Episode 12 – "A Room With Ado"

Previously on "The Salingers":  

JUDGE #1: Claudia, your bowing is still overly flamboyant.
CLAUDIA: I've been working on a few pieces. I could play them for you now.
PROFESSOR OLDHAM: The problem isn't with the piece.
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LISA: (to Claudia, regarding the competition) You're the odds-on favorite.
CLAUDIA: What?
LISA: It's the schools...the resumes speak for themself.
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BAILEY: (to Maria) Let's say someone asked you out - you know - like on a date.  Would you feel like...you had to talk to me about it?
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JULIA: (to Griffin) We've tried being married, and that didn't work.  And we tried not being married, and that didn't work either. So, maybe we don't try being anything.  Maybe we should just enjoy what we have for as long as it lasts.
***************
KIRSTEN: (to Wanda)  I haven't felt like anyone's truly been on my side since... 
WANDA: Since what?
KIRSTEN:  (Hesitating)  Well...since I stopped seeing Pete.
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KIRSTEN: (Smiling) Pete...what are you doing here?
PETE: I've got a lot of great memories here. 
KIRSTEN: Yeah...me, too.
***************
CHARLIE:  (to Owen)  I have to leave, O.  (Quickly)  It's only for a little while, and I promise nothing's gonna change, except that I won't be...sleeping at home right now.
***************
KIRSTEN: (to Charlie) I don't want to be apart from you. But maybe, if you're not here, I won't have any expectations...and I won't keep getting disappointed.
CHARLIE: (Hugging Kirsten, as he's leaving) I love you, Kirsten.
KIRSTEN: I love you, too.

STONESTOWN GALLERIA MALL, SAN FRANCISCO.  CHARLIE is waiting in a long line to see Santa Claus.  He is rocking an impatient STEWIE and DIANA back and forth in the double stroller.  He reaches into the diaper bag and pulls out a small bag of pretzels.  He bends and hands a couple of pretzels to Stewie and to Diana, who seem to be quieted by the gesture.  Standing back up, he notices a little girl sitting on Santa’s lap.  The girls parents are standing behind the cameraman, making silly faces and sounds in an effort to make the girl smile for the photo.  She folds her arms, and refuses to grin, which only provokes her parents to act even sillier.  The father begins to walk around like a monkey, which finally inspires some laughter out of his daughter.  The photographer quickly snaps the photo, and the crowd applauds.  Charlie is amused by this, and chuckles to himself.  He continues to watch as the father lifts the girl off of Santa’s lap, and places her in her stroller.  He straps her in, and the girl’s mother hands her a candy cane.  As he stands back up, he whispers something to the girl’s mother.  She bursts out in laughter, and he leans in and kisses her.  She wraps her arms around his neck, gives him a squeeze, and they walk away hand in hand.  Charlie watches them leave, then looks around at the other couples with their children waiting on line.  His smile fades.

PO5 Credits
SAN FRANCISCO COFFEE COMPANY. KIRSTEN and PETE are sitting at a table on the backyard patio, having coffee and dessert. STEWIE is sitting up in a high chair, playing with some Cheerios in front of him.

PETE:  (Leaning back and exhaling)  Wow.  Kirsten, I’m so sorry.  I can only imagine how difficult this must be.
KIRSTEN:  (Managing a small smile)  Yeah.  It’s all kind of been a blur, you know?  Charlie and I have been through so much…I just really hope this time apart will help us sort everything out.
PETE:  Well, I suppose my Evil Twin should be doing cartwheels right about now.  (Kirsten gives a perfunctory smile.)  But I know how important Charlie is to you, and—  (Sighs.)  I hope you’ll believe me when I say I hope things work out for you, Kirsten.  I really do. 
KIRSTEN:  Thanks, Pete. 
PETE:  And if there’s anything, anything at all I can do… (putting his hand over hers) …you just say the word.  (Kirsten looks at his hand on hers as the scene fades.)

BOULDER PHILHARMONIC HALL, COLORADO.  CLAUDIA, LISA and the other contestants are dressed nicely, and various members of the local media and press roam about the room.  Claudia and Lisa are standing near a small banquet table watching the activity. 
LISA:  This is pretty cool.  Kind of like Oscar night.
CLAUDIA:  Yeah, except for the food.  (Examining the table)  I doubt if they serve George Clooney and Julia Roberts cocktail weenies.  (A reporter and cameraman from KRMA Channel 6 approach the girls.)
REPORTER:  Mind giving us a couple of quick blurbs?
LISA:  (Stepping in front of Claudia)  Not at all. 
REPORTER:  Your names?
LISA:  (Looking into the camera)  I’m Lisa Marshall, and I represent Johns Hop—
REPORTER:  Skip the intro, kid.  We’re just gonna flash your name on the screen.
LISA:  Oh.
REPORTER:  And… wait a minute.  Didn’t we already talk to you? 
LISA:  Well, yes.  But I just thought—
REPORTER:  Sorry, kid.  If you’d given us anything useable the first time, I wouldn’t be looking for more blurbs.  (To Claudia)  Your name?
CLAUDIA:  Claudia Salinger.  (Lisa steps aside, pouting.)
REPORTER:  Okay.  (He nods at the cameraman.)  So tell me, Ms. Salinger, are you nervous about the competition?
CLAUDIA:  No, not really.  I think we’re all just looking forward to the benefit concert next week. 
REPORTER:  So at this point you’re not thinking about the competition?
CLAUDIA:  Not much.  But ask me again after Christmas, when the competitive part starts heating up.
REPORTER:  How are you dealing with the pressure to win?
CLAUDIA:  The… pressure?
REPORTER:  You know, representing your school and all.
CLAUDIA:  I guess I try not to think of it that way.  (The reporter sighs.)
REPORTER:  (To the cameraman)  Doesn’t anyone have anything interesting to say?  (The reporter and cameraman move on to the next contestant while Claudia stands still, contemplating the last question.)
CHARLIE’S HOUSE.  CHARLIE is in the bedroom, looking through one of his dresser drawers.  There is a large pile of clothes in disarray on the bed.  Charlie hears DAPHNE calling him from downstairs.

DAPHNE:  Charlie?
CHARLIE:  (Calling down as he moves over to the closet, sorting through his tie rack)  Up here.  (He hears Daphne’s footsteps thumping up the stairs, and she appears in the doorway, dangling his keys in front of her.)
DAPHNE:  Lose something?
CHARLIE:  (Sighing)  Yeah, like my mind.  (He takes the keys from her and puts them in his pocket.)
DAPHNE:  (Smiling)  Good thing it was me who came along and found them in the door, and not some psycho, huh?  Where’s Kirsten?
CHARLIE:  Still out with Wanda, I guess.  (Daphne looks around the room and notices the mess.) 
DAPHNE:  Not like I’m a neat-freak or anything, but... what happened here?
CHARLIE:  (Rubbing the back of his head)  It’s driving me nuts.  I’ve got this huge proposal tomorrow, and — call it superstition or stupidity — but I’ve gotta wear my favorite tie.  So of course, I can’t find it anywhere.  (He keeps looking through the ties, not noticing one that’s fallen off the rack.)  It never fails, I swear.  Shirts, ties, socks… I always lose my favorite ones.
DAPHNE:  (Bending down to pick up the tie)  Well, maybe you’d better start paying more attention to the things you love best, so you don’t lose them anymore.  (She hands Charlie the tie and he looks directly at her.  She raises her eyebrows before standing up and walking out of the room.)
THE LIBRARY at the University of Pennsylvania.  BAILEY is sitting on the floor among tall shelves of books.  A textbook lies open on his lap, and a few other volumes lie scattered at his feet.  MARIA walks up and sits down next to him, holding an oversized book.  Bailey begins speaking, not looking up from his book.

BAILEY:  You know what, Maria?  I did it all backwards.  (Shaking his head)  I dealt with all this stuff at the restaurant and my brother’s factory – licensing, taxing, development assistant agencies – and I did it all without a business plan.  Now I’m asked to write a business plan about this stuff, and I’m stuck.  (Looking up)  How’s that for irony?  (Noticing Maria’s book)  What’s that?
MARIA:  Someone left it in lit crit section. 
BAILEY:  “The 10 Commandments of Pleasure: Unlocking Your True Eroticism.”  Whoa. 
MARIA:  Cool, huh? 
BAILEY:  I guess.  But—
MARIA:  Oh, and— (checking to make sure no one’s around) —you know that thing you like?  (Bailey looks confused.)  You know, the tongue thing? 
BAILEY:  (Smiling)  Oh, that.
MARIA:  It’s in here!
BAILEY:  You’re kidding!  (Bailey looks around, hoping no one heard his outburst.  Whispering)  I thought I invented that!  (Bailey takes the book, thumbing through the pages.)
MARIA:  Sorry.  But there’s some stuff in here that’s pretty out there.  Not entirely unappealing, but out there. 
BAILEY:  Huh.
MARIA:  So… what do you say we try some stuff “by the book”?
BAILEY:  (Smiling)  Maybe we could do a little “studying” tonight, huh?
MARIA:  (Smiling)  Sounds like a plan.  Is your place available?
BAILEY:  Actually, no.  (Sighs)  Cole’s pretending to be a student, working on some Communications project.  What about your place.
MARIA:  Uh-uh.  Brenda’s got to finish reading Wings of the Dove by tomorrow.  (They both slouch, thinking for a moment.  Maria quickly leans forward.)  But…
BAILEY:  (Leaning forward)  Yeah?
MARIA:  Brenda’s art class is going to some museum on Thursday night.  How’s your schedule then?
BAILEY:  (Quickly)  It’s clear.  (Maria smiles.)  Believe me, it’s clear.  (They both smile.)
GRIFFIN’S APARTMENT.  Open boxes and a few suitcases litter the floor.  GRIFFIN is taking items from the closet — clothes, books, CDs — and tossing them into different boxes and suitcases.  JULIA enters, surveying the operation Griffin has going on.

JULIA:  So, she’s actually going through with it?
GRIFFIN:  Yeah, I thought she was only half-serious.  Guess I should have paid more attention when she was talking about all that Chicago stuff.
JULIA:  You didn’t think it would work out for her?
GRIFFIN:  Nah, I mean… what the heck is a “registrar” anyway?
JULIA:  It’s actually pretty cool, Griffin.  She’s gonna be tracking all the exhibits coming in and out of a museum.
GRIFFIN:  Yeah, well, it sounds like it should be a boring job at the DMV, or something.  (Julia considers it for a moment.)
JULIA:  Strange, but you might have point there.  (Takes another look around the place.)  Looks so empty.
GRIFFIN:  I know.  Weird, isn’t it?
JULIA:  Yeah.  Now that Michelle’s gone, you’re gonna have all this empty space…
GRIFFIN:  Yeah…  (They lock eyes, ignoring the obvious topic this presents.)
JULIA:  (Quickly)  So, um… are you going to get a new roommate?
GRIFFIN:  Uh, I don’t know..  I… sort of haven’t figured out what I want to do about that yet.  (They avoid each other’s gaze, again dodging the awkward subject.)
JULIA:  Oh.  (Laughs nervously)  Okay. 
GRIFFIN:  Unless you know of someone that’s interested. 
JULIA:  (Quickly)  No, no!  I mean, not off the top of my head.  (Julia smiles nervously, and Griffin breaks the awkwardness by tossing some more books in a box.)
CHARLIE’S APARTMENT.  CHARLIE opens the door and enters his apartment, dropping his keys and wallet automatically to the right, where he expects a hall table to be.  The keys drop to the floor with a loud jingling, and his wallet falls open, scattering some business cards and small papers about.  Charlie shakes his head and sighs, bending down to pick up the mess.  As he’s collecting the contents of his wallet, a small black and white cat walks up and starts batting around one of the small pieces of paper.  Charlie stops for a moment and pets the cat’s head, then stands up and looks around the room.

CHARLIE:  Guess it’s just you and me, huh, Ziggy?  (The cat meows and rubs herself against his leg.)
CHARLIE’S HOUSE.  OWEN, KIRSTEN and STEWIE are in the living room.  Owen is sitting on the couch, leaning over an open book on the coffee table.  Kirsten is sitting on the floor across from Stewie, rolling a ball back and forth.

OWEN:  What does I-N-D-E-P-E-N-D-E-N-C-E spell?
KIRSTEN:  Sound it out. 
OWEN:  In-de-pen-dence.  Independence. 
KIRSTEN:  Is that your reading assignment for school? 
OWEN:  (Nods)  But, boy, they sure have some big words in this book.
KIRSTEN:  Well, that’s how you learn, O.  The more you read, the more familiar they’ll become.  Besides, someone will have to teach Stewie here.  (She rolls the ball to him, he catches it, and she claps her hands.)  Yay!  What a big boy!  (Stewie laughs, rolls the ball back to Kirsten, who holds on to it.)  What do you want?  The ball?  Say ball…ball.  (Stewie smiles and claps his hands.)
OWEN:  (Looking on)  I guess it’ll be a while before I can teach him the big words.  He can’t even say “ball” yet.
KIRSTEN:  Actually, you can start helping him with the smaller words.  He’s ready to start talking any day now.  He just needs a little help.  (To Stewie)  Right, sweetie?  You ready for your ba-ba now?  (Stewie gurgles, and Kirsten gets up, starting toward the kitchen.  Owen tosses the ball to Stewie.) 
OWEN:  Say “ball.”  “Ball.” 
STEWIE:  A-ba! 
OWEN:  No, Stewie… “ball”.
STEWIE:  A-ba!  (Owen sighs.)
KIRSTEN:  (From the kitchen)  It’s a good start, O.  It’s going to take some time before he can say things clearly.  He’s just sounding out the word like you just did.
OWEN:  I don’t think he likes that word.  Maybe we should try one he likes.  (Thinking a moment)  Hey, Stewie, how about “Mommy”?  Can you say “Mommy”?  (Kirsten returns with Stewie’s bottle in hand.)  Come on, Stewie…say “Mommy.”
STEWIE:  Da-da!  (Kirsten’s mouth drops open, she and Owen look at each other, stunned.)
KIRSTEN:  Did he just say…?  (Owen shrugs his shoulders.  They both look at Stewie, then back at each other.  Shaking their heads, simultaneously)  No.
STEWIE:  (Clearly)  Da-da!  (Kirsten and Owen quickly turn to Stewie.  Owen’s eyes widen.  Kirsten stands, shocked.  The bottle drops to the floor.)
SALINGERS’ RESTAURANT.  CHARLIE walks in to the back office, where JOE is going over the lunchtime receipts. 

CHARLIE:  (Smiling)  Hey, Joe.  Do you have a phone book here?
JOE:  (Pointing to a shelf)  Next to that box of old menus.
CHARLIE:  Great.  (Charlie begins leafing through the pages quickly.)  Here we go.  (He begins dialing.)
JOE:  Everything okay?
CHARLIE:  Better than okay.  (Into the phone)  Hello?  Yes, may I speak with Thomas Santoni?  (Joe looks confused, as Charlie continues.)  Sure, I’ll take his voicemail. 
JOE:  Charlie—  (Charlie gestures for Joe to wait a moment.)
CHARLIE:  Mr. Santoni, hi.  This is Charlie Salinger from Salingers’ Restaurant.  If you wouldn’t mind giving me a call, there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.  You can reach me at my cell: 555-2904.  Looking forward to talking to you.  (Charlie hangs up.)
JOE:  What are you calling Santoni about?
CHARLIE:  About saving my ass.
JOE:  Excuse me?
CHARLIE:  He knows the Bay Area, Joe.  And it’s not exactly a secret that he’s unhappy with the new management at Frascatti’s, so… if I can figure out a way to lure him away, this might be the answer to our problems.  (Charlie pats Joe on the shoulder and walks out.  Joe looks down, thinking.)
THE LOCKER ROOM at the UPenn gym.  BAILEY is lacing up his basketball shoes when WILL storms in, holding his hand behind his back.  He’s dressed in work clothes.

BAILEY:  Hey, man.  You’re late. 
WILL:  (Smiling)  You’re damn right I’m late.  Ask me why.
BAILEY:  Okay.  Why?  (Will pulls his hand out from behind his back.  He’s holding two tickets.) 
WILL:  Sixers and Celtics… floor seats! 
BAILEY:  (Standing up)  What?  Where’d you get those?
WILL:  Work.  My boss can’t make it.  His daughter’s school play or something. 
BAILEY:  What luck!
WILL:  You’re in, right?
BAILEY:  You kidding?  What could be more important than Allen Iverson’s crossover moves?  (They high-five, then Will starts to change into his sweats.) 
WILL:  I might have to work a little late Thursday, so if you could meet me at work—
BAILEY:  Whoa, whoa, whoa.  Thursday?
WILL:  Yeah. 
BAILEY:  Thursday.  As in… the day after tomorrow Thursday?
WILL:  Yeah.  You may have heard of it… comes right after Wednesday.  (Bailey shakes his head.)
BAILEY:  I can’t.
WILL:  What?
BAILEY:  I’ve got this… thing. 
WILL:  A thing.
BAILEY:  Yeah.  A… school thing.
WILL:  Well, can’t you do this “thing” later?  We’re talking floor seats!
BAILEY:  I know, I know, but… I can’t.
WILL:  Well… can’t you do it tonight?  Or tomorrow?
BAILEY:  Believe me, I’d love to, but—  I’m sorry.  (Will throws his hands up in exasperation, and shakes his head.)
WILL:  Floor seats!
GRIFFIN AND JULIA’S APARTMENT BUILDING.  JULIA, holding a stack of papers in one arm, is fumbling to fit her keys into the lock.  As she struggles to unlock her door, GRIFFIN walks up to his door.  He notices her across the way, having trouble.
GRIFFIN:  Need any help there, Jul?
JULIA:  Griffin!  What are you doing here?
GRIFFIN:  Ah… I sorta like, live here.
JULIA:  No, I mean… you’re home early.
GRIFFIN:  Yeah, they’re showing all three Godfather movies on cable.  I was gonna make some popcorn and just kinda veg. 
JULIA:  Oh.
GRIFFIN:  You, uh… you can come and, like, watch too… if you want.
JULIA:  Oh, hey, that’s ah… that’s sweet, but… (holds up a sheaf of papers) …I got some writing to do.
GRIFFIN:  Oh, yeah.  Hey, that’s great.
JULIA:  But you can bring the popcorn over here – you know - if you want.  I can write while you—
GRIFFIN:  No, ah… I think I’m just gonna - ya know - hang.
JULIA:  Well, okay.  (Smiling nervously.)  Cool. 
GRIFFIN:  Cool.  (They gaze at each other for a moment, then both retreat through their own doors.)
THE CLARK HOUSEHOLD, DENVER.  CLAUDIA is setting up her sheet music stand in her room, preparing herself to play.  ANDI sits on the bed watching, as she pets the family dog, a large red hound.

CLAUDIA:  Who named the dog “Michaelangelo”?
ANDI:  My Dad.  You should see how mad he gets when everyone calls him “Mikey.” 
CLAUDIA:  My Mom named our dog “Thurber” after James Thurber, the writer. 
ANDI:  Never heard of him.
CLAUDIA:  At least they didn’t name him after my Dad’s favorite writer.  Could you imagine a dog named “Steinbeck”?  (Andi laughs.)
ANDI:  That would sound funny.  (Claudia begins playing Albinoni’s “Adagio.”  Andi looks amazed and Claudia flashes a proud smile as she starts in with the second movement.  Suddenly, the dog begins howling along with the violin.  Claudia stops playing, and the dog stops singing.  The girls laugh.)
CLAUDIA:  And I always thought Michaelangelo was a painter. 
ANDI:  He never does that.  Weird!  (Claudia starts in again, and the dog begins singing once more.  Andi continues laughing, but the humor is wearing off for Claudia.) 
CLAUDIA:  What am I going to do?  I can’t practice like this.  (Andi tries valiantly to contain her laughter, but she fails.)  Andi!  (Claudia holds a stern look for a moment, but then can’t help laughing herself.)
SALINGERS’ RESTAURANT.  CHARLIE is scooping ice into the removeable tubs that sit underneath the bar as JOE approaches him.

JOE:  Charlie, look.  I know this isn’t my restaurant, but I think after 20 years my opinion should count for something.
CHARLIE:  What are you talking about? 
JOE:  Santoni.  Are you sure he’s the right guy for the job?  (Charlie slides the door closed on the ice machine.)
CHARLIE:  No, I’m not.  But that’s why I’m going to talk to him – to find out.  We’re meeting next week.  (Charlie lifts one of the tubs, carrying it to the bar.  Joe follows.)
JOE:  But Charlie, is that really the type of guy you want running your Father’s restaurant?  (Charlie rolls his eyes.)  A guy who’s known in the industry for coming into restaurants, buying lower quality food and lowering menu prices?  That’s fine for other places, but if your Father were around—
CHARLIE:  (Setting the tub down, speaking harshly)  Well, you know what, Joe?  He’s not.  And he hasn’t been for a really long time, okay?  (Joe looks down, and Charlie’s tone softens.)  I’m sorry, Joe. 
JOE:  Charlie, all I’m saying is—
CHARLIE:  Look, Joe… I—  (Charlie sighs, looking to the side.)  I know what you’re trying to do here, okay?  You think that if I can’t find someone to manage the place that – by default – I’ll have to let you do it.  (Shaking his head)  But I’m sorry.  It’s not going to work that way.  (Charlie slides the tub of ice into it’s resting place under the bar.)
CHARLIE’S HOUSE.  KIRSTEN and JULIA are in the kitchen, standing at the floating island in the center of the room.  They are both wearing aprons and are surrounded by pie pans, bags of flour, sugar, some apples and other baking ingredients.  Kirsten’s hair is up in a twist, and there is a spot of flour on her cheek. She is busy flattening dough on the cutting board with a rolling pin, while Julia peels some apples.
JULIA:  It’s like, I don’t know… moving in just wouldn’t feel right ‘cuz… well, it’s not like we’d be doing it because we absolutely have to be together, or because the timing is right, you know?  More like, we’d be doing it just because the situation is there.  (She finishes peeling an apple and picks up another one.)
KIRSTEN:  Well, it sounds like you’re making the right decision then. 
JULIA:  But it’s so awkward because…  I mean, if this happened a few months down the road, it might make sense, you know?  Maybe then, I’d want it.  (Shaking her head)  Or maybe I want it now, I don’ t know.  (She puts the apple down in frustration.) 
KIRSTEN:  Waiting to be sure isn’t a bad idea, Jul.  If you’re not ready, it’s better to wait.
JULIA:  Yeah, but… how do I tell Griffin that without hurting him?
KIRSTEN:  I don’t know.  Maybe… maybe sometimes you can’t help hurting someone.  Sometimes you just have to be honest about the way you feel, because if you’re not, you could end up hurting the people you love even more in the long run.  (Julia looks at Kirsten and nods.)
THE CLARK HOUSEHOLD.  CLAUDIA is in her room practicing her violion.  “Everlast” by the Foo Fighters is heard in the background, coming from somewhere in the house.  Claudia continues playing when she hears some commotion in the hall.

MR. CLARK:  Bret!  Turn off that music!  Can’t you see that Claudia’s trying to practice? 
BRET:  Why does she come first? 
MR. CLARK:  Will you lower your voice!
BRET:  No!  We have to lock the dog in the garage, I have to turn off my music… and all for what?  (Bret slams his door, and his music becomes muffled.  Claudia enters the hallway.)  I’m sorry, Claudia.  These kids… I don’t know how they expect you to concentrate with all that noise going on.
CLAUDIA:  It’s okay, Mr. Clark.  Actually, it’s kind of nice. 
MR. CLARK:  Claudia, please.  You don’t have to say that for their sake.
CLAUDIA:  I’m not.  It’s just… well, I grew up with a sister and three brothers… in a hundred-year-old house with thin walls.  And sometimes it was a little hard to concentrate with people coming and going… doing their own thing.  But I found if I could concentrate in the middle of all that, I could pretty much do it anywhere, you know?  (Mr. Clark smiles, nodding his head.)
MR. CLARK:  Well, you just be sure to let me know if it’s too disruptive.  (He walks way, and Claudia exhales, looking toward Bret’s room.)
UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA.  It’s evening, and WILL and JEAN are walking toward the dorms.  Jean’s arms are folded, and Will speaks, pleading.

WILL:  What are you so upset about?  It was just a mouthpiece… and it’s not like he intended to spit it on you!  (Jean glares at him.)  Look at it this way: you actually helped Motumbo save a ball from going out of bounds.  (Jean rolls her eyes, shaking her head.)  Jean, come on…  (They walk a few steps further then notice Bailey coming out of Maria’s dorm room.  He’s smiling, and Maria giggles as he says something to her.  Bailey begins walking away, and Maria playfully tries to pull him back.  Bailey evades her, and they both laugh.  Will and Jean duck behind a wall as Bailey walks their way.  As he passes them, they exchange confused looks.)
CHARLIE’S APARTMENT.  CHARLIE is lying on the couch, propped up on one elbow.  He’s staring blankly at the television, channel surfing every few seconds.  He’s surprised by a knock at the door.  He sighs and gets up, then walks over and looks through the peephole.  He opens the door and JULIA rushes in, carrying a small grocery bag.

CHARLIE:  Jul, what are you—?
JULIA:  Hey, Charlie.  (Looking around)  Wow, this is really pretty great!  I love that lamp.  (She glances toward a tall silver lamp in the corner that splits out into six different-colored “branches.”)  And look at that chair!  It’s so like Beetlejuice.  (She breaks into a wide smile as she looks at the blue velvet chair shaped like a large hand.)  The owner must be an interior decorator or something, huh? 
CHARLIE:  Or something.  What are you—?
JULIA:  Mind if I use the microwave?  (She enters the kitchen and sets the small bag down on the kitchen counter, then opens it up to reveal a pie.)  Ooh, actually it’s still warm.  (Julia reaches up into the cabinet and brings down two plates.)
CHARLIE:  (Sighing)  Jul, what’s going on?
JULIA:  Nothing.  I just thought you might like some fresh apple pie.  (She grabs a knife from the chef’s block and slices into the pie.  Charlie looks at her sternly.) 
CHARLIE:  Jul—
JULIA:  Look, Charlie.  (She slides a piece of pie onto a plate.)  In the old days, when we were all together, if something like this happened with you and Kirsten, Bailey would have lectured you for screwing up, Claudia would be begging you to make things work, and me — well, you could probably say better what I would have done.  (Handing Charlie a plate, and licking a piece of pie from her finger)  But after all the screaming and fighting and crying, we’d be there for you, Charlie…because we love you.  And it’s  just…well, I know Bay and Claudia aren’t here now… (shrugging) but I wanted you to know I am.  (She smiles as Charlie looks tentatively at the pie.  He looks at Julia, laughs and picks up his fork.)
BAILEY’S DORM ROOM.  BAILEY is standing outside the closed bathroom door, through which the sound of a running shower is heard.

BAILEY:  Hey, man--save me some hot water, will ya?  (Bailey shakes his head, walking toward his room.  He looks surprised to hear a knock on his door.  He opens it to see…)  Will.  What are you—  (Will pushes past Bailey.)
WILL:  Just checking to see how you’re doing on that “thing.”
BAILEY:  The thing.
WILL:  Yeah, you remember.  The school thing.
BAILEY:  Oh, the—  Yeah, that.  (Trying to be casual)  I, um… I’m done. 
WILL:  Yeah?  How’d it go?
BAILEY:  You mean… the paper?  (Will nods.)  Well, it’s not my best work, but… I don’t think I’ll get any complaints.
WILL:  Uh-huh.  And… what class is this for again?
BAILEY:  Uh, Science.  Astronomy… actually.  I had to do all this research on—
WILL:  Venus and Mars?
BAILEY:  What?
WILL:  I can’t believe you’re standing there lying to me… your best friend!
BAILEY:  Lying?  Why would I—  What are you talking about?
WILL:  I saw you, Bay… coming out of Maria’s room.  And that smile you had.  Stephen Hawking couldn’t be that happy about astronomy. 
BAILEY:  (Looking down)  Okay, look.  (Sighs.)  It’s no big deal, okay?  Me and Maria… we just took your advice.  (Will looks confused.)  She’s not seeing anyone, and I’m not seeing anyone, so…
WILL:  Wait.  You guys have “the arrangement”?  (Bailey nods.)  Bay, why didn’t you tell me? 
BAILEY:  I don’t know.  I guess… I guess I was a little embarrassed. 
WILL:  Embarrassed?  About what?  Having what every guy wants?  (Bailey tilts his head.)  And when they can’t get that, they settle for relationships. 
BAILEY:  You know what?  You have issues.  Look, don’t go telling Jean about this, okay?  I think Maria wants to keep it—
WILL:  Too late.  Jean was with me.
BAILEY:  You’re kidding.  What else could go wrong?  (Cole comes out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist.)
COLE:  Sorry, no more hot water.  (Will smiles as Bailey sighs.)
GRIFFIN’S APARTMENT.  There’s a knock at the door, and as GRIFFIN crosses the room to answer it, he passes the boxes and suitcases he was packing earlier.  They’re all neatly lined up by the front door.  Griffin opens the door, and JULIA walks in.

JULIA:  Um, Griffin, listen…I know we talked about this before.  I thought we were okay with this “slow” idea.  About not rushing anything.  Only now, there’s this situation here with both of us.  Only thing is, neither of us really wants to say anything about it because… well, that’s where I get stuck.  Because I don’t really know why. 
GRIFFIN:  Julia—
JULIA:  So I guess it’s up to me.  I guess I’m the one that has to say—  (Griffin reaches out, takes Julia’s hand in his, and leads her across the room.)  Where are we going?
GRIFFIN:  Just come here for a sec.  (He opens the door to Michelle’s old bedroom.  It is completely empty, save for a crib that Matthew is sleeping in.  Julia sees the innocent, peaceful slumber he’s enjoying, and it brings a soft smile to her face.)
GRIFFIN:  I, uh… think I found a new roommate for a little while.  (Tension, and scene, fade.)
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