Épisode L'histoire se répète S02E03 - Brothers & Sisters Saison 2

(Justin’s Hospital Room. Nora, Kitty and Kevin are looking through the window at Justin in his hospital bed.)

TOMMY:
Previously on Brothers & Sisters.

(Hospital Waiting Room. Nora, Kitty and Kevin are talking to the doctor about Justin’s health.)

DOCTOR:
When that nerve block wears off, it’s gonna hurt like hell.

NORA:
Aren’t you gonna prescribe something?

DOCTOR:
Given Justin’s history of drug addiction, he is completely against taking any narcotics.

(Park. Robert and Kitty are talking.)

ROBERT:
My wife cheated on me, she accused me of cheating on her so she could get a better divorce settlement. And she knows I won’t fight it.

(Tommy and Julia’s House. Bedroom. Julia is fighting with Tommy about Williams’s death.)

JULIA:
William, our son, should be here. With his sister, with us but he’s not.

TOMMY:
Look I know he’s gone, I know it hurts, and I’m sorry.

(Jason and Kevin’s House. Living Room. Kevin and Scotty are talking.)

SCOTTY:
I know how hard it is to love someone who doesn’t love themselves.

KEVIN:
You know you ended things with me Scotty.

(Nora’s House. Kitchen. Rebecca and Lena are talking.)

REBECCA:
I think my mom needs someone at the vineyard.

LENA:
That would be so awesome.

(Nora’s House. Study. Justin is in horrible pain and Nora is trying to convince him to take some pain killers.)

NORA:
Sweetheart you have to take something.(Justin sits up abruptly and hugs Nora.) Hold on, just hold on.

(Nora’s House. Bathroom. Kevin is helping Justin into the bathtub.)

JUSTIN:
What is this? a bubble bath?

KEVIN:
Yeah don’t knock it till you try it. And look we’ll get those bars installed.

JUSTIN:
Yeah.

KEVIN:
Alright. (Justin starts breathing heavy and wempering in pain.) are you ok?

JUSTIN:
Yeah I’m great. Oh don’t give me that gentle Kevin look, you know that creeps me out.

KEVIN:
Ok, well stop being so macho.

JUSTIN:
What are you gonna do, light candles now?

KEVIN:
Yes, as a matter of fact. Look I’m creating a meditative atmosphere it’s a well known fact, meditation can help minimize pain.

JUSTIN:
The only thing your minimizing right now is my testosterone level.

KEVIN:
Check this out.(He turns some music on.)

JUSTIN:
Oh no, no, no, no.

KEVIN:
Its peaceful.

JUSTIN:
Its crap, will you just get a CD off my dresser please.

KEVIN:
Ok fine, but your ruining my vibe. (He leaves to go get it.)

JUSTIN:
Kevin I said turn it off!(Rebecca walks in.) wow ok, ok!

REBECCA:
Sorry! I didn’t see anything. Are those bubbles?

JUSTIN:
No.

KEVIN:
Ok you have a cho…(he sees Rebecca.) oh wow hi.

REBECCA:
Will you please grab my toothbrush?

KEVIN:
Yeah sure. Its alright, we grew up with sisters, we gave up on privacy a long time ago.(Shuts the door as Rebecca leaves.)

JUSTIN:
You know what, speak for yourself.

KEVIN:
Do you want me to stay with you?

JUSTIN:
Kevin I’m not dying you don’t need to keep a vigil for me.

KEVIN:
Ok fine. (Puts Justin’s CD in and “Jitterbug” starts playing.) Be back in a bit.

(Nora’s House. Kitchen. Kevin walks in and Nora is making coffee.)

NORA:
How did it go?

KEVIN:
He’d be a model patient if he weren’t so ornery. Is he really not taking any medication?

NORA:
Aspirin. IB Profin.

KEVIN:
That’s not enough.

NORA:
No. doctors told him yesterday that by not taking the pain killers he’s interfering with his own recovery. He’s not sleeping, he’s not resting, he’s just not getting better.(Sarah enters.)

SARAH:
(On the phone with Paige.) Just because you’re staying with your daddy Paige doesn’t mean you can use that tone with me. Well I am sorry that you think that. I still love you. Ok, bye bye chica.(Hangs up. To Nora and Kevin.) Yeah I got mother of the year all sewn up. Where’s Justin?

KEVIN:
Taking a bath.

SARAH:
Is he still in pain?

NORA:
Yes.

KEVIN:
Bad.

NORA:
He’s still not taking his meds. He’s afraid. He wants to stay sober.

KEVIN:
Yeah but by not taking them he’s stalling rehab or worse he’s risking more injury.

NORA:
He could have trouble walking, running.

SARAH:
Surfing, did you try surfing?

NORA:
Yes I offered to buy him a new surf board. What am I crazy? I’m terrified he’ll become an addict again. I know what he went through, what we all went through.

KEVIN:
Your not crazy mom.

NORA:
Every time I talk to him it’s like talking to a stone wall.

SARAH:
Well I think you should keep trying.

(Chemical Plant. Basement. Kitty and Robert are talking when Travis interrupts them.)

KITTY:
How do you manage to smell so good even in the basement of a chemical plant? God is there some sort of presidential aftershave you’re wearing? You smell like a power devil.(She kisses him.)

ROBERT:
Power devil? Is that like a Tasmanian devil? Cuz I think I shot one of those once.

TRAVIS:
Ok, uh listen. Hey. Six minutes ago I learned that your ex-wife Courtney is going on Larry King where she will be nastily telegenic while sympathetic and vulnerable.(He hands Robert a hard hat.)

ROBERT:
Look people are sick of that stuff. They wanna talk about health care, jobs, the war. Why its 72 degrees in Iowa in the middle of October. Right? (Looks at Kitty.) What, why are you giving me that face?

KITTY:
Well because Travis has a point. They also wanna make sure you didn’t throw your wife under a bus in a mad dash to power. You, your definitely gonna have to talk to her.

TRAVIS:
Thank you, finally.

ROBERT:
So you think that I should crawl into the gutter with her?

KITTY:
No, no I don’t think your gonna have to crawl. I, I think she’ll drag you there. (Robert walks away and Kitty and Travis follow.)

ROBERT:
Enough, I have voters to meet with.

TRAVIS:
So he listens to you, odd.

KITTY:
He has to make up his own mind.

TRAVIS:
Yes but you can help him with that. We have to muzzle her Kitty. Would you talk to him?

KITTY:
As his smiling fiancé or his communications director?

TRAVIS:
Either but pick one. I’ll go along with which ever you decide. (Travis hands Kitty a hard hat and she puts it on.)

(Tommy’s Office. Saul is telling Tommy and Holly about a computer program when Lena walks in with coffee.)

SAUL:
So your gonna love this accounting program. And as the business grows you can expand the functionality to handle online orders.

TOMMY:
We should be so lucky.

HOLLY:
We’ll get there you see.

LENA:
Sorry to interrupt.(She walks in with three cups of coffee.) Nonfat chi late for Holly, Tommy gets the tall Americano and Saul I got you a double espresso. Oh Tommy I put your schedule up online so you can access it from home.

TOMMY:
Thanks.

HOLLY:
One of these days we’re gonna clone you.

LENA:
Cool so with two of me that means my salary doubles, right.

HOLLY:
Hah, no.

TOMMY:
Alright move over, let me give this a shot.

SAUL:
Ok. Well Lena seems to be working out huh.

TOMMY:
Yeah, yeah she’s been great.

SAUL:
Are these the latest pictures of Lizzie? She’s really starting to look like a Walker more and more everyday isn’t she.

TOMMY:
Yeah.

SAUL:
So tell me Tommy, how’s Julia?

TOMMY:
Honestly I can’t remember the last time she seemed completely happy.

SAUL:
Well you know you have to give her time, the two of you have been through a lot. Just out of curiosity, what was a time that the two of you were completely happy?

TOMMY:
Our honeymoon. But I can’t just pick up and go to Hawaii.

SAUL:
Well then you bring Hawaii to her.

(Tommy and Julia’s House. Living Room. Julia, Ben and Beth are admiring Elizabeth when Tommy comes home early.)

TOMMY:
Oh, hey Ben, Beth. Uh what a nice surprise.

BEN:
Well you keep working on that poker face son.

TOMMY:
No, I just uh, didn’t know you were coming.

BETH:
Well I just couldn’t spend another second away from my girls. I swear I could eat this child up.

BEN:
Yeah.

JULIA:
What are you doing home?

TOMMY:
I, uh, took the afternoon off. I…

BETH:
Oh look Jules he brought you an orchid.

TOMMY:
Yeah I was thinking about that week in Maui and how you wanted an orchid in your hair everyday and I…

JULIA:
Thank you.

TOMMY:
Yeah. (They kiss.)

BEN:
What did you do? A man only brings home flowers to apologize.

BETH:
Oh stop it Ben. Don’t mind him Tommy, he’s just cranky from the drive.

JULIA:
It’s beautiful. I love it, thank you.

TOMMY:
So your parents just showed up?

JULIA:
We don’t always know when your family’s stopping by.

TOMMY:
But at the end of the night, my family goes home. So how long are you folks staying for?

JULIA:
As long as they want.

(Nora’s House. Nora brings just a drink, and starts a conversation.)

NORA:
I brought you ginger ale.

JUSTIN:
Thanks. (Nora starts adjusting his bed.) Mom I’m okay, I’m fine.

NORA:
(Sarcastically.) Yeah your fine, you’re terrific. We should all be so lucky.

JUSTIN:
Alright, tell me what’s the fastest way out of this conversation?

NORA:
By having it.

JUSTIN:
Ok I’m not fine.

NORA:
No, you’re not fine. I think we…you should explore the possibility of taking the pain medication.

JUSTIN:
You realize you’re talking to your son Justin, the youngest one, the one with the drug problem?

NORA:
I’ve talked to all your doctors and your physical therapist, I even called Dr. Benedict.

JUSTIN:
My pediatrician? Mom, you know I’m not twelve years old. This isn’t strep throat.

NORA:
He’s one of the most respected doctors in this town. They all agree that if we keep the dosage low, if we monitor…

JUSTIN:
I don’t care what they think! I mean did you call the rehab where I sobered up? Did you call my sponsor?

NORA:
When you got sober I was there everyday and I worried about you every minute that I wasn’t. Do you think I wanna be standing here advocating you using drugs again for any reason?

JUSTIN:
Then why are you doing it mom?

NORA:
Because I’m old enough to know that when life does something this horrible to you there are no rules as to how to get over it. You just have to do whatever you can. Anything you can to make it better.

JUSTIN:
Mom I can’t. Anything is not an option for me. (He walks away on his crutches and Nora looks defeated.)

(Airport. Robert and Kitty are walking to the plane.)

KITTY:
Can we at least discuss this? Would you please stop walking so fast?

ROBERT:
I got a plane to catch.

KITTY:
Honey it’s your plane, they’re not gonna be leaving without you.

ROBERT:
I am not gonna beg my ex-wife not to discuss an affair that I never had.

KITTY:
Ok fine, fine don’t beg. Just, just draw that line in the sand.

ROBERT:
Do you have any idea how much the electorate loathes politicians right now? It has been crooks, liars and hypocrites since the Salem Witch Trials. I’m not getting down in the muck while insisting that faith and honor be restored to American politics.

KITTY:
Your not gonna survive a sex scandal. The voters don’t even know you yet. There’s, there’s not gonna be any insisting on anything because your gonna end up a joke on late night.

ROBERT:
And is this the opinion of a politico or a girl who’s pissed because her guys getting slandered?

KITTY:
If you want to bring faith back to politics Robert, your gonna have to fight for your name. If an uncomfortable conversation with your ex is, is too much to ask then yeah. The politico in me and the girl has to wonder how much faith you have in yourself.

ROBERT:
I hate this.

KITTY:
Yeah, yeah me too.(Pause.) Talk to her. (Robert turns around and Kitty smiles victoriously.)

(Kevin’s Office. His secretary, Lisa, tells him his appointment is here. It turns out to be Scotty.)

LISA:
Kevin, your four o’clock with Mr. Balenstein is here.

KEVIN:
Send him waltzing on in Lisa. (Scotty walks in.) Wow Scotty, uh, why, why the subterfuge?

SCOTTY:
I’m sorry I didn’t think you’d take the meeting given how weird things were last time we met.

KEVIN:
You know, um look, I’m sorry, I should never have slept with you that, that night. It was really wrong.

SCOTTY:
Well it’s not like you drugged me. (Pause.) You look good.

KEVIN:
Thank you. Um, I’m ok. It’s nice to see you. So is everything ok?

SCOTTY:
No Kevin, uh, I need a lawyer. Preferably one who might be flexible without payment.

KEVIN:
Ok what happened? You get napped shoplifting mascara in a thong?

SCOTTY:
I got a DUI. I had a glass of Pinot Gri but its impossible I was drunk.

KEVIN:
Did they do a breathalyzer? What was your blood alcohol? (He motions for Scotty to have a seat.)

SCOTTY:
.08, barely anything.

KEVIN:
Right over the legal limit.

SCOTTY:
Kevin this cop was weird. He took one look at me and he was totally homophobic. I was wearing pink shorts and an old Queen t-shirt and he smirked and put on gloves when he took my license. And he, he made this face like I had some disease.

KEVIN:
Did he. Do you have the notice to appear? He stopped you for a broken taillight?

SCOTTY:
I wasn’t even driving wonky. If I lose my license I’ll get fired, I need to be able to drive the catering van. This is such bad timing. I’ve been trying to be a grown up.

KEVIN:
Yeah it’s hard work isn’t it. Look Scotty I may be able to get and iffy ticket thrown out but next time will you please to take a cab? I mean the thought up you in jail is pretty terrible but the thought of someone hurt, that’s worse.

SCOTTY:
Does this mean you’ll help?

KEVIN:
Of course.

(Tommy and Julia’s House. Dining Room. Julia, Tommy and her parents are having dinner.)

JULIA:
That is not what he looked like dad.

BEN:
Oh come on I’ve got eyes in my head little girl, that prom date, saskwatch in a powder blue tux.

BETH:
It was the same color as that Carmendia that Tony Campbell used to drive.

JULIA:
It was a Beatle.

BEN:
He runs his own architecture firm now.

JULIA:
Really.

TOMMY:
Tough business.

BEN:
Tough for Stu when you don’t have daddy’s money to get you started.

BETH:
I always wondered why you didn’t go into architecture Jules.

BEN:
Well she still could. My little girl can do anything she sets her mind to.

JULES:
I always wanted to be a dancer.

BEN:
No problem. Just after you amputate those two left feet of yours.

JULIA:
(Looking up and seeing Tommy looking at her.) What?

TOMMY:
Nothing, it’s just nice to hear you laugh.

BEN:
Now I’ll drink to that.

BETH:
Here, here.

BEN:
Cheers. (Holds his glass up to Julia.)

JULIA:
Cheers. (Clanks glasses with her dad.)

BEN:
You know this pinot is not half bad.

TOMMY:
You sound surprised.

BEN:
Well it’s not like you’ve got that much experience in the wine making business.

TOMMY:
What I lack in experience I make up for in hard work.

BETH:
(Clears her throat.) Well I think both of you have been working too hard. Jules, what do you say tomorrow you and Lizzie and I have an adventure. I would love to see The Huntington Gardens.

JULIA:
Sounds great.

BEN:
And if the girls aren’t around what do you say you and I get into some trouble on our own?

TOMMY:
Trouble? Sign me up.

(Nora’s House. Kitchen. Justin, Rebecca and Nora are eating dinner.)

JUSTIN:
Mom, thank you very much for dinner. I think I’m gonna go watch a little t…I’m gonna go watch a little TV. (He gets on his crutches and then tries to carry his plate to the sink.)

REBECCA:
(Seeing Justin pick up the plate.) No, no, no I got it.

NORA:
When you off the crutches then you can do the dishes. Not that you’ve ever done them before. So just go and lie down.

JUSTIN:
Alright mom.

NORA:
(After Justin leaves.) It shouldn’t still be this bad.

REBECCA:
I think he’s doing much better then when he first came home.

NORA:
In what way?

REBECCA:
I don’t know. But I think it’s incredibly brave of him to try to get through this without the drugs.

NORA:
It’s not brave, it’s pigheaded. He’s always been that way. Justin sets his mind on something it doesn’t matter how wrong it is, I can’t budge him. But how he takes care of that knee over the next few months will affect his life. If he can’t rehab properly because of the pain…

REBECCA:
Nora, have you tried telling him all this? Great you have, you’re you.

NORA:
That’s why he won’t listen to me. He’ll listen to you Rebecca.

REBECCA:
Nora, I dunno.

NORA:
Please, I need your help.

REBECCA:
I just, I don’t think I feel comfortable trying to convince him to take drugs.

NORA:
Do you think I do? But I’ve talked to every doctor, I’ve googled every website in existence looking for another option. But there isn’t any. The only option I have left is you Rebecca, please, please, please, please talk to him.

REBECCA:
I’ll try.

NORA:
Thank you.

(Court Room. Kevin is defending Scotty at his trial.)

POLICE OFFICER:
I stopped Mr. Wendell who was in a rusted orange 1972 Ranchero missing a taillight.

KEVIN:
And you stopped him for the taillight?

POLICE OFFICER:
And felt that because of his demeanor and breath alcohol had been involved recently.

KEVIN:
What was his demeanor?

POLICE OFFICER:
A lot of catty backtalk.

KEVIN:
And you gave him a breathalyzer test?

POLICE OFFICER:
His blood alcohol level was .08 which is just over the legal limit. But it also appeared he was living out of his vehicle.

SCOTTY:
(To Kevin.) It’s like an extra closet that’s all.

KEVIN:
I don’t think that’s relevant officer. And the breathalyzer machine is accurate enough to be used as evidence in a court of law in the state of California?

POLICE OFFICER:
Yeah, standard.

KEVIN:
Standard except when said breathalyzer hasn’t been calibrated every month. Your honor I wish to introduce into evidence with the courts permission the maintenance records for the instrument in question, serial number 4564702. Oh officer if you’d like to have a look at it we’ll happily wait for you to put your gloves on. Seeing as how you need them to inspect my client’s license. (The judge looks at the police officer with a knowing look.) Your honor we take this charge very seriously, however it is not my expectation when I ask as a formality to inspect the maintenance records of the instrument in question at two regularly scheduled inspections were missed.

JUDGE:
Officer Fibbs.

POLICE OFFICER:
Yes your honor?

KEVIN:
Your honor this invalidates the basis of the case. And seeing as my client’s blood alcohol was barley above the legal limit...

JUDGE:
Enough. Case dismissed. (She bangs the gavel.)

KEVIN:
Thank you your honor.

JUDGE:
You’ve got buckish son.

POLICE OFFICER:
He also called me little miss officer your honor.

JUDGE:
Sue him for deformation. Next case.

SCOTTY:
You’re my hero.

KEVIN:
I gotta get back to the office. Probono service is now over.

SCOTTY:
Look, um I know I can’t pay you, but at least let me take you to dinner? I can get us into San Estephe.

KEVIN:
San Estephe? Are you kidding? It takes months to get a reservation there and I know you can’t afford it. And you know what I’m not gonna dine and ditch with you Scotty.

SCOTTY:
You know trust me please, just like a little bit of faith.

(Nora’s House. Study. Justin is doing his physical therapy.)

JUSTIN:
Oh hey. What are you up to?

REBECCA:
I am going on a field trip, and your coming with me.

JUSTIN:
Hah, yeah, good luck getting that past General Walker.

REBECCA:
Yeah well she’s out running errands, now’s our chance. (She hands Justin his crutches.)

(Courtney’s House. Robert goes to try to talk her out of doing the interview.)

ROBERT:
Courtney.

COURTNEY:
Well your traveling without your entourage so that begs the question, what do you want?

ROBERT:
I think you know.

COURTNEY:
You look tired.

ROBERT:
I’m running for President, of course I’m tired.

COURTNEY:
I’m not entirely sure you hear me when I speak, and your better at it then I am so why don’t we spare ourselves.

ROBERT:
Can we go inside because I think Mrs. Anderson is probably shooting photos for the Enquirer as we speak.

COURTNEY:
You don’t have anything to be afraid of. I’m giving an honest account of what it means to be the wife of a politician. What do you expect me simply to be invisible?

ROBERT:
You gave up honesty the day you accused me of screwing the nanny.

COURTNEY:
Well I don’t know what happened you refused to talk about it. You refused to talk about anything except your career when you were even here, which was rarely.

ROBERT:
So your gonna go on television and play the victim? And search for a book deal? It is so cynical. I am asking you…

COURTNEY:
What if you don’t win the nomination? You taught me that timing is everything and it’s a good story. Right? The dutiful political wife giving luncheons and speeches, helping brand your mythology, I listened to you I advised you and you dropped me.

ROBERT:
Is this the same justification your gonna use when our children are old enough to know that you lied?

COURTNEY:
Well they’ll have Kitty McCallister by then so what does it matter?

ROBERT:
You know you are not just slinging mud at me, you are completely defiling yourself. And I know you, you won’t be able to live with it.

COURTNEY:
Well it can’t be any worse then what I’ve lived with until now.

(Golf Course. Tommy and Saul are approaching Ben warming up.)

SAUL:
Why couldn’t we go to a nice museum?

TOMMY:
I know you hate golf.

SAUL:
I don’t hate golf, I loathe it, I despise it. I would rather spend all eternity at a dinner party seated next to Britney Spears then waste and entire afternoon lugging around clubs with a bunch of overfed, over privileged wannabes, but for you, I’ll swallow it. Except I’ll have to spend time with this putz.

TOMMY:
If you weren’t here as a buffer I would wrap my nine iron around his neck.

SAUL:
Do it now and I’ll spot you three strokes.

BEN:
Yes! That’s what I’m talking about. You boys are going down.

SAUL:
Yeah, make it four.

BEN:
(To Tommy.) Buck up son, we’ll find something your good at. (Hands Tommy a tee.)

TOMMY:
You know what Ben? Your folksy shtick it’s getting a little bit old.

BEN:
So um, we’re being honest now are we?

TOMMY:
Yeah, you bet. (Puts his sunglasses on his head.)

BEN:
Then open your eyes, Julia’s in trouble.

TOMMY:
You’ve been here twenty four hours and you think you know what’s going on.

BEN:
She calls us, most every night, sobbing. Did you know that?

TOMMY:
Of course I know that she’s my wife.

BEN:
Then help her.

SAUL:
(Approaches the argument.) What’s going on Tommy?

TOMMY:
We’re leaving, now. I want you out of my house, tonight.

BEN:
You got that right Tom. And since you can’t take care of your family I’m taking Julia and Lizzie with me.

(Restaurant. Justin and Rebecca are eating and Rebecca is taking pictures of Justin.)

JUSTIN:
When did you start taking pictures?

REBECCA:
This summer, right after my sculpture phase and right before babbling in French.

JUSTIN:
Quite impressive.

REBECCA:
You know, I um, I tried to imagine what it was like out there for you, I just couldn’t see it. Even when I saw news footage it just didn’t seem real.

JUSTIN:
Yeah.

REBECCA:
If you ever need to talk…

JUSTIN:
(To the waitress.) Can we get the check?

REBECCA:
I was talking to your mom, she’s worried about you. She’s really worried about your pain level.

JUSTIN:
I know, but I had surgery, I’m gonna feel pain.

REBECCA:
Yeah but there wouldn’t be if you took the pain medication they prescribed for you.

JUSTIN:
(The waitress brings the check over.) Thank you very much. (He drops the check.) I’ll get that. (When he bends over to get it he collapses in pain.)

REBECCA:
Justin? Justin what happened? What can I do?

(Nora’s House. Study. Nora and Rebecca are helping Justin into the bed.)

REBECCA:
Ok ready?

JUSTIN:
Careful, careful oh god.

NORA:
Just try to get some rest ok.(Nora and Rebecca leave Justin to rest.)

REBECCA:
Nora, Nora are you mad at me?

NORA:
I didn’t say that.

REBECCA:
You are. You are mad at me. That’s what my mom does when she’s mad at me.

NORA:
You took him out, without his wheelchair.

REBECCA:
I was trying to talk to him about the pain killers, like you asked me to, remember operation Nora?

NORA:
Operation Nora was hey Justin why don’t we wheel into the living room so I might discuss with you the advantages of the pain medication. Operation Nora was not a trip downtown.

REBECCA:
Oh cuz you think that’s what I was trying to achieve today, him having an attack like that.

NORA:
Well, what were you thinking?

REBECCA:
Oh I don’t know, maybe get his mind off of things a little bit. Remind him that his life can be fun.

NORA:
It won’t be fun again for a very, very long time.

REBECCA:
Ok you know what, I was trying to help you. I’m sorry I didn’t do it exactly the way you wanted me to. Maybe you should write me a script next time.

NORA:
Oh that’s not fair.

REBECCA:
I’m trying. None of this is my fault.

NORA:
Yes it is. Some of it, a little of it. I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m not mad at you, god I’m not mad at you I’m mad at everyone else, I’m still mad at Justin for signing up, I’m at his dead father for letting him go even though I begged him not to. Even last year, even with Williams’ death, amidst it all there was always this sense of, of reason to it. But not with this, this time…there’s only pain. That’s why I want him to take his medication, the only good that will come out of any of this, is when it finally stops.

(San Estephe. Kitchen. Kevin walks in looking for Scotty.)

SCOTTY:
Come on it, it’s alright, don’t be afraid.

KEVIN:
Uh, are we allowed to be in here? Cuz usually five star restaurants don’t like their patrons entering through the alleyway.

SCOTTY:
Actually the restaurant is closed for another… (Looks at the clock.) …hour. Please have a seat and a nice white burgundy for you while I work.

KEVIN:
You work here?

SCOTTY:
I am still a cater waiter, I am still dirt poor, but I have been putting myself through chef school in Pasadena. I came in the top of my class and won an internship here as apprentice sue chef. Lobster ravioli in a mire lemon butter imolgin on a bed of baby watercress and fried peppers.

KEVIN:
You made this?

SCOTTY:
Kevin, in less then an hour people will pour through those doors and this place will be a madhouse until midnight. And then the staff totally wired and really beat we have some wine. See I wasn’t drunk, it was my first month here and I was really happy because(pause.) I was changing my life. So thank you. (Raises his glass towards Kevin.)

KEVIN:
(Picks up his glass and raises it.) To changing our lives.

(Auditorium. Travis is introducing Robert while Robert and Kitty are talking backstage.)

TRAVIS:
Americans need a new kind of leadership. Bold, moderate and traditional… (He trails off.)

ROBERT:
How bad was it? I had frost bite, I could have used a parka. What are you thinking?

KITTY:
Well I’m not gonna stand around on the sidelines and watch.

ROBERT:
You’re gonna go see her.

KITTY:
Yeah, I am, look around Robert we’re in an auditorium full of high school teachers. They’re not gonna wanna elect Henry the eighth as president. No, I’m gonna go do my job. But I, I’m sorry but I need to ask you. The nanny story, is it ever gonna blow up in our face?

ROBERT:
I told you the first time it came up, no. ok? Now I’m gonna go talk to these teachers.(He walks on stage.) Thank you.

(Tommy and Julia’s House. Elizabeth’s nursery. Julia is sitting in the rocking chair when Tommy comes home.)

TOMMY:
So get this, your dad wants to take you and Elizabeth home and not just for the weekend.

JULIA:
I think it’s a good idea, just for awhile, I can clear my head.

TOMMY:
Clear it of what?

JULIA:
Please try and understand. It’ll be easier this way, I know it doesn’t seem fair or rational…

TOMMY:
What do you mean?

JULIA:
I cant Tommy, it’s too hard.

TOMMY:
What’s too hard Julia? What, what are you talking about?

JULIA:
Williams death, you pressured me to go to the vineyard that day and at the hospital I just had the babies I needed some time and you kept pressing me for a decision and I didn’t know what to do so you decided…

TOMMY:
That is not true Julia we decided together.

JULIA:
Ok I know, I know it’s crazy I do ok but I can’t help it. I blame you Tommy. I want to get past this, I think if I go away I’ll be able to put it in perspective.

TOMMY:
You think.

JULIA:
I need this, otherwise we’re not gonna make it. (She leaves.)

(San Estephe. Kitchen. Kevin and Scotty finish up their meal and begin cleaning up.)

KEVIN:
I am so impressed on how you pulled your life together. Does this mean I can’t tease you anymore?

SCOTTY:
No please never stop teasing me.

KEVIN:
You know it’s gonna take a lot of meals like this to pay your legal bills sir.

SCOTTY:
That’s fine by me. (He tries to kiss him and Kevin pulls away.) Oh god.

KEVIN:
You know what I’m…no, no, no Scotty I’m in a relationship.

SCOTTY:
Oh, oh so I guess I’m not the only one who’s changed. Who?

KEVIN:
Uh, uh he’s the brother of my sister’s fiancé, and you know it’s…

SCOTTY:
The minister?

KEVIN:
Yeah.

SCOTTY:
Oh god, wow. Where’s his church?

KEVIN:
(Whispering.) Malaysia.

SCOTTY:
I’m sorry…Artesia?

KEVIN:
Malaysia. On an island called Tioman. Uh which you might recognize from the movie South Pacific.

SCOTTY:
So he’s really available.

KEVIN:
You know Tioman is famous for uh, the red flying squirrels and uh the sailors and the walking catfish.

SCOTTY:
Well I’m really happy for you, all of you. Including the catfish.

KEVIN:
I’m sorry.

SCOTTY:
Yeah me too. Um I should probably get back to work it’s about to get busy and I need some time to poach my full head in vermouth.

KEVIN:
You know its just timing. Thank you.

SCOTTY:
You’re welcome.(Kevin leaves.)

(Nora’s House. Study. Justin is writhing in pain and Nora comes to check on him.)

NORA:
How bad it is?

JUSTIN:
It’s pretty bad.

NORA:
Honey I wish you’d reconsider.

JUSTIN:
Don’t you think I wanna take the pills mom?

NORA:
Then why don’t you? The doctors have said we could monitor the dosage we’d be very careful.

JUSTIN:
Don’t you get it, I’m lucky. My friends are dying over there mom, I got off easy.

NORA:
Are you punishing yourself?

JUSTIN:
I don’t know, I don’t know what I’m doing mom, I don’t…

NORA:
Listen to me no one, no one wants you hurting more then you have to. You didn’t create this war, the fact that you’re here alive and someone else isn’t, it isn’t fair, it’s awful, but it’s a gift.

JUSTIN:
It hurts so much.

NORA:
I know. (She hugs him.) I know it does. I know, I know. I’m here I’ll do whatever you want.

JUSTIN:
I want you to fill the prescription.

NORA:
Ok, I already called it in, I just have to pick it up.

JUSTIN:
Of course you did, that’s not a surprise.

NORA:
(She kisses his forehead.) It’ll be ok.

JUSTIN:
Ok.

(San Estephe. Kitchen. Kevin comes in frantically looking for Scotty.)

KEVIN:
Scotty…

SCOTTY:
I am so working right now I can’t talk, sorry.

KEVIN:
Stop! Ok listen. We, we were never friends. We just went straight to being lovers then fighters. And seeing that the only gay friends I have are my sisters maybe we could try that.

SCOTTY:
Kevin, if I don’t get this perfectly cooked piece of carver river salmon to David Beckam at table seven then you will have to hire me as your personal chef.

KEVIN:
He’s here?

SCOTTY:
Yes.

KEVIN:
Wow.

SCOTTY:
Call you later. (Pause.) Now go.

KEVIN:
Ok.

(Courtney’s House. Living Room. Kitty is trying to talk Courtney out of going on Larry King.)

COURTNEY:
I have one minute for you Ms. Walker. I have to finish baking a rhubarb cherry pie for the save our friends school auction.

KITTY:
I just don’t understand why you’re doing this.

COURTNEY:
This is about identity. You see mine, not his. You actually have no idea what its like do you? To have your whole life with someone erased, to be by his side and, uh to have given up some very real part of yourself, your own dreams, so that your mate can save the world.

KITTY:
I’m not here to get in the middle of your relationship with Robert. I just wanted to let you know that I found Bridget, the nanny. And for the record yes she did love Robert, just as she loved you and just as she loved your children. And just so you and I are utterly clear, she’s willing to tell the truth. And I just thought that maybe you’d want the information on the eve of your presentation. Thank you for your time and uh say hi to Larry.

COURTNEY:
You think you’re his partner? Nobody’s his partner, he does it all alone.

KITTY:
I’ll let myself out.

(Ojai Foods. Saul’s Office. Tommy walks in to talk to Saul.)

SAUL:
Tommy. What are you doing here?

TOMMY:
I had, to uh, grab some stuff to bring back to the vineyard and uh, had to get out of that house.

SAUL:
Why? Did something else happen?

TOMMY:
Julia wants to take the baby and go home with her parents to Arizona.

SAUL:
Come on Tommy that can’t be Julia its gotta be her son of a bitch father.

TOMMY:
No, it’s her. Apparently she blames me for Williams’ death.

SAUL:
What?

TOMMY:
She came right out and, and said that. But we both mad that decision, we both did, and, and now Saul she’s furious at me for some revised version of the truth.

SAUL:
She’s grieving Tommy.

TOMMY:
Fine, but do you know how I deal with my grief? I focus on Julia and Elizabeth, all day I think about coming home to them.

SAUL:
Yeah but that’s how your getting through this Tommy, she can’t do it your way.

TOMMY:
So what do you want me to do? Just, just sit back and watch her go?

SAUL:
Maybe you have to find it in you to let her grieve her way.

TOMMY:
I dunno I if I can. I dunno.

(Hotel Room. Kitty is sitting on the bed on the computer and Robert is pacing.)

ROBERT:
I know that we can get equal time on Larry but we may have to do one of the morning shows depending on whatever it is she actually says. Why are you not worried?

KITTY:
I, I am worried. I’ve got two minutes till the end of my auction and I’m afraid GOPgirl is gonna snipe my Ronald Reagan bobble head.

ROBERT:
Kitty, this is serious.

KITTY:
I know, it’s a limited edition. (A phone rings.)

ROBERT:
(On the phone.) Yeah Travis…really…thank you. (Hangs up. To Kitty.) Courtney canceled the interview. Which you knew already. What did you do?

KITTY:
Nothing. My job, (pointing to the computer.) I’m busy.

ROBERT:
Kitty!

KITTY:
Robert ok I, I bluffed. I told her I had the nanny that’s all.

ROBERT:
Ok um, I know you hate this question but I’m gonna ask it. Did you do it because you’re my communications director and it’s good for the campaign?

KITTY:
Nope. I did it because I trust you. And you better win this election.

ROBERT:
That is the plan Ms. Walker. (Pause.) And that bobble head is for me right?

(Tommy and Julia’s House. Tommy walks in and sees Ben carrying down Julia and Elizabeth’s bags.)

BEN:
She’s better with us. This is the right thing to do.

TOMMY:
Just to be very clear Ben, you might think this is the right thing to do but it’s a bad idea. (Tommy goes upstairs.) Hey.

JULIA:
Hey.

TOMMY:
So um, call me as soon as you get there.

JULIA:
Of course.

TOMMY:
Come home soon. You are the love of my life. You know that right? (Julia nods and they kiss. Julia picks Elizabeth up and hands her to Tommy. He kisses her on the cheek.) I miss you already.

(Nora’s House. Study. Nora and Justin are sitting on the bed and Nora is holding a bottle of pills.)

NORA:
I called your sponsor and asked him to come over tomorrow. (She hands Justin some pills.) I’ll keep track of your dosage. I’ll be with you it will be ok Justin, I swear. (Justin takes the pills.)

(Tommy and Julia’s House. Tommy is walking around the house.)

TOMMY:
(His phone rings.)Honey?

LENA:
No its Lena. Things have been nuts here today and I just realized that I hadn’t checked in with you.

TOMMY:
Oh, right.

LENA:
So your appointment with the web guy is on Friday, boy does he need some fresh new tips, oh speaking of I snaked a sweet corporate rate at the cleaners up the street so feel free to spill cabernet all over your best shirts.

TOMMY:
Hey Lena?

LENA:
Yeah?

TOMMY:
Just, a, thanks.

LENA:
Are you ok? You sound kinda funny.

TOMMY:
Yeah I’m fine I’m just, tired.

LENA:
Well I’ll be here for at least a couple more hours so give me a call if you can’t sleep, I’ll read you some, uh soil reports.

TOMMY:
Ok, thanks. (He hangs up.)

(Nora’s House. Kitchen. Nora and Kevin are making sundaes when Tommy comes in.)

KEVIN:
How long until the drugs take effect?

NORA:
He had 160 milligrams about a half an hour ago, a pain level at 7 would be at a 2 by now.(Kevin hands her a bowl of ice cream.) God I hate knowing so much about this stuff.

KEVIN:
Well thank god that you do.(Tommy walks in.)

TOMMY:
Hey guys. Sundaes, I’m in.

NORA:
Tommy, what a great surprise! Where are Julia and Lizzie?

TOMMY:
Julia took the baby to go see her folks, brother never met her, so I figured I’m come hang out with Justin.

NORA:
I’m so glad you did. I’m gonna give this to Rebecca.

TOMMY:
(To Kevin.) So how is he?

NORA:
(To Rebecca.) We’re making hot fudge sundaes down there. You wanna raise your cholesterol? (Hands her the bowl.)

REBECCA:
Oh thank you.(Nora sits on the bed.) Did you give Justin the pills?

NORA:
Yes. Oh god I don’t ever remember being this tired. Thank you for your help. It’s a little humbling to realize that you’re not the one in the best position to help your own son.

REBECCA:
It’s ok. It kinda makes me feel like I’m part of the family.

NORA:
You are a part of the family Rebecca.

REBECCA:
Nora I have a lot of friends who are addicts and when they head back down this road, starting now everything changes you have to lock things up, count his pills. He might not be Justin for awhile.

NORA:
I know, I know.

KEVIN:
(In the kitchen. To Tommy.) Why don’t you use a bowl like an average human being?

TOMMY:
Its better this way.

KEVIN:
Who eats a sundae from a cup?

TOMMY:
Justin.

KEVIN:
Well if it isn’t tiny Tim.

JUSTIN:
Please sir may I have a turkey?

KEVIN:
Gah your mixing your Dickens, it was a goose dumbass.

JUSTIN:
No it wasn’t.

KEVIN:
Yeah it was.

TOMMY:
What the hell are you guys talking about?

KEVIN:
A Christmas Carol.