Keeping Up With The Deverauxes
Episodes 51 - 55
EPISODE 51
SCENE 1: EXT. ROOFTOP-TUSCANY
IN on JACK, standing behind JENNIFER, watching as she shivers and tries to avoid his question.
JACK: Whaddya say, Miss Horton?
JENNIFER: (TURNING TOWARDS HIM) About what?
JACK: About what? About this...about this conversation you so adamantly refuse to have with me.
JENNIFER: I do not adamantly refuse to have this conversation with you.
JACK: You do so. Now you're being adamant about not being adamant about having this conversation with me. (BEAT. CHANGING TO A SOFTER TONE.) Jennifer, listen...the sooner we talk about it--
JENNIFER: (GROWING ANGRY WITH HIS QUESTIONING) Talk about what, Jack? Talk about the fact that you were never there? Talk about the fact that I had to keep telling our daughter that I didn't know where you were?
JACK: (HURT) I know all that. Jennifer, why are you so reluctant to tell me what happened?
JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) Because...
JACK: Because why? Because you think I can't handle the truth? I can handle the truth! In fact, I thrive on the truth. I report. I pursue truth. I already know you didn't...you didn't...(VOICE LOWERING. JUST THE THOUGHT OF IT HURTS HIM) you didn't make love. What did you do, Jennifer?
OUT on JENNIFER, unable to answer his question.
SCENE 2: EXT. ROOFTOP-TUSCANY
JENNIFER: Why does it matter so much to you, Jack?
JACK: Why does it matter so much to me? Surely, you jest. I mean, come on, can I expect him to show up everywhere we go? Can I expect him bearing trinkets at every important function? Can I expect my wife, my ex-wife, to always allow him to have a hold over her?
JENNIFER: (ANGRY) He does not have a hold over me.
JACK: He doesn't? I know what a hold looks like, Jennifer, and you, you touching your cheek was definitely a sign of it.
JENNIFER: How can you say that?
JACK: I speak from experience. I...I once did that to you. I remember you walking out of my office touching your cheek or your lips or something.
JENNIFER: Jack-
JACK: No, don't "Jack" me, I know what a hold is like because you...you do that for me and for a long time...a long time I thought I was the only one who could do that to you. (QUIETLY. NEAR TEARS) I hoped I'd be the only one who'd do that to you. (TURNING AROUND AND LOOKING OVER THE CITY)
JENNIFER: (REALIZING HOW HURT HE IS) Jack, I don't want to talk about it. Not only because of you, but because of me. It hurts too much.
JACK: (TURNING AROUND AND PLEADING WITH HIS EYES) Then let me....then let me try and take away some of that hurt. (BEAT) Give me a chance, Jennifer.
OUT on JENNIFER, wrestling whether or not to tell him. She is biting her lower lip.
SCENE 3: EXT. ROOFTOP-TUSCANY
IN PROGRESS
JACK: Please, Jennifer. For us.
JENNIFER: (LOOKING DOWN AT HER SHOES. NEAR TEARS) I was lonely, Jack...
JACK: (WALKING OVER AND KNEELING DOWN AT HER FEET TO LOOK UP AT HER. HE GRABS BOTH HER HANDS) I know that, Jennifer. You were lonely and I wasn't there. I'm sorry for that, Jennifer. I am. You have to believe me.
JENNIFER: (ABOUT TO CRY. NODDING) I know.
JACK: (STANDING UP AND TOUCHING HER CHIN TO LOOK AT HIM) So (CHOKING ON THE NAME) Colin came in and he talked to you, made you feel needed?
JENNIFER nods.
JENNIFER: (WIPING A TEAR AWAY) Jack-
JACK: (PUTTING HIS FINGER TO HER MOUTH) Tell me what he said, Jennifer.
JENNIFER: It's not what he said, Jack, it's what he did.
JACK: (STEPPING BACK. WORRIED.) Did? Jennifer, you said you didn't-
JENNIFER: We didn't. (BEAT) Jack, I can't do this (TURNING AROUND WITH HER BACK TOWARDS HIM)
JACK: (UPSET) Why can't you, Jennifer? It's me, Jack. The same old cocky, sarcastic guy you fell in love with.
JENNIFER: That's the problem, Jack.
JACK: (HURT) The problem?
JENNIFER: (TURNING AROUND TO FACE HIM) You're the problem, Jack.
JACK: (WINCING AT THE STATEMENT) Don't mince words here. I can take it, really I can.
JENNIFER: Can you, Jack? Can you handle what I'm about to tell you? I...I don't think so...
JACK: Try me. You never know.
JENNIFER: But I do, Jack, (BEAT) I do.
JACK: (VOICE GROWING LOUDER. HE IS ANGRY THAT SHE DOESN'T HAVE CONFIDENCE IN HIM) How do you know that I'll run?! I can name countless times that I haven't ran-when you went off as that heiress, I didn't run, when you told me when you were rap-(STOPPING. CHANGING HIS TONE) when you told me what Lawrence did to you, I didn't run. Given, I did step out, but I did come back-
They begin to shout angrily back and forth at each other.
JENNIFER: But you have run, Jack!
JACK: When?!
JENNIFER: When?! Jack have you forgotten everything?! You ran when I said I loved you-
JACK: That doesn't count!
JENNIFER: Why doesn't it count, Jack?!
JACK: Because I came back...because of this, we married, had a baby-
JENNIFER: And when Abby was sick, Jack?! You ran then too! You left me to face the world alone when I needed you most! Just like you did in Africa! (STARTING TO CRY) I needed you, Jack and you left me!
OUT on JACK, upset that she brought that up.
SCENE 4: EXT. ROOFTOP-TUSCANY
IN PROGRESS
JACK: (TAKING IT IN) It all comes back to that, doesn't it?
JENNIFER: (PAUSING TO WIPE HER EYES) How couldn't it, Jack? You left me.
JACK: But I-
JENNIFER: (AVOIDING HIS EYES) But you came back. I know, Jack.
JACK: I'm sorry, Jennifer. I wish I could do more.
JENNIFER: You can't, Jack. You can't. And I'm sorry for bringing it up. We already knew it...It just all built up and then in Africa.
JACK: (TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT'S GOING ON) Does what happened in Africa have to do with me leaving you when Abigail was a baby?
JENNIFER: Yes...yes and no.
JACK: Was it Abigail? Did she have a relapse and you didn't tell me?
JENNIFER: No, Jack.
JACK: Jennifer-you can tell me now, I could handle it if she got sick again. I'm not going anywhere.
JENNIFER: It wasn't Abby, Jack.
JACK: Did you think I left you? I've told you time and again there could be no other.
JENNIFER: I know. I was stupid for thinking it, Jack.
JACK: Dammit, what made you rush off to Ireland in pursuit of an Irish doctor with a bad accent? Did you really think you loved him, Jennifer?
JENNIFER: No! I loved, I love, you, Jack! Colin just helped me...
JACK: (ANGRY. STARTING TO SHOUT) Helped you with what, Jennifer?! Helped you get over me?!
JENNIFER: No! He helped me with-(TURNING AWAY FROM HIM AND CLUTCHING HER STOMACH IN PAIN)
JACK: With what?!
JENNIFER: With the baby! (BREAKING DOWN. QUIETLY) With the baby.
JACK: (CONFUSED) With the bab--? Jennifer, I thought you said this had nothing to do with Abigail.
JENNIFER: It doesn't, Jack.
JACK: Then what's this baby you're talking about? (FINALLY CATCHING ON. IN SHOCK) Jennifer, you weren't-
JENNIFER: (STILL NOT FACING HIM) I was, Jack. Colin helped me when I lost my, our, baby, Jack. (BREAKING DOWN HARDER) I lost your baby, Jack.
OUT on JACK, looking as if he's been punched in the stomach. He doesn't know what to say or do.
EPISODE 52
SCENE 1: EXT. ROOFTOP-TUSCANY
IN on JACK, breathing heavily. He cannot believe what he just heard.
JACK: I don't know what....(EXHALING) I don't know what to say. (CHANGING HIS FOCUS TO JENNIFER, WHO IS STILL BENT OVER CRYING) Jennifer-(WALKING OVER AND STEADYING HER UP TO LOOK AT HER) Jennifer, are you okay?
JENNIFER: (BABBLING THROUGH HER TEARS) I didn't mean to, Jack. I didn't mean to lose the baby.
JACK: (SMOOTHING HER HAIR) It's okay. Shhh...it's okay.
JENNIFER: (CRYING HARDER. CANNOT CATCH HER BREATH) No, it's not. I...I didn't know what to do...you were gone...and...and...and I was afraid.
JACK: (NEAR TEARS HIMSELF. NODDING) I know...I know...
JENNIFER: It's just...you...you were gone...and I didn't want you to have to stay with me because of the baby...and then...then I wondered if you would...
JACK: (HUGGING HER CLOSE NOW) If I would what, Jennifer?
JENNIFER: If you would leave me again. I didn't want you to leave me again, Jack. I wanted the baby to have his or her daddy there. I...I...I...
JACK: Jennifer, I would've been there. (TEETH CLENCHING AND HOLDING HER CLOSE) You've got to know that.
JENNIFER: (NODDING) I know...I know...and then...and then...I wished that I wasn't preg...pregnant and blood, Jack, there was so much blood. I lost our baby, Jack. I lost our baby. (BURYING HER HEAD INTO HIS CHEST).
OUT on JACK, wanting to wipe the hurt away, but cannot.
SCENE 2: EXT. ROOFTOP-TUSCANY
JACK: (GRIMACING) Jennifer, Jennifer, you've got to listen to me. (NUDGING HER HEAD TO LOOK AT HIM) Jennifer, look at me.
JENNIFER: (CRYING AND FINALLY TURNING HER HEAD UP TO HIM) I'm such a bad person, Jack. I didn't want the baby and I lost him....I'm an awful person.
JACK: (GRITTED TEETH) You are not. You are not an awful person, you could never be.
JENNIFER: But I lost the baby, Jack.
JACK: (CRADLING HER FACE IN HIS HANDS) You didn't mean to. Listen to me, Jennifer-
JENNIFER turns her head to not look at him. He instinctively pulls it back.
JACK: Listen to me, you are a good person. You know that, don't you? Nod for me, won't you? Please.
She nods reluctantly.
JACK: (SMILING WEAKLY) Good. Good. I wish I had something to say that would take all this pain away, but I don't...I don't...you (STROKING HER HAIR) held it in for so long...you're so strong.
JENNIFER: I should have told you, Jack. Why couldn't I tell you?
JACK: (TRYING TO BE STRONG WHEN HE WANTS TO CRY TOO) I don't...I don't know...
OUT on JACK, trying to figure out how to make her understand that it's okay.
SCENE 3: EXT. ROOFTOP-TUSCANY
A few moments has passed. JACK is still holding her tightly. He is trying to figure out what to say. JENNIFER shivers.
JACK: Here. (TAKING OFF HIS JACKET AND PUTTING IT ON HER) That's better, isn't it?
She nods.
JACK: (TRYING TO COMFORT HER) Can...can you talk about it?
JENNIFER: (WEAKLY) I can...I can try.
JACK: (LEADING HER TO SIT DOWN ON THE GROUND) Let's try then, okay?
JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) Okay.
JACK: (SITTING DOWN BESIDE HER. HE GRASPS HER HAND TENTATIVELY AND STROKES IT) I was...I was gone when you found out you were...you were...you were preg...with child?
JENNIFER: (CALMING DOWN ENOUGH TO TALK. ON THE BRINK OF TEARS) Yes.
JACK: Okay. About when did this...this pregnancy occur?
JENNIFER: The last time I saw you...right before you left for Pretoria again.
JACK winces at remembering when he left.
JENNIFER: I guess I already knew when I took the test. I was late and I know we weren't trying, but...
JACK: (NODDING, WISHING HE COULD TAKE IT ALL BACK, WISHING HE COULD'VE BEEN THERE) But it happened anyway.
JENNIFER: (PAUSING AND GAINING A LITTLE COMPOSURE) Right. I was just so scared, Jack. We were living in a place with no real sense of home. We were always picking up and leaving. Being at the camp with my Dad was the closest we've been to home in a long time. I wanted...I guess I wanted to be back here with Gramma and you and (LAUGHING IRONICALLY THROUGH HER TEARS). Funny, isn't it? I got just what I wanted.
There is a pause as JACK figures out what to say. He reaches into his jacket pocket (which is on her) and hands her his handkerchief.
JACK: And (PULLING A FACE) Colin?
JENNIFER: Colin was there, Jack. We spent all kinds of time together. Nothing happened. We just talked about things.
JACK: (HURT) Things? (BEAT) And he knew about the baby?
JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) He was...he was the one who confirmed it. Doctor..Doctor Jackson called me with the news and I went to Co...I went to Colin to confirm it.
JACK: (PAINED) Oh.
JENNIFER: Jack---
JACK: (AVOIDING HER EYES, REALIZING HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN THERE) No. (BEAT) And I was gone.
JENNIFER: But you were gone for a reason...you were helping the ISA, Jack. I...I don't know why I couldn't figure it out then.
JACK: (LETTING GO OF HER HAND AND TURNING AWAY. AFTER A MOMENT, HE SPEAKS) I was gone...and you...you lost the baby. You lost our baby.
JENNIFER: (REACHING OVER AND TOUCHING HIS SHOULDER) Jack-
JACK: (TURNING TOWARDS HER...ALARMED) Are...are you really alright? You said there was blood.
JENNIFER: I'm...I'm fine...Jack, I'm so sorry. (BEGINNING TO CRY HARDER AGAIN). I just kept thinking...
JACK: That I'd never come back. That I left you when you needed me most. (QUIETLY) Like I had done time and time again in the past.
JENNIFER nods, sadly.
JENNIFER: (TRYING TO STOP HIM FROM BLAMING HIMSELF) I lost our baby, Jack. He would've been so tiny, with little hands and little feet and I didn't want him. I didn't want him.
JACK: (STANDING UP AND WALKING AWAY A LITTLE, THEN WALKING BACK) No. No! You didn't want him to grow up without... (QUIETLY) without his father.
JENNIFER: (STANDING UP HERSELF) But I should have told you-
JACK: (PACING. STOPPING AND TURNING TOWARDS HER TO MAKE POINTS) You were scared.
JENNIFER: It was stupid. I...Think of the baby, Jack. He would've been the little brother or sister Abby wanted and I was so...I was so selfish.
JACK: You are not selfish. You had every right to do...to think what you did. (BEAT) When...when did the... the miscarriage occur?
JENNIFER: I was...I was going on three months and...(BEGINNING TO CRY EVEN HARDER) Jack, it was horrible.
JACK: (INSTINCTIVELY WALKING OVER AND PUTTING HIS ARM AROUND HER AND DRAWING HER TO BURY HER HEAD IN HIS CHEST) You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.
JENNIFER: (LAYING HER HEAD ON HIS CHEST AND NOT LOOKING UP) No...no...I want to...I...Colin...Colin told me to tell you, Jack...He told me to go find you.
JACK: (FINDING THIS VERY INTERESTING) He did?
JENNIFER: He told me that you...you needed to know. So I went to find you...I wanted to tell you...you that we were having...having a baby.
JACK: And you couldn't find me.
JENNIFER: No.
OUT on JACK, alarmed at what JENNIFER may have meant.
SCENE 4: EXT. ROOFTOP-TUSCANY
JACK: (CONFUSED) No? Jennifer-I-
JENNIFER: You were with somebody...some man. You were in an alley and somebody...somebody told you that they wanted their money...
JACK: (EYES WIDE IN SHOCK. HE STEPS BACK AND GRASPS HER ARMS) Jennifer-Jennifer, what else did you hear?
JENNIFER: Nothing. I heard nothing else. Jack, what is it?
JACK: (LYING) Nothing. Nothing. Why...why didn't you find me after that?
JENNIFER: Jack, I...I tried telling you. The last time you called home, I tried. I told you I had news.
JACK: (PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER. TURNING AND WALKING AWAY) And I told you it could wait.
JENNIFER: (TRYING TO STOP HIM FROM DOING THE INEVITABLE-TAKING ALL THE BLAME) I should have told you then.
JACK: (TOUCHING HIS CHIN AND SIGHING WITH HIS BACK TOWARDS HER) I should have let you.
JENNIFER: (TRYING TO CALM DOWN) I went to find you, Jack. I wanted to tell you and then I saw...I saw what was going on and all I...all I could think about is...is...and don't hate me for this...is how you were off doing something for money and putting me and Abby in danger...
JACK: (TURNING TO FACE HER AND RAISING HIS VOICE. HE CAN'T BELIEVE SHE WOULD THINK THAT) I could never hate-
JENNIFER: (LOCKING EYES WITH HIM FOR A MOMENT) Let me finish. I kept thinking back to all the times you left and I couldn't do it. It had been running through my head ever since the test came back, Jack. I couldn't do it...I couldn't have this baby without you...I needed you. I didn't...I didn't want the baby...for one split second, I didn't want the baby and then....and then...
JACK: (PAINED) And then you lost it the baby...you lost the baby and I couldn't help you.
JENNIFER: Jack, can't you see? It's not your fault. I should've told you...I should've made you listen.
JACK: You can't make me listen! I should've wanted to listen. (RUNNING HIS HANDS THROUGH HIS HAIR IN FRUSTRATION)
A few moments of silence passes. Finally, he speaks again.
JACK: Colin treated you then?
JENNIFER: (QUIETLY) Yes.
JACK: What was the reason...the reason for this misc...for this...other than the obvious of course?
JENNIFER: He doesn't know. I guess...I guess my body couldn't take it, Jack.
JACK: And Abigail? Did she know?
JENNIFER: No. I...I wouldn't tell her until...
JACK: Until you told me...(SIGHING HEAVILY) I can't...I can't dea (TRYING TO BE STRONG)-Jennifer, is there anything I can do for you?
JENNIFER: You can...you can hold me, Jack. You can hold me.
JACK: (QUIETLY) I can...I can do that.
After a moment, he walks over to where she's standing and leads her to the ground. He lays her head in his lap and holds her close. He is very uncomfortable and she is hoping that this doesn't cause him to close his feelings off. You can tell by the look on his face, one of deep sadness and regret, that he is already doing just that, though.
About a half-hour has passed. JACK is still holding JENNIFER, who has fallen asleep, as the strains of a song begin to play. He looks at her calm face and wonders how he could continually keep hurting her.
You make me feel
vulnerable and totally exposed
You make me feel like a teenager dressed in a woman's clothes
And I ask you, and I ask you, where do we go from here?
He takes her shawl from behind her and bunches it up to make a pillow and then places it under her head. He gets up and slowly and painfully walks around the rooftop, looking around for some answer to his problems. He keeps looking back to a sleeping Jennifer.
All my life, I've been
the one who's big and strong for everyone
Then you come along, a towerblock for me to lean on.
And I ask you, where do we go from here?
Placing his hands in his pockets, he walks despondently down the staircase and fishes out the Jennifer and Colin photo from the garbage. He smiles painfully to himself looking at the two of them. He sits down on a step and pulls out the photo of himself and Jennifer they were looking at earlier from his wallet. He wipes away a tear from his eye and mouths the words "a baby."
You've got me so I'm
curling like a kitten in your hand
You've got me so I'm clawing like a tiger caged and bound
And I ask you, and I ask you, where do we go from here?
He then walks over to the garbage can and throw the photo back into it. He walks up the stairs and looks at Jennifer, wondering where they are going from there and if he could do it.
All my life, I've been
the one who's big and strong for everyone
Then you come along, a towerblock for me to lean on.
And I ask you, where do we go from here?
He walks over and kneels down and begins to lay beside her. With shaking hands, he reaches from behind her and touches her stomach, where their child had been. He is beginning to cry. In her sleep, JENNIFER places her hand over his and nuzzles closer to him. JACK holds her close and wishes he could have the moment he left her that last time in Africa back.
All my life, I've been
the one who's big and strong for everyone
And now I know you've let me down, will it always be
That I'm the only towerblock for me?
The last shot is not of them, but rather the garbage can in the stairwell. In it, the picture of Jennifer and Jack lay where the picture of she and Colin once did.
EPISODE 53
SCENE 1: EXT. ROOFTOP-TUSCANY-EARLY MORNING
IN on JACK and JENNIFER, asleep in one another's arms. The sun is beginning to come up and their faces are awash in bright sunlight. JENNIFER rolls over and nuzzles herself further into JACK'S face, causing him to wake up. He looks pensively at her for a moment and then eases her onto her makeshift pillow and goes over and sits on the rooftop ledge, looking out over the city.
After a moment, JENNIFER wakes up and instinctively looks for JACK. Spotting him sitting on the ledge, she gets up and walks over to him.
JENNIFER: (LIGHTLY TOUCHING HIS BACK) Penny for your thoughts.
JACK: (JUMPING UP A LITTLE) Good God, Miss Horton, are you trying to kill me? (CLUTCHING HIS HEART DRAMATICALLY) I could have very well fallen down there and been a part of...a part of (NARROWING HIS EYES TO SEE WHAT IS DOWN BELOW) a part of Wales Street.
JENNIFER: (LAUGHING A LITTLE) Jack, we're only three flights up.
JACK: That's three flights too many, thank you very much.
JENNIFER: (FLINGING HER LEGS OVER THE SIDE TO SIT DOWN BESIDE HIM) This is not like you, Jack.
JACK: The bitter sarcasm? Surely you know me better than that.
JENNIFER: No, the sitting on the ledge. I thought you couldn't stand heights.
JACK: I can't. I just...I just needed some clarity and a decent place to sit. I hope Maggie knows she's going to be paying for this tux to be cleaned.
JENNIFER: (SMILING) I'm sure she won't mind. (BEAT) You're thinking about last night, aren't you?
JACK: How could I not? It's not-(STOPPING HIMSELF) I'm actually thinking about...about swingsets.
JENNIFER: (KNOWING HE'S LYING) Swingsets? Jack, I don't understand.
JACK: Swingsets, Miss H., the kind with the slide and the jungle gym (MOCKING HOLDING ONTO A SWING AND KICKING HIS LEGS OUT A LITTLE) Whee! I was thinking, I was thinking that Abigail would like one.
JENNIFER: (CONFUSED) I'm sure she would. (BEAT) Jack, are you sure you don't want-Never mind. We'll talk swingsets.
JACK: (WEAKLY SMILING AT THE FACT THAT SHE WON'T PROD HIM) Good. Swingsets, it is.
JENNIFER: (REACHING OVER AND TOUCHING HIS HAND. HE LOOKS DOWN AT ITS TENDERNESS) Swingsets, it is.
OUT on JENNIFER, knowing that he is starting to retreat back into his shell. She is worried, however, that he might not come out of it this time.
SCENE 2: EXT. ROOFTOP-TUSCANY
It is a little while later. JACK and JENNIFER are still holding hands and watching the rest of the sunrise. JENNIFER keeps sneaking looks at JACK, who cannot bear to face her. Behind them, they hear someone coming up the stairs, so they turn around. It is MAGGIE.
MAGGIE: (ACTING SURPRISED) Jack! Jennifer! What are you two doing up here? Wait a minute, were you two the raccoons the staff was complaining about all night? How 'bout that?
JACK: (SWINGING ROUND AND STEPPING ONTO THE ROOF) Hehehe.
JENNIFER: (HOPPING DOWN TO JOIN HIM) Well, we've been called quite a few things before in our life but never raccoons. (LAUGHING) It's okay, Aunt Maggie, we know you and Gramma were behind this.
MAGGIE: (LYING) I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about.
JACK and JENNIFER exchange amused looks.
MAGGIE: (CONT.) Anyhow, I know that breakfast is not our normal venue and that it's technically not your birthday anymore, but could I interest the two of you in a little morning sustenance?
JACK: (WANTING TO GET OUT OF THERE. VERY QUICKLY.) No, thank you. Unless, of course, the Missus wants some eggs or the like (THROWING JENNIFER A LOOK)
JENNIFER: (CRESTFALLEN AT THE PROSPECT OF SHARING SOME MORE ALONE TIME WITH JACK) No...I'm not really that hungry.
MAGGIE: (NOTICING JENNIFER'S DISAPPOINTMENT) Are you sure?
JACK: We're...we're sure. Thank you much. Miss H? (HE STARTS TO WALK DOWN THE STAIRS AND JENNIFER DOESN'T KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON)
JENNIFER: I'm coming. (THROWING MAGGIE A LOOK OF CONFUSION, SHE FOLLOWS HIM DOWN THE STAIRS)
MAGGIE: (KNOWING SOMETHING IS UP) Oh, dear.
SCENE 3: INT. TUSCANY STAIRCASE
MAGGIE is walking down the stairwell and is humming to herself. She is about to open the hall door when something in the trash can catches her eye.
MAGGIE: (TO HERSELF) What's this? (SHE REACHES OVER AND FISHES OUT A CRUMPLED UP PHOTO OF JACK AND JENNIFER.) Oh Alice, I think this might be your first failure. (SHE WALKS OUT INTO THE HALLWAY, WORRIED ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN JACK AND JENNIFER THE NIGHT BEFORE).
CUT TO
SCENE 4: INT. JACK'S CAR
JACK is driving and not speaking. JENNIFER looks over at him several times for some reaction. At a stoplight, he finally looks over.
JACK: Is my head on fire?
JENNIFER: (LOST) No. What do you mean by that?
JACK: That means you keep staring at me as if something's wrong.
JENNIFER: I do? I mean, I...nothing's wrong. You're just being a little quiet, that's all.
JACK: I thought you preferred it that way.
JENNIFER: (SMILING A LITTLE) Sometimes. (BEAT) Jack, I think we need to talk---
JACK: (BEGINNING TO DRIVE AS THE LIGHT CHANGES) About what? I mean, didn't we have quite the extensive discussion of swingsets just a little while ago.
JENNIFER: About us, Jack...about last night.
JACK: (TRYING TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT) It was a wonderful party, wasn't it?
JENNIFER: No, about after the party.
JACK: (PAINED) Oh.
JENNIFER: Oh? Jack, it took a lot for me to open up like that.
JACK: I...I know...I'm not saying it didn't. I just...I just think we should...we should leave that alone...for now.
JENNIFER: Jack, don't do this-
JACK: (STOPPING THE CAR AND PARKING. LOOKING OVER AT HER) Don't do what?
JENNIFER: You are ignoring it. You are ignoring what happened last night, what I told you.
JACK: (SHOUTING) I AM NOT! (LOWERING HIS VOICE) Jennifer-I'm...I'm just saying, I...I need a little time, that's all...to...to sort out what...what we talked about last night.
JENNIFER: (STUDYING HIS FACE FOR A MOMENT. NEAR TEARS) A little time?
JACK: (SWALLOWING HARD. LYING.) Yes, time. Before long, I'll be that loud, obstinate Jack Deveraux you always loved.
JENNIFER: (VOICE CRACKING) I hope so. (GOING TO GET OUT OF THE CAR) Are you coming?
JACK: Actually-I...have something I have to do...
JENNIFER: (LOST) Jack, you're in the same clothes from last night...
JACK: (LOOKING DOWN AT HIS TUX) I am, aren't I? Fancy that.
JENNIFER throws him a look.
JENNIFER: Jack-
JACK: Go on inside. I'll be back in...in two shakes of a lamb's tail...
JENNIFER: Two shakes of a lamb's tail? Jack, what are you up to?
JACK: Nothing....(TOUCHING HER HAND AND SQUEEZING) There's just something I have to do.
JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT HIM FOR A MOMENT) Okay. (SHE GETS OUT OF THE CAR AND LOOKS AT HIM INTENTLY BEFORE CLOSING THE DOOR) I'll be waiting.
JACK smiles weakly at her as she turns and walks up to the house. He then sighs heavily and puts the car into drive.
SCENE 5: INT. JACK AND JENNIFER'S LIVING ROOM
IN on JENNIFER, walking inside the door. JO hops up from the couch.
JO: Jennifer, I'm so glad you're home.
JENNIFER: (WEAKLY SMILING AND PUTTING HER KEYS DOWN ON THE SIDETABLE) Yeah.
JO: (ALARMED) Where's Jack?
JENNIFER: He, um, he had something to do. Did Abby get off to school okay?
JO: (SENSING SOMETHING IS WRONG) Yes. She was talking all about the party and how dashing her mommy and daddy looked. (BEAT) Jennifer, is something wrong?
JENNIFER: Wrong? N...no...I'm just a little tired, that's all. I think I'm going to go lie down.
JO: (CONFUSED) Okay.
JENNIFER: Yeah, I'm going to lie down. (WALKING WEAKLY UP THE STAIRS) I'll see you in a little while, Jo.
JO: In a little while (NERVOUS LAUGH)...In a little while. (JENNIFER EXITS AND JO KNOWS THAT SOMETHING IS DEFINITELY WRONG)
SCENE 6: INT. UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
IN on JACK, determinedly down the hall. He is disheveled, hair is sticking up and tie undone. He looks nervous.
SHAWN-D: (WALKING AROUND THE CORNER, CARRYING ISAAC AND INTO JACK) Whoa, Jack, I'm sorry.
JACK: (BRUSHING HIMSELF OFF) Shawn-Douglas! And Isaac, too. It's quite allright. No harm done.
SHAWN-D: (THROWING HIM AN ODD LOOK) Yeah. Great party last night, Jack.
JACK: (UNCONFORTABLE) It was, wasn't it? (ISAAC BEGINS TO CRY)
SHAWN-D: Oh, shoot. Come on, little guy, not now-you'll wake all the other patients. (HE TRIES TO BOUNCE HIM AS JACK LOOKS ON UNCOMFORTABLY)
JACK: (PUTTING HIS ARMS OUT) Here, let me try. (TAKING ISAAC FROM SHAWN-D)
SHAWN-D: Okay, but I don't think it'll work...I mean, he's really fussy as of late, especially since Mrs. Carv-(HE LOOKS ON IN AMAZEMENT AS JACK CALMS ISAAC DOWN) That's really amazing. He likes you. Wow, we've been having such a hard time with him.
JACK: (EMBARRASSED) It's nothing. (HE LOOKS AT ISAAC LOVINGLY AND THINKS OF THE CHILD HE AND JENNIFER LOST) Just a little something I learned with Abigail.
SHAWN-D: (SMILING) Abby's very lucky to have you, Jack. (TAKING ISAAC FROM JACK) Who knows? Maybe soon you and Jenn will be able to work your magic on a new member of the Horton family.
JACK: (A LITTLE TAKEN BACK) The ever growing Horton family tree...like rabbits, I tell you.
SHAWN-D: (ODD) Yeah. Well, it was nice talking to you, Jack. I'll see you later.
JACK: Later, dude (TRYING TO ACT COOL. SHAWN LAUGHS AT HIM AND WALKS AWAY) Horton babies....(ALL OF A SUDDEN, THERE IS A TAP ON JACK'S SHOULDER. HE TURNS AROUND AND SEES WHO IT IS)
COLIN: Jack? Nurse Brenda said someone was looking for me. (CURIOUS) Was it you?
JACK: (SMILING NERVOUSLY) Yes, yes it was...Can we...can we go somewhere and have a...(LOOKING AROUND AND WALKING OVER TO THE NURSES' LOUNGE)
COLIN: Jack, we shouldn't go in there...it's against hospital policy.
JACK: Please, I do this all the time.
They both enter the lounge. Once inside, COLIN walks over to pour some coffee.
COLIN: Can I pour you a spot of coffee?
JACK: No...
COLIN: (BACK TOWARDS JACK, WHILE FIXING COFFEE) I must admit, Jack, I was really surprised when I saw that it was you out there. I mean, after everything we've been through with each other and Jennifer...
JACK: (RUBBING HIS MOUTH NERVOUSLY. HE CANNOT BELIEVE WHAT HE'S ABOUT TO DO.) Actually, that's what I came here to talk about.
COLIN: (TURNING AROUND. INTERESTED) Come again?
JACK: (NERVOUSLY MEETING COLIN'S EYES) I came here to talk about someone, someone we both care deeply for. I came here to talk about Jennifer.
OUT on COLIN, interested in what JACK has to say.
EPISODE 54
SCENE 1: INT. HOSPITAL LOUNGE
IN on COLIN, looking curiously at JACK, who nervously dips his hands in his pockets.
COLIN: (LOST) You want to talk about Jennifer?
JACK: I believe I said that, yes.
COLIN: Jack, I don't know what to say-I mean, (SIGHING) this is mind boggling.
JACK: Be that as it may, I would...I would like to try. (LOOKING AWAY) Seems I've been doing a lot of that lately.
COLIN: (HANDING JACK HIS CUP OF COFFEE AND THEN GOING TO MAKE ANOTHER FOR HIMSELF) I must say, Jennifer Rose is quite the special lass...
JACK: (LOOKING LEERILY AT THE COFFEE. QUIET.) You're preaching to the choir here.
COLIN: (TURNING AROUND AND FACING HIM) What?
JACK: Nothing...nothing...stupid American expression. (BEAT) Now where were we?
COLIN: We were about to discuss one stubborn American blonde who stole both our hearts.
COLIN walks by and settles into a seat as JACK looks on with regret that he decided to do this.
SCENE 2: INT. HOSPITAL LOUNGE
A few moments has passed. COLIN is now seated in one of the chairs and is waiting for JACK to speak.
COLIN: You know Jack, I am on the clock, so if you would kindly...
JACK: Yes, yes, I know, time is money. (WALKING OVER AND PUTTING SUGAR IN HIS COFFEE)
COLIN: Money is the least of my worries, Jack.
JACK: (STOPPING AND GLARING AT HIM) Are you saying it's one of mine?
COLIN: (SMILING TO BREAK THE TENSION) Come on, Jack, it's no news that you come from rich blood. It's only natural that you want to make it rich once again.
JACK: You think you know a lot about me, don't you?
COLIN: I know enough.
JACK: Then you know that this...this being here...talking to you after...after everything is not easy for me.
COLIN: I know that. I also know that the subject matter is very important to you. And I can't say that I'm not happy about it. It's about time you realized just how special Jennifer is.
JACK: (LAUGHING SARCASTICALLY AND TAKING A SIP OF HIS COFFEE) Let me tell you something. I knew how special Jennif...I knew how special she was before you...before you could even walk...
COLIN: It sure didn't seem like it to me. Leaving her and Abby home alone whilst you went on with your life. For chrissake, Jack, you left her with a sick toddler.
JACK: (ANGRY. THROUGH GRITTED TEETH) You have no idea why I did that.
COLIN: I'm afraid I do, Jack. (STANDING UP) You left her because you were too scared to face the music. You left her because you didn't want to hurt her. Let me tell you something, though, you wound up hurting her tenfold by leaving. And she took you back...Just like she took you back when you found her at the coronation.
JACK: (CATCHING THAT) How do you know about the coronation?
COLIN: (COVERING) I...I must have heard about it from me family.
JACK: (MAKING NOTE OF IT) Right. Right. (BEAT. BEGINNING TO PACE) I guess everyone is entitled to his own opinion, wrong as it may be. Contrary to your belief, I did not intend to hurt Jennifer, just as I don't intend to hurt her this time. That's where you come in.
OUT on COLIN, looking wary of what JACK is about to say.
SCENE 3: INT. HOSPITAL LOUNGE
IN PROGRESS
COLIN: Where I come in? I'm sorry, but I'm not following you.
JACK: That's okay, not many people do. (BEAT) Now, it's established that Jennifer is a good, warm, caring individual....
COLIN: One of the best.
JACK: Correction. The best. And she deserves...(PAINED) she deserves all the happiness in the world.
COLIN: If you plan on rubbing salt in the wounds about chances not taken, don't.
JACK: Would I do that? Wait, don't answer that. (BEAT) Jennifer....Jennifer needs someone who is there for her, who could be there for her....Someone who (SITTING DOWN AND WAVING FOR COLIN TO SIT OPPOSITE OF HIM) is...is stable...someone who is kind and who can do all this stuff that I, how did you put it-a coward cannot.
COLIN: What are you saying, Jack? (BEAT) Do you plan on hurting her again? If you do, I'll-
JACK: You'll what? Relish in my downfall? Actually, helping her is more like it. And you'll do...
COLIN: I'll do?
JACK: Do...suffice. (WITH EACH WORD, HE BECOMES MORE AND MORE PAINED) She likes you already. You have a good vocation, and...and I assume you have money in the bank?
COLIN: Money in the-
JACK: Yes, yes, I'm sure you do. (GETTING UP) You will need a haircut, though, and a good tailor. Where do you get those suits anyway? I'll see what I can do about that minor detail.
COLIN: (LOOKING DOWN AT HIS TIE AND THEN TO JACK) Are you mad, man? (GETTING UP AND TURNING TOWARDS A PACING JACK) What are you up to?
JACK: Up to? Why must everything be a plan or a scheme to you? Have you one of your own?
COLIN: (CONFUSED) No, I-
JACK: I thought so. Actually, Colic, you are going to get everything you want if you stick with me.
OUT on COLIN'S nervousness.
SCENE 4: INT. HOSPITAL LOUNGE
COLIN: (WALKING TO THE DOOR AND OPENING IT) Jack, as enjoyable and confusing as this has been, I must bid you adieu---
JACK: (HURTING HIMSELF WITH THE WORDS) Do you love her?
COLIN: (SLOWLY TURNING AROUND TO FACE HIM AND CLOSING THE DOOR) What?
JACK: (PAINED) Do you love her...do you love Jennifer?
COLIN: Jack, this is ridiculous. You won, you got the girl--
JACK: I don't want the girl!
COLIN: How can you say that? She's smart, she's funny, she's beautiful-
JACK: (RAISING HIS VOICE) She's wonderful. Listen...I...I know all of that. I could write volumes about just how amazing she is!
COLIN: Then why are you doing this? She chose to be with you! She loves you! And you're willing to give that up? Why are you torturing yourself like that?
JACK: I wouldn't necessarily call it torture. This is not about me. It's about Jennifer.
COLIN: How?
JACK: She means...she means a lot to me. You know that. I'm just saying that things may happen and she may need a friend to help her pick up the pieces.
COLIN: That friend being me?
JACK: Now you've got it. You...you (ALLUDING TO THE MISCARRIAGE) helped her once before and I'm...I'm giving you the chance to do it again.
COLIN: Jack-
JACK: No, no, thank me later.
COLIN: (FINALLY SEEING THAT JACK IS GIVING HIM LEEWAY) You are a fool, man, giving her up so easily.
JACK: Once again, your opinion. I'd just feel better knowing that she has someone...someone to lean on. That someone being you, of course.
COLIN: Let me get this straight, you want me to pursue Jennifer?
JACK: (HURTING) Pursue, propose, marry. That stubborn American blonde is all yours.
COLIN: You are even a bigger fool than I imagined, but I would be one if I didn't take my chance. (BEAT) You know about what happened in Africa, don't you?
JACK: (LYING) I know that you were close, yes.
COLIN: That's all?
JACK: Isn't that enough?
COLIN: (KNOWING JACK KNOWS ABOUT THE BABY) Yes, I suppose it is.
JACK: (FORCED SMILE) Good. Now, I'll see you at a later date to discuss what to do about that pesky fiancée of yours.
COLIN: Lizzie?
JACK: (WALKING TO THE DOOR) Yes, "Lizzie." You can't have your cake and eat it too, can you? (OPENING THE DOOR)
COLIN: What about you?
JACK: What about me?
COLIN: What are you going to do?
JACK: Do?
COLIN: With your life-now that Jennifer's gone?
JACK: (THICK WITH EMOTION) Oh, I don't know. I'll think of something...(HE EXITS, LEAVING A THOROUGHLY CONFUSED COLIN TO PONDER A POSSIBLE FUTURE WITH JENNIFER)
Outside, JACK sighs heavily at the sacrifice he just made.
SCENE 5: INT. UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL-MATERNITY WARD
IN on JACK, walking somberly down the hall and looking over at the babies. He smiles painfully to them and walks smack into GRETA.
GRETA: Jack! What are you doing here? Wait, are you and Jennifer-
JACK: (NOT WANTING COMPANY BUT BEING CORDIAL) Are Jennifer and I what?
GRETA: (GIGGLING) Oh, I'm sorry, I was jumping the gun again. I just thought that you were in the maternity ward...
JACK: Oh...gotcha...no, Jennifer and I are not with...with child. Are you?
GRETA: (LAUGHING) No...no. I was just visiting a friend and-it's silly.
JACK: What's silly?
GRETA: I sometimes come down here and look at the babies. Silly because I can't even get a date, much less someone to father my child.
JACK: What about Austin? I thought he rocked your tiara for awhile there.
GRETA: (PULLING A FACE) With Sami.
JACK: And pass up a princess like you? Please!
GRETA: Now if every man thought like you--
JACK: We'd be in a lot of trouble.
GRETA: (NOTICING SOMETHING TROUBLING HIM) Hey, what are you doing here anyway?
JACK: (FORMULATING A PLAN IN HIS HEAD) Nothing...(PUTTING HIS ARM AROUND HER AND WALKING AWAY) Actually, Princess, I was hoping I'd run into you. Maybe I could be of assistance with increasing your dating potential.
GRETA: Jack, I'm thinking we won't increase it much by being seen together at the hospital.
JACK: Then how 'bout another time?
GRETA: Another time? Aren't you and Jennifer a little busy putting your marriage back together?
JACK: That, that-piece of cake! Actually, I'm going to have some free time now...a lot of free time. Shall we? (THEY EXIT WITH GRETA LOOKING ODDLY AT HIS MENTION OF "FREE TIME")
EPISODE 55
SCENE 1: INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM-NIGHT
IN on JENNIFER, sitting on her bed in her pajamas and trying not to think of where JACK may be. She thinks back to how he left her that morning, how he said he had something to do.
FADE OUT of flashback, to JENNIFER, contemplating what he meant by that statement. She sighs and begins to turn down the bed when she sees a flash of headlights in the window.
JENNIFER: (BREATHLESS) Jack! (RUNS TO THE WINDOW TO SEE IF IT'S HIM)
SCENE 2: INT. J & J'S LIVING ROOM
IN on the front door. The doorknob is being jiggled because someone is having trouble opening it.
JO enters from the kitchen, in her robe, holding a box of Mallomars and a glass of milk. She is frightened at who may be at the door.
JO: (SCARED) Oh, dear. (SETTING HER SNACKS ON THE COFFEE TABLE AND WALKING TO THE DOOR AND TRYING TO PEEK OUT THE PEEPHOLE, BUT ALL SHE SEES IS SOMEONE BENT OVER TRYING TO GET IN) Oh my! (LOOKING FOR SOME SORT OF WEAPON, SHE FINALLY PICKS UP AN UMBRELLA AND OPENS THE DOOR AND SWINGS AT THE "INTRUDER") You, you, slimeball!! Why, I should! (REALIZING WHO IT IS) Jack!
OUT on JACK, very drunk, covering his head, in shock that his own mother would think he was breaking in.
SCENE 3: INT. J & J'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
JACK: Talk about a welcome home. (WALKING PAST HER INTO THE LIVING ROOM)
JO: (SEETHING AND CLOSING THE DOOR) Jack, what are you doing lurking outside in the middle of the night? What are you doing out in the middle of the night period? You said you'd be back hours ago.
JACK: (FLOPPING STOMACH FIRST ON THE COUCH) I did?
JO: (PUTTING UP THE UMBRELLA AND WALKING INTO THE LIVING ROOM AND TURNING ON A LAMP) Yup. You did. Good Lord, son, we almost sent the calvary out for you.
JACK: (LOOKING UP ODDLY AT HER) The calvary? Can't a grown man go out, have a little fun? Wait a minute, wait a minute (SITTING UP), are you trying to get back at me for all those fun teenage years you missed with me? Well, let me tell you something...
JO: (CROSSING HER ARMS DEFIANTLY) Uh-uh, I don't want to hear it. I'm just glad you're home and safe.
JACK: Home and safe, home and safe...safe at home...
JO: How much have you had to drink?
JACK: Clearly not enough if I can still understand what you're saying.
JO: Son, I can smell your breath all the way from over here.
JACK: You should see what it smells like over here. Bonafide weed killer.
JO: You know, I'm not the only one who's been worried sick about you, Jack. (SITTING DOWN IN AN ARMCHAIR) Jennifer's been worried sick, too.
PAN to JENNIFER, who catches these words as she comes down the stairs. Seeing as no one heard her, she decides to duck behind a wall and listen.
JACK: (WISTFULLY) Jennifer. Jen-ni-fer (BEGINNING TO SING HER NAME) Jennifer, Jennifer, Jennifer. It sounds melodic, doesn't it?
JO: (SMILING WEAKLY) Are you alright?
JACK: (GETTING UP) Alright? I couldn't be better. (WALKING TO THE BAR, UNLOCKING IT, AND POURING HIMSELF A SCOTCH) I've got a great wife, wait, a great ex-wife, a great family, wait, a great pseudo-family, and a great job, wait a minute, I don't even have one of those.
JO: Oh no you don't, I don't want to hear any of that.
JACK: Of what?
JO: Of your pity-party mantras. You know you have a good thing here and you know it has the potential to get better, if..
JACK: If what?
JO: If (WALKING OVER AND SNATCHING THE CUP OUT OF HIS HAND) you'd work on it. You can start by not going out and drinking your troubles away.
JACK: (LOOKING AT HER WITH ANNOYANCE) I wish.
JO: You wish what? That a bottle could take away all your troubles? Let me be the first to tell you, it can't.
JACK: I know that!
JO: Then act like you do!
JACK: (LOWERING HIS VOICE) Can I...can I please have my drink back?
JO: (SITTING DOWN DEFIANTLY) No. Not until you tell me what's troubling you.
OUT on JACK, upset that she insists on knowing what's wrong.
SCENE 4: INT. J & J'S LIVING ROOM
IN on JENNIFER, peering around the corner. She is curious about what JACK is going to say.
CUT to JACK and JO
JACK: What makes you think something's wrong? I told you everything was fine, just peachy-keen...
JO: I'm not buying it, Jack.
JACK: There really is nothing to buy. (REACHING FOR HIS CUP) Now are you going to give me back my drink or am I going to have to pour another?
JO: (RELUCTANTLY HANDING HIM BACK HIS CUP) Fine. Drink yourself silly, I won't care.
JACK: Why should you?
JO: Why should I what?
JACK: Why should you care? Why should anyone? I'm just Jack "doomed to fail" Deveraux. Really, people should place their bets against me.
JO: What are you talking about?
JACK: (TAKING A BIG SIP OF HIS SCOTCH) Please, you know what I'm talking about. Wacky Jack Deveraux, can't win for losing.
JO: Jack, don't-
JACK: Don't what? Don't list my failures? Afraid you won't get to eat your, your (LOOKING AT THE COOKIE BOX SHE HAS PUT DOWN) mallomars? I could go on for hours.
JO: And I won't believe a word of it.
JACK: You won't, will you? I could sit here and talk about everything I...everything I screwed up...the paper, my family. I could talk till I'm blue in the face and you'll still sit there and think I'm just perfect. Just fine the way I am...
JO: (STANDING UP) You are, son. Can't you see that? What you do is fine because it works for you.
JACK: (WAVING HER OFF) That's garbage.
JO: It is not!
JACK: It is so! All of that (STOPPING, SEEING JENNIFER RUSH DOWN THE STAIRS, STOP AND LOOK HIM STRAIGHT IN THE EYE) is garbage.
JENNIFER: It is not, Jack. And Jo's not the only one who thinks that.
OUT on JACK, knowing he's in for quite the argument.
SCENE 5: INT. J&J'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
JO: (LOOKING FROM JACK TO JENNIFER, SURPRISED) Jennifer--
JENNIFER: (IGNORING JO) Garbage? How can you say that's garbage, Jack?
JACK: Listen, Jennif-
JENNIFER: No, how can you say that? After everything we've been through-
ABBY: (V.O.) Mommy! Daddy! Is something wrong?
JO: (LOOKING FROM THE TWO OF THEM, WHO ARE NERVOUSLY LOOKING UP THE STAIRS) Oh, Abby. I'll go get her. (RUSHING OFF, KNOWING THERE IS GOING TO BE ONE HELL OF A FIGHT)
JACK: You forgot your mallo-(REACHING OVER AND EATING ONE OF HER COOKIES) These are disgusting! I'd much prefer a Napoleon. (TRYING TO LIGHTEN THE MOMENT) Hey, do we have any of those left?
JENNIFER: (WALKING OVER WITH HER HAND ON HER HIP) Where were you all night, Jack?
JACK: I was...I was out. I said I had something to take care of.
JENNIFER: You said that this morning. Was the something you getting drunk? Let me tell you, Jack, you succeeded. (BEAT) You didn't drive home did you?
JACK: I may not know how to handle my liquor, but I'm not stupid. I got a ride home.
JENNIFER: From who, Jack?
JACK: From...from Princess Von Amburg...(DUCKING AROUND HER TO AVOID HER EYES)
OUT on JENNIFER, seething.
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SCENE 6: INT. J & J'S LIVING ROOM
IN PROGRESS
JENNIFER: (TURNING TOWARDS HIM AND CROSSING HER ARMS. HURT.) You...you called Greta?
JACK: Well, actually, I didn't call her. She was...she was already there...
JENNIFER: At a bar? It doesn't seem like a very royal thing to do. Get sloshed with the common folk.
JACK: Hey, wait a minute, I'm not common folk. I'll have you know I can trace my ancestry back to three dukes and two heiresses.
JENNIFER: (THROWING HIM A LOOK AND UNCROSSING HER ARMS) So, you go to a bar and find the princess...
JACK: I did no such thing. Like I said, she was already there...we ran into each other...(LIGHTBULB MOMENT) does that bother you?
JENNIFER: (LYING AND TURNING AWAY) No.
JACK: Yes it does. It bothers you. Jennifer Rose Horton, you are jealous!
JENNIFER: (TURNING TOWARDS HIM) I am not!
JACK: (LAUGHING) You are too. Look at you, you're practically green with envy. Did you...did you want to have a few drinks with me?
JENNIFER: (WALKING TO THE BAR AND POURING HERSELF A GLASS OF SCOTCH) No...I tell you what though, I need a drink now. (DRINKING IT IN ONE GULP)
JACK: (IN SHOCK) Jennifer!
JENNIFER: (LYING) I am not jealous of Greta or any other princess that comes along. Why should I be? Do I have a reason to be jealous, Jack?
JACK: No, but...
JENNIFER: But what? (WALKING AWAY FROM THE BAR AND COMING CLOSER TO HIM) I just wanted you to come home so we can talk, that's all. (GETTING EMOTIONAL) Talk about what I told you last night but you couldn't do that, could you, Jack? And then I thought that maybe he needs some time to think, sometime to process what I told him but I was wrong. Instead, you were out doing the complete opposite-muddling up your mind, trying to forget. And then you come home and try and turn it around on me. (LOOKING DOWN AND TUCKING HER HAIR BEHIND HER EARS) I don't know what to do, Jack. I don't know what to do. I can't keep making excuses for you, Jack. I can't. (SHAKING HER HEAD, SHE WALKS TO THE STAIRS)
JACK: (REALIZING HOW BADLY HE HURT HER) Jennifer, wait-what you said, it's not true.
JENNIFER: What, Jack, you weren't out getting drunk and leaving me alone? You were really here all along? Did you not just avoid all my questions?
JACK: Well, no, but-
JENNIFER: (SIGHING) Goodnight, Jack.
JACK: Jennifer-
JENNIFER: (HEADING UP THE STAIRS) Goodnight.
JACK turns his back towards her and rubs his chin, knowing how hard this must be for her. It hurts him more than he realized, too. JENNIFER pauses behind him and sees that he's distraught but can't deal. She exits up the stairs.
SCENE 7: INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM
IN on JENNIFER, walking in and sitting down on her bed, thinking about what JACK had just said. She is tired and emotional.
JENNIFER: (TO HERSELF) Jack, why can't you just make this easy? Why does it always have to be so hard for us?
CUT TO
SCENE 8: INT. J&J'S LIVING ROOM
JACK: (SOMBERLY GOING TO SHUT OFF THE LIGHTS. THINKING ABOUT JENNIFER. TO HIMSELF) Why does this have to be so hard, Jennifer? Can't you see that I'm doing this for us, for you?
(TURNING OFF THE FINAL LIGHT, HE WALKS SLOWLY UP THE STAIRS)
Chapters 1 - 5 *** Chapters 6 - 10 *** Chapters 11 - 15 *** Chapters 16 - 20 *** Chapters 21 - 25 Chapters 26 - 30 *** Chapters 31 - 35 *** Chapters 36 - 40 *** Chapters 41 - 45 *** Chapters 46 - 50 Chapters 51 - 55 *** Chapters 56 - 60 *** Chapters 61 - 64