JUILLIARD SCHOOL OF ART. CLAUDIA, her roommates, and countless other students are in an auditorium. In the background, an orchestra is practicing an instrumental rendition of “Amazing Grace.” A number of students are walking around with clipboards. Claudia is sitting at a small table with with a woman who appears to be a bit older than the other students. She has dark brown hair that she brushes to the side and fair skin.
CLAUDIA: Can you believe how quickly this is coming together, Tess?
TESS: Amazing, isn’t it? I guess everyone just feels so helpless, they’re jumping at a chance to make a difference. (A male student approaches Claudia and Tess.)
STUDENT: Hey, Claudia.
CLAUDIA: Hi, Rick. This is my new roommate, Tess.
RICK: (Shaking Tess’s hand) Pleasure. (To Claudia) Great news. The director of the Juilliard Dance Ensemble called me back.
CLAUDIA: (Excitedly) And?
RICK: And…she said her group would be more than happy to perform.
CLAUDIA: That’s great!
RICK: Yeah. She said it’s the least they can do for those firefighters and police officers. They’re going to wear red, white and blue and perform “Reflections of Four.”
CLAUDIA: Awesome. Thanks, Rick. (Rick smiles, then walks away. Claudia begins writing on her clipboard.) Okay, so now all we have left is the MC. Who did we ask?
TESS: (Looking at her paperwork) Um…Damian Webster from Drama Group 19 and Elsa Nolan from Group 28. (Looking at Claudia) I think Heather was trying to get them to commit. (The girls stand up and walk over to Heather.)
CLAUDIA: Hey, Heather – any luck getting an MC?
HEATHER: Oh, I thought I told you. Elsa has a performance that night…and Damian can’t. He lost his voice screaming at the wind in King Lear.
TESS: That’s too bad. Isn’t there anyone else we can ask?
HEATHER: Well, what about Curtis?
CLAUDIA: (Tentativley) Curtis? I don’t know…
TESS: Who’s Curtis?
HEATHER: This really cute guy who Claud has wrapped around her finger. (Tess smiles, raising her eyebrows at Claudia.)
CLAUDIA: Yeah, right. He’d probably give me the finger if I asked him.HEATHER: Come on, he’s not like that. Besides, this event is more important than any little tiff between you two, right? (Claudia sighs.)
PO5 Credits
DOCTOR’S OFFICE. KIRSTEN is in an examination room, standing in front of STEWIE, who is sitting on the edge of the table. Stewie is giggling and playing with Kirsten’s necklace. PETE opens the door and walks in holding a chart.
PETE: (Cheerfully) So, how’s my favorite patient today?
KIRSTEN: (Awkwardly) Um…he’s fine. (Stewie burbles happily as Pete leans over him.)
PETE: Hey there. You’re sure in a good mood, aren’t you? Must be the company you keep. (He smiles at Kirsten, who blushes slightly.) Okay, pal, let’s get on the scale here. (He lifts Stewie up gently and places him on the baby scale next to the table. Stewie kicks his legs and crinkles the sanitary paper on the scale.) Hold still…hang on…wow. Almost 20 pounds already.
KIRSTEN: He’s really growing fast now.
PETE: Sure is. Before you know it, he’ll be walking and talking…and then it’s off to college. (Kirsten manages a small smile, while Pete picks Stewie up and sets him back down on the exam table. Stewie grabs hold of the stethoscope and laughs loudly. Pete listens to Stewie’s heartbeat while Kirsten holds him. He brushes up against her arm accidently and she pulls back quickly.) Hey, I don’t bite you know…
KIRSTEN: (Laughing nervously) Oh…um…sorry.
PETE: You okay?
KIRSTEN: (Taking a deep breath) Pete, listen. I…It’s just that…well, the other day—with what happened…I’m sorry. I didn’t mean for any of that--
PETE: (Holding a hand up and releasing the stethoscope) No, wait, Kirsten. I should be the one apologizing to you. I was completely out of line. I’m sorry.
KIRSTEN: (Relieved) You don’t have to apologize, Pete. I mean, (looking down) I did kiss you back…but I think it was just the way I was feeling, and everything you said…I don’t know what came over me. And I just didn’t want you to misunderstand the situation. I wanted to make sure you know where we stand.
PETE: Absolutely. It was just the “heat of the moment.” Right? A moment between friends.
KIRSTEN: (Smiling) Exactly. I’m glad you understand.
PETE: Of course. And I promise, it won’t happen again. (He holds up his right hand.) Scout’s honor.
KIRSTEN: Okay. (Looking relieved) Pete, I’m really glad we got a chance to talk about this.
PETE: Me, too. So…can we still be friends?
KIRSTEN: (After a moment) Sure. Sure we can.
PETE: Good. Then it’s settled. (He looks at his watch.) What do you say when I finish up with this little guy, we take him out for some ice cream? (Kirsten smiles at Pete and Stewie as the scene fades.)
COURTROOM. DAPHNE and LUKE are sitting at the front of the room with their lawyer. GRIFFIN is on the other side of the room, seated next to his lawyer. KIRSTEN, JULIA, and MICHELLE, among others, are in the gallery. The JUDGE is seated, speaking to DAPHNE and GRIFFIN.
JUDGE: Therefore, since the plaintiff and defendant were not able to come to a mutual agreement on their son Matthew’s custody, the court has come to the following decision. Based on the events of the summer, Mr. Holbrook has proven to be a competent parent, as has Ms. — excuse me, Mrs. Austin. It seems that Matthew has been adjusting well to Mr. Holbrook, and there’s no reason for him not to continue his relationship with his son. The court rules that Griffin Holbrook and Daphne Austin will share joint custody of Matthew Austin. (There is a murmuring throughout the courtroom.)
DAPHNE: What?
JUDGE: Now, allow me to clarify this. This will be joint legal custody, which is not the same thing as joint physical custody. I don’t want to make this any more difficult than it’s going to be, and I believe the child will need a solid home base. Since Matthew presently resides with Mrs. Austin, she will maintain primary physical custody. (Daphne breathes a sigh of relief.) However… (The judge looks out at Daphne, then at Griffin.) Joint legal custody means that both parents share in the legal decisions for the child. Mrs. Austin, you will have to consult with Mr. Holbrook, and vice versa, regarding any major decisions that affect Matthew, such as where he goes to school. You will both have to come to agreements together. Mrs. Austin, since you will have primary physical custody of Matthew, I am continuing Mr. Holbrook’s current visitations, and additionally awarding him every other weekend. Lastly, the holidays will be divided equally between both of you. For the remainder of this year, Matthew will spend Thanksgiving with Mr. Holbrook and Christmas with Mrs. Austin. (The Judge pauses, and exhales deeply.) I expect that all rulings made here today will be abided by, and I wish you all the best in this situation. Court adjourned. (The Judge exits, and there’s a rumbling through the courtroom as everyone stands up to leave. Daphne is shaking her head in disbelief.)
DAPHNE: I can’t believe this! Joint custody? Legal decisions? Why should he have the right to make any decisions about Matthew? (She glares at Griffin across the room.)
LUKE: (Putting his hand on her shoulder) Shhhh, relax, Daphne. Let’s just get out of here and then we can talk about all this.
DAPHNE: Don’t shush me, Luke. This isn’t fair. And it isn’t over. (She walks over to Griffin before Luke can stop her. She places her hands on her hips.) You may think you’ve won, Griffin, but I’m not settling for this. I’m going to file an appeal, and I don’t care how much it costs or how much time it takes – I’m going to get full custody. (She stares at Griffin, who glares back as the scene fades.)
WILL’S APARTMENT in Philadelphia. WILL and BAILEY walk in, trying to balance the many grocery bags they are carrying. Bailey kicks the door closed with his foot, then he follows Will into the kitchen. Will places his bags on a small, round table, leaving no room for the bags Bailey is holding.
WILL: (Looking at the bags) This is what’s great about being out on your own, Bay. (Pointing to the cabinets) Do you realize that those cabinets are going to be filled with nothing but things I love to eat? That’s freedom.
BAILEY: (Straining) Tell me where to put these bags and I’ll salute.
WILL: Just put them on the floor. (Bailey puts the bags down and shakes out his hands. Will begins placing some items in the refrigerator and Bailey starts placing items in the cabinets.) So…where are we going tonight?
BAILEY: Will, I told you I’ve got a class. I can’t go out every night. This isn’t high school.
WILL: Okay, so you’ve got a class. It’s over at – what? – eight o’clock? Nothing happens until ten, anyway.
BAILEY: Will, I… (Looking into one of the bags) You got three boxes of Lucky Charms?
WILL: Hey, gotta start the day out right. (Bailey shakes his head, putting the boxes in the cabinet.)
BAILEY: Anyway, if I agree to go tonight, that’s it for the rest of the week, got it? I don’t want you calling me tomorrow—
VOICE: Hello. (Will and Bailey turn around and see a young man entering the apartment. He is holding a suitcase and wearing a backpack. He has black hair combed to the side, showing a perfectly straight part.)
WILL: Hey. You must be…
YOUNG MAN: …Mark.
WILL: Mark, of course. (Shaking Mark’s hand) Uh, have we met? Maybe we had a class together or something.
MARK: (Smiling) I don’t think so. Were you in the “Huskies for God” group?
WILL: Uh, not in this lifetime, no. Oh, this is Bailey…a buddy of mine.
MARK: (Shaking hands) Bailey.
BAILEY: Hey.
WILL: So, uh, Bay and I are hittin’ the town tonight. Wanna get acclimated?
MARK: (Walking toward the bedroom) Thanks, but my Bible group is meeting here at seven. (Turning around) That is, if you don’t mind.
WILL: (Smiling) Not at all…so long as you guys don’t trash the place. (Mark looks confused.) Kidding… (Mark smiles, then enters the bedroom. Will turns to Bailey and whistles slowly.) Oh, boy…
JULIA’S APARTMENT. JULIA is in the kitchen, pouring some wine into two glasses. GRIFFIN is sitting on the couch in the living room. He is deep in thought, leaning forward and wringing his hands.
JULIA: (Calling from the other room) Griffin! Are you still in there?
GRIFFIN: (Startled) Yeah, I’m here.
JULIA: Is Merlot okay? (Entering the room, carrying the wine glasses) I’ve asked you twice already…I guess you didn’t hear me.
GRIFFIN: Oh, sorry. Merlot’s fine.
JULIA: Griffin, are you all right?
GRIFFIN: (Shrugs his shoulders) I dunno…I guess so. It’s just…I can’t stop thinking about what Daphne said today. I mean, you saw how angry she was when the judge awarded me visitation rights. I thought she was going to explode or something. And now she’s gonna file an appeal. (Shaking his head) It’s typical…whenever I think I’m about to get something I want, it always gets messed up.
JULIA: (Sits down on the couch next to him) She’s not going to mess it up. So she’s not happy with the way things went, so what? The judge made his decision. It’s not going to be easy for her to convince him to change his mind. Don’t let her ruin your moment. You took a stand and she fought you on it, but you fought back and won. (Handing him one of the glasses) Now, come on…let’s savor the sweet taste of victory.
GRIFFIN: (Unconvinced) But what if she…
JULIA: So you’ll just have to fight back harder, that’s all. You just have to believe in yourself, that you can do it. I mean, look at how far you’ve come, Griffin. I always knew you’d make a great father. And now you’re finally getting what you deserve…the chance to show Matthew. (Holding out her glass to toast) Come on, let’s celebrate.
GRIFFIN: (Smiles, taps his glass into hers, takes a sip, then rests the glass on the table) Yeah, I guess you’re right.
JULIA: No, Griffin. I am right. (Nudges his shoulder, making him smile.)
GRIFFIN: How do you do that?
JULIA: Do what? (Takes a sip of wine.)
GRIFFIN: Not so long ago I wasn’t so sure I could be a good enough father for Matthew. Then you convinced me that I could. You told me how good I was at taking care of you and Owen and Claud…and I started to believe that, hey, maybe I am capable of taking care of Matthew. You always believed in me, Jul. And…that always helped me, you know? Especially when I didn’t believe in myself.
JULIA: (Jokingly) You mean you actually listened to me all those times I nagged you endlessly to do something? (Sets the glass down.)
GRIFFIN: (Playfully) Well, after a while I figured someone as smart as you must know better than me. If you thought I could do something, you must be right.
JULIA: I just wish you’d realize that you’ve had it in you all along. Then maybe I won’t have to keep reminding you.
GRIFFIN: But I like that. It means a lot to me to know you feel that way about me… that you have that much confidence in me. That’s made all the difference. (Pauses, looks down at his glass) I just wish I listened to you years ago. Who knows…maybe things would’ve been different. (He looks up at Julia, gives a quick smile, then speaks in a serious tone.) I love you, Jul. Thank you. (Leans toward her, reaches and embraces her. Julia’s eyes light up and she wraps her arms around him, and hugs him tight.) You’re the best friend I’ve ever had.
JULIA: (Her smile fades as she closes her eyes) That’s what friends are for.
JUILLIARD DORMS. A doorbell rings and CLAUDIA looks surprised. She opens the door and sees SARAH standing in the hallway with a very exhausted look on her face. She is carrying two suitcases.
SARAH: A month. (She takes a deep breath.) A whole month.
CLAUDIA: Sarah? What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be on a plane to California? SARAH: I know! I was all ready and packed to go to L.A. when Albert called. The company postponed all photo shoots for a month because of travel conditions. What am I going to do?
CLAUDIA: Come on in. (Claudia takes Sarah’s bags into the living room. She speaks as she walks.) Well, I know you were really counting on it, but it’s just a month, right? So just go back to work for now, and before you know it, you’ll be on the photo shoot.
SARAH: Claud, there’s…something I didn’t tell you. (Claudia sets down Sarah’s bags.) I’ve been evicted.
CLAUDIA: (Shocked) What? I thought your manager was giving you one last chance to pay rent.
SARAH: He did…but when you don’t have a job, it’s kinda hard.
CLAUDIA: Don’t tell me you…
SARAH: I quit.
CLAUDIA: Oh…Sarah.
SARAH: I know it sounds dumb, but I figured I’d be modeling in L.A. (Claudia slumps down into the sofa, and Sarah sits next to her.) Once again, I put everything I had into a dream…and look where it’s got me - homeless and jobless.
CLAUDIA: Sarah, it’s not as bad as all that.
SARAH: Claud, I’ve got no home. There is no “bright side” to that.
CLAUDIA: Sure there is. You can stay here for a while. Unless you want me to loan you some money…or maybe you could ask Albert for an advance.
SARAH: (Shaking her head) No, I couldn’t do that. (Sighing) This is all my fault; I’ve got to take responsibility. And besides, he doesn’t get paid until I get paid so…
CLAUDIA: So it’s settled - you’re staying with me!
SARAH: Are you sure, Claud? What will your roommates think?
CLAUDIA: They’ll be fine with it, Sarah. Trust me. (Sarah smiles and hugs Claudia. As they are embracing, Claudia sees CURTIS passing by the open door.)
CLAUDIA: Oh! (Letting go of Sarah) Hang on…I’ll be right back! (Claudia runs into the hall to catch Curtis. He is waiting for the elevator. Claudia has her hands behind her back as she speaks to get his attention.)
CLAUDIA: Um…hey. (Curtis glances over to her, then turns back to the elevator, ignoring her. Claudia folds her arms disappointedly.) Look, I know you have every reason to hate me right now, so let me get straight to the point. A bunch of us are putting together a show in support of the local heroes. There’ll be music and dancing…and I was the one appointed to ask you if you were interested in being the MC, so just give me a simple yes or a no.
CURTIS: Wow…of course I’ll do it. Just tell me what I need to do.
CLAUDIA: We’re having a meeting in my dorm this evening at 6:45.
CURTIS: I’ll be there.
CLAUDIA: Great. See you then. (She folds her arms and walks away.)
CURTIS: Hey Claud…I think it’s really cool what you’re doing to help.
CLAUDIA: (Turning around) So…does this mean you’re talking to me again?
CURTIS: Well, I wasn’t going to. At least I told myself I wasn’t. But, what do you say we…put the past behind us.
CLAUDIA: (With a deep breath) Curtis, you don’t know how happy I am to hear you say that. I know I really hurt you, and I never, ever meant for any of that to happen. (After a slight pause) You know, with all of the horrible tragedies that happened, I’ve been thinking about all the people in my life who’ve come and gone…and what I would say if I ever saw them again. And I realized, we need to stop living our lives like there’s going to be a tomorrow. Cause you never know…there just might not be.
CURTIS: I know. I’ve been thinking about that, too. We have to grab hold tight to right now, and not waste precious time. Otherwise we might miss out on things and people that are important to us.
CLAUDIA: Well…you’re one of those people, and it would be a shame if I never got to talk to you again. So I hope you’ll forgive me... (Curtis smiles, shaking his head. Claudia smiles and they embrace.)
POLLY ESTHER’S CLUB in Philadelphia. WILL is moving to the sounds of “Disco Inferno,” and BAILEY is sitting on a barstool looking agitated. Everyone in the club except Bailey and Will are dressed in ‘70s clothing. A girl wearing patched jeans, a tank top and platform shoes dances up to Bailey and says something. Bailey shakes his head and the girl dances away.
WILL: Bay, what was wrong with her?
BAILEY: You mean besides the fact that she’s got every color of the rainbow on her eyelids?
WILL: Bay, this is a ‘70s club.
BAILEY: Exactly…and thank you for not telling me that beforehand.
WILL: I didn’t know!
BAILEY: Will, it’s called Polly Esther’s. How could you “not know”? (A woman appearing to be in her early 40s approaches Bailey. She is wearing a headband, a black t-shirt, and bell bottom jeans. The woman looks Bailey up and down, noticing his clothes.)
WOMAN: You look a little out of place.
BAILEY: You know…this is the only place on Earth where that statement applies to me and not you, so—
WOMAN: Hey, calm down, little fella. (Will chuckles.) I was just making conversation. (Smiling) Wanna dance? (She begins dancing in front of Bailey.) BAILEY: (Looking past her) No thanks.
WOMAN: Your loss. (She dances away, and Bailey sighs.)
WILL: Bay, as a friend, I’m obligated to tell you you’re blowing it. (Bailey looks at Will.) This isn’t going to last forever, you know.
BAILEY: What are you talking about?
WILL: All these women approaching you. Girls love casual guys…guys who don’t seem to want anything.
BAILEY: I don’t want anything.
WILL: I know…and girls pick up on that. I’ve been trying to fake not wanting anything all night, but it’s not working. (Bailey closes his eyes, shaking his head.) It’s just as well, though. What would I do if I did meet someone…take them back to my place so we can read Psalms with Mark’s Bible group?
BAILEY: I was wrong. There is something I want.
WILL: Yeah? BAILEY: (Getting up) I want to leave…now. (Bailey walks away.)
WILL: All that talent going to waste. (Will shakes his head and follows Bailey.)
LUKE AND DAPHNE’S APARTMENT. The morning sun streams through the kitchen window. DAPHNE is holding MATTHEW on her lap, feeding him a bottle as Luke finishes his breakfast.
DAPHNE: I still can’t believe the judge gave him every other weekend! My God, it’s not like we were married for 10 years or something, and Matthew’s going to suffer if he doesn’t see Griffin every week. And Thanksgiving. Can you believe that?
LUKE: Honey, this isn’t about a divorce; it’s about two parents and their child. And just because you and Griffin were never married, doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have the right to see his son.
DAPHNE: There you go, siding with him again.
LUKE: (Sighing) Daphne, you know this wasn’t up to me. But it’s over now…the judge has made his decision and you need to respect his ruling. I don’t know why you can’t just accept that.
DAPHNE: I don’t have to accept it, Luke. And I won’t. I’m not just going to sit back and deal with it because some judge thinks he knows what’s best for my child.
LUKE: What…don’t tell me you were serious about that appeal?
DAPHNE: You bet I’m serious. I have an appointment with the lawyer tomorrow.
LUKE: God, why can’t you just let this go?
DAPHNE: Let it go? I should just let Griffin win and let go of trying to keep our family together?
LUKE: (Shaking his head and pushing his chair back from the table, he stands up.) You know, all I’ve heard for months is you talking about keeping our family together. How is this keeping us together? How is this making us more of a family? (Daphne stares at him as he walks towards the front door.) You can’t have things your way all the time, Daphne. Life doesn’t work that way. Sometimes you need to see things from a bigger picture, not just through Daphne’s eyes. Because you may think you’re working towards bringing us all closer, but all you’re really doing is tearing us apart. (He walks out the front door and slams it behind him as Daphne stares in disbelief.)
THE FACTORY. CHARLIE is in his office meeting with a client. The client has long, auburn hair and appears to be in her late thirties. Charlie paces behind his desk as he speaks.
CHARLIE: Isabel, look…I know times are tough, but we’ve already received the materials for your order. We can’t return them without paying a penalty.
ISABEL: Fine…we’ll cover that.
CHARLIE: No, that’s… (Charlie sighs, shaking his head.) Isabel, our contract says you must cancel 10 days prior to set up to avoid cancellation fees. You don’t want to pay 10% of your costs for nothing, do you?
ISABEL: If we have to, we will. (Smiling confidently) But knowing you like I do, Charlie, and considering what a good customer Discount Suites has been over the years, I can’t image you sticking to that clause. Am I right? (Charlie is about to speak, but he stops. He smiles slightly, laughing to himself.) That’s what I thought. (Gathering her things, smiling) You’re a softie, Charlie…but a good business man. (Standing up) You know that we’ll be re-placing that order with you as soon as things turn around.
CHARLIE: I know. (They shake hands.)
ISABEL: (As she walks toward the door) Hopefully things will rebound sooner than later. (She exits.)
CHARLIE: (To himself) Yeah, for both our sakes. (Charlie sinks into his chair, closing his eyes, as Luke enters the office.)
LUKE: I take it Isabel’s friendly “hello” means you let her off the hook. (Charlie nods, and Luke sits behind his desk, sighing.)
CHARLIE: I don’t know what to do, Luke. If we hold them to the contract, we get 10% now but lose any chance of future orders. At least this way they still see us as a good partner.
LUKE: You did the right thing, Charlie.
CHARLIE: You think?
LUKE: Of course. We can’t bully our customers into buying what they can no longer afford. Our hospitality clients are hurting because of the airline slowdown…it’s killing their business.
CHARLIE: (Sighing) I understand that. But if it keeps up, it’ll kill ours, too.
DAPHNE’S APARTMENT. KIRSTEN is sitting on the couch with STEWIE. DAPHNE is pacing the floor behind them.
DAPHNE: I just can’t believe Luke said that to me. How can he think I’m tearing our family apart? I’m doing everything I can to keep us all together. Why can’t he understand that?
KIRSTEN: I’m sure he does, Daphne. I think Luke just wants what’s best for everyone, and for everyone to be happy.
DAPHNE: Happy? How can I be happy when I have to go in a million different directions, with Diana and Charlie and now Matthew and Griffin…I mean, God, it’s hard enough working things out with Charlie, who has experience raising kids but now I have to deal with Griffin? He has no idea what he’s doing.
KIRSTEN: (Softly) None of us do, when we’re new with babies. We all have to start somewhere, though.
DAPHNE: (Throwing her hands up) Oh, forget it. I don’t want to talk about it anymore. Let’s change the subject. (She looks up at Kirsten.) What’s going on with you and Doctor Love?
KIRSTEN: (Her face darkening) Oh, Daphne. You won’t believe it.
DAPHNE: (Looking concerned) What?
KIRSTEN: (Her eyes filling with tears) It’s awful. (She covers her mouth with her hand.) I don’t think I can even say it.
DAPHNE: What? What happened?
KIRSTEN: Um…well, it all just happened so fast, but… (in a whisper) I kissed him. (Daphne’s eyes widen.)
DAPHNE: Oh my God, Kirsten.
KIRSTEN: (Running her hand over her hair) I know, I feel so terrible. My stomach feels sick, you know? But, at the same time, it felt so good. (Taking a deep breath as a tear falls down her cheek) I’m just so confused, Daphne. I love Charlie, but it’s like when I’m with Pete, I feel so different. So alive. Like I matter, you know?
DAPHNE: Oh, this isn’t good. Kirsten, you’ve got to stop seeing him. This could lead to big trouble.
KIRSTEN: (Shaking her head) No, it’s not like that. I’ve already talked to him. He knows it was a mistake, and that I can’t do this to Charlie. He knows we can only just stay friends.
DAPHNE: Friends? You can’t be serious. You can’t “stay friends” with someone you’ve kissed, that you have these kinds of feelings for. Not to mention his feelings for you. I told you he was waiting around to make his move. You’ve got to stop seeing him on any level, right away.
KIRSTEN: (Looking confused) But I don’t understand…you were the one who kept encouraging me, kept talking about how lucky I was to have this great guy around. Now you’re saying—
DAPHNE: Whoa, wait a minute. I was talking about a fantasy — I never once said you should kiss him! Or anything else for that matter. This is way too much reality.
KIRSTEN: So, what am I supposed to do? (Her eyes are filling with tears again.)
DAPHNE: You’ve got to tell him you can’t see him anymore. Period. End of story. You’re a married woman and you can’t see him.
KIRSTEN: (Nodding her head) I’ll call him as soon as I can.
DAPHNE: Call? Oh no, you’ve got to go see him right now, and put an end to this immediately. I’ll watch Stewie. (Looking at Kirsten) Trust me, go do it now, before you manage to talk yourself out of it. (Kirsten sniffles.)
LINCOLN CENTER. “The Star Spangled Banner” is being played as dusk falls onto Juilliard. A small stage is set up and the audience sits on blankets and benches. Many people are holding candles. The orchestra plays the last few notes of the song, and CURTIS walks onto the stage.
CURTIS: A letter from The Juilliard School President, Joseph W. Polisi: “The Juilliard School extends its deepest sympathies to all those whose lives were touched by the recent tragedy that overwhelmed New York City, and the entire world. We send our thoughts and prayers to the families of all the victims, and pray that we will have the resolve needed to bring us through this tragic time.” (He pauses for a moment.) A friend of mine reminded me that we don’t have all the time in the world. It’s easy for us to wait around for tomorrow to roll by so we can call up a friend and say “Hi.” But when you think about it, have any of us even seen “tomorrow?” It will never come. So it’s okay for us to hope for tomorrow and learn from yesterday, but it is what we do today that really counts. (Claudia smiles.) At this time I’d like to welcome Juilliard’s own violinist, Claudia Salinger, and special guest singer Sarah Reeves-Merin. (Claudia stands and puts her violin to her chin as Sarah walks onto the stage wearing a slim blue dress. Sarah steps up the microphone, smiles to Claudia and begins to sing “Battle Hymn of the Republic” as Claudia and the rest of the orchestra join in.)
DR. PETERSON’S TOWNHOUSE. KIRSTEN walks up to the front door and is about to ring the doorbell. She turns and heads back down the walkway. She stops, closes her eyes, then opens them and walks back to the front door again. She’s standing on the porch, about to ring the bell, when PETE drives up in his car. Kirsten shakes her head and stands there uncomfortably. Pete parks the car and steps out, carrying a bag of groceries.
PETE: Avon Lady? Or are you selling Girl Scout Cookies, maybe? (He smiles at her.) I’ll take one of every kind.
KIRSTEN: (Smiling through her tears) I’m afraid I’m fresh out of cookies.
PETE: (Noticing her tears) Do you want to come in and talk about it? (Kirsten nods, and he opens the door. They walk inside his townhouse. It has vaulted ceilings and a sunken living room just off the entrance way.) Let me just set this down. Make yourself comfortable. (He nods toward the living room, where there’s a plush beige couch accented with dark brown pillows.)
KIRSTEN: Thanks. (She sits down on the couch, her hands on each side of her as she waits. Pete joins her after a moment.)
PETE: So, is everything all right?
KIRSTEN: Yes. No. I don’t know… (Sighing heavily and clasping her hands together) Pete, I really don’t know how to say what I need to say to you.
PETE: Just say it. You can talk to me, Kirsten.
KIRSTEN: (Taking a deep breath) I know I can. I can talk to you and I can laugh with you, and it seems like you understand everything. And that’s really important to me. You’ve been important to me the last few months, but…I know what we said in your office about being friends, but I realize that I can’t do it. It’s too hard to just be friends… (looking down) especially because I don’t think of you as just a friend.
PETE: Well, I think you know how I feel about you, Kirsten. It’s not easy for me, either. But if that’s the only choice I have, I’d rather have you as just a friend than not in my life at all.
KIRSTEN: (Looking up at him and smiling through tears that are forming) Thanks, Pete. That’s really sweet of you to say…but…I can’t do this. I can’t spend time with you anymore, because I can’t take a chance of messing things up with Charlie. I’m married, and…it means something to me. It means everything. I hope you understand that even though I have…feelings for you—feelings that I don’t understand—I love Charlie. And he’s really been trying lately. I know he wants to make things work between us, and I’ve got to give him that chance.
I owe it him, Pete, and I owe it to you, to do what’s right. (He nods his head and leans forward to hug her as the scene fades.)
CHARLIE AND KIRSTEN’S ROOM. The room is dark except for the moonlight breaking through the blinds, painting the walls with stripes. KIRSTEN lies in bed alone, crying softly. Hearing the front door open, she sits up and turns on the light. She takes a tissue and wipes the tears from her eyes, then quickly grabs a book from the nightstand as she hears footsteps coming up the stairs. As CHARLIE enters the room, she forces a faint smile.
CHARLIE: Hey, sorry I’m late.
KIRSTEN: That’s okay.
CHARLIE: (Sitting on the bed, taking off his boots) What a day. I had to knock 20 points off our order for the Hamilton Inn just so they wouldn’t cancel…and it’s not like we were making much money on that job anyway.
KIRSTEN: Twenty points? Is there any profit left?
CHARLIE: We’re breaking even.
KIRSTEN: Then why take the job?
CHARLIE: (Sighing) Well, because it’s enough to pay for the labor and parts. I’m hoping the cancellations we’ve had the past week are just a fluke. But in case they’re not, I’d better not turn my back on anything that’ll keep the guys busy. (Kirsten nods, and Charlie looks at her eyes.) Kirsten, have you been crying?
KIRSTEN: What?
CHARLIE: Your eyes…they’re red.
KIRSTEN: (Smiling quickly) Oh, it’s just this book. Real sad.
CHARLIE: (Looking at the title) The Humor of Mark Twain?
KIRSTEN: (Smiling nervously) Yeah…misleading title. (Charlie looks confused.) Oh, hey – before I forget. You really should go check on Owen.
CHARLIE: What’s wrong with him?
KIRSTEN: I don’t know. He won’t tell me. But he’s been sleeping with the light on the past few nights.
CHARLIE: Okay, I’ll check on him in a minute. (He leans over to kiss Kirsten on the cheek. She looks at Charlie and forces a smile.)
OWEN’S ROOM. Wearing his pajamas, OWEN is sitting on his toy chest, looking out of his window into the night. An army of tiny toy soldiers are lined up on his window sill. There is a soft knock on his door, and then CHARLIE walks in.
CHARLIE: Owen?
OWEN: Hi, Charlie.
CHARLIE: How come you’re not in bed, buddy? Isn’t it a little late for you to be up? (Owen looks down and shrugs.) Is everything okay? (Owen continues looking down, and Charlie kneels down, looking in his eyes and speaking gently.) Kirsten told me you’ve been falling asleep with the light on. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, O. Lots of kids are afraid of the dark. I mean, I used to crawl in bed with—
OWEN: (Sharply) I’m not afraid of the dark. (Owen gets up and sits on his bed, his arms folded. Charlie sits next to him.)
CHARLIE: Then what is it, O? Can you tell me? (Owen pauses, then he points to the window.)
OWEN: It’s that.
CHARLIE: (Looking toward the window) I don’t see anything. (Owen gets up and points at an airplane in the sky.)
OWEN: There.
CHARLIE: The plane?
OWEN: Uh-huh. (Looking at his toy soldiers) I instructed the troops to be on the lookout…just in case the plane comes this way.
CHARLIE: Owen, are you afraid of the plane? Because of what happened in New York? (Owen nods.) You don’t have to be scared of planes, O. They’re not going to come our way, okay?
OWEN: Promise?
CHARLIE: Well…
OWEN: Because if they do, I’ve got to protect Stewie. He’s just a little guy, and he can’t help himself. (Charlie smiles as his eyes begin to tear up.)
CHARLIE: You sure love him, don’t you?
OWEN: Sure. (Charlie hugs Owen, then he leans him back and covers him up.)
CHARLIE: Stewie’s lucky to have an uncle like you. (Owen smiles. Charlie gets up and walks toward the door.) I’ll leave the light on, okay? (As Charlie is about to close the door, Owen calls out.)
OWEN: Charlie?
CHARLIE: Yeah?
OWEN: Why did God let all those people die?
CHARLIE: (Stepping back into the room) What?
OWEN: I mean, couldn’t He have stopped it from happening?
CHARLIE: (Thinking) I…I don’t know, O. Maybe.
OWEN: Then why didn’t He just stop those bad people?
CHARLIE: (Breathing in deeply) I wish I could answer that, O. (Shaking his head) Maybe…maybe it’s because God knows that freedom is a good thing…so He lets people make their own choices.
OWEN: But then people can choose to be bad.
CHARLIE: That’s right, O. And some of them do. (Nodding) But the great thing, and what we all need to think about now, is that most people choose to be good. That’s why you see all those fire fighters and police officers risking their lives to try to help others…because there are so many more good people in the world than there are bad.
OWEN: I guess so. (Owen rubs his eyes.)
CHARLIE: You’d better get to sleep. (Again Charlie is about to close the door.)
OWEN: Charlie? (Charlie stops.) You can turn the light off. (Charlie forces a slight smile, turning off the light and closing the door. Owen looks across his now dark room to the dimly lit window sill and the tiny men that guard him.)
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