EPISODE 4: SEX AND THE THANKSGIVING BET
WRITTEN BY: Christie Taylor
TV RATING: PG-13*
* Some scenes may be viewed as Rated R
THEME MUSIC AND OPENING CREDITS
ACT ONE
FADE IN
INT. - MADDIE AND DAVID’S KITCHEN - THANKSGIVING AFTERNOON
The camera slowly pans across as Terri takes a can of cranberry
sauce out of one of the overhead cabinets. Mrs. Hayes checks the
turkey in the oven. Stephanie stirs a steaming pot of vegetables.
The camera continues to move into the living room where Richie,
Mr. Hayes, David Addison, Sr., and Walter yell at the TV while
watching football.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Thanksgiving. It’s a time to . . . (Speaks out loud – moans) slow
down . . . (Voice Over) a time to . . .
DAVID (Speaks out loud)
Chill . . .
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - LAUNDRY ROOM - CONTINUOUS
The floor has some soap suds. The camera trails the suds up to
the washing machine. Sounds of panting and rhythmic breathing
are heard.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
A time to reflect, to take note, to tell your loved ones . . .
The camera tilts up to show a tight close-up of Maddie and David
(their heads in profile) seconds after they finish making love.
DAVID
(Looks deeply into Maddie’s eyes)
This is definitely something to be thankful for.
MADDIE
I can think of eleven people who will beg to differ.
DAVID
Don’t worry. (Moves away from the washing machine) I’ll pass the
peace pipe to all those Pilgrims out there. (He picks up his shirt,
which is located a few feet away from the soap suds) . . . So.
MADDIE
(Still sitting on the washing machine)
So.
The camera follows David as he picks up Maddie's blouse.
DAVID
Have you figured it out yet? (Tosses Maddie her blouse)
MADDIE (Off Screen)
Are we still on this?
DAVID
C’mon, Maddie. You haven’t guessed what it is after all this time?
MADDIE (Off Screen)
You said it wasn’t sex . . .
DAVID
Yup.
Another shot has Maddie buttoning the bottom two buttons of her
blouse.
MADDIE
And it’s not lust . . .
DAVID
Uh-huh.
MADDIE
Not even love?
DAVID
Close, but that’s not what I was lookin’ for . . . (Walks over
to Maddie fully dressed) Tell you what? While I convince everyone
not to chop our heads off and roast us, you have one more chance
to think about your final guess. (He kisses her then leaves the
room)
Maddie continues to button up her blouse.
MADDIE
While I’m thinking about that . . . (She looks at the camera)
I’ll tell you why I . . . we managed to put ourselves in this
position.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - RECREATION ROOM - THREE DAYS BEFORE (MONDAY - AFTER HOURS)
Maddie, Terri and Agnes are sitting back leisurely in their comfortable
leather seats watching a movie on the High Definition TV.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
It started innocently enough. I had just finished another hectic
day. I thanked Terri for picking up the kids from school, for
the third time in less than a week. Jamie came in and handed me
her latest report on the Chapman case. She was ready to leave
until I said . . .
MADDIE
Have a sit and relax. You’ve been all over town.
JAMIE
Sure, I can take a load off for a few minutes. (She sits down
next to Agnes)
TERRI
Got a hot date, huh?
JAMIE
My boyfriend is picking me up.
TERRI
I remember those days.
MADDIE
I try to forget those days.
AGNES
I know what you mean. All the wining and dining in the world doesn’t
compare to tasting Bert’s meatloaf.
MADDIE
When David moved in, the only thing I expected to come out of
the kitchen was smoke.
TERRI
Hold it. David can cook?
MADDIE
Well, I wouldn’t go that far. If our kids consider what we make is good enough to eat,
I guess you can call it cooking. Besides, I'll be getting extra
help since both of our parents will be arriving for Thanksgiving.
AGNES
Oh, Mr. Addison's parents are coming?
MADDIE
Yes, and it's about time. It's been a few years since the kids
have seen their grandparents on their father's side.
TERRI
I'll help make the meal too if you want, Maddie.
MADDIE
Sure. I'll need as much help as I can get. The only contribution
David makes are those pumpkin pies.
TERRI
You should be happy he does that much.
AGNES
I’d figure you’d hire a chef.
MADDIE
No, no. No more chefs. I swore to myself to never hire another
chef as long as I live.
JAMIE
I guess that means my man won’t be invited to cook for any of
your functions.
AGNES
Oh, you’re still dating him, huh?
JAMIE
Yeah, I can’t wait to sample his Thanksgiving feast.
TERRI
Sounds like you should be the one doing the inviting.
JAMIE
Well, not really. We rarely get through the main course.
AGNES
Too much food?
JAMIE
It depends on what you call food, Agnes.
TERRI
I envy you single people. You still have time to do what Walter
and I used to do on a regular basis.
MADDIE
It’s funny, I used to complain that the work David and I generated
in our bed was more than the work we had in our office.
TERRI
Was? . . . Just for the sake of being nosy, how much work are
we talkin’ about?
MADDIE
(Gets embarrassed)
Terri?
TERRI
What? It’s just us girls. Nothing will go out of this room.
Jamie and Agnes cross their hearts to reinforce Terri’s statement.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Spilling my guts is never something I have treasured. But, somehow,
with these people, I felt comfortable coming out of my shell .
. . and that the room had four sturdy, soundproof walls.
MADDIE
Well . . . it’s not above the average.
TERRI
The average for married couples or for unmarried couples?
MADDIE
It doesn’t really matter now. All I know is we’ve hit a dry spell.
AGNES
How dry is dry?
MADDIE
It’s been a little over a month.
TERRI
That’s nice. Your dry spell is my average.
JAMIE
It’s not as if Walter is doing it . . . or not doing it on purpose.
He travels a lot.
TERRI
Sometimes I’d like to be reminded we are husband and wife, not
just roommates.
MADDIE
I’m so busy with putting all our new offices in order. He’s so
busy dealing with more casework, not only here, but at the other
location across town.
AGNES
Miss Hayes, you two will be fine. You’re just going through a
transition process. Things will settle down.
MADDIE
What about you, Agnes? What’s your average?
AGNES
The number isn’t the problem. The problem is Bert treats it like
something to check off his “to do” list before he goes to bed.
JAMIE
(Tries not to laugh)
You can’t be serious.
AGNES
We’re in a rut. We do the same moves, in the same position, at
the same time . . . every week.
TERRI
Week?
AGNES
Yup, once a week.
TERRI
Even she’s getting more than I am.
The door opens. Everyone falls silent when David enters the room.
DAVID
Sorry to interrupt the gabfest, but . . . Maddie . . . (He signals
for her to come to the door)
CUT TO:
INT. - OUTSIDE RECREATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Maddie walks out the door. David closes it.
DAVID
Don’t wait up tonight.
MADDIE
But you said –
DAVID
Bert and I are this close (He spreads his thumb and index finger
about an inch apart) to catchin’ this broad in the act.
MADDIE
Can’t Viola do this himself?
DAVID
Yeah, but that’s not the only reason for you not to wait up. I
also gotta shoot over to the other office to see how it’s going
with the security system.
MADDIE
What is this all about, anyway?
DAVID
Since September 11th, Patrick, you know, the manager at our other
L.A. operation, he's been getting requests to upgrade the security
systems he and the rest of our new security systems specialists,
have already installed in several buildings. They're working ‘round
the clock to make the necessary, and not so necessary safeguards.
They’re making their first test run tonight.
MADDIE
So, what does that have to do with you?
DAVID
Umm, Maddie . . . I hate to tell you this, but . . . we now own
the place.
MADDIE
I know, but do we have to get involved with every little thing?
It’s like this business can’t move without us. Aren’t we biting
off more than we can chew?
DAVID
It’s not gonna be like this forever. We’re suffering some growing
pains, that’s all.
MADDIE
We’re suffering more than growing pains, David. The only thing
we’ve been doing in bed is sleeping.
DAVID
You think I’d prefer holding meetings instead of holding you?
(Holds her in his arms)
MADDIE
No, I understand this is good for the company.
DAVID
Now, I don’t understand. Isn’t a thriving business is what you always
wanted?
MADDIE (Voice Over)
What was I supposed to say? For the first time I’m beginning to
think. . . what’s good for the company is now bad for us personally?
MADDIE
Yeah, but I want you, too. (David laughs more to himself) What’s
so funny?
DAVID
I’d never thought I’d see the day Maddie Hayes would be begging
for it.
MADDIE
Begging for it? I’m not begging for anything. I’m just . . .
DAVID
Begging for it.
MADDIE
(Gets annoyed)
Think what you want, David.
DAVID
(Leans towards her)
I think about you all the time.
The door opens. Maddie and David move away to let Jamie out.
JAMIE
See you tomorrow, Miss Hayes. Mr. Addison.
She starts to walk away.
DAVID
Hey, don’t do what I wouldn’t do.
MADDIE
Jamie, for your own sake, (Jamie turns around) please do what
he wouldn’t do. If you get where I’m going with this.
Maddie gives Jamie a look to remind her of what they talked about.
JAMIE
I got it. (Turns to walk away)
DAVID
(Confused)
Where are you goin’?
MADDIE
I’m going in here.
Maddie goes back inside the room. David follows.
CUT TO:
INT. - RECREATION ROOM - CONTINUOUS
DAVID
(To Maddie) Well, I’m going out there. (To Terri) Whenever you
get to see that hubby of yours, tell him to come around so I can
remember what he looks like.
TERRI
I’ll remember to tell him.
DAVID
Oh, Agnes . . . tell Burt I'm on my way. (He walks to the door)
AGNES
Okay, Mr. Addison.
DAVID
(Stops walking and turns around)
By the way, Agnes...
AGNES
Yes, Mr. Addison.
DAVID
I liked the riddle you attached at the bottom of your e-mail this
morning.
MADDIE
I enjoyed it myself.
DAVID
I enjoyed it so much, I decided to come up with my own.
MADDIE
(Shakes her head)
Uh-oh.
DAVID
Hear me out. (Looks directly at Maddie) I particularly think you’ll
enjoy this one.
No matter how cold the weather,
I will always thaw.
No matter how high the temperature,
I am always raw.
I appear for the moment,
When you want to stop time.
I appear for the moment,
When you’re losing your mind . . .
Who am I?
Maddie, Agnes and Terri have their heads tilted up to the ceiling
as they try to come up with an answer.
MADDIE
What am I doing? I’ve never been good at this stuff. Who are you?
DAVID
I’m not gonna tell you. You have to figure it out.
MADDIE
At least I’ll have something to do while you’re gone.
DAVID
(Walks over to Maddie and kneels down to her)
Look, honey this will be my last stint as The Invisible Man. Tomorrow
night, I’ll be home and I’ll get you to see things in a horizontal
perspective, I promise. (He kisses her)
MADDIE (Voice Over)
When his moist, soft lips touched mine, I wanted to get horizontal
right there. But I didn’t want to look needier than I was . .
. and David knew it. Sometimes I think his smirk is a better detective
than he is.
MADDIE
You better.
DAVID
I’ll be even better than that. (Gives her a wink, then turns to
the door) In the meantime, start wrackin’ your brain with my brain
teaser.
MADDIE
There’s more than your brain I’d like to tease.
DAVID
You know what?
MADDIE
What?
DAVID
Begging becomes you.
Maddie throws a balled up paper towel at the door, but David closes
it before the paper towel hits its intended target.
TERRI
How much you want to bet tomorrow night won’t happen?
MADDIE
What do you mean?
TERRI
Maddie, it’s three days before Thanksgiving. He may be home, but
it won’t matter much when both of you go to pick up your parents
and his parents from the airport, and spend time entertaining
them before preparing Thanksgiving dinner. Oh . . . let’s not
forget about Richie.
MADDIE
This hasn’t stopped David before.
TERRI
This was before you hit your dry spell. (To Agnes) Am I right?
AGNES
I'm not really sure. I've only been through it once.
JAMIE
Once?
AGNES
Once. But I was able to take care of it. I'm sure you will too,
Miss Hayes.
MADDIE
But I’ve never seen or had one of these until now.
TERRI
You mean to tell me you’ve never –
MADDIE
Terri, sex is what got us here. Our bedroom is the only place
we seem to agree on anything . . . well, we still haven’t figured
out which is the best position.
TERRI
I bet you're not going to find out until after Thanksgiving .
. . at best.
MADDIE
How much do you want to wager?
TERRI
Are you serious?
MADDIE
Why not? This is the easiest bet I’ll ever make. David without
sex is like Thanksgiving without turkey, Christmas without Santa,
Easter without the Easter Bunny.
TERRI
Okay, you’re on.
AGNES
What are you wagering?
MADDIE
Huh?
AGNES
What are you wagering? There needs to be something to wager for
a wager to be worth something.
TERRI
How about the loser having to host this year’s Christmas party
at their house?
MADDIE
I’ll go along with it. (Looks at Terri) I always have liked your
cooking.
TERRI
Not as much as I like seeing you run around in your kitchen.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
With a shake of the hand, I was ready to prove David’s insatiable
appetite will defy common logic, just like the Indians. They cast
their suspicions aside to help the newly arrived Pilgrims survive
their first winter. In turn, the Pilgrims thanked them by giving
a feast . . . (Maddie starts to look uneasy) before they were
slaughtered.
AGNES
Let the games begin.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT ONE
- 4 MIN. COMMERCIAL BREAK -
ACT TWO
FADE IN
INT. - MADDIE AND DAVID’S KITCHEN - NEXT MORNING (TUESDAY)
Little David and Ashley sit across from each other at the kitchen
table. David fixes some bacon while Maddie fixes pancakes.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
After seven, I mean, five restless hours of tossing and turning,
I woke up feeling cheerful, feeling upbeat, feeling optimistic
. . . or just plain tried. Anyway, the only thing I was thinking
of . . . (She looks at David at her right; he is busy frying bacon)
was what I intended to receive in fourteen, I mean sixteen hours.
DAVID
Have you figured it out yet?
MADDIE
Figured what out?
DAVID
You know, the riddle I gave you.
He takes the frying pan, carries it to the table, and starts placing
some bacon on all four plates.
MADDIE
The only thing it gave me was confusion.
ASHLEY
Hey, Daddy, I got a riddle.
DAVID
Okay, Ash. Lay one on me.
ASHLEY
Why is an island like the letter T?
DAVID
I don’t know. Why?
ASHLEY
Because it is in the middle of water.
Ashley and her father share a laugh. Maddie turns around to give
Ashley a smile.
MADDIE
That was very good, sweetie.
Little David is not impressed.
LITTLE DAVID
You call that a riddle? It sounds more like a joke to me.
ASHLEY
I guess it is true about what they say. You are what you sound.
LITTLE DAVID
I know what you are, but what am I?
ASHLEY
Stupid for thinking I wouldn’t recognize that line from “Pee Wee’s
Big Adventure.”
LITTLE DAVID
I guess you are what you think, too.
ASHLEY
You know you’re still talkin’ about yourself, right?
DAVID
Hey, hey, hey. We’re gettin’ a little carried away, aren’t we?
MADDIE
I believe it got started when you said the word, “riddle.”
She brings the plate filled with pancakes over to the table. She
picks up the spatula, scoops a pancake and places it on Ashley’s
plate. Then she goes counterclockwise to little David.
LITTLE DAVID
Which brings me back to my point
ASHLEY
Don’t you mean your pointy head?
DAVID
Ash, that’s enough.
LITTLE DAVID
Here’s a real riddle, Dad.
DAVID
Go for it, kid.
LITTLE DAVID
Here on Earth it’s always true,
that a day follows a day.
But there is a place where yesterday
always follows today.
ASHLEY
Yeah, in the order you do your homework.
LITTLE DAVID
Shut up, Ash.
ASHLEY
No, you.
LITTLE DAVID
No, you.
ASHLEY
No, you.
DAVID
No, both of you.
He gets up to go to the refrigerator.
LITTLE DAVID
Did you figure it out, Dad?
DAVID
(Opens the refrigerator door)
Gimmie a minute to mull it over. (Starts reaching for something)
Maddie goes back to the stove to make more pancakes.
DAVID
Got it.
LITTLE DAVID
(Gets excited)
The answer?
DAVID
No, the carton.
David takes out a half gallon of chocolate milk. He looks a little
puzzled then starts shaking the carton. He opens the mouth of
the carton and placed his mouth to it, but nothing spills out.
DAVID
All right, who’s been drinking my milk again?
No one says a word.
MADDIE
Okay, so I drank a few glasses.
DAVID
You? Since when did you switch to drinking brown milk? Next think
you know, you’ll be bring home brown rice, brown eggs, and brown
sugar.
MADDIE
It was the only thing left for me to drink.
Maddie walks back to the table to bring more pancakes for David
and herself.
LITTLE DAVID
What about my riddle?
ASHLEY
You don’t drink riddles.
LITTLE DAVID
Finally found that out, huh?
DAVID
So, when were you gonna tell me, Maddie?
MADDIE
When I felt the need to. (Sits next to little David)
DAVID
Which was?
MADDIE
Never. This is ridiculous!
DAVID
This is highway robbery!
LITTLE DAVID
This is not happening.
ASHLEY
(Shakes her head)
This is pathetic.
LITTLE DAVID
You don’t even know what pathetic means.
ASHLEY
But I know what it looks like.
David walks back to his seat between Maddie and little David.
DAVID
I was looking forward to sipping chocolate down my throat.
LITTLE DAVID
(To Ashley)
You make me sick.
MADDIE ASHLEY
Stop being such a baby! Stop being such a baby!
DAVID LITTLE DAVID
You take that back! You take that back!
MADDIE (Calmly)
Before the thought rushes out of my brain . . . Davey, did you
do your homework?
LITTLE DAVID
Mom, do roosters roost? Do moose moo?
ASHLEY
(Calm but annoyed)
Moose don’t moo, Cows do.
LITTLE DAVID
(Grits his teeth)
Thank you, Old McDonald.
DAVID
(To little David) Don’t worry, you’ll get it next time . . . by
the way (little David turns to his father) The answer is dictionary.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
As David figured out his mental puzzle, I still had one of my
own.
CUT TO:
INT. - BLUE MOON KITCHEN - FOUR HOURS LATER
Agnes, Maddie and Terri sit at the kitchen table. Maddie is at
the microwave oven.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Four hours and three one-hour conference calls later, I traded
in my hot pancakes in a hostile kitchen for a lukewarm lasagna
in a more friendly one.
MADDIE
It’s been five minutes.
TERRI
I’m sure it’ll be ready before the hour is up.
JAMIE
I don’t see what the trouble is.
TERRI
‘Cuz you’re not married.
JAMIE
I was talking about the lasagna, but I guess my sentiments apply
here also.
MADDIE
Agnes, didn't you say you had taken care of your dry spell?
AGNES
Yeah, Uh-huh. I did.
MADDIE
What did you do?
AGNES
It happened when Bert worked on the Delaney case.
MADDIE
Oh, you mean the three-month man hunt? It must have been hard
for you to deal with.
AGNES
Especially when he slept in his car because he was too tired to
move. Anyway, I pulled out my secret weapon.
The beeping sound from the microwave is a nuisance Maddie wasn’t
planning to put up with much longer. She presses the appropriate
button to stop the noise and joins the others who are leaning
forward at the table to hear Agnes.
AGNES
I dressed up as one of those dancers in “Chicago” and did “All
That Jazz.”
Everyone else looked at each other as if to say, “What?”
TERRI
And this helped to get you out of a three month slump?
AGNES
(Has a far away smile)
Boy, did it ever.
JAMIE
(Shrugs her shoulders)
Hey, whatever works.
Maddie walks back to the microwave and takes out her lasagna.
MADDIE
Yeah, whatever works. Whatever it takes, go for it. And she indeed
. . . went for it . . . and she got it. (Takes her seat at the
table)
MADDIE (Voice Over)
And I couldn’t believe it.
Maddie’s cell phone rings. She takes it out of her purse and listens
to the voice on the other end.
MADDIE
David? What’s wrong with him? (Everyone looks concerned) Are you
sure you have the right person? I’ll be there in about a half
hour. (She hangs up the phone then looks at everyone) I have to
go. (She grabs her purse and is leaving the table)
AGNES
Is Mr. Addison all right, Miss Hayes?
MADDIE
Oh no . . . I mean, yes, Mr. Addison is fine. It’s our son. We
have to meet with his teacher.
TERRI
What’s going on?
MADDIE
I need to go over there to find out, but first, I have to snatch
David from across town.
JAMIE
(Teasing)
Uh-oh, both parents? This doesn’t look good.
MADDIE
Let’s just say, for Davey’s sake, he better be in trouble for
defending himself against a bully.
CUT TO:
INT. - SCHOOL HALLWAY - AN HOUR LATER
Maddie and David searches through the hallway to find little David’s
teacher’s room.
DAVID
Why couldn’t you do this on your own? I was in the middle of something.
MADDIE
You’re always in the middle of something. You’ve been in the middle
of something for more than a month.
DAVID
What’s with you?
MADDIE
Want me to put it in a riddle?
DAVID
Listen, if this ‘tude you’re in is about what I think it's about,
let me rest your fears right here, right now . . .
Maddie walks into the teacher’s room. David is a few strides behind
her.
DAVID
There ain’t gonna be anymore late night stakeouts or late night
anything. (He walks into the room, but doesn’t know the teacher
is there) Therefore, our mission for testing the wear and tear
of our headboard will no longer be impossible. (Now realizes the
teacher heard everything he said, he turns to the teacher) It’s
one of the new tests we're doing for Consumer Reports.
MADDIE
Hi, I’m Maddie Hayes. This is David Addison. We’re David’s parents.
TEACHER
Miss Hayes, Mr. Addison, I’m Matthew Rhodes. (Shakes Maddie and
David’s hand)
DAVID
Oh yeah, Mr. Rhodes. Davey used to talk about you a lot.
MR. RHODES
I’m happy you can squeeze this meeting between your busy schedules.
DAVID
Anything to ensure the welfare of our children.
MR. RHODES
Well, I’ll try to make this brief as I can.
DAVID
(To himself)
So, when does it start?
Maddie nudges her elbow into his arm.
MR. RHODES
This is hard for me to say. However, I must. Your son . . . well,
while he’s doing excellent work in class and makes good marks
on his tests . . . he has been missing many of his homework assignments.
DAVID
How many is "many"?
MR. RHODES
He’s missing about a month’s worth of work.
MADDIE
A month?
DAVID
A month?
MR. RHODES
A month.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Looks as if my son had a dry spell of his own.
MR. RHODES
I’m sorry I had to drag you down here.
DAVID
Nope. (Getting up) No problem at all.
MADDIE
What are you doing?
DAVID
(To Mr. Rhodes)
Where is he?
MADDIE
(Gets concerned)
David.
DAVID
Where is my son?
MR. RHODES
Half the school is outside playing. They're in recess.
DAVID
Where is it?
MADDIE
David, this can wait.
DAVID
No, selling Christmas albums before Thanksgiving can wait. This.
. . can not. (Leaves the room. Maddie follows.)
MADDIE
Do you even know where you’re going?
DAVID
No, but I have a hunch when I see a bunch kids jumping up and
down for no reason, I’ll know.
CUT TO:
EXT. - SCHOOLYARD - MINUTES LATER
Paul Simon’s, “Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard” is playing.
David walks in and is surrounded by kids who are running around
him. David looks to see his son’s face. David walks up to several
groups of kids to find out where he can locate his son. Maddie
tries to catch up with him.
MADDIE
David, you don’t have to embarrass him.
DAVID
He already lost a month’s worth of cool points. This makes him
eligible for public humiliation.
David spots his son playing basketball with a few other boys.
David marches over there. Maddie tries to convince him that this
is a bad idea, but David is not listening.
DAVID
I heard from a reliable source that you don’t do homework . .
. can’t touch the stuff.
Little David stops dribbling in mid-court. The ball dribbles away
out of his reach.
LITTLE DAVID
(Shocked)
Dad! . . . Mom!
DAVID
So, what you said this morning . . . about you doing it . . .
it was a lie, right?
LITTLE DAVID
Dad . . . I . . .
MADDIE
Why don’t we talk this over, over there. (Points to an empty part
of the yard)
MADDIE (Voice Over)
I pointed to a vacant space, where it’s safe for David to yell,
and safe for little David to get yelled at.
DAVID
You heard your mother. Let’s go.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Like the forefathers before him . . . my little Davey led the
way to an unpopulated, place not knowing what will happen next.
Little David turns around and David starts asking many questions
that little David wasn’t ready to answer.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Who would have thunk it? . . . Mr. Hellraiser, Mr. Rebel, Mr.
Cool is doing an uncool thing. He's actually telling off his child
in the middle of a schoolyard. The same schoolyard his child has
to come back to and face verbal torture of a different kind. (Maddie
stares at David,who is still chewing out his son) What is it with
this guy? I’ve known him for almost two decades, and I have yet
to figure him out. Some days, I want to wring his neck . . . other
days, I want to lick it clean. These days, where our nightly activity
has been limited to channel surfing, I’m leaning farther towards
the latter than the former. I may have to accept maintaining and
improving this strange relationship.
Prince’s “Strange Relationship,” fades up. Maddie continues staring
at David.
Prince’s lyrics as it appears on his “Sign Of The Times” album.
I Guess U Know Me Well, I Don’t Like Winter (The big argument scene in “What Maddie Wants”)
But I Seem 2 Get A Kick Out of Doing U Cold
Oh What The Hell, U always Surrender (The “Intercom” scene in “Not So
Private Eyes”)
What’s This Strange Relationship That We Hold On To
Baby, I Just Can’t Stand 2 See U Happy
More Than That I Hate 2 See U Sad (Maddie hugs David after he
prays in “After All These Years”)
Honey If U Left Me I Just Might Do Something Rash (Maddie confronting Autumn and David in “What Maddie
Wants”)
What’s This Strange Relationship?... (They kiss passionately as
they lie on their bed in “After All These Years”)
ASHLEY (Off Screen)
. . . Mommy!!
The music stops, and the screen dissolves back to the playground.
Maddie looks down to see her frantic daughter.
ASHLEY
Mommy? What are you and Daddy doing here? You guys are ruining
my rep.
MADDIE
Your rep?
DAVID
Short for reputation. (Maddie turns and sees David leading little
David over to where she and Ashley are standing) You know, the
one I might have single handedly ruined for this guy right here
(Looks at Little David) And something I definitely don't want
my daughter to lose.
LITTLE DAVID
Why does she get to keep hers and I don’t?
DAVID
Well, Ash wasn’t stupid enough to do what you did and there’s
another reason, but you’re too young to know right now.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
For a few of my kids’ anxiety filled minutes, they wanted to get
away from their father as he continued to lay down the law.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - MADDIE AND DAVID’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Eight of my clock watching hours later, I wanted my husband to
lay his body down on me.
David walks into the room, then dives on the bed landing on Maddie.
MADDIE
Owww! David!
MADDIE (Voice Over)
This wasn’t what I had in mind.
She pushes, then rolls him over to his side of the bed.
DAVID
Don’t get so excited . . . no, let me rephrase that.
MADDIE
No, let me rephrase that.
Leans over to David. Places her hand on his left cheek and kisses
him.
DAVID
(Whispers)
I love the way you pronunciate.
They kiss with more feeling.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
On Thanksgiving, turkey replaces chicken as the preferred white
meat . . . that night, I preferred the other white meat.
The sound of a car crashing in close proximity of their house
is heard. Despite this, they continue to kiss.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
I didn’t want to, but it was wracking my brain. David continued
like nothing was out of the ordinary. At times, I admire his intense
focus in satisfying his desire . . . and mine . . . but this wasn’t
one of those times. So I asked him –
MADDIE
(Maddie breaking the kiss)
Aren’t you going to mention what just happened?
DAVID
You breaking our kiss? (Moves in for another one) What for? You’re
giving your lips a rest.
MADDIE
No, what just happened out there. (Points to the window)
DAVID
Maddie, it took us a helluva lot to get here. I’m not gonna ruin
it because some idiot forgot to turn on his signal light.
More disturbing sounds are heard. This time, the sounds are much
louder.
MADDIE
We have to see what’s going on.
She gets out of bed and puts on her pink silk robe.
DAVID
But Maddie –
MADDIE
You think I want to do this? I just want to make sure I don’t
have to call the police.
Maddie opens the door and begins to leave the room. David drags
himself out of bed, grabs his terry cloth robe and follows Maddie
out the door.
CUT TO:
INT. - FOYER - CONTINUOUS
Maddie walks briskly down the spiral staircase. Her robe flows
right in front of David. They reach the front door. She turns
the knob and pulls, but the door is stuck. She gets more frustrated
with each pull. David casually waves her off so she can step back.
He non-chalantly turns the key, unhooks the latch, and opens the
door. He gestures for her to lead the way. She puts her hands
on her hips and sighs in protest. He gives her a silly grin and
walks out the door. Maddie follows. A second later, Ashley and
little David race down the stairs in their pajamas.
ASHLEY
Fight! Fight!
LITTLE DAVID
How do you know?
ASHLEY
I saw it out of my window.
LITTLE DAVID
About time something exciting is happening around here. Who started
it?
ASHLEY
They were too far away. But I do know some bonehead rear-ended
somebody’s car.
LITTLE DAVID
What a retard.
They reach the bottom of the stairs and are now heading for the
door. The phone rings. Little David is contemplating whether he
should answer it.
ASHLEY
C’mon! It’s another one of those annoying telemarketers.
LITTLE DAVID
At this time of night?
ASHLEY
Come on!
She pulls him by the hand as they run to the door. The phone continues
to ring. The camera slowly moves from Ashley and little David
running out the door to the phone, which sits on one of the tables
next to a lamp. When the answering machine picks up after the
third ring, the camera zooms onto the phone.
DAVID (Outgoing Message)
You’ve reached the house formerly owned by Maddie Hayes, which
is owned by the Addison family. Don’t worry, we couldn’t kick
her out, she came with the place . . .
MADDIE (Outgoing Message)
David . . .
DAVID (Outgoing Message)
Anyway, we’re not in, but if you waited this long for the beep,
you might was well say what you want.
Sound of the beep.
DAVID, SR. (On Machine)
Hey, blockhead! This is the man formerly known as your father.
Where the hell are you? Steph and I have been waiting in this
damn airport for two hours! Please see to it that you get this
message, or I’ll hop in a cab, have it cruise all around town,
drop by your place, and have you pay for it! . . . And before
you do what you should have done, make sure you bring your brother.
A click is heard followed by a dial tone.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT TWO
- 2 MIN. COMMERCIAL BREAK -
FADE IN
HALFWAY BUMPER (1):
A still image of the title is showing. An abbreviated version
of the theme is being used. Maddie and David's voices are in voice
over.
DAVID
Yes, we know turkey day is long gone, but stick around. We still
have half a show left.
FADE OUT
- 2 MIN. COMMERCIAL BREAK -
FADE IN:
HALFWAY BUMPER (2):
A still image of the title is showing. An abbreviated version
of the theme is being used. Maddie and David's voices are in voice
over.
DAVID
Thanks for stickin' around. You'll be glad you did.
FADE OUT
ACT THREE
FADE IN
EXT. - OUTSIDE MADDIE AND DAVID’S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
Two men continue fighing and crashing into everything around them.
David comes up to both men and struggles to break it up. He manages
to put his hands on one of them. Maddie moves in on the other
man. She shoves him hard into the gate. David focuses on holding
back his half of the brawling pair. Maddie’s eyes can't believe
who is before her; she recognizes the man she shoved. It’s Richie.
She taps David on the shoulder and points over to the gate.
DAVID
Richie, what the hell are you doing!?
RICHIE
(Gasping for breath)
I swear, I didn’t see him!
MAN
The hell you didn’t! You were right behind me!
LITTLE DAVID (Off Screen)
The bonehead is Uncle Richie?
ASHLEY (Off Screen)
And the retard?
Everyone turns around to see Ashley and Little David a few feet
behind them.
MADDIE
What?
ASHLEY LITTLE DAVID
(Innocently) (Innocently)
Nothing. Nothing.
She turns her attention back to Richie.
MADDIE
Richie, what are you doing here?
DAVID
And why am I holding this guy from knocking you senseless . .
. as if you had any sense left to lose.
MAN
He rammed into me!
RICHIE
I had good reason.
DAVID
(Sneers)
This I gotta hear.
RICHIE
I’m here to tell you about Dad and Stephanie.
DAVID
What about them?
RICHIE
What about them? They’re waiting at the airport. (Maddie and David
are startled) Waiting. . . for two hours.
DAVID
They're here? . . . Tonight!
RICHIE
Yeah, tonight? Why wouldn't they be here tonight?
DAVID
Because I thought they were coming tomorrow night.
MADDIE
No, my parents are coming tomorrow night.
DAVID
(To Maddie) Tomorrow night? . . . (To Richie) Tonight?. . . Why
did you tell me sooner?
MAN
He could have, if he didn’t ram into my car.
DAVID
(He turns to face the man)
Listen, I’ll get the number to my brother’s insurance company.
(To Richie) Yo, Rich. What’s the name of your insurance company?
RICHIE
(Looks Confused)
What insurance company?
DAVID
What insurance?. . . (To man) I’ll write you a check. (He searches
his robe for a pen) (To Richie) You got a pen?
RICHIE
What pen?
ASHLEY
I’ll get one, Daddy.
DAVID
While you’re getting it, put it in your backpack and get into
bed. . . . Take your brother with you.
ASHLEY
But –
DAVID
(Sternly)
Move.
RICHIE
Not until they give their Uncle Richie a hug. (Ashley and Little
David walk up to Richie and hug him.) Now, go on. Do what your
father says. I know I’ll have to.
Richie watches his niece and nephew walk back to the house.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Despite knowing my in-laws are stuck at the airport, I couldn’t
stop thinking about what David and I could have been doing at
that moment.
RICHIE
Cute kids.
MAN
Excuse me? . . .
DAVID
They’d be even cuter if you came around more.
RICHIE
Dave.
MAN
Excuse me? . . .
DAVID
Look, I cut Dad and Stephanie some slack since they live on the
opposite side of the country. You’re only live on the opposite
side of the city.
RICHIE
I’m here now, aren’t I?
MAN
Excuse me! . . .
DAVID
And so is he, thanks to you. (Points to the man then turns to
him) Look, come by tomorrow. I’ll fork up the dough. You already
know where I live.
MAN
That’s all I needed to know.
The guy calms down and David can now let go of him. The man still
glares at Richie, but he slowly gets back into his car, starts
the engine, and drives away. One of the tale lights and rear bumper
of his BMW falls off as he continues driving away from the house.
MADDIE
Okay, why are we still standing here?
RICHIE
We have to go to the airport.
DAVID
Right. (He walks to Richie’s car then stops and turns around)
Wait, you have a car. Why didn’t you pick them up?
RICHIE
Dave, I couldn’t. I only have enough gas to get me here. (David
sighs in frustration) And maybe . . . probably . . . perhaps .
. . I can stay for the night.
DAVID
What's the story?
RICHIE
What story?
DAVID
The story, Rich. The story that will prevent me from saying no.
RICHIE
Well, my apartment . . . you know . . .
DAVID
No, I don’t know. That’s why I’m asking.
RICHIE
It’s . . . kinda –
LITTLE DAVID
Dad?
DAVID
(Turns around to see little David)
Get inside.
LITTLE DAVID
But Dad?
DAVID
I don’t see you leaving.
ASHLEY
Granddad hasn’t seen you either. (Everyone looks at Ashley) (To
little David) You really gotta learn how to get to the point.
LITTLE DAVID
Grandpa left a message.
ASHLEY
And he was pretty mad.
DAVID
Do me a favor, Rich?
RICHIE
Anything, little bro.
DAVID
Pretend you’re an uncle and get these kids to bed.
RICHIE
Sure, no problem.
DAVID
With you, there’s always a problem.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - MADDIE’S OFFICE - NEXT MORNING (WEDNESDAY)
She works at her laptop.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Miraculously, I bounced back from my latest disappointment by
coming in the office, locking myself in, looking over casework,
balance sheets, and billing statements. (A sound from Maddie’s
laptop is heard) Then it happened. I told myself not to look,
not to acknowledge the potential invasion of my serenity. However,
one little sound stopped me in my tracks. One turn of the head
sent me back to my true feelings. My eyes were locked on the instant
message:
Are you okay? — D
My heart pounded and it sank at the same time. What is happening
to us? We can’t seem to be in sync in the one place, the one activity
we took for granted. My brain resisted, but my hands were two
seconds faster. My fingers found its way to form the question
I never imagined I’d have to ask (She says the words as she types
them) Close-up on computer screen:
Will we ever get out of this slump?
CUT TO:
EXT. - OUTDOOR RESTAURANT - AFTERNOON
TERRI
(She answers as Maddie just asked the question again)
. . . Sure you will . . . after the holidays.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
It was her, not so subtle, way of reminding me of our bet. She
was three quarters of the way to being thankful for saying, “I
told you so” while I plan what I will have to serve for my Christmas
party.
AGNES
I wouldn’t worry about it, Miss Hayes.
MADDIE
How can I not, Agnes? David’s parents are here. My parents will
be here tonight. I'm not sure if David and I will have the time
to get food for feast tomorrow.
JAMIE
You still didn’t get any food?
MADDIE
How can we? We’re never around long enough to notice what outfit
either of us is wearing. I think this expansion of Blue Moon was
a mistake. We’re busier than we have ever been. I even feel guilty
for eating out for lunch. I know, in light of what is occuring
in this country, throughout the world, my inconvenience is really
insignificant, but I can’t help myself and how I feel.
TERRI
Why don’t you two let someone else do it for you?
MADDIE
Do what?
TERRI
The day-to-day things. The tedious and mundane paperwork. You
don’t have the time to double and triple check anymore.
JAMIE
Yeah, Miss Hayes. You and Mr. Addison are doing way too much.
It was fine when you had one office to maintain, but now you have
four.
AGNES
Cutting down on actual casework also can help you.
MADDIE
Agnes, it’s not that simple. I’ve learned to enjoy the rush in
catching criminals. I’m worried more for David. This is all he
knows.
AGNES
I’m not saying give it up entirely. I’m saying to cut back.
TERRI
You have to stop being so hands on.
MADDIE
The trouble is, I’m used to balancing almost everything by myself.
I’m not good at asking or receiving help.
TERRI
Maddie, it comes down to this, what would you rather hold on to?
A stack of papers or David?
MADDIE
This is hard. It’s almost as hard as those first few months of
marriage. I was so used to handling things on my own. I couldn’t
stand the notion of me sharing my ways, my thoughts, my life with
another person. As Agnes can tell you, sharing an office is much
different from sharing a home. Sharing my true self with a man
. . . a man I literally ran away from six years before. It can
be unbearable at times. Needless to say, I had to learn to overcome
this . . . I had two little reasons, other than my love for David.
Our three-year old son, and Ashley was only a few months old.
I needed to realize, I had to stop resisting. Thank goodness,
I have a man who not only can put up with my nonsense, but loves
me no matter how ridiculous I can make things. (She looks around
at all three woman) I see your point. I’ll run it by David if
or when we see each other before the sun goes down.
CUT TO:
INT. - SUPERMARKET - THREE HOURS LATER
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Needles to say, I continued to struggle with this decision. Either
I delegate my responsibilities to others, or let my fireplace
be the only thing that has any snap, crackle and pop in my house.
So, I did what I knew will ease my tension . . . (A hand grabs
a cereal box) I reached for an extra box of Rice Krispies.
A wider shot shows Maddie pushing a shopping cart filled with
frozen turkey, vegetables, a few cans of cranberry sauce, and
other food, which includes Twinkes and Ho-Ho’s.
DAVID
Well, it sounds like a good idea to me.
MADDIE
How come you never told me this before?
DAVID
‘Cuz I know you and I know how you’d react.
MADDIE
I went through . . . we went through building this business from
scratch . . . twice. Can you blame me for being too attached?
DAVID
I guess that’s part of the reason.
He picks up two boxes of Stove Top Stuffing and puts them in the
shopping cart.
MADDIE
What do you mean, part of the reason?
DAVID
I also know you enough to know not to answer that.
MADDIE
David, I want to know what that meant.
DAVID
Oh, no. You’re not suckering me into another fist full of insults.
Maddie stops the cart in the middle of the grocery aisle.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
In the spirit of giving thanks, I thanked the opportunity to share
my anger to his apparent evasiveness. David took a few more steps
until he noticed I wasn’t stepping with him.
DAVID
(Looks behind him)
What are you waiting for? Half the store squeezing into the two
lines that will accept more than twelve items? Let’s go.
MADDIE
Not until you tell me what you meant.
DAVID
(He sighs knowing it will spark another argument)
It’s just . . . you still have this tendency to be . . . somewhat
. . . unyielding.
MADDIE
Unyielding?
DAVID
And . . .
MADDIE
And?
DAVID
Inflexible.
MADDIE
Inflexible! I married you, didn’t I?
DAVID
No matter what it is or what we’re dealing with, everything has
to be rubber stamped with your seal of approval.
MADDIE
I had no choice! You're not exactly the person I can rely on to
balance the books.
DAVID
We have an accounting department which has taken over for me very
nicely.
MADDIE
David?
DAVID
We are doing too much work. We have to slow down and let someone
else take over the steering wheel. (Walks back to Maddie) It’s
not an accident Davey hasn’t been doing his homework . . . a month’s
load of work I might add.
MADDIE
Are you saying it’s my fault?
DAVID
No. I’m saying it’s our fault. If we were home more than five minutes a day, we could
have saved the imprompu parent-teacher conference. Honey, if we
want our private life to go back to the way it was, we have to
surrender our seat on the throne. Our kids at Blue Moon can take
care of themselves. We taught them right from wrong, looking both
ways before crossing the street, putting plastic bottles in the
recycling bin. Maddie, they can take care of their chores without
us. I’ve seen them do it.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
I hate to admit this even now, but he was right . . . I make great
efforts in avoiding it on a regular basis, but he was right. I
do get into the habit of always being in control. I don't know
why, I just do. It's how I deal with things . . . or not deal
with things. This is precisely one of the reasons why I find myself
in love with David. He helps me confront my faults whether I want
to or not . . . whether I want to hear it or not. He never backs down from an opportunity to get into my
face . . . Did I happen to mention I consider that to be incredibly
sexy?
MADDIE
Only if they give us weekly reports.
DAVID
Two weeks.
MADDIE
Two weeks? . . . (Reluctantly) Deal.
DAVID
(Kind of surprised)
Deal?
MADDIE
Deal.
Maddie pushes the cart forward again.
MADDIE
So.
DAVID
So.
MADDIE
Who is it going to be?
DAVID
Gonna be?
MADDIE
We have to choose someone who will be in charge like the rest
of our offices.
DAVID
We can’t.
MADDIE
We can’t? Why can’t we?
DAVID
Gotta wait until the next episode. (Maddie steers the cart into
another aisle) But I know what can’t wait.
MADDIE
What’s that?
DAVID
Your answer to my riddle. (Maddie picks up two egg cartons)
MADDIE
You took over the job of The Riddler while I was gone?
DAVID
I’m practicing on my audition when Jim Carrey decides not to do
the next "Batman" sequel. (Maddie picks up a package of cheeder
cheese) C’mon, Maddie. You haven’t even guessed, yet?
MADDIE
If I guess, will you stop asking me?
DAVID
As long as you have the right answer.
MADDIE
Sex.
DAVID
Nope.
MADDIE
Not sex?
DAVID
Not sex.
MADDIE
I could have sworn it was sex.
DAVID
Be glad you didn’t swear. It would have changed our TV rating.
MADDIE
Are you sure it’s not sex? It sounded like it.
DAVID
Well, sex has something to do with it, but it doesn’t have to
be. Okay, since you’re having such a hard time with this, I’ll
give you a clue. It’s a feeling, not an act.
MADDIE
Lust.
DAVID
You think I’m that simple? (Maddie looks at him) Don’t answer
that.
MADDIE
I give up.
DAVID
Wait a second, wait a second . . . (His cell phone rings. He takes
it out of his pocket) (Looks at Maddie) Wait a second . . . (To
Phone) Yeah . . . are you sure? . . . that’s great. I’ll be over
there in a few . . .
MADDIE
What's going on?
DAVID
They fixed the security system. Patrick wants me to see the finishing
touches.
MADDIE
I’ll do it.
DAVID
(To Maddie)
Huh?
MADDIE
David, you’re supposed to pick up Dad and Stephanie from her mother’s
house.
DAVID
Wasn’t Richie supposed to do that?
MADDIE
He was until –
DAVID
I get the point.
MADDIE
You do?
DAVID
I do. Responsibility plus dependability doesn’t equal Richie.
I’ll pick them up after I get through with this. (He brings the
phone up to his ear)
MADDIE
You’ll pick them up after you drop me off.
DAVID
Maddie.
MADDIE
(She takes the phone away)
Hello, this is Maddie Hayes. Mr. Addison has other business to
attend to. I’ll will be there instead . . . great. I’ll see you
as soon as I can . . . bye bye. (Hangs up the phone and gives
it to David)
DAVID
You didn’t have to do that, you know.
MADDIE
I know, but I wanted to. (She smiles at him) I think we have everything.
DAVID
Hold it, I forgot something.
He turns back, but Maddie takes his hand. He turns around. She
holds a half gallon of chocolate milk. They smile at each other.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - BLUE MOON’S OTHER L.A. OFFICE - 40 MINUTES LATER
MADDIE (Voice Over)
I met with the branch manager of this location, Patrick Stevenson.
We examined the improvements of the security system. When the
button was pushed, everyone watched with pride to see the project,
they have been working on for months, finally coming to a successful
conclusion.
MADDIE
Seems to be in fine shape to me.
PATRICK
You heard the lady. Let’s hit the road.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Everyone was happy they could get out and enjoy their extended
holiday weekend . . . until Patrick looked over to the front door
and said . . .
PATRICK
What’s the matter?
EMPLOYEE #1
This door isn't opening.
PATRICK
What do you mean, it isn't opening?
EMPLOYEE #1
It isn't opening.
The man yanks the doorknob, but the door won’t budge. Patrick
walks to the door. He jiggles, pulls, then pushes the doorknob
with no results. Patrick takes a few steps back and rams his shoulder
into the door. All Patrick accomplished was a sore shoulder.
EMPLOYEE #2
Uh-oh.
MADDIE
(Gets concerned)
Uh-oh? Uh-oh, what?
EMPLOYEE #2
(To other co-workers)
We didn’t think about that.
MADDIE
About what? Can someone tell me what’s happening?
EMPLOYEE #2
(Walks over to Maddie)
Umm, the door is stuck.
MADDIE
I can see that. What I don’t see is where the “uh-oh” has anything
to do with it.
EMPLOYEE #2
We can’t get out of here. We have to fix this bugaboo.
MADDIE
What are you talking about? You guys have the key.
PATRICK
The key alone won’t open the door.
Maddie turned around to see Patrick, still holding his shoulder,
walking over to her.
EMPLOYEE #2
You see, we made it so only the people who know our code can open
the door.
MADDIE
So what are we waiting for?
EMPLOYEE #2
To make the code. That’s the bugaboo.
MADDIE
Let me guess, this is one of the security enhancements.
EMPLOYEE #2
Uh-huh.
MADDIE
Great. How the hell am I going to get out of here?
PATRICK
Don’t worry, Miss Hayes. We’ll think of something.
MADDIE
If the something doesn’t include getting me out of here, then
you’re out of luck.
PATRICK
In the meantime, I suggest you relax in your office. This may
take a while.
CUT TO:
INT. - MADDIE AND DAVID'S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
MADDIE (Voice Over)
This is the office Lou LaSalle used to occupy. David and I have
taken it over. It’s not quite as big as our conference room, but
it’s as comfortable since David and I redecorated it. I felt tired,
so I sat down on one of the loveseats. I took my cell out of my
purse and broke the news to David.
MADDIE
(To Phone) David . . . hi, umm . . . I’m going to be here for
a while.
DAVID (Off Screen)
For how long? It was only supposed to take a few minutes.
MADDIE
They didn’t take the front door being stuck and not having a code
to open it into account.
DAVID (Off Screen)
This is all my fault. I never should have let you –
MADDIE
Let me?
DAVID (Off Screen)
Let you go instead of me.
MADDIE
It doesn’t matter now. What matters is you doing me this favor.
DAVID (Off Screen)
What is it?
MADDIE
My parents are about to arrive at LAX in about fifteen minutes.
DAVID (Off Screen)
Say no more. I’m on my way out the door.
MADDIE
Wait, you can’t leave the children alone.
DAVID (Off Screen)
They’re not alone. They have my parents to keep them company.
MADDIE
Be careful out there, David. There’s a lot of crazy people on
the streets . . . other than you.
DAVID (Off Screen)
I’m crazy all right . . . crazy for you.
MADDIE
I love you, David.
DAVID (Off Screen)
I love you, Maddie (kissing sound is heard) Bye, baby.
MADDIE
(Sweetly) Bye, baby.
She hangs up the phone and puts it back in her purse. She lays
the purse on the coffe table. Maddie starts to give into the idea
that she will be there for a long time. She takes off her pumps
and rests her feet on the coffee table. She leans back on the
loveseat. She closes her eyes and slowly drifts into a dream.
DISSOLVE TO:
A wider shot of Maddie sitting on the loveseat with her eyes closed.
The Stevie Wonder song “Creepin’,” starts her dream sequence.
The door opens. David walks into the room. He goes over to Maddie,
takes her arm and gently pulls her off the loveseat. He leads
her to the middle of the room, then they start to dance.
I can hear you sighing
Sayin’ you’ll stay beside me
Why must it be
That you always creep into my dreams...
They continue dancing and holding each other close. He takes his
hands and slowly slides them down the sides of her body until
they stop around her hips. He then moves his hands closer over
to her bottom and gently squeezes. Maddie takes her hands and
caresses his back.
On the beach we’re sitting
Hugging, Squeezing, kissing
Why must it be
That you always creep into my dreams...
David dips her. He kisses her on her chest then raises her to
an upright position as his lips reaches her chin. They kiss each
other intensely. She takes the initiative when she starts pulling
David’s suit jacket off. David helps her take it off and flings
it across the room.
When I’m sleep at night, baby
I feels those moments of ecstasy
When you sleep at night, baby
I wonder do I creep into your dreams
Or could it be
I sleep alone in my fantasy...
She then starts to unbutton his shirt down to the last button,
pulls it off and rubs his bare chest. They explore each other’s
bodies, and Maddie lowers her head to his chest and kisses all
over it.
Oh, love is so amazing
Guest that you’ll be staying
So let it be
That you always creep into my dreams...
David starts unbuttoning Maddie’s blouse from the bottom up. Maddie
helps him speed up the process and throws it behind her. Maddie,
who is now standing in her bra and skirt, takes his hand and leads
him to the loveseat.
When I’m sleep at night, baby
I feels those moments of ecstasy
When you sleep at night, baby
I wonder do I creep into your dreams
Or could it be
I sleep alone in my fantasy...
As the harmonica solo accentuates the scene, she gently pushes
him onto the love seat. He is lies on his back. She’s unbuckles
his belt and pulls it off and throws it aside. She straddles herself
on top of him and slides her hands from his stomach to his chest
and lowers herself on him. David puts his hands on her back and
rubs it.
Oh, love is so amazing
Guest that you’ll be staying
So let it be
That you always creep into my dreams...
In my dreams...
In my dreams...
They kiss with as much desire as two people can express to one
another. The three last words of the song repeats itself as it
fades.
DISSOLVE TO:
Maddie lies face down on the loveseat. She jerks her head up then
looks around to see where David has gone. She realizes that it
has been a dream. Disappointed, she drops her head back down on
the loveseat.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT THREE
- 4 MIN. COMMERCIAL BREAK -
ACT FOUR
FADE IN
INT. - MADDIE AND DAVID’S OFFICE (IN OTHER L.A. OFFICE) - THANKSGIVING
MORNING
Maddie still lies on the loveseat. She is asleep. She turns her
body around and hears an irriating noise. It takes her a few seconds
to turn her head to the window. She sees daylight peeking through
the closed blinds. She notices something else. She can now recognize
the constant sound . . . snoring. She checks to see where it is
coming from. She looks behind her and is startled to see David,
still wearing the clothes he wore yesterday, sprawled across the
other loveseat. She quickly shakes her head to figure out if she
is really awake or still in her dream. She pinches herself on
the arm and still sees David snoring away. She pinches her arm
again, but this time it hurts and she shouts.
DAVID
(Groggy)
I’m sorry, Maddie. I'll be more gentle next time. (He realizes
he is now awake and stares at Maddie) Hey, blondie? How are you
feeling?
MADDIE
How did you get in here?
DAVID
Through the door like all the extra terrestrials.
MADDIE
No, how did you get in here? . . . In this office? The front door
wouldn’t open. I know, I saw.
DAVID
What you didn’t see is how it was fixed. While you were makin’ sheep clock in
their overtime, some of our new employees figured what the problem
was and made the necessary changes. They were finished at around
1 a.m.
MADDIE
1 a.m.? Why am I still here? Again, why are you here?
DAVID
You didn’t think I would leave you here alone, did you? We tried
to wake you up. Even if someone put a jack hammer next to your
ear, you still wouldn’t have woken up. So, I thought it was best
for me to keep you company until the sun showed its face this
morning.
MADDIE
Where are Mom and Dad?
DAVID
At the house. . . and yes, Richie is still there. (He gets up,
stretches his legs, and arms and let out a huge yawn) You ready
to go?
MADDIE
Wait a second? Are we the only ones in here? (David nods) Then
how are we – (He tosses her new keys to the front office)
DAVID
I would toss you the new code, (hold a piece of paper) but it’ll
only reach the end of the coffee table.
Maddie gets up, walks over to David and hugs him.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - MADDIE AND DAVID’S FOYER - AN HOUR LATER
David opens the front door and Maddie enters in the house first.
David closes the door and locks it.
ASHLEY (Off Screen)
Mommy!
She runs to Maddie and hugs her.
ASHLEY
What happened? You didn’t come home.
MADDIE
Everything is okay. I was doing some extra work at the office,
then I decided to stay there. Your father came by to help.
LITTLE DAVID
Mom!
He runs down the stairs, then hugs Maddie.
MRS. HAYES
Maddie, I thought I heard your voice. Honey, are you all right?
(She walks over to hug Maddie)
ASHLEY
She’s okay, Grandmom. She already told us.
MADDIE
Where’s Dad?
MRS. HAYES
Still in bed.
DAVID
Which is not such a bad idea.
MRS. HAYES
Thank you for staying with her, David.
DAVID
There was no other place I’d rather be. (He kisses Maddie) Now,
if you all excuse me, I’m going to put this day off to good use.
(Walks up the staircase) Wake me when the NFL pre-game is over.
MRS. HAYES
Do you want something to eat?
ASHLEY
Yeah!
LITTLE DAVID
She was talking to Mom.
ASHLEY
And I was talking to Grandmom.
LITTLE DAVID
Grandma! Why can’t you say Grandma? Nobody says Grandmom, Granddad.
ASHLEY
I do!
MRS. HAYES
Davey, she can say whatever she wants.
Ashley sticks out her tongue at her brother.
MRS. HAYES
Why don’t I whip up some omelets for everyone.
LITTLE DAVID
Mmmm . . . I love your omelets . . . Grand . . . (Turns to Ashley)
ma.
Ashley pushes little David away.
CUT TO:
INT. - KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Ashley and little David walk to the table and take their seats.
Mrs. Hayes goes to the refrigerator, opens the door, and takes
out the eggs. Maddie opens one of the cabinets and takes out a
few bowls.
MADDIE
(Turns to her children)
You don't have to wait for us in here, you guys can go upstairs
and watch cartoons. We'll let you know when breakfast is ready.
LITTLE DAVID
The cartoons are pre-empted because of all the Thanksgiving Day
parades.
MRS. HAYES
Don’t you watch the Macy’s parade? I never miss it. Don't worry
,we’ll call you when the food is ready.
LITTLE DAVID
If you’ve seen one balloon, you’ve seen them all.
ASHLEY
I think they’re telling us to get lost, David.
LITTLE DAVID
Oh, well. (They both get out of their chairs) I did want to see
the new Snoopy balloon.
ASHLEY
It’s like every year, Snoopy has a new balloon. I never knew he
was such a slave to fashion. (They both leave the kitchen)
Maddie and Mrs. Hayes laugh.
MADDIE
And to think, David and I have another decade of parenting to
look forward to.
MRS. HAYES
This is a piece of cake. Wait until they become teenagers.
MADDIE
When they coined the phrase, “Patience is a virtue,” I now understand
exactly what they mean.
They both laugh. The camera tilts down to a bowl filled with eggs
as Mrs. Hayes whips them.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - KITCHEN - THREE HOURS LATER
The eggs continues to be whipped. The camera tilts up as David
is now whipping the eggs. He then puts them into a pot of pumpkin
filling for the pies.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Three hours and four Spanish omletes later, I headed back to the
kitchen to start one of the most mind blowing, time-consuming
rituals most women do on this day . . . make Thanksgiving dinner.
In Maddie’s point of view, she reaches the entrance of the kitchen,
but doesn’t go in.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Three minutes later, I kept thinking about another mind blowing,
time-consuming ritual this woman wants to do on this day . . . her husband. (Sound of the
doorbell) However, I was rudely interrupted by the doorbell. (She
reluctantly turns around and walks to the door)
CUT TO:
INT. - FRONT DOOR - CONTINUOUS
Maddie opens the door and sees Walter, Terri, and Walter, Jr’s
smiling faces as they walk in.
MADDIE
(Teasing)
Walter, I’m surprised you can still recognize the house.
WALTER
Yeah, well. I’m just happy to stay home for Thanksgiving this
year.
TERRI
So am I.
Maddie closes the door.
WALTER, JR.
Mom, Dad. Can I go upstairs?
WALTER
Sure. Why not? It's safe to say you didn’t come here to hear us
all day long.
Walter, Jr. runs up the staircase.
TERRI
Don't run. You're old enough to know better.
Walter, Jr. slows down the pace while continuing to go up the
stairs.
WALTER
I can’t believe those two can be so inseparable.
TERRI
(Jokes)
Who knew two boys named after their fathers can be so close?
MADDIE
I bet Ashley didn’t.
TERRI
Poor girl.
MADDIE
Poor boys. She doesn’t let a little thing like male bonding stop her. She’ll
find a way to make her presence felt if it’s the last thing she
does.
WALTER
Sounds like somebody we know?
TERRI MADDIE
(Playfully rolls her eyes) (Playfully rolls her eyes)
Absolutely. Absolutely.
RICHIE
I thought I heard voices. How are you guys?
TERRI
Can’t complain.
WALTER
Everything is perfect, so far.
TERRI
Speaking of which, (To Maddie) you have exactly until midnight
until you tell me what you’re planning for your Christmas party.
MADDIE
I wouldn’t be so smug if I were you.
RICHIE
Yeah, that’s what my brother is for.
WALTER
Speaking of your brother, where is he?
TERRI
(Looks over to her right) Mr. Hayes.
MR. HAYES
I was wondering where all the noise is coming from.
WALTER
How have you been, Mr. Hayes?
MR. HAYES
Better since I’ve retired.
MADDIE
How long has it been again, Daddy?
MR. HAYES
This is November . . . I’d say about five months. However, it
feels as if I never left. The people at the office still call
me constantly for my advice.
MADDIE
Still? I’d figured things are much easier for you.
MR. HAYES
In a way it is, and in a way it isn't. I'm not dragging myself
out of bed at the crack of dawn anymore, but it’s never easy.
Letting go of a business I built from scratch is a tough thing
for me to do. Trusting it will have the same vision I worked so
hard for . . . it's really a big challenge.
MADDIE
(Deep in thought)
I see.
MR. HAYES
I still worry about you and your family, whom I still haven’t
seen much of today. Where’s David?
MADDIE
He’s in the kitchen.
RICHIE
You mean, he’s still doing it?
MADDIE
Doing what?
RICHIE
The pies. The pumpkin pies. He loved helping Mom make them since
we were kids.
WALTER
Really?
MADDIE
Really? I never knew. He does it every year.
TERRI
Maybe it’s his way of staying in touch with his mother.
RICHIE
Maybe so. Whenever I want to stay in touch with Mom, I do it the
old fashioned way, I look at her picture.
MR. HAYES
Hey, when are Dave and Stephanie coming?
RICHIE
They’ll be here in a few. Hey, I got an idea. Why don’t we wait
for them while we look at the pre-game.
WALTER
(Looks at his watch)
It’s still on?
RICHIE
There’s only one way to find out.
Walter and Mr. Hayes follow Richie into the living room.
TERRI
Want me to help?
MADDIE
No, no. Sit. Relax.
Maddie walks back to the kitchen.
CUT TO:
INT. - KITCHEN - MINUTES LATER
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Now . . . before I was rudely interrupted . . .
Maddie strolls into the room. The saxophone filled melody heard
in Maddie's dream from "Tracks of My Tears," plays in the background.
David is busy stirring the pumpkin filling in the pot with the
aid of a big spoon. She then stands behind David and gently rubs
her hand on his behind. He jumps for a split second, then turns
around and sees Maddie. He gives her a seductive smile and turns
back around to continue stirring.
MADDIE
(Softly and seductively)
Why didn't you tell me?
DAVID
Tell you what?
MADDIE
About this, about what you're doing . . . about your Mom.
DAVID
Richie told you, huh?
MADDIE
Why didn't you tell me?
DAVID
It's not like, I didn't want to tell you. It's a special little
thing I share with my mom every year. I know she's still watching
up there. (Points to the ceiling)
MADDIE
There’s nothing that turns me on more than to see you doing this.
DAVID
Would it turn you on more if you help me?
MADDIE
(Seductively)
Actually, it would.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
My right arm had a life of its own when it slid itself onto David’s
arm. It grasped his hand and helped him stir the ingredients from
the pumpkin filling. My left arm found itself digging under David’s
shirt and starting to caress his bare stomach and chest while
my chin rested on his shoulder. Oh God, sometimes the way he moans,
like he did just then, it has a way of vibrating through me. There
was no other choice for me to make except pressing my lips to
his neck . . . kissing it.
MADDIE
(Breathes heavily)
Is your mother still watching?
DAVID
(Breathes heavily)
I believe the Big Guy just told her to check on the turkey.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
My hand guided his hand as he moved the huge spoon over to the
pie crust and placed the pumpkin filling inside it. We continue
to do so until five pies has been filled. As we placed the spoon
back into the pot, I placed myself in front of David. I could
see he sampled some of his work, when I saw some of the filling
on his upper lip. Being the helpful wife that I am, I volunteered
to remove it by letting my tongue move across his lip. When I
captured the filling and put it inside my mouth, David’s tongue
was not too far behind. I had to lean back on one of the kitchen
counters to keep me from falling on the floor. My brain had completely
shut off. I wanted one thing and one thing only. That’s why I
didn’t just take off his shirt, I ripped it off. When David put
his hands through my hair, I knew there was nothing that could
have stopped us.
VOICE (Off Screen)
Hey! Did you hear what I said! Are these as good as your mother’s?
David sharply turns around to see his father. Stephanie looked
embarrassed for herself, Maddie, and David.
DAVID, SR.
Don’t you two ever get enough?
STEPHANIE
David?
DAVID, SR.
(To Stephanie) They know I’m kiddin’. (To Maddie and David) You
know I’m kiddin’, right?
DAVID
(Catching his breath)
Yeah, Dad . . . we know.
David does his best to fix himself up in the presence of his father
and stepmother.
STEPHANIE
Well, we can see you guys are doing okay.
MADDIE
(Feels embarrassed)
Never better.
DAVID, SR.
We saw.
The doorbell rings.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
That was my chance to pull off my great escape. (She leaves the room)
CUT TO:
INT. - FRONT DOOR - CONTINUOUS
Maddie reaches the front door, opens it, and sees a tearful Jamie
standing in front of her.
JAMIE
Does my invitation still stand?
MADDIE
Of course, it does. Come in. What happened?
JAMIE
We broke up. He wanted me to taste his new sauce he wanted to
put on the turkey. I told him it was awful. He said, “And so is
your taste.” He said he can’t be with a woman who can’t appreciate
his cooking. (She begins to cry)
MADDIE
Jamie you don’t need to waste your time with a man who doesn’t
appreciate you, or your opinion. You deserve better.
TERRI
(Walking up to them)
What's wrong?
MADDIE
Let’s all discuss this upstairs.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
Her ex may not think she had taste, but as I look at Jamie walking
up those stairs, I sensed one thing she did have . . . feelings.
CUT TO:
INT. - BEDROOM - CONTINUOUS
Terri sits next to Jamie.
TERRI
He dumps you because you didn’t like his gravy? This has to be
the weirdest excuse for a break up I've ever heard.
MRS. HAYES
What’s the matter? I heard someone crying in here.
MADDIE
Some creep broke up with Jamie.
MRS. HAYES
On Thanksgiving? How awful.
TERRI
He’s the one who doesn’t have taste.
Jamie blows her nose as Maddie, Terri, and Mrs. Hayes crowd around
to comfort her.
VOICE (Off Screen)
I gotta get another shirt.
The women look behind them as David walks in wearing his buttonless
shirt. Terri turns her wide eyes to Maddie.
MADDIE
(Looking Disappointed)
Almost.
DAVID
What’s goin’ on in here?
MADDIE
It’s nothing for you to be concerned about.
DAVID
No, no, no. Something is definitely wrong.
JAMIE
There’s nothing to worry about, Mr. Addison. My boyfriend happened
to pick this day of all days to break up with me, that’s all.
DAVID
That’s all? It can’t be if it makes you cry over that turkey.
Want me break his legs?
JAMIE
(Lets herself laugh a little)
No, Mr. Addison . . . but thanks.
MADDIE
Turkey! Mom, can you put it in the oven for me? I don't want to
leave Jamie up here alone.
MRS. HAYES
Of course, sweetheart. (To Jamie) Are you going to be all right?
JAMIE
I’ll be fine, Mrs. Hayes.
Maddie’s mother gives Jamie a hug before she leaves the room.
TERRI
Listen, I’ll take it from here . . . go on . . . (Leans closer
to Maddie) this may be your last chance.
Maddie gives Terri a playful glare then turns to David.
MADDIE
What is it that you wanted, David?
DAVID
We really don't have to do this now.
MADDIE
It's okay. You said you need a shirt, right?
DAVID
What do you think? (Maddie looks at his shirt then tries hiding
her smile) I checked all the drawers. I can’t find anything.
MADDIE
Did you check the closet?
DAVID
That might have been a better place to start.
They walk over to the walk-in closet.
MADDIE
Wait a second. I left some of your shirts down in the laundry
room.
DAVID
Why? Are they afraid of heights? (Maddie gives him a look)
CUT TO:
INT. - LAUNDRY ROOM - MINUTES LATER
MADDIE
I was ironing some of your shirts after I took them out of the
dryer . . . what the? . . .
She stares in disbelief as the suds from the washing machine continue
to spill on the floor. She races over to turn it off. She twists
the knob, but it’s not moving.
DAVID
Wait, wait. Let me try.
He goes over to the washing machine and attempts to twist the
knob to the off position. It is harder than he expected. Maddie
hops on the machine, in effort to keep most of the suds from spilling
out. David finds a way to twist the knob and turns off the machine.
DAVID
Either you get some oil to loosen this up or buy a new . . .
He locks his eyes to Maddie’s.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
While everyone else was waiting for their feast . . .
They simultaneously grab each other and kiss.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
We couldn’t wait for ours any longer . . .
Maddie didn’t waste time and takes off David’s shirt then throws
it away.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
And like that . . .
David feverishly pulls her blouse open like Maddie did to him
earlier. Maddie helps him pull the sleeves off and throws it aside.
MADDIE (Voice Over)
The spell was broken . . .
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. - LAUNDRY ROOM - PRESENT TIME
Maddie still sits on the washing machine as she looks at the camera.
She's wearing a different blouse.
MADDIE
And that’s it, in a nutshell, I guess.
DAVID (Off Screen)
Not quite.
Maddie turns around and sees David walking to her.
DAVID
Did you solve it yet?
MADDIE
Solve wh – oh, you mean the riddle?
DAVID
(Gives a seductive smirk)
Uh-huh.
MADDIE
David –
DAVID
(Astonished)
Maddie, c’mon. You haven’t solved it, yet?
MADDIE
You said it wasn’t sex, or lust . . . not even love. I also remember
you saying it’s more of a feeling than an act, but what I don’t remember . . . is the riddle.
DAVID
Well, I’ll just have to rattle it off again.
MADDIE
Must you?
DAVID
I must.
No matter how cold the weather,
I will always thaw.
No matter how high the temperature,
I am always raw.
I appear for the moment,
When you want to stop time.
I appear for the moment,
When you’re losing your mind . . .
Who am I?
Maddie ponders her thoughts as she props her elbow to her thigh
and her puts her hand to her chin. After a moment, her eyes light
up.
MADDIE
I think I got it!
DAVID
I won’t know if you don’t tell me.
MADDIE
Passion.
DAVID
Ding, ding, ding! By George, I think she’s got it.
MADDIE
(Leans toward him)
It depends on what I get for it.
DAVID
Want me to tell you what you get?
He begins kissing her. He also begins to talk breathlessly between
kisses.
DAVID
Oh . . . by the way . . . Ash and Davey confessed . . . they spilled
juice on . . . on the tablecloth . . . they put it . . . in here
. . . forgot to . . . turn it off . . .
Maddie also talks between kisses.
MADDIE
I think . . . they have . . . to be . . . grounded . . .
DAVID
I’m thinking . . . a week . . .
MADDIE
I’m thinking . . . a month . . .
DAVID
How ‘bout . . . two weeks . . .
MADDIE
Deal . . .
DAVID
Deal? . . .
MADDIE
Deal . . .
They lose themselves into each other’s arms again.
FADE OUT
END OF ACT FOUR
- 4 MIN. COMMERCIAL BREAK -
TAG
FADE IN
INT. - DINING ROOM - 35 MINUTES LATER
Everyone is now at the dining room table with six chairs out of
the sixteen are left empty. All the food is spread across the
table, but none of the food is on anybody’s plate. Ashley walks
to the table and sits next to Stephanie.
ASHLEY
They’re not upstairs, Granddad.
DAVID, SR.
Where are they? I’m starving.
David walks into the room wearing a different shirt and a smile.
Maddie, however, is more secertive. She tries hiding her satisfaction
under her pleasant smile.
DAVID
(To Maddie)
Now see, I told you if you talk to them a bit more (points to
the camera) they’ll listen.
MRS. HAYES
Where did you go?
DAVID
A pipe burst in the laundry room . . . (Maddie shot him a look)
Well it did . . . twice.
MADDIE
(Has nervous smile)
I think we need to sit down, David.
RICHIE
(Catching on)
(To David) You didn’t.
With a small grin, David puts his finger to his lips to keep Richie
quiet. Maddie and David sit directly opposite from their children.
STEPHANIE
I don’t know why we were worried about them. Three seats are still
empty.
The doorbell rings.
DAVID
I’ll get it. (To Maddie) You sit. You've had enough action for
today. (She smacks him on the thigh)
He gets up and goes to the front door.
LITTLE DAVID
Mom . . . (Extends his hand out to Maddie) I found these buttons
all over the kitchen floor.
Maddie reaches over the table to capture the buttons out of her
son’s hand.
MADDIE
(She blushes)
Thank you for picking them up for me.
TERRI
You haven’t told us where you’ve been, missy.
MADDIE
I’ll put it to you this way . . . what are you preparing for Christmas?
David walks back into the dining room.
DAVID
Now, we can eat.
Agnes, Bert, and their son, Jeffrey walk in the room behind David.
AGNES
Sorry we’re late. I hope you haven’t been waiting long.
BERT
We would have arrived much sooner, but we were caught in one of
those sobriety spotcheck searches on the freeway.
AGNES
Three times.
David finds his way back to his seat.
MR. HAYES
Concidering what we have to deal with these days, especially during
the holidays, I don’t blame them for being extra careful.
Agnes puts Jeffrey to his seat next to Walter, Jr. She then goes
to her seat next to Jamie. Bert walks over to sit next to Agnes.
BERT
So . . . what did we miss?
Maddie shakes her head. David does the same.
FREEZE FRAME
END CREDITS
END OF SHOW
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