suit jacket. He kisses her on the cheek and they both silently giggle. They then try to sneak by JACK and JENNIFER, who are still kissing softly.
JACK hears them outside and his eyes open wide in shock. JENNIFER, who is still kissing him, opens her eyes widely as well.
JACK: (WITH LIPS STILL CLOSE TO JENNIFER'MOUTH) Vern????
JACK and JENNIFER are amused and smile at each other. VERN and JO stop dead in their tracks.
SCENE 3: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S BEDROOM
IN PROGRESS
JACK and JENNIFER turn around to catch a very embarrassed VERN and JO.
VERN: (TRYING TO LIE) Um...Morning, Jack...Jo invited me over for...for
JO: (SMILING NERVOUSLY) For breakfast.
VERN: (WINKING AT JO) For breakfast.
JACK: (ENJOYING THIS) Really? (THROWING A LOOK TO JENNIFER) The kitchen's downstairs, Vernon.
JENNIFER playfully hits JACK.
JO: Well, I was just showing Vern my new-
JACK: Perhaps you should be showing Vern the way to a clothing store considering he is wearing the same clothes he was wearing last night.
VERN and JO blush.
JENNIFER: (TRYING TO SMOOTH OUT THE SITUATION) Vern, why don't you and I go downstairs and get that breakfast started? We can wake up Abby on the way.
JENNIFER throws JACK a look and then steps out of the room and takes VERN'S arm as they exit.
JACK: (EYEING JO) You, young lady, have a lot of explaining to do.
OUT on JO'S nervousness.
SCENE 4: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
IN on JENNIFER, getting out eggs from the fridge. VERN is sitting at the table reading THE SPECTATOR'S news section and ABBY is sitting next to him reading the comic section.
VERN: (SHAKING HIS HEAD) You know, sometimes I miss it.
JENNIFER: (LOOKING OVER) The paper? (SMILING) You know, sometimes I miss it, too.
VERN: Remember the good 'ole days?
JENNIFER: When I spent every waking moment arguing with Jack? Wait, that's now. (LAUGHING) I guess that was then, too, huh?
VERN: (SMILING FONDLY) Yeah. You know The Spectator is probably going back on the market, don't you?
JENNIFER: (CRACKING EGGS INTO A BOWL. INTRIGUED) It is? I thought Titan was running it.
VERN: Into the ground.
ABBY: Is that Daddy's paper?
VERN: (TO ABBY) Yes, it is. It's where your mommy and daddy first met, well, fell in love, anyway.
ABBY: Maybe we can buy it for him for Christmas.
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Baby, I don't think we can afford it.
ABBY: Sure we can. It says right here it's thirty-five cents. (HOLDING UP THE COVER)
JENNIFER and VERN smile at each other and then laugh.
ABBY: Well it does.
JENNIFER: (PICKING ABBY UP AND PUTTING HER ON HER LAP) Yeah, Baby, it does. What Uncle Vern and I were talking about wasn't just the paper. It was the business and that costs a whole lot more than thirty-five cents, I can tell you.
ABBY: Oh, so we can't buy it for Daddy? (BEAT. SADLY) He'd love it.
JENNIFER smiles sweetly at ABBY and then looks at VERN, who shares her belief that it would be a great idea if they could get the paper back. They wonder if it is at all possible.
SCENE 5: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S BEDROOM
IN PROGRESS
JO: Oh no you don't. I am a grown woman, I can make my own decisions.
JACK: I know you can, I never said you couldn't.
JO: Then what's this little discussion about?
JACK: (UNCOMFORTABLE) Well, it's not about what you can and cannot do. It's about...okay, I'll just come out and ask it...how long...how long have you and Vern...how long have you been showing Vern your room?
JO: (EMBARRASSED) Well, I'll be...What kind of a question is that? I'm your mother.
JACK: I know you are and it was a simple question. I'm just asking because...because I have an impressionable young daughter-
JO: If you think I'd do anything to taint Abigail's mind, then...
JACK: I didn't say that. I know you wouldn't. I was just trying to look out for her and...(SOFTLY) and...and you.
JO: (NEAR TEARS) Oh, son. (SHE GOES TO HUG HIM)
JACK: (HUGGING HER SLIGHTLY AND THEN WIPING HER TEARS) Oh no. Now don't get all weepy on me.
JO: (BREAKING THE HUG) It's just that it's so sweet. You caring for your mama.
JACK: Of course I would...I am your...your son, after all. I just want to make sure that things are going according to...according to... well, how relationships go. Is he treating you well?
JO: (SMILING) Of course he is. And for the record, last night was the first night I showed him my room. After watching "Cinderella", we popped in "Casablanca", and-
JACK: (STOPPING HER) Whoa, way too much information...
JO: (GETTING SERIOUS) I love him, son. And he loves me.
JACK: (MOVED AT SEEING HER SO HAPPY) That's wonder--... I'm... I'm happy for you. (BEAT) Now that that's settled, why don't we go downstairs and have some of that breakfast Jennifer is making. (PUTTING HIS ARM AROUND HER SHOULDERS TO WALK) I just hope it's better than that eggplant... (RUBBING HIS STOMACH)
JO: (LAUGHING AND WALKING WITH HIM) You're so bad...Do you and Jennifer have any favorite movies?
JACK: (DESCENDING THE STAIRS) Hmmm.... we do like "The Thin Man", but I wouldn't call it an amorous flick, though.
THEY laugh and make small talk and exit.
SCENE 6: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: Vern, do you really think the Spectator is going back on the market soon?
VERN: No doubt about it. Titan's been suffering a lot as of late and wants to pull out of the publishing biz. It's all over, the stocks been plummeting since Kiriakis let Kate Roberts go a few months ago. She oversaw most of the publishing, you know.
JENNIFER: Isn't she joining John's new company? Basic Black?
VERN: That's the rumor. Titan itself is expected to go head to head with Basic Black.
JENNIFER: Wait, Titan's into fashion?
VERN: Well, yes and no. You remember "Bella", don't you?
JENNIFER: Yeah... the magazine named after Isabella. Grandma would send me copies when I was over in Africa.
VERN: Despite all the other publishing venues Titan had, "Bella" is the only one that seemed to generate quite a profit.
JENNIFER: So they drop off all the other venues and invest their money into the fashion world that "Bella" covers? And Nicole Walker, Lucas' ex will be heading that up I suppose?
VERN: That's right, Jenny-Girl. Kate ruled the newspaper world and Nicole did wonders for the magazine. Smart cookie, that one.
JENNIFER: Well, it does help that she's slee-(REALIZING ABBY IS THERE), she's really friendly with the boss. Hmmm...(SHE SETS ABBY DOWN, WHO HAD BEEN WATCHING BOTH OF THEM WITH WONDER)
JENNIFER continues to make breakfast and mull this information over. VERN watches her curiously.
VERN: What are you thinking, Jenny-Girl?
JENNIFER: I'm just thinking about how Jack needs a job and how Abby's right, the Spectator would be perfect.
VERN: But how would you afford it?
JENNIFER: That I don't know, but we could work on that one. Victor would never sell the paper to Jack, though. Not after all he did to take it away from him.
VERN: You think? Victor's mellowed with age, Jennifer.
JENNIFER: Maybe with his family but not with his business affairs. Never in a million years would he sell it to Jack. It would be too much like defeat.
VERN nods while JENNIFER begins to cook the eggs.
JENNIFER: (CONT.) How long before it's expected to go on the market, Vern?
VERN: Well, they have some other businesses to get rid of first, so I'd say 2, maybe 3 months. You're seriously considering jumping on this thing when it hits the market, aren't you?
JACK and JO enter, laughing.
JACK: (CURIOUS) When what hits the market?
OUT on JENNIFER'S surprised face.
SCENE 7: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
IN PROGRESS
JACK: (LOOKING TO VERN AND JENNIFER) What's hitting the market? Do you have a hot stock tip you're keeping from me?
JENNIFER: (COVERING) No, no...Vern and I were just talking about how we need to hit the market after we visit Marlena.
JACK: (KNOWING THEY'RE LYING) But I just picked up groceries yesterday.
VERN: You forgot the prune juice.
JACK: (CONFUSED) Prune juice? Who drinks (PULLING A FACE) icky prune juice?
ABBY laughs.
VERN: (SMILING) I do. And considering I'm going to be here a lot more, I figured we'd put some in the fridge. (THROWING JO A LOOK)
JO giggles as JACK makes an unamused face.
JACK: Are you serious?
JENNIFER: (SMILING) And I told Vern that it would be okay. It's okay, right Jack?
OUT on JACK making another face.
SCENE 8: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S KITCHEN
IT IS A LITTLE WHILE LATER AND BREAKFAST IS FINISHED. EVERYONE IS GETTING UP FROM THE TABLE.
JO: Mmmm...that really hit the spot. (THROWING JACK A LOOK INDICATING IT WAS NOT THAT GOOD)
JACK: Yes, wonderful.
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) They're just eggs.
JACK: But good eggs. (TO ABBY) Alright Miss-I-Like-My-Eggs-Scrambled, time to get ready for day camp. What are you doing today anyway? Solving world peace?
ABBY: (LAUGHING) No. Today we're building birdhouses.
JACK: Well, it's not world peace, but it'll do. Now go on...(HE SWATS HER SOFTLY ON THE BEHIND) (TO JENNIFER) And you, too...we have our own things to build (HE SWATS HER BEHIND)
ABBY runs up the stairs.
JENNIFER: (SMILING WIDELY) But I've got to clean up.
JACK: (WAVING HER OFF) No mind. Vern and I will do that. Won't we, Vern? (THROWING VERN A LOOK)
VERN: We'll be happy to. Why don't you girls go get ready for your day?
JO giggles at being called a girl.
JENNIFER: Alright. (WHISPERING) Be good, Jack. (SHE THROWS VERN A REASSURING LOOK AND SHE AND JO EXIT, LAUGHING)
JACK looks to VERN, who is very apprehensive.
JACK: (BEGINNING TO CLEAR THE TABLE) So, I hear...I hear you and my moth...my Jo...have become quite close.
VERN: (CLEARING THE TABLE AS WELL) I think she's wonderful, Jack.
JACK: Oh. (BEAT) And so what are your intentions?
VERN: My intentions? My intentions are, well, quite frankly, none of your business.
JACK: (STOPPING TO LOOK AT VERN) Look, I just worry about her...she's been through so much for someone who...
VERN: (MEETING JACK'S EYES) Who deserves a lot more. Jack, I know you're worried about her and I know that you love her. She is your mother. I understand that. But you have to understand that I love her, too. Jo is the first person in a long time that makes me feel alive, she understands me, and she accepts me. I haven't had that since my wife died and she's never really had that before. I plan on being with her for a long time. She makes me happy. I just hope I do the same for her. You understand what it's like to love someone with every fiber of your being, don't you-body, heart, and mind, don't you?
JACK: (THINKING OF JENNIFER) I do. (MOVED BY VERN'S WORDS ABOUT JO) And you... you do.
VERN: I'm sorry?
JACK: You... you do. She told me. What you said, that goes double for her, tit for tat, ditto. She feels the same way about you.
VERN: She does? (SMILING. OVERWHELMED) I'm glad.
JACK: And so... and so am I...
VERN: Thanks, Jack.
JACK: (SMILING) You're welcome. And for the record, I think she's right... for feeling that way about you. You're a good man, Vernon.
VERN: And you are too, Jack.
THEY both look at each other fondly. After a few seconds, they grow uncomfortable and then they laugh and resume cleaning.
SCENE 9: INT. JACK'S CAR-AN HOUR OR SO LATER
JACK and JENNIFER, both dressed (JACK in a suit, of course), are in the car waving goodbye to ABBY.
JENNIFER: (OUT THE WINDOW) Bye, Baby, have a good day!
JACK: (WAVING) Make a delightful abode for our winged friends!
JENNIFER throws him a look.
JACK: (CONT.) What?
JENNIFER: Winged friends?
JACK: You do not like? Birds, then. (STARTING UP THE CAR AND PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC) Geez, try to be a little colorful.
A few seconds of silence ensue.
JENNIFER: Jo and Vern are really cute, don't you think?
JACK: (MAKING A FACE) If you like that sort of thing, yes...
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Come on.
JACK: Okay, they are "cute". (BEAT) So is Vern going to be your new little cohort?
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) What?
JACK: Partner-in-crime? I mean, you two were obviously lying to me this morning.
JENNIFER: (INDIGNANT) We were not.
JACK: The man does not like prune juice that much. No man or woman could. Now are you going to tell me what that was all about or not?
JENNIFER: I'll tell you... when you tell me who you called last night.
OUT on JACK'S shock over being caught. He pulls over and stops the car while JENNIFER gloats at him.
EPISODE 44
SCENE 1: INT. JACK'S CAR
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: So, Jack, just who were you speaking to last night?
JACK: (PLAYING DUMB) Speaking to?
JENNIFER: Yes. Talking, you do do enough of it, you know.
JACK: (PRETENDING TO BE OFFENDED) Are you saying I'm superfluous?
JENNIFER: (SMILING BACK) You said it, I didn't.
JACK: (TRYING TO GET OUT OF THIS) Well...I'm sorry, what was the question again?
JENNIFER: (SLOWLY SO HE UNDERSTANDS HER) Who, Jack, who were you talking to last night?
OUT on JACK, nervously smiling.
SCENE 2: INT. JACK'S CAR
JACK: I was...I was...arranging a little surprise for you.
JENNIFER: (NOT BUYING IT) Oh, a little surprise?
JACK: Yes...yes...why do you look so...so (PULLING A FACE) surprised? You're supposed to do that after you get what I have in store for you.
JENNIFER: (PULLING A FACE) Oh, I'm sorry, I forgot the rules. (BEAT) What kind of surprise?
JACK: What? What kind of surprise? Well, the...the best kind.
JENNIFER: Oh. Okay. (NODDING TO THE STEERING WHEEL) We can go now, Jack.
JACK: (NOT MOVING) Not until you tell me what you and the Chief are up to.
JENNIFER: The Chief? (FAKE LAUGHING) Oh, you mean Vern. Oh, it's nothing. (PULLING A FACE) Just a little "surprise" for you.
OUT on JACK, pulling her face at her usage of words.
SCENE 3: INT. UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL HALLWAY
IN on JENNIFER and JACK, stepping out of the elevator and walking swiftly down the hall.
JENNIFER: I told you to take Kennedy.
JACK: (POINTING TO HIS WATCH) And I told you there was too much traffic.
JENNIFER: Jack, there was barely anyone on the road.
JACK: Except for those teenage drivers. You know Kennedy is the main drag for them-shopping outlets, music stores, Dotcom. No way am I getting on that street in the summer. It's like signing your own death certificate.
JENNIFER: (STOPPING TO LOOK AT HIM) Are you going to be this way when Abby gets her license?
JACK: No, we'll have the chauffeur take her everywhere.
JENNIFER: Chauffeur? Jack, we don't even have jobs.
JACK: Ah, but we will by then and hopefully we will be wealthy. I figure she'll be dating by then, so she'll be what, thirty? Forty?
JENNIFER: (EXASPERATED) You're too much, Jack Deveraux. (WALKING OFF AHEAD OF HIM) Too much.
JACK: (STANDING THERE IN DISBELIEF) Too much of what? Was it something I said?
OUT on the nurses at the nurses' station snickering at him and JACK nervously laughing with them before hurrying off behind JENNIFER.
SCENE 4: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN on MARLENA, sitting at her desk and writing. JENNIFER peeks in the open door and knocks slightly.
MARLENA: (LOOKING UP AND SMILING) Jennifer, I'm glad you and--
JENNIFER steps in tentatively.
MARLENA: You and Jack? Where's Jack? (SHE STANDS UP)
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY) Oh, he's coming. Just a little behind, you know. Um, Marlena, can I ask you a question?
MARLENA: Sure. I'd be happy to answer anything you ask.
JENNIFER: (CHECKING TO MAKE SURE JACK IS NOT BEHIND HER) Do you think there is hope for us, for Jack and me?
MARLENA: There's always hope as long as two people are honest with each other.
JENNIFER cringes. MARLENA detects JENNIFER'S discomfort.
MARLENA: You are being honest with each other, aren't you?
JACK: (WALKING IN BEHIND JENNIFER) Are we now?
OUT on JENNIFER, shocked to see that JACK heard her question.
SCENE 5: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN on JACK, interested to see what JENNIFER'S answer will be.
JACK: So are we being honest with each other, Miss H.? Is there "hope" for us yet?
JENNIFER: (ADJUSTING HER PURSE STRAP AND LOOKING HIM STRAIGHT IN THE EYE) I don't know. You tell me.
JACK: (MEETING HER GAZE) You were asked the question.
MARLENA: (UNCOMFORTABLE) Stop it. You came here to work out your problems, not to create new ones.
JENNIFER: (GIVING JACK A LAST LOOK AND TURNING TO MARLENA) I'm-we're-sorry, Marlena. There's just so much...so much going on now.
MARLENA: I understand that. Why don't you two have a seat and we'll talk about what's going on now?
JENNIFER nods and JACK throws her a look before sitting down.
MARLENA: (READING THEIR NERVOUSNESS) So, Jack, I understand that Jennifer is getting the feeling that your not being completely honest with her.
JACK: That's because I'm not.
JENNIFER turns to him, shocked at what's going on.
MARLENA: You're not?
JACK: No, I'm not. (THROWING JENNIFER A LOOK) I told her I had a surprise for her. You can see that it's clearly driving her crazy. Really, she's worse than Abigail at Christmas.
JENNIFER'S mouth drops open in shock.
JENNIFER: Nobody arranges surprises the way you did. (TO MARLENA) He's lying.
MARLENA: Jack, are you lying?
JACK: Why would I lie? I'm here to work on my marriage or rather what was my marriage. (TO JENNIFER) Now if you're patient and a good little girl-
JENNIFER: (MAKING A FIST AT JACK) I'll give you "good little girl."
JACK: (TO MARLENA. ENJOYING HIMSELF) You see how violent she gets?
JENNIFER: (INDICATING WRINGING HIS NECK) Oooh, I could just-(TURNING TO MARLENA TO CALM DOWN) Marlena, I can assure you that he is not telling the truth. I have been completely honest in this relationship-
JACK: Ha!
JENNIFER throws him a look of disbelief.
MARLENA: Jack, are you saying that Jennifer is lying?
JACK: (SMILING) I'd say.
JENNIFER: About what? What have I ever lied about?
JACK: Oh, I don't know, Katerina Von Leuschner being Carly Manning, not loving me, Jack, I don't want anything to do with you, but most recently whatever you and Vern were discussing so heavily in our kitchen this morning.
JENNIFER: I told you, that is a surprise. You do believe me, don't you, Marlena?
OUT on MARLENA not knowing what to think.
SCENE 6: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN PROGRESS
MARLENA: To be (EMPHASIZING THE WORD) honest, I don't know who to believe. Do you do this often?
JACK: (LOST) This?
MARLENA: This "surprising" each other?
JENNIFER: (UNDER HER BREATH) Too many times to count.
MARLENA: Have you ever thought about just telling the truth? Avoiding the games?
JACK and JENNIFER look shocked over "avoiding the games."
JENNIFER: (SMILING SWEETLY) Marlena, I think you have it all wrong, we don't play games.
JACK: Yes we do.
JENNIFER: (TRYING NOT TO LOOK AT HIM) No (BEAT) we (BEAT) don't.
JACK: Yes (BEAT) we (BEAT) do.
JENNIFER: (TO JACK) Why are you saying that?
JACK: Because, and this is going to shock you, it is the truth.
JENNIFER: Jack-
JACK: It is. The whole debate. I've said it before-you and I get a perverse pleasure out of one-upping each other, out of taking opposing sides. It's like "Crossfire" the home version. I say potato, you say potato (SINGING A LITTLE) Tomato, tomato, potato, potato. It's been that way our whole life together.
JENNIFER: Jack-
JACK: (TO MARLENA) And she gets a perverse pleasure out of saying my name over and over.
JENNIFER'S mouth drops open again in shock. MARLENA wants to smile but doesn't.
MARLENA: You two do realize this is not healthy, don't you? This game playing.
JENNIFER: (SHOOTING JACK A LOOK AND THEN SPEAKING) Of course we do. It's just how, how we've always been.
MARLENA: (CURIOUSLY) Is that so?
JACK nods nervously.
MARLENA: Have you ever been honest with each other?
JACK: Plenty of times.
JENNIFER looks oddly at him.
JACK: (TO JENNIFER) Well, we have. Given it has taken a detrimental occurrence to push us to do it-ship sinking, you marrying another, but we have.
MARLENA: When was the last time you were honest with each other? Totally honest.
JENNIFER: (SHEEPISHLY) When I told Jack that I love him, I guess.
MARLENA: (NODDING UNDERSTANDINGLY) And you Jack?
JACK: Uh...what she said.
MARLENA: (LOST) You'll have to be more specific than that, Jack? What Jennifer said?
JACK: Yes...that she...that she...
JENNIFER: (LEANING FORWARD) Another one of our problems, Jack's inability to say he loves me.
MARLENA LOOKS OVER AT JACK. OUT on JACK throwing up his arms in defeat.
SCENE 7: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN PROGRESS
MARLENA: Jack, why do you have such a hard time saying that you love Jennifer?
JACK: (NERVOUS) Really, is this necessary? She knows how I feel.
MARLENA: Does she? It's natural for a human being to want to hear those words. It gives them a sense of peace.
JACK: It's not that I can't say those words. I mean, I love many things-Shakespeare, the color blue, my daughter-
MARLENA: But not your wife? (CORRECTING HERSELF) Not Jennifer?
JACK: (GETTING UP) No....I...(NERVOUS. VERY ANIMATEDLY) I lo...I lo...I do. It just seems that if I say it, it will wake me...wake me from this dream...this dream I call Jennifer. Remember the fleeting thing from the other day? Classify this under that heading---Reasons Why Jack Deveraux Is So, For Lack of Better Terminology, Screwed Up (TURNING AWAY) It sounds stupid I know, but it's true.
JENNIFER: (MOVED) It doesn't sound stupid, Jack.
JACK: (TURNING TOWARDS HER AND FINALLY MEETING HER EYES) It doesn't?
JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) No. It's beautiful.
JACK looks from JENNIFER to MARLENA in disbelief.
MARLENA: (SMILING WARMLY) It is. (BEAT) Jack, do you think your inability to say that you love Jennifer stems from your childhood? We all know that Harper-
JACK: Wasn't exactly father of the year? Yes. You see with Harper Deveraux, you did things only one way, his way. And he did say he loved me...Unfortunately it was for the benefit of the cameras and reporters on hand, but he did say it.
MARLENA: Did you believe him?
JACK: I....(BEAT) I wanted to. I thought that if I just made an A on a paper, if I just won an award, if I just won the political race, he'd finally...he'd finally mean it.
MARLENA: When was the first time you felt loved, truly loved?
JACK: (RELUCTANTLY) I thought it was with Kayla, but it wasn't. She was warm and caring and I wanted her to love me, but she couldn't-not the way she loved Steve. I kept thinking, if I can show her how successful I could be...
MARLENA: Love and success to you do go hand in hand, don't they?
JACK: (LYING) No, no, that's preposterous. They're two separate entities. One has nothing to do with the other.
MARLENA: (MAKING A NOTE) Okay, when else did you feel loved?
JACK: I thought Angelica loved me. Really I did. In a way, I guess she did. My mother, Jo, loved, loves, me. Steve loved me, but I'm not sure if I knew how much then.
MARLENA: What about with Jennifer? Do you feel loved with her?
JACK: Well, yes. How could I not? Here was this beautiful young girl who didn't, who didn't (LOOKING JENNIFER IN THE EYE) flinch when she was around me, who was my friend. Of course I felt loved.
MARLENA smiles at him.
MARLENA: Do you still feel that way?
JACK: Well, well...no.
OUT on JENNIFER'S shock at his answer.
SCENE 8 : INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN PROGRESS
MARLENA: Pardon my shock, Jack, but you don't feel that way when you're with Jennifer?
JACK: I don't. It's not the same. (SMILING A LITTLE AT JENNIFER) It's, well, it's better.
MARLENA: Go on.
JACK: (NERVOUS. THIS IS TAKING A LOT OUT OF HIM, SO HE TURNS AWAY AND PACES) You see when Jennifer and I met, it was different. She was this little optimistic blonde who believed in sunshine and daisies and front page stories about babies and animals. Not that there's anything wrong with that. She worked for me and I was the supposed teacher, mentor. But, of course, the best-laid plans, well, you know. The point is, I learned from her. Where I taught her about writing, she taught me about living. So we endured our non-courtship and married and that, that learning, would seemingly go away, we would become mundane. (BEAT) Only that didn't happen. Everyday I wake up and am reminded of where I came from and every day with Jennifer, with you (LOOKING TO JENNIFER) is a challenge, but a good one. You make me proud to be me and sometimes, especially now, I get an idea of how much I do deserve you and that frightens me, the acceptance. (TO MARLENA) Does that make any sense?
MARLENA: It makes perfect sense. You're afraid of jinxing it.
JACK: (CATCHING HIS BREATH) More or less.
MARLENA: (TO JENNIFER) Jennifer, how do you fell about this?
JENNIFER: I don't...I don't know. (TO JACK) Jack, I'm not going anywhere.
JACK: (SITTING DOWN) I know. It's like if I start to believe in it, say it aloud, then everyone will be in on our little world. If I believe in us, it'll end.
MARLENA: You spend all the time striving to be a better person in hopes that you will finally believe you do deserve all this, don't you? Only Jennifer thinks you already do. You are trying to become what you think Jennifer deserves, not what she wants and has already. Is that why you are always trying to make money?
JACK: Well, well....I guess so. When Jennifer and I first met, I was young, I was successful, I was wealthy.
MARLENA: So, you do think successful equals wealthy?
JACK: Doesn't everybody?
MARLENA: (CHUCKLING A LITTLE WITH JENNIFER) No, not everybody does, Jack. Jack, all the money in the world can't make someone successful. It's what you have right there in your heart that does. And that, to Jennifer, is enough.
JENNIFER: I don't care about the money, Jack. I never did.
JACK: But you loved the Spectator, Jennifer. It made you happy.
JENNIFER: No, you being there made me happy. Jack, I don't care what you do, as long as you do it and you love it. Would I love to get the Spectator back someday? Yes, I would. I'm not denying that But do I want it back because it is lucrative? No. It's because it's us and I'm sure deep down you realize that, that despite the money involved and the prestige, you wanted to be successful because your heart, not your wallet, is missing the paper.
MARLENA: Jack, it's not common for somebody raised in the public's eye like you were to mistake success or money for love. Harper never really loved you the way you wanted to, you needed to be loved. And while you vowed to not be like that, in slight ways you are.
JACK: Sins of the father....
JENNIFER: Jack, you're a wonderful father. (TO MARLENA) He is.
MARLENA: (SMILING) I know. Abby loves him very much.
JENNIFER: (TO JACK) She does, you know. You don't have to be anything but Daddy to her. In fact, I wrote some stuff about that down....Our homework, you know. (TO MARLENA) Can I?
MARLENA: Go ahead.
JENNIFER: (PULLING HER PIECE OF PAPER OUT OF HER PURSE AND TURNING TO JACK AND READING IT) My happiest times with Jack. (HER HANDS START TO SHAKE AND SHE GETS EMOTIONAL READING THE SHEET) One. When he held my hand at my trial against Lawrence. It wasn't exactly conventionally happy, but it made me realize that Jack would do anything for me, no matter how much (VOICE CRACKING) it hurt him. Two. When Jack delivered Abby. He was calm and focused and was absolutely amazing. From the moment he held her, she loved him. (SMILING THROUGH TEARS) You could see it in her eyes even then. (SHE LOOKS TO JACK, WHO IS VISIBLY MOVED) Three. When Abby was sick and Jack took me to the airport to scream at the planes. It seems very silly now but it moved me because for one split second he let me in further than he'd ever let me in. Four. When Jack came back to me and Abby and the first few years in Africa. Although I tell him now that I could kill him for the way he is, how silly he could be, I loved it, even when he was (GIGGLING A LITTLE) as silly as ever. Five. When we decided to come here, to get back all of these feelings that I just remembered. I missed him and them and have never been so happy in my life. We have a chance and that's something that Jack and I tend to take better together-the chances. When we work on the same team (VOICE CRACKING) towards the same goal, I am the happiest ever.
MARLENA smiles, seeing how much they were moved.
JACK: (CLEARING HIS THROAT TO NOT CRY) You always were an excellent writer.
JENNIFER smiles at him and wipes away a tear.
MARLENA: And what about you, Jack, do you have your list?
JACK: (NERVOUS) Actually, actually, I forgot it in the car. (GETTING UP) I'll be right back.
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) You don't remember it?
JACK: Um, not verbatim. I'll be right back...I will...you won't even miss me. (HE MAKES HIS WAY TO THE DOOR AND LEAVES NERVOUSLY).
JENNIFER and MARLENA exchange confused looks.
Outside the door, JACK walks into the restroom and goes inside and locks the door. He throws some water on his face and looks at himself in the mirror. He is nervous and moved by Jennifer's list. He takes a moment to finally recover himself and then pulls out his pen and his checkbook out of his pocket. He pulls off a check and looks at it quickly and then turns it over and begins writing. "My Happiest Times with Jennifer" and then bites his pen in deep thought.
JACK: (TO HIMSELF) Dammit, how could I forget to do this? Think, man, think...
OUT on JACK beginning to write his list down.
EPISODE 45
SCENE 1: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN PROGRESS
A few moments have passed and JENNIFER is growing uncomfortable. She keeps sneaking peaks at the door and is twiddling her thumbs. MARLENA is writing in her notebook and is sneaking peaks as JENNIFER as well.
MARLENA: (PUTTING DOWN HER PEN) Jennifer, are you quite allright?
JENNIFER: (NERVOUS) Yeah, why wouldn't I be? (FIDDLING WITH HER PURSE) Jack and I are fine.
MARLENA: I'm not talking about Jack, I'm talking about you. You seem a little stressed as of late.
JENNIFER: Well, I guess it's because it's weird, you know. Usually you and I are fine and now, now, I feel weird talking to you.
MARLENA: I'm not here to judge, just to help and I know how you and Jack are. I'm worried about you, Jennifer, as a psychiatrist and as a friend.
JENNIFER: Well, I...I appreciate your concern, Marlena, but I'm fine. I am. Boy, I really am thirsty. (SHE GETS UP TO POUR HERSELF A GLASS OF WATER) Can I get you some?
MARLENA: (GETTING UP AND WALKING OVER TO HER) No, that's quite alright, I don't want any water. What I do want is you to tell me what is going on. What's the matter Jennifer?
OUT on JENNIFER, who is uncomfortable with answering that question.
SCENE 2: INT. RESTROOM-MARLENA'S OFFICE LOBBY
IN on JACK, now sitting on the closed toilet and biting his pen furiously. He is sweating profusely.
JACK: (TO HIMSELF) Why, why, why can I not think? Happy. Think happy. (PUTTING DOWN THE PAPER AND PEN) I don't know how to think happy. (STANDING UP AND LOOKING AT HIMSELF IN THE MIRROR) Why hello, how are you today handsome? No, no, no time for games. Look at yourself, look at yourself. You have a beautiful intelligent woman in there who loves you and who you (STRUGGLING WITH THE WORDS) lo...lo...lo...love back and all you have to do is write down what you feel. What you feel. Okay, okay, let's try it again. (SITTING BACK DOWN ON THE TOILET AND BEGINNING TO WRITE)
All of a sudden, there is a pounding on the door.
JACK: (YELLING) It's occupied.
MAN'S V/O: Come on. How long you gonna be?
JACK: (BALKING AT THE LANGUAGE) I'm going to be...(SHAKING HIS HEAD.IMITATING THE GUY'S VOICE) I gonna be awhile, so...so scram.
MAN'S V/O: (POUNDING ON THE DOOR) Who do you think you're talking to?
JACK: (FRUSTRATED. GOING TO THE DOOR AND OPENING IT A SMIDGE TO FACE THE MAN) I think, in fact, I know I'm talking to you, kind sir. Now if you'll excuse me, what I'm doing in here will either make or break my marriage or what was my marriage.
MAN: (SHAKING HIS HEAD) You're a sicko, man, a real sicko.
JACK: I may be sick, but I am in here, aren't I? And you, sir, are out there. So, if you would (CLOSING THE DOOR ON THE MAN), there is a restroom down the hall, I believe. (RUBBING HIS HANDS TOGETHER AND THINKING) Okay, where was I? Oh yes, trying to save my future. Back to work (HE SITS BACK DOWN AND BEGINS WRITING AGAIN).
SCENE 3: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN PROGRESS
MARLENA: I want you, Jennifer, to tell me what's going on with you, your fears.
JENNIFER: I think...I think we've already established them, don't you. Jack and I can't communicate, he's scared of loving me completely. (SMILING) It's a lot, but hey, we can do it.
MARLENA: Not if you're not completely honest with me. Jennifer, I need you to tell me what's going on. There was more than just miscommunication that sent you to Ireland, wasn't there?
JENNIFER: (SHUFFLING THROUGH THE CUPS AND STUFF TO FIND SOME SUGAR) You know what? I think I feel like coffee. Don't you have any sugar around here?
MARLENA hands the sugar bowl to her without a word. JENNIFER realizes it was right in front of her.
JENNIFER: (CONT.) Thanks. If it was a snake, it would've bit me. Now, where were we?
MARLENA: You were avoiding my question. What was it that drove you to Ireland, Jennifer? Was it another man?
OUT on JENNIFER'S shock over MARLENA guessing what it was.
SCENE 4: INT. RESTROOM
IN PROGRESS
JACK: (TRIUMPHANTLY SETTING HIS PEN DOWN) Done! A masterwork in a matter of minutes. And they say that good work can't be done quickly. (GETTING UP) Wait, Jennifer will know I didn't write it out if she sees it on this. I wonder....(GOING TO LEAVE, BUT THEN JUMPING BACK TO FLUSH THE TOILET).
JACK opens the door and finds the man still waiting there.
JACK: (TO THE MAN) All yours, sir. (HE BOWS DOWN AND POINTS TO THE BATHROOM)
MAN: (WALKING INTO THE RESTROOM) Whatever, sicko.
JACK: (NOTICING MARLENA'S SECRETARY TYPING ON THE COMPUTER) Hmmmm...(WALKING OVER) Excuse me, miss?
MARY: (TURNING TOWARDS JACK) Yes sir?
JACK: Miss, um (READING THE NAMEPLATE) Mary, is it? Would you mind terribly if I borrowed your computer for just a moment? I have something I have to type up and...
MARY: Sure. It's all yours (SHE GETS UP), Mr. Deveraux.
JACK: (SMILING AND SITTING DOWN) Thank you. You know my name?
MARY: You are Dr. Evans' 10:00, you know.
JACK: (SETTLING INTO HER SEAT) Right. Would you mind keeping that yours and mine and perhaps the good doctor and the miss' secret, well, a secret? Wouldn't want the neighbors to get nervous, you know?
MARY: I understand. Would you mind terribly if I ran to the cafeteria to get something to eat very quickly?
JACK: No, no, go right ahead. I can hold down the fort. It can't be that hard. Skee-daddle. (HE MOTIONS TO HER TO GO ON)
MARY throws him a curious look and then heads off. The second she does, the phone begins to ring.
SCENE 5: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN PROGRESS
MARLENA: That's it, isn't it? You followed another man to Ireland.
JENNIFER: (WALKING PAST MARLENA AND SITTING DOWN) Don't be silly, I would never, (SARCASTICALLY) not me, not good Jennifer Rose.
MARLENA: Jennifer, I'm not judging you. I'm not. We all make mistakes.
JENNIFER: (WISTFULLY) We do, don't we?
MARLENA: (WALKING BACK OVER AND SITTING BEHIND HER DESK) Tell me about him.
JENNIFER: (PLAYING DUMB) About who?
MARLENA: This man, this other man. He had to be something special to make you leave Jack.
JENNIFER: (NERVOUS) He was. I mean, I thought he was. His name is Colin Murphy.
MARLENA: Bo's cousin?
JENNIFER: (NODDING) Yeah, we met in Africa. He was everything I thought I wanted...charming, heroic, smart, he loved kids...
MARLENA: And since Jack wasn't there, you turned for him for comfort?
JENNIFER: Yeah. (LOOKING DOWN) It wasn't anything, though. (MEETING MARLENA'S EYES) It wasn't like we you know.
MARLENA: I didn't say anything, Jennifer.
JENNIFER: I know, I just didn't want you to think that of me. I would never.
MARLENA: Why does it matter so much to you what I think of you?
JENNIFER: Well because I'm Jennifer.
MARLENA: A good friend but also human.
JENNIFER: (STANDING UP AND WALKING AWAY) Am I? I mean, you've seen the way Jack talks about me, like I'm the second coming or something. All my life that's how everybody's been with me. Good Jennifer Rose, she'll stand up for the good and just, always defend the underdog. Jennifer never'd do that, not in a million years, (HER VOICE CRACKS) and I did and I did, Marlena, I did. I doubted Jack.
MARLENA: But you're not upset about that are you? You doubted yourself. That's who you're mad at, isn't it Jennifer?
SCENE 6: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (TURNING TOWARDS MARLENA, CRYING) I doubted me. Marlena, I've never been so lost in my life. Even when Jack and I, in the beginning, when Jack and I had no idea where we were going, I knew that it would work out. There was something inside me that told me it would be okay, that everything would be okay, and now I can't find that. I thought I could find it, that Jack and I working this out would lead me to it, but it's not...it's not...
MARLENA: Jennifer, you are all that you just said, you are a good person, you are, but you are also capable of making mistakes, both you and Jack. You do love Jack, don't you?
JENNIFER nods.
MARLENA: And what about Colin?
JENNIFER: What about Colin?
MARLENA: Do you love him?
JENNIFER: No. I...I don't know. I think I loved the idea of him.
MARLENA: Which was the complete opposite of Jack?
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY) Yeah. Marlena, Jack's not a bad guy-
MARLENA: I never said he was.
JENNIFER: Right. I just...there is so much there that nobody sees... with Jack, that is.
MARLENA: Do you still see it? Do you still see what nobody else sees, Jennifer?
OUT on JENNIFER not knowing how to answer that question.
SCENE 7: INT. MARLENA'S LOBBY
IN PROGRESS
IN on JACK, trying desperately to balance the ringing phone lines and trying to schedule people. His jacket is now off, his sleeves rolled up, and he has a pencil in his mouth. He is frustrated.
JACK: (INTO THE PHONE WITH THE PENCIL STILL IN HIS MOUTH) Uh-huh, uh-huh (BEAT) Tuesday at nine a.m. (BEAT) I'm (BEAT) Can you hold on a moment? (HE SEARCHES FRANTICALLY FOR THE "HOLD" BUTTON AND THEN ANSWERS ANOTHER RINGING LINE) Dr. Marlena Evans' office. How may I help you?
BO enters
BO: (SURPRISED) Jack?
JACK: (DROPPING THE PENCIL OUT OF HIS MOUTH AND HANGING UP ON A TALKING PERSON) Officer Brady.
BO: (LAUGHING A LITTLE) What are you doing here? No, no, don't tell me, you finally found a job?
JACK: Very funny. Actually, I was...I was...just helping out. The regular girl...
BO: Mary.
JACK: Yes, Mary had to run and I just happened to be at the hospital.
BO: Jack, you don't have to lie. Hope told me that you and Jennifer were going to therapy to help your marriage.
JACK: Our former marriage.
BO: Whatever. I'm really proud of you for doing this, Jack. It takes a lot of guts.
JACK: Does it now?
BO: Yeah, it does. One question, though, why is Jennifer in there while you are out here?
OUT on JACK, smiling nervously.
SCENE 8: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: Wow, that's a difficult question.
MARLENA: It shouldn't be. Do you or do you not still see Jack the same way you did then?
JENNIFER: Well, no. I mean...yes, sometimes. Jack is wonderful, Marlena and when it's good, it's good...
MARLENA: And when it's bad, it's bad?
JENNIFER nods.
MARLENA: Jennifer, why don't you have a seat and we'll talk a little more about this, huh?
JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) Okay. (SHE WALKS OVER AND SITS BACK DOWN)
MARLENA: Jennifer, what did you think marriage would be like?
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) What did I think-
MARLENA: (SMILING) What did you expect when you and Jack got married?
JENNIFER: Well, I guess...I guess I expected for all the bad things to go away. I mean as long as we were together, it was good.
MARLENA: Go on.
JENNIFER: I guess I expected him, or wanted him to come home every night and hold me and we'd spend the weekend on the coast with the baby. He'd come home every night and we'd talk about our days and he'd sweep me in his arms and we'd...we'd always be in love.
MARLENA: (CURIOUS) And you married Jack expecting this?
JENNIFER: Seems pretty unrealistic, huh?
MARLENA: No, it doesn't. It doesn't if you didn't know who Jack was before you got married. (BEAT) Jennifer, did you think that you'd be married and boom (SNAPPING HER FINGERS) everything would be perfect?
JENNIFER: No...(SMILING WEAKLY) Close to perfect, yes. I mean, look at you and John and Bo and Hope and...
MARLENA: Neither mine and John's nor Bo and Hope's marriage is perfect, Jennifer. We have our problems, too.
JENNIFER: You do, don't you? Marlena, I didn't mean to...
MARLENA: That's okay. Like I said before, we're all human, we, as Belle would say, we screw-up.
JENNIFER laughs a little.
JENNIFER: It's just when Jack and I got married, I thought it'd be perfect. We finally made it. I thought we got past all that stuff-Jack's schemes, his inability to say he loves me.
MARLENA: But you didn't.
JENNIFER: No, we didn't. And it was growing and I guess when he left us, when Abby got sick...
MARLENA: It was the last straw?
JENNIFER: In a way, yes. Marlena, I had never been so hurt in my life and maybe it was because of everything we went through. I've been in love before but not like this. Jack was amazing, he made me feel like I was the only person in the world.
MARLENA: Then I have to ask, why did you decide to try again? After he came back, that is.
JENNIFER: I (VOICE CRACKING) missed him. I really and truly did. Those few months without him were the worst of my life. Abby being ill and her crying. It was hard, so hard.
MARLENA: You took him back without addressing the problem at hand.
JENNIFER: We established it was a problem, but...
MARLENA: You thought he could change?
JENNIFER: Yes.
MARLENA: Are you sure he hasn't?
JENNIFER: No, I know he has, but so have I. I just wish...
MARLENA: You wish it could be the way it used to? The magic? The heart pounding closeness?
JENNIFER: (WIPING HER EYES) Yes. I'm crazy, aren't I? A woman in her mid-thirties wanting some form of love normally reserved for teenagers.
MARLENA: You're not "crazy", Jennifer. I think all of us want that kind of love, that rush. You just can't seem to get it back because you and Jack never worked through your problems, you just put a band aid on them and decided to have another go at it.
JENNIFER: So, there is hope for us yet?
MARLENA: (SMILING) More than you'll ever know. You're finally addressing the problem, problems at hand. It took a lot of growth and maturity to come here, Jennifer. For you and for Jack.
JENNIFER: It was his idea, you know.
MARLENA: It doesn't matter who's idea it was. It was a good one.
JENNIFER: (SMILING) Yeah. It was, wasn't it?
OUT on MARLENA and JENNIFER giggling a little and MARLENA handing JENNIFER a tissue.
SCENE 9: INT. MARLENA'S LOBBY
IN PROGRESS
JACK: (NERVOUSLY LAUGHING) That is a good question, isn't it?
BO: (LAUGHING WITH HIM) Nevermind, Jack. It's really none of my business. I'll come back in a little bit (HE TURNS TO LEAVE)
JACK: (LEANING FORWARD AND IGNORING THE RINGING PHONES) No, wait-Offic-Bo?
BO: (TURNING AROUND) Yeah?
JACK: (STANDING UP) You consider me a...a friend, right?
BO: Well, yeah, I guess. I mean, you're a cool enough guy, Jack.
JACK: Well, thank you, I think. I just...I just wanted to say thank you...for the whole "guts" comment. It meant a lot.
BO: You don't have to thank me for speaking the truth, Jack.
JACK: I...I know. I guess "friends" confide in each other, right?
BO: Usually.
JACK: Okay...well I'm out here on the computer completing some homework for the soul that Marlena, Dr. Evans, told us-Jennifer and I-to do. It seems I forgot to do mine. I was going to use the old canine digesting the assignment excuse, but....
BO: (SMILING) I'll tell Jennifer that you ran out here to get it and ran into me and we got to talking. (GOING TO LEAVE) By the way, Jack, it's "my dog ate my homework". It sounds better.
JACK: (MOVED) Thank you. I'll try to remember that.
BO: (SMILING) You should. (HE OPENS THE DOOR AND GOES TO STEP OUT BUT LEANS BACK IN) Oh, can you tell Marlena I stopped by? I'll be back in a bit to talk.
JACK: Will do.
BO: And can you not mention this around Jenn? I don't want Hope to get any ideas...
JACK: Why would she---Oh, okay.
BO: Covering your butt, Jack, that's what it's called. Friends do that for each other. See you later.
BO exits.
JACK: (SMILING TO HIMSELF) Covering your butt? Not exactly the most pleasant term, but it will do....
MARY enters.
JACK: (TO MARY) Well, it's about time. I...I could've died here. This phone has been ringing off the hook since you left.
MARY: I'm...I'm sorry.
JACK: (REALIZING HIS TONE) No, I am...just a little frustrating, you know. Thank you for use of your computer. Now to get back to my head shrinking.
JACK walks over to the door to MARLENA'S office and stops to reread his list, now typed out.
SCENE 10: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: So, you're saying that I turned to Colin because Jack wasn't there? That what I did was...
MARLENA: Perfectly normal. Jennifer, we need love in our lives. It's a fact that we tend to seek love out when we need some.
CUT to JACK, standing outside the door. HE can hear them, but missed the first part of the conversation. At first he's surprised, but then he leans in to hear more. MARY is oblivious to him, her back is towards him and she is answering the phone.
CUT to MARLENA and JENNIFER
JENNIFER: That explains everything but...
MARLENA: But what?
JENNIFER: Why can't I stop thinking about him?
CUT to JACK, smiling because he thinks she is talking about him.
MARLENA: You've been thinking about Colin?
JENNIFER: All the time. I can't get him out of my head.
JACK'S face sinks at COLIN'S name. HE can't take anymore. Suddenly, he bursts in.
JENNIFER: (SURPRISED) Jack!
JACK: (HURT BUT SMILING) Sorry that took so long. Ran into Bo in the parking lot, you know. Got to chatting about guy stuff.
MARLENA: Oh, Bo was here?
JACK: (LOOKING AT JENNIFER AND REMEMBERING BO'S FAVOR) No, not here. Here as in the hospital, but not here as in your office. He was...was following up on a case-that's it.
MARLENA looks confused.
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) Guy stuff?
JACK: Games, drag racing, wrestling...
JENNIFER: Guy stuff?
MARLENA: Nevermind that. Jack, do you have your list?
JACK: (PULLING IT OUT OF HIS JACKET POCKET) Right here. (HE COMES AND SITS DOWN NEXT TO JENNIFER)
JENNIFER: You typed it?
JACK: But of course. Nothing but the best for Mr. D.
JENNIFER: To be honest, Jack, I thought you had forgotten it.
JACK: Me? Forget? Never. (TO MARLENA) Shall I?
MARLENA: (SMILING) Go ahead.
JACK: (CLEARING HIS THROAT AND TURNING TOWARDS JENNIFER) "My Happiest Times with Jennifer" by Jack Harcourt Deveraux. Number one: When she first walked into my office all those years ago with talk of a horse named after her. "Jennifer's Beauty" as I recall. Nothing could be named more appropriately. From that moment on, I knew I was in for a change. Little did I know what a great and...and wonderful change it would be. (HE GETS EMOTIONAL READING, AS DOES JENNIFER LISTENING). Number two: Our wedding. To be perfectly honest, which Jennifer knows I've not always been, I wasn't sure she'd go through with it. I kept having to...to...pinch myself to remind myself that she wanted to, chose to be with me. Number three: When Jennifer and I had Abigail. She may say I was focused and calm, but she was the real hero. She was at her strongest and her most stubborn then and she never...she never looked more beautiful. Number Four: When Jennifer...when Jennifer... decided to take me back after leaving. That strength and stubbornness were still there but luckily, for me, so was her heart. And (VOICE CRACKING REMEMBERING WHAT SHE JUST SAID ABOUT COLIN) number five: Right now. When I finally get a chance to tell her how much she means to me. I don't say it often enough, I know, but I do...I do...love (LOOKING AT HER, HURT BUT IN LOVE)...love...her more than anything she'll ever know.
JENNIFER has begun crying. JACK looks embarrassed.
JACK: (TO MARLENA) And that just about sums it up.
OUT on JACK leaning back, emotional, embarrassed, and nervous.
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 - 65 *** Chapter 66