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Hearts Can Mend.
By Katie
Chapter 19
Lucy looks at Joe with concern her arms
instinctively tighten around Christina.
Lucy: What is it? What do you mean something
is going on with her?
Joe seriously take Lucy's hand
Joe: Come sit down on the couch what
I have to say isn't good.
Lucy can hear her heart pounding in
her ears. She lets herself be led to the couch and she sits watching Joe
nervously. Joe sits beside her and rubs his face then looks at her seriously.
Joe: Lucy I have been going back and
forth with this for hours trying to decide the best way to handle this.
Part of me thought I should just ignore it but Christina is my niece and
I care about her to much.
Lucy nods
Lucy: Please tell me, what is it?!
Lucy is reaching near panic.
Joe: I over heard Karen and Chris talking
this morning. I didn't mean to but they were not whispering all that softly.
Apparently every time you leave Christina with Karen, brace yourself Lucy
this isn't good,
Lucy takes a deep breath in her mind
fearing Karen is on drugs again.
Joe: Karen takes her directly to Chris
for a visit with him. I'm not even sure if Karen stays there with her.
I'm sorry if I'm poking my nose where it doesn't belong but I thought you
should know.
Lucy's checks are burning with rage
and her arms are clutching Christina tightly.
Lucy: She's what! MY DAUGHTER IS SPENDING
TIME WITH THAT GOOD FOR NOTHING JERK!
Joe: I'm afraid so.
Lucy: I can't believe this I just can't
believe this! Karen is her Godmother! I thought I could trust her! I put
my babies life in that little witches hands! And this is how she repays
me! She lets my daughter spend time with that jerk! That little snake!
Well that won't be happening any more I can tell you that! And Karen can
forget about ever spending time with this little girl again! Thank you
for telling me Joe now if you'll excuse me I have to find that little backstabbing
menace and give her a peace of my mind!
Lucy walks furiously towards the elevator
still clutching Christina. Joe smiles as he watches her go
Joe: Touch down.
He laughs wickedly and goes to find
Jill.
Victor has taken Mary home and Frank,
Neil and Courtney have just finished up breakfast.
Courtney: Well as much as I love sitting
here with my two favorite men, Neil you need to get to camp and I need
to meet with my new client.
Frank: Who is your new client.
Courtney smiles broadly
Courtney: Well it just so happens that
I've been hired to be the wedding coordinator for the Alexis Davis and
Ned Ashton wedding.
Neil: Cool
Frank: My wife the wedding planner of
the century. Speaking of which we need to get working on ours.
Courtney smiles
Courtney: Agreed especially with this
baby coming. But for now I have to get to work.
Frank: Yeah I need to get going pretty
soon to.
Frank hugs and kisses Courtney and Neil
and hi fives Neil. They leave and Frank sits back smiling at how lucky
he is to have them. Just then Chris comes in his eyes tense his body motions
rigid. Frank sees this and is surprised that he is actually worried. He
has been a little worried though, he hasn't wanted to admit it, about Chris
ever since the funeral. Chris spots Frank and walks over.
Chris: Listen Scanlon we need to talk
it's very very important.
Frank looks at his walk.
Frank: Well make it fast I have to leave
for work soon.
Chris pulls out a chair and sits down.
Chris: You know how much I loved Julie.
She was everything to me and then some.
Chris swallows back the lump in his
throat and takes a deep breath. He can already feel tears burning the inside
of his eye lids. Frank notices this and feels for Chris. As much as he
may not like this man he knows how easy it could have been for him to be
in Chris's shoes and he knows his love for Julie was and is real.
Frank: Yeah I know she was your true
love you made that pretty clear at the funeral. But what dose that have
to do with this?
Chris: When Julie died Frank I was suicidal
I didn't want to live. And I probably wouldn't be alive if it wasn't for
Karen.
Frank is shocked to say the least at
this confession he stairs at Chris. Not quite believing what he's just
heard but seeing the broken look in Chris's eyes knows it must be.
Chris: She came to me in my darkest
hour and she helped me. She stood by me comforted me and made me want to
go on.
Frank nods
Frank: I know when I was going through
my addiction Karen saved my life she is an earth angel that's for sure.
Chris: She has helped and tried to help
in so many ways. Look Frank I know I have no biological or legal right
to Christina but she's all I have left of Julie and I love her as if she
was my own I helped bring her into the world and I've always wanted to
be part of her world.
Frank gets some what rigid realizing
how much Chris loves Christina. He doesn't like it but he listens.
Chris: Karen knew that, she also felt
that asking permission for me to see Christina or letting people know I
was seeing Christina would only cause harm and hurt. You know the thing
with Karen is she may not always do what everyone thinks is right but her
heart is always in the right place. Frank Karen on a regular basis has
been bringing Christina to see me.
Frank is shocked at this news to say
the least he can feel is temper rising.
Chris: She hasn't left her alone with
me she stays the whole time, and I think you know I'd never harm her. I
love that little girl.
Frank relaxes some knowing what Chris
has said about loving her and not harming her is true. Chris: The reason
I'm telling you this is your brother as you know has declared war on Karen.
He found out about this and is telling Lucy in the worst way possible right
now. Look Frank if you want me to never see her again fine it will hurt
big time but fine, if you want to yell at me fine go right ahead but Karen
has done nothing wrong. The only thing Karen is guilty of is being the
best friend a guy could ever ask for.
Frank is silent as he looks at Chris.
He takes a deep breath collecting his thoughts.
Frank: I know you love Christina and
would never hurt her. And I know Karen well enough to know her heart was
in the right place it always is. I'm not happy about this happening behind
my back but I won't help Joe destroy Karen either. Look Chris if it was
just up to me I'd say okay but there are a lot of people involved here.
Chris: Like Lucy
Frank nods
Frank: I'll talk to Lucy and see what
I can do about damage control but I can't promise anything. I think the
best I can offer is that Karen won't suffer to much as for you seeing Christina
Chris: Just do your best Frank.
Frank: I will
The men look at each other with a new
understanding and shake hands.
Scott goes up to Serena's room and knocks
on her door.
Serena: Come in
Scott opens the door and finds Serena
reading.
Serena: Hi Daddy
Scott comes in smiling
Scott: Hey there apple sauce whatcha
reading there?
Serena: The Secret Garden Eve gave it
to me.
Scott smiles sitting down on Serena's
bed
Scott: Wow that's a pretty neat story
you enjoying?
Serena: I love it! It's so magical and
beautiful.
Scott smiles.
Serena: Daddy have you ever read it?
Scott: No no that's more of a girls
book, but I know a lot of girls who enjoyed it.
Serena: Eve says there are no such things
as girl stuff and boys stuff there is just stuff.
Scott smiles and shakes his head
Scott: Well I guess I'm just an old
fashioned thinker.
Serena: That's okay Daddy.
Scott: Um Serena speaking of Eve there
is something I need to speak with you about, it's very important.
Serena looks worried
Serena: Nothing is wrong is it?
Scott: What Oh no no, no nothing is
wrong. In fact something is very good and I want to talk to you about it.
Serena: What is it?
Scott: Well you like Eve right?
Serena nods
Serena: She's the coolest I love her.
I wish I could see her every day.
Scott smiles
Scott: Well you know I love her to and
I think I know away we can both see her everyday.
Serena looks at Scott curiously.
Scott: Serena what do you think about
me asking Eve to merry me.
Serena's whole face lights up and she
runs to Scott and hugs him.
Serena: Oh Daddy that would be so totally
cool!
Scott: You think so?
Serena nods happily.
Serena: Yeah she's great.
Scott: Yeah she is pretty great, and
you know she can and will never take your Mom's place cause no one can.
Serena: I know that, it's like even
though Grandma Gail is like your mom you still love your Mom.
Scott smiles
Scott: How did you get so smart.
Scott starts tickling Serena and she
laughs happily. They hug.
Serena: So have you asked her?
Scott: No no not yet I'm going to tonight.
Serena: I'm sure she will say yes Daddy.
Serena hugs Scott he smiles.
Scott: I hope so.
Serena: I know so
Serena smiles happily up at her Dad.
Victor is in the library with a mountain
of books studying intensely. Kevin comes in and dose not see Victor as
he goes over to the desk.
Dawn: May I help you sir?
Kevin smiles
Kevin: Yes, I'm looking for all your
material on good parenting.
Dawn: Oh I'm sorry but someone else
has just checked all of our parenting material out.
Kevin is surprised to say the least
Kevin: Excuse me! Are you sure? This
is very important my fiancé is expecting and I'm not at all prepared.
Dawn looks around and notices Victor
behind the large pile of books.
Dawn: Well he is still here perhaps
I can get some of them back for you or at least photo copy some of it.
Kevin: Thank you that would be great.
Dawn walks over to Victor.
Dawn: Excuse me sir, I am sorry to bother
you. But a gentleman has just come in and is in desperate need of some
of these books. Perhaps you could let him take some of these.
Victor: Oh I'm afraid I can not I need
these if I don't study these my child will be doomed.
Dawn: But would a couple books or articles
made such a difference.
Victor: It is not a chance I can take
Ms. My child's life depends on this study.
Dawn walks back over to Kevin
Dawn: I'm sorry sir he will not part
with any of them.
Kevin: What
Kevin is clearly exasperated. He walks
over to the table.
Kevin: Excuse me but I find it hard
to believe that you really need all of these books as much as I do!
Victor looks up and is shocked to see
Kevin standing there as Kevin is to see Victor.
Kevin: Victor what are you doing?
Victor: Studying how to be a good father
of course. I only have six months to get it right. I won't let this child
down I swear it! But what are you doing here?
Kevin sighs
Kevin: Victor you are going to do great.
I'm the one that needs to study. Lucy is expecting.
Victor jumps up excitedly and hugs Kevin.
Victor: Oh Monk that is absolutely splendid
news!
Kevin: yeah except for the fact that
any number of things could go wrong, and with my mental background I can't
be sure I'll be a good father.
Victor looks down sadly
Victor: I know what you mean. When I
think of this small child Mary is carrying I can't help but pity it for
having me as a father.
Kevin rests his hand on Victor's shoulder.
Kevin: Victor that child is going to
be so lucky to have you in it's life. You are not the same man you were
and you won't make the same mistakes.
Victor half smiles
Victor: I wish I had your confidence.
Kevin sighs
Kevin: So can you spare some of these
for the sake of your grandchild.
Victor smiles.
Victor: Only if you'll study with me
maybe you can teach me a thing or two.
Kevin smiles.
They sit down and begin studying together.
Chris is quickly walking through the
halls of GH looking for Karen.
Chris: Dammit where is she!
Traci rounds the corner nearly bumping
into him.
Traci: Oh I'm sorry excuse me.
Chris: That's okay I should have been
watching where I was going. Have you seen Karen Traci?
Traci: No not for awhile I can page
her if you'd like
Chris: No no I don't want to announce
I'm looking for her.
Traci picks up on the tension in Chris's
voice
Traci: Chris what's wrong?
Chris sighs
Chris: Joe If I don't find Karen before
Lucy dose Joe just might win.
Traci nods as it sinks in, her heart
quickens as she worries about her friend.
Traci: Okay I'll go find Gracie and
the three of us will find her don't worry. She's somewhere around here.
Chris smiles appreciatively.
Chris: Thanks Traci
They rush off. As Chris is walking he
hears Jill's voice and his ears immediately perk up.
Jill: Dr. Wexler Mrs. Barky is asking
for some pills to help her sleep.
Chris knows Jill is trying to stall
Karen since Karen got off duty 15 minutes ago. He can also hear Lucy's
shoe's and her angry voice in the distance he knows he must act quickly.
Chris darts towards Jill and Karen.
Chris: Dr. Wexler there is an emergency
that needs your immediate attention. Jill Mrs. Barky can have a very mild
sleepy aid, but you need to run it by Dr. Lambert since She's been monitoring
her condition. Come on Karen it's urgent.
Chris grabs a surprised Karen's arm
and practically drags Karen down the hall and into an elevator. Leaving
Jill standing there stunned as Lucy approaches.
Lucy: Jill have you seen that Karen
Wexler!
Jill: Huh? Oh yeah Dr. Wexler Um she
just left to take care of some emergency with Dr. Ramsey.
Just then Frank gets off the elevator
and spots Lucy. He walks towards her quickly.
Frank: Just the person I was looking
for.
Lucy: Frank I'm glad to see you we have
a major problem.
Frank: I know we need to talk come on.
He leads her over to some chairs and
they sit.
Lucy: What do you mean you know? What
do you know! Did you know that our daughter is being subjected to Chris
Ramsey! By that know account Karen!
Frank remaining calm.
Frank: Lucy please listen to me okay.
This is the first serious problem we've faced together we need to listen
to each other in order to reach a good decision. Okay take a deep breath
and try and relax.
Lucy tries to calm down.
Frank: You know Joe has basically declared
war on Karen right? He's been sabotaging her work, her patients, charts
and anything else he could think to do to hurt her. On top of this he's
getting personal and trying to get her through people she loves.
Lucy: What that is so sick I had no
idea! So it's not true?
Frank: Just hear me out okay. Now one
of Karen's greatest strengths is her gift for friendship. She is loyal
to a fault and if she cares about you will gladly walk through fire for
you. She's devoted to those she loves and if her heart tells her something
is right she'll do it. One thing you have to know about Karen is that her
heart is always in the right place and she never dose anything without
the best of intentions. Now when Julie died we all saw how devastated Chris
was. I mean the man was practically suicidal. Regardless of what we may
think of him or Julie there is no doubt he loved her with every fiber of
his being.
Lucy nods sadly.
Lucy: He was really a wreck I remember
how upset and out of control he was at the funeral.
Frank: And remember how we all noticed
how Chris and Karen had become friends and how much she seemed to be able
to help him and how he seemed to be depending on her?
Lucy: Yeah I was surprised to see it.
I mean Karen had never considered him a friend and all of the sudden there
she was right at his side.
Frank smiles thinking of how she saved
him.
Frank: Karen is the type that if you
need her no matter who you are or what the problem is she'll come running.
Karen's heart is to big not to come running. I wouldn't be alive if it
wasn't for her.
Lucy smiles
Lucy: She dose have a great capacity
for love and for being there for others.
Frank nods in agreement.
Frank: Even for Ramsey. Anyway Karen
likes to not only be there for people but to fix things. If she knows a
solution she'll take it no matter what the cost. Now Lucy I don't like
this anymore then you do but Christina is Julie's biological daughter and
that makes her the last peace of Julie left on this earth which in turn
makes her very important to Chris. She's all he's got left of Julie. Karen
saw how much pain Chris was in and how much sorrow he was feeling. She
saw how much he loved Christina and wanted to be near her. He saw how empty
he was and she wanted to help him. Karen knows how we feel about Chris
so rather then upset us and not being able to help she simply did what
she felt was best. Chris came to me today and told me what Joe told you.
Look Lucy what ever Chris may or may not have done in his life he would
never hurt or mistreat a child in anyway shape or form I have no doubt
about that. Also from what I know Chris was never actually alone with Christina.
She would simply take Christina for short visits with Chris and would stay
there with them the whole time. Lucy it is not as if Christina was never
going to find out that Julie was her biological mother. And it would not
be in Christina's best interest to only hear bad things about Julie. Chris
loved Julie and loves Christina Christina is named after him. Whether we
like it or not they have a connection. I think we should honor it. I'm
not happy about Karen sneaking around but I understand why she did it and
I do believe her heart was in the right place. I don't like the idea of
Chris getting to be part of her life. But I'm not so sure it would be fair
to Christina for us not to let him be part of her life.
Lucy sighs and half smiles
Lucy: You sure know how to defuse a
situation.
Frank smiles
Frank: Well I grew up in a house of
hot heads you learn a thing or two that way.
Lucy nods.
Lucy: I really don't like this Frank
Frank sighs
Frank: I know I don't either but sometimes
what is best for Christina isn't what's best for us so we have to do it
anyway. What were you planning on telling Christina about her biological
mom anyway? I know it might feel good to say she was a horrible person
but it wouldn't be good for Christina if you did that.
Lucy nods
Lucy: I know I know I just don't like
being tricked.
Frank: I know I don't either and I don't
like having decisions concerning my daughter taken out of my hands but
we can't punish Christina for having a connection to someone we don't like
and we can't punish Karen for having a good heart and being a great friend.
Lucy sighs and nods
Lucy: So Dad what do you suggest we
do.
Chris is driving Karen over to his place.
A confused Karen is still trying to figure out what is going on.
Karen: Chris what is going on? What
is the emergency? Where are you taking me?
Chris: What is going on is that Joe
has struck again. I've got the situation as handled as I can for now but
until we see where the chips fall I think it's better for you to not be
at the hospital. The emergency is that Jill and Joe found out you've been
bringing Christina for visits with me and have told Lucy. I talked to Frank
and I think he's on our side from what I can tell. So we have to keep our
fingers crossed that he can convince Lucy that the visits are okay or at
least that you didn't do anything wrong. We are going to my place. If they
are going to come after you they're going to have to do it on my turf.
Karen stairs at Chris in stunned silence.
Karen: Oh My God! I could loose my whole
family over this!
Tears spring to Karen's eyes she starts
to cry. Chris having pulled into his parking lot stops the car and hugs
her. Then getting a Kleenex wipes her eyes.
Chris: Hey listen to me okay. You are
not going to loose anything. I'll do what ever it takes to make sure of
it.
Karen looks at Chris she can feel that
worm close feeling she's been having about Chris lately and it as usual
leaves her confused.
Karen: Chris why am I so important to
you?
Chris strokes her tear stained cheek
Chris: Because you are my friend and
my guardian angel. I'd probably be dead right now if it wasn't for you.
You saved me Karen so this is the least I can do.
There is an awkward silence as they
stair into each others eyes.
Karen: Um maybe we should get out of
the car.
Chris: Uh yeah that's a good idea lets
go upstairs. I can make us something to eat.
Karen: Okay that would be nice.
They get out of the car and go to Chris's
apartment.
It is evening now Eve received a note
in her mail box simply asking her to come to the gazebo in the park. She
walks through the park now with her pale blue summer dress gently swaying
as she walks. She comes to the gazebo and her heart flutters. In the gazebo
is a beautifully set table with silver candles burning and an elegant meal
dished up. Soft music is playing and Eve can smell the sent of daisies.
As she moves towards the gazebo she finds a note on the step.
Eve
Please have a seat at the table, and
all will be revealed.
Love,
Scott
Eve: Now what in the world is he up
to.
Eve shakes her head and sits down suddenly
Scott steps out from behind a tree with a guitar in hand and begins to
play and sing
Scott: Its undeniable
that we should be together
Its unbelievable
how I used to say that I'd fall never
The places you need to know
if you don't know just how I feel
Then let me show you now that I'm for
real
If all things in time
time will reveal
One - you're like a dream come true
Two - just wanna be with you
Three - Girl its plain to see
that you're the only one for me
Four - repeat steps one to three
Five - make you fall in love with me
If ever I believe our work is done
then I start back at one
So Incredible
the way things work themselves out
And all emotional
once you know that its all about babe
It's undesirable
for us to be apart
Never would of made it very far
Cause you know that you got the keys
to my heart
Say farewell to the dark night
I see the coming of the sun
I feel like a little child
whose life has just begun
You came and breathed new life
Into this lonely heart of mine
You threw out the life line
just in the nick of time...
One - you're like a dream come true
Two - just wanna be with you
Three - Girl its plain to see
that you're the only one for me
Four - repeat steps one to three
Five - make you fall in love with me
If ever I believe our work is done
then I start back at one.
Eve has tears streaming down her face
as Scott finishes the song. She has never been serenaded like this before.
Scott walks over to her and hands her a daisy leans over and kisses her.
Eve: Oh Scotty this is amazing.
Scott smiles.
Scott: That's just the beginning.
Eve looks at him curiously.
Eve: What have you got up your sleeve?
Scott smiles devilishly.
Scott: Wait and see. What do you say
we eat.
Eve looks at him wondering what he's
up to. She turns and picks the napkin up. When she dose this something
falls out of the napkin. She leans down to pick it up and when she dose
she realizes it's a diamond ring. Eve stairs at the ring for a minute then
at Scott. Scott grins and gets down on one knee taking the ring from her.
Scott: Eve when Dominique died I didn't
believe I'd ever love again. I thought that part of my life was over. But
then you came along and like the song says breathed new life into this
lonely heart of mine. Eve I love you with everything that I am everything
that I have ever been and everything that I will ever be. You have made
me happier then I ever thought I could be again. So it seemed only right
to celebrate our love and begin a future where I thought love and a future
with anyone had died. Eve will you make me the happiest man on earth and
merry me?
Chris and Karen are eating dinner together
over at his place. Karen is trying to enjoy her dinner but her mind is
a million miles away.
Chris: What you don't like manicotti?
Karen: What? Oh no this is delicious
Chris I love manicotti. I guess I'm just not very hungry tonight.
Chris nods
Chris: Karen I'm sorry. I wish I'd been
able to stop Joe from telling all together but there just wasn't away to.
I wish I could go back in time and stop him from learning about you bringing
Christina to see me.
Karen sighs.
Karen: Chris it's not your fault it
was my choice and now I must live with what ever the consequences are.
Chris: Do you regret bringing her to
see me?
Karen shakes her head.
Karen: No I don't that was the right
thing to do. You have a strong connection to her, and I see how she brightens
your day. No I don't regret that at all.
Chris smiles and shakes his head.
Chris: You are one amazing friend.
Karen smiles
Chris: Okay look I'm going to get your
mind off of everything if it's the last thing I do come on.
Chris gets up and takes her by the hand
and leads her to the couch.
Karen: Chris what are you doing?
Chris: Creating a diversion.
Chris sets up a video game and hands
her the controls.
Karen: We're going to play a video game?
Chris: You can't be thinking about your
life when you're concentrating on making out of a maze full of gun fire.
Come on take a chance.
Karen takes her control and Chris takes
his. They start playing. Karen proves to be very good at this game. Soon
they are both laughing and enjoying themselves. Just then the door bell
rings.
Chris: Ah saved by the bell!
Karen: Don't be so sure as soon as you
get back to this game I'm going to finish beating you!
Chris playful grabs his chest.
Chris: Oh come on have some mercy.
They both laugh.
Chris goes to the door and opens it.
Standing in front of him is Frank, Lucy, and Christina.
Eve stairs at Scott in disbelief as his
words sink in. Scott strokes her tear stained cheeck.
Scott: So what do you think can you
put up with having me as a husband? I'll love you with everything I have
that much I can promis.
Eve wipes her tear stained check and
takes a deep breath as her shock turns to sheer joy. A smile spreads across
her face.
Eve: Oh Scott YES YES OFCOURSE I'LL
MERRY YOU!
Eve throws her arms around Scott nearly
knocking him over and starts kissing him excitedly.
Eve: YES YES OH SCOTT YES!!!
Scott hugs her tightly. Then pulling
back he smiles through his own tears.
Scott: Thankyou
Eve: For what?
Scott: For making me the luckest devil
on earth.
Eve: No Scott thankyou thankyou for
giving me so much happiness.
They kiss pationetly and Scott slips
the ring on Eve's finger.
Eve: Oh Scott it's so buetiful.
Scott: You know there is a story behind
this ring?
Eve: Really what?
Scott helps her back into her chair
and brings his chair up close to her.
Scott: Well one night while Lee was
in law school a bunch of his friends and him got into this poker game.
Each of the guys put in something they held dear. Now this one guy had
just broken up with his girlfriend so he puts this ring in the pile. Well
Lee ends up winning the hand so he won the ring. He tried to give it back
to this guy but the guy wouldn't take it. So he's stuck carrying this ring
around. He thought about selling it but he just never got around to it.
Then he met my Mom and he fell head over heals in love with her, so he
asked her to merry him. Now he wanted to give her the biggest and best
ring he could find but he didn't have any money. Then he remembered the
ring. He felt kind of silly giving it to her but she loved it and told
him that she loved the story it came with since it was so out of the ordenary.
Well when my Mom died Lee was beyond devistated. Anyway he put the ring
in a little box in his closet. Now their love was very special and this
rings history is out of the ordenary. And it just so happens our love is
very special and out of the ordinary. So I asked Lee for the ring and now
it's yours.
Scott smiles at Eve as she looks at
him and the ring.
Eve: Oh Scott what a great story! I
love the ring and I love you.
They kiss happily. A thought suddenly
occurs to Eve and a worried look comes across her face
Scott: What's wrong?
Eve: Oh Scott how will Serena react
to this?
Scott smiles and chuckles a little
Scott: Are you kidding me she adores
you! She was absolutly exstatic that I was going to prepose to you tonight.
She can't waite for you to become a part of our family and either can I.
Eve smiles
Eve: Really? Oh Scott I can hardly waite
either.
They kiss tenderly.
Chris stiffens at the sight of Lucy
Frank and Christina at his door.
Lucy: Hello Chris
Chris: Lucy, Frank.
Karen stands and starts to walk over
to the door.
Karen: Chris?
Chris not sure what is about to happen
jumps into protective mode.
Chris: Karen please go to the kitchen
and get us some soda I'll deal with this.
Karen walks over to Chris.
Karen: Chris I''m a big girl I can handle
this.
Frank: Chris it's okay really. Can we
please come in?
Chris looks unsertenly at them then
at Karen.
Karen: It's okay Chris let them in.
Chris steps back allowing the three
some to enter. Chris stands close to Karen's side looking very tence.
Karen: Hello
Lucy: Hello Karen.
Christina seeing Chris holds her arms
out and squels.
Christina: Chris Chris!
She reaches for him Chris instinctivly
reaches out for her. Lucy hesitates but Frank tutches her arm and gives
her a look. Lucy allows Christina to fall happily into Chris's arms. Chris
smiles as he always dose when he sees her and she gigles hugging him.
Chris: How's my girl.
Lucy: Seems like they really know each
other.
Karen: Lucy I know you don't like Chris
however
Frank cuts her off.
Frank: Karen we know you only had the
best of intentions and that your heart was in the right place. I have no
doubt that your actions were done full of love and friendship because those
are the things that guide all of your actions I know. I'm not upset that
you're Chris's friend or that you tried to help. I am however upset that
you went behind our backs and made a desision that we should have been
consulted about.
Lucy: Christina is our daughter Karen
we have a right and an obligation to know what is going on with her.
Karen nods.
Karen: I understand that I just felt
it would do more harm then good if you knew.
Chris: Karen based her choices on the
information she had. She did what she felt was in everyone's best interest.
Lucy: I realize she may have felt that
way but
Frank rests his hand on Lucy's arm sencing
her getting upset.
Frank: But us not knowing what is going
on with Christina is not best. However we do respect her point of view.
Christina: Chris read me please
Chris: In a little bit sweet heart.
Lucy: She really dose like you.
The anoyance in Lucy's voice is evident.
Chris: And I really love her.
Frank: We know you do Chris.
Karen: So what is the bottem line here?
Frank takes a deep breath.
Frank: I asked the day of the custody
desision if I'd left anyone out and I was told I hadn't but it apears I
have.
Karen and Chris look at each other.
Frank: As much as Lucy and I may not
like it Chris and Christina have a very strong very real conection. They
are entitled to it and even though we may not like it we need to respect
it.
Chris: So I can spend time with her?
Chris feels himself relaxing a bit.
Lucy: There will be some guide lines
but yes.
Frank: But first we have something we
need to get streight with Karen. Karen I know you only did what you felt
was right but keeping us in the dark isn't right. From now on if it conserns
our daughter I want to know about it. I don't want this happening ever
again okay Karen ever.
Karen nods
Karen: I understand
Lucy: In return we promis to hear you
out on what ever it is that's going on.
Frank: We'll be open and ready to listen
as long as you our open and honest with us. But Karen if this happens again.
Karen: It won't
Lucy: It better now Karen we won't be
quite so understanding next time.
Karen nods.
Karen: I understand and it won't.
Frank: Okay now that we have that settled
here is what we've decided regarding Christina and Chris. Chris can have
visatation right with Christina and see her when ever Karen chooses but
we are putting a stipulation on this. Karen has to be with Chris and Christina
during these visits. This is non negoshuble for now. In the future it might
not be but for now it is.
Chris and Karen look at each other.
Chris: I can live with that. Thankyou
very much.
Lucy: You're welcome.
Frank: We are putting our necks out
there guys don't blow it.
Karen: We won't.
Chris: I promis you won't regret this.
Lucy: We better not.
Christina: Book book!
Frank and Lucy look at each other.
Frank: Tell you what since Christina
obveusly wants some reading time with Chris Lucy and I are going to go
for some coffie. We'll be back in an hour to pick her up.
Lucy kisses Christina on the head.
Lucy: By sweet heart we'll be back.
Frank takes her hand reasuringly
Frank: It will be okay.
Chris: Thanks Frank thanks Lucy
Karen: Yes thankyou.
Lucy: You're welcome
Frank and Lucy quietly leave Lucy is
clearly unserten but fallows Franks lead.
Karen and Chris just stand there stairing
at each other in disbelief.
Chris: What just happend here?
Karen: I don't know I mean that looked
like Lucy but it sure didn't sound like her.
Chris: I guess Frank is more powerful
then I realized.
Christina: Read!
They laugh
Chris: Yes mam
Chris gets a book and the three some
settles down on the coutch to read.
Joe and Jill sit at the PC grill eating
a huge gormet dinner. Joe raises his glass of wine and smiles broadly.
Joe: To getting Karen right where it
hurts!
Jill smiles and clincks her glass against
his.
Jill: And to us!
They drink.
Jill: This really will hit her hard
won't it.
Joe: Karen's family means everything
to her and by now my guess is she's lost atleast half if not all of them.
We got her right where we want her. She's bound to mess up now and when
she dose we'll be there to make sure she looses her job.
Jill: You sure are a geanus
Joe smiles
Joe: Well the truth is with a screw
up like Karen it dosn't take a geanus to bring her down.
Jill nods
Jill: Joe can I ask you something?
Joe: Sure
Jill: You're doing this to Karen because
she is a bad doctor right? I mean you're not doing it just cause she and
you broke up.
Joe: What the hell kind of a question
is that!
Joe looks at Jill with anger Jill shrinks
back a little.
Jill: Oh I didn't mean to imply that
you would do it for any other reason. I mean you're a great doctor and
a great man. You'd never try to get someone fired if they didn't deserve
it. I'm sorry I guess I just had a thought and it troubled me.
Joe softend a little reaches for her
hand and smiles at her.
Joe: You're right I only want what is
best for the patients of GH and that's for Karen to go. I don't know what
I ever saw in her but I have found so much more in you.
Joe winks Jill smiles reasured. Then
excuses herself to the ladies room. Joe looks after her and a dark look
crosses her face.
Joe: You'd better watch your step.
It is morning now the recovery room is
busy with it's normal morning crowed. Mary runs in and Mike comes over
to her.
Mike: Well goodmorning Mary and may
I say you like simply radiant today.
Mary smiles and shakes her head.
Mary: You are such a flirt Mr. Corban.
Mike: So what can I get you?
Mary: Well I am just as hungry as can
be. Can I get an avocado, marsh mellow and peanut butter sandwich?
Mike tries not to show how disgusting
he thinks that is.
Mike: Uh yeah sure thing have a seat
and I'll get it made up for you.
Mary smiles
Mary: Thankyou Mike
Mary sits down as Mike takes the bizarre
order to the kitchen crew. Just then Courtney hurries in. She sees Mary
and comes over.
Courtney: Hi Mary how are you doing?
Mary: Oh hello Courtney please have
a seat I'm doing good just really hungry today.
Courtney: Me to! My cravings are going
crazy.
Mike comes back from the kitchen.
Mike: They are making it right now would
you like something to go with your sandwhitch? Hi Courtney can I get you
anything?
Courtney: Hi Mike
Mary: Yes I'd like prune juice and lemonade
mixed.
Mike raises his eye brows okay. Courtney?
Courtney: Oh that sounds good I'll have
one of those and can I get some tuna fish salad and could you please mix
some ice cream in with it?
Mary: Oh that sounds great. Mike I'll
have some of that on the side.
Mike is turning green.
Mike: Yeah sure.
Just then Lucy runs in.
Lucy: Hi Mary! Hi Courtney!
Mary: Well hello Lucy please join us!
Courtney: Wow looks like someone's been
on a shopping spree
Courtney looks at Lucy's bags. Lucy
smiles happily.
Lucy: I need a new wardrobe. Kevin and
I are expecting!
Courtney jumps up excitedly.
Courtney: Oh Lucy that's wonderful!
Congratulations I know how long you've wanted this!
They hug.
Mary: Oh yes that is simply splendid!
Are three babies can grow up together!
Courtney: Oh what a great little play
group!
Lucy: It is wonderful.
Mike: Congratulations Lucy. So can I
get you anything?
Lucy thinks as she sits down with her
friends.
Lucy: You know I know you're going to
think this sounds awful but I really have a craving for an anchovy and
peanut omelet
Mike swallows hard.
Mike: Okay anything to drink?
Lucy: Yes I'd like some tomato juice
mixed with milk. You know I need my calcium.
Mike nods and leaves the table quickly.
Soon the food comes and Mike along with the other waiters watch in disbelief
as the wemon happily gobble down their food.
Karen is working at the nurses station.
She has a smile on her face that no matter how hard she tries she can't
make disapear. Joe and Jill get off the elivator and see her.
Joe: Okay there she is I'm going to
go see what went down. I'll come find you later with the details.
Jill smiles
Jill: Sounds good
Jill runs off. Joe walks over to Karen.
Joe: So Karen how are you doing?
Karen knows what he wants to know. She
takes a deep breath choosing to rize above him.
Karen: I am doing good thanks. In fact
I need to thankyou for something.
Joe looks puzzeld
Joe: What do you mean?
Karen: Well last night Frank, Lucy,
Chris and I had a nice talk and now instead of me having to sneak Christina
over to see Chris I can just bring her to see Chris. Frank and Lucy were
so understanding I should have just told them from the begining. But at
least it's out now and now Chris can openly be part of Christina's life.
Thanks Joe.
Karen smiles and walks off. Joe glairs
after her his fists clenched his jaw riged. He angrily slams his fist down
against the nurses station desk.
Joe: You enjoy your nice little life
while you can Karen you can't escape my wrath forever. He glairs after
her angrily.
Chris is sitting in the oncall room on
the coutch his head resting against the back his eyes shut tight. Eve walks
in all excited.
Eve: Hey Ramsey guess what!
Chris dosn't even look up or open his
eyes.
Chris: what?
Eve: Last night the most amazing thing
happend!
Eve plops down next to him on the couch.
Eve: So are you going to guess.
Chris sighs opening his eyes and looking
at Eve.
Chris: I'm really not in the mood to
guess right now Eve.
Eve catches on that something isn't
right. Her whole mood changes she gently rests her hand on Chris's shoulder.
Eve: What's wrong?
Chris sighs.
Chris: Well the good news is I've overted
a cotastrophy in Karen's life. The bad news is it could lead to an even
bigger one.
Chris lays his head back and sighs.
Eve: What are you talking about?
Chris: Karen has been secretly sneaking
Christina around so I could see her. Joe found out and blabed it to Lucy.
If I hadn't been able to convince Frank that Karen hadn't done anything
wrong and he hadn't been able to convince Lucy of the same God only knows
what would have happend.
Eve: Well Chris that's great isn't it?
I mean you stoped Joe from hurting Karen again and you can still see Christina
right?
Chris: Yeah yeah I can see her when
ever now and Karen is fine it's just.
Chris sighs and lays his head back against
the coutch.
Eve: It's just what.
Chris: I know how a con man works, and
I know what happens when they get pushed to far. Joe has been failing for
awhile now thanks to me and he's getting desperate. And when a con man
gets desperate he gets dangerus. If I don't figure out his next move it's
going to mean disasterus. But the problem is because he is desperate I'm
not sure what his move will be.
Eve nods understandingly. she is clearly
worried for both her friends.
Eve: Well maybe I can help.
Chris half smiles
Chris: How Eve? Half the time you're
not even sure when I''m up to something and even when you are you don't
quite know what it is.
Eve: But maybe I can find out.
Chris: How?
Eve: I'll pretend to befriend Jill
Chris: Eve everyone knows you and Karen
are good friends and besides it will take to long.
Eve: What if Karen and I have this big
blow up infront of everyone and I then go and tell Jill I want to help
bring Karen down. Maybe I can find out the next move that way.
Chris considers this
Chris: Well I supose it wouldn't hurt
to try, I'm not getting any other ideas. But we're going to have to move
quickly.
Eve: No problem I'll go fill Karen in
now!
Chris smiles
Chris: Thanks Eve
Eve: You're welcome.
Eve starts to leave Chris grabs her
arm.
Chris: Hey Eve what was it you wanted
to tell me?
Eve smiles and blushes.
Eve: Scott and I are getting married.
Chris looks at Eve and smiles.
Chris: Congradulations Eve. You make
sure he treats you right.
Eve smiles
Eve: I will thanks
Eve heads twords the door.
Chris: Eve?
Eve turns and sees a very searus Chris
stairing at her.
Eve: Love him like everyday is the last
cause you never know.
Eve nods and smiles.
Eve: I will.
She leaves
Kevin is reading the news paper enjoying
his day off. Suddenly he hears Christina upstairs babbiling away. He puts
the paper down and gose up to check on her. He walks into her room and
finds her sitting up in her crib happily playing. He smiles and walks over
to her.
Kevin: Hey there little lady did you
have a good nap?
Christina looks up at him and smiles
then raises her arms up in the air.
Christina: Up me up pick up me!
Kevin looks at her for a minute stunned
that she's already trying to make sentinces. Kevin lifts her up and kisses
her cheeck.
Kevin: Well aren't we talkative today.
Mommy is going to be so excited when she gets home and hears you.
Christina giggles and hugs Kevin.
Christina: Doc
Kevin looks at her with tears in his
eyes his heart so full of love for this little girl that's not even his.
Kevin: You know what Christina I think
I can do this Daddy thing after all.
Christina nods
Christina: Yes
Kevin laughs and hugs her.
Joe is pacing in the hall angrily when
Jill walks up.
Jill: Joe what's wrong? Don't tell me
Karen got away with it!
Joe: Oh she not only got away with it
Chris is now allowed to see Christina whenever he wants!
Jill: Oh My God! This is horrible how
on earth did she pull that off!
Joe: One word Chris!
Jill: But how Lucy hates him?
Joe: But my good for nothing brother
feels sorry for him.
Jill groans
Jill: So now what?
Joe: Well now it's time to fight dirty.
Jill looks at him puzzled
Jill: I thought we were?
Joe: Well for us it was but you see
with Chris involved one must fight extra dirty.
Jill: So what are you planning?
Joe grins devilishly.
Joe: Well we are simply going to use
one of Chris's tricks.
Joe pulls a bottle of amphetamines out
of his lab coat pocket
Joe: Chris supposedly slipped these
into Franks drink awhile back. He thinks of Karen as such a good friend
well I believe it's pay back time.
Joe gets an evil look in his eyes as
a wicked grins spreads across his face.
Chapter 21
Traci comes up to Karen at the nurses
station.
Traci: Hi Karen how are you doing today?
Karen: Hey Traci actually I am doing
great.
Traci: I haven't seen you looking this
good in awhile. Is there a new guy?
Traci teasingly nudges her friend Karen
laughs
Karen: Oh no nothing like that. Just
a really nice day that's all.
Karen is hopes Traci bought this cause
inside she is having a fight with her self trying to get Chris out of her
head.
Karen: So what's up?
Traci: Oh Eve wanted me to give you
this note.
Karen: Oh thanks
Traci: You're welcome I need to go talk
to you later
Karen: OKay bye.
Traci heads off Karen opens the note.
Karen
Chris and I were talking, we are very
worried about what Joe may be planning next. The best way to stop him is
to find out what he's doing and the only way to do this is to get an inside
spy. I am volinteering for this job but inorder to do this we must have
a huge falling out so I can convince Jill I want to bring you down. I've
talked to Chris about when the fight should be he feels the sooner the
better. The fire works will start in ahalf hour.
Eve
Karen smiles
Karen: Wow what incredibly loyal friends
I have. I'm so lucky to have friends like them. Well if it's an argument
Eve wants then it's an argument Eve gets. I hope she can handle an argument
with me I am a Baldwin after all.
Karen gigles puts the note in her pocket
and gose back to work.
Jill and Joe are sitting quetly off in
a corner discussing there next plan.
Jill: Okay so how is this going down?
Joe smiles devilishly
Joe: Well first off I have to get Karen
trusting me at least a little. So I'm going to pretend to be so so sorry
for all the trouble I''ve caused her and beg her for forgiveness. Then
once I have her trusting me again I can offer her a cup of coffie with
a little extra surprise
Joe grins as his eyes twinkly.
Jill smiles
Jill: Simply briliant as usual.
Joe: Well I try
They kiss.
Jill: So when are you going to pretend
to make up with her?
Joe: In a little bit right now I have
do do rounds.
Jill nods
Jill: I can hardly waite for the fire
works.
Joe: well then I need to get to work
so the fire works can start.
Joe starts to leave
Jill: Uh Joe how much are you going
to give her anyway?
Joe shrugs
Joe: Oh just enough so she'll make a
fool of herself though it might be a nice treat if she had to be saved
by the very people she bosses around.
Joe walks off Jill tries to smile
Jill: He won't actually OD her she'll
be fine.
Jill walks off trying to believe what
she has just said to herself.
Chris is working at the nurses station
when Frank gets off the elivator and comes over the Chris.
Frank: Hey Chris you got a minute.
Chris is clearly surprised.
Chris: Uh yeah I guess.
Frank motions him over to the waiting
area the men sit on the couch.
Frank: I wanted to talk to you about
Karen.
Chris's body gose on red alurt his fists
clench.
Chris: Damit Frank you gave us your
word! You can't now come back here and say we can't see Christina!
Frank: Chris get a grip okay this has
nothing to do with Christina so just calm down and listen!
Chris relaxes a little.
Frank: Look something you said yesturday
has really been bothering me. Is it true that Joe is trying to destroy
Karen?
Chris sighs
Chris: Every chance he gets. He's stolen
files, endangered paitents, changed charts, sabitashed her pager, made
a slew of prank phone calls, and his latest attack was to try and take
her family away from her so she'd be more llikely to mess up.
Frank shakes his head in discust.
Frank: Who the hell is this man! I thought
I new my brother but I clearly don't. It's bad enough he'd try to hurt
someone as wonderful as Karen but to endanger lives to acomplish it!
Chris: He's sertenly had me working
overtime.
Frank looks at Chris and realizes that
Chris has been cleaning up to protect Karen all along not just yesturday.
He thinks about how Chris was when Julie died, how he looks with Christina
and how he's been protecting and helping Karen.
Frank smiles
Frank: Looks like Joe isn't the only
one I was wrong about.
Chris shrugs
Chris: Just helping a friend. I'm just
concerned I won't be able to protect her next time.
Frank: What do you mean?
Chris: Frank I'm a con man I know how
con men work. I could play Joe's gave blindfoled and I have been in order
to protect Karen but now
Chris shakes his head.
Chris: Frank when a con man fails over
and over again he gets desperate to desperate. I don't know what Joe's
next move is cause I've pushed him to the desperate point and at that point
a con man will do anything.
Frank nods seareusly
Frank: I want to help Chris Karen saved
me to. What can I do.
Chris have searusly half sarcasticly
speaks
Chris: Can you read your brothers mind.
Frank sighs
Frank: There was a time when I thought
I could but not anymore. However perhaps is I just watch him I can get
a clue.
Chris shrugs
Chris: It can't hurt. Eve has decided
to help to, she's going to pretend to hate Karen so Jill might tell her
something.
Frank nods
Frank: Good plan. Okay I'm going to
go track down my brother and see if I notice anything.
Chris: Good luck if you do let me know
ameadeitly.
Frank nods
Frank: Will do
The once enimeas shake hands both knowing
a friendship has begun.
Karen is in the oncall room working on
some papers. She glances at her watch it's almost time for the big show
down. Just then her cell phone rings.
Karen: Hello?
Scott: Hey there.
Karen smiles
Karen: Hey Dad what's up?
Scott: Just wanted to call and see how
you were doing. Are you okay?
Karen: yeah I'm hanging in there just
really busy.
Scott: Karen. . .
Karen: What? Is everything okay?
Scott: Lucy called me this smorning
she told me what Joe's been doing, and about Chris.
Karen: Oh
Scott: I'm not upset about Chris I don't
get it but it's none of my business now it's Frank and Lucy's and they
are okay with it. But Uhm what is my business and what I am worried about
is Joe.
Karen sighs
Karen: I'll be okay Dad
Scott: Well I know you will you're a
Baldwin after all, but you shouldn't have to fight him alone. I may not
have been able to protect you as a child but I'm here now and I'm not going
to let some jackass hurt you.
Karen smiles with tears in her eyes.
Karen: I love you Dad and I appriceate
you wanting to help me but I really have everything under controle. And
I'm far from alone here. Chris and Eve are helping me. So far Chris has
been able to stop every one of Joe's plans.
Scott: Chris?
Karen: Yes Chris, and now Eve has joined
in. She's going to be a spy for us. Infact we're about to have this big
fight out by the nurses station so that Joe and Jill will think we are
enimies that way she can find out what Joe and Jill are up to.
Scott: Karen be careful Lucy, Kevin,
Eve and I attempted a simelure plan with Rex and you remember what happend.
Karen smiles
Karen: We will be careful I promis.
And while Joe maybe awful he's no Rex Stanton.
Scott: He's no push over either Karen.
Karen: I know that and so dose Eve don't
worry about it.
Scott: How can I not worry you're my
daughter and I love you.
Karen smiles
Karen: I love you to.
Scott: Listen if you think of anything
I can help with I want you to call me at once deal?
Karen smiles
Karen: Deal So what is new with you?
Scott smiles
Scott: Well it just so happens that
your spy and I are getting married.
Karen nearly drops the phone.
Karen: What! Oh Dad that's wonderful
news! Congradulations! You must be so excited! I'm so happy for you and
for Eve you make a great couple.
Scott smiles
Scott: Thanks I can't remember the last
time I was this happy.
Just then Karen's pager gose off, she
looks at it.
Karen: Dad i will call you later I just
got the signal that it's time to start the fire works. I love you
Scott: Okay listen be careful and I
love you.
Karen: I love you to and I'll be careful
I promis. Bye
Scott: Bye
They hang up Karen stands up and takes
a deep breath
Karen: Let the fire works begin.
She heads out
Eve peaks around the corner to see who
is at the nurses station. She sees Traci, Ian, Chris, Grace, Amy, and Jill.
Eve: Perfect all we need now is Karen
and this show can roll.
Just then she sees Karen getting off
the elivator.
Eve: Show time!
Eve takes a deep breath clenches her
fists makes her jaw go riged and with quick determination comes racing
around the corner.
Eve: JUST WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK
YOU'RE DOING KAREN!!
Karen jumps pretending to act surprised.
Karen: What are you talking about? And
don't yell we are in a hospital you know.
Eve takes a deep breath pretending to
shoot daggers at Karen.
Eve: You know when you were running
us all ragged during the nurses strike I gave you the benifit of a doubt,
when you took drugs and worked here I turned my head and forgave you .
But this is where I draw the line Wexler! Do you just have no respect for
your famiy? Do you just not care about what you're putting them through?
Don't give me that all hurt and inocent look you little back stabbing rech!
You had no right to take Christina to see Chris! And even less right to
use him to get Frank and Lucy to forgive you!
Karen: Excuse me! I had every right
to take her to see Chris! Chris is my friend and looking out for him comes
with the territory.
Eve: Oh So your family comes after your
friends huh Oh that's nice Wexler!
Karen: No they don't and you know that!
But Chris really needed to see Christina so I helped my friend. Ofcourse
you wouldn't know anything about that now would you since being there for
Chris is a forign concept to you! And as for saying that I'm using Chris
well that's not the pot calling the ketle black then I don't know what
is! You've been using him since day one! Something I would never do cause
I actually care about him!
Eve: Oh give me a break! You don't care
about Chris you just like that he protects you!
Karen: And you are just jelous that
he's not at your becon call anymore!
Eve: Oh please I couldn't careless about
wether or not that Moron is there for me or not! Anyone who could love
a loony bin like Julie dosn't exactly get high votes from me!
Even though this is an act something
inside Karen snaps at hearing Chris be put down like that. She raises her
hand and slaps Eve across the mouth with out thinking.
Karen: DON'T YOU EVER TALK ABOUT CHRIS
THAT WAY AGAIN!
Eve is shocked to say the least but
recovers quickly.
Karen: AND AS FOR JULIE WELL WE SHOULD
ALL BE SO LUCKY TO HAVE SOMEONE WE CAN LOVE THAT MUCH AND BE LOVED BACK
BY! NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY FACE!
Eve rubs her face tears in her eyes.
Eve: With pleasure, Dr. Wexler you're
one friend I don't need!
Eve runs off, Karen turns to see a shocked
group stairing at her she runs off with tears in her eyes. She never ment
to hit Eve. Chris fallows her as she runs to the oncall room.
Chris: Karen! Karen waite up!
Once in the oncall room Karen turns
to Chris with tears in her eyes.
Karen: Oh My God! Chris I never ment
for are pretend argument to get so out of hand! I don't know what got into
me! You've got to go make sure Eve is okay. Please tell her I'm sorry.
Oh My God what have I done
Karen starts sobbing. Chris hugs her
tightly.
Chris: Karen it's okay Eve just happens
to know what buttens to push and she accidently pushed to many. Eve is
fine she's tough and she wanted it to look real. You did a great job you
both did. Everything is going to be fine. Eve can now easily go to Jill
and find out Joe's next move.
Karen: Do you think she'll still want
to help?
Chris cups Karen's chin in his hand
and smiles
Chris: Karen don't be silly ofcourse
she
will. She cares about you and wants to help very much. Don't worry about
it and as for me going to check on her well I can't. Because she put me
into the fight If I go talk to Eve that might clue Jill in.
Karen nods
Karen: So how do we get messages to
and from her?
Chris: Gracie is going to be our go
between.
Karen smiles
Karen: Gosh she's a good friend. You
all are
Chris smiles at Karen
Chris: Nothing less then you deserve.
There is an ackward silence.
Chris: Well I'd better get back to work
are you okay?
Karen: Yeah just a little out of breath
Eve really came on strong. I had no idea she could fight like that. She's
going to fit in just fine with the Baldwins.
Chris smiles and nods.
Chris: Yeah she will. Oh and Karen
Karen: yeah?
Chris: Thanks
Karen looks confused
Karen: For what?
Chris: For being so tough on Eve when
she came down on me. I know that was more you then the acting and it was
sweet.
Karen smiles
Karen: No one messes with the people
I lo Uh care about.
They look at each other a strange feeling
passes through both of them.
Karen: I need to go
Chris: Yeah me to
They leave quickly.
Gracie fallows Eve into the bathroom.
Eve starts spashing cold water on her face.
Eve: Wow that girl packs a wallup!
Gracie hands her a towl
Gracie: Are you okay she really got
you good.
Eve takes the towl and gently dabs at
her brused cheeck.
Eve: yeah I'm fine just remind me to
never get into a real fight with her.
They both chuckle.
Eve: So you think they bought it?
Grace: Oh are you kidding me I bought
it and I new it wasn't real. Jill had this totaly excited look on her face
and went charging off to find Joe.
Eve smiles
Eve: Good then we're right where we
need to be.
Eve looks at her self in the mirror
and re ajusts herself.
Gracie: Are you going to go talk to
Jill now?
Eve: Not right away I want to give her
a chance to talk to Joe. Gracie thanks again for agreeing to be the go
between. We had origenally planned on Traci being the go between. But she's
so close to Karen it just wouldn't have worked.
Gracie nods
Gracie: You're welcome and don't mention
it. You know doctors like Karen are few and far between so we're happy
to help. I'm just glad you guys thought of me when you realized Traci wouldn't
work.
Eve smiles
Eve: Me to. Oh and let Karen know that
I'm okay and there was no harm done. And tell her I think it only helped
make it look more real so it's okay.
Gracie nods
Gracie: Anything for the cause right
Eve nods
Eve: You've got it.
Jill looks everywhere for Joe and finelly
finds him coming out of one of the paitents rooms. She gose running up
to him excitedly and all out of breath.
Jill: Joe! Oh My Gosh I'm so glad I
found you! You are never going to believe what just happend!
Jill is practily jumping out of her
skin.
Joe: What? What what is it?
Jill drags Joe over to some chairs and
they sit down.
Jill: I'm working at the nurses station
right, and out of no where Eve comes flying down the hall and starts screeming
at Karen! It was incredible, she was totaly chewing Karen out and insulting
her every which way! And Karen naturally lost controle and started yelling
and insulting right back! But that's not the best part. Karen totaly lost
it after Eve insulted Chris and she hit Eve!
Joe: She what!
Jill: Clear across the face, Eve then
told her there friendship was over and they both stormed off.
Joe laughs
Joe: Sounds like I missed quite a show!
Well what do you know Karen is already starting to loose it. I guess our
plan of telling about Christina worked after all. She'll be so upset about
loosing her friend and hitting someone she'll be only to happy to except
my apoligy.
Joe grins devilishly.
Joe: And then we'll see Karen get what
she deserves.
Joe's eyes sparkle.
Jill: She did seem very upset.
Joe: Well then it's the perfect time
to strike. And with any luck by this time tomarrow Karen will no longer
have a job here.
Jill smiles and they hug then Joe rushes
off to find Karen.
Eve is walking around looking for Jill.
She sees her going over some charts in the waiting area. Eve collects herself
puts on her best angry and hurt look and gose twords Jill.
Eve: Hey Jill
Jill looks up starteld and a bit surprised
to have Dr. Eve Lamburt of all people talking to her.
Jill: Uh hi.
Eve is wiping her face trying to make
it look like she's been crying.
Eve: Can we talk?
Jill: Uh yeah sure sit down.
Eve plops down next to her still wiping
her face and sniffing.
Eve: I guess you heard the fight Karen
and I had huh.
Jill: Well yeah it was kind of hard
to miss.
Eve nods
Eve: You think you know someone. Did
you know I used to wish I was just like Karen? Did you know that? I idilized
her! I thought she was just the greatest person and friend I'd ever known.
Eve snorts
Eve: Boy was I ever wrong about that
little twit. I can't believe they let someone like her be a doctor! I mean
she's totaly out of controle completly iresponsible and just a complete
screw up! I can't believe I supported her last spring! I should have stood
up at that board hearing and said that I agree with Joe and she should
be kicked out!
Eve shakes her head in discust.
Eve: Now I have to put up with this
freak!
Jill: It is ashame she is really awful.
But who knows maybe she'll get what's coming to her.
Eve: I sertenly hope so. But you know
Jill hopeing is so un pro active.
Jill nods
Eve: Listen Jill I know you and Joe
have been plotting against Karen and I want to help. Please Jill I can't
stand by and let that loonitic work at this hospital. Let me help you and
Joe bring her down. I have alot of tricks of my own you know.
Jill wanting so badly to tell someone
what Joe is up to excitedly takes the bate.
Jill: Well to tell you the truth Eve
you're not going to have to worry about Karen hanging around here for much
longer Joe is about to take care of the situation once and for all.
Eve's heart quickens but she tries to
look excited even though she's scared to death inside.
Eve: Really, what is he going to do
to her?
Eve tries to look excited and eager
so Jill will tell her.
Jill looks around excitedly making sure
no one is in sight. Then leans in close.
Jill: Well Joe has found a full proof
way to get her fired by the end of today. He is going to pretend to make
up with her and apoligize for everything. Then once she has forgiven him
he's going to offer her some coffie. Thing is that coffie will have a high
doce of Anphetimeans in it.
Eve's eyes bug out her heart is racing
she tries to stay calm.
Eve: Oh My Gosh that's brilliant! She'll
be out by tonight!
Jill: Oh with out a doubt. You know
Joe and I have been working so hard on this for months. We've been sabitoshing
files, endangering paitents, steeling files you name it we've done it.
But now at last we will succseed and there is nothing that jerk Ramsey
can do about it.
Eve smiles
Eve: Well you sertenly have gotten it
all worked out.
Jill: Oh yes to the letter. Well I'd
better go I'll let you know what happens when Joe fills me in okay
Eve nods
Eve: Thanks
Jill leaves Eve jumps up her heart racing
Eve: Oh My God I've got to find Karen
now! She is so sweet and trusting she'll fall for it!
Eve runs off.
Karen is at the nurses station working
when Joe comes up to her.
Joe: Karen could we please talk for
a minute.
Karen looks at Joe a tad surprised.
He has what apears to be tears in his eyes and he looks very volnrable.
Karen: Uh sure I guess what's up?
Joe: Privately
Karen: Oh okay
Karen fallows him over to the waiting
area and they sit down.
Joe: Karen I have been the scum of the
earth. I've been nasty, hurtful, cruel, disrespectful, dishonest and just
plain awful twords you and I''ve endangered the very patients I'm sworn
to help. I've been a total jerk and a creep. I was so upset and jelous
that I stopped acting like a human and started acting like and animal.
Karen you're my best friend you've been that all my life and I've been
the worst friend in the world to you. I'm so so sorry I'm ashamed of myself
and with I could undo everything I've done. I''m just so thankful Chris
has made sure nothing I did stuck. I have so many regrets can you ever
forgive me?
Eve is racing down the hall searching
feverishly for Karen.
Eve: Where is she damit where is she!
Not watching where she is going she
runs right into Chris.
Chris: Hey where is the fire Lamburt
what's up?
Eve: Oh Chris Thank God! Listen I just
talked to Jill we have to find Karen now! We have to worn her!
Chris is now on red alurt seeing the
terrer in Eve's eyes.
Chris: Eve what is it what's Joe going
to do?
Eve takes a deep breath
Eve: He's going to trick her into forgiving
him and trusting him then he is going to drug her with anphetimeans.
Karen looks at Joe with tears in her
eyes. Could it be true is Joe really who she thought he was all along.
Karen: Oh Joe you have no idea how thankful
I am to hear you say those words! Believing I''d been wrong about you all
these years was just heart breaking. ofcourse I''ll fogive you! I've missed
you and our friendship so much!
Karen hugs him
Joe: I've missed you to Karen I''ve
missed our friendship to.
Joe grins wickedly.
Chris gasps in horrer.
Chris: Oh My God No Not Karen! We have
to find them!
Eve: My thoughts exactly come on!
They race off.
Joe: Listen I've been such a jerk what
do you say I buy you something to eat down in the cafitearia.
Karen: I don't know I'm
Joe: Come on Karen I know it's not much
but I do want to make it up for you and you look like you could use something
to eat. Come on you can tell me what a jerk I am and I'll buy you anything
you want.
Karen smiles
Karen: Well I'm not going to call my
friend a jerk but okay you can buy me some food.
Joe: Great
They walk arm in arm to the elivator.
Joe gently pats his bulging lab coat pocket and grins to himself proudly.
Chapter 22
Frank is still looking around the hospital
for Joe when he bumps into his partner Emilo.
Emilo: Hey there Amigo what are you
doing here on your day off?
Frank smiles
Frank: Oh just looking for my brother.
Seems like most of the people I'm close to work here so I never get away
from here.
They both laugh
Emilo: I know what you mean, I just
dropped Gabby off. It's her birthday so I took her out to lunch.
Frank nods
Frank: So is she enjoying working here?
I know it's been rather crazy around here lately.
Emila nods
Emilo: Oh she loves it. Truth is after
growing up with 7 brothers she thrives under cayoss.
They laugh
Frank: Well then she must feel right
at home here.
Emilo nods then gets a seareus look
on his face.
Frank notices his friends change in
demeanor.
Frank: Everything okay?
Emilo: I had kind of decided not to
tell you this but if it was Gabby I'd want you to tell me so I am going
to tell you.
Frank looks conserned and confused.
Frank: What? What's wrong?
Emilo sighs
Emilo: It's about your brother I think
he may have a prolem with Amphetimeans.
Frank: What!
Emilo: A friend of Gabby's saw him go
into the medicine cabnet and stuff a big bottle of something in his pocket
then walk out rather nurvesly. She went into see if she could tell what
he had taken and a bottle of Anphetimeans was missing.
As if someone has hit play on a tape
recorder he hears Chris's words play back.
''Frank I'm a con man I know how con
men work. I could play Joe's game blindfoled and I have been in order to
protect Karen but now
Frank when a con man fails over and
over again he gets desperate to desperate. I don't know what Joe's next
move is cause I've pushed him to the desperate point and at that point
a con man will do anything.'' Frank's mind flashes to the night of Larks
birthday party when his whole world began to unravel. Chris was there Chris
was desperate, and there were anphetimeans found in his system. All the
color drains from Franks face, as a look of sheer terror comes over his
face.
Emilo mistakenly thinking Frank is worried
about Joe tries to reasure his friend.
Emilo: Hey Amigo listen maybe it's not
true I just thought you should know though.
Frank shakes himself back into reality.
Frank: Uhm yeah Emilo it might be something
else look I need to go thanks for telling me I''ll be in tutch.
Frank races off as a million thoughts
race through his head. Emilo shakes his head sadly
Emilo: I don't know what I'd do if my
brothers got mixed up in drugs.
He walks off. Frank is feverishly running
through the hospital looking for JOe, or Karen Or Chris or just anyone
who can help. He runs right into Traci
Traci: Hey there where's the fire?
Traci smiles
Frank out of breath.
Frank: Oh I'm sorry Traci but we have
to find Karen now! I think I know what Joe is going to do to her next and
if we don't find her now well it could be a disater..
Traci sees the terror in in Frank's
eyes and her pulse quickens.
Traci: What tell me!
Frank takes a deep breath
Frank: I have a very good reason to
believe Joe is about to drug Karen with anphetimeans.
Traci gasps in horrer
Traci: Oh my God! We have to save her!
Frank: My thoughts exactly.
Traci: OKay look Uhm I think someone
saw Karen heading to the cafiteria you go find her and I'll get Alan and
call security.
Frank: Sounds like a plan, thanks for
the lead.
Traci: Hey don't mention it I just hope
we find her in time.
They run off.
Chris and Eve have been running around
the hospital like crazy looking for Karen.
Chris: Damit where is she!
Eve: Chris we will find her we just
have to keep looking.
Chris: And what if we're to late! Dammit
I knew something like this might happen! I should have been able to protect
her!
Eve Sees tears in Chris's eyes and the
terror on his face she remembers what made Karen hit her and a strange
thought occures to her but she pushes it away for now. Eve rests a hand
on Chris's arms
Eve: Hey Chris listen calm down okay.
We will find her we just have to keep looking and as soon as we do we'll
get her out of here before anything can happen. We just have to stay calm.
Chris takes a deep breath and sighs
Chris: You're right your right okay
what exactly did Jill say maybe there is a clue there.
Eve thinks back
Eve: She said ''Joe has found a full
proof way to get her fired by the end of today. He is going to pretend
to make up with her and apoligize for everything. Then once she has forgiven
him he's going to offer her some coffie. Thing is that coffie will have
a high doce of Anphetimeans in it.''
Chris shakes his head in descust then
tries to sort it out.
Chris: Drug her Coffie huh
Suddenly their eyes meet as it hits
them
Chris: The Cafiteria!
Eve: The Cafiteria!
They race off hopeing they won't be
to late.
Down in the cafiteria Karen sits happily
in a booth while Joe gets them something to eat. Joe stands at the counter
getting the food and looks at Karen wickedly.
Joe: A few bites of this sandwhich and
a few sips of this coffie and you my dear will be a thorn in my side no
longer.
He chuckles to himself wickedly and
shakes his head then gose back to doctoring the food. Then putting on his
best inocent smile brings the food over to Karen and places it in front
of her and sits down.
Joe: Here you go Ham and Cheese sligthly
grilled and a Double expreso just how you like it.
Karen smiles and shakes her head
Karen: You know me so well
Joe smiles
Joe: Well we have been friends since
child hood.
Karen nods
Karen: I really have missed you Joe
and I'm so glad this whole thing is over.
Joe: So am I. I wish I'd never started
any of it. I really don't know what got into me. I'm just so glad you are
willing to give me anuther chance.
Karen smiles
Karen: Joe you did hurt me but we've
been friends for far to long for me not to give you anuther chance.
Joe: Well I''m not going to let you
down this time you can count on that.
He takes Karen's hand and smiles
Karen smiles back
Karen: You better not. But you know
what enough about the past lets focus on the future okay.
Joe: Sounds like a plan
Joe raises his iced moca frap achino
Joe: To the future
Karen: To the future they lightly tutch
there cups Joe watches Karen intently as she brings the cup to her mouth.
Just then Chris, Eve and Frank come barging into the cafiteria. Chris sees
Karen about to take a drink
Chris: STOP!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone in the cafiteria jumps hearing
Dr. Ramsey of all people scream like that.
Karen: Chris what is it?
The trio gose running to Karen just
as Alan, Traci, and security come racing in.
Joe: You got a problem Ramsey!
Frank: WE ALL HAVE A PROBLEM AND IT'S
NAME IS JOE!
Karen: Frank!
Eve: Karen it's a trick give us the
coffie.
Alan: What is going on over here!
Chris takes the coffie and the plate
of food and hands it to Traci.
Traci: Get this up to the lab I want
it tested for anphetimeans and what ever you do don't let this food or
the test results out of your sight not even for a second!
Traci nods and races off with the food.
Karen: Amphetimeans what are you talking
about?!
Chris: Karen come on lets get you out
of here!
Chris glairs at Joe
Eve: We should give her a complet physical
Frank: I can't believe you would do
this! HOW COULD YOU DO SUCH A THING ANWSER ME!
Alan: I want some anwers!
Karen: What is going on!
Joe over come with anger and frusteration
looses his cool
Joe: WHAT IS GOING ON IS THAT THIS HOSPITAL
IS SO STUPID! THEY ALLOW THIS NO ACOUNT LOOSER TO WORK HERE!
He indicates Karen
Joe: I HAVE BEEN BREAKING MY BACK TRYING
TO GET HER FIRED BUT YOU LITTLE KNOSIE GOOD FOR NOTHING JERKS KEEP SCREWING
IT UP! I'VE BEEN FORCED TO STEEL FILES, SABITASH FILES AND PAITENTS, AND
HER PAGER, AND EVEN MESS WITH HER PATHETIC FAMILY JUST TO GET HER OUT OF
HERE! BUT NO NO YOU HAVE TO PROTECT KAREN! SO NOW WHEN I HAVE ALMOST SUCCEEDED
IN GETTING SOME DRUGS INTO HER SYSTEM SO THIS PLACE CAN BE RID OF HER YOU
MESS THAT UP TOO!!
Everyone is just stairing at Joe in
amazment and discust. Joe calmer now realizes what he has just done.
Alan: Dr. Scanlon you are here by fired
from GH affective ameadietly. I'm also going to be contacting the national
medical assoceation and strongly recomend that your medical licence be
permentently and completly revoked in all 50 states! Security please escort
Dr. Scanlon out of the hospital now! And if I see you anywhere near here
I will call the police you got that!
Joe is red with rage
Joe: OH I DON'T BELIEVE THIS! HERE I
GO TO ALL THIS TROUBLE TO GET RID OF THAT MISRABLE HUMAN BEING AND YOU
ARE GOING TO FIRE ME! GO TO HELL YOU ASS HOLE!
Joe lunges forward and slugs Alan Security
grabs Joe as Eve, Frank, and a couple other nurses in the room help Alan.
Alan stands up brushing himself off.
Alan: I'm fine it's okay no harm done,
just get this peace of trash off the premises!
Security starts to pull him twords the
door.
Joe: WITH PLEASURE I HAVE NO NEED FOR
A PLACE THAT EMPLOYEES LOOSERS LIKE HER!
Frank: Waite!
Everyone stops Frank walks over to the
men holding his brother. He looks Joe right in the eye there are tears
in Frank's eyes and his voice is shaky.
Frank: I thought I new you, I've made
sacrofice after sacrofice for you, but aparently I was wrong to. Joe you
are a disgrace and an embarrisment. I'm ashamed to say I ever cared about
you. You've lost your job and your carrier today but you've lost something
even more preshus to you've lost a brother. From this point on I have no
brother.
Frank looks over at the stunned group.
Frank: Karen on behalf of the Scanlon
family I am very very sorry about all of this if there is anything I can
do let me know.
Frank walks angrily out of the cafitieria.
Security: Come on lets go
They pull a still snarling Joe out of
the cafiteria.
Karen is as white as a ghost, and shaking
as she stands behind Chris waching all of this unfold. Alan comes over
and takes her hands in his.
Alan: Karen I'm so sorry about all of
this, I should have known you weren't to blame for any of the problems
we've been having. I want you to let me know if there is anything I can
do for you. I need to go make some phone calls. Take the rest of the day
off okay. Karen roboticly anwsers
Karen: OKay thanks
Alan leaves Chris looks at Karen then
at Eve
Chris: Eve why don't you go check on
the lab I don't want anything happening to those results
Eve nods
Eve: Sure thing Karen if you need me
just page me okay
Karen nods Eve hurries out. Chris looks
at Karen with consern. She is pale and shaking. She looks at Chris with
tears in her eyes and confusion on her face.
Karen: He tried to drug me! He tricked
me! Oh my God! How why I don't understand!
Karen starts sobbing Chris grabs her
and holds her close rocking her from side to side.
Chris: It's going to be okay you'll
see everything is going to be okay. You're safe, and we've won. He won't
be trying to destroy you anymore cause he's destroyed himself. I''m not
ever going to let anyone hurt you your safe Karen your safe. It's okay
now it's okay. As long as I'm alive you're going to be fine.
Chris has tears in his own eyes as he
holds her tightly. His heart racing with anger and relief.
Eve is working at the nurses station
she has been checking on the lab every five minutes but so far nothing
has happend. Chris took Karen home and told Eve to tell Alan he woudn't
be back today. Gracie comes running up to Eve
Gracie: Eve I just heard is it true?
Did Joe really try to drug Karen?
Eve shakes her head in discust.
Eve: He sure did and when we stoped
him he blew up at everyone slugged Alan and was dragged from the hospital
like a snariling beast
Gracie: Wow this is just so unbelieveable!
Eve: I know I new he was out to get
Karen but to sink this low
Eve shakes her head in discust
Eve: The one good thing that has come
out of all this though is that Joe has been fired. He spilled everything
in a rage so Alan fired him and he'll hopefully loose his medical licence.
Gracie shakes her head
Gracie: Thank goodness for that. How
is Karen?
Eve: In shock Chris took her home. You
know it's just heart breaking when you realize that the person you've thought
of as your best friend your whole life and the person you think so highly
of could do something like this. He got her hopes all up that she wasn't
wrong about him after all and then slam duncked her basicly.
Gracie: Thank goodness you got there
in time. How much did he give her? Do you think he was going to kill her?
Eve considers this
Eve: No no I think he just wanted to
get her fired I doubt he wanted her to die. He's a jerk but not that bad.
Traci: I woudn't be so sure about that
They turn and see a discusted looking
Traci coming over to them with a file.
Traci: Just got the test results back
on that food and coffie Joe was trying to get Karen to eat. Look at this
She flings the file twords Eve looking
nauseated.
Eve reads it and her face looses all
color
Eve: OH MY GOD! This stuff is loaded
enough with amphetimeans to take out a 200 pound man!
Gracie: Well maybe he made a mistake
and didn't mean to put that much in?
Traci: Come on Gracie Joe is a doctor
he new exactly what he was doing.
Eve stairs at the file in disbelief
then back at Traci and Gracie with tears in her eyes.
Eve: Oh My God he was trying to kill
her!
Joe who is seathing with anger knocks
loudly on Jill's door. Jill comes running and opens the door
Jill: So how did it go?
Joe pushes right past her and flings
his coat on the couch.
Joe: Oh just great! Right before she
was about to take a drink of that coffie Chris, Eve, Frank, Traci, Alan
and security come racing in and stop her! They stoped her can you believe
it! They had found out and that little jerk Chris sends the food and coffie
to be tested for amphetimeans!
Jill: But that's impossible how could
they have known!
Joe's eyes blaze with anger and he grabs
Jill by the arm and squezes it tightly
Jill: Ow Joe you're hurting me
Joe dosn't release
Joe: I think I have a pretty good idea
of how! You've been running your mouth again haven't you!
Joe flings her down on the couch
Jill is frightend and starts to cry
Jill: No no Joe I only told Eve cause
she wanted to help.
Joe: Eve Eve! YOU ONLY TOLD EVE! YOU
LITTLE PEACE OF TRASH YOU COST ME MY CAREER!
He slaps her across the face pulls her
off the couch and starts shaking her.
Joe: WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH YOU! HOW
DARE YOU TELL ANYONE OUR PLANS!
Jill: But she said she wanted to help!
Please Joe stop you're hurting me!
Joe: WE DON'T NEED HELP!
He back hands her across the face yanks
her off the floor by the hair and flings her across the room she falls
into a boock case and sinks to the floor sobbing.
Joe: BECAUSE OF YOU ALAN FOUND OUT EVERYTHING
AND FIRED ME AND I'M PROBUBLY GOING TO LOOSE MY LICENCE WHILE THAT KAREN
KEEPS HER JOB!
Joe picks up a table lamp and flings
it at her, it bearly misses her head and shaters everywhere.
Jill: Please Joe please I''m sorry I'm
sorry please we can get through this I love you!
Joe: WELL YOU GOT A FUNNY WAY OF SHOWING
IT!
Joe gose over and yanks her off the
ground and squezing her arms tightly looks into her tear stained and terrified
face
Joe: If you ever mess with me again
you're going to pay he flings her back against the book case and storms
out of the apartment leaving Jill in a heap on the floor crying.
Chris and Karen sit on her couch, with
the TV on neither really watching.
Chris: Karen I know it's hard but we
really did win. You don't have to worry anymore your carrier is safe and
you no longer have to put up with that yahoo at work everyday.
Karen sighs
Karen: Then why do I feel so lost.
Karen wipes a tear from her face.
Chris takes her hand in his and squezes
it.
Chris: Because he was your friend and
your lover for a time. You almost married him and he betrayed and and tried
to destroy you. It's hard when someone we think we know turns out to be
a stranger to us.
Karen: I just don't know how I could
have been so wrong about him. Am I just that gullible! I'm I just that
nieve and stupid!
Karen starts crying.
Chris: Hey now hold it right there.
Chris takes her by the shoulders
Chris: Now you listen to me Karen Wexler
you may be many things, a true friend, a gifted doctor, an incredilbe lady,
and a buetiful woman. But you have never been, will never be, and could
never be gullible, nieve or stupid. You are a brillant trusting and loving
person and I'm not about to sit here and let you put yourself down.
Karen half smiles
Karen: How am I not supposed to doubt
myself after this?
Chris: Karen you were wrong about one
person one time in your life that dons't mean you should question your
instincts it just means your humman. We all misjudge people sometimes it's
not a fault it's just a fact of life. Sometimes people trick us. And when
they do all you can do is pick yourself up dust yourself off and move on.
Karen smiles
Karen: I was actually wrong two times
Chris. Seems to me you're the man I thought Joe was.
Chris blushes
Chris: Hey I'm nothing special I have
a tune of faults and I know it. The only real difference between Joe and
me is I want to be a better person and Joe has decided he dosn't want to
be.
Karen: Well you are sertenly doing a
great job of being a better person and I'm going to reward you. How about
if I make us some dinner.
Chris: Karen you don't have to besides
you've been through alot today I should cook for you.
Karen gets up
Karen: Nope sorry no can do you saved
my carrier and quite possibly my life today and you're going to sit back
and let me make you a great dinner. Besides I want to.
Chris sighs
Chris: Okay but nothing to special okay
I don't want you going to alot of trouble.
Karen smiles
Karen: Hey you're in my house I'll make
what I want.
She playfully swats him over the head
and they both laugh a little. Chris holds his hands up
Chris: You win.
He reclines on the couch as Karen gose
to make dinner. As he rests Chris drifts off to sleep. Soon he begins to
dream. He is at a party it is Lark's 18th birthday he walks in and sees
himself over by a table putting something in Frank's drink. The dream then
switches to today he sees Joe in the cafiteria putting the drugs into Karen's
food. Then he's back at the party he sees Frank drinking it then loosing
controle. Then back to today he sees Karen about to drink the coffie. He
sits up in a cold sweat out of the dream
Chris: NO!!
Karen comes running over
Karen: Chris are you okay? What is it
what's wrong? Were you dreaming about Julie?
Karen wraps her arms around him Chris
rubs his face.
Chris: No no I was just dreaming about
what happend today and some other things.
Karen smiles
Karen: Well thanks to you everything
worked out so there is no reason to be having nightmares. Why don't you
go wash up dinner will be ready soon.
Chris smiles
Chris: Okay.
Chris gose to wash up. As he stands
in the bathroom he looks in the mirror
Chris: You are such a hypercrit. You're
going to fix this.
Frank and Courtney are sitting at their
kitchen table. He has just fineshed filling Courtney in on what happend
at the hospital.
Courtney: I just can't believe this.
Courtney shakes her head in disbeliefe
Frank: Join the club, I thought I new
my brother but aparently I don't.
Frank sighs angrily.
Courtney: I new he was capable of alot
I mean we saw it last spring. But this! Drugging someone! Trying to destroy
and quite possibly take someone's life! It makes me sick to think I actually
cared about that monster!
Frank: I just keep thinking of everything
I've done for him. You know I wanted to be a doctor long before he ever
did but no no I stepped aside and let him have it! Why did I do that!
Courtney smiles and takes his hand and
squezes it.
Courtney: Because you're a wonderful
loving generus man.
Frank: Yeah and alot of good it's done
me. I mean don't get me wrong I am happy with my life but what was the
point!
Courtney shakes her head sadly
Courtney: I don't know I don't know.
So it was Chris that stopped this?
Frank snorts
Frank: Yeah talk about irony huh! Chris
of all people, Chris the guy who drugged me stopped it!
Courtney shakes her head in amazment.
Courtney: Maybe he's turning over a
new leaf
Frank shrugs
Frank: Maybe
Courtney: I''m just thankful someone
was there to stop him. I may not be Karen's biggest fan but she didn't
deserve that no one dose.
Frank: True and Chris has been nicer
lately. I'm just glad it's over with.
Courtney: I'm sure Karen is to
Frank nods
just then the phone rings Frank grabs
it.
Frank: Hello?
Joe: Hey Frank listen it's me, I'm down
at the police station. Can you believe it that no acount hussy Eve turned
me in! Come down and bail me out.
Frank takes a deep breath his temper
rising.
Frank: Joe I want you to listen very
carefully.
Frank hangs the phone up and turns twords
Courtney
Frank: Not a word
Courtney: Not even I love you.
Frank sighs Courtney comes over and
hugs him.
Chris and Karen are sitting enjoying
the lavish meal she prepaired for them.
Chris: Karen this Lemon Chicken is out
of this world. I haven't had it in ages and it is one of my favorites.
Karen smiles
Karen: thanks I'm glad you like it.
I've always like it to but I haven't had anyone to make it for in ages.
Chris smiles
Chris: Well then I'm glad I gave you
the opertunity to.
Karen: I'm glad you did to.
There is an akward silence.
Karen: So I uh was thinking maybe we
could take Christina to the circus on Friday.
Chris: Oh that would be fun. I'm sure
Christina would love it. All kids love the circus.
Karen nods
Karen: Yeah and I admitedly still do
to.
Karen blushes.
Chris smiles
Chris: Nothing wrong with being young
at heart.
Karen smiles
Karen: Chris I'm sorry you always have
to be around me to be around Christina.
Chris looks at Karen in surprise
Chris: What are you kidding me! Karen
I absolutly love being around you. I''m actually happy when I'm around
you. I mean one of the great things about the way Frank and Lucy arranged
this is I have to be around you. But I can understand if you don't like
being around me so much.
Karen: Chris don't be silly I have a
blast being around you! You make me feel important and useful. I feel energized
and worth something when I'm around you. I am always so happy to be around
you.
They look at each other for a minute
the akwardness mounting.
Chris: Well Uh I guess we owe Frank
and Lucy a thankyou huh
Karen smiles
Karen: Chris can I ask you a personal
question?
Chris: Sure
Karen: You said you before that you
wanted to be a better person.
Chris nods
Karen: What made you decide to change?
Or did I just never see you correctly?
Chris considers this questions
Chris: You saw what I wanted you and
the rest of the world to see. You see I was raised to believe that love,
friendship, loyalty, trust and support were bad and only brought pain and
disapointment cause that's all it brought me. My Dad pounded it into my
head sometimes literly that those things were for the week and cowerdly.
That if I wanted to be a real man and never get hurt well I'd better never
let anyone near. So I made myself as unlikeable as I could.
Karen nods
Karen: That's so sad what an awful thing
to teach a kid
Chris nods
Chris: Well it wasn't really my father
fault, he'd been raised on the streets with nothing. I think he figured
I would have nothing also so why not teach me what he'd learned.
Karen: What changed?
Chris gets a distant look in his eyes
and a meloncoly tear slides down his cheeck. He smiles sadly
Chris: Julie Julie changed me. She saw
in me something that no one had ever seen before. Something I myself didn't
know was there. She saw someone who was loving, supportive, and protective.
Someone who could be there for others and help them, someone who could
be a good friend. Someone who could be trusted and new how to trust. She
believed in me like no one ever had and had faith in me that could move
moutains. She made me want to be this man she saw, she made me believe
in this man she saw. And she taught me that love, friendship, loyalty,
trust and support that they were good. That they didn't bring pain and
that I could trust in them. And that those who had these things were not
cowerdly or weak but brave and strong.
Karen wipes a tear from her cheeck.
Karen: I had no idea. I guess Julie
really gave you more then anyone ever had
Chris nods sadly
Chris: That she did.
Jill fallows the guard over to Joe's
cell. Joe is pacing in their angrily like a caged tiger.
Guard: Bail has been posted your free
to go.
The guard unlocks the cell door.
Jill: Joe I came as soon as I could
are you okay?
Joe snorts and shrugs Jill off as she
tries to hug him.
Joe: It certainly took you long enough
to get here. What did you do stop at the mall on your way!
Jill: I'm sorry Joe I didn't have that
kind of money lying around I had to make some phone calls.
Joe: Well maybe you would have that
kind of money if you didn't spend it all on those dumb crystal ornaments
you're always collecting.
Jill looks down sadly at the floor.
Jill: I'm sorry
Joe: Oh lets just get out of here come
on!
Jill looks at the guard as Joe storms
off
Jill: He really is a great guy he's
just a little testy right now.
Jill runs after him. The guard shakes
his head as he watches them go.
It is late in the evening Karen and Chris
have been sitting on the couch talking for hourse. Suddenly Karen notices
the time on the clock.
Karen: Oh my gosh it's after midnight!
Chris: You're kidding me! Wow I had
no idea it was so late. I feel like it's only been minutes since we fineshed
dinner.
Karen: I know time just seems to race
by when I'm with you.
Chris: I know what you mean
There is an akward silence
Karen: Uh well I have to be at work
early tomarrow
Chris: Yeah me to
They walk to the door.
Karen: Chris thanks again for everything
I mean it you saved my life.
Chris smiles
Chris: It was my pleasure.
Karen and Chris look at each other not
sure what to do next.
Chris: I really should go
Karen: Yeah it's been a long day I need
to get to bed.
Chris and Karen hug and suddenly with
out thinking there lips meet in a tender kiss.
As Chris and Karen's lips meet in a tender
and completly unexpected kiss for a second they give into it and start
to pull each other close. Then shocked at what is going on they both jump
back.
Chris: Uh I
Karen: Chris I didn't
Chris: Karen I mean I
Karen: I don't
Chris: I better go.
Chris rushes out not knowing what else
to do. Karen yells after him with tears racing down her face.
Karen: Chris I''m sorry I''m sorry!
She slams the door.
Karen: Oh My God! What have I done what
have I done! Chris is my best friend I can't be doing this! He is still
greiving over Julie what am I doing! How could I be so insensitive!
She then spots a pen Chris acidently
left on the coffie table. She picks it up and cluches it in her hands.
She closes her eyes tightly.
Karen: Oh Chris please forgive me.
Mean while Chris is driving home his
heart racing a mile a minute.
Chris: You stupid idiot! What the hell
were you thinking!
He slams his fist into the steering
wheel.
Chris: She is your friend and the reason
you are alive you can not be doing this!
His eyes fall on his wedding ring which
he has yet to remove. His eyes fill with tears as an over whelming feeling
of guilt comes over him.
Chris: Oh Julie please forgive me.
Chris pulls off the road and cries for
a bit. Once he has calmed down he drives on home. Karen is laying in bed
tossing and turning as the events of the past few months race through her
head.
Karen: Uhh this is hopless! Why can't
I stop thinking about him! Why dose he matter so much to me!
Karen gets up and paces by the window.
Karen: I am his friend nothing more.
Tonight didn't mean anything we were both tired and that's that. But I
do need to apoligize to him. I mean he is still grieving over Julie.
Karen looks out at the night sky.
Karen: Oh Julie he loves you so much,
I could never take that place in his heart and I wouldn't want to. I know
I probubly upset him tonight I'm sorry. The kiss didn't mean anything it
was nice but it really didn't mean anything.
Karen lays back down and tries to sleep.
She starts to dream a little. She is in her bathroom putting on lip stick.
Her hair is swooped up, and she is wearing a very sexy black dress. She
opens the dorr and walks into her living room. There is a table set with
only the best china and silver candles in the center. A fire is going in
the fire place and a bottle of wine is chilling. There is a man standing
by the window with his back to her. She gose twords him and puts her hand
on his shoulder. He terns around and it's Chris. Chris smiles at her.
Chris: Hello there sweet heart. You
look wonderful tonight.
He hands her a dozen roses and leans
in. They kiss tenderly. Karen sits streight up in bed her heart racing.
Karen: Oh My God what in the world was
that!
Chris stands at his window looking up
at the night sky with a martiney in hand.
Chris: Julie you were my true love.
I can't love anyone but you I just can't. Karen maybe a great friend but
that is where it ends it just is.
He looks at his wedding ring sadly
Chris: I will never betray you Julie.
He gose over to her picture on his desk
and strokes it lovingly as a tear falls on it.
Chris: You will always be my true love.
Chris gose on into bed. Soon Chris starts
dreaming.
He is walking down a country road on
a buetiful summers day. Julie is walking besides him. They are holding
hands and laughing the sun is shining and the birds singing. He picks a
flower and puts it in her hair and they kiss gently. Then they walk on.
So they come to a fork in the road. Karen is standing at the begining of
one path. She smiles at them. Julie pulls Chris over to her. She places
Karen's hand in his and smiles. There are tears in Julie's eyes. She kisses
him and then like magic she is gone, leaving Karen and Chris standing at
the begining of the path.
Chris sits streight up in bed covered
in sweat.
Chris: JULIE!!!
He falls back on the bed trying to catch
his breath as he shakes.
Karen is trying to fall back asleep.
When she has almost succeeded she suddenly hears the phone ring, she lets
the mushine get it.
Julie: Take care of my Chris Karen.
You can mend his heart. He belongs with you now Karen.
Karen sits streight up in bed her heart
pounding not sure if she believes the message she just heard. She runs
to the phone but there is only a dial tone, she checks the caller ID but
no number shows up.
Karen: I dreamed it that's all.
But the light on the mushine is flashing.
She rewinds it and as clear as day Julie's voice comes on.
Julie: Take care of my Chris Karen.
You can mend his heart. He belongs with you now Karen.
Karen has goose bumps everywhere and
she is shaking like a leaf.
Karen: This isn't happening, that's
impossible. It's just a prank caller it's not really her.
Karen dails star 69 to see who the prank
caller is but all that can be heard is eary static. Karen rubs her face.
Karen: Maybe Joe did get some of those
amphetimeans in me or something. I''m going to bed. I'm obveusly beyond
tired.
She gose to her bed but the dream and
the call keep replaying in her head. Chris is laying in bed trying to get
back to sleep. Suddenly he hears a formilure voice
Julie: Chris
Chris opens his eyes and sits streight
up his heart pounding. There standing before him surounded by light in
a flowing gown is Julie.
Chris: Julie! Oh My God is it really
you!
Julie smiles and nods.
Julie: Yes Chris it's me.
Chris pulls her in to him.
Chris: Oh My God Julie! I love you so
much! I've missed you more then you can imagen!
She gently strokes his face
Julie: I know and I love you to.
Chris: Can can you stay?
Julie sadly shakes her head
Julie: No Chris my life is over but
yours isn't.
Chris: If I don't have you it is?
Julie: No Chris no it isn't. Your life
is far from over and you have the anwser to mending your heart right by
your side.
Chris: Yes you! Please don't go
Julie puts her fingure to Chris's lips.
Julie: No Chris we are in the past.
Our live will live on but we are no more. Chris moving on dosn't mean you're
letting go of me just of the pain. You deserve to be happy Chris. She can
make you happy.
Chris: Who? Only you can make me happy
Julie.
Julie smiles and shakes her head
Julie: No Chris there is someone else.
And if you love me the best way to honnor it is to let her in. I want you
to be happy. Look next to you and you'll find the key.
She kisses Chris gently and vanishes.
Chris sits streight up in bed
Chris: NO JULIE NO!!
He looks around and sees he is alone.
But then somewhere in the night he hears a voice
Julie: I'm always with you Chris. But
look to your side and you will see your future.
Chris looks over and on the night stand
is his phone book. He notices that it's opend. He looks at it and is stunned
to see it opend to Karen's home phone number. He shivers.
Julie: She can make you happy.
It is now morning Frank, Courtney and
Neil have just fineshed breakfast. Courtney is taking Neil for a check
up and Frank has to get to work. After Courtney and Neil leave Frank grabs
his lunch and starts to leave when the phone rings. Frank hesitates then
grabs the phone.
Frank: Hello
Mary: Frank! What is going on! Did you
know Joe was in jail yesturday?! Why didn't you bail him out? Did you know
he lost his job! Why am I the last to know these things!
Frank sighs
Frank: Yes Mom I know all of it.
Mary: Well then why aren't you helping
him?!
Frank takes a deep breath.
Frank: Mom you know I love you but as
far as I'm concerned I no longer have a brother.
Mary: FRANCES XAVIER SCANLON! I can
you say such a thing! I never thought I'd live to see the day you'd turn
your back on your own brother!
Frank: Mom it's not about me it's about
him! You may be interested to know that for the past few months your son
has been doing everything he can to destroy Karen's life! This would include
tampering with files, patient files, patients, her pager, stealing, sabitoshing
patients, and even going so far as to try and ruin her relationship with
her family. And if that's not enough for why I no longer support him, lets
try the fact that yesturday he tried to drug Karen! Which is why he lost
his career and ended up in jail. Seems Joe put enough amphetimeans in her
food and drink to kill her.
Mary: I don't believe this It just can't
be true! There must be some kind of mistake Joe would never do such things!
Frank: You don't believe me fine! Ask
Karen who went through it! Or Chris who has been running around like crazy
trying to protect her! Or maybe Traci and Gracie who have put their own
lives on hold to keep an eye on Joe and look out for Karen! Or better yet
Alan who got slugged by Joe yesturday when he put his foot down! Or better
yet call them all together and have them repeate what Joe said infront
of all of us! He lost it Mom and he confessed to all of that.
Mary: I can't I mean I just
Frank sighs hearing his mother close
to tears.
Frank: Mom I'm sorry I didn't mean to
upset you. But you do need to know what is going on. And as for me helping
Joe. Mom I'm sorry I just can't. I owe Karen my life and my sons life.
I can't forget that and I sertenly can't look the other way while Joe destroys
her life. Karen deserves better then that.
Mary: I understand but Frank you two
have always stuck together. I mean I know you haven't really been close
lately but
Frank: Mom I know it's hard to face
it but those days are over. I''m not saying Joe and I will never be close
again but for the for seeable future we won't be. I'm sorry I just can't
over look this Mom I just can't.
Mary: I know I know. I just can't believe
this is happening. How could he do such a thing!
Frank: I don't know I don't know. So
did you bail him out?
Mary: No Jill did. I only heard about
it this smorning when he called me.
Frank nods
Frank: Look Mom I don't mean to rush
off but I have to get to work. Are you going to be okay?
Mary: I'm fine it's okay I need to get
to work to.
Frank: Well just take it easy okay I
don't want you over exserting yourself in your condition
Mary smiles
Mary: Don't worry about me. You have
a good day.
Frank: I love you
Mary: I love you to sunshine.
Frank smiles
Frank: bye
They hang up. Frank sighs grabs his
coat and heads for work.
Mary puts the phone down tears starting
to streem down her face. Victor comes up behind her and gently rests his
hand on her shoulder.
Victor: Mary?
Mary turns twords Victor with tears
running down her face
Mary: Oh Victor
She starts sobbing Victor pulls her
in close and holds her tightly as he rubs her back.
Victor: Everything will be okay my sweet
everything will be okay.
Eve is on the phone with Scott as she
gets ready for work.
Scott: THAT MISRABLE GOOD FOR NOTHING
ROTTEN LITTLE SNAKE! HE COULD HAVE KILLED MY DAUGHTER!
Eve: Scott listen to me he didn't okay.
Karen is just fine and Joe has been punshied. Okay he's lost everything.
Scott: Well he'd better loose everything!
I can't believe I defended that SOB to the board! I should have just let
them hang him out to dry.
Eve: I know I know he had all of us
fooled. But the good news is he isn't getting away with it.
Scott sighs angrily
Scott: That dosn't change all the hurt
and fear he caused Karen.
Eve: I know but she's okay. Karen is
strong just like you and she isn't alone. You know Karen has a tune of
friends who love her dearly.
Scott: I should have protected her.
Eve: Scott how how could you've when
you didn't even know what was going on. Even if you had how on earth could
you have helped her.
Scott: I could have beaten the daylights
out of that jerk for starters!
Eve: And ended up in jail which is deffinetly
not where Karen needs you. Look Scott why don't you go see Karen. I'm sure
she'd love to see you and maybe it would make you feel better.
Scott: Yeah I''m going to right after
I drop Serena off at Gail's.
Eve: Good I'm sure it will help both
of you. If you want we can meet up for lunch.
Scott smiles
Scott: You know I always want to meet
up with you.
Eve smiles.
Eve: Well then I'll see you around noon
Scott: Sounds like a plan.
Eve: Bye
Scott: Bye
They hang up. Scott turns and sees Serena
standing in the door way
Scott: Hey there apple sauce you already
to go?
Serena: Daddy did something happen to
Karen? Did someone hurt her?
Scott realizes Serena heard him talking
Scott: You heard my conversation with
Eve huh
Serena: You said someone hurt Karen.
Scott sighs and sits down
Scott: Come here sweet heart.
Serena comes over and sits on his knee.
Serena: Why would anyone want to hurt
Karen? Is she okay?
Scott: Karen is fine she's going to
be just fine. There sertenly is no good reason for anyone to hurt her I
can tell you that.
Serena: But someone hurt her?
Scott: You remember how that hamster
you had when we were in Canada?
Serena nods
Serena: Yeah I called him curly cause
his tail was always curled.
Scott: Yeah well you remember how fat
he got and it turned out that Curly was a girl?
Serena giggles
Serena: She had babies but the name
still fit her.
Scott: Yeah it did. But you remember
how surprised we were. I mean here we thought we new our hamster but we
didn't really know him or her at all.
Serena nods
Scott: Well Karen had this friend or
at least she thought he was a friend. But it turned out he wasn't a friend
at all. He tried to get Karen fired from her job over and over again and
yesturday he tried to hurt her. But she's okay her real friends stopped
him in time. But Karen is really sad and confused right now cause she thought
she new her friend and it turned out she didn't know him at all.
Serena: That's awful but why?
Scott: Well there is no good reason
to ever hurt someone Serena. You see her friend is just a bad person.
Serena: But she isn't going to be friends
with him anymore right?
Scott: No no she isn't going to ever
be his friend again.
Serena: Is he going to get punished?
Scott: yeah he's already being punished
right now.
Serena: That's good.
Scott: So you already to go spend the
day with Grandma Gail?
Serena: In a minute I need to drawl
Karen a picture.
Serena gose running upstiars. Scott
smiles as he watches her run upstairs.
Kevin is getting ready for work he can
here Christina babbiling away in her room. Lucy calls to him from their
bed room.
Lucy: Kevin can you please go take care
of Christina for me?
Kevin looks confused and pops his head
out of the bathroom and sees Lucy is still in bed.
Kevin is concerned and gose over to
her.
Kevin: Lucy are you okay? Why are you
still in bed?
Kevin sits down beside her and takes
her hand worriedly Lucy smiles
Lucy: Oh I'm fine doc but I'm not going
to risk becoming not fine
Kevin looks confused Lucy gets a very
seareus look on her face
Lucy: Kevin I have had several misscaregas
anuther one will break me. I'm seareus doc I can't survive anuther misscarage
I just can't. Now for what ever reason my body has trouble carring babies
so I've decided to do something about it. I'm going to go on complete bed
rest till my 34th week.
Kevin smiles lovingly at her and brushes
a stray hair out of her face.
Kevin: Lucy there is no reason for you
to do this. We don't know that there is even a problem
Lucy: Doc how can you say that! My body
is completly unreliable when it comes to having children. Now I've been
giving this alot of thought and this is the only way. Please doc I know
you think I''m over reacting but I'm telling you I can't handle anuther
misscareage it will kill me.
Kevin smiles lovingly at Lucy and strokes
her face
Kevin: Lucy I understand your fear but
don't you think you might be over reacting just a little?
Lucy shakes her head
Lucy: Nope not at all now can you please
go get Christina. I called Aunt Charlean last night. She should be hear
shortly then you can go to work. She will be staying with us till our child
is born so I can stay in bed.
Kevin nods realizing there is no changing
her mind. He kisses her gently and gose to get Christina.
Karen is sitting at the kitchen table
drinking coffie it's been a long and restless night. Alan had said she
could have the day off but she has decided to go in anyway. She tries to
read the paper but she can't get the kiss or that strange phone call out
of her head. She sighs tiredly. Just then there is a nock at the door.
Karen: Ahh a distraction just what I
need. Just a minute!
Karen ties her robe around her and gose
to the door. She opens it and finds a very worried looking Scott on the
other side. He grabs her and hugs her tightly. Then takes her by the shoulders
and looks at her in the eyes
Scott: Are you okay? How do you feel?
Karen is shocked to say the least and
is very tutched to see the consern in her fathers eyes.
Karen: I''m okay really it's alright.
Scott: Are you sure? You look like you
haven't slept all night.
Scott takes her by the arm and leads
her to the couch.
Scott and Karen sit on the coutch Scott
looking very worriedly at his eldest.
Karen: Dad I'm okay really
Scott takes Karen's hands in his
Scott: Karen you don't have to put on
a brave face for me. I''m your father and I love you. Let me be here for
you. I know what Joe tried to do and it makes me sick.
Karen is practicly in tears. She wipes
her cheecks
Karen: I love you to and knowing you're
in my corner makes me feel awhole lot better.
Scott: Well I''m always going to be
in your corner. You're my daughter after all
Karen smiles
Karen: Thankyou that means the world
to me. But really I didn't take any of the drugs, and Joe has been caught.
I''m doing great really.
Scott: Is that why you look like you
haven't slept all night?
Karen sighs
Karen: Well it naturally upset me I
mean I trusted him. He was my best friend from the time I was a little
kid, and I nearly married him.
Scott: Yeah well breaking up with him
was sertenly a smart move.
Karen: I know I'm starting to think
I should go thank Courtney.
Both chuckle a little at that.
Scott: Best scheme she ever did
Karen nods.
Scott: So is there anything I can do
for you?
Karen: I''m fine really just having
you around helps.
Scott looks at Karen with concern
Scott: There is something else going
on
Karen: What do you mean?
Scott: I mean I can tell there is something
else bothering you that has nothing to do with Joe. Do you want to talk
about it? What's wrong?
Karen: No nothing else is wrong really.
Scott looks at Karen knowingly.
Karen: Come on Karen you are the worlds
worst lier I can look at you and tell. Now what's up?
Karen sighs
Karen:Okay well you know ever since
Julie died I've been helping Chris right?
Scott nods
Scott: Yeah I don't really understand
that but yeah.
Karen: Dad we've all be so wrong about
him. I''ve gotten to know him really well since then and we've grown really
close. He's really an incredilbe man with a huge heart. He just dosn't
show it cause it's very breakable.
Scott: Well he dose a great job of hiding
it.
Karen looks at Scott very seareusly
Karen: Dad despite all the pain and
anguish he has been going through he has jumped in and stopped Joe from
hurting me at every turn. He even bought and installed caller ID and had
unlisted numbers blocked from my phone just so Joe couldn't herass me.
And as if all of that wasn't enough yesturday he saved my career and quite
possibly my life.
Scott looks at the intence look in Karen's
eyes cureusly
Karen: What?
Scott: You're faling for him aren't
you?
Karen: What no no don't be silly. He'
s just a really good friend. But that is where it ends really.
Scott: Karen I may not have watched
you grow up but I do know you well enough to know when something is up.
Now you've clearly been up all night and judging from your actions when
you talk about Chris it has something to do with him so spill.
Karen sighs
Karen: Last night before he left. Well
it had been such a long and hard day for both of us. And we were both so
tired and relieved that it was over that we just talked for hours with
out noticing where the time was going. Anyway when I walked him to the
door we hugged like we always do but then.
Karen sighs and rubs her face tiredly
Scott: But then?
Karen: We kissed. Oh Dad what am I going
to do! What if he hates me now! What if he never wants to speak to me again!
Scott: Well then he's a fool. And you
don't deserve a fool.
Karen: Dad Chris loved Julie as much
as you loved Dom maybe more. It's only been a couple of months!
Scott: Okay look did you kiss him or
did he kiss you?
Karen: Well we basicly kissed each other
I guess I mean it all happend so fast.
Scott: OKay and you said he's been bending
over backwards for you right?
Karen: Well yeah
Scott smiles
Scott: He's ready to move on Karen and
he wants to move on with you.
Karen: No Dad you didn't see his face
after the kiss
Scott: Karen I''m sure it shocked him
and probubly scared him but trust me if he's upset with anyone it's himself
not you.
Karen: How can you be so sure?
Scott: Because as you said he loved
Julie in the same way I loved Dom.
Karen: And that's how you would have
felt?
Scott: Well yeah he's probubly thinking
how can I care about anuther woman and how can I even think about getting
into a new relationshhip.
Karen: I don't want to be causing him
any pain
Scott: Karen it isn't pain it's confusion
and fear. And even if he is in pain for some reason you're not causing
it.
Karen: What should I do?
Scott: Well first you have to figure
out how you feel about him and the kiss
Karen moans and flops back on the coutch.
Karen: I don't know how I feel. I mean
he's a wonderful man and he sertenly is easy to care about and the kiss
was very nice but I'm not sure I'm ready for this.
Scott: Are you not sure cause you're
scared of getting hurt again or not sure because you're not ready?
Karen laughs
Karen: How did you get so good at this
relationship counceling
Scott: Meny years with meny wemon
Karen: Oh really
Scott: Hey I got the scars to prove
it
Karen laughs
Scott: So which is it
Karen: I guess I''m scared of getting
hurt again. I haven't exactly had good luck with men you know
Scott: Well you know it only has to
work right once. Then you have the rest of your life to enjoy it.
Karen: Is that why you keep trying?
Scott nods
Scott: Karen look I''ve had my heart
broken in hundred in one different ways but I appriceate each and everyone
of those breaks cause they taught me something and paved the way for something
better. Imagen if after Laura I'd given up. I wouldn't have my best friend
in the world Lucy, wouldn't of had the love of my life Dominque, there
for I wouldn't have Serena and I wouldn't have Eve. So you see every heart
ache in some way helped lead me to where I am today and today I''m a very
lucky very happy man.
Karen smiles
Karen: So I shouldn't be scared of it
Scott shakes his head
Scott: You'll only be cheeting yourself
if you run from love.
Karen nods
Karen: But what if he decides he isn't
ready?
Scott: Well then you waite. You be the
best possible friend you can be to him and you waite. But don't close yourself
off to other posibilities either. Keep your eyes and heart open at all
times and you'll be fine
Karen smiles
Karen: OKay so now what?
Scott: Go to him talk to him about the
kiss, about how you feel and ask him how he feels. Don't push him but be
very open with him and to him.
Karen: Okay I think I can do that.
Scott: I''m sure you can you're my daughter
after all
Karen smiles and hugs Scott Scott hugs
her right back tightly.
Karen: Thankyou
Scott: Any time I''m your Dad that's
my job. Oh and I have something for you.
Scott pulls a folded up peace of paper
out of his coat pocked.
Scott: Serena made this for you this
smorning.
Karen: Oh how sweet.
Karen unfolds the paper and finds a
picture of three people hudled around anuther person all throwing something
at anuther person who has horns on their head
Karen: Hmm
Scott: Now lets see if I can remember
what all of this is. She explained it to me in the car. Those three people
are Serena, Eve and myself, the person in the middle is you and the person
with the horns is the person who hurt you and we're all throwing tomato's
at them to protect you.
Karen laughs
Karen: I love it
She has tears in her eyes
Karen: I really do have a great family
Scott: Well we sertenly love you.
Karen smiles
Karen: I love you to.
They hug
Chris is laying in bed stairing at the
seeling. Everything that has happend keeps running through his mind.
Chris: How can I move on how can I leave
you behind
He picks up a picture of Julie and stairs
at it longingly. Chris remembers the dream he had last night and sighs
to himself sadly.
Chris: I know people move on everyday,
and I know what you told me in my dream but how do I do it and how do I
know it's what you really want and not just my mind playing tricks on me.
Chris gets up and starts walking around
the room sadly looking at all of Julie's things that he still hasn't packed
away.
Chris: I know you'd want me to be happy,
and I know you'd want me to move forward. I just wish I new how.
He starts crying and sits on the edge
of his bed. Just then the phone rings. He takes a deep breath and picks
it up.
Chris: Hello
Eve: Hey Chris it's Eve how are you
doing this smorning? How is Karen?
Chris: I'm okay I guess Karen is fine
I left her place sometime after midnight.
Eve: Wow you sure stayed late
Chris: Yeah well she needed me and besides
I like her company
Eve: Well I''m glad.
Eve notices the emotion in Chris's voice
Eve: Hey Chris what's wrong? You sound
like you've been crying
Chris sighs
Chris: I just I don't know just having
a rough morning I guess.
Eve: You're missing Julie aren't you
Chris: I always miss Julie. It's just
Eve: Just what?
Chris sighs.
Chris: Last night before I left her
apartment Karen and I well we acidently kind of kissed
Eve: Wow
Chris: No it's nothing to wow about
okay It just happend
Eve: Hey it's nothing to get upset about
I think it's great. You should move on Julie would want you to. I mean
any woman who truly loves her man would want him to move on and be happy.
No woman would want him to stop his life just cause hers ended. So if Karen
makes you happy then you should go for it
Chris: But how! Where do I begin! I
don't want to forget Julie
Eve: Chris you're not forgetting her.
Moving on dosn't mean letting go of the love or the memories it just means
letting go of the pain of loosing her and making room for the new love
and new memories that life has to offer that's all.
Chris smiles
Chris: That sounds nice
Eve: Chris look I have to go I''m sorry
but we can talk later at work okay?
Chris: Okay sure
Eve: Okay bye
Chris: Bye oh and Eve
Eve: Yeah?
Chris: thanks
Eve smilies
Eve: You're welcome
They hang up
Chris: Make room huh I can do that.
Chris gose to the closet and begins
sadly and slowly taking Julie's clothes out and packing them up.
Chris: I'll never forget you he coreses
her clothes as a tear slides down his cheeck.
Mary waits nurvesly by the nurses station
when Victor comes running up.
Victor: Have you heard anything?
Mary: No no nothing yet. But Dr. Medows
promised to page me as soon as she gets the results.
Victor sighs
Victor: Well then I guess we'll just
have to waite. How are you holding up my dear?
Victor takes her hands gently and kisses
them Mary smiles
Mary: Well much better now that your
here.
Mary sighs
Mary: I just pray our little one is
alright.
Victor hugs her tightly
Victor: Well no matter what Dr. Medows
says we will love and care for our little maricle with all we have to give
Mary smiles
Mary: Well that's a given. It's just
Mary gets a worried look on her face
Victor: Just what my dear?
Victor gently cups her chin in his hand
Mary: I don't know with all the worry
about Joe and what he's done I don't know I guess I'm not feeling like
much of a succses in the paranting feild right now.
Victor smiles
Victor: Imagen how I feel then. I have
one son who was a seareal killer the other has nurves breakdowns and stalks
people I doubt I'd win any awards either.
Mary: Oh but that isn't your fault.
Victor: And either is Joe. Now you listen
to me you are a wonderful mother in everyway. Look at what an incredible
man Frank is and look how much stronger Kevin has become since you've been
in his life. Joe is good to he simply got on the wrong path. You are an
amazing mother.
Mary smiles with a tear in her eye.
Mary: And you are just an amazing man
plain and simple.
They embrace in a loving hug and kiss
tenderly. Just then Dr. Medows comes over to them
Dr. Medows: Excuse me
Mary and Victor jump back rather embarresed.
Mary: Oh I'm sorry Hello Dr,.
Victor: We uhm well uh
Dr. Medows smiles and laughs
Dr. Medows: That's okay don't worry
about it. Just remember that's how you got yourselves into this situation
in the first place.
They all laugh
Mary: So how is the baby?
Dr. Medows smiles happily
Dr. Medows: Well there are somethings
we really can't test for till the baby is born, but from what we can tell
your baby is the picture of good health congradulations
Mary and Victor embrace happily.
Chris arrives at the semetairy. The sky
is cloudy with a dark and ominess feel to it.
Chris: A fitting look given where I
am.
He walks slowly through the grounds
with his gutar in one hand and some red roses in the other. He comes to
Julie's grave sight and kneels down. He places the roses on her grave and
stairs down at her head stone for a minute.
Chris: Hi I uhm it's me well I guess
you know that. There is something I wanted to talk to you about but I think
a song on the radio I heard the other day says it better then I ever could.
That's why I brought my gutar. Yeah I know I never liked to play it much
but well I know you always liked it so well I thought I'd play it for you.
Chris pulls out his gutar and begins
to play
Chris: Sorry I'm so late, but I've been
out walking
Trying to find a way to tell you
What I think you already know
I'd never want to hurt you cuz darlin
I still love you
But things aren't like they used to
be
It's time for letting go
I wasn't out there looking but a month
ago last Sunday
I met someone just like you in line
in the grocery store
And we've been spending time together
Yeah, she knows all about you
The truth is she can give me
What you can't anymore
Looking back when we first started
I never thought I'd see this day
If only I could write the pages
Our story wouldn't end this way
I feel so much better knowing we could
have this moment
But it looks like it may rain soon and
it's getting kind of late
I'll always bring your roses each time
I come to visit
The caretakers waving, he wants to close
the gates
If only I could write the pages
Our story wouldn't end this way
Chris lays down the gutar and wipes
the tears from his face.
Chris: I guess that wasn't the most
romantic song I ever song to you. I'm sorry I should have song to you more
I know how much you liked that. But you know the song is right. I''ll always
love you and I''ll always bring you roses. But I think I''m ready to move
on I think I need to. I think you already know what's going on between
me and Karen. Maybe you know more then I do about it. I really never imagend
I'd care about anuther woman again and I'm not sure Karen and I actually
have a future but I think I need to find out. I love you goodbye.
Chris kisses the ground and begins to
sob. He then pulls himself together and taking a deep breath stands up
and slowly walks away.
Gail is buzy in her office when there
is a knock at her door.
Gail: Come in
Kevin walks in
Gail: Well if it isn't my favorite ex
patient
Gail says smiling Kevin smiles
Kevin: Thanks Gail sorry to bother you
I know you have a full schedule but I needed to ask you something.
Gail: Oh don't be silly I''m always
happy to see you know what can I do for you.
Kevin: Well I am really worried about
Lucy
Gail gets a concerned look on her face
Gail: Everything is okay with the baby
isn't it.
Kevin: OH yeah everything seems fine.
So far anyway but Lucy is absolutly terrified of having anuther misscarage.
Gail: Well Kevin all things considered
I think that's perfectly understandable.
Kevin: Gail she's decided to go on complete
bed rest till her 34 week of pregnancy she is even insisting on using a
bed pan.
Gail considers this
Gail: Well that is a bit worry some
but you know Kevin if that helps Lucy get through it then perhaps you should
allow it. And given her history it isn't neccisarily a bad idea.
Kevin: But couldn't all the worry cause
a misscarage just as easily?
Gail: Well if she wasn't doing anything
pro active to help the situation then yes but it sounds to me like she's
simply taking controle of the situation. I could come by and councel her
if you'd like?
Kevin: That would be great Gail, I''m
probubly over reacting but I think I owe it to Lucy to over react. You
know she always over reacted with me and it always ended up being in my
best interest that she did.
Gail smiles and nods
Gail: Lucy sertenly has away about her.
Kevin nods and smiles
Kevin: That she dose
Karen is at the nurses station checking
her messages trying very hard to not think about Chris. Suddenly she hears
footsteps behind her and turns around. There standing before her looking
rather sheepish is Chris
Chris: Hi
Karen: Uh hi
Chris: How are you?
Karen: I'm good you?
Chris: Oh I'm good I'm good
Karen: That's good.
Chris: Uh Karen can we talk?
Karen: What? Oh yeah sure I guess we
should
Chris: Yeah I think so
Karen and Chris go over to the waiting
area to talk privetly.
Chris: Karen
Karen: Chris
They both laugh
Chris: Ladies first
Karen: About the kiss I am so sorry.
I mean not that I didn't like it I did. But I know you're still greiving
for Julie and I respect that. I mean you should move on but only when you're
ready. Not that I know when you are or are not ready. I'm just saying if
your not I understand. Not that I think you'd want to move on with me I
mean we're just friends. Friendship is very important and I wouldn't want
to loose that. I mean I am attracted to you but if you only want to be
friends that's fine to. I just don't want you to be uncomfortable and I
hope I didn't make you feel uncomfortable. You're one of the nicest things
that has happend to me in awhile and I'd hate to loose that. Not that you
should have to stick buy me I mean you have your own life you don't owe
me anything really. I guess what I''m trying to say
Karen shakes her head
Karen: I don't know what I'm trying
to say. Except that I really like you and it scares the hell out of me.
Karen looks at Chris's amused face.
Chris: Well it's nice to know I''m not
the only one who is scared around here, and just for the record I liked
the kiss to.
Karen blushes
Karen: You did?
Chris nods
Chris: What's not to like
Karen smiles
Karen: Chris I just I I don't know
Karen sighs and plops onto the coutch,
Chris sits down beside her.
Chris: Karen look I don't know where
this is going or even if It is going to go anywhere.
Chris takes Karen's hand
Chris: But what I do know is that I
really like you and I don't think it would take much at this point to make
me fall inlove with you. You are an incredilbe woman and while I don't
know what the future might hold for us I'd sure like to find out. So do
you think you might be willing to give us a chance?
Karen looks at Chris in amazment
Karen: Well I uhm are you sure you want
to?
Chris: Karen the only thing I''m sure
of is that when I'm with you I feel more alive and more content then I
have since Julie died. And what I''ve learned is that life is to short
to put things off. So would you like to go out with me?
Karen smiles
Karen: I think I could handle that.
But you know Chris I'm not without battle scars myself
Chris: Karen believe me I''m in no rush.
Lets just put one foot infront of the other and see where we end up.
Karen nods
Karen: I''d like that.
Chris: So can I pick you up tonight
about 7
Karen: That sounds good. So do you want
to go have some lunch with me maybe we can talk some more
Chris sighs
Chris: Karen I would like that alot
but if this has any chance of working I have to back track a bit.
Karen looks confused
Karen: What do you mean?
Chris looks at her very seareusly
Chris: Karen I did something awhile
back that I'm very ashamed of and that I regret deeply.
Karen: Chris we've all done things we
regret
Chris: Karen I don't have any right
to be with you untill I've made this right. What happend yesturday with
Joe put it right up in my face. I am no better then Joe and have as little
right to be with you as Joe untill I make this right.
Karen looks at him cureusly
Karen: What did you do?
Chris: Karen I promis I will tell you
everything and anwser all of your questions. But I really want to make
this right first.
Karen: Chris I know the real you now
so what ever it is it's okay.
Chris smiles
Chris: Thankyou for saying that but
untill I fix this it isn't going to be okay with me.
Karen: The fact that you want to fix
it speaks volumes.
Chris smiles and gives her a quick kiss
Chris: I'll see you in a bit
He rushes off leaving Karen sitting
on the coutch some what dumb struck.
Eve sits paitently at the recovery room
waiting for Scott. She rubs her tired neck. She's been so stressed seeing
Scott will sertenly help her day. Just then Scott comes in. Eve's face
lights up as she stands up to give him a big hug.
Eve: Hey you
Scott: Come here good looking.
They embrace and share a tender kiss
Eve: Oh that is just what the doctor
ordered.
Scott: Well I think I need anuther dose
personally
Eve laughs as Scott kisses her again.
Scott: Rough day?
Eve rubs her neck as they sit down
Eve: They all seem to be rough these
days. I get to work two of my seareus condition patients from yesturday
have become critical, 3 new patients of mine have been admited, a paitent
I released last week was admited with post op complications, and as if
that wasn't enough I've now inhairited 4 new critical cases and one pending
surgery from Joe.
Scott groans
Scott: Please don't mention that slimes
name.
Eve smiles
Eve: Sorry
Scott: Ahh that's okay hell he lives
in this town so I'm sure I'll see him around.
Eve: Well that all depends on if Dara
decides to go forward with the attempted murder charge she's considering.
Scott's eyes light up
Scott: You mean he could be going to
jail!
Eve: Now don't get to excited just yet.
She's just considering the charges we don't know that anything is going
to happen yet.
Scott nods
Scott: Well they'd better do something
no one gets away with hurting my girls.
Eve smiles
Eve: I've noticed. So did you see Karen
this smorning? How is she doing?
Scott: Yeah I went by there a little
while ago. She's holding up okay I guess. Actually what Joe did seems to
be on the back burner for her right now.
Eve gigles
Eve: I take it she told you.
Scott: You know?
Eve: About the kiss?
Eve nods
Eve: I had an interesting phone converstation
with Chris this smorning. Poor guy he dosn't know what to do.
Scott: Well what ever he dose he better
not hurt Karen
Eve: Oh he won't he wont. You see Chris
is one of those people that dosn't give his loyalty easily but once you
have it you have it.
Scott raises an eyebrow. Eve knows what
he's thinking
Eve: Scott those were abnormally difficult
sercumstances. I mean he had just lost his wife and he needed someone to
blaime. Besides Chris and I hadn't been on the best terms at that point.
But believe me Karen has his loyalty for good. And who knows maybe even
his heart.
Scott: You think he's ready?
Eve considers this
Eve: I think he has feelings for Karen
and he's scared. I haven't had a chance to talk to Karen yet but my hunch
is she is scared to.
Scott nods
Scott: Yeah she has feelings for him
and she is scared.
Eve smiles
Eve: I figured she did
Eve points to the bruse on her face
Scott laughs
Scott: yeah I heard about that how are
you feeling? Dose it still hurt.
Eve: Not much I'm fine. It just taught
me to never make her mad. I mean if this is what I get when she's acting
who knows what would happen if she was really mad
they both laugh
Eve: So dose Karen want a relationship?
Scott: She isn't sure I told her she
needs to talk to Chris about what happend
Eve nods
Eve: Chris isn't sure either. I think
he diffinetly has feelings for her I'm just not sure he's ready for this.
But he may go for it. And if he dose I wish him well. Besides Karen will
be good for him I think
Scott: Well I guess Chris could be good
for Karen.
Eve: I think he could be. The fact is
that Chris once he lets his gaurd down is a pretty terrific guy.
Scott raises his eyebrows
Scott: really?
Eve: Really and if I were you I wouldn't
let Karen here the unsertinty in your voice.
She points again to her face and they
both crack up
Scott: I get it I get it. Well speeking
of relationships I was thinking we need to set a date for our own wedding.
Scott smiles at Eve
Eve: Yes we do don't we
She reaches across the table and takes
Scott's hand they smile lovingly at each other.
Scott: So any ideas future Mrs. Baldwin
Eve smiles
Eve: Mrs. Eve Baldwin I love the sound
of that.
Scott smiles
Scott: It dose have a nice ring to it.
You know we could get married quick.
Eve shakes her head
Eve: I know you are going to find this
hard to believe since you know me so well but I had decided long ago if
I ever got married I was going to have a huge wedding
Scott: You really!
Eve: Yes me really you don't have to
act so surpised.
She playfully throws her napkin at him.
Scott: Okay so we'll have a huge wedding
when do you want it. Your wish is my comand
Eve smiles
Eve: How about Valintinies day.
Scott smiles
Scott: Very romantic. If that's the
day you want then that's the day we'll do it. Now since it's already the
end of Augest we need to get moving
Eve: I was thinking we could hire Courtney
as a wedding planner
Scott raises his eyebrows
Eve: She's not that bad besides she
did a great job with Victor and Mary's and lets face it her breaking up
Joe and Karen wasn't exactly a bad thing
Scott smiles
Scott: True true. Okay listen you can
hire who ever you want and do what ever you want just tell me where and
I'll be there.
Eve: Well I want you to plan some of
it.
Just then Eve's beeper gose off. Eve
looks at it.
Eve: Well look like my break is up Mr.
Baldwin
Scott: Well let me give you a little
something to keep you going
He stands up and pulls her in close
kissing her pationetly
Eve: mmm kiss me like that again and
I might not be able to leave
Scott: Oh really
He pulls her in again
Eve: No no I have to go really. Listen
I'll call you later okay
Scott: promis
Eve smiles
Eve: promis
Then Eve runs out the door with Scott
watching her lovingly.
Across town in Jill's apartment Jill
is buzy making a huge lunch for Joe who is passed out in her bed. As she
cooks he comes stumbiling into the kitchen and plops down in a chair.
Joe: Thanks for letting me sleep in.
Jill: You needed your rest.
Joe sighs
Joe: Look I'm sorry I lost my temper
yesturday I shouldn't have come down on you so hard. But Jill you really
need to learn to watch your mouth. I mean really Jill now thanks to you
I no longer have a carier or a reputation worth didily and I am in a leagal
mess. And as if that's not enough that weasal Karen is standing tall fully
intact. Was it really worth it?
Jill hangs her head in shame her heart
is pounding as she feels the fear she has grown accostomed to since not
long after her and Joe began.
Jill: No no it wasn't worth it at all.
It was a huge terrible mistake. I never ever should have opend my mouth
to anyone no matter how supportive of the plan they seemed. I really regret
it Joe I really do.
Joe: Well I'm glad you do but that dosn't
change the mess you caused.
Jill turns to him trying to hide the
fear in her eyes
Jill: I'll do whatever you want me to
do Joe. What can I say what can I do?
Joe looks at her closely seeing he has
her right where he wants her he grins to himself
Joe: Look we both messed up you shouldn't
have told and I should have been more forgiving of your screw up. Lets
just call it even okay.
Jill nods relieved for now
Jill: Okay sure thankyou for forgiving
me
Joe: Well everyone deserves a second
chance.
Joe's face grows dark
Joe: But Jill a second chance is the
last chance you'll be getting
Jill nods her heart in her throat.
Jill: Are you still going to try to
destroy Karen?
Joe looks at her as though she was insaine
Joe: Why would I give up? A Scanlon
never gives up. She dosn't deserve happiness or success she just dosn't.
Jill's body tences up she knows she
has messed up again.
Jill: Oh ofcourse you're right she must
be brought down. what did you have in mind?
Joe laughs
Joe: Why on earth would I tell you?
Jill: You shouldn't ofcourse, I I shouldn't
have asked.
Jill turns back to the stove trying
to stop her hands from shaking.
Joe: Look I'll trust you with small
things and if you pass those secret keeping tests then I'll tell you what
I'm going to do right before I do it. It will be awhile though I want the
dust to settle first
Joe grins devilishly. Jill tries to
hide the cold chills running through her body.
Gail walks up to the light house not
totaly sure what to expect. She takes a deep breath and rings the bell.
She can here Aunt Charlean inside. Soon the door opens.
Aunt Charlean: Well hello there Gail
how are you doing come on in.
Gail enters
Gail: I'm doing well thankyou. How have
you been
Aunt Charleen: Well I'm a little tired
chasing after a one year old isn't exactly what a gal my age should be
doing. Not that I mind though my little preshus great neice is just such
a blessing.
Gail smiles and looks at Christina playing
happily on the floor.
Gail: Oh yes she is a little angel there
is no dinying that.
Gail looks around
Gail: Charlean the reason I'm here is
that Kevin was very worried about Lucy and wanted me to come check on her.
Aunt Charleen nods with a very sad and
seareus look
Aunt Charleen: My preshus little girl
has baracaded herself in her room untill
she is 34 weeks pregnant. She is so
scared that's she's going to have anuther misscarage. You know she's already
had several.
Gail nods seareusly
Gail: A little fear is understandible
Aunt Charleen: You know I know Kevin
thinks she's over reacting.
Aunt Charleen shakes her head sadly
Aunt Charleen: But I know my Lucy girl
and when she says anuther misscarage would kill her I really don't think
that is much of an exageration.
Gail nods
Gail: Can I see her?
Aunt Charleen: Oh ofcourse I'm sure
she'd love a visitor go on right on up I'm just going to feed Ms. Christina
here
Gail nods and smiles
Gail: Thank you
Gail heads upstairs and nocks on the
door.
Lucy: Come in
Gail walks in and sees Lucy laying in
bed reading a magizine with her feet propt up with pillows and books. Lucy
looks up
Lucy: Oh Hi Gail come in! It's so nice
to see you please have a seat.
Gail smiles and pulls up a chair next
to Lucy's bed.
Gail: Well it's good to see you to Lucy.
That's quite a little foot rest you have going there.
Lucy: Well you see I remember when they
first inplanted Serena into me they had me stay in bed with my feet elivated
for awhile. So I was thinking maybe keeping my feet propt up continuasly
might help my baby.
Gail nods
Gail: Well it sertenly won't hurt. Kevin
told me about your plan of staying in bed till your 34 week.
Lucy nods
Lucy: I see so you are here to check
up on me huh.
Gail: Well
Lucy: Gail listen I know Kevin is worried
and I know you mean well but this is something I need to do. You've never
lost a child, you never had this fear. So don't try to tell me how I shiould
or shouldn't be handiling this. I''m the one who has had several misscarages,
I'm the one who is laying here afriad to dream of the future, I'm the one
who has to deal with this.
Gail: Lucy I would never pretent I know
what you're going through but
Lucy: Good then don't tell me how to
handle this. I'm not doing anything dangerus or unhealthy, I'm not in dinial
or depressed I'm simply taking percautions and that's it.
Gail takes a deep breath
Gail: Well you sertenly seem confident
in your choice but have you talked to Dr. Medows about it?
Lucy: With all do respect to the doctors
at GH I've had several misscarages and no one seems to know why or even
try to stop them so I don't have a huge amount of faith in Dr. Medows or
any of the OBYGN's there.
Gail: Oh Lucy they really do try
Lucy: Well excuse me Gail but I've had
3 misscaragis they aren't trying very hard. Lucy suddenly checks her paulse
and then starts taking deep breath.
Lucy: Gail please leave now I've gotten
entirly to excited it's not good for my baby if you care leave now!
Gail: I'm sorry Lucy I didn't mean to
upset you. I'll go now get some rest.
Lucy: Thankyou.
Gail leaves quickly
Aunt Charleen: How is she?
Gail shakes her head
Gail: She's so obseesed with the danger
of it I'm afraid she's going to talk herself into loosing this baby.
Aunt Charleen: Well what should I do?
Gail: For now cater to her I'm going
to talk to some colleags of mine and see what we can figure out.
Aunt Charleen nods
Aunt Charleen: Thankyou so much for
coming Gail
Gail: ofcourse anytime
Gail leaves worriedly
Frank and Emilo are sitting in the revoery
room having some lunch
Emilo: I heard what your brother did
man I just can't believe it.
Frank: Join the club I mean I new my
brother was capable of alot believe me I've had my blinders off about him
for quite sometime now. But this! Trying to destroy a person's life and
possibly killing them!
Frank shakes his head in discust
Emilo: I can't even begin to imagen
how I'd feel if one of my brothers did something like this. I mean I'd
hope I''d be able to stand by him but I just don't know
Frank: Yeah well I''m not I have washed
my hands of him.
Emilo raises his eyebrows
Emilo: Are you sure?
Frank leans back in his chair and sighs
Frank: You know Emilo since Joe was
born I have been there for him. Helping him, supporting him, motivating
him, sacrofizing for him. Everything I did was for him. But you know what
Joe has never been there for me and now this! Why should I why should I
do that to myself anymore. I could have been a doctor, I could have had
a real adolecents rather then playing father to my kid brother. I'm tired
of it Emilo
Emilo: I hear you man I'm the oldest
of 8 believe me I get it.
Frank: Yeah well at least your brothers
aren't crimenals
Frank shakes his head
Frank: You think you know someone.
Just then Chris walks up to the table.
Chris: Hi Frank Hi Emilo
Frank and Emilo look up at Chris a bit
surprised
Frank: Hey Ramsey can I help you with
something?
Chris: Yeah uhm can I speak to you privetly?
Frank and Emilo exchange cureus looks
Frank: Uh yeah sure
Emilo: I'll uh go make a call
Emilo leaves and Chris sits down.
Frank: What's up? I already gave Karen
the okay about the cercus on Friday. I'm sure Christina is going to love
it
Chris half smiles
Chris: yeah I can hardly waite to take
her. But that's not why I wanted to talk to you
Frank: Okay what's up?
Chris: Have you ever done something
you really didn't think much about untill it was done to someone you cared
about?
Frank: What do you mean?
Chris: I mean I want to be better then
I've been. Julie and then Karen showed me the kind of man I could be and
I want to be him. Frank Joe put a mirror up infront of me yesturday and
showed me the kind of man I have been. I don't want to be him anyomre.
I dispized what I saw yesturday and I refuse to let myself be anything
like that.
Frank: Well that's good never to late
to turn over a new leaf
Chris smiles
Chris: thanks I hope so.
Frank: But what dose this have to do
with me?
Chris: Only that on Lark's 18th birthday
I did to you what Joe tried to do to Karen. I'm sorry Frank what I did
was horendissly awful. I''m very ashamed and I want you to know how deeply
I regret it.
Frank stairs not sure he believes what
he's just heard. He sits back and takes a deep breath he can see the sinsarity
in Chris's eyes.
Frank: Well uhm it's good to hear you
finelly admit it. I'm not angry at you about that anymore. I mean I hated
it but the fact is I did play my part in that whole mess as did my so called
brother. Besides I've gotten my life back and all. And you have clearly
changed. Thanks for the apology I except it.
Chris: Well I'm glad you have your life
back, and thankyou so much for excepting my apology. But there is one more
thing you deserve
Chris pulls out an envolope and hands
it to Frank. Frank opens it and finds a check in it for 100 million dollers
Frank gasps in disbelief and stairs
at Chris.
Frank: Chris what is this!
Chris: That is the money you're intitled
to. In other words half of the DL-56 profits. It's your money Frank you're
the one that was used as a ginny pig and then hung out to dry. You have
more right then anyone to that money.
Frank stairs at the check searching
for words then back at Chris
Frank: I don't need this
Chris: But you do deserve it and if
you won't take it for yourself take it for your kids and Courtney.
Frank: Well thankyou I don't know what
to say Chris you didn't have to do this. I mean I'm greatful you finelly
admited what you did to me and I am intitled to this money but.
Chris: But nothing it's yours and that's
that. You don't owe me anything either it's yours and I'm just giving it
to you that's all.
Frank shakes his head
Frank: Chris thankyou I thankyou
Chris smiles
Chris: Don't mention it.
Emilo walks back over
Emilo: Everything okay over here?
Chris: Yeah I was just leaving. Have
a good one
Chris heads out, Emilo sits down and
looks at Frank who is stairing at the check with a dazed look on his face
Emilo: You okay Amigo?
Frank looks up with tears in his eyes
and wipes his face
Frank: As I said you think you know
someone
He looks back down at the check and
shakes his head.
Karen is working quietly at the nurses
station when Mary comes over to Karen with a file.
Mary: Ms. Delainy is asking for more
pain medication.
Karen checks the file
Karen: Recovery from back surgery can
be painful that's for sure. Okay increase the dosage by 4 miligrams if
that dosn't help page me.
Mary nods and begins to walk away then
turns and comes back
Mary: Karen
Karen: Yes
Mary: Karen I uh look I heard about
what Joe did. Karen I know we may not always have gotten along and while
I wasn't thrilled with the two of you dating I want you to know that I
in no way condone what Joe has done. No one deserves this especially someone
who has done so much for our family. You saved both Frank and Neil's life
that's a debt we can never repay.
Karen is a bit taken aback. She smiles
Karen: Thankyou and for the record I
know you would never condone what Joe did. As for saving Frank and Neil
well besides the fact that it's part of my job I do care about them so
having them both around is thanks enough for me.
Mary smiles
Mary: Well your welcome.
Mary's face changes to a more tormented
look
Mary: I just wish I knew why Joe had
done this. You know he dose have goodness in him.
Karen nods
Karen: I'm not sure we'll ever know.
Mary since we are on the topic can I ask you a question?
Mary nods
Karen: Why were you so hard on me? I
mean I may have made my mistakes but I'm sertenly no monster.
Mary nods and looks down at her hands
and shakes her head then looks back up at Karen with tears in her eyes.
Mary: I don't have a good anwser for
you Karen. I guess I was over compinsating. You see I made a bad choice
when I was young. I married a man who had been an alcoholic and had been
in trouble with the law. However at the time he was clean and was trying
to turn his life around. My parants worned me to not get close to him but
I woudn't listen. I married him and not long after he began drinking again
and beating me then my children. I stayed because I had always been taught
that divorce was wrong and I was afraid of what would happen if I left.
My children suffered greatly from the choices they made and I wanted very
badly to protect them from making bad choices of there own. When I was
young I believed people could change but after my husband.
Mary shakes her head sadly
Mary: I guess I became jayded.
Karen nods
Karen: You thought I'd fall like your
husband did and hurt Joe
Mary nods
Mary: Never once did I think Joe would
turn out to be like his father.
Karen: Well maybe he can change I did
Mary smiles
Mary: Yes you did. I am sorry Karen
you didn't deserve to be subjected to my paranoya.
Karen: It's in the past.
Mary smiles
Mary: Well I better get this medicine
to Ms. Delainy. Bye
Karen: Bye
Mary walks off Karen shakes her head
Karen: What a day.
Kevin is sitting in his office trying
to work but the whole time he is worrying about Lucy. Suddenly there is
a nock at the door.
Kevin: Come in
A smiling Victor comes through the door.
Victor: Hello Monk
Kevin smiles seeing his father look
so cheerful.
Kevin: Hello Victor, well it sertenly
looks like you are having a good day.
Victor: A splended one indeed. Mary
and I got the test results back about the baby today and our little mirrical
is the picture of health.
Kevin smiles and gets up and gose over
and hugs Victor
Kevin: Victor that is wonderful news
I'm so happy for you and Mom. I'm glad my little sister or brother is doing
good.
Victor: It sertenly lessons the worry.
Victor sighs
Victor: The rest is up to Mary and I.
Victor shakes his head
Victor: I just pray every night that
I do better by this one. I know I've been given anuther chance here and
I just don't want to blow it. It effects so many when you blow it.
Victor shakes his head sadly
Victor: I failed Ryan and look what
happend.
Kevin smiles reasuringly
Kevin: Victor what became of Ryan wasn't
your fault. Kids get left all the time by their fathers. I'm not saying
it's right but it happens and they don't go out killling people. It was
mom that did it to him
Victor: Well my actions sertenly didn't
help
Kevin: Victor you couldn't have known
besides it was a horrible situation it's not like you had alot of options.
Victor: But I managed to choose one
of the worst.
Victor looks at the ground sadly
Kevin: Hey what happend to the happy
guy that came into my office
Victor: Reality checked in. My baby
may be fine now but God only knows how things will be once it gets here
Kevin: Victor stop it okay you are a
good father, and your not going to be faced with the same problems.
Victor half laughs
Victor: Kevin if I'm such a good father
why are you still calling me Victor and not Dad.
Kevin stops and looks at Victor and
sees the hurt in his eyes. Kevin looks down then back at Victor
Kevin: At first it's true I called you
Victor cause we'd been apart for so long and I had such bad feelings and
distrust twords you. But things have changed you have been there for me
time and again and I love you. I don't know why I'm still calling you Victor
I guess it's a habit. But I promis you it has nothing to do with the kind
of father you are. I couldn't ask for a better one Dad.
Victor has tears in his eyes and pulls
Kevin close they hug
Victor: I love you to Monk.
Courtney is sitting at the kitchen table
cliping coopons when Frank comes through the door. He gose over pulls her
out of the chair and twirls her around kissing her tenderly.
Frank: Hello love of my life.
Courtney wraps her arms around Frank
and kisses him back pationetly
Courtney: I don't know where this came
from but I'm not about to complain.
Frank smiles
Frank: Well there is alot more where
that came from.
He kisses her again pationetly.
Frank: But first you're never in a million
years going to believe what happend today.
Courtney looks at him cureusly
Courtney: Well I guess what ever it
is explains your mood.
Frank smiles
Frank: Well it sertenly didn't hurt
my mood. Anyway you'd better sit down for this.
He takes Courtney over to the coutch.
Frank: We're getting a new one of these
by the way
Courtney: We are?
Courtney looks at him amused
Frank: Yeah but that's not the point
Courtney: Okay so what is the point.
Frank: Well I am sitting in the recovery
room having lunch with Emilo right and who should come up and want to talk
to me privetly but none other then Chris Ramsey of all people.
Courtney looks intreaged
Courtney: Okay that's different. I take
it it wasn't about Christina
Frank smiles and shakes his head
Frank: Nope not even close. Anyway Chris
sits there and confesses to drugging me at Lark's party
Courtney: He what!
Frank: Confessed to the whole thing.
Courtney: Wow
Frank: I know he basicly said seeing
what Joe tried to do to Karen made him realize just what he'd done. He
said he was ashamed of himself and what he'd done. And that he really regrets
it and wants to be a better person.
Courtney shakes her head in disbeleif
Courtney: Wow that's what you call an
unexpected turn of events. Well I'm sertenly glad he fessed up. That had
to of made you feel better.
Courtney lovingly strokes Frank's face
Courtney: I know how much that hurt
you and cost you.
Frank: It sertenly wasn't fun. But listen
it gets better
Courtney: there is more?
Frank: Yep there sure is
Franks eyes glisn as he smiles at her
Frank: He then pulls this envilope out
of his pocket and hands it to me.
Frank pulls out the envilope.
Frank: He starts talking about how wants
to make things right and there was something he owed me. Then he gose after
everything I went through with DL-56 I sertenly deserved something. Courtney
he gave me half the DL-56 profits which comes to 100 million dollers!
Courtney's eyes bug out and her jaw
drops
Courtney: What! Are you seareus!
Frank: Look for yourself
Frank hands her the envilope and Courtney
looks at the check inside and gasps in amazment
Courtney: I I can't believe this! This
is incredible!
Frank: You're telling me! Think of all
the things we can do and see. All we can offer Neil, Christina and the
new baby now. Courtney the sky is the limet!
Frank then notices Courtney's skeptical
look
Frank: Courtney what's wrong this is
great!
Courtney: If it's on the up and up yes
then it will be.
Frank looks confused
Frank: What do you mean
Courtney: Frank you and I have both
pulled off a con job or to and this smells funny.
Frank: What are you saying that's it's
a phoney check?
Courtney: Oh the check is real I'm sure
of that. But his intentions may not be.
Frank: Courtney come on he said he wants
to change and he has been a nicer guy
Courtney: And wouldn't that be the logical
first step to a con? Get everyone including your pray to trust you then
pull the rug out from under them. For all we know he's going to have the
cops arrest you for theft.
Frank: Oh come on Courtney Chris dosn't
act with out a motive I''ve let him see Christina why would he do that?
Courtney: Well that's what I intend
to find out. Look Frank you have been through hell to get your life back
and I'm not going to risk you getting hurt all over again.
Courtney gets up and grabs her purse
Frank: Courtney where are you going?
Courtney: To find out just how real
this whole thing is.
She stuff the check in her purse.
Courtney: Frank I love you okay and
I'll do what ever it takes to protect you.
Courtney runs out the door. Frank smiles
and shakes his head
Frank: yeah big guy you hit the jack
pot in more ways then one.
Chris is working at the nurses station
when Eve comes up. She can't help but notice that there is a smile on Chris's
face something that she hasn't seen much of lately. Eve smiles happy to
see her friend doing well.
Eve: Well now this just dose a jaded
heart good
Chris looks up
Chris: What dose a jaded heart good?
Eve: Well for starters seeing a bonifyed
smile on your face. I haven't seen one of those in awhile.
She smiles and pats him on the arm.
Chris: Well you know what Eve things
are looking rather up.
Eve smiles
Eve: Well that is good to hear
Scean switches to oncall room Karen is
going over a file and humming aimlessly to herself when Traci comes through
to find a working shower. She stops and sits so happy to see Karen in a
good mood considering what just happend with Joe
Traci: Well you sure seem to be having
a spiffy day.
Karen looks up
Karen: What? Oh sorry
She giggles
Traci: Hey nothing wrong with humming.
I'm just glad to see you doing so well after everything that's happend
Karen: Well you know life gose on and
things are looking up.
Traci nods happy her friend is doing
well.
Traci: Well it's good to see that. You
sertenly deserve for things to be looking up.
Back to Chris and Eve at the nurses stations.
Eve: So want to share what has got you
smiling so much? Might it be Karen?
Chris can't hide his smile
Eve: Oh My Gosh I was right! Are you
to going out?
Chris nods sheepishly
Chris: Yeah we're going out to this
evening. Not that I have any idea of what I'm doing.
Back to Karen and Traci
Traci: So this mood of yours it wouldn't
possibly have anything to do with a serten doctor? Maybe one Chris Ramsey?
Karen blushes beat red.
Karen: No no not at all
Traci: Oh come on Karen you're the worst
lier.
Karen sighs
Karen: Okay we are going out tonight.
Not that I have a clue how to do this.
Back to Eve and Chris
Eve: What do you mean you don't know
what you're doing?
Chris: Eve it's not like I've had alot
of expereance in dating and to be perfectly honest the idea of putting
my heart on the line again dosn't exactly make me feel very comfortable.
Back to Traci and Karen
Traci: I don't get it what do you mean
you don't know how to do this?
Karen: Traci I have been burned badly
twice the idea of trying again isn't exactly plesant.
Back to Eve and Chris
Eve: Oh come on Chris you'll be fine.
Besides I've seen you in action believe me you know what to do. As for
putting your heart on the line well Chris you know it's totaly worth it.
Chris: You think so?
Eve: Chris look at you your smiling,
upbeat, and you seem to have more energy then you've had in awhile yes
it's worth it!
Back to Traci and Karen
Traci: Karen I know you've been hurt
bad but you know it's like that saying if you fall off the horse you just
have to get back on. Besides the third time is the charm
Karen: You sure about that?
Traci: What I am sure of is you haven't
been this up beat in awhile so what ever the reason it's worth it.
Back to Chris and Eve
Chris: You know as much as I want to
go out with her I keep feeling like I'm being disloyal to Julie.
Eve: Chris I know this is hard but you
can do this and it's not being disloyal it's just moving on. Besides it's
not like you're marrying her you're just going out that's all.
Chris sighs
Chris: True, I just hope she dosn't
expect me to stop loving Julie anytime soon cause I just don't see it happening.
Back to Traci and Karen.
Karen: I am looking forward to this
Traci but at the same time I keep feeling like I'm being disloyal to Julie.
I mean she was my best friend and she was Chris's wife.
Traci: Oh come on Karen you know Julie
would want Chris to move on. Besides it's just a date you're not marrying
the guy or anything.
Karen nods
Karen: True I just hope he knows I don't
ever expect him to stop loving Julie. I would never want that part of his
heart. His love for her is a buetiful and wonderful thing and I would never
want him to feel like he should have to leave it behind
Back to Chris and Eve
Eve: Chris Karen has been around the
block quite a few times, and don't forget her own father is a widower.
She'd never even for a second considering wanting you to stop loving Julie.
Knowing Karen she'd want you to celebrate it. Don''t forget she was one
of Julie's best friends
Chris nods
Chris: yeah that's true.
Eve: Hey how about if I come over and
help you get ready tonight, you know be there for moral support.
Chris smiles at Eve
Chris: You're not going to lock me in
the closet again are you?
Eve burst out laughing and playfully
swats him
Eve: No no my days of locking people
in closets are over. But I will be pushing you out the door to make sure
you're there ontime. So do you want me to come over or what?
Chris smiles
Chris: Well if you're going to behaive
sure.
They both laugh
Back to Traci and Karen.
Traci: Oh come on Karen I'm sure Chris
knows that. I mean you've spent so much time with him he is sure to realize
how well you know him. Not to mention how well he must know you now and
anyone that knows you wouldn't think for one second that you'd want him
to stop loving Julie. Besides you were one of Julie's best friends. Trust
me he knows better then to think that.
Karen nods
Karen: I hope you're right.
Traci smiles
Traci: I'm sure I am. Hey how about
if I come over tonight.
Karen: Oh would you Traci I'd love the
moral support.
Traci: Sure I'd be happy to. That's
what friends are for after all.
They hug.
Chris and Eve are still working when
a fuming Courtney comes charging off the elivator. She spots Chris at the
nurses stations and makes a bee line for him.
Courtney: Excuse me Dr. Ramsey could
I speak with your privetly for a minute?
Chris sees the anger in Courtney's face
and is a tad confused.
Chris: Uh okay sure lets go over to
the waiting area and talk.
Courtney: Fine
They walk over there Courtney has her
arms folding and is glairing at Chris
Chris: Is there something wrong?
Courtney: Well I guess that all depends
on you now dosn't it.
Chris looks at Courtney with total confusion.
Chris: What are you talking about?
Courtney gose through her purse and
brings out the envilope and holding it gives Chris an acusitory look
Courtney: I would really like to know
just what are you planning to do to Frank? Because I promis you if you
even try to so much as embarress him. I will personally deadicate myself
to your total and final distruction you got that!
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