MOONLIGHTING

IN THE 21ST CENTURY:

EPISODE 7: NO ORDINARY THIRD PARTY

STORY BY: Joy Chodan and Christie Taylor

WRITTEN BY: Christie Taylor

TV RATING: PG-13

We see an empty room. We also can hear footsteps. The camera swings to the right and catches Maddie running down the stairs.

MADDIE

David, c’mon. We’re late!

DAVID (O.S.)

I’m right behind ya!

David starts running down the staircase. Maddie runs to the coat rack and grabs her coat. She is inches away from grabbing the doorknob until she glances toward the camera. She does a double take, stops what she is doing and smiles bashfully. David stops short of running into her.

DAVID

What happened? Why aren’t we moving?

MADDIE

David –

DAVID

You got me out of breath and we still have our clothes on.

MADDIE

David...

She puts her hands on both sides of his face and steers his head to the camera. He responds by giving us an embarrassed smile.

DAVID

Aaaah... hi... ummm... look, we’re well aware that we have been a tad bit tardy.

MADDIE

A tad? We haven’t had an episode in two months.

DAVID

More than two months.

MADDIE

Okay, more than two months.

DAVID

(to Camera)

And we have a perfectly good explanation.

MADDIE

(under her breath)

I love to hear this.

(she turns to David, he’s stares at her)

I mean...

DAVID

You see, our children... you know, Ashley and Davey, well, we had to help them –

MADDIE

Force them would be a better word.

DAVID

It would, but I’m trying to ease into this, okay?

MADDIE

Okay.

DAVID

Okay, like I was saying, we made them prepare for their year-end standardized test thingies. Now, now, I know what you people out there are about to say, “Doesn't these tests start for students in the fourth grade? If so, isn't Ashley in the third grade?” Well... technically yes, and yes, but we felt it was beneficial to pre-prepare her when she actually has to take her first standardized test next year.

MADDIE

And that’s not all.

DAVID

That’s not all?

MADDIE

(To David)

Yeah, that’s not all.

(David looks confused. Maddie murmurs from the side of her mouth)

The story.

DAVID

You mean, this, story?

MADDIE

No, the other story.

DAVID

Ohhh, right... that story.

(to Camera)

All right, everybody, check this out. We are going to be in...

(to Maddie)

What’s it called again?

MADDIE

A fanzine.

DAVID

(to Maddie)

Right.

(to Camera)

A fanzine. A Moonlighting fanzine called... called...

He snaps his fingers, trying to remember.

MADDIE

Moonlighting Strangers.

DAVID

Moonlighting Strangers!

(to Maddie)

Right again.

(to camera)

You won’t believe how tired we are. We’ve been in so many stories. Not only that, we had to go back to the 20th century. And let me tell ya, time travel ain’t as great as some say it is.

MADDIE

Can you speed this up?

DAVID

Right... uhhh, look for the –

MADDIE

Wait, wait. Aren’t you forgetting something?

David looks perplexed. It makes Maddie roll her eyes. She prepares to speak. David cuts her off.

DAVID

Right, the interview! How can I forget something like that?

(to camera)

The fanzine features the Curtis Armstrong interview. It focuses on his career after Moonlighting, his comedic influences and other stuff we don't have time to talk about.

MADDIE

Wow! I wanna know, wouldn’t you, David?

DAVID

Yeah, I wouldn’t... I mean, I would.

(to camera)

Anyway, it’s a great interview so look for it. It’s coming out in... in...

(to Maddie)

Wanna go four for four?

MADDIE

Moonlighting Strangers will make its debut in late June.

DAVID

So?

MADDIE

So?

DAVID

Are we done?

MADDIE

Yeah, we’re done. Why wouldn’t you think we aren’t done?

DAVID

‘Cause we’re not moving.

Maddie looks around and notices she is still a few inches away from the front door.

MADDIE

Oh... right.

DAVID

So, what are we waiting for?

MADDIE

The theme.

DAVID

(to Maddie)

Right.

(He looks up and cups his hands to his mouth)

Hey guys, can we put these people out of their misery?

VOICE (O.S.)

Right.

This opening sequence features Sade’s “Love Is Stronger Than Pride.”

A digital clock read out says 2:00 PM. The camera pans to the left and captures an unidentified woman from the neck down.

There is a suitcase, a wrapped present and a plane ticket. They all lay on the woman's bed. She continues packing her clothes in the suitcase. It’s enough to hold three days worth of clothes.

A close-up captures the woman packing the last of her clothes and accessories. She then closes her suitcase, walks to a nearby dresser, picks up her purse, takes out her keys, then moves back to the bed. She picks up her plane ticket and places it inside her purse.

The woman grabs her suitcase and starts walking out the room. She stops, turns and picks up the present she left on her bed. After retrieving the present, she continues to leave the room.

A hand takes the key out of the ignition. We pull out to see the woman get her suitcase up from the passenger’s seat and gets out of the car. She begins walking away then stops and turns around. She forgot to take out the present from the backseat.

The woman slouches while she waits near the back of an enormous line. She and many others are waiting for their belongings to be x-rayed by airport security.

We cut to the woman going through the metal detector. She waits to see her suitcase go through the x-ray machine. However, she doesn’t see her package. She turns to her right. She sees a security guard tear the wrapping off her gift. She flails her arms wildly to show her indignation.

The woman flops into one of the empty seats. She puts her suitcase on the floor in front of her. She also puts her gift with the wrapping torn to shreads in the next seat on her right.

The woman looks up at the board and sees Flight 154, and many other flights, delayed. She then looks at the other side of the board to see the time; It’s 5:17 PM.

The clock now reads 7:40 PM. The camera swings right showing Flight 154 has finally arrived. The woman gets out of her seat.

A flight attendant escorts the woman to her window seat.

While we see a combination of dark orange and blue horizon out of the window, the camera pulls back and the woman tries to figure out what to do with her ruined present. She tears off the remainder of the wrapping and crumples it into a ball. She opens her purse to search for something for her dry mouth.

She holds her left hand almost at eye level and with her right hand, she touches a ring she has on her fourth finger.

She slips the ring off.

Then drops it into her purse.

David drives as the family head east on the highway. Maddie sits in the front passenger seat. The kids play in the back. David takes a quick glance at Maddie. She stares out of her window.

DAVID

Will you relax? We got the best deal on this SUV.

MADDIE

I’m not worried about that.

DAVID

Really? I had the impression you were cringing the moment my left hand scribbled my signature on the dotted line for this bad boy.

MADDIE

Wasted gas aside, you were right.

DAVID

I was?

MADDIE

You was... you were. It is about time we purchased something for the road. We are making more road trips than we ever had in years.

DAVID

Then why do you still look worried?

MADDIE

What makes you think I’m worried?

DAVID

You haven’t said anything since we crossed the Colorado state line.

MADDIE

I just have some things on my mind.

DAVID

If you’re worried about the surprise party, do me a favor, don’t. It’ll come off without your mom ever knowing we schemed and plotted behind her back.

LITTLE DAVID

Hey, what is this surprise party all about?

ASHLEY

Yeah, you’ve kept us in the dark for weeks.

DAVID

Should we let them in on it?

MADDIE

I’m shocked you kept it from them this long.

LITTLE DAVID

Why do you need to keep if from us?

MADDIE

What we tell you doesn’t leave this vehicle, understand?

LITTLE DAVID

We understand.

ASHLEY

We do?

LITTLE DAVID

(to Ashley)

We do.

ASHLEY

Okay then, we do... understand that is.

MADDIE

Okay, here it goes. We’re helping Granddad surprise Grandma for her birthday.

LITTLE DAVID

Really?

DAVID

We're not taking this three day journey to Chicago just for the scenery.

MADDIE

I remember when it was Mom who came up with my surprise party. She had invited all of my friends. I was so shocked. I couldn’t believe she pulled it off. My twelveth birthday turned out to be the best birthday I ever had. It’s only right to give her some joy with all the joy she has given me.

DAVID

You’re right about that. I remember when Mom helped take care of Davey when we really needed it.

MADDIE

Oh, yeah... that’s right.

LITTLE DAVID

She did? I don’t remember that.

DAVID

How can you expect a two-year-old mind to remember anything? Your little noggin was too busy thinkin’ about the next object to stick in your mouth.

ASHLEY

And where was I?

DAVID

You? Well, you were the reason why we asked Mom to volunteer. Geez, I raced through so many lights, many thought there was a chase scene in progress.

LITTLE DAVID

Count on Ash to start trouble.

ASHLEY

I didn’t know what I did.

MADDIE

You were too busy being born for you to start trouble.... If we didn’t have Mom there, I don’t know what we would have done.

ASHLEY

So, how come we didn’t do this for Grandmom before?

MADDIE

That was one of the things I was thinking about. Mom has been so good to Dad, me, David and the two of you.

DAVID

She was even good to you at your rebellious stage.

ASHLEY

Re-what?

LITTLE DAVID

Mom was acting bad.

MADDIE

I wasn’t bad... exactly. I simply wasn’t... that good.

ASHLEY

You were a bad girl, Mommy?

DAVID

(playful tone)

Yeah, were you, Mommy?

MADDIE

It’s a long story.

DAVID

Thank goodness we have about 900 miles for you to tell it.

MADDIE

(gives David a dirty look)

Basically, the problems were centered around my decision to go into modeling.

LITTLE DAVID

Why? She didn’t like seeing your face on magazines?

MADDIE

Honey, it took years before I earned my first cover. I went from one cattle call to another. Hundreds of rejections.

(Gets more into the story)

I remember I was walking around Michigan Avenue with two broken heels and...

DAVID

If you don’t want this car to slam into the concrete divider, I suggest you fast forward on the flashback.

MADDIE

Anyway, Mom wanted me to give it up and go back to being a normal adolescent. Whatever that was, but I wanted to keep going. I wanted to be the next Twiggy.

LITTLE DAVID

Who?

DAVID

Not important.

(To Maddie)

Continue.

MADDIE

Mom was so overprotective. It was getting to the point where I wanted to break out on my own. A few weeks later, I was offered a runway job in New York. Mom and I had a bitter disagreement. I was even contemplating on taking the next plane out of Chicago by myself.

DAVID

Wait a sec. Maddie Hayes? Madolyn “analyze everything to death” Hayes was thinking about running away to a runway two thousand miles away?

MADDIE

I was thinking about running away, but I didn’t have to. Daddy convinced her that my New York experience would be like going to college two years early. I had roommates and Dad arranged for me to have a tutor. But the problems didn’t stop there...

DAVID

Wow! You weren’t kiddin’.

MADDIE

About?

DAVID

About it being a long story.

The sound of pouring rain is in the background. The Addison family walk in completely drenched.

DAVID

We could have kept going.

MADDIE

In this?

(She shakes her umbrella)

If you haven’t heard on the radio, we’re in a tornado watch.

DAVID

(Looks around)

It doesn’t look like we’re in Kansas.

MOTEL CLERK

(Speaking with a country drawl)

Actually, it is.

DAVID

That it doesn’t look like Kansas or that this is Kansas?

(Maddie looks at him)

Never mind.

Ashley screams after seeing a flash of lightning.

ASHLEY

Mommy!

(She grabs onto Maddie)

I don’t wanna go back out there! Can we stay in here?

LITTLE DAVID

Please, let’s stay so I don’t have to hear her whine!

ASHLEY

We’ll see what happens when you find out you’ll be sleeping in the dark.

LITTLE DAVID

(Gets scared)

You mean –

ASHLEY

Pitch black.

LITTLE DAVID

Mom!

MADDIE

Calm down, sweetheart. I have it right here.

She takes a nightlight out of her purse.

ASHLEY

(Giggles under her breath)

What a baby.

A huge crackle of thunder, preceded by lightning, makes Ashley cling to her mother much tighter than before.

LITTLE DAVID

(Grins as he whispers in Ashley’s ear)

Baby.

ASHLEY

Shut up!

MOTEL CLERK

Can I help you?

MADDIE

Yes, we need a room.

DAVID

Preferably one with at least two beds.

MOTEL CLERK

(Snidly)

Yeah, the day we get out of debt in this God-forsaken place, we’ll gladly oblige your request.

DAVID

(Equally as snide)

We appreciate your midwestern hospitality.

He tosses the money on the front desk counter and grabs the room key.

MADDIE

C’mon, let’s get out of here.

ASHLEY

(Still scared)

In that?

LITTLE DAVID

Well, duh? How are we gonna get to our room if we stay here?

ASHLEY

How ‘bout me, Mommy and Daddy go into our room and you stay here?

DAVID

Guys, do we have to do this now? I’m tired, sleepy and I’d like your mother to stop shaking her umbrella in my face. I feel like I’m in the middle of a rinse cycle.

MADDIE

David –

DAVID

Okay, a car wash.

MADDIE

David –

DAVID

I could say the third thing, but the kids are still here.

Everyone gets ready to leave until they hear someone clearing their throat. They turn around.

MOTEL CLERK

Hey, uhhh... ain’t I missin’ somethin’?

He sticks out his hand.

DAVID

Oh, you mean your tip? The day I waste my hard earned cash on someone who treats me and my family like crap, I’ll gladly oblige your request.

(to Maddie and the kids)

C’mon, let’s fly outta this coup.

They all turn to the door, open their umbrellas, and brace themselves for the torrential rain.

The dim, orange glow of the nightlight helps us see Ashley and little David snuggled in between their parents. We pull into a close-up on Maddie. She has an unsettled expression on her face. She wrestles with what is clearly an uncomfortable dream.

Soft chamber music in the background is accompanied by the chatter of a room filled with people having a good time. Maddie holds a silver platter filled with food. Some people are taking champagne glasses off the platter Mr. Hayes is holding. David surprises Maddie when he walks up behind her. She jumps. David helps hold the platter steady before the food drops on the carpet. He then puts his arms around Maddie's waist.

DAVID

Great party, if I do say so myself.

MADDIE

(Stares at her mother from across the room)

I’ve never seen Mom have so much fun.

DAVID

How ‘bout you?

MADDIE

Me? I’m having a great time.

DAVID

A great time for a great party... I can live with that.

MADDIE

(Smiles)

So can I.

She turns to him and prepares to kiss him until –

MR. HAYES

(Walking to them)

Excuse me. I need to stop into the pit stop area.

He nods his head to the kitchen.

DAVID

Nah, I’ll take care of it.

MR. HAYES

No. I don’t want to trouble you, son.

DAVID

No trouble at all.

David takes the platter out of Mr. Hayes’s hands.

MADDIE

I need a little refill of my own.

She looks at her parse selection of food on her platter.

DAVID

Uh, uh, uh. I’m not letting you lift a finger.

(Takes Maddie’s platter out of her hands)

I’ll be right back, okay.

He kisses Maddie.

MADDIE

(Has a huge grin on her face)

Hurry back.

DAVID

I’ll do my best.

David enters the kitchen and places both platters on the island. He walks around the room to see if anyone has followed him or if anyone can see him. He goes to the door with a smile and uses his index finger to signal to someone that the coast is clear. The person walking in with a smile in return is Annie.

ANNIE

What took you so long?

DAVID

It took me a while to slip out of their sight.

ANNIE

It was agonizing to know that I let you slip out of my life.

DAVID

No, don’t blame yourself. I never should have given you up.

ANNIE

I never should have left.

(They are now in each other’s arms)

Who was I fooling? Mark could never take your place.

DAVID

Maddie can never take yours. I wished I realized it before I married her.

ANNIE

But if people are meant to be together they’ll find each other no matter where, no matter what, right?

DAVID

It’s plain to see...

(Starts giving tender kisses on her cheek)

I married the wrong member of the family.

ANNIE

Want to make it up to me?

DAVID

How?

ANNIE

By doing this.

They kiss each other passionately. David backs Annie onto the kitchen table. He gently places her on her back.

ANNIE

David, we can’t do this here... now. What if Maddie sees us?

A close-up shot of David looking down directly at the camera.

DAVID

(Smirks)

Maddie who?

He buries his face down into the camera.

The screen cuts to Maddie jerking her head up to the camera. She yelps in shock of what she just dreamt and continues to gasp for much needed air. Seconds later, David sits up with a concerned look on his face. He wraps his arms around Maddie’s shoulders. She turns and buries her face into David’s chest.

DAVID

(Whispers)

What is it? Is it the same dream you had before?

(Maddie simply nods)

It’s the third time this week. Why can’t you tell me about it? Maybe I can help you.

MADDIE

It’s not necessary. I’m fine. It’s just a nightmare.

DAVID

Are you sure?

MADDIE

David, it’s no big deal, really. Go back to sleep, okay?

DAVID

Not until you gimmie some sugar.

Maddie looks up at her husband. She leans in, places her hand on the right side of his face and kisses him. David gently runs his fingers in her hair. When their lips parted, Maddie keeps her eyes closed a few seconds longer, as if she is savoring the kiss to replace the bad dream she had. She also doesn’t want the dream to creep back into her mind. She only opens her eyes to not let David in on what she is really feeling.

He lays down gently in order to not wake the kids.

DAVID

(Whispers)

Night, honey. I love you.

MADDIE

(Whispers)

I love you, too.

The camera follows Maddie as her head reaches her pillow. She closes her eyes. A second later, she opens them as she realizes she can't stop the tears from trickling down her cheeks.

The camera follows behind the woman we saw earlier to the front desk. She rests the unwrapped present on the counter and rings the bell.

FRONT DESK CLERK

Uhh, yes.

WOMAN

Hi. I hope my room is still available.

(She slips the man a piece of paper)

FRONT DESK CLERK

Let’s see here...

(enters the information from the paper into the computer)

Ahh, yes. It’s still available. We were expecting you to come yesterday.

WOMAN

I didn’t expect my plane to make an emergency landing in Detroit not to mention, spending a wasted night on the cold, slick, linoleum floor.

FRONT DESK CLERK

(Looks concerned)

I hope it wasn’t –

WOMAN

No, no. There was nothing sinister going on. If you don’t count a wing malfunctioning at twenty-five thousand feet.

FRONT DESK CLERK

Lucky for you, you chose one of the few weekends the Windy City isn’t inundated with conventions.

WOMAN

Lucky for you, I’m not screaming at your supervisor demanding my money back.

FRONT DESK CLERK

(Gets the woman’s hotel key and hands it to her)

Well, here you are Mrs. –

WOMAN

That’s Miss.

FRONT DESK CLERK

Oh, I’m sorry.

WOMAN

No, don’t be. I’m not. The change is well overdue.

She picks up her suitcase and leaves the front desk.

FRONT DESK CLERK

Miss! You left this.

He holds up the unwrapped gift. The woman returns.

WOMAN

Oh, thank you. I don’t know what has come over me.

She takes the present and heads for the elevator.

An SUV rolls into the screen from left to right. It stops in front of Mr. and Mrs. Hayes's house. The camera cuts to a close-up of one of the side doors. We hear the engine cut off, a door slam, and footsteps on the sidewalk. We see a hand grab the car door handle and opens the door.

DAVID (O.S.)

All right, kids. It’s showtime. Time to Rock-n-Roll.

The kids get out of the backseat.

ASHLEY

(Disapproving tone)

Oh, Daddy.

DAVID

Pardon me. It’s time to Hip-n-Hop. How’s that?

LITTLE DAVID

(Snickers under his breath)

Do I need to find a cotton tale to get that joke?

ASHLEY

Not if your name is Peter.

DAVID

I heard if you guys put one foot in front of the other, it’ll help you get to the front door.

LITTLE DAVID

Okay, Dad. We’re going.

David and Maddie trail behind Ashley and little David. The children’s eyes dance with amazement as they stare at their Grandparents’ perfectly green manicured lawn.

DAVID

Are you feeling okay?

MADDIE

Why do you keep asking me that?

DAVID

You haven’t said anything since breakfast.

MADDIE

I have a lot of things on my mind. Like this surprise party.

DAVID

Not to worry.

(Puts his arm around her shoulder)

Everything will be taken care of. You’ll see.

They have reached the front door.

DAVID

Eh, sweet pea, you do the honors.

Ashley eagerly presses the doorbell. Seconds past before the door opens. They see Mr. Hayes smiling back at them.

MR. HAYES

Hey, who’s this little girl ringing my doorbell?

ASHLEY

(Looks down at herself, then looks up with puppy dog eyes)

Uh, oh. I left my uniform home again. Now I’ll never sell enough cookies to get that ten speed bike.

MR. HAYES

You come over here and give me a hug.

(Ashley runs into her Grandfather’s arms)

Now what’s your excuse, young man?

LITTLE DAVID

My uniform is still at the dry cleaners.

MR. HAYES

(to Maddie)

We can see where they get their quick wit.

MADDIE

(Smiles)

From their mother, of course.

Little David repeats what his sister did a few minutes ago. When Mr. Hayes finishes the hug, he looks at David and Maddie.

MR. HAYES

How’s my little Angel?

MADDIE

I’m fine, Daddy.

(She hugs him)

I’m so happy to see you.

DAVID

I guess I’m last. I hope I’m not least.

MR. HAYES

Not at all, son. Not at all.

(David and Mr. Hayes pat each other on the back as they hug)

It’s about time you all got here. I called over at O’Hare several times.

MADDIE

We didn’t fly.

DAVID

We drove.

MR. HAYES

From Los Angeles?

DAVID

It wasn’t that bad. At least we –

MADDIE

Dad?

MR. HAYES

Yes, honey?

MADDIE

Can we come in?

MR. HAYES

Oh, yes.

(He steps aside to let everyone in)

What was I thinking?

DAVID

Mom’s surprise party, I hope.

MR. HAYES

Shhh...

(Looks behind him)

Not too loud. This is the longest secret I've ever kept and I plan on sticking to it.

MADDIE

So, where’s Mom?

MRS. HAYES (O.S.)

Who’s at the door, Alex?

MR. HAYES

(Turns around)

Come and take a look.

(Mrs. Hayes walks up to everyone)

MRS. HAYES

Maddie...! David! What a pleasant surprise!

(She hugs Maddie and David at the same time)

LITTLE DAVID

(Mumbles)

You don’t know the half of it.

Ashley hits him in his leg.

Mrs. Hayes looks around to see her grandchildren. Her face lights up when she sees them.

MRS. HAYES

And how are my grandbabies?

LITTLE DAVID

We’re doing swell.

ASHLEY

Step into the twenty first century, Alfalfa.

LITTLE DAVID

We’re stoked about this weekend.

ASHLEY

(She makes the “so-so” statement with her left hand)

Better.

DAVID

You know kids and long weekends.

MADDIE

Okay, you two. Time to take all your stuff to your room and unpack.

ASHLEY

Awww . . . do we have to?

LITTLE DAVID

I think we better go, Ash. Something tells me if we stay a second longer, we’re gonna regret it.

Ashley picks up her small suitcase and follows her brother into the guest room, the room they usually stay in each time they come to visit.

MR. HAYES

Have you had enough to eat?

MADDIE

Mom, we have already eaten.

DAVID

Really, Mom, you don’t have to go through the trouble.

MRS. HAYES

It’s no trouble at all. It’s not too often I get to see you.

MADDIE

If that’s a hint for us to visit more often, it was hidden pretty well.

MR. HAYES

While your mom sets everything up in the kitchen, let’s all sit in the living room.

DAVID

Sounds like a good plan.

David and Maddie sit next to each other on the sofa. Mr. Hayes sits in his recliner to the right of them.

DAVID

So, what do we do to keep Mom in the dark?

MR. HAYES

You can help me get everything ready, while Maddie takes Virginia out on a girl's day out.

MADDIE

I can’t wait. It’s been ages since Mom and I did anything together.

DAVID

So, who’s coming to this secret swareé?

MR. HAYES

I called everyone I can think of, friends, neighbors, relatives...

MADDIE

Relatives? All of them?

MR. HAYES

Well, at least the ones I called said they’ll be here.

MADDIE

(Gives an uneasy smile)

Wonderful.

DAVID

Yeah, wonderful.

He looks over to Maddie sensing something is wrong, but doesn’t pursue the issue.

MADDIE

By the way, Dad, when you say neighbors, does that include...

MR. HAYES

Sweetheart, I couldn’t leave them out.

MADDIE

(Murmurs)

Wonderful.

She slumps further back into the sofa. David puts his arm around her shoulders.

DAVID

Baby, it’s not that bad.

MADDIE

The Jansens are coming.

DAVID

Yeah, but -

MADDIE

The Gallaghers, the Harrisons and the Riddells are coming too.

DAVID

Okay, it is that bad, but we’ll get nauseated together, okay?

MADDIE

We better, because if I see you-know-who hiding you-know-where, you-know-who is not getting you-know-what for a loooong time.

DAVID

You know what? We need to get our plan into action before you-know-who discovers what we’re up to.

He darts his eyes over to his right. Mrs. Hayes walks into the living room.

MRS. HAYES

So, what are you and David up to, honey?

DAVID

(Looks at Maddie yawning and stretching her arms)

She looks like she’s down for eight-hours of shut eye.

MRS. HAYES

You want to skip dinner?

MADDIE

(Yawns again)

I’m more hungry than tired.

ASHLEY

Whew! Unpacking all of those clothes sure made me hungry.

LITTLE DAVID

I hope we eat in a few minutes.

DAVID

I heard that’s what makes the world go ‘round.

ASHLEY

Hope?

DAVID

Yup.

LITTLE DAVID

Hope? Isn’t it people?

DAVID

Huh?

David knows what his son is getting at, but it doesn’t stop David from playing with his head.

LITTLE DAVID

People, Dad.

DAVID

What about ‘em?

LITTLE DAVID

They make the world go ‘round.

DAVID

They? I thought you said people.

MADDIE

(Blows out a heavy sigh)

I’m getting very hungry.

ASHLEY

Very, very hungry.

DAVID

(Laughs)

So, what are you waiting for?

MADDIE

You to shut up and for us to eat.

DAVID

We can’t do that if we’re still sitting in here.

MADDIE

(Gets up from her seat - irritated)

You’re impossible.

DAVID

(To Mr. and Mrs. Hayes with a huge smile on his face)

We’re such a happy family.

MADDIE

We will be after we get something to eat.

Maddie heads for the kitchen. Everyone else follows.

David and Maddie are in the middle of unpacking their belongings.

MADDIE

Are there anymore clothes in that suitcase?

DAVID

(Looks in the suitcase nearest to him)

If undies count, I say, yeah.

MADDIE

(Walks over to the suitcase)

Undies always count in your world.

DAVID

Which you happen to step into one to three times a week.

MADDIE

(Moves closer to him - teasing)

A conservative estimate. I’m proud of you.

DAVID

How proud?

They begin to kiss. They get more into the moment until Maddie reluctantly breaks the kiss. She grabs the remaining underclothes and dashes over to the opposite side of the room and puts the undergarments in the dresser next to the bed.

DAVID

I understand how hard this is.

MADDIE

Don’t get me wrong, David. As much as I like being here, there are some reasons why I can’t wait to get back home, or go to a hotel, or even get into a car.

DAVID

More so now we have more room in the SUV.

MADDIE

It just doesn’t feel right... I mean, it’ll always feel right, but we can’t let ourselves feel right in that bed

(she points to the bed)

And the walls are as thin as the wallpaper.

DAVID

Look at it this way, we’re only here for three days.

MADDIE

You’re not counting the more three days for us to go back to L.A.

DAVID

I was. I didn’t want to acknowledge its presence.

(Walks over to Maddie and puts his arms around her)

We gotta remember why we’re here. We are sacrificing personal pleasure for the common good... to totally hoodwink our mother.

MADDIE

(Groans)

I know.

She kisses him.

Maddie, with a towel draped around her body, dries her hair with a hair dryer. David steams up the room while continuing to take his shower. She turns off the hair dryer and brushes her hair.

MADDIE

Can you and Dad handle everything while Mom and I are away?

DAVID

I’m pretty sure we can manage.

MADDIE

It’s been such a long time since I spent the day with her, David. Even if it is part of a diabolical plan to keep her out of the house, it’ll still be fun.

DAVID

Think of it as our charitable contribution to the Virginia Hayes Recreation Fund.

MADDIE

That’s an organization worth supporting.

DAVID

You can give me some support by handing me that towel next to you.

MADDIE

We wouldn’t want to run the risk of letting people out there

(Looks at the camera, then turns back to David)

seeing anything that’ll disappoint them.

DAVID

Yeah, yeah, yeah, Just gimmie the towel.

Maddie reaches to her right grab the the towel on the counter. However, a hand swipes it away before Maddie gets a hold of it.

VOICE (O.S.)

Is that how a woman talks about a husband she claims she loves?

Maddie looks up and sees Annie.

MADDIE

How did you get in here?

ANNIE

Never mind how I got here. I came to claim what’s mine.

MADDIE

Your dignity and your self respect? You would have to search long and hard to find it... if it ever can be found.

ANNIE

Long and hard... you really don’t want me to go there, do you?

MADDIE

You’re not going there or anywhere that belongs to me.

ANNIE

Tough words for a woman who’s going to be crying very soon.

MADDIE

I’ll be crying, all right... from all the side splitting laughter.

ANNIE

We’ll see when David decides.

MADDIE

Ummm... I don’t know how to break this to you, but he already has decided.

ANNIE

By default. Let’s face it. He only chose you because I left.

MADDIE

Get out.

ANNIE

Not without my man.

MADDIE

I’d love to see you tell our kids this exciting news.

ANNIE

I’m sure when they see David and me... interact... they’ll understand.

MADDIE

You’ll stop at nothing, will you?

ANNIE

Look, I know how it feels to lose your one true love. Only thing is, it turned out to be the same man for both of us.

MADDIE

Let’s get one thing straight. David is my true love, he my husband, and he’s the father of my children, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

ANNIE

So, why don’t you carry his last name?

MADDIE

That’s none of your damn business.

ANNIE

Couldn’t conjour up another one of your excuses, huh?

(Looks over to see David still in the shower)

Mmmm... just look at him. He's the kind that always gets better with age.

MADDIE

Too bad you’ll never know and I’m damn sure not going to tell you.

ANNIE

He just makes me want to go over there and lick him all over.

MADDIE

Keep dreaming.

ANNIE

I believe you’re the one who’s dreaming.

DAVID (O.S.)

Maddie... Maddie... Mad-day!

She feels a pair of hands shaking her from behind. She spins around out of her trance and sees David dripping from head to toe. Maddie’s body covers David from the waist down.

DAVID

What happened to the towel? I would get it myself, but I have a funny feeling I should stay right where I am.

Maddie turns back around and sees no one behind her. She looks down and the towel is still waiting to be picked up. She looks confused and embarrassed when she picks up the towel and gives it to David.

DAVID

Are you sure nothing is bothering you?

MADDIE

(A little flustered)

No... no... nothing’s wrong. I’m sorry. I was thinking about all of the places Mom and I used to go and how much fun we had. I just I got carried away. I hope this afternoon’s outing will be as equally enjoyable. Now If don’t mind, I’d like to get dressed.

Maddie bolts out the room before David can come up with another question. He simply shakes his head in confusion.

Maddie and Mrs. Hayes are being treated with a facial. They are wearing white terricloth robes and have terricloth towels on their heads.

MADDIE

Oh, you don’t now how much I miss doing all this with you, Mom.

MRS. HAYES

I think I miss it more than you do. I love these outings. Gives us an excuse to get out of the house and catch up on our girl talk. Speaking of which, you never finished telling me about what’s been going on with you lately.

MADDIE

Well, there’s really not much to tell. The kids are starting their summer vacation. I’m finally beginning to enjoy the idea of having more free time after Agnes took over the office.

MRS. HAYES

So, do you know?

MADDIE

I’m sorry?

MRS. HAYES

You know what my husband has cooked up today for my birthday.

MADDIE

I tried to get it out of him, but it seems like my detective skills are reserved for finding criminals.

David helps Mr. Hayes fix the food for the party. David wears a frilly apron while cooking Swedish meatballs.

DAVID

(to Camera)

Nothing’s wrong with your eyes, I’m wearing an apron.

(Bats his eyes playfully)

It brings out the color of my hair.

MR. HAYES

How are the meatballs coming?

DAVID

Almost ready. How’s the Sushi? Did you make enough?

MR. HAYES

I made enough for normal party guests. Not enough to fit the Jansen’s appetite.

DAVID

Why do you need to invite them, anyway? They look like they can skip a meal or two.

MR. HAYES

I wish it were that easy. They helped put my business in the black, which impedes my desire to exclude them.

DAVID

How ‘bout the cake?

MR. HAYES

I called the caterer. She said it'll be ready in a half an hour.

DAVID

Let me get it.

(Takes off the apron)

Are you sure you can handle everything from here?

MR. HAYES

Yeah, I'm sure.

DAVID

Okay.

He heads for the door. When he opens it, Ashley is on the other side walking in.

ASHLEY

Hey, Daddy. Where are you rushing off to?

DAVID

I’m picking up Grandma’s birthday cake.

MR. HAYES

In other words, a well executed plan to get out of wearing that apron.

DAVID

(Smiles as he places the apron on a chair closest to him)

You saw through me, huh?

(to Ashley)

Wanna come?

ASHLEY

Why not? Nothing else is going on.

The kitchen door swings open.

LITTLE DAVID

Ash, what’s takin’ you so... okay, what did she do now, Dad?

ASHLEY

If you must know, Daddy asked me to go with him to pick up Grandmommy’s birthday cake.

DAVID

Not in so many words, but she got the gist.

LITTLE DAVID

Why can’t I come?

ASHLEY

Because he didn’t ask you.

DAVID

(To Ashley)

Well, I’m asking him now.

(To Little David)

Wanna join us?

ASHLEY

(Rolls her eyes while talking under her breath)

He always has to tag along.

Maddie and Mrs. Hayes are in the dress department.

MADDIE

What do you think of this one, Mom?

MRS. HAYES

I think I’d like it better in another color.

MADDIE

I’m not too crazy about it either. But you know what I am crazy about?

MRS. HAYES

What?

MADDIE

We’re celebrating your birthday doing our favorite pastime...

MRS. HAYES

There’s really nothing I haven’t already seen.

MADDIE

Want to go somewhere else?

MRS. HAYES

I’d rather call it a day.

MADDIE

Already?

(Checks her watch)

Umm... Let’s go to one more place.

MRS. HAYES

I love to, however, I found out a few short years ago my body is not as agile as I let on.

MADDIE

Mom, I don’t believe that. You’re the more robust person I know.

MRS. HAYES

Well, if my loving daughter says so...

MADDIE

I know so. C’mon, you won’t regret it.

The camera lets Maddie and Mrs. Hayes exit screen left as they pass a woman at the counter. Instead of following Maddie and Mrs. Hayes, the camera zooms in on an open package on the counter between the unidentified woman and a salesperson behind the counter.

WOMAN

Thank you. You are such a life saver. The present I came here with turned out to be the victim of heightened airport security.

SALESPERSON

Hope she loves it.

WOMAN

If I know the lucky recipient as much as I think I do, she’ll adore it. What time is it?

SALESPERSON

About three o’clock.

WOMAN

Oh, I gotta run. Thanks again.

SALESPERSON

(Smiles)

Anytime.

The woman walks out of the store.

David drives and the kids are sitting in the backseat. Little David carefully holds a cardboard box with the birthday cake inside. David gets tense each time Ashley either tries to scare her brother or distract him.

DAVID

Yo, Ash! Can you leave your brother alone?

ASHLEY

I’m not bothering him.

DAVID

Well, can you stop not bothering your brother?

ASHLEY

But, Daddy –

David’s cell phone rings. He waits until he reaches a red light to pull out the phone from his pocket and answer the call.

DAVID

(to Phone)

Yeah?

MR. HAYES (O.S.)

What’s taking so long? The guest of honor is due here any minute.

DAVID

Sorry, Dad. Our little trip to the corner bakery wasn’t as pleasurable as we hoped.

MR. HAYES (O.S.)

What’s so hard to spot a cake saying “Happy Birthday Ginny?”

DAVID

Staring at a cake saying “Happy Graduation Vinny.”

MR. HAYES (O.S.)

Oh, no.

DAVID

They mixed up the orders. I had to stay an extra half hour to make sure they got the right day and letter of the alphabet.

MR. HAYES (O.S.)

Where are you now?

DAVID

We’re minutes away. Relax, Dad.

MR. HAYES (O.S.)

Let's hope Maddie is stuck in traffic.

DAVID

Hey, leave it to me. Nothing’s gonna go wrong, okay.

MR. HAYES (O.S.)

Okay.

DAVID

All right, see you in a few.

(Hangs up then glances over to his kids)

I want y'all to buckle up.

LITTLE DAVID

(Whines)

Why? It hurts my neck.

DAVID

‘Cause when I put the peddle to the metal, I don’t want you guys to act like crash test dummies.

David’s cell rings again. Without taking his eyes off the road, he reaches down to retrieve the phone and places it to his ear.

DAVID

Talk to me... Mad-day, what are you and our surprise victim doing this fine sunny Friday?

MADDIE (O.S.)

We’re heading home.

DAVID

(Startled)

Home?

MADDIE (O.S.)

Yeah, it’s a place with furniture and a twenty year mortgage. Ever heard of it?

DAVID

(Dryly)

Ha, ha just tell me how long it'll take you to get to the house?

MADDIE (O.S.)

We just turned the corner. We’ll be home in about a minute.

DAVID

Don’t!

MADDIE (O.S.)

What?

DAVID

Don’t. It’s gonna take me ten times the minutes to get where you are.

MADDIE (O.S.)

Where are you?

DAVID

In deep trouble if you get there before I do.

MADDIE (O.S.)

What am I supposed to do?

DAVID

Drive around the block a few times?

MR. JANSEN

Hey, Alex. When are we gonna chow down on the real food? I’m starved.

MR. HAYES

The second Ginny gets here, you can chow down to your hearts content.

Mr. Hayes hears a door slam in the back.

MR. HAYES

Excuse me for a second.

He walks toward the kitchen.

Mr. Hayes sees David rushing in with the cake and places it on the table.

MR. HAYES

Thank God. I didn’t think you’d get here in time.

DAVID

No time to chat. Maddie is pulling in out front as we speak.

(Looks around the room frantically)

Where’s the kids? They were right here. They were behind me.

MR. HAYES

(Swings the kitchen door open)

Now they’re in the living room.

DAVID

What?

Mr. Hayes's opens the door wider and they see the children telling everyone to hide.

DAVID

(Puffs out his chest)

Ha, I knew where they were all the time.

Maddie walks with Mrs. Hayes as they climb up the steps and to the front door.

MRS. HAYES

...By the time your father and I walked in, the situation was taken care of. However, when we took our first bite of the Beef Stroganoff, we had our suspicions.

(They both laugh)

Oh, seeing you here, now, on my birthday is the greatest gift a mother can have... ticklebug.

They laugh again then Maddie gives her mother a kiss. Mrs. Hayes reaches into her purse and takes out her keys and is about to open the door. Maddie stops her.

MADDIE

No, Mom. Let me.

(She inserts the key into the lock)

Something tells me, your day has just begun.

Maddie opens the door. She and Mrs. Hayes are greeted with –

EVERYONE

Surprise!!!

Everybody, including Maddie, sings “Happy Birthday.”

Maddie and David wave goodbye to the Jansen family.

MADDIE

It was nice seeing you again.

DAVID

Bye-bye now. Take care.

Maddie closes the door, leans her back against it as she and David let out a huge sigh.

DAVID

Thought they’d never leave.

MADDIE

I thought I’d never get through this day.

DAVID

Tell me about it. There were so many people.

MADDIE

Imagine what it would have been like if everybody Dad invited showed up.

DAVID

Like you, I’ll save the nightmares when when my eyes are closed.

MADDIE

Unlike me, there will not be anymore nightmares. Starting tonight.

DAVID

You sure about that?

MADDIE

Very sure.

They hear something crash in the kitchen and Mrs. Hayes screaming. They race into the kitchen.

Maddie and David run over to Mrs. Hayes, who lays on her side near the kitchen table. They kneel down to her.

MADDIE

Oh my God, Mom! Are you okay?

DAVID

Can you get up?

Mrs. Hayes makes her attempt, but finds it extremely difficult.

MRS. HAYES

I’m afraid not.

MR. HAYES

(Walks in)

What on earth is going...

(He sees Mr. Hayes and rushes to her)

Ginny, what happened?

MRS. HAYES

It’s the darnest thing. I was getting ready to take another piece of my delicious birthday cake. There must have been a wet spot or something because out of no where my feet went out from under me and the next thing I know, I found myself here on the floor.

MADDIE

(Turns to David)

Don’t just sit there! Call 9-1-1!

DAVID

(Has his cell at his ear)

Way ahead of you, Blondie.

David, Maddie, Mr. Hayes and the children all get up when they see a doctor walking over to them.

MR. HAYES

How is she? Is she all right?

DOCTOR

Mr. Hayes, your wife is in stable condition. However, she shattered her hip.

MADDIE

(Worried)

Oh, no.

DAVID

(Comforting her)

It’s all right.

DOCTOR

I’m afraid it’s damaged to the point where she will need to have surgery.

MADDIE

Is it really that bad?

DOCTOR

I understand your concern, Miss Hayes, but this is the only option. Her hip has to be replaced.

DAVID

(Massages Maddie’s shoulders)

Everything will be fine, Maddie.

MADDIE

David, she’s going to have surgery. Anything can happen. A knife can slip, they could... they could even forget to wash their hands.

DAVID

Maddie, this ain’t the neighborhood deli, these are board certified surgeons.

MADDIE

(Turns to her father)

What do you think, Dad?

MR. HAYES

Honey, I’m a bit frightened myself, but if there’s no other choice. The surgery must be done.

MADDIE

When will the surgery take place?

DOCTOR

We have it scheduled for tomorrow night.

MADDIE

Can we see her now?

DOCTOR

Yes, but only a limited amount at a time.

MADDIE

Dad, you go first. We’ll take the children to get something to eat.

ASHLEY

In here?

DAVID

Yeah, in here.

LITTLE DAVID

But Dad, didn’t you say you would never be caught dead eating hospital food unless you’re already dead?

DAVID

(Gives the doctor a bashful smile)

Ahhh... my son is such a kidder.

DOCTOR

(Smiles)

Him and a hundred others each day.

Mr. Hayes walk toward his wife’s hospital room. Maddie and David walk with their children in the opposite direction to the cafeteria. They continue down the hall until –

LITTLE DAVID

Mom, I need to go back. I forgot my hat.

MADDIE

Okay, hurry up and get it.

ASHLEY

And don’t waste our time.

Little David gives his sister a glare before turning around and heading back to the lobby. Moments later, he finds his hat, puts it on his head and turns to go back to rejoin his family. He stops in his tracks when he overhears a woman asking if she can see Virginia Hayes. This shocks him because he doesn’t know who this woman is. Little David decides to follow the woman to his Grandmother’s room. While the woman clutches her Saks Fifth Avenue bag, she hesitates as if she needs time to get herself ready.

LITTLE DAVID

Excuse me... Miss... do you know my grandma?

WOMAN

(She turns around)

I’m sorry, what was that?

LITTLE DAVID

I said, “Do you know my grandma?”

WOMAN

Well, your grandma is my aunt.

ASHLEY

(Walking through the hall toward little David)

C’mon! Mom and Dad’s waiting.

(She looks up)

Who’s this and why is she about to walk into Grandmom’s room?

LITTLE DAVID

She says Grandma is her aunt.

ASHLEY

Her aunt? You mean we’re all related?

DAVID

(Walking to the kids)

Boy, didn’t your mother tell you to hurry...

(He looks up and stops in his tracks)

Well, well, well. You never know who's gonna show up at hospitals these days.

ASHLEY

(Puzzled)

Daddy, you know her?

DAVID

Ashley... David... I’d like to introduce to you... your cousin... Annie Charnok.

(To Annie)

That is if you still go by that name.

The children continue to look confused. Annie looks uncomfortable.

The children are still in disbelief. David looks apprehensive with Annie’s sudden appearance.

LITTLE DAVID

Our cousin?

DAVID

Your cousin.

ANNIE

(Looks at David)

So... I heard through the grapevine that you and Maddie are –

DAVID

Yeah, we are... and happily I might add.

ANNIE

Aunt Ginny told me. What she didn’t tell me is when this happy occasion occurred.

DAVID

Since the dawn of the Clinton Empire. After his inauguration, we stopped thinking about tomorrow and started to take the plunge into holy matrimony.

ANNIE

I’m sure you’ve heard. Mark and I are divorced.

DAVID

Yeah, I’ve heard... we’ve heard.

Maddie walks through the hall. She passes Annie and heads straight to her kids and David.

MADDIE

What’s going on? Didn’t I tell you to come on? And what are you doing here, anyway? Didn’t the doctor tell us...

(David motions his head over to his right. She looks at Annie. Maddie acts pleasant.)

Annie, it’s been a long while.

ANNIE

(Calm but can tell she tries to hide her nervousness)

Hello, Maddie.

MADDIE

What happened? We didn’t see you at the party we had for Mom.

ANNIE

Yes... well, I was on my way there, until some jerk tried to cut me off and rammed into the front of my rented car. I spent most of the day retelling my account to countless police and anyone else who wanted to listen. I was about to go back out to O’Hare until Uncle Alex gave me the news. One of the policemen gave me a lift and I raced over here. Do you know how Aunt Ginny’s doing?

DAVID

She’ll need to go through hip replacement surgery.

ANNIE

Oh, dear God.

MR. HAYES

(Walks out of Mrs. Hayes’s room - Smiles)

Annie.

ANNIE

Uncle Alex.

(She hugs him)

I came as soon I could. I’m so sorry I wasn't able to come to the party.

MR. HAYES

None of that matters now. The important thing is, you’re here... we’re all here.

(He looks around at his family)

So, who wants to go in?

MADDIE

Annie, you can go.

ANNIE

No, you were here first. I can’t possibly –

MADDIE

No, please go. I can hear my children’s stomachs growling as we speak.

ANNIE

Only if you think it’s okay... I mean, really okay.

MADDIE

(Fake smile)

It’s okay, really.

The children look at each other. They sense something is wrong, but don’t understand what’s happening at the same time.

MADDIE

Dad, you want to join us? We’re going to get some food.

MR. HAYES

No, you go ahead. I’ll stay in the lobby. Keep close tabs on how Ginny is doing.

MADDIE

Okay.

(Maddie looks over to see Annie walk into Mrs. Hayes’ room, then to her kids)

Let’s go.

She takes the lead as if she can’t wait to leave. David lets out an uncomfortable sigh and walks with little David and Ashley toward the cafeteria.

David opens the door from the outside. He lets Maddie and the kids in the house before he comes in and locks the door.

DAVID

You shouldn’t feel guilty.

MADDIE

I should be there at Mom’s side. I hate to see her there all alone.

DAVID

Maddie, Dad is pulling an all nighter. She’ll never be alone.

MADDIE

It’s not right. I feel terrible, awful. I should want to be there... but I don’t. I... I don’t, I can’t be there even though I should be there.

DAVID

Dad didn’t see any problem with us leaving. He thought it was a good idea for us to watch the house while he’s at the hospital.

LITTLE DAVID

Mom, you can’t blame yourself.

ASHLEY

Yeah and Annie is there to keep Granddad company too, so he won’t be alone.

MADDIE

That’s nice to know. My cousin is talking the place of what I should be doing as a daughter.

DAVID

I’m sure Dad doesn’t see it that way.

(He examines Maddie’s face)

You look tired.

MADDIE

I feel tired.

DAVID

I think hitting the hay early is the right medicine for overactive guiltitus.

MADDIE

Sounds like the right prognosis, Doctor. Do I need to go to the nearest drug store?

DAVID

There was a grand opening upstairs in your bedroom.

MADDIE

Too bad it didn’t get any business. The party took all of its potential customers.

DAVID

Not to worry. It’s a 24 hour location.

LITTLE DAVID

Huh?

David and Maddie simply gives their son a look.

ASHLEY

We know, we know. Go to bed.

Ashley pulls little David with her as she leaves the room.

DAVID

Go. I’ll put the kids to bed.

MADDIE

(Yawns)

What would I do without you?

DAVID

(Kisses her)

Fortunately, you’ll never know.

Maddie walks up the stairs. David gets the kids ready for bed.

This large room has two beds for the children to sleep in comfortably.

DAVID

Okay, guys. Time for bed.

ASHLEY

Daddy?

DAVID

Yes, sweet pea?

ASHLEY

What’s going on with Mom?

DAVID

Nothing. Nothing’s going on. She’s very tired and has a lot on her mind with Grandma in the hospital.

LITTLE DAVID

I think Ashley is talking about how Mom is acting kind of stiff.

DAVID

Stiff? Have you ever seen your mother the pilot?

Maddie lays in bed on her back as she stars at the ceiling. She turns her head the the dresser. She gets out of bed, walks over to the dresser and opens it. Maddie rummages through it until she takes out something black.

MADDIE

I don’t remember putting this in my suitcase.

She holds the garment up against her body. The garment is a black teddy. She contemplates whether to put it back in the drawer or to wear it. She answers her question by giving her mirrored reflection a seductive grin.

DAVID

Don’t be silly. Why do you think your Mom turned in early? She’s exhausted. This day has took a great deal out of her.

LITTLE DAVID

I guess you’re right, Dad.

DAVID

Gimmie a kiss.

Ashley extends her arms and hugs her father, then she kisses him on the cheek. David goes over to his son’s bed.

DAVID

That goes for you too, little man.

Little David does what his sister did a few moments ago. David walks to the door. He turns to see his children resting in their beds.

DAVID

Night, night.

David closes the door.

David opens the door and wonders if his eyes are deceiving him. Maddie lays in bed in a very inciting pose. The camera acts as David’s eyes. He focuses intensely on Maddie’s legs, one of which has a garter belt. Then the camera shows more of her black stain teddy. His eyes rest a few seconds on her revealing cleavage. He finally stops to see Maddie’s inviting smile.

DAVID

Ummm... h-h-how... wow.

MADDIE

(Teasing)

Is there something you want to say?

DAVID

(Stammers)

How, no. What, no. Why? Yeah, why, no, how did this come about?

MADDIE

(Purrs)

I guess I’m under the influence of a four letter word on my mind.

DAVID

Four letter word, huh?

David moves over to the bed. He takes his hand and gently squeezes one of Maddie’s calves. He slides his hand up to her thigh, to her hips, then slips his hand under her teddy and strokes her behind.

DAVID

Would you mind telling me what that word is?

MADDIE

Uh, uh, uh... no hints.

Her hand reaches where David’s hand is and holds it as he continues stroking her.

DAVID

(With an eager smile, low sexy voice)

Does this four letter word represent a three letter word?

MADDIE

(Mischievous grin)

Uh-huh.

DAVID

That’s all I need to know.

He reaches forward and starts kissing Maddie.

Maddie sits up and takes control. She aggressively kisses David. She continues moving forward until David is on his back. She wastes no time disrobing her bewildered, yet very willing husband. All we can hear is a great amount of heavy breathing and a few joyful moans here and there. She zeroes in on giving tender kisses all over David’s chest, to his neck, then to his face. Maddie is now on top of David and is enjoying every second of it. While the camera doesn’t capture this, David regains control momentarily, when his hand wonders to where it makes Maddie involuntarily rolls her eyes backward, arch her back, grip the edge of the bed sheet and let out an, “Oh David,” which escapes her breathless lips.

Our point-of-view shifts directly on Maddie’s back. She sits up, crosses her arms in front of her and pulls her black teddy over her head and off her body.

MADDIE

It’s showtime.

She flings the teddy to the right side of the room. The camera follows the teddy to where it lands on the floor. We continue hearing heavy breathing and moaning.

We still focus on the teddy on the floor. The sounds of ecstacy slowly diminishes. The signs of daylight slowly engulfs the room. Time passes quickly as we see the sun rays moving onto the teddy. Seconds later, a hand picks up the undergarment. We follow the hand and it’s Maddie, fully dressed, for the new day. She has a very satisfied look on her face and tosses the nightie on the bed. She proceeds to walk out of the room.

Maddie enters the kitchen and finds David taking the eggs out of the fridge. Ashley and little David sit opposite each other at the table.

LITTLE DAVID

Hey, Dad. Can we get some juice?

MADDIE

I’ll get it, David.

Everyone turns to see Maddie walking to the fridge.

DAVID

Hey, honey.

(Kisses Maddie)

Thought you were still asleep.

MADDIE

(Reaches in the fridge to get the orange juice)

Can you blame me? I was completely exhausted.

She gives David a playful smile and a wink. With a gallon of orange juice in hand, she goes to the table and pours the juice in her children’s glasses. Meanwhile, David gets the eggs, the container of biscuits, and a quarter pack of butter and carries them near the stove.

DAVID

Oh, Maddie, take the bacon out of there for me?

MADDIE

Sure.

She walks to the fridge and takes out the bacon, then walks over to David. After David takes the bacon out of Maddie’s hand, he leans close to her and asks –

DAVID

What’s going on?

MADDIE

What do you mean?

DAVID

Two nights ago you were adamant in not doing what we did last night.

MADDIE

(Non-chalantly)

Things change.

DAVID

Things change? This doesn’t sound like you.

MADDIE

Since when do you care about what reason I have for doing what we did?

Before David has a chance to answer, the doorbell rings.

MADDIE

Stay here. I’ll get it.

Maddie walks toward the door and opens it. Maddie’s sunny disposition fades when she sees Annie.

ANNIE

Oh, good. You’re up. I didn’t know if I came too early or not.

MADDIE

(She lets Annie in and closes the door)

Yeah, well, we had no choice. We couldn't sleep a wink last night. How’s Mom doing?

ANNIE

I don’t know. l went back to my hotel room a few hours after you all left yesterday. I didn’t want to disturb Aunt Ginny and Uncle Alex. Being in that room felt like I was at a place where I didn’t belong.

DAVID (O.S.)

Honey, who’s at the door?

He walks into the foyer.

ANNIE

(A little startled)

David. I never thought of you as a morning person.

MADDIE

(Matter-of-fact tone)

Things change.

DAVID

Wanna join us? We’re about to have breakfast.

ANNIE

Are you sure you won’t mind, Maddie?

MADDIE

Me mind? Do eggs get scrambled?

ANNIE

(Laughs)

That sure brings back memories.

MADDIE

(To herself)

Bad memories.

DAVID

Did you catch a cab?

ANNIE

(Still in deep thought)

Huh?

MADDIE

How did you get here? You said your were in an accident.

ANNIE

Oh, yes. I went back to get another car. I told the rental agency about what had happened. I also told them in a way that I wouldn't have to pay a thing for it.

ASHLEY (O.S.)

Daddy! The eggs are burning!

David runs to the kitchen.

David runs straight to the stove and turns it off. He waves the smoke away from his face. Soon after, Annie and Maddie run in. They join everyone else as they wave their arms in the air in order to get the smoke away from them.

DAVID

Anyone in the mood for IHOP?

Everyone gets ready to sit in their seats at their table. Maddie and David naturally sit next to each other. Maddie motions her hand for little David to sit in the available seat on David's left. It forces Annie to sit in between the children. Ashley sits in the chair between Annie and her mother. The musak playing in the background is Olivia Newton - John's, "Let's Get Physical."

ANNIE

That’s great. Blue Moon is now a crime fighting franchise.

MADDIE

Four offices in three cities hardly constitutes as a Wal-Mart in the making.

ANNIE

With you as a partner, there’s nothing you wouldn’t be able to conquer.

DAVID

Ain’t that the truth.

LITTLE DAVID

Hey, Dad knows how to conquer a thing or two, too.

ANNIE

I didn’t mean to suggest he couldn’t. I was only –

MADDIE

It’s okay, Annie. My kids can get a little protective of what people say or not say about their parents.

(Maddie’s cell phone rings. She takes the phone out of her purse)

Hello...

(to Everyone)

Would you excuse me for a few moments?

ANNIE

Sure. Take your time.

MADDIE

I’ll be back as soon as I can.

She gets up and leaves the table.

ANNIE

David, I didn’t mean to slight you in the least. You have to believe that.

DAVID

I know, but I’m not the one you need to convince.

She looks over to little David.

ANNIE

It’s moments like these that makes me wish I had a child or two.

ASHLEY

Daddy, can I get some more orange juice?

DAVID

You already had two glasses.

LITTLE DAVID

It never stopped her from begging before.

ASHLEY

Do you ever mind your business?

LITTLE DAVID

When there’s business important enough for me to mind, I’ll mind it.

DAVID

Hey, hey, hey. Just for that, you’re taking your sister up there

(points to the counter)

and letting her order her third glass.

LITTLE DAVID

Dad?

DAVID

I don’t see you getting up.

ASHLEY

(Gloats)

You heard him.

LITTLE DAVID

(Rolls his eyes up to the ceiling and gets out of his seat)

C’mon before they start serving lunch.

The kids get up and start to leave. David lets Ashley go, but he holds his arm out around his son’s waist to stop him. David pulls out a five dollar bill.

DAVID

I also have an extra five if you have an extra hash brown and a muffin in your appetite.

LITTLE DAVID

Thanks, Dad.

Little David proceeds to join his sister at the front counter. David turns to Annie.

DAVID

Does that also inspire you to have a child or two?

ANNIE

(Laughs)

Not too much, no.

The background music changes to Janet Jackson’s, “If.”

DAVID

So... what made you decide to come?

ANNIE

Basically, it’s time to show my face. Let everyone see that the rumors of me falling off the face of the planet aren’t true.

DAVID

Have you ever got into Real Estate?

ANNIE

Earned my license five years ago.

David searches for ketchup packets and finds nothing.

DAVID

‘Cuse me. I can’t eat eggs without ketchup.

ANNIE

(Nods knowingly)

I remember.

He gets up and goes over to nearby tables and begins asking people if they have any extra ketchup packets. Annie follows her eyes to where David is. He smiles and talks to the people around him. Annie slowly licks her lips as the song’s chorus does the speaking for her.

MADDIE (O.S.)

I’m back.

Annie turns around and sees Maddie sitting down in her seat.

MADDIE

Where did everyone go?

(Smiles - Joking, but an undercurrent of sarcasm)

You didn’t scare them away, did you?

ANNIE

Ally –

MADDIE

It’s Ashley.

ANNIE

Pardon me, Ashley and David, your son, David, are waiting in line to get some more food and –

DAVID

Got it.

(He puts the packets on the table, then sits down)

It took five tables to get these things. What is a restaurant without ketchup?

MADDIE

So, Annie. What have you been up to?

DAVID

She just finished telling me she’s in real estate.

MADDIE

You really did go into that, huh?

ANNIE

You can say I took a great interest in it. I set my sights on it. I went after it. No matter how long it took, or how difficult, I got it.

MADDIE

I can’t believe this is coming out the mouth of the girl who changed majors because her classes kept interfering with her sorority functions.

ANNIE

Yes, I have changed since then. I’m not that indecisive little kid anymore, Maddie. I’m now know exactly what I want and know exactly what I have to do to get it.

MADDIE

(Smiles - mumbles)

Glad to hear it.

The children return to the table with more food and drinks.

LITTLE DAVID

Can you move any slower, Ash?

ASHLEY

I don’t want to spill my juice.

(She’s holding a large container of orange juice in her hand)

Do you mind?

LITTLE DAVID

Don’t look at me. I’m not supposed to mind.

ASHLEY

Good. I wanted to see if you were paying attention.

MADDIE

Do you think we’ll be able to go to the hospital before lunch?

ASHLEY

I’ll drink these as fast as I can, Mom, honest.

David and Maddie want to laugh, but doesn’t want Ashley to feel embarrassed.

David, Maddie, Annie and the children walk into the room.

MR. HAYES

Hey! The gang’s finally here.

DAVID

Hope we haven’t kept you waiting.

MADDIE

Feeling better today, Mom?

MRS. HAYES

Nothing a few pain killers wouldn’t fix.

ANNIE

Want me to tell the nurse, Aunt Ginny?

MRS. HAYES

No, no. It’s not necessary. I don’t want to over medicate myself.

ASHLEY

Will you be coming home soon?

MRS. HAYES

I have this little surgery I have to go through first.

ASHLEY

Will we be able to see you at all before we go home?

MRS. HAYES

Of course you will, sweetheart. The only difference is, I won’t be able to make my special super-duper cherry chocolate ice cream.

ASHLEY

That's okay, Grandmom. You can always Fed-Ex it whenever you’re feeling better.

MR. HAYES

(Smiles)

I’ll see to it that she does.

Ashley goes over to the edge of Mrs. Hayes’s bed and hugs her Grandmother. Little David is compelled to do the same.

ANNIE

Aunt Ginny –

MRS. HAYES

Annie, I’m so sorry for not continuing our talk we had last night.

ANNIE

Don’t be. I can tell you needed your rest. I don’t want to talk about my insignificant problems.

MRS. HAYES

Insignificant? Over twenty years of devoting your life to one man, then suddenly having to deal with life on your own must take its toll.

ANNIE

I don’t want you to worry about me. I’ll get through it... somehow...

(Maddie rolls her eyes. No one else in the room notices)

Let me see if I can get the nurse to bring your lunch.

MR. HAYES

No, no. I’ll go.

ANNIE

Uh-uh. I won’t hear of it, Uncle Alex.

MADDIE

She’s right, Dad.

MRS. HAYES

Maddie, you're father’s been sitting here for almost 24 hours. He needs to stretch his legs.

MADDIE

Okay, Mom. You get the deciding vote. Dad, get something to eat for yourself while you’ve gained your freedom.

DAVID

We’ll stand-in until you’re refreshed and refilled.

MADDIE

Oh, Annie can you do me a favor?

ANNIE

Sure. What do you want me to do?

MADDIE

Could you watch the kids for us?

LITTLE DAVID

Why? We want to stay, right Ash?

ASHLEY

Yeah.

MADDIE

Well, there are things Mom and Dad want to talk about with Grandma in private.

DAVID

We do?

MADDIE

We do.

DAVID

You heard your mom, we do.

LITTLE DAVID

But, Mom –

MADDIE

Davey, it’s all right. Your cousin Annie doesn’t bite.

ASHLEY

(Not too convinced)

That’s very reassuring, Mommy.

ANNIE

I’d love to watch your kids, Maddie, but I feel... well... don’t you think they should be around people they know?

MADDIE

But that’s the point. This is an opportunity to get to know each other. If you need any help, you can always come to me.

DAVID

However, I understand if you don’t want to do it.

ANNIE

No, I’ll do it.

MADDIE

I don’t want to force you if you really don’t want to do it.

ANNIE

No, I’ll do it. Like you said, it’ll help me get to know the newest members of our family.

(to kids)

How ‘bout we get acquainted in the lobby.

LITTLE DAVID

(Not too enthused)

Okay.

ASHLEY

(Shrugs her shoulders)

Fine by me.

They don’t wait for Annie as they both walk out of the room.

MADDIE

Thanks, Annie. We won’t take long.

ANNIE

(A hint of skeptism)

Sure. See you in a bit.

Annie leaves the room.

Annie walks into the lobby, blows a huge sigh, and joins the children sitting at the right side of the room. Annie sits beside little David. They all sit in awkward silence. Then little David asks –

LITTLE DAVID

So... Where do you live?

ASHLEY

David, don’t ask that.

LITTLE DAVID

Why not? She’s supposed to be family.

ANNIE

It’s okay... umm...

ASHLEY

Ashley.

ANNIE

Right, Ashley. You two can ask me anything you want.

LITTLE DAVID

You haven’t answered my question.

ANNIE

Oh, right. I live in Connecticut.

LITTLE DAVID

Do you live in a house, or an apartment?

ANNIE

A house. A big house.

ASHLEY

How big?

ANNIE

It’s about as big as your home.

ASHLEY

You’ve been to our home?

ANNIE

Yes... long before you were alive.

LITTLE DAVID

Connecticut is not to far away from New York, right?

ANNIE

Right.

LITTLE DAVID

Maybe, when Mom and Dad visit their New York office, you can show us around your big house.

ANNIE

Let me run it by your folks first before we set anything definite.

LITTLE DAVID

Let’s hope your neighbors aren’t as neighborly as our Grandparents'.

ANNIE

The Jansens and the Gallaghers were at the party, weren’t they?

ASHLEY

I still can’t smile without my cheeks hurting.

ANNIE

Oh, Ashley. Are you all right?

ASHLEY

I’m okay. The sting will wear off in a day or two.

LITTLE DAVID

Okay, what was it like?

ANNIE

Excuse me?

LITTLE DAVID

Growing up with Mom. What was it like?

ANNIE

(Looks far-eyed - reminiscing)

Maddie and I were like sisters.

ASHLEY

Really?

ANNIE

Really. We’d pick out each other’s clothes, put on each other’s make-up, and gabbed away about anything that crossed our minds.

ASHLEY

I wish I had that.

LITTLE DAVID

Ash, you have friends. You just went to Jenny’s birthday party.

ASHLEY

Yeah, but I don’t have friends that do what Mom and Annie did.

ANNIE

You mean, no one has ever played in that beautiful head of hair?

ASHLEY

Outside of Carmon Simmons picking grass out of my hair? No.

ANNIE

Come here.

She takes a brush out of her purse.

ASHLEY

What for?

ANNIE

I promise, I’m not going to hurt you.

(Ashley scoots over to Annie and lets Annie brush her hair)

Your hair is just as silky as your mother’s.

ASHLEY

Really?

ANNIE

Un-huh. I remember we used to give each other crazy hairdos and –

ASHLEY

Can you do one for me?

ANNIE

(Hesitant)

Well...

ASHLEY

Mom won’t mind.

She turns around and gives Annie a wink. She then sees her father walk out of her Grandmother’s room.

ASHLEY

Daddy, Daddy! Annie says she gonna make up a new hairstyle for me.

DAVID

(Delighted by Ashley’s enthusiasm)

She is, huh? Will I be able to recognize you when she’s finished?

ASHLEY

Oh, Daddy. You’re so silly.

ANNIE

I believe that’s one of your Dad’s best qualities.

ASHLEY

I always thought it’s he jokes.

ANNIE

That too.

DAVID

Hey, Maddie. Come on out and see this Kodak moment.

Maddie comes out to the hallway and sees what Annie is doing. It almost stuns her how Ashley has become that comfortable with Annie.

DAVID

(Smiles)

It almost stopped me in my tracks, too. Well, I better get a move on.

MADDIE

Where are you going?

DAVID

I need to go to the gift shop. Pick up a few dozen roses, some candy. You know, all the stuff to cheer your mother up.

MADDIE

Sounds like a good idea.

(to Mrs. Hayes)

I’ll be back. I’m going with David to pick-up something.

(Maddie’s cell phone rings. She takes it out of her purse)

Hello... Agnes, what’s wrong...?

A nurse passes David and Maddie by in the hallway to bring Mrs. Hayes her lunch. She turns back to Maddie.

NURSE

Umm... excuse me,

(Maddie looks at the nurse)

we don’t allow cell phones in here.

MADDIE

Oh, I’m sorry.

(To phone)

Agnes, can we talk about this later?

DAVID

Go ahead, talk about it now. I’ll be back.

MADDIE

But –

DAVID

Honey, take the call.

(Gives her a kiss)

Now move.

MADDIE

Not yet.

Maddie grabs David by his shirt and kisses him passionately while her hands caresses his back. David is taken aback, however, it’s not stopping him from reciprocating her affections.

DAVID

We should visit your parents more often.

Maddie gives her husband a grin and walks through the hallway. Ashley notices Annie staring at her parents’ display.

ASHLEY

(to Annie)

You’ll get used to it.

LITTLE DAVID

We have.

Maddie continues walking to the front doors. She turns to her right and sees Annie continuing to play in Ashley’s hair. While her daughter is having fun, Maddie feels sick inside, but will not, in any circumstances, let Annie see her unsettled feelings. She smiles and waves at her children and Annie before walking out of the hospital doors.

Meanwhile, Annie can see out of the corner of her eye, David going in the opposite direction and heads for the gift shop.

ANNIE

Say, wouldn’t you like to keep Aunt Ginny company?

ASHLEY

You didn’t finish fixing my hair.

ANNIE

We can finish it later. You don’t want to leave your Grandmother alone, do you?

ASHLEY

You’re right. I mean, this is what we all came for.

LITTLE DAVID

Okay, let’s go.

ANNIE

You two can get a head start, okay? I need to go to the bathroom.

ASHLEY

Okay, but hurry back.

ANNIE

I will.

Annie walks to the ladies’ room. Ashley and little David are going to their Grandmother’s room. A few seconds later, Annie peeks her head through the door to see if anyone can see her. She sneaks out of the bathroom and heads in the direction of the gift shop.

Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton's, "Islands In The Stream," plays in the background as Annie enters the gift shop. She pretends she is searching for something to buy. She periodically looks over to where David is located. Each time he looks in her direction, Annie quickly turns away. After a few times of this, David gets suspicious and goes over to confront whoever he thinks is following him. He sneaks up behind Annie.

DAVID

Can you find another partner to play peek-a-boo?

ANNIE

(Quickly turns around)

David... you startled me.

DAVID

Then we're even. What are you doing here? Aren't you watching the kids?

ANNIE

Well... the kids wanted to go into their Grandmother's room and, well, you gave me a good idea to get something for Aunt Ginny.

DAVID

(Looks and sounds skeptical)

Yeah... well...

ANNIE

(Breathes a heavy sigh)

Look, I don't blame you.

DAVID

Blame you?

ANNIE

For holding a grudge.

DAVID

Holding a grudge?

ANNIE

I know how I treated you the last time we saw each other. I've grown to understand why you did what you did.

DAVID

You did?

ANNIE

I did. I can see now that you cheated on me for my own good. It was your way of making me go back to my marriage and I appreciate it.

DAVID

You finally found my dirty little secret out, huh?

ANNIE

I tried, David. I really tried to make that marriage work. I also tried getting you out of my system.

DAVID

(Gets nervous)

How did you do?

ANNIE

I got divorced, didn't I?

Maddie stands at the side of the hospital entrance. She continues her conversation with Agnes.

MADDIE

... Does that help, Agnes?

AGNES (O.S.)

Thank you very, very much, Miss Hayes. I'll tell everyone here the good news.

MADDIE

(Faint and distant tone)

Yeah... good news.

AGNES (O.S.)

Is everything all right, Miss Hayes?

MADDIE

Yes, everything's okay.

AGNES (O.S.)

Miss Hayes –

MADDIE

I know what you're going to say, Agnes. But really, I'm fine... I was hoping she wouldn't come.

AGNES (O.S.)

Hoping who wouldn't come?

MADDIE

No, I don't want to bother you.

AGNES (O.S.)

You're not bothering me, but I'd like to know what's bothering you... if you want to... if you need to...

MADDIE

While David and I were busy planning a surprise for my mother, Annie came up with a surprise of her own... she showed up.

AGNES (O.S.)

At the party?

MADDIE

At the hospital. She's here right now.

AGNES (O.S.)

You don't think she would still go after Mr. Addison, do you?

DAVID

You don't waste time, do you, Annie?

MADDIE

I don't know. It's not as if a wedding ring will stop her.

AGNES (O.S.)

Mr. Addison's wedding ring has been able to stop him.

DAVID

If you haven't noticed

(Holds up his wedding ring at eye level)

... this is a wedding ring.

ANNIE

How come you didn't notice mine thirteen years ago?

DAVID

You never flashed it in front of me.

ANNIE

When you knew, you didn't walk away.

DAVID

That was thirteen years ago.

AGNES (O.S.)

That was thirteen years ago.

MADDIE

Be that as it may, she still might want to know...

ANNIE

David, I want to know...

MADDIE

No, I know she wants to know...

ANNIE

If I wasn't married then, if you aren't married now, would we...

AGNES (O.S.)

Would she?

MADDIE

She could.

DAVID

I wouldn't.

ANNIE

You wouldn't?

DAVID

That's right, I wouldn't.

MADDIE

I'm sure he wouldn't.

AGNES (O.S.)

There's nothing to worry about, Miss Hayes.

MADDIE

I need to go back.

AGNES (O.S.)

Okay, but remember, no matter how hard she tries, nothing is going to happen.

ANNIE

You never know, David... anything can happen... remember?

DAVID

(Gets aggravated)

End of discussion.

ANNIE

I need to go back, anyway. Your children are expecting me.

She gives a flirtatious look, turns, then leaves the gift shop. David shakes his head and continues shopping.

Annie walks into the room and finds Mr. Hayes talking with his wife and his grandchildren. Ashley looks up to see Annie entering the room.

ASHLEY

What happened?

ANNIE

I guess I eat something my stomach didn't agree with.

MR. HAYES

Did you tell anyone about it?

LITTLE DAVID

This is the perfect place for that sort of thing.

ANNIE

It's not necessary. I feel better now.

MRS. HAYES

Are you sure? I can get the doctor to examine you.

ANNIE

No, Aunt Ginny. It's quite all right.

David has his head down and has a sour look on his face. He dreads what he will find when he returns to Mrs. Hayes' room. He also puts two and two together on why Maddie has been acting out of the ordinary lately. As David continues to think of what to do next, Maddie walks up to him.

MADDIE

You didn't find anything?

DAVID

(Turns to her sharply - startled)

Huh?

MADDIE

I don't see any flowers. They didn't look fresh enough?

DAVID

(Distant)

Umm, ahh, yeah. They didn't look fresh enough.

MADDIE

The selection must have been a major let down.

(Looks more concerned)

What's wrong, David?

He begins to open his mouth, but thinks better of it. He doesn't want Maddie to worry more than she already has.

DAVID

I'm trying to figure out what other gift I can get her.

MADDIE

Being here is enough, David. Everybody's still in her room?

DAVID

Yup.

MADDIE

Let's go before they forget what we look like.

DAVID

(Mumbles to himself)

I'd go for that.

He helplessly drags his hands through his hair and follows Maddie back to Mrs. Hayes's room.

Annie puts the finishing touches on Ashley's new hairdo. Ashley runs to the edge of the bed.

ASHLEY

How do I look, Grandmom?

MRS. HAYES

You look absolutely beautiful, sweetheart.

Maddie and David enter the room.

ASHLEY

Mommy, Daddy check out the new do.

She proudly shows her hairstyle.

MADDIE

It looks great.

DAVID

This is gonna create a big problem, sweet pea.

ASHLEY

What do you mean?

DAVID

I'm gonna have to beat all the boys off with a stick.

ANNIE

I'm glad my plan turned out to be a success.

ASHLEY

Will you be able to create another hairstyle for me tomorrow, Annie?

ANNIE

I'll see what I can do.

MRS. HAYES

Since I'm going to be stranded here for a while, I'd like to have my Discman to keep me company.

MADDIE

Discman?

MR. HAYES

My portable CD player, dear. I love hearing ol' blue eyes before I go to sleep.

DAVID

Just tell me where and I'll get it.

(to Mr. Hayes)

And I'm not letting you get it, either.

MRS. HAYES

I left it in my bedroom.

DAVID

I'll be able to find it.

MADDIE

Why don't I come with you. I can help. I've played in my mother's closets enough to know where she might have stashed it.

DAVID

It's not a big deal, Maddie. Besides, it'll give you more time to spend with Mom.

MADDIE

I know, but –

DAVID

Sweetie, I'll be there and back before you realized I've been away.

ASHLEY

Mommy, is there a way we I can squeeze in a trip to Burger King and get a Double Whopper with Cheese?

MADDIE

It's only been a few hours after we had breakfast.

LITTLE DAVID

(Gets excited)

There's a Burger King around here?

ANNIE

Yeah. It's only a few blocks away.

ASHLEY

I promise. It'll take us ten minutes, tops. We'll have enough time to continue keeping Grandmom company. I just need something to eat.

MADDIE

How can you two be so hungry?

DAVID

Take them, Maddie. Like Ash said, you'll be back here in no time.

MADDIE

Well...

ANNIE

As long as your doing your errands, I'm afraid I'm going to have to do mine.

MADDIE

Where are you going?

ANNIE

I have to go back to the rental car agency again. They need my exact account of what happened.

MADDIE

But didn't you say you straightened it out?

ANNIE

The idiot I explained everything to lost the paperwork pertaining to my claim.

MR. HAYES

Oh, what a pain.

ANNIE

It's such a big mess. I can't even begin to tell you how aggravating this is.

(to Mrs. Hayes)

I promise I'll be done before you go into surgery.

MRS. HAYES

Annie, do what you have to do. Don't worry about me.

ANNIE

I'll try.

Maddie rolls her eyes.

ASHLEY

Uhh... Mommy, are we going or what?

MADDIE

Yes, we're going right now.

DAVID

I'll meet you back here in...

(Checks his watch)

thirty minutes.

MADDIE

Okay.

As David follows Annie out of the room, little David gently tugs Maddie's hand to jar her out of her mini-trance. She looks down at her children, turns to wave at her parents, then leads her children out of the room.

Little David, Ashley and Maddie wait on one of several long lines.

LITTLE DAVID

Hey, Mom? You know what you want?

MADDIE

Yeah, I want to take this stuff home.

ASHLEY

But aren't we supposed to meet Daddy back at the hospital?

MADDIE

I just need to eat in a familar surrounding. After we're done, we'll go back to the hospital.

LITTLE DAVID

I don't wanna eat here either, Mom. The air is too stuffy.

ASHLEY

Closing your mouth should solve that problem.

MADDIE

If you can close yours, I can think of what I want to eat.

Little David snickers under his breath. Ashley shoves him in response.

Maddie drives. Ashley sits in the front passenger's seat and little David sits directly in back of his sister as he attempts to mess up her hair.

ASHLEY

Will you stop? Annie and I went through a lot to get my hair just right.

MADDIE

She really helped you, huh?

ASHLEY

Yeah, she's really a lot of fun.

MADDIE

That's what she is all right... a lot of fun.

Ashley reaches over and turns on the radio. Sade's "No Ordinary Love" plays from the car stereo.

ASHLEY

Annie said you two were like sisters... What happened?

MADDIE

It's complicated.

ASHLEY

Well, give us the edited version.

MADDIE

There's nothing to tell. We've lost touch with each other. It's hard to get back what we had so many years ago.

LITTLE DAVID

Hey, Ash, turn it up.

She turns the volume up then snaps her fingers to the slow, sultry beat.

"No Ordinary Love" continues throughout this sequence.

David searches the room for Mrs. Hayes' Discman. He turns and is shocked to see Annie standing at the door.

DAVID

How did you get in here?

ANNIE

Aunt Ginny gave me her keys last night.

DAVID

Why didn't you use them this morning?

ANNIE

I didn't want to barge in early in the morning. I didn't want to be rude.

DAVID

So, what's your excuse for being rude now?

ANNIE

I think I lost something when we left for breakfast.

DAVID

I didn't remember you taking a detour up here.

ANNIE

Well, I figured while I am here, I can help you find Aunt Ginny's stuff.

DAVID

I think I can do the job on my own.

ANNIE

I also came up here because there's something else I need to find.

DAVID

What's that?

Maddie pulls into the front of her parents' house. She sees Annie's rental car parked a few feet away. Maddie is stunned, but doesn't want to let the kids see her alarmed. Maddie grabs the three bags of food. She lets everyone out of the SUV and the kids lead the way as they walk to the front steps.

ANNIE

I need to find what made me truly happy. I wanted to find it with Mark, but whenever I remember being truly happy...

(Her feet creep backward to the door)

my mind keeps going back to a certain guy,

ANNIE

living in a certain unfurnished apartment...

ANNIE

who certainly kept my needs met...

ANNIE

any time of the day...

She leans on the door as she closes it.

Maddie opens the door from the outside. She lets the children stroll in ahead of her.

They walk through the living room. Maddie slows her pace as the kids continue their steady stride to the kitchen. Maddie glances up the stairs and wonders what is happening. She shakes her head to get rid of her thoughts and proceeds to walk to the kitchen.

DAVID

Annie, look –

ANNIE

I love the way you talk. I love the way you walk. I loved the way you curled up that sexy smirk as you laid next to me in the morning.

ANNIE

(She walks over to David)

I miss all those things David.

ANNIE

It's time to get them back.

Ashley and little David sit at the table. Maddie takes food out of the bags and puts the food on their plates. She puts her food on her plate, but her attention, again, wanders as her head turns to the door.

LITTLE DAVID

Hey, Mom... can you give me those french fries over there?

Maddie snaps her head back to the table. She gives the french fries to her son.

MADDIE

I'll be back.

ASHLEY

Hurry or your food is gonna get cold.

LITTLE DAVID

Even if you microwave it, it won't taste the same.

MADDIE

Just gotta check on something... I'll be back.

She exits the kitchen.

ANNIE

What's the problem?

She slowly takes off her blouse.

DAVID

The problem is what you're doing right now. I already told you. I'm not interested.

ANNIE

You used to be interested, extremely interested. In fact, we used to share our interests on a daily basis.

DAVID

I can't be satisfied with a relationship that's only built on sex.

ANNIE

(Shakes her head)

What has Maddie done to you?

We see two pumps walking up the wooden staircase.

DAVID

What has she done? She made me the happiest man in the world.

Annie pounces on him to the point where their momentum push them down to the bed. She is on top of David. He quickly rolls around to get himself free. She, on the other hand, thinks all this rolling around is part of their foreplay and enjoys it.

ANNIE

Who do you want to hang on to? Me? Or a woman who left you and didn't want to have anything to do with you?

DAVID

She wants everything to do with me now.

ANNIE

I see I can't break your obligation.

DAVID

(He stops in astonishment)

Obligation?

ANNIE

It doesn't mean we can't have one for the road.

She leans in closer in preparation to kiss him.

MADDIE (O.S)

I suggest hitting the road is more appropriate.

The camera cuts to an opposite angle of Maddie. David looks frightened as Annie is caught with wearing her bra and her skirt.

DAVID

Maddie, hold on –

MADDIE

No you hold on! But I can see you doing that already.

David looks and realizes he is still holding Annie. He lets go and backs away.

DAVID

Listen, Maddie...

ANNIE

Tramp?

MADDIE

Tramp! You didn't think I believed you happened to grace us with your presence just so you can spread a little quality time with the family?

ANNIE

I was busy.

MADDIE

I bet you were! I bet you were so busy, you couldn't keep up with the latest excuse you prepared to tell Mark every time you got caught!

ANNIE

Maddie, let's try and stay calm. We don't want the kids to hear us.

MADDIE

Oh, will you stop with the sweet and innocent crap? Since when have you ever cared about anyone other than yourself?

ANNIE

If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have admitted to yourself of how stupid you were for throwing David away. Admit it! If I didn't have the guts to go after David, you'd still have those pictures on your wall to keep you company.

Maddie didn't see it coming when she whipped her arm around to slap Annie soundly in the face.

ANNIE

David, aren't you going to say anything about what she just did!

DAVID

I would, but I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to hear it.

ANNIE

After all we've been through.

DAVID

You mean, what you've been through. You were a lot of fun to spend time with, but Maddie's the one I want to spend my life with.

ANNIE

So, in other words, you used me.

DAVID

Just like you used me.

ANNIE

I don't have the foggiest idea of what you are talking about.

DAVID

I saw the "jealous little cousin overshadowed by her famous, beautiful and rich older cousin" a mile away.

MADDIE

Truth may cleanse the soul, but my soul has had enough cleansing for the time being. If you will excuse me...

Maddie starts leaving the room. David positions himself in front of her.

DAVID

(Pleads)

Maddie, we have to talk about this.

MADDIE

Talk about what? How two of the most important people in my life conspired to make my life a living hell?

DAVID

Look, getting a double whammy of betrayal with jealously and revenge on the side can give anyone a bad case of heartburn... or in this case, heartbreak. But baby, let me help ease the pain.

MADDIE

Ease the pain? Now you want to help ease my pain. Whenever I approach a subject that comes close to this situation, you never want to talk about it!

DAVID

This isn't what I consider something I want to include in my personal highlights in my music video. I wasn't acting like myself.

MADDIE

That's it? That's all you can say? David! This brought the beginning of what I thought was the end! Okay, maybe this will help. I can tell you two about how your little covert operation was such a success.

DAVID

Maddie –

MADDIE

No! You're entitled to get... what do you call it, David... "the play-by-play?" Where should I begin... oh yes, while you were hell-bent on your revenge, I was too busy masking how much it hurt for me to see the man I still loved, have a secret rendezvous with the woman I trusted more than anyone. It was tearing me, ripping me to shreds to hear Annie flaunt her new

(She used her fingers to make air quotes)

"relationship" in my face.

(Maddie starts crying)

How she dug her nails into my territory. So, David, do I have to ask...? How was she? Did you give her what you gave me?

DAVID

(Tries to calm her down)

Maddie.

MADDIE

No, tell me how good she was to make you come back for more!

DAVID

Maddie –

MADDIE

You didn't think I'd think about it, David?

(Her bottom lip starts to quiver)

Thought I wasn't wondering how Annie felt to you?

DAVID

(Cautioned tone)

Maddie –

MADDIE

How she tasted? How she sounded? Did she make you grab on to the bedpost after –

DAVID

Maddie!

MADDIE

David! You hurt me!

She grasps her hand in front of her face to try and stop the tears from falling. She also couldn't catch herself from falling on the floor, near the bed.

MADDIE

You hurt me... don't you understand?

(Sniffs)

You're the only one who makes me feel the way I feel.... You gave that feeling to someone else. In other words, she was able to experience what I thought only belonged to you and me.

David has tears of his own and sniffles. He sits down next to Maddie. He then holds and rocks her from side to side.

DAVID

(Softly)

I'm sorry, baby... I'm so sorry.

(Looks over to Annie)

Close the door on your way out?

He then buries his head into Maddie's shoulder.

Knowing she has lost this battle, Annie grants David's request. She quietly leaves the room and closes the door behind her.

DAVID

(His voice cracks a little)

Umm... how do I start this... I knew what I was doing was wrong... very wrong. I didn't know what else to do. I saw us settling into a relationship, more accurately, a non-relationship, I wasn't satisfied with. I wanted to be with you, but you kept pushing me away. I felt, albeit in a twisted way, if I didn't go after Annie, I would lose you for good. Why I came up with that kind of logic, God only knows. No check that, I bet He didn't even know. I could see disaster waiting. Instead of running the other way, I invited Annie out after you went to bed that night. Was it my way of getting back at you...? You bet it was, but at the time, I wasn't thinking of anything except havin' a little fun with someone who was more than willing to have fun with me.

MADDIE

How could you do it, David? How could you run the risk of me hating you. I mean really hating you?

DAVID

That's what I was thinking when you left me in the middle of the night to take refuge in this very room.

MADDIE

David, it wasn't the same thing and you know it.

DAVID

You're right. You married a guy after three days. I, on the other hand, slept with your married cousin.

MADDIE

Admit it. You never forgave me for running out on you like I did.

DAVID

Maybe on a deeper level, I didn't.

MADDIE

And shutting you out after the miscarriage didn't help.

DAVID

However, it doesn't excuse the fact of what I did to you. What I did was lower than low. It was the lowest. The lowest I've ever did to anyone.

MADDIE

(Whispers)

David, it hurt so bad.

DAVID

(Whispers)

I know. I couldn't talk about it because I knew it hurt you. And I thought if I talked about it, it'll continue to hurt you.

MADDIE

What continued to hurt me was you not talking about it.

DAVID

Oh, God, I'm so sorry.

(Kisses her repeatedly on her cheek)

I love you, Goldilocks. I always loved you and I always will love you.

(He sniffles)

You gotta believe that.

MADDIE

(Whispers)

I believe it.

Maddie tilts her head toward David and gives him a sweet, salt stained kiss. Seconds later, they hear a knock at the door.

LITTLE DAVID (O.S.)

Mom? Dad?

Maddie wipes the tears off her face. David wipes away a few stray tears of his own. She has a strained yet cheerful tone when she answers.

MADDIE

Yes, sweetie. What is it?

LITTLE DAVID (O.S.)

Do you still want your food?

MADDIE

Food?

(She now remembers)

Ummm, I lost my appetite.

LITTLE DAVID (O.S.)

Can I have it?

DAVID

Can we talk about this another time?

ASHLEY (O.S.)

Mommy? Daddy?

DAVID

(to Himself)

Oh God...

(to the door)

I don't want anyone touching your mother's food.

ASHLEY (O.S.)

Food? I wasn't... Why are you so greedy?

LITTLE DAVID (O.S.)

It was only a question.

ASHLEY (O.S.)

Daddy?

DAVID

(Straining to be patient)

Baby, can this wait?

ASHLEY (O.S.)

What am I supposed to tell Granddad?

DAVID

Granddad?

Maddie, David and the children rush over to Mr. Hayes.

MADDIE

Dad, did anything happen? Is Mom all right?

MR. HAYES

Your mother's fine... so far.

MADDIE

So far?

MR. HAYES

They wheeled her into surgery a half an hour ago.

DAVID

Surgery?

(Takes a look at the sliding glass doors, then checks his watch)

Either it's only three-thirty, or the sun is making its extended engagement due to popular demand.

MR. HAYES

Ginny's surgery was moved up. The doctor said it was in her best interest to replace the hip as soon as possible.

ASHLEY

So, what do we do now?

LITTLE DAVID

What do you think? We sit and wait.

Ashley follows her brother and they take their seats.

MR. HAYES

Oh, and Ginny wants to thank you for getting her Discman and Sinatra CD's. It'll help her get through the rest of her hospital stay.

MADDIE

How long is she in for?

MR. HAYES

Ten days... five for good behavior.

Maddie lightly hits her father on his shoulder.

MADDIE

(Playfully scolding her dad)

Daddy.

DAVID

Dad, when did Mom get the Discman?

MR. HAYES

When Annie gave it to her minutes before she went into surgery.

MADDIE

She did?

ANNIE (O.S.)

I did.

After a few seconds of silence, little David stands up and says –

LITTLE DAVID

(to Ashley)

Let's see if the thing we plan to beg Mom and Dad to buy is still there.

ASHLEY

(Stands up - Eager)

In the gift shop?

LITTLE DAVID

(Also eager)

Yeah.

ASHLEY

(Sits down)

Later. I'm tired.

LITTLE DAVID

(Yanks Ashley out of her seat)

Tough.

ASHLEY

If that's your imitation of being tough, then you need more practice.

LITTLE DAVID

You wanna come, Grandpa?

MR. HAYES

Sure. Why not? It'll keep me from worrying for a few minutes.

ASHLEY

Trust me, Granddad. It's not as much of a waste of time as you might think.

Mr. Hayes exits the lobby with his grandchildren.

DAVID

So, where did you find it?

ANNIE

I was searching for something else in the living room before I saw it lying in a corner near the wall unit.

DAVID

And you didn't tell me?

ANNIE

You're the one who kicked me out, remember?

DAVID

Yeah, I remember why. I also remember if I hadn't kick you out, Maddie was about to kick your gluteus maximus.

ANNIE

You never know. I could have been up for the challenge.

DAVID

Didn't you hear the bell ring? The fight's over. It's been over for thirteen years.

MADDIE

I guess she must have wax in her ears, David.

DAVID

Let me say this another way, Maddie won. She has sported her championship ring for eight years

(He shows Annie Maddie's wedding ring).

We had a ceremony and everything.

ANNIE

Look, Maddie, I'm not sure what possessed me to do what I did.

DAVID

Let me see if I can carry out this exorcism. You wanted to see if you can continue munching on my forbidden fruit.

MADDIE

(to David - smiles)

Sometimes, you paint too vivid a picture.

DAVID

Honey, you're the only model worthy enough for me to use my brush strokes.

ANNIE

(Amused)

That's cute...that's very cute. Well, the cuteness wore off for Mark and I after ten years. I say, you two have two years to go before you find out your marriage is just another word for monotonous and boring.

MADDIE

You may have resorted to fooling around on a married man as a solution; but you're not going to fool around with one, especially not with mine.

ANNIE

What I'm trying to tell you is, I'm sorry for all the trouble I have caused.

MADDIE

Sorry? Sorry? You're not sorry. You're only sorry because you failed to get what you came for.

ANNIE

Guess there's no sense in me sticking around.

MADDIE

Finally we have something we can agree on.

Annie heads for the sliding front doors.

ANNIE

Well, I expected this visit to be interesting. Needless to say, it was beyond its expectations.

MADDIE

Are you still here?

ANNIE

David, if you ever find yourself in Connecticut –

DAVID

I'll be sure to forget your address.

ANNIE

Oh, that's too bad, your kids told me they wanted to visit me. Oh well, it's your choice. Tell Uncle Alex and Aunt Ginny I'll call them later... Bye.

She waves as she leaves the hospital. David and Maddie give each other a tight embrace. They don't let each other go until –

ASHLEY

Mommy, Daddy, c'mon... you gotta see...

(looks around the room)

Where's Annie?

MADDIE

What Ashley?

ASHLEY

Where's Annie? Did she go to the bathroom? The cafeteria?

DAVID

She had to take off earlier than expected.

ASHLEY

Aww, man. I was looking forward to going on our shopping spree.

MADDIE

Shopping spree?

ASHLEY

Yeah, we were gonna play dress-up and see which fabric looks the best on me. Well... I hope we travel to the east coast soon.

(She begins to walk back and join the others at the gift shop)

I wonder what Annie's house looks like.

Maddie and David give each other an exasperated look.

MADDIE

How are we going to deal with this?

DAVID

As long as we are on this side of the Mississippi...

MADDIE

No, we're not.

DAVID

Huh?

MADDIE

We crossed the Mississippi when we crossed St. Louis.

DAVID

The point is, we go into the gift shop and see what our kids want and say no.

MADDIE

Works for me.

DAVID

My last ten dollar bill in my wallet told me it would work, too.

They walk arm-in-arm to the gift shop.

Mr. Hayes and David are in the middle of playing Poker. Ashley and little David excitedly look on.

DAVID

All right, big fella... I see your twenty and raise you thirty.

ASHLEY

Daddy, you’re giving everything away.

DAVID

The way I’m going, I’ll double the amount of Hershey’s kisses.

MR HAYES

I wouldn’t be too sure...

(reveals his hand)

Three of a kind.

Mr. Hayes is about to scoop all the kisses, until David holds his hand up. David slowly shows his hand.

DAVID

A full house, which means, I get the full pot.

He extends his arms and scoops all of the kisses to his side of the table.

LITTLE DAVID

Wow! Dad, how did you do that?

ASHLEY

Weren’t you payin’ attention? He –

DAVID

(Put his index finger to his lips)

Shhhh! Rule number one: never tell anybody any of my secrets. Don’t even tell me any of my secrets. ‘Cuz, I already know them.

(to Mr. Hayes)

How ‘bout another hand, pops?

LITTLE DAVID

What do you think Grandma is doing right now?

MR. HAYES

I hope she’s sleeping. She had a busy day today.

ASHLEY

I’m so glad her surgery was a success.

DAVID

Sweet pea, everybody shares that thought.

MR. HAYES

You bet we do.

He kisses Ashley’s forehead.

DAVID

Are we playin’ another hand or what?

MR. HAYES

I’m afraid you cleaned me out.

DAVID

(Smiles)

I can give you a loan.

MR. HAYES

I’m afraid I’ll have to pass. I gonna get some rest so I can go back to the hospital in the morning.

LITTLE DAVID

If Grandpa doesn’t wanna play, I’ll take over.

DAVID

(Shuffles the cards like a casino dealer)

Think you can handle it, kid?

LITTLE DAVID

You betcha.

MR. HAYES

Win a hand for me, okay?

LITTLE DAVID

I’ll try.

DAVID

Good night, Dad.

MR. HAYES

Good night, all.

Mr. Hayes gets up and walks over to his grandchildren and kisses them goodnight. He then turns and goes up the stairs to his bedroom.

LITTLE DAVID

(Turns to his dad)

Okay, Dad. Bring it on.

MADDIE

Too bad you’re gonna have to wait until tomorrow.

LITTLE DAVID

Awww, Mom.

ASHLEY

Yeah, we are about to see how terrible Davey is.

LITTLE DAVID

You wish.

ASHLEY

I know.

MADDIE

I know that your beds are waiting.

DAVID

C’mon. The poker table is closed for the night.

The kids groan as they get up and start walking to their bedroom.

The room is empty until little David and Ashley drag their feet into the room and flop in to their beds. David and Maddie are close behind.

MADDIE

Did you two brush your teeth?

LITTLE DAVID

We did it after we ate dinner.

ASHLEY

And we washed our faces.

(David and Maddie look at Ashley)

Wasn’t that going to be the next question?

MADDIE

Go to sleep.

LITTLE DAVID

What about our pajamas?

DAVID

You know where they are?

LITTLE DAVID

Yeah.

DAVID

Then take them out, put them on, and get back in bed.

The kids get out of their beds and take out their pajamas from the dresser near their beds.

ASHLEY

I’m gonna need more privacy.

She heads to the right of the room and opens the door to the bathroom.

DAVID

Psst.

(Tugs on Maddie’s sleeve)

Pssst.

MADDIE

What, David?

DAVID

I need to talk to you.

MADDIE

Talk to me? About what?

David pins Maddie while her back leans against the door. This sudden movement forward forces the door to slam shut. They kiss each other feverishly. Soon after, David kisses her neck. They breathe heavily when Maddie runs her fingers through his hair, while David continues kissing and sucking on her neck.

MADDIE

(Breathlessly)

I love getting into these deep conversations.

DAVID

I do too.

He french kisses her.

MADDIE

(Playfully)

I guess it's in the way we use our mouths and tongues.

DAVID

(Comes up for air)

It’s not unlike our usual conversations.

MADDIE

Oh, yeah?

DAVID

Yeah, a lot of screaming and hollering.

MADDIE

Some overlapping dialogue to make sure each of us come away satisfied from our fiery debate.

DAVID

(Catches himself)

What about Dad?

MADDIE

(Confused)

What?

DAVID

What about Dad? He’s snoozing himself away next door. Won’t he be mad if we wake him due to our heated exchange?

MADDIE

(Looks straight into David’s eyes - Seductively)

He’ll just have to deal with it.

They continue kissing. They start sliding down to the floor as we –

I want to send a special thanks to Joy Chodan. I couldn't get through this story without you! – Christie.