Keeping Up With The Deverauxes

by Jennifer-Lynn D'Anna

Episodes 56 - 60

EPISODE 56

SCENE 1: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE-WAITING AREA-AFTERNOON A FEW DAYS LATER

IN on MARY, working at her desk. The door opens and JENNIFER walks over.

JENNIFER: (NERVOUS) Um, hi.

MARY: (LOOKING UP) Oh, hi, Miss Horton. I didn't realize you had an appointment today (THUMBING FRANTICALLY THROUGH HER CALENDAR). What time did I book you?

JENNIFER: Actually, you didn't. I'm just here because something came up. I was wondering if Marlena, Dr. Evans, has a minute or two to spare?

MARY: (NOTING JENNIFER'S NERVOUSNESS) I see. Well, let me see what I can do. (EXAMINING THE CALENDAR AGAIN AS JENNIFER PEERS OVER HER). You can have a seat, Miss Horton.

JENNIFER: Oh, yes. Thank you. (WALKING AND SITTING DOWN NERVOUSLY WITH HER PURSE IN HER LAP AND HER HANDS BENEATH HER LEGS, WHICH ARE BOUNCING) (VOICEOVER) Look at her...she thinks I'm some sort of a nutcase. Oh, Jennifer Rose, what have you done to get here?

MARY: (HANGING UP THE PHONE) Miss Horton?

JENNIFER: (STANDING UP) Yes?

MARY: Dr. Evans will see you now.

OUT on JENNIFER, looking at MARLENA'S office door, wondering if she should go in.

 


SCENE 2: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

JENNIFER enters to find MARLENA working diligently at her desk. She peeks her head inside and MARLENA looks up.

MARLENA: (SMILING) Jennifer, how nice to see you.

JENNIFER: (SMILING NERVOUSLY AND WALKING OVER) Hi, Marlena. I really do appreciate you fitting me in here.

MARLENA: I'm glad I could. Have a seat. I see you're alone today.

JENNIFER: (SITTING DOWN) Oh, you mean without Jack?

MARLENA: Yes, without Jack. (NOTICING JENNIFER'S NERVOUSNESS) Jennifer does that bother you?

JENNIFER: That you find it odd that Jack's not here? No.

MARLENA: I wasn't talking about that. Does it bother you that he isn't here?

JENNIFER: Well, no....should it?

MARLENA: No...I just thought you were rather opposed to coming to sessions alone.

JENNIFER: I mean, I don't like the idea of coming here by myself but...Marlena, I came here not for myself, really. I need to talk about things.

MARLENA: Things you can't talk about with him?

JENNIFER: No, not really.

MARLENA: And why do you think that is?

JENNIFER: Well, because it's about a subject Jack hates to talk about.

MARLENA: How do you know? Have you tried?

JENNIFER: On countless occasions. Marlena, what I need to talk about...well, I need to talk about Jack.

MARLENA raises an eyebrow at the subject matter.

 


SCENE 3: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN PROGRESS

MARLENA: You want to talk about Jack?

JENNIFER: Yes, well not Jack in general, just a problem he's having. I'm sorry, is that a problem?

MARLENA: No, it's just that I think it would be more effective if you spoke about these things with him, that's all.

JENNIFER: I can't. Trust me on this one.

MARLENA: Okay. (GETTING UP TO POUR SOME COFFEE). So, where do you want to start? (BEAT) Jennifer, would you like some coffee?

JENNIFER: (WATCHING MARLENA INTENTLY) Coffee? No...I'm fine.

MARLENA: (WALKING BACK OVER AND SITTING DOWN) What's up with Jack lately?

JENNIFER: I wish I could tell you.

MARLENA: You wish you could tell me? Jennifer, has Jack been around?

JENNIFER: To see Abby off to school and to tuck her in but that's about it.

MARLENA: You mean you two haven't been talking?

JENNIFER: We've been talking alright. "Jennifer, would you like some cookies?", "Jennifer, I think we should order out tonight", "Have you seen the paper this morning, Jennifer?"

MARLENA: (LOST) You mean you two haven't been talking about anything we've discussed here?

JENNIFER: Actually, we've been avoiding it like the plague. Okay, he has. Marlena, I've tried talking to him but every single time-

MARLENA: Something comes up. And what about you?

JENNIFER: What about me? I've been...I've honestly been the most open I've been in months.

MARLENA: And he's been closing himself up. That must really be hard on you.

JENNIFER: It is and it isn't. I'm used to it. Wow, that sounds really unhealthy, doesn't it?

MARLENA: Not really. (BEAT) I just don't seem to understand, Jennifer, we were making such headway here with him. Did something happen that would set him back a few steps?

JENNIFER: (GETTING UP) You know, maybe I will have some of that coffee you were talking about. (FIXING HERSELF A CUP)

MARLENA: (STANDING UP AND WALKING OVER TO WHERE JENNIFER IS) Jennifer, did something happen between you to scare him? Did you two make love for the first time in months?

JENNIFER: (NEARLY CHOKING ON HER COFFEE) No...that's not it. We barely kiss now. To make...to do that...well, I don't know, but that definitely wasn't it.

MARLENA: Then what is it, Jennifer? Something must've happened to cause Jack to act this way.

JENNIFER: (WALKING PAST MARLENA AND SITTING DOWN) Why do you think that, Marlena? Maybe Jack just decided he doesn't love me anymore, that he didn't want to try to work things out.

MARLENA: You know that's not true. We've already established that significant emotional events trigger these responses in Jack. He feels unworthy.

JENNIFER: I don't know, Marlena. Will you quit giving me the third degree about it?

MARLENA: (WALKING OVER TO HER DESK AND SITTING ON THE CORNER OF IT) Jennifer, this is not like you.

JENNIFER: (BOWING HER HEAD TO AVOID HER EYES) I don't know what you're talking about.

MARLENA: You're lying. You are keeping something from me.

JENNIFER: I am not.

MARLENA: (THINKING FOR A MINUTE ABOUT HOW TO PROCEED) Jennifer, you came to me for help. I offered it, but as your psychiatrist and as your friend, I can only help as much as you let me. If you want to get through this, if you want to deal with this demon you've been harboring for so long, you are going to have to tell me.

JENNIFER: (VOICE CRACKING) Marlena-

MARLENA: Jennifer, what did you say or do to Jack to make him react like this? What are you feeling so bad about?

OUT on JENNIFER, biting her lip to avoid telling her "secret".

 


SCENE 4: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

JENNIFER: (GETTING UP AND WALKING OVER TO THE COFFEE MAKER) I need more sugar.

MARLENA: You need more time to figure out an excuse.

JENNIFER: (OPENING THE SUGAR PACKETS AND TRYING TO CHUCKLE) That's ridiculous.

MARLENA: Is it?

JENNIFER: Marlena, I'd really wish you'd-

MARLENA: You'd wish I'd stop asking questions you don't want to answer. Jennifer, that's what therapy is about.

JENNIFER: I wish you'd understand how hard this is for me.

MARLENA: I know how hard this is for you. Jennifer, do you think it's not hard on me to watch someone I care about suffer so much? I'm trying to help.

JENNIFER: (SIGHING AND THEN CHANGING HER TONE) I know you are. Marlena, I...You're right. I did something that caused Jack to do this. I guess I already knew he'd react this way, but I hoped...

MARLENA: You hoped you'd be wrong.

JENNIFER: Yeah. (BEAT) Marlena, do you think I'm a bad person?

MARLENA: No, I think you're someone who needs a little help muddling through some confusing spots right now.

JENNIFER: (LOOKING AT HER COFFEE AND STIRRING IT) Thank you for saying that.

MARLENA: No thanks are needed. I'm telling the truth. (BEAT) Now why don't you tell me the truth about what went on between you and Jack.

JENNIFER: (TAKING A DEEP BREATH AND STARTING) The other night at my birthday, we were so happy.

MARLENA: (SMILING REASSURINGLY) I remember.

JENNIFER: Well, then Colin showed up and Jack got all weird and...

MARLENA: Does he have a reason to be "all weird", Jennifer? You followed Colin to Ireland, remember?

JENNIFER: I know, but...Marlena, Colin was a good friend to me.

MARLENA: I'm sure he was.

JENNIFER: No, I mean...Do you remember the other day how you asked me if Jack and I wanted more children?

MARLENA: (CONFUSED) Yes.

JENNIFER: (NEAR TEARS) What would you say if I told you that I was pregnant while in Africa and that I lost the baby? What would you say if I told you I wanted to lose the baby? And what would you say if I told you that the one person I trusted more than anyone in the world was the one I couldn't tell about this and now that I have I've probably lost him forever? (BREAKING DOWN)

MARLENA: (SHOCKED. AFTER A MINUTE) I'd say that that explains a lot of things. I'd also say that we have a lot of work to do. (WALKING OVER AND HITTING THE INTERCOM BUTTON) Mary, will you cancel all my appointments for this afternoon? I'll be in with Miss Horton for some time.

MARLENA looks up at JENNIFER, who smiles weakly through her tears, which are now streaming down her face.

 

EPISODE 57

SCENE 1: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN on JENNIFER, staring at MARLENA, who just cancelled her appointments for the rest of the day.

JENNIFER: You think I'm an awful person, don't you?

MARLENA: Jennifer, I wish you'd quit saying that. No, I don't think you are an awful person. (MOTIONING) Have a seat and we'll talk about this. (WAITING FOR JENNIFER TO GET COMFORTABLE AND THEN SITTING DOWN HERSELF) Now, tell me everything. I'm assuming this happened in Africa?

JENNIFER: (NODDING) Yes.

MARLENA: A little after I left you and Jack?

JENNIFER: I found out not too long after that. (GRABBING A TISSUE) Oh, Marlena, I wanted so bad not to be. I mean, Jack was gone and-

MARLENA: And you were unsure. Jennifer, it was a perfectly normal feeling.

JENNIFER: But a baby, Marlena. A perfectly innocent child and I didn't want him and now everytime I look at Hope with Isaac all I keep thinking is, that should be me. Our babies should be playing together, growing up together. I was so selfish.

MARLENA: You were alone, Jennifer. You were scared.

JENNIFER: I was irresponsible. I lost a child and I'll never get him back, all because I was too worried about myself. I'm an awful mother. And I kept it from Jack. I should've told him...I should've, but...

MARLENA: But you couldn't. And we all know why.

OUT on JENNIFER, who knows MARLENA is right.

 


SCENE 2: INT. J & J'S LIVING ROOM

IN on JACK, who is on the couch thumbing through old photo albums with tears in his eyes. He wishes he could be happy, but knows that he will just hurt those he loves.

JACK: (TO HIMSELF) No...no...no...Jennifer needs someone who can be there, who was there.

JO walks in from the foyer. She has been out shopping and is still in her coat. JACK sets the photo album down.

JO: Jack? (SMILING AND TAKING OFF HER COAT AND HANGING IT) You're home.

JACK: What is it with everybody acting so surprised to see me? It's not like I haven't been around since February.

JO: Oh, it's just I thought you'd be down at the hospital, that's all.

JACK: The hospital? Is it green jello day in the cafeteria?

JO: (GOING THROUGH HER BAGS) You don't have to be so flip, Jack. I just thought you'd be down at the hospital with Jennifer.

JACK: (FINDING THIS INFORMATION INTERESTING) So that's where she is. (UNDER HIS BREATH) Fancy that, my plan is working already.

JO: What was that?

JACK: What was what?

JO: (GIVING HIM A FACE) You said something.

JACK: Oh, that. I was just saying...saying how glad I am that your home....already.

JO: (WALKING TOWARDS HIM) Oh no, not again...

JACK: (JUMPING UP) What? (RUNNING AROUND THE COUCH) Jo, have you gone and lost your mind?

JO: No, but I'm fairly sure you have. Billy Johnson, what are you up to?

OUT on JACK, feigning shock that he's "up to" anything.

 


SCENE 3: INT. J & J'S LIVING ROOM

IN PROGRESS

JACK: I am not "up to" anything. Can't a man just lower his voice sometimes?

JO: Normal men can, but you...you can't. It always means you're up to some hare-brained scheme.

JACK: (FAKE HURT) Hare-brained? Why, I never!!

JO: You never, alright. Are you forgetting that I was here for the bulk of them? A willing accomplice in them, nonetheless.

JACK: You make it sound like I'm a common criminal.

JO: (RAISING AN EYEBROW) You tried to fix your pregnant wife up with another man, Billy!

JACK: I thought I was dying!

JO: You videotaped them!

JACK: I did, didn't I? I wonder what ever happened to those tapes anyway.

JO: Billy!

JACK: You know, I wish you'd quit calling me that. Jack, J-A-C-K, say it with me now.

JO: You'll always be Billy to me. Oh, son, when are you ever going to learn?

JACK: Learn what?

JO: That you can't play these games anymore. People get hurt. You get hurt.

JACK: (MOVED BY HER CONCERN) I...Listen, I am not playing games. I'm just doing what's right.

JO: What's right for who?

JACK: Whom. The whom being my family. I'm doing what's right for my family.

JO: If it's so right, why are you keeping it from them, son? What are you doing that you can't tell Jennifer?

 


SCENE 4: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN PROGRESS

MARLENA: Jennifer, do you think I don't know what it's like to lose a child?

JENNIFER: I know, Marlena, but Belle was found.

MARLENA: I'm not talking about Belle, Jennifer. I'm talking about my son.

JENNIFER: But Eric's fine. You said he was back in Colorado.

MARLENA: My other son. I have been fortunate enough to have had six wonderful children in my lifetime. I've watched five of them grow up to be wonderful adults. I only wish I had seen all six of them do so.

JENNIFER: Marlena, did you-

MARLENA: You might not know this, but there was a Marlena Evans before there was ever a Roman Brady or a John Black. Just like there was a Jennifer Horton before there was a Jack Deveraux.

JENNIFER: I never doubted that. It's just...

MARLENA: I know. It's hard to think of me without the other but a long time ago, I was. Did you know that when you were a little girl I was married to Don Craig, Amelia's son?

JENNIFER: Grandma mentioned it before, but I never really thought about it.

MARLENA: It seems like eons ago, doesn't it? Well, Don and I we had a son, his name was D.J. (WISTFUL, EYES FILLING WITH TEARS) Donald Jeremiah, Jr.

JENNIFER: (CONCERNED) Oh Marlena.

MARLENA: (GRABBING A TISSUE HERSELF AND LAUGHING A LITTLE) I'm supposed to help you, not join you.

JENNIFER: It's okay, Marlena. Really it is.

MARLENA: (WIPING HER EYES A LITTLE) It's just I haven't really spoken of him in a long time. He was such a happy little baby. Premature but a real fighter. He would make these little fists like he was showing you that he wasn't going to give up.

JENNIFER: What happened?

MARLENA: We lost him. It was SIDS. We know more about it now, but back then...Jennifer, when I lost D.J., I lost a little bit of myself. I kept thinking if only I had been in the room with him, if only I had watched him more carefully, if only...

JENNIFER: Oh, Marlena, you shouldn't feel like that. You didn't do anything. You couldn't do anything.

MARLENA: Which is precisely what I'm telling you.

 


SCENE 5: INT. J & J'S LIVING ROOM

IN PROGRESS

JACK: I'm not keeping anything from anyone.

JO: Billy--Jack, don't do this---

JACK: I'm not doing anything, keeping anything. What more can I say?

JO: (GIVING UP AND TURNING TO PICK UP HER BAGS) Fine, do what you must. Just know that I don't approve.

JACK: (SEEING THAT HE HURT HER AND WANTING TO MAKE IT UP) Jo, um, Mother---

JO: (BRIGHTENING A LITTLE AT THE "MOTHER" AND TURNING AROUND) Yes?

JACK: Do you, um, as far as fathers go, I mean...I'm no Steve and all, but...do you think I'm a good (CANNOT FINISH THE SENTENCE)

JO: (MEETING HIS EYES AND SMILING) I think you are an excellent father.

JACK: You...you do?

JO: I do.

JACK: That, that means a lot. I know you're biased and all, but...

JO: Jack, you are a great father. Why would you ask? (LOOKING AROUND AT THE PICTURE BOOKS ON THE COUCH) Is this what this is all about?

JACK: (IGNORING HER MENTION OF THE PHOTO ALBUMS) I don't...I don't know...maybe it's because I haven't had the best examples. It wasn't exactly the "Brady Bunch" over at the Deveraux mansion growing up. The fictional Bradys, that is, not the proprieters of the fish market-slash-pub.

JO: I know what you mean, son. (THE PHONE RINGS) I'll get that. (PICKING UP THE PHONE) Hello? ....Yes....Yes....Tell her to just sit tight, someone will be right there. (HANGING UP THE PHONE)

JACK: (CURIOUS) Who was that?

JO: That was the school.

JACK: (GETTING NERVOUS) The school? Is everything allright? Did Abigail get hurt?

JO: Now, calm down son. She's just got a little bellyache. The nurse said she got sick at school and asked if we could come pick her up. Just let me get my coat (GOING TO THE COAT RACK) and I'll drive over there.

JACK: No, I'll go....Abigail needs her father. (GRABS HIS COAT AND KEYS AND HEADS OUT FRANTICALLY)

JO: (CHUCKLING) And he can't see he's a good father. (SHAKING HER HEAD, SHE PICKS UP HER BAGS AND HEADS UPSTAIRS)

 


SCENE 6: INT. MARLENA'S OFFICE

IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER: I appreciate you telling me this, Marlena, but the two situations aren't really comparable.

MARLENA: And how's that?

JENNIFER: Well, you...you didn't wish that your son wasn't there.

MARLENA: No, I didn't, but neither did you.

JENNIFER: But Marlena, I said that I didn't want a baby right then-

MARLENA: Oh, Jennifer, do you know how many mothers say that? How many people always say that a baby is coming at a wrong time?

JENNIFER: But this is different.

MARLENA: How? Because you lost the baby? You know very well that your miscarrying had nothing to do with that thought.

JENNIFER: I wished the baby wasn't there.

MARLENA: You wished that because you didn't think you could handle it at the time. (BEAT) Let me ask you this, Jennifer, if you had this baby, would you still hate him, still wish he weren't here?

JENNIFER: (SHOCKED THAT SHE'D THINK THAT) No...I could never.

MARLENA: There's your answer. Everything that happened between you and Jack was a direct result of that. You blamed him for not being there at first, then shifted the blame to yourself. Now that you've told him, you know that he's questioning every aspect of his and your relationship.

JENNIFER: Marlena, I knew he'd react like this. I shouldn't have kept it from him.

MARLENA: No, you shouldn't have, but I'm sure you had your reasons. Jack will not break Jennifer. You seem to think that. You handle him with kid gloves.

JENNIFER: (RAISING HER EYEBROWS) I think that's the other way around.

MARLENA: Do you? I wasn't really around when you were raped (JENNIFER SHIVERS AT THE MENTION), but I do recall you keeping that from him when it first happened.

JENNIFER: It almost tore us apart. That was because...

MARLENA: I know why you did that...(CHOOSING HER WORDS CAREFULLY) because he raped someone...once you figured out that he didn't leave you willingly in Africa, you decided to keep the miscarriage from him because of his past, his relationship with Harper.

JENNIFER: (LIGHTBULB MOMENT) And all these years I thought he was the one who was scared he'd break me.

MARLENA: Oh he is...but we'll save that for your group session. I just want you to see that there is a method to your madness and that you and Jack tend to follow a pattern. I also want you to see that there is no reason for you to blame yourself or Jack for this miscarriage. That baby would've been overjoyed to have you two as parents.

JENNIFER: (SMILING) Thank you, Marlena. I should go and find Jack (STANDING UP). I feel bad about you canceling all your appointments, though.

MARLENA: (STANDING UP) Don't. I don't really feel like going on much anyway today.

JENNIFER: (NODDING, KNOWING SHE'S TALKING ABOUT D.J.) I understand. (WALKING TO THE DOOR BUT STOPPING AND TURNING TO MARLENA) Marlena, I..hate to ask but is, nevermind.

MARLENA: No, go on.

JENNIFER: Okay.. was D.J.'s death the reason you and Mr. Craig divorced?

MARLENA: (A LITTLE TAKEN BACK) There were several reasons for Don's and my breakup, but I'd be lying to say that his death didn't affect our marriage. We never really could let that go.

JENNIFER: (PAINED) Oh.

MARLENA: Jennifer, that doesn't necessarily mean it will happen to you and Jack. I have faith in the two of you.

JENNIFER: Yeah, thanks.

JENNIFER exits and stands outside the door.

JENNIFER: (TO HERSELF) I only wish I did, Marlena...I only wish I did.

INSIDE MARLENA'S OFFICE:

MARLENA: (SITTING DOWN) Oh, Jennifer. (SHE OPENS UP A DRAWER AND PULLS OUT A SMALL FRAMED BABY PICTURE) I know exactly how you feel. (SHE BEGINS TO CRY)

 


SCENE 7: INT. SCHOOL OFFICE

JACK walks into the school office, BREATHLESS, and walks to the front desk.

WOMAN: Can I help you, sir?

JACK: Yes, I'm Jack Deveraux, I'm here to pick up Abigail Deveraux.

ABBY: (WEAKLY, FROM BEHIND HIM WHERE SHE IS SITTING ON A CHAIR) Hi Daddy.

JACK: (RUSHING OVER AND KNEELING DOWN IN FRONT OF HER) Hey, little Miss Tummy Troubles, how 'ya feeling? (CHECKS HER HEAD)

ABBY: Not so good. (BEAT) I threw up.

JACK: I heard. You're also burning up.

WOMAN: The nurse said she has a 101 fever.

JACK: (NERVOUS) Did she say anything else?

WOMAN: (READING HER CLIPBOARD) Just that she gave her two children's tylenol and that the fever should break but until then, you might want to let her rest a bit and consult your physician. I see you're new in the area. Do you have a pediatrician?

JACK: (RUBBING ABBY'S HEAD. NOT TURNING TOWARDS THE WOMAN) Her mother's a Horton, I'm sure we have one.

WOMAN: Oh, Jennifer Horton? Now I remember, you two used to work together over at the paper.

JACK: (NOT PAYING HER ANY ATTENTION) Yes, yes we did. Are we free to go?

WOMAN: I just have to see your i.d. and have you sign right here.

JACK: (RELUCTANTLY GETTING UP-HE DOES NOT WANT TO LEAVE ABIGAIL--AND HANDING HER HIS WALLET) Here. (SIGNING THE CLIPBOARD)

WOMAN: (LOOKING AT THE I.D.) Oooh, cute picture.

JACK: (ANNOYED) Thank you. Can we go now?

WOMAN: (ANNOYED AT HIS REFUSAL TO FLIRT) Sure, whatever.

JACK: (PICKING UP ABBY) Up you go. Wave goodbye to the nice lady. (TO THE WOMAN AS THEY EXIT) Have a (DRIPPING WITH SARCASM) wonderful day.

ON THE WAY TO THE CAR:

ABBY: She likes you.

JACK: I know. I like you.

ABBY: I like you too. Thanks for getting me, Daddy.

JACK: Why wouldn't I? A day with my favorite little girl in the whole world, how could I pass that up?

ABBY: I love you, Daddy. You're the best. (SHE HUGS HIS NECK)

JACK: (TEARING UP) I think you're wrong, kiddo. You are.

OUT on JACK, squeezing her close.

 


SCENE 8: INT. J & J'S LIVING ROOM

JENNIFER enters.

JENNIFER: Jack? Jack, are you here? Oh well. (SEEING THE PHOTO ALBUMS) What's this? (SITTING DOWN AND THINKING ABOUT MARLENA SAID) Please don't let that happen to us...please...

The door opens and JACK walks in, carrying a sleeping ABBY. He motions for JENNIFER to shhh.

JENNIFER: (RUNNING OVER AND WHISPERING) What's wrong?

JACK: (WHISPERING AS WELL) Some sort of a bug. She's taken two tylenol.

JENNIFER: Thanks for getting her.

JACK: Why wouldn't I? You were gone and...

JENNIFER: I know. Maybe you should get her upstairs.

JACK: (MEETING HER EYES) Yeah. (GOING UP THE STAIRS AND PAUSING) Oh, Jennifer?

JENNIFER: Yes?

JACK: You were at the hospital today?

JENNIFER: Yeah. Why?

JACK: Just wondering. (HE CONTINUES UPSTAIRS)

JENNIFER: (TO HERSELF) Maybe there is hope for us yet.

ON TOP OF THE STAIRS:

JACK: (TO HIMSELF) It's working already. Pretty soon it will be Colin picking you up from school, kiddo. (HIS HEART HEAVY, HE TURNS TO PUT ABBY TO BED)

 

EPISODE 58

SCENE 1

INT. J & J'S LIVING ROOM

It is a few days later. ABBY is lying on the couch, tucked under some blankets with a thermometer in her mouth and is watching television. You can hear the vague sounds of a cartoon playing. JENNIFER enters from the kitchen, carrying a tray of chicken soup and orange juice.

JENNIFER: (setting the tray down on the coffee table and reaching over to take the thermometer from Abby's mouth) Okay, missy, let's see what we have here (squinting to read her temperature).

ABBY: (weakly) Not good, huh?

JENNIFER: (shaking her head and flashing a sympathetic smile) 'Fraid not.

ABBY: Does this mean we won't be able to make it to Thanksgiving?

JENNIFER: (sitting down beside her and stroking her hair) Well, I wouldn't say that yet. I mean, it is tomorrow. You never know...Hey, wait a minute, are you saying you wouldn't be happy if Mommy cooked a big 'ole turkey?

ABBY: (wrinkling her nose) Not really.

JENNIFER: (opening her mouth in mock shock) Not really?

ABBY: (giggling) You always told me to tell the truth.

JENNIFER: I did, didn't I? (a brief pause and then a sigh as she looks at the front door)

ABBY: You miss him, don't you?

JENNIFER: (coming to) Miss who?

ABBY: Daddy. He hasn't been around much.

JENNIFER: (pained but keeping a brave front) Yeah, he hasn't, has he? He must be busy.

ABBY: He's been hanging out with the princess a lot.

JENNIFER: (surprised that Abby would know so much about Jack's whereabouts) And how do you know that? You haven't been eavesdropping, have you?

ABBY: No, he told me.

JENNIFER: Oh.

ABBY: He said that the princess and he are friends, just like you and Colin are.

OUT on JENNIFER wondering what he meant by that.

 


SCENE 2:

INT. STORE

JACK is paying for his coffee and is skimming the titles of the newspapers. He is dressed in a suit and trench coat and is extremely impatient.

JACK: (shaking his head in disapproval) Junk, junk, junk. (noticing VERN, who just returned from the men's room and is staring at him with annoyance. After a moment, Jack speaks.) Look, I'm not saying you should cancel your trip...

VERN: Like I was going to. You know, Jack, I have better things to do than be at your beck and call.

JACK: You do? I mean, I know you do. I just...I just could use you and Jo around.

VERN: And for the umpteenth time, I ask you...why.

JACK: Because...because (taking his coffee from the counter and heading out the door. VERN follows) the child, the child needs you.

VERN: If the child is a nearly forty year old man, that is.

JACK: (pulling a face) Might I add that you are no spring chicken yourself, Chief.

VERN: And the insults come flying. Jack, maybe if you tell us why you need us, we'd be willing to help.

JACK: Well, you see...

VERN: (narrowing his eyes) Without lying, Jack....(JACK goes to speak but can't come up with a good excuse) Just as I thought...(walking off disgusted)

JACK: (shocked that VERN would leave him) But you didn't let me finish...(runs after him)

 


SCENE 3:

INT. J & J'S LIVING ROOM

JENNIFER: (curiosity piqued) And what else has Daddy told you about the princess?

ABBY: He said that she was funny, and pretty, and kind, all the things princesses are supposed to be. (noticing JENNIFER'S pain over hearing these things) I'm sorry Mommy, did I hurt your feelings?

JENNIFER: (covering) Hurt? No, no. It's just Mommy doesn't know the princess very well.

ABBY: Are you jealous?

JENNIFER: (laughing) Jealous? Where did you learn a word like that?

ABBY: From Daddy. He said that being jealous means wanting something someone else has. You want to spend time with him, but he's spending it with Princess Greta.

JENNIFER: Yeah, I guess I am a little jealous. But just a little. You are one smart little girl.

ABBY: I know.

JENNIFER: (pinching her cheeks) Ooh and modest like your father. (getting up and setting the tray on ABBY'S lap) Here you go. Enough talk about princesses and Daddy. Finish this up and I'll bet we'll start getting better enough to go to Thanksgiving at Gram's tomorrow, okay?

ABBY: Okay. (picking up the spoon as JENNIFER watches to make sure she eats it) I'll eat it, Mommy. You don't have to watch me.

JENNIFER: I...I'm sorry. It's just...you know, I think I'll leave you and (flashing her gaze to the t.v.) the "Powderpuff Girls" alone for now.

JENNIFER starts to walk into the kitchen.

ABBY: Tell him.

JENNIFER: (confused) Tell him?

ABBY: Tell him you're jealous. He'll make it right.

JENNIFER: He...he will? Baby, I don't want you to worry about Daddy and me...

ABBY: (smiling reassuringly at her) I'm not. You love each other too much to not be together.

JENNIFER: (smiling) I would tell you how smart you were again but...

ABBY: But you don't want me getting a big head like Daddy. I know. I love you, mommy.

JENNIFER: (eyes brimming with tears) I love you, too, baby.

JENNIFER exits into the kitchen. Once inside, she leans against the door and ponders what ABBY just said. She wishes that love was enough for her and JACK but knows it's not true. If it were that simple, they would never have gotten where they were today.

JENNIFER: (TO HERSELF) Oh, baby, I think we might love each other too much, if such a thing is even possible.

 


SCENE 4:

EXT. SALEM PLACE

JACK has finally caught up with VERN, who is shaking his head with disappointment.

JACK: (out of breath) You know, you're quite spry for an older gentleman.

VERN: (stopping and throwing him an odd look) Am I supposed to say thank you to that?

JACK: Yes...no...yes...take it as you will. You know, you never let me finish back there.

VERN: (beginning to walk again) I know.

JACK: (catching up with him again) Might I ask why?

VERN: Might you ask why? Why, Jack? Because whatever was about to come out of your mouth was going to be rubbish, pure rubbish.

JACK: Are you saying...?

VERN: (stopping and giving him an exasperating look) Are you honestly going to say that you weren't going to feed me a line back there? Wait a minute, I just used the word honest in reference to you. We all know that Jack Deveraux and honest don't exactly fit together.

JACK: (dropping his mouth open in shock) I beg your pardon.

VERN: No, I beg your pardon. (sighing and then softening his tone) Jack, when are you ever going to learn?

JACK: You know, if people don't stop using that sentence...

VERN: It's true, Jack. For as long as I've known you, you've hidden every last bit of yourself away, behind plans and lies, and it hasn't worked. Sooner or later you get burned.

JACK: Hey, it worked with Jennifer.

VERN: That's the one exception to the rule. Jack, this whole unfeeling, guarding thing is not healthy for you.

JACK: Who says I'm unfeeling and guarding?

VERN: Everyone who knows you. And everyone who knows you knows that you act this way when you are up to something, so don't try and tell me that you are not.

JACK: (angered that VERN called him on himself) Fine, you want to know what this is about?

VERN: It would be nice.

JACK: (gritting his teeth) This is about Jennifer and me and the constant way I, for lack of better word, screw up her life.

VERN: (raising his voice) You don't screw up her life, Jack. You confuse it, yes, but you don't ruin it.

JACK: I hurt her.

VERN: You hurt each other.

JACK: You don't understand, I keep hurting her in ways unimaginable.

VERN: You do not.

JACK: I do, too.

VERN: Jack, I wish you'd quit saying that. For as long as I've known you and Jennifer, this has been the "norm", you thinking you are not good enough...

JACK: I'm not. Are you even listening to me?

VERN: I'm hearing you, I'm just not believing you.

JACK: Believe me. I, Jack Deveraux, son of Senator Harper Deveraux, not only have broken Jennifer Horton's heart on countless occasions and continues to do so, but I've broken her spirit as well.

VERN: What in the world are you talking about?

JACK: (upset. Blurting things out) I'm talking about the fact that I...that I killed our child...

OUT on VERN, completely aghast over what JACK just blurted out.

 


SCENE 5:

INT. J & J'S KITCHEN

JENNIFER is taking out the turkey from the refrigerator and putting it on the counter. As she begins to run water, JO enters from the back door.

JO: (shivering) Finally! You wouldn't believe the traffic out there. I hope Vern and I don't hit a lot of it on our way to Brian and Ging-(noticing JENNIFER'S lack of interest and the turkey). Oh dear, does this mean you won't be making it to Alice's for the big day?

JENNIFER: (turning and smiling weakly at her) I'm afraid not. Abby's still running a fever.

JO: (taking off her coat and hanging it and walking over to help with the turkey) And the antibiotics aren't helping?

JENNIFER: Not really, she's still a little congested...(trailing off)

JO: (scooting JENNIFER out of the way and taking over) And what about you?

JENNIFER: What about me?

JO: (putting her arms on JENNIFER'S shoulders lovingly) How are you holding up?

JENNIFER: (lost) How am I holding up? (realizing why she asked about her) Oh no, Jo, did Jack say anything to you about the way I get when Abby's sick?

JO: (smiling through gritted teeth) A little.

JENNIFER: (breaking away from JO's arms softly and walking over to the table and laying her head down) I'm crazy, aren't I?

JO: (walking over and sitting beside her and placing JENNIFER'S head in her lap) No, honey, you're just a mother.

JENNIFER: A mother who's going to drive her daughter crazy someday.

JO: You don't think I did that with Adrienne? Please, I'm sure she wanted to strangle me sometimes.

JENNIFER: (weakly) But that's different.

JO: (stroking JENNIFER'S hair) And how do you figure?

JENNIFER: (raising her head to look at JO) Adrienne was healthy. I mean, Abby is now, but when she was younger...

JO: I know. (softly) I know.

JENNIFER: I get a little crazy over every little sniffle, you know.

JO: Jack mentioned a little something about it.

JENNIFER: He thinks I'm out of my mind, doesn't he?

JO: No, he doesn't. Jennifer, Abby was sick. It's only normal for you to worry that she may relapse. I used to worry about it all the time...

JENNIFER: With Jack, huh?

JO: (tearing up and looking down) Yes, with Jack. As much as I hate the Deverauxes for what they did to Jack, I'm glad, well, I'm glad they were there for him when Billy needed treatment. Duke and I, we couldn't afford...oh, look at me, getting all teary-eyed over something that never happened.

JENNIFER: It's okay, Jo. I can't imagine what it must've been like for you, giving up your babies like that. I mean, I foster cared for Hannah, but with Abby...

JO: (smiling through her tears) You'll never have to worry about that, Jennifer. That little girl has too much life in her to go anywhere. And I bet before long, you'll have a whole houseful of little Abbys.

JENNIFER grows quiet, thinking about the child she and JACK lost. JO notices the pain in JENNIFER'S eyes.

JO: Jennifer, did I say something wrong?

JENNIFER: No...no..Jack didn't tell you, did he?

JO: Tell me what?

JENNIFER: (nervously getting up and walking to the sink to get a glass of water. Talking to herself more than JO) I thought for sure...

JO: (watching as JENNIFER downs a whole glass of water) Jennifer, are you and Jack pregnant?

JENNIFER: (finishing the water but almost choking on it) Pregnant? No...We haven't even...(embarrassed) why am I telling you this? (back to the subject) I just figured that Jack would've told you.

JO: Jennifer, you're starting to sound like Jack.

JENNIFER: Right. (sighing) Jo, while in Africa, I found out that...that I was having another baby...

JO: (smiling instinctively) That's gr (face dropping). Oh.

JENNIFER: (about to cry) It's okay. We...we lost the baby. I...lost the baby.

JO: (getting up to hug her) Oh, Jennifer, why didn't you or Jack say anything?

JENNIFER: (melting into JO'S embrace) He didn't know.

JO: He didn't know?

JENNIFER: (between sobs) I didn't tell him...Jo, I was so mad and I went to see him and...I lost our baby, Jo.

JO: Oh, Jennifer, it will be allright.

JENNIFER: No, it won't.

JO: Why do you say that?

JENNIFER: (breaking away) He won't talk about it, Jo. I'm sure he's out somewhere blaming himself for it.

JO: No...

JENNIFER throws her a look.

JO: Okay, maybe he is, but Jennifer, Jack is a logical man...

JENNIFER throws her another look.

JO: (realizing that's why he's been acting so weird) Oh dear.

JENNIFER: (nodding) Oh dear is right.

 


SCENE 6:

EXT. SALEM PLACE

JACK and VERN have moved over to the benches and JACK has just finished telling him what happened to the baby in Africa.

VERN: (at a loss for words) Jack, I'm so sorry. I didn't know...

JACK: None of us did. Apparently, Jennifer...well, I told you about it.

VERN: You must be going through hell.

JACK: Who, me? More like Jennifer's going through hell, don't you think?

VERN: Her, too, but Jack, Jack, I'm worried about you. Don't you think you should be there for Jennifer instead of pushing her off to this Colin guy?

JACK: (moved by VERN'S concern) We all know that wacky Jack doesn't do that whole "being here for you" bit very well, don't we?

VERN: You know that's not true.

JACK: Please...don't try to make me feel better. Point is, I've been there and done that. I can't...I can't hurt her anymore. It's not a game anymore.

VERN: And you don't think pushing her away is going to hurt her? Jack, I've seen what that does to her.

JACK: As have I. She seems to genuinely like this guy, Vern.

VERN: And she seems to genuinely love you, Jack.

JACK: (shaking his head) She thinks she loves me.

VERN: She knows she does. Besides, this Colin character, didn't you think he was a little shady?

JACK: We did the background check, remember?

VERN: Yeah, and it came back clean. But what about the ice princess, Elizabeth?

JACK: Other than being one accustomed to the finer things in life and having shared a romp or to with the good doctor, Bill Horton, it looks as if she's just a good witch.

VERN pulls a face and then sighs.

JACK: Oh, come on. Dr. Murphy could be good for her. He's stable, he's ruggedly handsome if you like that sort...

VERN: He's not you, Jack. Have you even thought about what this is going to do to you?

JACK: (painfully smiling) I don't think I am of the utmost importance here.

VERN begins to speak of occurrences bound to happen that will break JACK'S heart. As he lists them, JACK looks as if the wind is being knocked out of him.

VERN: What about the first time he tells Jennifer he loves her? What about if she, and this is a long shot, tells him she loves him too? How are you going to feel when he's there tucking in Abby at night, when he is the one proofreading her term papers? Jack, how is it going to feel when she looks to him for advice?

JACK: Miss Horton or Abigail?

VERN: Both. Jack, I don't think this will come as a surprise to you, but I think you're making a big mistake.

JACK: You're right. About it not being a surprise, that is. Be that as it may, I still need your assistance..

VERN: Jack-

JACK: My intentions are good, Vernon.

VERN: But everything else is bad. Jack, you are going to get hurt. Jennifer is going to get hurt. Abby-

JACK: Is not going to get hurt. I won't let that happen.

VERN: You've got this all figured out, don't you?

JACK: I wouldn't say that. About ninety-eight percent of it, yes.

VERN: (sighing) What do you want me to do?

JACK: Not tell Jo, for one (noticing VERN about to rebut). I'm serious. She'll never let me do this, no matter how good my intentions are.

VERN: You never know about your mother, Jack. She could be very understanding.

JACK: Trust me, I know about this one. She barely helped me the first time. Fancy that, now that I think about it, had all worked out well, you would be Abby's grandfather. Funny how things work out, huh? Now you and Jo are together and...

VERN: Speaking of Jo and I, Jack, as much as I'd love to help with your plan, I'm afraid I'll have to do it after Thanksgiving. Brian and Ginger have new puppies and I promised that I'd go see the new litter.

JACK: (overdramatizing) Fine, leave me for your natural son. No, I'm sure that Jennifer and I will be able to get through this one holiday without any assistance. We'll be at the Horton family gathering, so they'll be lots of folks around to keep us from getting too close. Now, don't be getting any ideas about Christmas...(getting up, VERN follows suit)

VERN: Jack, I still can't help think that Colin is up to no good.

JACK: Hmmm...could it be the DiMera family link? To tell the truth, I never thought I'd see the day Jennifer was involved with a member of that nefarious family.

VERN: Neither did I.

JACK: I don't think we have to worry about him, though. (walking) He's proven he's more Brady than anything. Jennifer wouldn't get involved with him if he was that shady, anyway. (noticing VERN'S look) I was not that shady. Okay, I was.

VERN: Jack, need I remind you about Lawrence Alamain?

JACK: (deadpan) Keep walking, Vern.

OUT on the two of them exiting the park.

 


SCENE 7:

INT. J & J'S LIVING ROOM

It is awhile later and dark outside. Jennifer is sitting alone in the living room, watching t.v. and clutching a pillow to her chest. Nothing seems to be holding her interest.

JACK and VERN hover outside of the front door. JACK peeks in the window and sees a pensive JENNIFER. His heart goes out to her. He looks to VERN, who pleads with his eyes not to do this, not to hurt her. Jack smiles weakly and takes a deep breath, opening the door. Seeing him, Jennifer stands, looking him straight in the eye.

JACK: Hello.

JENNIFER: (nervous) Hi.

JACK: (putting his keys on the table in the foyer and hanging his jacket) Where's-

JENNIFER: She's in bed. Not feeling well, still.

JACK: Fever's high?

JENNIFER: Yeah.

VERN watches the encounter sadly. When they pause nervously, he steps forward.

VERN: I think I better go see how Jo's coming along with packing. (nodding to Jennifer) Jenny-girl.

VERN exits, leaving the two of them to stare at one another, feeling the tension between them.

JENNIFER: I didn't think you'd be home...I mean, you haven't been lately.

JACK: Yeah, I've been busy. How about you? Did you want to go somewhere? You could've called me. I would've came home.

JENNIFER: No, I'm fine. I was...I was kinda hoping you'd come home.

JACK: (STEPPING INTO THE LIVING ROOM) You were?

JENNIFER: Yeah...I...well, they're showing "His Girl Friday" on t.v. and I thought maybe we'd pop some popcorn and...

JACK: (lying. It is killing him) I have some work I have to do.

JENNIFER: (hurt) Oh.

JACK: Maybe you could tape it. I could watch it later.

JENNIFER: Maybe.

The phone rings.

JACK: Jennifer, the phone is ringing.

JENNIFER: (not taking her gaze off him) I know, Jack. We have a machine.

JACK: I know, but---we should, I'll get it (picking up the phone) Hello? Horton-Deveraux residence. (beat. His face falls) Yes, yes she is. One moment. (to Jennifer, who is curious at once going on) It's for you. (handing her the phone)

JENNIFER: (not breaking her gaze with him still but taking the phone from him) Hello? (unhappily) Oh, hi Colin. (beat) No, you didn't interrupt anything...(beat) Yeah. (she watches as JACK makes his way out of the room and up the stairs).

Knowing it's for the best but reeling from the pain, Jack starts slowly up the stairs, watching her on the phone. When she looks his way, he smiles painfully at her.

Smile though your heart is aching
Smile even though it's breaking

At the top of the stairs, Jack turns the corner and bites his lower lip. He knows he has to be strong, but isn't sure if he can be.

When there are clouds in the sky, you'll get by
If you smile through your fear and sorrow

He goes to punch the wall but notices Abby's door open and stops. Jo and Vern exit Jo's room and see him. They both know why he looks so worn. Before they can say anything, he goes into his room.

Smile and maybe tomorrow
You'll see the sun come shining through for you

Cut to Jennifer, who has just hung up the phone. Settling in to watch the movie, she sadly rests her head on a throw pillow. She wishes she could just get through to Jack.

Light up your face with gladness
Hide every trace of sadness
Although a tear may be ever so near
That's the time you must keep on trying

Jo and Vern enter from the staircase and look sadly at Jennifer. Jo wants to say something, but Vern stops her and they take their bags out into the foyer. They both really want to help, but can't. They exit.

Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

Cut to Jack, alone in his room, trying to concentrate on reading the paper, but can't. He thinks of Jennifer down in the living room alone and walks out. We find him walking down the stairs and looking at Jennifer, who feels his eyes on her. She turns and flashes him a sad smile and without a word, he sits beside her on the couch and she puts her head on his shoulder.

That's the time you must keep on trying
Smile, what's the use of crying?
You'll find that life is still worthwhile
If you just smile

 

EPISODE 59 "THANKSGIVING DAY"

SCENE ONE: INT. J & J'S KITCHEN LATE MORNING

IN on JENNIFER, who is bending over into the oven to check on the turkey. She is wearing a v-necked sweater dress, complete with heels and an apron. Jack enters from the living room, singing "There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays".

JACK: "Pennsylvania for some homemade pumpkin pie. (doing the backup in a lower voice) Some pumpkin--(stopping upon seeing Jennifer, who jumps in shock. You can tell he likes what he sees) pie"

JENNIFER: (gasping) Jack! (setting the turkey on the stove) Are you trying to give me a heart attack?

JACK: (looking her outfit up and down) Are you trying to give me one?

JENNIFER smiles at his comment.

JENNIFER: (playfully embarrassed) Oh, you mean this old-

JACK: (throwing her a look) Old thing. Don't give me that. I don't recall ever seeing you in this little number. (looking her up and down, impressed with the combination of the skirt, heels, and apron)

JENNIFER: So you like it?

JACK: I'd say so. It's very, very (searching for the right word) autumnal. I'm sure your grandmother will love it.

JENNIFER: (turning to baste the turkey some more) I'm sure she will...when she sees it.

JACK: You aren't wearing that to the big Horton shindig? I mean you look smashing in it.

JENNIFER: I'm sure I do but...

JACK: (worried that they will be alone again and his resistance will falter) But what? (jumping in front of her) We are still going to your grandmother's aren't we?

OUT on JENNIFER, wondering why he's so dead-set about going to her grandma's.

 


SCENE TWO INT. J & J'S KITCHEN

IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER: (confused) Jack, you can go to my grandmother's if you'd like, but your daughter and I are going to be spending Thanksgiving here. (rummages through the refrigerator to pull out two pies) Abby's still sick and I don't want to take any chances with Gram. You know how fragile she is.

JACK: Alice Horton, fragile? Pish-posh. (trying to change her mind) I'm sure she'd been fine, even delighted, if we made it over.

JENNIFER: Jack, what's the big idea? Why do you want to go to my grandmother's so badly?

JACK: Well, I...I (rubbing the back of his head nervously)..I wanted some of her world-famous doughnuts.

JENNIFER: (laughing) Jack, Gram doesn't make doughnuts for Thanksgiving.

JACK: She doesn't? Are you sure about that? I could have sworn I had them there one Thanksgiving.

JENNIFER: Jack, (closing the oven after putting the pies in) this has nothing to do with Gram or her doughnuts. This has to do with the simple fact that you don't want to be alone with me.

JACK: Well, I...(stammering)

JENNIFER: Say it, Jack. You don't want to be alone with me..you're scared to be alone with me.

OUT on JACK, trying to figure out how to get out of this one.

 


SCENE THREE INT. J & J'S KITCHEN

JENNIFER: (stepping towards him seductively) That's it, isn't it, Jack? You're scared to be around me? You fear what may happen.

JACK: (ducking and squeezing around her) I fear you may have lost your pretty little blonde mind.

JENNIFER: (rolling her eyes and turning to face him) You know, I don't get you, Jack. You come back and make me believe in us and then you lose faith. Then you believe, and now it looks like your losing faith again. Does this have anything to do with what I told you the other week?

JACK: (desperately trying to change the subject) About the movie? Jennifer, I said I was busy. As you recall, I came down anyway.

JENNIFER: I'm not talking about the movie, Jack. I'm talking about what I told you about...about Africa, about the baby.

JACK: No, it has nothing to do with...with (trying to not say the word "baby" because it hurts) that.

JENNIFER: (voice raising) Can you give me a clue then, Jack? Maybe a sign? Because I need to know what I'm working with here.

JACK: (grabbing her arms to calm her down. He doesn't want her to blame herself) Jennifer, Jennifer, will you listen to me? This has nothing to do with you. It has...it has to do with me.

JENNIFER: (nodding in pain) Then it has everything to do with me. (breaking free of his arms and going to baste the turkey some more)

JACK: (pausing and trying to figure out a way to smooth this over without hurting her) How...how do you figure?

JENNIFER: (not turning to look at him. Thick with emotion) How do I figure what, Jack?

JACK: How do you figure that it has to do with you? What, if anything, is going on with me, that is.

JENNIFER: (turning halfway to face him. Her eyes are brimming with tears) You really don't get it, do you?

JACK: Don't get what?

JENNIFER: You don't get that when you hurt, I hurt. Jack, whatever demons you have are mine, too.

JACK: (moved but playing it off like it's nothing) That's (voice cracking) ridiculous.

JENNIFER: (angry. Picking up the turkey and walking past him without looking up) No, Jack, that's love.

OUT on JACK, looking at the door that JENNIFER walked through. Sighing, he follows her into the living room.

 


SCENE FOUR INT. J & J'S LIVING ROOM

IN on JENNIFER, beginning to set the table. She is angry and it shows. JACK enters from the kitchen.

JACK: Jennifer, look, it's Thanksgiving...

JENNIFER: (folding napkins) Oh, I know that, Jack. I'm thankful for a lot of things...I'm thankful that "Friends" is back for another season, I'm thankful that we had a mild summer. I'm thankful for (pausing)...china.

JACK: (confused) China? You're thankful for a country?

JENNIFER: (sighing) No, china as in plates, Jack. I forgot the china.

JACK: Oh...I'll get it. (walking into the kitchen and coming back out with plates) You were saying?

JENNIFER: (taking the plates from him) I was saying that I was thankful for quite a few things this year.

JACK: Yes...health, love, and happiness.

JENNIFER: Health and happiness.

JACK: (mock jest) What?! No love?

JENNIFER: (not looking at him. Putting silverware out) I'm beginning to regret ever thinking about being thankful for that one.

JACK: (knowing she's hurt and wanting to take away the pain) Jennifer-

JENNIFER: (looking at him with defiance) Don't, Jack. Don't say something you don't mean.

JACK: (hurt) How do you know I won't mean it?

JENNIFER: Because I know you, Jack. You'll say one thing and then contradict it five minutes later. I..just..I just want to have a nice Thanksgiving with my family, that's all. (pleading with her eyes) Can we do that?

JACK: (mulling it over. Calmly) We can do that.

JENNIFER: (relieved) Good. (returning to set the table)

JACK: (throwing her a look) Good. I'll go get Abigail. (walking off) Jennifer?

JENNIFER: (looking up) Yes?

JACK: I said I was going to get Abigail. Okay?

JENNIFER: (trying to smile) Yeah. Good.

JACK throws her an odd look and slowly heads up the stairs to get ABBY. He turns to look her way one more time but she doesn't respond.

 


SCENE 5 INT. J & J'S LIVING ROOM

IN PROGRESS

JACK, JENNIFER, and ABBY are sitting around the dining room table and are clearly full. Remnants of Thanksgiving dinner adorn the table.

JENNIFER: (to ABBY) I'd say I about as stuffed as that turkey was.

ABBY: What about you, Daddy? Did you like Mommy's dinner?

JACK: (looking and flashing a smile to JENNIFER) It was delicious. (when the camera pans away, we see him grimace and touch his stomach) Now Daddy could go for a good nap (putting his napkin down, he goes to get up).

ABBY: (grabbing his hand) No, Daddy, you can't. We're not done yet.

JACK: I can't? Well, you better have a good reason for delaying Papa Bear's hibernation. (flashing a quick look to JENNIFER to see what's ABBY wants. JENNIFER shrugs and mouths "I don't know")

ABBY: We have to do the thanking thing.

JENNIFER: The thanking thing?

ABBY: You know, when you join hands and say something you're thankful for. My friend Sam's family does it every year. JACK: Well, we can't let Sam's family one-up the Deverauxes. What do you say, kid? (extending his hand to ABBY, who grabs it eagerly)

ABBY throws him a look to try and get him to realize that he's supposed to hold JENNIFER'S hand, too.

JACK: What?

ABBY: (lowering her voice) Daddy, you're supposed to be holding Mommy's hand, too?

JACK: Oh, right. (looking to JENNIFER, who smiles sweetly at him) May I? (he opens his hand to her and she takes it with great love).

ABBY: (grabbing JENNIFER'S hand to complete the circle) I'll go first. This year, I'm thankful for having both my mommy and daddy together.

JACK and JENNIFER are moved by this and flash each other a look before smiling to her.

ABBY: Your turn, Mommy.

JENNIFER: Okay...this year, I'm thankful for...health, happiness, and (looking JACK dead in the eye and squeezing his hand) love.

JACK is moved.

ABBY: Okay, Daddy, your turn.

JACK: Well, I...I...(not wanting to give JENNIFER hope for their future)...I'm thankful for...for you, Abigail. You brighten everyday of my life.

ABBY: (prompting him for more) Is that all, Daddy?

JACK: No...(looking to JENNIFER, who's losing hope). I'm also thankful for finding your Uncle Vern again. I missed him.

ABBY: Is that all your thankful for, Daddy?

JACK: Well, there is Jo. I did miss her-

Midway through his last comment, JENNIFER angrily sets her napkin down and gets up.

JENNIFER: I think I want some ice cream. (she exits to the kitchen)

JACK and ABBY follow her with their eyes. Then ABBY looks at JACK, making him feel guilty. He sets his napkin down reluctantly and goes after JENNIFER.

 


SCENE SIX INT. J & J'S KITCHEN

IN on JENNIFER, looking out to the backyard. JACK enters.

JACK: (trying to lighten the moment) Doesn't look like ice cream to me...

JENNIFER: (upset) I changed my mind.

JACK: Jennifer, will you please look at me?

JENNIFER: I don't want bologna either, Jack. (turning to face him) You couldn't do it, could you? You couldn't just say what you really feel.

JACK: You mean out there (pointing to the living room)? Jennifer, I was being perfectly honest. I am thankful for both Jo and Vern...

JENNIFER: And what about me, Jack? Am I chopped liver? (laced with anger) No, wait, you were waiting for the finale. Saving the best for last.

JACK: No, you didn't let me finish-

JENNIFER: You sounded pretty finished to me, Jack. You had no intention of mentioning me in your little list.

JACK: That's not true!

JENNIFER: Is it, Jack? Can you honestly stand there and say that you planned on professing your love to me at that table out there (pointing to the living room)? You can't, can you? (throwing her arms up in frustration) One day, Jack. That's all I asked.

JACK: (raising his voice) What do you want me to do?!

JENNIFER: I want you to be open and honest with me! I want you to tell me what is bothering you! I want you to tell me why you're running away! I don't stand a chance if you don't, Jack.

JACK: (frowning) You want me to be someone I'm not.

JENNIFER: No, I don't. I want you to be who you are, as much as that frustrates me. (growing quiet) I feel like I'm losing you, Jack.

JACK: (knowing how much this is going to hurt her, but defiant) Maybe you are.

OUT on JENNIFER, shocked that he would say such a thing.

 


SCENE SEVEN INT. J & J'S KITCHEN

IN PROGRESS

JENNIFER: (hurt) What...what did you say?

JACK: I said...I said maybe you're losing me.

JENNIFER: How-

JACK: How could I? Jennifer, listen, I don't think this is going to-I've been thinking...

JENNIFER: (not believing his audacity) You're lying.

JACK: You see, I knew that would be your first course of action.

JENNIFER: You're lying to me, Jack. You can't handle this...that's what this is about...you can't handle what I told you about the baby.

JACK: I told you, it has nothing to do with that.

JENNIFER: Say it, Jack. Say "our baby".

JACK: Jennifer-I don't think-

JENNIFER: Say "our baby", Jack. Say I lost our baby, blame it on me, Jack. I did it.

JACK: (growing upset) I...I will not.

JENNIFER: (near tears but trying to be strong) Will not what? Will not say it or that I did it? You think it's easy for me, don't you? I've already lost him and now I'm losing you. Say it, Jack.

JACK: (waving wildly) No, no, no. I will not say it. I do not think it's easy for you...This has nothing to do with that...this has nothing to do with our baby! It has everything to do with me and you and the way-

ABBY walks in and the two of them realize just how loud they are being.

ABBY: I want some ice cream, too. (growing worried) You're fighting again?

JENNIFER: (walking over and trying to speak to her) No, baby, we're just having a little discussion.

ABBY: (not believing her) No, you're not. You're fighting with him again and he's gonna go away. You're the worst mother ever! (she runs out upset)

JENNIFER looks helplessly to JACK, who doesn't know what to say.

JENNIFER: (angry at JACK and upset about what ABBY said) Happy Thanksgiving, Jack. (she walks out the backdoor and slams it).

JACK: (beat) I was going to say the way I hurt you. I guess you know that already, huh? (smiling through his pain, he exits to find ABBY)

 


SCENE EIGHT INT. ABBY'S BEDROOM

JACK walks in to find ABBY lying on her bed, crying.

JACK: (light) So there you are! I was about to call Commander Carver and tell him to send the search team over.

ABBY: I don't want to talk right now.

JACK: (sitting on her bed and rubbing her back) Meaning you don't want to joke right now.

ABBY: (huffy) No, I don't want to talk.

JACK: Well, I do. And last time I checked, I was the parent and you were the child, so sit up.

ABBY: I don't want to.

JACK: (in a fatherly tone) Abigail-

ABBY rolls over and sits up. JACK leans over and wipes her eyes.

JACK: That's better. First, I want to talk about the tone you used with your mother.

ABBY: But Daddy-

JACK: But Abigail--. Not only was what you said disrespectful, but it was also hurtful. I don't ever want to hear it or any semblance of it come out of your mouth again. You got that?

ABBY: But she makes me so mad.

JACK: (beat) People make other people mad all the time. That doesn't mean that gives us the right to be mean to them. Understand?

ABBY nods.

JACK: I mean it, Abigail, I never, ever, want to hear you say those words again.

ABBY: I'm sorry, Daddy.

JACK: I don't think you should be apologizing to me. When your mother gets home, you need to tell her.

ABBY: She left?

JACK: I think...I think she needed some fresh air.

ABBY: I really hurt her, didn't I?

JACK: (aside) You're not the only one.

ABBY: You hurt Mommy, too?

JACK: Sometimes we hurt the ones we love, Abigail. Just like you hurt your mommy with those words. It still isn't right, though.

ABBY: Why don't you just say you're sorry?

JACK: I wish it were that simple, Abigail, I wish it were that simple. (beat) Hey, do you still want that ice cream? (getting up)

ABBY: (nodding) Yeah. Can I have sprinkles on mine?

JACK: If we have them. Clean up and I'll see you in five minutes. (going to leave)

ABBY: Daddy?

JACK turns around.

ABBY: When I walked in downstairs, you were talking about a baby. What baby were you talking about?

OUT on JACK, dumbfounded and not knowing what to say. JENNIFER walks up and overhears ABBY'S question. JACK and JENNIFER lock eyes, wondering what to do.

 

EPISODE 60

SCENE ONE INT. ABBY'S BEDROOM

IN on JACK, not sure of how to answer ABBY'S question. Looking towards the doorway, he sees JENNIFER. They lock eyes.

ABBY: Daddy, what baby were you talking about? Were you talking about me?

JACK: (white as a ghost) Well, I... (looking to JENNIFER for help)

JENNIFER: (taking a deep breath and walking over to bail JACK out) No, baby, it wasn't about you.

ABBY: Then what was it about?

JENNIFER: It was about...about...(JACK looks over to her for an answer). It was about adult stuff.

ABBY: That's what you always say when you don't want me to know.

JENNIFER: (meeting JACK'S eyes and then putting her arm around ABBY) Baby, that's not true...I, we, just think that sometimes some things are-

All of a sudden, the door opens from downstairs.

JO: (voice only) Jack? Jennifer? Are you home?

JENNIFER looks at JACK questioningly, then breathes a sigh of relief.

JACK: (shouting) We're upstairs!

JO: (laughing) Well, come down here! We've got a surprise for you!

JACK: (wondering what she could be talking about) We should really go see what that's all about.

JENNIFER: I'd say. (as JACK gets up) I'm right behind you. (walking to the door. To ABBY) You coming, squirt?

Standing behind JENNIFER so that she can't see, JACK mouths "I'm sorry", prompting ABBY to apologize. He half-smiles to her and walks out the door. Outside the door, JACK pauses to make sure she's apologizing.

ABBY: (voice only) Mommy?

JENNIFER: (voice only) Yeah, baby?

ABBY: (voice only) I love you. I'm sorry for what I said before.

JACK smiles to himself and looks upward to the heavens a little in relief. He then begins to walk downstairs.

 


SCENE TWO INT. DEVERAUX LIVING ROOM

IN on JACK, running down the stairs to see what this "surprise" is. JENNIFER is two steps behind him.

JACK: I thought you were supposed to be at-(stopping at the bottom of the steps, seeing what, or rather who their surprise is)

JENNIFER: (face lighting up) Brian! (running over to give him a big hug as VERN and JO smile giddily in the background)

BRIAN: (looking her up and down) Jennifer, it's so good to see you! You look so...so...

JENNIFER: (laughing) Much older.

BRIAN: (laughing) I wasn't going to say that. I was going to say much thinner...

JENNIFER: (lost) Thinner?

BRIAN: Yeah. I mean the bulk of the time we spent together you were pregnant, remember? When Jack thought he was (looking to JACK, who has shoved his hands in his pockets and is smiling in embarrassment), well, look at that, alive and kicking after all these years. (walking over)

JACK: (nodding) Detective Scofield (putting his hand out to shake)

BRIAN: (taking his hand and pulling JACK into a bear hug) Can you believe this guy? (laughing)

The door opens and GINGER walks in with her back towards them. She is loaded down with tupperware.

GINGER: That's the rest of it. Do you think Jack and Jennifer would mind if Fluffy played around in the back yard?

JACK: (breaking free of BRIAN'S hug) Oh, I'm sure they wouldn't mind...

GINGER spins around and nearly drops all her packages. VERN goes to help her with them.

GINGER: (smiling from ear to ear) Well, if it isn't fancy Jack Deveraux.

JACK: I prefer "refined".

JENNIFER: Hi Ginger!

GINGER: Jennifer? Oh, you look so pretty...(running over and hugging her) And you...you, Jack...(pinching his cheeks), you are the same as ever...(noting his tie and dress shirt) Do you ever wear jeans?

JACK: (dryly) Not if I don't have to.

ABBY: (walking down the stairs) Who's here?

BRIAN: (surprised) No, it can't be...Is this...(to JACK and JENNIFER)...is this baby Deveraux?

VERN: Baby Deveraux is nine now and she likes to be called Abby.

BRIAN: (kneeling down to ABBY, who looks at them in wonderment) Hi Abby. Do you know who I am? I'm a friend of your mommy and daddy's. I remember when you were still in your mom's tummy.

VERN: (putting one hand on BRIAN'S shoulder and the other on ABBY'S)I think you're scaring her, baby Scofield. Abby, honey, this is my son, Brian. He used to be a cop right here in Salem.

ABBY: (in amazement) A real cop? With a gun and all?

BRIAN: Well...I never really used it, but...yeah...I was a real cop. (his stomach growls. ABBY laughs) With a real hungry stomach...

JO: Oh, yes, that's why we're here. We got all the way there and...

GINGER: And "there" was gone. The people downstairs left a cigarette burning and the whole place lit up like the Fourth of July.

JENNIFER: (concerned) Oh no.

GINGER: It's alright. We have insurance. We're just lucky we got Fluffy and her brood out.

JENNIFER: Where are you staying?

JACK flashes JENNIFER a warning look. He does not want her to extend any invitations.

GINGER: Oh, we're staying at the pet shop. It's a bit cramped, but it's manageable.

JO: Jennifer, I told them it would be alright if they stayed here tonight, though. I know it's last minute but I figured we could have some sort of Thanksgiving dinner together. That is okay, isn't it?

JACK goes to speak but JENNIFER hits him.

JENNIFER: (smiling) It's more than okay, it's wonderful.

JACK: Are you sure you want to? I mean, the couch is awfully uncomfortable.

JENNIFER throws him a look.

JENNIFER: (fake laughing) Still a riot after all these years. No fear, though, Jack's only kidding about the couch. You can have his room.

JACK: And where am I going to sleep? If you think for one moment...

JENNIFER: Jack's going to sleep with me tonight. (smiling to herself as JACK'S eyes grow wide) Now let's see if we can rustle you up some dinner...(exiting to the kitchen. GINGER and JO join her) BRIAN stands up next to JACK. Behind them, ABBY and VERN are looking at BRIAN'S old badge.

JACK: (leaning over. Quietly) You did bring antacid, didn't you?

BRIAN: With Jennifer cooking? Of course. I've had her food before. I remember this awful pot roast she made once. It repeated on me for days.

JACK: (not amused) That was my pot roast, detective.

BRIAN: (turning red) Oh...

OUT on BRIAN, embarrassed and loosening his collar.

 


SCENE THREE: INT. DEVERAUX KITCHEN

IN on JENNIFER, washing dishes and JACK, drying them next to her. She keeps sneaking sly looks at him. The tone is light and playful.

JACK: I wish you'd quit looking at me like that.

JENNIFER: I'm not looking at you any way, Jack.

JACK: Yes you are. You're looking at me...you're looking at me (searching for the right word) amorously.

JENNIFER: (laughing at his insinuation) I am not.

JACK: Yes you are. You think...you think that just because you worked your little magic back there, that I'm going to do it, don't you?

JENNIFER: I'm fairly sure I have no idea what you're talking about.

JACK: You know very well what I'm talking about. You think...you think I'm actually going to sleep in your bedroom tonight.

JENNIFER: (laughing) Jack, if you don't want to-

JACK: It's not that I don't want to...It's just...Alright, for appearance's sake, I'll sleep in there...

JENNIFER: (smiling slyly) For appearance's sake, huh?

JACK: Well, yes. I mean, I don't think we're ready for that...(catching her look and gulping) I'm taking you do, though.

JENNIFER: Jack, it has been awhile, you know.

JACK: (getting flustered and nearly dropping the plate he was drying) Awhile...yes...it's just...hey, wait a second, you think I'm easy? That's what it is. You think you can wear the most autumnal outfit you can find and bat those pretty little eyelashes of yours and I'll fall prey to your charms. That's what it is, isn't it? You think I'm easy. Well, let me tell you this...

JENNIFER: I do no such thing. (taking off her rubber gloves and hitting him with a dishtowel as she walks off) We will be sharing the bed for appearance's sake tonight and if things should happen...

JACK: Which they won't. I mean...they...maybe...I CAN resist you, you know.

JENNIFER: (walking upstairs. In a sexy tone.) I know.

JACK: (alone, nervous, gulping) I can...at least I think, hope, I can.

OUT on JACK, worried about his plan to "avoid JENNIFER" will, once again, fail miserably.

 


SCENE FOUR INT. DEVERAUX LIVING ROOM

It is awhile later. BRIAN, VERN, and ABBY are sitting on the couch, watching a game on t.v. GINGER and JO are playing cards at the dining room table.

BRIAN: (shouting at the t.v.) Did you see that? He was clearly offsides!

VERN: Clearly!

ABBY: (sitting between the two) Clearly!

JACK walks in from the kitchen, slinging a dishtowel over his shoulder, catching this interaction.

JACK: Somebody's cold is getting better. Abigail, what do you know about football?

ABBY: (smiling from ear to ear) I know to root for the Bears.

BRIAN: (mussing her hair) Smart kid.

JACK: You're telling me. (noticing GINGER, who is standing up and yawning beside him now) Come on, is my company that bad?

GINGER: Children are present, Jack, otherwise...(laughing) No, I think I may turn in. It was quite a drive and I want to check out the new mall tomorrow.

BRIAN: (yawning in response) You know, I might join you.

JACK: (nervous because he'll have to go to bed with JENNIFER soon and is losing his excuses to sleep) So soon? I mean, we just got the party started.

VERN: (getting up) Jack, that was hours ago. I think the turkey's done me in, too. Jo?

JO: (getting out of her seat) I'll be up in a minute. Jack, do you want me to put Abby to bed?

JACK: (looking over and seeing ABBY starting to fall asleep on BRIAN'S shoulder) Do you need me to carry her up?

BRIAN: (scooping her up and then heading upstairs) No problem. I never got to do this when she was a baby, so I'll gladly do it now. Just point me in the right direction. Goodnight Jack. Tell Jennifer we'll see her in the morning.

VERN: I'll show you. Goodnight Jack. (to JO) I'll see you upstairs. (they go upstairs, leaving JO and JACK alone)

JACK: (to JO) Aren't you joining them?

JO: In a minute. I...I was just thinking you might need to talk.

JACK: About what?

JO: About...(hurt that he didn't tell her about the baby) nevermind.

JACK: (finding this odd) Nevermind?

JO: (covering) Yes, nevermind. I'll see you in the morning, okay?

JACK: (lost) Okay. (watching her oddly as she heads to the stairs)

JO: I love you, Billy.

JACK: I...I know.

JO: I just don't think you hear that enough. Good night.

JACK: (moved) Good night. (watching her head up, he gets all misty-eyed)

JENNIFER: (walking in the living room from the kitchen) Okay, does anybody want--? Hey, where'd everyone go?

JACK: Huh?

JENNIFER: Our guests, Jo and Vern, our daughter...they were just out here.

JACK: Oh...they...they turned in for the night.

JENNIFER: That's odd. It's only nine thir...oh, that's right, Ginger said something about getting up early.

JACK: Yes, something about Salem Place.

JENNIFER: (smiling nervously, hoping he'll warm to the idea of sharing a bed) I guess we should follow suit, then.

JACK: Yes, I suppose we should.

JENNIFER: (heading to the stairs, knowing how uncomfortable he is) Jack?

JACK: Yes?

JENNIFER: Are you coming?

JACK: Yeah, I'll be there in a minute.

JENNIFER: (reading his face for a moment) Okay. I put your pajamas on the bed when you're ready.

JACK: (avoiding her eyes) Okay.

JENNIFER knows how strong he's trying to be, knows that he's trying not to get too close to her and could see that he wants to be with her more than anything, but can't let it happen. Painfully, she smiles at him and then heads upstairs.

 


SCENE FIVE INT. JENNIFER'S BEDROOM

IN on JENNIFER, sitting at her vanity and brushing her hair. You can tell she is nervous. Dressed in a silk white nightgown and robe, she is fussing with her hair. JACK steps out of the bathroom in her room, dressed in a pair of midnight blue silk pajamas. He stairs at her for a moment and lets out a sigh at her breathtaking beauty. Slowly she turns towards him.

JENNIFER: (sweetly nervous) Hi.

JACK: (matching her tone) Hello.

JENNIFER: (soft laugh) I'm beginning to think that we can't have any conversation without starting off like that.

JACK: (tentatively sitting on the bed) Old habits die hard, I guess.

JENNIFER: I guess.

JACK: (bouncing a little) So, how do you want me to do this?

JENNIFER: (embarrassed and lost) How--?

JACK: Where do you want me? (searching her confused and shocked face) On the floor or maybe in the chair?

JENNIFER: (letting out a sigh of relief and chuckling at what she thought he meant) Oh, I thought-

JACK: You though...(realizing what she meant) oh. I meant sleeping, you know.

JENNIFER: Well, Jack, wherever you'd like is fine. (Angrily getting up and stomping to her armoire to pull out some more pajamas)

JACK: (knowing he hurt her. Trying to keep it light.) Jennifer? What are you doing?

JENNIFER: Changing, Jack.

JACK: I see that, but why? I mean, you look quite fetching in what you have on. It's very, very-

JENNIFER: (seething) Autumnal, Jack?

JACK: Well, I wasn't going to say that...more winter-ish. You know, the white and all...

JENNIFER: (so angry she's shaking. She cannot believe she actually thought he'd want her.) I can't find...(pulling clothes out left and right) I can't find...(near tears)

JACK: Jennifer...(getting up and walking over, concerned at her state of being)

JENNIFER: Don't, Jack...

JACK: (grabbing her wrists and turning her towards him) Don't what?

JENNIFER: Don't do this. We've been doing this all day. I can't do this. Can't you see? I can't flip-flop between emotions like this.

JACK: I'm not flip-flopping...

JENNIFER: Yes, you are. It hurts, Jack. It hurts like you wouldn't believe. One minute you want me, the next you...you avoid me like the plague.

JACK: I do not.

JENNIFER: You know you do. (trying to break free of his wrists but can't) And here I am, thinking that for all the bad stuff there are greater things that follow. I convinced myself that we could get through this, we could muddle through all this, and it would be okay, we would be okay. I was wrong. You can't even look at me, much less make love to me.

JACK: (grabbing her wrists harder and raising his voice) Don't say that. (guiltily realizing that he's scaring her, he loosens his grip on her wrists and lowers his voice) Don't say that. I want more than anything to make-(trying to stop himself from saying the last of it, he turns around and steps back a few paces)

JENNIFER: (watching him with tears in her eyes) Do you really, Jack? Do you really want to make love to me after all we've been through, after all we've got to go through?

JACK: (trying to avoid looking her in the eyes) I...I don't know what I want.

JENNIFER: Well, I know what I want. I want you, Jack. I don't want just the funny Jack Deveraux, the successful Jack Deveraux, I want all of you. I want...I want to be with you tonight and deep down, I know you want to be with me, Jack. (voice cracking) You do want that, don't you, Jack? 'Cause if you do, you have a strange way of showing it.

JACK: (during her plea, he is facing the door, trying desperately not to give in, but he wants to be with her so badly, wants to touch her, wants to think he can be all those things to and for her)...I...

JENNIFER: (begging him to see that he wants the same things she does) Do you want me, Jack? Do you want us?

There is uncomfortable silence as she waits for the answer. After what seems like a lifetime and JENNIFER'S hopes are fading, JACK begins to quickly walk to the door. As he reaches for the knob, he second-guesses himself and defiantly walks over to JENNIFER, who has turned her head down in disappointment. Seeing him rush over, she searches his face for an answer. He tilts her head upwards and lays a deep and passionate kiss on her lips. Stunned at first, she melts. They continue kissing for a few moments and then she cups his face in her hands and begins to cry tears of joy.

JENNIFER: (whispering. Moved) I knew you wanted it, too. I knew it.

JACK: (nuzzling her neck) I just forgot how much. Jennifer-

JENNIFER: (kissing him to shut him up) No, Jack-

JACK: (smiling a little) No?

JENNIFER: No words, Jack.

JACK: Well, words are my specialty, Jennifer.

JENNIFER: (grinning as he kisses her) Tonight they aren't. Just kiss me, Jack.

JACK: (smiling) I can do that...I can do that.

They begin to kiss again and move over to the bed. Falling down on it, they giggle slightly. As they begin to melt into each other's arms, you can see the smiles on their faces. Laughing slightly at their joy, JACK reaches behind him and turns off the lamp. In the darkness, you can hear their kissing and then speaking.

JACK: Jennifer-

JENNIFER: What did I say about talking, Jack?

JACK: Right.

They giggle and the camera pans out.

 

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

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