Keeping Up With The Deverauxes
Episodes 46 - 50
EPISODE 46
SCENE 1: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN PROGRESS
IN on JACK, who is sitting back in his chair, waiting for reaction from both of them. JENNIFER is crying silently and MARLENA is watching the two of them. JACK does not like the quiet and crosses and re-crosses his legs anxiously. Finally he stands up.
JACK: How's that for a party ender?
MARLENA: Why do you do that?
JACK: Make jokes or make Jennifer cry? (HE THROWS JENNIFER A CONCERNED LOOK) It seems I have a penchant for both.
MARLENA: Why do you do something, say something so serious, and then immediately follow it by a joke?
JACK: (EMBARRASSED) I don't...I don't know what you're talking about.
MARLENA: You guard yourself by being flip about things. You figure if you're not too serious, no one will take your faults and shortcomings too seriously, but it's a double-edged sword. Because they don't take your faults seriously, they also don't take your achievements seriously either, Jack.
JACK: (WINCING) Ouch.
MARLENA: Are you capable of having a conversation without joking, Jack?
JACK: If I can't joke, I can't talk. (LOOKING AT JENNIFER) Seriously, I can't.
MARLENA: (SMILING REASSURINGLY) Very well. (THE TIMER ON HER DESK GOES OFF) Well, (SIGHING) we seemed to have covered a lot of ground today. (SMILING) I'm proud of both of you.
JENNIFER and JACK smile weakly at each other and then to MARLENA.
MARLENA: It takes a tremendous amount of courage to do what you are choosing to do. I don't think you both understand that. (BEAT) I do, however, have some more (SMILING) homework for you both.
JACK: (WALKING OVER AND CLAPPING HIS HANDS IN MOCK GLEE) Ooh, homework!
JENNIFER throws him a look and hits him playfully. She then turns back to Marlena.
MARLENA: (LAUGHING SLIGHTLY) I want you both to think separately about what you see in your future-it's important that you both agree on where this is headed. We'll use that for our next session. (STANDING UP) Be sure to see Mary on your way out.
JENNIFER looks slightly alarmed at this assignment.
JACK: (DRYLY) Mary, right....(TURNING TO EXIT, BUT STOPPING WHEN HE SEES JENNIFER ISN'T MOVING) Miss H?
JENNIFER: (COMING TO) Yeah. I'll be there in a minute.
JACK is curious, but shrugs. He glances one last time at her and reluctantly steps out.
MARLENA: Jennifer, is something wrong?
JENNIFER: Wrong? (DRYING HER EYES WITH A HANKIE) Nothing. I mean, (GETTING UP AND ADJUSTING HER PURSE STRAP) what do you mean?
MARLENA: (CONFUSED) Mean?
JENNIFER: (SMILING NERVOUSLY) Oh my, I know this is going to sound so silly, but you want me to write down what I want?
MARLENA: (SMILING) What you hope for. You and Jack seem to have a problem with your differing definitions of what a spouse should be, what success means. Putting it in writing and discussing it beforehand is something you both could benefit from.
JENNIFER: Like mini-goals?
MARLENA: (NODDING) Like mini- and major goals. It can be anything as simple as wanting one night a week to have a date with each other to deciding if you want any more children.
JENNIFER: (NERVOUS) More children?
MARLENA: (READING HER FACE) Does that bother you? Jennifer, I always got the feeling that you wanted more children, the way you're with Isaac, the way you were with J.T. (SMILING) You're a wonderful mother.
JENNIFER: (IN DISBELIEF) I am?
MARLENA: Now, why wouldn't you think that? Everyone knows it. You'd do anything for Abigail. To you, there is nothing more important that the health and welfare of your child. (SMILING) I'm sure you'd be the same way if any other little Deverauxes were to come along.
JENNIFER looks upset.
MARLENA: (NOTICING HER DISCOMFORT) Jennifer, is everything okay? You look a little pale.
OUT on JENNIFER'S nervousness.
SCENE 2: INT. MARLENA'S LOBBY
IN on JACK, who is pacing back and forth outside MARLENA'S closed door. MARY is oblivious and is on the phone. He tries to listen, but can't hear anything.
JACK: (TO HIMSELF) Dammit, what could they be talking about in there? (PULLING A FACE) Probably HIM again. Mr. Luck o' the Irish, Top o' the Mornin', Potato-Loving....
MARY: (TO JACK) Did you say something?
JACK: (SMILING NERVOUSLY) Uh...
MARY: I thought you said something about potatoes...
JACK: (RECOVERING) I did...I mean...I said I could...I could go for some potatoes. (BEAT) Couldn't you?
MARY tosses him a strange look and goes back to what she is doing. JACK groans in frustration and walks out of the office into the hall..
SCENE 3: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE
IN PROGRESS
MARLENA: Jennifer, you look as if you are going to be sick. (WALKING OVER AND PUSHING THE CHAIR TOWARDS HER) Sit down.
JENNIFER: (LYING) Sit? No. No, Marlena, I'm going to be fine. Really, I am. I'm just a little...a little drained that's all...all the (TRYING TO SMILE) breakthroughs and all today must've taken their toll on me.
MARLENA: (NOT BUYING IT) They can be a bit heavy, I know. (BEAT) Are you sure that's all?
JENNIFER: (WEAKLY SMILING) Yeah, that's it. (GLANCING AT HER WATCH) Look at the time. Jack must be fuming-we're at a meter, you know. You know how Jack loves his quarters. (NOTICING MARLENA'S FACE) No, you don't, do you? (FIXING HER PURSE STRAP AND HEADING TO THE DOOR) Thanks again, Marlena.
MARLENA: Jennifer-
JENNIFER opens the door and turns around.
JENNIFER: Yes?
MARLENA: You know you can come see me whenever you want, right? With or without Jack.
JENNIFER: (SHUTTING THE DOOR. NERVOUS) Why...why would you say that?
MARLENA: I don't know. I just think that you're going through a lot right now. I'm here to talk and listen.
JENNIFER: I don't think I need full-on therapy. (BEAT) At least I thought I didn't.
MARLENA: I'm not saying you do. I'm just suggesting. It could help.
JENNIFER: (TAKING IT IN) Oh. I'll...I'll think about it, okay?
MARLENA: (SMILING) Okay.
JENNIFER: (PAUSING AND THEN WANTING TO GET OUT OF THERE) The meter-
MARLENA nods and JENNIFER exits.
MARLENA: (CONCERNED. TO HERSELF) Oh, Jennifer, what have you gotten yourself into?
CUT TO OUTSIDE THE OFFICE DOOR, WHICH IS CLOSED
JENNIFER: (SAD. TO HERSELF) Jennifer, what have you gotten yourself into?
MARY: (LOOKING UP) Did you say something?
JENNIFER: (EMBARRASSED) No...I was just saying how I could go for something...for something to eat. I need to put something into my stomach.
MARY: (THROWING HER A LOOK) How about potatoes?
JENNIFER: (LOST) Potatoes?
MARY: (WAVING HER OFF) Oh, never mind.
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) Okay. (WALKING OUT INTO THE HALLWAY)
MARY: (TO HERSELF) Those two are perfect for each other. No doubt about it.
OUT on MARY resuming work.
SCENE 4: INT. SALEM UNIVERSITY HALLWAY
JENNIFER walks out of MARLENA'S office, closes the door, pauses for a moment, and then walks smack into a man, walking. It is COLIN.
JENNIFER: I'm so sorry. (REALIZING WHO IT IS) Colin!
COLIN: (DELIGHTED) Jennifer. What are you doing here? (REALIZING SHE JUST EXITED MARLENA'S OFFICE) Oh.
JENNIFER: (SLIGHTLY EMBARRASSED) Yeah. (LOOKING DOWN. NERVOUS) Jack and I had our (SMILING NERVOUSLY AND MEETING HIS EYES FINALLY)...We had our second therapy session today.
COLIN: (NOT LIKING IT BUT TRYING) And how...how's that going?
JENNIFER: (SMILING) It's going...it's going well. We're doing okay.
COLIN: (LYING) I'm...I'm glad for you.
JENNIFER: (SURPRISED A LITTLE) Thanks. Wait, I'm such an idiot, here I am talking about me and I haven't even asked how your new job is...how are you liking University Hospital? Have you been to the Black Cancer Center yet? My grandma says it's amazing over there. So state of the art...
COLIN: No, I'm afraid I haven't. You knew Isabella Black, didn't you? I recall you speaking of her once when we were back in Africa.
JENNIFER: Yeah. She was really close to Jack and I. Look at you, I can't believe you remembered something like that.
COLIN: Oh, Jennifer, believe me, I remember everything...everything...
OUT on JENNIFER'S nervousness over what he just said.
SCENE 5: INT. UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL HALLWAY
IN on JACK, who is down another hallway and is on the payphone. He is holding a cup of coffee and has a SPECTATOR tucked under his arm.
JACK: What do you mean, independently wealthy? Nobody is independently wealthy. That means illegally wealthy.
THE SCREEN SPLITS INTO TWO. VERN IS AT HIS APARTMENT, ON THE OTHER LINE WITH JACK.
VERN: You were independently wealthy, Jack.
JACK: (PULLING A FACE) We must not forget that I was second generation independently wealthy. Besides being a serial killer, Harper did have his hands in other things. He was an all-around shady businessman. Keep going.
VERN: (MAKING SURE JO IS NOT AROUND) I meant what I said, Jack. That's all I could find.
JACK: (FRUSTRATED. PLUGGING ONE EAR UP WITH HIS FINGER TO HEAR BETTER) Okay, okay...now read it again...
VERN: Again? (LOOKING AROUND FOR JO AGAIN) Really, Jack, your mother could show up.
JACK: My mother? What's my mother doing there? Oh, never mind. Just read.
VERN: (CONDESCENDING) Jack-
JACK: (MATCHING VERN'S TONE) Vern-
VERN: (GIVING IN) Fine. I'll never understand why I do this...
JACK: (SARCASTICALLY) You love me, Vern, that's why.
VERN: (ROLLING HIS EYES) It must be something. (LOOKING FOR GLASSES) Where are they? Oh, there they are. (FINDING THEM ON THE COFFEE TABLE AND PUTTING THEM ON)
JACK looks annoyed at the wait. He flashes a fake smile to the nurses walking by and staring.
VERN: Okay. (CLEARING THROAT AND HOLDING UP PAPER) Elizabeth ________...(READING) Daughter of Sir Robert ________. Independently wealthy. Says here her father is a businessman and founder of _______ Travels, which, for years has been serving England by creating memorable vacations for tourists-anything from Whaling to African safaris. Attended various boarding schools throughout Europe. A frequent celebrity feature in England, noted on the best-dressed list often. Loves to travel. Once modeled for her father's company....
JACK: I know that....keep going...the part about her fiancé...
VERN: (ANNOYED. RIPPING GLASSES OFF) Jack, do you want me to read or not?
JACK: Vern-
VERN: Let's see (READING AGAIN) Jack, there's nothing about a fiancé down here.
JACK: Nothing? Not a blurb? Not a miscellaneous one-liner?
VERN: (ANNOYED) Nothing. Why don't you come over and read it yourself?
JACK: No, no...I believe you. I just find that odd, that's all.
VERN: What?
JACK: Wealthy woman, well-known, in the news quite a bit-at least there anyway-and it says nothing about her pending marriage.
VERN: Maybe they haven't announced it yet.
JACK: No, people like her always announce their marriage, you know they look forward to it-bells, organ players, row upon row of roses and organza...
VERN: Maybe she and Colin are different, you know, private.
JACK: They are different, that's for sure. (BEAT) What about him?
VERN: Besides what we know? Nothing.
JACK: Dammit.
VERN: Jack, I thought you said you knew her. Have you figured out where yet?
JACK: Yes, but that's inconsequential.
VERN: How is that?
JACK: I knew of her. I mean I met her briefly once or twice. Let's just say she was a friend of a friend's.
VERN: You're not talking about Colin, I take it.
JACK: Wish I were, Chief. Wish I were. (TO HIMSELF REALLY) I just don't understand it, that's all. It just so happens that the (PULLING A FACE) man whom Jennifer chases after to Ireland becomes engaged to the woman that her fat-(REALIZING HE SAID TOO MUCH)
VERN: (CURIOUS) Bill? Jack are you saying that Elizabeth and Jennifer's father knew-knew each other?
OUT on JACK, upset that he said too much.
SCENE 6: INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY
IN PROGRESS
IN on JENNIFER, clearly uncomfortable by what COLIN just said.
JENNIFER: (CROSSING HER ARMS AND WALKING AWAY A BIT) I wish you hadn't said that.
COLIN: (TURNING TO WATCH HER) It's the truth, you know.
JENNIFER: (TURNING TOWARDS HIM) I know. Colin, I know we were close in Africa, but now that we're both living in Salem--
COLIN: (CUTTING HER OFF) Jennifer, don't-
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) Don't what?
COLIN: Don't. Don't say what you were going to say. (SHE GOES TO SPEAK, BUT HE STOPS HER) Jennifer, I know that this is not Africa and I know that things are a bit different, but we're not. We still enjoy each other's company. This, as you Americans say, running into each other proves that. I know we can't be anything more than chums. I have Elizabeth and you have Jack and I'm happy for you, I really am. (LYING) But your friendship means a lot to me, Jennifer Rose, and if I were to lose that now, I would be devastated.
JENNIFER: Colin, you don't understand.
COLIN: No, you don't. Did our time in Africa mean nothing to you? Have you forgotten our long nights at the campfire? Our talks? (DROPPING HIS VOICE) Have you forgotten that I was there when you lost the baby? I held you, I helped you through that time.
JENNIFER: (ALARMED. LOOKING AROUND) Shhhh. Colin-
COLIN: I'm...I'm sorry. I just want you to remember that we were much more than passerbys in Africa. We were companions. I need your...your companionship now, too.
JENNIFER: (TAKING IT ALL IN) You're in trouble, aren't you?
OUT on COLIN, realizing that JENNIFER may be onto his game.
SCENE 7: INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY
IN PROGRESS (STILL SPLIT-SCREEN)
VERN: (LOWERING HIS VOICE SO THAT JO MIGHT NOT HEAR HIM) Jack, are you saying that Bill Horton and that witch knew each other?
JACK: (NERVOUSLY TRYING TO COVER) No, no. No, I mean. I mean (LOOKING AT HIS WATCH) Holy cow, look at the time! Vernon, I really do appreciate your help. You are one of a kind, one of a kind. And remember, we never spoke.
VERN: Jack-
JACK: No, really do. I'll catch you later. (HE ANXIOUSLY HANGS UP THE PHONE AND CHECKS THE SLOT FOR QUARTERS)
CUT TO VERN'S APARTMENT
VERN: (LOOKING AT THE PHONE) J-
JO walks out of the bedroom in a blue satin nightgown and robe.
JO: (CURIOUS) Who was that?
VERN: J (STARTING TO SAY JACK AND THEN STOPPING)-----Just a prank caller.
JO: Must've gotten you all heated. For a moment there I thought it was Jack.
VERN: (COVERING) What makes you say that?
JO: (CUPPING HIS FACE LOVINGLY) That little vein in your neck was popping. Jack always does that to you.
VERN: (PUTTING THE PHONE ON THE RECIEVER) He does, doesn't he?
JO: (BABY TALK) Yes he does.
VERN: (NOTICING HER OUTFIT) And what does his mother always do to me?
JO: (GIGGLING NERVOUSLY) I don't know. Why don't you come with me and we'll find out?
VERN: You don't have to ask me twice.
OUT on the two of them giggling and running to the bedroom.
CUT to JACK, pacing beside the phone.
JACK: (IN DEEP THOUGHT. VOICEOVER.) What the hell is going on here? Bill knows Elizabeth, Elizabeth knows Colin, Colin is related to the Bradys, double-crossed Stefano, and practically stole my w-my Jennifer. None of this makes sense. None of it. (RUBBING HIS CHIN) Hmmmm...(HE SETS OFF DOWN THE HALL TO FIND JENNIFER).
SCENE 8: INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: That's it, isn't it? You're in some sort of danger.
COLIN: (LOOKING DOWN AT HIS CLIPBOARD TO AVOID HER EYES) Have you gone mad? I am not. I'm just a regular physician now living the small town life.
JENNIFER: Who just happened to double cross Stefano DiMera. (BEAT) That's why you didn't tell me about Elizabeth, isn't it? You didn't want Stefano to hurt her. Colin, I-
COLIN: (GOING WITH WHAT SHE JUST SAID) Jennifer...Jennifer, that's exactly it. I couldn't bear the thought of anything ever happening to Lizzie. She's just so, so delicate, that's all.
JENNIFER: Delicate? (FINDING THAT FUNNY) Yeah, I guess she is. Colin, have you gone to Bo? Have you told him everything?
COLIN: Yes, yes, I have. I'm sorry to burden you with this, Jennifer, but you were the one person I I knew I could trust. I need your friendship, Jennifer. It keeps me sane.
JENNIFER: (FALLING FOR IT) I...I understand. It's the least I can do. I'll talk to Jack and--
COLIN: (ALARMED) You'll talk to Jack? About what?
JENNIFER: About us. I don't want him to get the wrong idea. You know, he even told me that I didn't have to quit talking to you. It took a lot of him to do that.
COLIN: Oh.
JENNIFER: Colin, I have to tell Jack-
COLIN: Maybe you're right...Maybe it's best then if we parted ways-
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) What?
COLIN: I don't want to drag Jack into this any further. He abhors me enough as it is.
JENNIFER: But he's my hus-my ex-husband. I do love him, Colin.
COLIN: I understand that. I just don't think that he'd understand us, that's all. I don't want to complicate your relationship any.
JENNIFER: What's there to understand?
COLIN: Nothing. (PULLING HER CLOSER TO LOWER HIS VOICE) Jennifer, I think it's just best if we keep what I tell you to ourselves. For my sake, For Lizzie's sake, (BEAT. GRABBING JENNIFER'S WRIST) for Jack's sake.
JACK turns the corner and sees them. HE immediately becomes intrigued and slinks back behind the wall to watch.
SCENE 9: INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY
IN PROGRESS
IN on JACK peeking around the corner. He cannot hear them, but does not like what he sees.
COLIN: (HOLDING JENNIFER'S WRIST STILL) You do agree, don't you?
JENNIFER: (WINCING AT HOW HARD HE'S HOLDING HER WRIST) Colin-
COLIN: Jennifer, say you'll do it.
JENNIFER: Colin, I don't know-
COLIN: I need you, Jennifer Rose.
JENNIFER: (CURIOUS) Fine. I won't like it, though.
COLIN lets go of her wrist and JENNIFER begins rubbing it.
COLIN: I really do care for you, you know. You are a good friend.
JENNIFER: (WONDERING WHAT'S GOING ON. A LITTLE SCARED.) Yeah, I know. You are too.
JACK: (STEPPING OUT TO INTERRUPT) Ah, I see you two kiddies have run into each other again.
JENNIFER: Jack! Where did you go?
JACK: Oh, nowhere. (TOUCHING THE SMALL OF HER BACK) Just arranging that surprise I have for you, that's all.
JENNIFER: Oh, yes, the "surprise."
JACK: Hehehe. (TO COLIN) Doctor Murphy. Don't you have rounds to make?
COLIN: Right. Jack-
JACK: (PUTTING HIS HAND UP TO STOP HIM) No, really. The sick and the weary need you. Don't let me stand in the way of you saving mankind.
COLIN: (NODDING) I guess I'll be off, then. Jennifer. (HE NODS AND THEN WALKS OFF)
JACK watches him walk away and JENNIFER watches JACK for a reaction.
JENNIFER: (TRYING TO EXPLAIN) Jack, we just ran into each other-
JACK: No need to explain. I trust you. (LYING) I even trust him.
JENNIFER: You do?
JACK: (THROUGH GRITTED TEETH) I do.
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) Good. Are we ready then?
JACK: (REMEMBERING SOMETHING) Yeah, just a minute, I forgot my-my pen inside Marlena's office. I'll be right back. (HE RUSHES AWAY INTO MARLENA'S OFFICE AND JENNIFER WATCHES HIM CURIOSLY)
JENNIFER: (KNOWING SOMETHING'S UP) Jack-- (SEEING A PAYPHONE) Time to get to work, Jennifer. (SHE RUSHES OVER AND DIALS A NUMBER)
CUT to VERN'S Apartment.
IN on two people under the covers and laughing. The phone rings.
VERN: (STICKING HIS HEAD OUT FROM UNDER THE BLANKET) Who could that be?
JO: (STICKING HER HEAD OUT FROM THE BLANKET AS WELL) Who could it be?
VERN: Hold on. (PICKING UP THE PHONE) Hello?
THE SCREEN SPLITS TO TWO. JENNIFER IS ON THE OTHER LINE.
JENNIFER: Vern? Hi, it's Jennifer. Listen, I need you to do me a favor and please don't tell anyone, not even Jack.
VERN: (ROLLING HIS EYES) J-- (STARTING TO SAY "JENNY-GIRL", BUT STOPPING WHEN HE SEES JO WATCHING HIM) Not even J-?(STARTING TO SAY JACK AND THEN SLAPPING HIS FOREHEAD CAUSE HE DID IT AGAIN)
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) Okay. Vern, are you okay? You sound like you're breathing a little heavy.
VERN: (EMBARRASSED) No, no, I'm fine. What can I do for you? Is it about what we spoke about earlier?
JO looks on curiously.
JENNIFER: Yes and no. I need you to go to the Spectator and look something up for me. If Jack gets wind that I'm going over there, he'll never let it go.
VERN: (IMPATIENT) Okay. What do you need?
JENNIFER: I need as much information that you can find on Colin Murphy and his fiancée, Elizabeth.
VERN: (ALARMED AT THIS) What? Why? (SITTING STRAIGHT UP IN THE BED)
JENNIFER: (SEEING JACK WALKING UP AND SMILING) I can't get into it, right now. I'll tell you what I can later. Can you do this for me?
VERN: J-I don't think it's a good...a good idea. You shouldn't keep it from him.
JENNIFER: Please, Vern. It'll mean a lot.
VERN: (SIGHING AND GIVING IN) Okay. I'll have it for you ASAP.
JENNIFER: Thank you, Vern.
VERN: You're welcome, J-ma'am.
JENNIFER: (SMILING. NOW SHE KNOWS WHY HE IS ACTING SO STRANGE) Bye. Oh and tell Jo I said hello.
VERN: (SIGHING IN ANNOYANCE) I will. (HANGING UP THE PHONE)
JO: Who was that?
VERN: Business, that's all...
JO: I thought you were retired.
VERN: I thought I was, too. Now where were we?
OUT on VERN and JO, giggling and going back under the covers.
CUT TO HOSPITAL
JACK: (REACHING JENNIFER AND SMILING) Who ya talking to?
JENNIFER: (HANGING UP THE PHONE AND SMILING BACK) Uh--Hope.
JACK: How is Hope?
JENNIFER: She's -she's fine, at home with the baby. (BEAT) Did you get your pen?
JACK: My pen? Oh yes, it's right here (PATTING HIS JACKET) Safe and sound.
JENNIFER: Good. Ready?
JACK: (KNOWING SHE'S LYING) Yup. (PUTTING HIS ARM AROUND HER AND WALKING TO THE ELEVATOR, WHICH OPENS, REVEALING HOPE).
HOPE: Jack, Jenn!
OUT on JACK throwing JENNIFER an amused look. She is caught.
EPISODE 47
SCENE 1: INT. UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL HALLWAY
IN PROGRESS
IN on JENNIFER, in shock that she is caught. JACK smiles down gloatingly at her and HOPE looks on confused.
HOPE: Did I say something wrong?
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY) No, no...Jack and I were just talking about you.
JACK: (COUGHING) To you.
HOPE: (TO JACK) What was that?
JACK: Nothing. So, Hope, tell me, where is young Isaac?
HOPE: (CONFUSED) Isaac? He's at home with Dad and Julie.
JACK: I see.
HOPE: (LOST) You see. (TO JENNIFER) Jenn, what's going on?
JENNIFER: Um...
JACK: (SMILING) Yes, "um."
JENNIFER: (WRINKLING HER NOSE AT JACK) Um, why don't we...why don't we talk over here? (PULLING HOPE AWAY TOWARDS THE NURSES' LOUNGE)
JACK walks towards them, interested in what they have to say.
JENNIFER: (SHUTTING THE DOOR ON JACK'S FACE) Alone.
OUT on JACK, rubbing his nose in pain.
SCENE 2: INT. NURSES' LOUNGE
IN on HOPE, confused.
HOPE: To say I'm confused would be an understatement. Jenn, what's going on?
JENNIFER: What isn't going on.
HOPE: Hey, what's wrong? You and Jack having trouble again?
JENNIFER: (FIXING HERSELF SOME COFFEE) Now that would be an understatement.
HOPE: (LOST) Okay.
JENNIFER: Hope, have you ever kept something from Bo?
HOPE: (NOT LIKING THE QUESTION) Why do you ask that?
JENNIFER: (NOTICING HER REACTION) No reason. (HANDING HER A CUP OF COFFEE) I don't know, someone asked me to keep a secret and I don't know if I want to keep it.
HOPE: And this someone would be Colin?
JENNIFER: Am I that transparent?
HOPE: To me, yeah. And you're probably that transparent to Jack, too.
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY) I'm a bad person, aren't I?
HOPE: (RUBBING JENNIFER'S ARM) No, not bad, just confused. (BEAT) Why can't you tell Jack anyway? I mean, he's gonna know if something is up with you. Trust me.
JENNIFER: It's just, it's just-Colin was good to me in Africa. If he's in some kind of trou---
HOPE: Jenn, are you saying Colin's in trouble?
OUT on JENNIFER, in disbelief that she slipped up.
SCENE 3: INT. UNIV. HOSPITAL HALLWAY
IN on JACK, pacing back and forth in front of the Nurses' Lounge. He is whistling a tune from "Peter and the Wolf."
JACK: (TO HIMSELF) Okay, Jennifer expects some sort of surprise. (IMITATING GOMER PYLE) Surprise, surprise.
BO: (WALKING UP ON JACK) Surprise.
JACK: (NOTICING BO) Beauregard, how nice of you to join us, well, me, anyway.
BO: Jack, I would ask why you're acting so strange but that would be like preaching to the choir.
JACK: (SMILING SLYLY) Heroic and humorous. Quite the package.
BO: Actually, I'm glad I ran into you again. Hope wanted me to ask you what you were doing for Jenn's birthday.
JACK: Jennifer's birthday?
BO: Yes, the 11th. You know she's celebrated it for the last thirty odd years.
JACK: (REALIZING JUST HOW EASY THIS SURPRISE MAY BE) Yes, her birthday. Why didn't I think of that?
BO: (LOST) Okay.
JACK: (COMING TO) I was thinking...I was thinking about giving her a party.
BO: That sounds good. (BEAT) Where at?
JACK: Um, um...Tuscany...the whole family will be invited. (ANIMATEDLY) Hortons everywhere.
BO: Okay. I'll tell Hope when I get home.
JACK: Why wait until then?
BO: What are you talking about?
JACK: Why wait? Your fair wife is in the Nurses' Lounge with my fair, er, ex-wife.
BO: She is? Who's taking care of the baby?
JACK: (NOTICING BO'S PROBLEM WITH THIS) Not that I like to get involved with familial issues, but I think she mentioned something about Doug and Julie.
BO: Dammit. She didn't say she was coming down here.
JACK: (CONFUSED) Does she normally tell you her every course of action?
BO: (REALIZING HOW ANGRY HE MUST SEEM) You're right. I'm sorry, man, it's just...things are getting a bit heavy at home.
JACK: (SMILING ODDLY) Heavy?
BO: (SIGHING) Yeah, heavy. Listen, remember what we talked about earlier?
JACK: My strange nature?
BO: No, about what friends do for each other.
JACK: Oh, yes, now I remember...something I think you so eloquently put as "covering one's buttocks."
BO: (SMILING WEIRDLY) Yeah. Do you mind not mentioning this to-
JACK: (PUTTING HIS HAND UP TO CUT HIM OFF) Consider it done. Bo Brady? I haven't seen no Bo Brady.
BO: (THROWING JACK AN ODD LOOK) Thanks, man. (CLAPPING HIM ON THE SHOULDER) Let me know if I can help anyway with Jenn's party.
JACK: (SMILING NERVOUSLY) Will do. See you later....(ODDLY) man.
BO exits as JACK looks down at his coffee. HE looks up and suddenly his face brightens.
SCENE 4: INT. NURSES' LOUNGE
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (COVERING) Trouble? What makes you think that?
HOPE: Other than the fact that you basically said it? Oh, nothing.
JENNIFER: Hope-
HOPE: (STOPPING HER) Don't. Your secret's safe with me, although I think it would be better if you told Jack.
JENNIFER: (MUMBLING) As if he's telling me the truth.
HOPE: What was that?
JENNIFER: Nothing.
HOPE: Look, Jenn, I can't say I understand you and Jack's relationship, I was gone for most of it, but I do think it would be best if you were both honest with each other.
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) You don't know the first thing about us, do you?
HOPE: (SMILING) No, but I wish I did. Come here (PULLING HER INTO A HUG). You look like you need one of these.
JENNIFER: (SQUEEZING HER BACK) You're right. I did. (THEY BREAK THE HUG) What are you doing down here anyway? Nothing's wrong, I hope.
HOPE: (GOING THROUGH HER PURSE) No, nothing's wrong. Well, nothing's wrong except wanting to know about my past.
OUT on JENNIFER looking very warily at HOPE.
SCENE 5: INT. UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL HALLWAY
IN PROGRESS
IN on JACK, whose face lights up when seeing ALICE.
JACK: (WALKING OVER AND KISSING HER ON THE CHEEK) Mrs. Horton!
ALICE: (HAPPY TO SEE HIM) Jack! What ever are you doing here? No, wait a moment, you're down here with Jennifer Rose. She mentioned something to me about therapy.
JACK: (SHUSHING HER) Yes, yes, we're here for (LOWERING HIS VOICE AND MAKING SURE NO ONE'S AROUND) therapy. Actually just finished.
JACK helps ALICE walk to the waiting area.
ALICE: There's nothing wrong with it, dear. I'm just happy that you two are trying. Have I ever told you that I simply adore you?
JACK: (EMBARRASSED) No, no you haven't. But the same goes for me.
HE helps her sit down and then sits beside her.
ALICE: You're such a dear. Where is my granddaughter anyway?
JACK: (SMILING) With your other granddaughter, actually. In the Nurses' Lounge.
ALICE: Oh, Hope's here?
JACK: Yup. They're having their girl talk...hair, nails, how hot Brad Pitt is...
ALICE: My, he is hot, isn't he?
JACK: (SHOCKED) Mrs. Horton!
ALICE: I may be old, dear, but I am not dead. (BEAT) What's wrong?
JACK: Wrong? Nothing's wrong. I'm just wondering if perhaps I can call on you for a favor.
ALICE: (TOUCHING HIS HAND) Anything, dear.
JACK: (LOOKING DOWN AT HER HAND ON HIS, MOVED) It's about Jennifer's birthday.
ALICE: (SMILING) Yes, tomorrow.
JACK: (PANICKED) Tomo? Yes, tomorrow. You see, I, well, I...
ALICE: Jack Deveraux, you forgot, didn't you?
OUT on JACK'S sheepish look.
SCENE 6: INT. UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL WAITING AREA
IN PROGRESS
JACK: Well, forgot...forgot is such a strong word...
ALICE: What word would you prefer, dear?
JACK: Uh---
ALICE: Nevermind. What can I help you with?
JACK: Tuscany.
ALICE: Tuscany?
JACK: I need a place to have a party for Jennifer, someplace nice, someplace fancy...
ALICE: (DEADPAN) Someplace expensive. (BEAT) Jack, may I ask how you plan on paying for this shindig?
JACK: I have some money stashed away.
ALICE: Some money?
JACK: Okay, not a lot, but I was thinking that maybe since Maggie is Jennifer's Aunt...
ALICE: You're asking for a family discount? Why Jack Deveraux, wonders never cease.
JACK: (FLASHING HER AN ANNOYED SMILE) Well, drastic times call for drastic measures.
ALICE: (SIGHING. SQUEEZING HIS HAND) Consider it done.
JACK: (IN DISBELIEF) Really?
ALICE: For you and Jennifer, anything. I'll even order the flowers.
JACK: Del-
ALICE: (SMILING) Delphiniums. I know, dear.
JACK: Have I ever told you how...how (TEARING UP) wonderful you are?
ALICE: A girl can never hear that enough. (POINTING TO HER CHEEK) Now come here and give me a kiss for everything.
JACK: (SMILING) You don't have to ask me twice.
OUT on JACK, bussing ALICE on the cheek and the two of them laughing.
SCENE 7: INT. NURSES' LOUNGE
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (WORRIED) Are you saying you're going to pursue this whole Princess Gina thing?
HOPE: (LOOKING UP FROM HER PURSE) Why wouldn't I?
JENNIFER: I don't know. It's just-
HOPE: Just what?
JENNIFER: Just...Hope, you have a beautiful baby boy and a wonderful husband. Why can't you just-
HOPE: Leave well enough alone? Geez, Jenn, you're starting to sound like Bo. I thought for sure you'd understand.
JENNIFER: I do, but...
HOPE: (INCREDULOUS) But what? You're right, I do have a beautiful little boy. I also have lost another beautiful little boy and countless years of my life. Don't I have a right to regain at least some of that? Don't I?
JENNIFER: Hope-
HOPE: (ANGRY) No, don't "Hope" me. Here you are keeping something from Jack and are preaching to me about this. Tell you what, Jenn, why don't you concentrate on your relationship and I'll concentrate on mine?
HOPE walks out angrily. JENNIFER is hurt by her comments.
SCENE 8: INT. HOSPITAL HALLWAY
IN on HOPE, who feels bad about leaving JENNIFER but is also tired of being told what she should and shouldn't do.
JACK and ALICE look over at her.
HOPE: (PUTTING ON HER WIDEST FAKE SMILE) Gram! (WALKING OVER AND HUGGING ALICE) How nice to see you.
ALICE: Nice to see you too, dear. (BEAT) Where's Jennifer?
HOPE: (NOT MEETING HER OR JACK'S EYES) She's...she's finishing up her coffee.
JACK: (NOT BUYING IT) I'll...I'll join her then. Mrs. Horton (NODDING TO ALICE), Hope (HE MEETS HER EYES, KNOWING SOMETHINGS WRONG AND WALKS OFF INTO THE NURSES' LOUNGE).
ALICE: What was that all about?
HOPE: (PLAYING DUMB) What?
ALICE: Don't what me, Hope Alice Williams, what is going on between you and Jennifer?
OUT on HOPE, unsure of how to answer.
SCENE 9: INT. NURSES' LOUNGE
IN on JENNIFER, hugging herself and looking out the window.
JACK: (OPENING THE DOOR A LITTLE. CONCERNED) Jennifer?
JENNIFER: (WIPING HER EYES AND TURNING AROUND, PRETENDING TO BE OKAY) Jack.
JACK: (SMILING REASSURINGLY) I would knock, but since it is a public place... JENNIFER: (SMILING) Jack, don't start. I wasn't really talking to Hope earlier.
JACK: (WALKING IN SLOWLY) I wasn't...I wasn't going to. I'm sure you have your...your reasons. Is everything...everything okay?
JENNIFER: (HAPPY THAT HE DECIDED NOT TO PRY, THEN GROWING UPSET) Why wouldn't it be? I just have a cousin who basically told me to get lost. (TURNING HER BACK TOWARDS HIM)
JACK: (WALKING OVER AND TOUCHING HER SHOULDER TENTATIVELY) I'm sure...I'm sure she didn't mean it.
JENNIFER: (SNIFFLING) It sure sounded like she meant it.
JACK: (TURNING HER AROUND TO FACE HIM) Come on, I mean, maybe things are a bit heavy at home right now.
JENNIFER: Heavy?
JACK: Emotionally wrought, confusing.
JENNIFER: No, I know what you meant, but the language is not you, Jack.
JACK: (SMILING) It isn't, is it? (BEAT) I just...I'm sure this will blow over. Just give her a bit.
JENNIFER: (HOPEFUL) Are you sure?
JACK: I'm sure. (TAPPING HIS SHOULDER TO INDICATE A HUG) Put yourself right here, Miss H.
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY AND FALLING INTO HIS SHOULDER) I'm so lucky to have you, Jack.
JACK: (RUBBING HER BACK) Aw, come on now, I'm the lucky one.
OUT on the two of them smiling sadly.
SCENE 10: INT. HOSPITAL WAITING AREA
IN PROGRESS
HOPE: Me and Jenn? Nothing. Just a little disagreement.
ALICE: (NOT BUYING IT) So you're saying it's nothing more than when you were little and fought over dolls.
HOPE: Something like that. Actually, I am glad that I ran into you. I was hoping you and I could talk about Jenn's birthday.
ALICE: No need to. Jack's taking care of it.
HOPE: (SURPRISED) He is? I thought for sure he'd forget.
ALICE: Well, he didn't. Now you and I have nothing to worry about.
HOPE: That's good.
JACK and JENNIFER walk up tentatively.
JENNIFER: Grandma! I'm so happy to see you (LEANING IN TO KISS ALICE)
ALICE: And I you. Jack mentioned you were down here for your (LOWERING HER VOICE AND LOOKING AROUND) therapy.
JENNIFER laughs a little and JACK throws ALICE a humorous look. HOPE smiles at JACK, who just stares back at her.
ALICE: Where are you two off to?
JENNIFER looks to JACK.
JACK: We're actually off to pick up the child. A little day in the park is what we could use. Being with family, you know. (HE LOOKS DIRECTLY AT HOPE, WHO LOOKS DOWN AT HER FEET)
JENNIFER looks over to HOPE. ALICE notices how tense they are.
ALICE: That sounds like fun. Do tell Abigail I said hello.
JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) We will.
JACK: (LOOKING TO JENNIFER AND TOUCHING THE SMALL OF HER BACK) Shall we?
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY) We shall. I'll see you later, Grandma. Bye Hope.
HOPE: (NOT EVEN LOOKING AT JENNIFER) Bye Jenn.
JENNIFER: (HOPEFUL) I'll call you later, okay?
HOPE: (AVOIDING HER) Whatever, cuz.
JACK throws HOPE a final look and he and JENNIFER, shaken walk to the elevator. HOPE avoids ALICE'S eyes, as they are curious. JACK grabs JENNIFER'S hand and squeezes it. SHE smiles to him as the elevator opens and they step in. It closes as JENNIFER still looks at HOPE and JACK watches her, wanting to take the pain away.
EPISODE 48
SCENE 1: INT. JACK'S BEDROOM-EVENING
IN on JACK, standing in front of a floor-length mirror, dressed in a black tux, trying to tie his tie. He is so nervous he can't do it.
JACK: (TO HIMSELF) Where is Jennifer when I need her?
ABBY has walked in and is amused by his talking to himself.
ABBY: (SMILING) Hi Daddy.
JACK'S face lights up seeing her.
JACK: (ADMIRING HER DRESS) Don't we look pretty, Little Miss Formal Wear? (INDICATING FOR HER TO SPIN)
ABBY smiles and spins in her dress, which is red satin and short-sleeved. Her hair is curled and she is wearing a wreath of red roses as a crown.
JACK: (SCOOPING HER UP) Wonderful.
ABBY: (PULLING AT HIS TIE) Daddy, are you having trouble with your tie again?
JACK: Again? Who told you I have trouble with it in the first place?
ABBY: (SMILING) Mommy.
JACK: Mommy? What does Mommy know?
ABBY: How to tie a tie. She taught me, too.
JACK: She did? (SETTING HER ON THE BED SO THAT SHE CAN STAND AND REACH HIM) Well, whaddya say, sister, you wanna help your dear old dad?
ABBY laughs and goes to tie his tie as JO walks in, dressed in her robe.
JO: (MOVED) Don't you two make the most beautiful sight? (STARTING TO SNIFFLE)
JACK: (SMILING NERVOUSLY) Oh, now, don't you start.
JO: What do you mean?
JACK: (GLANCING AT ABBY, STILL TYING AND THEN TO HER) You know exactly what I mean. A Kodak moment. Pretty soon you'll be scurrying off to grab your camera and then before we know it-cheese! (SMILING FAKELY)
JO: Oh, son.
JACK: (ROLLING HIS EYES) And now the "oh sons". Did you get the goods?
JO: They're on Jennifer's bed. Really Jack, I never would've spent that much on a dress.
JACK: Thank God for credit cards. You got the shoes?
JO: (WAVING HIM OFF) Now don't you worry I got everything. What about you? Have you gotten everything you need?
JACK: Let's see...flowers...check...gift...check...tux...check...tie (TO ABBY) Little Miss Muffet, how we doin' on the tie?
ABBY: All done. (SHE SMILES PROUDLY AND STEPS BACK)
JACK looks down at his tie, which ABBY has tied in knots. He smiles sweetly to her and then to JO, who is quite amused.
SCENE 2: INT. J&J'S LIVING ROOM
IN on JENNIFER, curled up on the couch, watching t.v. The doorbell rings.
JENNIFER: (GETTING UP) Jo! I think Vern's here. (WALKING OVER AND OPENING THE DOOR, SMILING) Vern.
VERN: Jenny-Girl. (HANDING HER A BOUQUET OF WILDFLOWERS) For you. Happy Birthday.
JENNIFER: (SMELLING THE FLOWERS AND STEPPING ASIDE TO LET HIM IN) You remembered.
VERN: How could I not? (GLANCING AT HIS WATCH) You're one of my all-time favorite people.
JENNIFER: Oh, Vern, you're so sweet. (KISSING HIM ON THE CHEEK) Jo's not ready yet, so just have a seat.
VERN: Okay. (SITTING DOWN)
JENNIFER: (STARTING TO WALK IN KITCHEN, BUT STOPPING) I'll just go get some water for these.
VERN: Okay. (GLANCING AT HIS WATCH)
JENNIFER: In a hurry, Vern?
VERN: Who me? Um...um...no. Why?
JENNIFER: That's the second time you glanced at your watch in two minutes.
VERN: I'm just....just time obsessed.
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Since when? (BEAT) What are you up to?
VERN: Up to?
JENNIFER: You really are starting to sound like Jack, you know that, Vern?
VERN: That's nonsense. (BEAT) Speaking of Jack, what did he get you for your birthday? Oh no, he forgot again, didn't he?
JENNIFER: No, he didn't forget. He and Abby made me a card.
VERN: They did, did they?
JENNIFER: (KNOWING SOMETHING'S UP) Yes they did. (DRAGGING OUT HIS NAME) Vern...
VERN: Oh now, don't you start...
JENNIFER: Start what?
VERN: Now who's sounding like Jack?
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Very funny, Vern. I will find out, though, you know that. I'm going to go put these in water and then we'll talk.
JENNIFER exits and VERN hurries to the phone.
SCENE 3: INT. JACK'S BEDROOM
IN on JACK, JO, and ABBY, who are about to leave the bedroom when JACK'S cell phone rings.
JACK: (PICKING IT UP) Pronto.
The screen splits in two.
VERN: Pronto? Jack, really-
JACK: Are you in position?
VERN: (MAKING SURE JENNIFER'S NOT COMING) Posi-Yes, I'm downstairs...She knows we're up to something, though.
JACK: She does, does she? (WAVING TO JO AND ABBY TO GO OUT INTO THE HALL) Just keep up the ruse, Chief, we'll be down in a minute.
VERN: Make it quick, Jack. I'm serious.
JACK: I bet you are. (HANGING UP) Okay. (STEPPING OUT INTO THE HALL WITH JO AND ABBY) Are we ready?
JO: As ready as we're gonna be.
JACK: (LOOKING AT HER ROBE) You're wearing that?
JO: (LOOKING DOWN) Of course not. I have my dress on underneath.
JACK: (SCRATCHING HIS CHIN) Wait a minute...
SCENE 4: INT. J&J'S LIVING ROOM
IN on VERN, hanging up the phone. JENNIFER walks in to see him hang up.
JENNIFER: (SMILING) Who you talking to Vern?
VERN: Um...telemarketers.
JENNIFER: I didn't hear the phone ring.
VERN: I'm really quick, you see.
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Okay. You and Jo are a perfect match. You even lie the same.
VERN: (NERVOUS) Speaking of paper-
JENNIFER: Who said anything about paper?
VERN: I did. I...I (PULLING SOME SHEETS OF PAPER OUT OF HIS SUIT JACKET) I did your research.
JENNIFER: (TAKING THE PAPERS) You really are quick, Vern.
VERN: I still don't think it's a good idea keeping it from Jack.
JENNIFER: (READING THE PAPERS) I know. Trust me on this one, Vern, please.
VERN: (COUGHING) Just like Jack.
JENNIFER: What was that?
VERN: Nothing.
JENNIFER: (SMILING) That's what I thought.
VERN: Jenny-Girl, can I look at your cd's?
JENNIFER: (NOT LOOKING UP FROM THE PAPERS) Sure.
VERN walks over to the entertainment center and looks at the cds. He puts one in and walks away with the remote. At the top of the stairs, ABBY peeks her head around and waves to him. VERN presses play and a song begins to play. JENNIFER looks to him and then up as JO, ABBY, and JACK come down the stairs.
"Birthday" by the Beatles
As the guitar intro plays, JACK holds onto ABBY and slides her down the stair rail. JO follows behind carrying chopsticks and the broom and the mop, dancing down the stairs. All three are in their robes. When they reach the bottom of the stairs, they walk over to VERN, who hands ABBY a hairbrush to sing into. They all four put on sunglasses, and take the items from JO to "play" as ABBY begins to "sing". JENNIFER cracks up.
You say it's your
birthday
It's my birthday too-yeah
JACK begins to "sing" and dance while strumming his fake broom guitar.
They say it's your
birthda
y We're gonna have a good time
JACK leans into ABBY'S "microphone" and they both sing to JENNIFER, who laughs with joy.
I'm glad it's your
birthday
Happy birthday to you.
All four of them dance around.
Yes we're going to a
party party
Yes we're going to a party party
Yes we're going to a party party.
JACK walks over to JENNIFER and makes her dance a little. ABBY does the twist as JO and VERN dance at each other.
I would like you to
dance--Birthday
Take a cha-cha-cha-chance-Birthday
I would like you to dance--Birthday
Dance
JACK and ABBY join the
others and they finish out the song. You say it's your birthday
Well it's my birthday too--yeah
You say it's your birthday
We're gonna have a good time
I'm glad it's your birthday
JO, ABBY, and JACK untie their robes and toss them to the side, revealing their formalwear. JENNIFER gasps in surprise.
Happy birthday to you
ABBY: Happy birthday, Mommy! (RUNNING OVER TO HUG JENNIFER)
OUT on JENNIFER, positively beaming at JACK, who is trying to catch his breath.
SCENE 5: INT. J&J'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (HUGGING ABBY) That was wonderful, Baby. (TO ALL) Really, that was amazing all of you.
JACK: (TAKING OFF HIS SUNGLASSES AND WALKING OVER) You ain't seen nothing yet, baby. (HE STROKES HER HAIR)
JENNIFER: Jack, you're wonderful.
JACK: (SMILING) You're that times two.
ABBY: Did you like my song?
JENNIFER: (BEAMING) I loved your song. (QUIETLY, TO JACK) Thank you, Jack.
JACK: Don't thank me. This song and dance number was all Abigail. As for my part, the night is still young.
JO: Ooh, ooh...Go upstairs and get ready.
JENNIFER: (DELIGHTED) Ready for what?
JO: Just go. Your clothes are on your bed.
JENNIFER: (PLEASANTLY CONFUSED) Okay. (LAUGHING AS SHE WALKS UP THE STAIRS) I'll be right back.
OUT on JENNIFER, walking up the stairs and not taking her eyes off JACK, who stares back at her.
SCENE 6: INT. J&J'S LIVING ROOM
It has been awhile. JACK is alone in the living room, anxiously awaiting JENNIFER. JENNIFER finally descends, wearing a burgundy strapless gown and a shawl draped around her shoulders decorated with burgundy sequins and tulle. Her hair is down, but curled on the ends and she is wearing no jewelry. JACK is amazed by her appearance.
JENNIFER: (MAKING IT DOWN THE LAST STEP) Jack, you're staring.
JACK: (BREATHLESS) I know.
JENNIFER: (NERVOUSLY LAUGHING) You know?
JACK: (TAKING HER HAND) You look...am...amazing.
JENNIFER blushes.
JENNIFER: (TOUCHING THE SHAWL) The dress is really beautiful, Jack.
JACK: Not half as beautiful as you are. (BEAT) Jennifer-
JENNIFER: (SQUEEZING HIS HAND) Jack, thank you for tonight (HE STARTS TO SPEAK, BUT SHE STOPS HIM) don't you say it was nothing. It is something. You have filled my life with so many memorable nights and days that I can't even. (STARTING TO TEAR UP) No, I didn't want to cry.
JACK: (WIPING AWAY A TEAR) Then don't. And to what you just said, just know that...that...the same goes for me...the whole memorable day and nights thing.
JENNIFER: (CLUTCHING HIS HAND ON HER CHEEK) Now I am going to cry.
JACK: (SMILING) No. Come on...(TAKING HER HAND AND WALKING HER OUT THE DOOR) Your chariot...or some reasonable facsimile of it awaits.
JENNIFER and JACK go outside the door, where a horse-drawn carriage is waiting.
JENNIFER: (BREATHLESS) Jack!
JACK: I know...a bit contrived and typical, but hey-
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Contrived, typical, and amazing. (SHE PECKS HIM ON THE CHEEK)
JACK: (BLUSHING) And....amazing, I guess. (HOLDING OUT HIS ARM FOR HER) Shall we?
OUT on JACK and JENNIFER, giggling and getting into the carriage.
EPISODE 49
IN on JACK and JENNIFER, inside the horse-drawn carriage. JENNIFER is full of glee and is beaming. JACK is just watching her in awe. They are sharing a blanket.
JENNIFER: Jack?
JACK: (COMING TO) Yes?
JENNIFER: You're staring again. And don't you dare tell me it's because I'm beautiful. You've seen me all dressed up before.
JACK: (SMILING) I know...I know...it's just...nevermind (TURNING AWAY).
JENNIFER: What?
JACK: It's just...you're always beautiful, Jennifer. Just a bit more so today.
JENNIFER: (EMBARRASSED) Come on now.
JACK: No seriously. There's something about you tonight. The way the moonlight is hitting your hair, the sparkle in your eyes...(BLUSHING) It's silly and storybook, I know, but....(GULPING) but it's true.
JENNIFER: (MOVED) You're beautiful, too.
JACK: I don't know about that.
JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) Well, I do.
JACK: Thank you...although I beg to differ.
JENNIFER: How surprising.
JACK: (DELIGHTED) You think you're funny, don't you?
JENNIFER: (SMILING. ENJOYING HERSELF. PINCHING HER FINGERS TO INDICATE AN AMOUNT) A little.
JACK: (IMITATING HER) A little?
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Yeah.
JACK: Well, Miss Funny Girl, you're in for a treat. (STANDING UP IN THE CARRIAGE AND PEERING INTO THE DISTANCE) Wh-what's that?
JENNIFER: (CONCERNED) Jack! Sit down..it's dangerous.
JACK: (IGNORING HER) Danger, schmanger! Why, it's a-bird, it's a plane-
JENNIFER: (MORE CONCERNED) Jack! You're going to give me a heart attack!
JACK: (LOOKING AT HER) Will you relax? It's not that bad. In fact....in fact, I'm going to need your help here on this one.
JENNIFER: (LOST) My help?
JACK: Don't look at me that way-I need your assistance.
JENNIFER: (LOST) Jack, I'm confused...
JACK: (HELPING HER UP) I...I can't quite make out what...(SCOOTING HER OVER IN FRONT OF HIM) I can't read what that says.
JENNIFER: What? Jack, I'm scared.
JACK: (STANDING HER UP) Scared?
JENNIFER: Of falling.
JACK: Falling? Please, Miss H. I'd never let you do that.
JENNIFER: You wouldn't?
JACK: (SMILING) I never have before, have I?
JENNIFER: (MOVED. NODDING) No, you haven't.
JACK: Good. (DIRECTING HIS ATTENTION AHEAD) Now use those young eyes of yours and kindly tell me what that says.
JENNIFER: (SQUINTING TO READ) It says....Happ....(SMILE BREAKING OUT) Happy Birthday, Jennifer! (THROWING HIM A LOVING LOOK) Jack-
JACK: Don't look at me-it must be another one of Abigail's surprises. She's full of them, you know.
JENNIFER: (SMILING) Just like her Daddy.
JACK: (BLUSHING) Well...
JENNIFER: I'll say it again, Jack, you're wonderful.
JACK: (CUPPING HIS EAR AND SHOUTING) What was that?!
JENNIFER: You're wonderful, Jack Deveraux (SHOUTING AND JUMPING UP A LITTLE) Wonderful!
JACK: (STEADYING HER) Careful there, Miss Horton, you'll frighten the horses.
JENNIFER: (SMILING) I mean it, Jack...you are.
OUT on JACK, smiling back, moved. CUT to the sign outside Tuscany, which is draped in white lights and is written in cursive.
SCENE 2: INT. TUSCANY
IN on JACK and JENNIFER, walking through the doors.
JACK: (REMEMBERING SOMETHING) Oh, the flowers (HE RUNS BACK OUT AND COMES BACK WITH A BOUQUET OF DELPHINIUMS WHILE JENNIFER SMILES AT HIM) Whew! That was close.
JENNIFER: You really did go all out, didn't you?
JACK: Only the best would do.
JENNIFER: Jack, you are enough.
JACK: Now, now, don't tell me you don't like this huge pomp and circumstance.
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Okay, I'd be lying if I said I didn't.
MAGGIE: (WALKING OVER AND SMILING) Ah, the guest of honor and her royal prince. Jennifer, you look amazing (LEANING IN TO KISS HER CHEEK) Happy Birthday.
JENNIFER: Thank you.
MAGGIE: Jack (LEANING IN TO KISS HIS CHEEK. WHISPERING) You owe me big time.
JACK: (WHISPERING BACK NERVOUSLY) I know.
MAGGIE: We have your party waiting in the grand ballroom.
JENNIFER: (EXCITED) The ballroom!
MAGGIE: I hope it's to your liking.
JACK: (NERVOUS) I'm sure it will be.
MAGGIE: This way. (SHE STARTS TO LEAD AS JACK AND JENNIFER FOLLOW)
OUTSIDE THE BALLROOM
JENNIFER: Jack, wait a minute.
JACK: (LOST) What? You do want to make your grand entrance, don't you?
JENNIFER: I do...but...
JACK: What?
JENNIFER: I want to spend a few more seconds alone with you.
JACK: You have your whole life alone with me, Jennifer. I'm not saying it's everyone's idea of happiness, but it's-
JENNIFER: You're wrong, Jack. It's my idea of happiness. I just forgot that for awhile.
JACK: (MOVED) But you see that now?
JENNIFER: (NODDING) I do. I'm just...Wait a minute, what's wrong with your tie?
JACK: (LOOKING DOWN AND SMILING) Abigail.
JENNIFER: Abby?
JACK: The child...the child tied it...she said you taught her.
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Not very well, I see. Come here. (PULLING HIM TOWARDS HER)
JACK: (LOOKING DOWN) Like old times.
JENNIFER: (MEETING HIS EYES AND TOUCHING HIS FACE SOFTLY) Like old times.
MAGGIE clears her throat.
JACK: (STRAIGHTENING HIS NOW TIED TIE) Yes...Let's run the gauntlet, Miss H.
JENNIFER: (SMILING) Let's. (SHE GRABS HIS ARM AND THEY PREPARE TO ENTER)
SCENE 3: INT. BALLROOM
MAGGIE: (ANNOUNCING) And now the lady of the hour...
JENNIFER and JACK enter and the crowd shouts "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" JENNIFER and JACK exchange nervous smiles and a lot of JENNIFER'S family come to wish her a Happy Birthday. JACK steps back and watches her in awe.
BO: (WALKING UP TO JACK AND HANDING HIM A DRINK) Great party, Jack.
JACK: (SMILING NERVOUSLY) Thank you. I try.
BO: And succeed. (WATCHING JENNIFER AND JULIE AND ALICE TALK) You haven't seen my wife, have you?
JACK: (LOST) She's not here with you?
BO: No. She said she'd meet me here but...
JACK: (IN DISBELIEF) I know she was mad at Jennifer, but this is ridiculous.
BO: Wait, did you say she was mad at Jennifer?
JACK: Didn't she tell you? (REALIZING NOT) She and Jennifer had some sort of a war of words the other day. Jennifer was pretty torn up. I can't say I was pleased myself.
BO: (FUMING) I see. (BEAT) I can't believe this.
JACK: Believe what?
BO: Nothing, nothing. Hope's just not been acting herself lately.
MARLENA overhears.
MARLENA: (CONCERNED) Are you saying she's been acting like someone else lately?
OUT on JACK, intrigued by what's going on between the two.
SCENE 4: INT. BALLROOM
IN PROGRESS
MARLENA: Bo, are you saying she's acting like Princess Gina?
BO: Marlena, you know what I don't like? I don't like people who make assumptions. You know what I don't like more than that? People who eavesdrop. I'd say you were guilty on both accounts right now.
MARLENA: (SHOCKED) I understand your anger, Bo, but as her former therapist and friend, I do have a right to be concerned.
BO: Why don't you go concern yourself with your husband? Where is Johnny boy anyway?
MARLENA: He's not here yet. He's working late at the office.
BO: If you say so (SWALLOWS THE REST OF HIS DRINK AND WALKS OFF).
JACK throws MARLENA an I-don't-know look.
CUT to JENNIFER, dishing with ALICE and JULIE and her uncle MICKEY. HOPE comes rushing in, dressed in a blue gown, and runs over to JENNIFER and grabs her arm.
JENNIFER: (SHOCKED) Hope!
HOPE: (SMILING. IN A HURRY) We need to talk. (GRABBING HER AND DRAGGING HER OUT OF THE BALLROOM) Grandma, Julie, Uncle Mickey, we'll be right back.
OUTSIDE THE BALLROOM:
JENNIFER: (RUBBING HER ARM) Can you tell me what that was all about?
HOPE: I'm sorry if I hurt you, Jenn, really I am. I just needed to talk to you ASAP.
JENNIFER: (CONCERNED) About what?
HOPE: About..I'm such a jerk...I've been thinking about what I said to you the other day. I'm really sorry. Really I am.
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) Okay. (BEAT) I am too. I know what finding out about your past means to you.
HOPE: (SMILING) I know. (SIGHING) Listen, you didn't say anything to Bo about our little spat, did you?
JENNIFER: No. Why?
HOPE: (LOOKING AROUND) Listen, it doesn't matter. Who knows?
JENNIFER: About our fight? Jack, I guess.
HOPE: Would he tell Bo?
JENNIFER: (LOST) No. Hope are you allright?
JOHN walks up.
JOHN: She's fine. Aren't you, Hope?
OUT on JENNIFER, finally realizing what's going on.
SCENE 4: OUTSIDE THE BALLROOM
HOPE: John.
JOHN: You are fine, aren't you, Hope?
HOPE: (NERVOUS) Yeah, I am. I was just wishing my cousin a Happy Birthday.
JOHN: (SMILING) Yes, Happy Birthday, Jennifer (KISSING HER CHEEK).
JENNIFER: (WEAKLY) Thanks John. (BEAT) I think I saw Marlena inside.
JOHN: Then I shall join my wife, just as you, Hope, should join your husband. (THROWING HER A LOOK AND HEADING INSIDE)
JENNIFER: (LOWERING HER VOICE) You were with him, weren't you?
HOPE: (SHAKEN) Jenn, it's not what you think.
JENNIFER: The heck it isn't. You are really putting your marriage in jeopardy, Hope.
HOPE: I know. I know. (BEAT) Listen, one last favor?
JENNIFER: (CROSSING HER ARMS) Should I even ask?
HOPE: (SMILING) Jenn-
JENNIFER: (FINALLY BREAKING AND SMILING) If it involves lying when you sneak out of Grandma's house, forget it-
HOPE: Aw, come on now...You loved lying for me. You were good at it.
JENNIFER: I was, wasn't I? (BEAT) I won't mention it to Bo. And I'll get Jack to do the same.
HOPE: (SMILING) Good. Thank you. And I do really want to wish you a Happy Birthday, cuz (HUGGING HER AND THEN WALKING BACK INTO THE BALLROOM WITH THEIR ARMS AROUND EACH OTHER LAUGHING)
INSIDE THE BALLROOM:
JACK: (NOTICING JENNIFER AND HOPE) Paradise regained.
JOHN AND MARLENA: What?
JACK: Oh nothing. Toodles (HE WALKS OFF AS JOHN AND MARLENA CONTINUE TO SPEAK ABOUT JOHN'S LATENESS)
SCENE 5: INT. BALLROOM
It is a short while later. Everyone is having a good time. BO and HOPE are fighting though. JACK and ABBY are standing next to JENNIFER and they are laughing when "All I Have" begins to play.
You can say you love
me
And I'll believe that's true
JACK: (TO JENNIFER) I believe they are, as the saying goes, playing our song.
JENNIFER: (SMILING UP AT HIM) They are, aren't they?
Trusting you is easy
'Cause I believe in you
ABBY: (JUMPING UP AND DOWN) Dance, dance!
There is nothing I
would miss
As long as we're in love like this
JACK: (LOOKING TO ABBY AND THEN TO JENNIFER) I think she wants us to dance.
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Ya think?
JACK: (LOOKING AROUND) There seems to be no one else on the dance floor, though.
JENNIFER: That's never stopped us before.
THEY join hands and walk to the center of the room and begin to dance. The crowd oohs and aahs as JACK flashes them a nervous smile.
All I have is all I
need
And it all comes down
To you and m
e How far away this world becomes
In the harbor of each other's arms
OUT on the two of them lost in each other.
SCENE 6: INT. BALLROOM
IN on JACK and JENNIFER, still dancing and beaming at one another.
I feel like I've known
you
Forever and ever
Baby, that's how close we are
JENNIFER: (RESTING HER HEAD ON JACK'S CHEST) I could get used to this.
JACK: Being treated like a princess?
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) No. Staying in your arms forever.
JACK: (MOVED) I could...I could kinda get used to it as well
ABBY walks over and tugs JACK'S jacket to cut in.
Right here with you is
where
My life has come together
And where love has filled my heart
JENNIFER: Uh oh. It looks like I have competition.
ABBY: Can I cut in?
You know I'd go
anywhere
As long as I have you to care
JACK: That's up to Mommy (LOOKING AT JENNIFER).
JENNIFER: Certainly. I can't have Daddy all to myself. (LAUGHING, SHE PICKS ABBY UP AND PLACES HER IN JACK'S ARMS AND STANDS BACK WITH THE CROWD, WATCHING)
The crowd oohs and aahs again and JACK throws them a look.
All I have is all I
need
And it comes down to you and me
How far away this world becomes
In the harbor of each other's arms
JENNIFER is enjoying watching them when a hand is placed on her shoulder. She turns around suddenly. It is Colin, dressed in khakis and a pullover.
JENNIFER: (PULLING HIM AWAY FROM THE CROWD) Colin, what are you doing here?
Behind her, JACK begins to search the room with his eyes for Jennifer. Where did she go?
Oh, and with the love
you bring
I don't want for anything
I've found what I've been searching for in you
All I have is all I need
And it all comes down to you and me
How far away the world becomes
In the harbor of each other's arms
CUT to JENNIFER and COLIN.
COLIN: It's your birthday, isn't it? Lovely party.
JENNIFER: (SMILING NERVOUSLY) It is. Wh-what are you doing here?
COLIN: (HANDING HER A SMALL WRAPPED BOX) I came to give you this.
JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT THE PACKAGE AND BACK TO MAKE SURE JACK IS NOT WATCHING) You shouldn't have.
Behind them, JACK sees what he thinks is JENNIFER and looks on with curiosity.
All I have is all I
need
And it all comes down to you and me
How far away the world becomes
In the harbor of each other's arms.
COLIN: Go on. Open it.
JENNIFER: Colin-
COLIN: From a friend to a friend. Kind of like me stethoscope.
JENNIFER: (NERVOUS) Okay. (OPENING IT AND SHOCKED BY ITS CONTENTS) Colin-
COLIN: It's from the party we gave the kids in Africa. I thought we looked like quite the happy coup-(CORRECTING HIMSELF) friends.
JACK puts down ABBY and tries to cut through the crowd to them. He keeps getting stopped though.
JENNIFER: (PULLING OUT A FRAMED PHOTO OF THE TWO OF THEM, ARM IN ARM, LAUGHING. SHE IS NOT HAPPY AT ALL) It's very....it's nice, Colin.
COLIN: I knew you'd like it. (LEANING IT TO KISS HER CHEEK JUST AS JACK SEES THEM) Happy Birthday, Jennifer Rose.
JENNIFER turns away slowly and touches her cheek. She feels guilty. JACK sees her touch her face and reads it as much more. JENNIFER nervously looks at him. JACK'S eyes flash to the picture she is holding and to COLIN. He walks out, upset. JENNIFER looks at COLIN with tears in her eyes and runs out after JACK.
EPISODE 50
SCENE 1: INT. BALLROOM
IN on JENNIFER, who turns and watches as JACK walks out. The crowd is staring at her, she turns around towards them, tears in her eyes, and then goes to speak but she can't. She gasps a little and runs out after him into the hall and straight into Maggie, who's confused at what's going on.
JENNIFER: I'm sorry, Maggie...
MAGGIE: Jennifer, are you alright?
JENNIFER: I will be. (LOOKING UP AND DOWN THE CORRIDOR) Have you seen Jack?
MAGGIE: I think...I think I saw him go that way (POINTING). Is something wrong?
JENNIFER: (TEARS IN EYES) I can't talk about it right now. (RUNNING OFF AROUND THE CORNER)
Once around the corner, she looks to both sides, dead ends. Seeing the door that leads to the roof, she sighs and wonders if maybe he's up there. Looking up, she decides to take a chance and opens the door and enters. As she walks up, the camera pans to her feet as she unknowingly steps on his boutonnière. Jack is definitely on the roof.
CUT TO
SCENE 2: EXT. ROOF
IN on JACK, opening the door to the roof. He is pale and sweating and is trying to catch his breath. He walks out towards the ledge somberly and looks out on the city.
JACK: (TO HIMSELF) So much for that.
JENNIFER: (QUIETLY STEPPING OUT OF THE DOOR) For what, Jack?
OUT on JACK, looking very unhappy that she found him.
SCENE 3: EXT. ROOF
IN on JACK, now stepping back and leaning with his back against the ledge. He unties his tie.
JACK: (DRYLY) So, you found me.
JENNIFER: (SMILING WEAKLY) It wasn't hard, you know. (SHE STEPS TOWARDS HIM)
JACK: It wasn't? I never was good at hide and go seek, was I?
JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) It's never hard to find you, Jack. (BEAT) I just look up.
JACK: (CONFUSED) Up?
JENNIFER: (STEPPING CLOSER TO HIM) I always look up and there you are. It's happened tons of times before. You remember, don't you, Jack?
JACK: I can't say that I do. (BEAT) Please (SMILING SARCASTICALLY) refresh.
JENNIFER: (STEPPING TOWARDS HIM TENTATIVELY WHILE SPEAKING). I mean when you asked me to marry you at the loft, you were on the fire escape. And when Har...Harper died, you were at the bell tower, and when I was trapped on the cliff, you were...All I had to do is look up and there you were.
JACK: Friends in high places, huh?
JENNIFER: (STEPPING SO SHE'S CLOSE ENOUGH TO KISS HIM) Yeah.
JACK picks up the photo that she is still holding from her hand and he looks at it painfully. JENNIFER awaits his reaction nervously.
JACK: (EYES ON PHOTO) You look very...happy here.
JENNIFER: I do, don't I? (BEAT) Jack, give me your wallet.
JACK: (NARROWING HIS EYES AT HER) My wall--? Isn't it enough that I paid for this whole shindig? Now you want cash, too?
JENNIFER: (ADAMANT) Give me your wallet, Jack.
JACK: (RELUCTANTLY HANDING HER HIS WALLET) Fine. It's all counted so don't try anything funny.
JENNIFER: (LOOKING THROUGH THE WALLET ANXIOUSLY) I don't want your money, Jack. I want....(PULLING A PHOTO OUT) this. (HOLDING THE PICTURE TO SHOW HIM)
JACK: (TAKING THE PHOTO AND LOOKING AT IT) I didn't even know I still had this in here.
JENNIFER: (KNOWING HE'S LYING) You didn't?
JACK: Okay, I did. (BEAT) What's your point?
JENNIFER: (LEANING IN TO LOOK AT THE PHOTO OF HER AND JACK WITH HIM) I'm just showing you just how happy I am here, too...
JACK: (FEELING STUPID FOR WHAT HE JUST DID) Jennifer...I'm...I'm sorry...it's just...
JENNIFER: Jack, it's okay. Remember what you told me? That it was going to be hard. This is going to be hard (SHE GRABS HIS HAND AND SQUEEZES IT).
JACK looks down at their interlocked hands and squeezes her hand. A few moments of silence ensues. Nervous, Jack begins to speak.
JACK: (WIPING HIS EYE AND TRYING TO MUSTER UP SOME COURAGE) I know...I know I'm going to regret asking this, but...but do you want to talk about it? (SWALLOWING HARD) Talk about him?
OUT on JENNIFER, shocked by the question.
SCENE 4: EXT. ROOF
IN on JENNIFER, confused by JACK'S question.
JENNIFER: (LOST) Talk about it?
JACK: Him...(COUGHING) Col...Colic...
JENNIFER: Jack, I don't know what to say...
JACK: I want you to tell me about Africa. Wh...What happened when I was...when I was gone.
JENNIFER: (TURNING AND WALKING AWAY) Jack, I really don't want to talk about-
JACK: Jennifer...I...(WALKING TO HER AND TURNING HER AROUND) I...just...want to know what I'm up against...what he did for you...what he's still doing for you.
JENNIFER: (NERVOUS) Did for me?
JACK: You...you're always referring to his "help". What did...what did he "help" you with, Jennifer? (BEAT) And why couldn't (VOICE CRACKING-HE IS HURT) I help you?
OUT on JENNIFER, not wanting to answer the question.
SCENE 5: INT. TUSCANY HALLWAY
IN on ALICE, walking down the hall. MAGGIE passes by.
ALICE: Oh, Maggie dear, have you seen Jack or Jennifer?
MAGGIE: Actually, Jennifer was just out here looking for Jack. Is everything alright with those two?
ALICE: (SEEING JACK'S BOUTINIERRE ON THE STAIR FLOOR LEADING UP TO THE ROOF AND SMILING) No, but it will be.
MAGGIE: Why do I have a feeling that you're up to something?
ALICE: No, just me, darling. Us. We're up to something. (CLOSING AND LOCKING THE ROOF DOOR AND WINKING AT MAGGIE)
MAGGIE: (SMILING) Alice, you old dog you.
ALICE: (MOCK SURPRISE) Who me? Never.
OUT on the two of them linking arms and laughing down the hall.
SCENE 6: EXT. ROOF
JENNIFER: (PLAYING DUMB) Help? Jack, I don't know what you're talking about.
JACK: Yes, you do.
JENNIFER: Jack, can't we just go back downstairs and finish off the party? I mean everyone will wonder where we've gone to.
v JACK: (SMILING) No they won't.
JENNIFER: (PLEADING) Jack.
JACK: (SHRUGGING) Okay, okay. Jennifer, I'm not going to let you keep this from me. It's important to me. It's important to...to..us. But you're right, this is neither the time nor place for it. Besides, I never got to give you my gift.
JENNIFER: Jack, you shouldn't have-
JACK: But I did. Come on. (HE PUTS HIS ARM AROUND HER AND THEY START TO WALK DOWN THE STAIRS) Wait.
JENNIFER: What?
JACK: (HOLDING UP THE PICTURE FRAME HE STILL HAS IN HIS HAND) This. What...what did you want to do with this? I mean you do look quite fetching in it, but...
JENNIFER: (TAKING IT FROM HIM AND SMILING) Come on, Jack. (TAKING HIS HAND AND DRAGGING HIM DOWN THE REST OF THE STAIRS)
JACK: What are you doing?
JENNIFER: (TOSSING IT IN THE GARBAGE BIN AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRCASE) This.
JACK: You know, you could've probably exchanged it for something else-a watch, maybe a piece of china.
JENNIFER: (GOING TO OPEN THE DOOR) Jack.
JACK: (NOT PAYING HER ANY ATTENTION) I'm serious. It looks like he spent a pretty penny on it. You know, doctor's salary and all.
JENNIFER: (REALIZING THE DOOR WON'T BUDGE) Jack.
JACK: How much do you think he makes a year, anyway? (BEAT) What form of medicine does he practice? Surgery?
JENNIFER: (SHAKING HIM) Jack!
JACK: What?
JENNIFER: The door is locked.
JACK: It's probably just stuck. Let me see. (MOVING IN TO PULL IT AS JENNIFER FOLDS HER ARMS BEHIND HIM)
JENNIFER: Having trouble, Jack?
JACK: (WIPING THE SWEAT FROM HIS BROW) Very funny, Miss Horton. It's good to know you haven't lost your sense of humor with age.
JENNIFER: Ha ha.
JACK: (GIVING UP) It's locked.
JENNIFER: Is it now?
JACK: (THROWING HER A LOOK) I take that back. You're not that funny.
JENNIFER: What do we do now?
JACK: I don't know. Put those pipes to use, I guess. Please...(GESTURING FOR HER TO TAKE OVER)
JENNIFER: (PAUSING FOR A MOMENT AND THEN KNOCKING ON THE DOOR AND SCREAMING) Help! Somebody let us out!
OUT on JACK smiling and plugging up his ears. He sits down on the bottom of the stairs.
SCENE 7: INT. TUSCANY HALLWAY
IN on the guests, beginning to file out, looking curiously towards the sound of a muffled Jennifer. Mrs. H. and Maggie are standing beside rooftop door, acting as if they don't hear a thing and smiling as if nothing's wrong.
MAGGIE: Thank you for coming. Hope to see you soon. (BETWEEN CLENCHED TEETH TO ALICE) Could she be any louder?
ALICE: (THROUGH GRITTED TEETH AS WELL) She always could break glass with that scream.
HOPE and BO walk by and although they are fighting, hear Jennifer.
HOPE: Gram, did you hear that?
ALICE: Hear what, dear? (TO MAGGIE) Maggie, did you hear anything?
MAGGIE: Not a thing.
BO: It sounds like Jenn.
ALICE: Oh no, dear, Jennifer and Jack left already. Said something about being out all night.
JO: (WALKING OVER) Why those two never tell me anything. I could just...just...
MAGGIE: Jo, dear, let's take a walk. I'll fill you in a little on what Alice means by being out all night. (MAGGIE LEADS HER AWAY AND THEY WALK DOWN THE HALL WITH VERN AND ABBY FOLLOWING)
BO: (CATCHING ON) I get it. Mrs. H., you never change.
ALICE: I should hope not. Sometimes two people in love need a little extra push. If you two keep this up, you might be next.
HOPE: (LOOKING HOPELESSLY FROM BO TO ALICE) Gram-
ALICE: But not tonight. Tonight is Jennifer and Jack's night. You two go, hug your sons, remember what you have.
HOPE: (SHOOTING BO A LOVING LOOK AND BENDING TO KISS ALICE) You're wonderful, you know that? I love you, Gram.
BO: (KISSING ALICE'S CHEEK) I'll second that. (LOOKING AT THE ROOFTOP DOOR QUICKLY) I'm pretty sure they'll second that as well.
OUT on them saying their goodbyes.
SCENE 8: INT. STAIRWELL
IN on JENNIFER, stepping back from the door.
JACK: (UNPLUGGING HIS EARS) Cat got your tongue?
JENNIFER: No.
JACK: What is it then?
JENNIFER: (SLOWLY) It's my grandma. I can hear her.
JACK: This isn't one of those weird family connections, is it? I tell you, Jennifer, you really do have to quit watching "Passions".
JENNIFER: Jack, I don't watch "Passions". You do.
JACK: I find it funny...the writing, that is. (BEAT) You were saying?
JENNIFER: I was saying...Wait...(RUNNING QUICKLY UP THE STAIRS AND ONTO THE ROOF)
After a second, Jack follows.
JACK: (CATCHING UP TO HER) Jennifer, what are you doing?
JENNIFER: (SCREAMING OVER THE LEDGE) Wait! Jack and I are stuck up here!
ALICE: (V.O.) Happy Birthday, Jennifer Rose! (A CAR STARTS AND PULLS AWAY)
JENNIFER: (TURNING AROUND TO FACE JACK) It seems...
JACK: That somebody wanted us to talk. (BEAT) What does that tell you Jennifer?
JENNIFER: That we have to find another way off this roof. (LOOKING OVER TO SEE HOW TALL IT IS) It's not that high up.
JACK: (WALKING OVER AND TOUCHING HER SHOULDER) For two kids who can afford a broken leg or two, but for two parents who like to play with their young daughter in the park, that's another story.
JENNIFER: You're right.
JACK: That's a first.
JENNIFER: (SMILING) I tell you when you're right. It's just that it's not very often.
JACK: (SMILING AND HUGGING HER CLOSER TO HIM) It's not? I guess it's not, huh?
JENNIFER: (GIGGLING) Yeah.
JACK: Well I guess we can get that conversation over with, can't we now?
JENNIFER: (FACE DROPPING) What conversation?
JACK: (READING HER FACE AND THEN RELEASING HER. FRUSTRATED) Don't tell me you've forgotten. Jennifer...I...I already believe nothing happened between you and Co...Co...him...but your reluctance to talk about it speaks volumes.
JENNIFER: I though...I thought you felt more comfortable when Marlena was here with us, Jack. When we're in therapy.
JACK: I...I do...but...listen, I don't want to spend my whole life having to wait on Marlena to have all our relationship conversations. (BEAT) Jennifer...I know we've had problems in the past with...with saying how we feel and talking about us but...but I want to know...a bit late, I know but...please...please tell me what went on...please. I deserve that much, don't I?
OUT on JENNIFER, wanting to leave but can't. She turns away from him and shivers as he looks on nervously.
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