*******************************************
SCENE ONE - Gen. Breyton's office - Baghdad, Iraq
*******************************************
As we open this episode, we see General Breyton in his office doing some paperwork when his phone rings.
"Gen. Breyton here", he announces to the person on the other end of the line.
"Sir, there's a Lieutenant Leo McFadden here to see you", Melinda, his secretary, exclaims.
"Huh?", Gen. Breyton says, not immediately remembering he had ordered Leo to stop by his office after breakfast.
"He says you ordered you ordered him to stop by", Melinda says
"Uhhh....Ohhh...YES...Yes....Yes. I remember now", Gen. Breyton says, now remembering his earlier conversation with Leo. "Send him in", he orders.
"Yes sir. Right away sir", Melinda responds.
Gen. Breyton hangs up the phone. A few seconds later, Leo walks in.
"You wanted to see me sir?", Leo asks.
"Close the door", Gen. Breyton says.
"Yes sir", Leo says as he closes the door behind him.
"Do you have any idea WHY I asked you to see me?", Gen. Breyton asks, thinking Leo has some idea. "Any clue at all?", he continues.
"Because you ordered me too?" Leo asks, looking and sounding as though he might be missing the point.
"Lt., would it be safe to say that you're umm....shall we say....active?", Gen. Breyton asks.
Leo looks dumbfounded and totally lost
"I'm not sure I know what you mean sir", Leo responds
"I mean sexually", Gen. Breyton says, getting to the point
Leo struggles not to laugh in front of Gen. Breyton, but can't help himself as he sort of smiles and lets out a few chuckles.
"Sir, off the record?", Leo asks as he composes himself and assuming their conversation was somehow being recorded as per usual military protocol.
"We're not even on the record Lieutenant - yet", Gen. Breyton responds.
"Okay then.....Sir, no disrespect meant, but I don't think that's any of your business", Leo exclaims, stopping short of getting personal with Gen. Breyton.
"When it comes to the men and women on this battlefield and where their minds are focused, believe me, IT IS my business", Gen. Breyton exclaims in response
"Umm....Okay", Leo says, still trying to figure out where Gen. Breyton is taking the conversation.
"Now....Umm....I see a lot of things on this base", Gen. Breyton says. "I also HEAR a lot of things too", Gen. Breyton continues before Leo could respond if he so chose
"Much of what I hear is just stuff for the rumor mill", he continues.
"But what's NOT destined for the rumor mill is what I've been hearing about two soldiers of equal rank IN MY COMMAND having sex while in the back of an Apache Helicopter.
"Well I should think that would be a pretty serious offense sir", Leo says "But I fail to see what that has to do with me sir", Leo continues.
"Well, that's a bit of a surprise", Gen. Breyton says "Because EACH & EVERY time someone on base brings up the subject within my earshot, YOUR NAME IS THE FIRST ONE THAT COMES UP!", Gen. Breyton exclaims
This sends a jolt through Leo as he thinks of all the potatoes he will be stuck peeling for the next week for the mess hall cooks.
*************************************************
SCENE TWO - Waiting Room - Chippequah Memorial Hospital
*************************************************
"I've got an idea", Marcie says
"What's that?", Stephanie asks
"Let's test her memory loss", Marcie says
"How will we do that", Stephanie asks
"Easy", Marcie says. "Be blunt with her", she continues.
David looks up from the magazine he was reading and looks at Marcie as though she herself has lost her mind
"Are you crazy?", David asks "You saw how she reacted", he continues
"David, what have we got to lose?", Stephanie asks. "Afterall, we are dealing with Jennifer, you know", she continues
"Yeah, but even so, did either of you notice that dazed look on her face", David asks. "Not even she is capable of faking something like that and make it look real", he continues "We're total strangers to her", David exclaims "She doesn't remember us", David says
"Either that or she doesn't want to", Stephanie says with a bit of cynicism.
"Right", Marcie says. "But we won't know that until we test her", she continues
"I think you're both insane, but I'll go along with it", David says "Somebody has to be there to do damage control", he continues
"Great then. Let's go.", Marcie says "We've only got 10 more minutes until visiting hours are over for the day", she continues as she grabs her stuff and heads for Jennifer's room. David relunctantly follows as Stephanie follows Marcie.
*********************************
SCENE THREE - Gen. Breyton's Office - Baghdad, Iraq
*********************************
"Now then, I can't do anything about the past or things which aren't reported to me", Gen. Breyton says, knowing he has Leo's full and undivided attention "But I can do something about now and the future and things which I have knowledge of".
Gen. Breyton's secretary Melinda sticks her head in the door.
"Sir....Gen. Fulcher is on line 3", Melinda says.
"Not now Melinda", Gen. Breyton says "Take a message", he orders.
"Sir, if you have a phone call.....", Leo says, getting Melinda's attention just as she acknowledges the order and starts to close the door. He then starts to make a leave, knowing he doesn't want to hear what Gen. Breyton may have in mind.
"ATTENTION", Gen. Breyton barks out, getting both Melinda, even though she's a civilian support worker, and Leo to react and respond to authority.
"First off....", Gen. Breyton says, noticing the scene he's caused "Melinda....While I admire your respect for military protocol, you're not military. Therefore, you do not need to stand at attention", he adds
Melinda resumes normal civilian stance and exhales breath as though she was intentionally holding it in during her attempt at standing a full military attention.
"On top of that, you are dismissed and have your orders. Carry them out", he says.
She closes the door as she leaves.
"Now as for you McFadden....", the Gen. continues "You wouldn't happen to know a woman named Cassandra Whitmore, would you?"
"Sir, yes sir", Leo answers in a tone of regret, but still at full military attention
"She's the second name that came up", Gen. Breyton says. "From what I hear, the two of you had quite a romp in the back of that helicopter", the Gen. adds.
"Sir, yes sir", Leo says, still in the same regretful tone
"Well...I would imagine you've been told by now that she was sent home due to pregnancy", Gen. Breyton says.
"Sir, yes sir", Leo says in a bit more normal voice
"It's also my understanding that you're married, correct?", Gen. Breyton asks
"Sir, yes sir", Leo repeats, this time knowing he's been caught
"Does your wife know about your "tryst' with Lt. Whitmore?", Gen. Breyton asks
"Sir, off the record?", Leo requests.
"Okay, but at ease now", Gen. Breyton responds
"It's none of your business sir", Leo exclaims
"As I said before McFadden, when it comes to the men and women under my command in this battlefield, whatever personal matters they are pre-occupied with IS my business", Gen. Breyton responds.
Leo now knows he's at the mercy of Gen. Breyton and looks as if he's begging for it.
******************************************
SCENE FOUR - Chippequah Memorial Hospital
******************************************
"Girls....Lemme call Brad first", David says
"Do you honestly think Brad is going to want any part of Jennifer?", Stephanie says
"Won't know unless we ask", David says as he whips out his cell phone.
"You're probably right. But Brad's probably still at The FonDu Lac working", Stephanie says, anxious to see Jennifer again
"We don't have much time sweetie", Marcie says as David dials up the number to The FonDuLac Hotel, where Brad works as Manager.
"Hello?", Brad says
"Hey Brad, it's me", David says
"David, what's up? Did you guys find Jennifer?", Brad asks
"Yeah we did, but there's a problem", David says
"Oh yeah, what could that be?", Brad sarcastically asks
"She has no memory", David tells Brad
"Sweetie, time's a wastin", Marcie whispers in David's ear. David brushes her off.
"Yeah....Just like her", Brad sarcastically says "That's what she wants you to believe", he adds
"Yeah....Well for what it might be worth to you, we're here at Chippequah Memorial Hospital and Marcie, Stephanie and I are about to test her memory loss. Marcie's idea. If you can bring yourself to come on down and help us out, it'd be much appreciated", David says
"Yeah....Well no offense dude, but if she's down in Chippequah, she can stay there for all I care as I'm through with her", Brad exclaims.
Before David can get another word in edgewise, we hear a clicking sound coming out of David's phone that's indicative of Brad hanging up on David.
"Now can we go in and try things MY way?", Marcie asks
"Yeah", David says "So much for a Plan B", he adds.
We now find Jennifer in her room laying down when David, Marcie & Stephanie walk in. Stephanie and Marcie have skeptical looks on their faces. David is emotionless.
"Hello again", Jane/Jennifer says "I'm afraid I still don't know who you are", she adds.
"You can cut the crap now Jennifer", Marcie exclaims
Jane/Jennifer has a look of surprise on her face.
"What? Excuse me?" she says
"Do you have any idea how many people who were worried about you Jennifer?", Stephanie angrily asks "ANY idea at all?", she continues
"I don't know what you're talking about", Jennifer/Jane says, now fearful of what might happen next
"We're talking about the accident", Marcie says "Was it an accident or did you try to kill yourself?" she continues "Do you have ANY clue as to the harm to our family you've caused?", she adds
"We've been worried sick over you", Stephanie says "We didn't know where you were", she continues "Why didn't you call? Why didn't you have someone here at the hospital here call us?" she adds
"I swear I don't know you", Jane/Jennifer says, now crying "I don't know....", she says as she's breaks down in tears.
Dr. Mathieson walks in and sees Jane/Jennifer in tears.
"You need to leave - NOW", Dr. Mathieson commands
"We were only testing her memory loss", Marcie says
"She has a history of lying, doctor", Stephanie says "We had to put her through this to find out if she's lying to us or not", she adds
"I could've told you that myself", Dr. Mathieson angrily responds "I thought I made myself perfectly clear to you when I said she had no memory", he continues "Now, please leave before I call security", he adds
"Of course", David says, dragging the two ladies out with him.
"Well....That went worse than I thought it would" David sarcastically says, rubbing things in even further as he, Stephanie and Marcie stand outside Jennifer's room looking in as Dr. Mathieson comforts Jennifer "Are you happy now?", David asks, looking mostly at his trembling wife Marcie. Stephanie is in tears too.
"Please David....Just shaddup. Just shut the fuck up", Marcie says, pleading with him to not rub things in further as she wipes away her tears.
"Let's just get out of here and go back to the hotel. Okay?", Stephanie pleads
"We should've done that in the first place while we were ahead", David says. "Let's go", he adds as the three of them look for the elevators.
******************************************
SCENE FIVE - Leo & Stacy's Home
******************************************
Stacy is seen sitting in her rocking chair with the remote control to the TV in her hand. She's channel-surfing in ann attempt to find something good to watch, but is getting frustrated with every channel change she makes.
"Ugh....There's NOTHING good on TV tonight", Stacy says to herself as she presses the OFF button on the Remote Control "Maybe I'll pop in a DVD or something", she says.
Suddenly the phone rings.
Rrrrriiiinnnngggg.....Rrrriiiinnnngggg the phone shrieks in its high pitched pulse tone as Stacy walks over to pick up the receiver.
"Hello?", she says
"Hey Stace, it's me, Brad", Brad says on the other end of the line, calling from the hotel where he works
"Ohh...Hi Brad. What's up?", Stacy asks
"Ohh...Not much", Brad says in response. "What's up with you?", he curiously asks
"Not much. Bored as hell. Nothin' on TV. Was just gonna pop in a DVD when you called", she says
"Well...How 'bout I stop on by then and....you know.....just talk? You know....Just bullshit", Brad offers "I'm off in about 30 minutes, so do you suppose I could see you in 45?", he asks.
"Sure." she says. "I don't see anything wrong with that", she continues.
"Great. See you then", Brad says
"Sure. Come on over.", Stacy says.
She hangs up the phone after Brad disconnects on his end and just gets sat down again when the doorbell rings.
Ding Dong, the doorbell cheerfully sounds. Stacy goes over to answer the door.
"That can't possibly be Brad", she says to herself. "Oh well...Maybe it's Trish", she continues as she reaches the door.
She then looks through the peephole, only to find it's a woman she doesn't know with what appears to be a baby. Stacy tentatively opens the door.
"May I help you?", Stacy asks
"Is this Leo McFadden's house?", Cassandra asks with a surprised look on her face.
"Who are you?", Stacy asks, demanding an answer
"I'm Cassandra Whitmore", Cassandra says "I'm the mother of his son".
She then brings Baby Christopher out.
"This our little boy Christopher. Doesn't he look just like Leo?" Cassandra asks batting her eyebrows and smiling as Stacy looks down at Christopher, wanting to deny the looks, but unable to do so.
As the episode closes, Stacy looks as though she's been punched in the gut as Cassandra continues to smile and rapidly bat her eyebrows.
********************************************************
On THE NEXT Edition Of AGAINST THE STORM
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* Stacy confronts Leo about Cassandra. What will he say? What will Gen. Breyton do now that Leo's caught?
* Will Brad rethink his position on Jennifer? We he try to help her regain her memory?
* Greg & Courtney have another meeting, but this time with lawyers in tow. What will happen?
Don't miss the next exciting episode.
See you all next time. :-)
This show is Copyright 2005 Pat Cook & Jeeper One Media - All Rights Reserved
Friday, January 14, 2005
Friday, January 7, 2005
Episode 09 - Cassandra Arrives In Cedarville
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SCENE ONE - Jennifer's Room - Chippequah Memorial Hospital
*************************************
Jennifer wanders around her bed as she stretches her legs. She is dressed in standard hospital garment and also has a huge bandage wrapped around her head. She looks on in a daze as Dr. Mathieson enters.
"Excuse me Jane, but there are some people here to see you", Dr. Mathieson says.
"People? To see ME?", Jane (a.k.a Jennifer) asks with a puzzled look on her face as she struggles to remember who might want to visit her.
"Yes. They claim to know you", Dr. Mathieson responds. "I believe they do.", he continued.
Jennifer/Jane still has a puzzled look on her face.
"In fact, I think they might be able to help you jog your memory. I really think you should see them", he continues even further.
"Well....Alright. If you think they'll help", Jennifer/Jane says, wanting to follow Dr. Mathieson's advice.
Dr. Mathieson exits. About a minute later, David, Marcie & Stephanie enter Jennifer/Jane's room, each with a nervous, yet excited look on their faces as if they think Jennifer will just embrace them upon sight. Jennifer/Jane faces them, but doesn't move and struggles to remember their faces and fumbles for words to greet them.
"Jennifer? Don't you remember me?", Stephanie asks, taking the initiative to introduce herself and inquire why Jennifer didn't embrace her and figuring it might be best to start one at a time.
"I'm your big sister Stephanie", Stephanie says, now in fear that Jennifer/Jane really doesn't remember any of them. David & Marcie look on with the same concern.
"Who are you? Why are you here? How do you know me?", Jennifer/Jane asks her visitors as Dr. Mathieson looks in through the window from outside.
"Well...As I said", Stephanie says "I'm you big sister Stephanie. You DO remember me, don't you?".
A long pause fills the room as Jennifer/Jane looks puzzled and tries to remember the people who've just entered her room claiming to be loved ones of hers.
"No", Jennifer/Jane says "I don't remember any of you. Honestly, I don't....", Jennifer/Jane says as her voice trails off at the end. David tries to hold Marcie up as begins to sob. Stephanie looks devastated.
"I'm sorry", Jennifer/Jane says. "I didn't want to make you cry", she continues "I just don't remember" she adds as she begins to cry.
"It's okay Jennifer. It's okay", David says, trying to hold everyone, including himself, up and trying to remain strong. "It's okay. It's not your fault. It's not your fault".
*************************************************
SCENE TWO - The FonDuLac Restaurant
*************************************************
Greg is sitting at a table as Courtney approaches.
"Honestly, I don't know what the hell this will accomplish, but suffice to say, I'm here Greg. So let's get started", Courtney says as she walks up and sits down across the table in front of him.
"What the hell do you want?", Courtney snappingly asks
"I prefer to think of this as a meeting of the minds", says Greg Courtney gives a look that leaves her mouth open and her toungue a runway for flies as she tries to figure out just what Greg meant by his statement
"A meeting of the minds........Okay.....", she finally says after a long pause.
"Yes" says Greg "Because you see....If this goes to court and once the words CHILD ABUSE are uttered and YOU are the one stamped with the label (which you will be), the media will have a field day". he continues. "I'm hoping that, for the sake of our children, you and I can reach an amicable solution our this little problem before it gets out of hand" he adds.
Courtney looks as though she's still trying to figure out why she's even partaking in this conversation with Greg.
"You might consider it PR Damage Control" he adds.
"For YOU, maybe" Courtney counters. "But there's one thing you seem to forget", she continues. "You already have one strike against you." she says. "Yes Greg, I remember the preliminary hearing quite well. You tried to hit me up with child abuse charges and look what it got you", she adds.
"A smirk from the judge and a one way ticket out of the courtroom with your head tucked between your legs", she laughingly says.
"I may have lost the battle, but the war is far from over", Greg responds "Unless of course you give me what I want", he continues. "Then, it'll all go away", he adds.
"Just like that, huh?", Courtney asks as she snaps her fingers "What kind of fool do you play me for Gregory?"
"I don't play you for a fool because I know you're not one", he responds.
"Well...I was a fool in at least one respect", she said "Thinking we could actually sit down at a public restaurant and have a civil conversation", she adds. "We can't even do that anymore", she continues.
Greg looks unfazed.
"So unless you actually have something earthshatteringly important like....giving me what I want....which I already know isn't going to happen and then some, I have a life....not to mention OUR KIDS.....I need to get back to", Courtney says as she gets up from her chair. "Anything beyond that, you can have your lawyer call mine - Assuming they have the phone number and something earthshatteringly important that is. I'd hate to have my lawyer's life interrupted too by your senseless little mind games", she adds. Courtney leaves as Michelle approaches.
"And a fine how-do-you-do to you too, Miss Goody Two Shoes", Michelle says in Courtney's direction before turning to Greg.
"I assume you won't be ordering anything now, am I correct Greg?", Michelle asks
"No, I think I'll salvage a little something out of this by ordering dinner for myself", Greg says.
****************************************************
SCENE THREE - The FonDuLac Restaurant
****************************************************
Stacy is seen walking inside and is shown to a table by one of the waiters. She sits down and orders a glass of water. A minute later, Trish walks in and approaches Stacy's table.
"Hey....", Stacy says as she spots Trish and greets her like the friend she is.
"May I sit down or are you expecting someone?, Trish asks as she approaches the table
"Not anyone in particular if that's what you mean, but yeah...Make yourself at home", Stacy says
"So what brings you by here?", Trish asks as she sits down
"Ohh....Just wanted to get out for awhile. You?", Stacy responds
The waiter returns with Stacy's water and asks Trish if she'd like anything. Trish orders a club soda. The waiter rushes off to get Trish's club soda.
"Business", Trish responds "Brian Waterman is bringing some stuff by for me to see. Nothing you'd be interested in though"
"Ohh...", Stacy says.
"So...Has Leo called you today?", Trish asks knowing exactly where she's going with the question.
"Nope", Stacy says
"So when are you finally going to tell him about that", Trish asks, pointing to Stacy's bulging belly "You know Leo is going to figure it out sooner or later", Trish adds
"Trish, I know alright?", Stacy says, tired of everyone nagging her about the matter and talking about it
"Okaaaayyy", Trish says, knowing it's a `Hot Button' issue with Stacy and she just contributed to it yet again
**************************************************************************
SCENE FOUR - Breakfast line - Baghdad, Iraq - Two hours later
**************************************************************************
Leo and his roommates walk in. Gen. Breyton approaches
"Lt. McFadden, I want you in my office as soon as you're through eating", Gen. Breyton orders as his roommates salute him
"Sir Yes Sir", Leo quietly but properly responds as he salutes the General.
"Johnny Appleseed is in the doghouse now" one of the cooks tauntingly says as his roommates laugh in agreement and look at Leo
"Just give me my fuckin' food", Leo commands
"Whoa....What side of the bed did you get up on this morning", the cook asks
"The same one I always do. The right", Leo responds "Now are you gonna give me my fuckin' food or are you gonna make me like fuckin' starve all damn day?", he sarcastically adds
"Keep your shirt on bro. Was only messin' with ya. Here ya go", the cook says as he hands Leo the portion of the meal he's assigned to dish out. Leo moves on to the next portion.
"You know man, you're gonna have to tell you-know-who about you-know-who", Tony says as Leo rolls his eyes and contorts his face.
"Can I at least get my fuckin' breakfast down my fuckin' throat before you guys start in with the fuckin' Cassandra bullshit - DAMN", Leo says as shakes his head he gives Tony a look of KILL
"I swear I can't go ANYWHERE without hearing this crap come up" Leo says to himself while grinding his teeth
"Excuuuse me", Tony says
***********************************************************
SCENE FIVE - Acme Airlines Flight #499 - Mid-Air
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Cassandra is nursing Christopher while other children with another traveler are behaving in their usual child-like manner. The two women engage in a conversation.
"He sure is handsome", the woman with the children across from Cassandra says
"He's more than handsome", Cassandra says "He's my bundle of joy. The one reason I get up in the morning", she adds
"Wait a couple of years", the woman says, drawing from her obvious experience "Then there won't be a thing safe enough to keep away from him"
"I'm actually looking forward to that, and so much more", Cassandra says
The woman looks shocked
"Girl...What sort of magic powers do you have that I don't know about?", the woman asks as she spots one of her children trying to climb into Cassandra's lap "Get away from her", the woman to says to her child, admonishing and scolding the little boy
"I'm so sorry. My children are climbers", the woman apologetically says
"Ohh...Don't worry. He didn't bother me. Looks like you have a load", Cassandra said as she counted the children
"Ohh....TELL ME ABOUT IT", the woman says as she rolls her eyes and laughs a little.
"Ladies & gentlemen....This is your captain speaking. We are on final approach to Cedarville International Airport", the captain interrupts through the plane's PA system. He then proceeds to give the usual requests made of passengers and flight crew during this phase of any flight and thanks the passengers for flying Acme Airlines. The NO SMOKING and FASTEN SEAT BELT lights are turned on as the flight attendants make their way up and down the row of seats to ensure compliance with the captain's requests. One of the flight attendants helps the woman with the children in securing them before the woman finally fastens her own seat belt. By this time, Cassandra has already fastened her seat belt and has done everything else asked of her by the captain except securing Christopher.
"I'm sorry ma'am, but you'll need to secure the baby", one of the flight attendants says
"But I'm brerast feeding him right now", Cassandra says
"Can it wait till we land?", the attendant asks
"I suppose so. He's probably had enough for right now", Cassandra says as she gently nudges Christopher away from her nipple
"If it's a health issue, I can allow you to continue, but you'll have to hang on to him a little tighter than you normally would.
"Are we in for a rough landing", Cassandra asks with concern
"Ohh...no....no", the attendant says "It's just it's much safer if the baby is properly secured. That's all", the attendant adds.
"Ohh...okay", Cassandra says, feeling relieved. "Well....My child won't be a problem because I'm going to secure him now". she adds.
"Very well", the attendant says and then leaves
"Roundin' the home stretch" the woman with the now-secured children says
"Yep. Homeward bound", Cassandra says *You've got that right sister*, Cassandra thinks to herself as the plane starts its downward descent.
*********************************************************
On THE NEXT Edition Of AGAINST THE STORM
*********************************************************
* Now that Cassandra is in Cedarville, can Leo prevent a marital disaster in time by telling Stacy about Cassandra? Will he confess his infidelities to Stacy? What (if any) influence will Gen. Breyton have on Leo's decision?
* Marcie & Stephanie decide to put Jennifer's memory loss to a test which David isn't happy about. What will this "test" be? How will Jennifer's react?
* Will Stacy FINALLY tell Leo about the baby SHE is carrying or will her insecurities get the best of her once again?
* Brad gets the news on Jennifer's whereabouts. Will he help her or continue to wash his hands of her?
All on THE NEXT Edition of AGAINST THE STORM.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A SPECIAL NOTE FROM ALL OF US AT AGAINST THE STORM
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
All of us here at AGAINST THE STORM would like to take time out to wish ALL mothers in cyberspace a VERY HAPPY MOTHERS DAY.
See you all next time. :-)
This show is Copyright 2005 Pat Cook & Jeeper One Media - All Rights Reserved.
SCENE ONE - Jennifer's Room - Chippequah Memorial Hospital
*************************************
Jennifer wanders around her bed as she stretches her legs. She is dressed in standard hospital garment and also has a huge bandage wrapped around her head. She looks on in a daze as Dr. Mathieson enters.
"Excuse me Jane, but there are some people here to see you", Dr. Mathieson says.
"People? To see ME?", Jane (a.k.a Jennifer) asks with a puzzled look on her face as she struggles to remember who might want to visit her.
"Yes. They claim to know you", Dr. Mathieson responds. "I believe they do.", he continued.
Jennifer/Jane still has a puzzled look on her face.
"In fact, I think they might be able to help you jog your memory. I really think you should see them", he continues even further.
"Well....Alright. If you think they'll help", Jennifer/Jane says, wanting to follow Dr. Mathieson's advice.
Dr. Mathieson exits. About a minute later, David, Marcie & Stephanie enter Jennifer/Jane's room, each with a nervous, yet excited look on their faces as if they think Jennifer will just embrace them upon sight. Jennifer/Jane faces them, but doesn't move and struggles to remember their faces and fumbles for words to greet them.
"Jennifer? Don't you remember me?", Stephanie asks, taking the initiative to introduce herself and inquire why Jennifer didn't embrace her and figuring it might be best to start one at a time.
"I'm your big sister Stephanie", Stephanie says, now in fear that Jennifer/Jane really doesn't remember any of them. David & Marcie look on with the same concern.
"Who are you? Why are you here? How do you know me?", Jennifer/Jane asks her visitors as Dr. Mathieson looks in through the window from outside.
"Well...As I said", Stephanie says "I'm you big sister Stephanie. You DO remember me, don't you?".
A long pause fills the room as Jennifer/Jane looks puzzled and tries to remember the people who've just entered her room claiming to be loved ones of hers.
"No", Jennifer/Jane says "I don't remember any of you. Honestly, I don't....", Jennifer/Jane says as her voice trails off at the end. David tries to hold Marcie up as begins to sob. Stephanie looks devastated.
"I'm sorry", Jennifer/Jane says. "I didn't want to make you cry", she continues "I just don't remember" she adds as she begins to cry.
"It's okay Jennifer. It's okay", David says, trying to hold everyone, including himself, up and trying to remain strong. "It's okay. It's not your fault. It's not your fault".
*************************************************
SCENE TWO - The FonDuLac Restaurant
*************************************************
Greg is sitting at a table as Courtney approaches.
"Honestly, I don't know what the hell this will accomplish, but suffice to say, I'm here Greg. So let's get started", Courtney says as she walks up and sits down across the table in front of him.
"What the hell do you want?", Courtney snappingly asks
"I prefer to think of this as a meeting of the minds", says Greg Courtney gives a look that leaves her mouth open and her toungue a runway for flies as she tries to figure out just what Greg meant by his statement
"A meeting of the minds........Okay.....", she finally says after a long pause.
"Yes" says Greg "Because you see....If this goes to court and once the words CHILD ABUSE are uttered and YOU are the one stamped with the label (which you will be), the media will have a field day". he continues. "I'm hoping that, for the sake of our children, you and I can reach an amicable solution our this little problem before it gets out of hand" he adds.
Courtney looks as though she's still trying to figure out why she's even partaking in this conversation with Greg.
"You might consider it PR Damage Control" he adds.
"For YOU, maybe" Courtney counters. "But there's one thing you seem to forget", she continues. "You already have one strike against you." she says. "Yes Greg, I remember the preliminary hearing quite well. You tried to hit me up with child abuse charges and look what it got you", she adds.
"A smirk from the judge and a one way ticket out of the courtroom with your head tucked between your legs", she laughingly says.
"I may have lost the battle, but the war is far from over", Greg responds "Unless of course you give me what I want", he continues. "Then, it'll all go away", he adds.
"Just like that, huh?", Courtney asks as she snaps her fingers "What kind of fool do you play me for Gregory?"
"I don't play you for a fool because I know you're not one", he responds.
"Well...I was a fool in at least one respect", she said "Thinking we could actually sit down at a public restaurant and have a civil conversation", she adds. "We can't even do that anymore", she continues.
Greg looks unfazed.
"So unless you actually have something earthshatteringly important like....giving me what I want....which I already know isn't going to happen and then some, I have a life....not to mention OUR KIDS.....I need to get back to", Courtney says as she gets up from her chair. "Anything beyond that, you can have your lawyer call mine - Assuming they have the phone number and something earthshatteringly important that is. I'd hate to have my lawyer's life interrupted too by your senseless little mind games", she adds. Courtney leaves as Michelle approaches.
"And a fine how-do-you-do to you too, Miss Goody Two Shoes", Michelle says in Courtney's direction before turning to Greg.
"I assume you won't be ordering anything now, am I correct Greg?", Michelle asks
"No, I think I'll salvage a little something out of this by ordering dinner for myself", Greg says.
****************************************************
SCENE THREE - The FonDuLac Restaurant
****************************************************
Stacy is seen walking inside and is shown to a table by one of the waiters. She sits down and orders a glass of water. A minute later, Trish walks in and approaches Stacy's table.
"Hey....", Stacy says as she spots Trish and greets her like the friend she is.
"May I sit down or are you expecting someone?, Trish asks as she approaches the table
"Not anyone in particular if that's what you mean, but yeah...Make yourself at home", Stacy says
"So what brings you by here?", Trish asks as she sits down
"Ohh....Just wanted to get out for awhile. You?", Stacy responds
The waiter returns with Stacy's water and asks Trish if she'd like anything. Trish orders a club soda. The waiter rushes off to get Trish's club soda.
"Business", Trish responds "Brian Waterman is bringing some stuff by for me to see. Nothing you'd be interested in though"
"Ohh...", Stacy says.
"So...Has Leo called you today?", Trish asks knowing exactly where she's going with the question.
"Nope", Stacy says
"So when are you finally going to tell him about that", Trish asks, pointing to Stacy's bulging belly "You know Leo is going to figure it out sooner or later", Trish adds
"Trish, I know alright?", Stacy says, tired of everyone nagging her about the matter and talking about it
"Okaaaayyy", Trish says, knowing it's a `Hot Button' issue with Stacy and she just contributed to it yet again
**************************************************************************
SCENE FOUR - Breakfast line - Baghdad, Iraq - Two hours later
**************************************************************************
Leo and his roommates walk in. Gen. Breyton approaches
"Lt. McFadden, I want you in my office as soon as you're through eating", Gen. Breyton orders as his roommates salute him
"Sir Yes Sir", Leo quietly but properly responds as he salutes the General.
"Johnny Appleseed is in the doghouse now" one of the cooks tauntingly says as his roommates laugh in agreement and look at Leo
"Just give me my fuckin' food", Leo commands
"Whoa....What side of the bed did you get up on this morning", the cook asks
"The same one I always do. The right", Leo responds "Now are you gonna give me my fuckin' food or are you gonna make me like fuckin' starve all damn day?", he sarcastically adds
"Keep your shirt on bro. Was only messin' with ya. Here ya go", the cook says as he hands Leo the portion of the meal he's assigned to dish out. Leo moves on to the next portion.
"You know man, you're gonna have to tell you-know-who about you-know-who", Tony says as Leo rolls his eyes and contorts his face.
"Can I at least get my fuckin' breakfast down my fuckin' throat before you guys start in with the fuckin' Cassandra bullshit - DAMN", Leo says as shakes his head he gives Tony a look of KILL
"I swear I can't go ANYWHERE without hearing this crap come up" Leo says to himself while grinding his teeth
"Excuuuse me", Tony says
***********************************************************
SCENE FIVE - Acme Airlines Flight #499 - Mid-Air
***********************************************************
Cassandra is nursing Christopher while other children with another traveler are behaving in their usual child-like manner. The two women engage in a conversation.
"He sure is handsome", the woman with the children across from Cassandra says
"He's more than handsome", Cassandra says "He's my bundle of joy. The one reason I get up in the morning", she adds
"Wait a couple of years", the woman says, drawing from her obvious experience "Then there won't be a thing safe enough to keep away from him"
"I'm actually looking forward to that, and so much more", Cassandra says
The woman looks shocked
"Girl...What sort of magic powers do you have that I don't know about?", the woman asks as she spots one of her children trying to climb into Cassandra's lap "Get away from her", the woman to says to her child, admonishing and scolding the little boy
"I'm so sorry. My children are climbers", the woman apologetically says
"Ohh...Don't worry. He didn't bother me. Looks like you have a load", Cassandra said as she counted the children
"Ohh....TELL ME ABOUT IT", the woman says as she rolls her eyes and laughs a little.
"Ladies & gentlemen....This is your captain speaking. We are on final approach to Cedarville International Airport", the captain interrupts through the plane's PA system. He then proceeds to give the usual requests made of passengers and flight crew during this phase of any flight and thanks the passengers for flying Acme Airlines. The NO SMOKING and FASTEN SEAT BELT lights are turned on as the flight attendants make their way up and down the row of seats to ensure compliance with the captain's requests. One of the flight attendants helps the woman with the children in securing them before the woman finally fastens her own seat belt. By this time, Cassandra has already fastened her seat belt and has done everything else asked of her by the captain except securing Christopher.
"I'm sorry ma'am, but you'll need to secure the baby", one of the flight attendants says
"But I'm brerast feeding him right now", Cassandra says
"Can it wait till we land?", the attendant asks
"I suppose so. He's probably had enough for right now", Cassandra says as she gently nudges Christopher away from her nipple
"If it's a health issue, I can allow you to continue, but you'll have to hang on to him a little tighter than you normally would.
"Are we in for a rough landing", Cassandra asks with concern
"Ohh...no....no", the attendant says "It's just it's much safer if the baby is properly secured. That's all", the attendant adds.
"Ohh...okay", Cassandra says, feeling relieved. "Well....My child won't be a problem because I'm going to secure him now". she adds.
"Very well", the attendant says and then leaves
"Roundin' the home stretch" the woman with the now-secured children says
"Yep. Homeward bound", Cassandra says *You've got that right sister*, Cassandra thinks to herself as the plane starts its downward descent.
*********************************************************
On THE NEXT Edition Of AGAINST THE STORM
*********************************************************
* Now that Cassandra is in Cedarville, can Leo prevent a marital disaster in time by telling Stacy about Cassandra? Will he confess his infidelities to Stacy? What (if any) influence will Gen. Breyton have on Leo's decision?
* Marcie & Stephanie decide to put Jennifer's memory loss to a test which David isn't happy about. What will this "test" be? How will Jennifer's react?
* Will Stacy FINALLY tell Leo about the baby SHE is carrying or will her insecurities get the best of her once again?
* Brad gets the news on Jennifer's whereabouts. Will he help her or continue to wash his hands of her?
All on THE NEXT Edition of AGAINST THE STORM.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
A SPECIAL NOTE FROM ALL OF US AT AGAINST THE STORM
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
All of us here at AGAINST THE STORM would like to take time out to wish ALL mothers in cyberspace a VERY HAPPY MOTHERS DAY.
See you all next time. :-)
This show is Copyright 2005 Pat Cook & Jeeper One Media - All Rights Reserved.
Friday, December 31, 2004
Episode 08 - Cassandra Heads For Cedarville
*********************************************
SCENE ONE - Months have gone by since the last episode. As Spring reaches full bloom, we see Cassandra Whitmore at home with her baby boy Christopher. As we zoom in on them, we see they are preparing for a plane trip.
*********************************************
"We're going to go see daddy" Cassandra says.
Christopher sees a picture of what appears to be Leo in uniform and says in his usual baby talk "Da Da" as he points to Leo's picture.
"Yes. That's your daddy", Cassandra excitedly says, almost giggling in the process. "Won't he be surprised to see us too, especially after all these months" she says to herself in a sarcastic manner as she hugs Christopher.
"Yep. Daddy's little secret will be exposed. Or I'll expose him!", she says with a smile and almost vengefully.
*****************************************
SCENE TWO - Baghdad, Iraq - Leo's quarters.
******************************************
Leo and his buddies are sleeping after a long day's work. While he is sleeping, Leo starts dreaming of the reception he may have given what he knows about Cassandra and what she's capable of doing now that she's back in the states.
**********************************
BEGIN LEO DREAM SCENE
**********************************
"It's good to be back home again", Leo says as he and Stacy kiss.
"I missed you" she says.
"Missed you too babe" he says.
"Really?" she says with more authority. "Well, to be honest, WE ALL missed you", she says as she opens the door with Cassandra and Christopher standing just inside.
Leo fumbles for words in respose to the sight before him
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Leo is seen tossing and turning in his bunk bed as we continue.....
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Aren't you going to introduce us?" Stacy sarcastically asks.
"Hi there lover boy" Cassandra says as she puckers her lips for a kiss and blows it out towards him and waves her hand as she holds a sleeping Christopher in her arms.
"Ehh.....Stace......I honestly don't know who this woman is", Leo says, trying to cover up his story.
"Don't be so coy Leo. You don't think I know? How long did you think you could hide this from me?". Stacy adamantly says.
"GET A DAMN CLUE LEO. You got this woman pregnant, didn't you?", Stacy says.
"NO. I don't even know who she is". Leo says, still trying to cover his ass.
"Well she seems to know YOU". Stacy says.
"Quite well in fact" says Cassandra as she walks up to him, still with Christopher in her arms.
"What's the matter Leo? Cat got your tounge?" Cassandra sarcastically says as Stacy walks into the house.
"What the hell are you doing here? How long have you been here?" Leo demandingly asks.
"You don't remember our little 'dirty secret' done in the back of that Apache helicopter?" Cassandra asks.
"I remember." Leo admittingly says as he looks at Christopher "Whose kid is this?" he continues, feeling really nervous.
"Why....Dear lover boy.....He's YOURS". Cassandra says. "Meet your son Christopher", she continues. "Doesn't he look just like you?"
"No....No....NO he doesn't". Leo kneejerkingly says. "Take him away".
"What's wrong Leo? Truth hurts, doesn't it?", Cassandra tauntingly asks.
"Ohh sure. Just as soon as your attorney and mine both draw up paperwork for a little something called CHILD SUPPORT" says Cassandra.
"Afterall, we wouldn't want to put a damper on the big parade & BIG HERO'S WELCOME honoring Cedarville's BEST with something as 'petty' as this, now would we?", Cassandra says.
"Get off my property NOW before I call the police and have you charged with bribery, blackmail, extortion and anything else they can think of" Leo demandingly says
"Ohh...BY ALL MEANS....DO call the police", Cassandra says. "If you do, I'll have you charged with being a DEADBEAT DADDY" she sternly continues. "If that happens, there's NO WAY IN HELL ANYONE will show up at Town Square for your 'big hero's welcome because NO ONE WILL GIVE A DAMN".
********************************
END LEO DREAM SCENE
********************************
Leo is now tossing and turning in his bunk so hard he's awakened his buddy, Tyrone, who was sleeping above him.
"No" Leo repeatedy says as Tyrone reaches him wondering what's going on.
"Yo...Leo....Wake up dude" Tyrone says. "Wake up". he continues (Tyrone continues this until Leo wakes up)
"Ty" Leo finally says. "What the hell happened man? Where are we?", Leo continues.
"We're still in Iraq and you were having a bad dream or something". "You alright", Tyrone asks with concern.
By this time, Tony, who is Leo's other buddy, also wakes up.
"What the hell is going on over there? I'm dogged tired", Tony says as he tries to go back to sleep.
"Nothin' man. 'Tis okay. Leo just had a bad dream. That's all" Tyrone says.
"Whatever. Just go back to sleep". Tony says facing the pillow which his head is also resting on.
"Wanna talk about it?" Tyrone asks Leo.
******************************************
SCENE THREE - Chippequah Memorial Hospital
******************************************
Jennifer is seen sleeping in bed. She has a bandage wrapped around her head. Just outside her room, siblings David, Marcie and Stephanie have just arrived after being told of her being treated there as a result of being brought in by a "Good Samaritan". She had no ID on her person and her purse had never been recovered. The hospital had been treating her as a Jane Doe until they learned otherwise. Unfortunately, Jennifer doesn't realize her name isn't "Jane". She is under the care of Dr. James Mathieson. Stephanie, David, Marcie and Dr. Mathieson are joined by Investigator Trombley from the State Police.
"Thank you for coming", Dr. Mathieson said
"You think you have been treating my sister Jennifer, correct?" Marcie asks.
"Not only do we think, but we also now KNOW that Jennifer is here".
"I don't understand", Stephanie says with a puzzled look on her face.
"The DNA sample which you gave us was traced and matched to a Jane Doe being treated here in Chippequah", Investigator Trombley said.
David, Marcie and Stephanie all look excited.
"Y...Y....You mean Jennifer's here?" David excitedly, but inquisitively asks.
"Yes". Dr. Mathieson says.
"Wait....Wait....Wait. How do you know this?" Marcie asks. "We've been searching high and low for her", she continues. "Better question....How long has she been here?" she persistingly asks.
"She's been here since the accident". Dr Mathieson says. "That would be just about six months" he continues.
"So....Why are just now finding all this out?" David asks
"Because up until the last couple of months....January or February or so....There was no suitable place on Jennifer where we could get a usable DNA sample to send to proper authorities such as yourselves to cross reference to missing persons cases", Dr. Mathieson said.
"Right. But it's now May Dr. umm...." Marcie says, trying to remember Dr. Mathieson's name.
"Mathieson", Dr. Mathieson said. "And I can only assume that with all the missing persons everywhere, there was little doubt it would take time to trickle down to the right person.", he continues. "We thought we had a match a few other times before, but...." Dr. Mathieson says
"I see", Marcie says, interrupting him.
"Do you suppose we could see her?" Stephanie curiously asks.
"Yeah, but there are a few things you should know first", Dr. Mathieson says.
"Okay....Like what?" David asks
"We think Jennifer has amnesia", Dr. Mathieson said. "Basically put, she has no memory", he continues.
"Doc, what do you mean she has no memory?" David asked.
"Just that". Dr. Mathieson responds.
Stephanie, David and Marcie all look puzzled. Investigator Trombley is emotionless.
"To give you an example of what I mean, one of the nurses told me when she (Jennifer) was asked what her name was, she had to look at her chart before she could answer the question", Dr. Mathieson continues. "This was when she was still known as a Jane Doe and her chart had that name on it", he adds.
"Ever since then, she thinks her name is Jane. Jane Doe", Dr. Mathieson continues.
"Ohh brother", Marcie exclaims as David rolls his eyes and Stephanie sighs and shakes her head.
***********************************************************
SCENE THREE - LaGuardia Airport, New York City
***********************************************************
Cassandra Whitmore and her son Christopher are going through security.
"Next please" says one of the TSA Agents at the checkpoint. Cassandra approaches.
"Walk through the metal detector please" says TSA Agent #1 Cassandra complies. The metal detector beeps as she's waking through.
"Maam, I need you to please go through your pockets and place anything that's metal into this tray", the agent says.
Cassandra embarrassingly rummages through her pockets, but doesn't find anything metal, but then it hits her that her military issue dog tag and necklace around her neck would trigger the detector.
"I think these are the culprits", Cassandra says, pointing to her dog tag and necklace.
"Please remove them and put them in the tray", TSA Agent #1 says as she brings out the search wand to do a manual scan.
"Just to make sure there's nothing else, I'm going to search you using this device, okay?", the agent says.
"I assure you I'm not a terrorist", Cassandra says as she embarrasingly spreads her arms out. "In fact, up until a few months ago, I was fighting terrorists in the Middle East as an active military officer", she contends.
"We're sure you have been, but we need to make sure you don't have any contraband in your possession", TSA Agent #2 says. "Since you've been out of the country and among our armed forces in the Middle East, are you aware of the latest items which you can and cannot take on board an aircraft?" TSA Agent #2 asks as her partner completes the manual check
"Ohh yes. I downloaded the latest list from the TSA website. Thank you", Cassandra said.
"Well, it looks as though you could be right Maam", TSA Agent #1 says. "But let's do this first...Please step back through the detector and then back towards me" the agent continues.
"C'mon lady", a tourist way back in the line exclaims. Cassandra ignores the remark and complies with the agent. The detector beeps again.
"Next, I will need to check your baby's carriage for any metal items that may be hidden there. Please undo the straps and lift your child up so I can see", says TSA Agent #1. Cassandra complies. The agent finds nothing.
"Now I will do a quick scan of the baby", TSA Agent #1 says as she hovers her wand scanner over and around Christopher. He begins to cry.
"Oooo....It's okay sweetie. The lady is just doing her job", Cassandra says, trying to reassure Christopher while giving the TSA Agent a glare that says that''s ALL she'd better be doing.
"I'll still be able to fly out today, right", Cassandra asks with concern.
"As far as we can tell, yes you will, but you'll just need to undergo a more complete screening", the Agent says, trying to relieve Cassandra of her concerns. "I'm going to mention the dog tags and necklace on this ticket that I'm about to give you so then this way the next screener will know about them ahead of time, All you'll need to do is to give the ticket to the screener at the next checkpoint", the Agent continues.
"Once you do that, then just simply follow the instructions they give you and repeat the process until you have cleared all checkpoints, okay?", the Agent said.
"Thanks", Cassandra said as she takes the ticket.
"Have a safe trip. Next please", TSA Agent #1 says as Cassandra grabs her luggage and moves on to the next checkpoint.
******************************************************
SCENE FOUR - Leo's quarters - Baghdad, Iraq
******************************************************
"I had this dream that Cassandra told Stacy about our affair and the baby", Leo says to Tyrone in an almost whispering fashion so that Tony can sleep. "The thing is, I haven't told her myself", he continues.
"Dude....Like I keep tellin' ya, you're playing with fire", Tyrone says. "And one of these days, you're going to be left wondering why she hasn't called you or emailed you or nothin'. Know what I mean?", Ty continues.
"I know man, but HOW do you just simply tell your wife that you HAD an affair with another woman who just happened to have been serving your country with you AND gave birth to your child?", Leo asks. "Lemme know when you come up with an answer for that one matchmaking genius", he continues.
"Hey...Lemme know when you guys are going to go back to sleep so I can expect to be able to do the same", Tony frustratingly exclaims as he tries to go back to sleep.
Tyrone dims his locker light and redirects it away from Tony.
"Well....All I'm gonna say is you had better tell her", Ty said. "You know Cassandra is back in the states and you know she can do WONDEROUS things to ruin what's left of your marriage" he continues.
"Man Ty, Leo....Talk about it TOMORROW. Go back to sleep dudes. 0500 is fuckin' early and I'm getting fuckin' pissed", Tony adamantly cries out.
"We'll talk about this tomorrow Ty. I need to get back to sleep myself", Leo says.
Ty shakes his head as he stands up, turns off his locker light and climbs back into bed.
*****************************************************
SCENE FIVE - Chippequah Memorial Hospital
*****************************************************
"So, what you're telling us is she probably won't even know who we are?" Stephanie asks
"Not just probably", Dr. Mathieson says. "She won't know who you are", he exclaims
David, Marcie & Stephanie try to absorb all the information Dr. Mathieson has given them.
"Remember, she has no memory, which means she won't know either of you or anyone else she's been with before either", Dr. Mathieson continues
"So, what can we do?" Marcie asks. "How can we help her?"
"You can help her simply by being there for her", Dr. Mathieson responds. "You can also help her with photos of people (ideally during happy occasions such as a wedding for example)", he continues.
"We can rule out wedding pictures", Stephanie exclaims, interrupting Dr. Mathieson. "Those don't exactly back fond memories", she continues.
"Well, I'm sure you'll come up with something else then", Dr. Mathieson says.
"I don't know about the girls but uhh....I'd like to see her if that's possible", David says.
"I think that can be arranged, though I should remind you....She won't know you", Dr. Mathieson says. "It'd be like visiting the room of a complete stranger", he adds.
"If that's what you want to do, I'd be happy to set it up", Dr. Mathieson continues.
"Of course. Please do. We all want to see her", Stephanie says.
"Well then, in that case, just give me a few minutes with umm..."Jane" so I can prepare her and then you can see her, okay?", Dr. Mathieson offers.
"Fair enough", David says. "Unless there's anything else, we'll be in the waiting area", he continues.
"That's it", Dr. Mathieson responds.
David, Marcie & Stephanie leave Dr. Mathieson's office followed by Dr. Mathieson himself, who's seen talking with a nurse at the nurses station on the floor.
**********************************************************************************
SCENE SIX - Acme Airlines Flight #499 - NYC/LaGuardia To Cedarville
**********************************************************************************
Cassandra has made her way past the rest of security and is now on board the plane that will take her and her son Christopher to Cedarville.
"It won't be long now sweetie", Cassandra says as Christopher is looking all around the aircraft and making verbal baby noises.
"Daddy's in for a big surprise", she continues. "A REAL big surprise", she adds with a devilish eyebrow-raising smile.
**************************************************
On The NEXT Edition Of Against The Storm
**************************************************
* Cassandra arrives at Leo & Stacy's house. Can Leo prevent a marital disaster in time by telling Stacy about Cassandra? Will he confess his infidelities to Stacy? Will Stacy FINALLY tell Leo about the baby SHE is carrying or will her insecurities get the best of her once again?
* David, Stephanie & Marcie visit Jennifer. Will Jennifer remember them or has she lost her memory?
* Will Greg & Courtney's marital woes come to a head?
Don't miss the next episode!!
ATTENTION - You can now find Against The Storm at its NEW HOME which is http://againstthestorm.blogspot.com/ Thanks to our friends at Google for this WONDERFUL service. Our RSS Feed also has a new home at http://feeds.feedburner.com/AgainstTheStorm/ You can also access this feed by clicking on the ATS RSS Feed located near the upper right hand corner.
In the meantime.....This is Pat Cook saying SO LONG FOR NOW. :)
This show is Copyright 2005 Pat Cook & Jeeper One Media - All Rights Reserved.
SCENE ONE - Months have gone by since the last episode. As Spring reaches full bloom, we see Cassandra Whitmore at home with her baby boy Christopher. As we zoom in on them, we see they are preparing for a plane trip.
*********************************************
"We're going to go see daddy" Cassandra says.
Christopher sees a picture of what appears to be Leo in uniform and says in his usual baby talk "Da Da" as he points to Leo's picture.
"Yes. That's your daddy", Cassandra excitedly says, almost giggling in the process. "Won't he be surprised to see us too, especially after all these months" she says to herself in a sarcastic manner as she hugs Christopher.
"Yep. Daddy's little secret will be exposed. Or I'll expose him!", she says with a smile and almost vengefully.
*****************************************
SCENE TWO - Baghdad, Iraq - Leo's quarters.
******************************************
Leo and his buddies are sleeping after a long day's work. While he is sleeping, Leo starts dreaming of the reception he may have given what he knows about Cassandra and what she's capable of doing now that she's back in the states.
**********************************
BEGIN LEO DREAM SCENE
**********************************
"It's good to be back home again", Leo says as he and Stacy kiss.
"I missed you" she says.
"Missed you too babe" he says.
"Really?" she says with more authority. "Well, to be honest, WE ALL missed you", she says as she opens the door with Cassandra and Christopher standing just inside.
Leo fumbles for words in respose to the sight before him
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Leo is seen tossing and turning in his bunk bed as we continue.....
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"Aren't you going to introduce us?" Stacy sarcastically asks.
"Hi there lover boy" Cassandra says as she puckers her lips for a kiss and blows it out towards him and waves her hand as she holds a sleeping Christopher in her arms.
"Ehh.....Stace......I honestly don't know who this woman is", Leo says, trying to cover up his story.
"Don't be so coy Leo. You don't think I know? How long did you think you could hide this from me?". Stacy adamantly says.
"GET A DAMN CLUE LEO. You got this woman pregnant, didn't you?", Stacy says.
"NO. I don't even know who she is". Leo says, still trying to cover his ass.
"Well she seems to know YOU". Stacy says.
"Quite well in fact" says Cassandra as she walks up to him, still with Christopher in her arms.
"What's the matter Leo? Cat got your tounge?" Cassandra sarcastically says as Stacy walks into the house.
"What the hell are you doing here? How long have you been here?" Leo demandingly asks.
"You don't remember our little 'dirty secret' done in the back of that Apache helicopter?" Cassandra asks.
"I remember." Leo admittingly says as he looks at Christopher "Whose kid is this?" he continues, feeling really nervous.
"Why....Dear lover boy.....He's YOURS". Cassandra says. "Meet your son Christopher", she continues. "Doesn't he look just like you?"
"No....No....NO he doesn't". Leo kneejerkingly says. "Take him away".
"What's wrong Leo? Truth hurts, doesn't it?", Cassandra tauntingly asks.
"Ohh sure. Just as soon as your attorney and mine both draw up paperwork for a little something called CHILD SUPPORT" says Cassandra.
"Afterall, we wouldn't want to put a damper on the big parade & BIG HERO'S WELCOME honoring Cedarville's BEST with something as 'petty' as this, now would we?", Cassandra says.
"Get off my property NOW before I call the police and have you charged with bribery, blackmail, extortion and anything else they can think of" Leo demandingly says
"Ohh...BY ALL MEANS....DO call the police", Cassandra says. "If you do, I'll have you charged with being a DEADBEAT DADDY" she sternly continues. "If that happens, there's NO WAY IN HELL ANYONE will show up at Town Square for your 'big hero's welcome because NO ONE WILL GIVE A DAMN".
********************************
END LEO DREAM SCENE
********************************
Leo is now tossing and turning in his bunk so hard he's awakened his buddy, Tyrone, who was sleeping above him.
"No" Leo repeatedy says as Tyrone reaches him wondering what's going on.
"Yo...Leo....Wake up dude" Tyrone says. "Wake up". he continues (Tyrone continues this until Leo wakes up)
"Ty" Leo finally says. "What the hell happened man? Where are we?", Leo continues.
"We're still in Iraq and you were having a bad dream or something". "You alright", Tyrone asks with concern.
By this time, Tony, who is Leo's other buddy, also wakes up.
"What the hell is going on over there? I'm dogged tired", Tony says as he tries to go back to sleep.
"Nothin' man. 'Tis okay. Leo just had a bad dream. That's all" Tyrone says.
"Whatever. Just go back to sleep". Tony says facing the pillow which his head is also resting on.
"Wanna talk about it?" Tyrone asks Leo.
******************************************
SCENE THREE - Chippequah Memorial Hospital
******************************************
Jennifer is seen sleeping in bed. She has a bandage wrapped around her head. Just outside her room, siblings David, Marcie and Stephanie have just arrived after being told of her being treated there as a result of being brought in by a "Good Samaritan". She had no ID on her person and her purse had never been recovered. The hospital had been treating her as a Jane Doe until they learned otherwise. Unfortunately, Jennifer doesn't realize her name isn't "Jane". She is under the care of Dr. James Mathieson. Stephanie, David, Marcie and Dr. Mathieson are joined by Investigator Trombley from the State Police.
"Thank you for coming", Dr. Mathieson said
"You think you have been treating my sister Jennifer, correct?" Marcie asks.
"Not only do we think, but we also now KNOW that Jennifer is here".
"I don't understand", Stephanie says with a puzzled look on her face.
"The DNA sample which you gave us was traced and matched to a Jane Doe being treated here in Chippequah", Investigator Trombley said.
David, Marcie and Stephanie all look excited.
"Y...Y....You mean Jennifer's here?" David excitedly, but inquisitively asks.
"Yes". Dr. Mathieson says.
"Wait....Wait....Wait. How do you know this?" Marcie asks. "We've been searching high and low for her", she continues. "Better question....How long has she been here?" she persistingly asks.
"She's been here since the accident". Dr Mathieson says. "That would be just about six months" he continues.
"So....Why are just now finding all this out?" David asks
"Because up until the last couple of months....January or February or so....There was no suitable place on Jennifer where we could get a usable DNA sample to send to proper authorities such as yourselves to cross reference to missing persons cases", Dr. Mathieson said.
"Right. But it's now May Dr. umm...." Marcie says, trying to remember Dr. Mathieson's name.
"Mathieson", Dr. Mathieson said. "And I can only assume that with all the missing persons everywhere, there was little doubt it would take time to trickle down to the right person.", he continues. "We thought we had a match a few other times before, but...." Dr. Mathieson says
"I see", Marcie says, interrupting him.
"Do you suppose we could see her?" Stephanie curiously asks.
"Yeah, but there are a few things you should know first", Dr. Mathieson says.
"Okay....Like what?" David asks
"We think Jennifer has amnesia", Dr. Mathieson said. "Basically put, she has no memory", he continues.
"Doc, what do you mean she has no memory?" David asked.
"Just that". Dr. Mathieson responds.
Stephanie, David and Marcie all look puzzled. Investigator Trombley is emotionless.
"To give you an example of what I mean, one of the nurses told me when she (Jennifer) was asked what her name was, she had to look at her chart before she could answer the question", Dr. Mathieson continues. "This was when she was still known as a Jane Doe and her chart had that name on it", he adds.
"Ever since then, she thinks her name is Jane. Jane Doe", Dr. Mathieson continues.
"Ohh brother", Marcie exclaims as David rolls his eyes and Stephanie sighs and shakes her head.
***********************************************************
SCENE THREE - LaGuardia Airport, New York City
***********************************************************
Cassandra Whitmore and her son Christopher are going through security.
"Next please" says one of the TSA Agents at the checkpoint. Cassandra approaches.
"Walk through the metal detector please" says TSA Agent #1 Cassandra complies. The metal detector beeps as she's waking through.
"Maam, I need you to please go through your pockets and place anything that's metal into this tray", the agent says.
Cassandra embarrassingly rummages through her pockets, but doesn't find anything metal, but then it hits her that her military issue dog tag and necklace around her neck would trigger the detector.
"I think these are the culprits", Cassandra says, pointing to her dog tag and necklace.
"Please remove them and put them in the tray", TSA Agent #1 says as she brings out the search wand to do a manual scan.
"Just to make sure there's nothing else, I'm going to search you using this device, okay?", the agent says.
"I assure you I'm not a terrorist", Cassandra says as she embarrasingly spreads her arms out. "In fact, up until a few months ago, I was fighting terrorists in the Middle East as an active military officer", she contends.
"We're sure you have been, but we need to make sure you don't have any contraband in your possession", TSA Agent #2 says. "Since you've been out of the country and among our armed forces in the Middle East, are you aware of the latest items which you can and cannot take on board an aircraft?" TSA Agent #2 asks as her partner completes the manual check
"Ohh yes. I downloaded the latest list from the TSA website. Thank you", Cassandra said.
"Well, it looks as though you could be right Maam", TSA Agent #1 says. "But let's do this first...Please step back through the detector and then back towards me" the agent continues.
"C'mon lady", a tourist way back in the line exclaims. Cassandra ignores the remark and complies with the agent. The detector beeps again.
"Next, I will need to check your baby's carriage for any metal items that may be hidden there. Please undo the straps and lift your child up so I can see", says TSA Agent #1. Cassandra complies. The agent finds nothing.
"Now I will do a quick scan of the baby", TSA Agent #1 says as she hovers her wand scanner over and around Christopher. He begins to cry.
"Oooo....It's okay sweetie. The lady is just doing her job", Cassandra says, trying to reassure Christopher while giving the TSA Agent a glare that says that''s ALL she'd better be doing.
"I'll still be able to fly out today, right", Cassandra asks with concern.
"As far as we can tell, yes you will, but you'll just need to undergo a more complete screening", the Agent says, trying to relieve Cassandra of her concerns. "I'm going to mention the dog tags and necklace on this ticket that I'm about to give you so then this way the next screener will know about them ahead of time, All you'll need to do is to give the ticket to the screener at the next checkpoint", the Agent continues.
"Once you do that, then just simply follow the instructions they give you and repeat the process until you have cleared all checkpoints, okay?", the Agent said.
"Thanks", Cassandra said as she takes the ticket.
"Have a safe trip. Next please", TSA Agent #1 says as Cassandra grabs her luggage and moves on to the next checkpoint.
******************************************************
SCENE FOUR - Leo's quarters - Baghdad, Iraq
******************************************************
"I had this dream that Cassandra told Stacy about our affair and the baby", Leo says to Tyrone in an almost whispering fashion so that Tony can sleep. "The thing is, I haven't told her myself", he continues.
"Dude....Like I keep tellin' ya, you're playing with fire", Tyrone says. "And one of these days, you're going to be left wondering why she hasn't called you or emailed you or nothin'. Know what I mean?", Ty continues.
"I know man, but HOW do you just simply tell your wife that you HAD an affair with another woman who just happened to have been serving your country with you AND gave birth to your child?", Leo asks. "Lemme know when you come up with an answer for that one matchmaking genius", he continues.
"Hey...Lemme know when you guys are going to go back to sleep so I can expect to be able to do the same", Tony frustratingly exclaims as he tries to go back to sleep.
Tyrone dims his locker light and redirects it away from Tony.
"Well....All I'm gonna say is you had better tell her", Ty said. "You know Cassandra is back in the states and you know she can do WONDEROUS things to ruin what's left of your marriage" he continues.
"Man Ty, Leo....Talk about it TOMORROW. Go back to sleep dudes. 0500 is fuckin' early and I'm getting fuckin' pissed", Tony adamantly cries out.
"We'll talk about this tomorrow Ty. I need to get back to sleep myself", Leo says.
Ty shakes his head as he stands up, turns off his locker light and climbs back into bed.
*****************************************************
SCENE FIVE - Chippequah Memorial Hospital
*****************************************************
"So, what you're telling us is she probably won't even know who we are?" Stephanie asks
"Not just probably", Dr. Mathieson says. "She won't know who you are", he exclaims
David, Marcie & Stephanie try to absorb all the information Dr. Mathieson has given them.
"Remember, she has no memory, which means she won't know either of you or anyone else she's been with before either", Dr. Mathieson continues
"So, what can we do?" Marcie asks. "How can we help her?"
"You can help her simply by being there for her", Dr. Mathieson responds. "You can also help her with photos of people (ideally during happy occasions such as a wedding for example)", he continues.
"We can rule out wedding pictures", Stephanie exclaims, interrupting Dr. Mathieson. "Those don't exactly back fond memories", she continues.
"Well, I'm sure you'll come up with something else then", Dr. Mathieson says.
"I don't know about the girls but uhh....I'd like to see her if that's possible", David says.
"I think that can be arranged, though I should remind you....She won't know you", Dr. Mathieson says. "It'd be like visiting the room of a complete stranger", he adds.
"If that's what you want to do, I'd be happy to set it up", Dr. Mathieson continues.
"Of course. Please do. We all want to see her", Stephanie says.
"Well then, in that case, just give me a few minutes with umm..."Jane" so I can prepare her and then you can see her, okay?", Dr. Mathieson offers.
"Fair enough", David says. "Unless there's anything else, we'll be in the waiting area", he continues.
"That's it", Dr. Mathieson responds.
David, Marcie & Stephanie leave Dr. Mathieson's office followed by Dr. Mathieson himself, who's seen talking with a nurse at the nurses station on the floor.
**********************************************************************************
SCENE SIX - Acme Airlines Flight #499 - NYC/LaGuardia To Cedarville
**********************************************************************************
Cassandra has made her way past the rest of security and is now on board the plane that will take her and her son Christopher to Cedarville.
"It won't be long now sweetie", Cassandra says as Christopher is looking all around the aircraft and making verbal baby noises.
"Daddy's in for a big surprise", she continues. "A REAL big surprise", she adds with a devilish eyebrow-raising smile.
**************************************************
On The NEXT Edition Of Against The Storm
**************************************************
* Cassandra arrives at Leo & Stacy's house. Can Leo prevent a marital disaster in time by telling Stacy about Cassandra? Will he confess his infidelities to Stacy? Will Stacy FINALLY tell Leo about the baby SHE is carrying or will her insecurities get the best of her once again?
* David, Stephanie & Marcie visit Jennifer. Will Jennifer remember them or has she lost her memory?
* Will Greg & Courtney's marital woes come to a head?
Don't miss the next episode!!
ATTENTION - You can now find Against The Storm at its NEW HOME which is http://againstthestorm.blogspot.com/ Thanks to our friends at Google for this WONDERFUL service. Our RSS Feed also has a new home at http://feeds.feedburner.com/AgainstTheStorm/ You can also access this feed by clicking on the ATS RSS Feed located near the upper right hand corner.
In the meantime.....This is Pat Cook saying SO LONG FOR NOW. :)
This show is Copyright 2005 Pat Cook & Jeeper One Media - All Rights Reserved.
Tuesday, December 28, 2004
Episode 07 - The Search For Jennifer
Before we begin with today's episode, we first need to make a public
apology for a serious error in judgement which was made and later corrected
in our last episode. Towards the end of our last episode, there were
direct references to a place that another soap is set in. The author of
ATS DID NOT seek permission to use such a reference nor even consulted the
writer of that soap so that Jennifer's accident could somehow be written
into the soap (if the writer so chose). The soap involved was BEHIND
CLOSED DOORS and the reference that was made was to JLN, a place on BEHIND
CLOSED DOORS. Although such references WERE subsequently removed from the
epiGuide update, the ATS Forum, and the episode itself, the damage was
done. As such, the writer of that show has (apparently and perhaps quite
obviously) banned ATS from participating in ANY of the forums and other
activities associated with BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. We at ATS feel the actions
taken by BEHIND CLOSED DOORS were appropriate given the mistake we
made. If they had done the same thing to us, we're sure they' wouldve
expected similar action. As a result of our mistake and VERY POOR
execution of judgement, the only thing left is to apologize publicly for
our actions. We promise to NEVER repeat this again. We also apologize to
you, our loyal readers as well as those of BEHIND CLOSED DOORS any
embarrassment our actions may have caused.
With that, here is today's episode of AGAINST THE STORM
**********************************************************************
SCENE ONE - Channel 4 newsroom. Two months have passed by. It's now
approaching the New Year. Stephanie is on the telephone talking to one of
her connections who is also an acquaintance of Jennifer's. She, along with
David & Marcie have been searching tirelessly for Jennifer since she
disappeared Thanksgiving weekend.
***********************************************************************
STEPHANIE (to the person on the telephone) - Are you sure you haven't seen
her? When was the last time you talked to her? Ohh....Okay. Say listen,
if you do ever hear from her, PLEASE have her call me. Better yet, get the
411 on her whereabouts and you call me yourself. Okay? Got
it? Yeah. Okay. Bye.
(Her boss Roger walks up)
ROGER - Any luck yet?
STEPHANIE - Nope.
ROGER - Well....I know your frustrated about your sister's disappearance
and all, but Steph, I need you on other stories too.
STEPHANIE - I know....I know....I know. But it just seems like this whole
thing with Jennifer's disappearance and the State Police finding a car
similar to hers shortly afterward seems more than *a little* suspicious.
ROGER - I know. But Steph.....What are you going to do if they don't find
her? Have you thought of that?
STEPHANIE (adamant) - I don't want to think about it Roger because I *am*
going to find her.
ROGER (wishing her luck) - Well....Okay. But in the meantime, will you AT
LEAST consider working on some of these other stories? We're getting
CREAMED by the other stations in town on these - most notably by Channel 7,
who broke this story (Handing her the story outline in question).
(Roger lays down a bunch of papers that appear to be story outlines for
Stephanie to follow-up on)
STEPHANIE - Yeah, I guess I can.
ROGER - Good. By the way, I mean YOU work on them. Don't just push them
off onto one of the cub reporters. Got it?
STEPHANIE (rolling her eyes in sarcasm) - Yes. I got it.
ROGER - Alright. I'll expect something for the 5:00 PM newscast tonight on
each of them.
STEPHANIE - (trying be reassuring even though she knows Roger isn't buying
it) - Don't worry, you'll have it.
ROGER - Okay.
(Roger walks away as Stephanie picks up the telephone)
******************************************************************
SCENE TWO - Stacy's home office. Stacy runs a Real Estate Investment
business out of her home. She is on the phone with Trish, who is in her
office that's in her apartment where she runs an interior decorating
business. Stacy is looking at an email she got from Trish on her computer.
******************************************************************
STACY (talking to Trish on the telephone) - Ohh....That wallpaper would
look NICE in the bathroom of that house.
TRISH (talking to Stacy on the telephone) - Yeah, I thought so too when I
saw it. There's another one. Did you get it?
STACY - Yeah, but that one doesn't look too good. It wouldn't look right
in any one of my properties.
TRISH (with a disgusting look on her face) - Ewwww....I suppose you're right.
(Trish's call waiting beeps)
TRISH (noticing the call waiting beep) - Oop....Got another customer on the
line. Can I call you back?
STACY - Tell you what, I'll call you later.
TRISH - Okay.
(Trish then answers the incoming call as Stacy hangs up. A few minutes
later, the phone rings. Leo, who is now stationed with troops in Baghdad,
Iraq, is on the other end).
STACY (picking up the telephone and assuming it's Trish) - Wow....That was
quick.
LEO (perplexed) - Huh?
STACY (apologetic and noticing the caller ID) Oh my god. Sorry
sweetie. Thought it was Trish.
LEO (laughingly) - Hahaha. I haven't been Trish for as long as I can
remember. Happy New Year babe.
STACY (with a giggle) Happy New Year to you too sweetie. I miss you.
LEO - Miss you too babe. Also wanted to call and wish you a belated Merry
Christmas too. Tried to call several times and left some messages, but
apparently you've been pretty busy.
STACY - Yeah. Sent you a few emails, but I guess you were probably out or
something.
LEO - Yeah. So how's everything back home? Have they found Jennifer yet?
STACY - Nope. Stephanie says they're still looking. Nobody seems to have
a clue.
LEO - Ohh geez. Say hey, do me a favor. Next time you talk to Stephanie
or Marcie, tell 'em how sorry I am to hear about Jennifer. That's sad. I
mean, I know she's not perfect, but I certainly wouldn't want to wish
something terrible on her.
STACY - I know. Brad's taking it pretty hard.
LEO - Why is HE taking it so hard?
STACY - Because he's the last known person to have seen her alive. And
according to Marcie, he's THE prime suspect in her disappearance. Anyway,
enough of that kind of talk. Lord knows you see and hear enough of that
where you are. I'm sure THE LAST thing you need to hear is the same o'
same o' happening in the homefront.
LEO - Well...When you see what I see every day, it's easier to take when
news of it comes from the homefront.
STACY (with a smile) - Well....I was kinda hoping we could change the
subject to ohh...say....little sweet nothings.
LEO (imagining what Stacy means by that comment and smiling) -
Ohhh....Ho....Ho....Ho. Yeah baby.
(Stacy and Leo exchange sweet talk over the phone for several minutes)
STACY - So, when ya comin' home?
LEO - Not sure babe. They're thinking it might be May or June. We've all
got a little betting pool on when our deployment will end.
(Stacy hears the call waiting beep and sees that Trish is calling back)
STACY (laughing at Leo's last comment) - I can imagine. Say hey, I'd you
know I'd LOVE to talk some more but I'm on my office phone and Trish is
trying to call me. We're working on a project together. Myabe we can get
together via videophone sometime?
LEO - Aww babe....Let Trish go to voice mail. But yeah, we should hook up
sometime. Can't wait to see you. How 'bout New Year's Eve your time?
STACY (smiling at the mention of New Year's Eve) - It's a date. See you
then. Love you.
LEO - Love you too babe. Bye.
STACY - Bye.
(Stacy hangs up the phone after Leo does and then proceeds to return
Trish's call)
**********************************************************
SCENE THREE - The crash site. David & Marcie are on site talking to the
accident investigators for the State Police as they try to piece together
what may have happened to Jennifer. They are walking the site just as
though it were a homicide investigation back in Cedarville.
**********************************************************
DAVID - So this is where you found the car matching the description of
Jennifer's, eh?
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Yeah.
MARCIE - And you're sure there was ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY NO form of
identification around, huh?
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Heh...If there were, don't you think we would've
recovered it by now?
MARCIE (apologetic) I'm sorry. I suppose you're right.
DAVID - Well.....From what Brad said, she did have her purse with her.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - If she did, it must've fell out. If that happened,
her cards can be anywhere - AND EVERYWHERE. Problem is FINDING them in
this thick tall brush.
DAVID - What about her license plate?
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Nothing more than a mangled piece of twisted
metal. Assuming what we found WAS a license plate, we sure as heck can't
read any of the numbers now. If we were able to, we wouldn't be standing
here having this conversation as we'd just simply run the plate and contact
the next of kin on record.
MARCIE - That would be either me or Stephanie.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Stephanie?
MARCIE - Yes. My sister Stephanie. She's a reporter at Channel 4 in
Cedarville.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Well I'm gonna be blunt with you. Whoever took her
either took her to a hospital outside of Cedarville or they're trying to
"play doctor" as it were by "healing her the natural way" if you get what I
mean.
DAVID - Unfortunately we do. And without any form of ID on her, she's a
Jane Doe wherever she is
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - If that's the case, my advice at this point would
be to use Channel 4 to make a plea for anyone who has seen her to call
you. Basically what I'm saying is TAKE TO THE AIRWAVES because that's
really the best shot you have.
MARCIE - What about all of her other papers like her registration, proof of
insurance, etc.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - If they still exist, they're out there -
SOMEWHERE. 'Fraid I can't be more specific than that. We've had
bloodhounds searching high and low for the victim and/or any form of ID we
can stumble across since we arrived on scene. That was over two months
ago. At this point, as far as my boss is concerned, the victim was able to
get up, walk away, get help, but never reported the accident.
DAVID - So even if she is found, she's still going to hit up for failing to
report an accident.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - As far as my boss is concerned, yes.
MARCIE - What about you?
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Personally, I think something just doesn't sit
right with the explanation my boss wants me to put in my final report. I
think she was taken. Probably by Good Samaritans who didn't know who she
was and couldn't find any ID on her who then simply dropped her off at the
nearest hospital and let the doctors try to figure out who she was.
DAVID - Or....
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Or she could've been taken by a group of these
"naturalists" who think they can cure someone simply by using old fashioned
methods dating back to the caveman days or whatever. Either way, it's not
good. And assuming that either is the case, she certainly isn't or wasn't
in any position to report the accident. Assuming of course that your
missing persons case IS the accident victim we're looking for.
MARCIE - One final question. Do you believe she might've been run off the
road?
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Hard to tell. We can't even get anybody to come
forward to tell us what they saw.
DAVID - So this is pretty much a cold case for you guys, right?
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Yep.
MARCIE - No DNA?
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - None that we could use.
MARCIE (shaking her head) - This is weird. This is all too weird.
DAVID - Honey, I'm sure these guys did all they could.
MARCIE - I wish I could be convinced of that.
DAVID (trying to explain Marcie's behavior) - You'll have to excuse my wife
Lt. Trombley. Since the person we're looking for is her sister, this case
is a little "personal" if you know what I mean.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Of course. Best of luck in finding your
sister. Unfortunately though, I'm gonna have to file my report as per my
boss' orders. I had hoped I might one final clue to solving this. But I'm
afraid we're no closer now than we were when we were first dispatched
here. What a waste.
MARCIE - Well....You have our number if you should ever come up with anything.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Yep. Sure do. I'll see to it you guys get a ring
even if I have to do it myself. Ready to go Pete?
PETE - I've been waiting on you buddy.
DAVID - Well....Thanks for the time.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - No problem. Good luck.
(The two investigators drive off. David & Marcie head back to their car)
***************************************************
SCENE FOUR - Brad's Apartment. Brad is seen lying on the couch taking a
snooze. He is dreaming about seeing Jennifer with Steve and the argument
he had with her two days later
***************************************************
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BRAD DREAM SCENE ONE - The wedding
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Brad opens the door, thinking he's walking into the bathroom, but is
shocked to see Steve & Jennifer kissing. He says nothing, but is stunned
into virtual immobility. His breathing becomes labored as he is filled with
rage. As such, he tries to talk, but can't speak. He's trying to say
Jennifer's name, but can't get past the J in her name. Overwhelmed with
shock, Brad leaves the room, but Jennifer, still caught up in her lust and
passionate necking with Steve, hears the door close.
"Why did you stop Jennifer". Steve asks.
"I thought I heard the door close", she says.
"Now you imagining things". Steve says.
"NO. I swear I heard the door shut", she says as she approaches the door to
open it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Brad is seen tossing and turning on the couch)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BRAD DREAM SCENE TWO - The confrontation he & Jennifer had in his apartment
the day of her accident
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
***************************************************
SCENE THREE - Brad's apartment. Brad is seen answering a knock on his
door. He opens it and finds Jennifer on the other side.
****************************************************
BRAD - What do YOU want?
JENNIFER - I came to tell you how sorry I am. Can I come in?
(Brad lets Jennifer into his apartment, though he's at a loss as to why he
should)
BRAD - If you think I'm just gonna say "all is forgiven", YOU ARE SADLY
MISTAKEN.
JENNIFER - I know. But Brad, I still love you?
BRAD - LOVE??? You don't even know THE MEANING of the word.
(Jennifer starts to cry)
JENNIFER - But Brad....
BRAD - You know, I don't even know WHY I even let you in. YOU are the one
who RUINED WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE **OUR** WEDDING by letting Steve in the
window.
JENNIFER - I didn't even know he was in town. And even if I did, I
certainly wouldn't have invited him to the wedding, much less let him into
my dressing room.
BRAD (sarcastic) - Well you sure did a GREAT job of keeping him out.
(Jennifer is really crying now)
JENNIFER - Ohh....Brad.....PLEASE......
BRAD (shaking his head) - You know...I can't even believe you. Then again,
maybe everyone was right. Maybe YOUR REPUTATION OF WRECKING MARRIAGES
*DOES* speak for itself. I don't even know why I even thought I actually
had a chance with you. Yeah, I was just setting myself up for a big fall
alright.
JENNIFER (out of desperation) - Brad....I LOVE YOU. I never wanted to hurt
you. I NEVER WANTED ANY OF THIS TO HAPPEN.
BRAD - Yeah....Well you sure did one hell of a job trying to prevent it in
the first place. THAT is what you should've done.
JENNIFER - I love you.
BRAD - Is that all you can say?
JENNIFER - I'm sorry. I'm so so so sorry.
BRAD (nodding his head) - Yeah....Well....GET OUT. GET OUT BEFORE I THROW
YOU OUT.
JENNIFER (really desperate now) Brad....Please.....
BRAD (angrily) - I SAID GET OUT YOU FUCKIN' WHORE. Go find YOUR PIMP Steve
Farley. As far as I'm concerned, the two of you can elope. Either way, I
don't give a fuckin' shit anymore. GET OUT.
(Jennifer opens the door and walks out sobbing in tears)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Brad is now sitting up. His breathing is heavy. He looks as though he
just had a nightmare)
BRAD (Talking to himself) I've got to stop being so hard on myself &
blaming myself. I know I had nothing to do with her disappearance. But I
just can't get it out of my mind.
***************************************************
SCENE FIVE - An Internet Cafe - Baghdad, Iraq. Leo & a few of his buddies
are enjoying their meals and each other's company when another group of
soldiers approach just as Leo finishes telling a joke.
***************************************************
LEO (finishing his joke) - ....And that's why the pimp and the hooker got
married. Get it?
(Leo & his buddies laugh their heads off)
MIKE (who's with the group joining Leo & his buddies and chuckling about
what he thinks he heard) - What's this about a pimp and a hooker?
LEO - Ohh....nothing. Just BS.
LAUREN - Heard you were back here, but didn't believe it until I saw you
just a few seconds ago.
LEO - Yeah. I'm back to my ol' "Johnnie Appleseed" self. No more feeling
bogged down with married life.
BUTCH (one of Leo's buddies) - You really don't mean that, do you? From
the pictures you've shown me of your girl, she's a BABE.
LEO (with pride) - Believe me - NO ONE knows that better than me. But what
she don't know 'bout what I do here ain't gonna kill her.
MIKE - I dunno 'bout that man. If you keep playing with fire, you're
eventually gonna get burned.
LEO - If I do, I do. Given what we face, I think I have a right to do
pretty much what I want.
(Butch and Mike look at each other knowing what they both are thinking)
BUTCH - Well....Time for me to go. Gotta go on patrol. Comin' Joe?
JOE - Yep.
(Butch & Joe leave as Mike heads to another part of the cafe)
LEO - So what brings you here babe?
LAUREN - For starters....Lunch. Bartender, menu please.
LEO - Surely you didn't come all the way down from Tikrit just for lunch.
LAUREN - No. Figured I'd hook up with hubby back home while I was here.
LEO - Really?
LAUREN - Yep.
LEO - Seen Cassandra around lately? She's my "home-away-from-home"
babe. You know.
LAUREN - Nope. Last I heard she was sent home.
LEO - Sent home? Really? Why?
LAUREN (stunned) - You don't know?
LEO (looking as if he needs a clue) - No.
LAUREN - You don't remember you and her romping around in the back of an
Apache Helicopter on your last night here last summer?
LEO - Oh my god, how could I forget? Best sex I ever had.
LAUREN - Yeah.....Well about two months later, I tried looking for her for
something I needed her for and that's when she told me she was being sent home.
LEO - Did she say why?
LAUREN - Oh yeah. And how....
LEO - Okay. So tell me.
LAUREN - Leo....She's pregnant. And YOU, my dear friend, are the proud
father to be. Congratulations Mr. Appleseed.
(Mike and several of Leo's other buddies are cheerful and rooting him on as
Leo begins to see his free-wheeling life crumble before him as camera fades
to black)
*****************************************************************
ON THE NEXT EDITION OF "Against The Storm"
*****************************************************************
* Leo's "military mistress" Cassandra makes her debut - And future travel
plans to Cedarville
* David & Marcie pitch the idea of an on-air plea on Channel 4 to
Stephanie, but how will her boss Roger Thornton take it?
* With his free-wheeling lifestyle on active duty crumbling, will Leo tell
Stacy about Cassandra? Will Stacy finally tell Leo about her pregnancy?
ALL THIS & MORE ON THE NEXT EDITION OF "Against The Storm"
apology for a serious error in judgement which was made and later corrected
in our last episode. Towards the end of our last episode, there were
direct references to a place that another soap is set in. The author of
ATS DID NOT seek permission to use such a reference nor even consulted the
writer of that soap so that Jennifer's accident could somehow be written
into the soap (if the writer so chose). The soap involved was BEHIND
CLOSED DOORS and the reference that was made was to JLN, a place on BEHIND
CLOSED DOORS. Although such references WERE subsequently removed from the
epiGuide update, the ATS Forum, and the episode itself, the damage was
done. As such, the writer of that show has (apparently and perhaps quite
obviously) banned ATS from participating in ANY of the forums and other
activities associated with BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. We at ATS feel the actions
taken by BEHIND CLOSED DOORS were appropriate given the mistake we
made. If they had done the same thing to us, we're sure they' wouldve
expected similar action. As a result of our mistake and VERY POOR
execution of judgement, the only thing left is to apologize publicly for
our actions. We promise to NEVER repeat this again. We also apologize to
you, our loyal readers as well as those of BEHIND CLOSED DOORS any
embarrassment our actions may have caused.
With that, here is today's episode of AGAINST THE STORM
**********************************************************************
SCENE ONE - Channel 4 newsroom. Two months have passed by. It's now
approaching the New Year. Stephanie is on the telephone talking to one of
her connections who is also an acquaintance of Jennifer's. She, along with
David & Marcie have been searching tirelessly for Jennifer since she
disappeared Thanksgiving weekend.
***********************************************************************
STEPHANIE (to the person on the telephone) - Are you sure you haven't seen
her? When was the last time you talked to her? Ohh....Okay. Say listen,
if you do ever hear from her, PLEASE have her call me. Better yet, get the
411 on her whereabouts and you call me yourself. Okay? Got
it? Yeah. Okay. Bye.
(Her boss Roger walks up)
ROGER - Any luck yet?
STEPHANIE - Nope.
ROGER - Well....I know your frustrated about your sister's disappearance
and all, but Steph, I need you on other stories too.
STEPHANIE - I know....I know....I know. But it just seems like this whole
thing with Jennifer's disappearance and the State Police finding a car
similar to hers shortly afterward seems more than *a little* suspicious.
ROGER - I know. But Steph.....What are you going to do if they don't find
her? Have you thought of that?
STEPHANIE (adamant) - I don't want to think about it Roger because I *am*
going to find her.
ROGER (wishing her luck) - Well....Okay. But in the meantime, will you AT
LEAST consider working on some of these other stories? We're getting
CREAMED by the other stations in town on these - most notably by Channel 7,
who broke this story (Handing her the story outline in question).
(Roger lays down a bunch of papers that appear to be story outlines for
Stephanie to follow-up on)
STEPHANIE - Yeah, I guess I can.
ROGER - Good. By the way, I mean YOU work on them. Don't just push them
off onto one of the cub reporters. Got it?
STEPHANIE (rolling her eyes in sarcasm) - Yes. I got it.
ROGER - Alright. I'll expect something for the 5:00 PM newscast tonight on
each of them.
STEPHANIE - (trying be reassuring even though she knows Roger isn't buying
it) - Don't worry, you'll have it.
ROGER - Okay.
(Roger walks away as Stephanie picks up the telephone)
******************************************************************
SCENE TWO - Stacy's home office. Stacy runs a Real Estate Investment
business out of her home. She is on the phone with Trish, who is in her
office that's in her apartment where she runs an interior decorating
business. Stacy is looking at an email she got from Trish on her computer.
******************************************************************
STACY (talking to Trish on the telephone) - Ohh....That wallpaper would
look NICE in the bathroom of that house.
TRISH (talking to Stacy on the telephone) - Yeah, I thought so too when I
saw it. There's another one. Did you get it?
STACY - Yeah, but that one doesn't look too good. It wouldn't look right
in any one of my properties.
TRISH (with a disgusting look on her face) - Ewwww....I suppose you're right.
(Trish's call waiting beeps)
TRISH (noticing the call waiting beep) - Oop....Got another customer on the
line. Can I call you back?
STACY - Tell you what, I'll call you later.
TRISH - Okay.
(Trish then answers the incoming call as Stacy hangs up. A few minutes
later, the phone rings. Leo, who is now stationed with troops in Baghdad,
Iraq, is on the other end).
STACY (picking up the telephone and assuming it's Trish) - Wow....That was
quick.
LEO (perplexed) - Huh?
STACY (apologetic and noticing the caller ID) Oh my god. Sorry
sweetie. Thought it was Trish.
LEO (laughingly) - Hahaha. I haven't been Trish for as long as I can
remember. Happy New Year babe.
STACY (with a giggle) Happy New Year to you too sweetie. I miss you.
LEO - Miss you too babe. Also wanted to call and wish you a belated Merry
Christmas too. Tried to call several times and left some messages, but
apparently you've been pretty busy.
STACY - Yeah. Sent you a few emails, but I guess you were probably out or
something.
LEO - Yeah. So how's everything back home? Have they found Jennifer yet?
STACY - Nope. Stephanie says they're still looking. Nobody seems to have
a clue.
LEO - Ohh geez. Say hey, do me a favor. Next time you talk to Stephanie
or Marcie, tell 'em how sorry I am to hear about Jennifer. That's sad. I
mean, I know she's not perfect, but I certainly wouldn't want to wish
something terrible on her.
STACY - I know. Brad's taking it pretty hard.
LEO - Why is HE taking it so hard?
STACY - Because he's the last known person to have seen her alive. And
according to Marcie, he's THE prime suspect in her disappearance. Anyway,
enough of that kind of talk. Lord knows you see and hear enough of that
where you are. I'm sure THE LAST thing you need to hear is the same o'
same o' happening in the homefront.
LEO - Well...When you see what I see every day, it's easier to take when
news of it comes from the homefront.
STACY (with a smile) - Well....I was kinda hoping we could change the
subject to ohh...say....little sweet nothings.
LEO (imagining what Stacy means by that comment and smiling) -
Ohhh....Ho....Ho....Ho. Yeah baby.
(Stacy and Leo exchange sweet talk over the phone for several minutes)
STACY - So, when ya comin' home?
LEO - Not sure babe. They're thinking it might be May or June. We've all
got a little betting pool on when our deployment will end.
(Stacy hears the call waiting beep and sees that Trish is calling back)
STACY (laughing at Leo's last comment) - I can imagine. Say hey, I'd you
know I'd LOVE to talk some more but I'm on my office phone and Trish is
trying to call me. We're working on a project together. Myabe we can get
together via videophone sometime?
LEO - Aww babe....Let Trish go to voice mail. But yeah, we should hook up
sometime. Can't wait to see you. How 'bout New Year's Eve your time?
STACY (smiling at the mention of New Year's Eve) - It's a date. See you
then. Love you.
LEO - Love you too babe. Bye.
STACY - Bye.
(Stacy hangs up the phone after Leo does and then proceeds to return
Trish's call)
**********************************************************
SCENE THREE - The crash site. David & Marcie are on site talking to the
accident investigators for the State Police as they try to piece together
what may have happened to Jennifer. They are walking the site just as
though it were a homicide investigation back in Cedarville.
**********************************************************
DAVID - So this is where you found the car matching the description of
Jennifer's, eh?
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Yeah.
MARCIE - And you're sure there was ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY NO form of
identification around, huh?
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Heh...If there were, don't you think we would've
recovered it by now?
MARCIE (apologetic) I'm sorry. I suppose you're right.
DAVID - Well.....From what Brad said, she did have her purse with her.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - If she did, it must've fell out. If that happened,
her cards can be anywhere - AND EVERYWHERE. Problem is FINDING them in
this thick tall brush.
DAVID - What about her license plate?
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Nothing more than a mangled piece of twisted
metal. Assuming what we found WAS a license plate, we sure as heck can't
read any of the numbers now. If we were able to, we wouldn't be standing
here having this conversation as we'd just simply run the plate and contact
the next of kin on record.
MARCIE - That would be either me or Stephanie.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Stephanie?
MARCIE - Yes. My sister Stephanie. She's a reporter at Channel 4 in
Cedarville.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Well I'm gonna be blunt with you. Whoever took her
either took her to a hospital outside of Cedarville or they're trying to
"play doctor" as it were by "healing her the natural way" if you get what I
mean.
DAVID - Unfortunately we do. And without any form of ID on her, she's a
Jane Doe wherever she is
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - If that's the case, my advice at this point would
be to use Channel 4 to make a plea for anyone who has seen her to call
you. Basically what I'm saying is TAKE TO THE AIRWAVES because that's
really the best shot you have.
MARCIE - What about all of her other papers like her registration, proof of
insurance, etc.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - If they still exist, they're out there -
SOMEWHERE. 'Fraid I can't be more specific than that. We've had
bloodhounds searching high and low for the victim and/or any form of ID we
can stumble across since we arrived on scene. That was over two months
ago. At this point, as far as my boss is concerned, the victim was able to
get up, walk away, get help, but never reported the accident.
DAVID - So even if she is found, she's still going to hit up for failing to
report an accident.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - As far as my boss is concerned, yes.
MARCIE - What about you?
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Personally, I think something just doesn't sit
right with the explanation my boss wants me to put in my final report. I
think she was taken. Probably by Good Samaritans who didn't know who she
was and couldn't find any ID on her who then simply dropped her off at the
nearest hospital and let the doctors try to figure out who she was.
DAVID - Or....
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Or she could've been taken by a group of these
"naturalists" who think they can cure someone simply by using old fashioned
methods dating back to the caveman days or whatever. Either way, it's not
good. And assuming that either is the case, she certainly isn't or wasn't
in any position to report the accident. Assuming of course that your
missing persons case IS the accident victim we're looking for.
MARCIE - One final question. Do you believe she might've been run off the
road?
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Hard to tell. We can't even get anybody to come
forward to tell us what they saw.
DAVID - So this is pretty much a cold case for you guys, right?
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Yep.
MARCIE - No DNA?
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - None that we could use.
MARCIE (shaking her head) - This is weird. This is all too weird.
DAVID - Honey, I'm sure these guys did all they could.
MARCIE - I wish I could be convinced of that.
DAVID (trying to explain Marcie's behavior) - You'll have to excuse my wife
Lt. Trombley. Since the person we're looking for is her sister, this case
is a little "personal" if you know what I mean.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Of course. Best of luck in finding your
sister. Unfortunately though, I'm gonna have to file my report as per my
boss' orders. I had hoped I might one final clue to solving this. But I'm
afraid we're no closer now than we were when we were first dispatched
here. What a waste.
MARCIE - Well....You have our number if you should ever come up with anything.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - Yep. Sure do. I'll see to it you guys get a ring
even if I have to do it myself. Ready to go Pete?
PETE - I've been waiting on you buddy.
DAVID - Well....Thanks for the time.
INVESTIGATOR TROMBLEY - No problem. Good luck.
(The two investigators drive off. David & Marcie head back to their car)
***************************************************
SCENE FOUR - Brad's Apartment. Brad is seen lying on the couch taking a
snooze. He is dreaming about seeing Jennifer with Steve and the argument
he had with her two days later
***************************************************
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BRAD DREAM SCENE ONE - The wedding
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Brad opens the door, thinking he's walking into the bathroom, but is
shocked to see Steve & Jennifer kissing. He says nothing, but is stunned
into virtual immobility. His breathing becomes labored as he is filled with
rage. As such, he tries to talk, but can't speak. He's trying to say
Jennifer's name, but can't get past the J in her name. Overwhelmed with
shock, Brad leaves the room, but Jennifer, still caught up in her lust and
passionate necking with Steve, hears the door close.
"Why did you stop Jennifer". Steve asks.
"I thought I heard the door close", she says.
"Now you imagining things". Steve says.
"NO. I swear I heard the door shut", she says as she approaches the door to
open it.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Brad is seen tossing and turning on the couch)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BRAD DREAM SCENE TWO - The confrontation he & Jennifer had in his apartment
the day of her accident
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
***************************************************
SCENE THREE - Brad's apartment. Brad is seen answering a knock on his
door. He opens it and finds Jennifer on the other side.
****************************************************
BRAD - What do YOU want?
JENNIFER - I came to tell you how sorry I am. Can I come in?
(Brad lets Jennifer into his apartment, though he's at a loss as to why he
should)
BRAD - If you think I'm just gonna say "all is forgiven", YOU ARE SADLY
MISTAKEN.
JENNIFER - I know. But Brad, I still love you?
BRAD - LOVE??? You don't even know THE MEANING of the word.
(Jennifer starts to cry)
JENNIFER - But Brad....
BRAD - You know, I don't even know WHY I even let you in. YOU are the one
who RUINED WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE **OUR** WEDDING by letting Steve in the
window.
JENNIFER - I didn't even know he was in town. And even if I did, I
certainly wouldn't have invited him to the wedding, much less let him into
my dressing room.
BRAD (sarcastic) - Well you sure did a GREAT job of keeping him out.
(Jennifer is really crying now)
JENNIFER - Ohh....Brad.....PLEASE......
BRAD (shaking his head) - You know...I can't even believe you. Then again,
maybe everyone was right. Maybe YOUR REPUTATION OF WRECKING MARRIAGES
*DOES* speak for itself. I don't even know why I even thought I actually
had a chance with you. Yeah, I was just setting myself up for a big fall
alright.
JENNIFER (out of desperation) - Brad....I LOVE YOU. I never wanted to hurt
you. I NEVER WANTED ANY OF THIS TO HAPPEN.
BRAD - Yeah....Well you sure did one hell of a job trying to prevent it in
the first place. THAT is what you should've done.
JENNIFER - I love you.
BRAD - Is that all you can say?
JENNIFER - I'm sorry. I'm so so so sorry.
BRAD (nodding his head) - Yeah....Well....GET OUT. GET OUT BEFORE I THROW
YOU OUT.
JENNIFER (really desperate now) Brad....Please.....
BRAD (angrily) - I SAID GET OUT YOU FUCKIN' WHORE. Go find YOUR PIMP Steve
Farley. As far as I'm concerned, the two of you can elope. Either way, I
don't give a fuckin' shit anymore. GET OUT.
(Jennifer opens the door and walks out sobbing in tears)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Brad is now sitting up. His breathing is heavy. He looks as though he
just had a nightmare)
BRAD (Talking to himself) I've got to stop being so hard on myself &
blaming myself. I know I had nothing to do with her disappearance. But I
just can't get it out of my mind.
***************************************************
SCENE FIVE - An Internet Cafe - Baghdad, Iraq. Leo & a few of his buddies
are enjoying their meals and each other's company when another group of
soldiers approach just as Leo finishes telling a joke.
***************************************************
LEO (finishing his joke) - ....And that's why the pimp and the hooker got
married. Get it?
(Leo & his buddies laugh their heads off)
MIKE (who's with the group joining Leo & his buddies and chuckling about
what he thinks he heard) - What's this about a pimp and a hooker?
LEO - Ohh....nothing. Just BS.
LAUREN - Heard you were back here, but didn't believe it until I saw you
just a few seconds ago.
LEO - Yeah. I'm back to my ol' "Johnnie Appleseed" self. No more feeling
bogged down with married life.
BUTCH (one of Leo's buddies) - You really don't mean that, do you? From
the pictures you've shown me of your girl, she's a BABE.
LEO (with pride) - Believe me - NO ONE knows that better than me. But what
she don't know 'bout what I do here ain't gonna kill her.
MIKE - I dunno 'bout that man. If you keep playing with fire, you're
eventually gonna get burned.
LEO - If I do, I do. Given what we face, I think I have a right to do
pretty much what I want.
(Butch and Mike look at each other knowing what they both are thinking)
BUTCH - Well....Time for me to go. Gotta go on patrol. Comin' Joe?
JOE - Yep.
(Butch & Joe leave as Mike heads to another part of the cafe)
LEO - So what brings you here babe?
LAUREN - For starters....Lunch. Bartender, menu please.
LEO - Surely you didn't come all the way down from Tikrit just for lunch.
LAUREN - No. Figured I'd hook up with hubby back home while I was here.
LEO - Really?
LAUREN - Yep.
LEO - Seen Cassandra around lately? She's my "home-away-from-home"
babe. You know.
LAUREN - Nope. Last I heard she was sent home.
LEO - Sent home? Really? Why?
LAUREN (stunned) - You don't know?
LEO (looking as if he needs a clue) - No.
LAUREN - You don't remember you and her romping around in the back of an
Apache Helicopter on your last night here last summer?
LEO - Oh my god, how could I forget? Best sex I ever had.
LAUREN - Yeah.....Well about two months later, I tried looking for her for
something I needed her for and that's when she told me she was being sent home.
LEO - Did she say why?
LAUREN - Oh yeah. And how....
LEO - Okay. So tell me.
LAUREN - Leo....She's pregnant. And YOU, my dear friend, are the proud
father to be. Congratulations Mr. Appleseed.
(Mike and several of Leo's other buddies are cheerful and rooting him on as
Leo begins to see his free-wheeling life crumble before him as camera fades
to black)
*****************************************************************
ON THE NEXT EDITION OF "Against The Storm"
*****************************************************************
* Leo's "military mistress" Cassandra makes her debut - And future travel
plans to Cedarville
* David & Marcie pitch the idea of an on-air plea on Channel 4 to
Stephanie, but how will her boss Roger Thornton take it?
* With his free-wheeling lifestyle on active duty crumbling, will Leo tell
Stacy about Cassandra? Will Stacy finally tell Leo about her pregnancy?
ALL THIS & MORE ON THE NEXT EDITION OF "Against The Storm"
Friday, December 17, 2004
Episode 06 - The Confrontation
*********************************************
SCENE ONE - It's now the morning after Thanksgiving. Leo & Stacy's House -
Leo & Stacy have just woke up. However Stacy feels ill. Stacy is seen
groggy and dragging herself into the kitchen where Leo has just finished
cooking breakfast.
*********************************************
LEO - Mornin' baby. Want some bacon & eggs?
STACY (feeling sick to her stomach) - No thanks sweetie. I don't feel very
good today
LEO - What's the matter? You've NEVER turned down bacon & eggs given the
way I cook 'em.
STACY - I doubt I could eat 'em no matter who cooked 'em today. Must've
been something I ate yesterday. *Oooooo* Where's the Antacid when we need it?
LEO - Could also be the flu. You know how bad that stuff is going around.
STACY (Acting as though she doesn't care buty wants to be cured - FAST) -
Maybe. I dunno. Then too, I think I must've missed my period.
LEO (Ears perked at that sound, but cautiously excited) - HONEY! Y-Y-Y-You
mean.....W-W-W-we own A NEST? A-A-A b-b-b-bun in the oven?
STACY - I dunno. I got one of those home pregnancy tests the other day at
the store. I think I'll go adminster that. That'll give me SOME freakin'
clue.
LEO - Tell ya what. I'll drop you off at Dr. Mercer's on my way to Ft.
Cedar this morning. How's that?
(Stacy looks at him as if to show TREMENDOUS gratitude and thanks for his
offer and then drags herself off into the bathroom)
*********************************************
SCENE TWO - GREG & COURTNEY'S YACHT - Greg has just walked over to the
breakfast table. Courtney enters the room with the morning paper - And a
"special surprise" for her man
**********************************************
GREG - Mornin' babe. So, what's in the news today?
COURTNEY (non-chalantly) - Ohh nothing special. Another soldier gets
killed in Iraq. A car bomb goes off in Israel. Ohh....I see another
politician in Washington calls it quits and - GET A LOAD OF THIS - It
appears that someone with your handwriting seems to be writing letters to
his ex from literally every corner of the world.
(Courtney sarcastically smiles as she plops down the newspaper and the
overseas postal receipts with Greg's handwriting for the letters he knows
were addressed to Stephanie)
GREG (stunned by the sight of the receipts) - Where did you get these?
COURTNEY - I found them while rummaging through the stacks of postal
receipts the other day.
(She looks a little surprised at Greg's stunned look)
COURTNEY (Half-laughing) - Whoa? Did you HONESTLY believe you could
actually keep them a secret by hiding them from me?
GREG (Trying to regain his composure and downplay the truth) - You know
I've written HUNDREDS of these things. I *do* run a business, you know.
COURTNEY (picking up one of the receipts and proceeds to read the address
on it) - Right. But what "business" could you POSSIBLY have with Stephanie
Blanton of WCDR-TV Channel 4 news?
(One of their two children, little two year old Aaron McFadden, is heard
crying in the distance)
COURTNEY (Hearing Aaron's call off in the distance) - Coming sweetie!
GREG (knowing he's been caught) - Alright. You know WHY I wrote those
letters? Because I LOVE STEPHANIE. And near as I can tell, she still
loves me. I also want to break off this JOKE of a "marriage" we have. You
don't love me any more than I love you. You SEDUCED me into having sex
with you. You then BLACKMAILED me to get married once you learned you were
pregnant with Aaron. You had the option of getting an abortion. In fact,
I even gave you some money to get one. But YOU CHOSE NOT TO. Instead, you
chose to have Aaron and alas...HERE WE ARE. Two people who are married,
but HARDLY in love with one another.
(Courtney slaps Greg in the face)
GREG (smarting from the slap) - And then if that wasn't enough, YOU WANTED
MORE. You had to get pregnant AGAIN to reinforce the issue.
(Courtney starts to walk out of the room)
GREG - (continuing) Ohh yes...DO tend to Aaron. But keep this in
mind. YOU ARE AN UNFIT & MENTALLY UNSTABLE MOTHER. I can PROVE it. You
know I can. All the beatings and other forms of abuse you doled out to the
kids over the last couple of years is enough to make ANYONE cry. But you
know something? I'm going to find a way out. And when I do, I WILL TAKE
THOSE KIDS WITH ME. Take THAT to the bank.
(Courtney gives Greg a smirk as she walks out of the room)
***************************************************
SCENE THREE - Brad's apartment. Brad is seen answering a knock on his
door. He opens it and finds Jennifer on the other side.
****************************************************
BRAD - What do YOU want?
JENNIFER - I came to tell you how sorry I am. Can I come in?
(Brad lets Jennifer into his apartment, though he's at a loss as to why he
should)
BRAD - If you think I'm just gonna say "all is forgiven", YOU ARE SADLY
MISTAKEN.
JENNIFER - I know. But Brad, I still love you?
BRAD - LOVE??? You don't even know THE MEANING of the word.
(Jennifer starts to cry)
JENNIFER - But Brad....
BRAD - You know, I don't even know WHY I even let you in. YOU are the one
who RUINED WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE **OUR** WEDDING by letting Steve in the
window.
JENNIFER - I didn't even know he was in town. And even if I did, I
certainly wouldn't have invited him to the wedding, much less let him into
my dressing room.
BRAD (sarcastic) - Well you sure did a GREAT job of keeping him out.
(Jennifer is really crying now)
JENNIFER - Ohh....Brad.....PLEASE......
BRAD (shaking his head) - You know...I can't even believe you. Then again,
maybe everyone was right. Maybe YOUR REPUTATION OF WRECKING MARRIAGES
*DOES* speak for itself. I don't even know why I even thought I actually
had a chance with you. Yeah, I was just setting myself up for a big fall
alright.
JENNIFER (out of desperation) - Brad....I LOVE YOU. I never wanted to hurt
you. I NEVER WANTED ANY OF THIS TO HAPPEN.
BRAD - Yeah....Well you sure did one hell of a job trying to prevent it in
the first place. THAT is what you should've done.
JENNIFER - I love you.
BRAD - Is that all you can say?
JENNIFER - I'm sorry. I'm so so so sorry.
BRAD (nodding his head) - Yeah....Well....GET OUT. GET OUT BEFORE I THROW
YOU OUT.
JENNIFER (really desperate now) Brad....Please.....
BRAD (angrily) - I SAID GET OUT YOU FUCKIN' WHORE. Go find YOUR PIMP Steve
Farley. As far as I'm concerned, the two of you can elope. Either way, I
don't give a fuckin' shit anymore. GET OUT.
(Jennifer opens the door and walks out sobbing in tears)
************************************************************
SCENE FOUR - Michelle's House. She and Rob are still in bed after a night
of fruitful lovemaking. Rob is seen lightly kissing Michelle as she awakens
************************************************************
MICHELLE (smiling) Mmmmm...
(Michelle opens her eyes and sees Rob kissing her lightly on the shoulder)
MICHELLE (smiling and groaning in approval) Good morning lover boy.
(Rob looks up to see Michelle's beautiful smile)
ROB (smiling) - Good Morning my sexy beautiful love goddess.
MICHELLE (giggling) - I love it when you call me that.
(Michelle turns over to lay flat on her back as she looks up at her man)
ROB - A beautiful sight like yours is what I'd like to wake up to EVERY
morning.
MICHELLE (giggling) - Really?
ROB - Hell yeah.
MICHELLE - What do you see when you see a smile like mine?
ROB - Beauty. Lots of it.
MICHELLE - Well right now I've got morning mouth. My mouth feels like paste.
ROB - I don't care. It all looks BEAUTIFUL to me.
(Michelle giggles as Rob starts kissing the nipple of her breast. This
leads to another round of lovemaking, only much more gentle since neither
one of them have much fuel left in the tank to begin with)
*****************************************************************
SCENE FIVE - The Cedarville PD Squad Room - David & Marcie have just
arrived at work for another day on the job.
*****************************************************************
DAVID (To Desk Seargeant Walt "Bex" Bexley as he and Marcie arrive) -
Mornin' Bex.
BEX - Mornin'
MARCIE - Any mail for us today Bex?
BEX - Nope, but if I were you, I'd stay as far away from the captain as I
could possibly be today.
DAVID - Ohh? Why is that?
(Captain Pete Marshall approaches)
CAPT. MARSHALL - My oh my. How nice of you two to actually make it into
work today. Too bad you're about TWELVE HOURS late.
(David & Marcie look at each other with puzzled looks on their faces)
MARCIE - Huh?
CAPTAIN - Don't tell me you haven't heard.
DAVID - Heard WHAT?
CAPTAIN - It's all over the front page of today's Cedarville Tribune. Oh
yeah.....Channel 4 is all over this too. Got a call from THE MAYOR. It's
about those amrored car robbers you buffoons have been supposedly
chasing. WHEN ARE YOU TWO GONNA NAB THESE GUYS?????
MARCIE - Captain, you KNOW how closely we've been working with The Feds on
that.
CAPTAIN - Yeah....I know that, but THE MAYOR doesn't. Hell, I'm even
getting calls from City Council members. You know as well as I do that
politicians don't understand police work. All they know and understand is
THEY WANT THESE SOB's CAUGHT. And The Trib as well as Channel 4 are BOTH
eating this up.
DAVID - Oh brother...
CAPTAIN - My thoughts EXACTLY. I don't know what you two are doing to help
the feds, but whatever you're doing, STEP IT UP. I WANT THESE THUGS GIFT
WRAPPED & PUT UNDER MY TREE IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS - THIS YEAR. Got it?
DAVID - (knowing there's only so much the Cedarville PD can do in this
case) Yeah....yeah....yeah. Got it.
(Marcie nods)
CAPTAIN - Good. NOW GET TO WORK.
MARCIE - Yes sir.
(Captain Marshall walks away and heads back to his office)
DAVID - I wish criminals would learn to take the Holidays off.
MARCIE - If they did, do you think we'd still have a job?
DAVID - You really don't want me to answer that, do you?
*******************************************************************
SCENE SIX - Leo & Stacy's House. Stacy is in the bathroom taking a home
pregnancy test
*******************************************************************
STACY (Talking to herself) - It should be long enough now. Let's see.
(Stacy looks at the results and sees the sign that she really is pregnant)
STACY (confused and still talking to herself) Could I really have a bun in
the oven? Could I really be pregnant? How do I break the news to
Leo? He's going overseas and I may never see him again.
(Stacy tosses the test aside)
STACY - Maybe it's just as well I do pay Dr. Mercer a visit today. Perhaps
she can confirm this.
LEO (shouting from another room) - Stace....Ready to go?
STACY (answering Leo's call) - Coming.
****************************************************************
SCENE SEVEN - Channel 4 Newsroom. Stephanie has just arrived at work for
another day on the job
****************************************************************
KARYN (To Stephanie as she walks in the door) - Good Morning
Stephanie. How was your holiday?
STEPHANIE - Good Morning Karyn. My holiday was a *little* more than I
bargained for, but it was all good. How was yours?
KARYN - Ohh....You know. The usual.
STEPHANIE - I bet Michael was pigging out on that turkey. Say hey...Is
Roger in yet?
ROGER (approaching) - Yes I am. And YOU are just the person I've been
looking for.
(Roger & Stephanie walk over to Stephanie's desk)
STEPHANIE - About those robbers right?
ROGER - Yep. Pulled another one early this morning.
STEPHANIE (as she takes her seat) - Yeah. Read about it. What's with
those guys down at City Hall & the PD anyways?
ROGER - You of all people should know the answer to THAT one. Isn't your
sister working the case for the PD?
STEPHANIE - One of them, yeah.
ROGER - So....Why not giver her a call?
STEPHANIE - Because I already know for a fact that all she'll do is tell me
that they're working on the case (which I already know anyway) or she'll
tell me nothing at all In other words - NO COMMENT.
ROGER - Well Stephanie, we have to keep the heat on them SOMEHOW.
STEPHANIE - Yeah, well something tells me we won't have to keep the heat on
city officials. I think the mere thought of $275,000 being stolen from the
employee credit union is enough incentive alone to give us SOMETHING
besides the usual PR crap.
ROGER - I hope you're right.
STEPHANIE (To Roger as he leaves) - Trust me on this one. I am.
**************************************************
SCENE EIGHT - Outside Cedarville Memorial Hospital. Leo has just dropped
Stacy off there.
**************************************************
LEO - Hey. I'll give you a call later when I know what's going down, alright?
STACY - Okay.
(Leo drives off. Stacy walks into the hospital)
********************************************************
SCENE NINE - Jennifer's car. It's now later in the day. Jennifer is seen
endlessly wandering around town trying to clear her head. She eventually
sees the highway headed out of town and a sign that says JLN). She debates
as to whether or not she wants to take it even though the roads in and
around Cedarville and surrounding areas are still VERY slick and icy from
the recent storm.
*********************************************************
JENNIFER (reaching a decision and talking to herself) - FUCK IT. Maybe if
I get out of this dump for awhile, I might get my head on straight.
(She gets on the highway and is seen traveling several miles and heading
out of town. Just as she leaves the outskirts of town, she then starts to
daydream about the last 48 hours had Steve not interfered with her plans to
marry Brad as well as other things that have made people dislike her)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JENNIFER DAYDREAM SCENE ONE - PART ONE - JENNIFER, BRAD & STEVE AT THE
WEDDING [NOTE - For the sake of brevity, I am pasting this part of the
scene together using applicable snippets AS THEY WERE ORIGINALLY WRITTEN in
previous episodes with NO episode identification. You can see all the
episodes in their entirety simply by scrolling down]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"You know how much I want you" Steve lustfully says.
"But Steve...I'm getting married".
"Marriages have never stopped you before. Steve sarcastically says.
"Steve....What if Brad should walk in?", Jennifer asks with great concern.
"And ruin his marriage to you? You know how supersticious Brad is when it
comes to those things" Steve says. "That's what makes him a wimp". He
continues.
"But you are a woman. And I know you want a real man like me". Steve says.
"No one I know of makes love the way you do. That's what turns me on to
you. I'm crazy about you". She says.
"Fine then. Marry me and not Brad. Leave him out of it". Steve says. "You
know you love me". He continues.
Jennifer looks at Steve as though he's captivating her. She knows she wants
Steve, but she also loves Brad as well and knows that he will be hurt if
she told him the truth about her feelings.
"Deep down in your heart, you like Brad, but you don't love him". Steve
continues. "Not the way you love me". He says.
Jennifer starts to cry.
"Oh God...." She says, trying to regain her composure as she looks at Steve
with lust.
"I can't stand it anymore! Kiss me! Kiss me! Kiss me!". Jennifer says as
she and Steve embrace lustfully and kiss each other endlessly.
Brad opens the door, thinking he's walking into the bathroom, but is
shocked to see Steve & Jennifer kissing. He says nothing, but is stunned
into virtual immobility. His breathing becomes labored as he is filled with
rage. As such, he tries to talk, but can't speak. He's trying to say
Jennifer's name, but can't get past the J in her name. Overwhelmed with
shock, Brad leaves the room, but Jennifer, still caught up in her lust and
passionate necking with Steve, hears the door close.
"Why did you stop Jennifer". Steve asks.
"I thought I heard the door close", she says.
"Now you imagining things". Steve says.
"NO. I swear I heard the door shut", she says as she approaches the door to
open it.
"You're just being ridiculous. If there was somebody there, they're long
gone by now". Steve says as Jennifer starts to open it.
"Somebody might have seen us" Jennifer says as she peeks down the hallway
and notices what appears to be Brad stumbling and staggering into the next
room.
Jennifer doesn't pursue
"Oh my God....Brad saw us! What should I do? What *am* I going to do?" she
nervously thinks and utters to herself.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Jennifer is still seen driving, but her eyes are welling up with tears as
her daydream continues)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JENNIFER DAYDREAM SCENE ONE - PART TWO - Setting same as Part One
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"You have to leave" Jennifer frantically says.
"But Jen....I wanna be with you". Steve says.
"Don't you see? My hopes of marrying Brad are over!" Jennifer says, still
frantic.
"You only LIKED Brad. You never LOVED him like you love me" Steve says.
You don't get it do you? I NEVER loved you."
"But just five minutes ago, you were quick to make love to me. In fact, you
BEGGED me to make wild, passionate love to you. Now, look at you. You're
worried that Brad will tell everyone else and before you know it, you've
retained the reputation you've ALWAYS had. The reputation of being THE TOWN
SLUT.
*******************************************************
Jennifer backhands Steve in the face
*******************************************************
"OUCH!" "What was THAT for?"
"YOU snuck onto Stace & Leo's property (i.e. THIS HOUSE). YOU found a
ladder and climbed to my window....." Jennifer says.
"And YOU let me in." Steve says, intentionally interrupting Jennifer "And
THAT is what Brad will no doubt assume and remember". He adds
"And to think IT WAS YOU who stood by me through my trial". Steve says "And
when I left town to start over with a new slate, it was YOU who betrayed ME
by....."
"I BETRAYED YOU ?????" Jennifer interrupted "I wasn't the one who suddenly
left town to, as you put it, 'start over with a new slate'. I wanted to go
with you, but YOU DUMPED ME!!" She adds. "What was I supposed to do? Wait
till you came CRAWLING back to me begging for forgiveness?". She adds, now
in tears. "GET OUT. GET OUT NOW". "I don't EVER wanna see you again". She
says rather demandingly.
*****************************************************
Hearing all the shouting, Stacy walks in
*****************************************************
"What the hell is going on? Are you okay Jen?" Stacy asks, not having
spotted Steve yet
******************************************************
Stacy then notices Steve and now has a look of shock on her face
******************************************************
"What THE HELL are YOU doing here? Stacy asks, still in shock
"Better yet....HOW did you get in here?" "I handled the invitation list and
I *know* YOUR NAME wasn't on it". Stacy asks, demanding an answer
******************************************************
Jennifer tries to look innocent through her teary eyes, but Stacy sees
right through it
******************************************************
"Or did you have a little 'help'?" Stacy asks as she scowls rather
suspiciously at Jennifer as she taps her foot, puts her hands on her hips
and awaits Steve's answer and wondering if David and/or Marcie are in the
crowd somewhere outside.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Jennifer is still seen driving but is now fighting back her tears as her
daydream continues)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JENNIFER DAYDREAM SCENE ONE - PART THREE - Setting the same as before
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
STACY - Well....Are either of you gonna answer me or am I gonna have to
play guessing games?
JENNIFER (With a look of guilt on her face as Steve gives her an
intimidating look) - I......I.....I let him in.
STACY (Looking at Jennifer) - Why am I not surprised?
JENNIFER - I didn't want to.
STACY (Sarcastically) - Ohhh Suuure Jen. You didn't want to. You "never"
do. But you're DUMB & STUPID ENOUGH TO DO IT ANYWAY.
STEVE (Trying to offer an explaination of his own) - Well if you must know
Stacy....
STACY (With authority) - SHUT UP!! I'm NOT even talking to you!
Trish walks in and looks squarely at Steve as she enters with her eyes
bulging and her arms folded across her chest. She walks over to him as she
says.....
TRISH (With a half-shocked look on her face) - Well.....Well.....Well. Look
what the cat (turning to look at Jennifer) dragged in. Wouldn't have
believed it if Brad hadn't said anything. Who's ship did you sail in on
Steve? Greg's yacht?
TRISH (Before Steve could answer) - Ohh....WAIT....Or did you "stowaway" on it?
STEVE (Adamantly) - Greg NOR his yacht had ANYTHING WHATSOEVER to do with
my arrival in town or being here.
STACY (Sarcastically with a smirk and rolling eyes) - I don't believe it.
For once he actually says something that's TOTALLY believable.
TRISH - So Steve.....What REALLY brings you ALL THE WAY back to Cedarville
from WHEREVER THE HELL you came from? Certainly couldn't be a new life.
Afterall...Virtually everyone knows all the bridges you burned here.
Steve remains silent, thinking the question isn't even worthy of a
dignified answer. Trish turns to Jennifer (who's still trying to maintain
her look of innocence) as she says....
TRISH - And WHAT could've POSSIBLY prompted you to be so DUMB & STUPID as
to LET HIM IN??? And PUH-LEAZE....Spare us the argument that you didn't,
because we both know otherwise.
Stacy gives Jennifer a look of agreement with what Trish had just said.
Jennifer is still trying to maintain her look of innocence, though it is
weakening under the mounting pressure of Trish's contant barrage of
questions and other comments which Jennifer knows Stacy has no defense for
because Stacy is saying EXACTLY what Trish is, only Stacy is doing it with
looks on her face
TRISH - I mean....WHAT WERE YOU THINKING??????????
TRISH (Continuing her verbal assault) - Do you have ANY idea the condition
Brad is in right now????? HE IS A BASKET CASE.
Trish turns to look at Steve
TRISH - And YOU.......I can't begin to put into words how I feel about you.
There's not a single word in the English language that PERFECTLY descrbes
what I think of you. In fact, I don't believe there's a word in the English
language that PERFECTLY describes what ANYONE IN CEDARVILLE outside of THE
SLUT (once again turning to look at Jennifer and then back to Steve again)
thinks of you.
STEVE - Are you through?
TRISH (Looking squarely into his face and toe-to-toe with him, almost
mumbling and turning her head from side to side with a frown on her face) -
Not even close.
STACY (Thinking she's seen and heard enough and looking at Steve) - I think
it's time you leave Steve - NOW!
STEVE - And if I don't?
TRISH - Then I'll get David & Marcie to HAUL YOU ASS OUTTA HERE (now
toe-to-toe with Steve herself) And FEED YOU TO THE WOLVES AT THE CITY JAIL
- FOR TRESPASSING.
Stacy gives Steve a "Go Ahead - Call My Bluff" look while still standing
toe-to-toe with him and looking sqaurely into his eyes with fire in hers
STEVE (Looking at Stacy and then at Trish, who was cheering Stacy on with
her looks) - Well then.....We wouldn't want that, would we?
STEVE (Looking at Jennifer) I'll see you later?
JENNIFER (Looking anywhere but at Steve) - Don't count on it.
Stacy & Trish both smirk at Jennifer's response as if to show cynical
disbelief as Steve walks out of the room, but not before getting looks from
Stacy & Trish on his way out
STACY (Looking at Jennifer) - Now....As for YOU. I'm THROUGH supporting
you. I'm THROUGH with lending you my shoulder to cry on each & every time
you screw up. I'm THROUGH being USED by you. I've had it. Leo & I
*GENEROUSLY* offered to host YOUR wedding here AND YOU BLEW IT. No more
Jennifer. I've had it with you. I don't care WHAT you do anymore. You have
but TWENTY MINUTES - STARTING RIGHT NOW - To be OUT of that dress and OUT
OF THIS HOUSE. Understand?
Jennifer looks at Trish for sympathy, but gets none. In fact, Trish gives
her even more demeaning looks in response thinking that Stacy is being
MIGHTY generous in giving Jennifer the courtesy of being able to change
clothes before leaving as opposed to throwing Jennifer out of the house
while still in her bridal outfit.
JENNIFER (Reluctantly accepting her punishment) - Will you at least unzip
the back of it for me?
Stacy responds by not only unzipping the zipper, but tearing it in her
non-chalant attempt to help Jennifer out of the bridal dress
JENNIFER (Hearing the tearing noise) - You didn't have to RIP IT.
STACY (Non-chalantly) - Not MY problem Jennifer. YOU were the one who blew
the chance at a decent married life. Not me.
Stacy walks out of the room followed by Trish
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Jennifer is seen once more driving and fighting off even more tears as her
daydreaming continues)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JENNIFER DAYDREAM SCENE ONE - PART FOUR - During the Reception at the wedding
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LEO (Announcing to all in the room) - COME & GET IT. The food is ready.
The guests all line up, but Greg & Stephanie hold out, unsure if they'll
even stick around. Meanwhile Jennifer emerges with her bridal dress in
hand. She lays it down and attempts to get in line
TRISH (Spotting Jennifer trying to get in the food line) - What do you
think you're doing?
JENNIFER - What does it look like I'm doing. I'm getting a bite to eat
before I go.
Stacy walks up
STACY (With authority) Ohhhh....NO YOU AREN'T. You are LEAVING *NOW* Missy.
David & Marcie, two of Cedarville's finest detectives from the Cedarville
PD, turn their heads
STACY (Continuing) YOU ruined the wedding. Brad is in the next room. And
I'll be DAMNED if I'm gonna let you ruin WHAT'S LEFT of today and tonight
by allowing YOU to remain here. Haven't you done enough damage for one day?
ROB (walking over with a smirk on his face as he faces Jennifer) - Maybe
she feels like she needs to add salt to the wound.
STACY - Well either way Jennifer - YOU ARE NOT STAYING. You've worn out
your welcome here. GET OUT NOW.
Stacy turns to look at David & Marcie. Marcie responds with a look that
says she'll take care of Jennifer and will see to it she leaves the
premises. Jennifer does nothing.
MARCIE - You heard her. Time to go Missy. Let's go.
Marcie grabs onto Jennifer's arm
JENNIFER (Demandingly) UNHAND ME. LET ME GO.
MARCIE (With authority) LOOK PRINCESS. You've got a choice. You can either
leave on your own accord or come with us. Your choice.
MARCIE (Continuing) - Though I should warn you. If we have to drag you out
of here by force, we won't be taking you home. WE WILL TAKE YOU TO JAIL. We
don't wanna have to do that. We hate the paperwork. We'd also hate to see
you with a criminal record. But if we have to forcibly remove you....
JENNIFER (Interrupting, but not happy) - ALRIGHT. I get the point. But I
paid for part of this reception too, ya know.
MARCIE - NOT our problem Princess. Take it up with Stacy SOME OTHER TIME.
Now, if you don't mind....
Marcie points to the door
MARCIE - See the door Jennifer? WALK THROUGH IT.
Jennifer picks up her dress and proceeds to leave, but not before one last
parting shot
JENNIFER (Looking at Trish, who just happens to be nearby) - Tell Brad I
still love him
TRISH - I'm NOT going to tell Brad ANYTHING - YOU FUCKIN' WHORE.
Jennifer shamefully and reluctantly leaves with tears streaking down her face
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Jennifer is still seen driving, but now she's also whimpering, but alas
she presses on as her daydreaming continues)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JENNIFER DAYDREAM SCENE TWO - Brad's apartment from earlier in the day
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BRAD - What do YOU want?
JENNIFER - I came to tell you how sorry I am. Can I come in?
(Brad lets Jennifer into his apartment, though he's at a loss as to why he
should)
BRAD - If you think I'm just gonna say "all is forgiven", YOU ARE SADLY
MISTAKEN.
JENNIFER - I know. But Brad, I still love you?
BRAD - LOVE??? You don't even know THE MEANING of the word.
(Jennifer starts to cry)
JENNIFER - But Brad....
BRAD - You know, I don't even know WHY I even let you in. YOU are the one
who RUINED WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE **OUR** WEDDING by letting Steve in the
window.
JENNIFER - I didn't even know he was in town. And even if I did, I
certainly wouldn't have invited him to the wedding, much less let him into
my dressing room.
BRAD (sarcastic) - Well you sure did a GREAT job of keeping him out.
(Jennifer is really crying now)
JENNIFER - Ohh....Brad.....PLEASE......
BRAD (shaking his head) - You know...I can't even believe you. Then again,
maybe everyone was right. Maybe YOUR REPUTATION OF WRECKING MARRIAGES
*DOES* speak for itself. I don't even know why I even thought I actually
had a chance with you. Yeah, I was just setting myself up for a big fall
alright.
JENNIFER (out of desperation) - Brad....I LOVE YOU. I never wanted to hurt
you. I NEVER WANTED ANY OF THIS TO HAPPEN.
BRAD - Yeah....Well you sure did one hell of a job trying to prevent it in
the first place. THAT is what you should've done.
JENNIFER - I love you.
BRAD - Is that all you can say?
JENNIFER - I'm sorry. I'm so so so sorry.
BRAD (nodding his head) - Yeah....Well....GET OUT. GET OUT BEFORE I THROW
YOU OUT.
JENNIFER (really desperate now) Brad....Please.....
BRAD (angrily) - I SAID GET OUT YOU FUCKIN' WHORE. Go find YOUR PIMP Steve
Farley. As far as I'm concerned, the two of you can elope. Either way, I
don't give a fuckin' shit anymore. GET OUT.
(Jennifer opens the door and walks out sobbing in tears)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Jennifer is now sobbing uncontrollably as she continues her driving, which
is now VERY erratic. She starts to weave in an out of various lanes
causing what few cars there are on the highway to hit their brakes, honk
their horns, etc. She eventually winds up driving off into a ditch, but in
a VERY remote area. Her car rolls and rolls and eventually comes to a rest
on its top with Jennifer still trapped inside and unconcious. A spark
generates a small flame, but is currently not in a position to threaten her
life. Her car is seen bottom up from above with NO ONE within miles
around. In fact, she is now several miles out of town and closer to Chippequah, a small town about 70 miles away from Cedarville, than she is to Cedarville itelf).
************************************************************************
SCENE TEN - Cedarville Memorial Hospital - Dr. Andrea Mercer has just
examined Stacy for her ailment and ran a battery of tests and has returned
with the results
************************************************************************
DR. MERCER - Well....You don't have any serious medical problem. But I do
have news which I think will make your day.
STACY - About THE ONLY thing that will make my day today doctor is if I'm
told my husband Leo will be here for the Holidays.
DR. MERCER - Well....I'm afraid that's YOUR department. But the news I
have involves your husband as well.
STACY - How so?
DR. MERCER - Well....You know that test you administered yourself before
you arrived?
STACY - Yeah.
DR. MERCER - Well....The test you took here just confirmed your own findings.
(Stacy looks emotionless even though she and Leo have been trying FOR YEARS)
DR. MERCER - In other words Stacy - You're pregnant.
===================================================
NOTE - Due to my falling behind in episode writing, we will zap forward a
few weeks in time so that we may catch up with the season, hence the
super-long episode (Hopefully this will be planned out better next year and
in the future). There will be more storylines (and continuation of some
current ones) as well as more cast members introduced ON THE NEXT EDITION
OF "AGAINST THE STORM"
SCENE ONE - It's now the morning after Thanksgiving. Leo & Stacy's House -
Leo & Stacy have just woke up. However Stacy feels ill. Stacy is seen
groggy and dragging herself into the kitchen where Leo has just finished
cooking breakfast.
*********************************************
LEO - Mornin' baby. Want some bacon & eggs?
STACY (feeling sick to her stomach) - No thanks sweetie. I don't feel very
good today
LEO - What's the matter? You've NEVER turned down bacon & eggs given the
way I cook 'em.
STACY - I doubt I could eat 'em no matter who cooked 'em today. Must've
been something I ate yesterday. *Oooooo* Where's the Antacid when we need it?
LEO - Could also be the flu. You know how bad that stuff is going around.
STACY (Acting as though she doesn't care buty wants to be cured - FAST) -
Maybe. I dunno. Then too, I think I must've missed my period.
LEO (Ears perked at that sound, but cautiously excited) - HONEY! Y-Y-Y-You
mean.....W-W-W-we own A NEST? A-A-A b-b-b-bun in the oven?
STACY - I dunno. I got one of those home pregnancy tests the other day at
the store. I think I'll go adminster that. That'll give me SOME freakin'
clue.
LEO - Tell ya what. I'll drop you off at Dr. Mercer's on my way to Ft.
Cedar this morning. How's that?
(Stacy looks at him as if to show TREMENDOUS gratitude and thanks for his
offer and then drags herself off into the bathroom)
*********************************************
SCENE TWO - GREG & COURTNEY'S YACHT - Greg has just walked over to the
breakfast table. Courtney enters the room with the morning paper - And a
"special surprise" for her man
**********************************************
GREG - Mornin' babe. So, what's in the news today?
COURTNEY (non-chalantly) - Ohh nothing special. Another soldier gets
killed in Iraq. A car bomb goes off in Israel. Ohh....I see another
politician in Washington calls it quits and - GET A LOAD OF THIS - It
appears that someone with your handwriting seems to be writing letters to
his ex from literally every corner of the world.
(Courtney sarcastically smiles as she plops down the newspaper and the
overseas postal receipts with Greg's handwriting for the letters he knows
were addressed to Stephanie)
GREG (stunned by the sight of the receipts) - Where did you get these?
COURTNEY - I found them while rummaging through the stacks of postal
receipts the other day.
(She looks a little surprised at Greg's stunned look)
COURTNEY (Half-laughing) - Whoa? Did you HONESTLY believe you could
actually keep them a secret by hiding them from me?
GREG (Trying to regain his composure and downplay the truth) - You know
I've written HUNDREDS of these things. I *do* run a business, you know.
COURTNEY (picking up one of the receipts and proceeds to read the address
on it) - Right. But what "business" could you POSSIBLY have with Stephanie
Blanton of WCDR-TV Channel 4 news?
(One of their two children, little two year old Aaron McFadden, is heard
crying in the distance)
COURTNEY (Hearing Aaron's call off in the distance) - Coming sweetie!
GREG (knowing he's been caught) - Alright. You know WHY I wrote those
letters? Because I LOVE STEPHANIE. And near as I can tell, she still
loves me. I also want to break off this JOKE of a "marriage" we have. You
don't love me any more than I love you. You SEDUCED me into having sex
with you. You then BLACKMAILED me to get married once you learned you were
pregnant with Aaron. You had the option of getting an abortion. In fact,
I even gave you some money to get one. But YOU CHOSE NOT TO. Instead, you
chose to have Aaron and alas...HERE WE ARE. Two people who are married,
but HARDLY in love with one another.
(Courtney slaps Greg in the face)
GREG (smarting from the slap) - And then if that wasn't enough, YOU WANTED
MORE. You had to get pregnant AGAIN to reinforce the issue.
(Courtney starts to walk out of the room)
GREG - (continuing) Ohh yes...DO tend to Aaron. But keep this in
mind. YOU ARE AN UNFIT & MENTALLY UNSTABLE MOTHER. I can PROVE it. You
know I can. All the beatings and other forms of abuse you doled out to the
kids over the last couple of years is enough to make ANYONE cry. But you
know something? I'm going to find a way out. And when I do, I WILL TAKE
THOSE KIDS WITH ME. Take THAT to the bank.
(Courtney gives Greg a smirk as she walks out of the room)
***************************************************
SCENE THREE - Brad's apartment. Brad is seen answering a knock on his
door. He opens it and finds Jennifer on the other side.
****************************************************
BRAD - What do YOU want?
JENNIFER - I came to tell you how sorry I am. Can I come in?
(Brad lets Jennifer into his apartment, though he's at a loss as to why he
should)
BRAD - If you think I'm just gonna say "all is forgiven", YOU ARE SADLY
MISTAKEN.
JENNIFER - I know. But Brad, I still love you?
BRAD - LOVE??? You don't even know THE MEANING of the word.
(Jennifer starts to cry)
JENNIFER - But Brad....
BRAD - You know, I don't even know WHY I even let you in. YOU are the one
who RUINED WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE **OUR** WEDDING by letting Steve in the
window.
JENNIFER - I didn't even know he was in town. And even if I did, I
certainly wouldn't have invited him to the wedding, much less let him into
my dressing room.
BRAD (sarcastic) - Well you sure did a GREAT job of keeping him out.
(Jennifer is really crying now)
JENNIFER - Ohh....Brad.....PLEASE......
BRAD (shaking his head) - You know...I can't even believe you. Then again,
maybe everyone was right. Maybe YOUR REPUTATION OF WRECKING MARRIAGES
*DOES* speak for itself. I don't even know why I even thought I actually
had a chance with you. Yeah, I was just setting myself up for a big fall
alright.
JENNIFER (out of desperation) - Brad....I LOVE YOU. I never wanted to hurt
you. I NEVER WANTED ANY OF THIS TO HAPPEN.
BRAD - Yeah....Well you sure did one hell of a job trying to prevent it in
the first place. THAT is what you should've done.
JENNIFER - I love you.
BRAD - Is that all you can say?
JENNIFER - I'm sorry. I'm so so so sorry.
BRAD (nodding his head) - Yeah....Well....GET OUT. GET OUT BEFORE I THROW
YOU OUT.
JENNIFER (really desperate now) Brad....Please.....
BRAD (angrily) - I SAID GET OUT YOU FUCKIN' WHORE. Go find YOUR PIMP Steve
Farley. As far as I'm concerned, the two of you can elope. Either way, I
don't give a fuckin' shit anymore. GET OUT.
(Jennifer opens the door and walks out sobbing in tears)
************************************************************
SCENE FOUR - Michelle's House. She and Rob are still in bed after a night
of fruitful lovemaking. Rob is seen lightly kissing Michelle as she awakens
************************************************************
MICHELLE (smiling) Mmmmm...
(Michelle opens her eyes and sees Rob kissing her lightly on the shoulder)
MICHELLE (smiling and groaning in approval) Good morning lover boy.
(Rob looks up to see Michelle's beautiful smile)
ROB (smiling) - Good Morning my sexy beautiful love goddess.
MICHELLE (giggling) - I love it when you call me that.
(Michelle turns over to lay flat on her back as she looks up at her man)
ROB - A beautiful sight like yours is what I'd like to wake up to EVERY
morning.
MICHELLE (giggling) - Really?
ROB - Hell yeah.
MICHELLE - What do you see when you see a smile like mine?
ROB - Beauty. Lots of it.
MICHELLE - Well right now I've got morning mouth. My mouth feels like paste.
ROB - I don't care. It all looks BEAUTIFUL to me.
(Michelle giggles as Rob starts kissing the nipple of her breast. This
leads to another round of lovemaking, only much more gentle since neither
one of them have much fuel left in the tank to begin with)
*****************************************************************
SCENE FIVE - The Cedarville PD Squad Room - David & Marcie have just
arrived at work for another day on the job.
*****************************************************************
DAVID (To Desk Seargeant Walt "Bex" Bexley as he and Marcie arrive) -
Mornin' Bex.
BEX - Mornin'
MARCIE - Any mail for us today Bex?
BEX - Nope, but if I were you, I'd stay as far away from the captain as I
could possibly be today.
DAVID - Ohh? Why is that?
(Captain Pete Marshall approaches)
CAPT. MARSHALL - My oh my. How nice of you two to actually make it into
work today. Too bad you're about TWELVE HOURS late.
(David & Marcie look at each other with puzzled looks on their faces)
MARCIE - Huh?
CAPTAIN - Don't tell me you haven't heard.
DAVID - Heard WHAT?
CAPTAIN - It's all over the front page of today's Cedarville Tribune. Oh
yeah.....Channel 4 is all over this too. Got a call from THE MAYOR. It's
about those amrored car robbers you buffoons have been supposedly
chasing. WHEN ARE YOU TWO GONNA NAB THESE GUYS?????
MARCIE - Captain, you KNOW how closely we've been working with The Feds on
that.
CAPTAIN - Yeah....I know that, but THE MAYOR doesn't. Hell, I'm even
getting calls from City Council members. You know as well as I do that
politicians don't understand police work. All they know and understand is
THEY WANT THESE SOB's CAUGHT. And The Trib as well as Channel 4 are BOTH
eating this up.
DAVID - Oh brother...
CAPTAIN - My thoughts EXACTLY. I don't know what you two are doing to help
the feds, but whatever you're doing, STEP IT UP. I WANT THESE THUGS GIFT
WRAPPED & PUT UNDER MY TREE IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS - THIS YEAR. Got it?
DAVID - (knowing there's only so much the Cedarville PD can do in this
case) Yeah....yeah....yeah. Got it.
(Marcie nods)
CAPTAIN - Good. NOW GET TO WORK.
MARCIE - Yes sir.
(Captain Marshall walks away and heads back to his office)
DAVID - I wish criminals would learn to take the Holidays off.
MARCIE - If they did, do you think we'd still have a job?
DAVID - You really don't want me to answer that, do you?
*******************************************************************
SCENE SIX - Leo & Stacy's House. Stacy is in the bathroom taking a home
pregnancy test
*******************************************************************
STACY (Talking to herself) - It should be long enough now. Let's see.
(Stacy looks at the results and sees the sign that she really is pregnant)
STACY (confused and still talking to herself) Could I really have a bun in
the oven? Could I really be pregnant? How do I break the news to
Leo? He's going overseas and I may never see him again.
(Stacy tosses the test aside)
STACY - Maybe it's just as well I do pay Dr. Mercer a visit today. Perhaps
she can confirm this.
LEO (shouting from another room) - Stace....Ready to go?
STACY (answering Leo's call) - Coming.
****************************************************************
SCENE SEVEN - Channel 4 Newsroom. Stephanie has just arrived at work for
another day on the job
****************************************************************
KARYN (To Stephanie as she walks in the door) - Good Morning
Stephanie. How was your holiday?
STEPHANIE - Good Morning Karyn. My holiday was a *little* more than I
bargained for, but it was all good. How was yours?
KARYN - Ohh....You know. The usual.
STEPHANIE - I bet Michael was pigging out on that turkey. Say hey...Is
Roger in yet?
ROGER (approaching) - Yes I am. And YOU are just the person I've been
looking for.
(Roger & Stephanie walk over to Stephanie's desk)
STEPHANIE - About those robbers right?
ROGER - Yep. Pulled another one early this morning.
STEPHANIE (as she takes her seat) - Yeah. Read about it. What's with
those guys down at City Hall & the PD anyways?
ROGER - You of all people should know the answer to THAT one. Isn't your
sister working the case for the PD?
STEPHANIE - One of them, yeah.
ROGER - So....Why not giver her a call?
STEPHANIE - Because I already know for a fact that all she'll do is tell me
that they're working on the case (which I already know anyway) or she'll
tell me nothing at all In other words - NO COMMENT.
ROGER - Well Stephanie, we have to keep the heat on them SOMEHOW.
STEPHANIE - Yeah, well something tells me we won't have to keep the heat on
city officials. I think the mere thought of $275,000 being stolen from the
employee credit union is enough incentive alone to give us SOMETHING
besides the usual PR crap.
ROGER - I hope you're right.
STEPHANIE (To Roger as he leaves) - Trust me on this one. I am.
**************************************************
SCENE EIGHT - Outside Cedarville Memorial Hospital. Leo has just dropped
Stacy off there.
**************************************************
LEO - Hey. I'll give you a call later when I know what's going down, alright?
STACY - Okay.
(Leo drives off. Stacy walks into the hospital)
********************************************************
SCENE NINE - Jennifer's car. It's now later in the day. Jennifer is seen
endlessly wandering around town trying to clear her head. She eventually
sees the highway headed out of town and a sign that says JLN). She debates
as to whether or not she wants to take it even though the roads in and
around Cedarville and surrounding areas are still VERY slick and icy from
the recent storm.
*********************************************************
JENNIFER (reaching a decision and talking to herself) - FUCK IT. Maybe if
I get out of this dump for awhile, I might get my head on straight.
(She gets on the highway and is seen traveling several miles and heading
out of town. Just as she leaves the outskirts of town, she then starts to
daydream about the last 48 hours had Steve not interfered with her plans to
marry Brad as well as other things that have made people dislike her)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JENNIFER DAYDREAM SCENE ONE - PART ONE - JENNIFER, BRAD & STEVE AT THE
WEDDING [NOTE - For the sake of brevity, I am pasting this part of the
scene together using applicable snippets AS THEY WERE ORIGINALLY WRITTEN in
previous episodes with NO episode identification. You can see all the
episodes in their entirety simply by scrolling down]
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"You know how much I want you" Steve lustfully says.
"But Steve...I'm getting married".
"Marriages have never stopped you before. Steve sarcastically says.
"Steve....What if Brad should walk in?", Jennifer asks with great concern.
"And ruin his marriage to you? You know how supersticious Brad is when it
comes to those things" Steve says. "That's what makes him a wimp". He
continues.
"But you are a woman. And I know you want a real man like me". Steve says.
"No one I know of makes love the way you do. That's what turns me on to
you. I'm crazy about you". She says.
"Fine then. Marry me and not Brad. Leave him out of it". Steve says. "You
know you love me". He continues.
Jennifer looks at Steve as though he's captivating her. She knows she wants
Steve, but she also loves Brad as well and knows that he will be hurt if
she told him the truth about her feelings.
"Deep down in your heart, you like Brad, but you don't love him". Steve
continues. "Not the way you love me". He says.
Jennifer starts to cry.
"Oh God...." She says, trying to regain her composure as she looks at Steve
with lust.
"I can't stand it anymore! Kiss me! Kiss me! Kiss me!". Jennifer says as
she and Steve embrace lustfully and kiss each other endlessly.
Brad opens the door, thinking he's walking into the bathroom, but is
shocked to see Steve & Jennifer kissing. He says nothing, but is stunned
into virtual immobility. His breathing becomes labored as he is filled with
rage. As such, he tries to talk, but can't speak. He's trying to say
Jennifer's name, but can't get past the J in her name. Overwhelmed with
shock, Brad leaves the room, but Jennifer, still caught up in her lust and
passionate necking with Steve, hears the door close.
"Why did you stop Jennifer". Steve asks.
"I thought I heard the door close", she says.
"Now you imagining things". Steve says.
"NO. I swear I heard the door shut", she says as she approaches the door to
open it.
"You're just being ridiculous. If there was somebody there, they're long
gone by now". Steve says as Jennifer starts to open it.
"Somebody might have seen us" Jennifer says as she peeks down the hallway
and notices what appears to be Brad stumbling and staggering into the next
room.
Jennifer doesn't pursue
"Oh my God....Brad saw us! What should I do? What *am* I going to do?" she
nervously thinks and utters to herself.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Jennifer is still seen driving, but her eyes are welling up with tears as
her daydream continues)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JENNIFER DAYDREAM SCENE ONE - PART TWO - Setting same as Part One
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"You have to leave" Jennifer frantically says.
"But Jen....I wanna be with you". Steve says.
"Don't you see? My hopes of marrying Brad are over!" Jennifer says, still
frantic.
"You only LIKED Brad. You never LOVED him like you love me" Steve says.
You don't get it do you? I NEVER loved you."
"But just five minutes ago, you were quick to make love to me. In fact, you
BEGGED me to make wild, passionate love to you. Now, look at you. You're
worried that Brad will tell everyone else and before you know it, you've
retained the reputation you've ALWAYS had. The reputation of being THE TOWN
SLUT.
*******************************************************
Jennifer backhands Steve in the face
*******************************************************
"OUCH!" "What was THAT for?"
"YOU snuck onto Stace & Leo's property (i.e. THIS HOUSE). YOU found a
ladder and climbed to my window....." Jennifer says.
"And YOU let me in." Steve says, intentionally interrupting Jennifer "And
THAT is what Brad will no doubt assume and remember". He adds
"And to think IT WAS YOU who stood by me through my trial". Steve says "And
when I left town to start over with a new slate, it was YOU who betrayed ME
by....."
"I BETRAYED YOU ?????" Jennifer interrupted "I wasn't the one who suddenly
left town to, as you put it, 'start over with a new slate'. I wanted to go
with you, but YOU DUMPED ME!!" She adds. "What was I supposed to do? Wait
till you came CRAWLING back to me begging for forgiveness?". She adds, now
in tears. "GET OUT. GET OUT NOW". "I don't EVER wanna see you again". She
says rather demandingly.
*****************************************************
Hearing all the shouting, Stacy walks in
*****************************************************
"What the hell is going on? Are you okay Jen?" Stacy asks, not having
spotted Steve yet
******************************************************
Stacy then notices Steve and now has a look of shock on her face
******************************************************
"What THE HELL are YOU doing here? Stacy asks, still in shock
"Better yet....HOW did you get in here?" "I handled the invitation list and
I *know* YOUR NAME wasn't on it". Stacy asks, demanding an answer
******************************************************
Jennifer tries to look innocent through her teary eyes, but Stacy sees
right through it
******************************************************
"Or did you have a little 'help'?" Stacy asks as she scowls rather
suspiciously at Jennifer as she taps her foot, puts her hands on her hips
and awaits Steve's answer and wondering if David and/or Marcie are in the
crowd somewhere outside.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Jennifer is still seen driving but is now fighting back her tears as her
daydream continues)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JENNIFER DAYDREAM SCENE ONE - PART THREE - Setting the same as before
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
STACY - Well....Are either of you gonna answer me or am I gonna have to
play guessing games?
JENNIFER (With a look of guilt on her face as Steve gives her an
intimidating look) - I......I.....I let him in.
STACY (Looking at Jennifer) - Why am I not surprised?
JENNIFER - I didn't want to.
STACY (Sarcastically) - Ohhh Suuure Jen. You didn't want to. You "never"
do. But you're DUMB & STUPID ENOUGH TO DO IT ANYWAY.
STEVE (Trying to offer an explaination of his own) - Well if you must know
Stacy....
STACY (With authority) - SHUT UP!! I'm NOT even talking to you!
Trish walks in and looks squarely at Steve as she enters with her eyes
bulging and her arms folded across her chest. She walks over to him as she
says.....
TRISH (With a half-shocked look on her face) - Well.....Well.....Well. Look
what the cat (turning to look at Jennifer) dragged in. Wouldn't have
believed it if Brad hadn't said anything. Who's ship did you sail in on
Steve? Greg's yacht?
TRISH (Before Steve could answer) - Ohh....WAIT....Or did you "stowaway" on it?
STEVE (Adamantly) - Greg NOR his yacht had ANYTHING WHATSOEVER to do with
my arrival in town or being here.
STACY (Sarcastically with a smirk and rolling eyes) - I don't believe it.
For once he actually says something that's TOTALLY believable.
TRISH - So Steve.....What REALLY brings you ALL THE WAY back to Cedarville
from WHEREVER THE HELL you came from? Certainly couldn't be a new life.
Afterall...Virtually everyone knows all the bridges you burned here.
Steve remains silent, thinking the question isn't even worthy of a
dignified answer. Trish turns to Jennifer (who's still trying to maintain
her look of innocence) as she says....
TRISH - And WHAT could've POSSIBLY prompted you to be so DUMB & STUPID as
to LET HIM IN??? And PUH-LEAZE....Spare us the argument that you didn't,
because we both know otherwise.
Stacy gives Jennifer a look of agreement with what Trish had just said.
Jennifer is still trying to maintain her look of innocence, though it is
weakening under the mounting pressure of Trish's contant barrage of
questions and other comments which Jennifer knows Stacy has no defense for
because Stacy is saying EXACTLY what Trish is, only Stacy is doing it with
looks on her face
TRISH - I mean....WHAT WERE YOU THINKING??????????
TRISH (Continuing her verbal assault) - Do you have ANY idea the condition
Brad is in right now????? HE IS A BASKET CASE.
Trish turns to look at Steve
TRISH - And YOU.......I can't begin to put into words how I feel about you.
There's not a single word in the English language that PERFECTLY descrbes
what I think of you. In fact, I don't believe there's a word in the English
language that PERFECTLY describes what ANYONE IN CEDARVILLE outside of THE
SLUT (once again turning to look at Jennifer and then back to Steve again)
thinks of you.
STEVE - Are you through?
TRISH (Looking squarely into his face and toe-to-toe with him, almost
mumbling and turning her head from side to side with a frown on her face) -
Not even close.
STACY (Thinking she's seen and heard enough and looking at Steve) - I think
it's time you leave Steve - NOW!
STEVE - And if I don't?
TRISH - Then I'll get David & Marcie to HAUL YOU ASS OUTTA HERE (now
toe-to-toe with Steve herself) And FEED YOU TO THE WOLVES AT THE CITY JAIL
- FOR TRESPASSING.
Stacy gives Steve a "Go Ahead - Call My Bluff" look while still standing
toe-to-toe with him and looking sqaurely into his eyes with fire in hers
STEVE (Looking at Stacy and then at Trish, who was cheering Stacy on with
her looks) - Well then.....We wouldn't want that, would we?
STEVE (Looking at Jennifer) I'll see you later?
JENNIFER (Looking anywhere but at Steve) - Don't count on it.
Stacy & Trish both smirk at Jennifer's response as if to show cynical
disbelief as Steve walks out of the room, but not before getting looks from
Stacy & Trish on his way out
STACY (Looking at Jennifer) - Now....As for YOU. I'm THROUGH supporting
you. I'm THROUGH with lending you my shoulder to cry on each & every time
you screw up. I'm THROUGH being USED by you. I've had it. Leo & I
*GENEROUSLY* offered to host YOUR wedding here AND YOU BLEW IT. No more
Jennifer. I've had it with you. I don't care WHAT you do anymore. You have
but TWENTY MINUTES - STARTING RIGHT NOW - To be OUT of that dress and OUT
OF THIS HOUSE. Understand?
Jennifer looks at Trish for sympathy, but gets none. In fact, Trish gives
her even more demeaning looks in response thinking that Stacy is being
MIGHTY generous in giving Jennifer the courtesy of being able to change
clothes before leaving as opposed to throwing Jennifer out of the house
while still in her bridal outfit.
JENNIFER (Reluctantly accepting her punishment) - Will you at least unzip
the back of it for me?
Stacy responds by not only unzipping the zipper, but tearing it in her
non-chalant attempt to help Jennifer out of the bridal dress
JENNIFER (Hearing the tearing noise) - You didn't have to RIP IT.
STACY (Non-chalantly) - Not MY problem Jennifer. YOU were the one who blew
the chance at a decent married life. Not me.
Stacy walks out of the room followed by Trish
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Jennifer is seen once more driving and fighting off even more tears as her
daydreaming continues)
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JENNIFER DAYDREAM SCENE ONE - PART FOUR - During the Reception at the wedding
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
LEO (Announcing to all in the room) - COME & GET IT. The food is ready.
The guests all line up, but Greg & Stephanie hold out, unsure if they'll
even stick around. Meanwhile Jennifer emerges with her bridal dress in
hand. She lays it down and attempts to get in line
TRISH (Spotting Jennifer trying to get in the food line) - What do you
think you're doing?
JENNIFER - What does it look like I'm doing. I'm getting a bite to eat
before I go.
Stacy walks up
STACY (With authority) Ohhhh....NO YOU AREN'T. You are LEAVING *NOW* Missy.
David & Marcie, two of Cedarville's finest detectives from the Cedarville
PD, turn their heads
STACY (Continuing) YOU ruined the wedding. Brad is in the next room. And
I'll be DAMNED if I'm gonna let you ruin WHAT'S LEFT of today and tonight
by allowing YOU to remain here. Haven't you done enough damage for one day?
ROB (walking over with a smirk on his face as he faces Jennifer) - Maybe
she feels like she needs to add salt to the wound.
STACY - Well either way Jennifer - YOU ARE NOT STAYING. You've worn out
your welcome here. GET OUT NOW.
Stacy turns to look at David & Marcie. Marcie responds with a look that
says she'll take care of Jennifer and will see to it she leaves the
premises. Jennifer does nothing.
MARCIE - You heard her. Time to go Missy. Let's go.
Marcie grabs onto Jennifer's arm
JENNIFER (Demandingly) UNHAND ME. LET ME GO.
MARCIE (With authority) LOOK PRINCESS. You've got a choice. You can either
leave on your own accord or come with us. Your choice.
MARCIE (Continuing) - Though I should warn you. If we have to drag you out
of here by force, we won't be taking you home. WE WILL TAKE YOU TO JAIL. We
don't wanna have to do that. We hate the paperwork. We'd also hate to see
you with a criminal record. But if we have to forcibly remove you....
JENNIFER (Interrupting, but not happy) - ALRIGHT. I get the point. But I
paid for part of this reception too, ya know.
MARCIE - NOT our problem Princess. Take it up with Stacy SOME OTHER TIME.
Now, if you don't mind....
Marcie points to the door
MARCIE - See the door Jennifer? WALK THROUGH IT.
Jennifer picks up her dress and proceeds to leave, but not before one last
parting shot
JENNIFER (Looking at Trish, who just happens to be nearby) - Tell Brad I
still love him
TRISH - I'm NOT going to tell Brad ANYTHING - YOU FUCKIN' WHORE.
Jennifer shamefully and reluctantly leaves with tears streaking down her face
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Jennifer is still seen driving, but now she's also whimpering, but alas
she presses on as her daydreaming continues)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
JENNIFER DAYDREAM SCENE TWO - Brad's apartment from earlier in the day
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BRAD - What do YOU want?
JENNIFER - I came to tell you how sorry I am. Can I come in?
(Brad lets Jennifer into his apartment, though he's at a loss as to why he
should)
BRAD - If you think I'm just gonna say "all is forgiven", YOU ARE SADLY
MISTAKEN.
JENNIFER - I know. But Brad, I still love you?
BRAD - LOVE??? You don't even know THE MEANING of the word.
(Jennifer starts to cry)
JENNIFER - But Brad....
BRAD - You know, I don't even know WHY I even let you in. YOU are the one
who RUINED WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE **OUR** WEDDING by letting Steve in the
window.
JENNIFER - I didn't even know he was in town. And even if I did, I
certainly wouldn't have invited him to the wedding, much less let him into
my dressing room.
BRAD (sarcastic) - Well you sure did a GREAT job of keeping him out.
(Jennifer is really crying now)
JENNIFER - Ohh....Brad.....PLEASE......
BRAD (shaking his head) - You know...I can't even believe you. Then again,
maybe everyone was right. Maybe YOUR REPUTATION OF WRECKING MARRIAGES
*DOES* speak for itself. I don't even know why I even thought I actually
had a chance with you. Yeah, I was just setting myself up for a big fall
alright.
JENNIFER (out of desperation) - Brad....I LOVE YOU. I never wanted to hurt
you. I NEVER WANTED ANY OF THIS TO HAPPEN.
BRAD - Yeah....Well you sure did one hell of a job trying to prevent it in
the first place. THAT is what you should've done.
JENNIFER - I love you.
BRAD - Is that all you can say?
JENNIFER - I'm sorry. I'm so so so sorry.
BRAD (nodding his head) - Yeah....Well....GET OUT. GET OUT BEFORE I THROW
YOU OUT.
JENNIFER (really desperate now) Brad....Please.....
BRAD (angrily) - I SAID GET OUT YOU FUCKIN' WHORE. Go find YOUR PIMP Steve
Farley. As far as I'm concerned, the two of you can elope. Either way, I
don't give a fuckin' shit anymore. GET OUT.
(Jennifer opens the door and walks out sobbing in tears)
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
(Jennifer is now sobbing uncontrollably as she continues her driving, which
is now VERY erratic. She starts to weave in an out of various lanes
causing what few cars there are on the highway to hit their brakes, honk
their horns, etc. She eventually winds up driving off into a ditch, but in
a VERY remote area. Her car rolls and rolls and eventually comes to a rest
on its top with Jennifer still trapped inside and unconcious. A spark
generates a small flame, but is currently not in a position to threaten her
life. Her car is seen bottom up from above with NO ONE within miles
around. In fact, she is now several miles out of town and closer to Chippequah, a small town about 70 miles away from Cedarville, than she is to Cedarville itelf).
************************************************************************
SCENE TEN - Cedarville Memorial Hospital - Dr. Andrea Mercer has just
examined Stacy for her ailment and ran a battery of tests and has returned
with the results
************************************************************************
DR. MERCER - Well....You don't have any serious medical problem. But I do
have news which I think will make your day.
STACY - About THE ONLY thing that will make my day today doctor is if I'm
told my husband Leo will be here for the Holidays.
DR. MERCER - Well....I'm afraid that's YOUR department. But the news I
have involves your husband as well.
STACY - How so?
DR. MERCER - Well....You know that test you administered yourself before
you arrived?
STACY - Yeah.
DR. MERCER - Well....The test you took here just confirmed your own findings.
(Stacy looks emotionless even though she and Leo have been trying FOR YEARS)
DR. MERCER - In other words Stacy - You're pregnant.
===================================================
NOTE - Due to my falling behind in episode writing, we will zap forward a
few weeks in time so that we may catch up with the season, hence the
super-long episode (Hopefully this will be planned out better next year and
in the future). There will be more storylines (and continuation of some
current ones) as well as more cast members introduced ON THE NEXT EDITION
OF "AGAINST THE STORM"
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