GRIFFIN AND MICHELLE’S APARTMENT. GRIFFIN is leaning up against the wall in his blue jeans and flannel shirt, staring at the cordless phone he is holding. His expression is blank and lifeless. After a few moments he dials and slowly raises the phone to his ear.
GRIFFIN: Hey Daphne, it’s…uh, me. Look…I’ve been thinking and, uh…(takes a deep breath and speaks in a monotone.) I’ll do it, okay? I’ll sign the papers. (Listens for a moment) Yeah, that’s fine…I’ll just, uh…see if Charlie’ll let me leave a little early or something. (Pauses to listen) Okay. Bye. (Griffin lets out a deep breath as he leans his head back against the wall. Michelle exits from the bathroom wearing a robe, her hair up in a towel. She walks over to the dresser.)
MICHELLE: (Trying to sound chipper) Good-morning! (Griffin stands motionless.)
GRIFFIN: Hey. (Michelle stops looking through the dresser and looks up at Griffin.)
MICHELLE: What’s up?
GRIFFIN: (Shakes it off) Huh? Oh…uh, nothin’. I, uh…just gotta get going to work. (Sets the phone down as he walks toward the door.) See ya. (Griffin exits, zombie-like, before Michelle can respond. She shakes her head with an expression of worry and stares at the door for a moment before resuming her search through the dresser drawer. She holds up a blue sweater as the phone rings.)
MICHELLE: (Answering the phone) Hello?
JULIA: Hi, Michelle. How are you?
MICHELLE: Oh, I’m okay. (Staring at the door) Don’t think I can say the same for our Prince Charming, though.
JULIA: Is he there?
MICHELLE: Naw, actually he just left for work.
JULIA: Oh…(There is an awkward silence for a few moments.)
MICHELLE: Hey, I’m sorry he hasn’t returned any of your calls…he’s just, um…going through a lot right now, and—
JULIA: Well, you can’t force him to call. Anyway, he’s got to be so torn up inside. I can’t imagine what he’s going through…(Julia’s voice drifts off and she pauses.) Hey, let me know if anything changes…or if there’s something I can do to help.
MICHELLE: Yeah…of course. But you know how he is—
JULIA: (Sighs heavily) I know…but keep me posted, okay?
MICHELLE: Sure thing. (Pausing) Well, I’ll…um, talk to you later.
JULIA: Yeah, thanks. Bye.
CLAUDIA’S DORM. CLAUDIA dials a number, then listens as it rings. After a few seconds ROSS, Claudia’s former violin instructor, picks the phone at his music studio.
ROSS: This is Ross, how can I help you?
CLAUDIA: Ross! It’s me, Claudia.
ROSS: (Excited) Claud! Hey! Long time no hear, or write or—
CLAUDIA: I know, I know. I’m sorry. Things have been so busy lately.
ROSS: I bet! So what’s new at Juilliard?
CLAUDIA: (Thinking) Wow, so much has been happening. Well, let’s see, did…I tell you about my recital at the end of February?
ROSS: Recital? (Thinking) I don’t think so. In your last letter you told me about getting first chair and your mother’s violin, but you didn’t say anything about a recital, though.
CLAUDIA: It has been awhile, hasn’t it? I actually lost first chair while I was getting used to my new violin…I had no idea how difficult it would be. But…well, (trying to contain her excitement) I’ve just been reinstated.
ROSS: That’s great!
CLAUDIA: And not only that, (Claudia smiles widely) I’m doing a solo at the recital!
ROSS: Claud, that’s wonderful! I’m so glad to hear it. What piece are you performing?
CLAUDIA: I’m doing Tchaikovsky, Violin Concerto in D.
ROSS: Tchaikovsky? From Opus 35?
CLAUDIA: (She twirls the phone cord in her fingers with an excited smile.) That’s the one!
ROSS: Oh, his music is so beautiful, Claudia. It really brings out the beauty of a violin.
CLAUDIA: I know, that’s why my instructor wanted me to perform it.
ROSS: (Smiling) He made a great choice. How’s it going with him, by the way? With your instructor?
CLAUDIA: He’s great. He's just…not Ross.
ROSS: (In a bashful tone) Oh, geez. He’s one of the best Claudia, and you know that. You’re lucky to have an instructor like him.
CLAUDIA: I know…but enough about me. What’s up with you? Your letters were so vague.
ROSS: Oh, nothing compared to what you’re doing. (Claudia rolls her eyes.) I’m seeing someone. His name’s Andy.
CLAUDIA: (Surprised) Ross! I’m so happy for you! What else is going on in your life that you’re not telling me about?
ROSS: Well, I have a lot of new students. There’s this one girl who…gosh, she reminds me so much of you when you were her age. Her voice, her brown hair, her enthusiasm! She’s a joy.
CLAUDIA: Well trust me…she’s going to owe you a lot someday. (With a bashful smile) Just like I do.
CHARLIE’S HOUSE. DAPHNE is sitting on the couch with KIRSTEN. She has MATTHEW on her lap, and is bouncing him up and down.
DAPHNE: Hey, thanks for letting me come by. I really needed to talk to someone about this, you know?
KIRSTEN: I’m really glad I can help, Daph. Besides, it’s great talking to an actual adult for a change. My brain was starting to get stuck in Dr. Seuss mode...Sneetches on beaches and green eggs and ham…between that and Barney I was starting to think baby talk is my first language. (They both laugh.)
DAPHNE: God, I can totally relate. I have to catch myself sometimes from talking that way to Luke.
KIRSTEN: (Sounding concerned) Speaking of Luke, how’s it going? Is he coming home soon?
DAPHNE: (Looks down and then back at Kirsten, shrugging.) I just hope he decides to come home. He was so hurt by everything…and not telling him about the results just made it worse. I mean, I was gonna tell him—just as soon as Griffin signed the papers. But he felt betrayed all over again. Guess I can’t really blame him…(unsure of what to say, Kirsten is silent for a few moments.)
KIRSTEN: (Awkwardly) Well, um…I’m sure that spending some time with family will help him get his thoughts straight. Charlie and I are just grateful that he was able to close that deal, too. I don’t know what I would have done if Charlie had to go.
DAPHNE: (With a sigh of exhaustion) Yeah, well, it sure isn’t easy without Luke here. I wouldn’t have been able to manage at all without you and Charlie helping out with Diana. I don’t know how single parents do it.
KIRSTEN: Yeah, I know what you mean. Lately I’ve been feeling like a single mom myself. (Not really hearing Kirsten, Daphne stands and puts Matthew in the playpen with Diana. She turns and looks solemnly at Kirsten.)
DAPHNE: Kirsten? What if Luke decides he can’t give it another chance? (She shakes her head and takes a deep breath.) I mean, I really screwed up big time by not telling him about the results. I just hope that Griffin signing the papers will show him I’m trying to do the right thing…to help us all be a real family again, you know? (Kirsten stands up.)
KIRSTEN: (Comforting) I’m sure he knows that, Daph.
DAPHNE: I just miss him so much…(Daphne breaks down and starts crying as Kirsten puts her arms around her to comfort her.)
WHARTON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS. BAILEY and MARIA are sitting in a classroom listening to a lecture. Their professor appears to be in her early forties, with short, straight hair and a stern countenance.
PROFESSOR CONRAD: Now, are there any questions about your projects? (Looking around the room) Any? (Still no hands are raised. She looks at the clock.) All right, then we’ll choose partners next time we meet. Goodbye. (Bailey and Maria pack up their things and walk out of the classroom.)
MARIA: Yikes! That Marcom plan sounds like it’s going to take a lot of research.
BAILEY: No kidding. "Corporate identity," "Strategies," "Key growth areas"…I’m tired just thinking about it. (Bailey shakes his head and sighs.) Hey, wanna grab a bite?
MARIA: I would, but I’m supposed to meet Bryan at the student union.
BAILEY: Oh. Well, I’ll walk you over.
MARIA: (Smiling) Okay. (They take a few steps before Maria begins again.) So, back to this project. Of all the companies listed, I think I’d like to do either "Pizza Hut" or "Sanrio." What about you?
BAILEY: I’ve never heard of Sanrio.
MARIA: Sure you have. They make those "Hello Kitty" products.
BAILEY: "Hello Kitty"? You mean, that annoying little cartoon cat?
MARIA: She’s not annoying. She’s cute!
BAILEY: (Raises his eyebrows) Right. Well, Pizza Hut should be okay. Conrad said to choose something we’re familiar with, so—
MARIA: (Teasingly) What? You mean to tell me you don’t have a "Hello Kitty" doll?
BAILEY: (Holding his finger to his lips) Shh. (Whispering) Actually, I have a "Hello Kitty" e-z bake oven …but don’t tell anyone. (Maria and Bailey both laugh.) So, if it’s alright with you, let’s go with Pizza Hut.
MARIA: Sounds good. Hey, maybe we can take advantage of your experience with restaurants.
BAILEY: Yeah, maybe. But I never really considered Pizza Hut a competitor. (They enter the student union.) So…where were you supposed to meet him?
MARIA: (Looking around) Um…right here, actually. Oh, there he is. (She waves at Bryan, who walks over to them.)
BRYAN: (Smiling, to Maria) Hey, you. (To Bailey, extending his hand) Hey, Bailey.
BAILEY: (Shaking Bryan’s hand) Hey.
MARIA: (To Bryan) Bailey and I are going to be working on a project. We’ve got to write a marcom plan for Pizza Hut.
BRYAN: Pizza Hut, huh? Well, what do you say we do a little research? I’m starved.
(Bryan smiles at Maria.) Bailey, wanna join us?
BAILEY: Thanks…maybe next time.
BRYAN: Okay.
MARIA: See ya. (Bryan holds Maria’s hand as they walk away. Bailey smiles as he sees this, then leaves the student union.)
THE FACTORY. CHARLIE is sitting at his desk, looking over a contract. After a moment, GRIFFIN walks up to the doorway with his hands in his pockets.
GRIFFIN: Hey, Charlie.
CHARLIE: (Putting the contract down) Oh, hey Griffin. How’s it going out there?
GRIFFIN: (Shrugs) Good. We just, uh, finished applying the aniline dyes, so…I was wondering…(Griffin looks down, hesitating.)
CHARLIE: Yeah?
GRIFFIN: (Looking up) Well…would it be okay if I cut out a little early?
CHARLIE: (Raises his eyebrows, nodding) Of course. Is everything okay?
GRIFFIN: (Shyly) Fine, it’s just…I’ve got some stuff on my mind, y’know? Just some things I’ve got to take care of.
CHARLIE: Yeah, I understand. (Griffin forces a weak smile and turns to walk away. Charlie stands up.) Griffin… (Griffin turns toward Charlie, who takes a few steps toward Griffin.) I…um…I know in the past we haven’t…(raising his eyebrows)…well, we haven’t always…seen eye to eye. (Smiling uncomfortably) And I know this is none of my business, so please – tell me to shut up anytime. (Griffin smiles weakly, and Charlie continues.) This whole thing with Matthew…(shaking his head)…I know it’s a shock, and…I know things are a little confusing right now—
GRIFFIN: (Forces a perfunctory laugh) A little… (He shakes his head, sighing.)
CHARLIE: (Smiling) Okay, so things are a lot confusing. (Regaining his serious tone) I’m just saying that being a father…well, it’s pretty much the toughest thing a guy’s got do to in life. I mean, automatically, your kid becomes your first priority…above work, above yourself.
GRIFFIN: Yeah, I know—
CHARLIE: But there’s more. By becoming a father, what you’re really doing is saying, "I’m ready to sacrifice things I want. I’m ready to live my life for my kid, and whatever’s best for him – that’s what counts."
GRIFFIN: (Looks down and shrugs) You don’t think I’m ready for that…I understand. (Griffin looks back up.)
CHARLIE: (Shaking his head) No, that’s not what I’m saying.
GRIFFIN: (Confused) Huh?
CHARLIE: Look, what I’m saying is…yeah, all those responsibilities – they’re pretty scary. And I know how easy it is to focus on them and think, "Man, I just can’t do it." (Charlie pauses, looking down and thinking.) But you’d be surprised at the things you’re capable of doing when you’ve got no choice because someone is counting on you. And you know what? (Looking up) As scary as the thought is of taking responsibility for a child’s life…the fear is nothing compared to the rewards.
GRIFFIN: (Looking confused) So…(scratches his ear)…you’re saying I shouldn’t give up my rights?
CHARLIE: What I’m saying is…don’t give them up because you think you can’t do it. You know, when you were with Julia, I saw you give up things…things you wanted…things you needed. (Griffin looks down, thinking.) And you did it for all the right reasons – because you loved her…because you put her first. (Charlie pauses, then continues.) I mean, I’m not telling you what to do here…but I am saying the sacrifice is the hardest part. And you’ve already proved you’re capable of doing that. (Looking surprised, Griffin raises his eyebrows and exhales heavily.) Look, why don’t you take a few days off…take some time to think about what you want to do… (Griffin stands still for a moment, thinking. Then he looks up at Charlie and nods.)
GRIFFIN: Thanks, Charlie. (Charlie nods, smiling slightly. Griffin walks away.)
BAILEY’S DORM ROOM. BAILEY walks into his room to find COLE in a heated discussion on the phone. Cole is using his hands for emphasis as he argues his point.
COLE: (To the phone) You’re a complete idiot, you know that? Linkin Park is so much better. (He listens) Dude, there’s no comparison! Wait a minute. (To Bailey) Hey, Salinger. You think Linkin Park is cool, right?
BAILEY: (Confused) What? How should I know? I’ve never been there.
COLE: (Frustrated, he closes his eyes and sighs) It’s not a place, man. It’s a band. (Shaking his head) Sheesh.
BAILEY: (Defensive) Well, how the hell was I supposed to know that?
COLE: (Sarcastic) Sorry, old man. For a minute there, I actually thought you were a college student. (Bailey waves his hand at Cole, then places his backpack on the desk. Cole resumes his conversation on the phone.) Dude, that doesn’t prove a thing. (Peering at Bailey) If anything, Salinger not knowing them proves how cool they are. (Bailey gives Cole a look.) Aw, forget it, man. I’m out. (Cole hangs up, then grunts.)
BAILEY: Cole, how can you get that worked up over a stupid band? (Bailey shakes his head, then the phone rings. Still holding the phone, Cole pushes the "talk" button.)
COLE: (To the phone) Robby, you just don’t give up, do you? (He listens.) What? Oh, yeah. He’s right here. (Cole hands the phone to Bailey, who covers the receiver and whispers.)
BAILEY: Who is it?
COLE: Hey, as soon as you start givin’ me a paycheck, I’ll be your secretary. (Bailey frowns as Cole grabs his jacket and leaves the room.)
BAILEY: (To the phone) Hello? (He listens) Hey, Claud. (Listens) Your recital? Of course I’ll be there, why?
CLAUDIA: Well, it’s just that Charlie can’t make it…so I really want you and Jul to be there...and no last minute excuses.
BAILEY: I wouldn’t miss it for the world, Claud.
CLAUDIA: (Hesitates) Even if…something came up? Like someone was going to be there that you might have a problem with?
BAILEY: (Confused) Such as…?
CLAUDIA: Well…I’d really like Sarah to be there…
BAILEY: (Leading) Yeah…and…?
CLAUDIA: (Confused) You mean…that’s okay? You’re not mad?
BAILEY: Mad? Why should I be?
CLAUDIA: Duh! You didn’t exactly roll out the red carpet for her at Thanksgiving.
BAILEY: (Laughs a bit) Claud, to be honest, I really don’t care what Sarah does.
CLAUDIA: Well…okay. I guess I was worried for nothing, huh?
BAILEY: I guess you were.
CHARLIE’S HOUSE. CHARLIE walks into the house. He yawns as he heads to the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator door, he looks in and sees nothing to his liking. He sits down at the counter and rubs his eyes as KIRSTEN walks in, wearing a robe.
KIRSTEN: Hey.
CHARLIE: (Looking up) Oh, hey. I didn’t mean to wake you.
KIRSTEN: You didn’t. Diana beat you to it.
CHARLIE: Diana? Oh, that’s right. I was supposed to pick her up tonight.
KIRSTEN: Don’t worry about it. Daphne brought her over. She knows how busy you are with Luke gone. (Kirsten opens the refrigerator and pours herself a glass of water.)
CHARLIE: God, I’m sorry. Is she alright?
KIRSTEN: She’s fine. I think she just had a bad dream. (Charlie nods as Kirsten takes a sip.) Have you eaten?
CHARLIE: (Shaking his head, sighing) No time.
KIRSTEN: (Concerned) Charlie, you’ve got to eat. (Opening the refrigerator again) I’ll warm something up for you.
CHARLIE: Thanks, but I’d rather just hit the sack.
KIRSTEN: (Closing the refrigerator door.) Charlie, I’m worried about you. (Sits next to Charlie at the counter) Will you promise to make time to eat?
CHARLIE: Honey, I’ll try. But with Luke gone, I’m having to write all the contracts, oversee the floor, and meet with new clients. Amanda’s doing her best to help out, but—
KIRSTEN: (Confused) Wait a minute…you’re swamped as it is. Why would you be meeting with new clients?
CHARLIE: (Closing his eyes) Kirsten—
KIRSTEN: What happened to "keeping the business small"?
CHARLIE: Don’t you think I’d like to? With this energy crisis, the electricity bill for the factory was $17,000 last month. That’s like $6000 more than December. A big company could probably find a way to offset an increase like that, but a small company like ours…(shaking his head) We’ve got to find a way to make up that revenue.
KIRSTEN: (Closes her eyes and sighs) Well…have you heard from Luke?
CHARLIE: (Charlie looks down) Not yet. (Looking up) But trust me - things’ll get better when he comes back.
KIRSTEN: (Rolls her eyes and turns away.) If he comes back.
JULIA is standing in a conference room talking to a few people after a NOW meeting. A dark-haired woman in her late thirties walks over to Julia as the other women leave.
JULIA: Hi, Paula. The conference is coming together pretty well, huh?
PAULA: (With reservation) Yeah… to a point. (Takes a deep breath and speaks with authority) Any news about getting our article printed in the Church Falls Press?
JULIA: Oh, that…well, my contact there hasn’t returned any of my calls. But I’m sure—
PAULA: (Sighs heavily) Julia, you’ve been making excuses for two weeks now. We’re counting on you, Julia. I mean what’s the point of having a great guest speaker like Tammy Baldwin at our conference if no one knows about it? (Julia looks down.) If you can’t do it, I need to know.
JULIA: Listen, I just have to get a hold of him. (Confidently, looking up) I’ll get it published.
PAULA: (Pauses a moment before letting out a deep breath) Okay, I’m sorry…It’s just…we’re having trouble with a few other newspapers also…(She smiles, relaxing a bit.) Of course you’ll work it out. (Shakes her head and smiles warmly) Guess I forgot who I was talking to. (Paula pats Julia on the shoulder as she exits the room. Julia stands there for a moment with a confused expression. Slowly, her lips curl into a smile full of pride.)
CLAUDIA throws open the door to her dorm room and enters carrying a bag and her violin case. She marches past TINA and VALERIE, who are choreographing a new dance in the living room. She plops her bag and violin case down in front of the couch before dramatically pressing a button on the telephone.
PHONE VOICE: "No new messages." (Claudia lets out a sigh of irritation.)
CLAUDIA: Did anyone call for me?
VALERIE: (Paying little attention, Valerie and Tina continue the dance) Um...no.
CLAUDIA: Are you sure? (With a slight hint of sarcasm) No one named Curtis called?
TINA: (Without stopping) What do we look like, your secretaries or something?
CLAUDIA: (Getting agitated.) Yeah, well, I just passed him in the hall. (The girls continue their routine.)
TINA: (Unconcerned) Yeah, so...
CLAUDIA: He left two messages inviting me to a play. I would be going with him now if the messages hadn’t been erased!
TINA: What's the problem? (Smiling to Valerie) It's not like he's your boyfriend.
CLAUDIA: (Crossing her arms) I know he's not...I just...like going to plays, okay? (Takes a deep breath.) Anyway, that's not the point! I’m sick of messages getting erased. I thought we agreed a month ago not to erase each others’ messages.
VALERIE: (Sarcastically) Just chill, okay? I never heard any messages from Curtis—ever consider it was one of your other roommates?. (Nora enters from the hallway.)
NORA: Hey, Claud...I'm going to the practice room. Want to come?
CLAUDIA: (To Valerie, with sarcasm.) My other roommates know how to be respectful. (She stares at Tina and Val, who are still dancing, then turns to Nora.) Yeah, sure. (Claudia grabs her violin case and leaves with Nora.)
JULIA’S APARTMENT. JULIA is sitting on the couch indian-style as JUSTIN enters from the kitchen carrying two cans of soda. He hands one to Julia as he sits next to her, and places one on the end table.
JULIA: (Looks up at Justin) Thanks for coming over on such short notice. I just…didn’t want to be alone, ya know?
JUSTIN: (Smiling shyly) Hey, that’s what I’m here for. (Julia looks down and back up, quickly flashing a smile. She takes a sip of her soda, then sets it down on the table.)
JULIA: I mean, what am I supposed to do about Paula? Nathan won’t return my calls…(shaking her head) hell, Griffin won’t return my calls, either. What is it about you men anyway?
JUSTIN: (With a crooked smile) I seem to remember someone not returning my calls not so long ago. (Julia flashes a guilty smile as she shakes her head.)
JULIA: So you’re saying I’m getting what I deserve?
JUSTIN: (Smiling playfully as he lays on his back, resting his head in Julia’s lap.) I’m saying that I understand what you’re going through. (Justin gazes up at Julia for a moment before sitting up again.)
JULIA: (Giggling) You’re sure in a playful mood.
JUSTIN: Yeah, well…don’t people play when they’re happy?
JULIA: (Sighs) I don’t know, I wouldn’t remember.
JUSTIN: C'mon, you’ve finally got everything you wanted…a job as a writer, a place of your own…and some time to yourself, with no man in your life. How long have you been saying you needed that?
JULIA: And here I am complaining that I’m not getting any calls.
JUSTIN: If you’re wondering if you’re still attractive, the answer is more so than ever. You’re the most beautiful person I’ve ever met. If Griffin can’t see that, well, then he doesn’t deserve you. (Whispering teasingly) Personally, I don’t think he deserves you anyway. (Julia playfully punches Justin in the arm. They both smile.) As for Nathan, he doesn’t know you well enough to know what he’s missing.
JULIA: But I’m only calling Nathan because—
JUSTIN: I know…you just need to get an article published. Mighty convenient way to see him again.
JULIA: For your information I’m perfectly happy on my own. I don’t need a man in my life.
JUSTIN: Then why did you call me?
JULIA: I just needed some company…that’s all. (Justin moves closer to Julia and puts his arm around her.)
JUSTIN: Come here, Julia. You don’t always have to be so strong. (He pulls her toward him and, after a moment’s hesitation, she lays her head on his shoulder. He gently strokes her hair.) I sure have missed you. (Julia looks up as Justin stares deeply into her eyes. He moves his face closer to her, but she is still. He pauses a moment before moving even closer. His lips brush softly against hers as he closes his eyes and kisses her tenderly. With a confused expression, Julia pulls away. Justin looks down. Julia bites her lip and then moves closer to Justin. Justin raises an eyebrow as he gently pulls Julia toward him and kisses her deeply. He lays her back and presses his body into hers as they kiss. After a moment, Julia pulls away and stands up.)
JULIA: (With her hand on her forehead) Justin, I…I’m sorry—I can’t. I just can’t. (Julia looks down as Justin lets out a huge sigh and lays back on the couch.)
CLAUDIA and NORA sit down at two chairs in one of Juilliard’s practice rooms. Nora starts to take her violin out of its case.
CLAUDIA: (Putting her hair behind her ears.) Thanks for getting me out of there, Nora.
NORA: Hey, no problem. I needed some help with my solo and I could tell you needed to get away from Tina and Val. (Nora begins to set up a music stand.)
CLAUDIA: I just wish having two dance majors as roommates would have been a positive experience. (She sighs) So what was it you needed help with?
NORA: Well, you tell me. You're the one who makes playing look so easy.
CLAUDIA: Hey "Tchaikovsky" isn't exactly easy! (With her eyes on her sheet music, Nora begins to play.)
CLAUDIA: (Interrupting Nora.) Wait...wait. Your pitches are off.
NORA: Ugh...I know!
CLAUDIA: Okay...now you know that you don't just hear a pitch, you can feel it. Go back to your scales. You'll know you've got it right when the sound you hear matches the vibration your violin makes. Now play each note in this piece separately so you know you've got each one right. (Nora starts to play each note individually.) That's good! Now when you've got the pitches right, you can go back and work on putting your own style to the piece. (Claudia continues to listen to Nora's playing.)
DOCTOR’S OFFICE. KIRSTEN is sitting in the waiting room, holding STEWIE, who’s crying. She’s rocking him back and forth, and making shushing noises at him. DR. PETERSON opens a door and calls KIRSTEN’S name.
DR. PETERSON: Kirsten Salinger?
KIRSTEN: (Standing up) Yes. That’s me.
DR. PETERSON: (Putting a hand out to her) Hi. I’m Dr. Peterson.
KIRSTEN: (Maneuvering a hand out from under Stewie, smiling, she manages to shake his hand.) Hi. Nice to meet you.
DR. PETERSON: And this is Nicholas, I take it? (Kirsten nods). Okay, why don’t you come on in and let’s take a look at this little guy, see if we can’t get him feeling better.
(Dr. Peterson waves his hand toward the open door. Kirsten starts to fold up Stewie’s stroller with one free hand, but it gets stuck. She sheepishly shakes it, trying to get it to fold, but it won’t budge.) You can just leave that in the corner over there. It’ll be fine. (The doctor’s eyes are twinkling with laughter, and he lets out a little chuckle as Kirsten leans the stroller against the wall.) Sometimes I think the same person who invented the Rubik’s cube has a new job making strollers… (Kirsten giggles. She picks up the baby’s diaper bag and follows the doctor into one of the examining rooms.)
KIRSTEN: I really appreciate you seeing us on such short notice. Usually I can get Stewie’s fever down with some baby aspirin and cold cloths, but this time…nothing seems to be working.
DR. PETERSON: (Smiling) No problem. (A funny look comes over his face). Um, did I get the name wrong before? I thought your baby’s name was Nicholas…
KIRSTEN: Oh, yeah. It is. Well, that’s his real name, but his nickname is Stewie. (She smiles.)
DR. PETERSON: (Smiling) I won’t ask. (He motions for Kirsten to lay Stewie onto the small table, and he gently begins his exam.) How has his appetite been? Has he been able to keep his food down?
KIRSTEN: Um, well, he really hasn’t had much of an appetite. He’s just been crying a lot and real colicky. I just got so worried with the fever, you know…
DR. PETERSON: Of course. (He places a stethoscope on Stewie’s chest and listens.) Do you have any other children, Ms. Salinger?
KIRSTEN: Oh, call me Kirsten, please, Dr. Peterson. And no, Stewie’s my first.
DR. PETERSON: (Smiling) Always nice to start off with a boy…and feel free to call me Peter. (He continues the exam as Stewie cries even louder.) Wow! At least we know his lungs are healthy.
KIRSTEN: (Smiling) I’m sorry…did you say to call you Peter? (Chuckles) Oh, I get it. That’s short for Peterson. I’m sorry, I almost thought you meant your first name was Peter.
DR. PETERSON: (With a straight face) Well, actually…it is.
KIRSTEN: (Putting a hand to her mouth) Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean…it’s just that…
DR. PETERSON: (Shaking his head with a smile) I know, I know…Peter Peterson. It’s awful. What were my parents thinking? (They laugh as the doctor continues checking Stewie.)
THE FACTORY. CHARLIE is in his office, going through some paperwork. DAPHNE walks up to the open door and knocks on it.
DAPHNE: Knock knock.
CHARLIE: (Looking up) Oh hey, Daph. (Suddenly concerned) Is everything okay? Everything alright with Diana?
DAPHNE: (Smiling) Oh, yeah, Charlie. I just stopped by to see Griffin, but…I didn’t see him on the floor.
CHARLIE: (Breathing a sigh of relief) Whew. You scared me for a second there. (Regaining his thought) No, um, Griffin’s not here.
DAPHNE: Well, will he be back soon?
CHARLIE: (A bit uncomfortable) Um…no, actually, I told him to take a few days off. Take some time to himself, you know…to think things through. This whole thing has really been hard on the poor guy.
DAPHNE: (Her eyes opening wide) What? Think things through! (Slapping her hands to her sides) I don’t believe this…so that’s why he didn’t show up. (Squinting her eyes and glaring at him) Charlie, what did you say to him?
CHARLIE: (Holding his hands up in front of him) Now, wait just a minute, Daphne. Don’t try to pin this one on me. This is really serious. Griffin should take whatever time he needs to make the right decision.
DAPHNE: Make the right decision? Charlie, he had made the right decision. He called me…he said he would do it. (Crossing her arms) That is until he talked to you. (Pointing her finger at Charlie).
CHARLIE: (Shakes his head) Well, if that were true, Daph, don’t you think he’d be here now?
DAPHNE: (Clenching her fists and fighting back tears) Arrrgh! Charlie, you had no right to interfere. This has nothing to do with you.
CHARLIE: Look, I didn’t tell Griffin what he should or shouldn’t do. Only he can make that decision. I just told him to…to not make a decision solely because he thinks he can’t do it.
DAPHNE: God, Charlie…don’t you know how important this is to me? And to Luke? Griffin isn’t in any position to be a father to Matthew. You know that. He hasn’t exactly had the most stable family life, you know. And financially he’s not…I mean, what kind of father can Griffin really—
CHARLIE: (Interrupts, Shaking his head) You’re really something, Daphne. What was it you said, not too long ago as a matter of fact, about me not judging you as a parent based on your past? That people can change, and they should be given a chance? If he’s willing to be there for Matthew, if he’s willing to take on the responsibility and give it his best shot as a father, don’t you think Griffin deserves that chance? (He stares at her as the scene fades.)
DOCTOR’S OFFICE. KIRSTEN is walking out carrying STEWIE, and PETER is behind her. Kirsten pauses and turns around.
KIRSTEN: Thanks, again, Dr. Peterson—Peter. (She smiles politely, then walks over to get the stroller.)
PETER: Sure. Anytime. That Panadol should fix him right up. (Smiling) Oh, do you know where the pharmacy is? I could have a nurse show you—
KIRSTEN: First floor, right? I think we’ll be okay. (Kirsten smiles.)
PETER: Oh, okay. (Pauses a moment.) Give us a call if the fever doesn’t break in a few days. (He watches as Kirsten places Stewie into the stroller and exits the office.)
CLAUDIA and SARAH are walking out of the New York Metropolitan Opera Hall.
SARAH: Wow, the Metropolitan Opera Hall. Didn't they do the MTV music awards there?
CLAUDIA: Um...yeah, I think so. (They walk down the steps through the Juilliard campus.)
SARAH: God, you are so lucky. To…to be going to Juilliard. I mean Claud, your entire life is on track right now. You don't have to wait tables, and when you get out of here, you’re set for life.
CLAUDIA: I don't even want to think about what happens when I get out of school.
SARAH: (In a playful tone) I can just see the billboards: "Claudia Salinger, the famous violinist." (Sarah giggles.)
CLAUDIA: Well Sarah, I don't know why you don't go back to school. You have a great voice…I bet you could get an arts scholarship or something. (Playfully nudging Sarah.) I bet you could even get into Juilliard. (Claudia giggles.)
SARAH: (Looks down, bashfully) My voice is nowhere near good enough...
CLAUDIA: Who are you kidding? You have an incredible gift, Sarah. You should really consider professional training…(smiles playfully) and hey, then I could trade in my delinquent roommates to room with you.
SARAH: I just haven’t sung in so long, y’know, I mean…since I was almost scammed. (Quietly thinks for a moment.) It would be great to get some real training…
CLAUDIA: Okay, well you'll have to send in an early application to audition, and I'll help you. (She smiles at Sarah.) I’ll see if my instructor has any pull with admissions and records.
SARAH: (Holding her arms out) Whoa, hold on, Claud. I’ve got to think more about this. (Looking sincerely at Claudia) But thank you…for getting me to think about it.
CLAUDIA: (With playful arrogance) Well, any doubts you have will be cast aside when you watch me perform. (Sarah has a confused expression.) You are coming to my recital, aren’t you?
SARAH: To your recital? Oh, I don't know. I mean, with work and all—
CLAUDIA: (With an appalled look) Oh no…you are not about to tell me no.
SARAH: Well no, I want to go Claud. I do…it’s just— (With a shy smile) Will Bailey be there?
CLAUDIA: (She stares at Sarah and starts to speak after a pause.) Sarah…why should that matter? You wouldn’t be going for Bailey. I’ve asked you to come…you would be there for me.
SARAH: I know, it’s just that…things were a little awkward, you know, at Thanksgiving. It was nice to see him again, just a little…awkward.
CLAUDIA: Sarah, you can’t base your life around Bailey. You guys had a bad break-up, yes. But you can’t just keep avoiding him. You are both a part of my life.
SARAH: (With confidence, smiling) You’re right. Anyway, he’ll be in my part of town…
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